Adrianna Rossi is no stranger to the rigorous demands required of her body. Years of pain and determination make her one of the best. Olympic glory is the ultimate goal, and she’ll do anything to achieve it. Even if that means leaving home to attend World Cup Academy of Gymnastics, a training center that serves one purpose–producing champions. Perfection, precision, and dedication are required … required of his athletes. When two time Olympian Konstantin Kournakova is persuaded into training the young hopeful, he immediately regrets it. She doesn’t come close to his high standards. As the relentless pursuit of her dream keeps her striving, a passion is ignited within him.
Kova’s power and domination, coupled with Adrianna’s fierce tenacity, reveal there is more for her body to learn. Every interaction can be misconstrued, but there’s no mistaking the darkening of his gaze, the lingering of his touch, or the illicit image of his bare skin pressed against hers. Integrity is on the line. One toe off the beam and their forbidden desires could ruin everything they’ve worked for, throwing it all off balance.
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I couldn’t put this book down. This is by far the best age gap/forbidden book I’ve read. This is about a gymnast. Adrianna whose goal is to go to the Olympics. Her dad knows a Russian coach. His name is Kova. She gets accepted into his gym and trains hard. With all the training she starts liking her coach. They start a relationship and let me tell you these two have such hot chemistry. You won’t want to put this book down
I’m in Love!!!
The last two weeks have just been incredible!! I can’t even describe the euphoria that has set in my heart and soul. All because a little TABOO book series! These books have given me the biggest book high of my life. I am in love with the Off Balance Series by Lucia Franco. Each book is just MAGNIFICENT, AWE-INSPIRING, SENSATIONAL and EXECUTED so perfectly. This series is everything I LOVE about books and why I LOVE reading. I can’t get enough Kova and Ria. Execution was so intense and I feel it took me forever to read it. I had to stop several times to let my heart slow down and catch my breath. BEST. FEELING. EVER. I AM SO OBSESSED RIGHT NOW! .
This book was very taboo… but I loved it ;). Ria is a sassy, kind and confident girl and Kova… jesus, Kova is a drool worthy, slightly cold but warms up a little alpha male — my favourite kind of alpha Male hehe. The chemistry between them is just electric, chaotic and steamy. They’re either at each other’s throats on mat or in the bedroom, both of which I find so captivating and addictive to read 😉 — this adds even more to their chemistry. I loved the beginning of their story, it’s an emotional roller coaster but it’s a ride I’ll gladly do over and over again!
UGH!!! I’m so frustrated, I have no idea what to feel , what the heck?, my emotions are everywhere right now. Kova f*ckn Kova, damn him, he’s so… I don’t know how to say it, how dare he, how could he? I want to kick him in the b*lls and yell at him, because it’s just not fair. And Adriana… seriously girl, really , I don’t know whom to be the most mad at.
Ok, now that I rant, I have to say that the book was really great.Honestly I was a little bit scared when I saw the length of the book was 17 hours, I thought I was going to get enough of it by the half or before, but boy was I wrong. Honestly I didn’t feel it was that long, I never got bored or tired, I just kept listening and listening without noticing the time. But the last 20 minutes of it OMG, I had to pause it for the first time because my anxiety had reach its peek and I needed a minute just to calm down.
All the gymnastics scenes were really good, I got frustrated at times when Adriana couldn’t do something right, or flinch when she fell, I could literally feel her pain and frustration. Listening to it I wanted to stand up and start working out, lol. The chemistry between Adriana and Kova is everything, so explosive, I don’t know how they could keep a straight face at the gym considering all they have done. And the s*x, holly hotness, it was mind blowing, so deliciously good, so so wrong, but oh so good.
Finally, Sarah Puckett, WOW just WOWWW she nailed the narration of this book, so fantastic. Her voice as Kova, with that Russian accent you just forget it was a single narration by how awesome she was. O swear she just gets better every time. I love how she can make you feel all the emotions the characters have, and her inflections and paced are perfect. This audiobook was so much more because of her.
