Title: Defying Gravity
Author: K.K. Allen
Genre: Romane
Edition/Pages: E-book, 376 pages
Goodreads page

I received this as an arc via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Tobias and Amelia grew up next door to each other. Then one spring break weekend, they became more. But thanks to family drama, secrets, and their NBA dreams, their relationship was cut short. Amelia dreams of being a dancer. Tobias an NBA shooting guard.

As they chase their dreams, their relationship becomes strained and eventually fades. But years later, they them find themselves back in LA. And just like before, they are drawn to each other despite the risks.

Overview

This is told in dual perspectives from Amelia & Tobias’ POVs.

I definitely recommend reading the novella prior to this as that history is references a lot!

This is definitely on the lighter side of steam. Most of the sex scenes are fade to black so if you’re new to romance, or not into dirty scenes, this may be a good book for you!

Content Warnings: Body shaming, body dysmorphia, disordered eating, drug abuse, adoption, death of a parent

What I Liked

1. I appreciated the message this book was trying to portray. In the end it was very body positive and inclusive (although this could be very difficult to read for anyone experiencing body/eating disorders). Both characters didn’t let anything stand in the way of their dreams, including each other.
2. The romance was sweet. I did like the two characters together and was definitely rooting for them throughout this. I thought their relationship was really healthy and supportive. I read a lot of enemies to lovers or bad-boy romances and this was definitely neither of those. This relationship felt very realistic and sweet.

What I Didn’t Like

1. I found this to be quite repetitive… I felt like the characters faced the same roadblocks 3 or 4 times and rather than changing their actions, they made the same choices over and over. After a while it became frustrating.
2. The redemption arcs… yikes, were these resolved way too quickly. Detrick was a major jerk throughout almost the entire book. He was crass, sexist, and a downright bully. But then Tobias tells him Amelia is off limits and suddenly his misogynistic ways are brushed under the rug. Same thing with the ex-best friend. And Otis.
3. In general, the pacing was just off. The relationship build up was too drawn out and longwinded while the redemptions and wrap-ups were far too quick.

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Overall, this was a sweet but forgettable romance. If you’re new the genre and something sweet, romantic, and non-problematic this would be a really good choice!