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Running Deep
Welcome to the world of elite swimming with all its competitiveness and comradery—and sometimes much, much more.
It’s here that American swimming star Angie Thomson and Australian prodigy Hannah Clark—both the youngest on their respective teams—form a fast friendship that grows into something much deeper. As they train for the World Championships, the long-distance sweethearts exchange loving letters and lengthy phone calls—until Angie suddenly and unexpectedly severs their relationship, leaving Hannah confused and devastated.
Years later, as Hannah trains for a comeback at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, she is shocked to learn that that Angie has been hired by the Australian coaching team. Although Hannah is still frustrated by Angie’s unexplained actions, the two athletes slowly form a tentative bond and get to know each other again—this time as adults. The story could end here if it wasn’t for the intense attraction Hannah and Angie still feel for each other, now propelled to a higher level by a steamy kiss in a hotel swimming pool. Is it possible for them to win each other’s love or are they just treading water?
Genre: Romance
It’s here that American swimming star Angie Thomson and Australian prodigy Hannah Clark—both the youngest on their respective teams—form a fast friendship that grows into something much deeper. As they train for the World Championships, the long-distance sweethearts exchange loving letters and lengthy phone calls—until Angie suddenly and unexpectedly severs their relationship, leaving Hannah confused and devastated.
Years later, as Hannah trains for a comeback at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, she is shocked to learn that that Angie has been hired by the Australian coaching team. Although Hannah is still frustrated by Angie’s unexplained actions, the two athletes slowly form a tentative bond and get to know each other again—this time as adults. The story could end here if it wasn’t for the intense attraction Hannah and Angie still feel for each other, now propelled to a higher level by a steamy kiss in a hotel swimming pool. Is it possible for them to win each other’s love or are they just treading water?
Genre: Romance
214 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2020
4 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Bette Hawkins
7 books17 followersBette Hawkins is a social worker who hails from Melbourne Australia. She lives with her long-term girlfriend and their very spoiled dog. In addition to writing, Bette’s favorite pastimes include playing the guitar, watching films, cooking, and reading.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 10, 2020
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'
**'Most great stories come not from things that are invented but from perfect knowledge and close observation..'
4.5stars!
'RUNNING DEEP' is an exhilarating tale of mistrust between two Olympic-bound athlete: one a swimmer and the other a coach --- from different countries who were forced as teenagers because of their uniqueness of overcoming being bullied and pressured to attain any levels of accomplishments that few of their rivals or teammates could never fathom. When it came to certain parts of the storyline's insight, I came to this conclusion that in today's world of sports braggadocio neither Hannah nor Angie would fit in well because of their quiet and unassuming personalities. But on the other hand with a talent and personalities like theirs, each did contribute to their perspective country winning status while defying the odds.
As to Hannah who came out of retirement to accomplish that one goal of proving herself triumphant as an Olympic gold medal winner which was snatched by Angie by some milliseconds in past Olympic games. While Angie, because of her past misgivings and now a dedicated swim coach -- she had to be bold with her decision makings then ask for forgiveness while in pursuit of the only person that she ever Loved. Even after forging this renewed relationship, both still felt cautiously optimistic about their future because of the past and living in different countries.
In fairness to most of this book, readers will noticed that Ms.Hawkins did tell this story from Hannah's p.o.v. paying specific attention to all her incredible achievements as a swimmer. Then add the weaving in of many unforgettable characters to illuminate the true nature of the Olympic spirit. Also alternating chapters providing backstories of the past leading to the present.
This book I do believe is Ms.Hawkins gift to all interested readers --- with it's treasure trove of nostalgic moments, entertaining anecdotes, timeless wisdom on training techniques, off-season conditioning programs and also practice plans that produced lots of outstanding swimmers in Australia -- that everyone will cherish and enjoy.
**'Most great stories come not from things that are invented but from perfect knowledge and close observation..'
4.5stars!
'RUNNING DEEP' is an exhilarating tale of mistrust between two Olympic-bound athlete: one a swimmer and the other a coach --- from different countries who were forced as teenagers because of their uniqueness of overcoming being bullied and pressured to attain any levels of accomplishments that few of their rivals or teammates could never fathom. When it came to certain parts of the storyline's insight, I came to this conclusion that in today's world of sports braggadocio neither Hannah nor Angie would fit in well because of their quiet and unassuming personalities. But on the other hand with a talent and personalities like theirs, each did contribute to their perspective country winning status while defying the odds.
As to Hannah who came out of retirement to accomplish that one goal of proving herself triumphant as an Olympic gold medal winner which was snatched by Angie by some milliseconds in past Olympic games. While Angie, because of her past misgivings and now a dedicated swim coach -- she had to be bold with her decision makings then ask for forgiveness while in pursuit of the only person that she ever Loved. Even after forging this renewed relationship, both still felt cautiously optimistic about their future because of the past and living in different countries.
In fairness to most of this book, readers will noticed that Ms.Hawkins did tell this story from Hannah's p.o.v. paying specific attention to all her incredible achievements as a swimmer. Then add the weaving in of many unforgettable characters to illuminate the true nature of the Olympic spirit. Also alternating chapters providing backstories of the past leading to the present.
This book I do believe is Ms.Hawkins gift to all interested readers --- with it's treasure trove of nostalgic moments, entertaining anecdotes, timeless wisdom on training techniques, off-season conditioning programs and also practice plans that produced lots of outstanding swimmers in Australia -- that everyone will cherish and enjoy.
