After Kova’s devastating betrayal, Adrianna must become her own champion and place her Olympic dream ahead of all else. In doing so, she ignores the warning signs as both the extreme training and unending heartbreak begin to take their toll.There is no atoning for what Kova did. The vow he made cannot be undone. With boundaries set and lines clearly defined, Kova will now have to be the one to … the one to relinquish control in order to regain Adrianna’s trust.
Though the dynamics shift between coach and gymnast, nothing can prepare them for the agonizing truth that is to come. Fighting for a dream becomes only half the battle when Adrianna’s fate is sealed, leaving them both with their biggest challenge yet.
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Wow I am still reeling from this book! Release picks up where Execution left off (Yes you have to read both books before this one) I swear that first 30% had my chest so tight with emotion. Lucia makes you feel the pain Ria is going through. Broken heart and all. Its so amazing seeing the character growth in Ria though in Release. She’s so much stronger than she was before.
Release delved more into the sport than the romance which was refreshing. Yes it may not have as much angst and drama as the first two books but the scenes that were angsty made up for it. (Man were they chop full of angst!) Reading Ria’s love for gymnastics and her dedication toward the sport is so inspiring. Most sport romances tend to focus most on the romance and you don’t really see much sport but Release dives into the sport of gymnastics and what gymnasts sometimes have to go through..
I also love how we got more Hayden in this book. I’ve loved Hayden from the beginning and Release shows more sides of him that just makes it impossible to love and be curious about him.
And don’t get me started on Kova. Release gives us a completely new side to Kova that we haven’t seen yet. I’m not gonna say too much about him though because I don’t want to spoil anything. Just be prepared to swoon and swoon hard!
I finished this book in 12 hours. Once I opened it I couldn’t put it down. It answered so many questions but also leaves us with more new questions. Ria and Kova’s story still has a ways to go and I am happily strapped in for the ride. I can’t wait to see what else Lucia throws our way. We all know she’s gonna break our heart before she puts it back together! If I could give Release more than 5 stars I definitely would but 5 stars will just have to do.
Lucia Franco once again blew my mind! There’s not enough words to express how amazing this book and this series is!
How can I describe my feelings about a book that I’ve been excited to read since the end of Execution? Ohmigodthisbookwaseverythingandmore!
In the third book in the Off Balance series, Ria is heartbroken but more determined than ever to push her fears and pain aside and focus on the only thing left in her life that she can count on, gymnastics. Her determination fuels this story but so does her denial of the truth.
I love this book the most because Ria has grown tremendously over the other two books, but her growth comes from deep hurts caused by plenty of secrets and lies. Kova, who I love dearly, has proven he is not a villainous man but a flawed one with emotions and a soft side for Ria that shows in his actions more than his words. Lucia Franco has made these characters shine and changed my opinion of Ria (who I grew to love in Execution) and Kova for the better.
I don’t even know where to begin. Release, was seriously such an amazing story. I want to preface this by saying that this is a series you MUST read in order.
Ok now that that’s out of the way…. HOLY SHIT I loved this book. In Exectuion, we were left crying on the floor nursing our broken hearts. Release was everything I needed. Adrianna setting (and sticking) to her boundaries made me love her even more. The growth in her character since Balance is a nice thing to witness throughout this series. KOVA KOVA KOVA…. God, Kova is everything. Even when he’s wrong, he’s right. Even when he’s bad, he’s good. I loved everything about this story. EVERYTHING. If you are a fan of the series, you will love this story, and if you are new to this series, and you’re of fan of forbidden romance, do yourself a favor and start the series. Lucia is the queen of angst & will forever take the cake as my favorite forbidden romance author!
FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.
This was stupid good. I’ll be honest, as much of a fan I am of Lucia, I was scared shitless that this book wouldn’t live up to my expectations. I was afraid my personal issues would make me sneer at the parallels I knew would be present. I was afraid that there was no way this series could keep being a five star read each time. I don’t know about you guys, but in a series, for me, usually the first two books are so great, and then it just…..DIES. So, I had that fear too. But all my anxiety going in was, thankfully, unnecessary.
The book. Her clever, repeated us of the word “release” had me so excited from a literary nerd POV.
Kova. He was less asshole, more swoon. And I was LOVING IT. Ria stuck it to him good so many times that I just couldn’t help but say, “you tell ‘im, chica!”
Hayden. I’m not allowed to give spoilers until the “release” 😀 of “Release”. And I just cannot comment here with my thoughts without doing that. Check back later.
The drama. SHIT. I think I was saying, “Oh, shit” about five times before 11%. If you’re into the Avery drama, alas, that is not a focus in this book. Be patient;) You find out what’s wrong with her, you find out who mom is, and you’re teased with more vague information about why Katja (known as Cuntja among us rabid fans) and Kova said those disastrous two words than fucked us all over in book two.
The gymnastics. I’ve never been proud of a fictional character until this book. Coach and athlete relationship was just….heartwarming.
The Cliffhanger. It’s the worst so far. Be warned, be prepared. Then cry.
Disclaimer: Yo. I got this arc from the fantastically kind author, but I also pre-ordered it. So, there.
If you are as invested in this series as I am just know this book is everything! Be prepared to fall even more in love with Kova and Ria.
You spend most the book on the edge of your seat waiting for something.For just a glimpse into what’s going on. So many twists and turns leading us into the next book. That ending was killer. I’m still trying to recover. Like what the heck, how could Lucia leave us like that.
I think Ria grew a lot thought Release . Not only as a gymnast but as a person too. Since the very beginning I’ve wanted for all her dreams to come true. The sweat, the blood, the tears, shine through in this book. Her pain was my pain. Just when your heart starts to thaw Lucia rips the rug out from under you.
And Kova, man oh man we got to see more of those tender moments. I am and always will be team Kova.
I’ve been trying to figure out how to put my emotions for this book into words and I’m still not sure I’m capable. Diving back into the Off-Balance world, I instantly felt surrounded by old friends, nostalgia overwhelming me. It was easy to fall right back into the storyline, as though I never left it.
The heartbreak. The loss. the devastation left in the wake of so much betrayal. The anger and confusion. The guilt and shame. But most importantly, that one tiny ray of hope that kept saying…keep going. It was all there, underlined with love.
“I just want to remember what it’s like to not feel broken.”
Lucia Franco writes REAL better than anyone I’ve ever seen. Though it’s fiction, every emotion, every action or reaction from the characters comes from a place of love, hope, honesty, or heartbreak. It tears through you in a visceral way. A way that you won’t soon forget. It stays with you. Your heart bleeds as theirs does, you celebrate when they do and you cry when everything seems lost. And when the story ends…you crave more down to your bones.
So many times while reading Release I would come across a line or a paragraph that took my breath away. It’s relevance to everyday life, so many situations, causing me to gasp and pause. Put the book down and take a moment to absorb the gravity of such a statement.
Impactful. That’s how I would describe Release. It’s about finding strength in the midst of devastation and betrayal. It’s about growth and learning. Making mistakes and learning to do better next time. It’s about never giving up despite the odds that are stacked against you. And it’s about celebrating the victories along the way.
The one thought that I kept having throughout reading Release was this:
“I don’t want it to end. I don’t want it to end.”
I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready for the end of Ria’s story but you can bet I’ll enjoy every heartbreaking, joyous step of the way!
Before I start let me just say if you already know you won’t read this book or it’s not your cup of tea be so kind and respectful and stop giving this book and mostly the author bad ratings. We, who love her work know it’s a work of FICTION!
Now let me start with another amazing book in this series of one of my favs. Lucia never let me down, she’s one of the few authors out there I’ll always buy. One helluva talented author, I love every word she writes. She makes me feel all the emotions with her beautiful words.
In this book Kova stole my heart. I always loved/hated him but his mood swings gave me sometimes headaches. Not this time, this time we see a different Kova. I mean he’ll always be an alphahole to a point and there were some tender moments in the previous books but nothing like in this one. You can see how much he cares for Ria, how much in pain, protective and so in love he is. Dreamy.
Hayden, well I’ve always liked this guy but he does surprise me in here and not in a positive way but I do still like him. For now at least.
