You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
R.S. Grey pens another intense, explosively hot and impossible to put down sports romance about an underdog gymnast and her stern and sexy coach.
After winning three consecutive World gymnastic championships, Brie Watson is slated to become the next Olympic gold medalist. Something she desperately wants, not just because she has tirelessly dedicated almost her entire life to gymnastics, but because she wants to be able to give back to her mother, the woman who had selflessly sacrificed so much to get her there.
To do so however she must survive the next month of training, and the Olympics themself under the hash and watchful eye of the newly appointed head coach.
Erik Winter needs to prove to himself, the critics and his country that he can lead his team of elite gymnasts to top. Luckily he has an incredible team. Unfortunately his most talented athlete respects no boundaries, isn’t intimidated by him, pushes all buttons and has taken permanent residence under his skin.
Can these two put a ceasefire long enough to win gold? Or will their constant warring stoke the fire to also win over their hearts?
After falling in love with Scoring Wilder, I’ve made it a point not to miss R.S. Grey’s books. Her writing always feels fresh with a smooth flow, endearing characters, and new and different stories that captivate from start to finish. Out of Bounds delivers on all counts. I highlighted about half the book, entire sections at a time that gave me all kinds of feels.
Brie is incredible. Her background story brought tears to my eyes and fiercely made me wanted her to win. She’s strong, determined, persistent, headstrong a spitfire. In short, someone who deserves to be on top of a medal stand and the perfect match for Erik Winter.
Erik on the other had was a tough sell for me. He had almost a decade’s worth of age and experience on Brie not to mention the fact that he was her coach (kind of a forbidden romance). He’s challenging, domineering and terse. I understood why he tried to deny his attraction to Brie and wanted to keep their relationship strictly coach-athlete. Yet his emotions and actions tilted like a seesaw and when he was a downslide he tended to be truly mean and uncaring towards Brie’s feelings, which made it difficult for me to connect with their budding romance. In all honesty, the blurb does say Brie wouldn’t wish him on her worst enemy, so I can’t say I wasn’t warned, but I would have liked for him to beg, suffer and squirm a bit more.
Of course their constant battles and push-pull made their relationship that much more intense and combustible. They were like matches and gasoline with sizzling chemistry.
I loved his grand gesture and they do eventually find their balance which made for a very happy and fitting ending. Although just one epilogue? Really? R.S. Grey has spoiled me!
I also loved the camaraderie between the girls in team USA gymnastics. They were charming with very different personalities which gave an added layer and contributed fun and sweetness to the story as a whole.
Out of Bounds is book #2 in the Summer Games series by R.S. Grey. It’s a standalone, contemporary sports romance told from both points of view with a happy ending.
4.5 stars
Author's pinterest board -> https://es.pinterest.com/RSGrey/the-summer-games/
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
“I liked the little game we were playing and I’d die before I let him see me falter.”
After winning three consecutive World gymnastic championships, Brie Watson is slated to become the next Olympic gold medalist. Something she desperately wants, not just because she has tirelessly dedicated almost her entire life to gymnastics, but because she wants to be able to give back to her mother, the woman who had selflessly sacrificed so much to get her there.
To do so however she must survive the next month of training, and the Olympics themself under the hash and watchful eye of the newly appointed head coach.
Erik Winter needs to prove to himself, the critics and his country that he can lead his team of elite gymnasts to top. Luckily he has an incredible team. Unfortunately his most talented athlete respects no boundaries, isn’t intimidated by him, pushes all buttons and has taken permanent residence under his skin.
Can these two put a ceasefire long enough to win gold? Or will their constant warring stoke the fire to also win over their hearts?
"I was playing with fire-no, I wasn't just playing with fire; I was rolling in it. I was so confident I wouldn’t gt burned, I didn’t realize how deep into the flames I’d fallen."
After falling in love with Scoring Wilder, I’ve made it a point not to miss R.S. Grey’s books. Her writing always feels fresh with a smooth flow, endearing characters, and new and different stories that captivate from start to finish. Out of Bounds delivers on all counts. I highlighted about half the book, entire sections at a time that gave me all kinds of feels.