April 19, 2020
3.75 Stars. This was a sweet, second chance romance. When I see that a new Hawkins book is out, I’m always excited to read it. Hawkins is an automatic must read author for me because of her comfortable writing style. Her books always work for me and in my mind she is four for four with good books so that in itself is pretty impressive for a writer who is still newer to the lesfic scene.
When I heard the premise was about an Aussie and American Olympic swimmers, I could not be more excited. I’m a huge Olympics fan and with them canceled this year from Covid, I could use like ten more of these sports romances. I do need to mention that this was more romance than sports. If you are Not a sports geek like I am, no worries you will still enjoy this. There is nothing too technical with most of the swimming being either exciting or important to the story. This story really is about a second chance romance, the swimming is there to add some pop.
With this being a second chance romance, this book actually switches back and forth between YA and adult representing the past and current time. I would say maybe 35% YA with the rest being adult. I do have to admit that it took me a little while to get into the YA part. Usually, Hawkins hooks me into the story very fast. Instead with this book I was not really connecting like I hoped. The YA part was sweet but the beginning was missing something. Once feelings got involved and the book started moving, I feel into that comfortable place with Hawkins’ writing again. It just took me longer than I expected this time. The slow start is the reason why this wasn’t a full 4 stars like Hawkins’ books normally are for me.
I’m not sure what is going on but I am on a roll of sweet, feel good romances lately. That is exactly how you can describe this story. This is a second chance romance so you do know there is some drama that happened, but after that this book is pretty much angst free. Of course there is the conflict of will they or won’t they, but this book really makes you want to say the word “sweet”. It’s so funny because I am craving angst and wanting to need tissues right now, I keep mentioning this I know, but instead I keep reading all this sweet stuff, and they kept being good stories so that I can’t really complain.
If you are like me and are missing sports, sad about no Olympics, or just need a sweet feel good romance, this book is for you. I would also recommend it for YA fans even with it not being fulltime YA. I think with the overall feel of this book that YA fans would still enjoy it. The way Hawkins writes is comfortable and all her books are worth the read. I will be patiently waiting for whatever she writes next.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
When I heard the premise was about an Aussie and American Olympic swimmers, I could not be more excited. I’m a huge Olympics fan and with them canceled this year from Covid, I could use like ten more of these sports romances. I do need to mention that this was more romance than sports. If you are Not a sports geek like I am, no worries you will still enjoy this. There is nothing too technical with most of the swimming being either exciting or important to the story. This story really is about a second chance romance, the swimming is there to add some pop.
With this being a second chance romance, this book actually switches back and forth between YA and adult representing the past and current time. I would say maybe 35% YA with the rest being adult. I do have to admit that it took me a little while to get into the YA part. Usually, Hawkins hooks me into the story very fast. Instead with this book I was not really connecting like I hoped. The YA part was sweet but the beginning was missing something. Once feelings got involved and the book started moving, I feel into that comfortable place with Hawkins’ writing again. It just took me longer than I expected this time. The slow start is the reason why this wasn’t a full 4 stars like Hawkins’ books normally are for me.
I’m not sure what is going on but I am on a roll of sweet, feel good romances lately. That is exactly how you can describe this story. This is a second chance romance so you do know there is some drama that happened, but after that this book is pretty much angst free. Of course there is the conflict of will they or won’t they, but this book really makes you want to say the word “sweet”. It’s so funny because I am craving angst and wanting to need tissues right now, I keep mentioning this I know, but instead I keep reading all this sweet stuff, and they kept being good stories so that I can’t really complain.
If you are like me and are missing sports, sad about no Olympics, or just need a sweet feel good romance, this book is for you. I would also recommend it for YA fans even with it not being fulltime YA. I think with the overall feel of this book that YA fans would still enjoy it. The way Hawkins writes is comfortable and all her books are worth the read. I will be patiently waiting for whatever she writes next.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
April 11, 2020
Another compelling story by Bette Hawkins. This time from the world of sports, more specifically swimming. It is about two top athletes and their second chance in love after twelve years of silence.
Both protagonists are well-defined and likable and their romance is developed at a nice comfortable pace. The writing is very good with nice dialogue and pacing. There is some well-placed angst and drama along with a believable conflict that triggered some insecurities between characters essential to the plot. With all that the chemistry between the protagonists totally worked.
Running Deep makes for another very good book by this author and I am looking forward to more of her stories.
4 stars
April 11, 2020
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
Both protagonists are well-defined and likable and their romance is developed at a nice comfortable pace. The writing is very good with nice dialogue and pacing. There is some well-placed angst and drama along with a believable conflict that triggered some insecurities between characters essential to the plot. With all that the chemistry between the protagonists totally worked.
Running Deep makes for another very good book by this author and I am looking forward to more of her stories.
4 stars
April 11, 2020
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
October 18, 2020
This was a sweet, second chance romance that I really enjoyed.
Hannah is a swimmer for the Australian team and Angie is swimmer on the American team when they meet as teenagers at a competition. They become fast friends and bond over being the youngest members on their respective teams. It's the mid 80's when they meet so they decide to become pen pals. After Angie spends two weeks in Australia while her dad is on a work trip, their feelings start to develop into something more than just friends. However, after Angie returns to America, she suddenly cuts off all communication. The two don’t speak until years later when Hannah is getting ready to qualify for the 2000 Olympics and finds out that Angie has been made a coach for the Australian swim team.
