The Deep End

by Deanna Grey

My brother’s best friend wants nothing to do with me.

Leo Reyes-Salgado avoids me like it’s the butterfly and he’s swimming for gold.

But, that all changes for a moment, after he saves me from drowning. He makes me a promise he can’t keep. And we spend the next four years pretending like it didn’t happen.

This summer, Leo wants to make amends. Something about him has changed. He’s holding my gaze, working for my family’s business, and making me feel more seen than ever.

I refuse to fall for him again. No matter how much he’s changed, I can’t let go of the fear he’ll revert to being his distant self.

On the other hand, Leo’s serious about what he wants in life. He’s determined to show me he’ll do whatever it takes for another chance.

Genres: New Adult

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2021

Reviews

[ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

this would have been 10x better if it were dual pov

[Ljay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unexpectedly heavy read. But mostly in a good way. Leo and Kira were two broken pieces of a puzzle that fit; and they didn't even realize it. There were so many complicated family conflicts for both of them; and this story delved into some serious subjects within those families. I felt the awkwardness between these two from the beginning trying to figure things out. Kira had the most work to do and I felt so much for her. She was a work in progress with her own strength and growth, and I liked that the author didn't take the easy way out. I liked that Leo became her champion; and she his. They made each other better. These characters were real and human. They were extremely relatable because there's something in them most of us can identify with on some level.

Nate, her brother, and Leo's best friend had some boundary issues; and their parents, just...wow!

This story ends on a good note with two people finding their way with each other and separately; and that was the best part of all. I ended up enjoying this read and really rooting for these two. Nicely done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dannica · Rating 3 out of 5]

uhm, this is a quick read, HEA with good story but not astonishing. better if dual POV. childhood friends to lovers. it’s kind of boring in comparison to the books i read nowadays but if this is published like 10-15 yrs ago, this would’ve been turned into a movie? idk. it’s nice

[CLorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first story by Deanna Grey, and I very much enjoyed the complex interactions between our two main characters. They were connected through the friendship shared by Leo and Kira’s brother but also cared for each other. The story was more complicated and deeper than I expected. The story has sensitive subject matter such as suicide attempts and ideation. Leo and Kira were able to help each other with their problems and family drama. The story was told from Kira’s point of view, and I would have liked to hear/read Leo’s thoughts and feelings. Ms. Grey gave us an inspiring story about survival and growth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfinished

The author touched on much in this story yet, from my perspective, left so much unresolved. Kira is in love with her brother’s best friend, Leo. Her brother Nate isn’t with that program, of Kira and Leo becoming involved. Nate doesn’t want to see her hurt because of the other things going on in their lives. He doesn’t want to pick up the pieces with Leo walks away from her, too, according to him.

This story has a lot going on, from Kira’s OCD tendencies, their parents' issues, Nate’s need to let their parents crumble, and Kira/Leo’s new relationship. With so much going on in this story, it feels unfinished.

Actual rating 3.5

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first ever reading of a book by this author so I didn't know what to expect. I received a strong storyline with Leo and Kira and the family dynamics and complications that they both dealt with. I like how they both struggled together and yet they were each other's strengths. I would definitely recommend this book. I look forward to reading future books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading for the author the storyline is great the characters are amazing . I love the plot the storyline gives about the characters. This won't be my last time reading from this author . I can't wait to see what's next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story and romance. It felt a bit coming of age but still relatable ofc across age groups. I appreciated watching Kira learn tough but important lessons about herself and her relationships (family specifically) and I enjoyed her reconnection with Leo.

I received an ARC copy of this book.

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of different levels. Yes, there's the best friend's little sister trope. But Kira's also trying to figure out what she wants in life. On top of that is a ton of family drama. It was a really enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more from this author

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jamanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel good romance

If you're after an addictive, beautiful, sexy brothers best friends romance then look no further then The Deep End. It will have you hooked from the first page. It's got just enough drama to keep you wanting More

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

First time reading anything by this author. I thought in the beginning that it was moving kind of slow. But after I got into it I really enjoyed it. And I could relate to some of the issues that the main characters were going through.

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good read.

[lili · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book. It was a tad boring though

[Hiba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute