The Breakaway

The Columbus Mavericks

by Laura Marquez Diamond

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?

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers

333 pages, ebook

Published August 31, 2023

About the author

Laura 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!

Reviews

[Leigh The Spoonie]

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.

[Anoesjka Connolly]

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!

[Lory]

A hockey romance with childhood friends, emotional healing, and a love that refuses to give up. 🏒❤️

I am so enjoying this series about the hot hockey players of the Columbus Mavericks as they find their women, and Breakaway is another fantastic addition! This time, we get Lance and Cassie’s story and these two have history.

Lance and Cassie grew up together, with Lance being her brother’s best friend and eventually living with her family because of his difficult childhood. And wow… Lance’s angst and pain were palpable. He carries so much from his past, and watching him slowly confront it, work through it, and learn to be kinder to himself was one of my favorite parts of the story.

I absolutely loved the will they won’t they tension as these two tried to figure out what they could be. Their journey isn’t just about falling in love; it’s about learning how to trust, communicate, heal, and make room for each other’s dreams.

And Cassie? I adored her. She creates the most amazing paper crafts, and I will forever have a soft spot for a romance with a creative heroine! 🎨✨ But what really stole my heart was the way she loved Lance. She continually reminds him to be kind to himself and to the wounded child inside him. The tenderness she shows him absolutely melted me. 🥹

I also loved that Lance genuinely respects Cassie, her ambitions, and the person she is. Their relationship feels like a partnership as they navigate their differences and figure out how to build something lasting together.

Their love story is emotional, tender, and full of the kind of growth that makes you want to cheer for both of them. Watching their love grow while they each work through their own struggles made this one incredibly satisfying.

If you love hockey romance, childhood friends to lovers, emotional healing, protective heroes, creative heroines, and a love story with plenty of angst and heart, definitely add Breakaway to your TBR! 🏒❤️

📌 Voluntarily reviewed. I received no compensation, and these opinions are entirely my own.

Content warnings: childhood abandonment, childhood poverty, exposure to drug use, hunger, and PTSD related to childhood trauma.

[Mandi Hulott]

Cassie and Lances story was heartwarming and spicy at the same time. Cassie trying to shed the Little Cassie nickname was such a good part of the storyline and one many can relate to.
Looking forward to Book 2 ❤️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele]

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.

[Candice Farnsworth]

I loved this book. Cassie got on my nerves a little bit with the way she was treating Lance, but Lance made up for it spades. His angst and pain were palpable but you got to watch him grow and work through his troubled past. Looking forward to reading the next book.

[Nikki McAbee]

Sweet Romance

I love the dynamic of the two main characters. The love story they have and the journey they go through is amazing. Both of them over coming their differences and working together and watching how there love grows. Couldn't put it down.

[Cierra Allen]

Oh my LAWD, can i get one of him too?

Lance, let’s start with you big boy. Your childhood was awful, and I’m so sorry you had to go through that. No child should have to endure the remnants of an addicts life. No matter what the reason, it was beautiful to see the growth that he did. He worked for it, and with the love and support of Cassie he was able to finally heal that broken part inside of him that was keeping him trapped in self deprecation. I love that they knew each other basically their whole life. I also suffer from PTSD, so I know the pain and self doubt that comes through your mind. The depression that can follow. It was beautifully written.

Pause for appreciation for the airport scene. “Fuck that was so hot” -Lance (we all felt that frrrr). *chef kiss* It’s the only correct way to handle the miscommunication trope.

“All of me, all for you”

I LOVE THIS quote for them. It’s literally perfect. They love SO deeply they needed something stronger than I love you.

Cassie girllllllllllllll you living the dream. Found a man who supports you with his WHOLE being. Stands up for you both in front and behind the scenes. He lives to see you flourish in your dreams. He was the first person in your family you told. And while he was also the one to rat you out about it lol, I believe he made up for his mistake. I love a man who can proudly support his woman. Especially if he started before they were even together. I’m also a stationary lover so I hope to find a partner who supports my hobby as much as Lance does hers (mine’s a hobby, her’s is a career but thats not the point) I loved watching her stand up for herself. I was timid in my youth and now no one would dare call me that; I love to watch a woman gain her backbone and WALK her man like she should.

“No shame and no hiding” Such a powerful quote about Lance’s growth with his PTSD and accepting his past. Gorgeously done.

I loved this book, I devoured it in one day. I was gifted this arc and unfortunately my mental health declined before I could properly leave a review. I’m so happy that I was able to do this with a better mindset. I even put off my responsibilities because I couldn’t help but finish the book. So FREAKING GOOD. I now have to work twice as hard tomorrow to make up, totally worth it!

[Steph Beaudoin]

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!

[Keesh]

What an amazing read! Well done to the author

[Jill Rivard]

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

[Sadie Glover]

Breakaway — 2⭐️

Let me tell you, the ONLY saving grace of this book was Cassie… and even then, sometimes it was a struggle. 😭

“Do not send your girlfriend to voicemail when you’re in a bedroom alone with your ex.”

Sorry???? Has Lance actually heard himself say this??? I get that she’s your first girlfriend, but like… you are a grown man?? You’re a grown-ass man with your own apartment and a big fancy NHL job and you’re out here making decisions like THAT. Immediately no. I simply do not have time for you.

Actually, I don’t have time for you for the entire book.

Yes, you had a terrible childhood. And that genuinely sucks. But babes… it is not everyone else’s problem. 😭 Stop being so angry at the world and taking it out on everyone around you.

There were SO many moments where Cassie would try to get through to him and Lance was just like “I need to sort everything out myself 😔 woe is me.”

ERM???? Get over yourself???? You’re obviously not mature enough to be in a relationship.

And Cassie… I actually really loved her character development. By the end, she was so much more confident and sure of herself, and I loved watching her grow into herself.

But FUCK ME, I wish the book had ended with her finding a new hockey player because Lance was NOT good enough for that poor girl. 😭

That being said, I do think the story itself was well written, and I’d probably be intrigued to read other books by this author.

As long as the MMC isn’t as insufferable as Lance. 💀

[April Brown]

Cassie Atwood is a smart, talented and loving woman but who feels not seen as an adult by her loving overprotective family. Lance is an NHL hockey player and the childhood best friend of Cassie's brother. Lance is now back in Ohio to play for the Columbus team; can Cassie finally capture the heart of her childhood crush?

Lance had a traumatic childhood but credits hockey and being taken in by his best friends' family for his current success. Cassie was his friend's little sister and at 24, still feels like everyone treats her like the "little sister." She doesn't feel seen and not as successful as her two older brothers. Cassie has had feelings for Lancee as long as she has known him. Now that he is back home, can he see her as an adult and return her feelings?

I loved Cassie and Lance, although I admit to wanting to shake them both several times in this story. They need to talk to each other and get out of their own way. The story deals with some real-life issues and childhood trauma. I also loved and appreciated the epilogues to the story. I think they are some of my favorite parts. This story also has a lot of spice.

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read this story and give my opinion.

[Penny]

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!

[Madison_renee2415]

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!

[Charlotte]

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.

[Alicia Gustafson]

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

[Jackie]

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!

[Mrs T]

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.

[Morgan (bookedwithmorgan)]

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

[nvl_reads]

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.

[Book Snob Sue]

“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.

[Chloe]

I'd like to start off with the things I liked about this book: I like that Cassie gains confidence and it shows a fluid and consistent growth for the character. I like that Lance is shown to be working on what he struggles with. I like that there is an epilogue and a bonus epilogue- that's cute. I also think the course of their relationship was well-illustrated. However, it feels like the start of their relationship was rushed. I don't think the character conflicts were well- developed. I felt like there were several incomplete "third act breakup" situations. Overall, this book was cute, and discussed important topics. It was a typically hockey romance.

[Nikki]

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.

[Kristen Lewendon]

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.

[Lula Pantoofle]

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.

[Jane McDougall]

This is a book which gripped me from the start.
Lance is Cassie's brothers best friend. He's back, he's hot, he's her childhood crush. But most of so he sees her, where her brother still see her as the baby of the family.
Lance is guarded he is the product of a very dysfunctional childhood, which lead to Cassie's family opening there home to the ten Lance.
But there are emotions, openings, understanding and unprocessed trauma. Can they find their way through?

With spice, connection, misunderstandings, found family and malicious exes I loved this book

[Rachel Stephens]

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.

[Tanya]

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.

[R.M. Muller]

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!! ❤️‍🔥🤩