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A review by helenaramsay
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was an easy-to-read romance, nothing groundbreaking or emotionally riveting but an enjoyable read all the same. The world of competitive swimming/diving became more interesting than the romance at times but it did what a classic romance should- will they/won't they (they already are, not much tension here), he falls first, (very slightly, not really) forbidden, HEA.
Vandy was a likeable though annoying protagonist, often overthinking and hesitating to a very frustrating degree which wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't a key plot mechanic at times (eg the final act- predictably) where there were many simpler or more exciting alternative solutions to a dilemma. Also, for a genius academic and world-class diver, the anxiety didn't seem to add up or contribute meaningfully to Vandy's character other than as a lukewarm plot device to further the romance angst. Lukas, however, was a delightful green flag of a love interest, not very complex but attractive, successful, emotionally intelligent and possibly the most patient and supportive man on the planet THANK GOODNESS or Vandy would never get anywhere on her own, getting in her own way all the time. Lukas being so dependably calm, confident, and (clearly) adoring of Vandy kept me reading. Those are nice vibes, even if they lower the stakes quite considerably.
Reading the blurb I thought this was more of an enemies to lovers vibe but I wasn't disappointed at this dynamic either. The story did very much hinge on the protagonists' shared kinky bedroom preferences which ended up not being very kinky at all, and seemed to be abandoned altogether once the relationship escalated to more than just sex, but were still fun while they lasted.
Overall this was fine, a familiar, comfortable romance for when that's all you need.
Vandy was a likeable though annoying protagonist, often overthinking and hesitating to a very frustrating degree which wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't a key plot mechanic at times (eg the final act- predictably) where there were many simpler or more exciting alternative solutions to a dilemma. Also, for a genius academic and world-class diver, the anxiety didn't seem to add up or contribute meaningfully to Vandy's character other than as a lukewarm plot device to further the romance angst. Lukas, however, was a delightful green flag of a love interest, not very complex but attractive, successful, emotionally intelligent and possibly the most patient and supportive man on the planet THANK GOODNESS or Vandy would never get anywhere on her own, getting in her own way all the time. Lukas being so dependably calm, confident, and (clearly) adoring of Vandy kept me reading. Those are nice vibes, even if they lower the stakes quite considerably.
Reading the blurb I thought this was more of an enemies to lovers vibe but I wasn't disappointed at this dynamic either. The story did very much hinge on the protagonists' shared kinky bedroom preferences which ended up not being very kinky at all, and seemed to be abandoned altogether once the relationship escalated to more than just sex, but were still fun while they lasted.
Overall this was fine, a familiar, comfortable romance for when that's all you need.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Domestic abuse, Death of parent