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.

This has been one of the most entertaining audiobooks I have listened to this year!! Definitely worth saving your audiobook credit or library hold request - HOWEVER you listen to an audiobook just get this one ready to go! RELEASES AUGUST 5th 🎉

If All Else Sails is narrated by Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller. These two totally made me giggle, smile, and react out loud with their narration! I could listen to Andi's voice all day and Patrick's chapters straight up felt like a theater performance - honestly, the MOST FUN was had listening to this book!!

Typically I will crochet or some other type of multitask while listening to audiobooks, but this one truly entertained and CAPTURED my full attention. The story itself is PURE GOLD.

Josie (FMC voiced by Andi) struggles with anxiety and trauma ... but firmly believes she has both under control. I just loved every part of her POV - she didn't hem and haw indefinitely, but also didn't act irrationally either. Her softness, yet sharp wit with Wyatt, made for an FMC I wish I could meet in real life.

Wyatt and his "foot in mouth disease" along with his hockey star body gets a solid 10/10 from me. 🤣 I love grumps that aren't really grumps at all, just not willing to play social games to please people. His gentle, yet DIRECT approach with Josie made me squeal more times than I would like to admit. (OK, I basically squealed my way through the last several chapters and DEFINATELY the epilogue)

Should you read this book? ABSOLUTELY
Should you treat yourself and make it a full experience with the audiobook? OH MY GOSH YES! A MILLION TIMES YESSSSS!

Thank you so much Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this ARC - I beyond loved it 🥰

Obsessed! Loved the story but even more the way it was recorded. So good!!! They made the story come to life. I laughed right along with them….especially in the tickling scene. 😍

Oh, this book was so delightful! I think I may have a new favorite Emma St. Clair novel now. I loved the way these two had known each other for years, seeing each other every once in a while, as Josie’s brother and Wyatt were best friends. Yet Josie’s perception of Wyatt from a situation that happened at their first meeting set the stage for her disliking him and believing that he disliked her. What a misconception that was!

But as these two ended up spending all of their time together on Wyatt’s boat, Josie began to see Wyatt in a new light and I loved the way they developed a friendship that began to lead to something more.

There were some really sweet moments in this story when Wyatt was so perceptive and so supportive of Josie as she dealt with anxiety that held her back sometimes. He showed what a kind and caring person he truly was in the way he treated Josie.

This story just made my heart so happy! The romance that grew between Josie and Wyatt was so beautifully written and felt very natural in the way it progressed. There were also plenty of fun and silly moments that added to the romcom feel of the book.

I listened to the audio version and struggled a bit to understand the male narrator in some of the early chapters of the story when he spoke quietly. However, that was only for a very small portion of the book and not a problem for the majority of the audio. I actually ended up really enjoying the audio narration overall for this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, however I also purchased my own print copy. All opinions are my own.

This audiobook is EVERYTHING! I love Emma St. Clair and this one may be my new favorite. She’s a school nurse looking forward to a vacation with her brother. Only to find out the small cabin he sent her to is occupied by his best friend who just so happens to be an injured hockey player. Her brother bailed on the trip and arranged for her to take care of a grump. Sparks fly between the two as they work toward healing, and setting sail on a boat adventure. Throw in a stray dog that may or may not like to wear ridiculous outfits and you have yourself a romcom you will want to devour.

Andy Arndt and Patrick Zeller give a wonderful performance bringing the grump and sunshine duo to life. This audiobook was such a treat.

“There will always be gaps where you don’t agree, or don’t understand, or don’t align. Lots of gaps. A successful marriage is one that works even in those gaps.”

This is not my first book by Emma, but it may be my favorite. I listens to it so quick! It had so many tropes that I love! The writing was witty and fun, yet I also loved the more serious moments. I was charmed by the murder cottage, the pigs, the sailing, and Jib 🐾! The romance was just how I like it, slow burning, but delicious! The female narrator was awesome, but I struggled with the male narrator. Thanks Emma and Netgalley for this copy!

