Coasting and Crashing

Alder #4

by Ana Hartnett

Emma Wilson has it all figured out. She’s the starting point guard for the Alder Lions. She’s got a post-grad job lined up. Every queer woman on campus wants her. And she’s definitely over her old flame. The one she never even got to date.

She’s coasting.

Until the new basketball coach arrives on campus and clearly dislikes her. So does Lake Palmer, the arrogant new player the coach brought with her. Sure, Lake’s gorgeous, and Emma wants to kiss those annoyingly enticing lips, but she plans to steal Emma’s spot. And that just can’t happen. It won’t happen. Their epic arguments are the stuff of courtside legend, but the more Lake pushes her to play better, the harder it is for Emma to resist her attraction.

Oh, and maybe Emma’s major makes her want to rip her own hair out as much as being Lake’s teammate does. With her future anything but a slam dunk, coasting is beginning to feel a whole lot like crashing.

Genres: Sports, New Adult, LGBT, College, Lesbian Fiction, Romance, Gay

Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2023

Reviews

[Della B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything comes easily to Emma Wilson. Women adore her. School is undemanding and she is the point guard for her college basketball team, a position she loves. Now beginning her forth year at Alder College, Emma’s coasting through life slams into a brick wall. The new basketball coach arrives with a talented point guard. Emma starts questioning her career choice and she now has to fight for her point guard position against a woman she feels attracted to in a way she has never felt before.

Hartnett has taken us through four years of college with her wonderfully written Alder College series. Coasting and Crashing is a fitting conclusion with an epilogue that catches us up with the other characters of the series.

Hartnett has a definite feel for writing young adult characters, Emma especially. Emma is hard to like in the beginning but as she matures through her struggles she evolves into someone we might want as a friend.

Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone as can the three other novels.

I received an advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley.  I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Coasting and Crashing is the last book in the Alder series, every book can be read as a standalone.

It’s the book for basketball players Emma Wilson and Lake Palmer in their senior year of college. Emma has been the starting point guard on the Alder Lions team for three years and her professional future is planned, she will go to law school. But what happens when the starting position is suddenly rivaled by a new player? A player to whom she feels more attracted than to any girl before, despite the fight for the position? And what if it's not her wish but her father's that she becomes a lawyer? Emma is facing a chaotic final year.

Lake Palmer transferred to Alder University for her final year, along with her basketball coach. She's the competition for Emma's starting position, and she's good. Her dream is to play in the WNBA. After a stroke of fate, her fear of loss prevents her from really fitting into the team, for fear of having to let everybody go again after a year. And also Emma makes her life difficult, as she tries to defend her starting position with tricks and feints. But there is also a great attraction to Emma that she doesn't understand herself, as she is mostly angry with her. Can the two find a way to connect and lead the team together?

Lake is a young woman whom you quickly fall in love with, especially after you realize what a stroke of fate she and her parents have had to endure. Not only is she a very talented basketball player, but she is also smart, focused, and a fighter. I hoped with all my heart that she would achieve her goal.

Emma didn't make it easy for me to like her with her impossible behavior towards Lake. Told from her POV, however, you quickly realize that she is simply overwhelmed by her situation. The pressure from her father, who wants to force her into a job she doesn't want, but she hasn't yet dared to tell him. Not knowing which direction to take after college. Lake, the beautiful Lake, who wants to catch her position on the team and at the same time sneaks into her heart. Lost and disorientated, she lashes out and hurts the person she wants to love. Fortunately, she has people around her to help her find her way, a coach, a professor, and great friends.

A beautiful New Adult story about searching and finding where you want to go in life. About friendship, accepting help from others, competition, winning and losing, fighting for dreams, and finding the right person to love.

And thank you Ana Hartnett for the short epiloges for all four couples from this series.

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC for an honest review

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final installment of the Alder series takes us onto the basketball court for an engaging enemies-to-lovers tale. Emma, the protagonist, is a character who may not instantly win everyone over, but she certainly grew on me as the story progressed. Lake, on the other hand, doesn’t make things easy for her, setting up a dynamic that's both challenging and intriguing.

