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Every Breath You Take: A Sweet Sports RomCom
Not yet published
Expected 20 Feb 26What if the stranger who knows your secrets is the one standing right in front of you?
Talon Everhart has spent his whole life swimming toward one goal—the Olympics. Now, with his final chance on the line, the pressure is more intense than ever. Everyone sees him as the golden boy in the pool, but no one knows about the words he hides behind under an anonymous writing account … or the girl whose comments have become the one thing keeping him afloat.
Livvi Dayton has made a career out of working harder than everyone else. If she can just keep pushing forward, maybe she can outrun the shadows of her parents’ mistakes and finally achieve the success she’s been dreaming of. But when the town’s swim celebrity keeps showing up in her life, his easy charm and quiet intensity have a way of making her wonder what she truly wants out of life. Except with every message she shares with an anonymous writer who knows her heart too well, untangling the truth of her feelings only gets harder.
As their connection deepens both on the page and in real life, Talon and Livvi discover that the dreams they’ve been chasing might not be the ones that matter most.
Will the truth drown them—or teach them how to finally breathe?
Every Breath You Take is a closed-door sports romcom featuring secret identities, slow-burn tension, and a quirky blue tang fish that steals the spotlight.
Enjoy the other full-length books in The Love Playbook series, which can be read in any
Tackle My Heart by Marion De Ré (Football/Soccer)
Love Catch by Laura Langa (Baseball)
Every Breath You Take by Larissa Hommes (Swimming)
Don't Crosse the Line by Britney M. Mills (Lacrosse)
The Neighbor Playbook by Kristine W. Joy (Basketball)
Try for Love by Dana LeCheminant (Rugby)
First Down, Second Chances by Deb Goodman (American Football)
Faking Fore-Ever by Abby Greyson (Golf)
Talon Everhart has spent his whole life swimming toward one goal—the Olympics. Now, with his final chance on the line, the pressure is more intense than ever. Everyone sees him as the golden boy in the pool, but no one knows about the words he hides behind under an anonymous writing account … or the girl whose comments have become the one thing keeping him afloat.
Livvi Dayton has made a career out of working harder than everyone else. If she can just keep pushing forward, maybe she can outrun the shadows of her parents’ mistakes and finally achieve the success she’s been dreaming of. But when the town’s swim celebrity keeps showing up in her life, his easy charm and quiet intensity have a way of making her wonder what she truly wants out of life. Except with every message she shares with an anonymous writer who knows her heart too well, untangling the truth of her feelings only gets harder.
As their connection deepens both on the page and in real life, Talon and Livvi discover that the dreams they’ve been chasing might not be the ones that matter most.
Will the truth drown them—or teach them how to finally breathe?
Every Breath You Take is a closed-door sports romcom featuring secret identities, slow-burn tension, and a quirky blue tang fish that steals the spotlight.
Enjoy the other full-length books in The Love Playbook series, which can be read in any
Tackle My Heart by Marion De Ré (Football/Soccer)
Love Catch by Laura Langa (Baseball)
Every Breath You Take by Larissa Hommes (Swimming)
Don't Crosse the Line by Britney M. Mills (Lacrosse)
The Neighbor Playbook by Kristine W. Joy (Basketball)
Try for Love by Dana LeCheminant (Rugby)
First Down, Second Chances by Deb Goodman (American Football)
Faking Fore-Ever by Abby Greyson (Golf)
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 20, 2026
6 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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January 17, 2026I had the privilege of proofreading this one! I think it's my favorite of any I've read from Larissa. Coming February 20th!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a great read!
This is part of The Love Playbook multi author series. It can be read as a standalone, but you'll really want to read the full series.
With You've Got Mail vibes, this story follows Talon and Livvi who meet online but also meet in person - not knowing that they are the same individual.
Larissa Hommes has a way with writing a story that sucks you in from the start and keeps your attention to the very end. I may or may not have stayed up way past my bedtime to finish the story because I was that invested.
I loved the banter between Talon and Livvi, was endeared to the side characters, and was laughing out loud one moment and swooning the next.
One moral of this story is that we all probably have external expectations that are placed on use - whether it is from family members, work, etc., and we need to remember that it is ok to choose our own path and find what will make us happy. The path will be different for each of us, but it is our own path - and that is ok.
Make sure to get your copy of this book - it's one you won't wan to miss.
I received an advance copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Everyone has their battles, right? And the harder you fight for the life you want, the harder it is to let someone else into it. Sometimes, it feels like you have to choose between your own path and...something else you want but aren't sure you can have."
"You're not just a stopwatch number."
