This book was so warm and comforting while still having a great story and characters. This might be a perfect beach read/listen. The narrators were great (I loved their counterpart falsetto voices lol) and the love story between Josie and Wyatt is sweet beyond belief.

🎧 AUDIOBOOK review 🎧
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Zondervan and NetGalley for also letting me listen to the Audio ARC.

So the audio was sooo good for sure 5 stars for the audio alone! Andi Arndt is my fav female narrator so I was excited to see she was the one narrating this! Both narrators did an awesome job. It flowed well and they really brought the characters to live. So much so I changed my rating to a 5! Also if you haven’t read Emma St. Clair you’re so missing out

Emma St. Clair has officially become an auto-buy author for me after If All Else Sails!
Following Josie and Wyatt’s sailing adventures was an absolute delight. This book is pure joy—honestly, give me forced proximity and a furry sidekick, and I’m sold. Wyatt might start off as a grump, but by the end? I was both laughing and swooning over this MMC.

If All Else Sails is the perfect summer or vacation read: breezy, heartwarming, and full of charm. Highly recommend for fans of feel-good romance with a salty twist of sea breeze.

The narrators are amazing and I love the story I did read the book before I got the chance to listen to the book. I am so thankful I got to read and listen to this book.

The story itself is so cute and heartwarming and the audiobook is amazing. It took me a little while to get used to the male voice, it sounded older (vintage) than what I was picturing. Great story by an amazing author. The author notes at the end made the story even better. Fun characters, quick listen.

It been awhile since I’ve read an Emma St. Clair book, I almost forgot the easy humor and feel good romance. A grumpy injured hockey player and his best friend’s sister alone in a cottage by the water, who happen to hate each other and heal together.

I say this all the time and I’m going to continue to say it I always love me a good enemies to lovers story but this one is hands down one of my favorites now. I laughed a lot during this entire book, cried when she explained what happened to her in the past and smiled the entire way through this book. I just ate this story right up! I have not gotten into the sports romance book craz that everyone else has but it wasn’t the fore front of this book and I loved that. I loved wow real and honest this book felt, with the misunderstandings and Josie getting into her own head (because girl same )!!! I truly loved the writing, story and narrating of the entire book. This hands down is a 5/5 stars had me from the beginning and loving it throughout the whole book. I was actually really sad when the book ended! Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for allowing me the ability to read and listen to this book!! These thoughts and opinions are of my own.

A gorgeous fun romance! Full of warmth, humour as sass! This one is going to be so popular and the audiobook was such a good listen, it brought it all to life!
Themes:
- enemies to lovers
- grumpy x sunshine
- forced proximity

Brothers best friend? Say less.
But also he fell first and harder. Obsessed. We love a secret golden retriever man hidden under a tough exterior.

If All Else Sails is a fun, flirty and heartwarming story of Josie and Wyatt - who are basically two shipping passing in the night (pun intended). When circumstances bring them together and they set sail on a special quest, the sparks fly. I loved all the characters, especially Josie’s brother who definitely brings humor to the story. I also enjoyed a few cameos from characters that star in other Emma St. Clair novels. (Hint: read those, too - they are great). Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller were excellent narrators and Zeller knocked it out of the park with the tickle scene. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC - all opinions are my own.

This was such a great enemies to lovers rom com! It had tons of snarky banter and forved proximity while being fun and flirty. Josie and Wyatt had me hooked from the moment she landed at the “murder cottage” and realized she was stuck with her least favorite hockey player. Their slow burn chemistry builds perfectly, and I adored watching Josie challenge Wyatt while he begrudgingly melted for her. I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. The narrator nailed both the humor and the emotional parts. I enjoyed this heartwarming summer adventure!

Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, and Brothers Best Friend all filled into one book. I loved the female mc in this book. Great storyline with really good dialog. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing this book to life! 5 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If All Else Sails is the quintessential summer rom-com! At her brother's behest (and the promise of a much-needed summer paycheck), school nurse Josie finds herself nursing his best friend and client, hockey player Wyatt, back to health as he recovers from an injury. I loved that Josie and Wyatt had some history together but their shared summer brought a lot of clarity, a tempestuous sailing trip, and lots of top-notch humor and closed-door heat. I enjoyed the audiobook and thought the female narrator (Andi Arndt) in particular was perfectly suited to the character. I highly recommend this book, as well as anything this author writes because you can't go wrong with Emma St. Clair!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for gifting me with an ALC to review. All opinions are my own.

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair was cute - the banter was cute, the story was cute. This was a closed-door, no strong language easy read. I am an absolute SUCKER for an enemies-to-lovers tale that spans back to childhood.

School nurse Josie is off for the summer and she goes to meet her brother, Jacob, for their annual summer trip. But, it's not Jacob that meets her there, but Jacob's grumpy friend, professional hockey player Wyatt. He's on the mend after an accident, and Josie gets talked into being his nurse/handler until he heals.

Wyatt planned to sail down the East coast via the Intercoastal Waterway, so Josie agrees to help him out. What can go wrong on a closed ship with your nemesis? Josie's amazing sense of humor allows her to peel back some of Wyatt's tough outer layers, and we end up learning that things aren't always as they seem. Also, dopey Wyatt is soooo precious!

Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller both did an amazing job with the narration - they really made the book that much more enjoyable! This would be a great vacation read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Publishing, and author Emma St. Clair for the chance to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh. My. Goodness, this audiobook (and book — I read and listened) was absolutely adorable and had me feeling ALL the feelings! I finished it in a day because I couldn’t put it down!

5⭐️

**Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the audio ARC**

School nurse Josie and hockey star Wyatt are forced together for the summer by Josie’s brother and best friend to Wyatt. Josie is enlisted to help Wyatt recover form a foot injury so that he can get back on the ice when pre season training hits. The enemies come to a truce and Josie agrees to help him on his intercostal sailing voyage while he heals.

Loved this enemy to lovers romance. Closed door, witty banter. St. Clair creates characters with depth and humor. The story has good development and pace. The progression for enemies to lovers felt more natural and not forced. Really liked this story!

For anyone who is against sports romance, I would describe it as sports romance adjacent. Wyatt is just a man that happens to be a hockey player—the story doesn’t revolve around his sport. More heavily an enemies to lovers trope

I don’t even have the words to express how much I love and adore this book! I was giddy to discover that Wyatt (a former Appie) was the lead in this story and his meet-cute with Josie was utterly hilarious. I had both an ALC and an ARC and the narrators were fantastic!!!!

Wyatt is recovering from a hockey injury and Josie, a school nurse, is sent by her brother to care for him–in a m*rder cottage. This book is the perfect summer escape and it’s full of adventure, sailing, a cool whip container, Jib–the best-dressed dog ever, misconceptions, healing, swoony romance, and connection.

Emma St Clair is a favorite author of mine, as she never fails to incorporate a few unbelievable animal instances with her perfect combination of closed door spice, banter, humor, and emotion. The recipes of her books are everything that satisfies and satiates my love for this genre.

This is definitely a book I plan to re-read and has all the feels for an ideal summertime indulgence.

Content: mild romance; off-page vague talk of a near attack

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the review copy. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

I have never read a book by this author but she is definitely going be a new favorite! This book was so funny that I laughed out loud several times. I was actually disappointed when the audiobook was finished because it was so engaging. Andi Arndt always has an amazing delivery! The only thing that I would criticize was the ending - it was very abrupt.

This book was awesome from the first page! I truly enjoyed the journey of this romance! The connection between the two main characters was a perfect slow burn. I also enjoyed learning about sailing and working things out together! Such a fun story! The narration was perfect!

