Queen B’s Decree: Head Over Heels is not your typical romance. It follows the story of Avery, who was competing in the Olympic trials for gymnastics until an injury set her back and essentially derailed her life’s plans. She spirals afterward as her life has to take an alternate plan, and years later is just living without any ambition. After a breakup she moves back home and has an opportunity to coach with an old crush of hers.
The timeline of the story is the eight or so months leading up to the Olympic trials. Head Over Heels really delved into the world of gymnastics and brought me some insight into the sport I’ve loved since the US team won in 1996. It touches on Avery’s abusive coach and his methods, and the recent sexual abuse from the team physician. I appreciated those points being mentioned, but it did feel as if some of it was glossed over.
The romance between Avery and her old crush/boss/co-coach Ryan was minimal. I honestly don’t know what Avery saw in him. I could have done without it, as the friendships and relationships between Avery and Jasmine, Hallie, and Sara had more life and passion than anything Ryan portrayed.
Head Over Heels brought back the joy I always felt watching the women’s gymnastics Olympic games and that was worth the read.
Book: Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein
Series: standalone
Genre: Contemporary
Hotness: basically no salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: minimal romance