This book was everything I wanted in a summer romance. Josie and Wyatt had the perfect enemies-to-lovers tension, and I especially loved how well Emma St. Clair balanced sarcasm and heart. Josie’s voice was so sharp and relatable, and her journey felt honest. She was funny and flawed in the best way, and watching her slowly open up was one of the highlights of the story. The dialogue was snappy without feeling forced, and the humor never undercut the emotional moments.

Wyatt was such a classic grump with a soft heart. I’m a sucker for a character who’s quietly been pining, and Wyatt was completely gone for Josie from the start. It made their slow-burn connection that much sweeter. Even when he was awkward or accidentally saying the wrong thing, you could feel how much he cared. I liked how he never pushed her, just waited until she caught on. Their chemistry built gradually, and I never got bored watching it unfold.

The boat element was such a fun twist. Forced proximity always works well for tension, and being stuck together in a slightly questionable cottage and then on a sailboat really brought out their personalities. There were some ridiculous moments with animals and sailing mishaps that kept the energy up, and the mix of humor, tension, and real emotional growth was spot on. It hit that perfect blend of light and meaningful.

While I absolutely loved the story, I didn’t totally love the audiobook. Andi Arndt was great as always, but the male narrator’s performance felt inconsistent. His pacing jumped around a bit and the volume shifts were distracting. It didn’t ruin the book for me, but I think I would've liked the print version a little more.

Thanks to the author, narrators, publisher and Net Galley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I did enjoy this book, but I don't think it's an 'enemies to lovers' trope - they weren't enemies, just barely knew each other. Another case of - JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER. Sorry, that's just a pet peeve of mine in so many books. I'd really like to see authors explore people having the tough conversations or how to bring up a topic rather than just endless racing thoughts of 'will we or won't we'. And this Female Main Character - wow, there's a LOT of that internal dialog.

Also, as this was an audiobook, I need to mention - the male narrator was really awful. He was hard to listen to, did a terrible job voicing the female character, and the 'whisper/tickle/fight' scene was awful to listen to. Maybe as a non-fiction author or serious topics he'd do better.

And, since the title has 'sails' in it, I had expected to find more boat time, but even the topic of boats and sailing didn't come up until well past the halfway mark. It was just an odd experience.

Other than all that ... this is a cute, clean romance. Very slow on the romance! But the characters were ok, though not really developed as much as I expected.

I think this is my first book by the author, and I would try them again. Just not that male narrator.

3 solid stars for an enjoyable read. Recommend to anyone looking for a cute, clean romance.

I have been obsessed with Emma St. Clair for a hot minute now and while I haven't yet read her entire backlist, this book right here is my favorite so far. I absolutely loved Josie and Wyatt and the entire premise of the book is awesome. Throw in the adorable animal escapades found in any work by Emma and it's no wonder that her first trad publish is a winner! I am so thankful for the stories Emma continues to share and I hope she never stops! You should absolutely pick this one up.

Josie...The sarcasm of this girl makes me smile so big. Her dialogue was on point and I loved every bit of it. Josie had some big things to work through and it was a joy to have a front row seat to that journey for her. She is such an authentic and down-to-earth FMC. I wish I could just call and chat with her so bad! It was beautiful seeing her get the HEA she deserved so very much.

Wyatt...Oh boy, I'm such a sucker for a grump. They are of course almost always misunderstood, with hearts of gold and all the gooeyness in the world on the inside. Wyatt was no exception. He absolutely has that tough and distanced exterior, but in reality, he was one hundred percent gone for Josie. And he has been from the start. The absolute pining of this guy for Josie was the swooniest. His incredible patience was such a testament to how true his feelings were. This guy is seriously top tier, ladies!

Things I loved:

❤️murder cottage
❤️Jacob (the charming and frustrating parts)
❤️Wyatt's fever state/honesty
❤️fighting off zombie pigs
❤️poison oak reaction
❤️splinters
❤️new furniture
❤️nightmare/kicking Wyatt (bless him)
❤️Susan (aka "High Society Steamroller")
❤️Dr. Dimples
❤️sailing lessons
❤️Josie's sailing research (100% something I would do!)
❤️Jib and all her outfits
❤️"Rookie"
❤️Wanda and Greg
❤️boat shoes
❤️morning coffee and route planning
❤️one room/bed
❤️watching HGTV/sharing truths
❤️visit from Jacob, Eli, and Van (gotta love an Appies appearance!)
❤️Toni ("You should just kiss the man.")
❤️Jacob's gift for Josie and Jib
❤️the storm
❤️epilogue (perfection!)
❤️author's note (I adore all that Emma drew from real-life experiences within her family - how special!)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚪

Audiobook thoughts: I loved the female narrator. I wasn't so sure about the male one, but he really grew on me the more I listened. Both narrators did an excellent job of making the dialogue emotional and realistic.

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

The audio book was really really well done! I especially loved the male narrator and how you could hear him laughing and smiling while reading certain scenes!!

