Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Set in the dreamy seaside town of Coral Cove, North Carolina (which I now want to move to—seriously), this romance hits every single trope-lover's sweet spot: fake marriage, marriage of convenience, one bed (!!), found family, and the forever-favorite grump/sunshine and golden retriever/black cat dynamic. And yes, it’s done so right.
Our FMC, Summer, is guarded, witty, emotionally unavailable (by necessity, not choice), and the kind of stubborn that makes you want to wrap her in a blanket and protect her from the world. She walked away from a toxic, high-pressure family life in search of peace and identity, leaving behind wealth, expectations, and people who never really saw her. She’s emotionally scarred, deeply insecure, and yet fiercely devoted to her geriatric pug, Edgar—even if it means sacrificing her own health to care for him. She’s talented, resilient, and aching for a connection she was told she didn’t deserve.
Enter Rory Shields—6'4", sun-kissed Olympic swimmer, golden retriever in human form, and proud owner of a hilarious squirrel phobia. He’s spent his life chasing medals, meeting expectations, and shouldering everyone else’s dreams. But one afternoon, everything changes when he spots a mermaid in distress (I think you can guess who that is). What begins as an “arrangement” gradually becomes something honest and breathtaking—about trust, healing, and falling for someone who finally sees you.
Their banter is top-tier, their chemistry is instant, and the emotional depth? Deeper than the pool Rory trains in. The spice shows up later in the story, but when it does? It’s inventive, primal, and so worth the wait. The slow burn builds into a raging fire that only one Olympic swimmer can extinguish (wink wink).
There’s a lovable, hilarious inner circle, raw vulnerability, and an ending that had me grinning like a total goof. I adored the setting, the pacing, the people—but most of all, the growth. As someone who also wears contacts/glasses and has asthma, I saw so much of myself in Summer. While I may not be an artist, her emotional journey and quiet resilience hit me hard. Watching her fall in love—with herself and Rory—was such a joy.
While there are content warnings for emotional manipulation and strained family dynamics, these themes are handled with care, empathy, and nuance.
Basically? This book is a hug, a breath of fresh air, and a plunge into something unexpectedly beautiful. It’s a vibe. I didn’t want it to end.
This was my first read from Erin Hawkins, and I was blown away by her storytelling and character depth. Despite its 400+ pages, the story flew by—I was completely immersed. Bonus points: I read most of it poolside while on vacation, and let me tell you, the chlorine and splashy ambiance only made the experience better.
Huge thanks to Erin Hawkins and PenPalPR for the opportunity to read this gem. I’m already counting down the days until the next book in the series.
As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this summery, beach read by Erin Hawkins!
I've been a big fan of hers for a while, and I adore her brand of spicy, steamy romance. I'm thrilled that we're getting a whole new series from her (and they're swimmers!!)
This book was a fun, light-hearted read, I loved Rory our golden-retriever MMC, whose personality just lit up the page. I felt a little bit of disbelief over some aspects, namely their reasons for getting married were flimsy at bet and very rushed, but it was easy to goss over that in favour of pure enjoyment.
** Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. **
I've been a big fan of hers for a while, and I adore her brand of spicy, steamy romance. I'm thrilled that we're getting a whole new series from her (and they're swimmers!!)
This book was a fun, light-hearted read, I loved Rory our golden-retriever MMC, whose personality just lit up the page. I felt a little bit of disbelief over some aspects, namely their reasons for getting married were flimsy at bet and very rushed, but it was easy to goss over that in favour of pure enjoyment.
** Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. **
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I am completely obsessed with this one! I love a good rom-com that just makes me feel good, and this hit all the right notes. Rory and Summer had me literally laughing out loud from the very first pages. Their chemistry was hilarious, sweet, and so relatable. Rory is the most charming, adorable flipper, and Summer is the perfect mix of grumpy and lovable, especially when it comes to her puppy.
I honestly can’t remember the last time a rom-com made me feel this giddy. Yes, the spice was a slow burn and took its time, but the writing and plot were so strong, I didn’t even mind. I truly bonded with these characters, and now I just want more. I’m crossing all my fingers that the next book is about Connor—I need more of this world! OBSESSED! 💖💖💖💖💖💖
I honestly can’t remember the last time a rom-com made me feel this giddy. Yes, the spice was a slow burn and took its time, but the writing and plot were so strong, I didn’t even mind. I truly bonded with these characters, and now I just want more. I’m crossing all my fingers that the next book is about Connor—I need more of this world! OBSESSED! 💖💖💖💖💖💖
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Synopsis: Summer appears to be a struggling artist working small jobs in the town of Coral Coves. Rory Sheilds is the most decorated swimmer in the country recovering from a knee injury. This is a funny meet/cute and marriage of convenience of a black cat/golden retriever.
I enjoyed watching the characters come into realization of their feelings towards each other and the comfortability in their relationship. Their bantery friendship gradually grew to the true love that we all know and love. I enjoyed the full support they had for each other and wanting the best for the other. Neither giet jealous that their job or aspirations got in the way of their friendship and love. It was a refreshing marriage of convenience. The spice does not feel forced and it flows with the story line.
I have been looking for a swimming romance that touched on the swimming world and Erin Hawkins nailed it. Erin was able to capture the rigorous training schedule and the friendships among the team mates, who I have no doubt we will see in future books. I really enjoyed all of the characters from the mains to the side characters and looked forward to seeing what was going to happen next.
I will 100% continue with the series.
Thank you to Jenny Bailey at Pen Pal PR and Erin Hawkins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Do you love a golden retriever, fake marriage, banter, and swoon worthy moments? If so, you will love this book!
This is a sweet romance book with no miscommunication trope or 3rd act break-up.
Rory saves Summer from the ocean but she disappears before he can even get her name. The meet cute is funny and adorable. He runs into her again and is relentless in getting to know her. She has her walls up and they are not only high but strong. She was burned before and won’t let it happen again. Good thing Rory can see what she is doing and can slowly dismantle those walls. He is a big golden retriever and she is sweet but sometimes standoffish.
This is a feel good romance and you will find yourself smiling during and after reading.
This is a sweet romance book with no miscommunication trope or 3rd act break-up.
Rory saves Summer from the ocean but she disappears before he can even get her name. The meet cute is funny and adorable. He runs into her again and is relentless in getting to know her. She has her walls up and they are not only high but strong. She was burned before and won’t let it happen again. Good thing Rory can see what she is doing and can slowly dismantle those walls. He is a big golden retriever and she is sweet but sometimes standoffish.
This is a feel good romance and you will find yourself smiling during and after reading.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you, Pen Pal PR, for providing me with a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
I really loved this book! Marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, and he falls first? Sign me up! This is one of those books that is basically a chocolate chip cookie for your soul. It's sweet, light, and fun. I loved Rory and Summer's story. She's got some sassy black cat energy, and he is a sweet, protective golden retriever cinnamon roll.
Hawkins also did a fantastic job of setting this up as the first book in a series where we are all dying to see the next characters get their books! I need Connor and Whitney's story now! Please and thank you!
It's not a book that is anything super different or unique in the world of contemporary romance, but that's what makes it so good. It's a consistently enjoyable sports romance and a beautiful love story, and I loved every minute of it. I highly recommend giving it a chance, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
I really loved this book! Marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, and he falls first? Sign me up! This is one of those books that is basically a chocolate chip cookie for your soul. It's sweet, light, and fun. I loved Rory and Summer's story. She's got some sassy black cat energy, and he is a sweet, protective golden retriever cinnamon roll.
Hawkins also did a fantastic job of setting this up as the first book in a series where we are all dying to see the next characters get their books! I need Connor and Whitney's story now! Please and thank you!
It's not a book that is anything super different or unique in the world of contemporary romance, but that's what makes it so good. It's a consistently enjoyable sports romance and a beautiful love story, and I loved every minute of it. I highly recommend giving it a chance, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was such a cute story! I loved the slow burn and emotional growth between the characters, but especially Summer.
Just like Erin’s other books this was absolutely wonderful!! It was so much fun to jump into a new world, a new series, with new characters! I love all the little seeds Erin planted along the way for the rest of the books and couples! They all have me very excited for the rest of the series!! And this was SUCH a good start! Rory and Summer were so sweet and fun and I LOVE a marriage of convenience! I LOVE a black cat/golden retriever couple!!
Rory and Summer!! They met in the wildest way and I loved how quickly Rory fell!! There were also so many invisible strings connecting them!! Seeing it all come together for him at the end was SO perfect. I loved Summer and her soft and guarded heart!! Her past really hurt her, and she wasn’t really looking for anyone to let into her life…but really she didn’t have a chance once she met Rory! It was SO SWEET to see her slowly but surely let herself relax around him. And seeing how patient and loving Rory was!!! It was exactly what she needed.
I also really appreciated all the swimming storylines! Like I said Erin really did a good job of introducing everything and their potential pairings! And digging in JUST a little! Without it being too much. And I LOVED seeing the guys’ friendship. Truthfully I could have used a little MORE! But I’m sure we’ll see more and more as the books go on!
And truthfully I’m VERY VERY VERY excited about a certain someone and a certain someone’s sister!!!!?
Thanks to Pen Pal PR and Erin Hawkins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Beyond the stroke is an amazing summer romance! Everything you want is here: handsome book boyfriend/husband Rory, sportsman, olympic champion in a swimming department, perfect small coastal town with a beach, summer thunderstorms and cozy bonfire nights, cute dogs and stunning FMC - strong, insane levels of independence and a secret artist.
There's summer romance about to happen but it's not THAT simple because Summer isn't looking for a relationship and Rory hasn't time for all this jazz as he is getting ready to hit the Olympics once more. Their meet cute was so fun! Erin absolutely killed it!
I've loved the persistence and good-natured stubbornness of Rory, his patience with Summer. He felt this undeniable pull to Summer, indescribable attraction. This insta fall from his side was chef kiss! Summer is absolutely no-no to start anything although secretly she likes him A LOT! But she's got a very heavy past baggage and is not ready to let it go and give Rory a chance. But the circumstances led them to something more - I won't spoil but it was great! I think Rory and Summer are perfect soulmates, their connection and mutual understanding, ability to look inside are incomparable.
They really helped each ever to grow and leave their past in the past, to overcome issues with parents and ex partners. Between them it was easy from the very beginning.
There was a perfect twist in the end so we’re getting the next book in this small town series.
Highly recommend for your summer TBR list!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First book in the Carolina Current series and I'm looking forward to the next book. The swim team dynamic, found family, roasting was what I hope for in sport romances. I enjoyed the hilarious, snarky banter between the main characters, Rory and Summer, the push and pull as they go from strangers to lovers. The character development and chemistry was done well. I appreciated the slow progression of their relationship as Summer relearned to trust and let go of past hurt.
Fake marriage tropes I have found so stilted, but this was written so well. It made sense for these two strangers to get married and I loved the rule admendments, that played more like a long list of quirky I Love Yous.
I made so many highlights and chortled along.
“I’m not wheezing. I’m just…breathing with personality.” I can’t believe she’s joking about this. “Oh, so struggling to inhale is a cute little quirk now?” “Some people bite their nails. I breathe like Darth Vader.” She demonstrates to prove her point.
Dual POV
Fake Marriage ⚭
Dolphin 🐬 aka Golden Retriever dog🐕/Black Cat 🐈⬛
Swimmer 🏊/Painter 🖌
My Wife
Pickle Love 🥒
Comfort through Thunderstorm⛈️
Teasing with Squirrell Fear 🐿
Thank you Erin Hawkin and Penpalpr for this ARC.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fake marriage tropes I have found so stilted, but this was written so well. It made sense for these two strangers to get married and I loved the rule admendments, that played more like a long list of quirky I Love Yous.
I made so many highlights and chortled along.
“I’m not wheezing. I’m just…breathing with personality.” I can’t believe she’s joking about this. “Oh, so struggling to inhale is a cute little quirk now?” “Some people bite their nails. I breathe like Darth Vader.” She demonstrates to prove her point.
Dual POV
Fake Marriage ⚭
Dolphin 🐬 aka Golden Retriever dog🐕/Black Cat 🐈⬛
Swimmer 🏊/Painter 🖌
My Wife
Pickle Love 🥒
Comfort through Thunderstorm⛈️
Teasing with Squirrell Fear 🐿
Thank you Erin Hawkin and Penpalpr for this ARC.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Near drowning