For fans of Ali Hazelwood, the wait is finally over – “Deep End” has been released! The leading author of enemies-to-lovers romance is back with a captivating new title that readers can immerse themselves in.

Hazelwood, a bestselling romance writer, uses a pen name to maintain a separation between her life as a professor and scientist and her writing career. However, there is some overlap. Many of her popular titles fall into the “STEMinist” genre, featuring love stories that often unfold amidst scientific experiments and lab equipment.

Here’s everything you need to know about “Deep End” along with an overview of Hazelwood’s romantic works.

What is ‘Deep End’ by Ali Hazelwood about?

“Deep End” marks a slight shift from Hazelwood’s typical “STEMinist” narratives. This college romance centers on two athletes at Stanford – a platform diver named Scarlett and an Olympic swimmer named Lukas. The story explores their experiences with school, rivalry, and unique sexual dynamics.

The themes and tone in “Deep End” are darker and more intense than in Hazelwood’s previous books. Nevertheless, she continues to craft witty characters, relatable challenges, and engaging tension that her fans have come to adore.

Readers will also enjoy appearances from characters in Hazelwood’s earlier work, “The Love Hypothesis,” as Olive Smith and Adam Carlsen enhance Scarlett and Lukas’s journey at Stanford.

Ali Hazelwood books in order

Hazelwood has released standalone novels, novellas, and audio-only stories. Her works commonly feature enemies-to-lovers and fake dating themes, often sprinkled with references to “Star Wars.” She even took part in the “Star Wars” anthology, “From a Certain Point of View,” celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Return of the Jedi.”

“The Love Hypothesis” (2021): This debut romance follows Olive, a third-year Ph.D. candidate who is skeptical of love, and Adam, a charismatic professor who agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend.

“Love on the Brain” (2022): This STEM-themed novel features Bee and Levi, who reluctantly collaborate on a neuroengineering project. Their complicated history as rivals complicates their partnership, especially when Bee faces challenges at work.

“Loathe to Love You: The STEMinist Novellas” (2023): This collection contains three novellas featuring enemies turned lovers – “Under One Roof,” “Stuck With You,” and “Below Zero.” In the first story, an environmental engineer is forced to share living space with a lawyer from the oil industry. The second involves two rival engineers stuck in an elevator, and in the third, scientist adversaries reunite at an Arctic research station.

“Love Theoretically” (2023): This romance incorporates Hazelwood’s classic enemies-to-lovers motif, paired with elements of fake dating. Elsie, an adjunct professor in theoretical physics, is drawn into a fake relationship with a client’s brother – a man who has a contentious history with her mentor.

“Check & Mate” (2023): This young adult novel features two chess competitors, Mallory, who is preparing for her final match, and Nolan, the reigning world champion, whose surprising defeat causes a stir in the chess community.

“Not in Love” (2024): In what is considered one of Hazelwood’s “spiciest” novels, “Not in Love” revolves around a secret, no-strings partnership between Rue, a food scientist, and Eli, a businessman with his own agenda.

“Bride” (2024): In her first venture into paranormal romance, “Bride” tells the tale of a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf forming a risky alliance through an arranged marriage.

“Cruel Winter with You” (2024): This story is part of the “Under the Mistletoe” anthology featuring seasonal romances from various authors. It follows pediatrician Jamie as she encounters her best friend’s brother – the one who got away.

“Two Can Play” (2024): This short romance, available only as an audiobook, depicts Viola’s chance to design a video game based on her favorite series, but she has to do it with her fiercest competitor.

“Deep End” (2025): Get ready for Scarlett and Lukas! “Deep End” is about college athletes and the steamy path they navigate as they aim for Olympic success.

Are Ali Hazelwood books spicy?

“Deep End” is certainly spicy – early reviewers are calling it her hottest title yet, fitting for a book which was originally titled “Whet.”

Although many of Hazelwood’s books contain intimate scenes, “Bride” and “Not in Love” stand out as her most explicit works. On the contrary, “Check & Mate,” her only young adult story, features a closed-door romance.

Still searching for the perfect read? YSL News Books can help.

Reading preferences vary, and YSL News Books offers a wide array of genres to explore. If you enjoyed “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, consider checking out romantic fantasy titles. For those seeking lighter reads filled with charming characters, cozy mysteries or fantasy may be ideal. Additionally, take a look at our most anticipated reads for 2025. If you’re interested in popular selections, visit YSL News’s Best-selling Booklist.

Clare Mulroy is a reporter for News’s Books section, where she highlights exciting new releases, interviews authors, and explores the reading culture.