A review by felishacb
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This book is okay, and from someone who isn't fluent in kink, the dynamics and consent in this book felt more approachable. Scarlett's obsessive self-talk centered around being used (and Lukas saying the same) during intimate scenes was an ick for me, at times. 

To me, you do see their relationship develop and see them grow. You also get to see friendships that practice rupture and repair, as well as some nurturing love from Lukas's family and Scarlett's stepmom.

I do wish we would get away from this "no condoms" obsession, esp when these two are in undergrad. There's one scene early on that is supposed to be before they share STI testing results that is presented as a safe practice b/c there's no PIV. It's not.
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