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Break Away
When Olivia Mason catches her fiancé cheating, her life gets turned upside down. With no family and no real place to call home, she heads south for a fresh start in Charleston, South Carolina. Determined to gain her own independence and protect her heart, the last thing she needs is a sexy, tattoo-covered guy to cross her path and test her resolve. Just as she’s beginning to put her life back together, she uncovers a piece of her past that shakes up everything.
Dex Porter has his own demons. A former Marine, he’s haunted by the past and uses whiskey, women and fighting to drown the pain and guilt that consume him. When Olivia arrives in town, he finds himself drawn to her immediately and is surprised by his desire to get to know her. She’s unlike anyone he’s ever met but he knows he can’t get close to her without exposing the part of himself that he keeps hidden.
As Dex and Olivia strike up a friendship and fight their attraction to one another, they begin to chip away each other’s walls and help each other heal. However, the past is never far behind and they soon learn that no matter how fast they run, it will always catch up with them.
Dex Porter has his own demons. A former Marine, he’s haunted by the past and uses whiskey, women and fighting to drown the pain and guilt that consume him. When Olivia arrives in town, he finds himself drawn to her immediately and is surprised by his desire to get to know her. She’s unlike anyone he’s ever met but he knows he can’t get close to her without exposing the part of himself that he keeps hidden.
As Dex and Olivia strike up a friendship and fight their attraction to one another, they begin to chip away each other’s walls and help each other heal. However, the past is never far behind and they soon learn that no matter how fast they run, it will always catch up with them.
252 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2014
53 people are currently reading
1334 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Grace
3 books248 followersI'm an avid reader and overall book lover. I love to write, and when a story popped into my head that I couldn't seem to ignore, I decided to take a shot at self-publishing with my first book, “This Time Around.” Now, much of my time is spent dreaming up new characters and planning for the next books that I hope to write. When I’m not writing, I’m usually curled up with my Kindle, reading book-after book-after book from all of my favorite authors (which is a very long list!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 5, 2016
I have not included spoiler tags, so read at your own peril.
The reason I'd been so attracted to Stephen in the first place was because he was predictable, uncomplicated and risk-free. I thought I would always know what was coming with him. Turned out I didn't know him at all.
Olivia finds her fiance cheating with another woman and finally makes the decision to leave, he is no longer a safe option. She ups and leaves, making her way to Charleston where her mother grew up. There, she meets Sadie, her mother, Amy, and Amy's brother, Dex.
Ever since Dex's honourable discharge he has had nightmares about that night. His only way to sleep through the night is to have a warm body in his bed, different ones, every night. That is, until he meets Olivia and he longs for her.
What did I like?
• Olivia taking off and leaving her fiance.
• Olivia moving out on her own and starting a new life.
• She was strong (at first).
• Dex is cocky;
He had a deadly expression on his face, but he couldn't intimidate me. I had already won the fight; he just didn't know it yet.
My lips curled into a smile. He would find out soon.
• Dex isn't really what he seems;
It was better not to care. To be numb. Sure, I used women, but they used me too. It wasn't like they gave a shit about me. They wanted the same thing I did. To chase away the pain. To forget.
Even if it was only for a little while.
• Their romance was cute.
• Dex has a close bond with his mum, dad, sister and niece.
• They were hot together (but weren't two guys :( )
“Holy shit,” she breathed.
“Yeah... but I'm not nearly done with you yet, baby.”
What didn't I like?
• Olivia (MC) was annoying.
• Dex (MC) was annoying.
• Dex was stereotyped and didn't take long to 'change'.
• They're both addicted to sex.
• Not enough intense kissing scenes.
• Insta-love (just didn't act on it for a while).
• Some parts were skimmed over with no explanation or expanding.
• The ending was a ridiculous attempt at extending the story; her crazy ex was stalking her and breaks into her house and there is the threat of rape. Dex then goes to her house and beats him up - but gets stabbed in the process. They then profess their love. A little later on he buys her an engagement ring. (Over 30 pages and would have been a 3.5-4*, objectively, without it.)
Why is it me and not you?
• I haven't departed the M/M train. (I wasn't ready to leave!) which spoiled my enjoyment a bit.
• Because of the above, the sex scenes were a bit meh for me, and not as intense as M/M usually is.
• This is F/M and isn't two hot guys making out/ having sex.
A copy of Break Away was kindly provided to me by Ellie Grace, the author, in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 “Sure, I used women, but they used me too.” stars.
The reason I'd been so attracted to Stephen in the first place was because he was predictable, uncomplicated and risk-free. I thought I would always know what was coming with him. Turned out I didn't know him at all.
Olivia finds her fiance cheating with another woman and finally makes the decision to leave, he is no longer a safe option. She ups and leaves, making her way to Charleston where her mother grew up. There, she meets Sadie, her mother, Amy, and Amy's brother, Dex.
Ever since Dex's honourable discharge he has had nightmares about that night. His only way to sleep through the night is to have a warm body in his bed, different ones, every night. That is, until he meets Olivia and he longs for her.
What did I like?
• Olivia taking off and leaving her fiance.
• Olivia moving out on her own and starting a new life.
• She was strong (at first).
• Dex is cocky;
He had a deadly expression on his face, but he couldn't intimidate me. I had already won the fight; he just didn't know it yet.
My lips curled into a smile. He would find out soon.
• Dex isn't really what he seems;
It was better not to care. To be numb. Sure, I used women, but they used me too. It wasn't like they gave a shit about me. They wanted the same thing I did. To chase away the pain. To forget.
Even if it was only for a little while.
• Their romance was cute.
• Dex has a close bond with his mum, dad, sister and niece.
• They were hot together (but weren't two guys :( )
“Holy shit,” she breathed.
“Yeah... but I'm not nearly done with you yet, baby.”
What didn't I like?
• Olivia (MC) was annoying.
• Dex (MC) was annoying.
• Dex was stereotyped and didn't take long to 'change'.
• They're both addicted to sex.
• Not enough intense kissing scenes.
• Insta-love (just didn't act on it for a while).
• Some parts were skimmed over with no explanation or expanding.
• The ending was a ridiculous attempt at extending the story; her crazy ex was stalking her and breaks into her house and there is the threat of rape. Dex then goes to her house and beats him up - but gets stabbed in the process. They then profess their love. A little later on he buys her an engagement ring. (Over 30 pages and would have been a 3.5-4*, objectively, without it.)
Why is it me and not you?
• I haven't departed the M/M train. (I wasn't ready to leave!) which spoiled my enjoyment a bit.
• Because of the above, the sex scenes were a bit meh for me, and not as intense as M/M usually is.
• This is F/M and isn't two hot guys making out/ having sex.
A copy of Break Away was kindly provided to me by Ellie Grace, the author, in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2014
First and foremost, I have to tip my hat to Ellie Grace. My husband is a former Marine and I am Navy. I thank her for being so accurate in her descriptions of the military and the hardships that returning veterans have with PTSD.
Olivia has the unfortunate luck of being an only child who loses everything she has known in life when her only parent unexpectedly dies in an auto accident. Then she finds out that her only stable rock in her life was not as stable as she thought. She walks in on her fiance having an affair. You feel so bad for her. You almost feel her pain and sense of loneliness when shes going through the storage of her mothers possessions.
Dex Porter, is the hot tattooed former Marine/underground fighter and tortured soul. He can't move on from events in his life that have been haunting him since he was medically discharged from the Corps. He is known as the love em' and leave em' type that every girl wants to tame or at least have a shot with.
The first encounter that Olivia and Dex have he's such an arrogant A$$ that you want to just choke him. You know there is something good deep down in him and want him to be right for Olivia. They are both thrown together on multiple occasions and know that it is inevitable that they will end up together.
Their story is sweet and loving and there's even some alpha male caveman stuff going on. Dex even shows his sweet side when he's with his niece and you just know that him and Olivia are meant to be together.