⛵️Contemporary Romance/ Romcom
⛵️Closed Door
⛵️No Swearing
⛵️CW: Death, Sexual Assualt (past/not on page), and Estranged Family

Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys @kikimojo @thomasnelson

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: If All Else Sails
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Emma St. Clair
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: Andi Arndt, Patrick Zeller
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: August 5, 2025
5⭐️

⛵️ 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 ⛵️
I love this sweet, slow burn summer romance story, that features previous Appies Hockey Player Wyatt, and his best friend’s sister Josie. Wyatt is nursing an injury at his uncles cabin and not taking care of himself and his best friend/agent Jacob is growing concerned. He convinces his reluctant sister/nurse Josie to assist in the care of Wyatt!

Josie is reluctant because she thinks Wyatt doesn’t like her. Josie discovers Wyatt planned on taking a sailing journey down the coast to honor his recently passed uncle this summer, and his injury has prevented him from doing so, and she offers to go with him.

I love that the misconceptions that Josie had about Wyatt in the past, slowly start to fade as she gets to know him personally. Wyatt isn’t what she thought, and her reluctance to be around him changes as she does some self-discovery.

This story has a lot of sweet, chemistry charged moments as Josie and Wyatt figure out their footing around each other. You can feel the tension and the pull between them. Emma writes tension-filled moments beautifully in a closed door setting, where it’s so very sweet and caring.

I loved the cameos from Eli and Van as well! I’m an Appies hockey fan and love when these guys show up for one another! I appreciated learning about Wyatt’s past with his family and uncle, which guided him to his love for hockey and sailing!

I liked seeing Josie’s self-confidence grow, and Wyatt’s thoughtfulness in making Josie comfortable around him. Wyatt gives Josie room to move at her own pace and I love his sweet patience!!

🎧 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 🎧
Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller were stellar as Josie and Wyatt! Andi brought a calm, collected aura to Josie’s personality. Andi was able to bring to life the chemistry and feeling behind the emotionally charged moments Josie was feeling around Wyatt. Patrick brought the steely, slightly grumpy personality that is Wyatt to life. You could feel Wyatt’s emotions toward Josie that he kept close to his chest.

🎧 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
⛵️ Enemies to Lovers
🌊 Brother’s Best Friend
🏒 Hockey Player/Nurse
⚓️ Sailing Adventures
🐕 Closed Door Romance

🩷Instagram post on July 30!

Y’all enemies to lovers has never looked so good! @kiki, I looooved this audio!! Narrator Andi Arndt was perfect for Josie! I couldn’t stop listening - or laughing!

𝙄𝙛 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙀𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙎𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨 by Emma St. Clair is the perfect summer rom-com:
⛵️ Forced proximity
⛵️ Grumpy x sunshine
⛵️ Enemies to first mates to lovers
⛵️ Closed door swoon

Add this to your summer reading list! You’ll be hooked by chapter one!

Refreshing rom-com that was fun and cute and great chemistry without the annoying trope of misunderstanding/overreaction that is so common in rom-coms and/or romances. I loved all the little bits of character, loved the nod to the author’s Appies series. It was just overall a fun, quick read.

The narrators did a great job. It took me a little while to get used to the female narrator. She sounded older than I expected the character would and she didn’t really give off the “sunshine” that he character was described as. But once I got used to that, she didn’t a good performance.
The male narrator though…..wow. He gave off this Nathan Fillion vibe that I was all in for! (Why, per chance, does Nathan Fillion not do audiobooks…?!) We need this guy in more narration please!

I did feel like the sailing bit came a little late in the story considering it was the title and cover, but that’s just my personal opinion and nitpicky on the pacing, nothing that overrides the enjoyment of the book!

**thank you to Netgalley and TNZ publishing for a review copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

Let's start this review out with....I LAUGHED SO MUCH IN THIS BOOK! I read this with my friends Oceana and Lindsay and we both really enjoyed it! So many laughs and just an overall great rom-com!

