Float My Boat by Harri Beaumont

This early review copy was gifted to me by author Harri Beaumont. This is no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: Float My Boat

Author: Harri Beaumont

Release Date: July 26, 2024

Publisher: Independently Published

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance

Source: digital, Harri Beaumont

TW: graphic sexual content, sexual harassment, cursing

Synopsis

All's fair in love and rowing, including fake dating your handsome friend, but when searing attraction burns through the ruse, Miri and Andrew find themselves in deep water. Hopefully they know how to swim …

Miri spends EVERY spare moment training, talking about rowing, or planning logistics to get to a race. She only hangs out with people who row because, when would she even have time for anything else? Which limits her dating options.

So when Theo, a delectable member of the men’s first crew she’s been sort-of dating seems more interested in casting his net wide, her friend and fellow rower, Andrew, proposes a they should fake date for the summer season—it's sure to drive Theo wild. She agrees because she doesn’t have any better ideas, and Andrew's tall, smart, and has an impressive six pack of his own; it's not like it'll be a chore.

But as regattas roll by and the plan begins to work, Miri realizes there are two things that make her stomach flip. One is lining up for a race, and the other isn't Theo. Which means her problems just got a whole lot worse because for Andrew, the arrangement is fake ... right?

Float My Boat is a steamy, stand-alone contemporary romance set in a rowing club. It's perfect for fans of The Love Hypothesis looking for a sports romance for the Olympics.

Thoughts

I found Float My Boat to be a very fast and cute read that kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. The sports setting of rowing was a refreshing change and added a unique backdrop to the romance. I particularly enjoyed how the author delved into the world of rowing, making it both interesting and accessible even to those who might not be familiar with the sport.

Miri’s character was incredibly relatable, especially with her constant doubt about being good enough. Her internal struggles and her journey towards self-acceptance were beautifully portrayed and struck a chord with me. On the other hand, Andrew’s quiet stoicism combined with his fierce protectiveness made him an endearing character. His subtle strength and unwavering support for Miri added depth to their relationship.

This story felt like a refreshingly modern take on the classic Pride & Prejudice, with some delightful new twists. The chemistry between Miri and Andrew was undeniably electric. The build-up of sexual tension during their fake dating was tantalizing and kept me eagerly turning the pages. The fake dating trope was executed brilliantly, making their interactions both entertaining and heartwarming.

What I loved most was the gradual development of their relationship. The slow burn and the moments of genuine connection made their eventual coming together incredibly satisfying. It wasn't just about the romance; it was about two people finding their way to each other while dealing with their own personal challenges.

I definitely enjoyed reading Float My Boat and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light sports romance. It's perfect for getting into the mood for the summer Olympics or for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted romance with engaging characters and a compelling storyline. This book is a delightful read that will leave you with a smile on your face.