This book was full of tropes I love, and I was a great easy read, with closed door romance. My only complaint was the plot felt very divided between two parts—the first half in the cottage and the second on the boat, which felt a bit odd in terms of pacing to me, although I liked both parts quite a bit. I liked that there was not really a third act break up/conflict.

Read this book if you like:
⛵️slow burn
⛵️brother’s best friend
⛵️hockey romance
⛵️forced proximity (especially only one bed)

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.75/5
“What I want — what I’ve always wanted with you — is everything.”
This book is about Wyatt, a hockey player who’s recently injured and won’t take care of himself. So his best friend/agent sends his sister ( a nurse) to help him out of his funk. So they spend a month together on a sail boat once he’s feeling up to it. What can go wrong with all of the tension and misunderstanding from years prior👀 aye aye captain😛🫡
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This was such a cozy summer read. Didn’t really get the enemies to lovers vibe but it definitely was a slow burn! It had plenty of “laugh out loud” moments in the beginning. I was literally giggling😂
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Overall I felt like this book was mostly inner monologue rather than dialogue and feelings being discussed. Don’t get me wrong though, it was a refreshing palette cleanser after being in a bit of a rut. I just would’ve preferred a bit more of communication from the get go. Run on inner monologues can get a little 🥱
This author’s writing gives Emily Henry/Carley Fortune with the sweet Summer vibes and the way it’s written. I definitely want to check out more from this author!
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This book releases AUGUST 5!!
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was so funny, like every book she writes its a gold mine of funny stories and hilarious animals and the grumpy hockey player who softens to josie. One meddling brother who we love also. If you read her appies books you get a couple players as a cameo.

"My last name looks good on you, Rookie.
Maybe we can find a way to keep it there." ⛵️🌊🛟☀️
if all else sails ARC 4/5⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC! This was the second book i’ve read by Emma St Clair and I enjoyed this book so much! This book will make the perfect summer read! I did not want this book to end! I loved the beach cottage and the sail boat and the forced proximity! This book is about Josie and Wyatt. Josie agrees to help her brother’s best friend recover from his injury and they sail down the intercostal waterway together. Definitely read this if you like enemies to lovers, a fun beach read, and no spice! This book comes out August 5th, 2025! Be sure to check it out!!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

ARC REVIEW

If All Else Sails is a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance that combines humor, heart, and plenty of unexpected twists. The story follows Josie, a school nurse who is roped into helping her brother’s best friend, Wyatt, a famous hockey player, recover from knee surgery. Instead of the relaxing summer trip she expected, Josie finds herself sailing down the Intracoastal Waterway with the grumpy, insufferable Wyatt—and it’s not smooth sailing in more ways than one.

Josie and Wyatt’s dynamic is the heart of the book. From the start, their relationship is filled with tension, snark, and witty banter, which keeps the story engaging and entertaining. Wyatt’s surly attitude contrasts sharply with Josie’s patient, caring nature, making for plenty of sparks—both frustrating and romantic. As the two are forced to spend more time together in close quarters, they begin to peel back each other’s layers, discovering sides of themselves and each other they never expected.

Emma St. Clair does a fantastic job of balancing the romance with personal growth. Josie’s journey of self-discovery is compelling, and watching her realize her own strengths while navigating the challenges of being around Wyatt is both heartwarming and relatable. Wyatt, too, grows as a character, shedding his gruff exterior to reveal a more vulnerable side.
The setting of the Intracoastal Waterway adds an adventurous element to the story, with the pair facing numerous challenges as they try to sail, making for both humorous and heartfelt moments. St. Clair’s writing is witty and engaging, making it easy to get lost in this fun and fast-paced romance.
Overall, If All Else Sails is a perfect read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance. With strong characters, great chemistry, and plenty of humor, this book is an enjoyable escape that’s full of heart, laughter, and just the right amount of tension.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Loved this He Falls First story set in the Appie world. There were so many cute moments, including some fever confessions and a one bed troupe moment. But there was also some real depth of character in this book. Wyatt has some family issues and Josie has some trauma she’s never dealt with or overcome. Together they find healing and love.

