Grinning from ear to ear!! This was such a cute read!! I absolutely loved the dynamic between Josie and Wyatt. I love a hot, grumpy guy lol The audiobook was great too! Having two different narrators really brings the story to life!!

*Thank you partner @uplitreads and @tnzfiction for the #gifted book and audiobook in exchange for an honest review.*

This story was soooo good! It brought the laughs and the romance. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. Josie and Wyatt have such an amazing chemistry once you get past Wyatt’s foot in the mouth disease. 😂 While he seems like a big ol’ grump, he is really a softie on the inside. Josie is a feisty one and is not afraid to give Wyatt the kick in the butt he needs. We also need to give a moment to appreciate Jib and her amazing outfits!
This is a dual pov, clean romance.

Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

This book was like a warm, summery hug with just the right amount of grumpy/sunshine chaos and swoony slow burn. If All Else Sails follows Josie, a school nurse with a tendency to run (emotionally and literally), and Wyatt, a grumpy, injured hockey player who just happens to be her brother’s best friend—and her long-time nemesis. Naturally, they're tricked into sharing a cottage for the summer, and the tension? Immediate. Delicious. Ridiculous.

Josie and Wyatt have so much chemistry it practically radiates off the page, even when they’re just snarking at each other in the kitchen. Wyatt is classic grump-with-a-heart-of-gold—quiet, brooding, but so in it for Josie from the start. Josie, meanwhile, is guarded and a little emotionally messy in a very relatable way. Her struggle to let someone love her while still dealing with past trauma felt grounded and real, even in the midst of all the witty banter and rom-com setups (only one bed, anyone?).

While the enemies-to-lovers angle was fun, it leaned more toward miscommunication and misreading each other’s signals than actual hatred—but I was fine with that. Their dynamic still had plenty of bite, and the slow unraveling of their true feelings was satisfying. And let’s not forget the chaos agent of the story—Josie’s brother Jacob—who knew exactly what he was doing when he set them up.

I knocked off a star only because a few sections dragged a bit emotionally, especially when I wanted the characters to just talk it out already. But overall, this was a cozy, funny, heart-squeeze of a romance with solid emotional depth and two characters you really root for. If you love brother’s-best-friend stories with soft hockey boys and guarded women who deserve the world, this one’s for you.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This story brings together some of my favorite tropes - grumpy/sunshine(ish), enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend, and one bed - all wrapped up in a heartfelt, closed-door hockey romcom that struck just the right balance between humor, heart, and slow-burn tension.

He’s injured, grumpy, and stuck in the off-season with more attitude than plans. She’s a school nurse, a little lonely, and trying to get her footing again after life threw her off balance. When their paths collide, sparks fly in the worst (and eventually best) kind of way.

I loved how both characters were layered and complex. On the surface, they’re opposites who can’t seem to agree on anything but beneath that friction are two people quietly hurting and hiding behind their own walls. Watching those walls slowly come down felt honest, hopeful, and so satisfying. It’s a story that shows how our perceptions of people can shift, how healing can happen in the most unexpected ways, and how love often grows when you're not looking for it.

The humor was just the right kind of chaotic - with runaway pigs, a bikini-wearing dog, and an unfortunate police incident that kept me turning the pages (or in this case, listening) to see what could possibly happen next. And then there’s the sailboat - such a perfect setting for some of the most tender, vulnerable moments in the book.

With dual POV that lets you see both sides of their story, strong emotional beats, and an ending that absolutely delivered, this one is a standout. Equal parts sweet, funny, and heartfelt, I think its a perfect summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for a digital ARC of If All Else Sails.

Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. Writing was fine, but I was bored with the story.

I lasted around 26% of the Kindle eARC the author and NetGalley graciously provided; after a while, I just found myself not connecting well to Josie and Wyatt, nor did I have the whole zombie pig and hospital situations... They were sequentially linked scenes, not together. I loved the "Appies Hockey" books and the world of Harvest Hollow; this title was a little too far removed from the vibe the other series and other Emma St. Clair books offer.

