Out of Bounds (Summer Games, #2)

by R.S. Grey

• ASIN: B01JER8R90
• Publish Date: 2016
• Publish Status: Unknown
• Format: eBook (Kindle)
• Pages: 442
• Language: English

Reviews

[Sam@WLABB]

RS Grey brings us back to the games. This time, we have a little forbidden type romance. (Although, watching the actual games, it seems there are many coach/athlete relationships) As opposed to the last book, this one largely takes place before Rio, in those weeks leading up to the games.

I really liked Brie and Erik. Each had some struggles in their past; Erik's story really broke my heart. I loved the bonding between Brie and her teammates. They were an interesting and diverse group of personalities, and it was fun to watch them grow together. Their hijinks were some of the most fun parts of the book. Grandpa was probably another character highlight. He was so sweet, and I could almost picture him in my head. I just wanted to hug him, and the scenes with him made me smile. The romance was probably a little to angsty for me, and the yoga scene was out of my comfort zone (call me a prude, whatever, just not my thing), but I did really love the ending.

Not my favorite RS Grey book, but entertaining, and so timely as I am riding the Olympic gymnastics high here at home.

[Kait ✨]

I definitely like the premise of R.S. Grey’s books way more than I like the actual writing itself. probably won’t continue reading her books...although who knows, this is the third one I’ve gotten sucked into based on the premise.

[Cocktails and Books]

OMG. Erik was an ass, Brie showed her age, but these two still melted the screen of my kindle. I love this series.

[stacey_is_sassy]

Well...I finished it.

***2.5 Stars***

I went into Out of Bounds with high expectations but unfortunately this one just didn't work for me. To start with it felt really, really long. Also, I'm all for seeing a hero at his worst and then gradually seeing the light shine through and hearts and flowers appear, but Erik (with a k) is a douchewaffle. That douchewaffle status stuck with him till nearly the end which is way too long for me. I don't expect perfection from my heroes but I also don't expect for the heroine to be questioning his feelings for her (justifiably) until the end of the book. We get dual POV's, so we know what he's thinking (sometimes) but he never really lets her know his true feeling until the end.

Brie is a 20 years old and gymnastics has been her life. She's heading to the Olympics to get gold. Yes, she wants to win, but her main reason is the prize money to pay her mother back for all the sacrifices she had to make for her sport. Brie has a single-minded focus...until the Olympic Gymnastic Coach is replaced with the douchewaffle. This is unfortunately when Brie's brain goes on holidays. I'm going to put it out there that this chick was too young and all her wrong decisions were made because of her immaturity and her lack of life experience. I honestly felt like this girl was in an abusive relationship. I've seen a few reviews mention the dreaded 52% mark and I can honestly say that the scene brought a tear to my eye. I'm pretty sure it was supposed to be erotic but it was just WRONG and unfortunately Erik (with a k) never really recovered in my eyes from it.

Erik was in a position of responsibility as coach of the women's gymnastics team and there is no way that his relationship was appropriate. Yes, Brie was legally able, but he admitted very loudly that she was too young for him. But it was LOVE, you all say. Well, that sure came up pretty darn quickly and I had no reason to think these two who fought continuously felt anything but lust.

Sorry to say, but Out of Bounds was not as good as the first book in the series. I was disappointed that the scenes at the Olympics were right near the end and didn't really encompass the experience as well as I hoped. I knew that there was a chance that I'd be upset by the extreme training and that the coach would be all gruff and cranky, but that wasn't really my problem in the end. I'm all for escaping reality, but this just seemed to turn my tummy. Probably why teacher/student romances do absolutely nothing for me.

Anyways, this is just my humble opinion. Lots of other reviewers have loved it, so definitely take the time to read their reviews and maybe it will work for you.



I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[thebookdisciple]

Link to full review below! Olympics? Hell yeah! Gymnastics? Yes please! RS Grey's usual witty humor comes together with dynamic characters and some serious steamy moments! This review was originally posted on The Book Disciple

[whisperingchapters]

This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.


Brie never disrespect her coaches and never talks back to them, but if someone doesn't respect her, she won't respect back. Unfortunate for Brie, the coach she was supposed to train with got hospitalized and his son Erik was there to take his place. As soon as Brie and Erik meet, there's so much tension between them. They cannot stand each other at the gym and so their fighting begins. Brie has a major backbone. She would be so sassy when talking back to Erik. It would infuriate Erik so much! Seeing both of these characters act this way, made me all kinds of excited. I love the hate-to-lovers trope. And let me tell you, this is a real hate relationship until it turns to more.

He was an asshole and he was picking a fight with me in front of his entire team. For some reason, I was his target, and I wasn't going to cower in fear.

Erik is so cold and mean, but he's hot! The guy is a gymnast, for Pete's sake. He has the body, the looks, and the attitude to go along with it that makes Brie (and the reader) crave more. Unfortunately, he's a heart breaker! I broke my heart one too many times! Did I forgive him?.... Yes, yes I did. You don't turn away someone like him, okay?

Toying with Brie was quickly becoming my favorite pastime and a part of me wondered why I was doing it.

Let's talk about that sexual tension. I don't even know where to begin. I think this is the most tension I've felt off both characters from any book I've read. It was so thin, it was so close to shattering. Now, the hottest and steamiest scene I read has to be the yoga scene. If you read the book, I'm sure you agree with me. That scene was... I was speechless. I was beet red with my jaw dropped open. You need a fan or an A/C for this, so be warned and prepared. Seriously, it's the hottest book Rachel has written and I applaud her for writing such a phenomenal scene.

If you expect love to come when it's convenient, you'll be waiting your entire life.

I absolutely loved the side characters, such as Lexi and Rosie, who are in Brie's team. Both girls are so polar opposite, but both were hilarious! Lexi is the wild card. She loves to party and hook up, but she's so straight up. She will tell you like it is without holding back and I loved that about her. Rosie is only 17 and so very quiet and shy, but she's so nice and loyal. They made the book hilarious and fun. Another character that made a great addition is Erik's grandfather. He was so sweet and fun! I wish I had more of him in the story.

"You guys are the most fucked up, yet entertaining couple I've ever been around. Better than TV."

The only thing I didn't like was the fact that while Brie does have a backbone, she's putty at the hands of Erik. There were so many times I wanted her to stay strong and not give in to him. I mean, he would push her away so much and hurt her. I wanted her to have some dignity and stay away to make him suffer. When it happened, I was celebrating because I needed Brie to be strong and thankfully, she ended up being just that.

Erik wasn't a good guy. He wasn't going to run after me and plead for a place in my heart.

Out of Bounds runs at the same time as Settling the Score. Remember, they are in the Olympics in the same year, just with a different sport. In fact, Freddie is mentioned in the book, and Andie appears. Since it's happening at the same time, these books can be read out of order and as stand-alones.

Overall, Out of Bounds was hot, sexy, exhilarating, steamy, and funny. It's definitely a book I highly recommend because you will enjoy it from beginning to end!

I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.