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eros_romantica 's review for:
Deep End
by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Ali Hazelwood is either hit or miss with me. Though I appreciate her characters utilizing STEM and building strong female protagonist, sometimes the execution can be completely off. In this instance, her couple who are aspiring Olympians are trying to build tension while dealing with the competitive world of aquatic sports, there is very little tension or build-up of a courtship. Her main character Scarlett is flat and at times obnoxious so it's difficult for me to believe what attraction the love interest, Lukas, has to her. In addition, the publisher and author tease a little kink play in their relationship but fail to deliver and instead readers are treated to just some basic aggressive vanilla sex. The hint of BDSM is nonexistent so it's misleading to say that some of this would be displayed with the exception of it being discussed and not shown in the book. Lastly, the revelation in the finale just wanted me to toss this book across the room and really dampen any empathy I had for these characters. If you want to know what it is, please check out the spoiler part of this review. Overall, this is an okay read for me!
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Classism