Off the Deep End: A MM Sports Romance

by Emily Silver

I'm the nerdy reporter. He's the hotshot diver. We're complete opposites. There's no way this will ever work.

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.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, LGBT

Audible Audio

First published March 1, 2022

About the author

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.

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!

Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Deep End is a stand alone, MM sports romance by Emily Silver. This is my very first book by Emily. I really didn’t know what to expect going in to this book. I definitely didn’t expect to fall madly in love with these characters. I swooned so much.

Finn Anderson is twenty three years old and has been working at the Berkely Tribune for about a year. They gave him a job right out of college so he is thankful but definitely hopes for more than just the community stories he’s been tasked with so far. When his boss calls him in to tell him his new assignment will be to shadow an Olympic diver for the next few months, Finn is shocked. Because he knows absolutely nothing about sports.



Wes Cooper is twenty seven years old. Diving has been his life since childhood. A few months ago, Wes was severely injured putting his career on hold but he’s ready to come back. Having a reporter shadow him is not at all something he wants. He likes his privacy. But when he and Finn meet, it doesn’t take long to realize that there is something there between them, that spark that can’t be denied. And when Finn publishes his first article on him, his words words bind them together even closer. Finn seems to see right into Wes’s soul, bringing the light to a sport that many only notice for a couple of weeks every four years.

“I can’t take my eyes off him. I wouldn’t want to even if I could. Because all I want is him.”



These two were just so fantastic together. I adored the way they were with each other. There was no push away at all. They just supported each other in every way. And the way they felt for each other just poured off the pages. This was very low angst, my favorite thing. Any struggles they had were of their own and to overcome them, they stood by each other, held each other up.

“Finn is the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to me. My life was fine. Great, even. Then Finn came and turned everything on it’s head.”



This was a sexy, sweet, swoony story that I am just in love with. And the epilogue made my eyes get all hot and watery. I’m so very glad I decided to read this book and I hope that you’ll consider giving it a try as well.

“He is home.”

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Kaity]

Audio: 5 stars Tim Paige and JF Harding, they are a good duo. And this can be found on Everand
Book: DNF @ page 75

Eh, it’s not keeping my attention, I had higher hopes going in to this because of the narrators, but it was kinda bland.

Idk how to explain it but it felt like in Finn’s POV read like he was writing the article, idk if that makes sense. And Wes was boring for a diver.

Overall disappointing, but I’m not going to waste my time with a book I am zoning out with. I can see how it could work for some, but nothing it is capturing my attention.

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus )]

DNF @ 96%

Could I have just finished it since I was literally in the epilogue? Yes, but as soon as it’s mentioned that they are husbands I closed it out because why did the proposal/marriage have to be off page? 😒

The focus was mainly on the athlete’s journey getting back to his career/life goal after an injury and how it impacted him than the actual romance so I’m not going to complain too much and just be on my way. I’m in a bit of a slump so I’ve been extra cranky. ✌🏻

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After accidentally rupturing his Achilles’ tendon while doing a dive, Wes is finally cleared to go back to training and his goal is to head to the Olympics. His coach concocts a plan to have a young local reporter, Finn, do a series of pieces about Wes’s training and journey to the Olympics over the never couple months.

Wes wants to go for gold and Finn is willing to do anything to get himself to his goal of being a serious journalist, but neither man bargained for the instant attraction and intense chemistry between them. Any ability to keep things professional has gone right out the window the moment these two meet, and I really loved them together.

Both are very supportive of each other’s careers and goals, but Wes is constantly in his head, critiquing everything and holding himself to lofty and unrealistic expectations. Finn balances Wes out and helps him realize there’s more to life than diving and winning gold. He really helped Wes learn to not take things too seriously and to opening himself up to new opportunities—like love.

They were super cute and I just really loved watching how their relationship played out.

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and short , perfect for rainy days

[Esther]

Free today (06/30/23)

[Love Books Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

POV: Dual (1st person)
Insta Love (ish)

Tropes: Sports romance, MM romance
Triggers: Panic attacks

OW/OM drama: No OM mentioned

Likes: I'm loving Emily's first MM romance! Wes and Finn's story is so beautiful. I loved how underneath Wes' cocky facade he's battling his worst critic... himself. Who knew the buttoned-up Finn would be the one to help him find out what he's passionate for in life after his injury. Turns out it might be more than just diving...that there might be room in his life for love too. This is a story of how two men can help each other through their highs and lows, whilst also not being able to keep their hands off each other! Loved it!

Dislikes: There could have maybe been a touch more drama?

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5* This was very sweet, low drama, MM, opposites attract, sports romance.

The man getting out of the pool is no man. He’s a god, sculpted out of marble. Water sluices over his perfectly carved pecs, through the countless abs adorning his stomach. His bulging biceps flex as he runs a hand through his dark brown hair, pushing it from his face. It’s like my very own Baywatch moment.