Brie is incredible. Her background story brought tears to my eyes and fiercely made me wanted her to win. She’s strong, determined, persistent, headstrong a spitfire. In short, someone who deserves to be on top of a medal stand and the perfect match for Erik Winter.
Erik on the other had was a tough sell for me. He had almost a decade’s worth of age and experience on Brie not to mention the fact that he was her coach (kind of a forbidden romance). He’s challenging, domineering and terse. I understood why he tried to deny his attraction to Brie and wanted to keep their relationship strictly coach-athlete. Yet his emotions and actions tilted like a seesaw and when he was a downslide he tended to be truly mean and uncaring towards Brie’s feelings, which made it difficult for me to connect with their budding romance. In all honesty, the blurb does say Brie wouldn’t wish him on her worst enemy, so I can’t say I wasn’t warned, but I would have liked for him to beg, suffer and squirm a bit more.
"You aren't special, Brie, so stop acting like it." His words had the same effect as a knife to my heart.
Of course their constant battles and push-pull made their relationship that much more intense and combustible. They were like matches and gasoline with sizzling chemistry.
“He was a sweet poison and I was so addicted, I didn't care that our encounters left me choking for air.”
I loved his grand gesture and they do eventually find their balance which made for a very happy and fitting ending. Although just one epilogue? Really? R.S. Grey has spoiled me!
"I don't know what the future will hold for us, but I'm asking you to trust me, to trust that I won't take your love lightly.”
I also loved the camaraderie between the girls in team USA gymnastics. They were charming with very different personalities which gave an added layer and contributed fun and sweetness to the story as a whole.
Out of Bounds is book #2 in the Summer Games series by R.S. Grey. It’s a standalone, contemporary sports romance told from both points of view with a happy ending.
4.5 stars
Author's pinterest board -> https://es.pinterest.com/RSGrey/the-summer-games/
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
Gah! No words at midnight. Full review to come soon
UPDATED REVIEW:
My good friend Andie, whom I met on Instagram (check out her feed, it’s absolutely stunning!) has been encouraging me to pick up R.S. Grey’s books for quite some time now. I had seen and heard a lot of mixed reviews on one of her books so I wasn’t feeling the pull to dive right in. I’m here to say… DON’T LET OTHERS OPINIONS DICTATE YOUR LIFE!!! Wow, was I missing out on an amazing author. In July I decided I wanted to start THE SUMMER GAMES since well, it was almost time for the Olympics and book two was set to release at the beginning on August. I downloaded SCORING WILDER and SETTLING THE SCORE on audiobook and listened to them every spare minute my ears had. These books did not disappoint. R.S. Grey creates such depth with each character. The stories were well thought out and a unique type of sports romance/romantic comedy. Not only that, but those first two books had Harry Potter references. Any author who slips in a good HP reference instantly wins my love!
“Gymnastics is the sport with a strong marriage between body and mind. Your body hesitates in fear and cries out in pain while your mind wills it to push beyond what should be possible.”
Okay so back to Grey’s latest release, THE SUMMER GAMES: OUT OF BOUNDS. I was drawn to this book because the female protagonist has the same name as me AND it’s about a gymnast, which was always my favorite sport to go watch growing up. The second book in the Summer Games series was definitely more angsty than the other two that I read. The sexual tension was strong between Erik and Brie. This led to some pretty freaking steamy scenes. OUT OF BOUNDS is told from a dual POV. Switching between their perspectives is essential to this plot. Otherwise we would be left feeling like the other is just a complete and total ass!
“His jaw was a weakness of mine, so sharp I preferred when it was softened with stubble. Without facial hair, his face was too handsome, too smooth and inviting.”
Brie is desperate to win gold to help her family. She can’t let herself focus on her Coach. A relationship with him could ruin everything she’s worked so hard to create. But the pull she feels toward him is so strong she can’t fight it. She’s closed herself off from creating real and lasting relationships because she’s been burned by people she loved and cared about and is now terrified of losing someone again.
“Those damn eyes. If they weren’t slicing me in two, they were begging me closer, promising to devour me.”
Erik is trying to carve out his own way in life. Trying to make a name for himself after dropping out of the Olympics 10 years earlier. No one knows exactly why he left. Was it an injury? Was it drugs? Was the pressure too much? The story to why he left will shock you. He doesn’t want to be attracted to Brie. She infuriates him and knows all the right buttons to both make him mad and turn him on. This cat and mouse game they have needs to stop.
“Brie needed to learn that I had boundaries. She couldn’t bulldoze through the rules I’d set out for her and expect me to be okay with it.”
R.S. Grey definitely tested boundaries with this book (see what I did there?). I saw a couple pretty negative reviews because of a specific scene that she wrote. Personally I feel like it was a pretty bold move on her part. But I can also see where some readers’ may not have been a fan of this particular kind of … interaction. That being said, if you enjoy a good sports romance, with bits of humor, tons of angst and a HEA, I would highly recommend that you pick this one up. And what better time than now when we are in the middle of the 2016 Olympic Summer Games! Although this is book 2 in THE SUMMER GAMES series it's the first book in a series where I can say this is a standalone. You do NOT have to read any of the other books prior to reading OUT OF BOUNDS. There are no minor spoilers or plot details that will be spoiled by reading this book first.
“I was playing with fire – no. I wasn’t just playing with fire; I was rolling in it. I was so confident I wouldn’t get burned, I didn’t realize how deep into the flames I’d fallen”
*ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
UPDATED REVIEW:
My good friend Andie, whom I met on Instagram (check out her feed, it’s absolutely stunning!) has been encouraging me to pick up R.S. Grey’s books for quite some time now. I had seen and heard a lot of mixed reviews on one of her books so I wasn’t feeling the pull to dive right in. I’m here to say… DON’T LET OTHERS OPINIONS DICTATE YOUR LIFE!!! Wow, was I missing out on an amazing author. In July I decided I wanted to start THE SUMMER GAMES since well, it was almost time for the Olympics and book two was set to release at the beginning on August. I downloaded SCORING WILDER and SETTLING THE SCORE on audiobook and listened to them every spare minute my ears had. These books did not disappoint. R.S. Grey creates such depth with each character. The stories were well thought out and a unique type of sports romance/romantic comedy. Not only that, but those first two books had Harry Potter references. Any author who slips in a good HP reference instantly wins my love!
“Gymnastics is the sport with a strong marriage between body and mind. Your body hesitates in fear and cries out in pain while your mind wills it to push beyond what should be possible.”
Okay so back to Grey’s latest release, THE SUMMER GAMES: OUT OF BOUNDS. I was drawn to this book because the female protagonist has the same name as me AND it’s about a gymnast, which was always my favorite sport to go watch growing up. The second book in the Summer Games series was definitely more angsty than the other two that I read. The sexual tension was strong between Erik and Brie. This led to some pretty freaking steamy scenes. OUT OF BOUNDS is told from a dual POV. Switching between their perspectives is essential to this plot. Otherwise we would be left feeling like the other is just a complete and total ass!
“His jaw was a weakness of mine, so sharp I preferred when it was softened with stubble. Without facial hair, his face was too handsome, too smooth and inviting.”
Brie is desperate to win gold to help her family. She can’t let herself focus on her Coach. A relationship with him could ruin everything she’s worked so hard to create. But the pull she feels toward him is so strong she can’t fight it. She’s closed herself off from creating real and lasting relationships because she’s been burned by people she loved and cared about and is now terrified of losing someone again.
“Those damn eyes. If they weren’t slicing me in two, they were begging me closer, promising to devour me.”
Erik is trying to carve out his own way in life. Trying to make a name for himself after dropping out of the Olympics 10 years earlier. No one knows exactly why he left. Was it an injury? Was it drugs? Was the pressure too much? The story to why he left will shock you. He doesn’t want to be attracted to Brie. She infuriates him and knows all the right buttons to both make him mad and turn him on. This cat and mouse game they have needs to stop.
“Brie needed to learn that I had boundaries. She couldn’t bulldoze through the rules I’d set out for her and expect me to be okay with it.”
