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Confirmed bachelor Arden Troy has no time for love. He’s too busy playing his best hockey for the Atlanta Thunder.

Well, almost his best. He did just blow a perfect chance for his team to move on in the playoffs.

But that’s behind him now. It’s summer, and his teammate Hayden, just asked him for a favor—to spend some time with Hayden’s fiancée’s sister, Willow, who just moved into town.

Whatever, it could be worse. At least it’ll make the off-season more bearable.

Still, Arden plans to keep things platonic, no matter what.

That shouldn’t be hard, as Willow Knight is done with love. She was burned recently and has now vowed never to let that happen again.

Nope, no way.

Even if she does think Arden is hot.

Even if he is the perfect blend of swagger and cool.

Yeah, even if.

But can two people really fight fate?

Especially when everything they ever wanted is right in front of them.

Arden is the second novel in the bestselling Breakaway Hockey series.


*can be read as a standalone*

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2023

58 people are currently reading
120 people want to read

About the author

S.R. Grey

48 books2,144 followers

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S.R. Grey is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the new Breakaway hockey series and the popular Boys of Winter hockey books and Men of Fall football novels. Other New Adult and Romantic Suspense works of hers include the Judge Me Not books, the Promises series, the Inevitability duology, A Harbour Falls Mystery trilogy, and the Laid Bare series of novellas.

When not writing Ms. Grey can be found reading, traveling, running, and cheering for her hometown sports teams. Sometimes all at the same time!

Represented by Amanda Wooden at SBR Media
amanda@sbrmedia.com

Website: http://srgrey.com/


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,949 reviews23 followers
September 23, 2023
As soon as this appeared on my kindle, I jumped right in. I’m enjoying this series and love the characters. Romance mixed with hockey. Yes please!! This is a one sitting story that you won’t put down. If you are like me you will need to know what happens with Arden and Willow. I’m a fan and recommend you click on this read.
Profile Image for Nora Fresse.
307 reviews9 followers
October 5, 2023
I loved Arden and Willow. I especially liked the way they started flirting right off the bat. The attraction is definitely there but Arden doesn't do relationships and Willow has sworn off men after her ex cheated on her. Willow is new in town and only knows 2 people, her sister, Addison and her sister’s fiancé, Hayden, a hockey player for Atlanta Thunder and Arden’s teammate. Since Addison and Hayden are due to leave town on an extended vacation, Hayden asks Arden to keep an eye on Willow. At first, he’s a bit annoyed at having to essentially “babysit” Willow but then upon meeting her he thinks it may not be such a bad idea.

Willow is a strong, independent woman and doesn’t need a man to “look out” for her. But this hockey hottie could make her change her mind. As they start hanging out, just as friends, they find they really like each other. Hanging out with Arden is not only fun but so easy and carefree. She can get used to him until part of his past comes up to haunt their relationship. It's a bump in the road but it threatens to destroy a relationship that it just getting started.

There is really no angst in this story, other than a little hiccup that tests the strength of their relationship. It’s just a story of 2 people who are closed off to love but learn to open up their feelings and heart to each other to find a once in a lifetime love and they take us along with them in their journey. I loved it.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,926 reviews4 followers
October 10, 2023
A becoming friends first thing
Arden (Breakaway Hockey Book 2) by S.R. Grey is a great sports romance read. Arden and Willow begin an acquaintance almost reluctantly. Time and proximity leads to a welcomed friendship but attraction is constantly simmering below the surface.
I really enjoyed this book for the sports element (even in the off season) as well as friends to lovers and work place romance. There's a little bit of will they, won't they along with should they. I found Arden and Willow's friendship to lovers story more appealing in that neither of them were looking and frankly not interested in any kind of relationship at all. Brought together by chance and for completely platonic reasons, Arden and Willow make a real connection. This couple may not start out wanting a relationship, but things heat up, thoughts and wants change, but some choices leave a lot to be desired. It's not all smooth-saiing for this couple. Past experiences and hurt cause conflicts and knee-jerk reactions.
Overall, as with all romances where one is gun-shy to relationships, things inevitably go side-ways and such is the case for Arden and Willow. After a bit of hand wringing, sweating, arm twisting and must have her epiphany, all's well that ends well! Arden and Willow become a solid Breakaway Hockey couple destined for beautiful things, their HEA is an awesome start.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
October 6, 2023
Arden plays hockey for the Atlanta Thunder, and he was playing his best hockey until he blew a shot that sent them home instead of the second round of the playoffs. He's decided he's doing nothing else in the off season other than working on his game. Willow took a hit in the relationship department so she's decided she's done with love but the best laid plans amirite?! She got a new job, and is staying with her sister & sister's fiance, Hayden, who is Arden's teammate. Arden has been asked to watch over Willow for the summer, and let's just say, he's drawn to her but he's doing his best to keep things platonic. They strike up a friendship though, and as they spend more & more time together, it's getting harder to stay just friends, but Willow is a harder sell to be honest. It becomes apparent they're perfect for each other, but there are definitely speed bumps on their journey that could derail things. I absolutely loved this story, and while slow burn definitely frustrates me (I'm super impatient), it did keep me turning the pages quickly so it was easy to devour it in one sitting since I needed to see how it all played out! You can't go wrong with this author so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,965 reviews28 followers
September 29, 2023
Beautiful story about finding love again when you thought you would never allow yourself to find it again! 5 hot hockey stars for this one!
Arden has sworn off relationships after the two that broke his heart! After a disappointing season, he's planning on spending the summer working harder than ever before. When his neighbor and teammate tells him his fiances' sister, Willow, is moving and staying in his home while they're away, and asks him to check in on her because she just ended a relationship, he's ok with that, especially when he catches sight of her! Oh boy this will be a long summer!
Willow will never trust a man again. When she moves to start a new job and is staying with her sister and fiance, and her sister tells her about the neighbor, she gets the feeling that she's trying to set her up! When she meets Arden, her whole body tingles, he's hot, but no, she can't and won't go there again, her heart just can't take it!
Sit back and enjoy their story, you will fall in love with this couple! The electricity and attraction between them can be felt! I loved it!
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
October 3, 2023
S.R. Grey has a game-winner with ARDEN (Breakaway Hockey #2). Willow Knight just got a new job in the finance department for the Atlanta Thunder. She relocates to Georgia temporarily living with her sister Addison (HAYDEN, Breakaway Hockey #1). Addison’s fiancée is Arden’s teammate, Hayden Harrington.

Atlanta Thunder left wing Arden Troy lives next door to Hayden and Addison. They ask him to spend time with Willow while they are on vacation over the summer. Arden and Willow are not interested in a relationship but agree to spend time together. However, the more time they spend with each other both start to question if they really are anti-relationship.

S. R. Grey does a nice job with this story. Willow and Arden both find someone they are not looking for. I like that they start out as friends, and then their relationship develops. They have some interesting obstacles. ARDEN is an excellent addition to the Breakaway Hockey series. I am looking forward to book three, NILS. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,079 reviews33 followers
October 5, 2023
Arden Troy thinks he is doing his teammate a solid by watching over his fiancée little sister for the summer BUT little did Arden know Willow Knight might be saving him this summer !!

Arden misses the BIGGEST goal of his career when the puck hit the post instead of going in the net ending the teams chance to move forward to the second round of playoffs. So during the off-season he just keeps practicing and practicing until he meets Willow.

These two FRIENDS are spending a lot of time together like Hayden asked Arden too BUT then things inside start to change for him that he never felt before. So when he sees Willow out to lunch with another man he outs a plan into action to make sure she stays HIS except we all know what a ladies man he is soooooo why a “” FAN “” approaches them at the county fair it ALL seems to fall apart !!

Can Arden fix the situation before Willow moves to NYC ?? Or will she just go because she cant TRUST ANYONE with her heart ??

LOVED IT !! Can’t wait for the next player ….
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,573 reviews51 followers
October 6, 2023
Arden is a captivating and emotional read that explores the struggles of a sixteen-year-old girl named Arden Grey. The characters are well-developed and relatable. Arden's struggles with her mother's abandonment and her own identity are portrayed realistically and with sensitivity.

The romance between Arden and Jamie is heart-wrenching and beautifully written. Their relationship is complex and nuanced, and the author does an excellent job of exploring the dynamics of an emotionally abusive relationship.

The themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and healing are woven throughout the story in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. The writing style is engaging and easy to read, with vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue that bring the characters and setting to life.

Overall, this story is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. While it deals with some heavy topics, it does so with grace and sensitivity, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a moving and well-written YA novel.
Profile Image for Kim.
Author 15 books246 followers
October 20, 2023
Hockey and romance? I’m there for it!

I loved the characters Arden and Willow. Both of them have their own fair shares of baggage, swearing off relationships. For Willow, it’s the fallout from a cheating ex that convinced her that romance wasn’t worth the effort. But for Arden, it was his career that came first. He knows that hockey has a limited window of time, and he’s determined to make the most of it. Which is why he’s sworn off romance, seeing at as a hindrance to his career. Willow is a strong, independent woman who is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. She’s confident, comfortable in being single for awhile. Until, of couse, she meets Arden. And then the sparks fly.

Arden is the story of two people who have closed the door on love, at least in the moment, but who discover it happens when you aren’t looking for it. The story is low angst, but things happen that test the strength of their burgeoning relationship.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,544 reviews135 followers
September 27, 2023
If you love hockey you need to add Arden to your TBR list. This is book 2 in the Breakaway Hockey Series and this is confirmed bachelor Arden Troy and Willow Knight’s story.
Arden lives for hockey he has no time for anything else but after blowing his teams chance to move on in the playoffs he is questioning himself. It’s now the off season and his teammate Hayden needs a favor so will Arden spend time with the new woman in town Willow and more importantly will he cross the line with his teammates fiancée’s Bestie…..
Fate works in mysterious ways and it seems fate wants these two together. I loved everything about this book, I swooned, I smiled and I fell hard and fast for Arden. The characters are adorable, the chemistry is hot and the banter is witty so what more do you need in a great read.
Looking forward to what’s to come from the Atlanta Thunder.
Profile Image for Court.
902 reviews48 followers
October 5, 2023
Arden was such a fun, flirty, and steamy read! Arden is trying to move on from the end of his season and blames himself and now his best friend asks him to watch out for his sister-in-law, Willow. Willow is about to start a new job in a new city, while staying at her sister’s place. She is not looking for anything and that includes a babysitter. Willow and Arden have an instant spark, but both are ignoring the obvious and not wanting a relationship of any kind anyways. What happens though when they start to spend time together and realize they like each other more than they thought they would? Arden and Willow take us on a whirlwind adventure that will have you rooting for these two to figure things out! Arden and Willow will have to get over their pasts and figure out if they can see a future together or if friends is all they will be.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
October 7, 2023
After the way her last relationship ended, Willow has moved to Atlanta to be close to her sister and has accepted a job with the Thunder. With her sister and her fiancé going on an extended trip she finds herself spending time with her sexy neighbor Arden, who also happens to be a friend and teammate of her sister’s fiancé.

Arden hasn’t been able to forget the last play of the season and he blames himself for the team’s loss. Due to his romantic past, he doesn’t believe that a relationship is in his future however as he spends time with Willow, he begins to second guess that decision, but will his past be the one thing he can’t overcome?

Willow and Arden were so much fun together and were destined to be so much more than friends. Even though they had a little turmoil to overcome there was no denying they were meant to be.
Profile Image for TLynn.
1,467 reviews17 followers
October 8, 2023
Arden is the second book in the Breakaway Hockey series, and it was just as good as the first book, Hayden. After meeting and getting to know Arden, I couldn’t wait to read his book.
After missing the shot that would have put the Atlanta Thunder team in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Arden felt like he disappointed his team. So, with nothing better to do during the off-season but practice the shot he missed, he agrees to keep an eye on Willow, Hayden’s fiancée’s sister, who just moved to town. He is a proclaimed bachelor, but Willow might test his plans.
After finding her fiancée with someone else, Willow is done with relationships. Moving and getting a job near her sister will be a fresh start for her. She never planned for the broody, hockey player Arden, or the chemistry between them.
After reading the first book in the series and being captivated by it from the beginning, I couldn’t wait to get the stories of the other players on the Atlanta Thunder team. Arden was everything I expected, plus more. Now we must patiently wait until next year for the third book which is Nils’s book. This was a great book and I loved seeing broody Arden find his happy ever after.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
545 reviews
October 5, 2023
The second book in the Breakaway Hockey series is another winner! Arden is a hockey player that, after having his heartbroken twice before, has decided he is not made for relationships. Willow, coming off of her own heartbreak, gets a job with the team that Arden plays for. She is also the sister of one of his teammate’s fiancée. They are thrown together for the summer to keep each other company and show Willow the area. But little do they know, it will be so much more than that!

S.R. Grey does a wonderful job once again in writing a story with characters that you grab on to from the start. A slow build with a little angst, it’s a great story to lose yourself in for a while!

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Angels.
2,063 reviews17 followers
October 7, 2023
What an enjoyable fast-paced read that was filled with, banter, and humor, a cast of great characters family and friends, and a tad bit of drama.

Loved Willows's quick wit and sense of humor. She was a woman who had sworn off men due to her ex but, would she be able to avoid the instant connection and the awesome chemistry between her and a hot sexy hockey player who doesn't do relationships?

Loved the friendship Willow and Arden developed they made a cute couple, loved their banter it made us laugh and Arden was such a sweetheart of a guy.

This a quick read about friendship romance and love and a couple who fell hard and fast in love. A couple with awesome chemistry who took a chance on love to heal from the betrayals of their pasts. Just a fun read that we ended up loving.
Profile Image for Charlotte Lynn.
2,236 reviews63 followers
September 8, 2024
3.5 Stars

This is book 2 in the Breakaway Hockey Series. I felt like this book was rushed. I still love the sports romance and all the heat between Willow and Arden but it moved super fast and I would have liked more fun with them. I also would have liked more of Nils and Hayden (the other Breakaway Hockey players) in the book.

Willow is younger than Arden by quite a few years, not enough to be scandalous though. She came across as younger. Her reaction to the twist in their relationship was immature and showed her age. Arden is the chaser, he pursues her and would not let her go. I love that was not willing to give her up.

Arden's book is a very quick read and a standalone. I enjoy this series and look forward to Nil's story.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
October 3, 2023
This is the second book in this series, and this is Arden and Willow’s story. Arden is a confirmed bachelor, who is focused on his hockey career, which leaves no time for love, but when a teammate and neighbor asks him for a favour, to spend some time with his fiancée’s sister, who is new in town, he agrees. Willow has sworn off me after being burnt by love, but when she and Arden meet the sparks fly.
This is a well written story which is easy to read, with family, friendships, emotions, romance, witty banter, humor, and love, which leads to an entertaining and fin page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
133 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2023
This is my first book by this author and it will not be my last. This is the second book in the Breakaway Hockey series. I have not read the first one yet, and I do not feel like I missed anything by not reading it. It does stand alone.
This is a cute story of two people finding love when they were both very adamant that they did not want a relationship. Arden and Willow are so cute together. They have great chemistry and were such fun to get to know.
The story is a slow burn, as you would expect from two people against relationships. The sort flower well and kept you very entertained. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Stephannie Tolitsky- Seppyreadsbooks.
1,303 reviews27 followers
October 5, 2023
Seppy's 5-Star Review:

I really loved this one. I enjoyed book one and this one is just as good.  Willow and Arden hit it off from the start and have chemistry. They both friend zone each other (without the other one knowing) and decide to be friends. They have great banter and chemistry. These two are both coming off a hard time and they both heal the other without realizing it. Hayden and Addison (book one character) go on vacation and Willow (Addison's sister)  is staying with them until she finds a place for herself. Arden lives next door ish and asked to show Willow around town. What happens when they want to un-friendzone each other?  One-click this one today! 
Profile Image for Stephenee.
1,892 reviews47 followers
October 8, 2023
I have read all of author S.R. Grey's hockey books - and I love them all!! This one is in her new series set in Atlanta and I am there for it! I love the location, the characters, the angst, the drama and most of all the resolutions that the characters get. This is technically book 2 in the series, but you could start here and be ok...although you will want to quickly go back to read the previous book because they are amazing!

The author gives the reader a fast paced story with lots of twists, turns, loops and curves. The reader can barely predict what is going to happen next before the author takes them on a page turning frenzy to find out what is going on. This series and all of her other books are a must read! Do yourself a favor and grab her books today, you won't be sorry!!
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,673 reviews
October 10, 2023
When you think that finding love again just isn't in the cards for you, next thing you know fate and some meddling best friends seem to think they know better than you. It was supposed to be just helping out some friends, showing their younger sister around so she feels comfortable in a new city at a new job. But when the friendship just seems like it is so much more, but you've both been burned in the past. What should you do? First of all who said this was going to be easy. And second will your mistakes, as innocent as they are, be what makes this possible relationship fizzle before it even gets a chance to burn? Read this one to find out!
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,248 reviews61 followers
October 1, 2023
The second book in the wonderful Breakaway Hockey series is a beautiful slow burn with plenty of heat story, of finding love when you least expect it, especially when you have been hurt in the past, but these can be the best kind of love stories.

From the moment confirmed Hockey player Arden meets Willow, the sister of his best friend's fiancé, he knows he is in trouble, Willow has moved to be with her sister after a breakup, and what she wasn’t expecting was the instant attraction to Arden, the road may not be smooth, but their HEA is perfect.
1,404 reviews7 followers
October 4, 2023
3.5 stars-- for me, it wasn't a 4 or 5 star book, but I don't want to go lower because I think it's at least partly a 'me' thing rather than anything to do with the novel.

The characters were likeable and the straightforward plot moved at a good pace. It's a quick read and perfect when you want something low angst and low intensity. Much of the drama comes from classic miscommunication and Willow's immaturity and stubbornness (though the author tries to shape her behaviour as stemming from things that happened in the past).

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
1,608 reviews9 followers
October 4, 2023
This was a great addition to this series. This is the second book in the series and it belongs to Arden and Willow. From the moment I began reading their story I new it was going to be a great book. These two had so much chemistry between them. Neither of them was looking for love. It was the last thing either one wanted but sometimes we don't always get what we want. Very entertaining read. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,795 reviews26 followers
October 5, 2023
Friendship before more. Both Willow and Arden had been hurt before, making them wary of relationships. They enjoyed each other's company, had lots in common, and then feelings began to creep in. Hoping not to hurt their friendship, they step out of their comfort zones to move forward. A couple hiccups almost brought them down, but I loved the strength and trust they showed in their love. The supporting characters were wonderful as well, and I look forward to the next in the series.

I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Jenifer.
1,082 reviews13 followers
September 30, 2023
Loved this!
Fresh to the town and fresh off heartbreak, Willow is starting a new job and swearing off men. Arden is no stranger to heartbreak and does not do relationships.
They hit it off from the very start and their friendship was easy and fun. Of course they are denying any deeper feelings. Because, of course.
They are just so cute! This might be my favorite S.R. Grey book yet!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems)
1,285 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2023
I’ve enjoyed SR Grey’s hockey stories and now this spinoff series. Here we have Arden, confirmed bachelor and Willow, who’s new to town and sworn off men after she caught her ex cheating on her. Her sister is engaged to Hayden, one of Arden’s teammates and neighbor. While they’re away, they’ve asked him to keep an eye on her and help her get settled in. What starts out as easy camaraderie turns into so much more, but not without hiccups along the way. Entertaining from beginning to end.
Profile Image for I Dont Get Sundays.
1,021 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2023
These two were sizzling. It started off as Arden just keeping his friend and neighbor's sister company but it turned into so much more. Willow was sweet and coming off a hard break up swearing off men. Who knew that is when fate would step in. These two have so much fun together and soon their hearts are twisting and turning. They take a while to figure it all out, but soon, they in a routine that cannot be stopped.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,258 reviews46 followers
October 6, 2023
I'm enjoying this series and loved the friendship that grew between Arden and Willow. They have a fun banter that added to their connection. It's a sweet story, a bit of spice, and characters that I loved to get to know. I was able to enjoy the escape into their world. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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