My heart hurt reading this story. I couldn’t hardly breathe through the struggles of the heroine. It was not a redeeming struggle but a painful one.

For fans of YA realistic fiction and romance w/ a sports angle! A sassy protagonist and a decent guy make this storyline more appealing.

4.5 ★ – IRRESISTIBLY CHARMING

When I first read the premise for this book, I just knew that I would love it. With a handsome football player learning ballet from the beautiful goth girl who blackmailed him, Offsetting Penalties by Ally Mathews had me completely and undeniably intrigued. I couldn’t wait to start and when I did, there was no turning back… I’d fallen in LOVE.

This book is an absolute delight and I truly adored every moment. The writing was fantastic and easy to read. The storyline was fast paced, funny, and charming in every way. I thought the characters were just wonderful and I enjoyed getting to know them. The romance was just so swoony and cute and obviously my favorite part. Izzy and Garret just made my heart so happy that I could not stop myself from smiling. Guess that’s why I finished this beauty in less than 24 hours.

I loved Izzy and Garret and shipped them from the very beginning. Not only were they cute together, but they were such strong and talented individuals. While Izzy and Garret both had their insecurities, problems, and vulnerabilities, they also excelled in what they loved to do. I admired that they were passionate about achieving their goals and bettering their futures. Even when dealing with complications in their relationship, I loved that Izzy and Garret never gave up.

Romance is my ultimate weakness and I’ve always enjoyed opposites attract stories. The ones where two unlikely people meet, banter constantly but work amazingly well together, and inevitably fall in love. Izzy and Garret’s story was positively endearing and made the sweetest touchdown in my heart. I loved their chemistry from the moment they met and enjoyed watching their friendship develop into something more. From ballet lessons, to football games, to fake dating and to sexy kisses, Izzy and Garret gave me some of the BEST FEELS! Don’t even get me started on the ending…While I did kind of predict what would happen, I still thought it was so cute and lovely and just the perfect conclusion to a beautiful teen romance. Swooooooon!!!

Offsetting Penalties is irresistibly charming, fun, and heartwarming. Through all the playful bantering and the cute flirty moments, this book easily stole a piece of my heart. If you’re looking for a sweet contemporary romance with humor and adorable characters, then I highly recommend this book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Offsetting Penalties plays off one of my favorite tropes: two people who hate each other that fall in love in the end. When I read the synopsis, I was pretty excited. Not only does it include one of my favorite tropes, but it also focuses on sports as well. Maybe it's because I don't play any sports competitively, but I love having a focus in books. It allows for some really fun scenes, as well as opportunity for some tension. I didn't go into this book thinking it would be my next favorite read, and I was pleasantly surprised! I didn't love Offsetting Penalties, but it was a lot of fun to read.

One thing that I didn't love was the writing. I didn't think it was bad, but there were a couple times where I was taken out of the story. Mathews would do this thing where she would tell what was happening, and not show it. This is a normal thing to have in the book, but what made it so weird was that it was in the context of dialogue. There was this one instance where Izzy is walking on stage and trips. Her friend asks if they need to move around the props, and instead of just saying "No, it's fine!" she says, "No. I need to pay more attention to what I'm doing. Luckily I only caught the edge of the box and didn't hurt my foot." (Loc 2333, quotes not final!) I just thought this response was very weird and forced; it didn't seem natural at all. While there were issues like this with the dialogue, they didn't happen often enough to cause a huge impact on my enjoyment.

My one complaint that did impact my enjoyment was it's lack of substance. I would say that Offsetting Penalties is a quick and fun read. There are some great messages about fighting for your passion and being true to yourself, but the book didn't leave a lasting impact on me. At the end of the day, my favorite contemporaries are the ones that I think about for months afterwards, the ones where my life has been impacted because of the book. Offsetting Penalties just didn't do that for me. Reading this book was so much fun, but I don't think it will have a lasting impression on me. I do think that this book could have a lasting impression on someone else though, specifically if they are an athlete and their parents are disagreeing about their future.

