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See You at the Finish Line
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
5 days and 18:10:33
100 copies available
U.S. only
Their only path to victory is each other . . .
George and Lucas can't stand each other - which makes it awkward being on the same Cambridge University rowing team. The uber-charming, womanising George got parachuted into Cambridge from America for his sporting prowess, despite his subpar grades, whereas Lucas worked for everything he's got - which sadly doesn't include a boyfriend. When George is told that this year he'll have to sit his exams fair and square, Lucas agrees to help him study - in exchange for help in wooing his crush, Amir.
Together, they embark on a journey to seduce, cheat, and beat their way to the top. They face rivals within their own squad, cutthroat competitors at Oxford, and their own annoyance with each other. But as they get closer, they find that they actually make a great duo. Will Lucas and George help their rowing team beat their arch rivals in a centuries-old feud? Will George manage to pass his fiendishly hard exams? Will Lucas finally work up the courage to ask Amir out? And what will Lucas and George do when they realise that what they really want is each other - even if that means changing their lives forever.
For fans of Red, White and Royal Blue, See You at the Finish Line is a brand-new LGBTQ+ enemies to lovers romance with a love story that will warm your heart.
George and Lucas can't stand each other - which makes it awkward being on the same Cambridge University rowing team. The uber-charming, womanising George got parachuted into Cambridge from America for his sporting prowess, despite his subpar grades, whereas Lucas worked for everything he's got - which sadly doesn't include a boyfriend. When George is told that this year he'll have to sit his exams fair and square, Lucas agrees to help him study - in exchange for help in wooing his crush, Amir.
Together, they embark on a journey to seduce, cheat, and beat their way to the top. They face rivals within their own squad, cutthroat competitors at Oxford, and their own annoyance with each other. But as they get closer, they find that they actually make a great duo. Will Lucas and George help their rowing team beat their arch rivals in a centuries-old feud? Will George manage to pass his fiendishly hard exams? Will Lucas finally work up the courage to ask Amir out? And what will Lucas and George do when they realise that what they really want is each other - even if that means changing their lives forever.
For fans of Red, White and Royal Blue, See You at the Finish Line is a brand-new LGBTQ+ enemies to lovers romance with a love story that will warm your heart.
336 pages, Paperback
Published September 2, 2025
133 people are currently reading
11563 people want to read
About the author
Zac Hammett
1 book60 followersZac Hammett is an author of romantic comedies. His debut novel, See You At The Finish Line, was heralded as “a triumph” by Publishers Weekly and “unputdownable” by Kirkus Reviews. His second novel, International Relations, will follow in 2026.
He has had an eclectic career as a writer, which includes co-writing the Gold-Certified Clean Bandit single Baby, participating in the writers room for the Disney Plus series Rivals, and writing the acclaimed memoir A Class of Their Own: Adventures in Tutoring the Super-Rich.
He grew up on the south coast of England, the second of four children to two teachers, and now lives in London.
His favourite romantic comedy of all time is Notting Hill.
He has had an eclectic career as a writer, which includes co-writing the Gold-Certified Clean Bandit single Baby, participating in the writers room for the Disney Plus series Rivals, and writing the acclaimed memoir A Class of Their Own: Adventures in Tutoring the Super-Rich.
He grew up on the south coast of England, the second of four children to two teachers, and now lives in London.
His favourite romantic comedy of all time is Notting Hill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
dnf
July 28, 2025Dropped at 30%.
I sadly couldn’t connect with either MC or the setup of their relationship.
Lucas was just plain unlikeable up until that point and George was so dumb, it gave me hardcore second hand embarrassment. It’s a ✨choice✨ to put a jock himbo of that calibre in a university of Cambridge setting.
I maybe could have warmed up to them but what eventually made me decide to dnf was realising that the onslaught of George’s quite explicit OP action wouldn’t be letting up anytime soon - and that the story would mostly focus on Lucas getting together with his crush first - who isn’t George lol
Just not vibing with this one 🤷♀️
I sadly couldn’t connect with either MC or the setup of their relationship.
Lucas was just plain unlikeable up until that point and George was so dumb, it gave me hardcore second hand embarrassment. It’s a ✨choice✨ to put a jock himbo of that calibre in a university of Cambridge setting.
I maybe could have warmed up to them but what eventually made me decide to dnf was realising that the onslaught of George’s quite explicit OP action wouldn’t be letting up anytime soon - and that the story would mostly focus on Lucas getting together with his crush first - who isn’t George lol
Just not vibing with this one 🤷♀️
May 31, 2025
George and Lucas are on the same rowing team, and they hate each other. George is a great athlete and a womanizer, but he struggles with academics. Lucas is a top student but inexperienced when it comes to wooing—and he really likes Amir. So the two guys decide to help each other out.
Honestly, it’s hard to share my thoughts and feelings without giving away spoilers. Unfortunately, the book turned out to be not what I expected. There were quite a few things I didn’t like. Generally speaking, I don’t enjoy it when the main characters date or sleep with other people.
There’s also a lot of dialogue in the book, and I personally missed more details and descriptions. The ending felt a bit rushed to me.
However, I did like George—it was sad to see how everyone only focused on his handsome face, and body, underestimating him as a person.
