I never thought a friends to enemies to lovers romance could bring tears to my eyes, but these characters got me. I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this book as someone who doesn't usually like romance, but this book should be on everyone's summer reading list.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Chelsea Fagan, and Orsay Press for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Dare I say, book of the summer??? 4.5 stars that I'm rounding up to 5! I am a huge fan of Chelsea Fagan's content online and ate up her first novel, A Perfect Vintage, both when it was released 2 years ago and again last summer when I reread it. I am thrilled to report that I loved The High Dive even more! Fagan is a spectacular writer whose settings leap off the page with transportive descriptions and dimensional characters. Her writing is at times almost melodic, and I was totally engrossed in her alluring descriptions of the Mediterranean. Although the friendship aspect of this story is complicated, I really enjoyed the wide cast of characters. They were all so individual, and the dual timelines in the "Before" and "Now" enhanced the history of each character and their overarching story together. While the book does center around Alex and Danial's romance, I found that my favorite was actually the friendship between Paul and Alex. The love that was present between them was lovely and was a grounding connection point between Alex and the group. I would have liked to see a bit more connection between Alex and the group because at times, I felt that her longing to be in the group was at odds with who she was as a character (especially given her moral/political stance vs others in the group that were wealthier). My main issue with the story was that this is honestly not a very likeable friend group as a whole, and I didn't always buy their connections/closeness overall. I would have liked to see the secondary story lines develop a bit more or certain characters maybe be a bit more palatable in order to understand the draw of them to Alex. However, I think Fagan does a great job of writing well-rounded, very human protagonists and explores the nuances of how complicated adult friendships over many years can be. In regards to the romance, all I can say is: HOT!!!! This book is SO sexy, and the tension between Alex and Danial was as scorching as the Mediterranean sun. I love enemies-to-lovers, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve over many years and over the trip. Who knew taking body shots could be so sexy?! Again, I have a bit of complicated feelings about their sometimes seemingly differences in how they navigate the world of wealth and politics, but Fagan does highlight important context in each of their backgrounds that makes the story more understandable. There were multiple moments in this book that I will be thinking about for a while to come, and I already can't wait to dive back in to the world of The High Dive!

Chelsea has the ability to not only transport the reader to lovely and swoon worthy destinations, but create dialogue that is relatable as a woman to themselves and to others. After reading this book, it makes me want to book a cruise with my best gals and talk about everything from guys to botox.

This story gives VERY Gossip Girl summer vibes. Thing one big yacht, with a full staff and a multi day trip in the Mediterranean sea. Big thank you to Netgalley, Chelsea and the publishing team at Orsay Press for the eARC!

What to Expect:
Enemies to lovers
Prior Friends to lovers
Wealthy College Kids and their journey to adulthood
Single POV
Past + Present Story Telling
Very not wealthy Dan meets wealthy Serena Gossip Girl vibes
3rd Act Breakup
LOADS of Drama
LGBTQ Relationship Secondary Story

NOTE: There are discussions of gaslighting, verbal abuse and a toxic LGBTQ relationship in this book.

My Thoughts:
Right off the bat I am going to say I have no past knowledge of this author. I didn't read or know about previous books of hers, That said I gave this a 3 stars because I just really struggled not to DNF it. I love a good summer romance based in Europe. The idea of this book really sounded absolutely lovely. There were just some things that didn't resonate or that I just struggled to read through. More of annoyances. So let me start with those items.

My Dislikes and annoyances: Main character and protagonist Alex makes me want to loose my mind. She has such a victim mindset through this whole story it made me want to DNF it. She is 32 years old... this is emotional stuff she should have gone through and dealt with in college. 32 is too old to be woe is me all the time. She spends a lot of this story going back and forth about her insecurities both financially and physically, but she also spends a lot of time being stuck in the past. She is constantly hung up on stuff that happened a decade before the current events. It just REALLY became more annoying than anything.

Also if she isn't happy or constantly comparing her financial situation then/now with who are suppose to be her best friends. I mean WHAT?! 32 and still trying to conform who you are and where you come from to be friends with people.... it doesn't make sense. Why not find happiness in life. Why not find new friends?! I mean she is living in a big city full of PEOPLE! She could easily make new friends that fit her life and the lifestyle she can afford! If this friend group are TRUE friends they won't care! Much like secondary character (her best friend) Paul. He doesn't care!

Also the toxicity of this relationship that builds and unfolds through the story between Alex and Danial made me want to scream. After the incident on the boat where she leaves.... I stopped reading for a day. So you're 32 and ran from your problems instead of dealing with it? Unreal. I am also just not a fan of 2nd act or 3rd act or 4th act breakups. It is so toxic. Also when they finally get together just feels weird. Not organic at all. It just didn't feel right to me.

Last thing, the relationship that Paul is in is VERY toxic. From the start I really struggled with a lot of the conversations between him and his partner. I once was in a relationship like that and it not only isn't healthy but leaves long lasting marks of trauma.

All in all I just didn't love the underlying stories and the characteristics of some of the main players in the story.

That said, each character was well written. You understood the past and present storytelling of the main and secondary characters. The overall story I could have really loved if it was written with a bit more maturity. less woe is me and more I am an adult woman who can handle my shit. It just wasn't really for me.

Synopsis:
As the only scholarship kids of their elite group at Columbia University, their heated dynamic was scorched forever by one fateful, awful night just before graduation. And in the ten years since, Alex and Danial have been on radically different paths: she crafts social media campaigns for an ultra-progressive political party; he’s a rising star at a notoriously savage private equity firm. But when two of their college friends decide to tie the knot in the Mediterranean — and to host their old crew on a ten-day chartered yacht trip beforehand — Alex must finally face Danial, and the sobering reality that she’s now the only middle class outcast in this ultra wealthy club.

When her ideals start to clash with her most intimate desires, Alex must learn to swim in emotional waters that are as unfamiliar as they are undeniable.

Chelsea Fagan does it again. The yearning I felt in this book. I don't even know how to describe it because it's not quite a second chance romance because they didn't have a first chance.

Alex and Danial were friends in college until they weren't. But they were still a part of the same friend group and when Paul is having a week long bachelor party on a boat they're reunited. Drama, steam, and nostalgic memories ensue.

I highly highly recommend.

Definitely enjoyed, I think slightly more than her first romance book even. I loved the elements of finance & politics, made it more interesting than a typical romance. As a woman in politics myself, I found it a little unrealistic to have most characters supportive of her political job, but it’s nice to think that they would be! Overall great second novel from Chelsea.

"The High Dive" by Chelsea Fagan is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. On the surface, it’s a lush, sun-soaked romance set on a Mediterranean yacht, but underneath the glitz is a sharp, emotionally honest story about class, ambition, friendship, and the deep messiness of rekindled love.

Alexandra and Danial’s dynamic is electric, complicated, frustrating, and completely absorbing. Fagan writes them with such nuance that I found myself rooting for them even when I wanted to shake them. The dialogue is razor-sharp, the emotions are raw, and the tension simmers from beginning to end.

What really impressed me was how Fagan explores class differences—not just in wealth, but in how people move through the world. It adds a layer of realism that most romances skip, and it makes the stakes feel incredibly grounded. The writing is lyrical but never overdone (okay, maybe the word “exquisite” pops up a *bit* too often 😅), and the setting is vivid enough to make you feel sunburnt.

My only real critique? The ending felt a little rushed. After such a slow build, I wish we had a few more beats of resolution. Still, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the journey.

If you love messy, deeply felt stories with smart commentary and just the right amount of longing, this one’s for you.

This was a fun, quick beach read. I’m not sure how believable it was, but I don’t necessarily need my books to be believable. I loved the friendship between Alex and Paul. The setting was top notch for an armchair vacation. The then and now was fun. The depictions on race and class were interesting. This will be a great summer book for so many people and I really love how quick of a read it was.
Thank you so much to Chelsea Fagan, Netgalley and the publisher for the EARC in exchange for an honest review.

I adored The Perfect Vintage so you best believe i was esctatic to receive the ARC of Chelsea's next novel. Political romance? I read to escape politics so that was my one hesitation. Nevertheless, I LOVED. Thanks netgalley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

1⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Orsay Press for an advanced copy of The High Dive.

Alex is reuniting with her friends because one of them is getting married. The couple rents a luxurious yacht and she feels out of place. Then she has to see Danial her former crush who broke her heart.

This was a very juvenile read and the group of friends is so immature. I was not a fan.

Ten years ago, Alex and Danial were two college scholarship kids who fell in with a friend group made up of the ultra wealthy children of assorted billionaires. They also fell in love, but one truly terrible night involving an ardently written, but poorly placed letter led to a decade long silent stalemate. Now they’re stuck on a boat together.

Well, a yacht.

Alex is so sincere in her convictions and her love that I had to respect her character, even while I cringed through some of the fights she picked with Danial. The arguments they had were necessary for their relationship to develop and conflict is essential for the drama of it all, but I still had to take a couple breaks from this story.

Which I think is a testament to how real these characters feel. Alex’s relationships with her family and best friend, her career, and her ideals, really shine through. My heart went out to the Alex of the past, fleeing from her failed romance to a country where she knew no one and could be anyone.

The themes of money, class, and politics are all integrated deftly into the narrative. Alex’s frequent cutting observations about her rich companions and their lifestyles were a treat … though any time she said something insensitive to Paul I wanted to fight her myself. Again, a product of excellent character work!

I loved Chelsea Fagan’s debut novel, A Perfect Vintage, so much. It dug into a dynamic that is, on its surface, taboo and explored why it worked. It felt fresh and unique. The dynamic in The High Dive is more familiar and perhaps for that reason I found it less compelling at the start. I had no idea what about Danial appealed to Alex (emotionally speaking; he’s obviously got being hot and rich going for him) until the last 25% of the book. His particular brand of generic masculinity just didn’t hit for me, but I think the addition of his POV might’ve changed my mind. Hidden depths were hinted at, but they were a little too hidden.

Overall, The High Dive is a stand out summer romance that sticks the landing. If not quite as enjoyable as its predecessor, it was still a fun ride with memorable characters and I plan to recommend it to anyone looking for a beach read.

This book was sexy, intriguing and vulnerable.
I went into reading pretty much blind, so I had no expectations or preconceived notions. I absolutely loved it!
I really felt seen by Alex- always hustling to keep up with people who have more money, and constantly feeling like you're not enough or on the same level because of money. Her and Danial's romantic tension was everything- there were scenes that had me fanning myself and blushing. Chelsea knows how to write a scene with TENSION and yearning. Once I was about 10% into reading, I was very much hooked. The secondary characters to Danial and Alex were also very interesting and captivating to read about- I can't speak for everyone, but at different points in my life I have had these exact archetypes for friends and have experienced similar situations to Alex.. This was a very romantic, introspective read that also took place in a beautiful setting. Also, big thanks to Chelsea for writing hot/steamy love scenes without using weird language that can oftentimes come off as cringey with the choice of words used.
I haven't really ever read a romance book where politics were so heavy entwined in the plot, but I have to say that I'm a fan!

his book is Chelsea Fagan in a nutshell - if you’re a TFD fan, you’ll so appreciate it!

I mean we’re starting out talking about the housing crisis, so she’s really speaking my language 😍. This theme of discussing class/wealth continues throughout the book. It did hit me close to home, I went to an expensive private school and struggled to keep up with others, like Alex. I was a bit perplexed that Alex still struggled with this issue even after 10 years. If you want to read about rich people on a yacht this summer + a little class consciousness discussion, this book is for you. There were a few fun steamy moments throughout the book but tbh there could have been more.

Everyone needs a friend like Paul 🥺

My main critique is that it wrapped up a bit too quickly. The characters’ changed a bit too suddenly to go from the beginning to the end. I just didn’t quite believe/understand how we got from point a to point b. I kinda wished this book were longer which is not something I usually say.

Also, big props for actually hiring an artist to create an original cover that isn’t like every other romance!

Thank you to net galley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. I look forward to reading more of Chelsea Fagan’s novels.

emotional reflective medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5

This was such an interesting glimpse into a different life! All of the character dynamics were very annoying, to be honest, but there was so much tension throughout the entire group I had to keep reading. I thought the flashbacks were nice, but could've been woven in a little better. I really loved the ending though and thought the character growth was fantastic.

3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐💫

Alex and Danial bonded in college as the only two people in their Columbia friend group who didn't come from ultra wealthy families. For the last decade, Alex has been nursing unrequited feelings that come back to the surface when the group gets back together for her best friend's bachelor party and wedding, an over-the-top Mediterranean affair. Alex's and Danial's career paths have fueled their status as enemies, but can they play nice for a few weeks?

All of these characters were so (purposefully, I think) insufferable to me. Yet I found this story so compulsively bingeable. The slow burn enemies-to-lovers plotline made me keep reading, and the amazing scenery made this a great kickoff to summer and inspired some major wanderlust!

Wow has any book ever been more "extremely my interests" than THE HIGH DIVE? Alex is a strong female protagonist working in progressive politics... literally say no more, I'm already sold!! A second-chance(ish) romance set against the lush backdrop of the Mediterranean? Sign me up!! Combine that all together with Chelsea's effortless dialogue, a rich (literally) cast of supporting characters and a dual timeline story setup just means that I had no choice but to love this novel. I've already recommended to so many friends and will continue to sing it's praises. It's the perfect summer romance that still packs a punch with something meaningful to say about our current world. I loved it!!!

A class-conscious summer novel blending romance and social commentary. Fagan explores the financial dynamics of relationships against a backdrop of luxury and leisure. Ideal for readers seeking a thoughtful beach read.

4.5⭐
PG-13🌶️ (But the tension was so hot!)

Chelsea is back with a book of the summer. Fancy yachts! The one who got away! Grecian beaches! Wedding drama! I flew through this book--it was the perfect summer romance that I just ate up, while also including nuanced points are class, wealth, status and capitalism. While I think both Alex and Danial were a bit unhealthy with their obsession with each other, this book was the juicy beach read that romance lovers need to take with them on vacation this summer.

This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed the book. It was well written and the main characters were well rounded. I liked that the book touched on the topic of socioeconomic status and how the FMC was insecure and felt like the outside in the friend group because of how she grew up. As a reader, you could relate to Alex and her anxiety at the thought of being around this group of people.

I liked the relationship between Alex and Danial and enjoyed learning what lead to the current relationship, or lack there of. I LOVED the relationship between Alex and Paul. Their friendship was real and you could relate to having that best friend that you think is making a mistake; but you have to support them and be there because they are your bff.

I look forward to reading more books by Chelsea.

Thank you to Netgalley & Chelsea Fagan for the ARC.

What a perfectly lush summertime read! This was my first book by Chelsea and I devoured it in a day.

Most of the book happens over the course of a Mediterranean yacht trip on the way to a friend’s wedding in Greece. It was rife with angst, tension and longing and an opportunity for a second chance romance with the forced proximity. There was plenty of commentary on social class and status which provided tension between the friend group and main couple. The characters were complex and compelling and I rooted for the main couple even when they were being antagonistic/petty towards each other. Ultimately the romantic conclusion was satisfying and I’ll be sure to check out books from this author in the future.