Book Release Blast for Off The Deep End by Emily Silver (REVIEW)…….

 The Winter Olympics may be over for this year but fans of stories set in the sports world will get one more chance to experience the exhilaration and emotions courtesy of this contemporary romance of opposites finding a connection behind the facades we all wear.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Off The Deep End by Emily Silver, along with getting my impressions of this m/m romance, then be sure to add it to your bookshelf!

Sending the reporter that knows nothing about sports to cover the Olympic star? Disaster waiting to happen.My entire life, I’ve had one dream. To be the best reporter I can be and tell stories that matter. When the opportunity to shadow an Olympian lands in my lap, I’m determined to rise to the occasion. But nothing can prepare me for Wes Cooper in all his glory.

Wes is the cocky athlete who has no interest in having a green reporter standing in his way. Or asking too many questions. Which is fine. I’m here to do my job, not be his friend.
But when he extends an olive branch, I start to rethink things.
There’s clearly more to him than meets the eye. The more time I spend with him, the more I want to know. Professionally, of course.
Except when he looks at me like that, I feel all kinds of unprofessional things.
I’m a goner.

BUY AT AMAZON here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As a fan of the Olympics, of witnessing the inspirational stories amidst the sacrifices made, I was drawn to this story the moment it came to life on my tablet.  I fell for its main couple, was captivated by its sweet and sensual romance, and appreciated the realistic emotional journey its injured athlete undertook to regain his standing in the diving world.  Not only do readers get an in-depth look at the physical and emotional toll being a top athlete causes, but there's the optimism of the young alongside the harsh realities of adulthood on display.  From the first page to the last it's a story that pulls you in and doesn't let go.

Finn Anderson's a recent graduate of journalism school and more than ready to set the world on fire with his words...but so far all he's been assigned to cover are local, puff pieces.  Being assigned to follow Olympic diver Wes's comeback is therefore both the opportunity of a lifetime for him and hugely intimidating.  Not knowing anything about diving or anything beyond what the press has said about Wes Cooper previously has Finn expecting the worst, but their initial meeting is sizzling with an instant attraction that's more than obvious and just grows from that moment on.  Finn's an immensely likable character with his infectious excitement in getting out in the world to experience all there is along with his strong support of Wes through his very difficult recovery.  While supporting Wes, Finn has his own issues to work through related to making a living as a reporter balanced with being part of the elite sports world Wes lives in as their romance grows.  Finn's feelings and reactions were spot-on and I found him to be lovable and exactly what Wes needed at this point in his life.

Wes Cooper has always been dedicated to the world of diving, always knew he was a winner as he entered the water.  But his injury has affected him more than just physically, it's left him doubting himself.  If he can't dive, who is he and what else could he do in life?  These fears weigh on him throughout the story and take on new meaning as many of today's athletes are of the same mindset.  Wes is an immensely appealing character whose insecurities endeared him to me and had me wanting to hug him.  Even though he's got his own issues to deal with he's clearly a strong support to Finn, reassuring him and loving him every step of the way.

On a whole this is a well-crafted m/m romance full of sweet words and deeds, sizzling encounters, and realistic issues making headlines today.  The characters were delightful, the romance full of heart and soul, and upon reaching the final page I wanted to start reading it all over again.  Ms. Silver is a new-to-me author but this is a story that I wholeheartedly recommend that you dive into today!

My rating for this is an A.

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Hello! After winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.

A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe. Some of her favorite places are Antarctica (Emily's first book is a love letter to Antarctica!), New Zealand, London and South Africa!

When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!  Connect with Emily HERE.