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Heart of Gold #1

Heart of Gold

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Heart of Gold is a sweet and steamy, opposites-attract romance featuring a golden retriever MC, an overprotective BFF, and an ice bath that turns up the heat.

Danny Hartman is a rising star of the US men's gymnastics team, known for his laidback attitude and million-dollar smile as much as his high-flying skills. Sure, he's gunning for that Olympic gold medal—and maybe a little more anxious about it than he'll ever admit to anyone—but his favorite part of international competition is making new friends along the way. Like the quiet, green-eyed Russian who has him questioning a few things about himself…

Sasha Zakaryan doesn't have time for distractions. He's not a lock to make Russia's Olympic team—unlike his best friend, Kirill Kazakov—which means he has to prove himself to his coaches and the government officials who control the team selection, despite knowing that some of them consider his Armenian heritage a mark against him. The last thing he wants to deal with is an annoyingly attractive American who thinks everyone's his "bro."

But when Kirill humiliates Danny after a competition, Sasha tracks Danny down to apologize, sparking an unlikely friendship that turns into something more. As they chase their Olympic dreams on opposite sides of the world, their growing feelings for each other are tested by time differences, competition schedules that only align once or twice a year, and the reality that it might not ever be safe for Sasha to come out of the closet.

With the pressure on—and the clock ticking to the Olympics—can Danny and Sasha stick the landing, or will it all come crashing down?

Readers should note that Heart of Gold is the first in a trilogy with an overall HEA!

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2024

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Ariel Atwater

2 books24 followers

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5 stars
82 (34%)
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118 (48%)
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33 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Rain.
2,686 reviews21 followers
June 29, 2024
*3.5* Simplistic, a little stereotypical, but sweet.

Danny Hartman (19) has a sunshine personality, he’s a rising star on the US men’s gymnastics team. He’s only been with women, but finds himself checking out competition from the Russian team.

Sasha Zakaryan (17) is quiet and focused. He struggles with prejudices from his coaches for having Armenian heritage, because of this, he hasn’t made it on Russia’s Olympic team yet.

The characters are 19/21 for the majority of the book…I think, it was difficult to track the time passing.

Gay/bi characters
Gymnastics teams
The start of a romance
Texting/phone calls
Virgin hero
Realistically awkward
Hand/bj, no sex
HFN with a note the story will continue in 2026…

There were some funny lines.

Would it totally kill the mood if he pulled out his phone and googled “Russian word for blowjob”?

It was refreshing that the author included a non-circumcised male, and the curiosity of how to handle the differences between them.

“Holy shit. Are you serious?” Danny stares at Sasha, his expression a mixture of awe and envy. “Dude, I fucking wish I could do that. That looks amazing.”

Overall, it’s a light sports romance, with a few hot moments.

Some have compared to this story to Heated Rivalry, but it is in no way close to the same adult relationship, conversations, and situations.
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,365 reviews751 followers
May 13, 2026
re-read May 2026

It's been ages but I was so giddy to go back to this book now that the sequel is finally on the horizon, remembering how much I loved it the first time. Only now I took the girls along for the ride making them as obsessed with Danny and Sasha as I am. I think it worked. 🤭


4.5***** stars


⇢ One hundred percent recommended.

This was such a beautiful blooming romance I was hooked from start to finish. An awesome debut by this author.

Sasha and Danny are wonderful characters and I’m guilty of watching a lot of men’s gymnastics videos online to help my imagination as I’m not a big sports enthusiast. *lol


“So…” He looks at Sasha, […] “We’re doing this, right?”
Sasha nods.
“You and me? No one else?”
Sasha nods again, but Danny needs one last clarification.
“Like… a relationship?”
“Yes,” Sasha says, smiling at all the questions. “Like a relationship.”



I have no idea how they are going to make it but I can’t wait to find out. (I really hope the author is not serious about the release date, tho)


************
Gold Trilogy

Book 1 - Heart of Gold - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Going for Gold - expected summer 2026
Book 3 - tbd
Profile Image for Pauline.
472 reviews256 followers
May 14, 2026
My GOD, that was adorable. Like, you need to scrape me off the floor because I’m - in fact - a puddle of goo 😩🥹

Set in the world of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (which btw, I’ll be watching the hell out of come the next Olympics because daaamn 🔥) we get to meet two of the most ADORABLE guys I’ve ever met, and with whom I fell in love almost immediately.

