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The Deep End of the Pool
Annie Morgan knows better than to fall in love.
After seven years as a therapist he’s mastered the art of spotting red flags, setting boundaries, and keeping her heart safely out of the equation. Love is for her clients. Stability is for her daughter. And that’s more than enough.
Then Christopher Logan walks in and ruins everything.
He’s charming, frustratingly attentive, and entirely too easy to talk to. He's the kind of man Annie would normally unravel in a single session. But Chris isn’t like anyone she’s met before. A single dad with a complicated past and a tendency to care too much, he makes Annie feel seen in ways she’s spent years avoiding.
When their daughters form an instant bond (in the most unexpected place imaginable), Annie and Chris find their lives colliding at every turn—from coffee shop run-ins to one unforgettable Valentine’s Day that changes everything.
But as old wounds resurface, rumors spiral out of control, and real life refuses to stay neat and manageable, Annie and Chris are forced to confront the one thing they’ve both been
What if love is worth the risk?
The Deep End of the Pool is a sharp, heartfelt romantic comedy about second chances, messy lives, and what happens when you stop standing at the edge—and finally jump.
After seven years as a therapist he’s mastered the art of spotting red flags, setting boundaries, and keeping her heart safely out of the equation. Love is for her clients. Stability is for her daughter. And that’s more than enough.
Then Christopher Logan walks in and ruins everything.
He’s charming, frustratingly attentive, and entirely too easy to talk to. He's the kind of man Annie would normally unravel in a single session. But Chris isn’t like anyone she’s met before. A single dad with a complicated past and a tendency to care too much, he makes Annie feel seen in ways she’s spent years avoiding.
When their daughters form an instant bond (in the most unexpected place imaginable), Annie and Chris find their lives colliding at every turn—from coffee shop run-ins to one unforgettable Valentine’s Day that changes everything.
But as old wounds resurface, rumors spiral out of control, and real life refuses to stay neat and manageable, Annie and Chris are forced to confront the one thing they’ve both been
What if love is worth the risk?
The Deep End of the Pool is a sharp, heartfelt romantic comedy about second chances, messy lives, and what happens when you stop standing at the edge—and finally jump.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 1, 2026
The Deep End of the Pool by Sadie Franks absolutely riveted every fiber of my heart, this was threaded through its tender romance and truly was a story of uncommon emotional richness, one that captures the pain of loneliness, the comfort of connection, and the resilience of the human spirit with extraordinary detail! Annie Morgan and Christopher Logan have wounds, fears, and hard-earned barriers, but every moment between them was saturated with powerful chemistry and entertaining banter, the banter was outstanding! Their bond is deeply established in true feelings which I devoured with my heart and soul into every conversation they have, and moments of vulnerability to be remembered with astonishing power, the slow burn is addictive it really develops suspense so organically and by the time Annie and Cristopher's obstacles grew to shatter, I was hopelessly invested in their happiness and completely unable to put the book down! I found myself rereading sentences because Sadie Franks' writing delivered rich characters and a relatable plot which is altogether smart, simple, rich, and entertaining!
.
The story is crafted in a beautiful way that slowly builds the spice and romance and is so well written that you will often stop to soak in the simple beauty of her sentences! Sadie Franks prose is highly immaculate, truly everything about her storytelling, her settings, the characters, the way she strings together sentences, they all make for such a beautiful and calming experience! There is no better feeling than reading the words and experiencing the journey that feels effortlessly formulated by the author!
.
Sadie Franks addresses addiction, abuse, poisonous relationships, bereavement, and recovery with great care, shaping an inspiring and powerful writing, Annie's job as a therapist brings in interesting layers to the story, and Chris' willingness to address his personal anguish turns out in some of the novel's most engaging moments.. Robbie and Vaughn's (Robbie is Annie's daughter and Vaughn is Chris' daughter) relationship is the lifeblood that keeps Annie and Chris together, and their close connection imparts happiness and tenderness to the plot! The supporting characters shines just as brightly, especially Annie's father and Chris's sister, whose personal challenges give each chapter weight and purpose, also the pets, Mermalade and Sisco develop into wonderful characters, delivering humorous and unexpected moments!
.
Sadie Franks has written a beautiful story that features comedy, tragedy, healing, and hope, the lyrical writing is unique, the emotional stakes are mind-blowingly powerful, and the steamy intrigue is almost painfully addictive!!! I don't know how fast Sadie can write another book because I don't think I can wait one year without devouring a new book from her, this was a masterpiece that I will always remind my friends to read, one of the best romantic comedy book with tremendously entertaining plot!
.
The story is crafted in a beautiful way that slowly builds the spice and romance and is so well written that you will often stop to soak in the simple beauty of her sentences! Sadie Franks prose is highly immaculate, truly everything about her storytelling, her settings, the characters, the way she strings together sentences, they all make for such a beautiful and calming experience! There is no better feeling than reading the words and experiencing the journey that feels effortlessly formulated by the author!
.
Sadie Franks addresses addiction, abuse, poisonous relationships, bereavement, and recovery with great care, shaping an inspiring and powerful writing, Annie's job as a therapist brings in interesting layers to the story, and Chris' willingness to address his personal anguish turns out in some of the novel's most engaging moments.. Robbie and Vaughn's (Robbie is Annie's daughter and Vaughn is Chris' daughter) relationship is the lifeblood that keeps Annie and Chris together, and their close connection imparts happiness and tenderness to the plot! The supporting characters shines just as brightly, especially Annie's father and Chris's sister, whose personal challenges give each chapter weight and purpose, also the pets, Mermalade and Sisco develop into wonderful characters, delivering humorous and unexpected moments!
.
Sadie Franks has written a beautiful story that features comedy, tragedy, healing, and hope, the lyrical writing is unique, the emotional stakes are mind-blowingly powerful, and the steamy intrigue is almost painfully addictive!!! I don't know how fast Sadie can write another book because I don't think I can wait one year without devouring a new book from her, this was a masterpiece that I will always remind my friends to read, one of the best romantic comedy book with tremendously entertaining plot!
May 19, 2026
The Deep End of the Pool was genuinely one of the cutest romcoms I've read in a long time.
The character growth felt so raw and real, and somehow they managed to be hilarious and painfully relatable at the same time. I was smiling through basically the entire book
It was honestly such a breath of fresh air to read a love story that was allowed to just be a love story. No unnecessary drama between the main characters,
no toxic miscommunication for 400 pages. Just two people falling in love in a way that felt comforting, funny, and real.
Easily one of my favorite reads this year
The character growth felt so raw and real, and somehow they managed to be hilarious and painfully relatable at the same time. I was smiling through basically the entire book
It was honestly such a breath of fresh air to read a love story that was allowed to just be a love story. No unnecessary drama between the main characters,
no toxic miscommunication for 400 pages. Just two people falling in love in a way that felt comforting, funny, and real.
Easily one of my favorite reads this year
July 1, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from the author.
•—> 3 ⭐️ •—> 2.5/3 🌶️
Annie Morgan and Chris Logan, both single parents who have experienced significant traumatic events shaping how they live their lives, raise their children, and approach romantic relationships and physical attraction. What initially caught my eye to this book was the premise. It sounded interesting! I enjoy the single parent and second chance romance tropes. I also liked the professions the main characters have as it felt quite relatable.
😊 I enjoyed/connected with…
* the strong family/friends support systems Annie and Chris have. I found those moments to be so heartwarming.
* The parts on Annie and Chris’s childhoods and how it shaped them.
* The friendship between their daughters. Robbie and Vaughn were so cute and I loved seeing their personalities when described. They truly were instant besties 🥰
* The therapy session scenes felt quite realistic and I appreciated the mental health and therapy acceptance awareness mentioned (therapist’s own mental health and men’s mental health awareness)
* Each character had their own major or mini storyline. It was nice to see the bits and pieces or even some contextual background of why a particular character was important.
* The text message bubbles! That was cool.