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

I loved this book!
Emma St. Clair - I am now a big fan!
This book had so many things that made me love it - enemies to lovers, hockey romance (eeeek!), brothers best friend, dogs, sailing, touch her and die, and she is a nurse!
I connected so well to the FMC, Josie. She is every woman who is trying to get her life to a place they can finally relax. She also has baggage and some trauma from an experience when she was younger that made her swear off dating athletes.
Wyatt was so fun. He was so grumpy until Josie came around started changing his life.
The spicy times are closed door which I really enjoyed, there was much more plot than just spicy scenes.
The characters were very well-developed. They had such great banter and I laughed out loud several times.
The plot was well structured and the pace was perfect for the plot.
Also - the meet-cute in this book.... hilarious! I loved it.
This story has healing, adventure, learning to love again, and learning to trust.
Again - this is a clean romance which is a nice break from the usual spicy nature of a sports romance.
I also love that hockey wasn't the main content in the plot. This was more story than sport and spicy scenes.
If you want a sweet, humorous, sports romcom, this is an excellent book for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Emma St. Clair for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Add this to your summer TBR friends! This book would be an excellent beach read!
Happy Reading!

I loved this plot so much and the characters were extremely likable. My only issue was the audiobook itself, I felt like I could barely hear the male narrator. I didn’t have the issue with Josie’s chapters at all,

This contains an audiobook review.

This is a standalone, kisses only romcom by Emma St Clair. It features a character that was first introduced in a previous series of hers, but it is absolutely not necessary to have read that series to thoroughly enjoy this book.

Wyatt and Josie have chemistry out the wazoo. The banter between them is humorous. I appreciated the deeper touches of the story as well. There is healing achieved throughout the story for both characters. It was fun to take that journey with them.

One thing that I do want to mention, is that I did not read the blurb and am very glad that I didn't. It contains information that happens over halfway through the story. From the cover and title, some events could be guessed, but I personally hate being spoiled by blurbs. That's why I've stopped reading them, especially for authors I am familiar with their content or for books recommended to my by friends. That is another reason why my reviews are more vague than maybe other's are.

I listened to this book and enjoyed the narrators. It is a dual point of view book and has a male and female narrator for each point of view. They do not read as a duet, where each narrator reads all of the dialogue for their respective gender. They each read the entire chapter of the corresponding character's point of view. I found both of them easy to listen to and neither had annoying voices for the opposite gender.

I did receive an advanced copy of this audiobook from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio via Netgalley. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This book was so good! I absolutely loved it! In this grumpy sunshine romance we meet Josie and Wyatt. Misunderstandings and years later they come together by Josie’s brother’s scheming. Josie accepts to help Wyatt as he recovers from an injury. They spend time and eventually go on a boat ride together, all the while sparks flying! The romance in this book was top notch! A clean read with great chemistry. The story was sweet, romantic, and funny, with just enough sizzle. I highly recommend this book and will be trying other books by this author! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

☀️ grumpy x sunshine
⛵ enemies to lovers
🐶 brothers best friend
💛 clean romance

Josie is on her way for the annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, but when she arrives at the address she is shocked. Her brother is nowhere to be seen and now she is alone at the creepy cottage. When she calls her brother Jacob to ask what's going on, he tells her it was all a ploy to get her to care for his client and best friend, Wyatt.

Wyatt is a famous hockey player and is now recovering from an injury on his foot. Josie has always hated Wyatt from the first time her brother took him home years ago. After some negotiations and money, Josie is persuaded to care for Wyatt for a few weeks.

After these few weeks, Josie started to like caring for Wyatt and decided to go with him on a sailing trip he was planning. This trip wasn’t smooth sailing. Every step of the way something went wrong, but with every step, or rather misstep they learned more about each other and got to know each other better.
Will they still hate each other after this trip or has this trip changed their feelings?

OMG! I loved this book so much. It was funny, cute and sweet but sometimes it was also serious. This book has everything I want in a book.
It felt like I was flying through the book. There was always something happening and there was never a dull moment.
I’m absolutely in love with the characters. I liked them all so much. The banter and the chemistry between Josie and Wyatt was amazing.
This is my first book by Emma St. Clair but I will definitely be reading more of her book. I recommend this book to anyone.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Absolutely loved. Characters with depth and growth. NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP OR TENSION BECAUSE OF MISCOMMUNICATION. A brother’s best friend, enemies (sort of) to lovers, HE FALLS FIRST story. A ONE BED MOMENT. I loved this one so much. Josie was such a a fantastic female main character. I loved her quiet strength, her tenacity, and how she was able to face her fears. Wyatt was the most lovable grump. And I am not one for nicknames, but Rookie is my new favorite.
Both narrators were fantastic!

*There is mention of sexual assault if this is a trigger for anyone.

*I received an arc of this book through NetGalley. All my opinions are my own.

I adored this! It was very cute and fun. The narration was wonderful. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this audiobook.

Classic Emma St Clair humor! Loved the emotional aspects of this romance! Definitely a great summer rom-com to add to your tbr!

This book was better than I expected. I've read a few books by this author before, and now I'm wondering why I haven't read more! I don't know how many times I caught myself smiling while listening. Andi Arnt is one of my favorite narrators, so that was a big selling point for me. The male narrator was new to me. And not bad, but I won't seek him out specifically. I'm not sure how his delivery will be with other characters, but it mostly worked for grumpy Wyatt. He came off as almost aggressive sounding. And his version of Josie didn't match Andi Arnt's portrayal, so they almost sounded like 2 different characters. The dog was too freaking funny, without spoiling, stole the show. I just loved how real and normal it all felt, even with the silly stuff mixed in. Because that's life. Unbelievable things happen, and that's where the best stories and memories come from. I loved the evolution of their relationship, when Josie sees things in a whole new light. I really enjoyed the story.

I couldn’t stop listening to this book! I finished it in just a couple days I fell in love with the setting and the characters. I found myself smiling and just really being immersed in their rampart and flirting and miscommunication I just absolutely loved it. If you like quick wit, misunderstood grumpy hockey men and ugly dogs you can’t help but love and dress up with book is for you! Seriously though pick this one up you won’t regret it perfect summer read. I’m very thankful for the audio book from NetGalley this is my honest thoughts and review.

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair was such a fun and heartfelt read, and EXACTLY what I needed after reading a more solemn and serious book!

Josie and Wyatt’s first meeting was a total disaster and one that Josie is not going to forget anytime soon! I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship shift from tension and misunderstandings to something full of real connection and quiet support.

The setting on the water added such a peaceful, adventurous vibe that made me want to keep turning pages.

What stood out most was how both characters were dealing with their own struggles, but somehow managed to help each other heal without even meaning to at first. The mix of humor, awkward moments, family chaos, and personal growth made this story feel honest and refreshing!

If you’re looking for something light but meaningful, and full of fun this is a great one to pick up!… or listen to the audio! It’s amazing!

⛵️☀️Watch for its release this summer!☀️⛵️

Huge thank you to @netgalley and @thomasnelson and @zondervan for the opportunity to listen to the advanced audiobook!

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair should be an automatic read for fans of fun, sweet, clean romances. It is a fast paced read with quick, witty banter between the main characters. It would be a great summer read. The narrator of this audiobook is great and adds so much to the overall enjoyment of the book. I give this book a 5 star read!

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

If All Else Sails: A Novel
Thomas Nelson (August 5, 2025)

A 5 🌟 read for me
🏒 Wyatt embodies the qualities I admire in a man: he is strong, self-controlled, protective, loving, and sensitive to his partner's needs. Plus, he’s also a hockey player, which adds to his charm!
👩‍⚕️ Josie is truly wonderful. She’s independent and capable of handling life on her own, yet she also embraces the support and comfort her partner offers. I appreciate her nurturing spirit as a caregiver; it adds depth to her character.

I absolutely loved the setting and was captivated by the chemistry between Josie and Wyatt. Their “meet cute” at the “Murder Cottage,” where she almost got arrested, was both original and entertaining. The story is filled with hilarious moments that kept me laughing. The witty banter was outstanding, and I’ve even adopted the phrase “fever flirting” into my everyday vocabulary! This book is truly fabulous, and I can't recommend it highly enough. The narrators were exceptional and brought the characters to life. This is a delightful, clean romance that you can enjoy alongside your teens and young adults. Both leads showed remarkable respect for each other, presenting a great example of the qualities young girls should seek in a partner.

I received a complimentary e-copy and audiobook copy of this book and read it and listened to it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley.
#NetGalley #ifallelsesails

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair is a delightful romance that is both heartfelt and funny.

Told from dual POV, but primarily from the female POV, this story has great momentum and intrigue. The misunderstandings between the two feel real, and add to the desire to keep turning pages. This story explores more than romance—it dives into familial relationships, sibling relationships, career growth and happiness, and even depression.

This romance is a closed door romance, but there’s plenty of on the page chemistry that makes it sexy without the actual sex.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was performed by two narrators. It was an enjoyable listen, and I especially loved the female narrator. I listened to this audiobook at 1.75x speed (this is my normal audiobook listening speed).

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this advanced listening copy.

Emma St. Clair? Ohhh YES. Andi Arndt?! TRIPPED OVER MYSELF to request this one.

Aww these two! Wyatt is Josie's brother's friend (and eventually client). When they first meet there is an attraction but also a BIG misunderstanding. This leads to years of animosity until Josie's brother tricks them into spending time together. Josie is a nurse and Wyatt is recovering from a surgery that he needs to heal from before he can get back to his professional hockey career. After Wyatt's beloved uncle passed away he is just not that motivated to get to PT and take care of himself.

I really enjoyed this story. These two were fun and funny and so in love.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and the author for the opportunity to listen to and review this story.

I love this book so much. I listened/read it while I was camping and I finished the whole thing at the lake.

I also got the ebook and the audio copy and the narration was incredible. They perfectly fit the characters and I didn’t want to book to end.

A big thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for both copies of this book!

Another awesome book from Emma St. Clair. It was so fun to be back in her Appies Hockey World and it was fun being out on the open water instead of the frozen rink. Wyatt was such a grump and I loved that Josie brought him out of his grumpiness. And the history they shared was fun also. I couldn’t with Jib!!!! I’m not a boater but after reading this I want to take a water trip. Ha! Having some the Appies back was fun too. You can never go wrong with they are around. lol.
The narrators did a great job bringing the story to life. I felt like I was right next to them sailing away.

My first Emma St. Clair book and it definitely won’t be my last. I’ve heard her name bandied about on social media but clearly I wasn’t taking all the banter seriously enough. Now I’m on a mission to read her entire backlist! Because this author knows how write a rom/com. Pacing perfection and the comedy beats are brilliantly executed. I howled with laughter so many times. (The meet-cute was beyond hysterical!) But there’s also a lot of heart and solid ‘real life’ stuff too and that anchors the story, making it both believable and relatable.

So, enemies to more, with sparks flying and electrical undercurrents sizzling from the very beginning. Love the snappy inner dialogue of our heroine and the more contemplative (though occasionally agitated) thoughts of our hero. Wyatt and Josie are made for each other, they just don’t know it…yet.

And what fun to go along on that journey of discovery with them. He’s a tad (understatement) cranky to her cheery (mostly) glass half full outlook. Of course they clash. And they have a back story – not a romantic one – but they’ve known each other for years courtesy of Josie’s brother who is also Wyatt’s best friend. So, lots of favourite romantic tropes here that made me absolutely giddy with bibliophile delight.

‘If All Else Sails’ is destined to be a blockbuster summer read (it releases on August 5, 2025.) Definitely a rom/com to look forward to with great anticipation.

I really enjoyed listening to the audio edition courtesy of Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley. This one is a dual narration which was highly entertaining. Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller portrayed Josie and Wyatt’s personalties to perfection. Increased by ‘reading’ pleasure and really brought the whole story to life for me.

Wyatt and Josie are sweet, lovable characters. It’s a classic grumpy x sunshine - my favorite trope. A hockey romance with no hockey. I definitely recommend reading this sweet story. My only complaint is the classic refusal to just have a conversation, but that’s a common plot point for books with heavy character development. I love all of Andi Arndts narrations, and Patrick Zeller’s expressive voice is special. I fell right into the story from the start because of their take on Emma St. Clair’s novel. It’s full of laughter and sweet heat. Also, always love a dog wearing clothes.

Thank you @NetGalley and @ThomasNelsonandZondervanFictionAudio for the ALC. I loved this audio. The story was great and so were the narrators. Josie is sent to help care for her brothers client, Wyatt the hockey player. Wyatt is grumpy but when he and Josie set sail on a two week trip, close quarters set fireworks flying. A great summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this ARC audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: August 5, 2025

I absolutely adored Josie and Wyatt in this enemies to lovers story. Josie is a school nurse who arrives at Wyatt’s run down cottage to meet her brother, who had other plans for Josie. Her brother didn’t arrive for their trip, instead asking Josie to help Wyatt heal after a hockey injury. They end up sailing together and of course fall in love.

I loved the female narrator but struggled to understand the male narrator. His voice at times sounded like he was mumbling and would get quieter.

Overall, very cute and fun story that I couldn’t stop listening to.

This was my first Emma St. Claire novel and it did not disappoint! I loved it!

This was a hilarious story!!! St. Claire sprinkles little sparkles of lovely all throughout from the police to the cool whip container to Jib.

I thoroughly adored this book! I love how it unfolded. The narrators even did a great job connecting!

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair is a fun rom-com, perfect for any day, especially when looking for an opportunity to check out of reality and just enjoy a sweet story with plenty of banter and barbs. Josie and Wyatt are combustible, just not for the reasons they think. I love how Josie’s brother decided on an intervention for one of his best hockey players and sent in the big guns…Josie herself. Josie and Wyatt have one incredible instance after another, which keep peeling back layers and exposing the script they’ve held about each other for years. I love how they each feel free to totally be themselves and find themselves exactly where they never would have believed. As misunderstandings and misrepresentations start to come to light, Wyatt is an all-out softie who, thankfully, happens to a very patient man. Once they hit the water, the smiles kept coming, even though they were laced with some more serious conversations. Loved the addition of Jib!! Pure cuteness. If you have followed Emma St. Clair’s writings, you’ll catch a cameo from some beloved Appie’s players!!
In addition to the book, I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. It took me a little bit to get into the narrators for this book. Their voices were pleasant and easy to follow, but I found the cadence to be a little off and some of the inflections and emphases to be a little off. Once I got past the first few chapters, I was able to settle into the story a little more, just still felt like maybe they didn’t fully capture Josie and Wyatt as they could have been.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

If All Else Sails was the first book I've read by Emma St. Clair and now I want to read them all. I liked it so much that I listened to the entire book in one go! I've never done that before and it wasn't my plan, but I was sucked in from the start. Josie and Wyatt are compelling characters with flaws and strengths and joy that make them feel like people we all know. We get to know them as individuals while at the same time, the romance blossoms at the perfect pace. I experienced this novel as an audiobook and the narrators were perfection. The closed door nature of this romance enhanced the character development and plot. If you love really getting invested in the main characters in a novel while rooting for their sweet romance, this book is for you!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC opportunity!

I really loved this. It was so well rounded. I loved all of the characters, i loved the banter, the vulnerability, and i LOVED that there was no 3rd act breakup. 👏🏼

My only complaint is that I wish she had just talked to him sooner. Even when they were on the boat. But as someone with high anxiety, i understand the spiral too well so ill give her a pass. When they did communicate, it was very good and mature.

Listening to this audiobook was such a treat! The story itself was already wonderful — full of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments — but the narrators truly brought it to life. Their performances were top notch; each voice felt perfectly matched to the characters, especially Wyatt, who quickly became my favorite. His charm and wit came through so clearly in the narration, and I was completely hooked.

The dialogue sparkled with personality, and the narrators handled the comedic timing brilliantly. I found myself grinning at the banter and completely swept up in the emotional moments. The love story was sweet, slow-building, and so satisfying to follow, and the sense of adventure gave the entire story a great momentum.

I also really appreciated how much character growth there was by the end — it made the journey feel complete and meaningful.

All in all, this was one of those audiobooks you don’t want to hit pause on. With a fantastic cast of characters, excellent narration, and a perfect mix of laughter and emotion, this was such an enjoyable listen. I’d absolutely recommend it to any audiobook lover!

This enemies to lovers story was delightful in every way. The characters were charming and witty and the banter was hilarious. The plot was perfectly paced and completely captivating. I especially loved the narration. I highly recommend this clean and fun read! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Absolutely wonderful! I could not put this down. I loved how they are tricked into spending time together. I love the easy banter and the ridiculousness of things that happen. Josie and Wyatt are adorable together. I laughed out loud so many times! I love Josie's personality. I love that Wyatt isn't able to communicate around her. I love that they find a way to help each other no matter what.

I didn’t expect to enjoy this one as much as I did. It’s not usually the kind of slow-build romance I reach for, and I wouldn’t even quite call it enemies to lovers—more like strangers cautiously turning into something real. But that’s what made it work. It wasn’t rushed. It gave the characters room to breathe, to get to know each other, and to grow into something quietly beautiful.

What really pulled me in, though, was the sailing. That part was done so well—detailed enough to feel real, but not overdone. There’s something about the setting that just fits with the pace of the relationship: open water, shifting winds, and the kind of silence that says more than words.

It had warmth and depth without being heavy. A gentle, satisfying read that left me smiling at the end. Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that take their time—and this one definitely did it right.

Absolutely delightful! This book was so much fun!! I was hooked from the first hilarious scene and laughing and completely invested the whole time.

Wyatt and Josie’s romance is slow burn deliciousness with all the forced proximity goodness I love. The romance was so sweet and I loved to see Josie peel back the layers that make up the grouchy Wyatt and get to know his softer attributes.

Everything you can expect from an Emma St. Clair book was delivered in spades—from laugh out loud scenes to animal encounters. I love the way she uses analogies and creative descriptions to really make the story come to life. The setting as well as the characters’ emotions and actions all felt real and relatable.

I loved the different settings of the “quaint little murder cottage” and the sailboat. It’s not a hockey book, because he’s recovering from an injury, but there was some fun discussion about the sport and his former team, the Appies.

As an all-time Emma St. Clair fan girl, this book gave me everything I had hoped for and more. I highly recommend any romcom lover pick this one up!

🎧: The audiobook is very well done and a great way to consume this adorable story. I love the narrators and how they bring Josie and Wyatt to life.

🔥: Kisses

What an absolutely delightful romcom! Emma St. Clair is an auto-read author for me, I’ve been reading her books for nearly four years, and I was so thrilled when I learned about her first book with Thomas Nelson!
As per usual with this author’s books I was sucked into this story at page one, and enthralled with Josie and Wyatt’s adventure all the way to the end!
I love grumpy+sunshine, and Wyatt and Josie’s relationship was perfection! I love it when the characters already know each other prior to the start of the story, and it was a joy to watch their enemies dynamic turn to friendship and then to something more. I also adored the sweet little dog pictured on the cover. And I just have to say that the cameos made by a couple of familiar characters (iykyk) had me grinning like an idiot!
I had so much fun with this story, and loved every minute of it!
Emma St. Clair books are my happy place! If you haven’t read any of her books yet you are seriously missing out!
If All Else Sails is a winner of a romcom and I most highly recommend it!
I loved every single second of this story, and I cannot wait for Emma St. Clair’s next book!

I received a complimentary audiobook copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley!
My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own

I loved everything about this book! 📖 I already knew about this author and I think this one is the perfect summer read!!! Closed door only kisses and no language

LOVED this book! I sped up the audio because I couldn't get enough of it. I love Josie and Wyatt's story -- plus the guest appearances of two of the Appies. A great summer read full of laugh out loud moments!

This book is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers gem set in the most unlikely romantic location, a "quaint little murder cottage" in Virginia. Packed with banter and boatloads of unresolved tension, yes, pun intended, it's everything you want from a grumpy/sunshine, second-chance summer romance.

School nurse Josie never expected her brother's annual sibling getaway to become an awkward summer of forced proximity with her least favorite person, hockey player Wyatt Jacobs. He's her brother's best friend, her sworn enemy, and now her housemate and patient for the summer.

The setup is the perfect recipe for delicious banter and tension-filled moments. Josie and Wyatt's dynamic develops from witty exchanges to genuine moments of vulnerability as they confront the misunderstandings of the past and the personal baggage between them. The dual POV makes the emotions feel richer and realistic. The boat trip turns this rom-com into an unforgettable emotional journey. Their adventure along the Intracoastal Waterway is full of heart, healing, and enough confessions to keep you flipping pages late into the night. This book is full of humor, hijinks, and a puppy. Who doesn't want all of that? Get ready to fall overboard.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction / Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to review and provide my honest feedback.

Josie thinks she is going on a sibling vacation but ends up having to take care of her brother's best friend who recently got hurt. They are like enemies but somehow come to an agreement which leads them to take a sailing trip together.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

WOW! Another fantastic book by Emma St Clair, I absolutely loved this enemies to more story! So happy to see Wyatt (a former Appie) get his story, and Josie, a nurse at an elementary school. I laughed at the funny meet-cute that they had, so hilarious. Wyatt is grumpy and Josie is sweet and spunky. I loved the fun, witty banter between them, made for some good laughs. I loved the storyline and how it moved along, the slow burn built perfectly and kept me entertained all the way. Wonderful characters, even the side characters who added so much to the story. Fantastic story you don’t want to miss.
The narration is so great and add so much to the story, made it feel like I was watching a movie. Highly recommend this audiobook.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this audiobook! I loved the narrators and think they did an amazing job pulling you into the story!
I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book, that’s how much I enjoyed it!

This book is such a breath of fresh air, I was laughing out loud multiple times. The audiobook's narrators really brought the characters to life and made the banter that much funnier! I love a good enemies to lovers and this one had it all: grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, one bed, he falls first, and brother’s best friend. Josie thinks she’s going on a trip with her brother when really he sends her to the cabin his best friend (and a hockey player he is the agent for) inherited recently to help him heal from an injury. Wyatt has stopped going to his doctor's appointments; he clearly needs help, but keeps refusing it. Josie's brother convinces her to stay and help him recover, despite thinking that she and Wyatt have hated each other since they met a few years ago. The book is perfect for summer and comes out August 5th!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!

Josie is expecting to meet her brother for the sibling holiday extravaganza. Instead she gets Wyatt a hockey joke who is recovering from a serious injury. It’s her worst nightmare, especially when she discovers she will be staying in the murder house. At times this book is funny the author and the narrator both work on building the characters so you become invested in what happens to them.

Ultimately, you know how the books going to end you just enjoy the journey of how they’re going to get there a perfect summer Read lighthearted and heartwarming

Such a cute read! As someone from Richmond, VA who does weekends away to Kilmarnock this was such a fun surprise. It really was exciting to read a book where I actually know the small town. The vibes were captured perfectly!

I’m not usually a fan of “siblings best friend that you had a previous negative encounter with” trope, but this one was done well and I didn’t find it overbearing. I liked the forced proximity but their relationship happened at a slower pace. I found myself laughing out loud a lot while I listened.

One note for audio listeners: the male and female readers had totally different energies as they read. The male one was super passionate… I mean, the character was getting heated in his own head and the narrator started basically screaming and talking fast.. I had to pull my headphones out because it startled me. I wasn’t really a fan of his narration BUT he doesn’t do as many chapters as the female. If I reread, this would be a book I would skip the audio and physically read.

"Should I hope, or should I nope?" You absolutely should hope, and give this book a read! I stayed up way into the morning hours to finish this one.

I love Emma St. Clair novels, especially when they're the grumpy / sunshine trope AND forced proximity. The inner monologue of Josie had me cracking up from Chapter 1 with things like "murder cottage" and "Or maybe it's not an irritable bowel thing, but just a personality one. Not IBS, but IPS - Irritable Personality Syndrome." The references to The Office and Hunger Games were also a delightful touch, since I do the Katniss salute at least once a week at work.

Wyatt was adorable, and it was impossible not to root for the guy. The antics of his friends really lended to the story - but, when there's a supportive male friend group in a rom com, whats not to love?

