Spinning Out

3.75 stars--SPINNING OUT is the first instalment in Lexi Ryan’s contemporary, new adult THE BLACKHAWK BOY romance series focusing on a group of friends who attend Blackhawk University. This is football player Arrow Woodison , and nanny Mia Mendez’s story line. Told from dual first person points of view (Arrow and Mia), using present day and memories from the past divided into nine parts SPINNING OUT follow in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident that killed Mia’s brother Nic, severely injuring her ex-boyfriend Brogan, and the resulting fall-out as family friends struggle to move on from the pain and grief. Months earlier Mia fell for Arrow Woodison but Arrow’s best friend Brogan swooped in and fell for our story line heroine. Infidelity, secrets, and lies lead to a New Year’s eve drunk fest wherein one young man would lose his life, while another clung to what was left of his. Fast forward to present day as our heroine struggles to move on from the past, as Arrow battles his own demons and more. When Mia is hired as housekeeper and nanny for the Woodison family, Mia is placed in the direct line of fire when the young man she has loved continues comes under house arrest and continues to push Mia out of his life. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Mia and Arrow, and the fall-out as sins of the past reveal more secrets and lies than anyone could have imagined. SPINNING OUT is a story of betrayal, of death, loss, grief and forgiveness; secrets, lies, hypocrisy and cover-up. The large ensemble cast of colorful and broken characters include Mia’s struggling father Mr. Mendez, as well as Arrow’s father Uriah Woodison and his young wife Gwen. We are introduced to Arrow’s friends and teammates: Chris, Sebastian, Keegan, Mason Dahl; Coach Wright and his daughter Trish, and Mia’s best friend Bailey. SPINNING OUT is an emotional story line about mistakes, defamation, addiction and deceit. The premise is detailed, raw and tragic ; the characters are broken and flawed; the romance is a second chance at love, forgiveness and a happily ever after.

Lexi Ryan’s Spinning Out is a touching and amazing beginning to The Blackhawk Boys Series. Arrow Woodison had the perfect life until a tragedy caused his life to spin out of control. He is confined to his father’s house under house arrest trying to get his life back in order. His only light is unattainable, Mia Mendez, his best friend, Brogan Barrett’s, girlfriend and little sister Katie’s live-in nanny. I LOVED Spinning Out. This story had me crying on multiple pages. Some of the things that happen in this novel are heartbreaking and tragic. This contemporary sport romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences. It takes place in Blackhawk Valley. Lexi Ryan’s character development is detailed and multilayered. I love Arrow. He was a rising football star, expected to go high in the draft until an accident causes him to spiral doing drugs and throwing his life away. He is grief-stricken and tormented. He is in the spotlight, and everyone has their opinions of him. Mia is sweet and caring. She met Arrow before Brogan and always had a spot in her heart for him. She is loyal. She wants to clear her brother Nic’s name. Every character has his or her purpose. There is so much going on with lots of substance. All the characters have their strengths and weaknesses. Everyone is very human. The plot was amazing and perfectly executed. I love how the chapters went back and forth in the time line to unravel the story. Spinning Out is extremely believable. I like how the different characters all interrelated. The story had humor, drama, and mystery. I love the texts. Arrow’s elegy had me in tears. Spinning Out shows how people can influence one another, especially people we think care about us or are in a position of power. Spinning Out is a thought-provoking and stirring start The Blackhawk Boys Series. This is the first book I read by Lexi Ryan. It will not be the last. I cannot wait for Christopher's story in book two, Rushing In and Sebastian's story in book three, Going Under. Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

On my goodness, the roller coaster this book put me on is crazy! I loved it so much and even though it made me cry sometimes, it quickly made me feel better. Great read!!!