The move to World Cup Academy of Gymnastics is the greatest challenge Adrianna has encountered. Punished for Coach Kova’s overwhelming desires, she’s reeling with resentment while she sits out the first meet of the season. As Adrianna fights to regain her focus, he pushes her body to the extreme, leaving her mentally and physically exhausted. Kova underestimates Adrianna’s endurance, and … and gravitates more toward her, despite his internal battle raging within to stay away. They try to disentangle themselves, but the tension between coach and gymnast mounts, engulfing them both in a forbidden world of deception and passion.
The one place where they should never feel alive, is where they find complete absolution. But one slip, one wrong landing, a missed grip, and everything they built can come tumbling down, damaging both their professional and personal lives.
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This is book two of an on-going series and these books must be read in order. I firmly believe that this series of books falls into that niche category of reads that a person either adores or abhors, I truly don’t believe that there is any middle ground to be had here. Myself, I am greatly enjoying Adrianna and Kova’s story but freely admit it will not appeal to all readers. This is a complex story featuring complicated situations and controversial content. This is a forbidden romance and when I say forbidden I mean forbidden, So if you are easily offended this book and series are not for you. However, If you like reads that push boundaries, press buttons and are simply not afraid to “Go There”, then I highly recommend you give this gripping, intense and emotionally raw series a try. #AudiobookObsessionReviewers
My. Freaking. Heart.
I started this book and I was so angry at Kova after that ending in Balance. Now.. I am still so angry but I am HURTING. Like, my chest physically hurts. I haven’t felt this pain from a book since Broken Knight by LJ Shen.
I have so many emotions after finishing Execution.. I can’t quite put them into words. I’m so mad. But I’m so heartbroken.
Whenever I feel this way after a book, I am just in awe. It is one thing for an author to write a story that you enjoy. It is a whole different level for an author to write a story that completely swallows you whole into its world and the characters. It feels real. MY FEELS ARE REAL. THIS PAIN IN MY CHEST FOR THE CHARACTERS IS REAL.
Lucia has completely blown me away with this series so far. I was not expecting the pain and heartbreak, the happiness and excitement, the anger and betrayal. I can physically feel what Adrianna is feeling and I am not okay.
Lucia has quickly went up my list of favorite authors. I had only read one other story of hers before starting this series, but after Execution, I am a forever fan, even if she is slowly killing me with her words.
This series is so much more than a man knowing what’s right and wrong and a young woman not caring about her decisions. IT. IS. SO. MUCH. MORE.
I thought I was going to be able to wait to read Release, but it’s not possible. I can’t put these characters to the side. I need their story. I need to know more. I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
Lucia.. you have ruined me.
This series is so emotional and so well written. I just didn’t know what to do with myself after listening to the audiobook for this one. I had to wait, to even be able to write a review I loved this book so much and I felt it all. The characters sometimes frustrate me but that’s one of the things that makes the emotions so real in this book. I cant wait to see what in store for the rest of this series! AudioObsession
The second book of this series was just as hard to listen to as the first. I abhor cheating so I have trouble feeling for Kova and Adrianna. But the heartache is breaking. There was so much going on, but I don’t want to give away details. Lucia Franco knows how to write a story. My emotions were all over just like last time.
Overall – 4 stars
Narration – 5 stars
Book – 3 stars
Sarah Puckett is an amazing narrator. Once again, she was perfection in her performance. She does a wonderful job with both female and male voices. She is definitely a favorite narrator of mine.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer
This series is easy to devour. It’s taboo crack. I always think it’s takes a brilliant writer to make me hate a character so much I would curb stomp them in real life. And man do I want to just punch Kova right in the junk. But as much as I hate him the chemistry he has with Adriana is straight fire. And I just want her to be happy. I want to just give Adriana a hug and make everything okay for her. Amazon was foolish to take this down.
AudiobookObsession
This book was just as unputdownable (yes I know that isn’t actually a word) as the first in the series. Yes, the subject matter is sensitve and yes it isn’t for everyone. Again it is FICTION.
Kova and Adrianna’s relationship continues to be turbulent, angsty and full of a whole lot of back and forth that quite frankly could give anyone whiplash. There are times when Adrianna is quite literally the more mature of the two of them, which is deeply troubling at times. But then there are moments when Kova is caring, compassionate and invested and you can sense that he has a heart and is struggling. When he really teaches Adrianna about being a gymnast and encourages her in her future, I feel like you can get glimpses of his true character.
There are definitely a lot of moments in this book that caused me to shake my head and wonder what the two of them are thinking, as their behavior across the board is very reckless. Definitely steamy, but very very reckless.
In addition to Kova and Adrianna’s relationship woes, Execution also sheds some light on some of the reasoning behind Adrianna’s mother’s hatred for her, as well as her best friend’s recent avoidance and the mystery man she has been dating. One thing is definitely clear…there are still lots of questions left to be answered and I NEED to read book three ASAP!!!
KOVA!!!!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!!!!!!!! Finally some things are starting to be revealed but also with Adrianna, something is seriously wrong and I wonder what it is. I hope the rest of the series gets made into audio.
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.
Audiobook Obsession Reviewer
I hated this book … but also kind of loved it. Let’s be real, Kova is terrible. I have no idea why we as readers feel drawn to him because he’s awful. He’s manipulative and he try’s to play victim which irritates me to no end. And the. We have Ria.. who is so naive in some way but not in all. She gets completely screwed over in this book and it’s heart breaking.
I love the build up and the drama and all the angst.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
Outstanding Writing & Narration Captivating & Heartfelt!
Execution
Off Balance, Book 2
By: Lucia Franco
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett
Series: Off Balance, Book 2
Lucia Franco continues to wow me with her second novel in her Off Balance series. She is a gifted author creates stories that are captivating and filled with drama, angst and so many heartfelt emotions. Her storylines take you out of your comfort zone and may leave you off balance but it is all about the journey, in this case Adrianna’s journey, whom I’ve been rooting for from the beginning, “Balance” the first book. “Execution” picks up where “Balance” leaves off, Adrianna continues to work hard to reach her dream goal of making it to the Olympics but she has to earn it, starting with elite. Kova is working her hard in the gym and while his relationship with her out of the gym is wrong on so many levels he is too weak to stop himself and stay away. He tried to make her hate him but that did not work for him. There is still mystery about him that I can not figure out. I almost felt bad for him in this book, but only almost, and I am not sure if he can redeem himself for what he did to Adrianna. My heart went out to her, she had so many blows thrown her way, l was happy Hayden was there for her, he is such a good person and friend. I am looking forward to what comes next in this awesome series. Lucia Franco, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the audible edition, Sarah Puckett is an awesome narrator and versatile voice artist. She continues to bring these characters to life, giving each their own unique voice and personality. Her portrayal of the characters is perfection, she sounds as you picture them to sound. She does an amazing job with the Russian accent in both male and female voices. Impressive how easily she switches character roles, never missing a beat. You could hear how much heart she puts into her work as she captures and projects the characters emotions into her performance. Sarah is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen
Thank you @AudiobookObsession AudiobookObsessionReviewer
The love hate/relationship of Adrianna and Kova continues. They are still so addicted to each other. The lust, love, his tender touches in the gym, She is consumed by him. Her life, as she knows it, implodes on her, when she came home for Easter. Her mom’s suspicions about her and Kova’s intimacy. Her father’s dirty little secret. She found out why her mom is jealous and hates her. her brother’s betrayal , Avery continually lying. It was too much for her to take. The one person she wants talk to, Kova, won’t answer his phone. When Adrianna finds out devastating news regarding Kova. She felt betrayed, lost, deceived, destroyed, and this finally broke her. She calls the only other person in her life she can trust, Hayden. He’s been her constant, her friend, her confidant.
Lucia Franco story brings you in the world of elite gymnastics, detailing the grueling schedules, exercise routines, and Championship meets.The sex and intimacy between Ria and Kova are very detailed. She gets into the mind of Adrianna, her struggles , doubts, angst . Kova has his own struggles his inability to keep away from Ria, her passion for him and gymnastics, his love for Kocha. This story just drained me emotionally, . I wanted to knock Kova in the head, oh and the cliffhanger at the end, well done. Sarah Pucketts Narration is.so.emotional..Her portrayal of Kkova and Kocha with Russian accents are Spot.on. She flawlessly changes from one character to another giving all the raw emotions and personalities to each one.audiobookobsessionreview
Kova, Ria and Hayden oh my. Dead, dead, dead! This book was well worth the wait and then some. These characters jump of the pages. Yet again we are left with what’s going to happen. Is it September yet?
Execution continues Adrianna’s quest to be the best despite some personal setbacks. While I am enjoying the storyline, I didn’t love it quite as much as Balance for some reason. It has nothing to do with the taboo…it may be the fact that I’m starting to not like Adrianna much although I do love her fight..her fortitude…her drive, but she herself is starting to act her age and it kind of drives me a little crazy lol…Off to read Release now.
Execution (Off Balance, Book 2) continues to push the boundaries between teacher and student. Copious in angst, melodrama and passion swirling through the pages. Secrets revealed in tiers creating a stormy effect. Addictive, beguiling, intoxicating are just three words to describe this audio. The writing style is cutting edge and enslaving. Love, love, love this audio and cannot wait for the next one. The ending of this one may make you faint. With a bombshell dropper ending this one will break your heart.
Narator Sarah Puckett flawless performance brings more to the narrative. I absolutely love her rendition of Coach Kova. Her inflection is flawless, provocative in the right places. Absolutely love listening to her narate this series. Her tone and pace flows through smoothly. Character’s are illustrated perfectly and fit what I would picture of them.
