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dracos_library 's review for:
Deep End
by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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:
No
This book surprised me in a lot of ways. I went in expecting a typical romcom vibe—quirky banter, academia, STEM girls, "oh no he's so big how is he gonna fit". What I got was deeper, quieter, and honestly? Kind of raw.
Scarlett’s journey hit me harder than I thought it would. She’s not “likable” in the way romance heroines are usually expected to be—and that’s exactly what made her feel so real. Her trauma isn’t just a subplot, it’s this constant, unspoken weight she carries, and watching her try to move forward while still not being okay... it hurt. But in a good way, if that makes sense.
And Lukas. Oh man, Lukas. I wasn’t sure I’d like him at first, but the way he cared for Scarlett—not with over-the-top declarations, but with respect—was everything. Their relationship has a dom/sub dynamic, yeah, but it’s not about shock value. It’s about trust. Vulnerability. Letting someone see the parts of you you’ve spent years hiding. It’s a quieter kind of romance with tons of spice, one that doesn’t scream for attention but leaves a mark anyway.
It’s not a perfect book. There were moments where I wished we’d gotten even more from Scarlett’s inner world, or that the plot didn’t rely quite so much on the “he’s your best friend’s ex” angle
Scarlett’s journey hit me harder than I thought it would. She’s not “likable” in the way romance heroines are usually expected to be—and that’s exactly what made her feel so real. Her trauma isn’t just a subplot, it’s this constant, unspoken weight she carries, and watching her try to move forward while still not being okay... it hurt. But in a good way, if that makes sense.
And Lukas. Oh man, Lukas. I wasn’t sure I’d like him at first, but the way he cared for Scarlett—not with over-the-top declarations, but with respect—was everything. Their relationship has a dom/sub dynamic, yeah, but it’s not about shock value. It’s about trust. Vulnerability. Letting someone see the parts of you you’ve spent years hiding. It’s a quieter kind of romance with tons of spice, one that doesn’t scream for attention but leaves a mark anyway.
It’s not a perfect book. There were moments where I wished we’d gotten even more from Scarlett’s inner world, or that the plot didn’t rely quite so much on the “he’s your best friend’s ex” angle