Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
I felt like I was speed reading this whole book and overall I was disappointed with this one. Gymnastics is my favorite Olympic sport and I just felt this book was lacking with the overall vibe. Definitely expected more.
Out of Bounds (The Summer Games, #2) by R.S. Grey
Overall rating: 2/5 stars – DNF at 50%... Here’s why…
Genre: Contemporary/Romance/New Adult/Sports
Type: Books 2 of 2 – Can be read as a standalone, The Summer Games series
POV: First person - dual POVs - Erik and Brie
Release date: August 1st, 2016
Overall thoughts:
This is a bit of a rant, so I apologize in advance. I'm just trying to be as honest as possible...
Ok, here’s the thing. I was really enjoying this book, up until THAT scene. If you’ve read the book I’m sure you know which one, but just to refresh your memory, I’m talking about the yoga scene. Perhaps I’m just being uptight, perhaps I’m just saying it like it is, but that scene shouldn’t have been in the book.
Hear me out.
I read romance novels - or books in general, as a matter of fact - because I’m interested in the story they have to offer, and the characters they bring to life. I don’t read romance for the smut. If I wanted to read smut, I’d just read any book by Alexa Riley – no offense, many people love her books – but her books are about 90% sex, and 10% story. But smut is not why I read romance. In my opinion, a sex scene needs to serve a purpose. Whether it’s character development or emotional conflict, if it adds to the overall story, it’s a good sex scene in my opinion. Do they have to be sexy? Yes, sure, that’s the added bonus, but it’s not the main purpose. Or, at least, I don’t think it should be. A happy mix of everything, that’s what it should be.
So, whether a book contains 0 or 100 sex scenes matters very little to me, as long as it fits with the overall story. As long as it feels like it’s right for the story. If it feels like a sex scene was added to the story just because there wasn’t one in the last 3 chapters and the author thought it was about time they have sex again, fine, that’s the author’s decision to make, but as a reader – and a reviewer – I start enjoying the story less, and less, with each passing sex scene of the sort.
Everything I just said is even truer when you add kinks or anything “out of the norm” into the mix; like threesomes, BDSM elements, etc. It’s exciting, it’s different – sure, but it needs to fit the characters’ personalities that are taking part in such activities.
So, you can imagine that as I was reading this book, that particular yoga scene really bugged me. Up until that point in the story, the hero and the heroine hadn’t had sex, and they had barely done anything more than him having his fingers inside her. Never, before then, had any of them showed any signs of being “into” that sort of thing. Never. And then BAM! Suddenly, they’re having some kind of threesome with the yoga instructor – note, I’m saying “some kind” because I’m not exactly sure one would call that “having sex” but the girl was certainly having “fun” with the guy and the yoga instructor… The girl, Brie is her name, never even let on that she was remotely into that kind of thing. If anything, she was almost shy with Erik, the guy. Perhaps, shy isn’t the right word… but she was taking her time with him – and he with her - if you know what I mean.
So the fact that all of a sudden – remember they never had sex together, and the girl barely had sex in her life – she has a – female – yoga instructor that she doesn’t know, right up her pants, and the guy tending to her breasts at the same time, and experiencing – oh so surprisingly – the most intense orgasm of her life left me kind of... disappointed? Frustrated? Annoyed? Or at the very least confused. Very confused. That scene was so out of character for both characters and didn’t fit with the story whatsoever.
I don't know if it was meant to be like an "OMG! How shocking!" plot-twist, but for me, it was more of a "What the hell?! This is so fucking random and out of place" plot-twist... In other words, not a good plot-twist.
Also, I can't help be feel like Brie was almost - I say almost because it wasn't 100% clear, all of it was quite weird - forced into the threesome with Erik and the yoga intructor, and that's something else that really made me uncomfortable with that whole scene...
It really bugged me, so much so, that I’ve lost interest in this story… So it’s a DNF for me.
I should probably also mention that I had many issues with Brie. She was supposed to be a 20 years old woman, but acted like a twelve years old teenager, which made me a bit uncomfortable in some parts, knowing Erik was 29, and more or less acted like a 29 years old man. I know she's 20, but she acted like a girl - an annoying girl with very little self-respect at that - so the age gap seemed a lot bigger between them...
Final thoughts:
Anyway, I’m not sure any of this made much sense, all I was trying to say was that the yoga scene is what made me DNF this book. I don’t know if I’m the only one who felt that way about the scene… maybe no one else felt that way about it, who knows… One thing is sure, I’m just not curious enough to read the rest of the book…
With that being said, it's not the last book by R.S. Grey I'll ever read. I've read Scoring Wilder a few years ago and remember liking it, so I'll definitely try out her other books.
In short,
Story: 3/5 stars – Still enjoyed the story before THAT scene, it was going great and then well…you know…
Writing: 3/5 stars – Nothing utterly special or beautiful in the writing, it was quite average.
Characters: 1/5 stars – And this is where I’m taking points off for THAT scene, because it was, again, out of character.
Sexiness: 3/5 – I liked the sexual tension between the two characters.
Cover: 2.5/5 stars – It’s alright, I mean, there’s obviously nothing overly special about it. Not my favorite cover out there. I don’t like it when there are real life people on the cover.
Overall: 2/5 stars – it’s a DNF for me.
Note: This isn't really a review. It's just me trying to explain how I felt about that scene and why I think it shouldn't have been in the book.
Overall rating: 2/5 stars – DNF at 50%... Here’s why…
Genre: Contemporary/Romance/New Adult/Sports
Type: Books 2 of 2 – Can be read as a standalone, The Summer Games series
POV: First person - dual POVs - Erik and Brie
Release date: August 1st, 2016
Overall thoughts:
This is a bit of a rant, so I apologize in advance. I'm just trying to be as honest as possible...
Ok, here’s the thing. I was really enjoying this book, up until THAT scene. If you’ve read the book I’m sure you know which one, but just to refresh your memory, I’m talking about the yoga scene. Perhaps I’m just being uptight, perhaps I’m just saying it like it is, but that scene shouldn’t have been in the book.
Hear me out.
I read romance novels - or books in general, as a matter of fact - because I’m interested in the story they have to offer, and the characters they bring to life. I don’t read romance for the smut. If I wanted to read smut, I’d just read any book by Alexa Riley – no offense, many people love her books – but her books are about 90% sex, and 10% story. But smut is not why I read romance. In my opinion, a sex scene needs to serve a purpose. Whether it’s character development or emotional conflict, if it adds to the overall story, it’s a good sex scene in my opinion. Do they have to be sexy? Yes, sure, that’s the added bonus, but it’s not the main purpose. Or, at least, I don’t think it should be. A happy mix of everything, that’s what it should be.
So, whether a book contains 0 or 100 sex scenes matters very little to me, as long as it fits with the overall story. As long as it feels like it’s right for the story. If it feels like a sex scene was added to the story just because there wasn’t one in the last 3 chapters and the author thought it was about time they have sex again, fine, that’s the author’s decision to make, but as a reader – and a reviewer – I start enjoying the story less, and less, with each passing sex scene of the sort.
Everything I just said is even truer when you add kinks or anything “out of the norm” into the mix; like threesomes, BDSM elements, etc. It’s exciting, it’s different – sure, but it needs to fit the characters’ personalities that are taking part in such activities.
So, you can imagine that as I was reading this book, that particular yoga scene really bugged me. Up until that point in the story, the hero and the heroine hadn’t had sex, and they had barely done anything more than him having his fingers inside her. Never, before then, had any of them showed any signs of being “into” that sort of thing. Never. And then BAM! Suddenly, they’re having some kind of threesome with the yoga instructor – note, I’m saying “some kind” because I’m not exactly sure one would call that “having sex” but the girl was certainly having “fun” with the guy and the yoga instructor… The girl, Brie is her name, never even let on that she was remotely into that kind of thing. If anything, she was almost shy with Erik, the guy. Perhaps, shy isn’t the right word… but she was taking her time with him – and he with her - if you know what I mean.
