Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Deep End

Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

271 reviews

jstanisz's review against another edition

4.5

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Content Warnings

paulargzp's review against another edition

4.0

challenging emotional funny 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

Content Warnings

deetabz's review against another edition

4.0

emotional funny informative lighthearted reflective fast-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: Yes

Content Warnings

pantslint's review against another edition

4.25

emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

Hazelwood's writing just keeps getting better and better. My favorite parts were actually the scenes and conversations with the men's swim team; they perfectly capture the essence of brotherly camaraderie in men's sports and also dumb (but wholesome) frat boy shenanigans.
I found the pacing of the culminating conflict

with Penelope

to be too awkward and rushed at the end.

There was so much energy put into establishing how positive Penelope's character is, that I absolutely expected a conflict; we have to really understand her in order to still root for and like her afterwards. Her "descent" just kind of felt like a weird coin flip in the last few pages. I would absolutely read a spin-off about her though.

The spice is great, but intense. I don't recommend this book for people new to Hazelwood or fic writing. But it's so fun. I love Lukas, like I am with every male lead by Hazelwood. ❤️

Content Warnings

emmabeeslibrary's review against another edition

5.0

funny inspiring lighthearted 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

Content Warnings

larosamorada's review against another edition

3.5

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

Overall, this was a fun read and much spicier than Ali's other novels. It started out a little awkward & I'm not the biggest fan of the male narrator's performance. This is also one of those books where it's casual sex first, emotional connection later. Zero slow burn. I'm not usually a fan of BDSM in my romance books, but Ali made it palatable (minus one scene towards the end I could've done without but I'll chalk that up to personal preference). The book also skirted a fine line of sex/relationships healing trauma, but Ali at least had the decency to have the FMC in therapy. And while I usually don't mind 3rd act break up's, this one felt pretty contrived and unnecessary.

Content Warnings

missgiggles's review against another edition

4.75

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

Content Warnings

rachelr3's review against another edition

4.5

dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Content Warnings

litbrett's review against another edition

3.75

dark funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Content Warnings

sarahbrousseau's review against another edition

5.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I really loved this book. Ali once again killed it. Scarlett was a really relatable character for me. I love the way Ali is able to capture the impact anxiety can have on our lives. I loved getting to see Scarlett grow, learn to trust herself and others, and heal from her past traumas. Lukas was an absolute delight. Their romance bloomed beautifully as they explored their sexual interests, love of science, and love of water together. I thought Ali did a brilliant job capturing the emotional intimacy and trust in each of their sexual encounters.

Content Warnings

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