The narrators were great. Andi Arndt did a fantastic job, and Patrick Zeller was giving me Patrick Warburton vibes and made it more fun.

Thank you to Zondervan, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an Audio ARC of this book!

This book was a perfect slice of heaven. I love St. Clair’s writing. I’ve read many of her books so there was no doubt I’d love this one too.

Wyatt and Josie are so well done. Wyatt is a lovable grump and Josie is exactly what he needs. Jacob (Josie’s brother) schemes for Josie to meet him for a sibling outing, but what actually happens is the the perfect plan to get her to Wyatt and I loved all the events that take place to get the two together.

As always with St. Clair’s books there is humor and heart. The well-written side characters come in with full force and leave lasting impressions - Wyatt’s mom and Wanda to name a couple. There are surprise visits from characters I was more than thrilled to see.

I loved how Wyatt and Josie worked together on the boat and the ending revelations from one character pulled at my heart strings. The sailing was a fun addition. Their banter was so enjoyable and their chemistry was perfectly done.

The audio narrators were perfect for this story. Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller do an excellent job with these characters. Their tone and expression added so much to already excellent story.

Thank you to the publisher for the NetGalley approval for the ebook and the audio. All views are my own.

Emma St. Clair's If All Else Sails is a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance that takes school nurse Josie and her brother's best friend, grumpy hockey player Wyatt Jacobs, on a summer adventure far from smooth sailing. What Josie expects to be her "Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza" turns into a reluctant cohabitation at a "run-down cottage" on Virginia's Northern Neck—with Wyatt, her sworn enemy.

Her sports agent brother has orchestrated this bizarre arrangement: Josie is to help Wyatt recover from an injury. Bandaging skinned knees is one thing, but physical therapy for a surly hockey player is a whole new challenge. Yet, the price her brother offers is enough to tempt her, even if it means sharing what she lovingly dubs the "quaint little murder cottage" with Wyatt.

Begrudgingly, Josie begins to see beyond Wyatt's grumpy exterior. When she learns he was meant to sail the Intracoastal Waterway to Savannah to scatter his uncle's ashes, Josie, to her own surprise, offers to be his first mate. Their journey is anything but smooth, filled with cramped quarters, canned food, and constant bickering, leaving Josie to wonder if they'll make it home without killing—or kissing—each other. As she peels back Wyatt's layers, Josie realizes she's misunderstood not only him and their shared history, but perhaps herself as well. This charming read promises a journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance on the high seas.

Josie thinks she’s off to a siblings vacation with her brother, Jacob, but when she arrived she finds a rundown shack and her injured brother’s best friend, Wyatt. Josie and Wyatt have never gotten along, but when Jacob hires her to help Wyatt recover from his injuries she might just have to put her dislike for him aside. As Josie takes care of Wyatt she starts to see that she may have judged him wrong from the beginning. Will they turn from enemies to friends and possibly something more?

I love brother’s best friend, enemies to lovers and hockey romances and this one checked all those boxes. I was pulled in from the beginning and didn’t want to put this book down as I fell in love with Josie and Wyatt. This was a great, feel good, sweet romance that was full of slow burn. I loved the characters and seeing how they changed and opened up throughout the story. This was a good romance read that hit all of my favorite tropes and entertained me from start to finish.

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

A cute banter filled romance! I agree with a few reviews to say this is advertised as an enemies to lovers but they weren’t fully enemies in the first place? So it was easier for the love part to develop and not as tension-filled as a true enemies to lovers could be. Also kinda slow pacing and then a rushed ending with admitting feelings but cute story overall! 3.5/5

I got the audiobook from Netgalley, and I'm so happy I did!

This book was everything I needed when I listened to it. It's perfect for summer, it has a brooding hockey player who's out with an injury, it's about characters with pasts that hurt them, and it contains all the swoon that I need in a no spice romance book! It kept me smiling, laughing, and listening intently the whole way through the book.

The narrators were great in this book, especially the MMC.

Kissing only
No language (that I noticed or remember)
Mention of past assault and a toxic parent relationship

A big thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and Emma St. Clair for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book completely stole my heart! From start to finish, it was such a cozy, feel-good romance that left me smiling.

Josie and Wyatt were beyond adorable. I loved watching their relationship unfold slowly and naturally—their chemistry and that simmering tension between them had me hooked from the beginning. It was one of those romances where you're just cheering for them the whole way through.

If I had one tiny wish, it’d be to have just a bit more time with Josie and Wyatt as a couple—I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them yet. And while the book is marketed as enemies to lovers, that’s a bit of a stretch. Wyatt’s feelings for Josie were obvious from the start. Still super cute—just a different vibe than advertised.

All in all, this was a light, heartwarming read perfect for anyone who loves a charming romance with lovable characters and plenty of heart. Highly recommend!

There is plenty to love in this book, but one thing that stood out in this book is its depth. Both characters experience real growth and healing, making their eventual connection all the more satisfying when it happens. The sailing adventure adds a unique twist, and the inclusion of a lovable animal sidekick only ups the charm and the wardrobe.

If you’re looking for a clean, uplifting romance with humor, heart, and memorable characters, then If All Else Sails is a must-read for you. It is perfect for fans of contemporary rom-coms and anyone looking for a nice end-of-summer read.

Love this story. I love the development of Wyatt and Josie's friendship than a relationship. Clean, sweet romcom. I enjoyed the banter. I also enjoyed the little links to the Appies.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Audio, NetGalley and Emma St. Clair for an ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

5 out of 5 stars

Emma St. Clair did it again! I absolutely loved this book. Since starting the Appies series I have wanted Wyatt's story and I'm so glad I finally have it. This enemies to lovers, forced proximity book proved to add all of the right tension. Wyatt self sabotaging his recovery made so much sense with the grief he was experiencing. Josie being a nurse and in need of money was just what was needed to get Wyatt back on track with his recovery. The only issue... they are NOT big fans of each other. Josie thinks Wyatt hates her... not to mention the fact that she hates hockey players, but she really needs the money so she takes care of Wyatt (despite his many protests). They grow closer and we get to know each character more as they get to know one another. Overall, this book was so good and it is definitely one of my favorites by Emma St. Clair. I have a soft spot for Wyatt and he's definitely one of my favorite MMC's. A man who can sail? YES PLEASE. However, I will never look at Cool Whip the same way again lol. iykyk.

Narration: I LOVED the narration between these two. I thought the chemistry between the characters was so palpable and the opening up to one another sounded so honest and real. I would definitely read something narrated by them again.

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair - is a first by this author for me. This is a "cute" "Rom-Com" feel of a read that would be a fun movie too - wink-wink

Years worth of misunderstandings find Josie at Wyatt's doorstop and in a police car. When more misunderstandings occur Josie finds herself taking care of Wyatt - her brother's best friend and client. Wyatt, who has loved Josie since his first look many moons ago, has always had a hard time talking around her and everything comes out wrong. Wyatt is a "big-time" hockey player who is injured is in need of help and who better, Josie - a school nurse with her summer free.

They are thrown together - out in the sea and learn the truths of the past and the present. Such a fun read that left me with smiles all the way through!

Love, love, loved this book!!! I have read other Appies books and enjoyed the call backs. You definitely don’t need to read the others to understand what is going on. This is a perfect grumpy x sunshine romance book. It does touch on unwanted sexual advances in a very tactful way. I will add Wyatt to my list of book boyfriends! And the dog! I was dying over the outfits.

This was so sweet and precious! The perfect mix of giggles and feet kicking and also breath catching moments.
It was my first book from this author and I can’t wait for more!

I’m a big fan of Emma’s novels. This one hit differently. In a good way. I truly enjoyed it and it was exactly what I needed to suck me in and distract me.

I didn’t read the burb and went into it without knowing anything. I enjoyed the two perspectives. It’s interesting how a shared experience can be so different for different characters.

I loved the humorous beginning. I loved the moments of introspection and growth for the characters. I loved the longing and the easiness of the relationship as they became friends and then more. I loved that it made me laugh.