R.S. Grey definitely tested boundaries with this book (see what I did there?). I saw a couple pretty negative reviews because of a specific scene that she wrote. Personally I feel like it was a pretty bold move on her part. But I can also see where some readers’ may not have been a fan of this particular kind of … interaction. That being said, if you enjoy a good sports romance, with bits of humor, tons of angst and a HEA, I would highly recommend that you pick this one up. And what better time than now when we are in the middle of the 2016 Olympic Summer Games! Although this is book 2 in THE SUMMER GAMES series it's the first book in a series where I can say this is a standalone. You do NOT have to read any of the other books prior to reading OUT OF BOUNDS. There are no minor spoilers or plot details that will be spoiled by reading this book first.
“I was playing with fire – no. I wasn’t just playing with fire; I was rolling in it. I was so confident I wouldn’t get burned, I didn’t realize how deep into the flames I’d fallen”
*ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
The heroine got annoying really fast. Her pinning after the Hero was just too much.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
Enjoyed this one.
Who knew the Olympics were filled with such crazy kids? This installment in the series has an Olympic gymnast that has had to fight for everything goal she has attained falling for her jerk hunk of a coach. The back and forth between these two is strong, almost too much at times. But I do love angst, and these two have it in spades. I was hit with a "I'm not sure why this happening moment" during the reading of this book, not to say it wasn't hot, just not sure it needed to happen. Who am I to judge with my jealousy...lol. This author writes sexual tension to a T..and I can't wait to read more from her.
Dawn ~ http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls
Who knew the Olympics were filled with such crazy kids? This installment in the series has an Olympic gymnast that has had to fight for everything goal she has attained falling for her jerk hunk of a coach. The back and forth between these two is strong, almost too much at times. But I do love angst, and these two have it in spades. I was hit with a "I'm not sure why this happening moment" during the reading of this book, not to say it wasn't hot, just not sure it needed to happen. Who am I to judge with my jealousy...lol. This author writes sexual tension to a T..and I can't wait to read more from her.
Dawn ~ http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls
***LIVE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
5 Love to Hate You Crowns
Out of Bounds is nothing like I was expecting. Having read and loved all of R.S. Grey’s books, I was not expecting this darker tone from the second book in the Summer Games series. This unexpected stylistic change did not prevent my love for the story, especially because, as a reader, I am drawn to darker characters and stories. So, really, Out of Bounds is right up my alley.
The characters in this story are incredibly flawed and complex. Erik is truly the epitome of a hero you love to hate. I cannot count the times I was angry with him for how he treated Brie and played with her emotions. I was frustrated with his inability not to toy with her. On the other side is Brie, and I was just as equally frustrated with her for baiting him and often acting in an immature fashion just to toy with him, too. The reason that I love them anyway is because they are characterized as real people with flaws and insecurities, and I love to read about these types of people. Additionally, Erik and Brie both have issues from their past weighing them down and that have had a considerable impact on who they have become and how they behave throughout the story. This aspect of their characterization also allows me to sympathize and be okay with their behavior during the course of the story. Another reason I am able to love them is because they make each other better, which sounds unlikely based on my previous comments but is true none-the-less. The two main characters are incredibly alike. Their similarities push them to challenge each other, and they awake something in each other, whether that is to feel emotions or to awaken sexually. At the end of the day, they are better together.
The secondary cast of characters are also great, as always. These characters are used expertly by R.S. Grey to decrease the tension between Erik and Brie. Lexi provides comic relief with her antics and crazy comments. Rosie’s innocence is incredibly sweet and also allows for some crazy and hilarious conversations when the “teach” her about boys. Not only do the group of girls lessen the tension of the book, but the girls’ relationships also serve to highlight the more adult and serious nature of Erik and Brie’s relationship. There are also some additional athletes (Hudson, please?) we get introduced to during the Games, so I am certainly excited to see where book 3 in the series is going to take the reader.
As I stated, this story has a much darker tone, and the relationship of the characters is much darker, often described by the author as toxic. The plot in this story will have you pulling your hair out in frustration, anger, heartbreak, and finally joy, but these are always the best kind of stories for me. Even with the darker relationship, R.S. Grey creates an enthralling journey for these two characters that sucks the reader into the story, and I promise that at the end of the story you will be happy with the plot progression.
On a side note, the sex and foreplay in this book is scorching hot. The emotion these two bring to each scene is hot, and Out of Bounds is quite possibly the steamiest book I have ever read by this author. There is one scene in particular, and you will know when you get there, that will have you blinking your eyes and checking over your shoulder to make sure no one can see your screen or book. I had to go back and re-read because I thought it was a dream and I missed that detail, but I didn’t. It is real and it is hot!
R.S. Grey is one of my go-to-authors. I love her writing, her characters, and her plot lines. With her, you get more than just good story with good characters, you get excellent writing. Everything she writes is gold, and Out of Bounds will be another smash hit in the Summer Games series. I am certainly anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, well, let’s be honest, really any book by her.
=================
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and book news, check out my blog Musings of the Modern Belle at modernbellebooks.com.
5 Love to Hate You Crowns
Out of Bounds is nothing like I was expecting. Having read and loved all of R.S. Grey’s books, I was not expecting this darker tone from the second book in the Summer Games series. This unexpected stylistic change did not prevent my love for the story, especially because, as a reader, I am drawn to darker characters and stories. So, really, Out of Bounds is right up my alley.
The characters in this story are incredibly flawed and complex. Erik is truly the epitome of a hero you love to hate. I cannot count the times I was angry with him for how he treated Brie and played with her emotions. I was frustrated with his inability not to toy with her. On the other side is Brie, and I was just as equally frustrated with her for baiting him and often acting in an immature fashion just to toy with him, too. The reason that I love them anyway is because they are characterized as real people with flaws and insecurities, and I love to read about these types of people. Additionally, Erik and Brie both have issues from their past weighing them down and that have had a considerable impact on who they have become and how they behave throughout the story. This aspect of their characterization also allows me to sympathize and be okay with their behavior during the course of the story. Another reason I am able to love them is because they make each other better, which sounds unlikely based on my previous comments but is true none-the-less. The two main characters are incredibly alike. Their similarities push them to challenge each other, and they awake something in each other, whether that is to feel emotions or to awaken sexually. At the end of the day, they are better together.
The secondary cast of characters are also great, as always. These characters are used expertly by R.S. Grey to decrease the tension between Erik and Brie. Lexi provides comic relief with her antics and crazy comments. Rosie’s innocence is incredibly sweet and also allows for some crazy and hilarious conversations when the “teach” her about boys. Not only do the group of girls lessen the tension of the book, but the girls’ relationships also serve to highlight the more adult and serious nature of Erik and Brie’s relationship. There are also some additional athletes (Hudson, please?) we get introduced to during the Games, so I am certainly excited to see where book 3 in the series is going to take the reader.
As I stated, this story has a much darker tone, and the relationship of the characters is much darker, often described by the author as toxic. The plot in this story will have you pulling your hair out in frustration, anger, heartbreak, and finally joy, but these are always the best kind of stories for me. Even with the darker relationship, R.S. Grey creates an enthralling journey for these two characters that sucks the reader into the story, and I promise that at the end of the story you will be happy with the plot progression.
On a side note, the sex and foreplay in this book is scorching hot. The emotion these two bring to each scene is hot, and Out of Bounds is quite possibly the steamiest book I have ever read by this author. There is one scene in particular, and you will know when you get there, that will have you blinking your eyes and checking over your shoulder to make sure no one can see your screen or book. I had to go back and re-read because I thought it was a dream and I missed that detail, but I didn’t. It is real and it is hot!
R.S. Grey is one of my go-to-authors. I love her writing, her characters, and her plot lines. With her, you get more than just good story with good characters, you get excellent writing. Everything she writes is gold, and Out of Bounds will be another smash hit in the Summer Games series. I am certainly anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, well, let’s be honest, really any book by her.
=================
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and book news, check out my blog Musings of the Modern Belle at modernbellebooks.com.
“I was only twenty, but it felt like I’d lived a thousand lives already.”
“She was fierce; she wanted to be seen, and not just for her gymnastics skills. No, she wanted to be desired. Coveted. Craved.”
