Break the Rules

Vancouver Tridents #1

by Julia Jarrett

I live by one simple my daughter and baseball are all that matter. Until I get traded to the same team my unforgettable vacation fling works for.

I wanted Willow Lawson from the first second I saw her, and once we gave in to temptation on the sunny beaches of Hawaii, I knew I’d never forget her.

But our fling was meant to be just that. A hot vacation hookup and nothing more. After all, she’s got a rule

Never date a baseball player.

When my agent lands me the deal of a lifetime with the Vancouver Tridents, it seems like the perfect move.

Until Willow walks into the conference room on my first day, and I realize maybe this time, our rules were meant to be broken.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Baseball, Workplace Romance, He Falls First, Contemporary Romance

304 pages, ebook

First published April 24, 2024

Reviews

[•.~*Izzy*~.• · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was pretty okay. there was nothing crazy that i didn’t like it just felt a little cheesy and read like every other regular romance book. didnt hate it didnt love it, it just exists

[staci ❥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

the man, the spice. baseball butts, & SINGLE DAD !!! 🥰

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a standout indie, dual POV sports romance that starts off as a no-strings vacation romance in Hawaii between strangers who meet on the plane but turns into a forced proximity, single dad MLB player forbidden love story with the team's media professional.

Spicy, heartfelt and emotional and excellent on audio narrated by Connor Crais and Angelina Rocca. This is perfect for fans of authors like Millie Perez and Maren Moore.

Many thanks to Homecooked books and the author for an ALC in exchange for my honest review! I voluntarily listened to this book and all opinions are my own.

[Kenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Darkness: none

Quotes:

“You’ve got your walls up, and I really want to know why. But if you can’t tell me, then can you at least tell me I’m not the only one suffering? Tell me it’s hard for you on the other side of that wall too.”

Tropes:
- Baseball romance
- Single dad
- Workplace romance
- Secret dating
- One night stand to lovers

Thoughts:

Maybe I’m just feeling picky, but this book just did not do it for me.

Let me start out by saying it’s not a bad book. Everything just felt kind of “eh”.

The characters were enjoyable, but flat.
The dialogue was cute, but it didn’t feel like real people talking.
The plot was good, but the pacing was off.
The spice was good the first two times, and then it felt like watching the same scene over and over and over again.
The “teasers” for the next books in the series didn’t feel natural.

Overall, it was a cute enough read, but I won’t be reaching for it again.

Spicy Chapters: 5, 8, 27, 32, 33, 37
Cheating: No
Third-act Breakup: No
HEA: Yes
OWD: No

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baseball daddy? Yes please.

📖 Break the Rules
📝 Julia Jarrett
📚 book 1 • Vancouver Tridents series

⭐️: 4.75/5
🌶️: open door, several scenes

💭 thoughts:
I was hooked from the first line of chapter 1 (you’ll see!).

I loved Willow’s energy, and how Ronan never gave up on her.
I love when there’s a kid in the story, and seeing the dynamic between the non-parent mc, how they connect - this was perfect!

I was happy to see Tori (One Night to Win You) again!
Loved getting to know the team too - excited for more of their books 😍

🎧 audiobook thoughts:
Connor Crais could read the phonebook and I'd be happy 🫠
Both Connor + Angelina Rocca did a phenomenal job bringing Ronan and Willow to life, and added so much to the story!

read if you enjoy:
⚾️ baseball player mmc
🧢 single dad
📱 team media manager fmc
🏝️ vacation one night stand
💼 workplace
🤫 secret/forbidden
🇨🇦 Canadian author + setting
💞 dual 1st person pov

Thank you to author Julia Jarrett & Home Cooked Books for advanced copies. All opinions are my own.

[Steph (Teacups & Tropes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Julia for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Omg I absolutely ATE THIS BOOK UP! I met Willow when Tori and Sawyer had their romance and when this series was announced I knew I was going to read it. Baseball romance? 👏🏻

Ronan is one of the best book boyfriends I’ve read this year. He’s basically a walking green flag and the way he is with his daughter 🥹 SO DANG CUTE. My son is also in love with Moana so I felt a real kinship between Ronan and “Rocket.”

I wish they didn’t have to hide their relationship but I get why Willow wanted to. Also Lydia? FREAKING THE WORST BOSS EVER.

I can’t wait to get some of the other player’s stories. I’m already SO invested in Lark and Monty and Darling 🥹🩵

This was a home run by JJ! I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Lauren Nesic · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved it! Would recommend, almost perfect and likely would reread.
🌶️: start at 50% vanilla sex, around 3 described scenes, might have praise kink and maybe one butt play scene.

