A review by scotlandlass
Beyond the Stroke by Erin Hawkins

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love a good summer read, and Beyond The Stroke definitely delivers. It's engaging, swoon-worthy, and features an adorable dog you’ll wish was yours. I was hooked from page one and enjoyed the entire journey.

Tropes to Love:

🏠Forced Proximity 

🏊‍♀️ Sports Romance

🐶Golden Retriever MMC

🐈‍⬛ Black Cat FMC

💍 Marriage of Convenience 

🌶️Age Gap (8 yrs) 

❤️Team Dynamics & Found Family 

👰🏻‍♀️ “My Wife”

Rory Shields is a World Class swimmer coming back from injury and trying to stay focused as he goes for what will most likely be his last Olympic run. He’s returned  home to Coral Cove in order to train and finds himself dodging his parents and ex-girlfriend’s attempts to get the two of them back together. She’s an ex for a reason and Rory isn’t interested in being a trophy for anyone. When Summer, the girl he recently saved tells his family she’s his wife to “save him” things get interesting real fast. What’s a little marriage of convenience between friends? Summer has loved living in Coral Cove after living on the road. She especially has loved painting without judgment. She wasn’t looking for attachments of any kind, but meeting Rory and his friends have started to make Coral Cove feel like home and remind her what it is to have people actually care about you. 

I loved Rory and Summer! Rory's protective and loving nature shines through in how he supports his friends and Summer. With a big heart, he’s there for her despite all her insecurities and attempts to push him and other’s away. Summer is scarred by her past and is hesitant to let anyone in. However, Rory continues to prove to her that she’s worthy of love, respect and acceptance just as she is. These two have such great tension and don’t even get me started on the banter, that was top-tier! When they finally come together, it is sparks in the bedroom. The steam was giving, the spice was nice and the romance was perfection. The HEA will have you sighing in happiness. This was such an enjoyable read, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. 10 out of 10, I highly recommend.