If All Else Sails was the cutest read!! I loved watching Wyatt transform from being grumpy to being so sweet- both to Josie and to everyone else! The forced proximity on the boat was sooooo good. Though who could blame Josie for ogling a shirtless hockey player sailing her down the ocean… I rest my case.

I couldn’t help but love the matchmaking scheme from Jacob, Josie’s brother and Wyatt’s friend. It cracked me up how nonchalant he was about the whole dynamic between Josie and Wyatt- especially when both Josie and Wyatt are worrying about what Jacob will think! I just loved that family dynamic & the warmth that grows there.

I have to say how much I love the sweet pup character of Jib!!! Not only is she the loveliest boat companion for Wyatt and Josie, but she also is the perfect fit to creating their found family. Wyatt using the words “our dog” melted both Josie and me!!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

If All Else Sails is a delightfully funny romcom between Wyatt, a grumpy hockey player, and Josie, the sunny sister of his sports agent. Wyatt has always harbored a crushed on Josie, but whenever he's crossed paths with her, he's ended up saying the wrong thing, causing Josie to think he hated her.

When an injury to Wyatt forces them together, both Wyatt and Josie discover that their entire relationship has been full of one misunderstanding after another. Their love story culminates with a fun sailing trip from Virginia to Georgia where Wyatt and Josie are finally able to clear the fog between them and get to their happily ever after.

I discovered Emma St. Clair's books about two or three years ago and have read most of her titles. The Appies series released last year, however, quickly captured my heart and I was excited to see Wyatt receive his own story. This book did not disappoint and is up there with my all-time favorite books Emma has written. It stands alone from the other Appies books, but is still connected with some fun cameos by Eli and Van.

Emma St. Clair has always been a gifted writer. Her books are packed with witty banter and sweet romance, but in If All Else Sails, I felt that she'd reached a new level to her writing. I can't recommend If All Else Sails highly enough.

If you enjoy the following tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, he falls first, only one bed, and small town romcoms, this book is for you.

Kissing only with no spice.

5/5 stars

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I just want to start off by giving my sincerest thanks and appreciation towards Emma St. Clair, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Netgalley for this ARC read of If All Else Sails.

I wish I could give this book way more than 5 Stars. I just finished it and I cannot even begin to articulate the feelings this book gave me. Josie and Wyatt were such amazing main characters and their personalities complimented each other so well. If you've read Emma St. Clair's Just Don't Fall, Wyatt and some other characters may sound awfully familiar *cough*Appies*cough*. Without giving too much away, If All Else Sails gives everything you would want in a RomCom book with a small slice of Hockey (for those who may not want to be completely engulfed in those types of Sports Romances). The story focuses on Wyatt, a hockey player, who is faced with a huge blockade in his career; and Josie, an elementary school nurse who happens to be the sister of Wyatt's best friend and unfortunate and unwilling tribute to help Wyatt overcome his issues. Misunderstood interactions when they were younger, plus a run in with the law causes the whole thing to start off rocky (to say the least) but maybe a trip down the Intracoastal Waterway will help them both.


On a side note: I fangirled when I read that the main character lived in Fredericksburg and was from Richmond. I myself was born and raised in Fredericksburg and have lived in the metro Richmond area for the past 10+ years. To be able to relate to a book on this level was new to me and I loved it. It's not often that I'm able to pick up a book and have such a strong familiarity to the setting. I also had no idea going into this book about that bit of information so it was an added bonus.

When If All Else Sails releases in August, I 100% recommend it to anyone who is familiar with the Appies and/or enjoys Emma St. Clair's books or just RomComs in general.

Emma St. Clair provides a charming and sweet enemies-to-lovers romance in If All Else Sails. The novel is about Josie, an elementary school nurse, who begrudgingly agrees to assist her brother's best friend, Wyatt, a surly hockey player with a knee injury. What starts as a favor becomes an unplanned adventure when the two take a sailing trip along the Intracoastal Waterway. The adventure is riddled with accidents, comedy, and vulnerability moments as Josie and Wyatt weather not just the perils of sailing but also the developing mutual attraction between them. The story is gripping with a perfect mix of humor, tension, and emotional depth.

