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The Opposite of Drowning
Harry Sargent hates his job in publishing, his life in New York City, and his motley collection of disreputable best friends. Making everything worse? He's about to turn 50 and has a crush on the much-younger woman his company just hired to move them into the digital age.
At 27, Elizabeth Anne Abgral loves her job, her life, and maybe even her fiancé. But no one can have it all, and as long as she does everything her old-fashioned, high-society New England family expects of her, she'll probably be happy. Right?!
But when she meets a handsome – and mischievous – older man at her new job, that illusion shatters.
As she and Harry bicker their way through industry events around the world, Elizabeth finds herself tossing rationality – and her plans – to the wind.
But just because Harry has long wished his life were different, doesn’t mean he’s ready to risk his heart on a passion that frightens him… or a peculiar young woman with the uncanny ability to make cities flood every time they kiss.
At 27, Elizabeth Anne Abgral loves her job, her life, and maybe even her fiancé. But no one can have it all, and as long as she does everything her old-fashioned, high-society New England family expects of her, she'll probably be happy. Right?!
But when she meets a handsome – and mischievous – older man at her new job, that illusion shatters.
As she and Harry bicker their way through industry events around the world, Elizabeth finds herself tossing rationality – and her plans – to the wind.
But just because Harry has long wished his life were different, doesn’t mean he’s ready to risk his heart on a passion that frightens him… or a peculiar young woman with the uncanny ability to make cities flood every time they kiss.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2019
34 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Erin McRae
40 books169 followersErin McRae is a queer writer and blogger based in Washington, D.C. She owns several pieces of paper from distinguished universities, including a Master’s degree in International Affairs from American University, which qualify her to have lengthy and passionate discussions about the microeconomics of Tunisia. She also engages in lengthy and passionate discussions about military history. She likes trenches.
Erin is a cofounder of Avian 30, a literary collective dedicated to narratives with magical and sexual realism. She delights in applying her knowledge of international relations theory to her fiction and screen-based projects, because conflict drives narrative.
She lives in Washington, D.C. with her partner and their two cats.
Erin is a cofounder of Avian 30, a literary collective dedicated to narratives with magical and sexual realism. She delights in applying her knowledge of international relations theory to her fiction and screen-based projects, because conflict drives narrative.
She lives in Washington, D.C. with her partner and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 31, 2020
Love this queer f/m May-December workplace romance where he’s bi and it’s not a source of conflict - balm for my bi heart!! McRae and Maltese bill their work as “Happily Ever Afters for Difficult People With Complicated Lives” and this one certainly lives up to that billing - and I mean that as a compliment. McRae & Maltese are some of the best writers in romance for showing characters making totally understandable bad choices, and then having to seriously grapple with the consequences of those choices and rebuild trust with their love interests. This book should get more exposure than it does IMHO.
May 23, 2019
Harry is a mid-career editor and minor travel writer. Elizabeth is a digital strategy consultant brought in to update the publishing firm's marketing.
This is a May-December workplace romance set in the publishing industry. This is a great example of how NOT to do a squick-worthy version of these tropes.
Harry and Eliza are fully-rounded, understandable characters that are struggling to feel like they individually fit in their own worlds, just as they realize that they fit :together: despite all the outward indicators telling them that they really shouldn't.
Harry and Eliza are both complicated, intelligent adults with support systems who have been through some challenging things, at different stages of their lives. Although Harry in particular makes a couple of bad choices, they are completely UNDERSTANDABLE choices, not a function of him needing to make bad choices for plot purposes. This is the opposite of Bad Life Choices theater, with an underlying theme/extended metaphor about the drowned city of Ys. Including a fantastic scene (NOT about harassment) with the publishing company's HR department that holds all of the tension it needs to and gets it right.
This is a book about two adults making a series of understandable good and bad choices, and realizing that the best choices lead to their collective happiness. And this is a book that drives home that being complicated, and having a history, does not mean you are not worthy of love. The histories that make Harry and Eliza who they are is also what makes them such a good match for each other.