This is Emma's first traditionally published book with Thomas Nelson and I HIGHLY recommend! I have loved all of Emma's books I've read, she just has such a way with writing funny, clean rom-coms and this did not disappoint!

Tied to the Appies Hockey series, we have Wyatt, Josie's brother's best friend and Hockey Player, who spend the summer together. What happens when the "enemies" spend a summer together including sailing, forced proximity situations and a sweet dog accompanies them? FEELINGS!

Our characters spend time together, feelings come to the forefront....their walls come down as they get to know each other more deeply and we really get to know them. Emma always tells stories that are filled with depth and I love that because they are REAL people with REAL issues - more than just your average rom-com.

I loved seeing Josie open up to Wyatt about what she had been through and how much Wyatt grew from his grumpy self in the beginning to the end.

Another great read from Emma I highly recommend for a clean romance!
*content warning for mention of attempted sexual assault recounted. no spice, kisses only, no language

Thank you to Emma, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for complimentary copies of the ebook and audiobook to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

This is such a fun book! I loved the chapter titles, the Appies link, the dog fashion, and the characters love story! Emma did a great job at writing the tension of characters trying not to like each other while making sure it didn’t cross over into making you think they actually hated each other. So much good stuff in this book! My only warning is that the male narrator sometimes goes really quiet and then really loud so beware if you are listening with headphones!

This was such a fun grumpy/sunshine book! There were so many things to love, but I especially loved the witty banter between Wyatt and Josie.
A few things I enjoyed:
🤒Feverish Wyatt
🐷 Pigs
☠️ Poison Oak
👨‍⚕️Physical Therapy
🐶 Doggie apparel 😂
⛈️ Storm
⛵️ Sailing
🥰 Savannah

I listened to an advanced listening copy. Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy through NetGalley.

If All Else Sails
By Emma St. Clair
Narrated by Andi Arndt; Patrick Zeller

Publishes August 5, 2025

I loved this book so much. It kept me smiling the whole time. For a romance it’s a clean romance with no spice. Every character in this book was amazing. This heartwarming cute and cozy romance was such a good audiobook. I just loved Josie, her humor and personality were just so perfect. Wyatt, a grump on the outside you could say but a total sweetheart on the inside. Jacob is a great friend and an even better brother. I love the brothers best friend trope. I cannot wait to read more from Emma St. Clair after this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. All words are my own.

I had a review copy of the audiobook version of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Josie’s brother convinces her that she will be able to help his friend and client Wyatt recover from a foot injury and return to playing professional hockey. She spends the summer getting this grumpy guy to go to Physical Therapy and heal. He teaches her how to sail his boat and they end the summer by going on a sailing trip. Wyatt has had a crush on her for years, and during the trip he makes it plain to her. An awesome grumpy/sunshine book about working together, moving from friends to more than friends, and being willing to step out and learn new things.

I adored this book! Wyatt and Josie were so fun. I loved the witty banter and thought the “murder cottage” was a fun touch. So many moments made me laugh, and others made me cry. Such a great emotional ride.

Enemies to lovers? Check. Forced proximity? Check. Grumpy sunshine with off-the-charts chemistry? Double check! 😍

Emma St. Clair delivers yet another romcom win with If All Else Sails—a charming, tension-filled standalone that had me hooked from page one. Josie is a school nurse with a sassy streak, and Wyatt is her best friend’s brooding hockey-playing brother. After a hilarious misunderstanding, the two end up sharing a cabin… and then a sailboat. Cue the sparks and banter!

The slow-burn romance is sweet, full of tension, and totally swoon-worthy—but all closed door and clean (no language). I loved the little animal sidekick, the cozy sailing vibes, and the narrators, Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller, were perfection. They brought the sunshine-and-grump dynamic to life so well.

Emma always brings the heart, humor, and heat (without going spicy), and this one just might be my new fave of hers! Can’t wait for her launch party when she comes to SLC!