I’m a fan of second chance romance if it’s done right, and “Running Deep” was. Hawkins uses flashbacks to differentiate between the past and present. What I liked about this story was that it doesn’t alternate between past and present with every chapter. I thought that having a few chapters in each time period at once, helped move the story along and we weren’t just flip flopping between the periods.
In the flashback periods we get to see them meet and their friendship blossom. I really enjoyed their short time together and the letters they share back and forth. Their friendship slowly morphs into love the more they get to know one another. Angie was a delight and outgoing and warm. I think that open, freer personality was a nice contrast to Hannah’s more reserved personality. It was nice to see Angie bring out some of the lighter sides of Hannah. They are first loves and because of the way their relationship ended there are unresolved feelings involved when they meet again.
In the present-day storyline, they are suddenly thrown together in a professional setting so they have no choice but to interact again. Hannah is a bit reluctant to do so seeing as Angie abruptly ended their relationship 10 years prior. Angie is pretty determined to get Hannah to talk to her again because she wants to explain her past actions. They decide to leave the past in the past and become friends again. However, their long-ago feelings, which never went away completely, come roaring back pretty quickly.
My only real complaint is that Hannah and Angie seemed to be a bit uneven with some things. I don’t know if it’s because the story is told in Hannah’s first-person point of view or not. Angie doesn’t seem to have anyone in her life. She doesn’t speak to her friends and there’s never any mention of friends. She doesn’t even have a home. On the other hand, Hannah has a great relationship with her parents and has lifelong friends that she is still close to.
Speaking of, the secondary characters are all well developed and have their own voices and personalities. I enjoyed the scenes with Hannah and Viv and I thought Marie was hilarious.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well written and low angst, sweet romances.
Hannah is a swimmer for the Australian team and Angie is swimmer on the American team when they meet as teenagers at a competition. They become fast friends and bond over being the youngest members on their respective teams. It's the mid 80's when they meet so they decide to become pen pals. After Angie spends two weeks in Australia while her dad is on a work trip, their feelings start to develop into something more than just friends. However, after Angie returns to America, she suddenly cuts off all communication. The two don’t speak until years later when Hannah is getting ready to qualify for the 2000 Olympics and finds out that Angie has been made a coach for the Australian swim team.
I’m a fan of second chance romance if it’s done right, and “Running Deep” was. Hawkins uses flashbacks to differentiate between the past and present. What I liked about this story was that it doesn’t alternate between past and present with every chapter. I thought that having a few chapters in each time period at once, helped move the story along and we weren’t just flip flopping between the periods.
In the flashback periods we get to see them meet and their friendship blossom. I really enjoyed their short time together and the letters they share back and forth. Their friendship slowly morphs into love the more they get to know one another. Angie was a delight and outgoing and warm. I think that open, freer personality was a nice contrast to Hannah’s more reserved personality. It was nice to see Angie bring out some of the lighter sides of Hannah. They are first loves and because of the way their relationship ended there are unresolved feelings involved when they meet again.
In the present-day storyline, they are suddenly thrown together in a professional setting so they have no choice but to interact again. Hannah is a bit reluctant to do so seeing as Angie abruptly ended their relationship 10 years prior. Angie is pretty determined to get Hannah to talk to her again because she wants to explain her past actions. They decide to leave the past in the past and become friends again. However, their long-ago feelings, which never went away completely, come roaring back pretty quickly.
My only real complaint is that Hannah and Angie seemed to be a bit uneven with some things. I don’t know if it’s because the story is told in Hannah’s first-person point of view or not. Angie doesn’t seem to have anyone in her life. She doesn’t speak to her friends and there’s never any mention of friends. She doesn’t even have a home. On the other hand, Hannah has a great relationship with her parents and has lifelong friends that she is still close to.
Speaking of, the secondary characters are all well developed and have their own voices and personalities. I enjoyed the scenes with Hannah and Viv and I thought Marie was hilarious.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well written and low angst, sweet romances.
April 24, 2020
During the past month or two I’ve been looking for books that can give me a little respite from all the bad news that has consumed most of our lives. Thankfully Running Deep by Bette Hawkins is just the kind of story that I needed.
This is both a friends-to-lovers and a second-chance romance since the two main characters first fell for each other as teenagers before something happened to separate them for ten years. The story is sweet and easy to read with a lovely setting and likeable characters. The setting is the late eighties for the flashbacks to the main characters’ teenage years and the “present day time” is the year 2000. The author did a pretty good job of showing what the two may have faced as a same sex couple during those years. Ms. Hawkins is very good at writing stories in different time periods and making them believable. There is obviously some angst in the tale, but for the most part it is an uplifting story that I really enjoyed.
If you would like to read a lovely romance that will take you away for a little while, then try Running Deep.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
This is both a friends-to-lovers and a second-chance romance since the two main characters first fell for each other as teenagers before something happened to separate them for ten years. The story is sweet and easy to read with a lovely setting and likeable characters. The setting is the late eighties for the flashbacks to the main characters’ teenage years and the “present day time” is the year 2000. The author did a pretty good job of showing what the two may have faced as a same sex couple during those years. Ms. Hawkins is very good at writing stories in different time periods and making them believable. There is obviously some angst in the tale, but for the most part it is an uplifting story that I really enjoyed.