Thoroughly enjoyable because I loved the characters, I loved how they interact with each other, and I love how their different, nuanced perspectives and life experiences worked to complement each other and strengthen their collective relationship.
(Also, there's a fair amount of wandering around Paris, which I personally view as a bonus.)
McRae and Maltese are on my auto-buy list, because they always have well-rounded characters, excellent interactions, and enjoyable thematic elements that actually do tie in to the story.
This is a May-December workplace romance set in the publishing industry. This is a great example of how NOT to do a squick-worthy version of these tropes.
Harry and Eliza are fully-rounded, understandable characters that are struggling to feel like they individually fit in their own worlds, just as they realize that they fit :together: despite all the outward indicators telling them that they really shouldn't.
Harry and Eliza are both complicated, intelligent adults with support systems who have been through some challenging things, at different stages of their lives. Although Harry in particular makes a couple of bad choices, they are completely UNDERSTANDABLE choices, not a function of him needing to make bad choices for plot purposes. This is the opposite of Bad Life Choices theater, with an underlying theme/extended metaphor about the drowned city of Ys. Including a fantastic scene (NOT about harassment) with the publishing company's HR department that holds all of the tension it needs to and gets it right.
This is a book about two adults making a series of understandable good and bad choices, and realizing that the best choices lead to their collective happiness. And this is a book that drives home that being complicated, and having a history, does not mean you are not worthy of love. The histories that make Harry and Eliza who they are is also what makes them such a good match for each other.
Thoroughly enjoyable because I loved the characters, I loved how they interact with each other, and I love how their different, nuanced perspectives and life experiences worked to complement each other and strengthen their collective relationship.
(Also, there's a fair amount of wandering around Paris, which I personally view as a bonus.)
McRae and Maltese are on my auto-buy list, because they always have well-rounded characters, excellent interactions, and enjoyable thematic elements that actually do tie in to the story.
May 5, 2019
If you thought it was impossible to write a good older man / younger woman workplace romance in the MeToo era, this is the book to prove you wrong. Harry is almost inhumanly kind and conscientious in his behavior toward Eliza once he realizes he likes her. But this is far from drama-free, because he's ridiculously terrible at doing relationships once they get started.
This story was fun, interesting, and unique. Unusual people with unusual ideas about the world, finding their way to happiness. An excellent romance that ends happily but not in a traditional "happily ever after," which leaves lots of room for sequels.
This story was fun, interesting, and unique. Unusual people with unusual ideas about the world, finding their way to happiness. An excellent romance that ends happily but not in a traditional "happily ever after," which leaves lots of room for sequels.
December 12, 2021
I wanted to like this book so bad. The cover is hideous but I figured it's an age gap romance in paris, what's the harm? The harm is that it is a waste of time. The plot was all over the place, the relationship between the MCs didn't even have content, and it's only set in paris for one trip (that annoyed me beyond belief). The only part of this book that I liked was when they were broken up and the last page. I needed a book to keep me entertained while I read Emma, which is very slow, but sadly I only finished this book quickly because I wanted it to be over not because I liked it. I do judge books by their covers and I have no shame for it, but now I know that if a book has a hideous cover then odds are that it has a hideous inside too. I am only giving this 2 stars because the MC's name was Harry and because I liked him.
January 26, 2021
Well written.
June 12, 2019
Maltese & McRae have done it again. They excel at creating fully-formed, interesting, complicated characters whose stories draw you in. This book was delightful, especially because it wasn't full of the overdone tropes of so many romance novels. Eliza is independent, accomplished, and successful in her own right. As such, she doesn't allow Harry to slide with respect to his various disaster--especially in how he treats their relationship and her.
Maltese and McRae show a grown-up relationship with an age difference that works so well. Added to that, there's the element of magical realism that so much a part of the stories they tell. Another winner!
Maltese and McRae show a grown-up relationship with an age difference that works so well. Added to that, there's the element of magical realism that so much a part of the stories they tell. Another winner!
June 12, 2019
What a refreshing take on the traditional romance--especially one that tackles both an age difference and a workplace romance. This is modern and also timeless in its elegance. The characters come to life in ways that Maltese and McRae continue to excel at creating. Add in some magic, and you have a delightful book you won't be able to put down!
February 4, 2021
Queer MF. Completely consumed me for a few days. These characters were different than others I'd read and right for each other. The break up/test that happens in romances felt truly character based and not contrived in a "this is just how romance works" kind of way.
It will live rent-free in my mind for a while, and that's what I use to give out 5 stars on GoodReads.
It will live rent-free in my mind for a while, and that's what I use to give out 5 stars on GoodReads.
May 21, 2019
This whole book was a delight. Grounded, flawed, characters that felt so real grappling with grief, ambition, and a messy relationship, a dash of magical realism connected to the myth of the drowned city of Ys. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes their romance a bit off the beaten path.
November 7, 2022
I'd actually hoped this romance between a grumpy editor and a neurotic marketing consultant would be slightly more supernatural inflected than it was (which the cover copy kind of implied), but it's absolutely charming anyway. (Disclosure: Maltese is an acquaintance.)
December 6, 2022
I couldn't get past chapter 2. Bit of a word salad that had me internally screaming "GET TO THE POINT!" Lots of love for this book here, so it's probably just me.
November 24, 2020
Harry and Elizabeth are both working for the same New York publishing company. But while Elizabeth loves her life, her work, the travel, and maybe even her fiancée, Harry is just about to turn 50, feels trapped in a rut with both his writing, editing, and a group of friends that time is passing by. Worse still, he has developed an inappropriate crush on this new young woman who has waltzed into his life like a passing flood. Although Harry and Elizabeth spend all their time bickering, it seems fate is drawing them together – but for better or for worse?
Weirdly, the first thing that struck me about this book was the chapter titles: “The Curse of the Supermarket Sauce King”, “In Countries of Exile”; the chapter titles are beautifully written, and this high standard of writing is maintained throughout the book. Furthermore, Maltese and McRae are clearly two cultured cookies, and the mythological and literary references are a real pleasure (without interfering with the story at all.) This prose of The Opposite of Drowning is marvellous.
The second thing that struck me is that our two lovers are misanthropic, snarky, and often prone (willingly or otherwise) to making the most selfish, hurtful decisions possible. This makes for good drama, but it is hard to empathise with them much at the beginning. Plus I find May-December romances icky (might be more ready for one with an older woman, but still, not my preferred combination). I recommend sticking it out.
Essentially, there is so much interesting stuff going on in their lives that Elizabeth and Harry must grow as people before they are ready for each other. So a slower than traditional romance lead-in but some excellent character studies regarding loss, the passage of time, guilt, self-doubt, and the quest for freedom. Plus, the queer representation is much appreciated. Stick around as the characters grow and when the romance blossoms in its own, quirky way, it’s both hot stuff and remarkably poetic. These are two characters who really work for their happy ending.
The Opposite of Drowning isn’t a light read – but it is compelling, and if you’re ready to commit to it then it is very much worthwhile. A unique romance with unique characters.
Weirdly, the first thing that struck me about this book was the chapter titles: “The Curse of the Supermarket Sauce King”, “In Countries of Exile”; the chapter titles are beautifully written, and this high standard of writing is maintained throughout the book. Furthermore, Maltese and McRae are clearly two cultured cookies, and the mythological and literary references are a real pleasure (without interfering with the story at all.) This prose of The Opposite of Drowning is marvellous.
The second thing that struck me is that our two lovers are misanthropic, snarky, and often prone (willingly or otherwise) to making the most selfish, hurtful decisions possible. This makes for good drama, but it is hard to empathise with them much at the beginning. Plus I find May-December romances icky (might be more ready for one with an older woman, but still, not my preferred combination). I recommend sticking it out.
Essentially, there is so much interesting stuff going on in their lives that Elizabeth and Harry must grow as people before they are ready for each other. So a slower than traditional romance lead-in but some excellent character studies regarding loss, the passage of time, guilt, self-doubt, and the quest for freedom. Plus, the queer representation is much appreciated. Stick around as the characters grow and when the romance blossoms in its own, quirky way, it’s both hot stuff and remarkably poetic. These are two characters who really work for their happy ending.
