Beyond the Stroke

By: Erin Hawkins

Narrated by: Lucy Rivers, Alex Knox

SUMMER

After years on the road, I’ve discovered Coral Cove is the perfect beach town to live a quiet, untethered life where I can paint in the shadows. That is until a mermaid cosplay goes horribly wrong and Rory Shields, world champion swimmer and the town’s golden boy plucks me out of a sticky situation.

Our chance encounter soon develops into a surprising friendship, and the more I learn about Rory, the more I find myself feeling protective over this charming golden retriever of a man. So, when his meddling parents and relentless ex won’t leave him alone, I announce that we’re not only dating, but married.

My parents’ miserable marriage taught me to never say ‘I do’ but knowing the guise will help Rory focus on training, I agree to follow through with the ruse.

But the more we play husband and wife, the harder it becomes to keep the lines from blurring. And before I know it, I’m treading water in the deep end and falling for my fake husband.

RORY

After rehabbing a knee injury that almost ended my swimming career, I’ve returned to Coral Cove, home of the Carolina Current swimming club, determined to focus on training and preparing for the next summer games. But not everyone in my life is on board with my plans for another run for gold.

My parents and ex-girlfriend have a different plan for my life. Until Summer, the intriguing woman I pulled out of the ocean, announces we’re married and I realize being tied to the gorgeous, free-spirited woman is the perfect solution to keep my parents off my back.

What starts out as a marriage of convenience quickly turns into something much deeper, and suddenly I’m fighting for a future I never saw coming. But Summer doesn’t believe in marriage and happily ever after, so how can I convince her we’re meant to last?

©2025 Erin Hawkins Books LLC (P)2025 Erin Hawkins Books LLC

Olympic Swimmer meets Secret Artist

This book follows Rory, a cinnamon-roll-softy Olympic swimmer training for one last shot at the Games. While preparing, he unexpectedly crosses paths with Summer, an asthmatic woman working as a mermaid performer at a kids’ party. After saving her when she struggles with her fin, Rory can’t stop thinking about her—even though Summer quickly slips away. Fate keeps pushing them together, and since Rory is a natural problem-solver, he can’t resist helping Summer when he discovers how much she’s struggling. But Summer’s walls are sky-high, and letting someone like Rory in won’t be easy.

I was completely obsessed with this book. As someone who grew up swimming, I adored the authentic portrayal of the sport—the team dynamics, the training, the personal drive to reach big goals. Erin’s knowledge and attention to detail made me feel right at home in this world, and the romance had me smiling the entire time.

An amazing book with great narrators

Erin Hawkins has quickly become one of my favorite authors! I have loved everything she has written and this book is now my favorite! I absolutely loved the MMC, Rory! He is the sweetest and best possible perfect book boyfriend! Erin could not have written him any better! The FMC, Summer is strong and stuborn but quickly falls for Rorys charm. They are perfect for each other! I loved reading about their love story! Summers pug Edgar is absolutely adorable and such a fun part of the story! I love how Summer puts him before herself and how quickly Rory falls for him.
The audiobook was perfect! The narrators did an amazing job bringing this story to life! I absolutely loved reading and listening to this story! I highly recommend this book and audiobook! If I could give more than 5 stars I would! I cant wait for the next book if this series to come out!