A review by juliana_reads
Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein

  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

I wanted more from this book! I read it right after the 2024 Olympics ended to fulfill part of a reading challenge. I enjoyed the gymnastics and being in that world through the book. I thought the premise was strong (retired gymnast returning to the sport as a coach) but the subplots and romance were lackluster and underdeveloped. 
  • Hallie had so much potential. The blurb for the book says something shakes the gymnastics world, but I don't think Hallie really had to overcome that challenge in the way that the blurb implies (like she mostly just reacts to news and announcements). This story line should have been more prominent. She's also very privileged in that her parents support her and pay for everything, no questions asked. 
  • Ryan was a wet rag. No personality, didn't believe Avery about the coach, and his relationship with Avery amounted to just acting on a teenage crush. 
  • Why did Jasmine need to marry the coach? I think her and Avery rekindling their friendship after what happened in their adolescence made more sense without her marrying. 
  • It was weird they
    had sex in the gym. Like jfc, they coach and train minors there.

This was a fine read that I think I enjoyed because I just watched the Olympics for two weeks straight. I liked reading the play-by-plays of Hallie's competitions and following the daily training. But it otherwise fell flat for me. Luckily it was just a library book!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings