Deep End
A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the 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...
- Pages
- 465
- First published
- February 4, 2025
- Language
- English
- Edition
- Ebook
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Shelved by 20 Litcadians
Reviews
Finished February 11, 2025
i had some issues w this book but i dont see anyone else complaining about them so i think it's just a me problem?? but also i dont think saying kinky over and over makes it kinky yk 😭
Finished February 6, 2025
Finished May 21, 2025
*❝That’s where it lives, my love for him. In the space between the things he could do, and what he chooses instead.❞* ❥ My thoughts Awww, baby's first BDSM. I mean that in the nicest way honestly because I truly loved the expression of and interest in kinks with both of these characters, but also their not being ashamed to admit "I'm still learning". There is a demographic of people in the kink world who love to diminish other people's kinks because it's not as intense as their own and I think some of those people may have read this book. Kink comes in all shapes and sizes, and personally, the simplistic power exchanges between these two MC's was really well done and hot. All of that aside, this isn't my fave Ali book and I know so little about diving and swimming that the plot surrounding those sports wasn't that interesting to me. I'm truly not a sports girlie, but let me tell you, I think Ali is the only author that could get me to read sports romances. The Ali formula is still going strong and I love to see it. I gobble her books up every time. Highly recommend this read if you want something tasty and entertaining. ❥ Trigger warnings Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Bullying [❥Connect with me on instagram❥](https://www.instagram.com/inkstainedemotions?igsh=aTh6eTZ6dGwxMXpy&utm_source=qr)
Finished May 2, 2025
Ali Hazelwood has once again written a fantastic book. It’s such a fun story with an amount of humour I love but also dealing with one’s own perfectionism. It definitely made me think. I really like both the main characters and everything they go through together. I definitely recommend! Also super spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Started February 5, 2025 · Finished February 9, 2025
Only Ali can get me to read sports roms, and I am here for it. This was really good, I wasn't expecting it to be woman in STEM also but I loved that little touch and these MCs worked really well together. I even loved Pen, and then kinda hated her, then loved her again lol... I kept hearing this was AHs spiciest one yet and I have to agree with that. I still think I enjoyed Not in Love more BUT this is certainly up there and I cannot wait to get my WHET physical copy. The audio was also fantastic as well, the narrators were chefs kiss. 🌶️ 5/5 This was indeed super spicy, but not in a repetitive way which was nice. I DO think it was very "babys first BDSM" as it was kinda basic in kink terms (imo - not everyone will feel this way I get that), but that also makes sense they are young like really early 20's. I do love the open communication and the power dynamic exploration we get in this, as well as the background on trauma and the healthy outlets sex can have for things like that for people who feel out of control, and/or who want to have more control. In kink no matter what kinds, I feel it's a very important message that even if we are allowing someone else to have control that does not mean we are not in control. Side note - I would love to see this one as a part 2, where they are in their late 20's or early 30's and how their relationship and kinks have evolved over the years.
Started February 1, 2026 · Finished February 2, 2026
Finished November 19, 2025
Finished August 21, 2025
Scarlett is a student athlete at Stanford who is a med student and does platform diving. After recovering from an injury, she is still struggling to get back into her skills. She is focusing on school and diving. Lukas is also a student athlete at Stanford, who is also a med student and a world champion swimmer. While they have very little in common, they seem to just click, and when they find out they have a huge secret part of them in common, they make a plan. I really enjoyed this story. I have loved all of the Ali books I've read so far, and this one was no different. I loved that Scarlett was able to see (and love) all the parts of Lukas and that she continued to defend and stand up for him (especially towards Pen). The banter between these two was amazing. I was smiling, laughing, and kicking my feet throughout the book. I also think that the little bit of drama with Pen provided a good conflict to overcome for both Scarlett and Lukas.
Finished April 28, 2025
- emotionalfunnyhopefulinspiringlightheartedrelaxingMedium-paced
Started March 3, 2025 · Finished March 4, 2025
I want to give this more stars. I honestly loved thi book so much. I loved the characters, their development, their issues and how they dealt with them, and I enjoyed every single part of it. And the spice was done so well. Will be a firm favourite and will be reread many times!
Started February 1, 2025 · Finished February 1, 2025
Finished February 11, 2025
I don’t even have the words. Ali Hazelwood, you’ve done it again. Your writing makes me laugh with sarcasm one minute and cry with all the hurt and angst the next. I felt everything for Lukas and Scarlett. They’re such a perfect fit, and I devoured this book so quickly, it’s addictive! It’s definitely spicier than Not In Love, with a relationship that leans heavily into the physical, but it worked for them. Scarlett’s character growth was beautiful, with Lukas guiding her along the way. Plus, the sports aspect was fascinating, I loved learning more about diving!
