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Rule Breaker
Maddox Hockey is the only thing I care about. College? Hell no. And the last thing I need is Kayden, a golden retriever teammate who thinks I’m gonna drop my surly attitude and become his BFF. I know from painful experience to never to let my guard down and the only rule I follow is my own. But unlike everyone else, Kayden doesn’t sprint away from me. Instead, he’s skating too close. And we’re set to collide.
Kayden I love college. My hockey team, the parties, the people. Classes, not so much. Especially when I get paired with Maddox, a goalie who offers nothing but snarky comments and snide looks. He’s brilliant and beautiful, and I’m the jock on an athletic scholarship. He hates me but so what? We’re stuck together at away games. His anger sparks a reckless want I’ve never felt before. And I always follow the rules. So why does Maddox make me want to break every one?
Rule Breaker is a double queer awakening, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, college hockey MM romance. Expect broken boys, bruised hearts, and an HEA neither saw coming. Themes of mental health, learning disorder, and first times.
Kayden I love college. My hockey team, the parties, the people. Classes, not so much. Especially when I get paired with Maddox, a goalie who offers nothing but snarky comments and snide looks. He’s brilliant and beautiful, and I’m the jock on an athletic scholarship. He hates me but so what? We’re stuck together at away games. His anger sparks a reckless want I’ve never felt before. And I always follow the rules. So why does Maddox make me want to break every one?
Rule Breaker is a double queer awakening, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, college hockey MM romance. Expect broken boys, bruised hearts, and an HEA neither saw coming. Themes of mental health, learning disorder, and first times.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2024
244 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Ava Olsen
29 books196 followersAva Olsen writes steamy & dreamy contemporary romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
October 9, 2024
4.5 stars for Kayden and his angry bee!!
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read this author before and I did like those books but I know their books aren’t always 100% safe sex wise so I was a little nervous going in.
Maddox is literally the grumpiest grump to ever grump. It takes a minute to warm up to him because he’s just so rude! He doesn’t go out of his way to be mean like he’s not a bully but if you even say hi to him he’s like eff off don’t talk to me. It was jarring at first. BUT I’m glad we get his POV because you see Maddox isn’t the big asshole he seems to be. He does little things for Kayden that are honestly so cute.
Kayden is the sunshine to his grump. He’s a golden retriever all the way. Kayden is so sweet. He sees something in Maddox and is very persistent on being friends. Both of them start looking at each other in a way they never have before and then they become more. I loved how Kayden brought Maddox out of his shell and how Maddox gave Kayden more confidence when it came to his dyslexia. They were so sweet together.
And guess what guys? We have dual virgins!!!! Maddox hasn’t even been kissed before and Kayden has only kissed a few girls! Ahh this made me so happy!! Kayden was Maddox’s first everything. Kayden says he’s bi but that he could be Demi. He didn’t like the kisses with the girls and he only feels comfortable being with someone who knows him well. Maddox has a gay awakening.
The only reason I couldn’t give it full 5 stars was because Maddox pushed Kayden away multiple times. Not once, not twice but THREE times. The last time he did it had me so angry at him. Especially since he tried to make himself believe they were nothing more than hooking up and I didn’t like his thoughts revolving Kayden. Also they don’t say I love you til the last chapter and idk why that bugged me. I totally get why Maddox was the way he was because of his past but I don’t think we needed him pushing Kayden away so many times.
But nonetheless I did enjoy the book. I was bummed we don’t get to see Dane and Jackson’s story though, it’s in this book but we are on the outside of it.
Also their friends didn’t have manwhore vibes and I hope that’s the same theme with the rest of the series. Especially since like I said earlier I know this author isn’t always 100% safe.
Axel and Jace are next. I loved Jace but I hate Axel with a passion so I really hope he redeems himself. Also it’s a bffs ex book which I usually don’t read but I may still read it.
NO CHEATING
NO OP DRAMA (Kayden dances with a girl but that’s literally it, nothing happens)
A COUPLE SEPARATIONS (Maddox pushed away)
DUAL VIRGINS
DOUBLE AWAKENING
PAST CHILD ABUSE
DYSLEXIC MC
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read this author before and I did like those books but I know their books aren’t always 100% safe sex wise so I was a little nervous going in.
Maddox is literally the grumpiest grump to ever grump. It takes a minute to warm up to him because he’s just so rude! He doesn’t go out of his way to be mean like he’s not a bully but if you even say hi to him he’s like eff off don’t talk to me. It was jarring at first. BUT I’m glad we get his POV because you see Maddox isn’t the big asshole he seems to be. He does little things for Kayden that are honestly so cute.
Kayden is the sunshine to his grump. He’s a golden retriever all the way. Kayden is so sweet. He sees something in Maddox and is very persistent on being friends. Both of them start looking at each other in a way they never have before and then they become more. I loved how Kayden brought Maddox out of his shell and how Maddox gave Kayden more confidence when it came to his dyslexia. They were so sweet together.
And guess what guys? We have dual virgins!!!! Maddox hasn’t even been kissed before and Kayden has only kissed a few girls! Ahh this made me so happy!! Kayden was Maddox’s first everything. Kayden says he’s bi but that he could be Demi. He didn’t like the kisses with the girls and he only feels comfortable being with someone who knows him well. Maddox has a gay awakening.
The only reason I couldn’t give it full 5 stars was because Maddox pushed Kayden away multiple times. Not once, not twice but THREE times. The last time he did it had me so angry at him. Especially since he tried to make himself believe they were nothing more than hooking up and I didn’t like his thoughts revolving Kayden. Also they don’t say I love you til the last chapter and idk why that bugged me. I totally get why Maddox was the way he was because of his past but I don’t think we needed him pushing Kayden away so many times.
But nonetheless I did enjoy the book. I was bummed we don’t get to see Dane and Jackson’s story though, it’s in this book but we are on the outside of it.
Also their friends didn’t have manwhore vibes and I hope that’s the same theme with the rest of the series. Especially since like I said earlier I know this author isn’t always 100% safe.
Axel and Jace are next. I loved Jace but I hate Axel with a passion so I really hope he redeems himself. Also it’s a bffs ex book which I usually don’t read but I may still read it.
NO CHEATING
NO OP DRAMA (Kayden dances with a girl but that’s literally it, nothing happens)
A COUPLE SEPARATIONS (Maddox pushed away)
DUAL VIRGINS
DOUBLE AWAKENING
PAST CHILD ABUSE
DYSLEXIC MC
October 3, 2024
This is a great start to a new hockey series. Maddox and Kayden are the ultimate grumpy/sunshine couple. Hockey, forced proximity, hurt/comfort and first times, this one had it all! I’m so excited about this new series and I can’t wait for the next one!
August 24, 2025
I kind of hate the cover but the book was pretty good. It was actually very similar to the last book I just finished so I was mostly confused the whole time lol.
November 25, 2024
Tropes: hurt/comfort, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, sports romance, dual virgins
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: technically yes, but it came off as more of a HFN
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: ADHD, Dyslexia, abusive & neglectful addict parents, parent death in past, miscommunication
3.25 Stars
Maddox and Kayden are college students that play on the same hockey team. They are 20 and 19 respectively. Maddox was abused and neglected by his parents as a child, and went into foster care after his mom died and his dad got charged with child abuse. He is a prickly grump and relies on no one, he doesn't socialize. Kayden is a golden retriever type of character, he's everybody's friend, he's very sociable. Kayden is struggling to keep his grades up and keep his scholarship, he has ADHD and dyslexia, and he struggles a bit with his self-esteem because he's been bullied in the past for coming off as dumb due to his learning disabilities. Neither have been with anyone before. They initially clash because Maddox shoots his friendly overtures down, but Kayden is persistent and eventually they get talking and start to build a rapport and are attracted to each other. They are roommates for away games.
This was an okay book. There were some funny moments and the characters were sweet / endearing / vulnerable at times. I like a grumpy prickly black cat character, so there were some moments I really enjoyed of Maddox's prickliness and complete antisocial behavior. Overall though, the characters and the storytelling came off a little juvenile / immature.
Things I didn't like:
- Maddox keeps saying he's going to help Kayden with studying. He helps him once and then he goes into a sulk for weeks or days at end and doesn't give him any help. Basically ignores him and give him the cold shoulder. Kayden needs actual help consistently
- I know the characters are young, they are 19 and 20. But in general this book has a bunch of juvenile conversation and juvenile logic. The MMCs weren't mature enough for their age for me.
- I didn't quite like how some of the coming out scenes were handled. Once Axel threatened to tell the coach, I could understand why they needed to tell him before Axel did, but they had already decided they were going to tell the coach before. And it was just a weird rationale. Kayden coming out to his friends via word vomit was a bit of an overshare and immature. And while it was a nice solidarity for everyone to come out at the end, it came out of nowhere for Maddox and Kayden who had just been saying they wanted to stay in the closet - I wanted at least a hint / breadcrumb that this was something they wanted to do.
- I was disappointed that there wasn't a post college epilogue or at least more hints of what their future looked like. Because the author didn't give us that, it read more as a HFN, we have no idea if one or both of them is going to make it to the NHL and what their life could look like post-college, whether they can make their relationship work.
Some notable moments:
"“Mad, did you compliment me?” “Fuck off.” “Your mouth says fuck off, but your body language says—” Kayden gave me a long once over and and I started sweating. “No, it still says fuck off.”"
I appreciated this little moment where characters had to realize that they didn't know what everyone was struggling with, and the people you think have it easy don't necessarily have it easy. "Axel raised up his hands. “Look, I don’t want anything to fuck up this season. You don’t know the kind of pressure I’m under.” “We’re all under it. All of us. I’m on scholarship, and I struggle with my classes because I have dyslexia,” I blurted out. “What do you think I’m going through every day?” Axel stared at me and slumped back against the wall."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: technically yes, but it came off as more of a HFN
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: ADHD, Dyslexia, abusive & neglectful addict parents, parent death in past, miscommunication
3.25 Stars
Maddox and Kayden are college students that play on the same hockey team. They are 20 and 19 respectively. Maddox was abused and neglected by his parents as a child, and went into foster care after his mom died and his dad got charged with child abuse. He is a prickly grump and relies on no one, he doesn't socialize. Kayden is a golden retriever type of character, he's everybody's friend, he's very sociable. Kayden is struggling to keep his grades up and keep his scholarship, he has ADHD and dyslexia, and he struggles a bit with his self-esteem because he's been bullied in the past for coming off as dumb due to his learning disabilities. Neither have been with anyone before. They initially clash because Maddox shoots his friendly overtures down, but Kayden is persistent and eventually they get talking and start to build a rapport and are attracted to each other. They are roommates for away games.
This was an okay book. There were some funny moments and the characters were sweet / endearing / vulnerable at times. I like a grumpy prickly black cat character, so there were some moments I really enjoyed of Maddox's prickliness and complete antisocial behavior. Overall though, the characters and the storytelling came off a little juvenile / immature.
Things I didn't like:
- Maddox keeps saying he's going to help Kayden with studying. He helps him once and then he goes into a sulk for weeks or days at end and doesn't give him any help. Basically ignores him and give him the cold shoulder. Kayden needs actual help consistently
- I know the characters are young, they are 19 and 20. But in general this book has a bunch of juvenile conversation and juvenile logic. The MMCs weren't mature enough for their age for me.
- I didn't quite like how some of the coming out scenes were handled. Once Axel threatened to tell the coach, I could understand why they needed to tell him before Axel did, but they had already decided they were going to tell the coach before. And it was just a weird rationale. Kayden coming out to his friends via word vomit was a bit of an overshare and immature. And while it was a nice solidarity for everyone to come out at the end, it came out of nowhere for Maddox and Kayden who had just been saying they wanted to stay in the closet - I wanted at least a hint / breadcrumb that this was something they wanted to do.
- I was disappointed that there wasn't a post college epilogue or at least more hints of what their future looked like. Because the author didn't give us that, it read more as a HFN, we have no idea if one or both of them is going to make it to the NHL and what their life could look like post-college, whether they can make their relationship work.
Some notable moments:
"“Mad, did you compliment me?” “Fuck off.” “Your mouth says fuck off, but your body language says—” Kayden gave me a long once over and and I started sweating. “No, it still says fuck off.”"
I appreciated this little moment where characters had to realize that they didn't know what everyone was struggling with, and the people you think have it easy don't necessarily have it easy. "Axel raised up his hands. “Look, I don’t want anything to fuck up this season. You don’t know the kind of pressure I’m under.” “We’re all under it. All of us. I’m on scholarship, and I struggle with my classes because I have dyslexia,” I blurted out. “What do you think I’m going through every day?” Axel stared at me and slumped back against the wall."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
This sucked. I don’t even write reviews for the books I read anymore but I can’t stop thinking about how annoying this book was.
The author should get a refund from her editor because I rarely notice spelling and grammar errors and couldn’t get through even a few pages without wondering how this version ever saw the light of day.
There were so many things I didn’t like about the story itself, it’s exhausting to even think about listing them, but top offenders were: all the fucking side characters (we get it, it’s going to be an inter-connected standalone series); an under-researched and misrepresentative depiction of adhd and/or dyslexia (tell me again about taking adhd stimulants at bedtime); the disingenuous lead up to the reveal of Maddox’s traumatic past - Maddox’s trauma was so weirdly teased throughout the book as if it was a secret to even Maddox and then all of a sudden he’s super cool to talk about it and worst of all: it’s boring (ok, this one’s on me, but I thought it was going to be something way more interesting and dramatic than it was considering the lead up); so much telling vs showing (no, like, we get that he’s grumpy); such inconsistent reactions/personalities/choices especially once they hookup; a ninefuckingteen year old getting what sounds like the worlds ugliest tattoo for his first boyfriend; chapters upon chapters of build up for specific events and then the event itself is summarized in a past-tense sentence; WEIRD TIME JUMPS/timeline; using the same not age/era appropriate turns of phrases a dozen or so times… Ok I need to stop—my thoughts are getting jumbled and I’m getting more annoyed.
Just such amateurish writing and horrible editing… AI could have done a better job with either AND THAT PAINS ME.
The author should get a refund from her editor because I rarely notice spelling and grammar errors and couldn’t get through even a few pages without wondering how this version ever saw the light of day.
There were so many things I didn’t like about the story itself, it’s exhausting to even think about listing them, but top offenders were: all the fucking side characters (we get it, it’s going to be an inter-connected standalone series); an under-researched and misrepresentative depiction of adhd and/or dyslexia (tell me again about taking adhd stimulants at bedtime); the disingenuous lead up to the reveal of Maddox’s traumatic past - Maddox’s trauma was so weirdly teased throughout the book as if it was a secret to even Maddox and then all of a sudden he’s super cool to talk about it and worst of all: it’s boring (ok, this one’s on me, but I thought it was going to be something way more interesting and dramatic than it was considering the lead up); so much telling vs showing (no, like, we get that he’s grumpy); such inconsistent reactions/personalities/choices especially once they hookup; a ninefuckingteen year old getting what sounds like the worlds ugliest tattoo for his first boyfriend; chapters upon chapters of build up for specific events and then the event itself is summarized in a past-tense sentence; WEIRD TIME JUMPS/timeline; using the same not age/era appropriate turns of phrases a dozen or so times… Ok I need to stop—my thoughts are getting jumbled and I’m getting more annoyed.
Just such amateurish writing and horrible editing… AI could have done a better job with either AND THAT PAINS ME.
April 23, 2025
College hockey romance ✅
Grumpy /sunshine ✅
Team mates ✅
Oops Only 1 bed ✅
Alexa play Hot N Cold by Katy Perry ✅
Maddox is an angry, distrustful, and hurt man. Life has screwed him over.
Kayden is a goofy friendly kinda guy but low self confidence when it comes to his intelligence or dating. He’s a sweet guy, volunteers for a children’s charity.
They play for the cougars but Maddox is not really into team building. He eats with ear pods so he can ignore everyone.
Kayden and Maddox have to share a room when their team is on the road. Maddox can’t share a room because of some trauma I think.
Kayden is on a mission to be BFF with Maddox and make freaking friendships bracelets… for the whole team of course 🤣 I feel like Maddox’s ice is melting a tiny bit towards him. He feels a bit protective of Kayden.