Ria, this girl is so special to my heart (fictional character or not) and I feel very protective of her. It’s not easy to read about her struggles, her stubbornness, pain, heartache. This is a first time where I get angry with her for obvious reasons. I understand her goals and dreams but there are more important things in life ‘cos you live only once. And ‘cos I feel so strong about her it breaks my heart every time seeing her in so much pain. My poor girl.
If you’re into sexy scenes you’ll get your share but it’s more about intimacy this time which fits the book. It’s also about secrets, fighting for what you want, sacrifices, heartache and love. And ‘cos Lucia is a Cliffhanger Queen you can expect the unexpected again.
Lucia manages to write about a topic in such away that doesn’t make it sordid but shows you the beauty yet down right heartwrenching tale of forbidden love that keeps you intrigued and captivated from the get go!
Im honestly amazed at how she’s able to draw her readers in and keep them on the edge of their seats.
RELEASE has left me breathless and on the edge of my seat all the way until the last word was written.
With Release we see how far and hard Ria has grown from the first two books. I’m honestly captivated and in awe of how much she has achieved and worked her ass of in order to fulfil her dreams and make it a reality.
Sometimes it’s down right frustrating seeing her so focused at times on her goal even with everything else that is a major cluster fck that she misses some important things.
I didn’t know anything with regards to gymnastics besides gymnast doing amazing things with there body. Yet Lucia manages to take the reader inside the head of a Gymnast. I’ve learnt so many new things while reading this series. It not just a forbidden novel.
Where do I begin with Kova.His still the man I love who isn’t the bad guy you think but just a really flawed one with emotions that you never think he has inside of him. For me I feel like this book has brought me closer to him. I felt a lot more connected to Kova in here than the first two books and that’s saying something.
But to end off my review I’ll just say that Lucia has massively out done herself with this novel.
Can’t wait for the next book in this magnificent series.
*Just beware that it does end on a cliffhanger. *
*ARC received for an honest review *
Release is the third book in the Off Balance series. I have devoured every book. I love them all. In Release, Kova has melted my heart. You start seeing a shift in him in how he truly cares for Ria and she needs it now more than ever. My heart bleeds for them. I don’t know what it is with these two but I never want to stop reading. I get lost in them while the rest of the world just keeps going around me. I want the next book now. I LOVE every word Lucia Franco!
“I wish I could make you understand how much I miss you. I miss being near you, being with you, being inside you.”
Advanced readers copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been counting down the months, weeks and days until I could get my hands on this book. The build up of this series keeps being more and more. Lucia keeps us guess and yearning for more while we obsess over what will happen next. There are so many new things brought to light, questions asks, and so much more in this book . We feels ups and downs with Ria and her gymnastics. We get sucked deeper into the Kova ordeal. This book is so much awesomeness that I can’t express!!!! I want more!!!!
I can’t say it enough you need to read this series! I could not wait to get my hands on this book. The previous book left us had us all desperate to know what is going on! I knew it was going to be a rollercoaster ride.
In this book we learn more of Kova’s history. How much his childhood led to the decisions he made. I really felt his emotions. We get more of his thoughts, and see him open up to Ria. He is loyal. He puts others before himself, and who doesn’t want someone like that in their lives? (Is it just me or can everyone hear that deep voice in our heads saying her name? )
Ria had me holding my breath. She has several things hit all at once for her. I wanted to just wrap her in a hug. Her emotions feel so real.
Books that can cause these reactions in us truly show us some authors are super talented. Lucia Franco is truly gifted. I am glad to get to live in her world for a few days!
After devouring both Balanced and Execution last year I have been waiting patiently for the 3rd book in the Off Balance series. I lost count as to how many times I re-read both (buying the paperbacks in addition to the kindle versions), wanting to keep their forbidden relationship alive until Release came out. PLEASE DO NOT READ THE BELOW IF YOU HAVE NOT READ BALANCE OR EXECUTION.
