If you haven’t read the hockey series by Emma & Jenny then you should. Not that this book hinges on anything that’s happened in those but bc they’re soooo good. This story starts off with a hilarious bang of a scene and keeps hitting with all the humor and sweet moments. There are wayward pigs, a stray dog, swoony sailing scenes, a scheming sibling, and I could continue but won’t. Just pick it up and read it yourself!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC and ARC

Narration 4 1/2⭐️ rounded up
Story 4 ⭐️

I was lucky enough to get both the ARC and ALC, and loved being able to go back and read this after listening to the audio. This was such a fun listen, the narration was hilarious. Andi Arndt was perfect as Josie, and Patrick Zeller definitely has the gruffness down for Wyatt. I’ve read many of Emma St. Clair’s books and have always loved them. They’re that perfect cozy read that gives you all the happy warm romcom movie feels. I loved getting a little glimpse of Eli and Van from the Appies series too, it just made me love it even more.

This was a cute spinoff of the very sweet and fun Appies series so I liked it and the tone and the other characters returning. It took a little too long to get to the romance, or even the flirting and then ended too soon

I loved this story! Josie is a school nurse and her brother Jacob is a sports agent. His friend/client is Wyatt, a pro hockey player who is injured (from frisbee golf) and is tucked away at his cottage, not complying with rehab. Jacob tricks Josie into going to Wyatt's house to be his helper/nurse.
As it turns out, Wyatt has always had feelings for Josie and she thought he didn't like her. She needs to catch up to his feelings.
They sail Wyatt's deceased uncle's sailboat and their relationship develops. It was a really sweet and heart-warming story.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for access to this eARC.

I love Emma St. Clair and this book is just a new installment of why. Her Light hearted banter and love of a grump is through out the pages. I love Jib so much. The Appies are one of My favorite series and each book becomes my new favorite. I really need to Binge reread this series since I have purchased each book. I can't wait for the next book. Yes I am along for this ride and all the new stories she wants to tell.

This was a really sweet slow burn summer romance!
I thought the writing and character development was fantastic, and I could see exactly why Wyatt and Josie were so muddled.

I laughed a LOT at their miscommunication and grinned with glee when they started opening up to each other.

There are some truly beautiful moments in the book which I don't want to spoil. Hearing Wyatt call Josie pretty, or seeing Josie start to soften towards Wyatt despite her instincts was heartwarming.

I love that Jacob was clearly trying to set them up and dropped out of the super sibling summer extravaganza because of "client issues." It was really cute and it felt very cupid-like.

It's a great story. Easy to read, fun to explore, and genuinely made me feel like I was sailing right alongisde Josie and Wyatt.

well no, Josie really doesn't fancy spending her time helping someone she loathes recover from injury. thanks for that Josie's brother!
but as a reader thank you to Josie's brother from us because it meant we got a fab bit of reading with a pair we cant wait to get involved with.
we come to this book with Josie who is looking forward to her sibling holiday. but when she gets there, there appears to be something miss. and that something is her brother! in his place is the last person she wants to see in his place, and thats the grump of a hockey players who recently been injured. its Wyatt her brother best friend. great. just great.
but Josie is tempted to stay by her brother offer of a more than reasonable amount of money for using her nursing skills to look after Wyatt and get him back on track. she doesn't want to accept. but of course shes going to. and of course she does.
but Josie cant hide her feelings for Wyatt. she knows he dislikes her and so dislikes him just as much in return. this is going to be fun.NOT.
whats becoming clear though is that Wyatt didn't dislike Josie. far from it and that is his whole problem.
we were all involved in these two. and boy were we cheering them on. take the blinkers off guys. let yourselves love! the chemistry and banter was on point. the way they were with each other as their bond slowly grew was a joy to read.
this book was fab. cute, fun and full of all those squishy love feelings.


All the side characters added so much heart to the story, especially Jacob. And Jib? Completely stole the show. Such an adorable addition!

This could have easily been a 5 ⭐ read if not for the pacing that felt a little slow, especially toward the end. I wish we had more time with Josie and Wyatt as a couple. Also, it’s marketed as enemies to lovers, but honestly... it’s not. Wyatt liked her from the very beginning, and it was super obvious! They were never really enemies—she was just mad at him while he quietly adored her the whole time (which was cute, but not quite enemies to lovers).


Overall I really enjoyed this, and it had some of my favorite tropes (forced proximity, brother’s best friend). I felt there was a bit too much telling and not showing when it came to how the characters felt, especially about each other. Like they were just explaining everything away in their inner monologues rather than with each other. I plan on checking out more books by this author to see if it was just this instance or if it’s a consistency in her writing.
It did get better toward the end and I was really able to enjoy the slow burn. It felt like their relationship really took time to grow and the characters were really really likable. MMC is also a professional hockey player!

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Elle G. Reads
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July 11, 2025
I’ve enjoyed many of Emma St. Clair’s novels, so I was excited to read an early copy of If All Else Sails. In this one, our FMC Josie is tasked with taking care of her brother’s best friend Wyatt over the summer after his hockey injury. Only problem? These two don’t like each other. But as summer progresses and the two set sail together they start to let their guard down and soon they start to wonder why they didn’t like each other in the first place.

I really enjoyed this one! Emma St. Clair does a wonderful job at bringing the characters emotions and struggles to the table. I also loved how their newfound relationship progressed, and everything just felt so right to me. If you’re looking for a summer romance that will leave you with a mega smile on your face, then you won’t want to miss Wyatt and Josie’s story. I had a great time reading it!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Summer Romance
❥ Enemies-to-lovers
❥ Brother’s Best Friend
❥ Forced Proximity

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A romcom that opens with a bang—but unfortunately, for all the wrong reasons.

With a stunning cover and a reliably fun author, I went into If All Else Sails expecting an upbeat, charming closed-door romance. Sadly, this one didn’t land the way I’d hoped.

The opening chapters set a jarring tone that coloured the rest of the book. Our heroine, Josie—a school nurse—is falsely arrested outside the hero’s property (Wyatt, a grumpy hockey player). She’s locked in a police car in scorching heat, without AC or an open window, until she passes out from heatstroke. The moment is played with a light, almost comedic tone—but I found it genuinely upsetting. The cops not only refuse to take her seriously but laugh off her threat to sue, calling her “honey” and brushing off her distress. Wyatt, who caused the misunderstanding, offers no apology or real accountability. It left me struggling to root for him as a romantic lead—and disappointed that the narrative never gave Josie the dignity or resolution she deserved.

From there, the enemies-to-lovers setup unfolds as Josie is forced to share a cottage—and then a boat—with Wyatt, helping him recover from an injury and honour his uncle’s final wishes. The setting had potential (the Virginia coast! sailing adventures! forced proximity!), and the idea of two prickly people learning to soften toward each other should have been endearing. But the chemistry never quite sparked for me, likely because I never fully recovered from the sour beginning.

The pacing also faltered in the second half. While the first few chapters had some energy, I found myself skimming more and more toward the end. The emotional beats felt rushed, and Wyatt’s character development didn’t fully convince me. I wanted more vulnerability, more meaningful apology, and a stronger sense that the relationship was built on mutual growth—not just time spent together in close quarters.

That said, there are bright spots: the setting is summery and transportive, the banter occasionally hits the mark, and readers looking for low-angst, closed-door romance might find it hits the right tone for a beach read—especially if they aren’t as sensitive to the opening premise.

In the end, If All Else Sails just didn’t work for me. I’m still a fan of Emma St. Clair’s previous books, but this one felt uneven, emotionally off-kilter, and left me more frustrated than swooning.

Loved the story. The slowest of burns but worth it. I thought the characters had good chemistry and rapport. I really enjoyed the banter back and forth.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

The first half of this book was so good - I loved the misunderstanding at the beginning, the funny and sweet moments between Josie and Wyatt when he was sick, how they were forced to get to know one another better, despite knowing each other for years. None of these were necessarily a unique premise nor added anything new to the genre, but it worked!
The second half was still good, but not as magical for me. I think the inner monologuing from Josie was a bit too much for me, the constant what ifs - which, was probably actually realistic to someone with anxiety and aversion to change so while I personally didn't click with it, it was still well-written.
Overall, I did really enjoy the characters and the story. I wish we had gotten more of Wyatt's POV - his backstory was also interesting and it could've broken up some of Josie's inner thoughts a bit. Anyone looking for a fun rom-com this summer will definitely enjoy this one!

