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UK Crush #2

Diving Deep

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Loving a rock star is easy when the lights are bright.
It’s what happens after the encore that changes everything.

Birdie followed her heart across the world for Teddy. Japan gave them fire, passion, and the promise of forever. London gives them reality.

In the city where Teddy’s fame is unavoidable and his past refuses to stay buried, Birdie finds herself alone in a grand house, surrounded by whispers, headlines, and doubt. Teddy is still the man she loves. Still intense. Still intoxicating. But the distance between them is no longer measured in miles. It’s measured in silence, secrets, and the growing fear that love might not be enough to survive the spotlight.

As the band’s world collides with hers, Birdie is forced to face the hardest truth of being chosen once doesn’t guarantee you’ll be chosen again.

Diving Deep is a steamy, emotionally charged rockstar romance filled with longing looks, aching separation, fierce devotion, and the kind of love that demands everything. Set against the pulse of London and the pressure of global fame, this second installment pulls readers deeper into the U.K. Crush universe, where desire burns hot, hearts break hard, and happily-ever-after is never easy—but always worth fighting for.

Perfect for readers who

Rockstar romance with real emotional weightFame vs. love conflictDeep POV and intense intimacyJealousy, miscommunication, and reunion heatA devoted hero who would burn the world down for his girl

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2025

16 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

Tani Hanes

67 books254 followers
I was born in Japan, raised in central California, and am now lucky enough to live in New York City. I've wanted to write for so long, and decided to celebrate my birthday by finally doing it! Anyone, everyone who wants to, DO IT. Write what you love, what makes you happy, otherwise what's the point? There's nothing like getting a tearful text from an advance copy beta reader asking, "Why?? Why did you do that to her?!" Being a substitute teacher for fifteen years gave me some good ideas for what today's younger readers would enjoy, and I hope you do :o)

Be sure to visit my web site at www.tanihanes.com and signup for the VIP Readers List for access to pre-releases, bonus materials, giveaways, and other goodies!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Daisy Delfin.
1,493 reviews179 followers
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April 28, 2024
I didn't finish the book and didn't finish the series. I stoped at 28%. I couldn't see relationships forming with all guys and things became boring. If you have a slow burn you need a good plot. And here the plot wasn't that good.
2 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book of this series (Living in the Shallows) and was pleased to read the second one and did so quickly. Like the first one, I liked the relationship between the MC and her guy in Diving Deep -- it was a cute romance and it makes for easy reading on commutes when you don't want to be bogged down with work and would rather have a quick escape (VERY much appreciated!).

I was happy to see more of Teddy and Birdie's relationship in this story. I was rooting for them (and wondering about their fate!) a few times in the first book, so as a fan of their relationship, FINALLY getting to the "this is what happened next" part that the ending of the first book promised was wonderful. They're cute, fun, happy, and in love, and they're basking in all that and the perks that come with it (read: smut! So be prepared). In addition to sweet and sexy moments, though, there were also some frustrating ones.

In particular, I found myself getting more vexed with Teddy and some of the sneaky ways he cared for Birdie. I understand that she's independent, and I understand that he cares about her AND has the means to provide for her, so why wouldn't he? That's what everyone dreams of (taking care of the people they love). But it was a little maddening, although I must admit this is almost 100% a personal preference. Maybe part of the fantasy, which this series delivers so well, is having a guy who so completely dotes on you that he'd do basically *anything*, even overriding stubborn independence. Hmm....

I also wish that we could see some real tension between our two favorite people CAUSED by our two favorite people rather than by outside forces -- I'm a sucker for that sort of pain, though (again, personal preference!).

Something that DOES promise this sort of tension (at least potentially) is... something I can't talk about! It's a major spoiler, but I will say it has the possibility to stir things up between Birdie, Teddy, and at least one other character if not more as we see more of the story unfold, so get reading to find out what I'm talking about! ;)
Profile Image for Betwixt the Pages.
575 reviews75 followers
September 7, 2017
Learning to live can be difficult. Aileen Foster, aka Tinker Bell the Bitchtastic, aka Birdie, has come to London to live with Theo Shelley, who is one quarter of UK Crush, the most popular boyband in the world, while she prepares for her piano audition to Hamilton Conservatory in New York. She's new to England, to relationships, to love, to life, really. But she's trying.


Rating: 3.75/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: holy hot flippers!; so many delicious, steamy scenes; tons of angst and drama; some skeezy, sleazy moments; maybe just a bit longer than it should have been?; I was a little disappointed by this installment


Huge thanks to Tani Hanes for sending me free egalleys of this title/series in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book/series.

Once again, Tani Hanes wrote a roMESS of drama, angst, hormones, and heavy emotions. In this installment, Teddy and Birdie are, for the most part, off on their own--away from the rest of the boys and the rest of the world, resting up between the band's gigs. This was a nice transition--to see the couple away from everyone, with their focus mostly on each other. There were so many steamy, sexy scenes, I couldn't imagine trying to pick a favorite. We also got several deeper glimpses into the roiling emotions happening between the pair--Teddy's emotional crises, especially, were equally endearing and frustrating.

But there was also a feeling of disconnect throughout that bothered me about this book. Of course, this was part of the point--Teddy and Birdie do go through a fair amount of heavy emotional drama. There was just something amiss, I suppose--I can't even put my finger on exactly what it was, unless I was missing the group being all together? I'm not sure. It was disappointing, whatever it was--I was expecting more adorable moments, for one. And yes, there were several moments my brain melted for...but a very large portion of this book took place in the bedroom, and while I'm not afraid of getting steamy, I felt there maybe wasn't enough plot otherwise to warrant how LONG this book felt while reading.

"Good morning, darling." He gathered me in, hugging and tickling me at the same time, making me shriek and scare the kittens off the bed, where they had crept in the night.

"And I'm rendered deaf again," he said, covering my mouth with his hand.

"Well, if you don't want me screaming in your ear you shouldn't tickle me when my mouth is so close to your head," I said reasonably, snuggling up to him.


I do love when the whole group is together and thriving. I'm hoping that the next installment will bring them back to each other--and while there are bound to be bumps and bruises along the way, they're sure to face those adversities together. Or at least try. I guess there's something different about the GROUP, together, than there is about one or two members off on their own. While we maybe get more intimate looks into those specific members' heads...it's not quite as comfortable as seeing them all together? I'm not sure if that even makes any sense, but there you have it.

Still, this was a mostly adorable read. There were some really skeezy, sleazy moments that I wasn't expecting to encounter going into this read, but...I suppose we all make mistakes when it comes to love and emotions, right? So I'll overlook them in hopes that lessons were learned. There were so so many steamy moments, I might have lost track of the actual plot at times...but the emotional roMESS was still entertaining to read! I'd recommend this to lovers of new adult, sexy bedroom scenes, and a group of hearts just trying to figure it all out. Dive deep into this relationship, Penguins; just don't forget to breathe as needed!
Profile Image for Didi Oviatt.
Author 30 books193 followers
May 19, 2017
Diving Deep is quite HOT love story! I gotta say, I started out having quite the infatuation for Theo (Teddy). I even told everyone about halfway through the story that he was sure to be my book boyfriend lol.. Sadly, he let me down. His communication skills with Aileen (birdie, or even Tinker Bell) are lacking in many MANY ways. He made me so mad! Ultimately, he came to his senses thank the Lord. But, the simple fact that he handled her and life the way he did pretty much turned me completely off to him. I can't even believe Tink puts up with his crap the way she did. I get that it's love and that you do crazy things in the name of it, but wow.

So, now that I'm done with my short little rant and rave, let me tell you what I DID love about this book. In ways it redeemed my anger and I'm still very much looking forward to the next books in the series.

The writing is great. At times it's a little repetitive (which normally I don't particularly care for), but it actually works with Aileen and her story, as it really drills the emotions into your soul. I liked that even though they are stupid at communicating their problems, it's real. Real couples in real life do often suck at communication, especially when they're new at deep long-term relationships.

In a way this book kind of forced me to put my own voice-tress altercation tendencies aside and make an attempt to realize that not everyone is so outspoken with their problems in a relationship. More often than not people do let assumptions ruin their lives without actually talking out their problems and fixing things together. Just because I personally get irritated by it, doesn't mean that the struggle isn't real.

As far as diving deep goes, I liked it. I didn't love it as much as the first book, but I do feel involved. I feel like I'm there, and now a part of Aileen's life so I can't wait to see what the next couple of books bring about. I have my bets!
8 reviews
November 16, 2017
So, a big thank you to Tani because Diving Deep is a clear continuation of Living in the Shallows. It's really not nice when you have to guess, imagine or left to wonder what happened between the gaps.

Now, Tink or Birdie as Theo likes to call her has settled in and reconciled with her feelings for Theo, with a wonderful routine of eat, sex, sleep, sleepy sex, shower sex, eat, play and sex again........

The sex scenes were detailed, (enough to keep the reader in a constant state of horny alert, lols) which is good!
The bond between the other guys and Tink was so sweet, they loved each other so much that I wanted to be a part of them.😘

Although Theo's insecurities and his inability to communicate properly broke my heart, it's so relatable because this is what happens in real life.
The thing with Tink's professor could have been dealt with if he had opened up to her, like she was aware of his problems with management, most especially his publicist (oh mehhnnn, I would have given everything just to see the look on her face hahahaha) .

Another sweet thing about this book was that Theo's family all accepted Aileen, not minding that she wasn't from a prestigious family or that she hadn't a name that rang a bell.

Did I mention that Tink's a foodie? Yes, she is, and my partner in crime 😎.
She cries alot, which I like too, considering the fact that I sometimes wonder if my younger sister is normal for crying over every little thing, Lols.

I love love love this book so much that I can't compare it to the first one. And after all the misunderstanding, issues were resolved and they fell back pretty much into their routine 😉.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,215 reviews42 followers
June 20, 2019
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

What I received was actually a box set of the entire series, and I was really excited at the time because I loved the concept of a story about a boyband. It took me back to being a teenager. I forced myself through the entirety of the first book, even though it was rife with toxic masculinity, issues regarding consent and borderline physical and emotional abuse from just about every character in the book. By the end of that one, I had decided that I would give this one a chance and decide from there if I was going to finish the series. Needless to say, I'm not.

This book starts off with an "adult" scene during which the male character is trying to lay claim to parts of the female character's body. Being that I was already pretty much done, this was enough for me to quit the entire series. I'm not sure how anyone can possibly call this romance or think this behavior is okay, but I won't read it.
Profile Image for Joh  Ejercito.
1 review
October 14, 2017
I haven't read the first book when I started reading this so at first I thought it was weird how she can casually kiss the boys but then later on, I started to find it cute. Teddy and Birdie are so cute, I just want them to be alive and be real, y'know? I love that this book brings out every emotion in you. I cried, I laughed, I even got mad at...Okay, I'll stop here before I get to spill the spoilers lol! I'll teach you a Filipino word that you can use in substitute with "butterfly in my stomach"....It's kilig! Kilig is when you feel that romantic excitement, they usually describe it in books as to when you feel "butterflies in your stomach". HAHA! I hope you get it! More power to Tani!
Profile Image for Antisocial4u.
7 reviews
July 10, 2017
Where do I even begin .Book 1(Living in the Shallows) helped me prepare myself for book 2 . Book 2 for me was filled with alot of drama,both good and bad , the overall setting of the book was love and also mystery.I think the author really outdid herself . This book really went into great detail about insecurities and basically how those insecurities can change someone's aspect and view of life. I've really come to appreciate this book💓.I would recommend this book to any of my friends . It's BEAUTIFUL!!!!
1 review
February 19, 2018
This was my first book to read from all the Uk crush series.. it was something like love at first sight for me. It was everything I needed to become completely engrossed in this book...I can only say I love this book and the author. She was generous enough to allow us to be part of something so great and full of love..
Profile Image for Praise .
5 reviews
November 14, 2020
Diving deep is a continuation of the first book and tells how Tink goes to live with Teddy in London. Despite the naysayers who think their relationship is a publicity stunt, and selfish Dr Allen of Thornton who drives them apart by corroborating Teddy's insecurities, they come out stronger than ever 😜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carla.
12 reviews12 followers
September 20, 2017
OMG!!! I CAN'T EVEN...
This book is in my heart. *spoiler*
This is the 1st book that starts with a relationship and ends with the same relationship in good terms. Teddy is a sweet heart. But so vulnerable, so insecure... Is not very common to see the guy like him. I love this book!
2 reviews
October 5, 2017
This story, like the first, had me reading nonstop! I loved how the characters faced issues concerning self esteem and communication, real life issues that couples deal with, and the author shows how love can be difficult, but it’s worth it. I absolutely loved it! Again, this book gets 5 stars!
Profile Image for Simonne.
190 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2018
Okay, so in the name of full disclosure, let me start off by saying that this review comes at you after the book has been read twice. Why is that significant? you may ask. Well, because, dear reader, the first time I read it, I hadn’t read the first book. So, now I can give you my honest opinion after having reread the story after the first one, just like the lovely Tani intended.

Anyways, on to the review! Long story short, I loved it! It was entertaining, well written and an absolute pleasure to read. It’s funny, because if you’ve read my review for Living in the Shallows, you’d know my gripes were that there isn’t enough conflict and too much unrealistic praise. I am so happy to say that those issues were totally absent with Diving Deep!

The story starts off on a great note (both in terms of the actual writing and the plot for the characters) leaving off pretty much where the first ended. Something I really enjoyed, because if there is going to be seven of these, I appreciate there not being major time jumps that confuse me. (Wait, that happened when?, know what I mean?) There are a series of nice, entertaining events involving some travels and seeing the rest of the band members.

Now, onto what I think are the good parts (Well, it’s all good, these are just what I think are extra good!) Teddy and Tink have a whole bunch to deal with! It mainly comes in the form of insecurities, which is why I say there is no longer that “unrealistic” praise. These insecurities are very real, and the comforts exchanged by the characters are the things I yell in my head while reading. Now, towards the middle to the end things get very angsty, so much so that my heart hurt!  All throughout, I was left guessing through the beautifully written trials.

Like I’ve said, this is the second book of SEVEN, so in the grand scheme of things, I don’t think anything particular major happens in this one. This isn’t a criticism; what I’m saying is that I think this is more of a transition, story is rolling along kind of book. I’m anticipating much more ground-breaking events in the next ones! Overall, I think there’s really one little thing that has the potential to make a splash in the following books, and I’m so excited to see how it pans out!

Kissing, lots of kissing! This story definitely has mature content, with lots of references to sex and detailed sex scenes. Does it bother me? No. Will it bother you? Maybe, that’s why I’m mentioning it. (And hey, I don’t judge! You might want to read it just for those!)

Reading some comments, I see a lot of readers are a bit…troubled by the fact that Tinker Bell kisses all the boys on the mouth. Being completely honest, I think those come from the younger readers who automatically think it’s cheating. For me, I don’t mind it at all. There’s a huge difference between kissing someone close while your boyfriend watches and is okay with it, versus there being feelings behind it and being completely guilty over the fact you’ve done it ;). I mention this because I think for some readers it took away from the story much more than it should have.

Okay, final comments! This book left me extremely excited for the remaining ones in the series! I love the characters, and my only problem with them, is that I want all of them to be with Tinker Bell! In the first book I was in love with Matty, and in this one…boy oh boy, Gethin! I completely swoon over him!
Profile Image for Shannon.
299 reviews44 followers
April 23, 2017
Diving Deep is so different from the first novel, it almost felt like a new series. It also made me like and appreciate the series a little bit more. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the first book, but like Aileen’s transformation, Diving Deep takes us in a much more mature and sexier direction.

Living in the Shallows ends with Tink barely coming to terms with her feelings for Theo, but deciding to take a leap of faith to join him in England. Upon arrival, she learns the true extent of his love and devotion, and they consummate their relationship (Tink’s first time). Diving Deep picks up right where we left the new lovers. Literally the morning after.

The novel is more or less the story of Tink and Theo falling in love, and equally important, Tink learning to embrace her new life. She discovers how to be the person she really is and because of her growing confidence in their love, she learns how to embrace it. Her transformation is like night and day, and I loved that. Also, Theo is totally adorable! He is the perfect mix of boyish charm and damaged goods. Which of course, is bait for most women. He’s not a bad boy because his intentions are so pure, but his history defintley makes him more complicated. Thus, he is also learning a lot about himself in the progression of their story.

The rest of the band pop in and out of the story and there are many glamorous and not so glamorous moments as Tink learns how to live in the spotlight alongside the boys. This makes for excellent reading. Additionally, this book is HOT! Like we’re talking 50 shades hot! But unlike those books, this is actually extremely well-written and the plot is enjoyable.

Diving Deep, like the rest of the series is a little fanciful. I mean, how often does a “regular” girl, have a “regular” boy who happens to be a rock star, fall in love with them? Oh, and then makes all their dreams come true? That said, it’s all in good fun and there’s nothing wrong with a little fantasy.

I really enjoyed this one guys and I highly recommend that you check out the rest of the series.

Rating… A
Profile Image for Gracie Ramos.
5 reviews
April 10, 2017
I love this story, Its like new generation of Cinderella. The first series Living in the Shollows its so amazing.
7 reviews
November 10, 2017
I am loving this series. The book is quite addictive and I read it very fast as I just couldn't stop.
Tink's life is becoming better because:
1. She has a wonderful boyfriend, Theo, who simply adores her,
2. She moved to London to prepare for her audition for Hamilton
3. The band still loves her and
4. Many of her dreams are coming true, even those that seemed impossible not so long ago.

I can't wait to read more of this series, it's just awesome.
6 reviews
November 11, 2017
Diving deep is really good and to be read by all.I love the relationship between Teddy and Tink , when they had their fight I was really scared they would break up I was at tears already so Happy they made up. looking forward to the rest of the book.
That her tutor is so foolish to think he can come between both of them so Happy they made his stupid ass. The book is a bomb it needs to be read by all
Profile Image for Notgonewiththewind.
8 reviews1 follower
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April 13, 2018
It’s amazing book. I enjoy reading it. Boys and Tink are my new favourite characters. This book is entertaining and fun reading. In this book shows how Theo and Tink’s relationship grows. I like Theo and Tink’s conversations... They are funny in some parts.
Tink also grow up in this book with boys. She is more open and come out of her shell. I like Geth in this book. He is the sweet but the Theo is sweetest. I like the way he care of tink.
I love the way you describe their feelings its help always to understand whats going on there mind. This is great book to read. I love it totally.
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