Danny, the sunshine-y American in all his golden retriever glory who can’t stop talking or hugging people and the Russian Sasha with his grumpy, quiet, helpless SMITTENNESS made me smile from ear to ear.

Sasha didn’t even stand a sliver of a chance against Danny’s charm. Every interaction between them made me go all 🫠 and ‘aaaw’ and ‘nooooo’ and all in all gave me major CUTE AGGRESSION AAAH!! 😩

My fav thing was how they slowly tested the waters with each other. All the wondering and little approaches felt so genuine and authentic and exactly like two guys trying to figure out whether the other likes likes them would act. Including all the spiralling over text, overanalysing and horrendous attempts at flirting. So sweet 😭
And their fumbling, awkward, but ultimately gentle first times were so incredibly endearing with Sasha losing all his English and Danny not being able to stop talking at all, aaah, I can’t EVEN 🥹

I also loved the writing! So fun and engaging and all around charming and I‘m beginning to get that third person POV is in fact my fav. And that I especially love the writing of authors with roots in fanfiction 🥹

All in all, this was a bit of a simple story set in the interesting world of MAG and nothing too groundbreaking, but it more than made up for it through the absolutely lovely characters and their fumbling journey towards each other.

Also: I SEE YOU KIRILL!!

What a lovely little gem and I am SO excited for book two! 🥹

PS: I had such a blast with our fourway BR, you lovely girls 🥹🥰

4,5⭐️


Getting an idea, he takes off his shirt and snaps a photo of himself with the Sleeping Giant in the background, angling the camera so the light shines perfectly on his abs. He feels like a tool, and it’s a little—okay, a lot—embarrassing when someone nearby mutters “Look at that idiot,” but sometimes you have to make sacrifices for quiet Russians with bright green eyes.
🥹🫠💚
Profile Image for Em’sBookNook.
426 reviews51 followers
June 21, 2024
Thank you BookSirens for this ARC.

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaah 😭😭😭😭😭
I read this in one sitting. Like I could not put it down. I don’t think I’ve been this giddy about a sports romance since I read Heated Rivalry over a year ago. This has everything I love in a sports romance. You have all the tension that comes from training and competing coupled with super hot gymnasts.

Danny is the ultimate golden retriever. Like he’s more of a golden retriever than an actual golden retriever. Sasha is so prickly but you just want to wrap him up in cotton wool and protect him.

The writing was excellent, it’s hard to believe it’s a debut and you can tell how much time and effort has gone into producing this because the details were *chef’s kiss*

Honestly this book was flawless, not a thing I would change. I’m obsessed, I want more. I literally scared the shit out of my cat by squealing so loud.

This is probably the most incoherent review I’ve written in a while but I do not care.

I could really do with everyone reading this so I have people to be as obsessed as I am!
Profile Image for Drache.... (Angelika) .
1,595 reviews243 followers
June 27, 2024
3,75 stars.
Given how disappointed I've been lately with most reads, I was surprised how much I enjoyed Sasha and Danny's story.
This is a light mm sports romance featuring two young gymnasts, Danny who competes with the US team and Sasha who competes with the russian team.
They become first friends, then a bit more, as they figure out their sexuality and attraction, meeting once or twice a year at different competitions.

The story starts with the boys at age 16/18 and ends two years later with a tentative hfn, as there are two more installments coming out in the future.

Thanks Kati for the rec! ❤️
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,049 reviews109 followers
May 13, 2026
This had me melting into a puddle of goo. I absolutely adored the shy, awkward sexual discovery journey these two go on. They are so sincere in their bumbling conversations it actually made me feel giddy excitement for them. Their attraction and genuine interest in each other is surprising well done for a debut. The plot is nothing groundbreaking and it is quite simply written but their relationship had me wholly invested and I can’t wait to see how things progress in book 2.

There is nothing more unbelievable for me than two teenagers who immediately start getting it on like sex gods 🙄 I love the slow burn here and how unsure and respectful they are to each other. And I do love a rare uncircumcised penis discussion!

Sasha and Danny are just so fucking endearing!!!

I’ve always loving watching the gymnastics at the Olympics so this sport is probably one of my favourites to read about.

