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In the Same Boat
Audible proudly presents a spicy sports romance narrated by Sophie Nelisse (Heated Rivalry) and Archie Madekwe (Salt Burn).
When Emily Parker, a fiercely driven American coxswain, lands a rowing scholarship to Oxford University, she’s determined to make the legendary team.
Far from home and desperate to prove herself, she comes up against a wall of privilege and prejudice. But Emily refuses to let anyone rock her boat - least of all the entitled and arrogant Oxford rowing captain, Hugh Willock.
Forced into the same team, their strokes start way out of sync, until competition and chemistry pull them into a dangerously smooth rhythm. What begins as a clash of wills soon builds into something that feels even more thrilling than winning…
But Cambridge’s golden boy and rowing captain, Xander Cadish, also has his sights set on Emily and the current between them crackles with something dangerous.
With the annual Oxbridge boat race looming on the horizon, Emily finds herself torn between two rivals - and two impossible choices. Can she find a way to pull together before her heart, and her team, capsize for good?
Perfect for fans of Icebreaker and Challengers, Bianca Willis delivers a steamy, high-stakes love triangle set against one of the most iconic rivalries in sport.
When Emily Parker, a fiercely driven American coxswain, lands a rowing scholarship to Oxford University, she’s determined to make the legendary team.
Far from home and desperate to prove herself, she comes up against a wall of privilege and prejudice. But Emily refuses to let anyone rock her boat - least of all the entitled and arrogant Oxford rowing captain, Hugh Willock.
Forced into the same team, their strokes start way out of sync, until competition and chemistry pull them into a dangerously smooth rhythm. What begins as a clash of wills soon builds into something that feels even more thrilling than winning…
But Cambridge’s golden boy and rowing captain, Xander Cadish, also has his sights set on Emily and the current between them crackles with something dangerous.
With the annual Oxbridge boat race looming on the horizon, Emily finds herself torn between two rivals - and two impossible choices. Can she find a way to pull together before her heart, and her team, capsize for good?
Perfect for fans of Icebreaker and Challengers, Bianca Willis delivers a steamy, high-stakes love triangle set against one of the most iconic rivalries in sport.
Audible Audio
Published March 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 26, 2026
I wish I could have concentrated on the plot more but I couldn’t hear it for how badly some of the narration was. In my opinion, one was a lot better than the other. Don’t get me wrong the other can read, but it felt more like I was 5 and being read to by a classroom teacher. This may be why I slept through a good portion of the book and don’t have it in me to listen again.
I don’t mean to be cruel but it wasn’t for me.
I don’t mean to be cruel but it wasn’t for me.
July 23, 2026
Love blooms in the Oxford-Cambridge boat race - impossible to resist hate-reading this one.
May 14, 2026
1.5 ⭐️⭐️
This was not good! 🤩
The author does not know how Americans talk (torch, airfare, chat, sport, posh, etc.)
There’s also random drug use and commentary about how people who attend Oxford are privileged. (1) she also participates in drugs? (2) GIRL, YOU ARE IN ROWING? YOUR PARENTS ARE OLYMPIC ROWERS. I think you’re doing alright.
C’mon now 😐
I was also promised a love triangle…there was no triangle…it was a love line. The second guy didn’t even have a chance, but I wish he did! He seemed very clearheaded and stable. But oh no! He attends the rival school! He is rich! He likes books! He wanted to take her on a ski trip over Christmas to meet his family! Why would she ever pick him? 😐
The MMC has **serious** family issues and an anger problem. He is flaky and unserious about his love life. He also went on this monologue about how she meant nothing to him! Personally, that would be a deal breaker. That's just me though.
There’s also a lot of tell over show. Like maybe don't tell me that the MMC has had character growth by having him tell his friends he has had character growth...idk maybe make him do something other than stand up to his father because (Troy Bolton voice) THAT IS YOUR DREAM DAD!
That’s honestly the least of the book’s problems even though that’s also bad.
This was not good! 🤩
The author does not know how Americans talk (torch, airfare, chat, sport, posh, etc.)
There’s also random drug use and commentary about how people who attend Oxford are privileged. (1) she also participates in drugs? (2) GIRL, YOU ARE IN ROWING? YOUR PARENTS ARE OLYMPIC ROWERS. I think you’re doing alright.
C’mon now 😐
I was also promised a love triangle…there was no triangle…it was a love line. The second guy didn’t even have a chance, but I wish he did! He seemed very clearheaded and stable. But oh no! He attends the rival school! He is rich! He likes books! He wanted to take her on a ski trip over Christmas to meet his family! Why would she ever pick him? 😐
The MMC has **serious** family issues and an anger problem. He is flaky and unserious about his love life. He also went on this monologue about how she meant nothing to him! Personally, that would be a deal breaker. That's just me though.
There’s also a lot of tell over show. Like maybe don't tell me that the MMC has had character growth by having him tell his friends he has had character growth...idk maybe make him do something other than stand up to his father because (Troy Bolton voice) THAT IS YOUR DREAM DAD!
That’s honestly the least of the book’s problems even though that’s also bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2026
Audio review
4⭐️
2🌶️
I was looking for a palette cleanser between series and was pleasantly surprised with this. I don’t know anything about rowing, it did give love triangle vibes which I don’t usually like but I feel this was done well. The stakes weren’t overly high for the romance aspect of this book and I feel like it’s a nice uplifting college sports romance. It faced real challenges that weren’t related to the main characters relationship and touched on the side of competitive racing. I did think the constant use of drugs on the team was a bit weird if they’re entering top competitions but I guess as Emily points out, those with money and high social standing have different rules. Overall it was a good light hearted palette cleanser
4⭐️
2🌶️
I was looking for a palette cleanser between series and was pleasantly surprised with this. I don’t know anything about rowing, it did give love triangle vibes which I don’t usually like but I feel this was done well. The stakes weren’t overly high for the romance aspect of this book and I feel like it’s a nice uplifting college sports romance. It faced real challenges that weren’t related to the main characters relationship and touched on the side of competitive racing. I did think the constant use of drugs on the team was a bit weird if they’re entering top competitions but I guess as Emily points out, those with money and high social standing have different rules. Overall it was a good light hearted palette cleanser
October 14, 2026
Really liked this book!
The undeniable tension between Emily and Hugh was amazing but I am frustrated at the small misunderstanding that kept them apart.
In saying that - god I’d love me some Xavier. He was charming and book smart uhh yes please! I was worried it would be a hoax but I was relived it wasn’t. I was worried he’d be a rebound after Hugh and Emily fought but glad it didn’t end up amounting to anything.
But ultimately - Hugh and Emily were endgame but I appreciate neither of them lost sight of their goal and instead boasted each other.
Few things:
-Hugh’s praise kink development? Perfect.
-Loved the text banter between Emily and Xavier
-When Emily stands up to Hugh’s dad! So good
Super wholesome
The undeniable tension between Emily and Hugh was amazing but I am frustrated at the small misunderstanding that kept them apart.
In saying that - god I’d love me some Xavier. He was charming and book smart uhh yes please! I was worried it would be a hoax but I was relived it wasn’t. I was worried he’d be a rebound after Hugh and Emily fought but glad it didn’t end up amounting to anything.
But ultimately - Hugh and Emily were endgame but I appreciate neither of them lost sight of their goal and instead boasted each other.
Few things:
-Hugh’s praise kink development? Perfect.
-Loved the text banter between Emily and Xavier
-When Emily stands up to Hugh’s dad! So good
Super wholesome
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2026
Listen this was not perfect by any means but I felt like it was exactly what I was expecting? A palette cleanser if you will.
I enjoyed the love story, the way Hugh’s relationship with his father was spoken about and the spicy scenes were also great.
Didn’t love Emily’s narration (this is just an audiobook currently) and tbh was confused as to why her character needed to be American? It didn’t really add anything to the story imo.