If you would like to read a lovely romance that will take you away for a little while, then try Running Deep.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
June 26, 2021
A fine read that straddles YA and about 10ish years later, the YA part not usually being in my interest bag. However there are many moments that I am sure many of us can relate to regarding first loves. The two MCs, American Angie and Australian Hannah, fumble their way through first love and long distance longing, to centre stage Olympics jitters. I found the language in the non-YA part to be a little juvenile with too many exclamation marks that somewhat irritated me, and there wasn't very much dept to this one that usually cements a good lesfic for me, so the 3.75/5 is what I am sticking with.
April 30, 2020
I had high hopes for this book. I was hoping to be entertained, maybe learn a little something about competitive swimming and maybe escape for a few hours.
I am sorry to report that none of those things happened. The love story didn't grab me, I just couldn't connect with the characters and the book never ... clicked for me.
Nothing against the author, but, this book just didn't leave an impression.
I am sorry to report that none of those things happened. The love story didn't grab me, I just couldn't connect with the characters and the book never ... clicked for me.
Nothing against the author, but, this book just didn't leave an impression.
February 1, 2021
This is a very well written second-chances sports romance where the MCs are geographically placed across continents (Australia and USA) from each other.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
April 6, 2020
Hannah and Angie are the youngest members of their elite swim teams and they are competing against each other but they form a friendship that turns into more even though they are in different country they kept in touch.
Hannah is thrown when she doesn’t here from Angie and she heartbroken she always wonder what happen for Angie to stop communicate with her. Hannah decide she wants a another chance at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and is surprise to see Angie is a coach.
As they get to know each other as adults their attraction is still there but will they do something about it Hannah is still hurt from Angie silence that she doesn’t know if she wants to go there when learn why she understands but is still hurt. Angie life was hard but she is determined to live her life her way and hope at second chance with the woman she let get away.
This was a good read I like second chance romance I like they this read was told from the past into the presents.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Hannah is thrown when she doesn’t here from Angie and she heartbroken she always wonder what happen for Angie to stop communicate with her. Hannah decide she wants a another chance at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and is surprise to see Angie is a coach.
As they get to know each other as adults their attraction is still there but will they do something about it Hannah is still hurt from Angie silence that she doesn’t know if she wants to go there when learn why she understands but is still hurt. Angie life was hard but she is determined to live her life her way and hope at second chance with the woman she let get away.
This was a good read I like second chance romance I like they this read was told from the past into the presents.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
November 8, 2022
I added this to my TBR list years ago and always kept coming back to it as a book that I must-read. There was something so intriguing by the blurb: two rival competitive swimmers who hook up as teenagers meet again as adults - one of which is the coach of the other. To me, the blurb sounded so good and thankfully, I thought the same after reading it.
Angie and Hannah are super sweet as teenagers who are entering the world of olympics and world championships for swimming. Their teenage romance is short lived unfortunately, and what sizzles is their rekindled romance as adults. I loved the way the author managed to weave between the two periods of time - way back when and then the 2000 olympics. It really gave the story more depth.
This is an excellent sports romance - one that I definitely recommend if you're a fan of swimming too.
Angie and Hannah are super sweet as teenagers who are entering the world of olympics and world championships for swimming. Their teenage romance is short lived unfortunately, and what sizzles is their rekindled romance as adults. I loved the way the author managed to weave between the two periods of time - way back when and then the 2000 olympics. It really gave the story more depth.
This is an excellent sports romance - one that I definitely recommend if you're a fan of swimming too.
September 17, 2020
4 stars | Running Deep is a second chance romance novel surrounding two professional athlete swimmers. The story is told through a dual timeline. I wasn’t too sure about it at first, but it worked really well. Usually, when I read novels like this, I’m always more invested in one timeline, and I want to skim a few chapters, but in this case, I enjoyed both equally. It was great to see how they met each other and how close they became as teenagers and how - even after everything they went through - they sorta just picked up where they left off.
The story flows well and though we see more of Hannah’s point of view, we get enough information to really understand Angie’s side of the story.
Hannah and Angie are very different but both are highly likeable. I love how tight-knit Hannah’s family is and how welcoming they were to Angie. That poor girl.
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read Bette Hawkins’ other books.
TW for homophobic parents.
***An ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
The story flows well and though we see more of Hannah’s point of view, we get enough information to really understand Angie’s side of the story.
Hannah and Angie are very different but both are highly likeable. I love how tight-knit Hannah’s family is and how welcoming they were to Angie. That poor girl.
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read Bette Hawkins’ other books.
TW for homophobic parents.
***An ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
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April 20, 2020This was just an Ok read for me. If you name the story "Running deep" and the cover shows swimmers...I am assuming the story will delve "deeply" into an Olympic swimmers life. Such as their training schedule, diet, social restrictions, such as how to handle attractions within the team, etc. Well there was a little about that but mostly it was about a 2 week adolescent romance that ended badly but lingered in the minds of the girls for 10 years. The Olympic swimming was just a background element to get the 2 mc together again.
I thought it was a cute story but I wasn't overly impressed with the chemistry between the 2 mc. There was a lot of sneaking around to be with each other but I didn't feel a real reuniting or commitment.