So the fact that all of a sudden – remember they never had sex together, and the girl barely had sex in her life – she has a – female – yoga instructor that she doesn’t know, right up her pants, and the guy tending to her breasts at the same time, and experiencing – oh so surprisingly – the most intense orgasm of her life left me kind of... disappointed? Frustrated? Annoyed? Or at the very least confused. Very confused. That scene was so out of character for both characters and didn’t fit with the story whatsoever.
I don't know if it was meant to be like an "OMG! How shocking!" plot-twist, but for me, it was more of a "What the hell?! This is so fucking random and out of place" plot-twist... In other words, not a good plot-twist.
Also, I can't help be feel like Brie was almost - I say almost because it wasn't 100% clear, all of it was quite weird - forced into the threesome with Erik and the yoga intructor, and that's something else that really made me uncomfortable with that whole scene...
It really bugged me, so much so, that I’ve lost interest in this story… So it’s a DNF for me.
I should probably also mention that I had many issues with Brie. She was supposed to be a 20 years old woman, but acted like a twelve years old teenager, which made me a bit uncomfortable in some parts, knowing Erik was 29, and more or less acted like a 29 years old man. I know she's 20, but she acted like a girl - an annoying girl with very little self-respect at that - so the age gap seemed a lot bigger between them...
Final thoughts:
Anyway, I’m not sure any of this made much sense, all I was trying to say was that the yoga scene is what made me DNF this book. I don’t know if I’m the only one who felt that way about the scene… maybe no one else felt that way about it, who knows… One thing is sure, I’m just not curious enough to read the rest of the book…
With that being said, it's not the last book by R.S. Grey I'll ever read. I've read Scoring Wilder a few years ago and remember liking it, so I'll definitely try out her other books.
In short,
Story: 3/5 stars – Still enjoyed the story before THAT scene, it was going great and then well…you know…
Writing: 3/5 stars – Nothing utterly special or beautiful in the writing, it was quite average.
Characters: 1/5 stars – And this is where I’m taking points off for THAT scene, because it was, again, out of character.
Sexiness: 3/5 – I liked the sexual tension between the two characters.
Cover: 2.5/5 stars – It’s alright, I mean, there’s obviously nothing overly special about it. Not my favorite cover out there. I don’t like it when there are real life people on the cover.
Overall: 2/5 stars – it’s a DNF for me.
Note: This isn't really a review. It's just me trying to explain how I felt about that scene and why I think it shouldn't have been in the book.
After reading R.S Grey's The Allure of Dean Harper, I was quick to jump onto this book. I loved the authors writing style and comedic ways. She makes her books fun and sexy to read.
The Summer Games: Out of Bounds is about Brie and Erik. Brie is a gymnast, heading for Rio and has just had her new coach. A lot of pressure is on her shoulders to perform well and win all gold. But this pressure she has put on her own shoulders. She wants a better life for her and her mom.
Erik is young for a coach, at the age of 29, he has had his fair share of competitions. Being a young coach doesn't come easy though, especially when you have everyone watching you to see if you will fail or not.
Brie and Erik clash in every way, they are both stubborn and strong willed. They clash from day 1 of meeting each other. So each decide to make life hell for the other one. They play tricks and fight each other at every turn but what happens when feelings start to develop between them?
Brie and Erik's relationship would be frowned upon. Coach and gymnast together isn't something that should ever happen.
I loved this story, I don't normally read sports romance books. But this one pulled me in from the start. I loved the author's writing style, they are so descriptive that you can literally picture everything around you.
I love Erik and Brie, they have this amazing chemistry between them. Even though the clash, it can be in the best possible way sometimes.
Brie is a women that knows what she wants and goes after it, and nothing or no one will stand in her way.