The Opposite of Drowning isn’t a light read – but it is compelling, and if you’re ready to commit to it then it is very much worthwhile. A unique romance with unique characters.
December 20, 2019
This novel was like a jigsaw puzzle of life. First you needed to sort all the pieces, then start to fit them together. The characters had a difficult time which in turn affect me the reader. I found it a bit long winded and wanted it to speed up, but no, it took its own sweet time. So frustrating. At times I nearly gave up reading it, but instead just gave myself space then went back to it... Took me 9 days instead of my normal 2-3 days to read a novel. I nearly gave it a 3 star, but decided on a 4 start, mainly as story ended, it made the reading well worth the effort. I along with the characters, felt we had come a long way with a sense of achievement. Poor Harry, his life had been so tortuous, and now approaching 50 and always a bachelor, its difficult for him to see himself any other way. Enter Eliza, who also had a different sort of tortuous life, but when she and Harry met up, their 'before' lives blew everything apart, and they had to see where the pieces landed before putting the jigsaw together and getting closer to the finish.
I now want to read a lively up tempo novel to get me into the spirit of Christmas.
I now want to read a lively up tempo novel to get me into the spirit of Christmas.
June 22, 2025
When Harry Met Eliza…
This is a romance that moves at its own pace, a romance that harkens to the classic films and literature. When Harry, a near 50 year old publishing agent and author, and Eliza, a 20 something social media booster, first meet, each knows the meeting was more …and gradually the day-to-day moments develop beyond the friendship and attraction they have shared despite their age difference, their workplace, and their expectations.
Because the immediate attraction seems so familiar to Harry, he reacts with a candor and warmth that relaxes and nurtures Eliza, a woman being pushed, molded, and pressed into an image for her family, for her political candidate fiancé, and for society’s expectations. Harry’s age offers sagacious insights supporting Eliza’s independence. Eliza’s impulsiveness and youth offer spontaneity and wonder.
Harry and Eliza journey navigating an attraction that seems as inevitable as it is arduous. Ultimately, what finally emerges is a not just HEA typical finale, but a something novel, a relationship beyond a trite label, a relationship shared with such trust and respect for each other’s growth and happiness that no rings, titles, or labels are needed or desired.
Delightful read.
This is a romance that moves at its own pace, a romance that harkens to the classic films and literature. When Harry, a near 50 year old publishing agent and author, and Eliza, a 20 something social media booster, first meet, each knows the meeting was more …and gradually the day-to-day moments develop beyond the friendship and attraction they have shared despite their age difference, their workplace, and their expectations.
Because the immediate attraction seems so familiar to Harry, he reacts with a candor and warmth that relaxes and nurtures Eliza, a woman being pushed, molded, and pressed into an image for her family, for her political candidate fiancé, and for society’s expectations. Harry’s age offers sagacious insights supporting Eliza’s independence. Eliza’s impulsiveness and youth offer spontaneity and wonder.
Harry and Eliza journey navigating an attraction that seems as inevitable as it is arduous. Ultimately, what finally emerges is a not just HEA typical finale, but a something novel, a relationship beyond a trite label, a relationship shared with such trust and respect for each other’s growth and happiness that no rings, titles, or labels are needed or desired.
Delightful read.
May 25, 2020
I found this book discounted on Amazon via BookBub; this is my honest review.
-First the editing needs another pass. I didn't take a star off because it wasn't too distracting, but it still needs another pass: wrong words, too many/not enough words.
-I love May/December love stories and I like mythical stories too. The mythical sides could have been a bit more exposed in my opinion since Eliza was supposed to be Dahut.
-This is an office romance with depth, passion, paranormal aspects, and love. It will touch you in many ways. I just sat down for two days and read.
-Harry is funny, a great lover, attentive, polite, a gentleman. Eliza is a woman torn between duty and self-fulfillment, who finally chose what she wanted for herself before it was too late.