I also had an eARC copy for the audiobook, and I officially marked the audiobook version of this title as a 3-star since the Wyatt character voice is too angry. I lasted until the end of chapter 4 and was enjoying Josie's narrator. Wyatt is too gruff. I mean, he's not Nathan from "Romancing the Grump" but even Nathan is more subdued anger-management-wise in my internal narrator voice. The book's plot and pacing is a 5-star thus far, especially since this is related to/a spin off for the author's previous series about the Appies hockey team. The rating for the story has gone down as I progressed through the plot

I was so happy when i was approved for an advanced copy from NetGalley, but alas, this book wasn't for me. On paper, it had everything I like: grumpy x sunshine, hockey player MMC, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers but the execution wasn't great. first of all, this is not an enemies-to-lovers: Josie is the best friend's sister. That's it.
Saying that a little misunderstanding that happened one night made these two enemies is a bit far-fetched. One, because if a man is a player that doesn't make him your enemy per se, it's irritating i know but girl that's just how men are, and two because if they truly were enemies, Wyatt would have remembered what she looked like, no matter the length of her hair.
The frankly embarrassing scene of Josie's police detention and consequent heatstroke would have been done with intention and not like the misunderstanding that was played off here. That's how you treat your enemy.

also for a book with sail in its title and a big sailing boat on its cover, the sailing part comes very late in the book. a pity, really.

Did not finish. The story felt all over the place and after 2 weeks of picking at the book, I’ve decided to put it down for good so I can move on to other books. I was hoping the story would grip me but 57% of the way through I was still not sure what the point of the book was. Plot points and character traits kept coming up willy nilly and the story didn’t feel cery intentionally crafted or narrated in a covesive way. DNF at 57%. Hopefully there were some edits to the finished version

I've recently dipped my toe into the clean, romcom genre and found this little gem to be quite an entertaining summer read. The sweet, humorous story captured me from the first pages when Josie, the darling main character, arrives at the mystery "quaint little murder cottage." Josie has the best sense of humor and the banter between Josie and Wyatt is the perfect blend of sarcasm and sweetness. The characters and the story all had some depth to them besides being all around fun. Add this one to the end of your summer reads, you won't be sorry.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishers for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

If All Else Sails was a cute, charming, and delightful enemies to lovers story. I listened to the audiobook and adored the dual narration. They really brought the story to life and made the characters feel much more real. Josie and Wyatt’s banter was very enjoyable and I listened to this one pretty quickly.
Who doesn't love a good pun in a title? That alone made me want to listen to it! So, if you're looking for a quick beachy read that's close proximity, enemies to lovers, sports romance, grumpy x sunshine, and a closed door kind of read - then I surely do recommend giving this one a try.

I love anything Emma St Clair puts out and this book packed in all the fun, swoony romance as usual! I am so excited that Wyatt got his story!!!

As an avid Appies fan, imagine my delight diving into this story featuring a former member of a favorite fictional hockey team! He was in and out of former stories and I’m so glad we got to dive deeper into his background. And of course see his love story unfold! Josie has known Wyatt for years and was under the distinct impression that he hated her… now she’s thrown into close proximity with him and things might not be as they have always seemed.

I really enjoyed the plot of this story and watching our two main characters interact with each other. The boat trip was so much fun and I loved all the side characters and guest appearances! The story has such a great ending and the epilogue is fun and sweet.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This review may contain mild spoilers

This was a great 3 -star read for me.

I've had Emma St. Clair on my radar for a while now but this was my first time reading anything of hers.  I am excited to check out her other books as well!  

Chapter titles with hints for the chapter, yes give me more! Duel POV, yes sign me up! Forced proximity, I am here for it! 

I LOVE a he falls first and this did not disappoint.  The longing was so good and we got to here it from Wyatt's POV which just makes it so much better.  Forced proximity always helps a good enemies to lovers situation and this story line just set us up for some amazing banter and tension!  There were also so many times I was laughing during this book!  Wyatt was just so good to Josie, he made such good book boyfriend material! 

I got through most of the book before I realized there was no spice and I was ok with that. The tension and build up and patience of Wyatt was amazing to read and just made him that much more loveable! 

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a clean enemies to romance forced proximity romance! You really need to read this! 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  #NetGalley.

This was a great new hockey-adjacent read from Emma St. Clair. Wyatt is a hockey player, but is currently injured so not a lot about hockey itself. Instead, we have sailing! That was fun and different. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into something I know very little about. (Although, is it possible to get motion sickness from reading about the motion on a boat? Asking for a friend...)

Josie is a nurse but she's also dealing with some anxiety and fears. It was interesting to see her cope with those, even after having spent time in therapy. Of course, the two have a terrible mix-up during the "meet cute" and so are more "enemies" when the book opens. I adored the first few chapters. Also, the chapter headings were really fun.

While I enjoyed the first 2/3 of this book, it is a very slow burn (90+%). I found myself losing steam a little bit since Josie is SO determined that he's not interested and she can't be interested, etc. etc. Wyatt is my favorite type of grump, though, who's only soft for her.

It was fun to see cameos from some of other faves in the Appies series. And the dog outfits were delightful. Of course, there's also Emma's trademark humor which did have me LOL'ing a time or two.

Stars: 4
Content: Kissing

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair is a charming and witty grumpy-sunshine romance filled with humor, heart, and slow-burn chemistry. Josie and Wyatt’s reluctant summer together turns into an unforgettable journey of healing, self-discovery, and unexpected love. I enjoyed this book and rated it five stars.

I'd say I enjoyed this one. Romance book with brother's best friend and always been you trope? That's screaming me. But not a mindblowing or life-changing one.

Few things bothered me in few chapters at the beginning–when 2 days event had been written in more than 3 chapters, and lot of them feel like telling not showing. And towards the end, everything went pretty fast but somehow it felt long.
I do think, the not showing and lot of telling made me think it was kind of long and a bit boring. There was no deep diving into characters developments which makes me didn't feel attached to the characters.

Overall I quite enjoyed it, and probably want to try Emma other works, give the author a chance.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the e-ARC

*4.5 stars*

*Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing a digital copy to review*

Sometimes it’s nice to read a cosy, non-stressful romance, and this book absolutely delivered. We’ve got forced proximity, brother’s best friend, as well as grumpy/sunshine, which I enjoyed immensely. He’s also a hockey player (cause I know a lot of people love them).

It’s dual POV, but the majority of the chapters are Josie’s, the FMC. Wyatt’s chapters allowed us to see the other side of a few situations that happened in the past, as well as showing how down bad he was for her since the first time they met. This is a he-falls-first, which never fails to delight me.

I loved the humour in this story. From the comical, unfortunate situations Josie & Wyatt find themselves in to the banter between the two characters. Past trauma and anxiety are major themes that stop Josie from dating and living her life.

Seeing Josie’s anxious thoughts and how she overthinks every single thing (especially in relation to Wyatt) just made me feel seen, as this is what my brain is like every single day. At times, I did get a bit annoyed at her and just wanted to shout JUST GO AND TALK TO HIM!! Which is funny cause I would have done the exact same thing and just avoided talking whatsoever.

I just loved reading this, and it made me have feelings.

I loved Wyatt and Josie! He’s her brother’s best friend. She thinks there’s some mutual hatred going on, but it was really he falls first and is gruff and awkward around her. I loved seeing his gruff side fall away into something softer. It was especially funny when he was feverish!

There were a lot of funny moments, sweet moments, and a fun setting on a sailing trip. I also loved the appearances of some of Wyatt’s former teammates. The only thing I would have changed is the pacing of the book. It’s slow burn. I enjoyed the journey, but I still wanted a kiss sooner!

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced reader's copy of IF All Else Sails.

This book had a lot of promise, and while I did enjoy parts of it, it ultimately missed the mark a bit for me. The writing was engaging, and the premise pulled me in right away, but I had a hard time connecting with the main characters on a deeper level. Their choices and dynamics didn’t always resonate with me, which made it harder to fully invest in the story.

That said, there were still moments that I found charming and heartfelt, and I can see this being a hit for readers who connect more easily with the characters. A solid read, just not quite the right fit for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
A good, quick summer read and I love a enemy to lovers trope. I didn't necessarily think the chemistry was 'sizzling' and I don't think sailing/hockey(ish) romances are for me. Overall good book!

If you're looking for a real SLOW burn Romance, and lots of deep dives into two characters' mental states, this is the book for you. Josie is afraid of change, but gets talked into being the nurse to her brother's client and best friend. Wyatt is a famous hockey star who has injured himself and is doing a very poor job of taking care of himself. He's moved into his uncle's dilapidated cottage, and is, in my opinion, pretty depressed. Josie and Wyatt have known each other since college, but have done a good job of staying out of each other's way, each harboring crushes on one another. It took a very long time for the plot of this book to pick up to the part where they trust each other to want to go sailing together. And then they admit they have feelings for each other, and then A LONG time after that, they get together. I wish the book had more supporting characters or something besides being inside just two sad characters' minds. There are moments of humor, but most of them revolve around the two of them misunderstanding each other, which can really get frustrating after a while.

Overall, I'd say if you're interested in sailing, and you have a lot of patience for characters who are slowly falling in love with each other, then you might enjoy this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the free digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.