Thanks to Atria for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

I love the Summer Olympics, and gymnastics are my favorite event to watch, so this book was perfect. I loved how this book focused on the training of one athlete. It was fun to get a glimpse into what this looks like and how high the stakes of the competition is. The author also chose to highlight some of the darker side of the sport, including abusive coaches and sexual assault – so while the book is a romance, it also has a heavier side.

I enjoyed Avery’s progression through the book. Her gymnast days impacted not only that time of her life, but a lot of her adult life was affected by this time. I liked how Ryan and his experience was juxtaposed to hers.

Avery is a former gymnast who was on track to make the Olympic team until a disastrous performance ended her career. Her best friend Jasmine went on to the Olympics and became a champion and then married their coach. Avery returns to her hometown after a breakup and the new coach Ryan asks for her help in training the next Olympic champion. She agrees and falls for Ryan. A scandal breaks and the gymnastics world is rocked.
A relatable story in this day and age. I didn’t see much spark between Avery and Ryan other than a shared interest in gymnastics. In many ways this is more of a women’s fiction story rather than a romance

A very timely book full of heart and a perfect substitute for the delayed 2020 Olympics. This book has a little bit of everything storyline wise (a romance, character bouncing back & finding fulfillment, physical/emotional trauma) and I only wish it were a little longer to fully flesh out all of the storylines. The romance between Avery & Ryan fell a little flat for me and I found myself wanting for more about the dark side of the world of gymnastics that has been all over the news in the past few years and how it impacted the gymnasts who trained and competed in these problematic conditions. I think the cover could get this book easily pigeonholed as a "chick lit/romance" novel (a lot of books are using similar cover art styles now) but this book has a lot more depth and timeliness.

I'm obsessed with the Olympics. Like, that's all I do for 2 weeks and had a countdown on my phone for it to start. I was super bummed that they were postponed, but I'm glad that we'll get them next year.

I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on this book, so I was hesitant, but I was hoping this would help heal the Olympic hole in my heart. Let me tell ya, it came pretty close. I loved these characters and this story. It probably could have gone a little deeper into some of the issues, but this was really enjoyable.

I loved Hannah Orenstein's first two books, and was super excited to read Head Over Heels and it's a sweet book, although I didn't enjoy it quite as much. There's no doubt Orenstein did her research about competitive gymnastics, and she absolutely captures its problematic culture, but I found the mc (can't remember her name, never a good sign) and Ryan to be deadly dull as a maybe-oh-of-course couple and, oddly, what kept me reading wasn't the (lacking) romance by the look into the underbelly of a sport that went unscrutinized for far, far too long.

I was really looking forward to this one because I'm a big fan of Hannah Orenstein, and the plot summary of a former (almost) Olympian appealed to me.
The book delivered in some ways and not in others. The stories of what young female gymnasts endure and survive for much of their lives was fascinating and disturbing. I thought she did a great job taking the main character, Avery, from an injured wreck to a functional and contributing adult woman.
However, the romance that underpinned the plot never really took off for me, no matter how much they were together Avery and Ryan didn't seem to have much chemistry.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book and the aspects of gymnastics life and what it takes to be an athlete. More than that, add the aspect of abuse and difficulties that happen in the industry and it makes for an intriguing story.
I didn’t feel it was a romance, more so a women’s fiction. The main character figuring out her next steps in an uncertain future after an injury and having to find a new dream can be rough.
I found her to be a bit immature at times but the character grew and got better as she went. I didn’t find much connection between the love story, however, and that’s the only thing that didn’t get me to give it the full 5 stars.
It was well written and a great subject.

3.5⭐️I always enjoy fiction/HF about current or former athletes and this one was very well researched. Based on cover and title I thought and turned to it more as a palate cleanser between heavier reads but this story had a little more heft than expected which made it an even better read. If the topic interests you check the newly released Netflix doc Athlete A.

Thank you Atria and Netgalley for the gifted copy.

I LOVED this book! I got sucked into the story right away, and couldn't put it down. Gymnastics is one of my favorite sports to watch and I loved the peek into the behind the scenes lives of coaches and gymnasts. Avery was a super relatable character, as after an injury ended her career much earlier than she wanted, she struggled to find her way living a "normal" life. Her backstory with Ryan was so cute, and watching them go from friends to more and back and forth was fun. I was cheering for her both in her coaching gig (and omg Hallie is the BEST and I really hope she won gold), and I was cheering for her and Ryan to have a HEA!

I think one of my favorite things about this was that Avery wasn't the gymnast trying to make it, she was the coach. I liked how she had a backstory and she was trying to put her life back in order after all that she went through, but it really focused on her moving on instead of angsty about her past. I also thought it was so important that the author tied in the sex abuse scandal that is going on in the real world, and gave us a glimpse into the psychological and emotional strain that gymnasts are under - both from themselves and possibly from coaches.

I just loved this book. It really filled that void from the Olympics being pushed to 2021. I also loved the story between Avery and Ryan. She didn’t take him right back the second he apologized, which is usually what happens in books like this. Overall, this was just a really fun, refreshing summer read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This story is ripped right out of the headlines, dealing with the aftermath of Larry Nassar and doesn’t shy away from the tough subject. I really liked that the point of view is from a gymnast who is retired, forced or not. This is a story of redemption and there’s plenty of character growth here from our heroine. As she mentors new, younger gymnasts she has to come face to face with what she hated from the sport but never wanted to acknowledge. Avery needed multiple new beginnings to find her footing and what really shines is her ability to grow from each experience. As she fosters the growth of her promising young gymnast, she also grapples with her own “non-growth” and how she needs to move forward. It’s also eerie to read about the 2020 Olympics, knowing what we know now and is addressed by the author. Through all this there’s also a slow burn of romance that will make you swoon.

I read Head Over Heels last month. I was expecting a cute rom com, but it turned out to be more than that. The book is about Avery, once an Olympic hopeful in gymnastics, has fallen into hard times and is returning back home. She is offered a job to help coach a very talented gymnast who has plans of making it to the 2020 Olympic team. The other coach on the team is Ryan, a handsome Olympic medalist. Sparks fly immediately between Ryan and Avery, but then scandal breaks in the gymnastics world...
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This book is labeled a romance, but it’s also about a woman given another chance at her sport through a different role and making it her own. Throughout the book you see Avery become more independent and sure of herself, while helping others along the way. I’ve read reviews that says the book is more of a contemporary woman’s fiction than romance, and I agree! I enjoyed the book so much!

I always love reading about a character redeeming themselves because no one is perfect. If they say they do, they are a liar. Everyone is flawless. It just takes time to figure out who you are. Sometimes, it takes longer such as Avery.Avery had it all in the beginning but one injury can destroy any sports ambitions. Sadly, it happens and it left Avery questioning everything about herself. It takes some time for her but she is finally getting herself back when she starts coaching. It may not be what she wanted but it’s something to start with. I really like Avery as a person. She is trying to be the best she is even though it may be tough. But I kinda don’t like the relationship with Ryan. He may be sweet in the beginning but I was tired of the back and forth especially when Avery reveals some truth about her old coach. I just expect some loyalty especially since Avery is always about the truth but Ryan did not have her back. I won’t reveal too much but I just got to say that I expected more.

If you like watching gymnastics this book will peak your interest. Even if you aren’t a die hard fan you will still enjoy it. The author covered a lot of events that have been in the news with the sport as of late and it is a page turner. It is definitely a feel good story that is an easy read!

A gold medal read for all gymnastic fans! Are you bummed that there aren’t going to be Olympics this summer? This might be the perfect book to tie you over until next year (hopefully). Hannah Orenstein has spun a fun and uplifting tale. She also didn’t pull any punches when it came to some of the darker parts and scandals surrounding today’s gymnastics. Avery was an elite gymnast who just fell short of making it to the Olympics. Knowing nothing else bud gymnastics Avery went into a deep depression and this led to some destructive behavior. It’s eight years later and Avery has just been dumped by her famous football player boyfriend. She has moved back home and it is time to start over. When Ryan, an old crush and fellow gymnast reaches out to her with a offer to Coach Avery jumps at the chance. Now Avery is back in the same gym she trained in years ago coaching Olympic hopeful Hallie.

Really loved all the gymnastics talk in this book, I’ve always loved watching the sport. Avery was a sympathetic character, I’ve often thought of what happens to those girls that poor everything they have into a sport just to fall a bit short? I really loved the bond between Avery and Hallie I think it was nice that Hallie had someone in her corner that truly understood. Why this book will not be getting a perfect score from me is because of the romance. I really don’t think this is a romance it is more women’s fiction with a dash of romance in the backdrop. Additionally the romance itself just didn’t work for me. I really didn’t see the spark between Ryan and Avery and could not understand what the attraction was other than that they had a crush on one another a decade ago? Not to mention Ryan did a few pretty shady things. This didn’t necessarily detract from my overall enjoyment of the book it just wasn’t what I was expecting. I would be remiss if I did not mention Avery’s amazing roommate Sarah! She had such a great energy and was so supportive to not only Avery but to Hallie as well.

This book in emojis 🤸🏻‍♀️ ⛸ 🧘🏻‍♀️ 🥇 🍣 ☕️

*** Big thank you to Atria for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

I enjoyed Head Over Heels, but I didn't love it. I thought Avery was shallow and insincere, and I never felt like Ryan was THE GUY for her. (I really struggle with books when I dislike the characters.) Additionally, this book was marketed as a romance, but it definitely should've been labeled Women's Fiction. There's a relationship hovering in the background, but it wasn't the focus of the story.

Avery lost everything when she sustained an injury at the Olympic Trials. She lost her coach and best friend, she lost her motivation and the future she had planned for, and subsequently lost herself. She didn't know who she was without her training and lofty aspirations. She poured so much of her life–her very self–into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When she lost that, there wasn't anything for her to fall back on. She didn't have any other hobbies or interests, since gymnastics had required all of her time and energy. It was actually really sad to see her struggle with her identity and self-worth. In addition to her wallowing in self-pity, Avery often made comments (mostly to herself) that left a sour taste in my mouth.

"I reject the first seven men right off the bat because once you’ve dated a pro football player on People’s 50 Most Beautiful list (number forty-one, but still), it’s tough to recalibrate your standards."

Really Avery? Your standards are now pro football player or higher? Why was she being so critical of herself, and also super judgmental of others? It was clear someone's appearances mattered more to her than their personality, but who could compete with someone who almost made it to the Olympics? *oozes sarcasm* She really let who she used to be interfere with who she was now–abusive coaching and resulting issues aside. I'm not saying her childhood wasn't traumatic, because it definitely was, but her personality left a lot to be desired. She also went on and on about her past, and rarely focused on living in the moment. Yes, she was slowly building something for herself, but it took her twenty-something years to do it. She kept saying it was because of Dimitri, which was partially true, but she never wanted to accept responsibility for herself or her life. Even towards the end, she was still looking to others to make decisions for her.

"I care about her opinion, and I’d feel less guilty over my storm of conflicting emotions toward Ryan if I had her approval of him."

I hated that she seemed incapable of doing something on her own. She relied on Dimitri as a child, then her college roommate, then her boyfriend, then her parents, then Ryan, Hallie, Sarah, and Jasmine. It was like she couldn't decide something unless she'd discussed it with several other people first. Other people's perspectives can be valuable, but they shouldn't always be necessary. She rarely did anything on her own, and when she did, she complained about feeling lonely. Even her brief relationship with Ryan left her craving companionship. The girl doesn't know how to exist without being attached to someone else. She liked to cook, which I thought would be something, but it ended up being an activity she wanted to share with others (which is understandable, but defeats the purpose). I feel like Avery jumped from one thing to the next without ever stopping to figure herself out. She needed to know and love herself before she could truly commit to loving someone else.

Ryan was also very blah. I never felt the sparks or understood the attraction. They have similar backgrounds, sure, but that's all they really had in common. They were both gymnasts, and now they coach the same girl. Shouldn't there have been something more? I like this or that about you? I honestly can't tell you anything about Avery or Ryan that doesn't also involve gymnastics. Additionally, it didn't take Ryan very long to do something selfish and shady, and Avery forgave him long before I would have. She was open and honest with him, and he brushed aside her concerns and misgivings (on a very important and sensitive topic). The whole sort-of-a-secret relationship was weird, too.

I really liked Hallie (the young gymnast) and Sarah (Avery's roommate). They were both confident, level-headed characters, and they encouraged Avery to be better. Hallie was living the dream Avery had once had for herself, and coaching Hallie also seemed to help Avery. Sara had to tell Avery not to be so hard on herself (she was constantly criticizing the way she looked), and never failed to try and include Avery in her yoga sessions (that Avery rudely dismissed because she initially believed it wouldn't be much of a workout). She was a solid presence in Avery's life, which is why I was a little bummed her role was downplayed, and when Avery and Jasmine suddenly became BFFs again after two interactions. I get that those two have a shared past, but their new relationship didn't feel authentic. It was like the author needed to force them together again to further the story. (I didn't particularly like Jasmine's character either–she was snobby and inconsistent.)

“Jasmine, this isn’t the fanciest place,” I say quietly, nudging her. She grimaces. “Another vodka soda, sure.” Under her breath, she mutters, “Great bar.”

The aforementioned bar was donating all of the money they made that night from people buying drinks TO THE CHARITY AVERY AND JASMINE STARTED. How rude and ungrateful can you be? They're making $0 in order to help raise money for something you're trying to get off the ground.

I didn't hate Head Over Heels, but there were some problematic areas. Maybe some of my issues were ironed out before the published copies were released, but I have a feeling the heart of the characters stayed the same. I also wish publishers would stop marketing Women's Fiction as Romance, because I go into books thinking one thing and get something completely different. There was very little smooching in this one (their one sexual encounter was glossed over), and it was more about Avery learning to love herself and find her place in the world. I'm not saying sex is necessary in a romance, but this one was decidedly unromantic even with the main characters getting a little nooky. (★★★⋆☆)

Former gymnast and Olympic hopeful Avery returns to her small hometown after a failed attempt at college and a very public breakup. She’s offered the job of a lifetime, training a current Olympic hopeful, Hallie for the Olympic trials. Working alongside Ryan, her teenager crush, proves more challenging than Avery thought. Along the way, she helps Hallie find success and she just might find herself and her dreams again.

Relevant, inspiring, and sweet, Head Over Heels is less cute and light than Ms Orenstein’s previous books, but entertaining and enjoyable nonetheless. With warm, endearing characters, and a great story, I think it’s my favorite one. The 2020 summer Olympic Games may have been postponed, but you can still experience the thrill and excitement of them in this book.

This was my first book by Hannah Orestein so I had nothing of hers to compare it to. The premise intrigued me especially since it was so current in its focus on the abuse in elite gymnastics and more specifically women's gymnastics.

I felt that the story was very juvenile at times. The romantic relationship that was featured fell flat for me. I wanted to cheer for this couple but I just wanted the book to be over.

I did give the book 3 stars rounded up from 2.5 stars because I did feel that it addressed the delicate topic of abuse like I mentioned previously.

From the beginning, I was super intrigued by the gymnastics aspect of this book as I feel it's not something we see often in books. This book was so much more though, it was moving and emotional and I was not expecting it to be that! I really did it appreciate it being so raw and real.

This book had so many little moments of empowerment that I really loved, it was so powerful and just made me feel good!

Overall this book was sweet, emotional and motivational and I'm glad it exist.

Gymnastics are my favorite part of the Olympics and when I saw the synopsis for this one, I couldn’t pass it up.

I really liked Avery. She’s struggling and wants to find something for herself. I truly enjoyed being in her head while she figures things out and maneuvers through her life. Ryan is delightful and Hallie was so charming.

Plot wise, it was good. I liked seeing the hurdles both with Avery’s life and Hallie’s competitions. There was a good amount of open conversation and that’s always a favorite of mine. I especially loved how Ryan not only listened, but learned and actively made changes.

Overall, it was so very easy to root for these characters and even though I wanted just a bit more from that last chapter, it worked for this story.

FYI: talk of sexual assault and molestation, verbal and emotional abuse

**Huge thanks to Atria Books for providing the arc free of charge**