I was annoyed with the format of the first half of the book. Flipping back and forth between past and present I found aggravating. Just when we were being told how the relationship began, we would be flipped back to the present and more questions developed. Finally that stopped.
Regarding other characters....I wanted to strangle Marie. Here is a person that has problems in her own relationship and she keeps giving Hannah advise. And the advise was not necessarily good. All of course under the guise of " it's because I care about you so much". She was not helping.
The ending was good but abrupt and sort of out of the blue. I was thinking maybe they would start a swim school but nope...let's pick something we've never done before.
So my recommendation is, it's just an Ok read.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought it was a cute story but I wasn't overly impressed with the chemistry between the 2 mc. There was a lot of sneaking around to be with each other but I didn't feel a real reuniting or commitment.
I was annoyed with the format of the first half of the book. Flipping back and forth between past and present I found aggravating. Just when we were being told how the relationship began, we would be flipped back to the present and more questions developed. Finally that stopped.
Regarding other characters....I wanted to strangle Marie. Here is a person that has problems in her own relationship and she keeps giving Hannah advise. And the advise was not necessarily good. All of course under the guise of " it's because I care about you so much". She was not helping.
The ending was good but abrupt and sort of out of the blue. I was thinking maybe they would start a swim school but nope...let's pick something we've never done before.
So my recommendation is, it's just an Ok read.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2020
I picked this one up because so many people had such good things to say about this. Plus it was on sale so it was an easy decision. I always enjoy a good sports romance and this was that. I found the MCs likable but slightly immature (considering they are still in their late 20s that seemed accurate). Sometimes I cringe when I read a book that is based in the past and present, but Bette Hawkins doesn't go overboard. It was just the right amount of flashbacks for me to still enjoy Running Deep. I for sure found myself rooting for this couple. I give it a solid 4 stars.
April 16, 2020
This book takes place around the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Twenty years on and it sometimes leaves you to think how far technology has come.
Hannah is returning to the international swimming competition after retiring years before. Angie, her former American rival and friend, has taken a job as assistant coach for the Australian swimming team. Once Hannah places for the event she and Angie speak for the first time in a decade. Throughout the book there are flashbacks to the late 80’s, the Games in Seoul in ‘88 and some time before and after that. You get an understanding of the puppy love Hannah and Angie shared. Both characters are likeable enough but they lack a certain depth, funny for a book titled Running Deep. I found the whole thing to be just a bit superficial, similar to a relationship in your teens. Just where these character seem to be stuck, even in their mid twenties.
The story was nice enough, it entertained me for a couple of hours, but that’s it.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Hannah is returning to the international swimming competition after retiring years before. Angie, her former American rival and friend, has taken a job as assistant coach for the Australian swimming team. Once Hannah places for the event she and Angie speak for the first time in a decade. Throughout the book there are flashbacks to the late 80’s, the Games in Seoul in ‘88 and some time before and after that. You get an understanding of the puppy love Hannah and Angie shared. Both characters are likeable enough but they lack a certain depth, funny for a book titled Running Deep. I found the whole thing to be just a bit superficial, similar to a relationship in your teens. Just where these character seem to be stuck, even in their mid twenties.
The story was nice enough, it entertained me for a couple of hours, but that’s it.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
April 21, 2020
The one thing I love about this romance is that it isn't set as simple 2 people fall in love. This one started long time ago, It also, went on for longer period of time. It took understanding and forgiveness. I loved this story. Especially that it is set in cut throat environment. Any kind of competition is challenging. Both of characters were competitive, from different teams and countries yet became close friends. Set of unfortunate events complicates everything.
I loved their connection, I think something that is real survives separation. They had it, and this story made it show.
I do wish for more....as in any good story.
I loved their connection, I think something that is real survives separation. They had it, and this story made it show.
I do wish for more....as in any good story.
April 19, 2020
Hannah Clark and Angie Thompson are young elite swimstars competing at the highest level for their respective countries, Australia and USA. Being the youngest on each team they form a tight bond which quickly goes beyond friendship, suddenly Angie severs all contact with no explanation. Ten years pass with still no contact between them, Hannah comes out of retirement to compete for the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Angie accepts a coaching role for the Australian swim team.
This was a nice story, if not a bit predictable. I liked the use of flashbacks throughout the first part of the book which provided insight into the teenage emotions between Hannah and Angie. I felt the chemistry between the two MC's could have been built up more. Overall a nice story.
This was a nice story, if not a bit predictable. I liked the use of flashbacks throughout the first part of the book which provided insight into the teenage emotions between Hannah and Angie. I felt the chemistry between the two MC's could have been built up more. Overall a nice story.
August 11, 2024
weno weno
May 27, 2020
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢🇺🇸🏊♀🏅🏊♀🇦🇺👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of « Running Deep » by Bette Hawkins from Bella Books (via NetGalley).
So, here it is !!!
I hear about this author since a long while but it’s actually the first time I’m able to read one of Bette Hawkins’ books … I love discovering new authors (new for me at least) and new books but, sadly this novel has disappointed me …
My rating : 2 ⭐️
The story occurs in the world of elite swimming, sets mainly in Australia (during two period distinct periods of time) and focuses on American swimming star become coach for the Aussie team Angie Thomson and Australian prodigy Hannah Clark who decided to come back from retirement & trains for a comeback at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney …
Here is a (non exhaustive) list of the things I didn’t like or which have bothered me :
° Thank God it was a short novel !!! Why ?? Oh, just because I like a lot sports romances and I’m not into « insta-love » but this book is not a sports romance despite what we could think (the swimming, Olympic or not, was mentioned a lot but in the end it was just a background element whereas it would have been interesting to develop it and make it one of the kingpins of the story) so it didn’t help me to appriciate it and to make things worse, it’s a pretty dull « insta-love » romance.
° We had a little bit of background about the MCs’ shared history but the way the story is built was just annoying … damn, all those back-in-time moments were very tiring. In this kind of stories, it’s way much better (because it makes more sense) to make a first part with all the « young years of the relationship » going in chronological order and, then, dedicate the second part to the adult relationship (like Gerri Hill did in her novel « At Seventeen ») … Just doing this would have improved a tad the book even more if there had been a real development about the relationship between the adult MCs... but, in addition of being quite instantaneous, the relationship has about none build up and even less progression (and it’s true in both periods of time...)
° I still wonder why the author has chosen such distant periods in time for the story because, even nowadays, crap like what happened to Angie with her parents still happen … Having a more contemporary novel would have make the written exchanges of between the teens more credible. What I mean by that is that in the book, the rhythm of the correspondance is way too intense to be plausible … For example, I wonder ,at the end of Chapter 4, how on earth could Angie say "Thanks for putting in the photo of your watch." in a letter when Hannah was given the watch the previous day of the letter’s arrival ?? It’s just unbelievable because what they send to each other are ACTUAL letters, not emails with numeric pictures (because happening in the 80s) and they live on two different continents…so it takes some time to travel (sometimes a lot, even nowadays).
° It saddened me a lot but wasn’t able to connect with either of the MCs … => Seriously, how could I do that ?? What was proposed to us was about 2 teenage girls and, then, 2 young women in their 20s who want to play all grown ups but are totally childish (IDK who they tried to convince, themselves or us, the readers, by saying regularly that they were « adults » …). I’m no cougar and I’m definitely NOT interested in the story of MCs who are that young …
° I usually like a lot aussie settings but the book doesn’t present a lot of interest by itself, it’s fairly lame as a matter of fact in this department too…
° the unhygienic first intimate encounter after Hannah’s twin brothers’ birthday party …
° the few mistakes found here and there in the novel would have been avoided with some better edits.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Nope …
- Did I find the characters believable? => Nope …
- Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Nope …
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope …
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes. Some of the author’s first pieces of work are in my endless TBR list since a long while, so, I’ll give her another try … someday…
- Would I recommend this book => As much as I’d like to, I can’t do this …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢🇺🇸🏊♀🏅🏊♀🇦🇺👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of « Running Deep » by Bette Hawkins from Bella Books (via NetGalley).
So, here it is !!!
I hear about this author since a long while but it’s actually the first time I’m able to read one of Bette Hawkins’ books … I love discovering new authors (new for me at least) and new books but, sadly this novel has disappointed me …
My rating : 2 ⭐️
The story occurs in the world of elite swimming, sets mainly in Australia (during two period distinct periods of time) and focuses on American swimming star become coach for the Aussie team Angie Thomson and Australian prodigy Hannah Clark who decided to come back from retirement & trains for a comeback at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney …
Here is a (non exhaustive) list of the things I didn’t like or which have bothered me :
° Thank God it was a short novel !!! Why ?? Oh, just because I like a lot sports romances and I’m not into « insta-love » but this book is not a sports romance despite what we could think (the swimming, Olympic or not, was mentioned a lot but in the end it was just a background element whereas it would have been interesting to develop it and make it one of the kingpins of the story) so it didn’t help me to appriciate it and to make things worse, it’s a pretty dull « insta-love » romance.
° We had a little bit of background about the MCs’ shared history but the way the story is built was just annoying … damn, all those back-in-time moments were very tiring. In this kind of stories, it’s way much better (because it makes more sense) to make a first part with all the « young years of the relationship » going in chronological order and, then, dedicate the second part to the adult relationship (like Gerri Hill did in her novel « At Seventeen ») … Just doing this would have improved a tad the book even more if there had been a real development about the relationship between the adult MCs... but, in addition of being quite instantaneous, the relationship has about none build up and even less progression (and it’s true in both periods of time...)
° I still wonder why the author has chosen such distant periods in time for the story because, even nowadays, crap like what happened to Angie with her parents still happen … Having a more contemporary novel would have make the written exchanges of between the teens more credible. What I mean by that is that in the book, the rhythm of the correspondance is way too intense to be plausible … For example, I wonder ,at the end of Chapter 4, how on earth could Angie say "Thanks for putting in the photo of your watch." in a letter when Hannah was given the watch the previous day of the letter’s arrival ?? It’s just unbelievable because what they send to each other are ACTUAL letters, not emails with numeric pictures (because happening in the 80s) and they live on two different continents…so it takes some time to travel (sometimes a lot, even nowadays).
° It saddened me a lot but wasn’t able to connect with either of the MCs … => Seriously, how could I do that ?? What was proposed to us was about 2 teenage girls and, then, 2 young women in their 20s who want to play all grown ups but are totally childish (IDK who they tried to convince, themselves or us, the readers, by saying regularly that they were « adults » …). I’m no cougar and I’m definitely NOT interested in the story of MCs who are that young …
° I usually like a lot aussie settings but the book doesn’t present a lot of interest by itself, it’s fairly lame as a matter of fact in this department too…
° the unhygienic first intimate encounter after Hannah’s twin brothers’ birthday party …
° the few mistakes found here and there in the novel would have been avoided with some better edits.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Nope …
- Did I find the characters believable? => Nope …
- Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Nope …
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope …
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes. Some of the author’s first pieces of work are in my endless TBR list since a long while, so, I’ll give her another try … someday…
- Would I recommend this book => As much as I’d like to, I can’t do this …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢🇺🇸🏊♀🏅🏊♀🇦🇺👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
December 19, 2022
This is a story that mixes two stages of a relationship, the first during early adolescence, fourteen-fifteen, and the second in a young adulthood, late twenties, and it does it in an interesting way, nothing that has not been done before already, but that here has really worked very well to get to know the story as a whole. It also includes parts related to high-level swimming, of which the two protagonists are among the best, but it cannot be said that it is a sports novel, since there are very few scenes in which sport is the center, it focuses more in the development of the personality of both women.
The two of them have had a previous story, unfinished and with many unanswered questions, mainly because of Angie, the outgoing and cheerful American who broke into Hannah's still and calm life when they both began to discover the world in all its complexity. As elite athletes they had pressures and demands, mainly from their environment, but both seem to find in each other that space free of worries and that allowed them to be themselves. But at that age, fourteen or fifteen years old, they could not control their situation, and the distance between their places of residence made it even more complicated. And now, they meet again, both already mature and with decisions made, but their future cannot be possible without them being able to clarify their past.
The story is told by jumping from time to time, with reference to dates of the real Olympics, they met near Seoul in 1986 and the time of their reunion is close to the Sydney Olympiad in 2000. And the story is told from Hannah's point of view, so it is her feelings and not Angie's that we can know, and since Angie was the main cause of past events, it is difficult to see her motives and intentions.
In short, it was a very moving story with a lot of feeling and love. A really recommendable book.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bella Books through Netgalley for my honest review
The two of them have had a previous story, unfinished and with many unanswered questions, mainly because of Angie, the outgoing and cheerful American who broke into Hannah's still and calm life when they both began to discover the world in all its complexity. As elite athletes they had pressures and demands, mainly from their environment, but both seem to find in each other that space free of worries and that allowed them to be themselves. But at that age, fourteen or fifteen years old, they could not control their situation, and the distance between their places of residence made it even more complicated. And now, they meet again, both already mature and with decisions made, but their future cannot be possible without them being able to clarify their past.
The story is told by jumping from time to time, with reference to dates of the real Olympics, they met near Seoul in 1986 and the time of their reunion is close to the Sydney Olympiad in 2000. And the story is told from Hannah's point of view, so it is her feelings and not Angie's that we can know, and since Angie was the main cause of past events, it is difficult to see her motives and intentions.
In short, it was a very moving story with a lot of feeling and love. A really recommendable book.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bella Books through Netgalley for my honest review
April 26, 2020
I was really hoping for more of a blending of the sport and romance, but this is nearly entirely focused on the relationship between the two MCs flashing back from when they were teenagers to present day. Swimming and the Olympics are weirdly secondary and feel shoe-horned in even though this is the whole setting of the book. The actual races are blink and you miss it, quickly going from the dive into the water to touching the side of the pool and winning a race. The sport side of the story is completely lacking stakes, emotion, suspense, excitement--everything that makes a sport enjoyable to watch.
The romance was meh at best. The "present" story takes place in 2000 to coincide with the Sydney Olympics with flashbacks to 1987 and the '88 Olympics. While these are (summer) Olympic years, it felt like these were also deliberately chosen in order to throw up communication barriers, prior to the ever-present cell phones and email. These dates don't feel particular significant otherwise; the story could have easily taken place during any other set of Olympic years. In both time periods, the MCs relationship is fairly instant and missing any build up or progression. They have decent chemistry, but it also seems based on a pretty flimsy foundation.
If you like your sports romance very heavy on insta-romance with little to no sports, then this may be the book for you! Otherwise, it was cute and short but in the long run will be pretty unmemorable.
ARC provided by NetGalley
The romance was meh at best. The "present" story takes place in 2000 to coincide with the Sydney Olympics with flashbacks to 1987 and the '88 Olympics. While these are (summer) Olympic years, it felt like these were also deliberately chosen in order to throw up communication barriers, prior to the ever-present cell phones and email. These dates don't feel particular significant otherwise; the story could have easily taken place during any other set of Olympic years. In both time periods, the MCs relationship is fairly instant and missing any build up or progression. They have decent chemistry, but it also seems based on a pretty flimsy foundation.
If you like your sports romance very heavy on insta-romance with little to no sports, then this may be the book for you! Otherwise, it was cute and short but in the long run will be pretty unmemorable.
ARC provided by NetGalley
May 6, 2020
Australian swimmer Hannah is training for the 2000 Olympic games, making a comeback after several years away from competition. But then the arrival of Angie, a new member of the Australian coaching team, throws her for a loop. It's been years since she last heard from Angie, her first love. Will their once love blossom once again? Will Hannah make her comeback?
