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The Columbus Mavericks
The Breakaway
CASSIE
Lance Jefferson is my brother’s best friend, a superstar hockey player, and my lifelong crush.
I should stay away.
I should focus on my career.
I should remember that he is way out of my league.
But when I get a chance to prove I'm so much more than his best friend’s sister, I’m determined to seduce the one man I’ve always wanted.
Maybe once I get him out of my system, I can finally move on.
Or maybe I’ll never recover.
LANCE
Cassandra Atwood has the face of an angel, a body to tempt a saint, and a heart to love a sinner like me.
She is also my best friend's sweet and innocent sister.
I should stay away.
I should focus on getting my second NHL championship.
I should remember that she's too good for the dumpster fire of my life.
Instead, Cassie becomes the only woman I can imagine a future with. But when my secrets resurface, they threaten everything I've worked for.
Will the demons of my past ruin my one shot at love? Or can I break away?
Lance Jefferson is my brother’s best friend, a superstar hockey player, and my lifelong crush.
I should stay away.
I should focus on my career.
I should remember that he is way out of my league.
But when I get a chance to prove I'm so much more than his best friend’s sister, I’m determined to seduce the one man I’ve always wanted.
Maybe once I get him out of my system, I can finally move on.
Or maybe I’ll never recover.
LANCE
Cassandra Atwood has the face of an angel, a body to tempt a saint, and a heart to love a sinner like me.
She is also my best friend's sweet and innocent sister.
I should stay away.
I should focus on getting my second NHL championship.
I should remember that she's too good for the dumpster fire of my life.
Instead, Cassie becomes the only woman I can imagine a future with. But when my secrets resurface, they threaten everything I've worked for.
Will the demons of my past ruin my one shot at love? Or can I break away?
333 pages, ebook
Published August 31, 2023
145 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Laura Marquez Diamond
31 books113 followersLaura writes romances featuring women who slay their own dragons and the men who love them fiercely. In her books, the fall is hard, the steam is blinding, the groveling is glorious, and the passion all-consuming.
For updates on works in progress and to connect with Laura and other readers, join the Facebook group Romancing With Laura. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @romancinglauramd. She loves hearing from readers!
For updates on works in progress and to connect with Laura and other readers, join the Facebook group Romancing With Laura. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @romancinglauramd. She loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 13, 2023
What a good book! This had me gripped right from the start, I couldn't put it down and read the bulk of it in one day finishing the rest the next morning.
This was my first hockey romance so I wasn't sure if I'd like it but it was so well written.
I loved Lance (MMC) he came with a lot of baggage and he knew it and was determined he could never be with Cassie (FMC) or he'd risk hurting her. Cassie had been crazy about him since childhood and was willing to accept him baggage and all. I loved the will they won't they while they figured it out.
Some excellent secondary characters too, the author had a way of describing them that made me feel like I knew them really well despite limited page time.
Overall great story, great characters and some fantastic spicy scenes.
This was my first hockey romance so I wasn't sure if I'd like it but it was so well written.
I loved Lance (MMC) he came with a lot of baggage and he knew it and was determined he could never be with Cassie (FMC) or he'd risk hurting her. Cassie had been crazy about him since childhood and was willing to accept him baggage and all. I loved the will they won't they while they figured it out.
Some excellent secondary characters too, the author had a way of describing them that made me feel like I knew them really well despite limited page time.
Overall great story, great characters and some fantastic spicy scenes.
February 12, 2024
I'm so enjoying this series of hot hockey players from the Columbus Mavericks as they find their women! This one is about Lance and Cassie. They grew up together, as Lance was her brothers best friend, who lived with them for years, due to his unfortunate upbringing. When things finally come to a head, Cassie and Lance need to get over a lot of issues, and they fight tooth and nail to get there. I loved how Lance could 'see' Cassie for what and who she was, even though even her family couldn't. I loved how possessive and caveman he became, and I loved how Cassie overcame her emotional fears to take what she wanted from him. Another great read!
October 26, 2023
Wow
Cassie and Lance are on fire. Childhood friends who reconnect years later but have to work through their own issues to see the potential future in front of them. Steamy and raw, this book is like a peek behind the curtain of someone else's life.
Cassie and Lance are on fire. Childhood friends who reconnect years later but have to work through their own issues to see the potential future in front of them. Steamy and raw, this book is like a peek behind the curtain of someone else's life.
May 4, 2025
Reread notes: this book is still wonderful!
This book has all of the feelings! Heed the content warnings: childhood abandonment, child living in poverty, surrounded by drug use, and hunger. PTS from childhood trauma.
Things I am here for:
Lance is a mixed race forward in the NHL. Goodness knows we need more diversity in professional hockey!
Cassie creates amazing paper crafts. I love a story with a creative lead!
Cassie always holds Lance close and tells him to be kind to himself and to his inner child. I have so much love for how Cassie shows Lance love!
Lance respects Cassie and her ambitions.
ALL THE STEAM!
This book has all of the feelings! Heed the content warnings: childhood abandonment, child living in poverty, surrounded by drug use, and hunger. PTS from childhood trauma.
Things I am here for:
Lance is a mixed race forward in the NHL. Goodness knows we need more diversity in professional hockey!
Cassie creates amazing paper crafts. I love a story with a creative lead!
Cassie always holds Lance close and tells him to be kind to himself and to his inner child. I have so much love for how Cassie shows Lance love!
Lance respects Cassie and her ambitions.
ALL THE STEAM!
September 7, 2023
What an amazing read! Well done to the author
August 31, 2023
Oh my god, this book is absolutely the best. The spunk of Callie and the magnetic pull of sexy Lance is so fun to read. I couldn’t put this book down I was enjoying it so much!
Thanks for another great read Laura… keep ‘em coming
Thanks for another great read Laura… keep ‘em coming
September 2, 2023
That was one good read, Ms. Diamond! I do love a hockey romance, but this was so much more! Lance was such a good character and showed it through the whole book. He tried to stay away from Cassie, showing respect to his best friend, their family, and Cassie. But, she was just too perfect for him in every way. With Cassie's love, she showed Lance that he wasn't broken; quite the opposite! He was good and showed love through his actions. I found myself really feeling tense as I read certain parts of this book. I felt the emotions of the characters and the tenseness of the situations. That's some good writing! I fell in love with the family too. This was a great book about love in all forms: family, friends, relationships, and learning to love yourself. I highly recommend this book!
September 2, 2023
This is so good!
Oh how much I loved this book!
After Cassie quits her job and starts to be full time in her online business, she runs into her teenage crush Lance Jefferson. She realizes that crush has never went away.
Lance is a professional Hockey player and didn’t really want to come back home, due to his horrible past (not counting Cassie’s family taking him in). When Lance sees Cassie for the first time in years, he sees what a beautiful woman she has grown up to be, and realizes that she is his best friend’s little sister and that might be a problem.
Oh the chemistry these two have is beautiful! He sticks up for her an is always in her corner. She tries to be there for him while he is dealing with a past that he doesn’t want to show.
Can’t wait for the next book!
Oh how much I loved this book!
After Cassie quits her job and starts to be full time in her online business, she runs into her teenage crush Lance Jefferson. She realizes that crush has never went away.
Lance is a professional Hockey player and didn’t really want to come back home, due to his horrible past (not counting Cassie’s family taking him in). When Lance sees Cassie for the first time in years, he sees what a beautiful woman she has grown up to be, and realizes that she is his best friend’s little sister and that might be a problem.
Oh the chemistry these two have is beautiful! He sticks up for her an is always in her corner. She tries to be there for him while he is dealing with a past that he doesn’t want to show.
Can’t wait for the next book!
November 19, 2023
I managed to read Powerplay (book 2 in this series) before this book so I was glad to get my hands on Lance's book because I was curious where he popped up in Powerplay briefly.
Hockey player - Lance's background story is not a happy one. Well at least his life changes when he's taken in as a child by the Atwood family. Growing up there though puts him in Cassie's life from a young age but being her brother - William's best friend put Lance in a difficult position. I liked the dynamic that they both had together. Cassie was sweet & caring whereas Lance found it hard to confront his feelings about her or in general so it made their relationship grow at a slower pace. Only their attraction was not and it was off of the charts hot! It was another great read in this series and I'm enjoying reading it.
Hockey player - Lance's background story is not a happy one. Well at least his life changes when he's taken in as a child by the Atwood family. Growing up there though puts him in Cassie's life from a young age but being her brother - William's best friend put Lance in a difficult position. I liked the dynamic that they both had together. Cassie was sweet & caring whereas Lance found it hard to confront his feelings about her or in general so it made their relationship grow at a slower pace. Only their attraction was not and it was off of the charts hot! It was another great read in this series and I'm enjoying reading it.
May 18, 2024
I love a good slow-burn romance story. Throw in a hockey player, and I’m sold. I found myself rooting for Lance in more than just hockey while reading this book. He has such a complex past, and because of that, his relationships struggle to take off. Cassie is the epitome of patience. I adored the way that Cassie showed Lance that she cared no matter what seemed to be going on. There were wonderful secondary characters in the book who were developed appropriately so they didn’t overshadow anyone, but didn’t seem unimportant either. The adult scenes were spicy without being cringy. (Which I appreciate.) I definitely recommend this book if you like slow-burn romance.
TW: childhood trauma, drug use, addiction, family death, PTSD
TW: childhood trauma, drug use, addiction, family death, PTSD
August 24, 2023
In this book we meet Cassie and Lance, who both have their own struggles they are dealing with. Cassie has harboured a crush on Lance since he moved in to their family home when she was an awkward teenager, can she finally believe she is worth the life she dreams of?
Lance is your typical playboy on the surface but as you delve into the story you realise that this may not be by his choice, can he overcome his past and allow himself the future he dreams of?
I loved this book, the story was so well written that it had me feeling all sorts of emotions! The sexual tension between Cassie & Lance was oozing off the page and the spice was 🔥! Highly recommend this book!
Lance is your typical playboy on the surface but as you delve into the story you realise that this may not be by his choice, can he overcome his past and allow himself the future he dreams of?
I loved this book, the story was so well written that it had me feeling all sorts of emotions! The sexual tension between Cassie & Lance was oozing off the page and the spice was 🔥! Highly recommend this book!
September 1, 2023
I absolutely adored Lance and Cassie's story.
Cassie has had a crush on her brothers best friend, Lance, since what feels like forever. Now a grown ass woman, starting her own business and putting up with a sh!tty relationship, she thinks she’s put her crush behind her.
Lance is a star hockey player and on the surface he has it all, but he is hiding a difficult childhood, that was made much better when Cassie's family took him in. He owes an awful lot to them and is torn between his feelings for Cassie and the relationship with her family, particularly Cassie's brother.
Gorgeous baby sister of best friend romance. Past trauma, angst, spice, sizzling attraction and a perfect hea.
Cassie has had a crush on her brothers best friend, Lance, since what feels like forever. Now a grown ass woman, starting her own business and putting up with a sh!tty relationship, she thinks she’s put her crush behind her.
Lance is a star hockey player and on the surface he has it all, but he is hiding a difficult childhood, that was made much better when Cassie's family took him in. He owes an awful lot to them and is torn between his feelings for Cassie and the relationship with her family, particularly Cassie's brother.
Gorgeous baby sister of best friend romance. Past trauma, angst, spice, sizzling attraction and a perfect hea.
September 9, 2023
4⭐️
3.5🌶️
Laura is a new to me author! I can’t wait to read more of her work. She is an Indie contemporary Author. Loved Loved Loved Lance & Cassie’s story definitely pulled at all my emotions!!
The Breakaway follows Lance who is NHL Stanley cup champion who was just traded back to his hometown that he’s been running from since entering into the NHL. Cassie is an entrepreneur who has her own stationery business. Cassie has had a crush on Lance since her older brother became best friends with him. What happens when Cassie expresses her fantasies that she has harbored for Lance for years?!
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Brothers Best Friend
3.5🌶️
Laura is a new to me author! I can’t wait to read more of her work. She is an Indie contemporary Author. Loved Loved Loved Lance & Cassie’s story definitely pulled at all my emotions!!
The Breakaway follows Lance who is NHL Stanley cup champion who was just traded back to his hometown that he’s been running from since entering into the NHL. Cassie is an entrepreneur who has her own stationery business. Cassie has had a crush on Lance since her older brother became best friends with him. What happens when Cassie expresses her fantasies that she has harbored for Lance for years?!
Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Brothers Best Friend
September 13, 2023
Cassie has had a crush on Lance, her brothers best friend, for years. She thinks that she is over it but soon finds out that the feelings are still there.
Lance, now a superstar hockey player,has tried to stay away from Cassie and respect for her brother, but can’t stay away any longer. They both have issues from the past to deal with and are there for each other. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their story is heartwarming. This was a beautiful book filled with great characters that you can’t help but root four. A steamy hockey romance that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.
Lance, now a superstar hockey player,has tried to stay away from Cassie and respect for her brother, but can’t stay away any longer. They both have issues from the past to deal with and are there for each other. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their story is heartwarming. This was a beautiful book filled with great characters that you can’t help but root four. A steamy hockey romance that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.
December 21, 2025
“All of me, all for you.” this is something they say to each other repeatedly throughout the book and I love it so much, because it really goes to their deep and all consuming love they have for each other. Growing up he was quite a bit older than her, best friends with one of her brothers, close to her whole family, and obviously she had the biggest crush on him. Fast forward and they see each other for the first time in years, but now she���s all grown up. He believes he can’t feel anything or give his love freely, he’s very guarded due to his family life, but personally I think this makes him more feeling, loyal, loving and caring. All the feels, and so much emotion with these two. They just had my heart. She gets him in a way most people can’t, because of their shared history and her knowledge about his families past. And…we got ourselves a couple of dirty talkers…as in plural…yup she’s a dirty talker too, and I loved that she wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted, and just be herself. He talks about ruining her for anyone else, but I’m pretty sure this worked both ways, she ruined him for anyone else too, they were burning up the pages in this book.
Great storyline with so much emotion and all the feels with a sexy hockey god, and the equally sexy object of his adoring affection. They try to fight their attraction…as you can already guess, that lasted about a hot ass second. These two had so much heat and chemistry, gosh maybe they ruined me for all other couples too *winks*. Great, sweet and well deserved epilogue and hea.
Great storyline with so much emotion and all the feels with a sexy hockey god, and the equally sexy object of his adoring affection. They try to fight their attraction…as you can already guess, that lasted about a hot ass second. These two had so much heat and chemistry, gosh maybe they ruined me for all other couples too *winks*. Great, sweet and well deserved epilogue and hea.
November 25, 2023
Cassie crushed on Lance Jefferson her entire teenaged life. When the hockey stars returns to his hometown to play, Cassie realizes those feelings never left. Lance never wanted to return to Ohio, nothing positive about the state but the Atwood family.
In this intense, brother’s best friend romance, readers are treated to the kind of found family and burgeoning love that one could only hope to find. Through unwavering love and support from family, friends, and one another, Lance and Cassie learn to be honest in their feeling and dreams and won’t let the past hold them back.
In this intense, brother’s best friend romance, readers are treated to the kind of found family and burgeoning love that one could only hope to find. Through unwavering love and support from family, friends, and one another, Lance and Cassie learn to be honest in their feeling and dreams and won’t let the past hold them back.
June 26, 2024
Wow. Cassie and Lance’s story was an emotional roller-coaster. On the surface, it’s an incredible love story, but I also found a bunch of sneaky life lessons hidden in what these characters go through in order to be together. Both Cassie and Lance needed to learn to see themselves as worthy of the good things in their lives. As well, seeing the value in those parts of themselves they considered too broken or ugly. Now that it’s over, I can’t wait to dive into the next book to read more about the zany supporting cast that surrounded them.
December 24, 2025
The story of Hockey star Lance and his best friend’s little sister Cassie. She’s had a crush since they were young but now she’s all grown up. This was an ok read.
They got together quite quickly so I didn’t get much of a slowburn feeling. They get together 19% of the way in!
I enjoyed the story. It was hot and there was some dirty talk on both sides which is rare.
But sometimes I didn’t know why they liked each other so much. It was sweet though and I enjoyed it. Cassie’s crafting annoyed me a bit though. It was a bit cute and a bit unrealistic.
They got together quite quickly so I didn’t get much of a slowburn feeling. They get together 19% of the way in!
I enjoyed the story. It was hot and there was some dirty talk on both sides which is rare.
But sometimes I didn’t know why they liked each other so much. It was sweet though and I enjoyed it. Cassie’s crafting annoyed me a bit though. It was a bit cute and a bit unrealistic.
August 31, 2023
Cassie & Lance's story
Such a great, brothers best friend, with a side of sports romance.
We get drama, angst, spice and humor.
I thought Cassie and Lance were both likeable and relatable.
Both were dealing with their own insecurities or struggles.
It was great to see them grow as individuals. I think they fit each other well.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom into to something more and the steam was hot!
I really enjoyed it! Overall, a sweet romance.
Such a great, brothers best friend, with a side of sports romance.
We get drama, angst, spice and humor.
I thought Cassie and Lance were both likeable and relatable.
Both were dealing with their own insecurities or struggles.
It was great to see them grow as individuals. I think they fit each other well.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom into to something more and the steam was hot!
I really enjoyed it! Overall, a sweet romance.
September 4, 2023
Lance was such a good character, but as much as he tired to stay away from her, he just couldn’t. With Cassie's love, she showed Lance that he wasn't broken, quite the opposite! All he needed was the right woman to make him whole. The chemistry between these two is amazing! He sticks up for her and is always in her corner. I loved this book; the story was so well written that it had me feeling all sorts of emotions! I became the characters and felt what they felt.
September 11, 2023
What a ride! Lance and Cassie had me on the edge of my seat. And I was pulled along by both of their journeys to where they needed to be. Can’t go past a wounded man and Lance was a sexy one at that! Cassie was a straight shooting girl who learned to go after what she wanted, I loved her growth through this book!! And that ending? 👌 just amazing!! Highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a spicy and heart warming romance read!! ❤️🔥🤩
June 9, 2024
Well written hockey romance. Lance grew up with an addicted mother who didn't take care of him. He was welcomed into his best friends home in his teens. Lots of issues never resolved, and then was traded to Columbus Mavericks, near his hometown. Cassie was the little sister of his best friend who he grew up with. In his time on the west coast, she matured. She stood up for her self with him, but not her family. Can they find their way forward. This is their story.
August 29, 2023
Another stellar tale from Laura Marquez Diamond. Great characters, with diversity that is needed, who you want to see succeed.
Not a huge focus on hockey, which suited me as I don't understand the ice version, but a thoroughly readable and enjoyable story.
Thanks to the author for the early copy.
Not a huge focus on hockey, which suited me as I don't understand the ice version, but a thoroughly readable and enjoyable story.
Thanks to the author for the early copy.
August 31, 2023
The Breakaway is an amazing brother's best friend, hockey romance. The book was steamy, had a dual point of view, and ended with a satisfying happily ever after. Cassie has always had a crush on Lance since her teenage years and she is finally ready to admit what she wants. I loved the chemistry between the main characters and the way the author explored their relationship.
September 1, 2023
The Breakaway is a sexy, sweet, brothers-best-friend, extra-steamy hockey romance. I loved seeing Cassie and Lance's story unfold: their intertwined histories, their individual challenges in the present, and how they ultimately supported each other and got their happily ever after. Definitely recommend!
October 4, 2025
Lance is the perfect imperfect boyfriend. Damaged by childhood trauma, he finds refuge in his best friend’s sister Cassie who has always been infatuated with him. Despite the obstacles real or imagined between them, their chemistry sizzled and the depth of emotions was palpable. Love these Columbus Mavericks and the women who complete them. Can’t wait to read some more!
August 23, 2023
Omg what a cute story!! Hockey and brothers best friend, both some of my favorite tropes!! I loved Cassie growing and finally going after what she wants and Lance acknowledging what he really feels and working thru his past!! Such a great book
August 31, 2023
In this book we follow the journey of a beautiful couple. Each of them has their own struggles and they work to overcome. I really enjoyed this read. The tension and spice were a perfect blend. Highly recommend this book
September 2, 2023
Cassie is Lance's best friend sister. This is a sports, best friend sibling trope for starters. The two main characters he knows he should but can't resist. Not to mention he has some things in his life that he would rather not taint her with. It's a great read.
November 14, 2023
Lance and Cassie had me hooked. Lance is Cassies brothers best friend they both should stay away but the can't. Lances past just may catch up with him and he could loose everything. I loved the world and charchters development.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews