Out of Bounds (Summer Games, #2)

by R.S. Grey

[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 -