Lucia Franco

This review is spoiler free.
"Yes, Malysh"

I'm a new taboo romance lover and this book did not disappoint. The writing was on point, the characters were fantastic. The character development, the pacing. I loved the side characters and what they brought to the table. I loved the main characters determination and drive and I loved how Kova was so supportive! If you love age gaps and taboo, you'll love this book. This was my first read by this author and I can't wait to read more, I've already ordered the next book!! This book is definitely a taboo read, a girl 15 and a guy 32 her coach. She is younger than half his age. Lucia’s exceptional writing, plus her mind blowing knowledge about gymnastics made me enjoy this book.

Nobody should be making the choice of what I can and can’t read! Just because you don’t like the book or the message of the story doesn’t mean you can bully an author and get a book banned.… (plus d'informations)

Can somebody come pick my jaw up off the floor? This forbidden romance is off the charts hot! Everyone is drop dead gorgeous In the world of competitive gymnastics. I am so far from being a teenage athlete that at times it felt like I was watching animals at a zoo. Crazy, beautiful, frisky animals. ‘Balance’ reads like a game of tug of war. First you feel like the story will go one direction, then something pulls it towards a different direction. Normally this would irritate me. Think rope burns from having my emotions dragged all over the place. Instead Lucia Franco makes the back and forth feel like extended foreplay.

My only criticism is minor. The beginning of the book felt a bit slow and weighed down by the athletic side of the story. Post-reading, the pace and emphasis made sense. It made for a richer story overall. Don’t let the beginning put you off.

It took me a long time to start reading this due to some disparaging reviews. From what I have read, many of the negative reviews are based on the subject of ‘Balance’. I have said it before and I will say it again: reviews should focus on the writing not the subject matter.

One final note: The current Kindle edition is different from the original 2016 edition. If you want the uncensored version, it is available at the author’s website https://authorluciafranco.com/… (plus d'informations)

Excruciatingly good

I’ve got a book hangover. My voice is hoarse from shouting at Adrianna and Kova. I’m dehydrated from crying so many tears. I alternated between sobbing and weeping for nearly a quarter of the book.

The book overall was stellar. I can’t remember the last time I read something which provoked such a massive physical reaction.

The negatives:

Too much angst. I know it goes hand in hand with my tears and shouting, but...

Primarily singular POV. What I wouldn’t give to know what was running through the other characters heads.

I just cannot believe it is over. I. Am. Shattered.
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The love story continues. I’m not totally sure how I feel about this one. It was well written and tore at my heart just as much as ‘Balance’. However, in a way it felt like I was swimming through caramel as I read the story. Tasty and enjoyable but still a bit of a struggle.

‘Execution’ excelled at solidifying the story line. The tumultuous relationship between Adrianna and Kova continues. Adrianna’s training intensifies. Secondary characters and plot lines are developed...

In the end I’m left thinking that I might have been able to skip this book and move straight to book 3. That is in hindsight. In reality, I made it to 70% then started using the search function to get to the intense bits. That could just be me and my lack of patience. I still think this series is awesome. So sexy and heart achingly beautiful. I can’t wait to jump in to book 3!



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