Heels Over Head by Elyse Springer
Review by Lauren
Source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Jeremy Reeve is one of the best divers in the world, and he’s worked hard to get where he is. He intends to keep pushing himself with one very clear goal in mind: winning gold at the summer Olympics in two years. That medal might be the only way to earn his father’s respect as an athlete.
Brandon Evans is everything Jeremy isn’t: carefree, outgoing, and openly gay. With his bright-blue eyes and dramatic tattoos, he’s a temptation that Jeremy refuses to acknowledge. But Jeremy can’t ignore how talented Brandon is—or that Brandon has no interest in using his diving skills to compete.
They’re opposites who are forced to work together as teammates, but Jeremy’s fear of his own sexuality and Brandon’s disinterest in anything “not fun” may end their partnership before it begins. Until a single moment changes everything, and they help each other discover that “team” can also mean family and love.
Review: I will admit that some people who read this might get really annoyed and frustrated with Jeremy. However, I think his attitude about certain things is reasonable. He doesn’t have a great family life – his dad and brothers always make fun of his diving. He’s a great diver though, and he’s desperate to finally get that Olympic gold medal in hopes of making his family proud. Everything seems to be going smoothly, until his coach takes on a new diver named Brandon. Brandon’s good, but he’s not as disciplined. He’s only been diving for two years.
Jeremy is prickly in the beginning but he soon accepts Brandon as a friend, and more. While Jeremy is definitely gay, he’s terrified of people knowing. This makes Brandon have to hide their relationship, which he doesn’t like, but he does it to stay with Jeremy. Obviously there is drama and issues surrounding this situation, as well as Jeremy’s often single-minded focus on diving. This leads to hurt feelings between all involved. I don’t want to say much because it would spoil the book, but I found the diving aspect of the story was really fascinating and I liked Brandon and Jeremy together when things were working well. I did feel bad for both of them, oftentimes more for Brandon who is trying so hard to be what Jeremy wants, but I understood the issues that Jeremy was facing and I was rooting for him to address those.
This is a relatively long read, but it went by pretty quick!
It sounds good even if I understand why I could be annoyed
I wonder if I would get annoyed with him then
I find some of the best characters are the ones that invoke emotion in readers, even if it’s annoyance. I really like the sound of their budding relationship and the complexities that come with one partner not out as yet. It sounds really well written and love that cover! Brilliant review Lauren, so glad you enjoyed it despite those annoyances <3
Understanding what’s driving Jeremy to act the way he does would probably keep me from becoming too annoyed with him. This sounds like a pretty good read overall though. Great review!
Interesting. I wonder who the target reader of this book is? Doesn’t sound like a mom book club choice haha
Hah! Probably not. It’s categorized as New Adult, I think!
Thanks for the review, I always like learning about new authors and books, and I don’t think I would have found this one on my own.
Looks like a good read, thanks for the review lady!
The title of the book is catchy. An annoying main character is kind of tough for me to get past. Thanks for the review 🙂
Hope you are having a great summer!
Another friend of mine loved this book too. Can’t wait to read it.
For What It’s Worth
Sounds like a perfect beach read!
I don’t know. I am not always a fan of prickly characters and drama….
I haven’t ever read a book like this.. I don’t know if I’d be into it or not but I would try…
Doesn’t sound like my cup of tea but I’m loving the different books and authors I’m discovering via the #getsocial17 event.
This sounds like an intriguing one.
xx
This sounds really good! I just finished reading an Olympics themed book (it is actually called Gold) and loved learning more about the sport, etc.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Intersting. Thank you for the review.
#getsocial17
I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book that features a diver. It’s sad that people still have to be terrified of revealing the fact that they’re gay. I love the title of this book!
Sounds good 🙂 #GetSocial17
I actually like prickly or “difficult” characters, so not a problem for me.
This one is probably not for me… but the diving does sound interesting.
Stopping by for #getsocial2017 from Bambi Unbridled
Good review! #getsocial17
Hmmm, it sounds like this one has a lot of strong personalities and emotions. Was there a HEA? Great review, Lauren!
Have a wonderful weekend. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
You really don’t see swimmers too often. Took me forever to figure out that cover. lol