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn’t very good.
Blah blah, dive; blah blah, love you,
plus MF cliches.

[Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 STARS
This is a very low angst, very low drama sweet romance.
It has steamy and hot covered, too. The chemistry and sexy scenes are smoking.
Wes and Finn have an instant attraction to each other.
At first it’s flirty glances, Wes comments and teases Finn to make him blush and fumble. It’s very cute and butterfly inducing.
The characters are likable, I thought Wes was going to be a cocky athlete, but he’s actually not, he’s led a very regimented life to achieve high goals. He’s got the confident swagger I like.
Finn is adorable, he’s very sweet and excited to have his first important journalism experience following Wes’ training for the Olympics after an Achilles rupture left him doing rehab and struggling to get back in top shape for the Olympics.
I liked the characters, I liked the themes of the story.
Self worth, who you are versus what you do and some mental health issues are some of those.
I don’t care for insta-love, so I wasn’t a fan of that aspect.
I think the characters didn’t have enough time together that made me really understand their deep feelings for each other.
There were fun dates and they did have cute banter and a bit of friendly/sexy competition that was enjoyable.
The overall story was emotional in a subtle, lighter way.
The characters are likable, I still would have liked to feel I “knew” more of them.
It’s a light, easy read with important themes.
I liked it and the writing kept me interested, I would love a bit more character depth and time with the characters.

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️ This was amazing.

One of my favourite sport romances I've read in a while.
RTC

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Wes and Finn! Their story was perfection! This was another fantastic story from one of my new favourite authors.

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Deep End by Emily Silver was a swoony-worthy MM sports romance that did delicious good things to my heart. Emily Silver is quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors, and gets better and better with every new heartfelt romance she writes. Wes and Finn were such easy characters to fall in love with, and each chapter had me eager and excited to experience their HEA journey together! Wes is a complex guy coming back to diving after an achilles injury. His passion and dedication for the sport is quite endearing, and makes it nearly impossible for Finn (and myself) not to love. Finn is a young journalist assigned to cover Wes' recovery and road to the Olympics. When these two first lay eyes on each other, there is this instant, fiery attraction that is undeniable! (Hello, swoon!) I loved how supportive and devoted they were to each other and their careers, flaws and all.

Overall, I LOVED this story! If you love a strangers-to-lovers workplace romance with a determined hunky diver, a hot charismatic journalist, Olympic dreams, a dedicated coach, a supportive family, bowling, axe throwing, abstract paintings of the Eiffel Tower (ha!), all the steamy times, baking cupcakes, spaghetti Bolognese, and a HEA that is worth the plunge and delivers all the happy feels, then you will love Wes and Finn's story! I always look forward to more from Emily Silver!

**Audio Review**
Swoon! Experiencing Off the Deep End by Emily Silver in audio was gold medal-worthy and magical. I read this book when it first came out and knew that Finn and Wes were a special couple of fellas. Hearing JF Harding and Tim Paige bringing this couple to life elevated this MM sports romance to a new level. JF’s smooth dulcet tone portrayed Finn’s vulnerable and ambitious persona perfectly as he gave into his desires with Wes. Tim gave Wes a certain confidence and swagger that matched his hardworking, dedicated personality. Both narrators created just the right amount of tension and heat between Finn and Wes that made you long for these two to go after their dreams and find their very own HEA together.

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK so Off the Deep End is the PERFECT Olympics sports romance read. This one is a little bit different in that it's a champion diver and the reporter following his journey to the Olympics - I loved the inherent forced proximity of their relationship in addition to the jock/athlete vibes! A relatively low angst, quick read to get you through Olympics season.

I fell for sweet nerdy reporter Finn almost immediately - and so does hotshot diver Wes. This story is a bit of a fast burn, as there's almost immediate chemistry between the guys, and they don't hide it for very long. The main conflict in the story comes from Wes trying to come back from a horrific injury and dealing with some physical and mental issues in the aftermath - some great hurt/comfort moments there! Though Wes is supposed to have a reputation for being a player, he's so soft for Finn when he realizes that he's not out to play to that narrative. The epilogue was perfect, and I love that they both end up living their dreams!

Off the Deep End is definitely worth a read, and it will really help you appreciate Olympic diving! Another great one from the fantastic Emily Silver.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 2.75🌶️

[Gaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, there were words and I read them. I think this was very whatever and will probably forget it exists in a week, there was potential but it just felt flat.

[Lyndsay TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle and sweet romance between Finn and Wes. Finn, a local reporter for a small paper gets assigned to follow Olympic diver hopeful, Wes, as he trains his way back from an injury. Their love came almost naturally as they grew closer as Finn wrote about Wes. I really liked how both men were supportive of one another and how they handled their careers.

[christine.s.library · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you’re a green journalist for a local paper assigned to cover an elite athlete’s return to his sport after an injury? Oh and you have no clue who this athlete is or his sport?

Wes Cooper is an Olympic caliber diver ready for a comeback. Or is he? Sure his body has healed from his injury but what about his mind? It was never a question for him before the injury. Diving was his passion. An Olympic gold medal his ultimate goal. But what if he fails?

Finn Anderson is a young, fresh out of school journalist plucked from covering community news and thrust into being Wes Cooper’s shadow. He’s tasked with covering the diver’s comeback as a human interest story but knows nothing about the sport. And how is he supposed to remain objective when he has to spend so much time in Wes’s company?

I was hooked from the beginning and Wes and Finn’s story was so charming I couldn’t help falling in love with them both. Their support for each other’s careers and emotional well-being was endearing especially during an extremely anxious time for Wes. Not to mention that their chemistry and attraction for each other was smokin’ hot. There wasn’t enough water in any pool to put out their fire!

Emily touched on a topic that most people don’t or didn’t take into consideration with athletes until recent years. Athletes aren’t just machines, they’re people who struggle with mental health issues just like everyone else. They don’t owe their performances to anyone and there should be no shame in acknowledging this and taking the time to care for themselves first and the sport second. Emily did such a beautiful job tackling this subject with Wes and Finn’s story!

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. This is a standalone male/male romance written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Wes is an elite diver coming back from a bad injury to continue to train for the Olympics. Finn is a young reporter assigned to cover Wes’ comeback. I love the attraction and sparks they both feel from the beginning. Both men are likable, and I loved that they are both confident in their sexuality. Finn is a little bit shy, quiet, and nerdy (be still my heart) and I love heroes like that. Wes is focused on his recovery and works incredibly hard to get back to competing form. His journey to get back to both physical and mental fitness in his quest for Olympic gold was complex and sometimes difficult. I love that the author did not shy away from addressing the mental component of returning to a sport after an injury and how difficult that can be. Finn is supportive in a way that any partner would dream of having. He has faith in Wes’ ability and the encouragement and calm he offers Wes melted my heart.
I think this is my first sports romance set in the world of diving. I learned about the sport right along with Finn. I could tell the author did a lot of research to provide an insider view of the sport. There is plenty of heat, and I enjoyed that the intimate scenes are grounded in emotional connection. There are few moments that made me laugh, but there were several moments that made me swoon. These two are perfect for each other and I loved their relationship and certainty in each other. If you are looking for a swoon-worthy romance that will melt you, this is it.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Silver blows me away every time with every book she releases. “Off the Deep End” is a beautiful love story that is sweet, heartfelt and oh so swoon worthy.

Finn is a reporter for a local newspaper when he’s given the assignment to write Wes’s comeback story. Wes, who is an Olympic diver, suffered an injury that set him back in training. Determined to make it to the games, he puts all of his focus into training. But when Finn comes to training, it’s clear that there is chemistry and attraction between the two.

I loved Finn and Wes from the very first word. Finn is so sweet and genuine. He wanted the best for Wes and was his biggest fan and supporter. Wes is so relatable to me. Not that I’m an Olympian but his fear of getting hurt and failing to make his dream a reality. I know so many will be able to relate to that and I loved that about him. Finn and Wes are a beautiful couple and I loved their story so much. The epilogue left me happy and with a big smile on my face.

[Lee-Anna Mullns · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost a huge thank you to Emily Silver for writing a MM romance that pulls at your heartstrings. I was in tears at the end (happy ones but tears).
Wes is an elite diver returning from a near career ending injury, along the way he is introduced to Finn a reporter who is still fairly fresh in his profession. Finn's assignment is to write a series of articles about Wes' return to the sport and follow his road to the Olympics. Wes' focus is on training and returning to peak condition, the Olympics wait for no-one. So he'll humour the reporter give him a behind the scenes look...
Then they meet. Guys!!! OMG the sparks the chemistry the hottness! The book touches on the struggles and pressure put on elite athletes and a love story that has you swooning! It is an ABSOLUTE must read! 5+ stars.

[Deeply Love Reading Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is the author’s first MM novel and she definitely hit the nail on the head. Wes and Finn were opposite in so many ways, but when they came together; they were the yings to each other yangs. They were able to see other behind the front they put on for others.
“I’m here for you. I’m not going anywhere. And on the days where you don’t quite believe in yourself, I’ll have enough belief for both of us.”
This was definitely a top read of 2022. I hope this author continues on to write MM novels.
About the book:
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.

Off the Deep End is a standalone, MM romance with no cheating and a HEA guaranteed!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Aww, I adored Wes and Finn!

Off The Deep End is a low-angst, insta-lust/love MM sports romance story. Wes is a champion diver recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon. He has recently started training again for the summer Olympics. Finn is a local newspaper reporter sent to document his return to diving.

Finn is instantly smitten with Wes. Wes is wary of Finn’s intentions at first but is equally attracted. They each have their own insecurities. Wes is scared he won’t be able to compete like he did prior to his injury. He struggles with what his life will be if he can’t dive anymore. Finn is worried he won’t fit into Wes’s hectic life as an elite athlete. And as a writer, jobs are limited if he stays in Berkeley to be with Wes. But they both are excellent at supporting and reassuring each other. They build each other up and bring out the best of themselves.

Emily Silver pulls you in with interesting characters that you want to keep reading about. Wes and Finn gave me such warm fuzzies. I would happily read a book of these two adorable goobers just going on dates together, they were so sweet.

Overall, I give it 5/5.

[Shantal (VERIFED BOOK LOVER) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute and lukewarm.

Nothing to see here really.

2 stars

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up!! Super sweet little romance - very much my speed, low-angst and no third act breakup 🤩🤩🤩

[Ren || Reading What I Want · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre/Tropes: MM, Sports
POV: 1st, Dual
Standalone
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
——————

What an absolute sweet, swoony, feel-good MM romance that hooked me deeply and wrapped around me like a comforting, warm hug. I was not expecting to fall for Wes and Finn like I did but when I got to the final page, I felt like I was leaving my best friends. Their love was tender and so supportive. It was completely low-angst and so freaking beautiful. The way Wes spawned Finn’s adventurous side and the way Finn got Wes out of his head was so amazing. They had a connection that could be seen and felt.

|| 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚗𝚘 𝚌𝚕𝚊𝚒𝚖 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚗, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚖. ||

Wes is on track to attending the Olympics after a serious injury that almost kept him from diving. Finn is a young reporter tasked with following Wes to highlight his “comeback” to the sport. From the moment these two men saw each other, the pull was intense. At first, Wes was hesitant because he was worried about how Finn would write his articles but the more these two got to know each other, the less they could fight that pull. And once they succumbed to that tension, there was no going back.

|| “𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎.” ||

These two were adorable af. Competitive, playful, supportive, and steadfast. Not once did they doubt each other. They communicated and stood by each other every step of the way. They lifted each other up and loved each other hard. They had so much passion and while their spicy scenes were in no way the focus of the story, it added a layer of tenderness and love that just fueled this epic romance.

[JennyGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Silver has crushed it again with her latest, Off the Deep End. Off the Deep End was exciting, steamy, insightful, and hit some very important issues such as mental health and same sex relationships.

Wes and Finn are opposites, but they're differences balance and build a great foundation to handle more serious issues as their story progresses. I love a good sports romance and was super excited to read a book about diving as I've never read this particular sport in a romance novel. I could relate to Finn as he too was learning about the sport and all it entails while he was documenting Wes' return after a serious injury. I loved how they supported each other's dreams and were a calming presence for each other. I highly recommend reading, and instantly losing yourself among Wes and Finn's world.

[Kera’s Always Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Athletes are more than their sport.”

This was the really sweet and compassionate story about an Olympic level diver and the green reporter who comes to write a piece on him.

Finn has no knowledge of sports reporting, but he is eager to prove himself. Wes is a cocky athlete who isn’t excited to have a newbie come in and report on him. But at first glance, the attraction between them is real. These two were so adorable. And this story was so much more than a couple of fellas meeting and hitting it off… there was such great depth to this book in the way of mental health and the importance of maintaining that mental heath while under a microscope.

Emily Silver did a wonderful job shedding light on these topics and incorporating that beautiful romance into it as well. I really loved Wes and Finn and their dynamic. I loved what they brought out in one another and how they allowed the other to be vulnerable.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being new to Ms.Silver's work i've been looking so forward to picking up her books! As soon as this book was announced it caught my eye right away. I knew right then it had to be the first one of hers that i picked up. I dived into it as soon as i could. I so enjoyed this story!

Wes and Finn's journey got my attention quickly! These two are brought into each other's lives as Finn is sent to cover Wes's journey to the Olympics after he suffered from an injury. I was so glad that i got to dig into both of their minds and dig deeper with them. The chemistry between these two was great!

I really enjoyed the whole reporter / Olympic diver aspect of this story.

With Off the Deep End, Ms.Silver has created such a good read! I am so looking forward to more from her!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes is a champion diver who can make the Olympic team. A recent injury had him sidelined but now he is ready to get back to it. Finn is a reporter that has been assigned to write a series of articles about Wes and his comeback. From day one these two had a instant connection that they couldn’t resist. Can they both focus on their jobs while getting to know each other better? Can this work? This was a cute quick read that I really enjoyed. Wes and Finn were extremely supportive of each other and had great banter. I also enjoyed the authors fast paced writing style and look forward to reading more of her books.