Head Over Heels

A Novel

By: Hannah Orenstein

Narrated by: Joy Osmanski

From the author of Maine Characters, an electrifying rom-com set in the high stakes world of competitive gymnastics and filled with “charm, whimsy, and giddy romantic tension” (BuzzFeed)—for fans of Sarah Adams and Hannah Grace.

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 controversial 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.

Well developed characters

I liked that the story was presented by a different perspective. The story drew from current conditions in the world of women’s gymnastics and provided a positive move to change.

Really enjoyed it

Overall loved this one. The narration was OK. I thought the storyline and the main characters were strong and well-developed. Loved the insight I to elite gymnastics too.

First Summer Read

It was a nice book to listen to and the narrator, Joy Osmanski did a great job. I like the story overall. It get a little weird since it was set in 2019 - 2020 and I’m not like it’s a pandemic lol. Gymnastics is one of my favorite sports to watch during the Olympics and this story had a great setting. Looking forward to more reads like this.

Ended short

I would have enjoyed knowing what happened at the olympics. The ending seemed rushed and just seemed to not stick the landing.

This was slow to start, but enjoyable.

This was slow to start, but enjoyable. For the most part it’s a very cute read. I loved the premise.

There’s an overall theme of why I stopped enjoying this in the middle to later half of the book that I can’t really talk about without totally spoiling it. It revolves around Ryan / Dimitri and how anything to do with Dimitri is handled. I had major icks all the way almost until the end.

I’m happy with the conclusion, but it definitely left me wanting more. I expected different scenarios that never came. Then it was just.. over.