Not bad for a debut, but this book just wasn’t for me.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓ sports romance
✓ LGBTQ+ rep
✓ enemies to lovers
✓ forced proximity
Thank you to NetGalley and Zando (Slowburn) for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Honestly, it’s hard to share my thoughts and feelings without giving away spoilers. Unfortunately, the book turned out to be not what I expected. There were quite a few things I didn’t like. Generally speaking, I don’t enjoy it when the main characters date or sleep with other people.
There’s also a lot of dialogue in the book, and I personally missed more details and descriptions. The ending felt a bit rushed to me.
However, I did like George—it was sad to see how everyone only focused on his handsome face, and body, underestimating him as a person.
Not bad for a debut, but this book just wasn’t for me.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓ sports romance
✓ LGBTQ+ rep
✓ enemies to lovers
✓ forced proximity
Thank you to NetGalley and Zando (Slowburn) for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read
February 23, 2025Well, that was quick. DNF after 22%.
Okay, first of all, I’m sorry. My previous read was a gem and might have influenced my reading journey. So, basically, there’s nothing wrong with this story. The thing is, though, the part I read didn’t feel groundbreaking or unique or anything like that. Except for the rowing, it felt like it was done a thousand times before. It was okay, nothing more, nothing less, and I was bored. So, I decided to DNF. Please check out other reviews if you want to read this one.
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Okay, first of all, I’m sorry. My previous read was a gem and might have influenced my reading journey. So, basically, there’s nothing wrong with this story. The thing is, though, the part I read didn’t feel groundbreaking or unique or anything like that. Except for the rowing, it felt like it was done a thousand times before. It was okay, nothing more, nothing less, and I was bored. So, I decided to DNF. Please check out other reviews if you want to read this one.
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July 29, 2025Just a reminder—because lookit that adorable cover!—it's not one that's safe for me to read, per reviewer I trust, this one is full of OP action on page/dating other people and not focused on the two MCs for a while. Nope for me.
December 8, 2025
I’m going to be honest here… well, I always am. I know nothing about rowing. There! I said it. But I think that’s what drew me to this story. I picked it up with the intent to read a sports romance about a sport I’m not a big fan of. I’m gonna be honest again… if it isn’t for the sexy men in cute tight outfits, I wouldn’t like sports at all… and I know nothing about any sportsball gamers at all.🤷🏻♂️
See You at the Finish Line gave all of the British banter, as well as a bit of rivals to friends to lovers, with that last one taking a large portion of the book to finally get to. I’d say the majority of it was spent with one of them helping the other land a completely different guy and then subsequently him dating that guy. Hell! It felt like the straight himbo jock finally realized he might like boys and it was almost too late… but I need to backtrack.
We have Lucas. He has good grades and a fiery personality. Then we have George. He is the traditional jock who hasn’t spent enough time studying or passing classes. To get through their last year at college, they need eachother. Lucas wants to get with his crush, this posh guy named Amir, while George needs helps getting his grades and test scores up. But becoming friends and literally falling in love (but neither of them realized it until it was almost too late) wasn’t part of the plan.
I finished this thinking about how different this is to all of the sports romance books that I’ve read. Not just because I’ve never read one about rowing before, but because for 90% of the book, they weren’t in any kind of relationship. It took THAT long for them to get together. Yes, sexy stuff happens before then, but not much between the two of them. It just felt so fresh. It also felt more like it should be categorized as fiction that also has some romance in it. But who am I?
This is definitely worth picking up!!
See You at the Finish Line gave all of the British banter, as well as a bit of rivals to friends to lovers, with that last one taking a large portion of the book to finally get to. I’d say the majority of it was spent with one of them helping the other land a completely different guy and then subsequently him dating that guy. Hell! It felt like the straight himbo jock finally realized he might like boys and it was almost too late… but I need to backtrack.
We have Lucas. He has good grades and a fiery personality. Then we have George. He is the traditional jock who hasn’t spent enough time studying or passing classes. To get through their last year at college, they need eachother. Lucas wants to get with his crush, this posh guy named Amir, while George needs helps getting his grades and test scores up. But becoming friends and literally falling in love (but neither of them realized it until it was almost too late) wasn’t part of the plan.
I finished this thinking about how different this is to all of the sports romance books that I’ve read. Not just because I’ve never read one about rowing before, but because for 90% of the book, they weren’t in any kind of relationship. It took THAT long for them to get together. Yes, sexy stuff happens before then, but not much between the two of them. It just felt so fresh. It also felt more like it should be categorized as fiction that also has some romance in it. But who am I?
This is definitely worth picking up!!
Read
January 3, 2026This is not a very good book, but I still liked it a lot.
I liked it in spite of many things. First, it’s a bunch of stuff I’m not typically drawn to or actively dislike. A college setting. Younger characters (early 20s). Sports (although having rowed crew myself, this is one of the few sports that I have a passing interest in). Pretty low spice — both the number of scenes (which is essentially one) and the detail (which is limited, but admittedly accomplishes a lot more than some authors do with many more scenes and explicit detail). Harry Potter references (in 2025).
After having read it, there are even more issues. Principally: 1) it fails to deliver on the promise of its premise and 2) its central conceit is absurdly poorly executed.
What’s the premise of this book? It’s an enemies-to-lovers sports romance. What is it *actually*? A friends-to-lovers academic romance. Lucas and George aren’t enemies, really, at the beginning of the book, they just don’t really get along. And their brief stint as actual rivals is short-lived. The beating heart of the book is about academics at Cambridge. Strange.
That leads into the central conceit: cheating. Not romantic cheating (although that does happen in this book, not between the MMCs) but academic cheating. The character motivations, growth, and the main obstacle are all related to Lucas helping George cheat on his end of year exams at Cambridge. And it does not work at all. The big event that occurs barely even makes sense.
So why did I like it?
1) The characters, particularly Lucas, are compelling, despite being plopped down into a mediocre story. Some people may not enjoy him because he’s drawn to be prickly and hard to like, but I felt a kinship with him.
2) The pacing. The broader structure of the book is a bit strange, but the chapter-to-chapter and scene-to-scene pacing was good. The story moves with energy.
3) The specific details about queer male relationships. George teaching Lucas about cleaning up for and relaxing into anal sex (with another person). Photos “awaiting approval” on Grindr. George liking that he and Lucas discuss sex logistics because it makes him feel like more than a “porn robot”.
Thinking about point 3, See You at the Finish Line feels like a book written in spite. That Hammett was fed up with MM romance stories that didn’t reflect his experiences. That some jerk once said to him “if you want to see that in MM romance, YOU write it” and so he did. And I respect the hell out of that approach.
I liked it in spite of many things. First, it’s a bunch of stuff I’m not typically drawn to or actively dislike. A college setting. Younger characters (early 20s). Sports (although having rowed crew myself, this is one of the few sports that I have a passing interest in). Pretty low spice — both the number of scenes (which is essentially one) and the detail (which is limited, but admittedly accomplishes a lot more than some authors do with many more scenes and explicit detail). Harry Potter references (in 2025).
After having read it, there are even more issues. Principally: 1) it fails to deliver on the promise of its premise and 2) its central conceit is absurdly poorly executed.
What’s the premise of this book? It’s an enemies-to-lovers sports romance. What is it *actually*? A friends-to-lovers academic romance. Lucas and George aren’t enemies, really, at the beginning of the book, they just don’t really get along. And their brief stint as actual rivals is short-lived. The beating heart of the book is about academics at Cambridge. Strange.
That leads into the central conceit: cheating. Not romantic cheating (although that does happen in this book, not between the MMCs) but academic cheating. The character motivations, growth, and the main obstacle are all related to Lucas helping George cheat on his end of year exams at Cambridge. And it does not work at all. The big event that occurs barely even makes sense.
So why did I like it?
1) The characters, particularly Lucas, are compelling, despite being plopped down into a mediocre story. Some people may not enjoy him because he’s drawn to be prickly and hard to like, but I felt a kinship with him.
2) The pacing. The broader structure of the book is a bit strange, but the chapter-to-chapter and scene-to-scene pacing was good. The story moves with energy.
3) The specific details about queer male relationships. George teaching Lucas about cleaning up for and relaxing into anal sex (with another person). Photos “awaiting approval” on Grindr. George liking that he and Lucas discuss sex logistics because it makes him feel like more than a “porn robot”.
Thinking about point 3, See You at the Finish Line feels like a book written in spite. That Hammett was fed up with MM romance stories that didn’t reflect his experiences. That some jerk once said to him “if you want to see that in MM romance, YOU write it” and so he did. And I respect the hell out of that approach.
April 22, 2025
OH MY GOD A ROWING ROMANCE?! This was so cute! I went in with super high expectations and it definitely met them all.
Lucas is the cox (he steers the boat) of the Cambridge University Blues boat (the Uni rowing club), while George is the stroke seat (the guy up front who drives the speed of the crew). After a cataclysmic race, both are forced to defend their place in the boat and, in George’s case, this means actually passing his exams on his own merit. Thank goodness Lucas is top of their year. If only he didn’t hate him. Fortunately, George also has something Lucas needs: advice on how to seduce a man.
Read if you like:
🩵 Forced proximity
🩵 ‘You teach me, I’ll teach you’ trope
🩵 Grumpy sunshine
🩵 Opposites attract
As a former rower, I was beside myself with joy when I saw this was a Cambridge rowing romance. For me, I loved all the rowing scenes and the nods to Cambridge. Being able to picture locations as I read the book made it super special for me.
But that’s not the only reason I liked it. Even if you’re not a rower or cantab surely you can appreciate a sweet funny romance about hot men in lycra. It’s really witty and I totally appreciated the opposites attract chemistry between Lucas and George.
This book is out 8 May and I highly recommend you go check it out!
Lucas is the cox (he steers the boat) of the Cambridge University Blues boat (the Uni rowing club), while George is the stroke seat (the guy up front who drives the speed of the crew). After a cataclysmic race, both are forced to defend their place in the boat and, in George’s case, this means actually passing his exams on his own merit. Thank goodness Lucas is top of their year. If only he didn’t hate him. Fortunately, George also has something Lucas needs: advice on how to seduce a man.
Read if you like:
🩵 Forced proximity
🩵 ‘You teach me, I’ll teach you’ trope
🩵 Grumpy sunshine
🩵 Opposites attract
As a former rower, I was beside myself with joy when I saw this was a Cambridge rowing romance. For me, I loved all the rowing scenes and the nods to Cambridge. Being able to picture locations as I read the book made it super special for me.
But that’s not the only reason I liked it. Even if you’re not a rower or cantab surely you can appreciate a sweet funny romance about hot men in lycra. It’s really witty and I totally appreciated the opposites attract chemistry between Lucas and George.
This book is out 8 May and I highly recommend you go check it out!
May 27, 2025
Student drama, college shenanigans, a lot of Britishness and an adorable love story!
