This was the most fun book that I would love to read on a beach or lake vacation (or a yacht if I ever get the opportunity!). The High Dive follows Alex, whose middle-class background separates her from her college friends even more than her political job does. She’s the odd woman out in a sea of wealthy individuals who seem to swan through life without a care in a world padded by money. She’s been desperate to fit in for years, overspending on credit cards and overthinking how she appears with them. The only one who came from the same background as her is Danial, the boy she was in love with and embarrassed herself in front of years ago when she admitted it to him. She’s spent ten years avoiding him but now her best friend Paul is getting married and has scheduled them all on a fancy yacht trip on the Mediterranean for the two weeks leading up to the wedding. Alex is determined to play it cool but she’s never been able to do that with Danial, now a wealthy managing director and everything she despises despite the fact that she obviously still has feelings for him. Forced together, her feelings for him are still as apparent as ever as his for her but her work life and his are destined to collide in a way that has no winners.

This book is very much about Alex and Danial but it’s also about them both learning how to be themselves, how to not lean so much into appearances, and how prioritize happiness over work. I thought the glamorous background of the yacht was so fun but I also just really enjoyed their story about figuring out your place in the world and what’s important.

Alex Onassis was always the odd one out of her friend group at Columbia University - she was the scholarship kid, the one who floated purchases across multiple credit cards, the one who wasn’t able to fall back on her parents’ money if something went wrong. So she has mixed feelings about her upcoming trip: two weeks aboard a luxury yacht alongside her old friends, visiting some of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean, culminating in her best friend Paul’s extravagant wedding in Greece. She especially isn’t looking forward to seeing Danial, the only other person in the group from a similar background as her, after he broke her heart ten years ago. But she’s going to make the best of it. Even if the trip brings everything - old insecurities, old resentments, and old attraction - back to the surface.

I had a great time with this book. The story balances the fantasy of a luxury vacation with how the vast majority of budget-conscious people would experience that trip. Our protagonist has worked hard to build herself a life on solid footing after making poor financial decisions as a young adult to keep up with her more wealthy friends. Her envy of their situation running concurrently with the disdain she feels for how much is taken for granted - it grounds the narrative. Very seldom do these types of books examine the kind of money it takes to have a supposed Instagram-worthy vacation, or how many members of the service industry are needed to achieve that level of indulgence.

I enjoyed the flashbacks to a decade before present-day, where the group of college friends is preparing for One Last Party before they all graduate and go their separate ways. It’s nice to see firsthand what Alex’s dynamic with the group was like. As the story goes on, it becomes clear what happened to make that dynamic go sour, and why Alex has been out of contact with most of the group. It helps endear her to the audience. I do wish there had been *one more chapter* set in that timeline, because while it was explained by the characters later on, I would have liked to read it from their perspectives instead.

The romance plot was good as well. Our romantic duo have both said and done things to one another to earn enmity, which makes the pair coming together that much more satisfying. This is a breath of fresh air in a genre riddled with enemies-to-lovers novels where the “enemy” hasn’t *actually* done anything to earn the poor opinion of our protagonist. ~It was just a misunderstanding!~ It’s like authors are afraid of losing favor with the audience if they attempt to give teeth to the conflict between the romantic couple. Fagan gives Alex a reason to want to avoid interacting with Danial. Alex, similarly, behaves in a way to put Danial on edge. I do think that part - the tension, the resolution - was written well, as a whole.

For me, there were just a few missteps in the pacing. For example, just past the midpoint of the novel, there’s a time jump that brings a whiplash-inducing tonal shift. During that scene, Alex and Danial refer to a conversation that the reader does not get to witness. I felt like I had missed something for several pages, but the scene I was looking for was not actually there.

This is my first time reading a work of fiction written by Chelsea Fagan, and I had a lot of fun with it. Fagan’s background in the financial world gives depth to the escapism of the narrative, and her point of view comes through in how Alex navigates both her political work and her relationships with her wealthy classmates. Fans of The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren and Adam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen will find another great summer vacation read in The High Dive.

**Thank you to Orsay Press and Chelsea Fagan for providing this ebook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**

Lush scene setting, chemistry between Alex and Danial, and amazing best friend (Paul!) this an enjoyable read. I couldn’t help but root for Alex and Danial and their angsty will they/why don’t they?! romance a decade in the making. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Orsay Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

I finished this book in a day and that is not something I have done for a while (especially for a romance novel). The character dynamic and the problems of our main character come off the page in a very real and authentic way. It's messy and complicated and real but also beautiful. Honestly a really good read. I could definitely feel the connection between the two main characters and as the reader I was heavily invested.

I will say I found some of the time jumps a bit disorienting. I would've loved some transition between some of the scenes or event a page marker (like----) to indicate that time has passed. But overall one of the best romance novels I've read in a while.

I really loved the setting and plot of this book! The characters were unique and engaging and I loved the flashbacks. I actually wish there was more of the college flashbacks because by the time Alex and Danial got together it still felt a bit rushed, I wish there was more history explained leading up to it. A solid romance though, I enjoyed it!

I really enjoyed this book and didn’t even realize it’s author was someone I followed on TikTok until I got to the end and saw the author photo. I have been in a little reading slump and this heartfelt, fun and entertaining romance was just the page turner I needed. I really wanted to see what happened next in this will they/won’t they slow burn.

Thank you so much to Chelsea Fagan, Orsay Press, and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

I have been following Chelsea for years and have always felt connected to her content and her writing, whether in romance novels or personal finance. I have been anxiously awaiting the release of The High Dive and overall it did not disappoint.

First of all, this cover is exquisite just like her debut novel, A Perfect Vintage. I would desperately love to have this as a piece of art in my home.

Secondly, the themes and issues that Fagan explores in this story is vast. We see Alex, a woman with less money than her richer friends still struggling with their dynamic. Her insecurities come up many times in the novel from start to finish. While my interacts with the wealthy sector are few and far between, I could see myself having the same thoughts and feelings. We deal with unrequited love with our heroine, as she's been in love with Danial for a decade. She has to face him again on a pre-wedding cruise of mutual college friends. The tension and the longing in this book is well-written.

The main characters feel real and papabile. While Alex may have come off as "annoying" for some readers, I found that realistic. A woman working in politics, a sector that leans more patriarchal, she would need to be headstrong and assertive. I wish I could've sunk my teeth more into Danial throughout the entire book instead of more towards the end, but I still think we got to see his warm and thoughtful side. I wish we could've gotten more out of the side characters as it felt very superficial level (and maybe that was the point). If you were looking for cookie-cutter perfect characters, you won't find them in this novel. You will only find characters that are human- full of experience, fault, and imperfections.

Finally, the LGBTQIA+ representation in this book was done so beautifully. We often see some stereotypical LGBTQIA+ characters in books, and like previously mentioned, Guy and Paul felt like real people. I think we learn so much about love, abuse, and heartbreak through these characters.

Overall this was a good novel from Chelsea Fagan. Although the themes felt darker at times from her first novel, I feel as though this will do really well as a beach/vacation/pool read.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.</i>

I enjoyed this! I’ve been following Chelsea and The Financial Diet for years and while I liked her first fiction novel, this exceeded my expectations! It was fun and sexy while also touching on social class and political issues.

I think Chelsea Fagan undoubtedly has a way with words and this novel was a breeze to read. As with her previous romance novel, the setting and descriptions were *chef’s kiss*. I also really liked exploring different socioeconomic backgrounds in friendships and relationships - lots of juicy topics and conflicts there to explore.

Unfortunately I didn’t really feel the connection between two MCs who seemed like they fundamentally did not respect one another. I couldn’t fully buy into their love story because I felt like they both lacked charitability towards each other. The pettiness from their college days should’ve stayed in that era!

All in all I do recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and dirty vacation read. Best enjoyed with an ice cold Shirley temple :)

In this sharp, on-the-nose romance, we follow the story of Alexandra and Danial: one that is full of history, contempt and above all, longing.

The book flits back and forth between Then and Now, following their relationship from college to the present. The two are reunited after a decade apart for her best friend’s bachelor party - a luxurious yacht trip across the Mediterranean. With their old friend group in tow, the two must work through their explosive dynamic over the course of their trip. Can they truly burry the hatchet or do old wounds cut too deep?

I really loved the romance between Alex and Danial, they are dynamic, unique and three dimensional. I especially appreciated that the book showcased more than an enjoyable love story, but provided spot on social commentary. We see Alex’s character development as she navigates her financial disparity in comparison to her affluent friends. The book deals with important themes of class division, the real life and incredibly tangible impact of politics and how the influence this has in relationships.

If you’re looking for a fun, insightful and fresh romance - this one’s for you!

The author manages to do that Nancy Meyers thing, where intensely felt stories of interesting, flawed, smart women take place in lovely settings. It's a joy to sink into one of her novels.

Alex is preparing to take a private cruise with her college friends for a wedding. The week on a luxury yacht brings old insecurities to the surface as Alex confronts the wealth gap between her and her friends. The one member in the group who comes from as humble beginnings as Alex is Danial, but he's since earned a large network in the morally bankrupt financial sector. Not to mention she's been in love with him for over ten years. The intellectual and sexual tension between those two is delicious!!

The writing is reflective and I appreciate how the author draws characters with full back stories and seemingly vast inner lives. She also brings up timely political and social issues, yet I still felt relaxed and more willing to ponder these topics because of how engrossing the novel is. The characters are far from perfect but you find yourself rooting for Alex to find her way forward, whterther with these friends and Danial... or not.

Side note, I would KILL for a Paul follow up. I loved him.

I wanted to love this more but it fell a bit flat for me sadly. I am not even sure I can describe what exactly bothered me about it but to me Alex just felt incredibly inconsistent. She so desperately wants to be accepted by these people she also loudly morally opposes. I got a bit of whiplash when her and Danial had the massive falling out only for him to show up 5 minutes later at her door. Then, at the end, she suddenly is okay with his wealth because he quit his job and is spending it help her and Paul and by bringing their families together. Girl please pick a stance and stop flip flopping when it serves you to. The spice is essentially none existent if you're looking for that and don't even get me started on the wall thing.
The setting was really fun and I liked the concept of it all happening on a mega yacht but we spend 75% of the book away from the yacht. Anyway, I had high hopes but sadly it wasn't quite what I was hoping.

I could not put this book down! I loved the imagery and the storyline. It took me awhile to warm up to the main character, Alex, though. She was a very complex character in a complicated situation and it took a bit for me to get over how bratty she was at times. However, her growth was wonderful and it made the rough spots better! If you like a good romance with a bit of depth this book is for you!

Thank you to Orsay Press for allowing me early access to The High Dive by Chelsea Fagan.

This is the perfect book to add to your summer TBR if you're looking for a contemporary romance with depth, forced proximity, slow-burn tension and the most luxurious setting you could dream. Alex Onassis has worked hard her whole life to achieve her goals, that hardwork is what got her a full-ride scholarship to Columbia. While Alex was working to get and maintain what she wanted, she happened into a group of friends comprised mostly of kids of elite, wealthy families from around the world. Ten years after graduating from Columbia, her group of friends have all found their own lives, most of them continuing in their wealthy families footsteps but Alex chose to follow her passion working in politics and caring for the 'little guy.' Alex has never been able to avoid the influence and affluence of her friend group so when she's expected to spend two weeks traveling around the Mediterranean on a yacht with her ex-boyfriend turned gay best friend, his fiancé and the rest of the group her feelings are complicated...especially because Danial is coming and she's managed to avoid him since what happened on graduation night ten years ago.

Chelsea Fagan did a wonderful job getting just the right amount of tension between Alex and Danial with hints of enemies to lovers mixed in. Their love story had me cheering for a happy ending from the very start of the book. Besides the romance, the personal development of Alex throughout the book was perfect example of learning to accept who you are and what you value while respecting that others get to do the same thing. The aspect of classicism throughout the book was very thoughtfully done while also being pivotal to the connection between Alex and Danial and the overall storyline. I also couldn't help but love Paul and Alex's relationship, the honesty and support they offered each other was heartwarming and critical when it came to the topic of abusive relationships.

Overall, this was such a feel good read that has me in a bit of a reading slump because I just want to continue reading about all of the friends and what happens after the bachelor party.

My review has been submitted on GoodReads, links will be updated once approved on Barnes and Noble and I'll be posting my review on Instagram closer to release date.

“The High Dive” is about seven friends who met and became close while they were students at Columbia University and are now reuniting ten years later for a long European yacht getaway to celebrate the wedding of two of them.

The story focuses on Alex and Danial, the children of middle class immigrants who reacted to their upbringings in very different ways. Alex went to work in progressive politics trying to make the world a bigger place. And Danial set off to make as much money as possible to take care of his family. They fight constantly, clearly still shaken up by something that happened between them during their college graduation weekend.

Look, ‘enemies to lovers’ is one thing, but it was hard for me to relax in reading this book because of the extent of Alex and Danial’s fighting. Alex’s financial stress also stressed me out. And her anxiety gave me anxiety. But I was able to start relaxing a little bit more at about the 50% mark. It may not have been the escapist fiction I wanted when I thought about a book centering around a pre-wedding European yacht getaway, but the characters’ decisions were understandable and I liked the ending. Paul especially had my heart and I really liked the resolution of his storyline, even though it felt like it wrapped up more than a little quickly.

This will be a good vacation read for those who would like to be vacationing on a yacht and have a decent tolerance for conflict, as well as fans of Fagan’s last book “A Perfect Vintage”.

The High Dive by Chelsea Fagan is a sharp, emotional friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance with a political edge. Alexandra and Danial’s dynamic is messy and charged, set against the backdrop of a luxurious Mediterranean yacht trip that forces them to confront old wounds and big questions about class, identity, and desire.

It’s more than just a second-chance romance and Chelsea Fagan dives into what it means to hold onto your values when surrounded by wealth and privilege. Some pacing issues aside, this was smart, compelling, and surprisingly heartfelt.

What a delightful read! I kept reaching to pick this book up and continuing reading it. The location is perfect for your summer or next vacation. While I did find lot of the characters and their comments insufferable at times, the book did a good job on keeping it light while touching on very real ethical dilemmas we are facing. Would recommend this fun enemies to lovers read!

This is such an interesting book! If you're into ultra-rich core then this book will suck you right into it. Personally I am a fan of that setting, so I couldn't pick it up fast enough. That being said, I did have a few qualms with it that I will dive into now- I felt like Alex had a victim complex going on, was she actually friends with any of these people? I have a hard time believing that she was friends with any of these people, she seems like she highkey hates them all. And maybe thats because she hates what they symbolize? But you'd think that she would've processed it a little more than she had. I'm just going to say it, I had a hard time tracking her motivation throughout this book, her inner monologue made you think she was really motivated by money and success and being accepted by the upper class, but then her life choices didn't track with that at all? Which is fine if those choices were backed up by her passion or growth, but it seemed like she was truly unhappy and resented where she was. It also seemed like she almost got off on having a superiority complex where she had a hard time empathizing or connecting with anyone who had money. Also the romance felt forced enemies to lovers, the chemistry was just not there for me. I think the whole book would've benefited from having some more developed supporting characters(beyond the best friend) to help to illustrate growth and connection within the group.

Thanks to NetGalley, Chelsea Fagan, and Orsay Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was a fun and angsty ride! The romance was definitely swoony. My only niggle is that both of them were hung up one each other for a looong time.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

WOW I felt a lot of emotions with this book! I binged this book in one sitting and am writing this review at 2:30AM.

Firstly, the conversations between different socioeconomic classes were so valid and relatable, I love when a romance book gets all liberal muahaha. It combines my fascination with reading about rich people but also hating them at the same time.

Secondly, the friend group dynamic was so interesting to read about, as well as the general social anxiety the main character has around these people.

Thirdly, the romance boy oh boy did I feel the tension. I will say they were very toxic toward one another and I wish I saw more sweet tender moments between the two, but the buildup/mystery of what happened in the past was crazy.

Leaving it with this ending quote that I thought was beautiful “it wasn’t a shame they had not been together all those years. It was a profound blessing that they came back together now, when they’d both had time to become the person the other deserved.”