First Impression | Synopsis‍ | Book Review | Characters | Favorite Quotes | Detailed Recap | Discussion Questions | Book Details

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First Impression

Devoured this entire book in a single day, Ali Hazelwood's books get better and better with each one.

Items beyond the synopsis contain spoilers.

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Synopsis

Stanford junior Scarlett Vandermeer is determined to keep her life on track—recovering from a career-threatening diving injury, preparing for med school, and avoiding the complications of relationships. Swim team captain and world champion Lukas Blomqvist is equally focused, his life built around discipline, precision, and winning.

On the surface, they couldn’t be more different. But when a well-guarded secret comes to light alongside some meddling from close friends, their paths collide in an unexpected way. What starts as a carefully structured arrangement quickly spirals into something neither of them can control. With the pressure of Olympic trials looming and emotions running high, Scarlett and Lukas must decide whether love is worth risking everything they’ve worked for—or if some waters are too dangerous to navigate.

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Book Review

Emotional Depth & Character Growth

Scarlett Vandermeer and Lukas Blomqvist are both elite athletes, but their challenges go far beyond the pool. Scarlett’s battle with past injuries and family trauma makes her hesitant to trust, while Lukas’s disciplined, gold-medal mindset keeps him emotionally guarded. Their relationship starts as a simple arrangement, but as layers of their pasts unravel, their emotional connection deepens. The novel does an excellent job of portraying personal growth, showing how both characters learn to navigate love while staying true to their ambitions. Readers will appreciate how the story doesn’t just rely on chemistry but also builds on vulnerability and trust.

Romance & Tension in a High-Stake Setting

The romance between Scarlett and Lukas is sizzling, yet it’s not just about physical attraction—it’s about understanding and healing. Their banter, competitive spirit, and push-and-pull dynamic keep the tension alive throughout the story. The backdrop of Olympic-level training and academic pressures adds intensity, making every interaction feel high stakes. Ali masterfully intertwines the thrill of competition with the vulnerability of falling in love, ensuring the romance feels authentic rather than rushed.

TLDR

With its swoon-worthy characters, engaging sports setting, and slow-burning yet passionate romance, this book is a must-read for fans of college sports romances. If you loved The Love Hypothesis but want something with a bit more spice and emotional depth, this one is for you.

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Characters

• Lukas Blomqvist – Male main character. Star swimmer on the men’s team and going to the Olympics. Used to date Pen.
• Scarlett Vandermeer - Our female main character. Recovering diver and Lukas’ love interest.
• Penelope Ross - Swim team captain. Previously dating Lukas. Scarlett's friend.
• Bree – On the swim team. Twin with Bella, diving partner.
• Bella – on the swim team. Twin with Bree, diving partner.
• Victoria – On the swim team. Den’s synchro diving partner. Not as talented.
• Sam – Scarlett’s therapist.
• Maryam – Scarlett’s roommate, also in her german class.
• Otis – Scarlett’s TA for computational bio.
• Dr. Carlson – Scarlett’s computational bio professor. Offers Scarlett research opportunity.
• Dr. Olive Smith – Computational bio research owner for Lukas and Scarlett’s project.
• Ezekiel/Zach – Grad student in lab for Lukas and Scarlett’s computational bio project.
• Colby – Male swimmer.
• Kyle – Male swimmer. Lukas’s roommate.
• Barb – Scarlett’s mom. Physician. Divorced.
• Kent Wu – Graduated swimmer. Tried to ask Scarlett out previously..
• Hasan – Graduated swimmer, previously as Scarlett out. Lukas’ roommate.
• Johan – Swedish swimmer.
• Josh – Scarlett’s ex-boyfriend.
• Theo – Pen’s new love interest.
• Jan – Lukas’s brother.
• Oskar – Lukas’s brother, eldest.
• Trevor McKee – Swimmer, hits on Scarlett at an after party.
• Carissa McKris – Scarlett knows her from a recruiting trip to the University of Florida. Has a grudge against Pen.
• Herr Karl Heinz – Scarlett’s German professor.
• Aurora – Josh’s girlfriend.
• Akane – Diver. Scarlett’s hotel mate for Houston.
• Coach Wang (Mei) – Coach who offers to provide additional feedback on Scarlett’s dives.
• Callum Vardy – Australian butterfly sprinter.

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Quotes

My favorite quotes from the book that made me fall in love with Lukas and Scarlett.

“From the very start, you had all the power. From the very start, I was in the palm of your hand.” - Deep End

“That’s where it lives, my love for him. In the space between the things he could do, and what the chooses instead.” - Deep End

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Summary

🌶️ Spicy Chapters: 25, 27, 35, 36, 43, 48, 49, 51, 52, 58, 60

Scarlett Vandemeer, known as Vandy, returns to the swim team after recovering from a debilitating diving injury. A dedicated student-athlete, she is also studying to become a doctor.

Pen and Lukas have been together for years, but their relationship abruptly ends when Lukas reveals his desire to be a dom, and Pen realizes she isn't interested. Vandy helps Pen understand the dynamic, and at a party, a tipsy Pen pushes Lukas and Vandy together, embarrassing Vandy in their first meeting.

One night, Vandy gets locked in a building and calls Pen for help, but Pen is unavailable. She asks Lukas instead, who comes to her rescue. He notices Vandy massaging her injured shoulder and insists on helping her stretch the muscle, sparking undeniable tension between them.

Dr. Carlson invites Vandy to participate in his research project, where she is paired with Lukas. Their partnership leads to awkward but playful banter, filled with innuendos. Lukas eventually sends Vandy an email, formally propositioning her.