While I’ve seen some criticism of this being marketed as enemies to lovers, I think I can agree it wasn’t the usual enemies to lovers, however Josie thought they were enemies and their past had “evidence” that they weren’t friendly. This definitely had elements of grumpy guy, optimistic sunny girl, brother’s best friend, and he falls first. I also love the close proximity trope and it definitely had this.

I loved joining these two on an adventure as they learned more about themselves and each other. I loved the humorous moments, as well as the deeper ones. Definitely a book I couldn’t stop listening to.

Read this book! I just needed to say that for the people who only skim reviews, hoping that will be their one takeaway. I devoured this book and found myself laughing out loud more times than I can count. If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair is one of the funniest romances I’ve read in a long time. She absolutely nailed the banter!! This book was read by dual narrators who did an amazing job of capturing the tone and emotions within the story. The chemistry between the two MCs was honestly everything. This one is a clean romance, so there is very very little spice, but the slow burn is soooo satisfying!! This book also nails the tropes. Forced Proximity, check. Grumpy X Sunshine, check check. Enemies to Lovers, check. Only One Bed (my fav) BIG CHECK! Do yourself a favor, read the description of this book, add it to your TBR, preorder it, do whatever you need to do to remember this book on August 5th!!

Thank you to NetGalley , Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I usually don’t go for slow burn romances, but If All Else Sails completely won me over! Emma St. Clair nailed the balance of tension, heart, and humor in a way that kept me hooked from start to finish. The characters were lovable and layered, the banter was sharp, and the emotional payoff was so worth it. It’s the kind of story that makes you smile long after you’ve finished the last page. Definitely a standout read-even for someone who doesn’t typically love slow burns!

After already reviewing the written book and loving it so much I thought reviewing the audio would be a good idea. It is so good! I enjoyed the story even more the second time loving the narrators! Definitely give the audio version a go! Brilliant!

Josie's brother always comes up with a sibling trip and they can get wild, so when Josie shows up to a murder cabin and finds her brother's friend/client grumpy Wyatt, she isn't sure what to think. He talks her into staying to help Wyatt recover from an injury, and she agrees. Enemies to lovers/forced proximity lets go! I love both tropes, and they are done here together fabulously. Though, it is really only enemies on Josie's side, as we know Wyatt has adored her from the start. We learn about Josie's past, as well as why Wyatt owns the "murder cabin." They embark on a journey together and I am here for it all. This one is a super slow burn, and I wish we would have gotten a little more of them as a couple. It is a clean romance, many I read include the spice...so it was nice for the pacing on it. I really enjoyed this one, it was such a fun ride!

**I received a copy of If All Else Sails from Netgalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.**

This is the rom com you need in your life if you like to smile, giggle, maybe sniffle, then smile some more! Every time I read one of this author's books, I feel like I look ridiculous as I smile constantly while reading. She writes characters that are real and flawed making them so incredibly relatable while weaving pure joy into words and creating a world that you wish you could just step into. I'm not even the demographic that she writes for as I am much older than the characters, yet I absolutely love reading her stories. This rom com is the brother's best friend, grumpy sunshine and close proximity tropes that you know and love, but done even better than most! I am the least sports-oriented person on the planet and couldn't even name one Hockey team that is real, but I totally would go to an Appies game if they were real (Go Appies!)! In fact, I might be inspired enough to actually go to a local minor league game here just to see if I like it. The beauty of her books is that they weave a compelling romance with real life issues to overcome and always end in a happily ever after. Added bonus is that most of her books introduce characters that will show up in the next book she writes. I am totally hoping that Jacob gets his own romance in a future book! I'm already looking to see what this author is writing next so I can get cued up and ready to read!

FYI: If you love a good audiobook, then get prepared as this book has dual narration that absolutely breathes another layer of life into already awesome characters and plot line to make the story feel even more alive!!

I loved so much about this book! First, I listened to the audio version and the dual narrators did a great job of bringing Wyatt and Josie to life. Second, there was so much humor interspersing the romantic tension. I enjoyed the laughter that went along with the story.

School nurse Josie is all set to enjoy her Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza with her brother, sports agent Jacob. She follows his directions meticulously, but instead of finding her brother, she finds a run down cabin on a lake that looks abandoned. She's convinced it's a "murder cottage", one of those that always shows up in movies with a dead body inside, so she starts taking photos in case she ends up the next victim. The next thing she knows, the cops show up to arrest her for trespassing. This Extravaganza is turning out to be a bust and she's not even a full day into it!

Hockey star Wyatt, injured playing disc golf (of all things) just wants to be left alone to wallow in his misery. Pursued relentlessly by the press and his female fans, he reacts swiftly when he sees a woman taking pictures of his property. When he realizes that the woman he's had arrested is his long-time crush, Josie, he's horrified. Finding out that his agent sent her to help him recover (also read babysit him) he doesn't know whether to be insulted or feel like he's being given a chance to actually win her. His first task is to convince her he's safe to stay with. He'll work on healing his foot and their relationship along the way, but can he overcome their shared history to gain the heart he cherishes?

These characters really got to me. Wyatt was especially layered. On the ice, he's an enforcer, and one of the senior members of his team. He doesn't say much, but when he speaks, the team better listen. The depth of his feelings for Josie comes as a bit of a surprise, but learning his life story fills in SO many blanks! Josie was fun but so focused on her task to get Wyatt healthy that she misses the fact that he returns her interest. When she offers to sail with him to scatter his uncle's ashes along the Intercoastal Waterway, their trip and proximity might just change their perspectives.

Readers who enjoy sweet romance with lots of laughs and plenty of sports (hockey, specifically) references will enjoy If All Else Sails. This was fun to listen to and would be a great "beach read." I loved it!

What an adorable story! I really enjoyed the dynamic of Josie and Wyatt. They were the perfect MCs to play off of each other. Wyatt was the best grump that, and Josie’s banter with him was great. They had me giggle and rooting for them the whole time! I also loved how the story also tackled issues of trauma and grief. It was really well incorporated to fit in the storyline and give the characters growth and depth.

Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller both did a great job of bringing If All Else Sails to life. I’ve listened to a few books by Andi before and always find them really well done. She conveys the best emotion in her voice to help really immerse you in the story.

Thank you to Emma St. Clair, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for an ALC!

Ahhh!!! I loved reading this story and was so excited to listen to the audiobook! I absolutely loved this version and thought the narrators did a fantastic job making this story come to life! 100% recommend!!

Emma St. Clair has done it again, pulling me in from page one and keeping me hooked with the wit, the banter, the laughs, the chemistry, and all the swoon that Wyatt and Josie have to offer!

When Wyatt, an NHL hockey player (and former Appie!) gets injured and refuses to take care of himself, his agent/best friend, Jacob, sends his sister to take charge! However, Josie thinks she’s headed to her annual Super Sibling Extravaganza, not to babysit her nemesis. Things between these two start off on the wrong foot after Wyatt has her arrested and the fun begins and just doesn’t stop!

Wyatt and Josie are adorable!! He’s the classic grump and she’s the happy sunshine—though he doesn’t always bring out that side of her. I loved their chemistry and back and forth banter both when Wyatt was feverish and when he was perfectly healthy. It was fun to see their relationship change over time and I loved how their sailing trip really helped further their relationship. Of course, it was fun to see Van and Eli make a guest appearance, too!!

A few things to love:

💙 Wyatt & Josie
😤 Grumpy/Sunshine
🏒 Injured hockey player
👩🏻‍⚕️ School nurse
👫🏻 Forced proximity
🙅🏻‍♂️ Brother’s best friend
⛵️ A sailing trip
👟 Boat shoes
🦶🏻Foot-in-mouth disease
🐶 Jib
🛏️ One bed
🧔🏻‍♂️ A Van & Eli cameo

Loved this book so much! Don’t miss it!!

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

What a fun story of enemies to lovers! I could not shake this sweet love story for weeks. I love the setting and the feels of the characters. Wonderful story!