I enjoyed the love story, the way Hugh’s relationship with his father was spoken about and the spicy scenes were also great.
Didn’t love Emily’s narration (this is just an audiobook currently) and tbh was confused as to why her character needed to be American? It didn’t really add anything to the story imo.
Did Not Finish
September 23, 2026Considering this book is exclusively audio, I would expect the narrators to be better 😕 the female narrator sounded like she was just reading a book. No one can do accents properly. I’m not loving it so I’m just gonna wait and see if it comes out on kindle.
May 18, 2026
An ambitious American rower, an arrogant Oxford captain, and a rival from Cambridge who complicates everything. 🚣♀️❤️ As competition turns into chemistry, Emily is forced to choose between ambition, rivalry, and her heart before the Boat Race changes everything.
This was such a fun and comforting romance with a really addictive mix of rivalry, chemistry, and emotional growth. I loved the rowing setting and how naturally the tension between the characters developed, especially with all the competition and complicated feelings layered into it. The plot itself wasn’t anything wildly unique, but the character dynamics carried the story so well that I stayed invested the entire time. Some moments could’ve had a bit more emotional depth and atmosphere, but overall this was a super enjoyable read that balanced romance, ambition, and vulnerability really well. My ratings ended up strongest in characters and enjoyment, while plot and atmosphere sat a little lower for me.
This was such a fun and comforting romance with a really addictive mix of rivalry, chemistry, and emotional growth. I loved the rowing setting and how naturally the tension between the characters developed, especially with all the competition and complicated feelings layered into it. The plot itself wasn’t anything wildly unique, but the character dynamics carried the story so well that I stayed invested the entire time. Some moments could’ve had a bit more emotional depth and atmosphere, but overall this was a super enjoyable read that balanced romance, ambition, and vulnerability really well. My ratings ended up strongest in characters and enjoyment, while plot and atmosphere sat a little lower for me.
September 6, 2026
4/5 ✨ 1/5 🌶️
Love triangle. Teammates. Secrecy. Romantic rivals.
Super cute and wholesome story about rowers on the Oxford rowing team and a love triangle between their cox, stroke, and Cambridge’s boat club president!
Love triangle. Teammates. Secrecy. Romantic rivals.
Super cute and wholesome story about rowers on the Oxford rowing team and a love triangle between their cox, stroke, and Cambridge’s boat club president!
May 21, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
I liked the story a little, liked the narration quality less than 50%.
I liked reading a rowing story and generally think I like sports romance more now since Heated Rivalry. And I thought the characters were alright. A bit annoying sometimes but not unbearably so.
I thought the last part with the boat race was really exciting so that was great.
However, the narration I hated. The style of dual narrator but then them doing the voices of each other is already bad, never mind that they have to mix accents as well. Also, I chose this book because I recognized the narrator for the female main character but I thought she narrated often quite monotone. It didn’t help that her character had a lot of tell don’t show descriptions with very little variation in sentence structure.
So fine as a palette cleanser but not much more.
I liked the story a little, liked the narration quality less than 50%.
I liked reading a rowing story and generally think I like sports romance more now since Heated Rivalry. And I thought the characters were alright. A bit annoying sometimes but not unbearably so.
I thought the last part with the boat race was really exciting so that was great.
However, the narration I hated. The style of dual narrator but then them doing the voices of each other is already bad, never mind that they have to mix accents as well. Also, I chose this book because I recognized the narrator for the female main character but I thought she narrated often quite monotone. It didn’t help that her character had a lot of tell don’t show descriptions with very little variation in sentence structure.
So fine as a palette cleanser but not much more.
September 8, 2026
This review was posted on Young Creative Press if you like this review check out my other reviews and posts at youngcreativepress.com
I honestly don’t have a lot to say about In the Same Boat, it’s one of those books that I read/listened to but didn’t really have many opinions on. It was a decent read, pretty entertaining, but it wasn’t as fun as I thought it would be.
I feel like if you’re going to the effort of having two narrators you may as well have the book narrated in duet. Now, I don’t think there was anything particularly wrong with the narration but having each narrator having to put on an accent to voice the other in their chapters doesn’t make complete sense to me. The accents and put on voices weren’t terrible, one of the positives of hiring actors for audiobooks, but it just felt a little off.
The actual story was ok, but the rivalry aspect wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be. The ‘love triangle’ didn’t come into effect for a long time and it was really obvious who Emily would end up with anyway. I also didn’t care much for either love interest. Will was overly rude and entitled when they first met – the bagel situation made me physically cringe. Imagine thinking you’re entitled to the last of a specific bagel because that’s the one you order all the time and the owners know you, gross.
Spice wise this book was fairly tame. It’s not the best written but it’s also not completely cringeworthy so it gets a point for that. The chemistry between the characters just wasn’t there for me. There’s a lot of telling rather than showing so you’re more told they should be together rather than shown why. Their feelings also seem to flip from hate to love very quickly, something that isn’t too uncommon in the genre, but considering this is a full length audiobook, their connection could have been built over a longer period of time. Especially as once they have connected, Emily then starts going on dates with Xavier – who was 100% more charming than Will.
I don’t have much else to say about In the Same Boat. I finished it a couple of weeks ago and didn’t make a single note so that tells you all you need to know really.
If you’re looking for a slightly spicy romance audiobook and you have Audible Plus, this is a decent read to pick up, but I wouldn’t suggest spending actual money on In the Same Boat.
I honestly don’t have a lot to say about In the Same Boat, it’s one of those books that I read/listened to but didn’t really have many opinions on. It was a decent read, pretty entertaining, but it wasn’t as fun as I thought it would be.
I feel like if you’re going to the effort of having two narrators you may as well have the book narrated in duet. Now, I don’t think there was anything particularly wrong with the narration but having each narrator having to put on an accent to voice the other in their chapters doesn’t make complete sense to me. The accents and put on voices weren’t terrible, one of the positives of hiring actors for audiobooks, but it just felt a little off.
The actual story was ok, but the rivalry aspect wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be. The ‘love triangle’ didn’t come into effect for a long time and it was really obvious who Emily would end up with anyway. I also didn’t care much for either love interest. Will was overly rude and entitled when they first met – the bagel situation made me physically cringe. Imagine thinking you’re entitled to the last of a specific bagel because that’s the one you order all the time and the owners know you, gross.
Spice wise this book was fairly tame. It’s not the best written but it’s also not completely cringeworthy so it gets a point for that. The chemistry between the characters just wasn’t there for me. There’s a lot of telling rather than showing so you’re more told they should be together rather than shown why. Their feelings also seem to flip from hate to love very quickly, something that isn’t too uncommon in the genre, but considering this is a full length audiobook, their connection could have been built over a longer period of time. Especially as once they have connected, Emily then starts going on dates with Xavier – who was 100% more charming than Will.
I don’t have much else to say about In the Same Boat. I finished it a couple of weeks ago and didn’t make a single note so that tells you all you need to know really.
If you’re looking for a slightly spicy romance audiobook and you have Audible Plus, this is a decent read to pick up, but I wouldn’t suggest spending actual money on In the Same Boat.
May 11, 2026
In the Same Boat
⭐️⭐️⭐️.8
Narration 🎙️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I saw some reviews knocking the narration. Perhaps because the two had more characters than just themselves? Regardless , I thought they did a fantastic job, even when they had to switch between British and American
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I’m giving this college sports romance a solid 4 stars. I have to admit that it might be because I know quite a bit about Oxford from other non-fiction, I know a bit about rowing as a sport and practices, and I LOVE a good competitive romance.
Character Development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - I feel like I could almost give a 4 here, but, I can’t because of Hugh. Emily, our protagonist is a great character, and she comes off head strong, capable and confident. I didn’t like the few times that Willis made her question her own …. Worth, maybe(?) thanks to boys. But. That’s the typical trope in these kinds of books.
