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lauren_soderberg's review against another edition
4.0
Hannah Orenstein’s Head Over Heels is a charming rom-com (with a few heavy moments) set in the world of competitive gymnastics.
When Avery Abrams’s Olympic dreams came to a heartbreaking halt, she felt unmoored and depressed. Eight years, and one breakup later, she finds herself back in her Massachusetts hometown to pick up the pieces. When former Olympian, Ryan Nicholson, reaches out about a coaching opportunity, Avery accepts. Will this be the chance she needs to finally move forward? Or will the ghosts of her past potential come back to haunt her?
This novel does a good job of peeling back the curtain of the competitive gymnastics world in a way that makes it accessible to the lay reader, but still acknowledges the hard work and dedication that these elite athletes make to achieve their dreams. It was, however, a little surreal to read about an alternative timeline in which the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are actually happening, and where the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t exist. That feeling is especially present in a story like this because it’s so directly tied to a specific moment in time.
That aside, I appreciate the nuanced and sensitive way that Orenstein acknowledges the misconduct that has been prevalent in the sport without using it as a cheap narrative device. The relationships that are explored in the novel (namely Avery and Ryan, Hallie and Avery/Ryan, and Avery and Jasmine) are also well-plotted and read as wholly genuine. There are also strong female characters who are inspiring in various ways.
In all, it’s funny, it’s poignant, and it’s empowering. And a great read overall.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When Avery Abrams’s Olympic dreams came to a heartbreaking halt, she felt unmoored and depressed. Eight years, and one breakup later, she finds herself back in her Massachusetts hometown to pick up the pieces. When former Olympian, Ryan Nicholson, reaches out about a coaching opportunity, Avery accepts. Will this be the chance she needs to finally move forward? Or will the ghosts of her past potential come back to haunt her?
This novel does a good job of peeling back the curtain of the competitive gymnastics world in a way that makes it accessible to the lay reader, but still acknowledges the hard work and dedication that these elite athletes make to achieve their dreams. It was, however, a little surreal to read about an alternative timeline in which the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are actually happening, and where the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t exist. That feeling is especially present in a story like this because it’s so directly tied to a specific moment in time.
That aside, I appreciate the nuanced and sensitive way that Orenstein acknowledges the misconduct that has been prevalent in the sport without using it as a cheap narrative device. The relationships that are explored in the novel (namely Avery and Ryan, Hallie and Avery/Ryan, and Avery and Jasmine) are also well-plotted and read as wholly genuine. There are also strong female characters who are inspiring in various ways.
In all, it’s funny, it’s poignant, and it’s empowering. And a great read overall.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
amyk2024's review against another edition
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
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
2.0
DNF @ 46% - would not consider a romance, that aspect was just badly written
morethanthepages's review against another edition
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
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
kathhill's review against another edition
3.0
very predictable, enjoyed the romance between Ryan and Avery, but was glad this book itself was not presented to me as romance, as that was just plot line that added to the coming age/redemption story that was told. I felt that Avery grew as a character and became more likable as the book went on.
ceciliasrose's review against another edition
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
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!
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
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!
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!