Thank you to Netgalley for this arc. I really enjoyed it and it was such a cute romance novel. I highly recommend it to others to read.

Thank you to NetGalley UK and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for a review.
If all else sails is probably a great read for someone who is looking for a book full of tropes: one bed, he fell first, hurt/comfort, brother’s best friend, kind of sports romance, small town… there’s a lot going on. For me, I found it to be a few too many and that the relationship between the two main characters to be a little too close to an insta-love vibe. While I enjoyed parts, I wouldn’t read again - but I am sure it would be a great fit for other readers who are looking for that!

I really liked how simple this Romance was. There was no last minute argument or any unnecessary conflict.
I think the characters really complimented each other. It wasnt an enemies to lovers story but it was a brothers grumpy bestie tale.
I think it was quite clear on both of their feelings from the get go to be honest the main issue was communication.

I really liked the boat trip but it did limit the amount of development in the relationship

3.75 stars

First of all, thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for offering me an ARC of this novel. All opinions in this review are my own :)

tropes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- brother's best friend
- famous hockey player
- he falls first
- fine line between hate and love

This story started off strong with a lot of flirty tension between Wyatt and Josie, who are thrust together in an unfortunate series of events (read: her brother is a self-involved meddler/matchmaker). The premise was incredibly fun and I loved the unique spin on it all. The pig and poison ivy moment had me falling off of my seat in laughter! Overall, this story definitely had the rom com balance down.

During the sailing trip, however and somewhere between 70% and 90% of the book, however, I began to get a little frustrated with Josie, mostly due to her unwillingness to talk about her panic. The fact the first kiss isn't till 90-95% of the book just caused the pacing to be a bit on the slow side for me. Also, for how big of a build up Josie's panic was, the climax where they discussed her panic and issues was a little too... underwhelming for me. And then there was the epilogue and it was all happily ever after. A bit anti-climactic for me personally.

Overall, though, it was an enjoyable book and was a page-turner with funny and romantic moments!

"If All Else Sails" by Emma St. Clair is a delightful romantic comedy that navigates the choppy waters of enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes.

The story follows Josie, a spirited school nurse, and Wyatt, her brother's grumpy best friend and a professional hockey player sidelined by injury. When circumstances force them to share a "quaint little murder cottage," their mutual irritation sets sail toward unexpected chemistry.
A spontaneous sailing trip down the Intracoastal Waterway further tightens their close quarters, leading to humorous mishaps and heartfelt moments.

St. Clair masterfully crafts witty banter and slow-burning romance, making this novel a refreshing and enjoyable read for fans of clean, contemporary romance.

Well, this was a delight. Perfect spring break read and I loved all the Easter eggs from the authors previous books. I can always count on Emma St. Clair.

This was cute but not for me. I enjoyed the idea of the story but felt it could have been developed more. Characters were likable but lacking dimension.

This adorable rom-com with all the tropes had me giggling and swooning throughout! I loved the unique and swoon-worthy flirting moments for them to connect. This was my first from Emma St. Clair, but won’t be my last!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

This was a good story. My personal preference would have been less words to describe a situation. But then as the book went on it helped to understand the characters later. I would have liked a better explanation of the Dad and what his status was. I am so glad I was able to read this book

This is definitely a summer read.

When I read the blurb of the book, I was very excited because I have a lot in common with the character, Josie. She is an elementary school nurse who loves to read, dreams of being a librarian, and is sometimes a little too obsessive. When her brother's best friend is injured, Josie helps him recover. As time goes by, she begins to see the young man she thought she hated for years for what he is. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, I read it with great pleasure. But in the second half of the book, although I enjoyed it as well, my excitement waned a bit. I would have liked a little more emphasis on Josie's trauma and Wyatt's family issues.

Ultimately, I recommend adding this book to your summer reading list.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing an ARC 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.

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.