What do you think?
Rate this book
Offsetting Penalties
Isabelle Oster has dreamed of being a prima ballerina her entire life, so whenthe only male dancer backs out of the fall production, she’s devastated. Without a partner, she has no hope of earning a spot with the prestigious Ballet Americana company. Until hot jock Garret practicing stretches in one of the studios gives Izzy an idea, and she whips out her phone. But does she really want this badly enough to resort to blackmail? All-state tight end Garret Mitchell will do anything to get a college football scholarship. Even taking ballet, which surprisingly isn’t so bad, because it means he gets to be up close and personal with the gorgeous Goth girl Izzy while learning moves to increase his flexibility. But Izzy needs him to perform with her for the Ballet Americana spot, and he draws the line at getting on stage. Especially wearing tights. This Entangled Teen Crush book contains a bit of blackmail, a lot of sarcasm, and an ending guaranteed to melt your heart.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2017
27 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Ally Mathews
2 books18 followersAlly lives in Texas and is convinced her house is shrinking, possibly because she shares it with three kids, four dogs, two cats, a rabbit, and assorted reptiles. Oh, and her husband. She likes to curse in Russian because very few people know what she's saying, and spends most of what would be her spare time letting dogs in and out of the house and shuttling kids around. She has many stories in her head waiting for the opportunity to escape onto paper.
When she’s not writing, you can find her reading or binge watching Psych, MTV's Scream, Younger, and all the superhero movies. She loves to cook but hates to clean up afterwards, and strongly believes that Disney World is truly magical. You can find Ally on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, though she makes no claims of using any of them properly.
When she’s not writing, you can find her reading or binge watching Psych, MTV's Scream, Younger, and all the superhero movies. She loves to cook but hates to clean up afterwards, and strongly believes that Disney World is truly magical. You can find Ally on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, though she makes no claims of using any of them properly.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 26, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley.)
This was a YA contemporary romance story about a ballet dancer and a football player.
I liked Izzy and Garret, and I liked how spunky Izzy was. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go for it, and still had a softer side too. Garret moaned a bit about the ballet, but still did it even though he thought he looked ridiculous.
The storyline in this was about Garret taking ballet lessons to improve his flexibility after a football injury, and Izzy then trying to blackmail him into dancing with her in the fall production as she had no-one to do lifts with her. There were some bumps along the way, but they did make a cute couple, and I liked how being together didn’t make either of them lose sight of what they wanted for their futures.
The ending to this was okay, but the big question of what would happen to Izzy and Garret after high school wasn’t really answered.
6.5 out of 10
“I’m not going to wear tights. Period.”
This was a YA contemporary romance story about a ballet dancer and a football player.
I liked Izzy and Garret, and I liked how spunky Izzy was. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go for it, and still had a softer side too. Garret moaned a bit about the ballet, but still did it even though he thought he looked ridiculous.
The storyline in this was about Garret taking ballet lessons to improve his flexibility after a football injury, and Izzy then trying to blackmail him into dancing with her in the fall production as she had no-one to do lifts with her. There were some bumps along the way, but they did make a cute couple, and I liked how being together didn’t make either of them lose sight of what they wanted for their futures.
The ending to this was okay, but the big question of what would happen to Izzy and Garret after high school wasn’t really answered.
6.5 out of 10
October 29, 2017
Garret's coach suggests he needs some help if he wants to get back into tip-top shape. He is the captain of the football team and is recovering from a foot injury. The coaches suggestion is ballet lessons. Garret thinks he is joking, but after some persuasion, he takes his advice.
Isabelle wants to be a prima ballerina. She is in need of a new dance partner and she isn't above blackmail. Garret and Isabelle are an unlikely pair. He's the popular jock from the wrong side of the tracks. She's the rich girl with a rebellious streak. Isabelle likes to be different and avoids the popular crowd. She has a goth image and people tend to stay clear of her, but looks can be deceiving. Both have passion and are willing to do what it takes to get their dream.
I really enjoyed this book, and I liked the fact it taught me something new. Who would have known ballet was the key to football. Rio Ferdinand that's who! According to the online Metro newspaper, he had landed a 5-year scholarship to a ballet school before he became a professional footballer.
Isabelle is a really cool character and I loved the goth angle.
I liked the family dynamics of these two. Rich girl with the business father. Poor guy with the loving mother. Overall they worked well together because they could offer the other the missing piece. Ballet isn't just for girls!
4 stars out of 5. A good storyline and a nice read.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review* Blog Tour Date: 10th Novemeber.
Isabelle wants to be a prima ballerina. She is in need of a new dance partner and she isn't above blackmail. Garret and Isabelle are an unlikely pair. He's the popular jock from the wrong side of the tracks. She's the rich girl with a rebellious streak. Isabelle likes to be different and avoids the popular crowd. She has a goth image and people tend to stay clear of her, but looks can be deceiving. Both have passion and are willing to do what it takes to get their dream.
I really enjoyed this book, and I liked the fact it taught me something new. Who would have known ballet was the key to football. Rio Ferdinand that's who! According to the online Metro newspaper, he had landed a 5-year scholarship to a ballet school before he became a professional footballer.
Isabelle is a really cool character and I loved the goth angle.
I liked the family dynamics of these two. Rich girl with the business father. Poor guy with the loving mother. Overall they worked well together because they could offer the other the missing piece. Ballet isn't just for girls!
4 stars out of 5. A good storyline and a nice read.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review* Blog Tour Date: 10th Novemeber.
November 3, 2017
I really adored this book! This book switches between Garrett and Isabelle's point of view. The main characters were so sweet and I really truly liked both of them. I was worried I might not like Izzy at the beginning when she blackmails Garrett, especially because he's so nice. However, soon after it's clear that one action is not how she actually is most of the time. They both come from different backgrounds, but had enough in common that they just worked well together. Both characters were driven and wanting more for their life than staying in their small Texas town. This book has blackmail, two super sweet characters, cute interactions between two unlikely people, and a fake romance that turns into something more!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Entangled Publishing, LCC via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Entangled Publishing, LCC via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2017
This was such a fun and lighthearted contemporary read. It's one of those books that are perfect to read to relax and take your mind off of things. This was like a YA version of Step Up and it worked very well. I liked that the blackmail issue was over with fairly quickly, and Isabelle and Garett started to have more open and honest communication. Their relationship was sweet and progressed nicely. I thought the resolution at the end of the story happened too quickly, so it felt like a bit of a let down, Overall, this was a fun and super quick read.
I received a copy of the book from Entangled Teen via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of the book from Entangled Teen via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2017
Izzy and Garret are about as opposite as you can get, but their growing relationship was adorable and fun to read about.
Garret's family doesn't have much money. They struggle to pay the bills. He knows that his only chance to get out of Texas is to get a scholarship to play college football. His alcoholic dad runs a salvage yard and wants Garret to stay there and take over. His mom supports him in everything though. He also has a little sister who wants to be a ballerina.
Izzy's parents were actors, but her mom died from her addiction issues when Izzy was a baby. Her dad became a politician. They had a big house and plenty of money, but he wasn't home much. Izzy wanted to join a ballet company, but wanted to get in because of her talent and not her dad's wealth or influence. Izzy also rebels a bit by being somewhat goth. She has purple in her hair and wears dark make-up , but her piercings are fake.
Garret's coach suggests he take ballet to strengthen an injury he had. Even though he and Izzy go to school together, he really didn't know her. He is terrified of others finding out that he's taking ballet. Izzy needs a partner for her performance and tryouts, so she decides to blackmail Garret into helping her.
Luckily the blackmail didn't last long. Garret and Izzy end up getting along well and they find that they want to help each other. Their chemistry is great and Izzy is strong and not afraid to put Garret in his place when he needs it.
I liked that the relationship grew throughout the story and that neither tried hard to fight it. We didn't have to wait until the end for them to date.
This was another cute, quick read published by Entangled Teen. I received a copy from the publisher for review sent through netgalley. I gave this one 4 stars.
Extra love for the cute dogs in the book and that the author has reptiles.
Garret's family doesn't have much money. They struggle to pay the bills. He knows that his only chance to get out of Texas is to get a scholarship to play college football. His alcoholic dad runs a salvage yard and wants Garret to stay there and take over. His mom supports him in everything though. He also has a little sister who wants to be a ballerina.
Izzy's parents were actors, but her mom died from her addiction issues when Izzy was a baby. Her dad became a politician. They had a big house and plenty of money, but he wasn't home much. Izzy wanted to join a ballet company, but wanted to get in because of her talent and not her dad's wealth or influence. Izzy also rebels a bit by being somewhat goth. She has purple in her hair and wears dark make-up , but her piercings are fake.
Garret's coach suggests he take ballet to strengthen an injury he had. Even though he and Izzy go to school together, he really didn't know her. He is terrified of others finding out that he's taking ballet. Izzy needs a partner for her performance and tryouts, so she decides to blackmail Garret into helping her.
Luckily the blackmail didn't last long. Garret and Izzy end up getting along well and they find that they want to help each other. Their chemistry is great and Izzy is strong and not afraid to put Garret in his place when he needs it.
I liked that the relationship grew throughout the story and that neither tried hard to fight it. We didn't have to wait until the end for them to date.
This was another cute, quick read published by Entangled Teen. I received a copy from the publisher for review sent through netgalley. I gave this one 4 stars.
Extra love for the cute dogs in the book and that the author has reptiles.
October 29, 2017
***I received this book through Netgalley for an honest review***
I devoured this book in a day! It was a great read all the way around, the Izzy and Garrett were great characters, I loved the banter between the two of them. Highly recommend!
I devoured this book in a day! It was a great read all the way around, the Izzy and Garrett were great characters, I loved the banter between the two of them. Highly recommend!
November 10, 2017
Well, this book put a smile on my face.
I utterly love when a romance forms between an unlikely pair, and when I saw football and ballet thrown into the mix, I knew I wanted to read this book. I am happy to report, it did not disappoint!
•Pro: Izzy was full of spunk and sass and I really admired her determination to make this one dream happen without her father's influence or money.
•Pro: Garret was the type of hero I love. He did so many things right until he did something wrong, but he really did a lot of things right, and I loved him for all those things.
•Pro: I liked that Mathews gave Izzy's dad some dimension. I thought he was going to be a villain, but then he did some things and said some things that showed me there was more to him than met the eye.
•Pro: I am a fan of books featuring family dynamics, and we get to see inside both Izzy and Garret's families.
•Pro: There are actual peeks at football and ballet in this book, and I am a fan of sports romances having some sports in them.
•Pro: The romance was very sweet between these two. I loved the build, and their mutual thoughts made me grin.
•Pro: I can never say no to a fauxmance romance.
•Pro: Both Izzy and Garret were reaching for their stars, and it was quite touching how they wanted to help each other get there. They didn't have a ton of support from their fathers, so it was even more important that they had each other.
•Pro: Izzy loved one of my favorite bands of all time - The Cure! That made me a little nostalgic, and who doesn't love a does of nostalgia every once in a while.
•Pro: The ending made me very happy. I love endings that point my couple towards a future, and an epilogue will always land in the positive column for me.
Overall: An adorable, feel-good romance, which made me laugh, smile, and swoon.
*I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
I utterly love when a romance forms between an unlikely pair, and when I saw football and ballet thrown into the mix, I knew I wanted to read this book. I am happy to report, it did not disappoint!
•Pro: Izzy was full of spunk and sass and I really admired her determination to make this one dream happen without her father's influence or money.
•Pro: Garret was the type of hero I love. He did so many things right until he did something wrong, but he really did a lot of things right, and I loved him for all those things.
•Pro: I liked that Mathews gave Izzy's dad some dimension. I thought he was going to be a villain, but then he did some things and said some things that showed me there was more to him than met the eye.
•Pro: I am a fan of books featuring family dynamics, and we get to see inside both Izzy and Garret's families.
•Pro: There are actual peeks at football and ballet in this book, and I am a fan of sports romances having some sports in them.
•Pro: The romance was very sweet between these two. I loved the build, and their mutual thoughts made me grin.
•Pro: I can never say no to a fauxmance romance.
•Pro: Both Izzy and Garret were reaching for their stars, and it was quite touching how they wanted to help each other get there. They didn't have a ton of support from their fathers, so it was even more important that they had each other.
•Pro: Izzy loved one of my favorite bands of all time - The Cure! That made me a little nostalgic, and who doesn't love a does of nostalgia every once in a while.