“Falling in love wasn’t a choice. I was on a train barreling down the tracks and to jump off, to go back to the start, I’d lose everything. Erik owned me, body and soul.”
Holy Hell, this book was amazing. It should come with a warning label, because not only is this book entertaining, but it is smokin’ hot!
Told from dual points of view, Out of Bounds follows the story of Erik and Brie. Erik and Brie’s story is fun, entertaining and totally unique. It is unlike anything that I’ve read by this author before and let me tell you, this book will grab on to you and totally take you by surprise. It was so unexpected. The lies. The games. The attraction. The fight. All I can say is hold on to your hats, because this story is going to take you for one hell of a ride….
When we first meet up with Erik, I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t know if I wanted to like him or throat punch him. He was frustrated me, angered me, and intrigued me. The more time we spent with him, the more I wanted to know him. Despite his frustrating behavior, I couldn’t get enough of him. And Brie…This girl….She is tough. She is fierce. She holds the weight of the world on her shoulders. The moment she set eyes on Erik, she knew she had to have him. Put these two together and man, do they burn up the pages. Their chemistry and banter is off the charts. Seriously, the sparring between these two was their own form of foreplay and no matter how hard you try, you can not look away. The chemistry between them is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. They want to hate and avoid each other, but the more they fight it, the more intense things are. What they have was unavoidable. It frustrated me, consumed me, intrigued me and had me begging for more.
Out of Bounds is a fun, sexy and entertaining read. It is incredibly well written and easily devourable in one sitting. This is probably one of my favorite hate to love relationships. Erik and Brie’s story totally captivated me and has moments that will push your limits. It is filled with laughs and angst. It is filled with steam and scorching hot moments. It is filled with romance and moments that will pull at your heart and frustrate you. I loved every single second of this book and highly recommend checking it out. Out of Bounds is one story that is not to be missed.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“She was fierce; she wanted to be seen, and not just for her gymnastics skills. No, she wanted to be desired. Coveted. Craved.”
“Falling in love wasn’t a choice. I was on a train barreling down the tracks and to jump off, to go back to the start, I’d lose everything. Erik owned me, body and soul.”
Holy Hell, this book was amazing. It should come with a warning label, because not only is this book entertaining, but it is smokin’ hot!
Told from dual points of view, Out of Bounds follows the story of Erik and Brie. Erik and Brie’s story is fun, entertaining and totally unique. It is unlike anything that I’ve read by this author before and let me tell you, this book will grab on to you and totally take you by surprise. It was so unexpected. The lies. The games. The attraction. The fight. All I can say is hold on to your hats, because this story is going to take you for one hell of a ride….
When we first meet up with Erik, I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t know if I wanted to like him or throat punch him. He was frustrated me, angered me, and intrigued me. The more time we spent with him, the more I wanted to know him. Despite his frustrating behavior, I couldn’t get enough of him. And Brie…This girl….She is tough. She is fierce. She holds the weight of the world on her shoulders. The moment she set eyes on Erik, she knew she had to have him. Put these two together and man, do they burn up the pages. Their chemistry and banter is off the charts. Seriously, the sparring between these two was their own form of foreplay and no matter how hard you try, you can not look away. The chemistry between them is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. They want to hate and avoid each other, but the more they fight it, the more intense things are. What they have was unavoidable. It frustrated me, consumed me, intrigued me and had me begging for more.
Out of Bounds is a fun, sexy and entertaining read. It is incredibly well written and easily devourable in one sitting. This is probably one of my favorite hate to love relationships. Erik and Brie’s story totally captivated me and has moments that will push your limits. It is filled with laughs and angst. It is filled with steam and scorching hot moments. It is filled with romance and moments that will pull at your heart and frustrate you. I loved every single second of this book and highly recommend checking it out. Out of Bounds is one story that is not to be missed.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
R.S. Grey certainly knows how to feed my sports romance addiction—not to mention my Summer Olympics obsession. In Out of Bounds she takes the sport of competitive gymnastics, adds in a fabulous enemies to lovers scenario, tons of heat, and a touch of forbidden romance, and—voilà—you’ve got a winning combination.
I’ve read many books that are categorized as enemies to lovers stories. In actuality, it’s rare to find a book of this trope where the couple doesn’t just dabble in some irritation with each other, only to fall in love a few chapters later. Out of Bounds is the epitome of a well done lust/hate story.
Brie Watson is an elite gymnast on her way to her first Olympics. Erik Winter is the newly appointed head coach of the USA women’s Olympics gymnastics team. They get off on the wrong foot and instantly can’t stand each other. Between Erik’s rude, cold then hot behavior and Brie’s fiery, rebellious temperament, the flames of hatred are well and truly stoked throughout most of the story. They seem to bring out the worst in each other, and yet much to their aggravation and confusion they find themselves battling an intense magnetism. The fact that Erik is Brie’s older coach and the world is watching their every move makes the situation even more complicated.
My main issue with the story is that Erik is downright cruel to such an extreme extent that I often wondered why Brie has a tough time getting him out of her system. His douchey attitude lasts a little too long for my taste. Brie is a smart girl, and her stubbornness helps her give as good as she gets, so sometimes I was irritated when her gullibility slips through. I must admit, though, that Erik is a walking advertisement for sex appeal, so he is hard to resist.
Learning about the discipline and hard work that is required of competitive gymnasts was interesting, and I relished the insider’s peak into the experiences of an Olympian. And while I appreciated the dedication and special hardships Brie endured on her path to the Olympics, I did find her bemoaning her mom’s sacrifices to be a tad repetitive.
I enjoyed the unpredictable dynamics between Brie and Erik and the simmering sexual tension. Their vehement disdain for each other, as well as their mutual attraction and Brie’s reluctant respect for Erik eventually meld into intense sexual chemistry and some seriously scorching scenes. I was also thoroughly entertained by Brie’s relationship with her diverse group of wacky teammates.
Out of Bounds is a fun and sexy treat that should delight readers looking for a satisfying sports romance fix.
Recommended for fans of:
Enemies to lovers stories
Sports romances
Gymnastics
The Olympics
Baking
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
I’ve read many books that are categorized as enemies to lovers stories. In actuality, it’s rare to find a book of this trope where the couple doesn’t just dabble in some irritation with each other, only to fall in love a few chapters later. Out of Bounds is the epitome of a well done lust/hate story.
Brie Watson is an elite gymnast on her way to her first Olympics. Erik Winter is the newly appointed head coach of the USA women’s Olympics gymnastics team. They get off on the wrong foot and instantly can’t stand each other. Between Erik’s rude, cold then hot behavior and Brie’s fiery, rebellious temperament, the flames of hatred are well and truly stoked throughout most of the story. They seem to bring out the worst in each other, and yet much to their aggravation and confusion they find themselves battling an intense magnetism. The fact that Erik is Brie’s older coach and the world is watching their every move makes the situation even more complicated.
My main issue with the story is that Erik is downright cruel to such an extreme extent that I often wondered why Brie has a tough time getting him out of her system. His douchey attitude lasts a little too long for my taste. Brie is a smart girl, and her stubbornness helps her give as good as she gets, so sometimes I was irritated when her gullibility slips through. I must admit, though, that Erik is a walking advertisement for sex appeal, so he is hard to resist.
Learning about the discipline and hard work that is required of competitive gymnasts was interesting, and I relished the insider’s peak into the experiences of an Olympian. And while I appreciated the dedication and special hardships Brie endured on her path to the Olympics, I did find her bemoaning her mom’s sacrifices to be a tad repetitive.
I enjoyed the unpredictable dynamics between Brie and Erik and the simmering sexual tension. Their vehement disdain for each other, as well as their mutual attraction and Brie’s reluctant respect for Erik eventually meld into intense sexual chemistry and some seriously scorching scenes. I was also thoroughly entertained by Brie’s relationship with her diverse group of wacky teammates.
Out of Bounds is a fun and sexy treat that should delight readers looking for a satisfying sports romance fix.
Recommended for fans of:
Enemies to lovers stories
Sports romances
Gymnastics
The Olympics
Baking
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**