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D.L. Howe's Reviews > Balance

Balance by Lucia Franco
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really liked it
bookshelves: student-teacher, age-gap, emotional-rollercoaster, sports-romance, taboo

Right off I will say I’m 100% against censorship and I don’t think this book should’ve been banned. But I’m assuming that came about with the whole Nassar debacle. If that’s the case, I can understand why it became an issue for some, there was moments that were pretty reminiscent of some of those gymnast’s confessions.

Do I think Kova is a hard ass? Absolutely. Do I think he’s an asshole? Not really. If you want to be the best at anything you need that tenacious insanity that will drive you to your brink and beyond. Unfortunately that doesn’t come in the form of sweet and sentimental.

As we progress, I’m relieved to say that Adrianna became more likable. It went along with her realization that he did things for her benefit. Once they become more comfortable I can’t help but compare them to Rose and Dmitry from The Vampire Academy. Which is fine, great really because I adore them.

Hayden’s adorable! And he’s willing to drain your blisters? Sounds like a keeper. Not a fan of triangles but I can’t deny the chemistry is there with both. And Avery is a riot! When she wanted to name the beam, I couldn’t stop laughing.

I had originally been concerned with Adrianna’s maturity but based on Kova’s behavior after ‘that night,� that concern is dead.

Overall I’m confused on my feelings about Kova. While I appreciate his honesty, everything he says about fucking his girlfriend while he thinks about Adrianna is a bit cringeworthy. Honestly, his whole persona is cringeworthy at times. Like he clearly crossed lines well before consent. Yet I still like him. I appreciate his rough exterior, how hard he drives her and I do think he’s sexy. But sometimes I also think he’s off. I guess I’m just as confused as he is.

“That is what you wanted, right? A good fuck?" When I didn't answer, he said, "Was it as good for you as it was for me?"
And then he stalked off and was out the door like nothing had ever happened.� -Ok, the last third is proving that Kova is a fucking prick.

“I don't want you." Lie.
He shook his head. "You do not get it, do you?"
Confusion set in my face and he answered my question. "I want you, that is what you do not seem to understand. But you never refuse me. So you hating me will make this easier for you, for both of us. I want you to hate me, so when I do try to come after you, you tell me no.� -What a fucking coward!

What a mess!

Overall the growth for both characters was phenomenal. Not only as two separate entities but as a duo. Both as coach/gymnast and what shouldn’t be but won’t be stopped. The drama was great, the ups were amazing and the downs were fucking horrible. I’m interested to see how this roller coaster progresses.

Anybody seen Center Stage? At the end the girl tells the asshole. “You’re A Great Dancer Cooper, But As A Boyfriend� You Kinda Suck� Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.
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Reading Progress

January 10, 2021 – Started Reading
January 10, 2021 – Shelved
January 10, 2021 – Shelved as: to-read
January 12, 2021 – Finished Reading
February 4, 2021 – Shelved as: student-teacher
May 5, 2021 – Shelved as: emotional-rollercoaster
May 5, 2021 – Shelved as: age-gap
January 1, 2022 – Shelved as: taboo
January 1, 2022 – Shelved as: sports-romance

Comments Showing 1-28 of 28 (28 new)

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❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ Oohhh I'm starting this soon. Glad that you like it!


D.L. Howe Happy reading, Lily! ❤️


message 3: by K (last edited Jan 12, 2021 05:50AM) (new)

K I’ve always wanted to start this series because 1. Age-Gap / Older Man x Younger Woman 2. Forbidden / Taboo 3. I am a slut for those two tropes. But 5 long ass books? I just honestly don’t think I can handle that much angst. Still, I’m glad you enjoyed this first one and I hope the rest are just as good for you! 💞🤞🏼


D.L. Howe K this is my jam, my favorite is student/teacher. God, these books are looong! I figure I’ll hit it like the Goddess Isles series, take breaks in between so I don’t get burnt out. Thanks girl 💋


Karen's Utterly Unashamed Great review but I still can't decide about this one. I loved Hush, Hush by Lucia Franco.


message 6: by Tears Of Venus (new)

Tears Of Venus fab review!! �


D.L. Howe Thanks Karen. Yeah, it’s not bad. I got sucked in, I was gonna take a break but I had to know what happens next. I will look into Hush Hush


D.L. Howe Thanks so much Tears of Venus. 🤗


message 9: by Flor � (new)

Flor ❁ (HIATUS) great review!! 🙂


message 10: by D.L. (new) - rated it 4 stars

D.L. Howe Thank you, Florencei! 🥰


message 11: by Bella (new) - added it

Bella - You had me at Rose and Dimitri! I can try anything that resembles them. My teenhood... Great review Debbie!❤️


message 12: by c (new) - rated it 5 stars

c d. this series is literally absolutely amazing


message 13: by c (new) - rated it 5 stars

c d. it says that i commented the same thing 12 time wtf


message 14: by Drey (new)

Drey Right? Excellent review @Debbie!


message 15: by D.L. (new) - rated it 4 stars

D.L. Howe Awe Bella that’s awesome! Thanks girl! 😻


message 16: by D.L. (new) - rated it 4 stars

D.L. Howe Lol C, I only see it once, it’s all good. I agree, I can’t stop reading.


message 17: by D.L. (new) - rated it 4 stars

D.L. Howe Thanks so much, Drey!


message 18: by BookLover (new) - added it

BookLover Great review Debbie and another author I’ve not read. Amazon Australia doesn’t have book 1, do I need to read it before the others in the series? Thanks lovely.


message 19: by D.L. (new) - rated it 4 stars

D.L. Howe Karen Amazon didn’t have book one in the US either. I found the ebook online at authorluciafranco.com. It’s the same price and it’s the original uncensored version.


message 20: by Cori (new) - added it

Cori Zahara Ah, Debbie... you just answered my question. I just came across this and thought, I wonder if it's on Amazon? Lol! Now, where will I find it! Lol! The hunt begins...


message 21: by D.L. (new) - rated it 4 stars

D.L. Howe Was it not available on her website?


message 22: by D.L. (new) - rated it 4 stars

D.L. Howe Cori it is on Amazon but I’d bet it’s been changed


message 23: by Cori (new) - added it

Cori Zahara I hadn't looked. I just came across it and saw your review at the top. Oh, good! I'm not a fan of the censoring thing... I like corrupt stories, lol!


message 24: by D.L. (new) - rated it 4 stars

D.L. Howe Right there with you.


taylor :) (in a slump) i have no desire to read this but your review is awesome 10/10


message 26: by D.L. (new) - rated it 4 stars

D.L. Howe Lol I never finished the series so I don’t blame you Taylor. Thanks girl!


Karen's Utterly Unashamed D.L. wrote: "Lol I never finished the series so I don’t blame you Taylor. Thanks girl!"

Why didn't you finish? Too long or you didn't end up liking the other books?


message 28: by D.L. (new) - rated it 4 stars

D.L. Howe Karen it’s been so long but I think it was a mixture of being equally overwhelmed and bored. I kept saying I’d go back because I own all of them but so much time had passed. Maybe if it was in audio.


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