Fluff, but make it functional.
Deep End | by Ali Hazelwood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Let’s be real. Romcoms only land if the plot holds. I don’t care how dreamy the love interest is or how quirky the meet-cute, if the story drags or the characters feel like cardboard cutouts from a Hallmark card, I’m out.
Recently, I read this great article by Steven Reese that argues not all reading is good for you. A little harsh, Steve, but okay. His point is: some books stretch your brain and others are basically dessert—fun but not filling. Now, I don’t fully subscribe to the “no cake for dinner” approach. I’m team “everything in moderation.” Yes to escapist romcoms and yes to brainy lit that makes you reevaluate your life choices.
That brings me to Deep End, which manages to toe that line. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it’s got a steady plot, a few interesting turns, and characters who, while not exactly Shakespearean, at least seem like they exist outside the pages. The dialogue flirts with cheesy in a few spots, but not enough to make me roll my eyes all the way back.
Spice level is high. And varied. Ali Hazelwood definitely did her research, or at least spent some time on spicy corners of the internet. There’s a BDSM storyline (consensual, but worth noting if that’s not your thing).
It’s hard not to compare this to a less-billionaire-focused Fifty Shades of Grey. Same flavor, slightly different packaging. And while I don’t think Deep End is destined to change lives or show up on college syllabi, it’s a solid read for romcom lovers looking for something that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve lost brain cells but still delivers the dopamine.
Bottom line: Not fluff-free, but not fluff-only. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
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