D.L. Howe's Reviews > Balance
Balance (Off Balance, #1)
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D.L. Howe's review
bookshelves: student-teacher, age-gap, emotional-rollercoaster, sports-romance, taboo
Jan 12, 2021
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.
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
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Jan 12, 2021 05:23AM

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