Beyond the Stroke
by Erin Hawkins
“You know, Wildflower, I think you just ruined me.”
SUMMER
After years on the road, I’ve discovered Coral Cove is the perfect beach town to live a quiet, untethered life where I can paint in the shadows. That is until a mermaid cosplay goes horribly wrong and Rory Shields, world champion swimmer and the town’s golden boy plucks me out of a sticky situation.
Our chance encounter soon develops into a surprising friendship, and the more I learn about Rory, the more I find myself feeling protective over this charming golden retriever of a man. So, when his meddling parents and relentless ex won’t leave him alone, I announce that we’re not only dating, but married.
My parents’ miserable marriage taught me to never say ‘I do’ but knowing the guise will help Rory focus on training, I agree to follow through with the ruse.
But the more we play husband and wife, the harder it becomes to keep the lines from blurring. And before I know it, I’m treading water in the deep end and falling for my fake husband.
RORY
After rehabbing a knee injury that almost ended my swimming career, I’ve returned to Coral Cove, home of the Carolina Current swimming club, determined to focus on training and preparing for the next summer games. But not everyone in my life is on board with my plans for another run for gold.
My parents and ex-girlfriend have a different plan for my life. Until Summer, the intriguing woman I pulled out of the ocean, announces we’re married and I realize being tied to the gorgeous, free-spirited woman is the perfect solution to keep my parents off my back.
What starts out as a marriage of convenience quickly turns into something much deeper, and suddenly I’m fighting for a future I never saw coming. But Summer doesn’t believe in marriage and happily ever after, so how can I convince her we’re meant to last?
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Martial Peak Reviews
Erin Hawkins' Beyond the Stroke is a delightful exploration of love, identity, and the unexpected turns life can take. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Coral Cove, this novel combines elements of romance, personal growth, and the complexities of familial expectations, making it a compelling read for fans of contemporary romance.
The story introduces us to Summer, a free-spirited artist who has found solace in the quiet beach town of Coral Cove. Her life is one of solitude and creativity, painting in the shadows and avoiding the complications of deep relationships. However, her world takes an unexpected turn when a mermaid cosplay incident leads to a chance encounter with Rory Shields, a world champion swimmer. This meeting sets the stage for a narrative that is as heartwarming as it is intriguing.
Rory Shields, on the other hand, is a character driven by ambition and the desire to reclaim his place in the world of competitive swimming. After a knee injury threatens his career, Rory returns to Coral Cove with a singular focus on training for the next summer games. However, his path is complicated by the expectations of his parents and the persistent presence of an ex-girlfriend. It is in this context that Summer's spontaneous announcement of their marriage becomes a convenient solution for Rory, allowing him to focus on his goals without external pressures.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its character development. Hawkins crafts Summer and Rory with depth and nuance, allowing readers to connect with their individual journeys. Summer's reluctance to embrace marriage stems from her parents' unhappy union, a theme that resonates with anyone who has witnessed the complexities of familial relationships. Her growth throughout the novel is both believable and inspiring, as she learns to navigate her fears and open herself up to the possibility of love.
Rory, in contrast, is portrayed as a charming and determined individual, whose golden retriever-like personality endears him to both Summer and the readers. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to balance his ambitions with the unexpected emotions that arise from his relationship with Summer. The chemistry between the two protagonists is palpable, and Hawkins does an excellent job of building their relationship from a marriage of convenience to something much deeper.
The themes of Beyond the Stroke are both universal and relatable. The novel explores the idea of identity and the roles we play in the lives of others. Summer and Rory's relationship challenges them to confront their own perceptions of love and commitment, ultimately leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves. The book also delves into the impact of familial expectations, highlighting the pressure to conform to societal norms and the courage it takes to forge one's own path.
Hawkins' writing style is engaging and evocative, capturing the essence of Coral Cove and the emotional landscapes of her characters. The setting serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding romance, with its serene beaches and vibrant community adding depth to the narrative. The author's ability to weave humor and heart into the story ensures that readers are both entertained and moved by the characters' journeys.
In comparison to other contemporary romance novels, Beyond the Stroke stands out for its unique premise and well-developed characters. Fans of authors like Christina Lauren and Emily Henry will appreciate Hawkins' ability to blend romance with themes of personal growth and self-discovery. The novel's exploration of a marriage of convenience turning into genuine love is reminiscent of works like The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, yet Hawkins brings her own fresh perspective to the trope.
Overall, Beyond the Stroke is a captivating read that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned the nature of love and the courage it takes to embrace it. Erin Hawkins has crafted a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a sense of hope and the belief that love can indeed conquer all. Whether you're a fan of romance or simply enjoy a well-told story of personal growth, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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