Oh I loved this book! It’s a hockey romance that doesn’t completely center on being on the ice, which I found so refreshing!

There are lots of fun details to love:
- wielding a hockey stick against an animal
- scheming older brother
- the ER incident
- recovering from an injury
- WAG
- Appies shout out
- Sailing
- The storm 😍

I’ve come to love Emma St. Clair’s writing, and I’ve always depended on her books to be romantic, funny, and very low spice. I’m so happy to see that her writing trends continued in a traditionally published book. You can count on this one to be clean and wholesome! Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

If All Else Sails charmed me from beginning to end!

It has all the humor, wit, and banter that I love in Emma's books, as well as a swoon-worthy romance. Mixed in with that are moments of depth and heart, making this an absolute joy to read.

I loved Josie's personality. She's caring, kind, and funny, and the perfect match for Wyatt's grumpy but secretly sweet personality. I couldn’t help but fall in love with him.

Their banter was so fun, and their tangible chemistry was delightful. I loved watching their walls come down through some hilarious and also heartfelt moments.

You can expect—
brother's best friend
grumpy/sunshine
forced proximity
he falls first
slow burn
hockey player/school nurse
dual pov
kisses only
Appies cameos

If you enjoy lighthearted romances with some fun and adventure, don’t miss this gem!

The audiobook was excellent, with a dual narrative by Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller. They really brought both characters to life.

Many thanks to Emma St. Clair, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ARC and ALC.

All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I absolutely devoured this book.

The male narrator sounds a bit older than I anticipated, but thankfully it wasn’t obnoxious. That is literally my only feedback.
The relationship between Josie and Wyatt was not forbidden, it just happened. They had a long history due to HER brother being Wyatt’s manager.
Wyatt injured himself playing a recreational sport, and was very standoffish and scared all the healthcare workers off. That is until Josie is tricked into spending some time with Wyatt.

This was a wonderful rom com, with well built character, a clear direction of the story and a great ending. This was fantastic.

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!

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.

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!!

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.

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.

If All Else Sails is a funny, sweet, brother's best friend romance. The perfect summer read!

Wyatt is a hockey player who has become a little bit of a recluse after getting injured. Josie, a school nurse on summer vacation, is supposed to go on a trip with her brother Jacob who just happens to be Wyatt's agent and his best friend, and Josie's least favorite person. But Jacob has other plans and soon Josie is stuck taking care of Wyatt, who is a grump about his recovery.

This book is full of hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud. I loved the way that some chapters were from Josie's perspective and others were from Wyatt's.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Andi and Patrick were perfect for this book! I had no problems jumping in and listening to them. If you have a chance to listen to the audio, do it! The narrators were both amazing and I enjoyed listening to them. They fit the characters well and were easy to enjoy. I've been reading a bout Wyatt with the Appies and he was exactly as I pictured him. Andi gives Josie just the right about amount of sass and caring, especially when talking about Jib.

Oh my gosh, in true Kiki/Emma fashion this book is full of the wit, humor, banter and tension of all her books. I absolutely loved getting to see Wyatt in the future after he leaves the Appies. His backstory with his family and uncle was tender and delightful. We all know Wyatt’s been pining but clearly in the brothers best friend zone. He’s just a grumpy, sad, injured hockey player, who needs a push.

Josie just wants to hang with her brother, not nurse/babysit Wyatt. I loved Josie’s character growth and there is some deep stuff. She has an entire narrative in her head about all the years she’s spent knowing Wyatt and each day a little more slips and unravels as she really gets to know him. She is funny, sassy and buys matching outfits for her and Jib. I adore her!

The entire sailing trip was moment after moment of crazy, fun, and unpredictable events.

This story brings together some of my favorite tropes - grumpy/sunshine(ish), enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend, and one bed - all wrapped up in a heartfelt, closed-door hockey romcom that struck just the right balance between humor, heart, and slow-burn tension.

He’s injured, grumpy, and stuck in the off-season with more attitude than plans. She’s a school nurse, a little lonely, and trying to get her footing again after life threw her off balance. When their paths collide, sparks fly in the worst (and eventually best) kind of way.

I loved how both characters were layered and complex. On the surface, they’re opposites who can’t seem to agree on anything but beneath that friction are two people quietly hurting and hiding behind their own walls. Watching those walls slowly come down felt honest, hopeful, and so satisfying. It’s a story that shows how our perceptions of people can shift, how healing can happen in the most unexpected ways, and how love often grows when you're not looking for it.

The humor was just the right kind of chaotic - with runaway pigs, a bikini-wearing dog, and an unfortunate police incident that kept me turning the pages (or in this case, listening) to see what could possibly happen next. And then there’s the sailboat - such a perfect setting for some of the most tender, vulnerable moments in the book.

With dual POV that lets you see both sides of their story, strong emotional beats, and an ending that absolutely delivered, this one is a standout. Equal parts sweet, funny, and heartfelt, I think its a perfect summer read.

I love this book SO much! I didn’t know it would be closed door but honestly it was kind of refreshing after reading so much spice and to have so much angst and longing? 😮‍💨

These characters were everything. Josie is the perfect sunshine to Wyatt’s grump and I love the way these two navigated everything together 🤍

I can’t say it was an enemies to lovers because neither of them disliked the other, it was all miscommunication

❣️brothers best friend
❣️grumpy x sunshine



The narrators were perfect for this but I will listen to literally ANYTHING Andi Arndt narrates

I found this story so endearing and filled with heart and laughter. I’m a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope and this was that, almost in a better way. The audiobook female narration was great but the volume for the male was really soft to really loud making it an erratic listening experience and hopefully be resolved before release for other listeners. Will definitely be reading more of Emma St. Clair’s books!

The banter and back and forth enemies vibes in this story is fire! It caused so many outloud laughs and good dopamine hits.

I highly recommend this book right alongside Pepper Basham, Courtney Walsh, and Becca Kinzer.

There are no swears or alcohol and level 2 descriptive kisses only.
Present tense, first person, Dual POV.
The narrators are superb on the audiobook.

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

#IfAllElseSails #NetGalley #ThomasNelsonFiction

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for an ALC of Emma St. Clair’s book, If All Else Sails.

This book is about Josie, who thinks she is meeting her brother on a surprise trip but instead ends up being tricked into nursing her brother’s best friend Wyatt (who also happens to be her sworn enemy) back to health after an injury which has him sidelined from his hockey career. The more time they spend together, the more Josie realizes that perhaps Wyatt isn’t as horrible as she always thought he was. When it is brought to her attention that he is no longer able to take a trip he had planned sailing the intercostal Waterway to Savanah to scatter his Uncle’s ashes because he can’t complete the trip alone with his injury, she offers to go with him. As they spend more time together, Josie starts to realize she has feelings for Wyatt that seem more like love than hate.

I loved this book. I found the book to be charming and entertaining. I loved the banter between Wyatt and Josie and loved how they both were able to tease each other and also learn to read the other. I liked that the author based this story off of her aunt and uncle’s history and used her aunt’s journal to guide the story.

I was lucky enough to listen to the book and while I didn’t love the male narrator because his at times I couldn’t hear what he was saying some of the time, I did enjoy getting to experience the book as an audiobook.

This is the first book I have read by Emma St. Clair but it will certainly not be the last!

#EmmaStClair #IfAllElseSails #NetGalley #ThomasNelsonFiction #ZondervanFictionAudio #Romance #Sports #Fiction #ContemporaryFiction #RealisticFiction #ALC #ARC #HeFallsFirst #EnemiesToLovers #BrothersBestFriend #ForcedProximity #GrumpySunshine #Audiobook #July #2025

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:

Loved!!! If you have never read a sweet romance what are you waiting for. Emma’s books are so well written with such amazing character dynamics you don’t even miss the spice. They are about the connection, growth and finding happiness with a side of swooning. This one had so many funny and heartfelt moments that your cheeks will hurt from all the smiling & grinning. Highly recommend!

Mini Spoiler: A few Appies make a guest appearance! (I was so excited as I didn’t expect this.)

