Review: See You at the Finish Line

See You at the Finish Line by Zac Hammett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

See You at the Finish Line by Zac Hammett

Genre: Queer Romance (MM) / Romantic Comedy / Sports Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars — clever and charming, but emotionally light)

Tagline:
Rivals on the river discover chemistry they didn’t train for.

🚣‍♂️🌈 Tropes & Story Elements

• Queer Romance (MM)
• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Forced Proximity (Team Sports)
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Fish Out of Water (All-American at Cambridge)
• Jock/Nerd Dynamic
• Fake Lessons / Coaching the Crush
• Sports Romance (Rowing)
• Rom-Com with Academic Stakes

⚠️ Content & Trigger Warnings

• Academic pressure and favoritism discourse
• Mild emotional manipulation and jealousy
• Competitive hostility and rivalry
• References to sexual experience imbalance
• Stress related to performance (sports and academics)

🚣‍♂️ Full Thoughts

See You at the Finish Line is a smart, energetic queer sports rom-com that brings fresh texture to the enemies-to-lovers formula by anchoring it in competitive rowing and academic pressure. Set at Cambridge, the story pairs two characters who feel designed to clash — and often do — creating a lively foundation for banter, rivalry, and reluctant attraction.

George, the charismatic American rowing star, enters the story carrying the weight of expectation. He’s talented, privileged, and visibly successful, yet quietly insecure about whether he truly belongs in an elite academic environment. His golden-boy image masks anxiety and self-doubt, which adds depth to what could have been a one-note jock archetype.

Lucas, on the other hand, is sharp, sarcastic, and fiercely self-made. An economics standout who’s earned his place through grit and discipline, he bristles at George’s perceived entitlement. Their mutual dislike is immediate and believable, especially when forced to share space on the same rowing team — a setting that thrives on precision, teamwork, and suppressed tension.

⚔️ Rivalry, Banter, and Forced Proximity

The setup is one of the book’s strongest elements. A tutoring-for-seduction arrangement (coaching the crush under the guise of academic help) propels the plot and delivers exactly what the tropes promise: close quarters, escalating tension, and plenty of opportunities for sharp dialogue.

Hammett excels at banter. The dialogue is snappy, often laugh-out-loud funny, and well-paced. The rowing scenes are particularly effective, grounding the romance in physical effort, competition, and shared stakes. The sport isn’t window dressing — it actively shapes the characters’ stress levels, rivalries, and moments of reluctant respect.

Tone-wise, the book consistently lands in rom-com territory: buoyant, playful, and easy to read. The queer romance elements are front and center, offering a light, affirming story that prioritizes chemistry and charm.

💔 Emotional Arc & Romantic Payoff

Where the book falters slightly is in emotional depth and pacing.

The transition from antagonism to intimacy happens quickly, and while the chemistry is enjoyable, it doesn’t always feel fully earned. Some of the underlying conflicts — particularly those tied to academic favoritism, rivalry, and insecurity — resolve more neatly than expected given the weight the story assigns them early on.

The “coaching the crush” thread, while fun, occasionally distracts from the deeper emotional connection between George and Lucas. At times, it feels like the mechanics of the trope take precedence over letting the relationship breathe and develop organically.

As a result, the romance is pleasant and engaging, but the emotional payoff lands softly rather than powerfully. The story finishes competently — just without the lasting resonance that might elevate it beyond a solid, enjoyable read.

🖤 Pacing & Structure

The pacing is brisk and accessible, making this an easy, fast read. However, the speed occasionally works against the emotional arc. Moments that could have benefited from lingering — vulnerability, reconciliation, deeper introspection — move along too quickly.

Readers who enjoy light rom-com rhythms will likely appreciate this. Those hoping for a more layered emotional journey may find it slightly underdeveloped.

🖤 Themes at Play

• Belonging vs. Privilege — Who deserves a seat at the table
• Competition & Identity — When self-worth is tied to performance
• Rivalry as Intimacy — Conflict turning into connection
• Imposter Syndrome — Even the golden boys doubt themselves
• Queer Joy in Competition — Romance thriving under pressure

🖤 Final Thoughts

See You at the Finish Line is clever, witty, and undeniably fun. It offers a refreshing sports backdrop, engaging banter, and a charming enemies-to-lovers dynamic that makes for an entertaining ride.

While it didn’t fully stick the emotional landing for me, it’s a solid pick for readers craving a breezy queer rom-com with competitive sparks, academic tension, and a sports setting that feels genuinely integrated.

Not a photo finish — but a satisfying race nonetheless.

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