Amidst all the excitement and emotions of the Rio 2016 Olympics comes this steamy and exhilarating romance set in the vividly depicted world of gymnastics reflecting all the highs and lows while discovering what's really important. Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of Blind Landing by Carrie Aarons, along with my impressions of it, then add it to your bookshelf. In honor of this first installment in the Flipped series make sure to fill out the form for the chance to win 1 of 3 Kindle copies of this book too!
Fear stops dreams in their tracks before they even have a chance. Then again, so do injuries.
Natalia Grekov was born to win Olympic gold. As the USA’s top gymnast, she’s calm, confident and ready to make her country proud in just two short months. And her elite athlete lifestyle includes no time for distractions—especially men. When a disastrous fall in practice puts her dreams at risk, it seems the only person who can help her is the one person she wants nothing from.
Spencer Russell is gymnastics’ bad boy. A cocky, laid-back charmer with abs of steel and a witty mouth, he waltzes around the U.S. Gymnastics Training Camp like he owns the place—even though he doesn't anymore. After an injury sidelined his career and any chance at Olympic glory, he’s now just a coach, helping other gymnasts reach their goals. Serious is not a word in Spencer’s vocabulary. But when Natalia tumbles into his life, he's suddenly sincerely interested in helping the blonde beauty in any way he can.
Can they vault over the obstacles standing in their way? Or will Spencer be the distraction that causes Natalia's chance at gold to crash and burn?
BUY LINKS: AMAZON (US) | AMAZON (UK)
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
With the 2016 Rio Olympics blaring on the television behind me, I found this romance to be a timely read and one that pulled me in wholeheartedly from the first page to the last. The trials and tribulations of becoming a world-class gymnast, the negative aspects surrounding the sport, and a steamy romance between two immensely likable people all make for an entertaining read that left me cheering once the final page was turned.
Spencer Russell was once at the top of the gymnastic world until a career-ending injury crushed his dreams. Not wanting to leave the sport he loves behind him completely has him joining the coaching staff of a prominent coach despite his hatred of the man's techniques. Spencer believes in hard work but also the fun and joy of doing gymnastics. He promotes a healthy mind and body too which puts him at odds with the man who's marring the sport he would do anything for and ultimately leads to a life-altering decision. When not at odds with his boss Spencer is becoming increasingly attracted to the new gymnast, Natalia Grekov, who's unlike any woman he's been with before. Spencer enjoys women, has no intention of settling down, and until now has had no problem getting women. With Natalia though, he's having to work to get her attention as she's devoted herself to the sport and wants no distractions. Though they start off as friends, the flirtiness and sexual tension soon becomes too much and leads to clandestine encounters over their forbidden romance. Spencer's an immensely likable hero whose joy for, and love of, the sport shines through. He's sweet, charming, and playful, with a talent for dirty talk at the most unexpected moments. He doubted he'd ever find love but is the first to recognize it and say it out loud. He's supportive of Natalia every step of the way, giving her confidence and sacrificing everything when her place on the team is threatened. He's the quintessential hero and is still starring in many of my late night dreams!
Natalia's never wanted anything other than an Olympic gold medal and is willing to sacrifice much to get there. As the latest addition to Filipek's Gym she's witnessed gymnasts being demoralized over their weight as well as emotionally abused, but as she sticks up for herself it puts her in the crosshairs and leaves her position on the Olympic team on rocky ground. Becoming entangled with a coach isn't helping matters, especially as she doesn't want any distractions keeping her from her goal, but Spencer's a temptation she can't keep ignoring. When he discovers a secret that might keep her from making the team he shows an unexpected chivalrous side by helping her, but their close encounters lead to so much more. Natalia's a strong-willed woman, very focused, and she and her family have sacrificed much in her journey to the Olympics. Spencer starts off as her friend but their connection quickly evolves into scorching encounters and feelings she doesn't want to label. When their relationship is discovered she can no longer run from their feelings as it leads to harsh words and changes for both of them amidst the energy and suspense of the Olympics.
This was an engaging story that vividly depicted the excitement and uncertainties of an Olympic year. The highs and lows, sacrifices and fears, of those striving to make it to the Olympics pulls readers in and keeps them on the edge of their seats. Add in a forbidden romance between a coach and an athlete and the stakes end up even higher in a sensual friends to lovers romance. Natalia and Spencer are both strong-willed and immensely appealing with a connection that crackles, making them a dynamic duo. Their encounters teem with sexual tension, scorching interludes, and witty and playful banter that leads to inspired dirty talk. Alongside this unforgettable main couple comes an equally entertaining cast of secondary characters whose stories are just bursting to be released. From the formerly paired gymnasts of Jared and Peyton, who are now bitter enemies, to single father Rourke whose loneliness still weighs on me, and together they all promise lots of engaging storytelling to come. Readers who enjoy sports-themed romances will find much to enjoy in this first installment in the Flipped series as it perfectly balances love and the stresses of athletics. It's a delightful start that left me cheering with the final turn of the page and counting down the days until the next installment.
Spencer Russell was once at the top of the gymnastic world until a career-ending injury crushed his dreams. Not wanting to leave the sport he loves behind him completely has him joining the coaching staff of a prominent coach despite his hatred of the man's techniques. Spencer believes in hard work but also the fun and joy of doing gymnastics. He promotes a healthy mind and body too which puts him at odds with the man who's marring the sport he would do anything for and ultimately leads to a life-altering decision. When not at odds with his boss Spencer is becoming increasingly attracted to the new gymnast, Natalia Grekov, who's unlike any woman he's been with before. Spencer enjoys women, has no intention of settling down, and until now has had no problem getting women. With Natalia though, he's having to work to get her attention as she's devoted herself to the sport and wants no distractions. Though they start off as friends, the flirtiness and sexual tension soon becomes too much and leads to clandestine encounters over their forbidden romance. Spencer's an immensely likable hero whose joy for, and love of, the sport shines through. He's sweet, charming, and playful, with a talent for dirty talk at the most unexpected moments. He doubted he'd ever find love but is the first to recognize it and say it out loud. He's supportive of Natalia every step of the way, giving her confidence and sacrificing everything when her place on the team is threatened. He's the quintessential hero and is still starring in many of my late night dreams!
Natalia's never wanted anything other than an Olympic gold medal and is willing to sacrifice much to get there. As the latest addition to Filipek's Gym she's witnessed gymnasts being demoralized over their weight as well as emotionally abused, but as she sticks up for herself it puts her in the crosshairs and leaves her position on the Olympic team on rocky ground. Becoming entangled with a coach isn't helping matters, especially as she doesn't want any distractions keeping her from her goal, but Spencer's a temptation she can't keep ignoring. When he discovers a secret that might keep her from making the team he shows an unexpected chivalrous side by helping her, but their close encounters lead to so much more. Natalia's a strong-willed woman, very focused, and she and her family have sacrificed much in her journey to the Olympics. Spencer starts off as her friend but their connection quickly evolves into scorching encounters and feelings she doesn't want to label. When their relationship is discovered she can no longer run from their feelings as it leads to harsh words and changes for both of them amidst the energy and suspense of the Olympics.
This was an engaging story that vividly depicted the excitement and uncertainties of an Olympic year. The highs and lows, sacrifices and fears, of those striving to make it to the Olympics pulls readers in and keeps them on the edge of their seats. Add in a forbidden romance between a coach and an athlete and the stakes end up even higher in a sensual friends to lovers romance. Natalia and Spencer are both strong-willed and immensely appealing with a connection that crackles, making them a dynamic duo. Their encounters teem with sexual tension, scorching interludes, and witty and playful banter that leads to inspired dirty talk. Alongside this unforgettable main couple comes an equally entertaining cast of secondary characters whose stories are just bursting to be released. From the formerly paired gymnasts of Jared and Peyton, who are now bitter enemies, to single father Rourke whose loneliness still weighs on me, and together they all promise lots of engaging storytelling to come. Readers who enjoy sports-themed romances will find much to enjoy in this first installment in the Flipped series as it perfectly balances love and the stresses of athletics. It's a delightful start that left me cheering with the final turn of the page and counting down the days until the next installment.
My rating for this book is an A.
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Author of romance novels such as Red Card and the Captive Heart Duet, Carrie Aarons writes sexy, swoony and sarcastic characters who won't get out of her head until she puts them down on a page.
Carrie has wanted to be an author since the first time she opened a book. She loves spinning tales that include dapper men, women with attitude, and the occasional hunky athlete.
When she isn't in what her husband calls a "writing coma", Carrie is freeing up her jam-packed DVR, starting her latest DIY project, or planning her next travel adventure. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, who is more than happy to watch sports while his wife plots love stories.
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I love to watch the gymnastics. Time to read about it.
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