"...she noticed. She remembered. She cared enough to act on it. Not because she had to, not because there was anything in it for her, but because she thought I needed it."
"...you see me. Even the parts I try to keep hidden."
"Sometimes the scariest leap is the one that matters most."
"Fate might bring people together, but it's what you choose to do with it that matters."
"...this was exactly what I hadn't known I was searching for. Someone who cared enough to know all sides of me - and still wanted to be with me."
This is part of The Love Playbook multi author series. It can be read as a standalone, but you'll really want to read the full series.
With You've Got Mail vibes, this story follows Talon and Livvi who meet online but also meet in person - not knowing that they are the same individual.
Larissa Hommes has a way with writing a story that sucks you in from the start and keeps your attention to the very end. I may or may not have stayed up way past my bedtime to finish the story because I was that invested.
I loved the banter between Talon and Livvi, was endeared to the side characters, and was laughing out loud one moment and swooning the next.
One moral of this story is that we all probably have external expectations that are placed on use - whether it is from family members, work, etc., and we need to remember that it is ok to choose our own path and find what will make us happy. The path will be different for each of us, but it is our own path - and that is ok.
Make sure to get your copy of this book - it's one you won't wan to miss.
I received an advance copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Everyone has their battles, right? And the harder you fight for the life you want, the harder it is to let someone else into it. Sometimes, it feels like you have to choose between your own path and...something else you want but aren't sure you can have."
"You're not just a stopwatch number."
"...she noticed. She remembered. She cared enough to act on it. Not because she had to, not because there was anything in it for her, but because she thought I needed it."
"...you see me. Even the parts I try to keep hidden."
"Sometimes the scariest leap is the one that matters most."
"Fate might bring people together, but it's what you choose to do with it that matters."
"...this was exactly what I hadn't known I was searching for. Someone who cared enough to know all sides of me - and still wanted to be with me."
Review of advance copy received from Author
I signed up for this ARC having never read a Larissa book before, and it was such a cute read!
I was a competitive swimmer for most of my childhood & swam in college for a semester. I know the lingo and this world pretty well. Larissa did a great job portraying the time and effort swimmers have to put into their sport, especially those who do it in college and at the elite level. You literally eat, sleep & breathe your sport at that point. Talon struggling with his identity is something I dealt with too when I quit. Not knowing who you are outside your sport feels like a crisis, and adding to the fact people didn’t really see him for his true self, was obviously a true stressor.
Livvi was also carrying a load too heavy for herself, working herself to the bone. I’m so glad Talon brought some relief in the form of friendship and banter to her life. Roxie was funny & I liked how the two girls got folded into the trio of swimmers for a friend group.
Anonymous online pen pals is microtrope catnip for me, so I was having fun watching that side of the story play out. Overall, the story kept me reading with its slow burn, secret-filled plot. I’m interested to read more of Larissa’s writing!
Thanks for the ARC, Larissa! All thoughts are my own. 😊
CW: This is a clean, closed-door romance. There’s mention of hands-off parenting, absent parents, and parental pressure on characters
I was a competitive swimmer for most of my childhood & swam in college for a semester. I know the lingo and this world pretty well. Larissa did a great job portraying the time and effort swimmers have to put into their sport, especially those who do it in college and at the elite level. You literally eat, sleep & breathe your sport at that point. Talon struggling with his identity is something I dealt with too when I quit. Not knowing who you are outside your sport feels like a crisis, and adding to the fact people didn’t really see him for his true self, was obviously a true stressor.
Livvi was also carrying a load too heavy for herself, working herself to the bone. I’m so glad Talon brought some relief in the form of friendship and banter to her life. Roxie was funny & I liked how the two girls got folded into the trio of swimmers for a friend group.
Anonymous online pen pals is microtrope catnip for me, so I was having fun watching that side of the story play out. Overall, the story kept me reading with its slow burn, secret-filled plot. I’m interested to read more of Larissa’s writing!
Thanks for the ARC, Larissa! All thoughts are my own. 😊
CW: This is a clean, closed-door romance. There’s mention of hands-off parenting, absent parents, and parental pressure on characters
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a cute addition to The Love Playbook series this one was... taking on a sport that we don't see too often in romance: swimming! Not to mention, all the You've Got Mail vibes and a blue tang fish that helps bring them together too! What's not to enjoy? I enjoyed Talon and Livvi right from their library meet-cute. Talon is a character who at first glance comes across as a bit cocky... but who, we see as we get to know him better, actually has a lot of layers to him that I really enjoyed seeing throughout the story. These two had a cute dynamic between them in both real life and their online interactions, it's playful and flirty, but also really genuine and caring too. Seriously though, who would have thought taking care of a fish together could be romantic? And yet, it absolutely was! There was just something about these two that I couldn't get enough of. If you love secret pen pals and a sport romance beyond the usual sports, this is certainly one you'll want to add to your TBR.
Every Breath You Take is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minimal minor language. It is part of The Love Playbook series. This is a multi-author series of standalones with each book featuring a different sport and an adopted pet. They can be enjoyed in any order.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Every Breath You Take is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minimal minor language. It is part of The Love Playbook series. This is a multi-author series of standalones with each book featuring a different sport and an adopted pet. They can be enjoyed in any order.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for giving me the ARC!! This review is completely honest!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
✅️swimming romance
✅️you've got mail vibes (basically one of my top three favourite tropes ever)
✅️library meet cute
✅️SLOW burn🔥
✅️fish parents
I absolutely loved this book! I read it in (almost) one sitting, and it was impossible to stop reading it.
The characters had a lot of depth and were so easy to understand.
In the first few chapters, I wasn't sure about this because Livvi's personality seemed kind of inconsistent (though I liked the confidence AND the awkwardness), but that cleared up pretty soon as we learned more about her.
Talon was the most considerate and perfect book boyfriend ever! With his secret writing career, his swimming, his relationship with his dad, he was so well written.
The big reveal was just so cute.
I loved the friendships and family in this, I would totally love to have them on page for longer... (also Roxie and Ledger>>> I can't wait for their book!)
Definitely reading the rest of The Love Playbook Series!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
✅️swimming romance
✅️you've got mail vibes (basically one of my top three favourite tropes ever)
✅️library meet cute
✅️SLOW burn🔥
✅️fish parents
I absolutely loved this book! I read it in (almost) one sitting, and it was impossible to stop reading it.
The characters had a lot of depth and were so easy to understand.
In the first few chapters, I wasn't sure about this because Livvi's personality seemed kind of inconsistent (though I liked the confidence AND the awkwardness), but that cleared up pretty soon as we learned more about her.
Talon was the most considerate and perfect book boyfriend ever! With his secret writing career, his swimming, his relationship with his dad, he was so well written.
The big reveal was just so cute.
I loved the friendships and family in this, I would totally love to have them on page for longer... (also Roxie and Ledger>>> I can't wait for their book!)
Definitely reading the rest of The Love Playbook Series!
February 7, 2026
I had the absolute honor of receiving an ARC of this book, and wow — I sat down planning to read a few chapters and ended up finishing it in one sitting. I genuinely could not put it down.
The storyline was so refreshing and engaging, and I loved getting to watch the FMC and MMC slowly grow into their relationship. It wasn’t rushed — they first built friendship, learning what truly matters to each of them. Seeing how supportive the FMC was of the MMC and his dream of swimming in the Olympics was so encouraging and heartwarming.
And the MMC? Total flirt in the best way. The banter between them had me smiling the entire time. I loved that she didn’t immediately let him in and made him work for it, which made their slow-burn connection even sweeter and more satisfying. Especially because they were falling for each other online and in person, not knowing the connection.
Overall, this book was such a fun, cozy, and emotional read — the perfect mix of romance, growth, and swoon-worthy moments. I highly recommend adding it to your TBR!
The storyline was so refreshing and engaging, and I loved getting to watch the FMC and MMC slowly grow into their relationship. It wasn’t rushed — they first built friendship, learning what truly matters to each of them. Seeing how supportive the FMC was of the MMC and his dream of swimming in the Olympics was so encouraging and heartwarming.
And the MMC? Total flirt in the best way. The banter between them had me smiling the entire time. I loved that she didn’t immediately let him in and made him work for it, which made their slow-burn connection even sweeter and more satisfying. Especially because they were falling for each other online and in person, not knowing the connection.
Overall, this book was such a fun, cozy, and emotional read — the perfect mix of romance, growth, and swoon-worthy moments. I highly recommend adding it to your TBR!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a sweet story. I gotta admit that I am not attracted to cocky personalities and they are often used in sports romcoms. I think it is the nature of being good at sports or something. There is swagger because athletes have to be confident to win. And being a swimmer, this guy is pretty proud of his abs that are on display because of his sport. But my real point is that despite his being overly confident, Talon is charming. I get why Livvi has an attraction to him beyond his abs. TheWriteGuy was also great so I can see why Livvi had a hard time choosing between the two men.
I loved Sapphire the fish and their attachment to her. It was a fun pet/character.
I loved Talon and Livvi's support for each other and how they helped each other find their way during a time in life when they felt a bit adrift.
This was an enjoyable read.
I loved Sapphire the fish and their attachment to her. It was a fun pet/character.
I loved Talon and Livvi's support for each other and how they helped each other find their way during a time in life when they felt a bit adrift.
This was an enjoyable read.
February 14, 2026
The last thing Talon expected trying to have a quiet moment to himself in the library was to find Livvi. Their banter was full of chemistry from the start and each time they actually ran into each other was fantastic and set the foundation for their growing friendship/relationship. The secret pen pal aspect was delightful. Talon and Livvi were meant to be together!
Favorite parts:
-adopting the fish, naming the fish
-Livvi at Talons swim meet
-the messages on the book website
-ultimately how they figured out who their secret pen pal was.
Favorite quotes:
“Hopefully I’ll see you again at the library.”
That jolted me out of whatever daze I’d been in. “Don’t you dare.” I did not need him showing up at my secret library spot.
He gave me a mischievous grin. “Oh, I dare.” He winked and walked away, leaving me staring after him, mouth slightly agape.
Because how did I explain that sitting here felt better than anything I’d planned for myself? That maybe happiness wasn’t a checklist? That maybe it was him.
She had made an impression on me. More than an impression. She’d become someone I wanted around—not just for tonight, but for a lot longer.
Favorite parts:
-adopting the fish, naming the fish
-Livvi at Talons swim meet
-the messages on the book website
-ultimately how they figured out who their secret pen pal was.
Favorite quotes:
“Hopefully I’ll see you again at the library.”
That jolted me out of whatever daze I’d been in. “Don’t you dare.” I did not need him showing up at my secret library spot.
He gave me a mischievous grin. “Oh, I dare.” He winked and walked away, leaving me staring after him, mouth slightly agape.
Because how did I explain that sitting here felt better than anything I’d planned for myself? That maybe happiness wasn’t a checklist? That maybe it was him.
She had made an impression on me. More than an impression. She’d become someone I wanted around—not just for tonight, but for a lot longer.
Review of advance copy
Every Breath You Take is an adorable sweet romance. I picked it up because I was intrigued by the aspect of a swim themed sports romance, and it did not disappoint. The main characters have 2 meet cutes, both of which I loved. Talon comes off as a cocky playboy, but is really living a double life as a secret author. Livvi is a driven, determined woman who doesn’t take crap from others but whose drive doesn’t leave time for friends. Both characters have big goals, but realize they are often living the lives their parents want not what they want. It’s cute to see them bond and get to know one another online and in person, and as a result not be afraid to make the choices they want for themselves. There are several swoony moments, especially towards the end. And the sweetest “it’s always been you.” Definitely worth reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first swimmer romance, and it definitely did not disappoint! I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, but I was completely hooked from the start.
Talon and Livvi were such well-written, lovable characters. Their chemistry felt natural, their emotional moments hit perfectly, and I found myself really rooting for them the whole way through.
I also have to mention Sapphire 🐟, such a cute addition to the story! She gave me total Dory vibes and added such a sweet, light-hearted touch.
The pacing and structure of the book flowed beautifully, making it an easy and enjoyable read. And the happy ending? Absolutely perfect. It wrapped everything up in such a satisfying way.
If you’re thinking about picking this one up, especially if you love sports romance, I’d definitely recommend it!
Talon and Livvi were such well-written, lovable characters. Their chemistry felt natural, their emotional moments hit perfectly, and I found myself really rooting for them the whole way through.
I also have to mention Sapphire 🐟, such a cute addition to the story! She gave me total Dory vibes and added such a sweet, light-hearted touch.
The pacing and structure of the book flowed beautifully, making it an easy and enjoyable read. And the happy ending? Absolutely perfect. It wrapped everything up in such a satisfying way.
If you’re thinking about picking this one up, especially if you love sports romance, I’d definitely recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a delightful book that has unexpected coincidences. Set in a Florida college town, this is the first book I've read (or even heard about) that features competitive swimming. My knowledge about this sport is spotty and based on loose connections of my friend's children involved in swim meets many years ago. I felt gently educated and truly interested as Talon practices to qualify for the Olympic swim team.
Full of surprises, the author did an excellent job of effortlessly tying together all the various facets of the two main character's lives. Once I began reading I was invested so completely that I stayed up late (well past a reasonable bedtime) until I finished the book. Terrific book that was so much fun to read!
Full of surprises, the author did an excellent job of effortlessly tying together all the various facets of the two main character's lives. Once I began reading I was invested so completely that I stayed up late (well past a reasonable bedtime) until I finished the book. Terrific book that was so much fun to read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Two people finding their own direction
A wonderful story of the struggles to find who you want to be. Talon’s dream has always been to compete in the Olympics but as he has grown his father has become more of a distractor than a supporter. Talon also knows that his father would not support his writing account either. Livvi was raised to work harder than everyone else. It was the only way to happiness. Yet sometimes she wonders if that’s true, especially when she is feeling increasingly empty. When the two meet, they both find a person that will support them but will that help or hurt their search for a satisfying life? A fun read you are sure to enjoy. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
A wonderful story of the struggles to find who you want to be. Talon’s dream has always been to compete in the Olympics but as he has grown his father has become more of a distractor than a supporter. Talon also knows that his father would not support his writing account either. Livvi was raised to work harder than everyone else. It was the only way to happiness. Yet sometimes she wonders if that’s true, especially when she is feeling increasingly empty. When the two meet, they both find a person that will support them but will that help or hurt their search for a satisfying life? A fun read you are sure to enjoy. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
February 12, 2026
Talon is a competitive swimmer and I think this is the first book I’ve read where one of the MC’s is a swimmer. There is a perfect amount of the sport in here without it going overboard. The pacing is perfect! Livvi and Talon have great chemistry and they just get one another. The text messages made my heart so happy. There were so many times Talon had me school girl giggling, he’s so cute. Talon and Livvi coming together was fate and I know this is a fictional story but I believe in fate 100%. The whole rescued pet part of the story was so sweet. Sapphire had main character energy. If it wasn’t for Talon and his abs she would have stolen the show. I had the best time reading this book 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Secret identity, online chatting, witty banter, and a cute little fish. This was a sweet story with both characters learning how to be themselves and do what makes them happy. I enjoyed watching Talon and Livvy become friends but it was such a slow burn. Honestly, I feel like almost the entire book is just them becoming friends with a little blip at the end when they finally share their feelings. I would have liked to see a bit more of them actually together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
This sweet story had a throwback element to the “Shop Around the Corner” or “You've Got Mail” movies. Both main characters were witty and capable, but both were expected to live someone else's dream.
I love the way they challenged and supported each other in both personas. And I love the anguish each felt about having feelings over two people and over meeting in person with their online friend.
This sweet story had a throwback element to the “Shop Around the Corner” or “You've Got Mail” movies. Both main characters were witty and capable, but both were expected to live someone else's dream.
I love the way they challenged and supported each other in both personas. And I love the anguish each felt about having feelings over two people and over meeting in person with their online friend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Covers are so beautiful for this series.
We have an avid reader, overanalizer, workaholic Livvi who is trying to concentrated on working, school and not trying to divert her gaze anywhere else. We also have Talon a swimmer, fish dad, secretly a writer who meet the lovely Livvi in school and they end up getting in each others live. I love this story so much, the characters, the side characters, the interactions with rescue center chat, the way this 2 found their way to each without even know. Our little friend Sapphire that gave them something else to share. ♡
We have an avid reader, overanalizer, workaholic Livvi who is trying to concentrated on working, school and not trying to divert her gaze anywhere else. We also have Talon a swimmer, fish dad, secretly a writer who meet the lovely Livvi in school and they end up getting in each others live. I love this story so much, the characters, the side characters, the interactions with rescue center chat, the way this 2 found their way to each without even know. Our little friend Sapphire that gave them something else to share. ♡
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an inspiring story! The characters and their emotions are relatable and the world-building is perfect. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments in the story, but also some serious ones. Larissa blended all of the elements together in a way that leaves you craving for more. I would definitely recommend this story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! The You've Got Mail vibes had me from the beginning, making this book a page turner. I love sports romance, but I am not sure that I have read a swimming sports romance before, so the unique twist on this trope (i.e., not hockey or football) was so much fun. The way the story unfolded kept me engaged and entranced to the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is for you if you like college romance, competitive swimming (or at least just love watching it at the Olympics - hello Michael Phelps fans), cute Dory fish, and hints of You've Got Mail! I really enjoyed seeing both Talon and Livvie grow together into realizing what they want from life and who they are.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Going to read it again! This story is so good - I love the characters and how they relate to one another. This book has now entered into my “read to feel good” booklist and will be a repeat read for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is just plain adorable! I loved the main characters! I liked the You've Got Mail vibe mixed with an athlete/sport. I felt like the chemistry was just great, and made me want to just keep reading! Definitely one I'll re-read!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Super charming sports rom-com.. I liked it so much! Sweet characters with fun banter.. Heartfelt and lovely..
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adore Talon & Livvi's feisty, caring , surprising, sweet, hopeful, loving , swoony happily ever after!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pretty good.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews