"Heels Over Head" by Elyse Springer is a captivating romance novel that delves into the lives of two competitive divers, Jeremy and Brandon. Jeremy, an Olympic hopeful, struggles with internalized homophobia and the pressure to prove his strength to his dismissive family. Brandon, on the other hand, approaches life more relaxed, creating a stark contrast to Jeremy's intense dedication to the sport. As their worlds collide, they learn from each other, grow together, and ultimately discover what truly matters in life. The book is written in alternating first-person present point of view, providing a unique perspective into the characters' journeys in the world of competitive diving.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Jeremy embodying internal struggles and Brandon providing a grounding influence, leading to significant emotional growth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and emotional, utilizing alternating first person perspectives to draw readers into the characters' experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around two Olympic diver trainees, showcasing their personal growth and the challenges of their contrasting approaches to diving and life.

Setting:

The setting is immersive in the competitive diving world, providing a unique backdrop for the romance.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate, spanning a two-year period, which enhances character and relationship depth.

I’m doing a series of dives off the springboard. It’s not my favorite exercise, but the air I can get is awesome, and Andrey likes to remind me that I should get used to it, because someday my body wo...

Notes:

The story features two male divers, Jeremy and Brandon, on a journey to the Olympics.

Jeremy is a deeply closeted diver, while Brandon is openly gay and relatively new to the sport.

Diving plays an integral role in the plot, with training, competitions, and the sport being featured on every page.

The narrative alternates between the first-person perspectives of both main characters.

The book spans a two-year period and deeply explores the characters' emotional growth.

Themes of mental health, family abuse, and internalized homophobia are addressed.

Brandon approaches life in a relaxed manner, contrasting with Jeremy's intense drive for Olympic success.

The romance develops as the characters help each other confront personal struggles and societal expectations.

The author, Elyse Springer, successfully captures the unique world of diving in a way that engages readers unfamiliar with the sport.

Many readers found the book emotionally impactful, appreciating its exploration of complex themes within a sports romance context.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include high levels of homophobia and associated language.

Has Romance?

There is a high level of romance present throughout the story as it focuses on the relationship between the two main characters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

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.

Reader Stats (4):

Want To Read (2)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (1)

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Heels Over Head

Elyse Springer