•Pro: The ending made me very happy. I love endings that point my couple towards a future, and an epilogue will always land in the positive column for me.
Overall: An adorable, feel-good romance, which made me laugh, smile, and swoon.
*I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
November 5, 2017
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
They both came from different backgrounds.
Isabelle was born w/ a silver spoon.
Garrett saved every penny.
Dancing brought them together.
Izzy needed a partner for a dance performance.
Garrett was learning ballet to improve this football performance.
A partnership was formed.
When they got close to each other, they learned that they might have more in common that they thought.
Will they give this relationship a chance?
Will their background be really that big of a deal?
I loved the storytelling + the characters.
They both came from different backgrounds.
Isabelle was born w/ a silver spoon.
Garrett saved every penny.
Dancing brought them together.
Izzy needed a partner for a dance performance.
Garrett was learning ballet to improve this football performance.
A partnership was formed.
When they got close to each other, they learned that they might have more in common that they thought.
Will they give this relationship a chance?
Will their background be really that big of a deal?
I loved the storytelling + the characters.
November 1, 2017
A nice, relatively quick read with well developed relatable characters, and a great storyline (if a bit predictable ).
I read this book when I was in a book slump and it was the perfect easy read. Excited to read more from Ally Mathews!
I read this book when I was in a book slump and it was the perfect easy read. Excited to read more from Ally Mathews!
November 2, 2017
https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...
3.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
OK, you know exactly why I requested this book if you know anything about me. The premise was tailor made for me! I love dance books, and love them even more when the hero dances!! And the dance stuff was fantastic! And there was a lot of it!! You can't even imagine how happy that made me. I'm not a dancer, whatsoever, but I appreciate it and envy those with that much dedication, athleticism and grace. And honestly, the dancing was my favourite part of this book. Seeing Garret learn about stretching, positions, pirouettes, and then seeing Garret and Izzy tackle lifts just filled my heart with happiness!
As for the rest of the story, and particularly the characters, I thought this book started off really strong! I was drawn into the challenges of both characters, and I thought they both seemed like good kids struggling to work through what life had handed them. I felt Izzy's loneliness and isolation, and her struggle to do things on her own and prove her worth without her father's influence. And Garret had a lot to work through with an unsupportive (and possibly alcoholic) dad, and the struggles that come from a low-income family.
And I really enjoyed their initial interplay with each other...like they had their own impressions of the other, but they could see that there was more to the other. I liked the way they started becoming friends, but you could see them wanting more. And I liked the way they became more!
But somewhere along the way, the characters seemed to stop growing. I know they're teenagers, but I honestly expected them to start showing some empathy towards the other's situation. But the selfishness, in general, persisted. Moreso in Garret than Izzy. I actually grew annoyed when Izzy would immediately apologize for her assumptions about what Garret would struggle with and downplay her own struggles, and there would be crickets from Garret's side. Apparently money really is more valuable than close family, at least according to this book. As a reader, I thought they both struggled equally, but I don't think Garret ever really understood the negatives about Izzy's life. All he saw was the wealth and material things. And thus, I became less enamoured with our characters, particularly the hero.
And then we get to the ending...which felt kind of rushed, and left me a bit unsatisfied.
So yeah. Full marks for the dance component, and a fantastic first half!! But alas, I need a good closer to make me round up instead of down, which is a bummer. This one had so much potential. Perhaps the ending won't bug others as much as it did me.
3.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
OK, you know exactly why I requested this book if you know anything about me. The premise was tailor made for me! I love dance books, and love them even more when the hero dances!! And the dance stuff was fantastic! And there was a lot of it!! You can't even imagine how happy that made me. I'm not a dancer, whatsoever, but I appreciate it and envy those with that much dedication, athleticism and grace. And honestly, the dancing was my favourite part of this book. Seeing Garret learn about stretching, positions, pirouettes, and then seeing Garret and Izzy tackle lifts just filled my heart with happiness!
As for the rest of the story, and particularly the characters, I thought this book started off really strong! I was drawn into the challenges of both characters, and I thought they both seemed like good kids struggling to work through what life had handed them. I felt Izzy's loneliness and isolation, and her struggle to do things on her own and prove her worth without her father's influence. And Garret had a lot to work through with an unsupportive (and possibly alcoholic) dad, and the struggles that come from a low-income family.
And I really enjoyed their initial interplay with each other...like they had their own impressions of the other, but they could see that there was more to the other. I liked the way they started becoming friends, but you could see them wanting more. And I liked the way they became more!
But somewhere along the way, the characters seemed to stop growing. I know they're teenagers, but I honestly expected them to start showing some empathy towards the other's situation. But the selfishness, in general, persisted. Moreso in Garret than Izzy. I actually grew annoyed when Izzy would immediately apologize for her assumptions about what Garret would struggle with and downplay her own struggles, and there would be crickets from Garret's side. Apparently money really is more valuable than close family, at least according to this book. As a reader, I thought they both struggled equally, but I don't think Garret ever really understood the negatives about Izzy's life. All he saw was the wealth and material things. And thus, I became less enamoured with our characters, particularly the hero.
And then we get to the ending...which felt kind of rushed, and left me a bit unsatisfied.
So yeah. Full marks for the dance component, and a fantastic first half!! But alas, I need a good closer to make me round up instead of down, which is a bummer. This one had so much potential. Perhaps the ending won't bug others as much as it did me.
November 11, 2017
I'm a sucker for sports romances whether they're young adult, new adult, or straight-up adult! It's been a while since I've read a YA one though, so I was really excited to dive into OFFSETTING PENALTIES and when I'd finished, I was seriously on cloud nine! I thought that it was absolutely perfect! This book was everything that I could have hoped for it to be. Sweet, funny, and just so, so well done!
Garret and Isabelle were amazing! I loved seeing both of their family lives, and I really enjoyed seeing them get to know one another. :D Their romance was utterly adorable, and it developed at a wonderful pace. I thought it was realistic in the best possible way, and it gave me all the feels!
I honestly can't think of anything about this book that I didn't like. I thought that Isabelle was interesting, and her passion for dance and her dream of making it in the dancing world on her merit alone rather than based on her dad's money and prestige was extremely inspiring. And Garret...Garret is my new book boyfriend! He was generous, thoughtful, kind, and just like Isabelle, he was super passionate about his dreams. He was also willing to change his opinion about things and went into everything with an open mind which I thought was fabulous to see. The one sports romance trope that I'm mighty sick of is the one with the alpha male who's hyper masculine and kinda douchey...and Garret broke ALL of those tropes! Isabelle and Garret were both fantastic characters, and I loved that it was so easy to see how they connected and what they had in common! I think it was one of the best flushed out romances that I've ever read in a YA...it was fantastic! And the story was perfect! Super relevant to characters about to head into college, and super easy to look back on to relate to! I can already see myself rereading this one and that's not something I do very often anymore. ;)
Based on my very enthusiastic reaction towards Garret, Isabelle and their romance, it should come as no shock that I absolutely adored OFFSETTING PENALTIES! If you like adorable, swoony romances, definitely add this one to your to-read list! I think it's perfect for both YA and adult romance readers, and I hope anyone who picks it up enjoys it as much as I did! I love, love, loved OFFSETTING PENALTIES and I seriously cannot wait to read more of Ally Mathews's books after this!!!
Garret and Isabelle were amazing! I loved seeing both of their family lives, and I really enjoyed seeing them get to know one another. :D Their romance was utterly adorable, and it developed at a wonderful pace. I thought it was realistic in the best possible way, and it gave me all the feels!
I honestly can't think of anything about this book that I didn't like. I thought that Isabelle was interesting, and her passion for dance and her dream of making it in the dancing world on her merit alone rather than based on her dad's money and prestige was extremely inspiring. And Garret...Garret is my new book boyfriend! He was generous, thoughtful, kind, and just like Isabelle, he was super passionate about his dreams. He was also willing to change his opinion about things and went into everything with an open mind which I thought was fabulous to see. The one sports romance trope that I'm mighty sick of is the one with the alpha male who's hyper masculine and kinda douchey...and Garret broke ALL of those tropes! Isabelle and Garret were both fantastic characters, and I loved that it was so easy to see how they connected and what they had in common! I think it was one of the best flushed out romances that I've ever read in a YA...it was fantastic! And the story was perfect! Super relevant to characters about to head into college, and super easy to look back on to relate to! I can already see myself rereading this one and that's not something I do very often anymore. ;)
Based on my very enthusiastic reaction towards Garret, Isabelle and their romance, it should come as no shock that I absolutely adored OFFSETTING PENALTIES! If you like adorable, swoony romances, definitely add this one to your to-read list! I think it's perfect for both YA and adult romance readers, and I hope anyone who picks it up enjoys it as much as I did! I love, love, loved OFFSETTING PENALTIES and I seriously cannot wait to read more of Ally Mathews's books after this!!!
November 8, 2017
DNF'ing at 12% because this was me on every page:
I could give you more, but instead I'll quickly sum up why this hasn't worked for me.
It's too rushed.
No time is spent setting up scenes or characters, so they just Do Crazy Shit without a motive properly explained, leaving me confused and rolling my eyes and wondering if I should care. Everything is told instead of shown. This is a rare case where the book could have benefitted from 100 extra pages rather than having 100 pages removed. I thought 202 pages meant it would be a quick read, but it's quick because it's all wham bam thank you ma'am with every scene.
So thank you for the review copy, but this is a big nope for me.
I could give you more, but instead I'll quickly sum up why this hasn't worked for me.
It's too rushed.
No time is spent setting up scenes or characters, so they just Do Crazy Shit without a motive properly explained, leaving me confused and rolling my eyes and wondering if I should care. Everything is told instead of shown. This is a rare case where the book could have benefitted from 100 extra pages rather than having 100 pages removed. I thought 202 pages meant it would be a quick read, but it's quick because it's all wham bam thank you ma'am with every scene.
So thank you for the review copy, but this is a big nope for me.
October 31, 2017
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. This is a voluntary review; all opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
When I saw the premise for this novel, I just had to read it! One of my favourite tropes in romance is when two unlikely people meet and fall in love and this one fit the bill. Throw in a little blackmail, tights and a goth, this is a wicked combination that seemed like it would be both fun and heartwarming at the same time.
I had so much fun reading this book! I literally had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading it. Not only are Izzy and Garret charming characters but the plot was fun yet mature and definitely adorable. I found myself sucked into this book and easily could have finished it in one sitting if I didn't have to go to work.
The evolution of Izzy and Garret's relationship was awesome to watch. Individually, these two are genuine people who you can't help but love. They aren't over-dramatic or angsty teenagers; they react in the rational ways to the various situations they find themselves in. Their characters could easily have been a cliche but they had this edge of individuality to their presentation that separates them from what you expect.
Together, these two are positively adorable! They have fantastic banter and chemistry from the start. The romance had a bit of a slow burn aspect to it as they two take their time to get to know each other a little more. I loved watching them establish that deeper connection.
If you're looking for a cute contemporary romance about two unlikely teens falling in love while aspiring to make their dreams come true, I highly recommend this book! You will easily get sucked into Izzy and Garret's story.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-2g2
Actual Rating: 4.5/5
When I saw the premise for this novel, I just had to read it! One of my favourite tropes in romance is when two unlikely people meet and fall in love and this one fit the bill. Throw in a little blackmail, tights and a goth, this is a wicked combination that seemed like it would be both fun and heartwarming at the same time.
I had so much fun reading this book! I literally had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading it. Not only are Izzy and Garret charming characters but the plot was fun yet mature and definitely adorable. I found myself sucked into this book and easily could have finished it in one sitting if I didn't have to go to work.
The evolution of Izzy and Garret's relationship was awesome to watch. Individually, these two are genuine people who you can't help but love. They aren't over-dramatic or angsty teenagers; they react in the rational ways to the various situations they find themselves in. Their characters could easily have been a cliche but they had this edge of individuality to their presentation that separates them from what you expect.
Together, these two are positively adorable! They have fantastic banter and chemistry from the start. The romance had a bit of a slow burn aspect to it as they two take their time to get to know each other a little more. I loved watching them establish that deeper connection.
If you're looking for a cute contemporary romance about two unlikely teens falling in love while aspiring to make their dreams come true, I highly recommend this book! You will easily get sucked into Izzy and Garret's story.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-2g2
Actual Rating: 4.5/5
November 7, 2017
Offsetting Penalties was such an adorable YA contemporary romance. It reminded me of a YA version of Step Up, which is one of my favorite dance movies. This book was absolutely perfect if you're looking for a light, fun read.
After Garret Mitchell returns to playing football after a recent injury, his coach suggests that he takes ballet lessons to help him regain his former flexibility and balance. Desperate for his performance to be good enough to attract college scouts, Garrett agrees on the condition that it's kept a secret. Unfortunately for him, Isabelle Oster, who recently lost her partner for her audition piece, sees him practicing and videotapes him. However, when she blackmails Garret into helping her, she might just be getting more than she bargained for....
I was sucked into this story from the first page. I loved the blackmailing aspect and how both characters dealt with it. There were definitely some hilarious moments in there and I thought it set their romance off to an interesting start. Garrett and Izzy were both such vibrant characters, I liked both them immediately. I also was a huge fan of their romance, particularly because they had to navigate a balance between their dreams and their relationships. Plus that ending was just adorable perfection.
I would recommend Offsetting Penalties to fans of YA contemporary who are looking for sassy characters, adorable romance, and a story about pursuing your dreams.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After Garret Mitchell returns to playing football after a recent injury, his coach suggests that he takes ballet lessons to help him regain his former flexibility and balance. Desperate for his performance to be good enough to attract college scouts, Garrett agrees on the condition that it's kept a secret. Unfortunately for him, Isabelle Oster, who recently lost her partner for her audition piece, sees him practicing and videotapes him. However, when she blackmails Garret into helping her, she might just be getting more than she bargained for....
I was sucked into this story from the first page. I loved the blackmailing aspect and how both characters dealt with it. There were definitely some hilarious moments in there and I thought it set their romance off to an interesting start. Garrett and Izzy were both such vibrant characters, I liked both them immediately. I also was a huge fan of their romance, particularly because they had to navigate a balance between their dreams and their relationships. Plus that ending was just adorable perfection.
I would recommend Offsetting Penalties to fans of YA contemporary who are looking for sassy characters, adorable romance, and a story about pursuing your dreams.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 30, 2017
Both Garret and Isabelle are hard working and driven to succeed.
Garret's football coach recommends ballet lessons to help after an injury. Isabelle sees him there and blackmails him to dance with her in the recital that will be her audition to a prestigious dance program. Despite their preconceived notions about each other, Garret and Isabelle work well together and start to grow closer.
This book contained just enough dance and football to keep it interesting, but not so much that it's overwhelming if you don't follow either.
This is a sweet book about following your dreams and learning that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Garret's football coach recommends ballet lessons to help after an injury. Isabelle sees him there and blackmails him to dance with her in the recital that will be her audition to a prestigious dance program. Despite their preconceived notions about each other, Garret and Isabelle work well together and start to grow closer.
This book contained just enough dance and football to keep it interesting, but not so much that it's overwhelming if you don't follow either.
This is a sweet book about following your dreams and learning that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2017
I received this book from Netgalley. I thought this book was kind of genius. I had no idea that football players take ballet to improve their game. That was interesting to me. I also really liked izzy's character. She was totally different at the end then she was at the beginning. I liked that being with garret changed her for the better. I love receiving books from crush because they're always super adorable. I look forward to reading another one from them soon!
Read
October 18, 2017Offsetting Penalties will make a sports romance / enemies to lovers fan out of any one who picks it up. I particularly loved the funny quips from Izzy and the double entendres out of Garret's mouth...and of course the sweet, swoony moments between them at every turn.
I can't say blackmail is a great beginning to a relationship IRL, but I may finally have understood how that trope can be used to show both a character as flawed, but also redeemable. Warning: It may cause you to want to try blackmailing the next cute, strong football player you run into.
Beyond the standard things that I love about cute, YA romances, I loved the way that this one really went all in with both the football aspect, especially proving the premise that ballet training can give football players increased speed, flexibility, and improve their overall game play positioning and jump height. It was so believable and the dance and football playing aspects were well drawn.
Can't say enough good things about this novel. It made me laugh and swoon in public and it also had plenty of heart. Get it on November 6th!
I can't say blackmail is a great beginning to a relationship IRL, but I may finally have understood how that trope can be used to show both a character as flawed, but also redeemable. Warning: It may cause you to want to try blackmailing the next cute, strong football player you run into.
Beyond the standard things that I love about cute, YA romances, I loved the way that this one really went all in with both the football aspect, especially proving the premise that ballet training can give football players increased speed, flexibility, and improve their overall game play positioning and jump height. It was so believable and the dance and football playing aspects were well drawn.
Can't say enough good things about this novel. It made me laugh and swoon in public and it also had plenty of heart. Get it on November 6th!
October 29, 2017
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for a review.
This was a quick and sweet story of not-so-friendly to fake-bf-gf to more. I really enjoyed this teen read. I adored Garret and I also liked Isabelle once we got to know her some more. Overall, this was a great afternoon teeny bopper read.
This was a quick and sweet story of not-so-friendly to fake-bf-gf to more. I really enjoyed this teen read. I adored Garret and I also liked Isabelle once we got to know her some more. Overall, this was a great afternoon teeny bopper read.
November 7, 2017
It was cute and light, enough to help you slowly out of your reading slump. These kind of books from Entangled Teens never fails! 😍👍
November 4, 2017
A special thank you goes out to Entangled Teen for allowing me to read this early. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
I'm going to let you all in on a little secret. Iused to have a dream to be a ballet dancer. I have always loved the way dancers could move across the stage in such a breathtakingly beautiful way. When I studied classical music in college, we watched a video of Swan Lake and I was in love. Ballet dancing and ballet dancing books will always hold a very special place in my heart.
That's why I was quite glad to get accepted to read this book. It's about a ballet dancer and a football player coming together. Opposites attract, right? Right you are, friend.
Despite loving ballet, I don't know that much about it. This book was almost like an informational guide on different types of dances and how to do them along with the benefits of ballet for those in football. I had no idea that some players use ballet to gain strength and flexibility. Makes sense in my eyes.
The connection between Izzy and Garret was adorable. I love the acquaintances to friends to maybe something more trope. I liked how both Izzy and Garret were willing to work things out and not give up, even when the school and their parents seemed to really be against them. I admire couples like that. Even though they were in high school, they knew what they wanted and that made my heart all warm and fuzzy.
Overall, this was a great and quick read. It had reminded me how much I love dance and how I now need to find more dancing books. I suggest this book to anyone who is looking for a fun read about opposites and how sometimes they really do attract.
I'm going to let you all in on a little secret. I
That's why I was quite glad to get accepted to read this book. It's about a ballet dancer and a football player coming together. Opposites attract, right? Right you are, friend.
Despite loving ballet, I don't know that much about it. This book was almost like an informational guide on different types of dances and how to do them along with the benefits of ballet for those in football. I had no idea that some players use ballet to gain strength and flexibility. Makes sense in my eyes.
The connection between Izzy and Garret was adorable. I love the acquaintances to friends to maybe something more trope. I liked how both Izzy and Garret were willing to work things out and not give up, even when the school and their parents seemed to really be against them. I admire couples like that. Even though they were in high school, they knew what they wanted and that made my heart all warm and fuzzy.
Overall, this was a great and quick read. It had reminded me how much I love dance and how I now need to find more dancing books. I suggest this book to anyone who is looking for a fun read about opposites and how sometimes they really do attract.
November 7, 2017
**4.5 Stars**
Isabelle is in need of a dance partner for her ballet company auditions but is striking out,completely out of options. Garret is willing to do all he can to get a football scholarship, even take secret ballet lessons his coach suggested to help him heal from an injury. When Isabelle finds Garret taking lessons in her studio, she is desperate enough to record his lesson and blackmail him into being her dance partner. Can the two of them make this work out for them both? And will emotions get involved? What could go wrong with a simple case of blackmail?
I picked up the book to start reading one afternoon, expecting to get a chapter or so in, and next thing I knew I was finished with the book. I honestly read the story in one sitting because it was too cute to put down, the characters were engaging and so relatable, the world realistic, the romance sweet, and the writing was fast paced. I was sucked into this story and completely lost time.
I love dual narrated romances! The chapters alternated perspective between Garret and Izzy, which helped me get to know them as individual people and root for them both. Izzy created the "Untouchable" persona with her goth look and attitude to get people to like her for her and not her father's money or favor. Her growing obsession with all things football made me giggle, and how she treated her "students" was perfect. Garret is this seeming tough guy who was actually super sweet and caring, taking on the burdens and expectations of those around him. Let me just say that my favorite thing about the story is that the relationship was a slow build, not an insta-love, and they got to know each other and became such good friends before any romance even occurred
I really like how Ally was able to incorporate real life issues into the book, such as dealing with family problems, loneliness, class dynamics, alcoholism, while at the same time dealing with school issues, sport related ambitions and a developing romance. There was such a nice balance between all the issues, so as not to overwhelm the characters.
As someone that could pretty much care less about real life sports, I have really been loving these Entangled publishing teen sports romances I have encountered this year- I pretty much can't get enough. This was my first book by Ally and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to whatever she wants to write about next.
I received this title for reviewing purposes. Come visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
Isabelle is in need of a dance partner for her ballet company auditions but is striking out,completely out of options. Garret is willing to do all he can to get a football scholarship, even take secret ballet lessons his coach suggested to help him heal from an injury. When Isabelle finds Garret taking lessons in her studio, she is desperate enough to record his lesson and blackmail him into being her dance partner. Can the two of them make this work out for them both? And will emotions get involved? What could go wrong with a simple case of blackmail?
I picked up the book to start reading one afternoon, expecting to get a chapter or so in, and next thing I knew I was finished with the book. I honestly read the story in one sitting because it was too cute to put down, the characters were engaging and so relatable, the world realistic, the romance sweet, and the writing was fast paced. I was sucked into this story and completely lost time.
I love dual narrated romances! The chapters alternated perspective between Garret and Izzy, which helped me get to know them as individual people and root for them both. Izzy created the "Untouchable" persona with her goth look and attitude to get people to like her for her and not her father's money or favor. Her growing obsession with all things football made me giggle, and how she treated her "students" was perfect. Garret is this seeming tough guy who was actually super sweet and caring, taking on the burdens and expectations of those around him. Let me just say that my favorite thing about the story is that the relationship was a slow build, not an insta-love, and they got to know each other and became such good friends before any romance even occurred
I really like how Ally was able to incorporate real life issues into the book, such as dealing with family problems, loneliness, class dynamics, alcoholism, while at the same time dealing with school issues, sport related ambitions and a developing romance. There was such a nice balance between all the issues, so as not to overwhelm the characters.
As someone that could pretty much care less about real life sports, I have really been loving these Entangled publishing teen sports romances I have encountered this year- I pretty much can't get enough. This was my first book by Ally and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to whatever she wants to write about next.
I received this title for reviewing purposes. Come visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
November 9, 2017
Offsetting Penalties by Ally Mathews is a contemporary novel about opposites attracting. A ballerina in need of a partner and a footballer not wanting to be ousted taking ballet find themselves in a tenuous partnership as they try to reach their goals: one earning a spot with the prestigious Ballet Americana Company and the other a college football scholarship.
Isabelle Oster has always wanted to be a prima ballerina. The fall production at her ballet studio is her chance to audition for Ballet Americana especially if she can show her partner work. However, when the male dancer in her ballet studio's fall production is unable to dance with her Isabelle needs a partner and quick. Completely at a loss and grasping for ideas when she spies Garret Mitchell, high-school tight-end, taking private ballet lessons the idea of him being her partner is too tempting to pass up and she's even desperate to resort to a little blackmail.
Garrett Mitchell needs a football scholarship if he wants to get out of Texas and away from taking over his father's salvage yard. After recovering from a foot injury, his football coach recommends taking ballet classes to improve his game. Reluctantly he does, as long as it's a secret, however that secret doesn't stay hidden for long when the Goth girl from his high school Isabelle Oster catches him. Soon he is finds himself being blackmailed to making a deal with Isabelle, where she'll help him learn ballet to improve his football and he'll partner with her for her performance. Then when she shows him what he'd have to wear?!...What has he gotten himself into?
Offsetting Penalties by Ally Mathews is a very sweet, fun, humorous, and downright enjoyable novel about two people who seem to come from two different worlds, but are very similar. Both Isabelle and Garrett are great characters who both have similar issues with their fathers. Besides the issues with their fathers and trying to obtain their separate goals, what really filled this story was Garrett learning ballet. I liked Ms. Mathews use of terminology and phrases. It made me feel like I was learning along with Garrett, which I enjoyed. I also think that Isabelle and Garrett are perfect together. The build-up of their relationship was so adorable especially with the banter and Garrett making Isabelle blush during ballet lessons because of how she phrased directions she usually gives to a child in her children's dance class, like pointing "headlights". The ending is really cute!
Overall, Offsetting Penalties by Ally Mathews was an entertaining and purely enjoyable. I would very much recommend and look forward to reading more by this author.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
Isabelle Oster has always wanted to be a prima ballerina. The fall production at her ballet studio is her chance to audition for Ballet Americana especially if she can show her partner work. However, when the male dancer in her ballet studio's fall production is unable to dance with her Isabelle needs a partner and quick. Completely at a loss and grasping for ideas when she spies Garret Mitchell, high-school tight-end, taking private ballet lessons the idea of him being her partner is too tempting to pass up and she's even desperate to resort to a little blackmail.
Garrett Mitchell needs a football scholarship if he wants to get out of Texas and away from taking over his father's salvage yard. After recovering from a foot injury, his football coach recommends taking ballet classes to improve his game. Reluctantly he does, as long as it's a secret, however that secret doesn't stay hidden for long when the Goth girl from his high school Isabelle Oster catches him. Soon he is finds himself being blackmailed to making a deal with Isabelle, where she'll help him learn ballet to improve his football and he'll partner with her for her performance. Then when she shows him what he'd have to wear?!...What has he gotten himself into?
Offsetting Penalties by Ally Mathews is a very sweet, fun, humorous, and downright enjoyable novel about two people who seem to come from two different worlds, but are very similar. Both Isabelle and Garrett are great characters who both have similar issues with their fathers. Besides the issues with their fathers and trying to obtain their separate goals, what really filled this story was Garrett learning ballet. I liked Ms. Mathews use of terminology and phrases. It made me feel like I was learning along with Garrett, which I enjoyed. I also think that Isabelle and Garrett are perfect together. The build-up of their relationship was so adorable especially with the banter and Garrett making Isabelle blush during ballet lessons because of how she phrased directions she usually gives to a child in her children's dance class, like pointing "headlights". The ending is really cute!
Overall, Offsetting Penalties by Ally Mathews was an entertaining and purely enjoyable. I would very much recommend and look forward to reading more by this author.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
October 28, 2017
***I received this book through Netgalley for an honest review***
I gave this book 3.5 stars. I liked the book, it was short and sweet.
This book was surprisingly short, I was at work and took my fifteen-minute break and I was reading this during that break and I somehow read about 15% of the book in that time alone. It helped that it was a real page-turner, I wanted to keep reading, but man that was fast.
Because of how short it was I feel like there was a lot of things plot-wise that were left open-ended. A lot of things the reader wonders about aren’t ever resolved. It’s something that often bothers me about contemporary novels. I know contemporaries are supposed to be more realistic so something won’t get resolved, but in some of these books, such as this one, they lead you to believe that something will be done to fix them and when it doesn’t happen during the duration of the book its kind of annoying.
The climax of the story was kind of predictable, but I didn’t actually predict it so I guess it succeeded in being a good climax. At the same time, I also felt that the climax was resolved a bit too easily. The person that was causing the problem in the first place gave in despite being so against going in in the first place which felt like a cop-out.
Despite the few things that bothered me, the characters were incredibly relatable and good-hearted, you couldn’t hate them. The atmosphere of the book was cheerful, it never made me want to cry or thrown things. It was a nice read, good for contemporary lovers.
October 31, 2017
First of all, I would like to say thank you to Entangled Teen for giving me an eARC copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. And this will not affect my thoughts and opinion about the book in any way.
A fresh cute story that is about blackmail, football and ballet.
The story is about when Garret’s couch in football told him that he needed to learn and take ballet in order to strengthen the injury that he had. Little did Garret know that when he is practicing ballet, Izzy, daughter of a senator who take a video and blackmail him to be her partner during the prestigious Ballet Americana. Or else, Izzy will show his video practicing ballet to their friends.
Izzy or Isabela wears dark make-up, has purple hair and fake nose piercing. But behind those appearance is a girl who really loves ballet. She also want to show her father that dancing ballet for passion is not a waste of time by joining the try-outs for the Ballet Americana.
Garret is hesitant first to be the partner of Izzy. But later on, he said yes to Izzy but with a conditions. That conditions are Izzy should not tell anyone that he is taking ballet and she will teach him and Garret ballet with free of charge.
The story is good that you will enjoy every word that you read. The scenes are quite unique in there own way that you will love it. I love how short the story is and how it didn’t let me to be bored in reading it. It is also a fast read that took me only to finish it in just half day.
Again, this is an awesome CRUSH novels produced by Entangled Teen where you will enjoy and feel love every time.
My rating would be 5 out of 5 stars
A fresh cute story that is about blackmail, football and ballet.
The story is about when Garret’s couch in football told him that he needed to learn and take ballet in order to strengthen the injury that he had. Little did Garret know that when he is practicing ballet, Izzy, daughter of a senator who take a video and blackmail him to be her partner during the prestigious Ballet Americana. Or else, Izzy will show his video practicing ballet to their friends.
Izzy or Isabela wears dark make-up, has purple hair and fake nose piercing. But behind those appearance is a girl who really loves ballet. She also want to show her father that dancing ballet for passion is not a waste of time by joining the try-outs for the Ballet Americana.
Garret is hesitant first to be the partner of Izzy. But later on, he said yes to Izzy but with a conditions. That conditions are Izzy should not tell anyone that he is taking ballet and she will teach him and Garret ballet with free of charge.
The story is good that you will enjoy every word that you read. The scenes are quite unique in there own way that you will love it. I love how short the story is and how it didn’t let me to be bored in reading it. It is also a fast read that took me only to finish it in just half day.
Again, this is an awesome CRUSH novels produced by Entangled Teen where you will enjoy and feel love every time.
My rating would be 5 out of 5 stars
November 9, 2017
Another cute YA romance, this one about two people who know what they want after high school but need a little help (from each other, of course) to get there.
I really liked both Izzy and Garret--the whole blackmail bit started them off on shaky ground, but fortunately they moved on from that pretty quickly. They're both really good together (not to mention a freaking adorable couple) and each soon comes to respect the other for what they're capable of and realize that when they use their strengths together they can each help to bring the other even closer to their goals. The ending was especially adorable--even though things get resolved a bit quickly and we don't find out for sure what they'll both be doing after high school, there's definite hope for a future together and we see them both moving toward what it was they individually wanted.
Plus, football players attempting ballet. Just the images in my mind... :)
Offsetting Penalties is a sweet standalone from an author I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from!
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I really liked both Izzy and Garret--the whole blackmail bit started them off on shaky ground, but fortunately they moved on from that pretty quickly. They're both really good together (not to mention a freaking adorable couple) and each soon comes to respect the other for what they're capable of and realize that when they use their strengths together they can each help to bring the other even closer to their goals. The ending was especially adorable--even though things get resolved a bit quickly and we don't find out for sure what they'll both be doing after high school, there's definite hope for a future together and we see them both moving toward what it was they individually wanted.
Plus, football players attempting ballet. Just the images in my mind... :)
Offsetting Penalties is a sweet standalone from an author I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from!
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 3, 2017
This is a fun YA that once I started reading I couldn't put down.Two wonderfully strong characters that know what they want and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
College isn't Isabelle Oster's dream. Dancing with the esteemed Ballet Americana is. To see that dream come true all she needs to do is nail her final audition. Easier said than done when she can't find a partner to dance with in the fall show. Garret Mitchell's dream is to get a football scholarship. That's the only way he's going to be able to go to college. When his coach suggests he takes a ballet class to build his strength and agility Garrett's no so sure but if ballet is what it takes he'll do it. He never expects to see anyone from his school there and he definitely doesn't expect to get blackmailed by the crazy ballerina girl.
Definitely a book I think everyone will enjoy. I highly recommend it.
College isn't Isabelle Oster's dream. Dancing with the esteemed Ballet Americana is. To see that dream come true all she needs to do is nail her final audition. Easier said than done when she can't find a partner to dance with in the fall show. Garret Mitchell's dream is to get a football scholarship. That's the only way he's going to be able to go to college. When his coach suggests he takes a ballet class to build his strength and agility Garrett's no so sure but if ballet is what it takes he'll do it. He never expects to see anyone from his school there and he definitely doesn't expect to get blackmailed by the crazy ballerina girl.
Definitely a book I think everyone will enjoy. I highly recommend it.
August 1, 2018
(Source: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, LLC, Crush and Ally Mathews.)
“I still can’t believe it. The Untouchable is a blackmailer.”
I really really enjoyed reading this book. The story was fun, cute and light. The plot, or maybe I should say characters' circumstance reminded me a lot of Step Up, which I used to love *cough* Channing Tatum *cough* Poor boy, rich dancer girl... However, it did not annoy me, since I loved it.
“That right there? That was all you. I would never have made that catch, and we would’ve lost if it wasn’t for you.” Then he kissed her until she was dizzy, and everything around them disappeared and it was just the two of them.”
I would say this was one of the few books where the main heroine did not annoy me and that I was KIND OF annoyed with out hero, even though understandable. See, Isabelle was rich, yes, but she was a hard-worker. Meanwhile Garret was a guy fighting for a chance to get a scholarship and go to college, despite his fathers opposition. Both fought for their dream, and worked hard to achieve them, however, I did not like that Garret was throwing the money fact at her face EVERY SINGLE TIME. Although, he never created drama out of it, and there was next to no drama between them or their relationship, which made me love this story so much.
Overall, I read it when I needed a lightness and positivity in my life and this book provided it!
“I still can’t believe it. The Untouchable is a blackmailer.”
I really really enjoyed reading this book. The story was fun, cute and light. The plot, or maybe I should say characters' circumstance reminded me a lot of Step Up, which I used to love *cough* Channing Tatum *cough* Poor boy, rich dancer girl... However, it did not annoy me, since I loved it.
“That right there? That was all you. I would never have made that catch, and we would’ve lost if it wasn’t for you.” Then he kissed her until she was dizzy, and everything around them disappeared and it was just the two of them.”
I would say this was one of the few books where the main heroine did not annoy me and that I was KIND OF annoyed with out hero, even though understandable. See, Isabelle was rich, yes, but she was a hard-worker. Meanwhile Garret was a guy fighting for a chance to get a scholarship and go to college, despite his fathers opposition. Both fought for their dream, and worked hard to achieve them, however, I did not like that Garret was throwing the money fact at her face EVERY SINGLE TIME. Although, he never created drama out of it, and there was next to no drama between them or their relationship, which made me love this story so much.
Overall, I read it when I needed a lightness and positivity in my life and this book provided it!
November 2, 2017
I received Offsetting Penalties in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are exclusively mine.
Y’all…I loved this YA. It was so fun. I love high school football and I think that was a huge part of where my heart was. I enjoyed Izzy and Garret so much. They were sweet and fun and just all around great characters.
The plot was well developed and I enjoyed the characters immensely. Ally has a gift writing truly the most likeable story. It was fun and made me smile. If you enjoy a good ‘ol sports romance…as a YA…you will enjoy this gem.
Out on November 6th. As always, thank you Entangled Crush for this awesome book.
Y’all…I loved this YA. It was so fun. I love high school football and I think that was a huge part of where my heart was. I enjoyed Izzy and Garret so much. They were sweet and fun and just all around great characters.
The plot was well developed and I enjoyed the characters immensely. Ally has a gift writing truly the most likeable story. It was fun and made me smile. If you enjoy a good ‘ol sports romance…as a YA…you will enjoy this gem.
Out on November 6th. As always, thank you Entangled Crush for this awesome book.
November 5, 2017
YA contemporary romance. Football player must take ballet to rehab from injury. Ending was a bit too "everything will all work out in the end" like an after school special. Sweet read, what I LIKE after school specials lol.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 12, 2017
I love sports romances and this one was no exception. Granted there was more dancing than football, but enough to say it can be a sports romance. Garrett and Izzy each have their own issues, but find enough common ground to start a fake relationship. With all the side characters, I would love to see this book turned into a series. Even if it isn't, this will be a constant in my re-read pile.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews