Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein Published by Atria Books on June 23, 2020
Pages: 320
Format: ARC
Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Women's Fiction
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The past seven years have been hard on Avery Abrams: After training her entire life to make the Olympic gymnastics team, a disastrous performance ended her athletic career for good. Her best friend and teammate, Jasmine, went on to become an Olympic champion, then committed the ultimate betrayal by marrying their emotionally abusive coach, Dimitri.
Now, reeling from a breakup with her football star boyfriend, Avery returns to her Massachusetts hometown, where new coach Ryan asks her to help him train a promising young gymnast with Olympic aspirations. Despite her misgivings and worries about the memories it will evoke, Avery agrees. Back in the gym, she’s surprised to find sparks flying with Ryan. But when a shocking scandal in the gymnastics world breaks, it has shattering effects not only for the sport but also for Avery and her old friend Jasmine.
I’ve been obsessed with the Olympic games – gymnastics, in particular – since I was a young girl. Every four years, I find myself glued to my television, cheering on Team U.S.A. When I found out Head Over Heels was a romance centered around a gymnast training for the Olympics, the decision to read it was a no-brainer.
With some sports romances, the sport is barely tangential to the plot. This book, however, immerses the reader in the world of competitive gymnastics – the training regime, techniques, rules, equipment, and competitions. It’s a well-researched subject that’s a dream for super fans.
Despite the cute cover, this isn’t a fluffy contemporary romance. Avery is burdened with depression and the lingering effects of emotional abuse. It’s tangible. However, deep down is a fighting spirit that I admired. I liked the way Avery bonds with Ryan over their shared experiences as former elite gymnasts. I also enjoyed how they work together as a team to train Hallie. Theirs is a sweet, although not necessarily electric, attraction. This is mainly due to the indecisive nature of their romance. It feels forced.
In Hallie, we see a teenager with great ambition and grit. She is able to take on the grueling physical and mental demands required of athletes competing at her high level, while still maintaining a sweetness that’s endearing. I celebrated every accomplishment and mourned each setback.
I would have rated the book higher, but some developments in the latter half are too rushed. Ryan’s decision-making is questionable and hasty. Avery’s reunion with her former best friend, Jasmine, needs finessing; although, I did enjoy their relationship. The drama lover in me wanted to see additional interactions with Avery’s former coach and a more satisfying resolution.
Overall, I enjoyed this book more as a work of contemporary women’s fiction than as a romance. Head Over Heels definitely renewed my love for gymnastics and my appreciation for athletes who train most of their lives for one shot at grabbing the ultimate gold.
Recommended for fans of:
Gymnastics
The Olympics
Second chances
Cooking
*I received an early copy of this book from the publisher to voluntarily read.*
It sounds like you enjoyed this one a lot more than a couple other reviews I read. I think someone said they didn’t like the pace and it was lacking that romance. Great review!
You enjoyed this one a little more than I did. I agree with your points about the romance not being great and things happening too quickly at the end, though. Great review!