“You and I have an agreement, don’t we? And the agreement says that until you say stop, I can do what I want with you. Even if it breaks you into pieces. Even if it makes you cry.”

Summary 

Deep End is a steamy, emotionally layered college sports romance set at Stanford University. It follows Scarlett Vandermeer, a fiercely disciplined diver recovering from a serious shoulder injury, and Lukas Blomqvist, a calm, emotionally grounded Olympic gold medalist and swim team captain. Their relationship starts as a no-strings-attached physical arrangement but quickly evolves into something deeper, pushing both of them to confront emotional vulnerability, trauma, and trust. This novella offers intense chemistry, emotional growth, and a glimpse into the pressures of competitive athletics.

Review

Ali Hazelwood’s Deep End has all the ingredients of a solid, emotionally driven romance: a sports setting, intense chemistry, personal baggage, and a quietly powerful male lead. Scarlett, a guarded and ambitious diver, is recovering from an injury that threatens not just her physical performance but her entire identity. Lukas, in contrast, is composed, open-hearted, and deeply supportive—qualities that bring balance and tension to their dynamic.

And while Hazelwood’s writing remains crisp and immersive, the plot doesn’t venture into particularly unique territory. It’s largely carried by the emotional resonance between the characters, especially Lukas. In fact, what stood out to me the most was his emotional availability. He’s soft in the best ways—patient, present, and consistently supportive without being overbearing. His presence felt like the emotional anchor of the entire story.

That said, not everything worked. I found the story entertaining but not extraordinary. It reads like your typical romance-spice novella—quick, steamy, and straightforward. One aspect that really left me puzzled was the use of lists. They popped up more than once, hinting at some deeper meaning or theme, but never quite led anywhere. It felt like an abandoned subplot or something symbolic that didn’t fully land.

There isn’t much humor or quirkiness in this one, unlike Hazelwood’s previous works. The tone leans more serious and introspective, making it feel different—more emotionally grounded, but also a bit one-note in places.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Read If You Liked: 

Set on You by Amy Lea – for soft male leads in emotionally centered romances

Just for the Summer by Jenna Guillaume (Wattpad) – for a sweet, emotionally grounded romance with a summer fling-turned-feelings twist

Love, Simon (film) – for its heartfelt exploration of young love, emotional vulnerability, and personal growth in a high school/college setting