😕 What missed the mark…
* While I enjoyed the various storylines of each character, it was fun little tidbits, there were moments that felt quite rushed or I wanted to know about a particular character’s situation or what they were trying to get at. For example, Chris’s sister, Jess’s “big secret” and a follow up to Annie’s practice partner, Kim.
* There was humor in some scenes that I didn’t vibe well with. Perhaps I simply didn’t understand or it went over my head.
* Chris’s instant love towards Annie. He seemed to be a very likable, respectful and compassionate man yet I felt him to be quite obsessive and persistent towards Annie even though she communicated clear boundaries.
Overall, The Deep End of the Pool was an adventure of a read. Quick, a mix of comedy, little bit of drama and whole lot of romancing. If you like second chance romance and classic romcoms with references to The Notebook…this is for you 😊
Thank you to the author for this opportunity!
•—> 3 ⭐️ •—> 2.5/3 🌶️
Annie Morgan and Chris Logan, both single parents who have experienced significant traumatic events shaping how they live their lives, raise their children, and approach romantic relationships and physical attraction. What initially caught my eye to this book was the premise. It sounded interesting! I enjoy the single parent and second chance romance tropes. I also liked the professions the main characters have as it felt quite relatable.
😊 I enjoyed/connected with…
* the strong family/friends support systems Annie and Chris have. I found those moments to be so heartwarming.
* The parts on Annie and Chris’s childhoods and how it shaped them.
* The friendship between their daughters. Robbie and Vaughn were so cute and I loved seeing their personalities when described. They truly were instant besties 🥰
* The therapy session scenes felt quite realistic and I appreciated the mental health and therapy acceptance awareness mentioned (therapist’s own mental health and men’s mental health awareness)
* Each character had their own major or mini storyline. It was nice to see the bits and pieces or even some contextual background of why a particular character was important.
* The text message bubbles! That was cool.
😕 What missed the mark…
* While I enjoyed the various storylines of each character, it was fun little tidbits, there were moments that felt quite rushed or I wanted to know about a particular character’s situation or what they were trying to get at. For example, Chris’s sister, Jess’s “big secret” and a follow up to Annie’s practice partner, Kim.
* There was humor in some scenes that I didn’t vibe well with. Perhaps I simply didn’t understand or it went over my head.
* Chris’s instant love towards Annie. He seemed to be a very likable, respectful and compassionate man yet I felt him to be quite obsessive and persistent towards Annie even though she communicated clear boundaries.
Overall, The Deep End of the Pool was an adventure of a read. Quick, a mix of comedy, little bit of drama and whole lot of romancing. If you like second chance romance and classic romcoms with references to The Notebook…this is for you 😊
Thank you to the author for this opportunity!
May 25, 2026
Ohhhhh my god I loved this book! I was hooked from the very beginning, I loved the plot, I loved the main characters, I loved their baggage, I love their sexual tension, I loved their flirtatious banter. This was giving everything I want and more in a romance novel.
This book was beautifully written, there were some heavy topics: addiction, abuse, domestic violence, toxic relationships, and the author wrote these in a such a tasteful way that made the book and the characters relatable and made you really root for them.
I really hope there’s another book to follow Annie and Chris’ story.
This book was beautifully written, there were some heavy topics: addiction, abuse, domestic violence, toxic relationships, and the author wrote these in a such a tasteful way that made the book and the characters relatable and made you really root for them.
I really hope there’s another book to follow Annie and Chris’ story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
note: extremely light spoilers ahead
Apparently therapists really do have therapists, which really gets you thinking: does it happen in pairs or circular or is there a food chain-esque structure? I guess we'll never know (unless you're a therapist and would like to enlighten me... please do), but in this world, Annie's therapist isn't her client so I guess it would be circular?
Now that we've got that lovely bit of Izzi's shower thoughts out of the way, I thought I would begin this equally lovely review by saying that being a specific Asian ethnicity does not make you knowledgeable in all other ethnicities. By that, I mean that a Vietnamese character cannot claim to know how to cut Thai fish just because she's the "only Asian" out of the group. They are completely different cultures with completely different customs, similar to how you wouldn't expect an East Russian person to know how to use specifically Chinese chopsticks (there are so. many. rules).
So that part was a smaller issue (but no less important!), which brings me to my personal problem with this book.
After their meet-cute, Chris is immediately infatuated with Annie. Which could make sense; shopping underwear does usually leave me in a romantic mood. But in all seriousness, I had no problem with the beginning of their relationship. It was cute, it was love-at-first-sight, and it was funny.
Yet, though Annie certainly returns many of Chris's feelings, she's not ready for a relationship. She tells this to Chris on multiple occasions, rejecting his advances, but these feelings are mostly ignored. Chris insists on "romancing" her because he "gets the feeling" that she's totally into him. Now, in this regard, he was right, but what if he wasn't? Then he'd be chasing after a woman who had no interest in dating him and refusing to take a fairly obvious hint, even when the hint becomes an answer. That's... not charming. That's just creepy.
The trend of "creepy" seems to continue throughout Chris's character. While taking his daughter to Annie's for a playdate, Annie leaves him downstairs and goes upstairs to shower. Chris, being the genius he is, takes his as confirmation that he can start making... pasta? in her kitchen, then rummaging through her things to find silverware and necessary ingredients. I don't know about you, but this, to me, isn't exactly cute. More like "what the fuck Chris social decency???".
I probably should've stopped reading there, but I pushed myself to continue because... what if it got better? Which is kind of did, but not enough to justify the earlier events. I think I started to not hate their relationship around the 80% mark. Not exactly the greatest thing for a romance novel.
Interestingly enough, the best part about this book was the relationship between the children. Vaughn reminded me of my little cousin and Chris's parenting problems were understandable. The development of the innocent friendship between Robbie and Vaughn was just so pure and adorable. Almost... kismet.
Speaking of kismet! (wow the transition!!!!!) That word should not be used this much. In one of the chapters, the word is used maybe ten times in two pages. Then, we get a break from that lovely word until the next instance, where it is again repeated numerous times. This was not the greatest chain to be attempting to read through. I'd love if the next round of editing (if there is one) could lead to more synonyms/different expressions of the word.
Obviously, judging by the rating, this book is beloved by many people. Unfortunately, that grouping doesn't include me.
Thank you to the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Apparently therapists really do have therapists, which really gets you thinking: does it happen in pairs or circular or is there a food chain-esque structure? I guess we'll never know (unless you're a therapist and would like to enlighten me... please do), but in this world, Annie's therapist isn't her client so I guess it would be circular?
Now that we've got that lovely bit of Izzi's shower thoughts out of the way, I thought I would begin this equally lovely review by saying that being a specific Asian ethnicity does not make you knowledgeable in all other ethnicities. By that, I mean that a Vietnamese character cannot claim to know how to cut Thai fish just because she's the "only Asian" out of the group. They are completely different cultures with completely different customs, similar to how you wouldn't expect an East Russian person to know how to use specifically Chinese chopsticks (there are so. many. rules).
So that part was a smaller issue (but no less important!), which brings me to my personal problem with this book.
After their meet-cute, Chris is immediately infatuated with Annie. Which could make sense; shopping underwear does usually leave me in a romantic mood. But in all seriousness, I had no problem with the beginning of their relationship. It was cute, it was love-at-first-sight, and it was funny.
Yet, though Annie certainly returns many of Chris's feelings, she's not ready for a relationship. She tells this to Chris on multiple occasions, rejecting his advances, but these feelings are mostly ignored. Chris insists on "romancing" her because he "gets the feeling" that she's totally into him. Now, in this regard, he was right, but what if he wasn't? Then he'd be chasing after a woman who had no interest in dating him and refusing to take a fairly obvious hint, even when the hint becomes an answer. That's... not charming. That's just creepy.