🌊🩷🐾

This book was so cute and fun, I loved it! I started listening and the next thing I knew, it was almost done.

I loved Josie. She was so sweet and funny. She was willing to help her brother’s friend, Wyatt, even though she believed that he hated her. She also isn’t his biggest fan and she doesn’t like athletes due to a traumatic experience in her past. I loved how funny she was. Her inner monologue and comments had me cracking up.

Wyatt showed so much growth in this book. He started out as a huge grump who wanted nothing to do with Josie to letting his walls down and being such a sweetheart to her. I love how he wanted to be around her and would do things for her to stick around. I also loved the fact that he wasn’t a playboy.

I loved Josie and Wyatt together. Their banter was so good and they were just so cute. The way Wyatt let Josie take their relationship at her pace was so sweet.

I really liked Wyatt’s mother. I did not expect her to be as sweet as she was to her. Josie’s brother, Jacob, was such a great brother and I love how he played a role in her and Wyatt starting a relationship.

I really enjoyed the narration! The female narrator did such a fantastic job! While I enjoyed the male narrator’s voice, I felt like there were times where his parts were a bit loud and caught me off guard. Either way, I loved the audiobook, especially because I felt like it brought an extra something to their banter.

Thank you to Emma St. Clair, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC for an honest review!

5⭐️ An absolutely funny and adorable story. My favorite so far by Emma for sure and that was already a high bar. There are so many good lines and moments in here. You won’t want to miss it on Aug. 5th!!
5⭐️ Narration from Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller. Andi gave Josie so much spunk, and I was here for it. While Patrick brought out the broody/moody and jealous vibes of Wyatt so well too. Loved every second of it.

Josie has been called to what basically looks like a haunted cottage. Oh and she’s arrested shortly after arrival. So much for a fun time with her brother. Come to find out Josie isn’t there for a trip to see her brother, Jacob. She’s there to help his best friend, Wyatt. He’s injured and not taking care of himself by any stretch of the imagination. Since Josie is a nurse and could use the money, Jacob pays her to make sure he goes to physical therapy and doesn’t die in the murder cottage.

Wyatt has a problem. He doesn’t want help and he really doesn’t know how to deal with Josie being with him. He’s liked her for years but she always seemed to hate him. Maybe this is his chance to finally win her over. But she seems to have an issue with jocks. They agree to go on a mission at sea to spread Wyatt’s uncles ashes. Will this be the straw that broke the camels back or will Wyatt win Josie over with his very subtle charm behind the grumpy exterior?

Thank you so much to @thomasnelson @netgalley and @kikimojo for the advanced reader and listener copy.

When school nurse Josie and her brother's best friend and client--professional hockey player Wyatt Jacobs--are tricked (by her brother) into spending the summer together it's anything but smooth sailing.

This one was so cute, and I absolutely love Josie and Wyatt. These two are the textbook definition of grumpy x sunshine and I ate them up. In the negatives (there are very little) I don't know if this benefitted from being a dual pov, there was so little of Wyatt's that it felt odd being pulled from Josie. And as a listener there were times where the Wyatt chapters were harder to understand so be prepared to turn up the volume to properly hear that deep voice!!

The plot is great though and feels super natural. Nothing feels like its reaching too far and their relationship progression makes total sense. But of course, it still isn't smooth sailing!

Emma St. Clair always writes such sweet and lovable books and this one was AMAZING! I had such a great time listening to this audiobook. I had so many laugh out loud moments. Thank goodness I was alone because people would have questioned my sanity. LOL..I fell in love with these characters right away and I knew I was going to LOVE this book.

Josie's brother sends her to an unknown address thinking she was going to be spending time with her brother for their annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza. When she pulls up to the house that she calls the "Murder House" she doesn't know what to think. But the last thing she thinks is that police officers will show up to arrest her for trespassing.