Olivia has the unfortunate luck of being an only child who loses everything she has known in life when her only parent unexpectedly dies in an auto accident. Then she finds out that her only stable rock in her life was not as stable as she thought. She walks in on her fiance having an affair. You feel so bad for her. You almost feel her pain and sense of loneliness when shes going through the storage of her mothers possessions.
Dex Porter, is the hot tattooed former Marine/underground fighter and tortured soul. He can't move on from events in his life that have been haunting him since he was medically discharged from the Corps. He is known as the love em' and leave em' type that every girl wants to tame or at least have a shot with.
The first encounter that Olivia and Dex have he's such an arrogant A$$ that you want to just choke him. You know there is something good deep down in him and want him to be right for Olivia. They are both thrown together on multiple occasions and know that it is inevitable that they will end up together.
Their story is sweet and loving and there's even some alpha male caveman stuff going on. Dex even shows his sweet side when he's with his niece and you just know that him and Olivia are meant to be together.
February 10, 2014
GAWD... i just LOVE it when the guy starts out as a man-whoring douche (LOL!!!) and changes his ways due to him falling for the girl and basically turning into a big bag of mushy peas!!!!
February 5, 2014
"I'm so fucking bad at this," he started, "But it's only because I've never felt like this before. For anyone...ever. You're all I think about, Liv. You're my first thought when I wake up and thing on my mind when I go to sleep. Your smile...the sound of your laugh, the way your eyes light up when you're happy, the way your lips taste, the way you feel pressed up against me...God, Olivia...I want you so bad. You're all I want." -Dex Porter
Break Away is the second book that I've read by Ellie Grace, and it was just as good as the first. If not better.
This book follows Olivia, Nora's roommate from college who moves to the same small town in Carolina after catching her fiance cheating. Here she creates a new start, makes new friends and decides that running her own life is easier than she thought.
Ellie Grace is a great writer and Break Away will keep you hooked. Told in alternate points of view from Olivia and Dex (swoon). Dex Porter is an ex Marine turned underground fighter bad boy. Although his and Olivias relationship starts out rocky, they learn to keep each other strong, and in turn their relationship turns into love. Ellie Grace manages to develop this relationship from the start, it'll leave you swooning for a Dex Porter all to yourself.
Although I did believe it lacked in places and there were times that Olivia got annoying with decisions and jumping to conclusions before finding out the facts, I still went with the flow and I ended up liking it a lot more than I thought I would.
Overall Break Away was a fast and sweet read. Ellie Grace as an author is a true diamond in the rough and I look forward to reading more from her in the very near future.
I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Break Away is the second book that I've read by Ellie Grace, and it was just as good as the first. If not better.
This book follows Olivia, Nora's roommate from college who moves to the same small town in Carolina after catching her fiance cheating. Here she creates a new start, makes new friends and decides that running her own life is easier than she thought.
Ellie Grace is a great writer and Break Away will keep you hooked. Told in alternate points of view from Olivia and Dex (swoon). Dex Porter is an ex Marine turned underground fighter bad boy. Although his and Olivias relationship starts out rocky, they learn to keep each other strong, and in turn their relationship turns into love. Ellie Grace manages to develop this relationship from the start, it'll leave you swooning for a Dex Porter all to yourself.
Although I did believe it lacked in places and there were times that Olivia got annoying with decisions and jumping to conclusions before finding out the facts, I still went with the flow and I ended up liking it a lot more than I thought I would.
Overall Break Away was a fast and sweet read. Ellie Grace as an author is a true diamond in the rough and I look forward to reading more from her in the very near future.
I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
just-not-for-me-stay-away-hell-no
March 30, 2016self note: Hero slept with a different woman every night .ewww. OW bj scene and after he and h sleep together he kisses, dances and grinds on OW to get h jealous:/yuck just not for me. this is just my personal preference!
February 7, 2014
Read this and other reviews at Madison Says!
While I felt kinda eh about This Time Around, Break Away went way beyond my expectations.
I love a bad boy. It’s probably ingrained in womanly DNA somewhere. There is just something about a bad ass, alpha male that does it for me – at least in the world of fiction. Tattoos, a military back ground, and male whore behavior – until he meets his heroine, of course– yes please! Dex Porter is all that and more. For god sake, he even has a kick ass name! A veteran forced into early retirement, Dex has his fair share of baggage. He’s obviously suffering from PTSD, but in true manly fashion, he’d rather suffer in silence, put on a brave face, and do whatever is necessary to keep his demons at bay. Most of the time he’s busy sticking little Dex into anything that walks. But only once. Never more than once. No relationships. Ever. He does take out his rage in illegal underground fights from time to time and so far it’s been working well for him.
Until Olivia moves to town.
“She’s been saving me since the day we met, and I intend to protect her for the rest of my life,” I told her.
Olivia Mason walked in on her P.O.S. boyfriend of 4 years screwing another woman. Ew. So she packed up what little she wanted to take with her and moved from NYC to South Carolina. There seems to be something drawing her to that area. It’s a little strange seeing as her father left when she was 3 and her mother passed away in a car accident. Essentially Olivia is alone. Maybe South Carolina is the fresh start she needs.
Dex and Olivia’s first encounter is classic. Dex is his normal every day cocky self and Olivia won’t give him the time of day. That little move sealed the deal for me. From then on I KNEW Olivia was going to be a winner. She’s feisty and has self-respect. Praise Jesus. Dex was used to women dropping their panties as soon as he flashed them a smile. Imagine his surprise when the same girl who snubbed him on the beach, is his sister’s new tenant. Perfection.
Ugh, I hated guys like that. They thought they were God’s gift to woman, and we should consider ourselves lucky to get a chance to be with them. No thanks.
It was the perfect reminder or why I’d sworn off men.
The two agree to be friends. Only friends. Of course in time, friends becomes more. Both Dex and Olivia have a LOT to work through. Dex blames himself for his best friend’s death, while Olivia suffers from abandonment issues. Put them together and it’s easy to see how any number or problems could easily develop.
“I would only find a way to fuck it up if I did get with her, so no, I’m not,” I clarified. She’s too good for a cheap fuck, and I don’t do more than that.”
“Maybe not, but the Dex Porter I know doesn’t back down when things get tough… he fights for what he wants.”
“Not anymore.”
There was one definite moment that made me cringe. Let’s just say that Dex made a pretty stupid choice. We’re talking STUPID. Especially given Olivia’s past. But, in time the man redeems himself and shows what a truly amazing person he is.
Beyond the love story, sex scenes and new friendships lies and even deeper message about family. Sometimes we feel alone in the world, but family is NOT determined by DNA. It doesn’t have anything to do with the blood that runs through your veins. Family are the people who stand by you when things get rough. The ones who pull you up when you can’t stand on your own. That was something Olivia had the privilege of realizing. We CAN choose our families. It’s a beautiful thing.
“They taught me the most valuable lesson of all – that not all family is bonded by blood. A true family is made up of people who are with you through good times and bad, whenever you need them, regardless of DNA.”
I whipped through this book in record time. I couldn’t put it down. The characters just seemed to pop off the page. If this is any indication of what Ellie can produce, sign me up for her next book. Really. I loved the character development, plot, writing… It was all on point. Oh, and did I mention that this could be read as a standalone? Nora and Jake are mentioned a few times during the story, but for the most part Break Away focuses solely on Dex and Olivia and a few other new characters.
Steamy sexy scenes, a brooding, broken man, and one feisty young woman determined to start over. What more could you want?
While I felt kinda eh about This Time Around, Break Away went way beyond my expectations.
