Deep End

De: Ali Hazelwood

Narrado por: Ben Holtzmuller, Therese Plummer

A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.

Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A junior at Stanford and a student athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from the injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships - at least, that's what she tells herself.

Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It's how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes.

So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water...

*Ali Hazelwood's Deep End was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 23 February 2025

©2025 Ali Hazelwood (P)2025 Random House Audio

BookTok

I came there from booktok and it was sooo good im going to get the physical copy. Love the storyline, Ali has away of giving her characters personality that doesn't feel fake or force which I love. I recommend all her books.

WOW!!! What a book!!!

OMG!!!! I loved loved loved loooooved this book so muuuuch!!!!!
I was in such a reading slump, felt like I've read every romance trope at least 10 times this year. This book was surprinsingly refreshing. I instantly fell in love with the main characters Scarlett and Lukas (wasnt a big fan of Pen, she was, in her own words: meh). The story development felt natural, mature discussions, honesty. No misunderstandings or other annoying factors. There was a focus on the romantic relationship but also the emotional challenges that Scarlett faces. One of my favorite moments in the book:

"Do you remember when you asked what I was afraid of?"
"I think I've figured it out. And it's not to be injured again."
"I'm afraid of the unpredictability of existing. I'm afraid of not being able to control the direction of my life. I'm afraid that no matter how much I plan, I won't be able to avoid hurtful and sad things. But above all..." I take a deep breath and laugh softly, because what I'm about to say is ridiculous, even if it's true. Even if it's me. "Mostly, I'm afraid of attempting something and not being perfect at it."

The audiobook version really gave it something extra (loved the MMCs accent!).
I'm too ecstatic to even think about what to write about it.
This book hit the top 10 books of this year for me (out of the 190ish read so far).
GJ Ali 😍. P.S. Please come back to ig.

Need me a Lukas

This book had me 🥵. Ben Holtzmuller did reeeeaaaallyy good. I was blushing throughout. Re-listened two times immediately afterwards. Need more like this.

Cute and sexy

Ali is a favorite writer and thus far she has always delivered. This was a more spicy read than usual (no complaints!). It’s not my favorite, but still very much worth it. The characters shows depth and are also very likable. Very well narrated (duet). As a Swede I am impressed of the mostly on point descriptions of Swedish customs, that was rather fun. (The accent for Lukas was not quite right, I think, but that’s for the better ;)).
It was a very ”mysig” read and now I’m going to treat myself to a ”fika” and find my next read - maybe another Hazelwood.

Sublime

In a word: Obsessed.

This story is a slow burn of an FMC with social awkwardness and overthinking, and a cool-headed Swede who knows exactly what and who he wants. We should all be so lucky.

Two twenty-somethings exploring their desires with each other within mutually respected boundaries, and it's just as good as you think it will be. The spice was just right, but what was even more satisfying is how they got there.

Pen, the ex-girlfriend and new best friend was a complicated character. She's someone used to rejection and assumed that she could keep Lukas on the backburner if things didn't work out, while enjoying a friendship with Scarlett. This, while freely admitting that they have outgrown each other. Meanwhile, Scarlet isn't used to having a best friend and so puts Pen on a pedestal, often to the detriment of the developing relationship with Lukas.

When the revelation and confrontation inevitably happens, it's the wakeup call for Pen who has not respected (or wanted to listen to) what Lukas had clearly told her, and has glossed over what Scarlett had been trying to say. As maddening as that is I couldn't find it in my heart to hate her because she's early 20s and insecure, we've all been there.

Lukas as a MMC is sublime. Clear headed and open in his communication, knows what he wants, sets goals and achieves them. What's why he's a title holder, medal winner and fielding colleges left and right. That his self-discipline bleeds through into his sex life is not all that surprising, and I found his honesty with Scarlett to be oh-so-refreshing.

The audio narration on this is completely and utterly brilliant from Theresa Plummer and Ben Holtzmuller, whose accent work was flawless. I finished listening, and promptly went back to the beginning to start again. I want the hard copy as a book trophy, and I will shout my love for this book from the rooftops.