See You At The Finish Line is more friends-to-lovers than enemies-to-lovers, but the heart of the story doesn't change: it's sweet and sassy and dramatic!
The Cambridge vs Oxford boat race is one of these bizarre British things that you hear about but don't get how bizarre they are unless you dive deep into the rabbit hole.
The author does a great job to show the absurdity of the posh British society, without devolving to stereotypes "rich guys are bad guys". It is somehow part of ordinary university life in these prestigious universities!
Lucas and George are very distinct characters, the definition of opposites attract: George is a super handsome athlete who is well, a bit silly, projects confidence and charm. Lucas is an overthinking neurotic short demon with self esteem issues in the dating department, a star student who, quoting him, "found his calling screaming at jocks".
They complement each other perfectly, and after you get through the first pages you are going to love them while wanting to shout at them.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
See You At The Finish Line is more friends-to-lovers than enemies-to-lovers, but the heart of the story doesn't change: it's sweet and sassy and dramatic!
The Cambridge vs Oxford boat race is one of these bizarre British things that you hear about but don't get how bizarre they are unless you dive deep into the rabbit hole.
The author does a great job to show the absurdity of the posh British society, without devolving to stereotypes "rich guys are bad guys". It is somehow part of ordinary university life in these prestigious universities!
Lucas and George are very distinct characters, the definition of opposites attract: George is a super handsome athlete who is well, a bit silly, projects confidence and charm. Lucas is an overthinking neurotic short demon with self esteem issues in the dating department, a star student who, quoting him, "found his calling screaming at jocks".
They complement each other perfectly, and after you get through the first pages you are going to love them while wanting to shout at them.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
October 15, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️
1.5/5 🌶️
April 30, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
I'm a bit unsure what to make of this (and since I can't really grasp my thoughts, this might be a bit spoilery) - it was definitely different from what I was expecting. I expected a classic romance, but in my eyes it's not really a romance if it takes them 300 pages to finally get their shit together and it's also not feeling like much pining/a slowburn. The relationship obviously also didn't get deep on the last 30 pages. And overall, that's definitely okay, that's just not what I was expecting and also not how the book was marketed. For example, a classic romance in my eyes doesn't feature the MCs having sex with others on page before they get together, and especially doesn't feature a relationship between one MC and another MC literally for a longer time than the main relationship the book is about. So it's more a dual POV coming of age story with different problems to overcome, all in front of the plotpoint of rowing and the Cambridge/Oxford rivalry, which does lead to a HEA for a couple, but that doesn't make it a romance. I think I really would have liked it better if the advertisement was done more clearly.
I also wanted to throw the book at the nearest wall not just once, because the MCs did some really stupid things I wanted to yeall at them about. This is also why I didn't really love the characters, not even towards the ending.
The rowing part is also actually something I really liked! It seemed quite realistic and was featured more than the sport in your standard sports romance.
I also have some things that bugged me besides my expectations and that fulfilment:
cheating (the MCs with each other, not on each other)
cheating in an academic setting
no prep for sex
I'm a bit unsure what to make of this (and since I can't really grasp my thoughts, this might be a bit spoilery) - it was definitely different from what I was expecting. I expected a classic romance, but in my eyes it's not really a romance if it takes them 300 pages to finally get their shit together and it's also not feeling like much pining/a slowburn. The relationship obviously also didn't get deep on the last 30 pages. And overall, that's definitely okay, that's just not what I was expecting and also not how the book was marketed. For example, a classic romance in my eyes doesn't feature the MCs having sex with others on page before they get together, and especially doesn't feature a relationship between one MC and another MC literally for a longer time than the main relationship the book is about. So it's more a dual POV coming of age story with different problems to overcome, all in front of the plotpoint of rowing and the Cambridge/Oxford rivalry, which does lead to a HEA for a couple, but that doesn't make it a romance. I think I really would have liked it better if the advertisement was done more clearly.
I also wanted to throw the book at the nearest wall not just once, because the MCs did some really stupid things I wanted to yeall at them about. This is also why I didn't really love the characters, not even towards the ending.
The rowing part is also actually something I really liked! It seemed quite realistic and was featured more than the sport in your standard sports romance.
I also have some things that bugged me besides my expectations and that fulfilment:
cheating (the MCs with each other, not on each other)
cheating in an academic setting
no prep for sex
December 22, 2025
Read this just before rowing bumps - felt very apt.
Pleasantly surprised at how accurate the description of the Cambridge system was - clearly written someone who knows it well. Although the punt heist did raise an eyebrow.
I don’t know if being a Cambridge student made my like the book more or less than the average person - but it is a really charming and funny book.
Cambridge students beware however - the description of angst around exams and results may cause some distress.
Pleasantly surprised at how accurate the description of the Cambridge system was - clearly written someone who knows it well. Although the punt heist did raise an eyebrow.
I don’t know if being a Cambridge student made my like the book more or less than the average person - but it is a really charming and funny book.
Cambridge students beware however - the description of angst around exams and results may cause some distress.
January 9, 2026
First book of 2026, and definitely a great way to start out! I really enjoyed this book and absolutely adored George as a character. Highly recommend!
September 5, 2025
ZAC’S DEBUT NOVEL?! Yeah what a ride! From Bisexual American to Gay British Lad, I happily cast Tom Holland and Kit Connor for some reason in my brain even though they’re both British. Hahahaha! Anyways, Zac made the spicyness just the right amount for what feels like a YA? New adult? I don’t know, but the vibes were great! I love the rollercoaster of the drama between the two. Moments felt high stakes but we were met with TLC after. I really enjoyed it and so proud of ZAC. This was such a stellar debut novel. More GAY BOOKS!
July 27, 2025
Lucas is the classic straight-A student, while George is the classic American jock. They’re forced to collaborate as teammates for Cambridge University’s rowing team, where Lucas is the coxswain and George is the stroke (yes those are both terms I learned from this book). After a mishap, George has to prove himself not only on the water but in the classroom. While Lucas is used to commanding George on the course, he agrees to tutor George in their coursework in exchange for George’s help getting the attention of Lucas’s crush. But desperate times call for desperate measures, including Lucas plotting to help George cheat on exams so he can stay on the team. But as exam week approaches and tensions are high, will they be swept off course or swept off their feet by each other?
To start, I loved this book. I’m entering my #SportsRomance era, and bonus points if it’s (unapologetically) queer. I’ve seen many comparisons to #RedWhiteAndRoyalBlue, and I have to say this lives up to that comparison: #EnemiesToLovers, British-American forbidden romance, bi awakening, and so many more. The only downside was that I didn’t love how much academic cheating played a major role; it helps to drive some key plot points, but at times it felt a bit excessive. That said, I’d read it again in a heartbeat. It’s a cinematic debut novel, and I can’t wait to read anything Zac Hammett puts out next!
Reviewed as part of #ARC from #NetGalley. Many thanks to Zando Projects/Slowburn for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read this book if you love:
🐴 the polo scene in RWRB
🇬🇧 saying “proper banter”
🤓 equal parts nerdy and sporty flirting
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
To start, I loved this book. I’m entering my #SportsRomance era, and bonus points if it’s (unapologetically) queer. I’ve seen many comparisons to #RedWhiteAndRoyalBlue, and I have to say this lives up to that comparison: #EnemiesToLovers, British-American forbidden romance, bi awakening, and so many more. The only downside was that I didn’t love how much academic cheating played a major role; it helps to drive some key plot points, but at times it felt a bit excessive. That said, I’d read it again in a heartbeat. It’s a cinematic debut novel, and I can’t wait to read anything Zac Hammett puts out next!
Reviewed as part of #ARC from #NetGalley. Many thanks to Zando Projects/Slowburn for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read this book if you love:
🐴 the polo scene in RWRB
🇬🇧 saying “proper banter”
🤓 equal parts nerdy and sporty flirting
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
dnf
September 14, 2025Dnf @20%
March 12, 2025
Oh my, what a cute enemy’s to lovers romance story between two Cambridge rowing teammates. George was the fast rower and model while Lucas was the Cambridge cox. Lucas disliked George because he got special academic treatment due to being an amazing rower. They strike a deal when it was brought out in the open that George got special privileges from Cambridge and now had to take the exams on his own merit. Lucas would help him study for the final exams, and George would help Lucas seduce his long-time crush, Amir. What I loved was George. George was great from the beginning. He was sincere, kind, honest, and sweet to everyone. I actually felt bad for Amir. He was so kind to Lucas. And no clue why Lucas had a crush on him. Lucas was a bit of a pain early on. He had many misconceptions of George. He did redeem himself along the way. Together they formed a special friendship that lend to love. The slow burn of their love story was really good. I absolutely loved it. They were incredible together as a couple. The ending was amazing. Overall, it was a great and lovely debut from the author. Looking forward to their next book. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.
May 1, 2025
Oh my goodness—this was such a cute romance! I was really excited to read this one, especially since it's the only rowing romance I’ve ever come across, and I absolutely loved that it featured both Oxford and Cambridge.
Lucas and George are teammates on the Cambridge rowing team—Lucas is the cox, and George sits stroke seat, right at the front. After a rough race, their positions on the team are in jeopardy. On top of that, George is at risk of failing his course and desperately needs a tutor.
What follows is a slow burn romance that begins with a classic enemies-to-lovers setup—Lucas and George can’t stand each other at first. As someone who’s been on a rowing team, I found this *super fun* to read. It might be a bit niche, but the balance between the rowing elements and the romance was really well done.
George was probably my favourite character—he’s the kind of guy who always says exactly what he’s thinking, which led to some hilarious moments. The relationship dynamic was just perfect: Lucas and George complemented each other so well, and their chemistry really carried the story.
I adored the writing, the setting, and the sweet, playful romance. I’d *definitely* recommend this to anyone who enjoys:
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn
- Sports romance
- “You teach me, I’ll teach you”
- Opposites attract
- LGBTQ+ romance
This book hit all the right notes for me!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Lucas and George are teammates on the Cambridge rowing team—Lucas is the cox, and George sits stroke seat, right at the front. After a rough race, their positions on the team are in jeopardy. On top of that, George is at risk of failing his course and desperately needs a tutor.
What follows is a slow burn romance that begins with a classic enemies-to-lovers setup—Lucas and George can’t stand each other at first. As someone who’s been on a rowing team, I found this *super fun* to read. It might be a bit niche, but the balance between the rowing elements and the romance was really well done.
George was probably my favourite character—he’s the kind of guy who always says exactly what he’s thinking, which led to some hilarious moments. The relationship dynamic was just perfect: Lucas and George complemented each other so well, and their chemistry really carried the story.