Ronan, prioritizing his daughter and baseball above all else, faces a major upheaval when he's traded to the same team as Willow Lawson, his unforgettable vacation fling. Despite their agreement for a no-strings-attached encounter on Hawaii's beaches, Ronan can't shake his desire for Willow. However, she has a strict rule against dating baseball players. When Ronan's agent secures him a lucrative deal with the Vancouver Tridents, he sees it as an opportunity for a fresh start. Yet, when Willow unexpectedly appears at his new team's office, Ronan questions whether they should break their rules for each other.

I devoured this book, it was so charming and the dynamic between Ronan and Willow was palpable. I loved the strength of Willow and her determination because I love powerful women. I loved her friendship with Tori and I loved getting moments of her. I loved how protective he was of his women which is so needed in a single dad romance. He gave Willow everything she wanted in life, when that man said "I want to be the only man to give her what she deserves. First, last, only." I was done for. I can't wait to see where the next books go.

DECEMBER REREAD VIA AUDIO
I adored this audiobook, the narrators did such a good job of bringing these characters alive and nailed how I heard them in my head. Connor is truly one of my favourite narrators and the audiobook experience definitely made it more enjoyable.

Thank you Julia for the early reader copy
Tropes: one night stand, workplace romance, sports romance (baseball), single dad, he falls first, no third act break up.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧

If you can have me laughing to the point of tears at the start of a story, you might be a good writer. If you have me continue to enjoy myself so much throughout the story that not even the smallest of twitchy circumstances brings me down, you might be a great writer. If you write a feel-good romance full of heart and joy even when it’s not all rainbows and gumdrops, then obviously you’re a word wizard and I now bow to your greatness! 😍😍

I loved this story hard. It was such an easy listen that entertained me and just made me happy. The story truly had me hooked from the beginning and I think that’s the kismet/fate aspect of Ronan and Willow’s story. Yes, they had hiccups along the way but that’s inherit in any relationship build so even those felt natural and organic. Nothing about this story was dramatic or over the top and GAH do I appreciate that!

🎧Dual narration by 🎙️Connor Crais and Angelina Rocca🎙️ was expertly executed. They both complimented each other so well and were so intune with each other that it felt like they were in the same room narrating! That’s pretty high praise coming from me because I am picky as picky can get! #IYKYK *wink* Well done to them both and to Julia for providing the words for them!

Really good experience overall. I can’t attest whether the audio or ebook would better than the other or the same because I haven’t read it but I know the story was really good so I’m thinking that’s enough for me to say that either way you go, this is going to be a story you will enjoy tremendously!

[Amber Dubach · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️

[Voice of a Tureheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️
First baseball romance for me.
Listen to the audiobook. 4/5 for the audio

[Amanda Skreet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Honestly the first 65% of this book was like a 2 star read for me, the FMC was kind of insufferable. But the last bit was super sweet and of course the epilogue was sweet as well

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronan and Willow’s story starts with a vacation fling that neither one can forget about, but life has a funny way of pulling them apart to get them back together. Ronan is an incredible father that is completely devoted to his daughter and giving her the best life ever, so when he is traded to another team he has some reservations about it all until he runs into Willow again. Willow works for the Vancouver Trident baseball team and the last person she never expects to see again is standing right in front of her and she quickly puts her walls up and tells him things will strictly be professional between them. Ronan is a softie at heart that believes in fate and his growing attraction to Willow drives him to show her all the ways they are perfect together. I loved these two together and getting to see all the different sides to them both. The story was fun, steamy, emotional, and it was so easy to fall for Ronan in all his amazing ways.

[CourtneyS · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level:  🌶🌶/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: Yes, I would
•Recommend: Yes
•Platform: Audiobook and Ebook
•Trope: Baseball romance, Forbidden, Single Dad

• Thoughts:
Julia Garrett's a new to me author, and I am not disappointed in the slightest, I am looking forward to the rest of this series. I loved Roman and Willow and how they met on vacation and chancing their meet ups on fate. It was cute, and I really, really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, but it's an easy read that kept me entertained and invested. Plus, how do you not love a baseball romance annnnddd a single dad! Yes please.

NARRATOR THOUGHTS:
• Angelina Rocca and Connor Crais
•Dual Narration
•Listening at a 1.5 speed.
Perfection!! PERFECTION! I loved them both so much! They brought this book to life and kept me entertained! I definitely recommend this book and would recommend it in audio. Angelina and Connor were awesome.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Willow's uncle owns the baseball team she works for. It's not easy being a woman in a male dominated field. So there's a constant battle to keep a shred of her dignity and respect. Willow's number one rule is don't date a baseball player. But when she meets single dad, Ronan that rule seems harder to obey.

I thought this was a great sports romance! Ronan was so charismatic. I loved his relationship with his daughter. When Ronan and Willow first meet there is sizzling chemistry. Due to certain circumstances they end up sharing a room. I enjoyed the spontaneity and the fun moments they experienced on the vacation. I adored Willow. I loved that she was so easy going.

As for the audiobook narration, it was fantastic! Performed in dual by Connor Crais and Angelina Rocca. These two were amazing as Ronan and Willow. Angelina was a joy to listen to. Her range in male voices was wonderful. She captured Willow's confidence and boldness. Connor captured Ronan's affection for Willow. You can hear in his tone how Ronan was smitten and in love with Willow. I enjoyed his lighthearted tone. Overall, I loved it!

Audiobook coming soon!

Thank you to the author and @homecookedbookspromo for my ALC and for the opportunity to review and listen.

[lena ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute but nothing too crazy

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick tropical vacation fling with a stranger that turns into a workplace romance? Count me in! This was a fun one, and I loved getting to know Ronan and Willow, and the nuances of the baseball world. Ronan was the sweetest, devoted dad to his little girl, I couldn’t get enough of him. And Willow fit right in with them, it was perfect. It was a great start to the series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else the Vancouver Tridents have in store. The side characters were so intriguing!

Connor Crais and Angelina Rocca narrate the audiobook, and do a fabulous job bringing the characters to life. They’re two of my favorites to listen to and always give incredible performances, leaving me hanging on to their every word! 👏🏼👏🏼


Listen if you like ⇣
•Baseball romance
•Single dad
•Vacation fling
•Workplace romance
•Second chance
•Forbidden romance
•Dual POV
•Spice

Thank you so much @homecookedbookspromos & @juliajarrettauthor for the ALC!

[BookishRaquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️ | 5 🎧

What to Expect:
- Baseball Romance
- Single Dad
- Vacation One Night Stand
- Workplace Romance
- Forbidden Romance
- Forced Proximity
- He Falls First
- Dual 1st Person POV

Break the Rules is the first book in the Vancouver Tridents series and my first read by Julia Jarrett. It grabbed my attention from the first scene in chapter one 🤭 Willow, the assistant director of media relations for the Vancouver Tridents baseball team, spots Ronan at the airport. She discovers he is a professional baseball player, but has a strict rule against dating them. As fate would have it, they end up seated next to each other on their flight and staying at the same resort in Hawaii. They have a wonderful time together, including a hot one-night stand. Months later, Ronan is traded to the Vancouver Tridents, forcing them to work together. What initially started as a no-strings-attached vacation fling ends up being an encounter that has them both wanting to break the rules.

This story has two things I love - baseball and forbidden workplace romance. I loved Willow and Ronan individually and adored them together. Willow is a strong, badass woman in sports. Ronan is super swoony, protective, and an amazing dad. His scenes with his daughter were super sweet. Ronan was down bad for Willow. The way he couldn't keep his hands off of her had me giddy and kicking my feet. I also loved his patience and their healthy communication. They had an amazing connection and undeniable chemistry. It was impossible not to root for them. I loved Willow's moments with Ronan's daughter and how she seamlessly fit in with them. Break the Rules is a great start to this series. I can't wait to read/listen to the next book.

Narration:
Angelina Rocca and Connor Crais performed this audiobook using dual-style narration. As usual, they knocked this one out of the park. Angelina and Connor were the perfect voices for Willow and Ronan, bringing these characters to life in the best way. This is such a fun duo, and their voices flow so well together. Angelina and Connor effortlessly delivered a performance full of emotion and with amazing attention to detail.

Thanks to Julia Jarrett and Home Cooked Books for the gifted ALC. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Taylor the.bookish.doodles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was obsessed with this book from start to finish. Willow and Ronan were perfection. She doesn't date baseball players but they have a vacation fling. Later down the road, he gets traded to the team she works for. He's a single dad who is obsessed with his daughter and is a momma's boy. The way he loves his family is so heartwarming.

The chemistry between Ronan and Willow is intense and they can't seem to stay away from each other. It was addicting to read. Ronan is literally the best book boyfriend. He was a gentleman who was able to communicate well (GIVE ME ALL THE HEALTHY COMMUNICATION). I just loved reading their relationship journey.

🎧 NARRATION 🎧

Connor Crais and Angelia Rocca did a PHENOMENAL job with this audio. Connor was the perfect voice for Ronan. Angelia brought Willow to life. I enjoyed every aspect of their performance.

Thank you Julia Jarrett and Home Cooked Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Katelyn Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up, didn’t love it, didn’t hate it, but I enjoyed it. A bit too telling and not enough showing in regards to character growth and connection building

[Nanii’s Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: Break the Rules (Vancouver Tridents #1)
Author: Julia Jarrett
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈:
🧢 Single Dad
⚾️ Vacation Fling
🧢 Sports Romance
⚾️ Secret Relationship
🧢 Forbidden Romance
⚾️ Workplace Romance

My first ever read by Julia Jarrett and it did not disappoint one bit. I couldn’t put this one down. This the first in the Vancouver Tridents series and it was such a great start. This book follows Ronan Sinclair, a single father and baseball player, and Willow Lawson, a media relations staff member for the Vancouver Tridents. The two are on the same flight to Hawaii and they are constantly running into each other, they both agree to a hot vacation fling, no strings attached thinking that they would never have to see each other again but they get a little fun surprise when Ronan gets traded to Willow’s team. Ronan wasn’t aware that she worked for his new team, let alone that her uncle was the owner but that doesn’t stop him from going after what he wants. He’s persistent but the man is respectful.

I loved this book and the vibes, it was such a cute read for me. I love the single dad trope especially when it’s so perfectly executed. I always look forward to reading about the bonds the MCs have with the children involved, bonus points if the connection is instant. The team and side characters were all so great it’s kind of hard not to want a book for them, well maybe not everyone. That Lydia character was really something (and no, not in a good way), she was just the worst boss and I’m willing to bet we’ve all had a Lydia in our work lives at some point. The welcome the team extended to Ronan and his family was all so sweet. The epilogue was nicely done and a great ending to it as well. I cannot wait for the next book.

𝑫𝑰𝑺𝑪𝑳𝑨𝑰𝑴𝑬𝑹: As always, although this is an E-ARC, my thoughts are my own and this is my honest review. Thank you to Julia Jarrett for the ARC opportunity.

☽ 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 💚

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Jarrett is an exceptionally talented author who has captured my heart! I can hardly contain my excitement as I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this delightful series. The enchanting interactions between Ronan and Willow during their vacation were mesmerizing, and witnessing the evolution of their relationship throughout the story brought me true joy. This book provided an immersive experience, keeping me engaged and entertained from the first page to the last.
Who could resist a charming baseball romance featuring a devoted single father? Right from the start, I was drawn in by a wonderfully humorous opening that perfectly set the tone. The blend of light-heartedness and undeniable chemistry between Ronan and Willow is something I will cherish for a long time. Their love story felt like destiny, with fate bringing them together at every turn. The romance blossomed, showcasing Ronan as a caring and committed character. His deep affection for Willow was beautifully portrayed. From the outset, it was clear that Ronan was smitten! It’s hard not to admire a hero who is so compassionate, thoughtful, and utterly devoted to his child.
This book is an incredible adventure filled with stolen glances, electrifying tension, and heartfelt revelations. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The cast is outstanding, and Angelina consistently crafts engaging and emotionally rich narratives that I sincerely appreciate. Willow is depicted as multifaceted and self-assured, and Angelina exquisitely captures her essence. Ronan embodies the spirit of a fun-loving single dad focused on his love for baseball and family. Connor’s portrayal of Ronan’s profound feelings for Willow is simply brilliant! From the moment Ronan lays eyes on Willow, eager to win her affection, Connor skillfully highlights Ronan’s most admirable qualities, especially his deep commitment to his daughter. Angelina’s voice is truly captivating drawing you effortlessly into the characters’ emotional journeys. Her impressive vocal range and outstanding portrayal of male characters add incredible depth to the narrative, making it easy to connect with each one. The collaboration between Angelina and Connor for this dual narration is a stroke of genius; their seamless chemistry allows the story to unfold beautifully.

[Alicia S · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚾️ Break The Rules ⚾️ (Book 1 in the Vancouver Trident series) by Julia Jarret

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: 4 ⭐️; 2 🌶️

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

⚾️ This was a wonderfully fun read especially during baseball season.

⚾️ Ronan is just a great book boyfriend. He communicates, he’s a great dad, he really truly understands consent - which is ♾️ ⭐️ just for that. I enjoyed his character and how he grows through the book in finding how he will fit with not only his career, his place as a dad, and potentially his relationship with the one woman he shouldn’t date.

⚾️ Willow was a breath of fresh air. Truly a wonderful independent woman who had me laughing in the first part of the book. Her character growth as not only a hard worker but as someone who sticks up for what she wants and who she wants really kept me engaged.

⚾️ I enjoyed the side characters of this book and how they all played their parts. It was wonderful to fall not only in love with the main characters but all of the side ones as well. The 🌶️ scenes are there - I will say however, I did skip the last ones cause they didn’t give anything to the book and I was just ready for the HEA.

⚾️ I only deducted a ⭐️ because I felt as though the epilogue was rushed and you’re left wondering really how the characters got where they were especially since it jumps 5 years. It just bothered me and I felt it could��ve been built on in other books. Idk that’s just me.

⚾️ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 ⚾️

* Single Dad
* Vacation Fling
* Workplace romance
* Baseball Romance
* Forbidden
* Forced Proximity

📖

[Samantha Brinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly yes please I freaking LOVED this book. I needed a walking green flag baseball daddy in my life and Ronan fits the role perfectly. My favorite book boyfriends of the year list is calling.

Ronan's mega attraction at first sight to Willow is pitch perfect, and their one night together while on vacation is scorching hot. I am a complete sucker for a one night stand OMG TURNS OUT WE WORK TOGETHER, and boy did this book deliver.

Willow is incredible as a badass woman in sports, and watching her slowly lower her walls when Ronan made her feel like it was safe made me want to stand up and cheer. I love how much these two gave to each other. Ronan gave her the soul-deep love she has been looking for and the rock solid support while she chased her dreams, and Willow gave him the forever family he wants for him and his daughter. The way these two love each other is what dreams are made of.

This whole book is what dreams are made of, and I can't wait to dive into book 2.

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break the Rules is my first book by author Julia Jarrett and I devoured this book all in one sitting and loved every minute of it. Ronan is a single dad, baseball player whose love and devotion to his 4 year old daughter, Peyton just melts my heart and has me swooning. He doesn’t have time for a relationship until he meets Willow and she ends up being the woman that completes his family. I loved seeing these two together and their sexy times were hot throughout this book. I enjoyed the secondary characters and looking forward to reading their stories.

[Renée Gendron]

An interesting start to the series where a vacation fling turns into a forbidden workplace romance.

There's plenty of spice in this book, and the characters are relatable. Willow has problems with her boss. Her boss doesn't acknowledge how much effort she puts in and how well equipped Willow is to take over the boss's job.

Ronan is focused on raising his daughter as a single dad (with plenty of help from his mom) and his baseball career. Yet, when he's traded to the team Willow works for... that vacation fling stares him right in the face.

A great start to the series.

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Ronan and Willow's forbidden, one night stand turned more was so great! I loved single dad Ronan and how much he absolutely loves his daughter.

Willow is a strong, badass character who knows what she wants, but the way she allows herself to be vulnerable with Ronan is so sweet.

I really loved this book and can't wait for the next one!

[Paola · Rating 3 out of 5]

partió interesante con eso de que se conocieran en hawaii y tuvieran algo pero después me saltó a 6 meses y tienen que verse todos los días (pq el el beisbolista y ella es de pr o no me acuerdo pero algo así ajsjaj) y de la nada como que ya se aman? donde está lo prohibido que me prometieron😭 su romance no me lo creí para nada que sad

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. This is another new to me author and I was not disappointed! Ronan Sinclair is a single dad who is transferred to Vancouver, and the Tridents baseball team. Several months earlier, on a trip to Hawaii, he met Willow Lawson. They spent a few lovely days together before Ronan had to leave. They never thought they would see each other again, so imagine Ronan’s surprise when he discovers Willow works for the Tridents!

I absolutely loved Ronan. He was so sweet to Willow, who was adopted and had some pretty deep abandonment issues. Willow was a tough nut to crack, but it was worth the wait. Great read. Starting book 2 today!

[Esra Cengiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the whole reason for single dad romances is that we mostly get to see the fmc and the child bond together and, if there is appropriate circumstances, the child call her mom. Why are these types of books sre being written is beyond me. All together the romance part was good, i just think it shouldn’t be marketed as a single dad if there is going to be this little.

[Heather Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ronan and Willow's forbidden, sports romance! Ronan and Willow spend an unforgettable night om vacation together. Sparks flew and chemistry was hot!
They run into each other later in the year only to find out Willow works for the professional baseball team Ronan was just traded to.
Ronan is also a single dad to a cute 4 year old girl.
I can't wait to read the next book! Mav's!