Erik is like the hot teacher in school you fancied but you knew you shouldn't. You can't help but be drawn to him, his personality, his looks, his eyes. Just him.
This book had some laugh out loud moments that I loved, also the sex scenes were fantastic. They were written really well, and left you feeling hot and bothered and in need of a cold shower.
I loved the whole "will they, wont they" going on. I just had to keep reading to see what happened in the end. But a few times I felt like I needed to bang Erik and Brie's heads together to make them see what was right in front of them.
Fantastic book and I'm excited for more stories from this author.
4 stars!
The Summer Games: Out of Bounds is about Brie and Erik. Brie is a gymnast, heading for Rio and has just had her new coach. A lot of pressure is on her shoulders to perform well and win all gold. But this pressure she has put on her own shoulders. She wants a better life for her and her mom.
Erik is young for a coach, at the age of 29, he has had his fair share of competitions. Being a young coach doesn't come easy though, especially when you have everyone watching you to see if you will fail or not.
Brie and Erik clash in every way, they are both stubborn and strong willed. They clash from day 1 of meeting each other. So each decide to make life hell for the other one. They play tricks and fight each other at every turn but what happens when feelings start to develop between them?
Brie and Erik's relationship would be frowned upon. Coach and gymnast together isn't something that should ever happen.
I loved this story, I don't normally read sports romance books. But this one pulled me in from the start. I loved the author's writing style, they are so descriptive that you can literally picture everything around you.
I love Erik and Brie, they have this amazing chemistry between them. Even though the clash, it can be in the best possible way sometimes.
Brie is a women that knows what she wants and goes after it, and nothing or no one will stand in her way.
Erik is like the hot teacher in school you fancied but you knew you shouldn't. You can't help but be drawn to him, his personality, his looks, his eyes. Just him.
This book had some laugh out loud moments that I loved, also the sex scenes were fantastic. They were written really well, and left you feeling hot and bothered and in need of a cold shower.
I loved the whole "will they, wont they" going on. I just had to keep reading to see what happened in the end. But a few times I felt like I needed to bang Erik and Brie's heads together to make them see what was right in front of them.
Fantastic book and I'm excited for more stories from this author.
4 stars!
The Summer Games: Out of Bounds is the second book in R.S. Grey's series centering around the Rio Olympics. It reads as a complete standalone as the characters from Settling the Score aren't featured in Out of Bounds.
Here's what we've got:
Forbidden romance: coach and athlete
Age gap: 29 and 20
Angst level: almost painful
Hotness: hottest book I've read this summer
Brie Watson is a first time Olympic gymnast. She's a bit older than her peers but she's going in with the best chances of winning gold. With a month left before the games, she learns that her coach had to back out and she's got to relocate to Seattle to train with Erik Winter.
"He was a sweet poison and I was so addicted."
Erik Winter was an amazing gymnast but fell out of the spotlight and is running his own gym out of Seattle. He's the first-time coach of Team USA and is determined to bring the gold back to the states.
"I was her coach and she was my gymnast. I was the predator and she was the victim. I smiled at the thought."
Ok. I love a good coach/athlete romance. Love it! R.S. Grey did it with Scoring Wilder and that's one of my favorite sports romance reads. Out of Bounds does not disappoint. The hate is hateful and the love is sweet.
Erik is mean. There, I said it. He's mean and hurtful and I wanted to punch him in the nuts a few times. But when he's sweet, you just want to swoon. Brie is fiery and fierce but she's got a hard time letting go giving into her feelings.
The level of angst was so high it was almost hard to read at times. I felt for both characters but wanted to scream at them at the same time to get over it and get together already! Honestly. Just do it and love each other and live your happily ever after. I kind of felt the end was just a bit too quick. I would have liked a bit more of a relationship out of Erik and Brie. Other than that, I adored Out of Bounds! Grey does sports and comedy so well and they shine in this book. Oh. Just a heads up: at 52% there's one of the hottest scenes I've ever read. EVER. I wasn't expecting that out of you, Rachel! Go girl!
Here's what we've got:
Forbidden romance: coach and athlete
Age gap: 29 and 20
Angst level: almost painful
Hotness: hottest book I've read this summer
Brie Watson is a first time Olympic gymnast. She's a bit older than her peers but she's going in with the best chances of winning gold. With a month left before the games, she learns that her coach had to back out and she's got to relocate to Seattle to train with Erik Winter.
"He was a sweet poison and I was so addicted."
Erik Winter was an amazing gymnast but fell out of the spotlight and is running his own gym out of Seattle. He's the first-time coach of Team USA and is determined to bring the gold back to the states.
"I was her coach and she was my gymnast. I was the predator and she was the victim. I smiled at the thought."
Ok. I love a good coach/athlete romance. Love it! R.S. Grey did it with Scoring Wilder and that's one of my favorite sports romance reads. Out of Bounds does not disappoint. The hate is hateful and the love is sweet.
Erik is mean. There, I said it. He's mean and hurtful and I wanted to punch him in the nuts a few times. But when he's sweet, you just want to swoon. Brie is fiery and fierce but she's got a hard time letting go giving into her feelings.
The level of angst was so high it was almost hard to read at times. I felt for both characters but wanted to scream at them at the same time to get over it and get together already! Honestly. Just do it and love each other and live your happily ever after. I kind of felt the end was just a bit too quick. I would have liked a bit more of a relationship out of Erik and Brie. Other than that, I adored Out of Bounds! Grey does sports and comedy so well and they shine in this book. Oh. Just a heads up: at 52% there's one of the hottest scenes I've ever read. EVER. I wasn't expecting that out of you, Rachel! Go girl!
This was definitely not my favorite R.S. Grey book by far. I didn't understand the chemistry between the two main characters and their whole 'struggle' but I'm glad to have checked this off my list of to read books by R.S. Grey.
Definitely did enjoy the yoga studio scene the most, though.
Definitely did enjoy the yoga studio scene the most, though.
ZERO STARS
What in the actual, *actual* fuck!?? DNF at 53%. It was the rape scene for me.
What in the actual, *actual* fuck!?? DNF at 53%. It was the rape scene for me.
Well, I started it as soon as it came out yesterday and finished this morning, so saying I liked it must be true! And just like Scoring Wilder, and The Summer Games: Settling the Score, this one also made me want to do more sports :b I actually really like that. And with the Olympics starting this week, its spot on guys! AND, I think I'll go for a run later, HA, now enjoy the little rest.
Another Olympic hit by the great R.S. Grey. Her books are easy and funny, and a delight to read. Including topics that everyone in their lives has considered or has been going through!
It was a great story about a young girl (20 years) who has worked hard to come where she is at the moment, all because of her mother, who has worked hard everyday, so that her daughter could do what she desired. And as we read along we also feel how torn Brie is because of that. She wants to win gold for herself, but also wants to win gold so she can give something back to her mother.
And Erik, the coach, dark, handsome 29 years old MAN, it's hard to resist him.
Erik and Brie's games are never ending, pushing each other and fighting all the time. Some could maybe have been left out, but that said, they were all a part of a build up. And when Erik got soft, I loveeeed that.
And her friends, Molly, Lexi and Rosie, all different, but a good support. That just shows how important it is also to have great friends beside you. And believe in second chances!
And there there is Erik's grandfather Niklas, what a beautiful soul. So lovable and enjoyable to read the scenes where he's included.
I just want more of it all...
Anyways, here are a few quotes from the book;
While it hurt to fall, it was agonizing to be dropped. ~ Brie
"it doesn’t matter how many hours you put into your craft if you’re staying in your comfort zone."
“You’re hiding something. You’re carrying the weightof the world on your shoulders. I know the difference between being nervous and being absolutely terrified to fail. So why? Why are you the latter?” ~ Erik to Brie
As his hand reached for mine, I recognized the intangible and elusive feeling building up inside my chest: hope. That soft thrill that sent rays of light through the darkness was nearly enough to convince me to give in, but the notion was fleeting.
"If the Sons of Anarchy were based in California, the Grandpas of Anarchy must’ve headed north to Seattle." ~ Lexi (cracking hilarious jokes as ever:D)
Side note: I LOVED that Andie was in the book. It totally made me want to reread Settling the Score.
- It wasn't much, but it was enough to make me smile about the other character's I hold dear.
Another Olympic hit by the great R.S. Grey. Her books are easy and funny, and a delight to read. Including topics that everyone in their lives has considered or has been going through!
It was a great story about a young girl (20 years) who has worked hard to come where she is at the moment, all because of her mother, who has worked hard everyday, so that her daughter could do what she desired. And as we read along we also feel how torn Brie is because of that. She wants to win gold for herself, but also wants to win gold so she can give something back to her mother.
And Erik, the coach, dark, handsome 29 years old MAN, it's hard to resist him.
Erik and Brie's games are never ending, pushing each other and fighting all the time. Some could maybe have been left out, but that said, they were all a part of a build up. And when Erik got soft, I loveeeed that.
And her friends, Molly, Lexi and Rosie, all different, but a good support. That just shows how important it is also to have great friends beside you. And believe in second chances!
And there there is Erik's grandfather Niklas, what a beautiful soul. So lovable and enjoyable to read the scenes where he's included.
I just want more of it all...
Anyways, here are a few quotes from the book;
While it hurt to fall, it was agonizing to be dropped. ~ Brie
"it doesn’t matter how many hours you put into your craft if you’re staying in your comfort zone."
“You’re hiding something. You’re carrying the weightof the world on your shoulders. I know the difference between being nervous and being absolutely terrified to fail. So why? Why are you the latter?” ~ Erik to Brie
As his hand reached for mine, I recognized the intangible and elusive feeling building up inside my chest: hope. That soft thrill that sent rays of light through the darkness was nearly enough to convince me to give in, but the notion was fleeting.
"If the Sons of Anarchy were based in California, the Grandpas of Anarchy must’ve headed north to Seattle." ~ Lexi (cracking hilarious jokes as ever:D)
Side note: I LOVED that Andie was in the book. It totally made me want to reread Settling the Score.
- It wasn't much, but it was enough to make me smile about the other character's I hold dear.
Let me start by saying this is starting to be one of my favorite authors. I loved the first in this series and could reread Scoring Wilder over and over again. But if you like this two books this is not one of those book. Both mail characters are childish. The bickering is constant and the abuse of power from the supposed coach is a real turn off. I’ll make sure to read reviews next time.
This book was tough to get through - like had to stop and come back after months and mainly skimming the ending to make it go by as fast as possible. If I didn’t hate leaving books unfinished, I never would’ve made it through. Especially after *THAT SCENE*. Everything between the main characters was extremely problematic and uncomfortable. Do not recommend.
1.5 stars
Let me start saying that I love RS Grey especially her older stuff .
So I enjoyed the first part of the book but then around 50% something that is not ok happened.
The Yoga scene WAS NOT OK. LET’S NOT NORMALIZE THIS SH*T . HE PRESSURED HER INTO A HALF HASSED 3 WAY WHEN SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO DO YOGA. Like seriously WTF . I thought Brie was dreaming at first but no , it was real.
I couldn’t enjoy the rest of the book after this disturbing scene happened and Erik never redeemed himself honestly . They were toxic together .
Let me start saying that I love RS Grey especially her older stuff .
So I enjoyed the first part of the book but then around 50% something that is not ok happened.
The Yoga scene WAS NOT OK. LET’S NOT NORMALIZE THIS SH*T . HE PRESSURED HER INTO A HALF HASSED 3 WAY WHEN SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO DO YOGA. Like seriously WTF . I thought Brie was dreaming at first but no , it was real.
I couldn’t enjoy the rest of the book after this disturbing scene happened and Erik never redeemed himself honestly . They were toxic together .