There’s a mutual attraction there.
Maddox keeps buying Kayden thoughtful things like a friendship making kit awww
‘But to my complete shock, Maddox slid over my lap and straddled my waist. And when he lowered himself over me, his hips meeting mine, his ass sitting snug against my dick, I couldn’t help the filthy groan that rumbled out of my chest. “Oh fuck,” I whispered. This was really happening. Maddox was touching me. I was touching him.’
They make out, there’s orgasms but then Maddox freaks out and ask’s Kayden to leave.
They eventually make up. And make out again.
‘He’s hot and cold, and either way, I always get burned.”
On the road again and there’s a convention at the hotel they are staying at soo bad luck guys , only 1 bed.
They enjoyed the one bed situation.
Kaydens made the friendship bracelets.
“Hey, Kayden!” Jace called out. “Why does Rocher get black and yellow?” “That’s simple,” I replied with a smile. “Cause he’s my angry bee.”
Kayden invites Maddox to his family’s place for Christmas. Maddox ends things, breaking Kaydens heart
Christmas at Kaydens house goes like this :-
“You’ve got it bad for one of your teammates?” my sister Janina yelled out. “That’s so hot.”
‘My younger sisters, Reena and Jenna, pulled out their phones. “I’m googling him,” Reena announced as she and Jenna giggled.’
“Are you out of your mind?” My dad barked. “You’re under the radar of professional league scouts. If it comes out that you’ve been…involved with your teammate, forget your chances of ever playing at that level!”
“Why didn’t you tell us you were gay?” my brother Alec asked.’
“You know we love you no matter what. And if you’re bi, well, then, that’s who you are,” Mom announced.”
‘Rory, who was the youngest—and quietest—brother, spoke up. “Maybe we can set you up while you’re here for the weekend? My friend Geoff is gay and single.”
‘Holy shit, my family was wild.’
Back at school and they get back together. A secret, exclusive relationship. I know Maddox has his reasons for running hot and cold but arghh they are that couple . The ones that get together , break up, get together.
Maddox open up about his traumatic past. Kayden is there to comfort him.
“Kiss me like you mean it,” I whispered. “Boyfriend.” Maddox did just that.’
They tell their coach and he’s like they go forward like normal but keep him informed.
They tell their teammates too.
“Did you just say you loved me?” I nodded, too choked up for a moment to do anything else. “I broke my own rule.” Kayden smiled and pulled me in for a resounding kiss. I held on just as tight. “I love you, too,” he whispered against my lips. “And you didn’t break anything. Remember? Our relationship, our rules.”
Grumpy /sunshine ✅
Team mates ✅
Oops Only 1 bed ✅
Alexa play Hot N Cold by Katy Perry ✅
Maddox is an angry, distrustful, and hurt man. Life has screwed him over.
Kayden is a goofy friendly kinda guy but low self confidence when it comes to his intelligence or dating. He’s a sweet guy, volunteers for a children’s charity.
They play for the cougars but Maddox is not really into team building. He eats with ear pods so he can ignore everyone.
Kayden and Maddox have to share a room when their team is on the road. Maddox can’t share a room because of some trauma I think.
Kayden is on a mission to be BFF with Maddox and make freaking friendships bracelets… for the whole team of course 🤣 I feel like Maddox’s ice is melting a tiny bit towards him. He feels a bit protective of Kayden.
There’s a mutual attraction there.
Maddox keeps buying Kayden thoughtful things like a friendship making kit awww
‘But to my complete shock, Maddox slid over my lap and straddled my waist. And when he lowered himself over me, his hips meeting mine, his ass sitting snug against my dick, I couldn’t help the filthy groan that rumbled out of my chest. “Oh fuck,” I whispered. This was really happening. Maddox was touching me. I was touching him.’
They make out, there’s orgasms but then Maddox freaks out and ask’s Kayden to leave.
They eventually make up. And make out again.
‘He’s hot and cold, and either way, I always get burned.”
On the road again and there’s a convention at the hotel they are staying at soo bad luck guys , only 1 bed.
They enjoyed the one bed situation.
Kaydens made the friendship bracelets.
“Hey, Kayden!” Jace called out. “Why does Rocher get black and yellow?” “That’s simple,” I replied with a smile. “Cause he’s my angry bee.”
Kayden invites Maddox to his family’s place for Christmas. Maddox ends things, breaking Kaydens heart
Christmas at Kaydens house goes like this :-
“You’ve got it bad for one of your teammates?” my sister Janina yelled out. “That’s so hot.”
‘My younger sisters, Reena and Jenna, pulled out their phones. “I’m googling him,” Reena announced as she and Jenna giggled.’
“Are you out of your mind?” My dad barked. “You’re under the radar of professional league scouts. If it comes out that you’ve been…involved with your teammate, forget your chances of ever playing at that level!”
“Why didn’t you tell us you were gay?” my brother Alec asked.’
“You know we love you no matter what. And if you’re bi, well, then, that’s who you are,” Mom announced.”
‘Rory, who was the youngest—and quietest—brother, spoke up. “Maybe we can set you up while you’re here for the weekend? My friend Geoff is gay and single.”
‘Holy shit, my family was wild.’
Back at school and they get back together. A secret, exclusive relationship. I know Maddox has his reasons for running hot and cold but arghh they are that couple . The ones that get together , break up, get together.
Maddox open up about his traumatic past. Kayden is there to comfort him.
“Kiss me like you mean it,” I whispered. “Boyfriend.” Maddox did just that.’
They tell their coach and he’s like they go forward like normal but keep him informed.
They tell their teammates too.
“Did you just say you loved me?” I nodded, too choked up for a moment to do anything else. “I broke my own rule.” Kayden smiled and pulled me in for a resounding kiss. I held on just as tight. “I love you, too,” he whispered against my lips. “And you didn’t break anything. Remember? Our relationship, our rules.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
A MM College romance with Grumpy/Sunshine dynamics b/w teammates (+ Classmates 😏), a Hate to Love journey with lots of push/pull & teenage angst, Size difference, Hurt/Comfort, forbidden reality & unbidden hope.
I devoured my #ARC in around 7hrs. Loved Kayden & Maddox! This made me feel things alright 🙈.
Maddox is the new hockey goalie on team. He's a loner, introvert with a grumpy "fuck off" attitude. Trauma that shaped him into who he is.
Kayden is liked by all on team. He's a sweetheart, sunshine, a talker (#relatable) & clumsy (off ice). With ADHD & a learning disorder, School is hard.
These 2 are true opposites & they clashed hard! Of course, it was mostly due to a certain grump 😅 which pissed K (& me) off! But it's inevitable that they can't keep away, even through hurt & hard pushes 🥺. This was quite the ride! Ping Pong match 😂.
I liked seeing K get pissed & going quiet. I HAD WANTED TO READ THAT IN A BOOK FOR WEEKS! Where the sunshine's shine dulls / talker stops talking & the other MC doesn't like it at all (even if they were "annoyed" at 1st). I loved that so much lol!
The vulnerability, the teaching & teasing scenes are sweet. The friendship bands 😍😍. We've got 2 virgins getting their queer awakening guys, so spice builds up slowly & I'm quite ok with that 🙌.
Also, My 1st ever teammates to Lovers book had a (very) forbidden touch, & after many low angst ones, this one goes back to my roots! But after the emotional ride, some tears & laughs, we get that sweet HEA! I'm looking forward to Axel's book, he's so pissy 🤨.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😳🥺😏🤣🌝😢😗😬😉🤭🥰☺️😤😭❤️🤨😔😁🤩🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 3.5/5
Dark: 2/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Opposites attract, Teammates, Hate to Love) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5
I devoured my #ARC in around 7hrs. Loved Kayden & Maddox! This made me feel things alright 🙈.
Maddox is the new hockey goalie on team. He's a loner, introvert with a grumpy "fuck off" attitude. Trauma that shaped him into who he is.
Kayden is liked by all on team. He's a sweetheart, sunshine, a talker (#relatable) & clumsy (off ice). With ADHD & a learning disorder, School is hard.
These 2 are true opposites & they clashed hard! Of course, it was mostly due to a certain grump 😅 which pissed K (& me) off! But it's inevitable that they can't keep away, even through hurt & hard pushes 🥺. This was quite the ride! Ping Pong match 😂.
I liked seeing K get pissed & going quiet. I HAD WANTED TO READ THAT IN A BOOK FOR WEEKS! Where the sunshine's shine dulls / talker stops talking & the other MC doesn't like it at all (even if they were "annoyed" at 1st). I loved that so much lol!
The vulnerability, the teaching & teasing scenes are sweet. The friendship bands 😍😍. We've got 2 virgins getting their queer awakening guys, so spice builds up slowly & I'm quite ok with that 🙌.
Also, My 1st ever teammates to Lovers book had a (very) forbidden touch, & after many low angst ones, this one goes back to my roots! But after the emotional ride, some tears & laughs, we get that sweet HEA! I'm looking forward to Axel's book, he's so pissy 🤨.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😳🥺😏🤣🌝😢😗😬😉🤭🥰☺️😤😭❤️🤨😔😁🤩🏒
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 3.5/5
Dark: 2/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Opposites attract, Teammates, Hate to Love) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5
September 22, 2024
There was so much about this story that made it great right off the bat! Grumpy/sunshine (total golden retriever), double biawakening, hockey, college, two virgin MCs! What could go wrong? Absolutely nothing! This was such a fantastic story and a great start to a new series.
I loved Kayden so much. His ramblings had me laughing out loud so many times! I loved that he wasn’t always the sunshine. He had his grumpy moments too and it made it seem more believable. Maddox was sooooo grumpy and it was wonderful. I loved how he had a soft spot for Kayden and stuck up for him and tried so hard to hide his smiles and laughter. Was super cute!
I loved their HEA and really look forward to reading more in this series!! This book had the feel I loved from the Voyagers series by this author! There’s a novella about Jackson and Dane that I’m going to read too! Interested in their story!
I loved Kayden so much. His ramblings had me laughing out loud so many times! I loved that he wasn’t always the sunshine. He had his grumpy moments too and it made it seem more believable. Maddox was sooooo grumpy and it was wonderful. I loved how he had a soft spot for Kayden and stuck up for him and tried so hard to hide his smiles and laughter. Was super cute!
I loved their HEA and really look forward to reading more in this series!! This book had the feel I loved from the Voyagers series by this author! There’s a novella about Jackson and Dane that I’m going to read too! Interested in their story!
October 1, 2024
I’d been stung by Mad so many times, and I kept coming back for more.
I have a weakness for grumpy/sunshine, and Rule Breaker hit the spot perfectly.
Maddox isn't just grumpy, he's actually a bit of a butthole, but like, a cute one? The kind of butthole who doesn't let anyone in, but can't help but care about people, and secretly does some really, really sweet things, so you can't help but swoon, and you swoon a little more than usual because it's the butthole doing it. You know what I mean? Might be toxic, but who cares, it's fictional.
And Kayden, yea okay I have a weakness for golden retrievers too, and he is definitely that. Super supportive, super caring and just wants everyone to like him, including Maddox. But Maddox doesn't make it easy for Kayden to be his friend, and it's not for the lack of trying, because try he does. Kayden really has the patience of a saint, because I don't think I could have handled being pushed away so many times.
I loved how they both were exploring new sides of themselves, that they got to have all those first experiences together, and how well they vibed when Maddox wasn't scared. I loved how protective they were of each other, even Maddox when he supposedly didn't like Kayden. It was so cute.
And the spice was pretty great too!
I wasn’t dickstracted. I mean, distracted.
Also, I really loved how much hockey this book had! I feel like it's been a while since I read a proper hockey romance where hockey is a part of the story instead of a static background scene, if you know what I mean.
All in all a really great read, and it's definitely on the list of books I'll read again.
“You can’t keep doing this. Not with me. I need to know you’re not going to turn around tomorrow and tell me to fuck off again.”
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ College
❥ Hockey Teammates
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ 2x Queer Awakening
❥ Grumpy/Sunshine
❥ Hurt/Comfort
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
I have a weakness for grumpy/sunshine, and Rule Breaker hit the spot perfectly.
Maddox isn't just grumpy, he's actually a bit of a butthole, but like, a cute one? The kind of butthole who doesn't let anyone in, but can't help but care about people, and secretly does some really, really sweet things, so you can't help but swoon, and you swoon a little more than usual because it's the butthole doing it. You know what I mean? Might be toxic, but who cares, it's fictional.
And Kayden, yea okay I have a weakness for golden retrievers too, and he is definitely that. Super supportive, super caring and just wants everyone to like him, including Maddox. But Maddox doesn't make it easy for Kayden to be his friend, and it's not for the lack of trying, because try he does. Kayden really has the patience of a saint, because I don't think I could have handled being pushed away so many times.
I loved how they both were exploring new sides of themselves, that they got to have all those first experiences together, and how well they vibed when Maddox wasn't scared. I loved how protective they were of each other, even Maddox when he supposedly didn't like Kayden. It was so cute.
And the spice was pretty great too!
I wasn’t dickstracted. I mean, distracted.
Also, I really loved how much hockey this book had! I feel like it's been a while since I read a proper hockey romance where hockey is a part of the story instead of a static background scene, if you know what I mean.
All in all a really great read, and it's definitely on the list of books I'll read again.
“You can’t keep doing this. Not with me. I need to know you’re not going to turn around tomorrow and tell me to fuck off again.”
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ College
❥ Hockey Teammates
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ 2x Queer Awakening
❥ Grumpy/Sunshine
❥ Hurt/Comfort
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
April 14, 2025
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Look away if you like this book.
Yeah I disliked pretty much everything about this. The hockey details were questionable at best, Maddox was an asshole masquerading as a grump, the ending was weak and no proper epilogue or HEA in sight, a college athlete who wants to go pro who smokes cigarettes on the reg, and the audio... For some unknown reason, the most upbeat, hyper, happy-go-lucky sounding narrator in the genre — Alexander Cendese — voiced the ‘grumpy’ character, and it ruined it.
I hurried outside and found Maddox reaching into his bag again. Pulling out another cigarette. “Not the night before a game,” I said to him. “You already had one. Your lung capacity will be fucked.” “Says who?” “Me.” “And you’re a doctor?”
I nearly dislocated my eyeballs after this scene from rolling my eyes so hard. Didn’t know you had to be a doctor to know smoking cigarettes is bad for your lungs.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
College
Hockey
Sports romance
Grumpy/sunshine
Hockey goalie
Size difference
Tattooed and pierced
Double virgins
Neurodivergent rep
MC with ADHD
Freckles
Sexual awakening x2
Library blowie
Secret fuckbuddies
First times
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC smoking cigarettes
Mentions of eating edibles
Mention of past bullying/ableism
Vomiting
Death of parent (past)
Alcohol consumption
On-page intoxication
Explicit sexual content
Panic attacks
Past physical abuse by parent (details)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Don’t remember
Main characters’ age: 20 and 20
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 285
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Look away if you like this book.
Yeah I disliked pretty much everything about this. The hockey details were questionable at best, Maddox was an asshole masquerading as a grump, the ending was weak and no proper epilogue or HEA in sight, a college athlete who wants to go pro who smokes cigarettes on the reg, and the audio... For some unknown reason, the most upbeat, hyper, happy-go-lucky sounding narrator in the genre — Alexander Cendese — voiced the ‘grumpy’ character, and it ruined it.
I hurried outside and found Maddox reaching into his bag again. Pulling out another cigarette. “Not the night before a game,” I said to him. “You already had one. Your lung capacity will be fucked.” “Says who?” “Me.” “And you’re a doctor?”
I nearly dislocated my eyeballs after this scene from rolling my eyes so hard. Didn’t know you had to be a doctor to know smoking cigarettes is bad for your lungs.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
College
Hockey
Sports romance
Grumpy/sunshine
Hockey goalie
Size difference
Tattooed and pierced
Double virgins
Neurodivergent rep
MC with ADHD
Freckles
Sexual awakening x2
Library blowie
Secret fuckbuddies
First times
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC smoking cigarettes
Mentions of eating edibles
Mention of past bullying/ableism
Vomiting
Death of parent (past)
Alcohol consumption
On-page intoxication
Explicit sexual content
Panic attacks
Past physical abuse by parent (details)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Don’t remember
Main characters’ age: 20 and 20
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 285
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
October 4, 2024
The trope is pretty much what we read in these type of books but something made me like this book quite a lot. I really liked both characters together and how they came to happen. It didn't feel forced as some stories do and it was great just to see their story evolve. This author has been hit and miss for me lately but this one really hit the spot.
October 10, 2024
The way I adored the grumpy/sunshine, broken boy vibes in this book! Maddox & Kayden are so opposite of each other, but at the same time absolutely what each other needed in a partner. Maddox is so broody and standoffish, and Kayden (absolute golden retriever vibes) didn’t know how to handle the rejection of his friendliness at first. Through a few forced proximity moments, the walls Maddox had up started crumbling. Don’t get me wrong, he doesn’t become a completely healed person by the end and he still has work to do, but the idea that the right person for you, who will be patient and encourage you to keep working on yourself was beautiful.
I encourage you to read the prequel novella Game Changer, and to gear up for the rest of this series! I know it’s going to be amazing! I couldn’t put it down once I started and finished this in a day.
This book might be for you if you love books with:
🏒college hockey
🥅opposites attract
🏒teammates to lovers
🥅first times
🏒double awakenings
🥅broken boys
🏒ADHD and Dyslexia Rep
I encourage you to read the prequel novella Game Changer, and to gear up for the rest of this series! I know it’s going to be amazing! I couldn’t put it down once I started and finished this in a day.
This book might be for you if you love books with:
🏒college hockey
🥅opposites attract
🏒teammates to lovers
🥅first times
🏒double awakenings
🥅broken boys
🏒ADHD and Dyslexia Rep
September 30, 2024
⭐️: 8,5/10 🌶️: 3/5 😭: 1/5 🤣:2/5
Relationship dynamic: Male-Male
Available on Kindle Unlimited
POV: 1st Dual
Tropes:
💜 Teanmates
💜 Grumpy / Sunshine
💜 Hurt / Comfort
💜 Hockey
“I ambled over to give him a hug. He needed one, whether he liked it or not. And what was more surprising? He let me.“
(ESP) Una nueva serie de Ava que arranca con una pareja que es dulzura absoluta.
Kayden es el sol del equipo, la persona más amigable que podamos leer y nadie puede resistir sus encantos hasta que aparece Maddox que dará una dura batalla, comunicándose con monosílabos y no permitiendo que nadie se acerque a él.
Ambos tienen sus secretos y fue muy bello leer como poco a poco van compartiendo todo el uno con el otro y mostrando su costado más vulnerable. El desarrollo de la relación está muy bien logrado, nada resulta apresurado y vemos una real conexión entre ellos.
El resto de los personajes me generaron mucha intriga y ya quiero leer sus libros.
Me gustó mucho!
(ENG) The new Ava series kicks off with a couple who are as sweet as can be.
Kayden is the sunshine of the team. He's the friendliest person you could ever read about. Everyone falls for his charms, but then Maddox shows up and puts up a tough fight. He communicates in monosyllables and doesn't let anyone get close to him.
They both have their secrets, and it was so lovely to read how they slowly share everything with each other and show their most vulnerable sides. The development of their relationship is very well done – nothing is rushed, and we see a real connection between them.
I was really intrigued by the other characters and I'm looking forward to reading their books.
I really enjoyed it! It was such a lovely read.
Relationship dynamic: Male-Male
Available on Kindle Unlimited
POV: 1st Dual
Tropes:
💜 Teanmates
💜 Grumpy / Sunshine
💜 Hurt / Comfort
💜 Hockey
“I ambled over to give him a hug. He needed one, whether he liked it or not. And what was more surprising? He let me.“
(ESP) Una nueva serie de Ava que arranca con una pareja que es dulzura absoluta.
Kayden es el sol del equipo, la persona más amigable que podamos leer y nadie puede resistir sus encantos hasta que aparece Maddox que dará una dura batalla, comunicándose con monosílabos y no permitiendo que nadie se acerque a él.
Ambos tienen sus secretos y fue muy bello leer como poco a poco van compartiendo todo el uno con el otro y mostrando su costado más vulnerable. El desarrollo de la relación está muy bien logrado, nada resulta apresurado y vemos una real conexión entre ellos.
El resto de los personajes me generaron mucha intriga y ya quiero leer sus libros.
Me gustó mucho!
(ENG) The new Ava series kicks off with a couple who are as sweet as can be.
Kayden is the sunshine of the team. He's the friendliest person you could ever read about. Everyone falls for his charms, but then Maddox shows up and puts up a tough fight. He communicates in monosyllables and doesn't let anyone get close to him.
They both have their secrets, and it was so lovely to read how they slowly share everything with each other and show their most vulnerable sides. The development of their relationship is very well done – nothing is rushed, and we see a real connection between them.
I was really intrigued by the other characters and I'm looking forward to reading their books.
I really enjoyed it! It was such a lovely read.
September 25, 2024
I am already in love with this new series by Ava Olsen! I have a weakness for the broken ones that hurt hard, and Maddox was exactly that. He put up such a front, kept everyone as far from them as he could push them to keep himself safe. No matter how much he pushed Kayden away, Kayden kept it up. He wanted to figure this guy out. The push and pull was amazing, the hate Maddox projected and Kayden’s golden retriever energy, I couldn’t put it down! Throw in a double bi-awakening and I was completely sold.
So many new characters are introduced, I can’t wait to see who will get stories and who ends up with who. There is so much potential, and I can’t wait!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
So many new characters are introduced, I can’t wait to see who will get stories and who ends up with who. There is so much potential, and I can’t wait!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 8, 2024
Rule Breaker is book 1 in Ava Olsen’s new hockey series. I loved Kayden and Maddox so much and enjoyed watching them figure out how well they liked each other. Kayden was such a sweet golden retriever. Maddox was so prickly and though he was definitely grumpy, he did tend to veer into the a-hole territory. He was very cruel to Kayden a few times. Though after he shared his history it did make a lot of sense how he reacted. I am looking forward to reading stories from the rest of these men. This one drew me and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
September 26, 2024
Hands down my favourite Ava Olson book that I’ve read. This book had me kicking my feet and smiling it was so cute. I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, Maddox being the grumpy and Kayden being the sunshine. I would say this is sort of a slow burn and I loved that because the build up and the banter was so good. This series also has a good cast of side characters like Dane and Jackson (who have their own prequel novella). I’m excited for Axle and Jace’s book next but I’m not sure it’s going to top this one because I loved it so much! This is definitely going to be a comfort book for me.
October 3, 2024
RULE BREAKER was a fast and easy read because Ava Olsen has a smooth writing style. However, I wasn't fully invested in the story and while I liked Kayden's golden retriever personality Maddox was dancing all over the line between being grumpy and being an asshole. I did appreciate seeing how Maddox showed his love through actions even when he couldn't verbalize it, but overall his character didn't work for me.
I liked seeing more of Dane and Jackson but I truthfully don't have any interest in the rest of the team. And it certainly didn’t help that book two is supposed to be about Axel who was a complete jerk. Even going as far as threatening to out Maddox and Kayden. Because of this, and my general lack of feelings toward the characters, I don't plan to read more.
Content Warning: past abusive parent
I liked seeing more of Dane and Jackson but I truthfully don't have any interest in the rest of the team. And it certainly didn’t help that book two is supposed to be about Axel who was a complete jerk. Even going as far as threatening to out Maddox and Kayden. Because of this, and my general lack of feelings toward the characters, I don't plan to read more.
Content Warning: past abusive parent
October 8, 2024
Oh my lord this was SO good and I needed a good book after reading a bunch of so so good ones lately. Grumpy goalies, sunshine defenders and an unexpected love where trauma and trouble brings them together? Sign me up and watch me fall in love with new boys from Ava's brain. Can't WAIT for the next book!
April 29, 2025
cute and fun
Super cute, fun, and slightly emotional read. Maddox was carrying a lot at such a young age but I’m so glad he had Kay to talk to and confide in. This book was really good. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Super cute, fun, and slightly emotional read. Maddox was carrying a lot at such a young age but I’m so glad he had Kay to talk to and confide in. This book was really good. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Read
January 12, 2026DNF 34%
the neurodivergent ‘rep’ was making me kinda uncomfortable 🥴 also a lot of typos
the neurodivergent ‘rep’ was making me kinda uncomfortable 🥴 also a lot of typos
September 30, 2024
Great start to an all new college hockey romance series from Ava Olsen. Maddox has set many barriers from a broken past to protect himself. What he was expecting was Kayden, a beautiful ray of sunshine that will do anything to slowly break down those barriers to get to know the real Maddox. These two may take a minute to open up, but when they do, it's beautiful and supportive. They show each other how to be free and happy. Maddox is one of those characters when he falls he falls fast and hard and will do anything for his partner. Kayden just puts it all on the table to show he can be the one to catch him even when they stumble along the way. It comes with a great cast of friends that I hope will also get future books.
October 8, 2024
4.5 ☆
This was a cute, but also emotional read that I struggled to put down. I really loved Maddox and Kayden!
Maddox is the grumpy new goalie on the Sutton U Cougars hockey team, while Kayden is the sunshine golden retriever defenseman. Maddox doesn't want to make friends, but Kayden does not back down, especially not after they find out that they have to room together at away games. Maddox is the grumpiest grump with a lot of snark and some trauma, who just wants to play hockey and be left alone; but he can't resist Kayden who never gives up on trying to befriend him. Kayden is the epitome of a sunshine character with strong golden retriever energy. Kayden tries to befriend everyone, but is guarded about his learning disability, so not a lot of people know about it. But he tells Maddox very early on and I loved how Maddox tried to help him study.
I enjoyed their queer awakening, they weren't too phased by it, maybe because of their limited experiences beforehand. Maddox tried harder to fight his feelings for Kayden, but ultimately Kayden's sunshine attitude won out. I loved how they both tried to help and take care of the other, and I also enjoyed Maddox's possessiveness.
The book got emotional because of their struggles and because their self worth wasn't the highest, and because they tried to stay away from each other because they thought that would be the best course of action. But when they talked it out I was so happy to see how honest they were, and when they were in, they were all in.
I really enjoyed the banter between them, and between their teammates and I'm excited for the next book in the series.
This was a cute, but also emotional read that I struggled to put down. I really loved Maddox and Kayden!
Maddox is the grumpy new goalie on the Sutton U Cougars hockey team, while Kayden is the sunshine golden retriever defenseman. Maddox doesn't want to make friends, but Kayden does not back down, especially not after they find out that they have to room together at away games. Maddox is the grumpiest grump with a lot of snark and some trauma, who just wants to play hockey and be left alone; but he can't resist Kayden who never gives up on trying to befriend him. Kayden is the epitome of a sunshine character with strong golden retriever energy. Kayden tries to befriend everyone, but is guarded about his learning disability, so not a lot of people know about it. But he tells Maddox very early on and I loved how Maddox tried to help him study.
I enjoyed their queer awakening, they weren't too phased by it, maybe because of their limited experiences beforehand. Maddox tried harder to fight his feelings for Kayden, but ultimately Kayden's sunshine attitude won out. I loved how they both tried to help and take care of the other, and I also enjoyed Maddox's possessiveness.
The book got emotional because of their struggles and because their self worth wasn't the highest, and because they tried to stay away from each other because they thought that would be the best course of action. But when they talked it out I was so happy to see how honest they were, and when they were in, they were all in.
I really enjoyed the banter between them, and between their teammates and I'm excited for the next book in the series.
February 25, 2025
An enjoyable grumpy-sunshine romance.
January 3, 2026
everyone and their mothers is lying I can’t— it is with great pain that I do this because there were moments I enjoyed but there’s only so much “let me turn my brain off and just cruise” I can do. and I’m an apologizer but when I finished this I found that i didn’t feel in love enough to excuse.
okay so, that’s a bit dramatic and I have my reasoning for my review and I swear it’s not bad (shocker) trope and plot wise, I’d give this book a 2.50 but there was too much for me to point out to really be lenient. because sometimes I can’t forgive plot points that piss me off or out of character things but mixed that in with the third grade writing and I’m choosing to fight I’m sorry.
okay so, Maddox, a grumpy guy with a secret and traumatic past comes to this team where Kayden is and Kayden is the most sunshine character ever, Maddox doesn’t do people but after rooming together and giving in suddenly and apparently he does Kayden, until of course he doesn’t, because they shouldn’t do that but then they do do that… and on so goes.
my thing with it was that we never saw any concrete proof or thought process that made sense to me for their decisions, or for anything happening here really. it felt like a script. so much being said and nothing being shown. so much actions and for what? it was hard to get into the descriptions because first, they were straight up actions, there was no real depth or feeling to them and that paired up with the fact that sometimes they felt off and out of tense was frankly frying my brain—-I truly thought I had reached my limit, I said “oh my god maybe it’s me? maybe reading this during finals was not the best choice and words are not wording for me”
but no—it was not me. and I can excuse some errors becaue shit happens but you know what? English isn’t even my first language and I SUCK at grammar and if I noticed weird spelling and tense and just overalll writing I promise u it’s there omg.
I got so mad at the supposed issues we had and the supposed ways we resolved them. Again. No depth no anything.
Also, I couldn’t tell u a single side character besides Dane who apparently is the captain, and Jace and Axel (who’s a dick) and the two of whom apparently have something which we are hinted at. And Daniel, of course.
Everyone else are just mentions on paper you never really get a feel of, which is fine but if you’re gonna mention them enough at least give them life.
I had a lot of issues with how this was described becuase usually I can paint a picture really well of what I’m reading but I was so confused and lost and had to concentrate so hard to make sense sometimes that I could barely do that. I am not giving this one star because I didn’t hate it and finishing it wasn’t actually a great struggle but I’m just so shocked to see all the four and five star ratings that mention nothing of this.
I get having a trope-y sunshine x grumpy is always fun, which is why I didn’t give this one star, and we do get some cool moments (like the bracelets omg) but is it enough to just forget everything else?
Maybe I’m just pissy. Maybe this caught me at a bad time and not lenient enough. But damn.
I almost forgot to say they’re both virgins. And I did enjoy that and their scene. Man :( I did enjoy it up to some point I swear
okay so, that’s a bit dramatic and I have my reasoning for my review and I swear it’s not bad (shocker) trope and plot wise, I’d give this book a 2.50 but there was too much for me to point out to really be lenient. because sometimes I can’t forgive plot points that piss me off or out of character things but mixed that in with the third grade writing and I’m choosing to fight I’m sorry.
okay so, Maddox, a grumpy guy with a secret and traumatic past comes to this team where Kayden is and Kayden is the most sunshine character ever, Maddox doesn’t do people but after rooming together and giving in suddenly and apparently he does Kayden, until of course he doesn’t, because they shouldn’t do that but then they do do that… and on so goes.
my thing with it was that we never saw any concrete proof or thought process that made sense to me for their decisions, or for anything happening here really. it felt like a script. so much being said and nothing being shown. so much actions and for what? it was hard to get into the descriptions because first, they were straight up actions, there was no real depth or feeling to them and that paired up with the fact that sometimes they felt off and out of tense was frankly frying my brain—-I truly thought I had reached my limit, I said “oh my god maybe it’s me? maybe reading this during finals was not the best choice and words are not wording for me”
but no—it was not me. and I can excuse some errors becaue shit happens but you know what? English isn’t even my first language and I SUCK at grammar and if I noticed weird spelling and tense and just overalll writing I promise u it’s there omg.
I got so mad at the supposed issues we had and the supposed ways we resolved them. Again. No depth no anything.
Also, I couldn’t tell u a single side character besides Dane who apparently is the captain, and Jace and Axel (who’s a dick) and the two of whom apparently have something which we are hinted at. And Daniel, of course.
Everyone else are just mentions on paper you never really get a feel of, which is fine but if you’re gonna mention them enough at least give them life.
I had a lot of issues with how this was described becuase usually I can paint a picture really well of what I’m reading but I was so confused and lost and had to concentrate so hard to make sense sometimes that I could barely do that. I am not giving this one star because I didn’t hate it and finishing it wasn’t actually a great struggle but I’m just so shocked to see all the four and five star ratings that mention nothing of this.
I get having a trope-y sunshine x grumpy is always fun, which is why I didn’t give this one star, and we do get some cool moments (like the bracelets omg) but is it enough to just forget everything else?
Maybe I’m just pissy. Maybe this caught me at a bad time and not lenient enough. But damn.
I almost forgot to say they’re both virgins. And I did enjoy that and their scene. Man :( I did enjoy it up to some point I swear
October 14, 2024
This felt like a high school level writing assignment.
The amount of unnecessary details, no depth & the I’m so grumpy let me tell you about how grumpy I am and how everyone else will say it over and over again.
The amount of unnecessary details, no depth & the I’m so grumpy let me tell you about how grumpy I am and how everyone else will say it over and over again.
October 11, 2024
It was good! Sooo good 🙌🏼❤️
I was sure that the book will be great because it’s Ava Olsen but Rule Breaker surprised me despite my expectations. Usually I read at night when can’t sleep but this time I couldn’t sleep because I couldn’t stop reading 🔥
Loooved how interesting and detailed characters and interactions were, their daily life and experiences. Yes, it is one more hockey romance but it felt fresh and pleasantly familiar at the same time for me 🏒
Most of all, of course, I loved Kayden & Maddox! How goofy and eager was Kayden, his rambling, those constant random questions.. 😁 How snarky and confident was Maddox 👌🏼 And how it all went out of the window when they.. well, you know 😄🔥 It was hot. And cute. And very enjoyable to read. I’m adding this book to my favorites 💖
I have tons of quotes and I’m itching to add them here but don’t want to spoil it for those of you who haven’t read it yet. Just go blind and enjoy! 🤪
The author is brilliant. It’s always an immediate click to buy for me. I’ll be waiting for the audio version of Rule Breaker to add to my collection ☺️
Thank you GRR and Ava Olson for an ARC copy. All opinions are my own and it is my honest review.
I was sure that the book will be great because it’s Ava Olsen but Rule Breaker surprised me despite my expectations. Usually I read at night when can’t sleep but this time I couldn’t sleep because I couldn’t stop reading 🔥
Loooved how interesting and detailed characters and interactions were, their daily life and experiences. Yes, it is one more hockey romance but it felt fresh and pleasantly familiar at the same time for me 🏒
Most of all, of course, I loved Kayden & Maddox! How goofy and eager was Kayden, his rambling, those constant random questions.. 😁 How snarky and confident was Maddox 👌🏼 And how it all went out of the window when they.. well, you know 😄🔥 It was hot. And cute. And very enjoyable to read. I’m adding this book to my favorites 💖
I have tons of quotes and I’m itching to add them here but don’t want to spoil it for those of you who haven’t read it yet. Just go blind and enjoy! 🤪
The author is brilliant. It’s always an immediate click to buy for me. I’ll be waiting for the audio version of Rule Breaker to add to my collection ☺️
Thank you GRR and Ava Olson for an ARC copy. All opinions are my own and it is my honest review.
August 27, 2025
5 *Bracelet Bestie & Road Roomie* Stars
I have been on the search lately for Golden Retriever MCs and I found that right here with Kayden. I just adored him.
These two were grumpy-sunshine personified. Maddox was the prickly goalie who just wanted to be left alone and Kayden was that ray of light that just couldn't be dimmed. Every time Maddox gave him the cold shoulder or pushed him away, he came right back for more.
There was a lot of off and on between these two, but each time Maddox ran, he came back. And, each time it helped progress their relationship. They were both just trying to find their way and I'm glad they did it together.
I know there are a ton of hockey books out there, but this is one of my faves and I can't recommend it enough. I just loved them as a couple and their story is super cute.
Endearments/Nicknames: Mad, Kay, Angry Bee, Baby
I have been on the search lately for Golden Retriever MCs and I found that right here with Kayden. I just adored him.
These two were grumpy-sunshine personified. Maddox was the prickly goalie who just wanted to be left alone and Kayden was that ray of light that just couldn't be dimmed. Every time Maddox gave him the cold shoulder or pushed him away, he came right back for more.
There was a lot of off and on between these two, but each time Maddox ran, he came back. And, each time it helped progress their relationship. They were both just trying to find their way and I'm glad they did it together.
I know there are a ton of hockey books out there, but this is one of my faves and I can't recommend it enough. I just loved them as a couple and their story is super cute.
Endearments/Nicknames: Mad, Kay, Angry Bee, Baby
October 7, 2024
I've read and loved some of Ava Olsen's other series, so when I saw she had a new hockey book out I was excited to see her unique spin on it. Maddox and Kayden were a classic grumpy/sunshine pairing, and I had a ton of fun watching these college athletes fumble their way into love. Maddox was incredibly closed off when this book started, uninterested in even being friends with his new teammates, much less open to a relationship. It was entertaining for me to see Kay try to puzzle out how best to approach him, and as he wore Maddox down with his persistence I couldn't help but be charmed by his bright personality. As Kayden and Maddox's paths started crossing in and out of the hockey rink, it felt like they took two steps forward and one step back every handful of days. I couldn't get a good read on Maddox for quite a while--he was undeniably attracted to Kayden but seemed haunted by some events from his past that remained unexplained. He only left the tiniest crack in his defenses for Kayden to get close to him, but that was plenty of opportunity for Kay to wiggle his way inside and make a home for himself. I was delighted by how fantastic their chemistry was, and I wish I'd gotten to see more of their exploratory moments in bed together.
Even as Maddox started opening himself up to a physical connection with Kay, he remained emotionally guarded and unreachable for a lot longer. I admire Kay for sticking by his side instead of giving up when he inevitably lashed out after reaching his social limits, and his patience paid off as Maddox finally started to realize that he could trust him. Though there were hockey games and college classes happening around the main relationship, all of that felt secondary to the character development and relationship progression in this book. Kay and Maddox were definitely on the slower burn side as far as romances go, and I enjoyed seeing them invest time into each other and thoughtfully approach each next step they took together. Instead of a big singular moment that tested their relationship Maddox and Kay had multiple smaller ones where they had to weigh the risks of being together versus walking away from each other. They didn't always get things right the first time around, but the further along they got in the school year the more solid their foundation felt until it was finally time to be more open to their friends and family about their feelings. I was satisfied by the conclusion to their journey, and while I can't say that the ending swept me off my feet or anything, it felt true to who Maddox and Kayden were as individuals and I was still really pleased by how far they'd each come from where they started.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Even as Maddox started opening himself up to a physical connection with Kay, he remained emotionally guarded and unreachable for a lot longer. I admire Kay for sticking by his side instead of giving up when he inevitably lashed out after reaching his social limits, and his patience paid off as Maddox finally started to realize that he could trust him. Though there were hockey games and college classes happening around the main relationship, all of that felt secondary to the character development and relationship progression in this book. Kay and Maddox were definitely on the slower burn side as far as romances go, and I enjoyed seeing them invest time into each other and thoughtfully approach each next step they took together. Instead of a big singular moment that tested their relationship Maddox and Kay had multiple smaller ones where they had to weigh the risks of being together versus walking away from each other. They didn't always get things right the first time around, but the further along they got in the school year the more solid their foundation felt until it was finally time to be more open to their friends and family about their feelings. I was satisfied by the conclusion to their journey, and while I can't say that the ending swept me off my feet or anything, it felt true to who Maddox and Kayden were as individuals and I was still really pleased by how far they'd each come from where they started.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 2, 2025
Maddox Rocher ist neu am College und im Eishockey Team. Seine akademischen Leistungen sind gut und sein Talent auf dem Eis unbestritten. Aber er gilt als verschroben, verschlossen und über ihm scheint ständig eine Gewitterwolke zu hängen. Keiner seiner Mitstudenten und seiner Teamkameraden sind vor seiner scharfen Zunge sicher. Und sein liebstes Kommunikationsmittel sind sowieso seinen bösen Blicke und Mittelfinger. Mit seinem Verhalten will er sich seine Umgebung vom Hals halten. Das gelingt auch - fast.
Kayden Melnyk ist kein besonders guter Student. Neben seiner ADHS kämpft er auch mit einer Lernschwäche, die ihm das Leben jetzt nicht unbedingt leichter macht. Im Team ist er beliebt und auf dem Eis soll er als Verteidiger seinen neuen Goalie beschützen. Maddox ist auch zu ihm ziemlich unfreundlich und Kayden will ihn kennenlernen. Zudem sie sich ja auch bei den Auswärtsspielen ein Zimmer teilen sollen. Doch so freundlich Kayden auch ist, so kratzbürstig verhält sich Maddox ihm gegenüber. Kayden ist jedoch wie ein Golden Retriver, den man nicht so leicht los wird ....
Mad und Kay sind beide ein wenig nervig. Aber das liegt eben an ihrer Persönlichkeit, die für den "normalen" Menschen vielleicht nicht so leicht zu ertragen ist. Natürlich geht Maddox bei Kayden sofort in die Defensive. Aber gegen Kay kann selbst Maddox nur wenig ausrichten. Zudem dieser langsam aber sicher seine Verteidigung untergräbt und ihm unter die Haut geht. Doch Nähe und Gefühlen sind für Maddox völlig ausgeschlossen und er kann sich diese Schwäche einfach nicht erlauben.
Ava Olsen ist für mich die Entdeckung dieses Jahres. Ich mag die Autorin sehr und auch mit ihrer New Adult Reihe konnte sie mich absolut mitnehmen und überzeugen. Mad und Kay sind so etwas wie die schwarze Katze und der ewig optimistische Retriver. Obwohl Kayden auf den ersten Blick ein sehr sonniges Gemüt hat und er unerschütterlich scheint, kämpft auch er mit Probleme und Hindernissen, die er jedoch nicht in die Öffentlichkeit tragen will.
Mad entdeckt seine fürsorgliche und beschützende Seite. Auch wenn er das natürlich nicht will. Und er will sich auf gar keinen Fall selbst verletzlich machen. Da fährt er lieber die Krallen aus und verletzt Kayden damit. Jedoch bleibt er selbst davon auch nicht unberührt und sein Verhalten macht ihn auch nicht glücklich. Aber wann war Mad das letzte Mal auch schon glücklich? Und kann er sich diese Emotion überhaupt noch leisten? Aber Kayden weckt etwas in ihm, das ihn wieder hoffen lässt.
Ein wirklich toller Serienstart, der mich doch sehr berührt hat. Aber ich bin jetzt natürlich auch sehr neugierig auf die anderen zwei Bücher dieser Reihe.
Kayden Melnyk ist kein besonders guter Student. Neben seiner ADHS kämpft er auch mit einer Lernschwäche, die ihm das Leben jetzt nicht unbedingt leichter macht. Im Team ist er beliebt und auf dem Eis soll er als Verteidiger seinen neuen Goalie beschützen. Maddox ist auch zu ihm ziemlich unfreundlich und Kayden will ihn kennenlernen. Zudem sie sich ja auch bei den Auswärtsspielen ein Zimmer teilen sollen. Doch so freundlich Kayden auch ist, so kratzbürstig verhält sich Maddox ihm gegenüber. Kayden ist jedoch wie ein Golden Retriver, den man nicht so leicht los wird ....
Mad und Kay sind beide ein wenig nervig. Aber das liegt eben an ihrer Persönlichkeit, die für den "normalen" Menschen vielleicht nicht so leicht zu ertragen ist. Natürlich geht Maddox bei Kayden sofort in die Defensive. Aber gegen Kay kann selbst Maddox nur wenig ausrichten. Zudem dieser langsam aber sicher seine Verteidigung untergräbt und ihm unter die Haut geht. Doch Nähe und Gefühlen sind für Maddox völlig ausgeschlossen und er kann sich diese Schwäche einfach nicht erlauben.
Ava Olsen ist für mich die Entdeckung dieses Jahres. Ich mag die Autorin sehr und auch mit ihrer New Adult Reihe konnte sie mich absolut mitnehmen und überzeugen. Mad und Kay sind so etwas wie die schwarze Katze und der ewig optimistische Retriver. Obwohl Kayden auf den ersten Blick ein sehr sonniges Gemüt hat und er unerschütterlich scheint, kämpft auch er mit Probleme und Hindernissen, die er jedoch nicht in die Öffentlichkeit tragen will.
Mad entdeckt seine fürsorgliche und beschützende Seite. Auch wenn er das natürlich nicht will. Und er will sich auf gar keinen Fall selbst verletzlich machen. Da fährt er lieber die Krallen aus und verletzt Kayden damit. Jedoch bleibt er selbst davon auch nicht unberührt und sein Verhalten macht ihn auch nicht glücklich. Aber wann war Mad das letzte Mal auch schon glücklich? Und kann er sich diese Emotion überhaupt noch leisten? Aber Kayden weckt etwas in ihm, das ihn wieder hoffen lässt.
Ein wirklich toller Serienstart, der mich doch sehr berührt hat. Aber ich bin jetzt natürlich auch sehr neugierig auf die anderen zwei Bücher dieser Reihe.
October 2, 2024
"Maddox had a pricky outer layer. But acting the way he did, the anger, the snarky vibe, I was pretty sure his attitude was all about defense. He was protecting himself. " - Kayden
"I was damaged, a freak, unable to make any kind of connection. Until now. Until him." - Maddox
Maddox looks rough on the outside, tattoos, piercings, always listening to music and doesn't want to talk but under all that grumpiness there is a really sweet guy that is been through a lot and has a hard time trusting people and letting them in. But even though he doesn't like to talk and wants to be left alone, he is listening to Kayden as he talks, he pays close attention to details and he shows his appreciation in other ways. Kayden has ADHD and Dyslexia so Maddox takes time in asking and resourcing how he can help him with studying, while he is treating him with respect and understands that his brain works differently. Kayden isn't used to that, it's new for him and he doesn't know how to handle it all. They both haven't always been treated the right way by other people, so the way they treat each other also helps them heal. Kayden also accepted that Maddox needed time to let him in and talk about his childhood. They could fully be themselves with each other.
💚New adult/college
🏒Goalie & Defenseman
💚Golden retriever/angry cat
🏒Forced proximity
💚Double queer awakening
🏒Hurt/Comfort
💚First times
🏒ADHD & Dyslexia
This book is double queer awakening, so on top of the Hockey games, school and their own person insecurities, they are also figuring that out. The chapters are around 10 minutes (in my reading speed) and that worked amazing for my neurodivergent brain! I think I'm a mix of both the characters in little things. In this book they took their time, which was very important, they accepted each other how they were. This book was beautiful and I'm definitely reading more from this author in the future!
I received an ARC copy of this book, thank you so much for the opportunity.
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"I was damaged, a freak, unable to make any kind of connection. Until now. Until him." - Maddox
Maddox looks rough on the outside, tattoos, piercings, always listening to music and doesn't want to talk but under all that grumpiness there is a really sweet guy that is been through a lot and has a hard time trusting people and letting them in. But even though he doesn't like to talk and wants to be left alone, he is listening to Kayden as he talks, he pays close attention to details and he shows his appreciation in other ways. Kayden has ADHD and Dyslexia so Maddox takes time in asking and resourcing how he can help him with studying, while he is treating him with respect and understands that his brain works differently. Kayden isn't used to that, it's new for him and he doesn't know how to handle it all. They both haven't always been treated the right way by other people, so the way they treat each other also helps them heal. Kayden also accepted that Maddox needed time to let him in and talk about his childhood. They could fully be themselves with each other.
💚New adult/college
🏒Goalie & Defenseman
💚Golden retriever/angry cat
🏒Forced proximity
💚Double queer awakening
🏒Hurt/Comfort
💚First times
🏒ADHD & Dyslexia
This book is double queer awakening, so on top of the Hockey games, school and their own person insecurities, they are also figuring that out. The chapters are around 10 minutes (in my reading speed) and that worked amazing for my neurodivergent brain! I think I'm a mix of both the characters in little things. In this book they took their time, which was very important, they accepted each other how they were. This book was beautiful and I'm definitely reading more from this author in the future!
I received an ARC copy of this book, thank you so much for the opportunity.
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