At the end of Execution I was heartbroken for the grief that Ria suffered when she was blind sided with the knowledge that Kova was married. There were scenarios that ran through my head as to how Lucia would proceed, how Ria could pick up the pieces of her shattered heart and move forward. LUCIA FRANCO DID NOT DISAPPOINT. All I can say is that like the first two books, Release is a maelstrom of passion, angst, suffering, and excitement as Ria puts all of her efforts into her dream of becoming an Olympic athlete. Everything seems to take a backseat, including her health. Then there is Kova. You learn more of what is going on in his head, his pained feelings and regrets in how he handled Ria in the previous two books.
I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND starting this emotionally charged, forbidden series of a Coach and his Gymnast and their shared passion for the sport and each other. HOT!!!
To say I have been obsessed with this book and these characters is putting it lightly. I devoured and reread the first two books in this series. After the massive cliffhanger from Book Two, I had tons of theories as to how this might play out. Lucia masterfully wove a great taboo love story with Adrianna’s quest to make it as an elite gymnast.
You know you shouldn’t want Adrianna to be with a Kova, but you just can’t help it. The chemistry just flows off the page when they are together.
I hated to see this end and cannot wait to see how Adrianna will handle all of this. Bravo!
I just finished it and I feel like I have so much to say but at the same time, I’m at a loss for words. Where do you even begin after finishing a heart-wrenching story that left you an absolute emotional mess?
My nerves are shot. I want to cry. I want to scream. My emotions are all over the place and I’m seriously not okay. I am devastated.
That ending was just plain evil! I am gutted and I want to cry but at the same time I feel numb. It’s like my body is in shock and isn’t sure what to feel right now and with that ending, I don’t blame it.
Gah! I’m going to have to come back after I have gathered all my thoughts but for now, I just want to say this story was amazing. I absolutely loved all the angst, the push and the pull, the tension, the drama…it all made for one heart racing story that kept me HOOKED from beginning to end. And now, I’m just sitting here, sifting in all my emotions and I’m not okay. Someone hold me.
I’m absolutely addicted to this series. You must read it!!! So good.
Oh this is such a hard review for me to write because I both loved this book, and was irked by it.
I love this series because of the taboo factor. I love how forbidden it is, and how wrong the love between Kova and Ria is. I love all the angst in this series. These are all the same things I love in Release. The angst and sexual tension in Release is off the charts.
Kova is still as hot as ever and Ria is still a love sick puppy who works her butt off to try and reach her gymnastic goals no matter the cost.
So now brings me to the part the irked me. Ria and her dang priorities!! I sometimes forget she is a teenage girl and like all teenagers they dont use their brains. Just like real life teens, they ignore what’s right in front of them. Red flags everywhere and this girl just doesnt care. And dang Kova, what’s good for the goose should be good for the gander. I hate the double standards. I have yet to be swayed to the Kova Team, but I can see it’s about to happen very very soon.
And then the cliffy Lucia leaves us with. Ugh! I need Twist, I need to see how this plays out. So overalls I really enjoyed Release and cant wait for the next book.
I received and ARC for an honest review.
Release. What can I say. Not much that will do this author and this story justice. It is not often that I am speechless, but after reading release, the words just won’t come out. Not the right words to describe how much this book means to me. No words adequate enough to express my gratitude for the effort, no words to say thanks for delivering her characters and for the opportunity of getting to know them, learn with them, grow with them, laugh with them, cry with them, yell with them, and nothing can convey the soul deep emotion that Adrianna and Kova pulled from me. I thought I had seen brilliance with Balance, then Execution, but I was so wrong, the best was yet to be written, with even better to follow on.
Release will not be for everyone. The series will not suit readers who like a soft, gentle love story with no confronting issues. Thos series cover so many things that is a walk on the wild side. Taboo, forbidden, destined to be doomed love is just a few words to describe the surface of this story. The saga that is Adrianna and Kova will astound, shock, move and arouse you. Their story not like any I have read before. The way they were created and the evolution of all that is them is a sight to behold, and is something I am so glad I got to experience. This series is one O will read many times, and each time I do will feel like the first time.
So, to wrap this up, I wholeheartedly recommend readers to one click this author, this series and this book. If you are one to walk on the riskier side of the literary world and have a try anything outlook, are open minded and realise that this is in fact, fiction, then this is the stories for you. You will rejoice having found Lucia Franco and feel forever fortunate that you did. 5 stars.