The characters in this book are highly developed and identifiable. Josie is a positive, empathetic heroine whose own journey of growth is inspiring as well as affectionate. Wyatt, who seems at first surly and close-mouthed, is revealed throughout the book in layers of complexity. The sexual tension between the two protagonists is strong, and their developing relationship is presented in a way that is both credible and appealing. St. Clair's secondary characters lend humor and depth, enriching the story without dominating the overall plot.

The writing style of the author is witty, engaging, and emotionally evocative. Her skill at balancing humor and heartfelt moments produces a story that is fun to read and yet at times quite affecting. The dialogue is crisp and frequently laugh-out-loud humorous, with descriptive scenes painting the setting and characters vividly. St. Clair's writing is readable and sophisticated at the same time, making the book enjoyable to read. The novel touches upon issues of vulnerability, self-growth, and the need to take risks in life and love. The novel also discusses finding strength in unexpected places and the power of connection. St. Clair highlights through Josie and Wyatt's story the necessity of moving beyond one's comfort zone and exploring the unknown.

The author blends humor, tension, and self-reflection in order to form a balanced storyline. Her choice of dual perspectives gives readers the opportunity to share the thoughts and feelings of Josie and Wyatt, making them seem more layered. The trip by boat as a metaphor for the characters' own journeys, adding symbolism to the narrative, provides depth. The novel's pacing is well-balanced, with a smooth development that holds readers. The organization, through its distinct chapters and smooth shifts in perspective, improves the readability. St. Clair's writing style allows the book to be appealing to a large audience, ranging from romance fans to those who want a lighthearted but substantial story.

If All Else Sails is a heartwarming and inspiring novel that will appeal to those who like character-driven romances with some humor and adventure. Emma St. Clair's skill at crafting believable characters and an interesting story makes this book a lasting impression. Although some readers might find some of the plot twists predictable, the depth of the characters and the emotional resonance of the story make up for it. I would strongly recommend If All Else Sails to readers of contemporary romance, particularly those who like the enemies-to-lovers trope and novels set against interesting backdrops.

#ifallelsesails #netgalley
**A Delightfully Grumpy-Sunshine Romance with Heart and Humor**

This charming and heartwarming romance delivers everything you could want in an enemies-to-lovers story—humor, heart, and undeniable chemistry.

When Josie is tricked into babysitting her brother's injured (and infuriating) hockey player best friend, Wyatt, she expects nothing but frustration. What she doesn't expect is to slowly peel back the layers of his grumpy exterior and discover the man beneath. From awkward physical therapy sessions to an unexpected sailing adventure filled with tension and tenderness, their journey is both emotional and laugh-out-loud funny.

The dynamic between Josie and Wyatt is electric, filled with witty banter and slow-burning tension that keeps the pages turning. As they navigate tight quarters and shared struggles, the emotional depth of their connection unfolds beautifully, making their eventual romance feel authentic and well-earned.

The backdrop of the Virginia coast and their unconventional mission to scatter Wyatt’s uncle's ashes adds a unique and heartfelt layer to the story, blending humor and healing in a way that feels fresh and engaging.

With its lovable characters, slow-burn romance, and just the right amount of angst, this novel is perfect for fans of grumpy-sunshine pairings and forced proximity tropes. A must-read for anyone who loves a feel-good romance with plenty of heart!

Emma St. Clair does it again! Such a cute and cozy story that can definitely help lighten your mood and brighten your day. Highly recommend this one!!

4.75 cutie patoootie stars! ⭐️

“In this enemies-to-lovers romance, school nurse Josie and her brother's best friend--hockey player Wyatt Jacobs--are tricked into spending a summer together that's anything but smooth sailing.”

The best banter ever!!! I was giggling so much reading this book and I enjoyed every second of it!

These characters and their growth were so sweet. Wyatt is the strong & silent type while Josie is the over thinker and the over analyzer (relatable). The relationship grows profoundly from surface level to deeper throughout the book and this is a closed door romance just FYI and although it does have a HEA I was craving more of these characters!

