This was such a fun, emotionally layered read! The tension between Alex and Danial absolutely crackles from page one. Their history is messy, complicated, and completely believable, and watching them circle each other after a decade apart was addictive.
The mix of sharp banter, clashing values, and simmering attraction makes their dynamic irresistible.

The High Dive smartly class divides and political tension without becoming heavy handed. While the romance is an ultra-slow burn that doesn’t fully spark until late in the book, the push-and-pull between Alex and Danial feels grounded, if sometimes frustrating. Alex isn’t always easy to root for, but she’s relatable, and the payoff with Danial (though late) was satisfying. If you’re in the mood for a modern enemies-to-lovers with witty banter, high tension, and a little extra depth, The High Dive is worth the read.

This quickly became one of my favorite romance reads of the year. I could only imagine how perfect it would have been to devour on a beach.

Chelsea Fagan's The High Dive is a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance that delves into the complexities of class, ambition, and desire. The story follows Alexandra Onassis, a progressive political strategist, who reunites with her former college peer, Danial Azad, during a luxurious yacht trip in the Mediterranean. Fagan masterfully explores the tension between their differing worldviews and the undeniable chemistry that reignites between them. Set against the opulent backdrop of European summer travel, the novel offers a sharp commentary on wealth, privilege, and personal values. With its blend of romance and social critique, The High Dive is a compelling read that resonates with contemporary themes.

As always, I loved Chelsea's writing style and can't wait for her next book. Her novels will always be at the top of my TBR.

3.75 ⭐️

A smart and sexy summer romance with sizzling chemistry and escapist vibes. I liked the Mediterranean setting but some supporting characters could use more depth.

It's hard to convincingly achieve an "enemies to lovers" plot in a contemporary romance and this...doesn't quite do that. But it's still very enjoyable to read. What's better for summer than reading about rich people on a mega yacht? We have a main character who is on the outside looking in, when it comes to her rich friends and her rich enemy slash past lover slash future lover? I really enjoyed that Alex worked in progressive politics because so many romances attempt to be apolitical or at least stay wishy-washy enough to keep more conservative readers happy.

A perfect summer read. A romance book with some substance.

I immediately devoured this one. I was a little hesitant to pick this one up but am glad that I did.

Summer is almost over but you can still bask in the glow of summery vibes with The High Dive.

Alex Onassis never fully felt part of her friend group at Columbia University - a scholarship kid among the wealthy, but she could always find an ally in Danial Azad. Until one might just before graduation when their entire relationship blew up. Now, 10 years later, Alex, Danial, and their college friends are reunited for a bachelor party on a chartered yacht in the Mediterranean. Class and emotional conflict ensue.

What I liked:
The writing: one thing about many of the books I read is that the writing is like a potato chip - I’m gonna eat it, I’m gonna love it, but I know it’s not good for me. This book was not that - the writing was tight, fit the genre in a sophisticated way, but was not pretentious.

The setting: who doesn’t want to read about a yacht trip in the Mediterranean?

The couple: yes, yes, and more yes.

What challenged me:
I’m starting to think that I’m the problem but Alex was once again too relatable in an annoying way. Like, girl, relax. Don’t be nasty to your mom you’re an adult woman.

Final thoughts:
I thought this was a great summer read or an any time read if you want the vibes of summer. The writing was great, the characters were charming, the character development was there but you aren’t being hit over the head with it. Overall would recommend.

For context I'm not typically a big romance reader, but I enjoyed Chelsea Fagan's first book, so I was excited to try out her second! I liked this one slightly less than the first, but still found it to be an entertaining summer read.

I loved the Mediterranean setting—being cooped up on a yacht brought out the tension between the main characters and the luxury vibes really heightened the class commentary throughout the book. As far as the main characters go, I mostly found Alex annoying, but I think most people would be annoying when they're constantly worried that their college friend group doesn't like them/thinks they're beneath them. Add the stress of reuniting with the guy who rejected you years prior, and yeah, again, I can forgive her for being somewhat annoying. I found Danial rather endearing and realistic, so I was rooting for his happy ending! I wasn't crazy invested in whether these two got together, but I did enjoy the ride.

To me, the most interesting part of the book was the woven in commentary on class. There are characters from different economic backgrounds and whose fortunes have changed over time, but also a variety of perspectives and attitudes towards money and politics presented. It was surprising and interesting to see in a romance!

I prefer a bit more subtlety when tackling subjects like class and socioeconomics but I understand a lot of modern readers really need everything spelled out for them. Otherwise well-written and I’m glad Fagan is leaning into writing capital R Romance Novels! It’s a good pool read and the cover is gorg!

Really enjoyed this one by Chelsea Fagan! Super well researched, and was so much fun to read during my Euro summer. Now I’m dying to go to Greece!

Adored this second outing by Chelsea Fagan. I've been a TFD subscriber for years and it's been delightful to see Chelsea step into this new arena! I thought the character development was very grounded in reality and I really identified with Alex and her experiences as the working class fish out of water.

I absolutely adored reading this novel. It was well written and well crafted. I struggle with some romance novels because of the childish tone that authors use to approach the genre. This was lovely and light.

The only issue I had was that the love interests family was not as fleshed out as I would have liked.

I’ve never read such a heartwarming, progressive, and thoughtful story that spans contents, generations, classes, and timelines. Chelsea Fagan's prose is timeless and moving. And there are so many banger lines and Buffalo Bills references.

I really enjoyed this book. I am not typically a romance reader but this one had me. It was a great summer beach read.

*I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced release copy of this book. Great summer read!

Read this book while on our Summer Vacation 2025 and it did not disappoint!!!! I loved it!! The perfect beach read. Very well written - the setting is on a yatch - a first for me!!! Characters were well developed. I loved The Perfect Vintage and knew I’d love this one - and it is confirmed, I did. Well done!!! Would like more, please!!!

I loved Fagan's last novel, A Perfect Vintage, and was excited that she was coming out with another so soon. This was fun. The characters didn't feel as deeply developed as in the previous book, but I enjoyed getting to know them. Chelsea writes women so well, and I'm eager to see what else she has up her sleeve. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you net galley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

The cover of this book is absolutely stunning. Those colors are beautiful and makes for a perfect summer book.

I enjoyed the setting and the conflict of this book. I liked the first book more but overall would recommend!!