Who Would Like This Book:
If you’re into smart, layered heroines and brooding, deeply loyal heroes, "Deep End" is a total treat. Ali Hazelwood brings her signature blend of STEM vibes, emotional depth, and snappy banter to a story that’s steamy, empowering, and surprisingly introspective. Fans of slow-burn romance, exploration of identity, healing after trauma, and the thrill of college sports will be hooked. Plus, long-time Hazelwood readers will love the character cameos and familiar witty tone.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If miscommunication between characters makes you want to throw your book across the room, brace yourself - sometimes Scarlett and Lukas just can’t seem to talk things out. Some readers found the ‘other woman’ drama off-putting, while others wanted a deeper or more authentic exploration of the kink/BDSM themes. A few also felt that certain sports or plot elements could’ve been fleshed out more.
About:
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood is a captivating story that combines romance, personal growth, and exploring complex relationships. The plot centers around Scarlett, a driven diver, and Lukas, a tall Swedish swimmer, who are thrown together in a messy situation involving friendships and past relationships. The story dives deep into their physical and emotional connection, highlighting Scarlett's journey of self-discovery as she grapples with her desires and fears.
Hazelwood's writing is described as engaging, witty, and deeply thoughtful. The characters are layered, adding depth to their interactions. The romance is steamy, with moments of humor and banter that keep readers invested. The exploration of kink and consent is handled with care, making it more than just spicy scenes but integral to character development. Overall, Deep End is a mix of sports, romance, and emotional resilience, making it a favorite for many fans.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Deep End include themes of trauma, emotional manipulation, and complex relationship dynamics including an other woman situation.
Has Romance?
The book contains a high level of romance, with intricate romantic elements and character dynamics.
From The Publisher:
The Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller!
A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.
Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A Junior at Stanford and a student-athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from the injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships-at least, that's what she tells herself.
Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It's how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes.
So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water...
Ratings (173)
Incredible (54) | |
Loved It (56) | |
Liked It (27) | |
It Was OK (23) | |
Did Not Like (12) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (283):
Read It (180) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (75) | |
Did Not Finish (9) | |
Not Interested (18) |
9 comment(s)
Hawt. Whet. I'm sure there are other words to describe this audiobook, but I can't really think of them.
In all seriousness, this book just hit right for me. The combination of characters that I liked with a dynamic I ate up, the focus on the mental aspects of sports, and really great audiobook narrators has made this book just live rent free in my head since I read it. Yeah, I'd love for Ali's protagonists to not be in such deep denial all the time. Yeah, I saw the third act breakup coming from the very beginning and was deeply annoyed by it. Who cares! I still liked it!
4.4 stars, so close to being amazing but it just wasn’t for me
ok I see the vision but it needs sooo much work
Me and who?!?
Also the struggle with failure, perfectionism and people pleasing was super freaking relatable. I was actually emotionally impacted. My fav Ali Hazelwood book I've read and a new favorite overall.
I couldn't get enough of this book! It was so good and shows how some relationships turn into a stale mate and it takes 2 to realize that a change is needed so everyone finds their happiness and love ❤️
4⭐️
The book was more mature than Ali’s other books and it mostly felt really realistic.
Scarlett was really relatable and I know some people found her frustrating but I think I would have acted in the same way and her fears felt realistic.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book is that Pen was on page almost as much as Lukas.
Book of the year material
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK. Except there was one smut scene towards the end that was so foul and disturbing and flabbergasting and slightly triggering that it completely ruined the book for me. I’ve decided to pretend this scene doesn’t exist, and rate it off of that. It’s written so vaguely that it’s easy to miss what’s happening. I didn’t miss it Ali. I’m looking at you.
4.5⭐️
The characters
MIGLIOR LIBRO LETTO A FEBBRAIO!!!!
ALI HAZELWOOD STA DIVENTANDO UNA GARANZIA!
Sì, Lukas e Scarlett sicuramente sono molto freddi, schivi e di poche parole BUT! ho amato la loro dinamica e come riuscissero sempre a capirsi e a supportarsi a vicenda. Forse sono anche un po’ troppo perfetti per i miei gusti
What can you read after
Deep End?
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