See You at the Finish Line

Hammett makes an effervescent debut with this enemies-to-lovers sports romance. Lucas, a cox for the Cambridge crew team, has always had issues with George, the club president, an underwear model from Wisconsin. After losing a big race against their rival, Oxford, the teammates hate each other more than ever. But these frenemies soon make a deal: “sex god” George will help the inexperienced Lucas woo his crush, Amir, and smarty-pants Lucas will help George pass his exams, a requirement for staying on the team. The arrangement starts off promisingly, but George surprises himself by becoming jealous as Lucas starts dating Amir; he realizes he’s “full on longing” for Lucas and wants him to be his boyfriend. On the water, things are also shaky due to the duo’s demoralizing demotion to second boat. Hammett keeps both the romantic and athletic plots gliding along smoothly on the way to a suitably dramatic finish at the big race. With amusing banter between the leads and sexual tension aplenty, including an awkward but heavily charged moment of the guys pressed close against each other in a closet, this diverting contemporary is a triumph. (Sept.)