Review: Head over Heels

Title: Head over Hells

Author: Hannah Orenstein

Release Date: June 23, 2020

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Find it here: Goodreads

Synopsis from Goodreads: The past seven years have been hard on Avery Abrams: After training her entire life to make the Olympic gymnastics team, a disastrous performance ended her athletic career for good. Her best friend and teammate, Jasmine, went on to become an Olympic champion, then committed the ultimate betrayal by marrying their emotionally abusive coach, Dimitri.Now, reeling from a breakup with her football star boyfriend, Avery returns to her Massachusetts hometown, where new coach Ryan asks her to help him train a promising young gymnast with Olympic aspirations. Despite her misgivings and worries about the memories it will evoke, Avery agrees. Back in the gym, she’s surprised to find sparks flying with Ryan. But when a shocking scandal in the gymnastics world breaks, it has shattering effects not only for the sport but also for Avery and her old friend Jasmine.

My Review: This was a much deeper read than I was expecting and I am really happy about that. I do have to note though how odd it is to read a book that should have been released right before the 2020 Olympics that are now postponed! It was really nice though to get a chance to return to the world of Gymnastics this summer. The author does what I thought was a fantastic job describing the gymnastics moves and techniques (I am not a gymnast though so I could be wrong). While the romance is certainly an important part of this story, the more important stories are of the young girls who are abused, physically, emotionally and in some cases even sexually, in this sport and what needs to change. I really loved how the author tackled the issue! I also loved how the main character really grew and developed throughout the story. Over all I thought this was a really great read and anyone missing gymnastics this summer should check it out!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.*