Wyatt finds a strange woman walking around his property taking pictures and thinks she's a fan or stalker so he calls the cops. Little does he know it's just his best friend and agents sister. He thought he's do a little surprise set up for both of them since Wyatt is injured and needs someone to make sure he takes care of himself so he can get back on the ice.

Well things will definitely be interesting with these two. He's grumpy and that just makes for some amazing banter. These two will have you laughing so much, swooning, smiling and they will take you sailing into the perfect ending! There will also be a dog that gets involved in this story and you will fall in love with the dog as well. I HIGHLY recommend this audiobook. This is the perfect book to take to the beach!

Thank you Emma St. Clair, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this ALC for my honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC audiobook for an honest review.

Gah! This audiobook was just what I needed on a road trip...The narrators were perfect and as always Emma St. Clair gives just the right amount of sweetness, witty banter, and tension filled with deeper issues without being over the top. Josie's brother's best friend is Wyatt. And the two have always had a way of getting under the other's skin. Enemies from the start. But as any good romance goes, you know there is something else going on with their declaration of being enemies. There is such a fine line between hate and love...:)

I adored both sunshine Josie and grumpy Wyatt! Watching the two being forced into a close proximity situation was so much fun. The slow unraveling of feelings mixed with past misconceptions that are finally brought to life was well worth the wait to the end game. Add adventures on the water and a cute rescue dog! Oh, and also guest appearance from some of our past Appies players...what a nice surprise! For some reason, I didn't even put the connection together until they showed up. lol

5 stars

This book was very cute! I’m a huge fan of Emma St. Clair and have read most of her books, so I was super excited to get this one.

My only real issue with the book was that I felt like the first 40% or so dragged on. I kept waiting to get into the “meat” of the book, and when I saw how far along I was, I felt like it just could’ve taken less time? The pacing of the plot itself was great, but I wasn’t in love with the story until I got further along.

Things to expect:
-Close proximity
-Brothers best friend
-Sports (kind of) romance
-Enemies (?) to lovers
-Slow burn

Overall, Josie and Wyatt’s story was very cute and I would definitely recommend it, especially if you’re in the market for a good closed door romance! There were several great laugh out loud moments, especially talking about the murder cottage. The banter between Josie and Wyatt is perfection (Emma St. Clair always does this well) and it was fun to see them turn from “enemies” into lovers!

Also, I listened to the audio of this and the male narrator’s voice drove me crazy because any time he went into his deep register, I had to turn the volume up to understand him, so I spent the whole book constantly adjusting my audio which was very frustrating.

I enjoyed this even more as audio than reading. Dual narration and both are great, but Patrick Zeller, as Wyatt made this audiobook. Some audiobook narrators will emote when their characters are speaking, but not necessarily in the narration, that was not the case here. Even when Wyatt was thinking about being ticklish you could hear the panic and the giggles and it just made the story so much more immersive.

A sweet but real romcom in which both of the main characters had hangups and preconceptions that they had to get over. Emma St. Clair books are comfort reads for me. People have issues or misunderstandings, but things always end happily.

And Appie‘s fans will be pleased with cameos that I will not spoil.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for my advance audiobook copy of If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair in exchange for my honest review!

This is a SUPER cute and clean 5 star read. We have Josie who thinks she's going on a vacation with her brother only to find out he led her to his best friend's home...her sworn enemy. When Wyatt sees her on his property he calls the cops. This is a laugh out loud scene which really puts the grump stamp on Wyatt.

Wyatt is recovering from an injury, but listening to no one. Josie is a school nurse and her brother begs her to stay and try to help, it's his last shot at ensuring Wyatt (a pro hockey player) can get back on the ice.

I loved the growth in both Josie and Wyatt and how their story unfolded. This is a great read for anyone looking for a swoony romance. It's perfect for most ages since it's a closed door romance too!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this audio ARC.

This was exactly what I needed! It hit the spot. It is a quick, cozy read with banter and a sprinkle of humour. Watching their relationship progress the way was delightful and endearing.

Wyatt, a professional hockey player, is a slump and needs help getting through it after getting injured. Josie, an elementary school nurse, is expecting a fun vacation with her brother and instead…gets something she never expected, but needed.

There’s a cute dog that tolerates being put in cute outfits, boats, caregiving galore.

My only complaint, is that the blurb summarizes the book too well.

The narrators performances, Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller, were so good. In particular, I loved Zeller performance. At certain points when his character was feeling more frustrated or grumpy, he did something with his voice (almost like a growl, but not quite) that was so fun for the character.

Tropes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- brothers best friend
- nurse x hockey player
- caregiving
- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- slow burn
- closed door romance

This book checked all the boxes of tropes I love. Grumpy/sunshine...check
He falls first...check
Hockey player...check
And bonus, it is a closed door romance. This was a great pool read for the last days of my summer vacation. The narration was excellent, the characters were likeable, and I didn't want the book to end. Emma St. Clair did not disappoint with this one.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced preview.

The Brief: Josie isn’t happy about the last minute change of plans to the Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza. The new plan involves nursing her brother’s grumpy hockey player bestie back to health. And living in the murder cottage.

The Debrief: Favorite book to date by @ and an absolute delight. From the very ugly meet again to the swoony last word… I. Was. Smitten. Wyatt is such a brooding man with so many lovable layers to discover. His low key charm and wit became exposed to the sunshine and I melted.

Josie has no idea what to do about a kind Wyatt when she remembers him as her enemy. Her cheery attitude was the perfect backdrop to laugh out loud banter filled And can we take a moment to soak up that chemistry? I was there for all of it.

I am looking forward to going back for a re-read, and snagging a paperback, but I was lucky to listen to the audio. Wowzers. Both narrators grabbed me from the first word and never let go. They did a phenomenal job keeping me involved in the story and laughing at all the right places. Just so many quotables. My notes:

Wyatt has dropped his anchor and wants to float in a gray haze. When Josie shows up in his life again, can she coax him to sunnier days?

I obviously highly recommend this romantic comedy with deep vibes that will warm your heart. Complimentary copy. Audio from NetGalley My thoughts.

I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

This was such a fun, cozy, grumpy-sunshine, enemies-to-lovers sports audiobook! I laughed out loud in several parts and even cried in a few moments. It honestly took me on an emotional rollercoaster—in the best way.

There was something so wholesome about school nurse Josie’s interactions with her brother’s best friend, Wyatt—the injured, moody hockey player. Josie’s sense of humor dripped through the scenes like honey. From dressing her dog in themed outfits to bantering with Wyatt and her brother, and constantly referencing the “murder cottage,” her personality absolutely sparkled.

As Josie and Wyatt spent more time together, their chemistry became harder to ignore—and we really got to see the layers of both characters. They had depth and felt like real people. Wyatt's quiet fascination with Josie, and his complete inability to express it, was endearing. Watching Josie come into her own was also rewarding, though I wish her growth had felt a bit more impactful. At times, her voice came off a little juvenile for someone in her thirties, and her lack of self-worth was genuinely hard to hear.

One line that really stuck with me was:
“But perhaps love is being the exact right size of drill bit to tighten the other person’s very specific loose screws.”
Such a great metaphor. It had me reflecting on how love isn't one-size-fits-all. Some people just fit—and Josie and Wyatt were definitely made for each other.

The ending was refreshing and satisfying—it truly made my heart smile. This audiobook was the perfect palate cleanser.

This was my first Emma St. Clair book, but it definitely won’t be my last. What a joy!

And I can’t forget Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller—the phenomenal voices who brought Josie and Wyatt to life. They truly captured the emotion and personality of the characters. They were a delight to listen to and made the story even more entertaining.

Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Emma St. Clair for the ALC of this hilarious, cozy rom-com.

Wow! If All Else Sails is a delightful, emotional, heartfelt journey full of Emma St. Clair’s signature laugh out loud humor & warmth. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Wyatt & Josie & seeing them grow as they navigate their pasts & rely on each other.

