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. ( )

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/ ( )