This was such a light, easy read.

Thanks Kati for strong-arming us into reading this, I’m really keen for book 2! 💞

Profile Image for a_n_i_t_a.
574 reviews44 followers
May 13, 2026
• m/m • sports —gymnastics fluffy romance •

Mid night-shift ramble incoming>>>

Ok this book was just so wholesome and (dare I say it again…??) cute! I loved the characters. World class gymnasts, and other than being completely dedicated to their sport, this is a complete case of opposites attract.

Russian Sasha - a stoic, introverted, closeted guy —that doesn’t like hugs. He is half Armenian and there is some prejudice against him for that in his country. He has this moral integrity that makes you just feel so warmly towards him, even if he is a little standoffish and somewhat sheltered.

And then, Danny Hartman, 2 years older, an American who is just… a LOT. He is one of my favourite types of characters…. the adorable doofus, energetic, super friendly, a compulsive hugger, an all round good-guy golden retriever type.

Our premise >>>>Danny causes a stir at an International gymnastics competition by his continual enthusiastic (but genuine) gestures of congratulations and hugs to his fellow competitors. The Russian team goes out after the competition finishes and Sasha’s BFF mouths off, nastily impersonating Danny and making a complete fool of him. Sasha, to his horror and embarrassment, notices that Danny actually witnessed this, and feeling bad he goes to apologise to Danny on his team’s behalf.

Thus sparking an awkward acquaintance between our two MMCs 🤭😏

This is a total slow burn catching of feelings story. There’s so much attentiveness between these two, but also so much hesitancy…

“Thanks.” For a moment, it seems like Hartman wants to linger, but then he hitches his bag over his shoulder. “Goodnight.”

And then…

It would be really nice if he could remember how to speak right now.

🥹🫠🫠🫠

It was adorably heart warming reading these two get to know each other. And even then, I don’t think they really got to know each other yet, but they have this ability to read each other and they want to know each other.

There are lots of obstacles in their path besides the distance and language, the biggest being Sasha fears he will be shunned from his beloved sport and cast away by his friends and family if he’s outed.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this, a totally easy, engaging read. I’m so glad the second book is out in a couple of days and I don’t have to wait 2 years like some others did 🤭

BR with Kati, Pauline and Sarah - 🥰 I think we melted into a big gooey puddle together over these boys.

4+ ⭐️
1 …. 2?🌶️
Profile Image for Cat the bookworm .
954 reviews201 followers
June 29, 2024
Really good, especially considering this is a debut.

I’ve read my share of mm sports romances, but never one where both are gymnasts. And it was… fun. If I were to compare it to other books, one springs to mind: not Heated Rivalry, which is in a league of its own, but Cold War by Keira Andrews. Both are about rivals, one American and one Russian, both compete against each other in various competitions, and both times the characters are on the younger side. But there the similarities stop - Danny is the epitome of a golden retriever, working hard for his goals, but still friendly and extremely likable, cheering and hugging and laughing with literally everyone - even the Russian team.

Sasha is part of said Russian team, and to say he’s overwhelmed with Danny’s attention is an understatement. He’s very… Russian, for the lack of a better term. Reserved, almost cold, but passionate about things - and people - he cares about.

Oh, and very gay. A fact that he keeps strictly under locks, not confiding in anyone for fear of repercussions.

Until… well. Until Danny steamrolls over him, and they start exploring this part of their sexuality together, which is a lot hotter than you’d expect from a NA book.

What I loved most (apart from their romance): there’s no sugarcoating, not when it comes to their training, not when it comes to homophobia (especially in Russia) of the fact that Sasha has to deal with setbacks because he’s only half Russian (his farther is Armenian, which doesn’t sit well with the Russian officials. There’s off-page abuse (Sasha’s best friend gets beaten up by his father when he’s not living up to his expectations). And there’s the ever present fear of being outed.

Nevertheless, it’s a light hearted, fun story. The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars - it ends with a HFN and the next book is expected to be published in the summer of 2026 😳😳😳 how am I going to survive the wait?

Nevertheless- read it, maybe the author reads our reviews and decides to hurry up 🥰 and thank you, Kati for making me pick it up ❤️
Profile Image for Laura.
1,524 reviews255 followers
July 3, 2024
3.5 Stars

Cuddle up with the Heart of Gold. It’s a sweet and sexy gymnastic surprise!