But overall, a super cute, wonderfully written quick contemporary romance!

Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I thought this one was so cute! The first half I was confused and felt like it was kind of all over the place. But the second half while on the boat sailing, I was OBSESSED. couldn’t get enough. The tension build-up. It was so sweet how much he loved her and how he waited and waited. Loved the brothers best friend and sports romance aspect all tied into one. Definitely will recommend this closed door romance!

BOOK REVIEW: If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair

Do you ever open up a new book, read the first chapter, and immediately know you’re going to love it? That’s what happened when I read, “If All Else Sails” by Emma St. Clair!

Josie is gearing up for her traditional sibling vacation with her big brother, Jacob, when she gets detoured to a creepy murder house. Or at least she thinks that’s what it is before she finds herself detained in the back of a police car.

Somehow the next day, Josie finds herself caretaker to her least favorite person in the world, Wyatt Jacobs. She’s not sure what she ever did to make him hate her, but thankfully the feeling is mutual. She wouldn’t want to date a hockey star anyway…. She thinks. Maybe? It’s complicated. Since Wyatt is injured and can’t currently do much for himself, he has to rely on Josie for pretty much everything. Can they manage to get along for the rest of the summer?

I could say much more but I don’t want to give away any spoilers! 🤫

This book was adorable! I loved seeing the development of each character! Josie is someone with a lot of insecurities, who is able to put her trust in a man once again after being hurt so long ago. Wyatt is a grumpy hockey super star who has to learn to rely on the one person who holds the power to break him.

Fun tropes:
⛵️ Sunshine meets Grumpy
⛵️ Forced Proximity
⛵️ Enemies to Lovers
⛵️ One bed
⛵️ He’s her brother’s best friend

I loved that this book is closed door romance! There is a ton of romance involved but it’s all completely appropriate for your teenagers to read! There’s also no crass language or swearing used. ❤️

Excuse me while I go binge read everything by Emma St. Clair!

I rate this book as 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

#emmastclair #ifallelsesails #romance #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksta #readersofinstagram #readersofig #readersofinsta #readersgonnaread #arc #arcreader

This story is sweet. Classic: boy likes best friend’s sister, sister thinks best friend’s brother hates her. It’s clear that they feel something, whether it’s hate or love.

Fun, simple, with some more serious threads. Right up my alley.

Thanks #NetGalley for this digital ARC! I really enjoyed reading this, and I know many others will too *cough* hockey romance fans *cough*

i’m just a giggly mess over here! i will read anything that Emma St. Clair writes! I loved this one! The forced proximity, best friends brother, and enemies to lovers tropes were all done to perfection! Emma is a master of humor and writing! i couldn’t stop reading and i didn’t want it to end! this one deserves all the stars!
⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
clean!

Thank you so much NetGalley and St Martins Press for this gifted copy. Emma St Clair is a favorite author of mine and I loved this book so much! Grumpy/sunshine is a favorite trope along with brothers best friend? My heart was so happy

Josie, a school nurse, is tricked by her sports agent brother to "babysit" his client and best friend, Wyatt, a hockey player. Wyatt is injured and not doing well. Josie's only interaction with Wyatt in the past have been awkward and painful encounters. Although she is made at her brother, he offers her summer pay that blows her tutoring out of the water, and she decides to give it a try. Josie and Wyatt both end up in the ER, and have to figure out how to survive their summer together. In addition, Wyatt is grieving the loss of his uncle, whose cabin he is living in, and grieving the loss of a sailing trip they had planned to take together. Can Josie help Wyatt heal? Can she learn to sail so that Wyatt can take the trip he needs? I loved this one!

I'm suuuuch a sucker for a grumpy x sunshine/enemies to lovers trope and this was no different! The witty banter, the sparks, the misunderstood male main character with a heart of gold, the CHEMISTRY between the two main characters... ugh, I loved it all! It was a fantastic option for a clean, wholesome, high quality romance. This would be the perfect little summery read! Highly recommend!

A big thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy in return for my honest review.