A wonderful summer read! This was a sweet friends to lovers romance that ticked all of my boxes. Would definitely recommend to fans of Red, White and Royal Blue.

This was everything that I was looking for in a romance novel, it had that concept that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this book. The characters were everything that I was wanting and enjoyed going on this journey with the characters. Zac Hammett has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this.

I'm on the fence. Overall See You at the Finish Line was cute and had one of my favorite tropes (enemies to lovers), but didn't quite hit the mark for me.

I'm obsessed. This M/M sports romance served all the enemies-to-lovers feels with Lucas, the Cambridge cox, and George, the super charming rower. Their banter is next-level hilarious, and the slow burn? Chef's kiss. Even if you're not super into rowing, the drama and chemistry between them totally pull you in. It's just a really heartwarming, low-key steamy, and genuinely funny rom-com that hit all the right notes. Seriously, if you're looking for a feel-good read with amazing characters and major chemistry, this one's it.

This was such a cute enemies to lovers romance between two Cambridge rowing teammates. I enjoyed the reasoning behind George and Lucas getting close and helping each other.

George was my favourite. He was sincere, kind, and sweet from the start. I didn’t really warm up to Amir, though. He seemed nice but just didn’t feel like the right fit for Lucas.

Lucas as a character was frustrating at first, with his misjudgments about George, but he grew a lot. Their friendship slowly turned into something deeper, and the developed romance was so satisfying. I loved them as a couple and I loved the steamy scenes.

See You At The Finish Like is more friends-to-lovers than enemies-to-lovers, but the heart of the story doesn't change: it's sweet and sassy and dramatic!

The Cambridge vs Oxford boat race is one of these bizarre British things that you hear about but don't get how bizarre they are unless you dive deep into the rabbit hole.

The author does a great job to show the absurdity of the posh British society, without devolving to stereotypes "rich guys are bad guys". It is somehow part of ordinary university life in these prestigious universities!

Lucas and George are very distinct characters, the definition of opposites attract: George is a super handsome athlete who is well, a bit silly, projects confidence and charm. Lucas is an overthinking neurotic short demon with self esteem issues in the dating department, a star student who, quoting him, "found his calling screaming at jocks".

They complement each other perfectly, and after you get through the first pages you are going to love them while wanting to shout at them.

Student drama, college shenanigans, a lot of Britishness and an adorable love story!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

A Charming, Though Familiar, Row to the Top
See You at the Finish Line offers a fun and often genuinely charming ride through the competitive world of Cambridge University rowing, blended with a classic enemies-to-lovers romance. The premise immediately hooks you: George, the talented but academically challenged American import, clashing with the hardworking, romantically challenged Lucas. Their forced alliance – study help for dating advice – sets the stage for plenty of witty banter and comedic mishaps.

The novel truly shines when focusing on the dynamic between George and Lucas. Their journey from mutual annoyance to undeniable chemistry is well-developed and provides many smile-inducing moments. You really root for them as they navigate the cutthroat world of competitive rowing, facing off against rivals and their own insecurities. The descriptions of the training and races are engaging, giving a good sense of the physical demands and intense camaraderie (and rivalry) within the team.

However, while enjoyable, the plot occasionally leans into predictable tropes. The "will they or won't they" tension between George and Lucas, while sweet, plays out in a fairly standard way, and some of the obstacles they face feel a little too easily resolved. The subplot with Lucas's crush on Amir feels a bit underdeveloped at times, primarily serving as a catalyst for George and Lucas's interactions rather than a fully flesfleshed-out romantic pursuit in its own right. Similarly, George's academic struggles, while central to the initial premise, don't always feel as high-stakes as they could.

Despite these minor quibbles, the book's heart is firmly in the right place. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and their personal growth is satisfying to witness. If you're looking for a lighthearted, feel-good read with plenty of humor, a dash of competitive spirit, and a satisfying queer romance, this is definitely worth picking up. It's a delightful story, even if it doesn't break entirely new ground.

See you at the finish line was a lovely debut novel with my favourite trope - enemies to lovers. It was filled to the brim with humour and banter while also balanced with a captivating plot. The setting felt unique and fresh. I don't know much about rowing but I didn't need to either. All about the sport was explained throughout the story which I really liked. Lucas and George were both lovely MMCs with very different characteristics which made them such a great couple.
It was a quick and fun read!


Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me with this ARC

There's more than a few moments that require a complete suspension of disbelief to make this sporty romcom work. But it does. Ultimately it's the strength of the characters - and especially the depth of George's - that make this book a success. George's try-hard attitude ultimately is his best attribute, though for being the guy who is 'good with the ladies' he's surprisingly terrible at communicating in general.

It's cute, it's sweet, and I definitely look forward to what Zac Hammett writes next. I'll definitely line up to read it.

Thanks Zando and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. This was incredibly cute! Lucas and George are on the rowing team at Cambridge. They need to win their race against Oxford, there’s just one problem they can’t stand each other. And when they lose Lucas is pissed and mouth’s off about how George is an idiot who’s not being made to do any actual school work. Cambridge decides that George needs to pass his exams for real if he wants to graduate and continue rowing. George’s whole future depends on rowing so he needs to pass these exams. But he hasn’t been doing the work, how’s he going to pass? Well him and Lucas are in the same program, surely Lucas will help him? There is no way Lucas is doing that, except he’s been struggling to talk to Amir, the guy he likes. George has no trouble hooking up with ladies. If George can help him get together with Amir then he can help George with his exams. The more they study and spend time together the closer they grow. They learn who each other really is and their growing attraction makes their goals complicated. Can George pass his exams? Can Lucas make a connection with Amir? Or will George and Lucas find what they need in each other? I enjoyed George and Lucas so much! George was so lovable, not the brightest, but it was so sweet! And Lucas attempting to talk to men and Amir was so funny! And I enjoyed their hijinks trying to help George pass his exams! Charming, hilarious, heartwarming, and spicy! If you like enemies to lovers highly recommend checking out Zac Hammett’s See You At The Finish Line!

I read this one in one sitting, and I don't have any regrets about it. I just couldn't put it down.

First off, the author does an amazing job at describing the vibe of the OxBridge style (I'm more familiar with Oxford than Cambridge, but I know there are similarities). If you are not familiar with Cambridge/Oxford Colleges, Regattas, Balls (yes, this is real, you see students wearing tuxedos and gowns in the street), I would suggest you do a quick search and have a look at some pictures, just to get inspired. It will help you understand the characters more (I think.)

The plot is fun, I quite liked it. A lot of the interactions feel real and raw. There is some fiction in there (it's still a book), and that's fun too. The romance part was well done and my heart broke a little when reading some parts for Lucas and George when (if you read it, you will know).

Pick it up if you like:
- MM Romance (this is open-door)
- British setting - there is tea, balls, guys wearing tuxes, and a lot of studying -
- Kind of Grumpy/Sunshine vibe
- Character Growth

George and Lucas are on the same rowing team, and they hate each other. George is a great athlete and a womanizer, but he struggles with academics. Lucas is a top student but inexperienced when it comes to wooing—and he really likes Amir. So the two guys decide to help each other out.

Honestly, it’s hard to share my thoughts and feelings without giving away spoilers. Unfortunately, the book turned out to be not what I expected. There were quite a few things I didn’t like. Generally speaking, I don’t enjoy it when the main characters date or sleep with other people.

There’s also a lot of dialogue in the book, and I personally missed more details and descriptions. The ending felt a bit rushed to me. However, I did like George—it was sad to see how everyone only focused on his handsome face, and body, underestimating him as a person.

Not bad for a debut, but this book just wasn’t for me.

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓ sports romance
✓ LGBTQ+ rep
✓ enemies to lovers
✓ forced proximity

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando (Slowburn) for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really wanted to love this book. It was cute, and I loved the premise, but I just wanted more out of it.

There was a slow burn, and it was cute, but I wanted to feel more tension during it - the anticipation and let down. The internal thoughts and feelings of each of them.

I loved their deal to help each other succeed, but I wish we got more of the pressure of it. It felt like friends hanging out, and I missed the tense transition from dislike to begrudging companions to friends.

The twist was a nice change from the classic happily ever after, but I just wasn’t as emotionally invested as I wish I was when it happened.

The writing was good, and the plot was cute. I enjoyed reading it. I just was hoping for more.

See You at the Finish Line is my first Zac Hammett book.

This is told in first person dual POV. Tropes: Opposites attract, forced proximity, university, sports romance,

George is the typical jock in need of some additional help, in comes Lucas and his adorable intelligent self. The two strike up a deal: Lucas will tutor George if George will help Lucas when it comes to dating. How could this possibly go wrong, right? in true romcom form, insert feelings developing as they spend time together and it is just a cute story. I giggled, I kicked my feet.

Loved George and Lucas.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc. I rate this 4.5 stars and 2 chili peppers for spice. I was super interested to read a story that revolved around rowing. I don’t know anything about rowing but I didn’t feel that way reading it. I really loved this story and loved the two main characters but I honestly wish the story was longer. I think the story wrapped up too quickly. They finally met at the race after not seeing each other for months and then we get like one or two chapters and then the epilogue. I really wanted more of their story because of how invested I was. I loved the author’s writing style and was hooked from the very beginning. I also would have loved just a tad bit more spice in my scenes but that’s just a personal preference. But overall loved the story a lot.

I really enjoyed this book! The setting and the stakes were set so well in the first few pages, which really hooked me in to follow the story and learn more about the characters. The story is also well-paced, with each chapter in digestible chunks to read at bit at a time, but with tension and suspense at the end of each that makes you want to keep reading. I really enjoy the contemporary references to pop culture and movies; it makes it seem realistic especially when paired with the rich history of Cambridge and Oxford.

The dual first-person POVs are a great way to tell the story. They read sometimes like a diary entry, other times like you’re just listening in on someone’s thoughts, and other times like the characters are almost talking directly to the reader. Because of this variation, the storytelling method doesn’t get old.

The story is also pretty accurate to the sport of rowing; as a former coxswain everything made sense to me. But it’s not so technical that non-rowers can’t understand it.

The humor is right up my alley, too. There were several times I chuckled or giggled to myself and a few times I literally laughed out loud. My favorite line: “He’s making me eat three different kinds of cheeses in a certain order!”

Overall this is a fun MM romance with a compelling story driven driven by more than just spicy scenes, giving readers many different ways to enjoy the narrative!

See You at the Finish Line is humorous enemies-to-lovers rom com set at Cambridge University. It opens with the main characters, Lucas and George, competing in an annual rowing race against Oxford University. Although they are on the same team, they don’t get along and this causes them to lose the race. The book follows the rest of the year as they prepare for the next annual race.

George is a sterotypical jock who has been getting by on his good looks and charm and not necessarily by studying or putting in any actual effort. Lucas is an excellent student but is very shy and awkward when it comes to dating. The two make a deal for Lucas to help George study for his final exams in exchange for George helping Lucas to get a boyfriend. As they spend more time together, they start to get closer, in spite of their very different personalities.

I thought the book was both funny and sweet and I appreciated getting to see Lucas and George change over the year, even though they made mistakes along the way. I’m not a huge fan of sports romances, but I feel like the rowing aspect didn’t overshadow the other parts of the story.

I’d recommend this book to fans of Legally Blonde because George definitely has some Elle Woods energy (he’s an outsider at a prestigious university who’s smarter than he seems on the surface and he has interpersonal skills that are just as valuable as academic knowledge).

This was a super fun enemies to lovers book that morphs into a tutor, slow burn-y romance, George is a rowing god who's at risk of failing his final year at Cambridge, and strikes a deal with Lucas who's going to help make sure he gets through his dissertation and finals in exchange for lessons on how to approach Amir, Lucas's long-time crush.

Of course along the way lots of shenanigans happen, and while some of the academic plot is a little over the top (I mean, would there really be a conspiracy/professors turning a complete blind eye to allow George to never attend lectures and pass him over multiple years? A little silly but it didn't bother me that much), I found it extremely enjoyable to spend that time with the two characters who were so different from each other but brought out the best in each other.

The setting was also a bit of fresh air compared to the typical university-set sports romance. Really fun read that didn't take itself too seriously and pokes fun at a lot of topics, but also dealt in very real big feelings.

Oh my, what a cute enemy’s to lovers romance story between two Cambridge rowing teammates.  George was the fast rower and model while Lucas was the Cambridge cox. Lucas disliked George because he got special academic treatment due to being an amazing rower. They strike a deal when it was brought out in the open that George got special privileges from Cambridge and now had to take the exams on his own merit. Lucas would help him study for the final exams, and George would help Lucas seduce his long-time crush, Amir. What I loved was George. George was great from the beginning. He was sincere, kind, honest, and sweet to everyone. I actually felt bad for Amir. He was so kind to Lucas. And no clue why Lucas had a crush on him. Lucas was a bit of a pain early on. He had many misconceptions of George. He did redeem himself along the way. Together they formed a special friendship that lend to love. The slow burn of their love story was really good. I absolutely loved it. They were incredible together as a couple. The ending was amazing. Overall, it was a great and lovely debut from the author. Looking forward to their next book. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.