Reviews

Head Over Heels (LP) by Hannah Orenstein

amyk2024's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I did not think I would enjoy this as much as I did. There is. Lot of technical gymnastics and olympics talk that just went right over my head but it didn’t take away from the story. I loved the three main characters and felt a vested interest in their lives. The book took place over the course of a year and the character development over that year was beautifully done. The relationship between Avery and Ryan felt so natural and the coaching dynamic with Haley was perfect. This book really tackled the sexual assault issues that gymnasts unfortunately face. I felt so many emotions throughout and absolutely fell head over heels for this book! (Sorry, I couldn’t help the pun!)

morganboyd's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

3.5 stars I was a competitive gymnast up until the age of 13, so I really related to a lot of this book. I liked how it pointed out the nasty sides of the gymnastics world and Orenstein wasn't afraid to go all in. My main problem with this book was the struggle for me to mix the two plots. I became really invested in the scandal aspect of the book, so much so that the romance took a back seat. I wished this book had been longer, so the author could have developed both plot lines further. Overall, while I did have some issues, this book was a feel-good romance that respectfully discusses topics the gymnastics world has tended to ignore.

mtasket's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

DNF @ 46% - would not consider a romance, that aspect was just badly written

morethanthepages's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This one had me smiling and was adorable.

It was a solid fluffy read to bring a little bit of cuteness and romance to my reading selections. I am glad it sort of revolved around gymnastics and the 2020 Olympics because I needed that since they're not happening this summer lol. It definitely wasn't a surface level book either. There was some strong emotions that came in to play by several of the characters. And I could truly see Avery as a real person. The way she thought and acted felt accurate and not just fictionalized to be fictionalized. She was a strong main character.

Even though the characters and the Olympic hopefuls in the books were fictional the author did touch on topics that gymnasts face in real-life. She incorporated some heavy topics.

It's one of those cute/fun summer romance reads that you could finish in one day floating in a pool. Thank you for @atriabooks for my copy and happy pub day! ♡Rachel

ceciliasrose's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A lot of this hit home for me as a retired athlete who’s career didn’t end as they wanted due to an injury. I can see why it would be hard to resonate with a lot of Avery’s feelings if you weren’t in that position. That being said, I do feel like a lot of this was repetitive or unoriginal. I also thought the romance was completely unnecessary and random even if this was marketed as a romance?? It would’ve been significantly better without it.

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A sweet sports romance featuring Avery, a former Olympic gymnastics hopeful and Ryan, an Olympic medalist and now gymnastics coach who taps Avery to help with his Olympic hopeful student's floor routine. Hesitant to get back into the world that let her down, Avery agrees, quickly getting excited about the young gymnast's potential.

This was a sloooow burn will-they, won't-they romance as Avery and Ryan dance around their growing attraction and unwillingness to mess with their professional relationship. I really enjoyed getting immersed in the gymnastics sport and felt the author did such a good job setting the scene! Perfect for fans of the movie, Stick it and great on audio narrated by Joy Osmanski!

readtowander's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Lovers of gymnastics, The Olympics, or really any other sport or activity you grew up doing must read this book. I was no gymnast, but as a dancer and performer my whole life, I related to this book so much. It is so hard growing up with you eye on that one prize, whatever it may be, but for Avery making it to The Olympics and then losing it all in a moment.
Head Over Heels takes you on Avery’s journey from her hurt and depression, to hopefulness but anxiety, to fulfillment and a new kind of achievement! I think this book would have had a different effect on me if I had read it last year, but now it brings me hope.
Must Read for this summer, especially if you need a little dose of The Olympics! 4.5 Stars!
Thank you netgalley, the author and Atria books for my eArc!

kdurham2's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

This is a good book. With a focus on the gymnastics community and the recent news that has happened in that community this book felt so honest and real.

Avery Abrams lived a lot of life in a short time, training for many years with the
Olympics as the end goal, it was taken from her right on the cusp and for this big of an event to happen at such a young age, Avey has been through a lot. The book starts seven years later as Avery is returning home and she is at a turning point and has to decide what is next for herself.

intenselydistracted's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

I wanted to like this book, but it just didn't stick the landing. (Horrible pun intended.) It tried to toe the line between reality and fiction with heavy topics paired with a budding romance, but didn't really give either enough weight for it to work.

mmardybum's review against another edition

Go to review page

very prophetic. until it wasnt.