I adored the writing, the setting, and the sweet, playful romance. I’d *definitely* recommend this to anyone who enjoys:
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn
- Sports romance
- “You teach me, I’ll teach you”
- Opposites attract
- LGBTQ+ romance
This book hit all the right notes for me!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
July 15, 2025
This was SUCH A CUUUUUTE m/m sports romcom!!
I wasn’t expecting much as some mixed reviews but I love me a romcom… and I LURVED this! 😍 I genuinely laughed out loud many times.
Based in Cambridge University Lucas is from a working class family and is top of his economics class. George is a US import who had his pick of universities based on his impressive rowing abilities. He’s a people pleaser but doesn’t put much (or any) effort into his studies, knowing that the Uni will ensure that he graduates anyway.
I don’t know a whole lot about rowing but seriously it is a perfect setup for an m/m romance. Our two MMCs Lucas and George are in the same team and their positions are at the stern of the boat facing each other - can anyone say TENSION
AND …. Can you believe their positions are ACTUALLY called the cox and the stroke!?! - m/m romance gold right there 😂
And can I just say that GEORGE was SUCH an ADORABLE DOOFUS - I loved his character so much and I just want to keep him 🫠
I’m 5 starring this - I audioed it and really enjoyed it so much! 😍
5⭐️
2 🌶️
I wasn’t expecting much as some mixed reviews but I love me a romcom… and I LURVED this! 😍 I genuinely laughed out loud many times.
Based in Cambridge University Lucas is from a working class family and is top of his economics class. George is a US import who had his pick of universities based on his impressive rowing abilities. He’s a people pleaser but doesn’t put much (or any) effort into his studies, knowing that the Uni will ensure that he graduates anyway.
I don’t know a whole lot about rowing but seriously it is a perfect setup for an m/m romance. Our two MMCs Lucas and George are in the same team and their positions are at the stern of the boat facing each other - can anyone say TENSION
AND …. Can you believe their positions are ACTUALLY called the cox and the stroke!?! - m/m romance gold right there 😂
And can I just say that GEORGE was SUCH an ADORABLE DOOFUS - I loved his character so much and I just want to keep him 🫠
I’m 5 starring this - I audioed it and really enjoyed it so much! 😍
5⭐️
2 🌶️
December 31, 2025
An hound adult novel detailing the story of two opposite crew companions. While both hate each other for their differences, they soon join a pact to help each other out… one to graduate and the other to find love. Both are taken out of their comfort zones together leading to an everlasting friendship… and potentially something more. In the end, they find true happiness away from their sport… and into each other’s arms.
June 6, 2025
This is okay in the fuzzy but predictable kind of way! I’m just happy to read some gay romance story
June 8, 2025
george and lucas 🚣 3.75 ⭐️ this was a cute easy read long chapters but fast moving, i don’t think lucas grovelled enough after what he did so was a bit disappointed in that aspect
June 14, 2025
Really enjoyed this one! As soon as I saw a rowing romance I knew I had to give it a shot and definitely don't regret it. This is a low angst, enemies to lovers romance set to the backdrop of the boat race. I loved the characters and as a former rower was very satisfied with how accurately the sport was portrayed!
March 16, 2025
ARC review - This was a super fun enemies to lovers book that morphs into a tutor, slow burn-y romance, George is a rowing god who's at risk of failing his final year at Cambridge, and strikes a deal with Lucas who's going to help make sure he gets through his dissertation and finals in exchange for lessons on how to approach Amir, Lucas's long-time crush.
Of course along the way lots of shenanigans happen, and while some of the academic plot is a little over the top (I mean, would there really be a conspiracy/professors turning a complete blind eye to allow George to never attend lectures and pass him over multiple years? A little silly but it didn't bother me that much), I found it extremely enjoyable to spend that time with the two characters who were so different from each other but brought out the best in each other.
The setting was also a bit of fresh air compared to the typical university-set sports romance. Really fun read that didn't take itself too seriously and pokes fun at a lot of topics, but also dealt in very real big feelings.
Of course along the way lots of shenanigans happen, and while some of the academic plot is a little over the top (I mean, would there really be a conspiracy/professors turning a complete blind eye to allow George to never attend lectures and pass him over multiple years? A little silly but it didn't bother me that much), I found it extremely enjoyable to spend that time with the two characters who were so different from each other but brought out the best in each other.
The setting was also a bit of fresh air compared to the typical university-set sports romance. Really fun read that didn't take itself too seriously and pokes fun at a lot of topics, but also dealt in very real big feelings.
October 9, 2025
I'm gonna be honest this was hot garbage and made me feel insane. Our two leads were just insufferable as main characters, Lucas especially. George is supposed to be not very book smart but somehow the writing has made him have the intellect of a toddler. This man is incapable of reading social situations (just shouting out random things during a college lecture) or even understanding his own emotions, and I'm supposed to believe this man is at least 22. I hate a dumb jock but I could have dealt with that if not for the nightmare that is Lucas. The way that he goes behind George's back to help him cheat on his finals is insane. At this point in the story George has verbalized that he's insecure about not being very smart but he wants to work hard and pass his classes on his own merit. Lucas taking that away from him and getting him expelled from school is unforgivable for me. It would take an insane amount of groveling to fix his mistake and Lucas did not follow through.
The pacing of the plot is also so strange. Having the expulsion as a third act conflict and then proceeding to have a time jump to the next school year is wild. These boys were on rival teams and had actual tension for about two chapters. It just felt like the plot was aimless and didn't know quite how to get to the author's desired point.
Also Amir deserved better!
The pacing of the plot is also so strange. Having the expulsion as a third act conflict and then proceeding to have a time jump to the next school year is wild. These boys were on rival teams and had actual tension for about two chapters. It just felt like the plot was aimless and didn't know quite how to get to the author's desired point.
Also Amir deserved better!
January 19, 2026
I went into “See You at the Finish Line” a little apprehensive, mostly because I know absolutely nothing about rowing and wasn’t sure if it would grab me. But honestly, it didn’t take long for the charm to win me over. The story follows George and Lucas, two Cambridge University rowers who can barely tolerate each other at first. George is the golden, all American athlete skating by on his sporting talent, while Lucas is a brilliant, sarcastic academic who works for everything he has. When George is forced to actually pass his exams to stay on the team, the two strike a deal that turns enemies into reluctant allies, then friends, and eventually something more. Even though the setup is very familiar, Zac Hammett makes it work through strong pacing and genuinely likable characters. Having both POVs really helps, because you get enough of their internal monologue to understand who they are and why they clash, and why they fit together. Their dynamic is fun and satisfying, and I found myself hooked and eager to keep turning pages.
That said, the book isn’t perfect, and that’s where the lukewarm part of my feelings comes in. Some plot points didn’t fully work for me, especially the whole Lucas helping George cheat on his exams, which didn’t made a lot of sense. There are also a few Harry Potter references that could have been left out. It’s 2026, we can let the boy wizard rest. Still, even with those issues, I had a really good time. The writing is charming and genuinely funny, and I laughed out loud more than once. The intimate scenes are few and not explicit, more implied than detailed, but the book is very sex positive and feels authentically queer in a way that’s easy to appreciate. In the end, this is one of those formulaic MM sports romcoms that absolutely works. It may not be flawless, but it’s fun, engaging, and made me look forward to picking it up every time, which honestly counts for a lot.
That said, the book isn’t perfect, and that’s where the lukewarm part of my feelings comes in. Some plot points didn’t fully work for me, especially the whole Lucas helping George cheat on his exams, which didn’t made a lot of sense. There are also a few Harry Potter references that could have been left out. It’s 2026, we can let the boy wizard rest. Still, even with those issues, I had a really good time. The writing is charming and genuinely funny, and I laughed out loud more than once. The intimate scenes are few and not explicit, more implied than detailed, but the book is very sex positive and feels authentically queer in a way that’s easy to appreciate. In the end, this is one of those formulaic MM sports romcoms that absolutely works. It may not be flawless, but it’s fun, engaging, and made me look forward to picking it up every time, which honestly counts for a lot.
August 10, 2025
First, I would like to start this review by thanking NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for me to read in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! Those who know me know I am not a super big fan of sports romance novels. But I discovered after reading Crash Test that I think I’m just not a fan of the continued use of dumb tropes in sports romance novels and sports that haven’t been overdone are super good to read. This was proven correct by just how much I loved this sports romance that takes place on the Cambridge rowing team.
I loved that this book didn’t oversell the drama. In my experience there are two types of bad romance novels, one that oversells the drama and one that undersells the drama to the point you wonder if that was supposed to be the drama. This book did the perfect amount of drama in my opinion. All the drama in it had a point and moved the story or relationships forward. I think because of this the ending was even cuter than I thought it would be with the way that they meet again at the same race where the whole book begins. The spicy rating was also a level 4.
Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 star rating and I can say with 100% confidence that I would purchase a copy of this book for my library.
I absolutely loved this book! Those who know me know I am not a super big fan of sports romance novels. But I discovered after reading Crash Test that I think I’m just not a fan of the continued use of dumb tropes in sports romance novels and sports that haven’t been overdone are super good to read. This was proven correct by just how much I loved this sports romance that takes place on the Cambridge rowing team.
I loved that this book didn’t oversell the drama. In my experience there are two types of bad romance novels, one that oversells the drama and one that undersells the drama to the point you wonder if that was supposed to be the drama. This book did the perfect amount of drama in my opinion. All the drama in it had a point and moved the story or relationships forward. I think because of this the ending was even cuter than I thought it would be with the way that they meet again at the same race where the whole book begins. The spicy rating was also a level 4.
Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 star rating and I can say with 100% confidence that I would purchase a copy of this book for my library.
May 27, 2025
4.5⭐️ 1🌶️
AD-PR PRODUCT
A fantastic MM enemies to lovers romance! 🩵
I really enjoyed this romance book set in Cambridge and I really didn’t want it to end. The characters had my full attention and I loved watching the story unfold.
George and Lucas are on the Cambridge University rowing team. George is American and a real womaniser, but he’s academically not thriving. Lucas is desperate for a boyfriend and has a huge crush on Amir. Together they come up with a plan for George to cheat his way to the top and for Lucas to bag the man of his dreams. But as they get closer and make a great duo, will they be able to achieve what they want?
I do love an enemies to lovers book and it was no different here. Hammett has constructed characters, that didn’t even feel like characters and I loved how they worked well in this sports romance.
George and Lucas were polar opposites, but the spark between them was clearly ignited and I couldn’t help but scream at them in my head, for them to see it themselves. I loved their mission to support each other, and how this unravelled to add tension to the read. I was happy, heart warmed, angry and impressed throughout this book.
Whilst this book isn’t predominantly spicy, I did enjoy those moments towards the end. There was defintely more than one type of cox! 😏
I found the start a little slow, but like the boys in the rowing race, the pace quickened and I flew through this book. Overall, this was a wonderful read.
A huge thank you @zaffrebooks for this proof copy of See You at the Finish Line which is out now! 🩵
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
AD-PR PRODUCT
A fantastic MM enemies to lovers romance! 🩵
I really enjoyed this romance book set in Cambridge and I really didn’t want it to end. The characters had my full attention and I loved watching the story unfold.
George and Lucas are on the Cambridge University rowing team. George is American and a real womaniser, but he’s academically not thriving. Lucas is desperate for a boyfriend and has a huge crush on Amir. Together they come up with a plan for George to cheat his way to the top and for Lucas to bag the man of his dreams. But as they get closer and make a great duo, will they be able to achieve what they want?
I do love an enemies to lovers book and it was no different here. Hammett has constructed characters, that didn’t even feel like characters and I loved how they worked well in this sports romance.
George and Lucas were polar opposites, but the spark between them was clearly ignited and I couldn’t help but scream at them in my head, for them to see it themselves. I loved their mission to support each other, and how this unravelled to add tension to the read. I was happy, heart warmed, angry and impressed throughout this book.
Whilst this book isn’t predominantly spicy, I did enjoy those moments towards the end. There was defintely more than one type of cox! 😏
I found the start a little slow, but like the boys in the rowing race, the pace quickened and I flew through this book. Overall, this was a wonderful read.
A huge thank you @zaffrebooks for this proof copy of See You at the Finish Line which is out now! 🩵
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
September 25, 2025
Here I am yapping about yet another sport that I know nothing about - ROWING ROMANCE?! - and yet I was SO captivated by See You at the Finish Line! This story was unputdownable from the very first chapter. The descriptions are vivid. The characters are funny and relatable. And I actually learned quite a lot about rowing! And the audiobook is FANTASTIC - highly recommend!
I'm not usually a huge fan of hate to love, but in this story it worked SO well to create tension between himbo golden retriever George and fiery black cat Lucas. George needs a passing grade after coasting for years at Cambridge and Lucas needs help flirting with the guy of his dreams, so they both reluctantly agree to help each other. Of course shenanigans, misunderstandings, and some spicy situations ensue (the closet scene OH MY STARS), and it's almost like the guys don't even realize that they are falling for each other until the very last possible moment. Though I did REALLY love sweet George, who is loveable but can definitely be a little clueless, prickly Lucas really did have my heart for most of the book. He's really trying to prove something, and I think he learns a lot about himself in the process.
I listened to this one as an audiobook and y'all, the narrators are FANTASTIC! Both Josh Wichard and Luke R. Francis are incredible voice actors, and their narration added a lot to the story. Their voices plus the story they were reading really made this feel like I was listening to a movie.
See You at the Finish Line is a masterful bit of writing, and I'm very impressed that this is Zac Hammett's romance debut. Definitely on my must-read list, and I'll be looking forward to his next book for sure!
I'm not usually a huge fan of hate to love, but in this story it worked SO well to create tension between himbo golden retriever George and fiery black cat Lucas. George needs a passing grade after coasting for years at Cambridge and Lucas needs help flirting with the guy of his dreams, so they both reluctantly agree to help each other. Of course shenanigans, misunderstandings, and some spicy situations ensue (the closet scene OH MY STARS), and it's almost like the guys don't even realize that they are falling for each other until the very last possible moment. Though I did REALLY love sweet George, who is loveable but can definitely be a little clueless, prickly Lucas really did have my heart for most of the book. He's really trying to prove something, and I think he learns a lot about himself in the process.
I listened to this one as an audiobook and y'all, the narrators are FANTASTIC! Both Josh Wichard and Luke R. Francis are incredible voice actors, and their narration added a lot to the story. Their voices plus the story they were reading really made this feel like I was listening to a movie.
See You at the Finish Line is a masterful bit of writing, and I'm very impressed that this is Zac Hammett's romance debut. Definitely on my must-read list, and I'll be looking forward to his next book for sure!
September 30, 2025
Much like the famous line "You had me at hello", "See You at the Finish Line" had me at 'rivals to lovers'. I picked up this book by Zac Hammett and didn't put it down until I finished it. The plot itself was delightful, but what really captivated me was George. I'm not sure if this applies to everyone, but sometimes imposter syndrome hits really hard, and you're convinced that no one thinks you're cut out for what you're doing, and on top of that, you also don't believe in yourself. On the outside, George is cool, calm, and collected, but internally, he shares some of the same insecurities many of us have. Because his character was so well-written, it was very easy to relate to him.
I haven't read anything by Zac Hammett before, but I enjoyed this novel quite a bit. The plot moved, and wasn't predictable in nature, which I find often happens in romance novels. For me, it was something I would heartily recommend, particularly because it's refreshing to read a well-written MM novel written by a man.
If you're looking for something light-hearted with just a teeny tiny touch of angst, this is your book!
Rounded up from 3.8
I haven't read anything by Zac Hammett before, but I enjoyed this novel quite a bit. The plot moved, and wasn't predictable in nature, which I find often happens in romance novels. For me, it was something I would heartily recommend, particularly because it's refreshing to read a well-written MM novel written by a man.
If you're looking for something light-hearted with just a teeny tiny touch of angst, this is your book!
Rounded up from 3.8
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