The story itself was pretty cute! A little slow for me personally but I still enjoyed it. Wyatt was adorable with his “foot in mouth disease” and JIB!!! Ong love Jib and all her cute fits. Definitely will be picking up more from this author when I want a light cozy romance!

This book made me want to own a boat. Or spend time on one at the very least.

Expect 👉🏼 Sweet Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Boat Life, Secret Pining, It’s Always Been You, Hockey Player, Brother’s Best Friend

Nothing could have prepared Josie for her vacation with her brother to actually be him needing her to help rehab one of his clients. Who also happens to be his best friend and the man Josie hates. But he’s begging and offering to pay her so Josie agrees to stay in the rundown cabin with her enemy and help her brother out. The more time they spend together, the more Josie realizes she misunderstood the her brother’s grumpy bat friend.

Wyatt always says the wrong thing. Always 😆 poor guy cannot catch a break. Josie is absolutely oblivious to Wyatt’s feelings.

I really enjoyed the slow build up of feelings on Josie’s side. Wyatt was so far gone from the very beginning and it was fun waiting for her to catch up. I laughed, I smiled, I absolutely did not want to stop reading at any point.

This book was a perfect refreshing summer read. I just want to hug it.

🎧 Andi Arndt is always amazing and I loved her in this book so much. The male narrator was… a bit more exuberant than I like but it didn’t detract from my overall love for the story.

Thank you Thomas Nelson for the gifted alc!!

This book was super cute!! I did struggle a bit with the guy narrator doing the girls voice it was slightly cringey at times but all in all it was a super cute story! The audio was well done!

I really enjoyed the aspect of them finding this dog and the ridiculous outfits. But also his mom taking her shopping 🥹🥹and knowing who she was?!? I died. It was perfect. Her brother did slightly annoy me how he lured her there with false pretenses and I do wish that there would have been some kind of confrontation with him about how he pushes everyone to the side but I did ultimately enjoy how everything came together

Say hello to my new favorite Emma St. Clair romance- I absolutely LOVED this book!!
This story was beyond adorable. I was completely invested from the very start and both Wyatt and Josie's characters captured my heart so quickly; I just loved them and wanted them to find that elusive happily ever after. The history between their characters (best friend's little sister) and the romantic tension were both so well developed. I love how both of them had to grow and personally open up before they were ready to move into the romance. It was a bit of a slow burn, but honestly, St. Clair had that chemistry so sizzlin' the build up delivered in every way for me. And let's talk kisses. Chef's kiss. I love so much that Wyatt fell first and even with all his success he was a bit nervous around Josie. I know I already said this, but they were seriously so SO cute together!

Something I thought was an extra little nugget of awesomeness in the story was the fun chapter titles. There was so much humor and heart it just made me grin so widely the whole story through. I loved boat shoes (and will never not think of this book now when I see them) and the dog...the dog outfits...talk about cuteness overload.

I listened to the audio-book version of this novel. The narration was perfect for this book and I really thought both narrators did an excellent job with their character. I already have listened to parts again and I loved it so much, I pre-ordered myself a final print paperback copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I fully recommend this book. If you enjoy authors such as Courtney Walsh or Pepper Basham, you will love this ten-star-contemporary romance. All the love for this book.

If All Else Sails is a charming, slow-burn romance between sunshine Josie and grumpy Wyatt. While it's marketed as "enemies to lovers," the relationship is more about a grumpy guy falling for the girl he’s always adored, which makes for some sweet, slow tension and banter.

Set on a sailing adventure, the story is cozy with plenty of heart and humor. The chemistry between Josie and Wyatt is undeniable, but the pacing drags a bit, especially with the ever-changing setting and side characters. Still, it’s a feel-good read with a lovable cast and a swoon-worthy romance.

Rating: 4/5
Great for fans of lighthearted, slow-burn romances!

If All Else Sails is what my Emma St. Clair dreams are made of. I truly love the way emma writes, and having read a lot of her backlist, this one might be my favorite. She's funny, witty, emotional, all while keeping the profanity low, and the spice nonexistant. We watch Wyatt and Josie fall in love and theres very little physical intimacy. I think that takes a great talent. A few things, I wanted Josie's whole family to be read the riot act, and bb girl Josie needs therapy and probably some medicine. She showcased that women will downplay their trauma because someone else has it worse, and that's not okay.

I also live in Richmond and it was fun seeing my city in a book in a positive light. It was fun for me.

Narrator wise, I didnt' love the male narrator. Unsure if it was an acting choice or if it was a technical issue, but my volume was all the way turned up whenever the male narrator had a chapter and I could not hear him when it was internal thoughts but it felt like my ear drum was getting blown out when he spoke. Hard to listen. so for audio, 3 stars. Story 5 stars.

If All Else Sails is such a fun and adorable rom-com—I was laughing nonstop! It’s sweet, funny, and just totally heartwarming. Jib the dog totally stole the spotlight, and the banter and wild situations had me cracking up. Between the lovable pup, the hilarious moments, and the great chemistry, this was such an entertaining read. The narrators really brought the story to life too. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for something light and feel-good!

Thank you Netgalley & Publishers for giving me access to the audio book version of this story. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Josie, an elementary school nurse who get 'persuaded' by her brother into taking care of his best friend and her nemesis.
Wyatt, a famous hockey player with a non hockey injury, a total grump who always says the wrong thing but is a total softie on the inside.
A cute dog. 😍
Exciting sailboat.

This was my first Emma St. Claire book I've read and I will definitely be reading more from her. I loved the story of this book, it was so cute and just so funny at times. The 3 truths scene.. so swoony with the growls and overwhelming protectiveness. 😀

I did not much care for the guy narrator though, he did his best but I think he needs to work on enunciation and volume control. One second you have to turn the volume up because he's murmering or Whispering but then the next second, boom. Blew out an ear drum. So beware. 🤔

I still very much thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Can't wait to read more. ❤
Lol the pigs 🐖 🤣

I enjoyed this audiobook!
It was a sweet story with a really enjoyable grump of a guy. I love the grumpy sunshine trope.
Also the fact that she went with him to take care of him and help him fulfill his uncles sailing excursion, just felt so gooey! I loved that.

Rating🌟🌟🌟💫

Tropes:
Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers

📚storyline: Josie is a school nurse. Off for the summer, she looks forward to her sibling vacation extravaganza. (Their term, not mine.😂) Simply put, a vacation with her brother. Once she arrives, her brother is nowhere to be found. The only one there is a grumpy and recently injured professional hockey player named Wyatt, her brothers’ best friend and client.
Josie’s brother proposes a deal with her. He’ll pay her to stay with Wyatt and use her nursing skills and persuasion to get Wyatt back on track of his rehab. Swell vacation, huh Josie?

Josie's Issues: Josie hates athletes, especially Wyatt. She’s always felt Wyatt has disliked her from the moment they met years ago. So does she accept his offer to stay and help? But of course!

🎧Audio review:
I was so excited to see two narrators!
Andy Arndt, one of my favorite narrators, was amazing as always, and the reason I picked up this audio. Her performance was stellar!
Patrick Zeller didn’t work as well for me. His voice would go from mumbling to loud with no warning, forcing me to constantly adjust the volume as his voice would drop and rise. (Hopefully this can/will be fixed by the release date).

Final thoughts:
Cute storyline that I enjoyed overall. Left me with a smile on my face.
This was my first experience with this author and I will definitely be back for more!

Expected Publication Date: August 5 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson

I really enjoyed this book which was enemies to lovers, brother's best friend, caretaker trope. The spice level was very low.

Thank you to the publisher and to the author for my ALC!

I love all of Emma's books but this might be my new favorite!

Josie is ready for her Super summer Sibling Extravaganza with her sports agent brother, Jacob, but when she arrives things aren't as they seem. Wyatt Jacobs, pro hockey player and her brother's long time BFF and client, greets her with grumpiness and a call to the cops. Recovering from an injury, Wyatt just wants Josie to leave but Jacob convinces them to let her stay as Wyatt's nurse to be ready for the next hockey season. Josie helps Wyatt recover and sees a side of him that she has never known. When he asks her to go on a sailing trip down the Intracoastal Waterway to say goodbye to his beloved uncle, Josie agrees and starts to fall for Wyatt.

Read if you love:
-rescue dogs
-rescue dogs in cute outfits
-forced proximity trope
-grumpy/sunshine trope
-"it's always been you" trope
-funny sailing lingo

This book was so cute. It is not enemies to lovers though. I’d classify it as a grumpy/sunshine, he falls first, with hints of forced proximity and a one bed trope. This was an easy and cute read.

Cute book! I enjoyed the setting and trip the characters took together! I enjoyed the banter between Josie and Wyatt. Jacob is a good brother and friend. Good, clean romance book.

This story started out a 3 chair and ended up a 4 four chair. In the beginning Wyatt was whiney and just overall not likable. Maybe that is the way the author meant him to be, but I almost quit reading because I couldn't stand him.

The sailing trip ( although not realistic ) was a fun way for Wyatt and Josie to really get to know each other. They could not leave each other - they had to work out their differences. I thought each of their truths came out naturally.

I really liked the slow pace of the two of them getting to know each other. I enjoy a clean romance, it brings out the personalities, not just the physical attributes. I will go back and see what books I have not read of Emma St. Clair.

Fun to read a very unique rom com with unusual settings and situations that play out, without a third act breakup.

Overall I was rooting for these characters, and laughed out loud multiple times, even if they made a couple of comments/decisions that would have given me the ick in real life. :)

Yay for chapter titles!

If All Else Sails is such a cute closed door love story. Do yourself a favor and read this as soon as it comes out on August 4, 2025. Josie, Wyatt, and Jib are such a sweet trio.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC.
I loved the book but had to request it digitally because I couldn’t take the voice of Wyatt. He would whisper and I would have to turn the volume up and then he would speak loudly and I had to turn down. I ended up listening to Josie and then reading on my kindle when it was Wyatt’s point of view.
I did love the book though but wouldn’t recommend on audio.