This is a longer length audio series and it could go on for hours, days, or years and I would continue to listen to this audio series forever as long as Sarah Puckett is narating it.
Audiobook Obsession
Nonononono. That book did not just end on the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers. Omg. Lucia Franco is slowly killing me with the angst in this book. The secrets revealed as this story goes deeper and deeper are killing my heart. This series is EVERYTHING! If you haven’t read it yet, do it. Right now. This story is everything forbidden. The layers keep being peeled back along with pieces of my heart and I fear I will never get them back. The depth and range of emotion this book holds is magical. I need more right now.
“Pozhalyusta prosti, menya,”
Please forgive me, I’m sorry.
Lucia Franco knows just how to torture her readers.
Execution is rich in angst, drama, and even more angst.
I cried, and cried some more. This series is not for the faint of heart.
It’s forbidden, wrong, but oh so right.
This book was a sinful guilty pleasure to read from start to finish.
Kova redeems himself in Execution, you see how much he cares and would do just about anything for his Adrianna.
We see a softer side to Kova, he is more human than you think. But hides behind that cold cruel mask of his. You could feel him struggling with his feelings for Ria. . . but also guilt claims both his heart and mind over Katja. Just for one moment they both forget obligations and just feel.
An outstanding sequel to Balance.
A series that I will continue to reread over and over again.
Good lord my love/hate relationship with Kova contiunues…. I thought their relationship couldn’t get any more complicated, add in the competitions and even more forbiddon moments.
This series is my first read from this author and I need to read more. These books may not be for everyone but I have enjoyed reading these.
Kova is hot, dangerous, wild and caring when most don’t see this side of him. Ria is young but has had to grow up away from her family to persue her dream of gymnastics and the ultimate goal of making it to the Olympics.
After the bomshell that was dropped at the end of this one, I need Release like yesterday!!!
So, I am not the only one who has waited on pins and needles for this book. It certainly doesn’t disappoint. This Taboo Coach/student is filled with hot angsty passages that you feel in your gut. They make your cheeks heat wondering is anybody else getting this? Lol I think I go back and forth with Kova knowing it’s wrong, but you can’t get enough of it. But when everyone’s dirty secrets come out… wow! You can’t help but feel her disappointment, and know that’s a lot of pressure for anyone. The ending… I so didn’t see that coming, and I wonder how they come back from that! Adrianna is broken. Who could blame her, but You can’t help but feel bad for Kova too.
-, .
. ‘ .
I’m beyond invested in these characters, I am obsessed with them.
This book had me shouting and making my sailor ancestors proud. The stunts Kova pulled, the things Ria put up with, aaahhhh! They made me want to pull my hair out.
When I finished this story all I could do was sit there for a bit and really try to process.
The author’s writing is spectacular, she doesn’t tell you a story, she shows it, makes you feel it. Every word brings an emotion, a reaction.
This story isn’t for everyone… But it sure as hell was for me. I love Kova and I hate Kova. I need the next installment ASAP.
all I can say is READ THIS FUCKING BOOK.
Lucia Franco has killed me with these books…. So freaking good! I pretty much knew how the book was going to end (I saw others mention it on Facebook) but that did nothing to prepare my for how it was going to make me feel. Adrianna is really going through a lot in this book. She has some real highs and lows. Kova just makes me so darn angry. Her mother is just the worst. And I have hated Reagan for both books, but then the way that she started acting toward the end of this one has me really wondering what her deal is. It’s no secret…. this book ends on a cliffhanger. And I have about a million and 12 questions about things in the story. I am beyond ready for the next one. So far these books have had me all over the place. The ending of Execution had me feeling like I wanted to throw up. The writing is so good! Lucia really makes you FEEL it! I can not wait for more! So I will be counting down the days until I can get my hands on Release! Love this series!
I made the mistake of reading Balance and Execution back to back AND THEN writing the review for the books. So yeah… my bad. That being said I’m sort of glad that I waited a bit before reading these books because I’d probably feel the urge to do some property damage if I had to wait too long for satisfaction and I like my stuff. I kind of can’t stand these people (and by people, I mean the characters; Adriana kind of gets a pass because she is a gosh darn child but Kova is a jerk of the highest caliber) and yet I cannot get enough of their antics. And the gymnastics – let’s not forget about those. I keep thinking about being a kid and being riveted by the gymnasts during Olympics; they were like real life superheroes to me with the way they were able to move and defy gravity with their bodies, and I still feel that way about these amazing athletes today. So the Off Balance series is like getting a behind the scenes sneak peek into that world that was so fascinating and elusive to me with some real angsty, questionable ish thrown in there and I have to admit, I’m fully here for it. Sort of. I mean, once again, if Adrianna was my child and there was a Kova in her orbit…well… But then I remember, it’s fiction y’all! I think I expressed my feelings about all of this quite well in my review for Balance, so you might wanna check that out too (it’s a pretty good review, if I do say so myself). Anyhoo… 5 out of 5 wine glasses.