I loved in this book was how realistic the college application process was. Just a year ago I was applying for college and stressing out about my future, I related a lot to these characters. Even though I'm not an athlete, I completely understood their anxiety and their stubbornness. Both Izzy and Garrett have a set in stone plan, and I was the same exact way last year. I loved reading a book where this huge decision making process wasn't just brushed off, and was given a good amount of attention! In my experience, applying for colleges was of the most, if not the most, stressful and anxiety-ridden times of my life, and I appreciated how Mathews paid attention to that.

Another thing that I really loved were the familial relationships! If you don't know, I love contemporaries where families are involved, or the lack of a family is noted. My favorite YA contemps off the top of my head: Summer series by Jenny Han, Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett, Lara Jean trilogy by Jenny Han, When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon; all these books have a strong family presence, and Offsetting Penalties did not disappoint. I loved how family was so deep-rooted in these character's personalities and values, because I'm the same way and I think it's a really accurate representation. I would have loved to see their families just a tad more, but I think they were done very well and were very natural. Izzy and Garrett's parents and parental figures weren't just one dimensional characters, they were also complex.

At the end of the day, Offsetting Penalties is a fun book. If you are looking for a refreshing read or you want to get out of a reading slump, then I recommend this. It's a super quick read, and I never wanted to put it down. Offsetting Penalties might not leave a lasting impact on me, but I know where to turn to if I just need to get my mind of things.

With that, I give this book
4 out of 5 Stars!

Another cute YA romance, this one about two people who know what they want after high school but need a little help (from each other, of course) to get there.

I really liked both Izzy and Garret--the whole blackmail bit started them off on shaky ground, but fortunately they moved on from that pretty quickly. They're both really good together (not to mention a freaking adorable couple) and each soon comes to respect the other for what they're capable of and realize that when they use their strengths together they can each help to bring the other even closer to their goals. The ending was especially adorable--even though things get resolved a bit quickly and we don't find out for sure what they'll both be doing after high school, there's definite hope for a future together and we see them both moving toward what it was they individually wanted.

Plus, football players attempting ballet. Just the images in my mind... :)

Offsetting Penalties is a sweet standalone from an author I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from!

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I knew I had to read this book as soon as I knew it had something to do with blackmail. I thought I would enjoyed and I so did! Offsetting Penalties was such a cute and entertaining read!

I loved the banter between Garret and Isabelle. They were so opposite from one another, which I loved. They were so sweet and I loved reading both of their point of view. Their interactions were adorable and I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow.

I adore Entangled Teen Crush titles and I would definitely recommend Offsetting Penalties for those who love sports romances with a dose of enemies-to-lovers.

I loved reading this story. The characters are so full of life and fun. Both Izzy and Garret are so passionate about their respective sport and are determined to do well. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a cute book about sports.

This was a sweet story of two people fighting to do what they love and willing to do whatever it takes to take that next great step in their lives. Isabelle loves ballet and is very talented, but her father has other plans for her. Garret is a very talented football player, but his father has other plans for him. In the fight for the both of them to reach the next step, they realize that they need each other to get to that next step. Isabelle needs a partner for a dance audition and Garret needs to gain more flexibility and has been told to take ballet. The story of the two of them fighting their attraction to each other is cute. I do wish that there had been a greater backstory of the ensemble characters within the story. I usually love reading about the other people in the main characters lives since it gives you a greater sense of the main characters. In this case, I felt like the people around them were just background noise.

All in all, it was a sweet, quick read with good writing. I look forward to further books from this author.

Offsetting Penalties was such an adorable YA contemporary romance. It reminded me of a YA version of Step Up, which is one of my favorite dance movies. This book was absolutely perfect if you're looking for a light, fun read.

After Garret Mitchell returns to playing football after a recent injury, his coach suggests that he takes ballet lessons to help him regain his former flexibility and balance. Desperate for his performance to be good enough to attract college scouts, Garrett agrees on the condition that it's kept a secret. Unfortunately for him, Isabelle Oster, who recently lost her partner for her audition piece, sees him practicing and videotapes him. However, when she blackmails Garret into helping her, she might just be getting more than she bargained for....

I was sucked into this story from the first page. I loved the blackmailing aspect and how both characters dealt with it. There were definitely some hilarious moments in there and I thought it set their romance off to an interesting start. Garrett and Izzy were both such vibrant characters, I liked both them immediately. I also was a huge fan of their romance, particularly because they had to navigate a balance between their dreams and their relationships. Plus that ending was just adorable perfection.

I would recommend Offsetting Penalties to fans of YA contemporary who are looking for sassy characters, adorable romance, and a story about pursuing your dreams.

This one drew me in by the blurb but first time with reading this author. The characters also help with capturing your attention. Isabelle has high hopes with her aspirations were interesting to me. Garret will cross her path then the curiosity will be picked on how she will do it. Sure some athletes use some forms of ballet but the interesting build up is in this story one what will come out of that. Chemistry also there with young hormones gearing up. The aspects of a youth's relationship like these two are fun and light hearted that is needed once in awhile. Watching things and emotions get turned upside down is also a plus in this one. A perfect read to take you away.

**4.5 Stars**
Isabelle is in need of a dance partner for her ballet company auditions but is striking out,completely out of options. Garret is willing to do all he can to get a football scholarship, even take secret ballet lessons his coach suggested to help him heal from an injury. When Isabelle finds Garret taking lessons in her studio, she is desperate enough to record his lesson and blackmail him into being her dance partner. Can the two of them make this work out for them both? And will emotions get involved? What could go wrong with a simple case of blackmail?

I picked up the book to start reading one afternoon, expecting to get a chapter or so in, and next thing I knew I was finished with the book. I honestly read the story in one sitting because it was too cute to put down, the characters were engaging and so relatable, the world realistic, the romance sweet, and the writing was fast paced. I was sucked into this story and completely lost time.

I love dual narrated romances! The chapters alternated perspective between Garret and Izzy, which helped me get to know them as individual people and root for them both. Izzy created the "Untouchable" persona with her goth look and attitude to get people to like her for her and not her father's money or favor. Her growing obsession with all things football made me giggle, and how she treated her "students" was perfect. Garret is this seeming tough guy who was actually super sweet and caring, taking on the burdens and expectations of those around him. Let me just say that my favorite thing about the story is that the relationship was a slow build, not an insta-love, and they got to know each other and became such good friends before any romance even occurred

I really like how Ally was able to incorporate real life issues into the book, such as dealing with family problems, loneliness, class dynamics, alcoholism, while at the same time ​dealing with school issues, sport related ambitions and a developing romance. There was such a nice balance between all the issues, so as not to overwhelm the characters.

As someone that could pretty much care less about real life sports, I have really been loving these Entangled publishing teen sports romances I have encountered this year- I pretty much can't get enough. This was my first book by Ally and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to whatever she wants to write about next.

I received this title for reviewing purposes. Come visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/

I enjoyed this fun sweet story!! The characters were both fun to get to know and I enjoyed seeing their story be told. The author does a great job at making this story believable. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book from publisher NetGalley.

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
They both came from different backgrounds.
Isabelle was born w/ a silver spoon.
Garrett saved every penny.
Dancing brought them together.
Izzy needed a partner for a dance performance.
Garrett was learning ballet to improve this football performance.
A partnership was formed.
When they got close to each other, they learned that they might have more in common that they thought.
Will they give this relationship a chance?
Will their background be really that big of a deal?
I loved the storytelling + the characters.
Loved the storytelling + the characters.

Izzy and Garret actually have a lot in common but you wouldn't know that by looking at them from the outside. They both have dreams that one of their parents are not 100% behind. They both need help from another person to help have that dream come true. I loved that she took matters in to her own hands to get Garret to help her to begin with but then later apologized. (No spoilers here!)
These two working together to help each other *sigh* so sweet!!! This book had me giggling, outright laughing, frowning, sighing, swooning, you name it and it had me doing it. Totally sweet book, even though the ending was a wee bit rushed but nothing that won't stop me from reading another book by this author!

I'm going to let you all in on a little secret. I used to have a dream to be a ballet dancer. I have always loved the way dancers could move across the stage in such a breathtakingly beautiful way. When I studied classical music in college, we watched a video of Swan Lake and I was in love. Ballet dancing and ballet dancing books will always hold a very special place in my heart.

That's why I was quite glad to get accepted to read this book. It's about a ballet dancer and a football player coming together. Opposites attract, right? Right you are, friend.

Despite loving ballet, I don't know that much about it. This book was almost like an informational guide on different types of dances and how to do them along with the benefits of ballet for those in football. I had no idea that some players use ballet to gain strength and flexibility. Makes sense in my eyes.

The connection between Izzy and Garret was adorable. I love the acquaintances to friends to maybe something more trope. I liked how both Izzy and Garret were willing to work things out and not give up, even when the school and their parents seemed to really be against them. I admire couples like that. Even though they were in high school, they knew what they wanted and that made my heart all warm and fuzzy.

Overall, this was a great and quick read. It had reminded me how much I love dance and how I now need to find more dancing books. I suggest this book to anyone who is looking for a fun read about opposites and how sometimes they really do attract.

This is a fun YA that once I started reading I couldn't put down.Two wonderfully strong characters that know what they want and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it.

College isn't Isabelle Oster's dream. Dancing with the esteemed Ballet Americana is. To see that dream come true all she needs to do is nail her final audition. Easier said than done when she can't find a partner to dance with in the fall show. Garret Mitchell's dream is to get a football scholarship. That's the only way he's going to be able to go to college. When his coach suggests he takes a ballet class to build his strength and agility Garrett's no so sure but if ballet is what it takes he'll do it. He never expects to see anyone from his school there and he definitely doesn't expect to get blackmailed by the crazy ballerina girl.

Definitely a book I think everyone will enjoy. I highly recommend it.

This was a cute story, great for fans of the Step Up movies. The main characters had great chemistry and it was fun to read about the dancing.

I really adored this book! This book switches between Garrett and Isabelle's point of view. The main characters were so sweet and I really truly liked both of them. I was worried I might not like Izzy at the beginning when she blackmails Garrett, especially because he's so nice. However, soon after it's clear that one action is not how she actually is most of the time. They both come from different backgrounds, but had enough in common that they just worked well together. Both characters were driven and wanting more for their life than staying in their small Texas town. This book has blackmail, two super sweet characters, cute interactions between two unlikely people, and a fake romance that turns into something more!

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Discovering this book on NetGalley I was immediately intrigued by the synopsis. I was immediately drawn in by the Enemies to Lovers trope and wanted to know how the author would realise the blackmail factor.
Starting the books I didn't have any high expectations but I was still happy that it wasn't difficult to find my way into the storyline and I quickly noticed that this book was going to be a very quick read. I didn't even realise how many pages I read in a short amout of time and within 20-30 minutes I probably had read about 15% of the book.

The story and the course of action weren't something entirely new. What I really liked was the combination of a ballet dancer and a Football player because thats something I haven't seen yet in a book. Even though I've never read about a Football player and a ballet dancer before the book was very cliché-ridden but that never bugged me in any way because it was done in a very great way and didn't leave me bored. Even though the book was quite predictable and I always had the feeling that I knew what was going to happen next I always felt very entertained. Unfortunately I felt like the storyline went off a little too fast at some points and that it could've been more developed. Sometimes a scene ended so sudden and we switched to another that I had a few problems to orient myself for a moment. Towards the end I also believe that the story was a little rushed and that it definitely could've needed a few more pages to wrap things up more smoothly.

The characters were absolutely likeable and well developed but unfortunately they were also clishé-ridden. There is nothing wrong with that and you still were able to like the characters. What bugged me the most is that I didn't feel the chemistry between Garret and Isabelle. Only at the very end I started to feel some chemistry but otherwise they were just really good friends in my opinion. It aso didnt feel like an enemies to lovers kind of relationship. I had more of a feeling that the both had nothing to do with each other until Garret turned up in the dance studio and from then on everything started to develop, so it felt like strangers to friends to lovers.

Conclusion
Overall I really liked the book and it was fun to read, even tho I had some critique on it. I can definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick and light read and who doesn't mind clishé-ridden books. I definitely will consider checking out more books by the author (if she has any) or the publisher in the future.

Y’all…I loved this YA. It was so fun. I love high school football and I think that was a huge part of where my heart was. I enjoyed Izzy and Garret so much. They were sweet and fun and just all around great characters.
The plot was well developed and I enjoyed the characters immensely. Ally has a gift writing truly the most likeable story. It was fun and made me smile. If you enjoy a good ‘ol sports romance…as a YA…you will enjoy this gem.
Out on November 6th. As always, thank you Entangled Crush for this awesome book.