At lunch, Lukas notices Vandy withdrawing and clears the table to talk. She opens up about her strained relationship with her father, explaining why she has trouble trusting men. Their bond deepens through swim training and research, as Lukas teases her for being oblivious and missing past romantic advances from teammates.

Scarlett learns she must team up with Pen for a synchronized diving event. Meanwhile, she takes the MCAT, leaving her mentally and physically exhausted. Pen later reveals she has a new romantic interest—a professor.

At a party, Lukas finds Vandy, and after mounting tension, he re-propositions her, leaving the choice to her. Nervous but intrigued, she finally responds, setting their relationship into motion. Lukas gives her a preference sheet to fill out, initiating their deeper connection. Vandy opens up about her father’s controlling nature and her triggers, while Lukas shares his own struggles.

After a passionate night together, Scarlett misinterprets Lukas’ behavior and assumes he regrets it. She distracts herself with research and diving practice. When Lukas’ brother invites her out, tensions between her and Lukas rise. Lukas finally admits he pulled away because he was overwhelmed by his feelings for her, but Scarlett refuses to be with someone who shuts her out.

At a swim meet after-party, Scarlett attempts to drink away her frustrations but is saved from unwanted advances by Lukas, who fabricates a story that they are half-siblings. He apologizes for trying to deprive himself of their connection, and they reconcile.

Scarlett overhears coaches discussing her place on the team and pulls out of a meet, overwhelmed. She confesses her mental blocks to Lukas, revealing that before the NCAAs, her ex-boyfriend dumped her and her abusive father resurfaced. Lukas, in turn, shares how losing his mother at 14 affected him and his approach to swimming. Inspired, Scarlett wakes him in the middle of the night to attempt the dive that has been haunting her. She succeeds, and they celebrate both her accomplishment and her excellent MCAT results.

Lukas leaves for a swim meet in Estonia, while Scarlett comes to terms with her fears—realizing she struggles with not being perfect at everything. She competes successfully, regains confidence, and secures a medical school recommendation from Dr. Carlson. At the USA Diving Winter Nationals, she qualifies for the world championships in Amsterdam. Lukas returns just in time for a reunion, bringing her Chinese food, her signature comfort food.

Lukas heads to Sweden for the holidays while Scarlett visits St. Louis. A run-in with her ex-boyfriend Josh at Costco leads to her confronting him about his past betrayal.

Lukas gets accepted into Stanford Med, solidifying his decision to leave competitive swimming. During a Houston meet, Scarlett and Lukas grow even closer. They discuss the future, with Lukas making it clear he sees Scarlett in his long-term plans.

Pen and Scarlett qualify for the NCAAs, but Pen faces a doping scandal, later overturned as a false positive. Scarlett wins at the NCAAs, and Lukas kisses her publicly, shocking their teammates. Pen questions their relationship, acting oblivious to having known about it the whole time. Lukas assures her that his love for Scarlett is real. Overwhelmed, Scarlett instinctively uses their safe word during Lukas’ confession, pushing him away.

Scarlett retreats home to St. Louis, struggling to process her emotions. Pen, realizing her mistake, apologizes. Scarlett, finally acknowledging her love for Lukas, flies to Sweden with his brother’s help. They reunite, and Lukas declares he is all in.

Four years later, they are still together and engaged, proving that despite past fears and obstacles, their love has endured.

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Discussion Questions

Book Specicic

• Both Scarlett and Lukas struggle with control—Scarlett in overcoming her fears and past trauma, and Lukas in his need for discipline and self-denial. How do their views on control evolve throughout the novel, and how does their relationship challenge or reinforce these dynamics?
• Pen plays a pivotal role in both Scarlett and Lukas’s lives, from orchestrating their initial connection to later causing tension in their relationship. How does Pen’s influence shape their journey, and do you think her actions were ultimately helpful or harmful?
• Scarlett’s injury serves as a major hurdle in her career. How does her recovery mirror her emotional journey?
• How did you feel about the ending? Were you satisfied with where Scarlett and Lukas ended up?
• How did this book compare for you to Ali’s other novels?

General Questions

General Story & Plot

• What were your first impressions of the book? Did it meet your expectations?
• How did the book’s pacing work for you? Were there any slow or rushed parts?
• Did any plot twists surprise you? What were the most memorable moments?
• Was the ending satisfying? If not, how would you have changed it?
• What themes or messages stood out to you the most?

Characters & Development

• Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
• Were there any characters you struggled to understand or sympathize with?
• How did the main character(s) change throughout the story?
• Did any side characters stand out to you? How did they contribute to the story?
• If you could ask the protagonist one question, what would it be?

Themes & Symbolism

• What are some of the book’s central themes, and how were they explored?
• Did any symbols or motifs stand out to you?
• How does the book comment on broader social or cultural issues?

Writing Style & Structure

• How did the author’s writing style affect your reading experience?
• Was the book’s structure effective (e.g., timeline, point of view, chapter length)?
• Were there any quotes or passages that stood out to you?
• Did the setting enhance the story? How did it influence the characters?

Personal Reflection

• Did this book remind you of any others you’ve read? How does it compare?
• If you could change one thing about the book, what would it be?
• What emotions did the book evoke in you?
• Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
• If this book were adapted into a movie, who would you fan cast for the main roles?

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Book Details

• Genre: Romance
• Publishing Date/ Release Date: April 9, 2024
• Format: Book
• Length: 464 pages
• Setting: Stanford
• Tropes: Sports Romance,
• Age Rating: Adult - read the full list of content/ trigger warnings here
• Spice Level: 4 / 5

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