AUDIOBOOK OBSESSION
Wow… ok. Where do I even begin lol
So this series has been highly recommended to me by like, everyone. I’ve been intrigued by it for quite some time, and then I started chatting with Lucia and realized I needed to check it out for myself. I mean, how could I resist after all? An EXTREMELY taboo age-gap in all its forbidden glory?? Sounds right up my alley.
I’m not really going to go crazy on this review because this is a series of 4 books, with the 5th and final part coming this year. And I believe from the story that Book 1 is only just the beginning.
I will say that there are parts of this book that frustrated the hell out of me lol. I’m someone who loves to have my emotions challenged when reading, so it wasn’t at all a problem for me. But seriously, sometimes Adrianna annoyed the everloving shit out of me LOL I don’t typically read books with teenage characters because it’s hard for me to relate to them. I’ve said this before, but even when I was 15, I felt like a 25 year old lol. I believe Adrianna to be incredibly mature for her age, and I guess that was part of the frustration. One minute she’s acting like an adult and then next minute she’s acting like a child, which is to be expected with a teenager. The way she blatantly ignored the advice of every adult in her life made me want to smack some sense into her. See? Exactly like a real teen. I can certainly relate.
Kova… I mean, how can I even express my feelings toward him?? I guess he was equally frustrating. Because he’s just such an asshole, but it always feels like he has his reasons. I always end up siding with the heros in books over the heriones lol. It’s part of my downfall, but I agreed with a lot of what Kova was dealing with. Not once did I feel like he was preying on Ria, although some would see it that way. But to those people, I would ask have you ever been a teenager with a crush??! Because to me, this is a familiar feeling.
Anyway, the ending was a shocker. I just know the next few books are going to drain the hell out of me so I better get ready now! What am I saying, of course I’m ready.
Time to pop some Motrin and buckle up! Settle in for the madness lol.
Applause, Lucia! I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
This book is a forbidden romance, but it was very well written. Adrianna wants to get to the next level in gymnastics and finds a gym to train in to get there. Kova is the coach and her fathers friend. Adrianna finds out her true ability, and pushes herself to the extreme to get what she wants. But along the way she falls for her coach. Adrianna struggles with right and wrong, and following all her dreams. Kova is a man, he is a coach and has his own moral struggles. I loved the reality of the struggles. I imagine many forbidden loves have these very struggles and it made this story seem realistic. Kova and Adrianna’s relationship seemed forced. I enjoyed that. I could feel the hesitation that Kova felt. Adrianna wanted what she wanted and fought for it. But sometimes, consequences of our actions are hard to deal with. This book was well written and I jumped right into the next installment.
Sarah Puckett narrated this story wonderfully. Her russian accent was a great touch for Kova. Her performance of Adrianna is exactly as I imagined her. Ms. Puckett brought this story to life.
A taboo and forbidden read that had me clutching my kindle one second and wanting to throw it the next.
I have so many emotions after finishing Balance. Sooo many. This book gave me whiplash. I thought I knew which direction the story was headed and then Lucia goes and throws a complete 180 in the story!
I don’t know if I love or hate Kova. Gosh.. that man is so infuriating. I wanted to smack him then hold him. My friends told me going into this story that I would hate him before I loved him and they are 100% correct. Right now.. I hate him.
I always love Lucia’s writing because she gives us the forbidden, the taboo, the age gap, the WRONG BUT IT FEELS SO SO RIGHT stories.
Balance is in a league of its own. This story is not for everyone, so please read the disclaimer before starting.
I know there has been a lot of controversy around this series, but I’m only going to say this once, don’t try to censor my reading. It is my CHOICE to read this book. I can stop reading at any time if I’m uncomfortable. Nobody is making me read this book.
I 100% believe in freedom and choice when reading. I should be able to read whatever kind of book I want without feeling judged and I will not hide my feelings for anything.
This book pushed some boundaries.. But. I. Loved. It. I loved every page of it. With that being said, thank you Lucia, for giving us all a story that is outside of our comfort zones. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am already downloading book two.