I like that the story begins when they are younger with a brief introduction of how Angie and Hannah met. It let me as a reader connect to their characters and their love story, through their banter and chemistry. However, I felt this chemistry was missing when they meet when they are older and I lost the connection to them and the story. There is a lot of focus on why they are mad and why they broke up but it was missing the other side of the equation, the tension and chemistry from when they were younger. For a first love, their reunion should have been stronger, more than just a surprise, but full of so much angst and want. Overall though I really liked the storyline and the swimming side of things was really well done and interesting for a non-swimmer like me. Only the romance was lacking for me. Hannah's comeback story was believable, but more than that it was really inspiring. Hannah's character was so strong and her story was fascinating. Also, I loved going back to the 90s - fashion and first cell phones and all!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I like that the story begins when they are younger with a brief introduction of how Angie and Hannah met. It let me as a reader connect to their characters and their love story, through their banter and chemistry. However, I felt this chemistry was missing when they meet when they are older and I lost the connection to them and the story. There is a lot of focus on why they are mad and why they broke up but it was missing the other side of the equation, the tension and chemistry from when they were younger. For a first love, their reunion should have been stronger, more than just a surprise, but full of so much angst and want. Overall though I really liked the storyline and the swimming side of things was really well done and interesting for a non-swimmer like me. Only the romance was lacking for me. Hannah's comeback story was believable, but more than that it was really inspiring. Hannah's character was so strong and her story was fascinating. Also, I loved going back to the 90s - fashion and first cell phones and all!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2021
3.5
Hannah and Angie shouldn't be friends. Not really. Hannah is a shy 14-year-old swimmer for Australia and Angie is 15 and American and Hannah's fiercest competition in the pool. But it's their age and gift for swimming that bonds them--a shared experience that's unique to a select few people on the planet. So despite the the rivalry between their countries and despite the fact that they have to compete against each other, Hannah and Angie become friends, mailing letters back and forth. And then when an unexpected and fortuitous trip to Melbourne brings them together again, and Hannah and Angie discover their bond runs deeper than just friendship. And everything is great until Angie's letters stop arriving.
Running Deep is a second-chance romance that I really enjoyed. I don't think this is anywhere close to the best written romances I've read, but I loved the premise so much, I didn't care that things moved quite quickly or dialogue felt just a little bit unnatural. There's something really relatable to Hannah, whose point of view the book follows, and I just wanted her to be happy. And Angie gets in a way no one else really can. So when Angie shows up as one of Team Australia's coaches for the Sydney Olympic Games, where Hannah is trying to make a comeback, Hannah needs to figure out if she can forgive Angie and have her shot at happiness with her first love and the only other person who has really understood her.
Hannah and Angie shouldn't be friends. Not really. Hannah is a shy 14-year-old swimmer for Australia and Angie is 15 and American and Hannah's fiercest competition in the pool. But it's their age and gift for swimming that bonds them--a shared experience that's unique to a select few people on the planet. So despite the the rivalry between their countries and despite the fact that they have to compete against each other, Hannah and Angie become friends, mailing letters back and forth. And then when an unexpected and fortuitous trip to Melbourne brings them together again, and Hannah and Angie discover their bond runs deeper than just friendship. And everything is great until Angie's letters stop arriving.
Running Deep is a second-chance romance that I really enjoyed. I don't think this is anywhere close to the best written romances I've read, but I loved the premise so much, I didn't care that things moved quite quickly or dialogue felt just a little bit unnatural. There's something really relatable to Hannah, whose point of view the book follows, and I just wanted her to be happy. And Angie gets in a way no one else really can. So when Angie shows up as one of Team Australia's coaches for the Sydney Olympic Games, where Hannah is trying to make a comeback, Hannah needs to figure out if she can forgive Angie and have her shot at happiness with her first love and the only other person who has really understood her.
May 11, 2020
I am a very sporty and competitive person, for this reason I quite often don't like sports book! All too frequently they don't capture the essence of that win at all costs drive set deep within, the love of your sport so central to your being that no one else can really understand unless they are the same and then the grief when it's taken away. Thankfully "Running Deep" gets what being a competitive athlete is all about and manages to weave a beautiful love story around it too.
Angie and Hannah are both elite swimmers and are preparing for the Olympics, Angie as a coach and Hannah as a swimmer making her comeback for her home games in Sydney. Years before when they were both just breaking onto the scene they were friends and then lovers but then something happened to break them up and Hannah still doesn't understand what happened, other than she was utterly devastated. The narrative switches back and forth between them as teenagers and adults, gradually revealing more and more about what happened to shatter their fledgling relationship, and about both women. I know I harped on a bit about the sports element at the start but this is not just for sports fans, I can't see any lesfic fan not enjoying this.
I loved this book so much that I went straight out and bought two more by Bette Hawkins, so I don't think I can give a stronger recommendation than that.
Angie and Hannah are both elite swimmers and are preparing for the Olympics, Angie as a coach and Hannah as a swimmer making her comeback for her home games in Sydney. Years before when they were both just breaking onto the scene they were friends and then lovers but then something happened to break them up and Hannah still doesn't understand what happened, other than she was utterly devastated. The narrative switches back and forth between them as teenagers and adults, gradually revealing more and more about what happened to shatter their fledgling relationship, and about both women. I know I harped on a bit about the sports element at the start but this is not just for sports fans, I can't see any lesfic fan not enjoying this.
I loved this book so much that I went straight out and bought two more by Bette Hawkins, so I don't think I can give a stronger recommendation than that.
May 11, 2020
Not bad.
July 26, 2020
Loved this second chance book.
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