I love a bad boy. It’s probably ingrained in womanly DNA somewhere. There is just something about a bad ass, alpha male that does it for me – at least in the world of fiction. Tattoos, a military back ground, and male whore behavior – until he meets his heroine, of course– yes please! Dex Porter is all that and more. For god sake, he even has a kick ass name! A veteran forced into early retirement, Dex has his fair share of baggage. He’s obviously suffering from PTSD, but in true manly fashion, he’d rather suffer in silence, put on a brave face, and do whatever is necessary to keep his demons at bay. Most of the time he’s busy sticking little Dex into anything that walks. But only once. Never more than once. No relationships. Ever. He does take out his rage in illegal underground fights from time to time and so far it’s been working well for him.
Until Olivia moves to town.
“She’s been saving me since the day we met, and I intend to protect her for the rest of my life,” I told her.
Olivia Mason walked in on her P.O.S. boyfriend of 4 years screwing another woman. Ew. So she packed up what little she wanted to take with her and moved from NYC to South Carolina. There seems to be something drawing her to that area. It’s a little strange seeing as her father left when she was 3 and her mother passed away in a car accident. Essentially Olivia is alone. Maybe South Carolina is the fresh start she needs.
Dex and Olivia’s first encounter is classic. Dex is his normal every day cocky self and Olivia won’t give him the time of day. That little move sealed the deal for me. From then on I KNEW Olivia was going to be a winner. She’s feisty and has self-respect. Praise Jesus. Dex was used to women dropping their panties as soon as he flashed them a smile. Imagine his surprise when the same girl who snubbed him on the beach, is his sister’s new tenant. Perfection.
Ugh, I hated guys like that. They thought they were God’s gift to woman, and we should consider ourselves lucky to get a chance to be with them. No thanks.
It was the perfect reminder or why I’d sworn off men.
The two agree to be friends. Only friends. Of course in time, friends becomes more. Both Dex and Olivia have a LOT to work through. Dex blames himself for his best friend’s death, while Olivia suffers from abandonment issues. Put them together and it’s easy to see how any number or problems could easily develop.
“I would only find a way to fuck it up if I did get with her, so no, I’m not,” I clarified. She’s too good for a cheap fuck, and I don’t do more than that.”
“Maybe not, but the Dex Porter I know doesn’t back down when things get tough… he fights for what he wants.”
“Not anymore.”
There was one definite moment that made me cringe. Let’s just say that Dex made a pretty stupid choice. We’re talking STUPID. Especially given Olivia’s past. But, in time the man redeems himself and shows what a truly amazing person he is.
Beyond the love story, sex scenes and new friendships lies and even deeper message about family. Sometimes we feel alone in the world, but family is NOT determined by DNA. It doesn’t have anything to do with the blood that runs through your veins. Family are the people who stand by you when things get rough. The ones who pull you up when you can’t stand on your own. That was something Olivia had the privilege of realizing. We CAN choose our families. It’s a beautiful thing.
“They taught me the most valuable lesson of all – that not all family is bonded by blood. A true family is made up of people who are with you through good times and bad, whenever you need them, regardless of DNA.”
I whipped through this book in record time. I couldn’t put it down. The characters just seemed to pop off the page. If this is any indication of what Ellie can produce, sign me up for her next book. Really. I loved the character development, plot, writing… It was all on point. Oh, and did I mention that this could be read as a standalone? Nora and Jake are mentioned a few times during the story, but for the most part Break Away focuses solely on Dex and Olivia and a few other new characters.
Steamy sexy scenes, a brooding, broken man, and one feisty young woman determined to start over. What more could you want?
February 3, 2014
For as long as Olivia can remember her and her mom moved around a lot. That was until Olivia went to college and her mom died in a car accident. Since the she hasn't been the same. With no other family it was just her against the world. In her need for stability and that feeling of belonging, she started dating Steven. Biggest mistake of her life, when she finds him in bed with another woman. Realising he was actually never what she wanted, Olivia packs her bags and moves to Charleston. It was a place like any other, though she remembered on one of her visits from college she liked the town.
After settling in and finding a job, she meets Dex. First he seems the very stereotypical, a hot, cocky womanising marine. Which he kind of is, though behind that facade he is hiding something. After losing his best friend in the war and being honourably discharged, he is quite lost and angry (mostly at himself). It is a side that he hides from everyone. After these two meet and start of the wrong feet, they decide to give each other a second chance, as friends since Dex doesn't do relationships and Olivia wants to enjoy single life for a while.
Of course as they become closer as friends, it gets harder to deny the attraction between them. There is of course that physical appeal, but most of the time that doesn't get in the way. Dex is showing Olivia an other side of that most don't get access to. Still he will need to learn to open up more and face his demons, before he feels worthy enough of Olivia. And when she gets confronted with hidden secrets of her own, she will need him to help her through.
What I loved most about their story is how naturally it flowed. Their relationship grows from a superficial friendship, to a deeper friendship, 'till eventually love. The pacing was brilliant, it never felt rushed or too slow, it was just right. Both characters are very well developed and simply amazing. Olivia is very strong, as she has been mostly on her own and she longs for that feeling of being wanted and loved. Dex has his issues, but he is also the nicest, sweetest and most importantly the funniest guy ever.
There was never much angst and it felt all very laid back. Olivia and Dex felt like real people you could meet on the street. The drama overall was okay, definitely not too heavy. I absolutely enjoyed reading Break Away by Ellie Grace and I definitely recommend it.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
After settling in and finding a job, she meets Dex. First he seems the very stereotypical, a hot, cocky womanising marine. Which he kind of is, though behind that facade he is hiding something. After losing his best friend in the war and being honourably discharged, he is quite lost and angry (mostly at himself). It is a side that he hides from everyone. After these two meet and start of the wrong feet, they decide to give each other a second chance, as friends since Dex doesn't do relationships and Olivia wants to enjoy single life for a while.
Of course as they become closer as friends, it gets harder to deny the attraction between them. There is of course that physical appeal, but most of the time that doesn't get in the way. Dex is showing Olivia an other side of that most don't get access to. Still he will need to learn to open up more and face his demons, before he feels worthy enough of Olivia. And when she gets confronted with hidden secrets of her own, she will need him to help her through.
What I loved most about their story is how naturally it flowed. Their relationship grows from a superficial friendship, to a deeper friendship, 'till eventually love. The pacing was brilliant, it never felt rushed or too slow, it was just right. Both characters are very well developed and simply amazing. Olivia is very strong, as she has been mostly on her own and she longs for that feeling of being wanted and loved. Dex has his issues, but he is also the nicest, sweetest and most importantly the funniest guy ever.
There was never much angst and it felt all very laid back. Olivia and Dex felt like real people you could meet on the street. The drama overall was okay, definitely not too heavy. I absolutely enjoyed reading Break Away by Ellie Grace and I definitely recommend it.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
August 12, 2016
I was excited to finally read this one, but I have to say, it really went beyond my expectations! I loved the characters, and I loved the way that Dex and Olivia's relationship progressed -- it started off as friendship and was a slow burn with lots of chemistry, but felt so real and natural. Their attraction to each other sizzles right off the page, leading to a lot of steamy moments, as well as some incredibly sweet ones. The way that they are there for each other and help each other through their struggles was beautiful.
"You're all I think about, Liv. You're my first thought when I wake up and thing on my mind when I go to sleep. Your smile...the sound of your laugh, the way your eyes light up when you're happy, the way your lips taste, the way you feel pressed up against me...God, Olivia...I want you so bad. You're all I want."
Dex...oh, Dex. He is a character that you want to hate at first, but you just know has way more going on than what's on the surface. On the outside he's a sexy, dark, dangerous player, but there's a sweetness to him buried beneath the tough exterior. I loved watching the threads of his character unravel, and learning more about why he was the way he was as more layers were revealed. My heart broke for him when I learned about all he struggled with and how much he was going through.
It was better not to care. To be numb. Sure, I used women, but they used me too. It wasn’t like they gave a shit about me. They wanted the same thing that I did. To chase away the pain. To forget.
Even if it was only for a little while.
Olivia is impossible not to love. She's had a really difficult life, and although it's made her strong and independent, there's a lost and lonely little girl inside her. She's desperate to start over, and while she's sworn off men, Dex manages to find a way through her walls and sees her for who she really is.
This book was sweet and sexy, with some twists and turns that made it impossible for me to put it down. As much as I enjoyed the first book, this one absolutely blew it away!
He gazed down at me, his tender eyes burning into mine as he ran a finger down my cheek. “I’m yours, Liv. Tell me that you’re mine.”
April 5, 2014
Blah...
February 11, 2016
4.5. Really liked the book. A lot of errors though.
July 1, 2016
4.5/5 stars
"Life is full of pain and heartbreak, conflict and doubt... but there's also love and passion, joy and laughter... and it's the ups and downs along the way that make life worth living. It's not about cruising along a straight path, but about not letting the dips and twists take away from the thrill of the ride."
Break Away was one of those books that reminded me why I love new adult so much. It is a beautiful story of two people falling in love who both swore they wouldn't or couldn't. Both Dex and Olivia have their hesitations and fears and watching them overcome them together was such an amazing ride. I really enjoyed Grace's writing style and I felt the pacing went really well. I was quite emotional reading about Dex and his struggles as a former Marine who is coping the only way he knows how to numb and block out the pain of his tour in Iraq. Grace did an excellent job of portraying this deeply wounded man and show readers how his PTSD really dominated a large part of his life.
I really liked Dex's character, despite the fact that I hated how he used women as a coping mechanism to numb the pain. However, Grace did such a good job of showing us Dex's many layers and we realize early on that he is actually a good guy who has a lot of demons that he doesn't know how to overcome. Besides women, Dex uses fighting as an outlet to expel his pent up rage. He fights in an underground circuit and feels it takes the edge off when his nightmares consume his nights. He doesn't do relationships and has no interest in them.... until he meets Olivia.
Olivia is different from most other girls. She has some pain of her own and she also knows loss. Dex can sense there is a fierceness to her from the moment he tries to hit on her and gets shot down. As fate brings Dex and Olivia into each other's lives, the two agree to start a friendship together. Dex is happy to get to know her on a friends only basis, but the more the two spend time together, the more they feel their attraction to one another grow.
Olivia has just suffered a betrayal that would break most women in two. After walking in on her fiancée cheating on her with another woman, she makes the decision to uproot her life and head for a new beginning. I really liked Olivia too. She was sweet, caring, fun, and strong. She didn't let her dirtbag ex fiancée consume her life. She knew that she was closed off in their relationship. Her and her mother were abandoned by her father at a young age and she never wants to endure that kind of pain. She chose Steven, as she thought him to be a safe, uncomplicated choice. Instead, he was a jerk who just gave off the illusion of predictability. He controlled Olivia for four years and now she is finally breaking out on her own and she doesn't want to depend on anyone but herself. Olivia was afraid that she would be utterly alone in Charleston, but befriending Amy, her landlord and Dex's twin sister, and her daughter Sadie has really uplifted Olivia's spirits.
After seeing Dex with his niece, Olivia realizes there is more to the tatted up, arrogant ass she met on the beach. She is intrigued by him and wants to unravel his layers and get to know the real him. This proves to be a task, as Dex is very closed off when it comes to opening up. He is afraid of truly opening up to someone and letting them see the darkness and pain he has inside. Being with women who know the one night score is easy- none of them ever hold him accountable or try to get him to talk afterwards. Yet, Olivia is the one who crashes through his defenses and makes him want more for the first time in a long time. Watching the two of them heal and soothe each other's hurts is one of my favorite parts of the story, but getting to that point wasn't easy. Dex and Olivia were fighting what they knew was there between them- both of them afraid to truly give themselves to another person for fear they wouldn't be able to withstand what they discovered there. My, my, my! When they did finally get to that point- WOW, was it steamy! Grace knows how to write some delicious love scenes and I felt I was going to melt into my couch!
I really liked Amy and Sadie's characters. Amy was also abandoned by the man who impregnated her and is a single mom to Sadie. She really took Olivia under her wing and their friendship is one that Olivia desperately needed upon arriving. Sadie is cuteness with Dex, calling him Uncle Dee. You can really see just how much Dex is wrapped around her finger and I loved seeing that tender side to him. I also really enjoyed Nate, Dex's best friend. He ends up playing a key role concerning Amy, and I really liked his genuine, caring nature towards Amy and Sadie both. Fans of This Time Around will also get to see Nora and Jake and see how they are faring also!
Overall, I found this to be such an enjoyable read and I really liked the direction Grace took her characters. I wouldn't say this book is one that puts a new spin on New Adult, but I really loved reading it and watching even the most broken of people realize they can have happiness and hope in their lives.
*Received a copy via Wordsmith Publicity and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
"Life is full of pain and heartbreak, conflict and doubt... but there's also love and passion, joy and laughter... and it's the ups and downs along the way that make life worth living. It's not about cruising along a straight path, but about not letting the dips and twists take away from the thrill of the ride."
Break Away was one of those books that reminded me why I love new adult so much. It is a beautiful story of two people falling in love who both swore they wouldn't or couldn't. Both Dex and Olivia have their hesitations and fears and watching them overcome them together was such an amazing ride. I really enjoyed Grace's writing style and I felt the pacing went really well. I was quite emotional reading about Dex and his struggles as a former Marine who is coping the only way he knows how to numb and block out the pain of his tour in Iraq. Grace did an excellent job of portraying this deeply wounded man and show readers how his PTSD really dominated a large part of his life.
I really liked Dex's character, despite the fact that I hated how he used women as a coping mechanism to numb the pain. However, Grace did such a good job of showing us Dex's many layers and we realize early on that he is actually a good guy who has a lot of demons that he doesn't know how to overcome. Besides women, Dex uses fighting as an outlet to expel his pent up rage. He fights in an underground circuit and feels it takes the edge off when his nightmares consume his nights. He doesn't do relationships and has no interest in them.... until he meets Olivia.
Olivia is different from most other girls. She has some pain of her own and she also knows loss. Dex can sense there is a fierceness to her from the moment he tries to hit on her and gets shot down. As fate brings Dex and Olivia into each other's lives, the two agree to start a friendship together. Dex is happy to get to know her on a friends only basis, but the more the two spend time together, the more they feel their attraction to one another grow.
Olivia has just suffered a betrayal that would break most women in two. After walking in on her fiancée cheating on her with another woman, she makes the decision to uproot her life and head for a new beginning. I really liked Olivia too. She was sweet, caring, fun, and strong. She didn't let her dirtbag ex fiancée consume her life. She knew that she was closed off in their relationship. Her and her mother were abandoned by her father at a young age and she never wants to endure that kind of pain. She chose Steven, as she thought him to be a safe, uncomplicated choice. Instead, he was a jerk who just gave off the illusion of predictability. He controlled Olivia for four years and now she is finally breaking out on her own and she doesn't want to depend on anyone but herself. Olivia was afraid that she would be utterly alone in Charleston, but befriending Amy, her landlord and Dex's twin sister, and her daughter Sadie has really uplifted Olivia's spirits.
After seeing Dex with his niece, Olivia realizes there is more to the tatted up, arrogant ass she met on the beach. She is intrigued by him and wants to unravel his layers and get to know the real him. This proves to be a task, as Dex is very closed off when it comes to opening up. He is afraid of truly opening up to someone and letting them see the darkness and pain he has inside. Being with women who know the one night score is easy- none of them ever hold him accountable or try to get him to talk afterwards. Yet, Olivia is the one who crashes through his defenses and makes him want more for the first time in a long time. Watching the two of them heal and soothe each other's hurts is one of my favorite parts of the story, but getting to that point wasn't easy. Dex and Olivia were fighting what they knew was there between them- both of them afraid to truly give themselves to another person for fear they wouldn't be able to withstand what they discovered there. My, my, my! When they did finally get to that point- WOW, was it steamy! Grace knows how to write some delicious love scenes and I felt I was going to melt into my couch!
I really liked Amy and Sadie's characters. Amy was also abandoned by the man who impregnated her and is a single mom to Sadie. She really took Olivia under her wing and their friendship is one that Olivia desperately needed upon arriving. Sadie is cuteness with Dex, calling him Uncle Dee. You can really see just how much Dex is wrapped around her finger and I loved seeing that tender side to him. I also really enjoyed Nate, Dex's best friend. He ends up playing a key role concerning Amy, and I really liked his genuine, caring nature towards Amy and Sadie both. Fans of This Time Around will also get to see Nora and Jake and see how they are faring also!
Overall, I found this to be such an enjoyable read and I really liked the direction Grace took her characters. I wouldn't say this book is one that puts a new spin on New Adult, but I really loved reading it and watching even the most broken of people realize they can have happiness and hope in their lives.
*Received a copy via Wordsmith Publicity and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
February 3, 2014
First I have to say that Ellie Grace you have done it again girl! You know how to write a story full of angst and nail biting scenes girl I was at the edge of my chair reading this and thinking crap something bad was going to happen to Olivia and Dex and holy mother lover what I got was a great story that will stay with me for years to come and I will re-read it over and over again because I loved it!
Can you imagine losing everything you have ever known? Can you imagine loving someone only for them to betray you in the worst way? Well welcome to Olivia's world. She has lost so much in a short period of time and she is ready to move on and start a new life. No matter where it is she wants to get away and so she decides that she will relocate to the South. She has picked Charleston South Carolina and once she gets there she starts to live her life and open up a little. She also meets the most beautiful and arrogant man on earth Dex Porter.
Dex Porter is a sex God and all the ladies love him. All the ladies want a piece of him to try and tame him but he will not be tamed! He is a man on a mission see he is an ex-Marine and he has a past he is trying to forget but it is easier said then done. He drinks his whiskey, and sleeps through women, and fights in under ground fights. He lives his life day to day not caring about anything until he meets Olivia. He can't believe he wants to know her better. He has to meet her because she does funny things to him and he is not sure what is going on but he does know he needs her.
But can Olivia open up her heart and let him in or will she keep her heart closed and shut him out? This is a must must read story! Thank you Elli Grace for giving me the greatest story!
Can you imagine losing everything you have ever known? Can you imagine loving someone only for them to betray you in the worst way? Well welcome to Olivia's world. She has lost so much in a short period of time and she is ready to move on and start a new life. No matter where it is she wants to get away and so she decides that she will relocate to the South. She has picked Charleston South Carolina and once she gets there she starts to live her life and open up a little. She also meets the most beautiful and arrogant man on earth Dex Porter.
Dex Porter is a sex God and all the ladies love him. All the ladies want a piece of him to try and tame him but he will not be tamed! He is a man on a mission see he is an ex-Marine and he has a past he is trying to forget but it is easier said then done. He drinks his whiskey, and sleeps through women, and fights in under ground fights. He lives his life day to day not caring about anything until he meets Olivia. He can't believe he wants to know her better. He has to meet her because she does funny things to him and he is not sure what is going on but he does know he needs her.
But can Olivia open up her heart and let him in or will she keep her heart closed and shut him out? This is a must must read story! Thank you Elli Grace for giving me the greatest story!
February 2, 2014
More reviews at Creating Serenity
Olivia and Dex are fun to read about. Really quirky and interesting characters and the plot was easy to read with a few surprises along the way!
This was such a fantastic read. A little bit of angst with the main characters, however, nothing like what I've been reading lately. That really heavy angst where both of the characters have serious issues and you want to put down the book because you're really sick of this ongoing theme?! Yeah, not that kind! Thankfully!
Both of the main characters do have some issues but it felt life like. Issues that anyone would have to face. And their relationship was a bit fast but I thought it fit the plot pretty well. I felt really comfortable with both Olivia and Dex from the beginning. Totally sounds weird but it's like these people could easily step out of the book, they are that believable AND that likeable.
The side characters were also a hoot! Rose and Frank are just adorable but I'm really hoping we're going to get another book with Amy and Nate. As side characters they had just enough in this and were just cute enough to not distract from this book BUT I'd love to have another book for them.
The only downside is that the plot is really linear. There are a couple of surprises but I pretty much figured out what was going to happen. But as an easy read without the mystery and downside to having detectives all up in your love story, heck yeah... mark this as a must read for Valentine's!
4.5/5
Olivia and Dex are fun to read about. Really quirky and interesting characters and the plot was easy to read with a few surprises along the way!
This was such a fantastic read. A little bit of angst with the main characters, however, nothing like what I've been reading lately. That really heavy angst where both of the characters have serious issues and you want to put down the book because you're really sick of this ongoing theme?! Yeah, not that kind! Thankfully!
Both of the main characters do have some issues but it felt life like. Issues that anyone would have to face. And their relationship was a bit fast but I thought it fit the plot pretty well. I felt really comfortable with both Olivia and Dex from the beginning. Totally sounds weird but it's like these people could easily step out of the book, they are that believable AND that likeable.
The side characters were also a hoot! Rose and Frank are just adorable but I'm really hoping we're going to get another book with Amy and Nate. As side characters they had just enough in this and were just cute enough to not distract from this book BUT I'd love to have another book for them.
The only downside is that the plot is really linear. There are a couple of surprises but I pretty much figured out what was going to happen. But as an easy read without the mystery and downside to having detectives all up in your love story, heck yeah... mark this as a must read for Valentine's!
4.5/5
October 23, 2014
Honestly Ellie's writing is just incredible. I really enjoyed 'Break Away'. I can't wait for what's next for Ellie but it will be great !!
April 7, 2022
I wasn't a big fan of this writing style (it felt too simple or something) and I just wasn't particularly engaged by the MC's either. I felt like something was missing in the writing that made me unable to care about them. Something was just lacking for me personally.
I do think the author did a good job showing how a manwhore character can become good friends with a woman he is attracted to, address the issues they both have with this and then move onto a relationship. I think my biggest issue with reformed manwhores as MMCs is the promiscuous people that I know; carry this pattern on through their life, almost like an addiction. I can't enjoy most of these stories because I wonder when he's going cheat down the road - when things get tough, boring, opportunity knocks or if the kids get too much attention. This was one of those stories where I honestly didn't feel that was going to happen with Dex and Olivia at the end.
The 'slut-shaming' was also a bit much. I am not a big fan of the word because I don't think you can shame people if they feel they haven't done anything wrong. Two people enjoying consensual sex is their own business, but yes they are going to get judged by some people. It's how people work -like judging people who gamble and people who smoke. I just hate when it's used as an obvious way to separate the 'special' woman from the 'loose' women. And if sex doesn't mean anything to him with others why was he doing so much of it! Can you tell I hate that fucking line the most!
I do think the author did a good job showing how a manwhore character can become good friends with a woman he is attracted to, address the issues they both have with this and then move onto a relationship. I think my biggest issue with reformed manwhores as MMCs is the promiscuous people that I know; carry this pattern on through their life, almost like an addiction. I can't enjoy most of these stories because I wonder when he's going cheat down the road - when things get tough, boring, opportunity knocks or if the kids get too much attention. This was one of those stories where I honestly didn't feel that was going to happen with Dex and Olivia at the end.
The 'slut-shaming' was also a bit much. I am not a big fan of the word because I don't think you can shame people if they feel they haven't done anything wrong. Two people enjoying consensual sex is their own business, but yes they are going to get judged by some people. It's how people work -like judging people who gamble and people who smoke. I just hate when it's used as an obvious way to separate the 'special' woman from the 'loose' women. And if sex doesn't mean anything to him with others why was he doing so much of it! Can you tell I hate that fucking line the most!
January 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I like that Dex went for counselling and his issues weren’t only on Olivia to fix. There were a few immature moments but I guess that makes the characters more real. I also liked the side characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2021
Have reread this book so many times. Love the characters and how their love story develops.
January 14, 2023
Cheesy, cute, and fun.
February 10, 2014
*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
“Life is full of pain and heartbreak, conflict and doubt…but there’s also love and passion, joy and laughter… and it’s up and downs along the way make like worth living”
When she catches her fiancé cheating Olivia Mason moves to South Caroline. Having no family she has lost a lot, but she is ready to move on, ready to make a fresh start, ready to make her own choices. Men and relationships are the last thing on her mind until she met Dex Porter the sexy ex marine, underground fighter, who is still-hunted by his time spent in Iraq.
I liked Olivia and Dex they had issues, and fears. Oliver was strong, independent, sweet and feisty. Her past meant that she had been coasting through life, she had fears of abandonment, and her heart is guarded. She doesn’t want to get hurt, and therefore, keeps people at arms length never truly letting anyone in.
“Maybe I had always been a little closed off but I had reason to be”
Dex was rough and sexy may have come across as arrogant at first, but he really is a good guy who was caring, funny and fiercely protective at times. Loved his alpha male side. His past meant that he didn't do relationships, He uses fighting, woman and alcohol to numb out his pain, and block out the demons that still consume him.
“In the light of the day. I could hide from my ghost, but the reprieve was only temporary. As soon as I drifted to sleep, they would chase me down again”
The storyline; it was emotional, sexy funny, not too high on the drama. Told from Olivia and Dex’s POV meant I was able to get to understand their fears, their vulnerability, and feel their emotions, also reasons behind their hesitation to be more that just friends even though they are drawn to each other.
“We were both anchored to the past, hunted by our own regrets and unable to move forward or let go”
“If Olivia caught a glimpse of what was beneath the surface, it would only send her running”
“I found myself graving towards him whenever he was around. I wasn’t in denial: I knew that I was attracted to him, I mean who wouldn’t be? By I also knew I couldn’t go there”
I like watching their relationship developed, the way they try to fight their attraction they have for each other, and the way they open up to each other as their walls slowly come down. Olivia and Dex may have found in each other someone who could make them stronger. Someone who could help them heal, and move forward with their lives. It was both moving and touching at times to read.
“There was something about her that both captivated me and made me feel comfortable. There was no expectation or judgment with her, and it put me at ease.”
“Sometimes all it takes is finding something to fight for”
Overall Break Away, was another enjoyable quick read from Ellie Grace, I liked her writing style engaging from the start. The story flow well I liked the way Ellie made her characters develop throughout the book. Great secondary characters such as Dex’s sister Amy and his best friend Tate both great supports for Olivia and Dex. I would read a story about them. It was nice to see Nora and Jack back character from the first book This Time around, and see a snippet of what was going on in their lives.
The ending was good, no cliffhanger, but I will say my only slight disappoint was the epilogue. I love my epilogues, and I want them big, ones that as I swap the last page I’m left with a big fat grin on my face, and with this one I liked it, but I wanted more, to see more into Olivia and Dex’s future. However, with that being said I would recommend that you Add Break Away to your TBR list, and if you haven’t read This Time around I would also add that one too. I look forward to reading Ellie next book.
“Life is full of pain and heartbreak, conflict and doubt…but there’s also love and passion, joy and laughter… and it’s up and downs along the way make like worth living”
When she catches her fiancé cheating Olivia Mason moves to South Caroline. Having no family she has lost a lot, but she is ready to move on, ready to make a fresh start, ready to make her own choices. Men and relationships are the last thing on her mind until she met Dex Porter the sexy ex marine, underground fighter, who is still-hunted by his time spent in Iraq.
I liked Olivia and Dex they had issues, and fears. Oliver was strong, independent, sweet and feisty. Her past meant that she had been coasting through life, she had fears of abandonment, and her heart is guarded. She doesn’t want to get hurt, and therefore, keeps people at arms length never truly letting anyone in.
“Maybe I had always been a little closed off but I had reason to be”
Dex was rough and sexy may have come across as arrogant at first, but he really is a good guy who was caring, funny and fiercely protective at times. Loved his alpha male side. His past meant that he didn't do relationships, He uses fighting, woman and alcohol to numb out his pain, and block out the demons that still consume him.
“In the light of the day. I could hide from my ghost, but the reprieve was only temporary. As soon as I drifted to sleep, they would chase me down again”
The storyline; it was emotional, sexy funny, not too high on the drama. Told from Olivia and Dex’s POV meant I was able to get to understand their fears, their vulnerability, and feel their emotions, also reasons behind their hesitation to be more that just friends even though they are drawn to each other.
“We were both anchored to the past, hunted by our own regrets and unable to move forward or let go”
“If Olivia caught a glimpse of what was beneath the surface, it would only send her running”
“I found myself graving towards him whenever he was around. I wasn’t in denial: I knew that I was attracted to him, I mean who wouldn’t be? By I also knew I couldn’t go there”
I like watching their relationship developed, the way they try to fight their attraction they have for each other, and the way they open up to each other as their walls slowly come down. Olivia and Dex may have found in each other someone who could make them stronger. Someone who could help them heal, and move forward with their lives. It was both moving and touching at times to read.
“There was something about her that both captivated me and made me feel comfortable. There was no expectation or judgment with her, and it put me at ease.”
“Sometimes all it takes is finding something to fight for”
Overall Break Away, was another enjoyable quick read from Ellie Grace, I liked her writing style engaging from the start. The story flow well I liked the way Ellie made her characters develop throughout the book. Great secondary characters such as Dex’s sister Amy and his best friend Tate both great supports for Olivia and Dex. I would read a story about them. It was nice to see Nora and Jack back character from the first book This Time around, and see a snippet of what was going on in their lives.
The ending was good, no cliffhanger, but I will say my only slight disappoint was the epilogue. I love my epilogues, and I want them big, ones that as I swap the last page I’m left with a big fat grin on my face, and with this one I liked it, but I wanted more, to see more into Olivia and Dex’s future. However, with that being said I would recommend that you Add Break Away to your TBR list, and if you haven’t read This Time around I would also add that one too. I look forward to reading Ellie next book.
April 21, 2015
Overall Rating: 7.5
This book kind of reminded me of the plot of Beautiful Disaster. They have the same similarities: beating attraction between two people-the man whore and the hurt girl-but girl fights it because she is afraid of getting hurt again. So they become best friends instead. the plots are relative and, if I am being honest, it isn't favorable for me. However, I did enjoy the book thoroughly. I had read Ellie Grace's <>This Time Around and I loved that book so I went to see if she had any other books available and I immediately started reading this. There was so much sensual and heated tension between Liv and Dex. You could practically see it radiating off of both of them. Even though it was mainly attraction, there was a emotion behind it, also. Olivia and Dex couldn't see past their own obstacles to be together. And when they did get together, and all else shattered, both of them were heart broken and withdrawn. It was heart breaking to watch Dex especially, since he is usually the life of the party and then when he lost Olivia, he went to being shy and nervous and weary. Those kind of changes in personality I thought were kind of cute.
I absolutely love with Sadie! That little girl was so sweet! She was so adorable and I love her quirky and sassy personality. She actually reminds me a lot of Amy. It kind of made my heart lurch when I learned that Amy was a single twenty six year old mom with a four year old, because I know someone who is going through something like that right now, pre-bay and I am kind of worried about her. SO I can definitely feel the empathy here.
Watching Dex and Sadie made me go all softy. It's s sweet how he plays with his four year old niece and let's her boss him around. Damn that girl can melt anyone's heart within a ten feet proximity.