As a fitting conclusion to the series, this book not only wraps up Emma and Lake's story but also gives us a peek into the lives of other characters in the epilogues. It’s well-crafted in a way that even new readers can enjoy it as a standalone, while those who have followed the series will appreciate the closure it provides. This book skillfully combines the thrill of sports with the complexity of evolving relationships, making it a satisfying end to the Alder series. As a big fan of basketball, I especially enjoyed reading about the games.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion of the Alder series is bringing us to the basketball court. Emma is an acquired taste, at least it was for me, and Lake certainly makes her jump through hoops. An enemies to lovers if you like, it’s a fitting conclusion to the series. And we get to see what everyone else is up to in the epilogues, although it can be read as a standalone.
Free ARC via NetGalley

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Lake are both vying for the same starting position. Emma's held it for the past 3 years, but Lake came in with the new coach as a transfer. The two women share an animosity between them but also an attraction. This is a beautiful enemies to lovers love story. It also wraps up the Alder Series. Which I've enjoyed immensely. Definitely 5 stars!!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect book to start off March Madness! But it's bittersweet because it's the last book in a 4-book series that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Like the previous 3 books, we are back at far-too-queer-to-be-believable Alder University, a private Catholic school in the Georgia mountains. And while this point should bother me more, I can't really care too much about it because I'm happy to be in this imaginary world (this is the fantasy world I like). Book 4 follows Emma Wilson, starting point guard for Alder's women's basketball team, who we meet in the 2nd book and who we know is Alder's queer-lady Casanova. Emma is struggling. It's her senior year and the girl she thought she'd eventually marry is in love and in a very serious relationship with someone else. She has no idea what she wants to do when she graduates but knows she doesn't want to be a lawyer and has no idea how to break that news to her overbearing father. There's also Alder's a new women's basketball coach, who probably won't put up with all of Emma's bullshit. And then there's Lake Palmer, a senior transfer who's gunning for Emma's point guard position and who Emma is attracted to immediately. But Lake isn't here for any bullshit, especially Emma's variety.

I'll be honest. I wasn't in a hurry to get to Emma's story because Emma in book 2 really pissed me off. But I really liked the other characters in this series and was looking forward to catching up with them. And Emma continues to be the Emma I met in book 2, but I have to give credit to Ana Hartnett because she was able to keep me engaged in her journey, despite the shenanigans. Lake Palmer is probably a big reason why. I really liked her.

This isn't a perfect novel--not even close. Emma and Lake get into I-Love-You-Land far too quickly for my liking. And, like with the other novels, the Alder Queer Fellowship stuff seems a little too forced, even if it is the conduit to the other storylines/characters I want to see. But this was such pleasure to read--something I've struggled to find with sapphic romance lately, so I will forgive it its foibles. And even if it probably didn't strengthen the novel, I really do appreciate the 4 epilogues!

I'm excited to see what Hartnett gives us next. Admittedly, her one currently-published novel that isn't part of this series is my least favourite of the 5 books I've read, but I'm going to read the next novel for sure, regardless what it's about.

3.5 but rounding up simply for the enjoyable experience and for the epilogues, even with the cringy (to me) moment in one of them.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This concludes the series of stand alone YA/New Adult novels from Ana Harnett. I’ve read the entire series which features a couple and story for each year of college. Alder University is a small Catholic college in the Georgia mountains. Emma Wilson is in her senior year and is starting guard for Alder women’s basketball team. A new basketball coach arrives along with a transfer player named Lake Palmer who plays the same position. Lake has aspirations to play in the WNBA. Emma is the queen of coasting. She is talented but doesn’t like the pressure brought on by her father so often chooses the easier thing. She is a player with women but never in a relationship and she’s done little to be a team builder or leader. Lake is a challenge in every way.

Emma is one of the harder characters to empathize with in this series. It is hard to understand Lake’s interest in her as everything is from Emma’s POV. That being said her character grows and changes during the year thanks to a good coach and a professor who wants the best for her. I did say this can be read as a stand alone but the previous main characters are more a part of this story than they have been in the other books. And Ana Hartnett gets extra praise from me for giving a memorable epilogue for each couple in the Alder series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I leaving a voluntary review.

[ReadingwithCaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book in the Alder series. You can read them all as a standalone, but it’s great to see familiar characters to hear what they’re up to, if you have read them all. This one is as good as the others!

I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Emma Wilson has been the star basketball player of her college team for the last three years. She has a cocky confidence both on and off the field. Her bedposts have a lot of different notches. She is coasting happily. One more year of college to go. When Lake Palmer transfers to Alder along with the new basketball coach, nothing is certain anymore. Emma falls fast and hard for Lake but of course she f’s it up. And with that her world comes crashing down around her. Can she find herself again and this time her true self? Not the one everyone, especially her dominant father, wants her to be?

The story is told from Emma’s point of view and that gives you a first row seat for her crumbling down. It’s like living inside the head of a very real, young woman, who is trying her best to get her life back on track. A different track, because the old one wasn’t working anymore.

Emma’s feelings for Lake start like a lightning bolt lighting an eternal flame inside her that is impossible to extinguish. The relationship they built through trial and error runs so deep it’s admirable. While reading I actually sighed and was annoyed with Emma for all the ways her self-destructiveness makes her take all the wrong turns.

The cast of side characters make this book feel like a group of friends. From the instant relationship with coach Jordan to the teammates and friends that have each others back, always. It’s like living the college experience yourself. I love the epilogues about the characters from the previous Alder stories!

I admire Hartnett’s talent and this series is absolutely awesome. Oh, and did I mention it’s hotttt? Pfiew! Just go out and make friends will all these lovely characters, you’ll gain them for a lifetime!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been anxiously awaiting the last book in the Alder Series since it was announced on Ana Hartnett's Twitter/X account. So I'm not gonna lie, my expectations were extremely high as Catching Feelings is one of my all time favorite. Hartnett did not disappoint. Her talent with words in unending. She made me care about Emma's journey as if it was my own. The way Hartnett elevates this beyond just another sports romance bring the series full circle. I adored the epilogue. I haven't been this thoroughly satisfied with a book in a long time. Keleven out of 5. Overwhelmingly recommend!

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

[Wynnde · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect way to end the Alder series. I’ve been wanting Emma’s story since I read Catching Feelings. She’s messy and complicated and I love her for it. We catch up a bit with the MCs from the previous books too, which felt right. I loved this book. Highly recommend you pick it up. It can kind of be read as a stand-alone, but you really should read the whole series because it’s great.

[Sue Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this book

emma wilson is a player.... there isnt a girl she has met that hasnt wanted to sleep with her and why not she is the starting point guard for her basketball team and her life is already mapped out with being a lawyer

until she meets lake palmer who wants her starting position and nothing else from her

also the new coach isnt about to let her slide with her performance so emma has to up her game and that starts without being late to training


its a bumpy road for emma and lake as they compete for the starting point guard and along the way life teaches them a lesson

not a bad read entertaining in parts and serious in others

[Liesl Speal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so incredibly sad this series is coming to the end, given I have read all of the books from this author (except for book three for some reason). In fact, Catching Feelings is my favorite all of them, and probably the best LGBT sports novel I have ever read. In an industry where most sports books are most from the perspective of straight people, Hartnett is a fresh breath of air. Hartnett never fails to give real and intimate experiences of the Queer community, and I am so glad I have discovered this author. Emma is truly an incredible main character, she sleeps around, does not know what she is doing after college, and now has to question her position on her team. All of this comes into question when a new coach is able to bring this team up to her standards, and of course the hot new Basketball transfer doesn't hurt either. I feel this book on a personal level as someone going into my Senior year of College, especially as someone where my Art has taken over my entire life (Dance), and this books gave me an introspective to help me what I am currently going through.

If you are someone who is sensitive to spicy books I would not recommend this book for you, This book starts with a sex scene, so I would definitely recommend this for older readers of YA or New Adult fiction. I have read this series from the ages of 19-21 and have never had a problem, but I realize my opinion does not match that of all readers of my age!

If you are looking for an enemies to lovers book I would highly recommend this book for you. I have always believed that this trope and sports are such a good combination. As the growth of watchers for the WNBA and NCAA WBB grows more and more, I would highly recommend this for fans.

Overall, I am such a big fan of this author and I was so glad to get such an intimate experience into the highs and lows of Emma Wilson's life. We see her at her best and worst, with everything working out at the end. Hartnett finishes this incredible series by tying each couple up into nice little boxes. I will definitely re-read Catching Feelings as we head into the WCWS, roll tide, and I am so excited for her next book to come out. Although it is a sad end of this era, Hartnett ended it in the perfect way, and I could not recommend this Series and author to everyone I know. Hartnett truly shows the best representation of queer women and I'm excited to see this author go into other ventures.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Coasting and Crashing’ is the final instalment of Hartnett’s Alder series and it definitely reads as a celebration of the entire four years of this collection.
I love the way in which Hartnett constructs her characters with wit and details that make them feel so tangible and Emma Wilson is no exception. Emma begins her last college year so self assured because she has everything worked out in her mind; she is the Alder Lion’s point guard and has a post grad job all figured out, oh and apparently she is irresistible to every woman on campus.
For me Emma reads so unlikeable in the beginning of this novel so when Lake, a potential rival to her spot on the Lions, turns up and resists her charms, I grinned so hard. Lake is every bit as good a player as Emma and she dents Emma’s ego just enough to make her slightly mad and once that spark was ignited I couldn’t put this book down.
Their chemistry leaps off of the court and page and Hartnett harnesses such energy perfectly in terms of pacing across the entire novel. She also unravels each of the MC’s so well; Emma spirals when her best laid plans hit every snag going and it’s a brilliant leaping point for her on the cusp of adult life. Emma feels like the culmination of all of the Alder characters we have known because no matter what stage of life you’re in, no matter how confident you feel, everything can change on a dime and it’s about the way you pivot and recover.
In the ways that I disliked Emma in the beginning I adored Lake from beginning to end. She reads as a strong, assured but not obnoxious, quick witted and reads the room effortlessly; although she too grows from her new relationships at Alder. Lake holds back so much emotionally and with good reason, she needs to protect herself from such a harsh world. The way Emma pulls out the raw emotions from Lake is so gorgeous to read. The two women learn from each other to be their best selves on and off the court and combined with an incredibly satisfying epilogue this is my favourite of the Alder series.
A perfect conclusion that reminds us that it’s never too late to change your path and never too late to meet someone who changes everything.

[Jessica Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏀⛹️‍♀️🛖🚌🏳️‍🌈

Coasting and Crashing is the fourth and final book of the Alder Series. It's senior year for our main girl Emma, who we have seen in the second book, Catching Feelings. We see other characters from the previous books too.

I love reading a book where the main character is completely hot mess. Emma Wilson takes 'to get over someone, you have to get under someone' to the next level. Emma, having realizing she has feelings for her best friend Andy, only a few years too late, goes through hoops (pun intended) to get over her. Add the fact that she had pressure from her father to become a lawyer, and there is suddenly a new girl gunning for her spot on the team, who also happens to be freaking gorgeous makes Emma spiral.

At times I found Emma's actions upsetting towards Lake, but I guess it was the fact that she realized what she was doing and corrected herself that redeemed her. I found Lake to be patient and forgiving, and I just loved how they both learned that they were worthy of love.

Coasting and Crashing was a great ending to the series. I loved the round-up at the end. It's bittersweet that this series has ended, as for me the first book, Changing Majors was the first book I read that I felt seen. I loved seeing the characters again, and I'm going to miss them all.

Thanks to Ana, Bold Stroke Books, and Net Galley for a copy of the book. This review is left voluntarily.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book in the Alder series and it ended it very well with a tie in with all the characters from the previous book.

Emma Wilson is a player and never wants anything more from the multitude of women she sleeps with after getting her heart broken by her best friend, Andy. She is the starting point guard for the lions until a new coach comes in and brings with her a new player that throws everything Emma thought she knew into question.

Lake Palmer is the new girl, transferring for her senior year. She has dreams of making it to the WNBA and nothing will stand in her way, not even Emma. We don't see Lake's POV as the entire book is in Emma's POV.

I enjoyed the back and forth between Emma and Lake. I wished to see Lake's POV, but the author did a pretty good job showing Lake's feelings and etc. The chemistry between them was written well and the writing was engaging. I was hoping for Emma's story and the author fleshed it out well and I enjoyed it immensely. Emma and Lake were well devoloped characters and I really felt for both of them and was rooting for them to be together by the end. Job well done!

I recieved an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's senior year at Alder. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series but I think this one may be my favorite. Emma Wilson is my kind of girl, a hot mess with a lot going on outwardly and beneath the surface. She is the star basketball player on the Alder women's team. Being on the court is the only time Emma truly feels like she's in control and she won't let transfer player, Lake Palmer, take her starting spot away from her.
While Emma is icy, Lake is warmth personified. The attraction between the two is as immediate as the animosity. Ana Hartnett's writing is effortless. The more books she writes, the more I come to appreciate just how talented she is. She wrapped up the series perfectly by giving us a glimpse into the lives of the previous couples in the series. While I am sad to see the series come to an end, I can't wait to see what Hartnett gives us next.

An ARC was provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second romance book I’ve read set in Alder University (or College?), a fake southern college in Georgia. The author seems to have written a whole series of books centered around a group of lesbian students who for some reason attend this small Catholic college in rural Georgia. It’s a clever conceit because you can keep the setting the same and just vary the people in the stories. I’ll rate the other one I read later. I read that one first, but it wasn’t as good as this one. This book was about the basketball team and the rivalry between Emma, the starting something or other and Lake, a newcomer who transferred to keep working with the same coach and is aiming for Emma’s position. They both have personal issues holding them back, and Emma especially seems to be a pain in the ass, but also the kind of girl who picks up friends and lovers effortlessly. She is going through that change that happens to everyone in college when you realize this protected space won’t last forever and you’d better figure out who you want to be. It’s not easy for everyone, especially if what you want differs from what other people expect of you. I think I might be aging out of the audience for books about college though. Much of this story made me want to roll my eyes, but it was just me. There is nothing wrong with this book. The relationship between Lake and Emma was realistic and the sex scenes were all pretty hot. I just am not as interested in what college kids are up to anymore. I didn’t even realize this until now. It’s what left me with a ‘meh’ feeling after reading the book. I also don’t know or care anything about basketball but the book is not overly detailed about the sports stuff so it is tolerable. I wonder how many of these books there are (but I don’t care enough to actually check…). I would definitely read books by this author again. Her writing style is smooth and easy, giving just enough detail and not too much. Extra points for not only having a main character POC, but also acknowledging that there was a sensitivity read.

[Nathalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last of the Alder series is the story of Emma and Lake.

I could not connect to Emma. She was pretty arrogant and immature and even though she's not a bad person I didn't really like her that much. Lake is her rival and love interest, but I did not see where this change that Emma went through started. First there is the attraction which is fine that I can see. But somehow Lake is the person that changes Emma so profoundly she completely changes as a person and what she wants for her future.

I enjoyed the other Alder stories and it was nice to read the conclusions but this is my least favourite one of the bunch.

An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

[Doug Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coasting and Crashing completes the Alder Series, following Emma and transfer student Lake as they navigate senior year, basketball, and each other. The main characters each have back stories complicating their developing relationship. Emma is struggling with a wider range of problems and does not really seem to be in a good place to begin a serious relationship. Many of her issues are resolved, but with a little too much ease to be entirely believable. There is a wonderful supporting cast, including many familiar faces. Readers of the earlier books in the series should especially enjoy quick updates on earlier couples in the final chapters. Minor concerns aside, this is a good read with a nice last chance to visit Alder and a very satisfying conclusion.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good.

I've only read this book and Catching Cypress from the Alder Series but I loved every moment of both of them. Anna Hartnett managed to write characters that felt completely unique with very distinctive personalities and it's the little touches and the little nunaces that really bring them to life.

I enjoyed the additional spice in this one (a little too much) and the ending was PERFECT even though I'm hoping and begging for more *insert picture here of me on my knees much like Bailey in that last scene*

Thank you Anna Hartnett for this series, it made me feel a lot. Please keep writing

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a women's basketball fan helped me enjoy this book more than I would have otherwise. Emma took a bit of time to grow on me, but the scenes that developed her relationship with Lake helped me to understand her character to the point of liking her. Also loved how the book gave a bit of closure for each couple in this book and the three previous books.

[Georgia · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was geneuinly so bad 😭 so cliche it hurt and insane 0-100 relationship like oh you love her now? Also the outfit descriptions were killing me. Just not my fav and didn’t even really feel like the couple had chemistry, also side characters had their own books that I didn’t read so I just didn’t rlly care about them and didn’t want to hear about them. Anyways. Yeah

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coasting and Crashing is a new age sports romance focusing on the final year of college. Let me just say the main character Emma is simply put a MESS. While the book is undeniably spicy, I couldn't help but shake my head at the decisions Emma was making. It's a narrative where hurt people hurt people. Despite being a standalone, the book offers a mini epilogue on all the couples in the Alder series. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coasting and Crashing is a great finish to the Alder series! If you haven't read the series yet then do yourself a huge favor and get started. Ana Hartnett is a great storyteller and I was truly sad when I read the last page! 5 stars!

[Jeff Wait · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a feel-good sapphic romance, more focused on the “will they, won’t they” than any actual plot. It’s a little too neat for my liking, even though the naughty scenes are anything but. Still, it was a light, fun read that has basketball in its orbit, and I’ll always enjoy that.

[Mahkalla Vickery-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭😭😭😭 what an amazing end to this series. I can't even

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story and enjoyed it very much. Sport romances are awesome.
4stars.

Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

i feel like the book started out good but then it moved way too fast and there could have been stronger character development. catching feelings is still my favorite from this series.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such great books..read them in order.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow angstier than Catching Feelings despite Emma being known as the "good times girl," yet it manages to keep it somehow low angst because Emma and Lake are destined for each other. Emma has a lot of growing up and shit to sort out in this book, but she does it all.