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alynch167's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kalehummus's review against another edition
4.0
Lovw the gymnastics but the romance was an afterthought!
britishkneecap's review against another edition
5.0
Authentic but casual easy-to-read women gymnastic fiction that is sprinkled with a bit of romance :) Also has aspects of friendships, the battles that women gymnasts have to face, which felt authentic and I really enjoyed!
I first picked up this book soley because I was looking for a romance book that is easily digestible. And since I do cheer, some of the gymnastic terms seem familiar and I thought I could relate! Especially I had fond memories watching Olympic women gymnastics as a kid with my parents.
This book for sure surprised me, with the level complexity and tension with all the characters and how they intertwine with the protagonist Avery. Orenstein really know how to flesh out each character and seem like they are real people. I love that this is not a cheesy love story with gymnastics slapped into the story. You can tell Orenstein understands and is passionate about women gymnastics. Through these characters, we can see how women and men gymnastics are treated differently, women are so much prone to eating disorders, body image which further developes mental health issues within girls at a young age. Among these, women gymnasts often also face misogyny, sexual abuse from men since their early trainings as a KID. I appreciate the highlight on this issue and how the love interest, Ryan, is acting as an ally and that with some action he did, it wasn't that he supports these men - but it's the ignorance of not knowing this is what most women gymnasts face as he didn't grow up with this training environment, despite bring a gymnast himself too. Also love the tension between Avery and Jasmine, a great example of readers to have a glimpse of the competitiveness of this sport and how mental health support at such a young age is so important as she nearly lost a great friend and her bright future when she realised she couldn't make it to the Olympics.
I cried twice reading this book, my favourite character is absolutely Hallie, I love seeing her thrive and want to protect her - just like how Avery and Ryan wanted to. I was nervous for her and rooting for her during her trials and also wanted to say how proud I am.
10/10 Thanks to this book got me back from my reading slump!!
My only critique is that everything Ryan does Avery is immediately like OMG WOW!! THATS AMAZING when low key like girl u need to chill. Like low key it's the bare minimum if ya feel me HAHAHHA. but Ig people are blind when they're in love so it's fair, didn't affect too much of my reading experience
I first picked up this book soley because I was looking for a romance book that is easily digestible. And since I do cheer, some of the gymnastic terms seem familiar and I thought I could relate! Especially I had fond memories watching Olympic women gymnastics as a kid with my parents.
This book for sure surprised me, with the level complexity and tension with all the characters and how they intertwine with the protagonist Avery. Orenstein really know how to flesh out each character and seem like they are real people. I love that this is not a cheesy love story with gymnastics slapped into the story. You can tell Orenstein understands and is passionate about women gymnastics. Through these characters, we can see how women and men gymnastics are treated differently, women are so much prone to eating disorders, body image which further developes mental health issues within girls at a young age. Among these, women gymnasts often also face misogyny, sexual abuse from men since their early trainings as a KID. I appreciate the highlight on this issue and how the love interest, Ryan, is acting as an ally and that with some action he did, it wasn't that he supports these men - but it's the ignorance of not knowing this is what most women gymnasts face as he didn't grow up with this training environment, despite bring a gymnast himself too. Also love the tension between Avery and Jasmine, a great example of readers to have a glimpse of the competitiveness of this sport and how mental health support at such a young age is so important as she nearly lost a great friend and her bright future when she realised she couldn't make it to the Olympics.
I cried twice reading this book, my favourite character is absolutely Hallie, I love seeing her thrive and want to protect her - just like how Avery and Ryan wanted to. I was nervous for her and rooting for her during her trials and also wanted to say how proud I am.
10/10 Thanks to this book got me back from my reading slump!!
My only critique is that everything Ryan does Avery is immediately like OMG WOW!! THATS AMAZING when low key like girl u need to chill. Like low key it's the bare minimum if ya feel me HAHAHHA. but Ig people are blind when they're in love so it's fair, didn't affect too much of my reading experience
angelarae235's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
sara_says_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
bookswithbagel's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely adorable. I smiled through the whole thing!!
oliviaaschmitz's review against another edition
5.0
wow. seriously this is a book im going to think about a lot. it really accurately captures the experience of growing up as a gymnast which is extremely similar to competitive dance. this really made me want to start coaching dance and basically start living my life by doing things that will make me happy. so yeah 5/5 cried at the end
cletusjenn's review against another edition
4.0
ending was fitting and nostalgic but i wanna know the results, too huhu
4.5
4.5
jnmoore's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
seknight61's review against another edition
4.0
Fun, light read. Great if you love gymnastics. Predictable. But expected and I enjoyed it