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Emma St Clair for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book was interesting and got me hooked but slowed down a lot once they hit the water. The story is closed door which is fine but the tension was quite limited. I loved the banter in the beginning and that died down a lot too. Brothers best friend romance is normally lusty and forbidden, instead Josie seems to gradually recognize she doesn’t hate Wyatt. Not exactly the most passionate of romances in my humble opinion.

This is my first book by the author and I look forward to trying another.

I always love reading Emma St. Clair's books, and I was so excited to read Josie and Wyatt's story!

The first few chapters had me cracking up. I was hooked right away! The banter between the two of them was perfection. Enemies to lovers and forced proximity were the perfect combo as they got to know each other and helped each other heal. And I think this book has me convinced that he falls first is one of my top favorite tropes! (I absolutely loved the brief visit from some of my favorite Appies players too!)

Wyatt is a hockey player, but I love that hockey isn't the focus. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a witty clean romance!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction, NetGalley, and Emma St. Clair for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

ARC:
⭐️ 3.75 stars.

This was actually one of the better contemporary romances I’ve read recently — which surprised me in the best way. I’ve been in a bit of a slump with this genre, but this one was cute, fun, and emotionally satisfying when it needed to be.

I really liked the dynamic between the main characters. She genuinely thought he hated her — and the tension in the beginning? So good. It gave strong enemies-to-lovers vibes at first, and I loved how awkward and grumpy he was around her. Like, actually grumpy! He didn’t know how to act when she was in the room, and that made their early interactions feel electric. I definitely preferred the beginning of the book — I felt more connected to it — but overall, I liked the story as a whole.

The romance was sweet, and while the middle dragged a bit for me, it didn’t ruin the experience. The ending was cute too — maybe not as strong as the beginning, but still satisfying.

I read the ARC in both audiobook and ebook format, which made the experience even better. The narrators were great, though I did notice one thing: during the male POV sections, the volume would randomly spike. One moment he was talking normally, and the next it got so loud I had to adjust the volume. Not sure if that was intentional or just a production issue, but it definitely stood out.

Overall, this was a cute and enjoyable read with a real grumpy MMC and solid tension. Not a favorite, but I had a genuinely good time with it — and lately, that’s saying a lot.

“This is…weird. And kind of delightful. Which makes it very dangerous.”

This read is absolutely delightful! I am already an Emma St. Clair fan, and this story is debatably my favorite of hers!

Wyatt is my favorite type of hero: grumpy with a side of unrequited love. He is thoughtful, sweet, and has foot-in-the-mouth disease. Saying what you mean to the woman that outclasses all the rest is a difficult thing to do.

Josie was a juxtaposition in past experience versus current reality. Her inner musings, especially at the beginning of the book, are some of the best I have ever read! Seriously. So funny.

The wit in this book is unparalleled! I had the hardest time choosing one quote for this review because there was SO MANY to choose from!

So what you need to do now is go read it you’ll thank me later.

Read this book if you like: Dual POV, Murder Cottages, Poison Oak, Stress Balls, High Society Steam-rollers, Dr. Dimples, Boat Shoes, Dog Outfits, Storms, Friends, Pigs, Baggywrinkle

Content: processing grief, romance- kisses only.

Thank you to netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the #gifted copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

you had me at Emma St Clair... The queen came and she delivered.... I love the Appies so much.. I loved Wyatt and Josie so much and their growth as indivuals. We love a she takes care of him moment. and a protective MMC

⛵️🏒My Thoughts🏒⛵️
🏒First of all I have to say the book is called If All Else Sails but sailing doesn’t actually take place till the second half of the book. There is a reason for that because both characters are a mess and have things they need to work through to make it to the sailing part. Josie with her fear of a man’s touch specifically a sports man’s touch and Wyatt with grief and dealing with an injury and not taking care of himself the way he should be. It takes work to get to that boat but the banter, the tension that builds, the slow burn romance that happens is so worth it!

⛵️I loved Feverish Wyatt! He was so funny and flirty and you could tell he used that as an excuse to let some truths come out. The wise words from Wanda to Josie had me tearing up and I highlighted that whole section!

🏒The end of chapter 20 was when I started highlighting entire conversations with Wyatt and Josie. When he has a package shipped to where they are at on their sailing trip was such a sweet moment and had me tearing up. I loved their bet of truths over guessing what house people would choose on HGTV. Then when Wyatt turned the lights off to make telling truths easier. He was the sweetest and the most patient with Josie and I loved that so much about him. Their banter and tension this book had it all!

⛵️Those are so many of my favorite parts but one highlight is when a couple Appies show up near the end with Jacob and then the twist during that it got me! I wasn’t expecting that. The entirety of chapter 28 was a vibe and maybe my favorite chapter just because I love the Appies so much and seeing that camo felt like home.

🏒Overall I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it and any Emma St Clair book! I can’t wait for this one to come out so I can run and actually buy it in store! It belongs on my shelf right next to my Appies books!

⛵️Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Emma St Clair for an e-arc to read and honestly review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If All Else Sails swept me away in the most unexpected, soul-soothing way. Emma St. Clair has this gift for writing characters who feel like real people flawed, funny, deeply human and in this story, she delivers a romance that’s not only tender but quietly profound. The setting is vivid, almost atmospheric, like you can feel the salt in the air and the ache in every unsaid word.
This book made me smile, sigh, and sit quietly when it was over, just holding the weight of what I’d read. It's not just about love it's about choosing love, even when the waters are rough.
Truly a comfort read with emotional depth. One I’ll carry with me.

Loved this slow burn romance by Emma St. Clair. It’s one of those reads that you just keep thinking about and cannot wait to sit down and pick back up.

I loved the grumpy male main and the witty, full of sunshine female main. That’s always a great combination.

I laughed out loud so many times while reading this. There are so many good relationships in this book- siblings, parents, friends, teammates. You’re just rooting for Wyatt and Josie to figure it out and get together.

Josie has packed for a week get-away vacation with her brother. However, once she gets to her destination, it's a ramshackle shack and her brother isn't there. She wanders around - until the police arrive and detain her in their car with the A/C turned off. It turns out that the shack is owned by her brother's former best friend, Wyatt. Wyatt is now a pro NHL hockey player and he's on crutches and in a boot after an injury.

Josie's brother offers to pay her big bucks to stay and help Wyatt recuperate since no one is sure that Wyatt is doing what he needs to do. Wyatt is grumpy ordinarily, but being injured has made him even grumpier. As Josie is a school nurse, she seems like someone who can help him. The reader finds out early that Wyatt has been interested in Josie since college, but she thinks he dislikes her and she isn't interested anyway.

But as they stay together, and with a little nudging, Josie agrees to go with Wyatt on what used to be a yearly sailing trip with his uncle. But this trip is to say goodbye to the beloved uncle who passed less than a year ago.

We find that Josie finds Wyatt is attractive, but she is reluctant to have a relationship with any man. Until Wyatt starts to grow on her. And maybe she starts to like him more and more.

This is a light romance, where kissing is the most serious physical contact. I enjoyed the story a lot.

I have both the e-book and the audio version. I especially enjoyed the female voice.

3.5 stars (rounded to 4)! This is a slowww burn, brothers best friend, hockey player (Wyatt) x school nurse (Josie), no-spice rom-com. Overall, I enjoyed this book, though I felt like there was a lull about from about the 15-50% mark. The book starts with Josie thinking she is meeting her brother for their annual sibling trip, however, Jacob, Wyatt's agent, is not coming on the trip. She shows up to where Wyatt is staying and he calls the police on her thinking she is a fan who is stalking him, so they get off on the wrong foot. Jacob convinces Josie to stay and take care of Wyatt who is recovering from an injury and dealing with grief. Josie agrees and eventually also agrees to accompany Wyatt on a sailing trip he was supposed to take with his uncle. As they are in forced proximity due to sailing together, their feelings start to come to the surface.

There were a lot of things I liked about this book. The thing I didn't like is that it took until 50% of the way through the book for Wyatt and Josie to even get on the sailboat. I would've liked that to happen earlier because that was where their story really develops. I did like the vulnerabilities of each character and how they supported each other. Also, Jib must be the cutest fictional dog ever! I also appreciated that Jacob was supportive of and even semi-orchestrating the relationship between Josie and Wyatt. I have gotten tired of books with the brother's best friend where the brother is a jerk about it, so this was a much more pleasant spin on the trope!