I am still debating on reading Breakdown, for personal reasons, so I am not sure whether I will read it. I know I will end up reading it eventually somewhere in time, but not at this moment. I did enjoy, however, reading about Nate an Amy in this book, you could definitely tell how in love they were.
Big thanks to Ellie Grace for being an amazing author and giving us books like these, hope there is more to come!
January 9, 2016
"Dex was like gravity. Right from the beginning, he had pulled me in, drawing me to him in a way that no one ever had. I was tired of fighting the pull and tired of fighting my heart. I felt more connected to Dex than I'd ever felt to anyone, tethered to him by some invisible force that was stronger and more powerful than both of us."
-Olivia
If you're looking for a sweet, yet realistic story about two people fighting to overcome their pasts (all while set in the beautiful lowcountry of South Carolina) than look no further!
Although sometimes a little too on-the-nose, I really liked the characters and appreciated how real their problems were. They weren't overly-tragic or hyperbolic in a way that so many NA character arcs seem to be. They were very much real functioning people who just had some issues to deal with: PTSD and survivor's guilt, & abandonment and trust issues.
"You carry around the weight of the world on your shoulders, and if you keep holding yourself responsible for the bad things that happen to the people around you... one of these days it's going to break you. Sometimes bad things happen. It's a poart of life and it's not always anyone's fault. You can't change it, all you can do is move on."
The heart of the story is ultimately about choosing to move forward, not letting your past define you, and embracing life. I really loved this sentiment:
"You chose your own family. You choose who matters to you and who you want in your life."
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and following the development of their romance. Besides for a few subplots that felt, not thrown in, but like they didn't really weave cohesively into the story as a whole (but that could just be me), the development and pacing were well-done.
I am so glad I gave this author another shot! It was definitely worth it.
My casting:
Olivia (Natalie Dormer)
Dex (Michael Socha)
-Olivia
If you're looking for a sweet, yet realistic story about two people fighting to overcome their pasts (all while set in the beautiful lowcountry of South Carolina) than look no further!
Although sometimes a little too on-the-nose, I really liked the characters and appreciated how real their problems were. They weren't overly-tragic or hyperbolic in a way that so many NA character arcs seem to be. They were very much real functioning people who just had some issues to deal with: PTSD and survivor's guilt, & abandonment and trust issues.
"You carry around the weight of the world on your shoulders, and if you keep holding yourself responsible for the bad things that happen to the people around you... one of these days it's going to break you. Sometimes bad things happen. It's a poart of life and it's not always anyone's fault. You can't change it, all you can do is move on."
The heart of the story is ultimately about choosing to move forward, not letting your past define you, and embracing life. I really loved this sentiment:
"You chose your own family. You choose who matters to you and who you want in your life."
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and following the development of their romance. Besides for a few subplots that felt, not thrown in, but like they didn't really weave cohesively into the story as a whole (but that could just be me), the development and pacing were well-done.
I am so glad I gave this author another shot! It was definitely worth it.
My casting:
Olivia (Natalie Dormer)
Dex (Michael Socha)
February 8, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
As you can tell, I got a chance to read Break Away by Ellie Grace. I must say that I happen to really enjoyed this book. Yes, some parts were kind of predicable, but it was still a good read. Anyway, I really liked how Olivia felt she need leave and find herself again. As I was reading the story, I got the sense that she just kind of fell into a routine and didn't know how to break away. When she caught her scumbag of a fiancé with another woman, she found her chance to reinvent herself.
Now Dex has been trying to cope with the past by being a manwhore. Yes, at the beginning he cope with his demons by sleeping with anything that had two legs and breast. However, when Olivia entered the scene he was taken back by how she didn't put up with his crap, which intrigued him.
Overall, I liked Break Away, because it's a story about two people trying to restart their life over. Yes, they make mistakes and they try to work on them. There was a couple of times where I thought Olivia or Dex would revert to their old habits. Plus, there some really profound quotes that make you go yeah I can see that. For instance:
"The greatest kinds of friends are the ones who bring out the best in one another."
Yes, it's a pretty good story. That makes you smile and there is a little bit of emotional element. So, if you are looking for a good story with two people overcoming the past, you might want to give Break Away a go.
Favorite Quote:
"Family is important, there's no doubt about that. But not all family is related by blood. Sometimes, the strongest bonds we have are the ones we form along the way. That being said, it's important to know where we come from. Often times, we have to look back before we can really move forward."
Copy provide by WordSmith Publicity
As you can tell, I got a chance to read Break Away by Ellie Grace. I must say that I happen to really enjoyed this book. Yes, some parts were kind of predicable, but it was still a good read. Anyway, I really liked how Olivia felt she need leave and find herself again. As I was reading the story, I got the sense that she just kind of fell into a routine and didn't know how to break away. When she caught her scumbag of a fiancé with another woman, she found her chance to reinvent herself.
Now Dex has been trying to cope with the past by being a manwhore. Yes, at the beginning he cope with his demons by sleeping with anything that had two legs and breast. However, when Olivia entered the scene he was taken back by how she didn't put up with his crap, which intrigued him.
Overall, I liked Break Away, because it's a story about two people trying to restart their life over. Yes, they make mistakes and they try to work on them. There was a couple of times where I thought Olivia or Dex would revert to their old habits. Plus, there some really profound quotes that make you go yeah I can see that. For instance:
"The greatest kinds of friends are the ones who bring out the best in one another."
Yes, it's a pretty good story. That makes you smile and there is a little bit of emotional element. So, if you are looking for a good story with two people overcoming the past, you might want to give Break Away a go.
Favorite Quote:
"Family is important, there's no doubt about that. But not all family is related by blood. Sometimes, the strongest bonds we have are the ones we form along the way. That being said, it's important to know where we come from. Often times, we have to look back before we can really move forward."
Copy provide by WordSmith Publicity
July 30, 2014
Ha first of all I had to LOL at myself. I bought this book months ago and just never got around to reading it so by the time I do- I forget mostly what it's about and details about the author. So I'm reading away and get to a part about Jake and Nora and I'm like hmmmmmm I feel like I know them but whatever go ahead and keep reading then it gets to the part where Nora is talking about their wedding and how they are thinking about getting married at the fishing cabin where they had their first date and then I'm like SERIOUSLY I know these people and I know this story...so pull out the ipad and search Ellie and sure enough I've read Jake and Nora's story before lol. I just didn't realize the books were partly connected which was a pleasant suprise. Nice to read more about them. And I can't wait for the 'third' book about Amy and Nate.
Anyways, this book...um can I just say I LOVE YOU DEX!! la la loved him!!!!
I really enjoyed this story. There were parts where maybe the writing style was a bit..I dunno cliche maybe but overall I liked it. I am a huge huge fan of the dual POV and especially with this book. Had it been from one POV or a third-person POV I think maybe you wouldn't like the characters as much because of some of their actions. But because you're in their head and can understand the logic behind their decisions, it definitely makes more sense.
Overall a great sweet story and I will definitely be reading Amy and Nates story when it's released...maybe even This Time around again to give me a little Nora and Jake refresher because it's been a long time but I remember I loved them as well :)
Anyways, this book...um can I just say I LOVE YOU DEX!! la la loved him!!!!
I really enjoyed this story. There were parts where maybe the writing style was a bit..I dunno cliche maybe but overall I liked it. I am a huge huge fan of the dual POV and especially with this book. Had it been from one POV or a third-person POV I think maybe you wouldn't like the characters as much because of some of their actions. But because you're in their head and can understand the logic behind their decisions, it definitely makes more sense.
Overall a great sweet story and I will definitely be reading Amy and Nates story when it's released...maybe even This Time around again to give me a little Nora and Jake refresher because it's been a long time but I remember I loved them as well :)
November 15, 2014
I was hooked from the blurb and full of excitement as I devoured reading Break Away because Ellie Grace delivered two loveable damaged characters. Olivia rocked for me because she broke away the chains that kept her dependent on her cheating ex- boyfriend, and strived to never put herself in a controlling relationship that gave her false assurances to stick with the safe guy, and Dex whose pain kept him locked to his past plaguing his nightmares, caging his anger in underground fights to dispel the guilt he carried as he pushed happiness further away. With Olivia’s move to Charleston her priority was to stand on her own two feet, start afresh and protect her heart from men. Catching sight of Dex for the first time had Olivia salivating at him until his arrogance and cocky attitude simmered out any desire to get to know him better. Now Dex is definitely flawed, so he throws himself into one night stands as a way to cope with the restraints that hold him captive to his pain, until Olivia’s constant presence and sassiness in his life makes him feel and want things he's denied himself for so long. As Olivia and Dex get to know each other and play the friend zone, the sexual tension becomes intense bringing out an unfamiliar possessiveness in Dex and their need for the other takes over, giving in to their attraction and old wounds begin to heal. This is a fantastic read about self-discovery, finding love, friendship, family, healing, and a sexy alpha male who deserved happiness with the girl who found her way into his heart, delivering along the way sexy hot scenes and some suspense thrown in!
March 28, 2014
Break Away tells the story of Olivia and Dex. They are both damaged, struggling to find themselves after life takes away everything they thought they needed to define their existence. Olivia has been burned and just when she swears off men completely, Dex, the cocky and flirtatious player enters her world. Get ready for hilarious innuendos and some feisty comebacks. Olivia and Dex know how to push each other’s buttons and they do not disappoint. This book had me laughing and shaking my head.
I loved Dex as a character. He was complicated and intense yet funny and sweet. Dex’s struggle was such a huge part of why I loved this book. Ellie Grace did an amazing job portraying his internal battle that results from the trauma of his time at war. She didn’t just describe his feelings; she made you experience every emotion. Break Away had a great cast of secondary characters. We get to see Jake and Nora again (from This Time Around). Dex’s best friend Nate and sister Amy make sure every attempt Dex and Olivia make at avoiding one another fails miserably. Needless to say, this colorful crew will keep you entertained and smiling.
I really enjoyed Ellie Grace’s book This Time Around, but Break Away just took everything to a whole new level. The author’s growth as both a storyteller and writer was clearly evident. The storyline is a bit more complex and the characters are very well developed. The emotional ride this story took me on was raw and real and absolutely beautiful.
I loved Dex as a character. He was complicated and intense yet funny and sweet. Dex’s struggle was such a huge part of why I loved this book. Ellie Grace did an amazing job portraying his internal battle that results from the trauma of his time at war. She didn’t just describe his feelings; she made you experience every emotion. Break Away had a great cast of secondary characters. We get to see Jake and Nora again (from This Time Around). Dex’s best friend Nate and sister Amy make sure every attempt Dex and Olivia make at avoiding one another fails miserably. Needless to say, this colorful crew will keep you entertained and smiling.
I really enjoyed Ellie Grace’s book This Time Around, but Break Away just took everything to a whole new level. The author’s growth as both a storyteller and writer was clearly evident. The storyline is a bit more complex and the characters are very well developed. The emotional ride this story took me on was raw and real and absolutely beautiful.
April 25, 2014
The book starts off with Olivia. A woman who has lost her mother to a car accident when she was 18 and her father left her and her mother when she was only 3. She has one stable thing in her life. Her fiance. She goes home because she hears he's ill only to find out he's cheating on her. Instead of sticking around she packs a bag and heads off to start a new life.
In comes Dex. An ex marine who's an arrogant asshole. He doesn't do relationships and she wants to enjoy being single. After some time of learning Dex and having a rocky start Olivia discovers he's not the guy she thought he was. Behind the wall he put up is a nice guy.
I thoroughly enjoyed how they went from friendship to relationship. It was a believable relationship, unlike most you find in books. They fought to stay friends with both denying how they felt. They helped each other face some things they both finally needed to.
I look forward to reading other books from Ellie in the future.
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
In comes Dex. An ex marine who's an arrogant asshole. He doesn't do relationships and she wants to enjoy being single. After some time of learning Dex and having a rocky start Olivia discovers he's not the guy she thought he was. Behind the wall he put up is a nice guy.
I thoroughly enjoyed how they went from friendship to relationship. It was a believable relationship, unlike most you find in books. They fought to stay friends with both denying how they felt. They helped each other face some things they both finally needed to.
I look forward to reading other books from Ellie in the future.
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
December 31, 2014
Not a bad read but nothing unique. I liked the Olivia and Dex's characters but the story was predictable and was the classic ladies-man-who-never-does-relationships-falls-for--first-girl-who-doesn't-want-him. The PTSD aspect of Dex's character was interesting and I found that understandable after his experiences in war but I didn't buy his reasons for holding onto his guilt about Teddy for so long. Why wouldn't his family have intervened beforehand? Why was it so easy for Dex to blame himself when nobody else was? Anyway, besides that the rest of the book was okay. I'd recommend reading this if you're looking for a quick and light romance read and aren't too picky. It was reasonably well-written and easy to read but be warned there were quite a lot of explicit sex scenes - Olivia and Dex's favourite past-time seems to be jumping each other.
February 19, 2014
Another great story in this series by Ellie. I loved Dex. He had so many demons but he was such a good sweet soul underneath. This book blew me away and was way better than book one in their series. I also loves Olivia. She had been through so much and to finally let someone else in to help break her was amazing. There were a couple of twists I did not see coming at all. The author grew in her writing from This Time Around to this book. I'm really hoping for another book, maybe Harpers story so we can meet her. Great read with some angst and a lot of sexy times, love, embracing life and most importantly healing.
January 31, 2015
"Being messy is a part of life. A fun part"
Me gustaron: el comienzo, sumamente prometedor (después se ameseta un poco); la relación entre ellos que empieza mal, se convierte en una amistad preciosa y termina siendo una linda historia de amor; que ella deje al novio sin dudarlo; la fiesta de té con Saddie; las tardes en la playa y la calidez que le aporta Olivia a la vida de Dex, que se percibe en un montón de detalles muy dulces.
Me emocionó (mucho) el tema de Teddy.
Y le faltó una chispa, algo extra que me hubiese impedido sentir que sobraban algunas páginas al final.
Para mí son cuatro sólidas estrellas ;)
Me gustaron: el comienzo, sumamente prometedor (después se ameseta un poco); la relación entre ellos que empieza mal, se convierte en una amistad preciosa y termina siendo una linda historia de amor; que ella deje al novio sin dudarlo; la fiesta de té con Saddie; las tardes en la playa y la calidez que le aporta Olivia a la vida de Dex, que se percibe en un montón de detalles muy dulces.
Me emocionó (mucho) el tema de Teddy.
Y le faltó una chispa, algo extra que me hubiese impedido sentir que sobraban algunas páginas al final.
Para mí son cuatro sólidas estrellas ;)
August 10, 2016
Won a Kindle version from WordSmith Publicity.
Olivia and Dexter have commitment issues due to their past. They find each other but at first are not willing to accept each other. Slowly they learn they are meant to be but each much learn to move on and in turn trusting themselves and each other. We all carry burdens and we need to let go of them before they overtake us.
Love is never easy as we all know and everyone deserves to find it and be happy. Break Away is about moving forward and love is not about family.
A nice read.
Olivia and Dexter have commitment issues due to their past. They find each other but at first are not willing to accept each other. Slowly they learn they are meant to be but each much learn to move on and in turn trusting themselves and each other. We all carry burdens and we need to let go of them before they overtake us.
Love is never easy as we all know and everyone deserves to find it and be happy. Break Away is about moving forward and love is not about family.
A nice read.
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