Review | Balance (Off Balance #1) by Lucia Franco --> 5 Stars
TITLE: Balance
SERIES: Off Balance #1 AUTHOR: Lucia Franco GENRE: Sports / Taboo romance
RELEASE DATE: August 28th, 2016
Adrianna Rossi is no stranger to the rigorous demands required of her body. Years of pain and determination make her one of the best. Olympic glory is the ultimate goal, and she'll do anything to achieve it. Even if that means leaving home to attend World Cup Academy of Gymnastics, a training center that serves one purpose—producing champions. Perfection, precision, and dedication are required of his athletes. When two time Olympian Konstantin Kournakova is persuaded into training the young hopeful, he immediately regrets it. She doesn't come close to his high standards. As the relentless pursuit of her dream keeps her striving, a passion is ignited within him. Kova's power and domination, coupled with Adrianna's fierce tenacity, reveal there is more for her body to learn. Every interaction can be misconstrued, but there’s no mistaking the darkening of his gaze, the lingering of his touch, or the illicit image of his bare skin pressed against hers. Integrity is on the line. One toe off the beam and their forbidden desires could ruin everything they’ve worked for, throwing it all off balance.
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
⭐️ 5 "Tell Me No, Malysh" Stars ⭐️
Why did I waited this long to read Balance? It’s the question that’s currently running in my head! This book was on my radar for a while now and I feel like I’ve been missing out all this time. Nothing could have prepared me to be hooked that much by Adrianna and Kova’s taboo relationship. Lucia Franco achieved to shape a story bursting with sinful attraction, but also containing a level of raw emotion that left me overcame by all the feels!
"This was more than just a kiss. He kissed me with his entire being, surging into me."
Adrianna Rossi, a fifteen-year-old gymnast with Olympics dreams, starts training at the World Cup Academy with coach Konstantin “Kova” Kournakova to help her achieve her goal. I really admired her drive, fire and desire to prove herself. There’s multiple time she could have given up, but her ultimate goal is driving her to surpass adversity. She shows strength and determination when her sexy coach is a true “Russian dick”. As much as he acts hot and cold, there’s a definite pull between them.
Kova! Another asshole hero I fell for and I have no shame! He’s so harsh with Ria in her training, however I felt it was one way to hide his growing forbidden feelings for her though. In private, while he’s this brutally dominant man, he shows hints of endearing tenderness to her. I loved him so much, even when he was a true jerk. He can’t resist the magnetism between Ria and him even if he knows it’s socially inacceptable. He’s struggling with his immoral thoughts and actions toward her and these scenes are achingly moving. I wish there was some chapters written in his point of view!!
The attraction is so palpable between Adrianna and Kova, but there’s also emotional attachment that is revealed here and there. Their passion is sizzling hot and when I say hot, I don’t say it lightly. Kova’s dirty mouth and commanding presence made their intimate moments decadent and a real turn on. It’s clear that their relationship is more than physical, but they only allow themselves to let their lust speaks. Many would say that Kova should know better as he’s older and in a position of authority, but Ria isn’t that innocent either in their liaison. They both make mistakes, act stupidly and hurt each other with manipulation and provocation. They’re solely driven by their need and it shows they’re only humans and far from perfect.
"I am the moth, you are the flame. It is an irresistible attraction that will end in total destruction."
Lucia Franco put in place a riveting and thought provoking story presenting a high dose of perseverance, desire, hostility, jealousy and internal conflict! I can’t get enough of Ria and Kova! I can’t wait to see what happens to their off-limits relationship in the next novels of the Off Balance Series with that shocking cliffhanger! Balance is a must read romance if you’re not afraid of its socially challenging subject!
THE OFF BALANCE SERIES
Book #2
Execution
LUCIA FRANCO
A competitive athlete for over ten years, Lucia Franco currently resides in sunny South Florida with her husband and two boys. Paranormal romance was her first love, but she has a soft spot in her heart for small-town and reunion romance stories.
When Lucia is not hard at work on her next novel, you can find her relaxing with her toes in the sand at a nearby beach.
J.R. Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christy Reece, Pamela Clare, Lisa Kleypas, and Nicholas Sparks are some of her favorite authors.