The trend of "creepy" seems to continue throughout Chris's character. While taking his daughter to Annie's for a playdate, Annie leaves him downstairs and goes upstairs to shower. Chris, being the genius he is, takes his as confirmation that he can start making... pasta? in her kitchen, then rummaging through her things to find silverware and necessary ingredients. I don't know about you, but this, to me, isn't exactly cute. More like "what the fuck Chris social decency???".
I probably should've stopped reading there, but I pushed myself to continue because... what if it got better? Which is kind of did, but not enough to justify the earlier events. I think I started to not hate their relationship around the 80% mark. Not exactly the greatest thing for a romance novel.
Interestingly enough, the best part about this book was the relationship between the children. Vaughn reminded me of my little cousin and Chris's parenting problems were understandable. The development of the innocent friendship between Robbie and Vaughn was just so pure and adorable. Almost... kismet.
Speaking of kismet! (wow the transition!!!!!) That word should not be used this much. In one of the chapters, the word is used maybe ten times in two pages. Then, we get a break from that lovely word until the next instance, where it is again repeated numerous times. This was not the greatest chain to be attempting to read through. I'd love if the next round of editing (if there is one) could lead to more synonyms/different expressions of the word.
Obviously, judging by the rating, this book is beloved by many people. Unfortunately, that grouping doesn't include me.
Thank you to the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 1, 2026
The Deep End of the Pool was genuinely one of the cutest rom-coms I've ever read.
The character growth felt incredibly raw and authentic, and somehow the story managed to be both laugh-out-loud funny and painfully relatable at the same time. I was smiling through almost the entire book.
Annie Morgan and Christopher Logan are both carrying wounds, fears, and carefully built emotional walls, but every interaction between them is overflowing with chemistry and irresistible banter. The banter, in particular, was absolutely outstanding. Their relationship is built on genuine emotion, and I found myself completely immersed in every conversation, every vulnerable moment, and every step of their journey. The slow burn is addictive—it develops so naturally that by the time Annie and Christopher are forced to confront the obstacles standing in their way, I was hopelessly invested in their happiness and completely unable to put the book down.
I even found myself rereading certain parts because Sadie Franks' writing is so captivating. She creates richly developed characters and a relatable story that is smart, heartfelt, entertaining, and beautifully understated.
It was such a breath of fresh air to read a romance that was simply allowed to be a romance. There was no unnecessary drama between the main characters and no frustrating, drawn-out miscommunication. Instead, it was about two people falling in love in a way that felt comforting, funny, genuine, and deeply emotional.
As I've gotten older, I've realized that I need my romances to offer more than just fun and spice. I want depth, emotional growth, and a story that stays with me long after I've finished reading. This book delivered exactly that.
While the novel explores heavier topics—including addiction, abuse, domestic violence, and toxic relationships—Sadie Franks handles each of them with remarkable care and sensitivity. These themes add emotional depth without overshadowing the hope at the heart of the story, making the characters feel even more real and giving readers every reason to root for them.
The Deep End of the Pool is a sharp, heartfelt romantic comedy about second chances, messy lives, and what happens when you stop standing at the edge and finally take the leap. It's a story about healing, choosing vulnerability over fear, and discovering that love is often found when you least expect it.
Sadie Franks has written a beautiful story filled with humor, heartbreak, healing, and hope. Her lyrical writing style feels unique, the emotional stakes are incredibly powerful, and the romantic tension is almost painfully addictive. I honestly don't know how I'm supposed to wait another year for her next book because I'll be counting down the days until I can devour whatever she writes next.
With a grateful heart, thank you to Sadie Franks for the ARC - beautifully done.
The character growth felt incredibly raw and authentic, and somehow the story managed to be both laugh-out-loud funny and painfully relatable at the same time. I was smiling through almost the entire book.
Annie Morgan and Christopher Logan are both carrying wounds, fears, and carefully built emotional walls, but every interaction between them is overflowing with chemistry and irresistible banter. The banter, in particular, was absolutely outstanding. Their relationship is built on genuine emotion, and I found myself completely immersed in every conversation, every vulnerable moment, and every step of their journey. The slow burn is addictive—it develops so naturally that by the time Annie and Christopher are forced to confront the obstacles standing in their way, I was hopelessly invested in their happiness and completely unable to put the book down.
I even found myself rereading certain parts because Sadie Franks' writing is so captivating. She creates richly developed characters and a relatable story that is smart, heartfelt, entertaining, and beautifully understated.
It was such a breath of fresh air to read a romance that was simply allowed to be a romance. There was no unnecessary drama between the main characters and no frustrating, drawn-out miscommunication. Instead, it was about two people falling in love in a way that felt comforting, funny, genuine, and deeply emotional.
As I've gotten older, I've realized that I need my romances to offer more than just fun and spice. I want depth, emotional growth, and a story that stays with me long after I've finished reading. This book delivered exactly that.
While the novel explores heavier topics—including addiction, abuse, domestic violence, and toxic relationships—Sadie Franks handles each of them with remarkable care and sensitivity. These themes add emotional depth without overshadowing the hope at the heart of the story, making the characters feel even more real and giving readers every reason to root for them.
The Deep End of the Pool is a sharp, heartfelt romantic comedy about second chances, messy lives, and what happens when you stop standing at the edge and finally take the leap. It's a story about healing, choosing vulnerability over fear, and discovering that love is often found when you least expect it.
Sadie Franks has written a beautiful story filled with humor, heartbreak, healing, and hope. Her lyrical writing style feels unique, the emotional stakes are incredibly powerful, and the romantic tension is almost painfully addictive. I honestly don't know how I'm supposed to wait another year for her next book because I'll be counting down the days until I can devour whatever she writes next.
With a grateful heart, thank you to Sadie Franks for the ARC - beautifully done.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5/5 Stars – Absolutely Brilliant, Witty, and Deeply Cathartic!
***minor spoilers ahead***
The problem with this book is that you want it to keep going. I'm still trying to live in the world from The Deep End of the Pool by Sadie Franks. This is hands-down one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read this year. On the surface, it’s a beautifully written romance about two single parents, Chris and Annie, who meet cute and fall in love. But beneath the witty, clever banter and genre tropes lies a stunningly poignant exploration of trauma, therapy, and healing. Franks masterfully balances laugh-out-loud humor with profound emotional weight, and the transitions between those highs and lows are seamless.
What makes this story so unique is how Chris and Annie's romance is catalyzed. It’s their daughters, Vaughn and Robbie, whose instant, wonderful friendship forces their parents into each other's orbits. The girls are an absolute joy, and watching their bond drive the connection between Chris and Annie added such a heartwarming layer to the plot.
But it’s not just the main couple that shines—the entire cast of side characters is brilliantly drawn. Annie’s dad, Bill, broke my heart and pieced it back together as he navigated the grief of losing his wife, ultimately finding his own path to new love with an old friend. Then there is Chris’s sister, Jessie—a closeted ER nurse who was orphaned and adopted by her brother. Her dynamic with Chris is incredibly moving, and her personal journey is written with so much nuance and care.
Another high point was the pets, because Franks’ use of symbolism here is genius (and hilarious). Annie's dad's cat, Marmalade, is fiercely defensive and attacks anyone who gets too close, perfectly mirroring Annie’s own deep-seated resistance to intimacy. Meanwhile, Chris's dog is the exact opposite—a creature of boundless joy who jumps (and humps) into immediate intimacy with anyone willing. The contrast is brilliant, funny, and a perfect metaphor for the emotional walls the characters are trying to dismantle.
The Deep End of the Pool delivers incredible moments of catharsis not just for Chris and Annie, but for everyone in their circle. It’s smart, it’s emotional, it’s funny, and as many other reviewers have noted, after it's over you'll want more. You can also tell this is a personal story for the author, and is devoid of AI slop. Do yourself a favor and pick this up when it releases July 1!
This review is based on an Advanced Copy furnished by the author.