-First the editing needs another pass. I didn't take a star off because it wasn't too distracting, but it still needs another pass: wrong words, too many/not enough words.
-I love May/December love stories and I like mythical stories too. The mythical sides could have been a bit more exposed in my opinion since Eliza was supposed to be Dahut.
-This is an office romance with depth, passion, paranormal aspects, and love. It will touch you in many ways. I just sat down for two days and read.
-Harry is funny, a great lover, attentive, polite, a gentleman. Eliza is a woman torn between duty and self-fulfillment, who finally chose what she wanted for herself before it was too late.
June 25, 2025
This is a fun story about book publishing, which I enjoy, and social media, which I'm leaning about. There's good character definition and development — do opposites attract? The characters are likable, and I rooted for them to get together, but he's awkward, and she's independent. Will it work? There are serious bumps. Secrets are held, then revealed. There's some same-sex affinity. I enjoyed it, and I learned.
July 26, 2020
Overall, very enjoyable. The characters have clear history and interest in each other, and their interactions feel natural. I like, also, that they try to see each other as who they are in the now, with all their flaws, and not as the people they should be or that they expect them to be. And yet, at the same time, both they themselves are flawed in what they see, and are flawed people themselves.
(small spoiler)
I wish the subplot of Harry's friend's illness had been warned for before I picked up the book, as I wasn't in the greatest place to be reading about it at the time, myself. But, that is mostly a nitpick- you can't always know what's going to be in a book.
However, the idea of including the myth of Ys in the story was intriguing to me. That's the idea that really pulled me in, as I love mythology. But I did find myself disappointed in that the myth is hardly mentioned, and when it does come into relevance it's over halfway through the book. It didn't feel as tied in as I expected it to feel.
I also thought that the reforming of the relationship between Eliza and Harry after their book disagreement could have been more drawn out- it doesn't seem like that long of a time between them arguing and them getting back together physically, and there's no on-page realistic discussion of what things mean for them or what they might mean, or even Harry actually apologizing for his miss-steps in-person. That felt abrupt to me.
E&R's work is always very character driven, but I find myself always wanting more story around the characters, too- the worldbuilding, the background, the development. Sometimes I feel like just as they get into the meat of things, the story gets wrapped up.
TLDR; enjoyable read, but not much meat in this book-sandwich, of a sort.
(small spoiler)
I wish the subplot of Harry's friend's illness had been warned for before I picked up the book, as I wasn't in the greatest place to be reading about it at the time, myself. But, that is mostly a nitpick- you can't always know what's going to be in a book.
However, the idea of including the myth of Ys in the story was intriguing to me. That's the idea that really pulled me in, as I love mythology. But I did find myself disappointed in that the myth is hardly mentioned, and when it does come into relevance it's over halfway through the book. It didn't feel as tied in as I expected it to feel.
I also thought that the reforming of the relationship between Eliza and Harry after their book disagreement could have been more drawn out- it doesn't seem like that long of a time between them arguing and them getting back together physically, and there's no on-page realistic discussion of what things mean for them or what they might mean, or even Harry actually apologizing for his miss-steps in-person. That felt abrupt to me.
E&R's work is always very character driven, but I find myself always wanting more story around the characters, too- the worldbuilding, the background, the development. Sometimes I feel like just as they get into the meat of things, the story gets wrapped up.
TLDR; enjoyable read, but not much meat in this book-sandwich, of a sort.
April 6, 2022
I kind of can't get over how freaking excellent this book is, compared to how few reviews it has. I mean, maybe it's because it falls into a hole between genres or something: too romantic to be taken seriously by literary types, too literary for breezy beach reading, too queer, too magical, too realistic. I mean, Jesus. The struggles with grief and the sense of slipping time, the professional and artistic agonies and missteps, the godamn magical realism, of all things: All of this was catnip to me. Ugh, I can't even write about it. So good.
December 15, 2019
Sometimes I think what did I miss.
I found this overlong and tedious.Just wanted it to deveop in to some thing
I found this overlong and tedious.Just wanted it to deveop in to some thing
March 25, 2020
Beautiful
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