Danny Hartman is working towards his goal and dream of being an elite gymnast. All while being a nonstop talking-smiling-laughing ray of positive energy! His athletic world comes to life with quick glimpses of events, training regimens, injuries, and post-competition stress release celebrations. Danny loves it! All of it! The training and traveling and meeting fellow gymnasts from around the world. He happily roots for all the gymnasts with hugs and whoops of joy. Everyone seems to gravitate toward his upbeat charm and megawatt smile. Well, almost everyone. :)

Sasha Zakaryan, a young Russian gymnast, sighs, eyerolls, and wonders if Americans have any boundaries upon meeting Danny Hartman. But Sasha’s teammate and best friend, Kirill, is downright rude, which pushes Sasha to seek Danny out and apologize for Kirill’s behavior. A move that made me smile right along with Danny. Sparks fly almost immediately between Danny and Sasha! I loved their chemistry.

“Without his usual serious expression, his features seem to soften, and Danny feels something small and quiet lodge in his heart.”

Sasha’s quiet strength comes out in almost everything he says or doesn’t say. I liked his friendship with Kirill. Their brotherly bond is loud and clear. Plus, it adds to the fun that Kirill really dislikes Danny. Haha… So, let the flirting, texting, and shirtless workout videos begin!

Dual points of view helped me get to know both young men, but I do feel like they need more time together on the page. Even most of the texting and calling occurred off page. There’s heat between Danny and Sasha for sure, but I would like more substance. They don’t talk much. I get it…both have sexy things on their minds when they do manage to get some time together. But it makes me wonder….what do they really know about each other away?

This is book one, so we have time to find out more. More about the dangers for Sasha in his country and risks to both of their careers. Not to mention their hearts! I’m looking forward to the journey. I do hope the author reconsiders that release date though. That is too long!

A quick read filled with the excitement and pressure of competition. Along with hilarious snack sneaking (little potatoes!), ice baths, drunken Twister, and HUGS and more hugs.

Recommended read. Perfect timing with the Olympics coming up!

p.s.

Profile Image for Scarlett Drake.
Author 11 books821 followers
August 14, 2024
Gosh I just loved this. I’d been looking for EXACTLY this story to cure my post-Paris 2024 hangover and this was perfect. Danny is the most precious bean, and somehow, despite being very black-cat energy, Sasha is also the most precious bean???? I loved all the gymnastic stuff, I loved the cute moments between them how shy they both were and how we saw their relationship start to move toward something more than friends. I’m gutted it’s a trilogy because knowing my hyper fixation tendencies - even when love something - I will forget all about this beautiful little story by the time the next one arrives. Which I THINK is 2026???? Seriously. I hope the author gets an attack of the inspiration and drops it way sooner. All in all, a lovely little read that doesn’t really end on a cliffhanger and so can be read as a standalone really.
Profile Image for Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads.
727 reviews238 followers
May 5, 2026
I'M OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK! Heart of Gold by @ariel_atwater_author basically takes everything I love about mm hockey romance and puts it into MENS GYMNASTICS. I KNOW these sports aren't related AT ALL, but there are so many parallels between the dynamics here and I was so freaking pleased. Heart of Gold is rivals to lovers with the SWEETEST golden retriever California boy and a grumpy Russian, and I COULD NOT get enough of them. This book is the first in a planned 3 book series, and I'm SO looking forward to more.

OMG DANNY IS SO PERFECT! When his character is introduced he's basically hugging every single one of his competitors, and that continues throughout the book. He's incredibly positive and complimentary, always in motion, always touching people. All of this is super annoying to standoffish Russian gymnast Sasha, who cannot believe all the stuff Danny does and gets away with. I giggled every time he begged Danny to stop talking - honestly the guy kind of needed someone to say it. Despite all that, I loved that Danny is genuinely interested and concerned for Sasha. Their texts back and forth are so sweet - even Danny's Instagram thirst traps meant for Sasha have an element of sweetness to them 😏.

I loved the long distance, slow burn situation they have, it really allows them to develop a relationship organically. Danny has a bi-awakening early on, so he needs time to embrace his sexuality, and Sasha needs to get comfortable with having a relationship at all after being so closed off and focused as a member of the Russian team. When they finally do get together, they are SO freaking cute. Danny is a consent KING (we love to see it), Sasha is overly concerned with Danny's health, and they are both pretty clueless and inexperienced. And after they start hooking up, both of them trying to keep from staring at each other during competition had me melting 🫠.

While Heart of Gold is only the first book in a series, it's absolutely worth reading now. There isn't a serious or painful cliffhanger, it's just enough to leave you wanting MORE. I learned so much about men's gymnastics, and I have a newfound respect for the sport. So excited for the next book!
Profile Image for Tare.
391 reviews32 followers
July 31, 2024
I was sooooo pleasantly surprised by this debut. It was shockingly sweet and truly had me smiling and swooning. I adore Danny and Sasha.

These two meet at the Olympics when both are teens. They are both competing for their countries as gymnasts. Sasha is a quiet, stoic, closeted Russian and Danny, our American, is the most golden retriever boy to ever live. I was living my best grumpy-sunshine life here.

This part of the story is told over 4 years. We get to see these two slowly form a connection from dislike (mainly Sasha to the loud American who doesn’t shut up - literally ever) to friendly-ish to texting (yes please - I loved this) to more.

While I love Danny. He could make friends with anyone and anything - nobody is safe from his charm (except maybe Kirill 💀). I quickly become absolutely enamored by Sasha. He has my entire heart and this soft, quiet boy who holds himself separate from the world to protect himself deserves everything. He deserves to feel loved and secure and I can’t wait to see him get everything he needs from Danny, who is going to worship him.

When these two finally had their first kiss I think I about died from the anticipation. Then they go on to connect again and start exploring their sexual relationship and I loved the realism here. Neither was a confident sex god. They were unsure and inexperienced and fumbling along together but in a sexy, fun and cute way. Their chemistry was so palpable. And Danny being a consent King?!?! 👏

I loved seeing the sport aspect of this as well. Gymnasts, especially at this level, are insanely talented (and Danny sure admires Sasha’s skills). I was interested not only in the discussion of their sport but also how all the competitions and ranking goes into who makes the Olympic teams. It was a great balance of feeling very immersed into competitive gymnastics and the budding romance.

Other things I loved:
- That game of Twister!!!
- The translator (IYKYK)
- Matt being the most supportive BFF ever (he also deserves the world)
- Grumpy ass Kirill (I see you Sir 👀)

And now the one thing I didn’t love about this - that it ended and the next book is not coming out for a while. Ariel - you made me fall in love with Danny and Sasha and now?! 🤡 It does end on a HFN but I am super patiently (ahem) awaiting the next book.
Profile Image for Mx. T *Chaotic Reader*.
623 reviews125 followers
June 23, 2024
✨ARC REVIEW✨
This was like Heated Rivalry but without the parts I disliked (and I know MANY people love that book). We follow Sasha and Danny as they meet and become fwb and then boyfriends in the span on 4 years, during championships and competitions. Sasha is shy and closed-up as a clam and Danny is pure positive golden retriever energy. I loved how the exploration of intimacy was portrayed, they're both new to being with men and it's slow and tender and funny. We all know how Russia isn't a safe place for us rainbow mafia people, and we all know how competitive sports isn't the best environment to come out. So yeah, they are doing everything on the DL.
This is a sports romance, these dudes are gymnasts, and I have no clue of anything related to it, but the descriptions were easy to follow.
This is part one of a trilogy and I hope Sasha gets his super happy ending because he is my baby and needs to be protected at all costs.
Profile Image for Nelly S..
692 reviews175 followers
August 2, 2024
How can one resist hot male gymnasts competing for rival countries and falling in love while doing so? Danny, American, and Sasha, Russian, are complete opposites and adorable together. I can’t wait to see how their journey continues in the sequel. I loved how the story is centered around different gymnastics competitions around the world, but it might not be as fun for someone who is not a fan of the sport.




Profile Image for Mello.
306 reviews29 followers
May 24, 2024
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, BookSirens and the author, for the opportunity.

4.7 ⭐

I'm a huge fan of sports romance novels, but this is the first time I'm reading about men's Gymnastics! This book will be out on June 21 ‼️, and I feel honored for the opportunity to read it in advance, but this is also a big responsibility. Now I have to make sure this book gets noticed by as many people as possible, because this is the author's debut novel! And what a debut! The writing was amazing, even the little details were not missed. I wish great success to the author with her first published book!

This novel was a delightful surprise. I loved everything about it, and the only thing that disappointed me was finding out it was the first book of a series, and I have to wait until the next one it's out 😭. Maybe because of this the ending was not that exciting, I was left waiting for a big climax or something to happen, and the next thing I know the book ended... I guess once the series is over it will make more sense. I have lost of questions and expectations for the next one.

The balance between the sport content and the romance part was well-proportioned. The pace could be considered slow because the book takes place in a big period of time (almost 4 years), but it doesn't feel that long while reading. I finished it in one sitting.There was no angst, so this is a great book if you're looking for a light read. A lot of things could have gone wrong, but nothing serious happened. I have a few theories about how it's going to end 🤔.

The best part without a doubt were the characters! Both protagonist felt very natural with their actions and ways of thinking. Two very different people with little in common developed a unique friendship that turned into attraction and then, feelings. Their chemistry was off charts! I specially loved the smut scenes with all the awkwardness of the first times, and the fun comments and jokes.

Although, sometimes I wished Danny could shut up a little (like for real dude 😂), I was definitely charmed by him and his sweet golden retriever energy. But on the other hand, Sasha has my heart 💕. I want to see his development in future books because I see great potential in this character!

PS: I know nothing about gymnastics but I believe the author got all the details on point! (At least everything sounded legit 😂) I learned a lot which is always great, and now I'm ready for men's gymnastics in the next Olympic Games 🙈.
Profile Image for em.
859 reviews74 followers
August 21, 2024
I didn’t realise how recently this came out so it does end with a HFN and will continue for another book or two 😭

A very sweet long-distance romance between two closeted male gymnasts. One is American - loud, friendly, big golden retriever energy. The other is Russian - reserved, focused, lonely.

Somehow Sasha gets charmed by Danny’s boisterous attitude and their relationship develops despite the many miles between them.

The story spans years since they can only meet up in secret at competitions - assuming both of them make it and aren’t injured. It’s not an easy story for two inexperienced young men from different cultures but I’m thoroughly enjoying how it’s progressing and I cannot wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Anna.
199 reviews9 followers
December 1, 2024
this is the only sports romance that has ever made me feel anything remotely close to how heated rivalry and time to shine made me feel. i love these idiots and i ate this book up tbh

danny is such a fun golden retriever bf and i would DIE for sasha. give me prickly, serious, sassy gay russians called sasha every day pls and thanks.

reading about gymnastics was fun too. the side characters are great. I WOULD LIKE MORE PLEASE SUMMER 2026 IS EXTREMELY FAR AWAY

i WILL say though that the implication that sex=intercourse only is very weird and also just straight up wrong? you can't have a character say "i don't wanna have sex" and then... have them have sex... hand stuff still counts my guy!

also someone get a graphic designer to remake this cover cause what is this, we are past the age of shirtless men in 2024 🙏
Profile Image for Adam.
462 reviews68 followers
July 29, 2024
Comparable to Heated Rivalry, but, like, significantly better and less problematic. I am not happy about the year-long wait for the next book though...
Profile Image for Chase Coe.
1,088 reviews48 followers
May 2, 2025
Sweet summer fun!

Ugh, this book brought me back to last summer when we still had a little hope and the Olympics were on and it felt like things were…. Not good, but definitely a small progression.

I had a lot of fun reading HEART OF GOLD. There’s men’s gymnastics, shy, green-eyed Russian boys, lovable Golden Retriever Americans, and so much heart!

One thing I love is a language barrier. Probably because I know intimately the power of words and how people can say one thing and mean something completely different and when there’s that language barrier, you find more… truthful ways to communicate. And that’s exactly what Sasha and Danny did. And are doing. Had zero idea it was a true series and not standalones lolol.

Danny’s, like, All American, like, type of speaking wasn’t, like, my favorite. Hahah it’s true that Americans use like a lot. But it wasn’t my fav. Mainly because it felt like such a caricature and not super authentic. But that’s also valid because Americans are embarrassing as fuck.

The romance between Danny and Sasha is suuuuuper cute and fun. It’s on the younger, more-inexperienced side, so if you’re expecting pornstar level smut scenes, you’re in the wrong place. But I loved it so much because it felt so true to Danny and Sasha.

Ugh I need MORE but I have to wait til summer of NEXT YEAR. UGH.
Profile Image for Lu.
635 reviews56 followers
June 21, 2024
Omg I'm obsessed with Sasha and Danny! I loved everything about this story. Their personalities, grumpy/introvert Russian vs extreme sunshine American. The long timeline of the book with them meeting at 16 and 18 and then seeing each other once a year or so but pining over each other. And I absolutely loved the gymnastics talks and descriptions. Honestly it was a million times more interesting than reading about hockey and football etc.
How am I going to wait for book 2 😭
Profile Image for X.
1,245 reviews12 followers
Read
August 4, 2024
DNF @ 19%. This is solidly decent, no red flags, just a little slower than I’m looking for right now. Would definitely read something else from this author in the future.
Profile Image for allmy_booklovers.
174 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2024
Sweet first book, abrupt ending. Needed to make that part longer. Good build up. Will definitely read what happens next!
Profile Image for Kristyn Pittman.
212 reviews96 followers
March 25, 2024
This really was the perfect blend of my two interests; international gymnastics and romance!

You can really tell the author knows what she’s talking about when it comes the gymnastics part of the plot. It was the perfect level of detail without overwhelming the central love story.

While some parts of the plot felt a tad repetitive, I was never bored. My biggest complaint is that we will have to wait until the next book to see the rest of Sasha & Danny’s story.

***Thank you to Book Sirens for providing me with an advanced copy for review.
Profile Image for Liz.
1,185 reviews10 followers
July 14, 2024
The actual content of this? So good. I loved Danny coaxing Sasha into friendship, the steady way he was there until he needed to know if he was the only one feeling things. And Sasha being content to just listen to him yap endlessly, relaxing enough to at least admit that Danny's compliments were something to admire and not be annoyed by? It was just the loveliest shift.

On top of that you have Matt being an A++ best friend (hyping Danny up, blocking Sasha purposely during the Twister game), Danny's extreme love of dogs, and both of them being horny over the others gymnastics competency.

The problem is that this left off at a point where it feels like the next installment should be right around the corner. Like it's just waiting in the wings to be published because we're paused in a good spot but one that is obviously not the endgame -- and that's a fine place to stop, especially when you're in a series, but it was also a little jarring. And I knew going in that there was going to be a wait for the next one, Katie warned me, it just seems like such a big gap and an awkward spot to be paused in with that long of a wait.

That said, it was fun to read this so close to the Olympics and I'll definitely pick the next part up when it arrives. Just sad it has to be so long from now.
Profile Image for Denise.
7,660 reviews138 followers
July 19, 2024
Oh, I just ate this up.
This was exactly the romance read I needed right now: Sweet, but not overly sugary; fluffy, but not without substance; light, but not without touching on serious subjects - and, last but very much not least, set in the world of gymnastics, which just so happens to be one of my favourite sports to watch. Loved the protagonists - even Danny, who manages to make being annoying and never shutting up exceptionally endearing - and can't wait to get to spend more time with them and their blossoming relationship and careers.
Honestly, the only thing wrong with this book is the expected publication date for its sequel being two whole years from now... but I suppose I can be patient. If I absolutely must.

*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***
Profile Image for Eloise Archangelo.
248 reviews
July 10, 2024
For some reason I thought this was a standalone so I didn’t get the resolution I had hoped for.

But this was a great story and I loved how gymnastics and competitions weren’t just a backdrop- it fit into the story perfectly and most of the book actually takes place at competitions.

I feel like I learned so much.
Profile Image for James.
686 reviews52 followers
August 6, 2024
Difficulty: Yeah, not so easy to write a believable, not-too-cheesy romance about Olympic athletes

Execution: Exceptionally well done! Sweet, entertaining, just the right amount of mild drama, extremely likable characters — and the perfect read during Olympics season

Definitely looking forward to the next installment!
Profile Image for Emma.
438 reviews
August 3, 2024
3.5*

Looooved the first half and then I think they got together too fast for my liking. But I'm sure book two and three will be good, bc the writing and stuff was good!
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