Now. Hugh … I guess he’s really our second protagonist. A pro in his own right: handsome, popular, a star athlete, from privilege. I don’t necessarily feel like Willis forced his development, but it didn’t just unfold either. Let’s just say the guy had quite a bit to unpack by means of: his self worth, his confidence, his trauma with his family, and how all of that and his misjudgments often left him vulnerable and miserable.
Basically Emily comes from an Olympic family of rowers. But she isn’t one. She’s a coxswain, the one who keeps the boat in sync, steers it, and keeps the team together. Basically, the boat does well or does not without her. Shes learned much from her family of rowers and brings that to Oxford. She meets Hugh unexpectedly in like for a sandwich, where they each rub each other the wrong way- only to learn at the Row Club they’d be paired in the same boat.
Navigating the rivers, their growth as individuals, as teammates and a couple is basically the flow of the book. And I think it would really make a great made for tv or straight up movie.
I don’t want to ruin the ending- just know that they cross the finish line better together.
Yeah. I’m giving tenths of points here … you’ll see why.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.8
Narration 🎙️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I saw some reviews knocking the narration. Perhaps because the two had more characters than just themselves? Regardless , I thought they did a fantastic job, even when they had to switch between British and American
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I’m giving this college sports romance a solid 4 stars. I have to admit that it might be because I know quite a bit about Oxford from other non-fiction, I know a bit about rowing as a sport and practices, and I LOVE a good competitive romance.
Character Development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - I feel like I could almost give a 4 here, but, I can’t because of Hugh. Emily, our protagonist is a great character, and she comes off head strong, capable and confident. I didn’t like the few times that Willis made her question her own …. Worth, maybe(?) thanks to boys. But. That’s the typical trope in these kinds of books.
Now. Hugh … I guess he’s really our second protagonist. A pro in his own right: handsome, popular, a star athlete, from privilege. I don’t necessarily feel like Willis forced his development, but it didn’t just unfold either. Let’s just say the guy had quite a bit to unpack by means of: his self worth, his confidence, his trauma with his family, and how all of that and his misjudgments often left him vulnerable and miserable.
Basically Emily comes from an Olympic family of rowers. But she isn’t one. She’s a coxswain, the one who keeps the boat in sync, steers it, and keeps the team together. Basically, the boat does well or does not without her. Shes learned much from her family of rowers and brings that to Oxford. She meets Hugh unexpectedly in like for a sandwich, where they each rub each other the wrong way- only to learn at the Row Club they’d be paired in the same boat.
Navigating the rivers, their growth as individuals, as teammates and a couple is basically the flow of the book. And I think it would really make a great made for tv or straight up movie.
I don’t want to ruin the ending- just know that they cross the finish line better together.
Yeah. I’m giving tenths of points here … you’ll see why.
April 3, 2026
I had so much fun with this audiobook!! It kept a nice pace, had likable characters, and had enough plot to keep me interested without overwhelming me with whiplash. The narrators were great and this book had me laughing pretty frequently.
Emily & Hugh were so endgame from the beginning- I mean who wouldn’t be after the whole bagel debacle??! Starting off with so much banter and tension was really a good attention grabber. If there is one thing we should all know at this point is I’m a SUCKER for a forbidden/secret relationship that friends have suspicions about but don’t have confirmed. Something about it just gets me with a book- stolen glances and sneaking around LOVEEEE. So when Emily and Hugh decide they can’t act on their feelings but want to I knewww I was in for something good. Between friendships, teammates, family dynamics, and tropes!
Then we added in the Xander triangle, which to be honest I didn’t hate as I kinda normally would with a love triangle- mostly I think because everything Emily did I could see as justification and not really “cheating” with each other. (Usually that’s the part I can’t stand in a triangle is the constant indecisiveness…*cough cough TSITP* But in this book I could kinda see the reasons.