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Josie just arrived at the address her brother gave her but there is only a creepy murder cottage and no sign of him. Then the cops arrived and she’s thrown into the back of a hot police car and get heat stroke - not how she planned to start her sibling vacay. Her brother is definitely going to pay dearly for this one!

Wyatt didn’t expect to find his long time crush delivered to his doorstep and after having her accidentally arrested she’s going to hate him even more. Apparently his agent and best friend thought sending his little sister, who’s a nurse was the best way to get him to follow doctor’s orders this summer.

Josie doesn’t like Wyatt, she definitely doesn’t like athletes and her brother knows this. But somehow when he asks her to help Wyatt this summer and dangled a high dollar value in exchange for her help, she can’t say no. Now she’ll have to figure out how to tolerate the grump of a man as they are now roommates for the foreseeable future.

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:

“I always wondered what kind of woman would snag your grinchy little heart.”

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Older Brother’s Best Friend & Client
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* Injured Hockey Player
* School Nurse
* Forced Proximity: A Quaint Murder Cottage & Sailboat
* He’s Crushed on Her for Years
* Rescue Dog Jib
* Dual POV
* Closed Door Kisses Only

💕🐖⛵️🩼🩺🏒💕🐖⛵️🩼🩺🏒💕

I have loved Emma St Clair’s books for a long time and I was so happy to get to read her trad debut! And it did not disappoint. The romance was so sweet and I loved the banter.

Brothers best friend romance//forced proximity. Says enemies to lovers but it’s really not. Just a miscommunication in the beginning. Pretty clean book overall smut wise. Very heartwarming

This was a super slow burn which I loved, although it was such a slow burn, that I felt like I didn’t get enough time with them. Didn’t make me like the book any less, just an observation.

This would be a perfect book to read at the lake or beach this summer! Humor, sweet moments, tension, sloww burn.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of the audiobook. The performance was perfection.

If All Else Sails by: Emma St. Clair
📖

You 'll find 🔍

Dual narrators
Two childhood rivals
Animal encounters
Sibling relationships

I thought 💬

There is nothing better than when a story grabs you in the first act. What an opening scene!!

The male narrator caused me to keep adjusting the volume as he was quiet and then loud. He nailed the grumpy vibe. Female narrator was wonderful.

I loved ❤️

Top tier banter! Chef's kiss -
I could not get enough

The humor - I laughed out loud from beginning to end

Jib- the adorable dog on the cover has a sweet storyline

Traveling on the ICW from Virginia to Atlanta- I didn't even know this waterway existed and now I'd love to take a trip.

Wyatt- what a layered character, I loved getting to know who he was

Josie- queen of sarcasm! Her confidence, her banter, her heart ❤️ I adored her

This is a book I will re-read and would make a great gift.

CW: no language, kisses

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Amazing. I love Emma St Clair!!! She can do no Wrong. Five star all around. perfect perfect perfect the charecter delevopment was so so good

I loved this book so much!

The beginning hooked me immediately, the tropes were troping, and I had a great time! Both of the narrators did a great job.

Josie's brother tricks her into nursing his biggest professional hockey client back to health. Too bad it's Wyatt Jacobs and they do not get along. On top of that, he tries to have her arrested for trespassing on his property. Now she's stuck in a murder cottage with a hulking, grumpy athlete in the middle of nowhere.

If you like the "taking care of him when he's sick" trope, you'll love this. It is also a super slow burn with good communication!

If you loved the Appies hockey series by Emma St Clair and Jenny Proctor, pick this one up! But you definitely don't have to read those first. This is a standalone.

I felt impatient for the next plot point to happen a couple times in the book, so that's why I didn't give it 5 stars. 4.5 rounded up!

The vibes:
Grumpy x sunshine
Brother's best friend
Hockey player but injured
She's a nurse
Tiny dog in lots of cute outfits
No spice or language

Put it on your TBR immediately!

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Josie, an elementary school nurse, is ready to kick off her summer vacation with her brother Jacob lakeside. But when she arrives, Jacob is nowhere in sight—instead, she finds Wyatt, his best friend and Josie’s least favorite person. Wyatt, a professional hockey player sidelined by injury, needs some help recovering, and Jacob has volunteered Josie for the job. Reluctantly, she agrees. But the more time she spends with Wyatt, the more she realizes that beneath his grumpy, guarded exterior might be a misunderstood softie. A few weeks alone with your hot nemesis? What could go wrong?

This story was such a sweet and hilarious surprise! I’m a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope, and when you mix in brother’s best friend and forced proximity? Instant magic. (Also: there’s a dog in a bikini. Enough said.)

The audiobook was excellent—Andi Arndt brought Josie to life perfectly, and Patrick Zeller added so much heart and charm to Wyatt’s voice.

This was my first book by Emma St. Clair, and it definitely won’t be my last. I can't wait to dive into her backlist!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ALC.

I love Emma St. Clair and this book is just a new installment of why. Her Light hearted banter and love of a grump is through out the pages. I love Jib so much. The Appies are one of My favorite series and each book becomes my new favorite. I really need to Binge reread this series since I have purchased each book. I can't wait for the next book. Yes I am along for this ride and all the new stories she wants to tell.

To start out, I have to say I have loved every book I have read by Emma St. Clair. But this one is probably my favorite one of all! It was such a cute romcom and I loved every minute of it.
I definitely recommend you give this a listen especially if you love an enemies to lovers romance between a handsome famous hockey player and a kind-hearted school nurse. If you like sailing, there is a lot of that mixed in too. Plus the witty banter and the swoony kisses, this book is sure to make you smile.
This is a closed door romance featuring just kisses and lots of fun flirting.
The audiobook was well done and I love the dual narrators for both main characters perspectives. Definitely recommend this one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

First, I have to say they say this an enemies to lovers trope, but it’s not fully! Which I was there for in all the best ways. This was such a refreshing retelling of that typical trope in what I thought was a new and fresh way. I really enjoyed the banter, and enjoyed the rotating narrative between our two characters.

Josie is a broke, hardworking school nurse who has always thought that her brother’s best friend (and client) hated her. When her brother tricks her to taking care of him while he heals from an injury, she quickly discovers that maybe she has read him wrong the whole time. The character development between these two was an enjoyable ride!

However, I must say. My one critique was actually in one of the audio actors (I’m so sorry). Patrick Zeller didn’t work for this character for me, his intensity didn’t quite match the supposedly quiet roil that this character is described to have throughout the book. I think he is still a good narrator, it just felt disconnected from the character he was reading for.

Overall, I really enjoyed the writing style of Emma St. Clair as it was my first experience with her work. I enjoyed the authors note and the end and it added a personal touch, and yes! I did have a smile on my face while listening to this book, so job well done!

This book was adorable. It had such great grumpy/sunshine vibes! There were several funny moments that made me laugh out loud. I loved the dog and all of the outfits! Enjoyed the connections and references to the Appies. The narrator’s did a great job!

Loved this audiobook! What’s not to love about forced proximity and enemies to lovers?!? The banter between Josie and Wyatt is chef’s kiss! 💋 When Josie arrives at a little dumpy cottage expecting to meet her brother and finds herself being watched from a window and her brother is nowhere in sight she starts to freak out until she soon finds out it’s her brothers best friend and client injured hockey player Wyatt. As a nurse she gets roped into caring for him (by her brother) and sailing on Wyatt’s boat with him for a long trip down the inter coastal. This book made me laugh so many times!

Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for this ALC of If All Else Sails.

This book was so cute! I loved it! I loved that the author took from her actual life to write this. The characters felt very real. I related to Josie's constant overthinking and second guessing. Wyatt was pure perfection... the boat shoes gift *heart eyes*. I also loved the setting of this book and fact that there was no third act breakup. I cannot wait to read more by Emma St. Clair.

I listened to the audiobook for this and thought the female narrator (who reads most of the book) was fantastic. The male narrator was a little difficult to listen to because he was either mumbling or talking very loud. I could not ever find the right volume to listen at for him.