Josie’s a school nurse who’s looking forward to spending time with her brother for their annual Summer Sibling Extravaganza. When Jacob directs her to a derelict cottage, she’s instantly confused, especially when the cops are called on her for trespassing. She’s even more shocked when Wyatt Jacobs, her brother’s best friend & client appears telling the cops it’s a big mistake. She & Wyatt have a history, & the last thing she expects is her brother tricking her into staying & helping Wyatt recover from a hockey injury. But, the money he offers her is too good to pass up.

Wyatt Jacobs’ currently staying at his uncle’s run down cottage off the coast of Virginia to recover from an injury, & his grumpiness knows no bounds. Despite his manager’s insistence, Wyatt hasn’t been attending his physical therapy sessions & is suffering from a fever. When Josie arrives, the sparks fly. They’ve never gotten along, but Wyatt hopes to change that when Josie agrees to stay & help him.

This book had all the feels! Wyatt’s the very definition of grumpy. He’s always had a thing for Josie & I enjoyed seeing his softer side peek through. Loved the thoughtful things he does, & how he helps Josie heal from a past traumatic experience.

Josie’s the sunshine in this relationship, but she carries some definite fears. She & Wyatt don’t see eye to eye & his grumpiness makes her think he hates her. But, as she peels back this handsome pro hockey player’s layers, she sees depth, thoughtfulness, & hurt, as well as a tenderness underneath the gruff. As they sail from Virginia to Georgia, they not only find love but healing.

I loved all the humorous, sweet moments including: finding Jib, poison oak, zombie pigs, family healing, the shopping spree, “Rookie,” boat shoes, home show bets, & shared secrets. Also loved seeing certain Appies again too!

I also listened to the audiobook version & especially loved the female narrator. She did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life. The male narrator put a lot of emotion into his performance which made it really feel authentic, but the volume often vacillated between loud & soft. It got better as the story progressed, but the first part kept me frequently adjusting the volume.

Highly recommend this touching romcom! I received an advanced copy from the author with no expectation of a positive review. But, also purchased a copy in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily. Book: 5 stars Audiobook version: 4 stars

Thank you @thomasnelson and @kikimojo for my complimentary digital and audio copies. All opinions expressed are my own.

SUMMARY: When school nurse Josie travels to a mysterious address in Virginia, she expects a fun vacation with her brother. Instead, she finds herself face-to-face with her brother's best friend, grumpy hockey player Wyatt Jacobs. Demanding an explanation, Josie learns that her brother wants her to help Wyatt recover from an injury, a task she reluctantly agrees to for a substantial fee. The first few days are tense, as Wyatt is resistant to her help. However, during a sailing trip to scatter his uncle's ashes, Josie begins to uncover the complexities of Wyatt's character, challenging her initial perceptions.

MY THOUGHTS: This is my favorite Emma St. Clair book to date! Although I don’t typically read much romance, I can't resist a grumpy/sunshine dynamic from this author. This story, while still humorous, carries a slightly more serious tone that I thoroughly enjoyed. The chemistry between the main characters was captivating, and I appreciated the alternating viewpoints that offered deeper insight into their thoughts and emotions. The sailboat setting added a unique charm to the narrative, making it a truly delightful read.

I also had the pleasure of listening to the audio version, and the dual narrators were perfectly cast for their roles, bringing each character to life with distinct voices and emotions that enhanced the storytelling.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of this audio book. The narration was amazing! I loved this story so much and can totally relate to Josie’s anxiety and over analyzing everything. I loved everything about this book. The murder cottage, Gib all the side characters. The documentation of the sailing trip was awesome. Wyatt and Josie’s relationship was so sweet. This book managed to cover all the tropes, grumpy/sunshine, brother’s best friend, one bed! I also loved how much Wyatt loved Gib but would never admit it and all the outfits Josie bought for her. Totally recommend you check this book out!