I think where the book lost that star just a smidge was A) there wasn’t a whole lot of WOW or OBSESSION moments. I don’t feel I’ll be thinking about this book for months and years to come, but I would absolutely recommend it! B) I think some of the characters or plot points got a lil bit lost towards the ending I would’ve liked to have seen them hashed out a bit more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this audiobook and the narrators. It kept me entertained and hooked for what was coming next. I’d recommend if you love a
⭐️out of the box sport romance (rowing)
⭐️teammates to lovers
⭐️rivaling team captain
⭐️childhood rivalry
⭐️forbidden / hidden relationships
⭐️he lowkey falls first
Emily & Hugh were so endgame from the beginning- I mean who wouldn’t be after the whole bagel debacle??! Starting off with so much banter and tension was really a good attention grabber. If there is one thing we should all know at this point is I’m a SUCKER for a forbidden/secret relationship that friends have suspicions about but don’t have confirmed. Something about it just gets me with a book- stolen glances and sneaking around LOVEEEE. So when Emily and Hugh decide they can’t act on their feelings but want to I knewww I was in for something good. Between friendships, teammates, family dynamics, and tropes!
Then we added in the Xander triangle, which to be honest I didn’t hate as I kinda normally would with a love triangle- mostly I think because everything Emily did I could see as justification and not really “cheating” with each other. (Usually that’s the part I can’t stand in a triangle is the constant indecisiveness…*cough cough TSITP* But in this book I could kinda see the reasons.
I think where the book lost that star just a smidge was A) there wasn’t a whole lot of WOW or OBSESSION moments. I don’t feel I’ll be thinking about this book for months and years to come, but I would absolutely recommend it! B) I think some of the characters or plot points got a lil bit lost towards the ending I would’ve liked to have seen them hashed out a bit more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this audiobook and the narrators. It kept me entertained and hooked for what was coming next. I’d recommend if you love a
⭐️out of the box sport romance (rowing)
⭐️teammates to lovers
⭐️rivaling team captain
⭐️childhood rivalry
⭐️forbidden / hidden relationships
⭐️he lowkey falls first
September 2, 2026
Did they only audition the female narrator based on her ability to do dialogue decently? Any text she read besides lines from characters was choppy and very clearly “being read” rather than performed. Another reviewer said it felt like being read to by a kindergarten teacher and I almost agree, but I think a kindergarten teacher would do a better job of it.
The editing was poorly completed here in this book too, with her words frequently cut halfway or in some instances, missing entirely. I feel for the editor(s).
Also why are we still having females read male parts and males read female parts when dual narration is already happening? Like.. just record the lines with the correct gender. 🤦🏻♀️
Male narrator was good, no complaints.
Whoever tried to mention Heated Rivalry in the marketing was hiiiighly wishing for that comparison but lol no.
Finally, I wish an eyeball read had been available for the story! The story itself was okay and probably could have received 3-4 stars from me if not for the other issues.
The editing was poorly completed here in this book too, with her words frequently cut halfway or in some instances, missing entirely. I feel for the editor(s).
Also why are we still having females read male parts and males read female parts when dual narration is already happening? Like.. just record the lines with the correct gender. 🤦🏻♀️
Male narrator was good, no complaints.
Whoever tried to mention Heated Rivalry in the marketing was hiiiighly wishing for that comparison but lol no.
Finally, I wish an eyeball read had been available for the story! The story itself was okay and probably could have received 3-4 stars from me if not for the other issues.
June 6, 2026
3.5⭐️
An entertaining adversaries to lovers.
I’ve not read a romance book set around rowing and especially not centered round the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, and so that added a novel element. We follow Emily, a first year English lit student from America whose dream is to cox the blue boat. Hugh is our final year rowing extraordinaire, desperate to win the boat race. Classically, they get off on the wrong foot and it all continues from there.
Emily and Hugh were both annoying at times but overall I enjoyed their banter and relationship. I felt a lot of the “boys club” nature around rowing not very surprising but interesting to read about.
A solid romance - enjoyed listening to this on audible as they Emily and Hugh’s character are voiced by different actors. Hugh’s sexy British voice added to the listening enjoyment icl
An entertaining adversaries to lovers.
I’ve not read a romance book set around rowing and especially not centered round the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, and so that added a novel element. We follow Emily, a first year English lit student from America whose dream is to cox the blue boat. Hugh is our final year rowing extraordinaire, desperate to win the boat race. Classically, they get off on the wrong foot and it all continues from there.
Emily and Hugh were both annoying at times but overall I enjoyed their banter and relationship. I felt a lot of the “boys club” nature around rowing not very surprising but interesting to read about.
A solid romance - enjoyed listening to this on audible as they Emily and Hugh’s character are voiced by different actors. Hugh’s sexy British voice added to the listening enjoyment icl
March 28, 2026
I rather enjoyed this listening experience! I wasn’t sure what to make of it but am glad I gave it a chance.
The Oxford and Cambridge boat race made a really interesting setting, and the descriptions of Oxford University were amazingly detailed.
I’ve enjoyed many sport romances but was getting bored of ice hockey, baseball and basketball (all being very US-ian of course!) so this very British romance (albeit between an American cox who comes to Oxford to study and a British guy with father issues) was incredibly refreshing, with emotional depth and I feel I learnt a lot about the institution of the boat race as well! It doesn’t seem to be a physical book at all, just this audible experience but I would recommend it!
The Oxford and Cambridge boat race made a really interesting setting, and the descriptions of Oxford University were amazingly detailed.
I’ve enjoyed many sport romances but was getting bored of ice hockey, baseball and basketball (all being very US-ian of course!) so this very British romance (albeit between an American cox who comes to Oxford to study and a British guy with father issues) was incredibly refreshing, with emotional depth and I feel I learnt a lot about the institution of the boat race as well! It doesn’t seem to be a physical book at all, just this audible experience but I would recommend it!
March 28, 2026
Such an easy 3.5!
I love a good sport romance, especially a sport that is a bit more on the obscure side and I personally have never read a rowing book. Although I do love watching it during the Olympics.
The sport was definitely the driving force in this book I enjoyed the hard work, strategy, ups and downs best.
The romance was interesting too - not your average love triangle at all, there was depth there and I love that. You see and feel the connection and chemistry.
A really great read if you enjoy a fun, banter filled sports romance.
I love a good sport romance, especially a sport that is a bit more on the obscure side and I personally have never read a rowing book. Although I do love watching it during the Olympics.
The sport was definitely the driving force in this book I enjoyed the hard work, strategy, ups and downs best.
The romance was interesting too - not your average love triangle at all, there was depth there and I love that. You see and feel the connection and chemistry.
A really great read if you enjoy a fun, banter filled sports romance.
March 21, 2026
This was such a fun, easy audiobook to sink into.
The narrators were unreal, genuinely so entertaining! I ended up learning way more about rowing than I ever expected to. Unexpected education while listening to a rom‑com? Love that for me.
The only thing that pulled me out of the story was the geography. It’s very clear the author does not know Oxford/London in the slightest, and as someone who actually lives in the UK, those little inaccuracies definitely made me pause.
The narrators were unreal, genuinely so entertaining! I ended up learning way more about rowing than I ever expected to. Unexpected education while listening to a rom‑com? Love that for me.
The only thing that pulled me out of the story was the geography. It’s very clear the author does not know Oxford/London in the slightest, and as someone who actually lives in the UK, those little inaccuracies definitely made me pause.
April 27, 2026
This was an exciting, and difderent sports romance. I liked ot took place in Oxford- UK, plus it was about boat racing, which was a nice variation on the over done 4 main sports most sport romance books are about. It was as exciting and fun as any other sports romance that centers around the actual sport. Needed more spice in my opnion.
The romance was cute too, but the love triangle a bit meh.
great narration.
The romance was cute too, but the love triangle a bit meh.
great narration.
April 19, 2026
Fairly enjoyable story, waaaaay too much cocaine and ETOH abuse. A lot of objectification in both directions M--F; F-->M. Still I was interested in the story and it was enjoyable (and yes I did go to college and grad school but guess what? I did not partake in such things as a proud nerd/introvert). I enjoyed the setting being at Oxford.
May 1, 2026
3.75
Positives:
+I loved that is was set in London, as I had just visited last summer.
+A woman making her way in a male dominated sport
+MMC narrator-British accent ☺️😍
+I learned about a sport I knew nothing about
+Emily's family
+Emily's and Hugh's chemistry 🥵
Neutral:
=FMC narrator
Negatives:
-Flip flopping between 2 guys
-Hugh's POS dad
Positives:
+I loved that is was set in London, as I had just visited last summer.
+A woman making her way in a male dominated sport
+MMC narrator-British accent ☺️😍
+I learned about a sport I knew nothing about
+Emily's family
+Emily's and Hugh's chemistry 🥵
Neutral:
=FMC narrator
Negatives:
-Flip flopping between 2 guys
-Hugh's POS dad
May 11, 2026
I enjoyed this so much. While it is predictable and has all the usual tropes (forbidden romance, forced proximity), the added element of the intense team dynamics and confronting their own issues, really hits. Lovely writing style also made the characters more complex and easier to understand their choices and motivations. Would recommend.
August 1, 2026
** listened to the audiobook **
Such a cute book! I listened to this book to complete a reading challenge and shockingly enjoyed it! I liked the two main characters, Emily and Hugh. With the tension between the two of them, how could they not get together! Poor Xander got the shaft.
It’s a free audiobook on audible… so win win for me!
Such a cute book! I listened to this book to complete a reading challenge and shockingly enjoyed it! I liked the two main characters, Emily and Hugh. With the tension between the two of them, how could they not get together! Poor Xander got the shaft.
It’s a free audiobook on audible… so win win for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2026
3.5 stars!
It was fun sports romcom, unfortunately the narration could have been better, but it was cute and fun.
Unfortunately the ending felt a little lack luster and like there was a lot of stuff that was never answered
It was fun sports romcom, unfortunately the narration could have been better, but it was cute and fun.
Unfortunately the ending felt a little lack luster and like there was a lot of stuff that was never answered
May 18, 2026
An Anerican and Englishman meet at Oxford University.
Both rowers training for ‘the race’
- love triangle
- enemies to lovers to ??
- dual pov
- dual narration
🌶️ 🌶️
This was an easy listen. Though not personally a bit fan of love triangles.
The narrators accents were passable but not great.
Both rowers training for ‘the race’
- love triangle
- enemies to lovers to ??
- dual pov
- dual narration
🌶️ 🌶️
This was an easy listen. Though not personally a bit fan of love triangles.
The narrators accents were passable but not great.
May 22, 2026
Cute little book that made for a nice quick read and pallet cleanser between some deeper books. I did the audiobook on this and wasn't a fan of the female narrator. Kind of felt like I was listening to someone read in class but I powered through.
June 11, 2026
I would have liked much more of this. Although I did think this was going to be why choose as opposed to a love triangle because the synopsis mentions it was perfect for fans of Challengers! So boo to that.
July 27, 2026
Not bad in terms of internal dialogue. The story was small. Not many sub-plots. Hugh should have been better. He sounds like he is falling in love then when Emily says it is casual, he just agrees.
I wouldn’t cheer for him.
Xander could have been a better candidate if he was given more chance.
I wouldn’t cheer for him.
Xander could have been a better candidate if he was given more chance.
August 29, 2026
A cute and mildly steamy sports romance centered around the world of collegiate rowing. I enjoyed it and learned a bit about the sport along the way. Who knew so much work went into building a solid team? I loved the storylines about the character’s individual family dynamics as well.
March 23, 2026
Completely forgettable…
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