***minor spoilers ahead***
The problem with this book is that you want it to keep going. I'm still trying to live in the world from The Deep End of the Pool by Sadie Franks. This is hands-down one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read this year. On the surface, it’s a beautifully written romance about two single parents, Chris and Annie, who meet cute and fall in love. But beneath the witty, clever banter and genre tropes lies a stunningly poignant exploration of trauma, therapy, and healing. Franks masterfully balances laugh-out-loud humor with profound emotional weight, and the transitions between those highs and lows are seamless.
What makes this story so unique is how Chris and Annie's romance is catalyzed. It’s their daughters, Vaughn and Robbie, whose instant, wonderful friendship forces their parents into each other's orbits. The girls are an absolute joy, and watching their bond drive the connection between Chris and Annie added such a heartwarming layer to the plot.
But it’s not just the main couple that shines—the entire cast of side characters is brilliantly drawn. Annie’s dad, Bill, broke my heart and pieced it back together as he navigated the grief of losing his wife, ultimately finding his own path to new love with an old friend. Then there is Chris’s sister, Jessie—a closeted ER nurse who was orphaned and adopted by her brother. Her dynamic with Chris is incredibly moving, and her personal journey is written with so much nuance and care.
Another high point was the pets, because Franks’ use of symbolism here is genius (and hilarious). Annie's dad's cat, Marmalade, is fiercely defensive and attacks anyone who gets too close, perfectly mirroring Annie’s own deep-seated resistance to intimacy. Meanwhile, Chris's dog is the exact opposite—a creature of boundless joy who jumps (and humps) into immediate intimacy with anyone willing. The contrast is brilliant, funny, and a perfect metaphor for the emotional walls the characters are trying to dismantle.
The Deep End of the Pool delivers incredible moments of catharsis not just for Chris and Annie, but for everyone in their circle. It’s smart, it’s emotional, it’s funny, and as many other reviewers have noted, after it's over you'll want more. You can also tell this is a personal story for the author, and is devoid of AI slop. Do yourself a favor and pick this up when it releases July 1!
This review is based on an Advanced Copy furnished by the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First and foremost, my heartfelt thanks to the author for the generous gift of an eBook and a physical copy of this enchanting debut. There is a rare magic in watching a writer release their first story into the world, and I savored every moment with these unforgettable characters.
Here are just a handful of the many things
🤍 The story unfolds in Austin, Texas, with that signature “Keep Austin Weird” spirit woven through every page in the most delightful ways.
🤍 Annie is a breath of fresh air as a heroine. As a therapist, she takes care of her mental health, sets clear limits with confidence, and accepts all parts of herself. It is a joy to meet a character whose emotional intelligence feels real, never forced, and who honestly thinks about herself when needed.
🤍 The romance between Annie and Chris is not a usual slow burn; it is a gentle glowing fire. Their connection grows with patience, trust, and purpose. Every step toward each other feels well deserved.
🤍 The Olive Garden lore is hilarious, and you can smell the Zuppa Toscana in every scene it appears
🤍 I loved the way single parents are shown and the honest look at balancing love, family, and everyday little chaos.
🤍 Stan’s Bakery, based on a popular Austin place, adds a charming local touch!
🤍 LGBTQIA+ representation
🤍 Marmalade, the sassy white cat, completely stole my heart. Every book needs a scene-stealing feline, and Marmalade clearly knew she was destined for the spotlight.
🤍 The awkward but perfect Target meet-cute made me smile from the first page. It felt real and sweet. It showed the everyday magic that makes romantic comedies special.
So many romantic comedies depend on instant sparks, big gestures, and emotional ups and downs to win readers over. This story takes a softer approach. It does not rush feelings but stays with them, letting every emotion grow.
It is warm, thoughtful, funny, and very down-to-earth - a gentle reminder that the best love stories are not always the loudest. They are made with patience, honesty, and a bit of everyday magic.
For a debut, this is a dazzling beginning, and I am already eager to see what this author creates next.
Here are just a handful of the many things
🤍 The story unfolds in Austin, Texas, with that signature “Keep Austin Weird” spirit woven through every page in the most delightful ways.
🤍 Annie is a breath of fresh air as a heroine. As a therapist, she takes care of her mental health, sets clear limits with confidence, and accepts all parts of herself. It is a joy to meet a character whose emotional intelligence feels real, never forced, and who honestly thinks about herself when needed.
🤍 The romance between Annie and Chris is not a usual slow burn; it is a gentle glowing fire. Their connection grows with patience, trust, and purpose. Every step toward each other feels well deserved.
🤍 The Olive Garden lore is hilarious, and you can smell the Zuppa Toscana in every scene it appears
🤍 I loved the way single parents are shown and the honest look at balancing love, family, and everyday little chaos.
🤍 Stan’s Bakery, based on a popular Austin place, adds a charming local touch!
🤍 LGBTQIA+ representation
🤍 Marmalade, the sassy white cat, completely stole my heart. Every book needs a scene-stealing feline, and Marmalade clearly knew she was destined for the spotlight.
🤍 The awkward but perfect Target meet-cute made me smile from the first page. It felt real and sweet. It showed the everyday magic that makes romantic comedies special.
So many romantic comedies depend on instant sparks, big gestures, and emotional ups and downs to win readers over. This story takes a softer approach. It does not rush feelings but stays with them, letting every emotion grow.
It is warm, thoughtful, funny, and very down-to-earth - a gentle reminder that the best love stories are not always the loudest. They are made with patience, honesty, and a bit of everyday magic.
For a debut, this is a dazzling beginning, and I am already eager to see what this author creates next.
July 2, 2026
The Deep End of the Pool was such a fun surprise because it gives you the cute rom-com setup and a whole lot of emotional depth underneath it.
Chris and Annie don’t meet in some grand cinematic way, their daughters become besties in a Target underwear aisle, which is honestly iconic and from there, these two single parents keep getting pulled into each other’s lives.
Chris is a single dad carrying years of guilt and grief, while Annie is a therapist and single mom who’s built walls around herself after surviving an abusive marriage.
So yes, the chemistry is there, but this story is really about two people trying to figure out if they can trust love again.
Chris was so easy to root for because he’s flirty, funny, and clearly down bad for Annie from the start, but the book also lets you see the hurt sitting underneath all that charm.
He’s not just the “hot single dad” trope thrown in for fun, he’s trying to raise Vaughn the best he can while carrying trauma he never fully dealt with.
Annie, on the other hand, is guarded for very real reasons, and I appreciated that the story never rushed her healing just to speed up the romance.
Their relationship builds through awkward run-ins, playdates, vulnerable conversations, and a lot of emotional push and pull, which made it feel messy in the best way.
Annie is dealing with heavy things at work, including a terrifying armed client incident and the loss of a close friendship when her business partner moves away.
Chris starts therapy and slowly begins unpacking everything tied to Vaughn’s mother and the life he had before Annie.
Chris’s sister Jessie was hilarious, chaotic, and fiercely lovable, and Annie’s family and friends made the whole world feel warm and lived-in.
If you love single-parent romances, found family, kids who accidentally run the plot, and a couple that has to fight through real emotional baggage to get to their happy ending, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Chris and Annie don’t meet in some grand cinematic way, their daughters become besties in a Target underwear aisle, which is honestly iconic and from there, these two single parents keep getting pulled into each other’s lives.
Chris is a single dad carrying years of guilt and grief, while Annie is a therapist and single mom who’s built walls around herself after surviving an abusive marriage.
So yes, the chemistry is there, but this story is really about two people trying to figure out if they can trust love again.
Chris was so easy to root for because he’s flirty, funny, and clearly down bad for Annie from the start, but the book also lets you see the hurt sitting underneath all that charm.
He’s not just the “hot single dad” trope thrown in for fun, he’s trying to raise Vaughn the best he can while carrying trauma he never fully dealt with.
Annie, on the other hand, is guarded for very real reasons, and I appreciated that the story never rushed her healing just to speed up the romance.
Their relationship builds through awkward run-ins, playdates, vulnerable conversations, and a lot of emotional push and pull, which made it feel messy in the best way.
Annie is dealing with heavy things at work, including a terrifying armed client incident and the loss of a close friendship when her business partner moves away.
Chris starts therapy and slowly begins unpacking everything tied to Vaughn’s mother and the life he had before Annie.
Chris’s sister Jessie was hilarious, chaotic, and fiercely lovable, and Annie’s family and friends made the whole world feel warm and lived-in.
If you love single-parent romances, found family, kids who accidentally run the plot, and a couple that has to fight through real emotional baggage to get to their happy ending, this one is definitely worth picking up.
July 5, 2026
The Deep End of the Pool by Sadie Franks is a sweet and heartwarming romance about two single parents who are trying to move on from their painful pasts. Annie is a therapist who has stopped believing in love because she wants to protect herself and her daughter. Chris is also raising his daughter alone and is kind, caring, and ready to open his heart again. When their daughters become best friends after an unexpected meeting, Annie and Chris keep crossing paths. As they spend more time together, a slow and beautiful love story begins, but both of them must face old fears before they can truly be happy.
I really enjoyed how the story took its time to build the relationship between Annie and Chris. Their conversations felt real, and the funny moments between them made me smile many times. Robbie and Vaughn were such lovely characters, and their friendship added warmth to the story. I also liked the caring family members and friends who supported them through every difficult moment.
This book connected with me because it showed that healing takes time and that it is never too late to give love another chance. The story talks about family, friendship, trust, mental health, and finding hope after heartbreak. The characters felt like real people with real problems, which made it easy for me to care about them from beginning to end.
I would happily recommend The Deep End of the Pool to readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, second-chance love stories, and books with strong family bonds. It is a warm, emotional, and feel-good story that reminds us that love can come into our lives when we least expect it. If you want a romance that will make you smile and leave you feeling happy, this is a book you should definitely read.
I really enjoyed how the story took its time to build the relationship between Annie and Chris. Their conversations felt real, and the funny moments between them made me smile many times. Robbie and Vaughn were such lovely characters, and their friendship added warmth to the story. I also liked the caring family members and friends who supported them through every difficult moment.
This book connected with me because it showed that healing takes time and that it is never too late to give love another chance. The story talks about family, friendship, trust, mental health, and finding hope after heartbreak. The characters felt like real people with real problems, which made it easy for me to care about them from beginning to end.
I would happily recommend The Deep End of the Pool to readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, second-chance love stories, and books with strong family bonds. It is a warm, emotional, and feel-good story that reminds us that love can come into our lives when we least expect it. If you want a romance that will make you smile and leave you feeling happy, this is a book you should definitely read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First thank you Sadie Franks for the opportunity to read your book.
It is a slow burn, single parent meet cute. Where he definitely falls first.
I loved how this book talked about feelings and good communication, patience for where the other person was emotionally and consent. Their cute banter and willingness to communicate kept me reading the book, even though there were times I wanted to just put it down and stop reading.
I feel as though the characters were not fully developed. For instance Jessie's sister, there was more there and they never went back to her story and the relationship between her and Chris. It felt like forever for Annie to get out of her own way as well which I can relate to because love is scary, but it was long and drawn out. Although there were some parts I wish were shorter and some I wanted to know more about, the growth Annie experiences (when she finally gets there) felt realistic. I honestly wish more men were like Chris, willing to meet the girl they are trying to romance where they are in the moment. Communicating their feelings, dreams, hopes and tenderness. (A girl can dream.)
There were some parts of the book that I got a little lost, and some dialogue that seemed like it was taking forever to get through. One minute I was a bored and the next I was smiling because of the banter between Annie and Chris. Overall I think this was a cute book, not normally my first pick but cute none the less.
If you want just a love story, with no unnecessary drama, no toxic bs, love over lust, strong family/ friend support and a calmness that is hard to find theses days this is the book for you!
It is a slow burn, single parent meet cute. Where he definitely falls first.
I loved how this book talked about feelings and good communication, patience for where the other person was emotionally and consent. Their cute banter and willingness to communicate kept me reading the book, even though there were times I wanted to just put it down and stop reading.
I feel as though the characters were not fully developed. For instance Jessie's sister, there was more there and they never went back to her story and the relationship between her and Chris. It felt like forever for Annie to get out of her own way as well which I can relate to because love is scary, but it was long and drawn out. Although there were some parts I wish were shorter and some I wanted to know more about, the growth Annie experiences (when she finally gets there) felt realistic. I honestly wish more men were like Chris, willing to meet the girl they are trying to romance where they are in the moment. Communicating their feelings, dreams, hopes and tenderness. (A girl can dream.)
There were some parts of the book that I got a little lost, and some dialogue that seemed like it was taking forever to get through. One minute I was a bored and the next I was smiling because of the banter between Annie and Chris. Overall I think this was a cute book, not normally my first pick but cute none the less.
If you want just a love story, with no unnecessary drama, no toxic bs, love over lust, strong family/ friend support and a calmness that is hard to find theses days this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author Sadie Franks for the ARC!
2.5 stars.
I was really excited to read this book, but unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. I loved the concept of two single parents with past relationship trauma finding love and learning to heal together, but I struggled to fully connect with either of the main characters.
For the most part, I enjoyed Chris and Annie together. They had great chemistry, fun banter, and I enjoyed the playdate scenes as their daughters' friendship developed. Those moments were some of my favorites in the book. However, there were several plotlines, including a major traumatic scene towards the beginning of the book, that felt out of place and were never referenced again later. Also, I felt that Chris's feelings for Annie bordered more towards obsession than love. A lot of things he thought or said felt a bit off-putting to me. There were also a lot of typos throughout, which I ignored for the most part since this isn't the fully published version, but it did take me out of the story a few times.
Overall, I don't think this book was bad, it just wasn't the right fit for me. There were definitely aspects I enjoyed, particularly the side characters. Annie's friends, Chris's sister Jessie, and both Vaughn and Robbie felt well-developed and realistic. While the elements that didn't work for me ultimately outweighed the ones that did, I can see other readers enjoying this story, especially if they're looking for a slow burn, single-parent romance with strong family dynamics and themes of healing and second chances.
2.5 stars.
I was really excited to read this book, but unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. I loved the concept of two single parents with past relationship trauma finding love and learning to heal together, but I struggled to fully connect with either of the main characters.
For the most part, I enjoyed Chris and Annie together. They had great chemistry, fun banter, and I enjoyed the playdate scenes as their daughters' friendship developed. Those moments were some of my favorites in the book. However, there were several plotlines, including a major traumatic scene towards the beginning of the book, that felt out of place and were never referenced again later. Also, I felt that Chris's feelings for Annie bordered more towards obsession than love. A lot of things he thought or said felt a bit off-putting to me. There were also a lot of typos throughout, which I ignored for the most part since this isn't the fully published version, but it did take me out of the story a few times.
Overall, I don't think this book was bad, it just wasn't the right fit for me. There were definitely aspects I enjoyed, particularly the side characters. Annie's friends, Chris's sister Jessie, and both Vaughn and Robbie felt well-developed and realistic. While the elements that didn't work for me ultimately outweighed the ones that did, I can see other readers enjoying this story, especially if they're looking for a slow burn, single-parent romance with strong family dynamics and themes of healing and second chances.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think one of the hardest things in life is accepting that someone can love you without fixing you.
We spend so much time believing we need to become a better version of ourselves before we’re worthy of love. Less broken. Less complicated. Less damaged.
That’s probably why The Deep End of the Pool stayed with me.
At its heart, this isn’t really a romance. It’s a story about two people carrying invisible wounds while trying to raise children, survive their pasts, and figure out who they are beyond everything life has taken from them.
What I loved most is that the book doesn’t treat healing like a destination. Chris and Annie don’t magically overcome their struggles because they meet each other. They still have fears. They still have baggage. They still have days when the past feels heavier than the future.
But slowly, through awkward conversations, unexpected moments, and genuine kindness, they begin to realize that being loved isn’t the same thing as being rescued.
And I think that’s what made this story feel so real.
In a world full of romances built on grand gestures, this one reminded me that sometimes the most romantic thing in the world is simply finding someone who sees your scars and doesn’t ask you to hide them.
By the end, I wasn’t thinking about the love story.
I was thinking about how many people are standing in the deep end of their own lives, convinced they have to swim alone.
And how beautiful it is when they discover they don’t.
July 1, 2026
3.5 stars. Debut novel by Sadie Franks was a good first book.
Single parents Chris and Annie have a meet cute in the children's underwear aisle at Target where their daughters hit it off. The premise of the story is sweet and realistic as single parents watching their daughters bond and forming a relationship themselves. Both having a lot of past trauma to deal with first to see if it worth falling in love again.
All the characters are solid, we get to understand their background and how they are the way they are. Their family members were fun and funny. Her dad's hidden jokes were real good which almost showed how sheltered she was as a kid. For me, I felt the pacing was a little slow even though Chris fell first and fast, it took a LONG time for the first kiss. For a therapist, I thought Annie really took way too long to come around to see that Chris was the right one for her to take a risk. There is also a comment about one of Annie's friends at the restaurant - kudos for making her Asian because adding diversity to stories doesn't take that much effort and I always appreciate it, but that comment was a little glaringly offensive.
If you're looking for SMUT, this isn't it, but I would consider this a sweet romance book. A good debut novel, that I'm looking forward to see what this author writes next.
Thanks for the ARC.
Single parents Chris and Annie have a meet cute in the children's underwear aisle at Target where their daughters hit it off. The premise of the story is sweet and realistic as single parents watching their daughters bond and forming a relationship themselves. Both having a lot of past trauma to deal with first to see if it worth falling in love again.
All the characters are solid, we get to understand their background and how they are the way they are. Their family members were fun and funny. Her dad's hidden jokes were real good which almost showed how sheltered she was as a kid. For me, I felt the pacing was a little slow even though Chris fell first and fast, it took a LONG time for the first kiss. For a therapist, I thought Annie really took way too long to come around to see that Chris was the right one for her to take a risk. There is also a comment about one of Annie's friends at the restaurant - kudos for making her Asian because adding diversity to stories doesn't take that much effort and I always appreciate it, but that comment was a little glaringly offensive.
If you're looking for SMUT, this isn't it, but I would consider this a sweet romance book. A good debut novel, that I'm looking forward to see what this author writes next.
Thanks for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finished this book with a big smile on my face, and you will too.
Annie Morgan and Chris Logan are both single parents in their mid 30s in Austin, TX. I was rooting for them from the moment they met in the children’s underwear section at Target. Despite the instant chemistry, they have their baggage. Their journey is engaging, and the family and friends who surround them are entertaining and authentic. It’s a steamy read at times, and a teensy bit naughty.
I enjoyed that the book basically has a soundtrack. Songs are woven throughout, and I would either a) recognize the song and feel cool or b) immediately queue it up on Spotify. I expect to see some banger playlists pop up around this book.
The female friendships in this story are portrayed beautifully. The group chat Annie has going with her friends is unhinged and hilarious, and they show up for each other in meaningful ways.
As an Austinite, I found the Austin setting to be particularly vivid. It was fun to match the locations in the book to what I imagine are the real spots around town.
Long short, if you like contemporary romance, check out The Deep End of the Pool! Looking forward to more from debut author Sadie Franks.
Annie Morgan and Chris Logan are both single parents in their mid 30s in Austin, TX. I was rooting for them from the moment they met in the children’s underwear section at Target. Despite the instant chemistry, they have their baggage. Their journey is engaging, and the family and friends who surround them are entertaining and authentic. It’s a steamy read at times, and a teensy bit naughty.
I enjoyed that the book basically has a soundtrack. Songs are woven throughout, and I would either a) recognize the song and feel cool or b) immediately queue it up on Spotify. I expect to see some banger playlists pop up around this book.
The female friendships in this story are portrayed beautifully. The group chat Annie has going with her friends is unhinged and hilarious, and they show up for each other in meaningful ways.
As an Austinite, I found the Austin setting to be particularly vivid. It was fun to match the locations in the book to what I imagine are the real spots around town.
Long short, if you like contemporary romance, check out The Deep End of the Pool! Looking forward to more from debut author Sadie Franks.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 rounded up ARC review
Possible spoilers (bc there’s some mystery to their trauma but I know some people want safety info…)
There were things I enjoyed about this book.
✅I thought it was super cute and well written.
✅There were a few times that I laughed out loud because she is a very witty writer.
✅Chris was super patient and I loved how hard and fast he fell for Annie, even though she did a lot of pushing him away.
✅The kids were adorable and I loved how quickly they formed a bond.
That being said there are some “me things” that I didn’t like. It’s nothing against the book or writer, they’re just things that I don’t enjoy in a book.
❌dead ex trope. Technically they were never together, but the mother of his child died. It was a one night thing but he wanted to try and be a family. He never loved her or anything.
❌she’s been celibate for….10 years! Not even a date. Her ex husband was abusive so I see why she would be reluctant to date…and this would be fine if he wasn’t….
❌you guessed it. A manwhore. He even calls himself one. They even run into people he has had one night stands with. Not my thing.
Possible spoilers (bc there’s some mystery to their trauma but I know some people want safety info…)
There were things I enjoyed about this book.
✅I thought it was super cute and well written.
✅There were a few times that I laughed out loud because she is a very witty writer.
✅Chris was super patient and I loved how hard and fast he fell for Annie, even though she did a lot of pushing him away.
✅The kids were adorable and I loved how quickly they formed a bond.
That being said there are some “me things” that I didn’t like. It’s nothing against the book or writer, they’re just things that I don’t enjoy in a book.
❌dead ex trope. Technically they were never together, but the mother of his child died. It was a one night thing but he wanted to try and be a family. He never loved her or anything.
❌she’s been celibate for….10 years! Not even a date. Her ex husband was abusive so I see why she would be reluctant to date…and this would be fine if he wasn’t….
❌you guessed it. A manwhore. He even calls himself one. They even run into people he has had one night stands with. Not my thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars
The Deep End of the Pool was the perfect light and comforting rom-com to kick off summer reading season. When single dad Chris and single mom Annie have a chance meeting in the kids' underwear section at Target, neither of them expects their lives to become so intertwined. Thanks to their daughters instantly becoming best friends, they're suddenly spending more and more time together—and watching their relationship develop was such a sweet journey.
Chris was an absolute standout for me. He's the ultimate golden retriever hero: kind, patient, attentive, and impossible not to love. Annie, on the other hand, is much more guarded and determined to keep her carefully built bubble intact, which created a fun dynamic as Chris slowly worked his way into her life.
This book doesn't try to be overly dramatic or emotionally heavy. Instead, it delivers exactly what I wanted: a charming, feel-good romance with lovable characters, adorable kids, and plenty of moments that had me kicking my feet and smiling. If you're looking for a cute, low-stress romance that feels like sunshine and pool days, this is definitely worth picking up.
The Deep End of the Pool was the perfect light and comforting rom-com to kick off summer reading season. When single dad Chris and single mom Annie have a chance meeting in the kids' underwear section at Target, neither of them expects their lives to become so intertwined. Thanks to their daughters instantly becoming best friends, they're suddenly spending more and more time together—and watching their relationship develop was such a sweet journey.
Chris was an absolute standout for me. He's the ultimate golden retriever hero: kind, patient, attentive, and impossible not to love. Annie, on the other hand, is much more guarded and determined to keep her carefully built bubble intact, which created a fun dynamic as Chris slowly worked his way into her life.
This book doesn't try to be overly dramatic or emotionally heavy. Instead, it delivers exactly what I wanted: a charming, feel-good romance with lovable characters, adorable kids, and plenty of moments that had me kicking my feet and smiling. If you're looking for a cute, low-stress romance that feels like sunshine and pool days, this is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks Sadie Franks for the eARC!
Not going to lie the title and cover sucked me in and I didn't read the blurb. I tend to do this and just go into books blind based on the vibe it gives off. This one was completely off from what I was expecting knowing nothing. This wouldn't have been one I would have picked up if I had read the blurb, that being said it was an adorable, quick perfect for summer read. If you like single parents, insta love, deep emotions, and the chaos of kids throughout the plot making your giggle and laugh.
This is a single parents, emotional, heartfelt romance. It covers lots of deeper emotions and thoughts. There's lots of therapy, and therapists lol. Single dad meet single mom in a insta love moment. While their meet cute was absolutely adorable and memorable 🩲 I was honestly left wanting a bit more of the romance in this one. This was really well written for the plot, emotional development and overall I just thought the romance lacked a bit and felt a little rushed in the end.
Not going to lie the title and cover sucked me in and I didn't read the blurb. I tend to do this and just go into books blind based on the vibe it gives off. This one was completely off from what I was expecting knowing nothing. This wouldn't have been one I would have picked up if I had read the blurb, that being said it was an adorable, quick perfect for summer read. If you like single parents, insta love, deep emotions, and the chaos of kids throughout the plot making your giggle and laugh.
This is a single parents, emotional, heartfelt romance. It covers lots of deeper emotions and thoughts. There's lots of therapy, and therapists lol. Single dad meet single mom in a insta love moment. While their meet cute was absolutely adorable and memorable 🩲 I was honestly left wanting a bit more of the romance in this one. This was really well written for the plot, emotional development and overall I just thought the romance lacked a bit and felt a little rushed in the end.
May 25, 2026
I had the chance to read an ARC of The Deep End of the Pool before release and I already know this book is going to have readers obsessed 😭💙
This story was sweet, emotional, funny, and had the perfect amount of tension and chemistry. The characters felt so real that I found myself completely invested in every interaction and rooting for them the entire time.
The writing pulled me in right away and gave me all the late-night “just one more chapter” vibes. The slow burn, the emotional moments, and the connection between the characters made this such an enjoyable read.
I’m so grateful I got the opportunity to read this ARC early because now I’m counting down until everyone else gets to experience it too 👏📚
If you love romance with heart, chemistry, and characters you can’t stop thinking about, definitely add this one to your TBR 💫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would you read a poolside romance with emotional depth and tension? 👀👇
This story was sweet, emotional, funny, and had the perfect amount of tension and chemistry. The characters felt so real that I found myself completely invested in every interaction and rooting for them the entire time.
The writing pulled me in right away and gave me all the late-night “just one more chapter” vibes. The slow burn, the emotional moments, and the connection between the characters made this such an enjoyable read.
I’m so grateful I got the opportunity to read this ARC early because now I’m counting down until everyone else gets to experience it too 👏📚
If you love romance with heart, chemistry, and characters you can’t stop thinking about, definitely add this one to your TBR 💫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would you read a poolside romance with emotional depth and tension? 👀👇
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you author Sadie Franks for the ARC of your book.
3.75 stars
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the therapists needing therapist aspect of the book, as well as two single parents with little girls that loved each other. I love that Vaugh loved Robbie so much, and that they ended up being "sisters". I love how deeply Chris fell (although a bit fast), and loves his family. I loved Annie's relationship with her girlfriends. I loved all the Notebook references.
What I struggled with was at times the story dragged, and others I wanted more that were cut to short. I wish the storyline had explored Jessie telling Chris her "secret", and his support of that aspect of the storyline. I wish the first spicy scene wasn't a quickie that left me wondering was that really how the first time was written?
Tropes:
Slow Burn
Single Parents
Loss of Loved Ones
Second Chance at Love
Funny Side Characters and Friends
3.75 stars
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the therapists needing therapist aspect of the book, as well as two single parents with little girls that loved each other. I love that Vaugh loved Robbie so much, and that they ended up being "sisters". I love how deeply Chris fell (although a bit fast), and loves his family. I loved Annie's relationship with her girlfriends. I loved all the Notebook references.
What I struggled with was at times the story dragged, and others I wanted more that were cut to short. I wish the storyline had explored Jessie telling Chris her "secret", and his support of that aspect of the storyline. I wish the first spicy scene wasn't a quickie that left me wondering was that really how the first time was written?
Tropes:
Slow Burn
Single Parents
Loss of Loved Ones
Second Chance at Love
Funny Side Characters and Friends
July 29, 2026
I received an ARC for The Deep End of the Pool. This is my first book by Sadie Franks. I cant wait to start this series.
This is Chris and Annie's story...
Chis is a contractor.
Annie is a therapist but really good as a couples therapist.
Chris and Annie meet at target while he is trying to by underwear for his daughter.
Their daughters become instant best friends they run into each other a couple times before they realize they live in the same neighborhood.
They both had horrible past relationships which caused them to retreat in different ways but made it hard for them to move forward.
The more time they spend together they more their feelings grow but when Annie retreats Chris refuses to give but but also give he time and space to work through her feelings.
Chris was strong loyal steady. Ne never gave up.
Annie was independent strong brave.
I wish their was more to their story.
Can't wait for more from this author
This is Chris and Annie's story...
Chis is a contractor.
Annie is a therapist but really good as a couples therapist.
Chris and Annie meet at target while he is trying to by underwear for his daughter.
Their daughters become instant best friends they run into each other a couple times before they realize they live in the same neighborhood.
They both had horrible past relationships which caused them to retreat in different ways but made it hard for them to move forward.
The more time they spend together they more their feelings grow but when Annie retreats Chris refuses to give but but also give he time and space to work through her feelings.
Chris was strong loyal steady. Ne never gave up.
Annie was independent strong brave.
I wish their was more to their story.
Can't wait for more from this author
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a super cute and heartfelt love story. Both characters are carrying past traumas, and I really loved watching them learn to heal and overcome those struggles together. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the therapist angle and how it highlighted the importance of healing, self-growth, and therapy in such a positive and realistic way.
The mental health representation for both the FMC and MMC was handled with care and compassion, which made the story feel even more meaningful. The writing was easy to read, and the mix of funny moments and emotional scenes kept me fully engaged from beginning to end.
Overall, this was a touching, uplifting romance with emotional depth and lovable characters. A great read for anyone who enjoys romances that balance humor, healing, and heart.
The mental health representation for both the FMC and MMC was handled with care and compassion, which made the story feel even more meaningful. The writing was easy to read, and the mix of funny moments and emotional scenes kept me fully engaged from beginning to end.
Overall, this was a touching, uplifting romance with emotional depth and lovable characters. A great read for anyone who enjoys romances that balance humor, healing, and heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I spent a while trying to decide what to rate this. But then I realized I was thinking about Annie and Chris and their little family during times when I wasn't reading it. And when I was reading, I felt cozy and full of ... calm joy. It was a nice change of pace. So then that signaled to me what I needed to do, and give it 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The little teasings between characters and the chemistry and the cohesiveness. The two little girls' (Vaughn and Robbie) friendship was adorable and I absolutely loved them to pieces! It was all just so nice! The story was complex yet simple, and innocent yet mature.
I don't even know what else to say about this author and this story. It was such a good read and every page was filled with abundance of warmth. 💕
*Read as an ARC, my review is all my own thoughts.*
The little teasings between characters and the chemistry and the cohesiveness. The two little girls' (Vaughn and Robbie) friendship was adorable and I absolutely loved them to pieces! It was all just so nice! The story was complex yet simple, and innocent yet mature.
I don't even know what else to say about this author and this story. It was such a good read and every page was filled with abundance of warmth. 💕
*Read as an ARC, my review is all my own thoughts.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book hooked me from the start! Chris, despite his childhood… Having to grow up quick for his younger sister, Jessie; and the trauma he went through with his daughters mother, is mesmerized completely by the “Underwear Lady” at Target after years of suppressing those types of feelings down DEEP! The first interaction was so funny and it quickly enveloped me with all the witty, awkward,serious and sexy moments between Chris and Annie.
Annie, who knew she wanted to be a therapist after her own personal experience, is always in her head and tries so hard to push this stunning too-good-to-be-true man away from her and her daughter, but the more she tries to scare him away, the harder he tries, and who can resist this hunk of a man?!
If you love a slow burn romantic comedy, this book is for you ❤️ The book is due to come out on Amazon on July 1st 📚
Annie, who knew she wanted to be a therapist after her own personal experience, is always in her head and tries so hard to push this stunning too-good-to-be-true man away from her and her daughter, but the more she tries to scare him away, the harder he tries, and who can resist this hunk of a man?!
If you love a slow burn romantic comedy, this book is for you ❤️ The book is due to come out on Amazon on July 1st 📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a lovely book about second chances and taking a leap of faith.
Our main characters, Annie and Chris, felt real and relatable. Robbie is Annie's daughter, and Vaughn is Chris's daughter, and the opening scenes of the four of them meeting in a Target is funny and sweet.
As children often do, the girls are immediate best friends - and I loved these two! The author does a realistic depiction of their immediate connection.
Both Annie and Chris have fractured pasts and are very protective of their girls and their lives as single parents. Should they get involved with each other?
There are some rumors circling and lives get a bit messy - and again, Annie and Chris question the risks of love.
This book also handles the issue of mental health, respectively. Annie is a therapist, and this adds depth to the story.
Uplifting and "feel-good" romantic comedy story full of heart!
Our main characters, Annie and Chris, felt real and relatable. Robbie is Annie's daughter, and Vaughn is Chris's daughter, and the opening scenes of the four of them meeting in a Target is funny and sweet.
As children often do, the girls are immediate best friends - and I loved these two! The author does a realistic depiction of their immediate connection.
Both Annie and Chris have fractured pasts and are very protective of their girls and their lives as single parents. Should they get involved with each other?
There are some rumors circling and lives get a bit messy - and again, Annie and Chris question the risks of love.
This book also handles the issue of mental health, respectively. Annie is a therapist, and this adds depth to the story.
Uplifting and "feel-good" romantic comedy story full of heart!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️ARC READER⭐️
This is a REALLLLLY cute romance story!! A solid 4.5 ⭐️
I definitely enjoyed the slow burn 🔥
I loved the character build!
I love that it’s a single mom and dad as the MCs!
The back stories for the single mom and dad involved, the little girls, the trauma suffered was heart breaking but relatable! As a prior single mom the feelings of the mom were super relatable, and I LOVED that! 🙌🏻 dating as a single parent is hard and can be so uncomfortable! This was so elegantly done!
I really hope there is a book 2 because I wanna know what happens with Chris and Annie! I love their love story! As a lover of The Notebook, it’s a really sweet story! I wanna know what happens to bond developed with the daughters! And the dad Bill and Robbie?? Whaaaaat??? I wanna know what happens to them all! lol!
Thank you for trusting me with an early eread copy!
This is a REALLLLLY cute romance story!! A solid 4.5 ⭐️
I definitely enjoyed the slow burn 🔥
I loved the character build!
I love that it’s a single mom and dad as the MCs!
The back stories for the single mom and dad involved, the little girls, the trauma suffered was heart breaking but relatable! As a prior single mom the feelings of the mom were super relatable, and I LOVED that! 🙌🏻 dating as a single parent is hard and can be so uncomfortable! This was so elegantly done!
I really hope there is a book 2 because I wanna know what happens with Chris and Annie! I love their love story! As a lover of The Notebook, it’s a really sweet story! I wanna know what happens to bond developed with the daughters! And the dad Bill and Robbie?? Whaaaaat??? I wanna know what happens to them all! lol!
Thank you for trusting me with an early eread copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This sweet romance novel was a joy to read. Annie and Chris are both single parents to two delightful daughters. They both have been carrying baggage from painful pasts that included heartbreak and loss.
How the book portrays the journey of healing, acceptance and finding peace with the past was so well done. To see this through the eyes of Annie, who is a therapist, and Chris, gave the story meaning and depth.
Chris is such a lovable character who thoughtfully does things to woo Annie. Even though their budding relationship evolves through the book, Annie and Chris always put their daughters first.
This is a cozy, feel good read that also deals with some tough emotional issues. The ending felt very satisfying. You can’t help but root for Annie and Chris throughout the book and hope they will find a lifetime of happiness with one another.
How the book portrays the journey of healing, acceptance and finding peace with the past was so well done. To see this through the eyes of Annie, who is a therapist, and Chris, gave the story meaning and depth.
Chris is such a lovable character who thoughtfully does things to woo Annie. Even though their budding relationship evolves through the book, Annie and Chris always put their daughters first.
This is a cozy, feel good read that also deals with some tough emotional issues. The ending felt very satisfying. You can’t help but root for Annie and Chris throughout the book and hope they will find a lifetime of happiness with one another.
July 29, 2026
Thank you to the author, Sadie Franks, for an advanced copy of the book.
This was a super fun read! It was really cool to get to know these characters. They felt realistic and were relatable at times. The FMC, Annie and MMC, Chris had great banter throughout the book. I can tell the author put a lot of time and effort not only into the novel as a whole but into the research for the character backgrounds. There were a few parts through out the book that fell a little flat for me but nothing that ruined the story. The book was paced a little bit slowly for my personal taste; however, it definitely read just as well as a seasoned, established author in my opinion. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who is looking for a new author to get into. I’d definitely read another book by this author in the future!
This was a super fun read! It was really cool to get to know these characters. They felt realistic and were relatable at times. The FMC, Annie and MMC, Chris had great banter throughout the book. I can tell the author put a lot of time and effort not only into the novel as a whole but into the research for the character backgrounds. There were a few parts through out the book that fell a little flat for me but nothing that ruined the story. The book was paced a little bit slowly for my personal taste; however, it definitely read just as well as a seasoned, established author in my opinion. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who is looking for a new author to get into. I’d definitely read another book by this author in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a great read! This book completely pulled me in from the start. The character development was so well done.The banter between the characters made the slow burn absolutely worth it. Every interaction felt natural, layered, and full of chemistry. I also really appreciated the way heavier topics and past traumas were handled with care and sensitivity. One of my favorite parts was seeing the normalization of men going to therapy and openly working through their emotions while still showing up fully for the people they love, especially their children. This story had the perfect balance of emotional depth, humor, healing, and romance. Such a fun, heartfelt read that left me smiling by the end. Definitely recommend!
July 12, 2026
this took me nearly 2 months, and i feel absolutely horrible because i received an arc of this book and i could not get it read by the time of it being released.
i did not finish this book, i think i sat it down 4 or 5 chapters in and just could not pick it back up again. im not sure if it was the initially weird/awkward meeting they had in the little girls underwear (they have daughters, that’s not what made it weird to me. clearly they’d be there for them) or if it’s just that chris’ character initial falls flat and annie seems a bit bored to me.
maybe i will be able to pick it up again and finish it and change my review; but as of now its a 2 star (rounded up from 1.5 tbh) just for the fact that publishing a book is scary and takes a lot of courage.
i did not finish this book, i think i sat it down 4 or 5 chapters in and just could not pick it back up again. im not sure if it was the initially weird/awkward meeting they had in the little girls underwear (they have daughters, that’s not what made it weird to me. clearly they’d be there for them) or if it’s just that chris’ character initial falls flat and annie seems a bit bored to me.
maybe i will be able to pick it up again and finish it and change my review; but as of now its a 2 star (rounded up from 1.5 tbh) just for the fact that publishing a book is scary and takes a lot of courage.
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