I have such a book hangover it not even funny. I could not stop listening to this book. It’s one of those reads where you stay up reading/listening until you can keep your eyes open and then the second you wake up you are back to reading/listening It was so amazing. If you love taboo, forbidden, and age gap then I recommend this book you will not be disappointed. AudiobookObsession
This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by Lucia Franco. It is a difficult one to review. Mainly because I picked it up because of the bad press it’s received and was curious. I didn’t read any reviews prior to listening because I wanted to be completely unbiased in my opinion. I only heard it was an older man/underaged girl. I have a friend who married a man twice her age at 16 yrs old. Fifteen years down the road, they have a beautiful family. So, even though I’d *NEVER* condone an underage romance, I’m not naive enough to realize it doesn’t happen. That is the background for my review.
Lucia knows how to write well. My opinion is that a narrator is the main one to allow streaming like movie when listening, but the writer develops the world through words and it was well done. Her storyline is well written with well developed characters. This book could get a 5 star rating if that was the sole reason for a rating.
Unfortunately, so far I’ve disliked nearly every character except for Adrianna’s father, Hayden, and possibly Holly. We didn’t see much of her. Reagan was awful, which isn’t bad in itself. There’s usually a mean girl involved to create havoc. But the main two characters, Kova and Adrianna, are terrible. She is self centered and a brat. But I’d say she is a typical teenager. Kova is disrespectful, confusing, and the worst being a cheater! I abhor cheating. It’s disappointing that Adrianna doesn’t care that he is cheating. It’s all about their lustful feelings. I just want to throw my Kindle when those two are together! I spent most of the book in anguish, wondering when the shoe will drop. And even though I have a friend that has been in a similar situation (minus the cheating), as a Mom, I want to go all momma bear on Kova. I see no love between those two. I understand the series keeps going, and maybe we’ll get more romance/love in the next book? Why couldn’t she like Hayden!?! Amazingly enough, I want to find out what happens. With the cheating, it’d normally be a 2 star rating, but her writing abilities had me adding a star.
Sarah Puckett is amazing as a narrator. She did an excellent job with both female and male voices. She is definitely a new favorite narrator now. Her performance was spot on and the book streamed as a movie in my head. Perfection.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer
**4.5 Stars**
I could not stop reading this. I was hooked from the start. I did go in completely blind and wow, just wow. Yes this is a taboo book and yes there is sensitive subject matter but hello it is FICTION. This book was 100% engaging.
Adrianna wants to increase her training and maybe one day make it to the Olympics, and in order to do so, starts training at a gym three hours from her home. At 15/16 she now lives on her own and gets tutored for school and trains 50 hours a week for gymnastics. Kova is the owner of the World Cup and the Coach.
Adrianna and Kova’s relationship is intense, angsty, tumultuous, steamy and a bit of a roller coaster ride. The chemistry is definitely there no doubt. The author did a great job at times with Kova’s struggle with the morality of their relationship which I think came through in his hot and cold treatment towards Adrianna and in other ways.
The book does raise a lot of questions at various times I think that could get you thinking but again the book is fiction. As a parent I wouldn’t let my child live alone. I wouldn’t condone this type of relationship in real life but the book is still pretty entertaining. I did not want to put the book down as I was dying to see what was going to happen. I cannot wait to read more books in the series.
3.5 stars
This is a first for my by Lucia. This was a good read. I think some things could have been condensed and the gym moves were overly descriptive. Talk about one crazy ride. I will go onto book 2 though!
Sarah Puckett did a great job narrating! Love Kova’s Russian accent!
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lucia Franco story is gripping, descriptive and very well written. Everything from the details of the grueling gymnastic training , the difficulty, dedication, mental and physical strength it takes to become an elite gymnast. to the lust, despair, and steamy sex, Throw in some mean girls on the team to add more trouble to the mix.
A taboo relationship, that should have never had happened. Just a warning, this relationship is between a 31 year-old gymnastic coach and his young 16 year old gymnast. This story is very detailed in the steamy sex scenes.
Adrianna , an aspiring gymnast who has her eyes on furthering her gymnastics career by going to the best elite gym. Her desires will not stop her from joining a gym of that caliber. She has the drive, ambition, strength, and positive attitude to succeed. Her ultimate goal is going to the Olympics.
Konstantin Kournokova, her coach, sees something in her that he’s never seen in any of his other gymnasts.
“Kova” is a brash, standoffish , domineering , self centered jerk. He’s shown her a new kind of gymnastics , that Adrianna and Kova can’t get enough of.
Their relationship is toxic, full of passion, angst, anger. It’s not love it’s lust.”You are like a moth to a flame . ”
I can’t say enough about Sarah Puckett’s narration. Wow she captures every steamy sex scene with raw emotion. Telling the story capturing the voices, accents and demeanor of each character and giving each one their own personality. Very well done!
audiobookobsessionreview
I’m honestly terrified to write this review. My problem is that when a book has a bunch of drama and controversy, I NEED to read it. So when the opportunity to listen to this popped up, I jumped on it. And I kind of liked this book. Obviously there are parts that are wrong and I in no way approve of. The sex did make me uncomfortable. But I loved all the drama and angst in the book. I 100% wish it didn’t have sex at all. I think that the story could have been told with out it. It still would have been sick but I think there wouldn’t be as much controversy if there was never any touching.
Narration by Sarah is always fantastic. I love her.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down. Going into this book I had an idea regarding the forbidden romance. The chemistry between Adrianna and Kova is off the charts. This was a well written story. With the ending I’m dying for book two.
You’ve read other reviews…you already know this is taboo…not the worst taboo I’ve ever read…but definitely not mainstream romance. But THAT is exactly why I wanted to read it. I was in the mood for something dirty…really dirty and I found it…AND I’m hooked. This was just filthy dirty and my eyes were glued to the pages. It is taking everything I have to continue in the Off Balance world but I have a few ARC’s that are calling to me first but you can bet I’ll be back on that balance beam soon. This story is not for everyone…if you have sensibilities to major May/December stuff and rougher than your average love story hook ups…this book won’t be for you. If you are like me, and nothing much really throws you off, then by all means, pick this up and enjoy the ride…
this book is not for everyone. there were situations in this one that maybe uncomfortable for some readers (there was a notification for this chance at the beginning of the book). but, for me this was not the case. i went into reading this one with an open mind. and it was this way of thinking that made me see what i thought the author was trying to portray. yes this is a forbidden love affair, not only due to the age gape, the age of the characters themselves, then the fact that he was her coach, but also because of him cheating making the female character the mistress. the age part is one that most i have found have an issue with, but for me i saw that the female character was in some ways more mature than some adults. this may not be the way that some saw things, but this is how i saw them. now i am impatiently waiting for the next part to this story.
I’m a huge fan of taboo relationships. Despite having a teenage daughter, I can separate my momma bear from a good story…usually.
I had a hard time with this book. Let me explain. The narrator is great. Kova’s accent is great. Adriana sounds great. The story is really well written and sounds technical (I know nothing about gymnastics). Everything is great except…
I’m not sure how to say this have it be clear. Despite the ages, I like Kova and Adriana together. It’s definitely illegal. It’s definitely wrong but the hopeless romantic in me clings to it being okay. I think my big turn off is that despite being unable to avoid touching her, Kova’s cold manner and words make him out to be in it for a quick F@ck. I’m hoping that isn’t the case but it’s hard to fight against his words and actions. He keeps coming back for more but has also not stopped or changed his other relationship. He keeps saying its nothing but then why go back?!?
I know they can’t really be together legally and it makes me insane. So am I reading/listening to a book to bash my head in the wall?!?! I’m not even sure.
Balance ends on an open cliffhanger. You are left wondering until the next book. I’m almost tempted to read spoilers to see if I am really setting myself up for failure.
Again, this book is well written. The narrator knocks it out of the park! Or should I say gets a 10 on the execution! I just can’t figure out where I stand.
Blog Sol and Us
PT-BR/EN
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Eu sempre pensei que eu nunca seria capaz de apreciar uma história em que um menor tivesse uma relação amorosa com um adulto. Eu pensei que fosse o meu limite.
Até Balance.
O relacionamento da Adrinna e do Kova é natural e certo e poderoso. Foi a melhor representação de diferença de idade de todas. Sempre, em algum momento, eu esqueço que a diferença de idade existe. Em Balance, isto não aconteceu. Talvez porque nas outras histórias a diferença era sempre entre dois adultos. Mas isso não quer dizer que eu ache o relacionamento deles imoral e errado. Pelo contrário, o Kova não tem poder sobre a Adrianna e ela não é forçada a fazer nada.
Relacionamentos amorosos entre menor de idade e adulto ainda é algo que eu não posso, não vou aceitar na vida real. Mas agora, graças a Lucia Franco, é algo que eu posso lidar na ficção. Meu conselho é: leia a sinopse antes de descartar a série só porque é diferença de idade entre maior e menor de idade. Eu entendo e respeito alguns não serão capazes de lidar com a história. Para vocês que não conseguem suportar isto: deixem para lá. Mas para o resto de vocês: tentem, dêem uma chance. Se há a menor possibilidade de vocês serem capazes de lidar com essa história de amor proíbido, façam isso. Entrem de cabeça porque a chance de vocês amarem é enorme.
Já comecei Execution e acompanharei a série até o final (não acaba, por favor). Boa leitura!
Sigam Sol and Us: https://linktr.ee/solandus2
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I always thought I would never be able to enjoy a story where an underage had a romantic relationship with an adult. I thought this was where I drew the line.
Until Balance.
Adrianna and Kova’s relationship is natural and right and powerful. It was the best representation of age gap of all. Always, at some point, I forget the age gap exists. On Balance, it did not happened. Perhaps because in other stories the difference was always between two adults. But that does not mean I think their relationship is immoral and wrong. On the contrary, Kova do not have power over Adrianna and she is not forced to do anything.
Romantic relationships between underage and adult is still something I can not, will not accept in real life. But now, thanks to Lucia Franco, is something I can deal (and possibly love) in fiction. My counsel is: read the blurb before dismissing the series just because it is age gap between adult and underage. I understand and respect some will not be able to handle the story. To those of you who can not deal with it: leave it alone. But for the rest of you: try, give it a chance. If there is the smallest possibility you will be able to handle this forbidden love story, do it. Jump head first because the chances you will fall in love are enormous.
I already started Execution and I will follow the series until the end (do not end, please). Good reading!
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What a wonderful taboo book! It’s one of my favorite tropes. This is a great beginning to a series I can’t seem to get enough! Adrianna and Kova are everything and the side characters really add to the overall feel of the book!
What a crazy ride, it was long but worth it.. I’ve been wanting to read/listen to this book for such a long time and finally, I had the chance and it was worth the wait.
This is the story of Adrianna, a girl who was amazing in gymnastics, she had the training, the ability, The will. the only thing she ever wanted was to be Elite and participate in the Olympic.. she is ready to work hard for what she always wanted no matter the cost but life and circumstances had other plans for her, now is about time to see if she will be able to finish her training without getting caught on her trainers web..
Kova is a professional and the best when it comes to Gymnastics, he has been at the Olympics many times, his reputations is impeccable, everybody wants to train with him. he is handsome and dedicated but his new student may break his professionalism soon.. he is having an internal battle not knowing what is right and what is wrong.. their attraction is off the charts and nothing seems to stop them anymore..
I literally spend the whole book biting my nails, thinking they were about to get caught in the action… like I said it was a roller coaster of emotions that will keep you at the edge the whole ride ..
I really enjoy this book, it is long but you won’t feel it, the story really will captivate you and make you want to know more about these characters and story..