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Breaking Patterns

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As the threats toward Lucas escalate, he and Raven find themselves at a crossroad.While they carefully navigate what it means to them to be in a relationship, and reflect on what they truly want out of the future, their enemies seem determined to bring Lucas to his knees.But what are those people truly after?The consequences of this unraveling are far-reaching, unavoidably resulting in tension and life-defining choices for the new couple. Although a relentless disarray is undeniably creeping inside their existences, in the midst of the chaos, a slew of questions are begging to be answered.Can they make the most out of the cards they were dealt? Or will the recent events lead them to their doom?Even what exactly are they willing to sacrifice to stay true to themselves?The answers might very well seal their fate.

294 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2024

14 people want to read

About the author

M.H. Cali

8 books110 followers
M.H. Cali is an Award-Nominated author who writes character-driven romances, romantic suspenses and thrillers books as well as the occasional comic or graphic novel.

The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes she builds. If you ever read any of her works, you’ll notice that she loves writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to her quiet moments are just as important than action-packed ones.

Storytelling is all about harmony in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It's her motto.

If she manages to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then she succeeded.

Make sure to follow her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-h-cali for all sales and preorders alerts!

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5 stars
13 (48%)
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13 (48%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Jocelynn Ali.
17 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2024
Another great read by M.H Cali. Again I have to just say how much I appreciate the realness in these characters personalities and relationship. I love that there’s no toxic bullshit and they are just so real and up front. I think that’s super important to read because it can encourage us to be honest in our daily lives with ourselves and eachother. The genuine chemistry between Lucas & Raven is so refreshing. The artwork throughout the book is also something I absolutely loved. Fun little tidbit - I won a giveaway and I’ll be receiving an original drawing from book 1, along with a sweater and I’m so darn excited!!

Breaking Patterns picks up immediately where Balancing Entropy leaves off. It is revealed where the threats towards Lucas are coming from. So I originally had a feeling it was this person, then changed my mind then bam - twist! Also the absolute hatred I felt for a certain character, just reminds me of very real issues in the world. Such as addiction, human trafficking etc. All in all this was another great read and I love the walking green flags that Lucas & Raven are. Book 2 leaves us on a cliffhanger and I need answers!!!
Profile Image for Sahian.
15 reviews11 followers
August 31, 2024
After the tension that the ending of the previous book in the Entropy series left me with, I thought this book would be filled with more angst, but it was still a very comforting read.

Breaking Patterns is an enjoyable story with very likeable characters, diversity and healthy relationships. When I was having a chaotic or stressful day, I would read this book and feel ten times better. Anyhow, when I was having a great day, I didn't feel the need to read it. I don't know if, maybe, the Entropy series is too comforting to make me want to continue reading it. There are very few problems, and even when there was one, I knew it would be solved and everyone would be okay. I would probably like for the characters to run into more issues, or maybe just have more impactful and damaging consequences to one sole problem, so maybe that way the characters' growth would be bigger and my attachment to them, as a reader, would be stronger.

I appreciate the fact that the author prioritizes dialogue and tries to describe and explain things trough it to make the writing more efficient. Nonetheless, there were instances where that just made the dialogue sound unnatural. Speaking of the dialogue, the vocabulary of the characters is too similar. They use words that are not very common to hear on the daily, which is why it's even more odd to see them used with many characters.

I really liked the illustrations and I loved the details in the clothes, face features and other textures. Although, I would've liked it if parts of the background were also detailed, because sometimes it seemed inconsistent to look at very detailed characters against mostly simple backgrounds.

All in all, you can count on Breaking Patterns to offer its pages to comfort you when you're having a rough day.
Profile Image for Lisa Christensen.
166 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2024
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

The story between Raven and Lucas continues in ‘Breaking Patterns’. This time they are giving their relationship a good try but will the choices that Lucas makes make them go separate ways? You’ll have to read to find out. Right away when the book starts you are greeted with another major character that ties into the case that Raven was working on with her old job before deciding to quit. That case plays a bigger part in their life but also someone close to Lucas does something he never thought would happen between them.

The writing that M.H. Cali did was top-notch again and had me not wanting to put the book down. And to add the artwork that Laurie Ya did. This whole book is a chef kiss and one you want to have on display for people to see when they are visiting. This story is one you would think could be a series or a movie and will have you on the edge of your seats.

This book is a solid 4 ½ stars and the sizzle rating is a level 2. This book is one you should pick up on this long holiday weekend as once you start you will not be stopping for anything. ‘Breaking Patterns’ is also not the end of the story either. There will be another book called ‘Blossoming Infinites' coming out later.

‘Breaking Patterns’ is available wherever you get your books.
Profile Image for Dana McKenzie.
254 reviews56 followers
March 20, 2024
Balancing Patterns
M. H. Cali

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 incredible stars

OK y’all, I was so excited to jump into this one… And just as I had hoped it picked right off where Balancing Entropy ended.

M. H. Cali I absolutely love her writing style. Seriously, she draws you in and you become completely submersed within the story. She has incredible, vivid imagery. It is as if you’re right there with Lucas and Raven. You also have incredible artwork throughout the book, just like the first book in the series. It’s pretty cool because the pictures of the scenes, it’s typically exactly how I imagined.

As I said, in my review of the first book (I highly recommend you read it first), romantic suspense is my absolute favorite genre. Again, M. H. Cali nailed it. I was shocked at who the blackmailer was. My jaw was on the floor! Raven and Lucas, the MCs their relationship y’all… My heart! All the relationships/friendships in the book they are pure, they are real, ones that you would want in your own life.

I highly recommend this book y’all! I had all the feels reading it and I cannot wait for the next book. The cliffhanger at the end, it’s gonna keep me on the edge of my seat until the next one is published.
Profile Image for Chhaya.
269 reviews5 followers
April 3, 2024
Wow, such a beautiful, thoughtful, compelling and realistic sequel to book 1. It picks up right where the "Balancing Entropy" ends. It was a realistic romance book with real friends, real life troubles, and real life love story also.

In the book you'll get to know more of Lucas and Raven's stroy from California and how they start their life in NYC and also the progress of their relationship especially from Jun and Felipe's view, how they keep falling for each other . Honestly telling, it was so good to read more about Raven and Lucas and their relationship. We get to know more of Characters layers and depth of their relationship and thoughts. The book ends on a cliffhanger, we still don't know who is the blackmailer.

As I mentioned in the first book this book also have stunning artworks throughout the book which will make reading more practical and fun. At some moments I felt that the book was bit too much descriptive and even without those details it would have been fine ..But still, It was a fun and enjoyable read.

At last, I'll just say that to read the series a experience a different type of romance story.
Profile Image for Mena and Books.
41 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2024
This will be a spoiler free review💖💖
Yall listen, this book starts off right where the last book ended!!! Starts off with a bang, you get to see more of Raven and Lucas last days in California and start their official life back in NYC… this book is full of surprises and things that will make you question everything and everyone… the huge question is “will Raven and Lucas make it once back in NYC?, will they find out who’s writing the threats??…. Hmmmm… hahaa 🤪🤪🤪

Read this amazing book! Start with the first one “Balancing Entropy then read this one!! I’m such a sucker for romance books… but this book is another level… there’s no toxicity.. real friends, real situations and could be real love story.

Also I want to give a huge thanks to the author for being super easy to talk to, writing an amazing book(s) and providing her readers with good quality books…
Oh!! And girl!! The person who drew the cover @lustforart__ and drew the pictures throughout the book!! Amazing fucking work!!
Profile Image for bougiebookbabe.
39 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2024
✨Book Review✨

“𝙸𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎’𝚜 𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚌𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚜 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚝.”

Title: Breaking Patterns
Author: M.H. Cali
@mhcali

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I want to start off by saying that I don’t usually pay much attention to book “dedications”, however this one is worth noting… this one is special.

𝒟𝑒𝒹𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃:
“𝒯𝑜 𝓃𝑜 𝑜𝓃𝑒 & 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒.
𝒯𝑜 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒷𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 & 𝑜𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝓂𝓅𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒.
𝒯𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂𝓈𝑒𝓁𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝒶𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓅.
𝒯𝑜 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝒷𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑜𝓁𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒 & 𝒻𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝑜𝓂𝑜𝓇𝓇𝑜𝓌𝓈.
𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝑒𝓃. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒾𝒻𝓊𝓁. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇.”

I have to say, that is the most beautiful book dedication I have ever read 🫶🤍

If you’re looking for a romantic suspense, this series is for you! Breaking Patterns by M.H. Cali picks up right where Balancing Entropy left off. Breaking Patterns, much like its predecessor, includes beautiful illustrations by Laurie Ya and they really help bring the story to life.

I seriously adore the romantic connection that Lucas and Raven share. I adore how real and authentic it is, without any toxicity. The character development (and relationship development as a whole) was really thoughtful and refreshing. Also, in this sequel M. H. Cali reveals where the threats towards Lucas are coming from, and I seriously did not see that twist coming! The suspense had me gripping the edge of my seat.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I absolutely love this authors writing style, the attention to detail, and the thoroughness / thoughtfulness.
Profile Image for The Windy City Bookworm.
88 reviews10 followers
March 20, 2024
Breaking patterns by MH Cali is the spectacular sevond installment in her Entropy series. It seamlessly picks up right where "Balancing Entropy" left off and I am here for it!

MH Cali has a special way of writing her characters in a rich and compelling fashione that Lucas and Raven are realistic and compelling. Readers cannot help but be drawn in and captivated by the MCs' love, friendships, and drama.

Given that this is the second book in a trilogy, I do recommend you read the first book "Balancing Entropy" first.

Favorite Quote: "How can you believe in me that much?" ... "Because I feel like I know your heart. Your beautiful, kind, ferocious, luminous heart." *swoon*

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶
Profile Image for Braylin Goolsby.
2 reviews
March 28, 2024
This isn’t my usual style of book to read, but I’m happy that I tried it out because I absolutely loved it!! After reading the first book, I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t wait to continue on. The story of Raven and Lucas was beautiful, one full of suspense and heartfelt moments. I just loved the mcs!! The only reason it isn’t 5 stars is because at times I felt myself wanting to read ahead over some of the dialogue, not because it was boring or unnecessary, but just because some of it seemed a bit too drawn out. Regardless, I loved the plot and the character depth and development and would definitely recommend this book to others!
Profile Image for Megan Thee Reader.
74 reviews6 followers
April 4, 2024
Breaking Patterns
This is the 2nd book in The Entropy Series and picks up where book 1 ends. I’m so glad that I had book 1 so I could pick up book 2 right after because I had to know what happened and how things went with Raven and Lucas. The romance between the characters and the suspense is sooo good and authentic. @mhcaliwrites gave us so much in Book 1 and Book 2 but left us with another cliffhanger so I know Book 3 is going to be 🔥. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

💛💙🖤
These books gave me all of the feels and had me wrapped up in them. I rarely re-read books but these will be re-read, recommended and definitely became my go-to comfort books.
383 reviews9 followers
March 29, 2024
Breaking Patterns is the second book from the Entropy Series. I loved and enjoyed this book as much as Balancing Entropy. M.H.Cali nailed it. I adored her writing style. Raven and Lucas's relationship and the way they keep falling for each other has my heart. Breaking Patterns is a perfect continuation of Balancing Entropy. Laurie's illustrations were perfect and adorable. There was an unexpected twist in this book. I loved the chapters in Jun and Felipe's perspectives. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
Profile Image for Readingbooksupnorth .
58 reviews
April 5, 2024
The Balancing Entropy/Breaking Patterns duology is a beautifully written romance about friendship and values and who we are underneath it all.
Raven and Lucas pick up right where we left off Balancing Entropy. It's so easy to fall in love in paradise, but when reality comes crashing down around them will the cost be worth the reward?

These characters feel so realistic and grounded. They are wonderfully wholesome, although this book is definitely not a closed door romance. I loved following through this story. Definitely give this series a try.
Profile Image for Emily.
229 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2024
“Breaking Patterns,” Written by @mhcaliwrites and illustrated by @lustforart__

This was a great sequel continuing from where book 1 left off. Raven and Luke’s chemistry was explored more into depth and oomph that cliffhanger makes me excited for Book 3. There are more stunning pieces of art work showcasing the heart felt moments and intense suspense. The drive for the plot was open, raw and realistic and this book had me reeling. I loved how it was a romance thriller that didn’t have toxicity. I rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Profile Image for Amie Derricott.
112 reviews4 followers
February 19, 2024
The second book in the Entropy series from M.H. Cali.

This starts with a new characters perspective and we don't meet Raven and Lucas again until the next chapter. We pick up where Balancing Entropy left off and we get more of the relationship growth between the two main characters. We also get chapters from Jun and Felipes perspective that adds to the overall storyline.
We also find out who the blackmailer is but again we are left on a cliffhanger! 
Cali's writing style has definitely matured between Balancing Entropy and Breaking Patterns and there is far less "fluff" added in.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one! 
Profile Image for olivia.
99 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2024
‘Breaking Patterns’ was a great addition to The Entropy Series. The main and side characters continued to develop, and the blackmailer is exposed (spoiler - it truly is who you think it is). I was a bit underwhelmed by the ending of it and look forward to reading how M.H. Cali keeps everything going in the next book!

Thank you for the opportunity of an ARC, and I am leaving this review willingly.
Profile Image for Natalie.
109 reviews15 followers
March 23, 2024
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Loved it! Book 2 jumps right into where book 1 ended and it was amazing! We got to learn more about Lucas and ravens relationship, and how much it grows. ♥️

We also get to see more POVs from Felipe, and Jun. We just get so much more from these characters and the story. M.H. Cali did an amazing job with book 2 as well!

Finally! We get to learn who the blackmailer is. I was completely shocked! But in a way I had a feeling who it was.

Now I definitely need book 3!
Profile Image for Jessica.
639 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2024
This is a good continuation from Balancing Entropy. I like the drama and suspense. This book does reveal what you want to know from the first book. Enjoyed Lucas and Raven story and looking forward to the next book.

I received an arc and this review is my own.
Author 1 book21 followers
July 9, 2024
She did it again. Book 2 in the entropy series. I could not put it down. I love the way the author pulls you into the story with characters that are so relatable. The spicy scenes I almost needed a shower to cool down. An amazing author and I cannot wait to read more from her.
Profile Image for Amy.
161 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2024
A romance suspense packed full of action. You will want to keep the pages turning!
Profile Image for Ramo.
25 reviews8 followers
July 31, 2024
I just love the two main characters so much! A solid continuation to the first book and can't wait to see where this goes.
98 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2024
I fell in love with Raven and Luke as quickly as they fell in love with eachother 😂 the idea of a chance meeting 10 years after their vacation fling was so wonderful. I swear Lucas is the perfect man. Even when he is making some poor decisions he is an absolutely phenomenal boyfriend. And I love watching him seamlessly fitting into her life.
Obviously Raven and Lucas stole the show but the side characters in this were also fantastic and I hope we get to see more of them in the final installment.
Overall this was a story about 2 people who are meant to be with an interesting side plot of blackmail and mystery.
Profile Image for forsrbibliotheque.
72 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2024
Breaking Patterns is a perfect continuation for Balancing Entropy by M.H.Cali. The relationship between Lucas and Raven progressed very well, and it was amazing to read the way they keep on falling for each other. Cali's writing style is amazing. The details are absolutely beautiful to read. She perfectly potrays the different layers of a character. Also, I m so in love with the illustrations by Laurie. They are so lovely. We also get the POV's of characters like Jun and Felipe . While Lucas and Raven find love and happiness along with friends and family, the person threatening Lucas is finally found . It was an unexpected person. But things don't end there. Lucas and Raven is going to face a powerful enemy who find people they consider weaker than them as stepping stone for their own success . I m sure things are going to be so interesting and thrilling in the upcoming book.
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