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South River University #3
Breaking Free
At a party on a rival college campus, I drunkenly stumble into a bathroom just as a tall, muscular man steps out of the shower...naked.
Instead of fleeing, I stay put and end up having the hottest bathroom hookup with someone whose name I don’t know. Because I’m still in the closet, I don’t talk about what happened that night, glad that it was with a guy who doesn’t live in the same town. But come Monday morning, the naked man from the bathroom strolls into the locker room and locks eyes with me.
His name is Dominic and he’s new to campus and trying to take my spot on the team, which makes me hate him. It’s too bad I loved everything he said and did to me the night we met, but I can’t let him get to me with his cocky smirks and filthy words. I have to focus on keeping my position on the team, but I can only think about the positions I want to be in with him.
He’s arrogant where I’m modest. I’m docile where he’s domineering. We’re complete opposites, so it could never work, but being with him makes me want to break free from the chains that have kept me in the closet, because he’s also the firm hand to my wavering confidence and I’m the moth drawn to his flame.
Instead of fleeing, I stay put and end up having the hottest bathroom hookup with someone whose name I don’t know. Because I’m still in the closet, I don’t talk about what happened that night, glad that it was with a guy who doesn’t live in the same town. But come Monday morning, the naked man from the bathroom strolls into the locker room and locks eyes with me.
His name is Dominic and he’s new to campus and trying to take my spot on the team, which makes me hate him. It’s too bad I loved everything he said and did to me the night we met, but I can’t let him get to me with his cocky smirks and filthy words. I have to focus on keeping my position on the team, but I can only think about the positions I want to be in with him.
He’s arrogant where I’m modest. I’m docile where he’s domineering. We’re complete opposites, so it could never work, but being with him makes me want to break free from the chains that have kept me in the closet, because he’s also the firm hand to my wavering confidence and I’m the moth drawn to his flame.
248 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2024
110 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Lucero
37 books1,849 followersIsabel Lucero is a bestselling author, finding joy in giving readers books for every mood.
Born in a small town in New Mexico, Isabel was lucky enough to escape and travel the world thanks to her husband's career in the Air Force. Her and her husband have three kids and two dogs together, and currently reside in Delaware. When Isabel isn't on mommy duty or writing her next book, she can be found reading, or in the nearest Target buying things she doesn't need.
Isabel loves connecting with her readers and fans of books in general. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
https://www.facebook.com/authorisabel...
https://twitter.com/AuthorIsabel
http://instagram.com/isabel__lucero
http://authorisabellucero.blogspot.com/
Born in a small town in New Mexico, Isabel was lucky enough to escape and travel the world thanks to her husband's career in the Air Force. Her and her husband have three kids and two dogs together, and currently reside in Delaware. When Isabel isn't on mommy duty or writing her next book, she can be found reading, or in the nearest Target buying things she doesn't need.
Isabel loves connecting with her readers and fans of books in general. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
https://www.facebook.com/authorisabel...
https://twitter.com/AuthorIsabel
http://instagram.com/isabel__lucero
http://authorisabellucero.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
July 16, 2021
"I think society needs to fuck off and let people be however they want, like whoever they want, and stop trying to fit everyone into tiny little boxes."
5 -Free to love & be loved- Stars⭐
A College-aged Enemies-to-Lovers MM Sports Romance with Bathroom shenanigans 😏, Surprises, Hilarious Bickering, Awesome characters, Sporty fun, secrets & truth, emotional moments, Care & fight, Some angst, free-to-love, Joy & HEA.
I love Trevor & Dominic so much, They're fire from Start...& Not just in bed😉. I love this friend group so much! DEVOURED this in 5hrs.
Trevor; Thinker, Emotional, Caring; is 20 & The 'Running Back' in his South River College's football team. His parents & friends are awesome, Trev has a comfortable life. But months ago, discovering he's Gay, Trev's Scared–Overthinking everything. He knows his close ones will be accepting (few already do), but "What Ifs" reign him in secrecy.
Dominic; Hardworking, Confident, Sassy; is 21 & was the "Running Back" of South River's Rival college, but is transferring here. His dad (now dead) was an abusive asshole but his mom's sweet. He's out & proud as Gay, never hiding the fact who he is. What he has, he earns. Dom's dominant while Trev's docile... They're opposites & perfect together!
It all starts when Trev goes to a rival college party & has a hot bathroom (almost?) hookup! Trev thought he won't see the unnamed guy again...Until he does! Dominic's his name & they're on the same team! When T tells D about his 'Secret' that "They" can't happen again... While D does heed T's choices; Dom wants him (& what they can have) & loves riling-up T! 😉😂
~Friends, Off campus, Rival Party, The hookup, Fears, College last year, Meet again, Locker neighbors, Infuriating & Bickers, Drunken encounters, Same School–Same team, Stories & Confidence, Care...
"Like you said, I’m in my head too much. With you, I feel free."
D's exactly what T needs, as Dom being unapologetically himself opens T's eyes in a new way. The chemistry & tension b/w D+T is fierce, but T's fears stop him from choosing his joy–Dom. There's push-pull, angst, fights...But jealousy paves the way to Dare. Finally, D+T are a couple! I love how Dom is with Trev *Swoon*. Slowly, Trev comes out his shell, breaking free...to be himself. *Yay!*
~Riling up, In towel, Work & Drinks, Bathroom 😜, Invitation, Resolve snaps (🔥🔥), Steps back & ignorance, Friends Party, Jealousy, Want, Let in, Together (😍🔥), 69, Visits, Sleepover, Owning Truths, free, Hope, The fight, No-Nepotism, Sporty trip, Alone & Talks, Vulnerability, Future bright...!
D+T's relationship isn't without problems but with Talks & vulnerability (My fav!), They came out stronger together! D+T aren't rivals for their places on team anymore...as they play so great together! The Sexy times are sparky & Trevor's birthday celebration's so fun. I love how we see their growth as a couple💝 (& meeting the parents!). The future talks & I love yous had my heart soaring😍.
~Gaming together, The Win, Sexy times, T's birthday, Out & Proud, Happy days, Thanksgiving, Sweet Routine, Official Date, Romance, I love yous, Fun times, Moving In, HEA!
The ending & epilogue are beautiful (& sexy)! This story was fabulous, enticing & Well-Written. #MustRead
I'm so excited for Jayden's story next, can't believe this series is coming to an end soon...!
**ARC Gotten for a Honest Review.**
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
5 -Free to love & be loved- Stars⭐
A College-aged Enemies-to-Lovers MM Sports Romance with Bathroom shenanigans 😏, Surprises, Hilarious Bickering, Awesome characters, Sporty fun, secrets & truth, emotional moments, Care & fight, Some angst, free-to-love, Joy & HEA.
I love Trevor & Dominic so much, They're fire from Start...& Not just in bed😉. I love this friend group so much! DEVOURED this in 5hrs.
Trevor; Thinker, Emotional, Caring; is 20 & The 'Running Back' in his South River College's football team. His parents & friends are awesome, Trev has a comfortable life. But months ago, discovering he's Gay, Trev's Scared–Overthinking everything. He knows his close ones will be accepting (few already do), but "What Ifs" reign him in secrecy.
Dominic; Hardworking, Confident, Sassy; is 21 & was the "Running Back" of South River's Rival college, but is transferring here. His dad (now dead) was an abusive asshole but his mom's sweet. He's out & proud as Gay, never hiding the fact who he is. What he has, he earns. Dom's dominant while Trev's docile... They're opposites & perfect together!
It all starts when Trev goes to a rival college party & has a hot bathroom (almost?) hookup! Trev thought he won't see the unnamed guy again...Until he does! Dominic's his name & they're on the same team! When T tells D about his 'Secret' that "They" can't happen again... While D does heed T's choices; Dom wants him (& what they can have) & loves riling-up T! 😉😂
~Friends, Off campus, Rival Party, The hookup, Fears, College last year, Meet again, Locker neighbors, Infuriating & Bickers, Drunken encounters, Same School–Same team, Stories & Confidence, Care...
"Like you said, I’m in my head too much. With you, I feel free."
D's exactly what T needs, as Dom being unapologetically himself opens T's eyes in a new way. The chemistry & tension b/w D+T is fierce, but T's fears stop him from choosing his joy–Dom. There's push-pull, angst, fights...But jealousy paves the way to Dare. Finally, D+T are a couple! I love how Dom is with Trev *Swoon*. Slowly, Trev comes out his shell, breaking free...to be himself. *Yay!*
~Riling up, In towel, Work & Drinks, Bathroom 😜, Invitation, Resolve snaps (🔥🔥), Steps back & ignorance, Friends Party, Jealousy, Want, Let in, Together (😍🔥), 69, Visits, Sleepover, Owning Truths, free, Hope, The fight, No-Nepotism, Sporty trip, Alone & Talks, Vulnerability, Future bright...!
D+T's relationship isn't without problems but with Talks & vulnerability (My fav!), They came out stronger together! D+T aren't rivals for their places on team anymore...as they play so great together! The Sexy times are sparky & Trevor's birthday celebration's so fun. I love how we see their growth as a couple💝 (& meeting the parents!). The future talks & I love yous had my heart soaring😍.
~Gaming together, The Win, Sexy times, T's birthday, Out & Proud, Happy days, Thanksgiving, Sweet Routine, Official Date, Romance, I love yous, Fun times, Moving In, HEA!
The ending & epilogue are beautiful (& sexy)! This story was fabulous, enticing & Well-Written. #MustRead
I'm so excited for Jayden's story next, can't believe this series is coming to an end soon...!
**ARC Gotten for a Honest Review.**
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
July 13, 2021
3,5 stars.
So, I'm glad I read this one. The first one left a bit of a 'meh' impression, which I was a bit bummed over. A great deal of it had to do with the writing style, that I didn't really click with, and the other part was me not connecting with the mc's. Still, I wasn't ready to give up on this author yet, as this book sounded promising.
And now I'm glad I gave this one a chance, because I did enjoy this one better than Stealing Ronan. The writing was better, the mc's were more likable, and because of that I was able to connect with them and root for them to get their stuff figured out and go for it already!
I liked both Dominic and Trevor, and together they were kind of hot. They had this great chemistry going on between them, from their first encounter throughout the whole story.
Basically they went from a hookup to enemies, to lovers.
I enjoyed Trevor's development in this story; from wanting to deny he even knew Dominic to owning that they were a couple. His coming out was a process of growth, the confidence he had to gain in order to tell his friends and his parents that he was gay. It happened in a natural way.
Dom was the one with the confidence to begin with. From the beginning it was quite obvious how and why Trevor and Dom would work together; Dom wanted to be in control, and Trevor loved being told what to do. It wasn't really in a submissive way, but because Trevor was insecure and inexperienced, he liked it that Dom took control, to tell him how he wanted him. When the story develops, Trevor also gains more confidence in that matter, which was a natural process too.
Why not the full 4 stars? Though I did enjoy this, it also felt like it's not a story I'm going to remember long after reading. There are many stories like this one out there, and it didn't particularly stand out for one reason or the other.
So, 3,5 stars it is and still recommended when you enjoy an enemies to lovers and guys in college.
I kindly received an ARC by GayRomanceReviews and this is my honest, unbiased review
So, I'm glad I read this one. The first one left a bit of a 'meh' impression, which I was a bit bummed over. A great deal of it had to do with the writing style, that I didn't really click with, and the other part was me not connecting with the mc's. Still, I wasn't ready to give up on this author yet, as this book sounded promising.
And now I'm glad I gave this one a chance, because I did enjoy this one better than Stealing Ronan. The writing was better, the mc's were more likable, and because of that I was able to connect with them and root for them to get their stuff figured out and go for it already!
I liked both Dominic and Trevor, and together they were kind of hot. They had this great chemistry going on between them, from their first encounter throughout the whole story.
Basically they went from a hookup to enemies, to lovers.
I enjoyed Trevor's development in this story; from wanting to deny he even knew Dominic to owning that they were a couple. His coming out was a process of growth, the confidence he had to gain in order to tell his friends and his parents that he was gay. It happened in a natural way.
Dom was the one with the confidence to begin with. From the beginning it was quite obvious how and why Trevor and Dom would work together; Dom wanted to be in control, and Trevor loved being told what to do. It wasn't really in a submissive way, but because Trevor was insecure and inexperienced, he liked it that Dom took control, to tell him how he wanted him. When the story develops, Trevor also gains more confidence in that matter, which was a natural process too.
Why not the full 4 stars? Though I did enjoy this, it also felt like it's not a story I'm going to remember long after reading. There are many stories like this one out there, and it didn't particularly stand out for one reason or the other.
So, 3,5 stars it is and still recommended when you enjoy an enemies to lovers and guys in college.
I kindly received an ARC by GayRomanceReviews and this is my honest, unbiased review
July 13, 2021
Breaking Free is a story filled with drama, confusion and finding where you really fit. A brief run in between Trevor and Dom has the chemistry sparking and the sexual tension high, one Trevor thought would end that same night. However as fate has other plans these two come face to face again. There is plenty of pushing and pulling as Dom pushes every button he possibly can in regard to Trevor. This is a story of breaking free from your own perception and finally accepting who you are and realizing that the ones who love you would never judge. The attraction between these two is fierce and can be felt through every word. The clincher for me was the epilogue, it is sweet, sincere and full of so much love that it ends this book on a truly five star high.
June 20, 2023
As soon as I finished book 1 in this series I knew I had to move on to the next MM book right away. Book 2 is an MF story but I didn’t feel like I missed anything in this story by not reading it. I loved Trevor and Dom’s story so much! Their dynamic was absolutely fantastic. What is there not to love about an enemies-to-lovers with praise!!
We met Trevor in book 1 and I really liked his character so I was excited to get a story about him! I loved reading about his journey of coming out and seeing the support and acceptance that he had! Dom was awesome! His name is actually quite perfect for him! These two fit together so well and there’s no doubt they were meant for each other.
This was another fairly low-angst, hot romance that was perfect for my mood! I cannot wait to read book 4 next and I wouldn’t be surprised if I have no self control again and start it right away! I’m working my way through this author’s MM stories and I’m loving every single one!
We met Trevor in book 1 and I really liked his character so I was excited to get a story about him! I loved reading about his journey of coming out and seeing the support and acceptance that he had! Dom was awesome! His name is actually quite perfect for him! These two fit together so well and there’s no doubt they were meant for each other.
This was another fairly low-angst, hot romance that was perfect for my mood! I cannot wait to read book 4 next and I wouldn’t be surprised if I have no self control again and start it right away! I’m working my way through this author’s MM stories and I’m loving every single one!
July 11, 2021
I absolutely adored this book! Trevor and Dominic were so sweet together! Dominic was so patient with Trevor and it was amazing to watch their love story unfold! I am in love with this series and so excited for the next book! ❤️
July 14, 2021
This was my first Isabel Lucero read and definitely won’t be my last! . This was a great college & enemies to lovers/second chance story. The level of attraction & hotness between Trevor & Dominic was off the charts from the get go. I couldn't get enough of either of them! Thanks for giving us their story, Isabel. I won't forget them!
May 13, 2024
Gisteren begonnen en gisteravond uitgelezen. Leuk boek alleen er gebeurd vrij weinig
September 26, 2024
Fix his hair.
I was so distracted by the hair on this cover that every time I opened the audio it left a bad taste. Also, the narrator for Trevor? Hated one of the voices he did and how he did spicy scenes. Sometimes he did a great job....then others? Not so much. Ugh. But he's definitely not a bad narrator, I just didn't like his choices of voices and how he made his voice shake during scenes like an old man wtf ew. And if you're listening on 1.25 speed or higher it's even worse with the shakiness because it's more pronounced.
But my real problem was with Trevor. His cold/hot behavior was annoying af. Enough so I want to not continue this series and maybe even this author. She's just not what I'm looking for in my mm romance. But I gave it a try!
I was so distracted by the hair on this cover that every time I opened the audio it left a bad taste. Also, the narrator for Trevor? Hated one of the voices he did and how he did spicy scenes. Sometimes he did a great job....then others? Not so much. Ugh. But he's definitely not a bad narrator, I just didn't like his choices of voices and how he made his voice shake during scenes like an old man wtf ew. And if you're listening on 1.25 speed or higher it's even worse with the shakiness because it's more pronounced.
But my real problem was with Trevor. His cold/hot behavior was annoying af. Enough so I want to not continue this series and maybe even this author. She's just not what I'm looking for in my mm romance. But I gave it a try!
September 11, 2021
The idea for this book really attracted me. The execution was pretty much mailed in.
And it became less and less realistic with every chapter.
I mean, a football player who struggles to come out suddenly walking into school holding hands with his teammate?
Not a fan of Science Fiction, even in disguise.
And it became less and less realistic with every chapter.
I mean, a football player who struggles to come out suddenly walking into school holding hands with his teammate?
Not a fan of Science Fiction, even in disguise.
March 11, 2022
Rivals-to-lovers, gay awakening, alternating 1st person POV. MC1 hooks up with MC2 at a party, then realizes that MC2 is his new teammate on the university football team. UST and hook-ups ensue. This was fine, but I can feel myself forgetting the details already.
January 26, 2022
4 stars
This was such a fun read! I love when books have a chance encounter between characters, that later comes back to haunt them… in a good way. Also, love me a good sports romance with a touch of rivals-to-lovers action. I loved both our main characters, but Dominic, in particular, was such a great character. And, although I loved this book while I was reading it, it hasn’t proven super memorable, so I don’t think it’ll become a new favorite.
tropes/themes: rivals-to-lovers, sports romance, football, college
“You’re doing it again,” he mutters. “What’s that?” “Making me feel things.”
This was such a fun read! I love when books have a chance encounter between characters, that later comes back to haunt them… in a good way. Also, love me a good sports romance with a touch of rivals-to-lovers action. I loved both our main characters, but Dominic, in particular, was such a great character. And, although I loved this book while I was reading it, it hasn’t proven super memorable, so I don’t think it’ll become a new favorite.
tropes/themes: rivals-to-lovers, sports romance, football, college
June 17, 2022
This book started off a little strong - I kind of thought Dom was a little too abrasive..but it definitely got better throughout the story.
There were some parts that made me smile ear to ear and get really happy for them - mainly the jealousy arcs.
Overall, it was a pretty average read but I still enjoyed it!
There were some parts that made me smile ear to ear and get really happy for them - mainly the jealousy arcs.
Overall, it was a pretty average read but I still enjoyed it!
July 15, 2021
This book was such a surprise and I loved every thing about it. Trevor and Dom were hilarious - I loved their banter and how Dom would always push Trevor's buttons. They were so much fun. And holy heck their chemistry was off the charts. Their tension was perfection and was always a hot explosion. What surprised me was how up in my feels Trevor got me. His struggles and fears really choked me up. I was not expecting that but I loved it. Trevor and Dom are my favorite in this series so far. Highly recommend.
June 10, 2024
4.5⭐️
April 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Very very good and spicy read!! I really enjoyed them and seeing their relationship develop!
Very very good and spicy read!! I really enjoyed them and seeing their relationship develop!
July 6, 2021
this was so goooood!
Trevor and Dom started as a one night stand to enemies to lovers! their chemistry was wow and the push and pull was just right. Dom was so understanding and patient with Trevor, (when he wasn't out yet). but i love how Trevor grew more confidence with his friends and family. and possessive, i love how he stake his claim on Dom, gosh. they were so sweet together.
i love their surrounding people bc everyone was so positive and supportive about it. you gay? cool, ok so next—
also a plus +++ their sex scenes was hot af.
Trevor and Dom started as a one night stand to enemies to lovers! their chemistry was wow and the push and pull was just right. Dom was so understanding and patient with Trevor, (when he wasn't out yet). but i love how Trevor grew more confidence with his friends and family. and possessive, i love how he stake his claim on Dom, gosh. they were so sweet together.
i love their surrounding people bc everyone was so positive and supportive about it. you gay? cool, ok so next—
also a plus +++ their sex scenes was hot af.
July 18, 2021
4.5 Stars 🌟 Dom and Trevor 🔥❤️🔥
Enemies to lovers and oh so filthy!!! This book was like a quick summer storm with sunshine in the end....it is an angsty, sexy, kinky good time with some 🔥 hotter than hot scenes between the sheets. This was a first read for me from this author and it certainly won't be my last!!! Trevor and Dom were very likable characters, Dom captured my heart with his back story, Trevor did as well with just trying to find his place in this world.... they didn't have an easy road to together but when they finally let their guard down it was explosive 🔥💥🔥 and sweet!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review*
Enemies to lovers and oh so filthy!!! This book was like a quick summer storm with sunshine in the end....it is an angsty, sexy, kinky good time with some 🔥 hotter than hot scenes between the sheets. This was a first read for me from this author and it certainly won't be my last!!! Trevor and Dom were very likable characters, Dom captured my heart with his back story, Trevor did as well with just trying to find his place in this world.... they didn't have an easy road to together but when they finally let their guard down it was explosive 🔥💥🔥 and sweet!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review*
December 30, 2024
Devoured in almost one sitting. I love Dom + Trevor ♡
July 12, 2021
⭐️ 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙨 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩. ⭐️
𝒢𝑒𝓃𝓇𝑒 | 𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈: MM
𝒫𝒪𝒱: 1st, Dual
𝒮𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈: South River University, Book 3
𝒮𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓂 𝐿𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓁: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. Holy crap, y’all! This one is by far my FAVORITE in the series. More angst, more sweet moments, more sexy times. Good lawd, the sexy times! 🥵
𝒴𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒶𝓈𝓈 𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓌. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒’𝓈 𝓃𝑜 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝐼’𝓂 𝓁𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝒸𝓁𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈.
We finally get Trevor’s story and let me just say he is lucky AF catching the eye of Dominic aka Dom. Cuz, dang, does that name fit! While Trevor is stuck trying to figure out what he really wants, Dom challenges him to be honest. The push/pull was insane and the chemistry was unbelievable. But when Trevor finally started being true to himself?? One of the best MM romances. Nothing is sexier than a man who knows what he wants and a man willing to kneel and take orders. Their dynamic was perfect!
Add in the amazing side characters and this series just keeps getting better and better. But Trevor and Dominic are going to hold a special place with me! Two imperfectly perfect men who find themselves with each other.
𝐹𝓊𝒸𝓀, 𝒞𝒶𝓂𝓅𝒷𝑒𝓁𝓁. 𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉’𝓇𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝓇𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒹𝑜 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝑒?
𝑅𝓊𝒾𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑒.
July 15, 2021
4.25 Stars!
This was a really good addition to the series, but it can be perfectly read as a standalone.
The book starts with a bang, as closeted Trevor has a very hot secret encounter with a stranger, who ends up being his new teammate, who might or might not want Trev's spot on the team.
I was a bit disappointed by Trevor's reasons for being closeted. I get that he was afraid and that it isn't easy to go through that, but his parents hadn't been anything but supportive all his life, and his friends—especially his closer circle—were bound to be as well, so it made little sense to me. I felt sorry for Dominic and all he had to go through prior to getting to South Haven and it made his desire to lose himself in Trevor and forget for a bit understandable. Plus, it was obvious he was more into Trevor than he wanted to acknowledge. LOL. They were really hot together and I loved the banter and the way their relationship progressed.
And of course, seeing Ronan and Renzo and how good they are together was the icing on the cake! I just adore them and any glimpse we get of them is pure gold. Now I'm looking forward to Jayden's story because I really liked him here.
Overall, I really enjoyed Breaking Free. It was sweet, hot, with some light D/s undertones and some angst. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This was a really good addition to the series, but it can be perfectly read as a standalone.
The book starts with a bang, as closeted Trevor has a very hot secret encounter with a stranger, who ends up being his new teammate, who might or might not want Trev's spot on the team.
I was a bit disappointed by Trevor's reasons for being closeted. I get that he was afraid and that it isn't easy to go through that, but his parents hadn't been anything but supportive all his life, and his friends—especially his closer circle—were bound to be as well, so it made little sense to me. I felt sorry for Dominic and all he had to go through prior to getting to South Haven and it made his desire to lose himself in Trevor and forget for a bit understandable. Plus, it was obvious he was more into Trevor than he wanted to acknowledge. LOL. They were really hot together and I loved the banter and the way their relationship progressed.
And of course, seeing Ronan and Renzo and how good they are together was the icing on the cake! I just adore them and any glimpse we get of them is pure gold. Now I'm looking forward to Jayden's story because I really liked him here.
Overall, I really enjoyed Breaking Free. It was sweet, hot, with some light D/s undertones and some angst. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
July 16, 2021
Not gonna lie - I was pleasantly surprised by this one!
I tried book one and it was a DNF for me - for whatever reason, I couldn't get in to the writing style plus I didn't warm to Renzo.
But this one I really enjoyed! Don't get me wrong, it's nothing new and if you're a regular mm reader it will be what you're expecting.
However, what you'll also get are two likeable MCs, a bit of angst (Trevor worrying about coming out but genuinely wanting to and Dom dealing with his abusive Father's death and his mum's grief) no ott drama and great side characters too. Also the sex is hot and the " I prefer to top" top still said he would bottom for their first time and followed through - the bigger/muscular/more dominant partner occasionally bottoming is my catnip😋
I particularly liked how Dom was with his Mother. He supported her grieving process but was also honest with her about how he felt.
I really loved the epilogue - loved their version of Valentine's day😍
Like I said previously, it hasn't reinvented the wheel, this a pretty standard enemies-to-lovers romance. But, when it's written well, and you enjoy the characters and their story - well there's nothing wrong with that.
I tried book one and it was a DNF for me - for whatever reason, I couldn't get in to the writing style plus I didn't warm to Renzo.
But this one I really enjoyed! Don't get me wrong, it's nothing new and if you're a regular mm reader it will be what you're expecting.
However, what you'll also get are two likeable MCs, a bit of angst (Trevor worrying about coming out but genuinely wanting to and Dom dealing with his abusive Father's death and his mum's grief) no ott drama and great side characters too. Also the sex is hot and the " I prefer to top" top still said he would bottom for their first time and followed through - the bigger/muscular/more dominant partner occasionally bottoming is my catnip😋
I particularly liked how Dom was with his Mother. He supported her grieving process but was also honest with her about how he felt.
I really loved the epilogue - loved their version of Valentine's day😍
Like I said previously, it hasn't reinvented the wheel, this a pretty standard enemies-to-lovers romance. But, when it's written well, and you enjoy the characters and their story - well there's nothing wrong with that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2021
Holy hotness!!! This steamy read had me sweating, swooning, and loving these characters even more. Trevor and Dom were somewhat adversaries on the football field but in the dark they poured the steam on and lordt have mercy wowsers is all I can say. Dom was patient with Trevor because Trevor wasn’t entirely ready to come out even though his friends would have been 100% ok with him no matter what. This was not again only steamy af but the sweetness they had for each other was swoon worthy for sure. This series has became so much more than books to me, they are stories that again hot, but also l have fallen in love with each character want to be their friend and they also teach others to accept everyone’s story no matter what or who they love!
July 13, 2021
Dominic is very cocky and sure of himself. Plus he reads Trevor signs very well. Unfortunately Trevor is new when it comes to dating a guy. He has every right being afraid to break free and live. Absolutely love this title for Trevor.
This book is super hot and filled with sexual tension in the beginning. I almost read this book in one day thats how much I loved it. Warning this involves two men dating if you didn't notice. One of the best gay romances I have read. I definitely recommend this series.
Arc review
This book is super hot and filled with sexual tension in the beginning. I almost read this book in one day thats how much I loved it. Warning this involves two men dating if you didn't notice. One of the best gay romances I have read. I definitely recommend this series.
Arc review
July 30, 2021
Awesome college football player story!
Really loved this fun book! Sorta straight football player starts realizing he's not so straight.... meets a big hunk of a football player ....and the game is on!!!
Hot times for Trev and Dominick!!!
😎😎😎
Really loved this fun book! Sorta straight football player starts realizing he's not so straight.... meets a big hunk of a football player ....and the game is on!!!
Hot times for Trev and Dominick!!!
😎😎😎
October 10, 2021
Read last night as part of my kindle unlimited. I loved the development of Dom and Trevor’s relationship. Also, Dom’s relationship with his mom was precious. Plus, I think we can all agree that Trevor’s friends are the best thing about the book, Jayden, Dex, Ronan, and Zo were freaking hilarious.
May 26, 2024
Great story, loved Dom & Trevor. Their first encounter was kind of weird, felt rushed in the beginning. The story was a low angst enemies to lovers. Only one MC really dislikes the other. I enjoyed reading the book. However, the audiobook made the story better, IMO. Loved the narrators.
July 3, 2021
Breaking Free is an M/M sports romance set in South River University and is book 3 in the series and is an interconnected standalone. You don’t have to read in order but if you don’t then there will be spoilers for previous books.
I’m absolutely lost for words. Just when I thought this series couldn’t possibly get any better, Isabel gives us Breaking Free.
I’m in love with this book! It’s pure lust, fire, passion, hope, explosive chemistry. All of it just pours onto the pages in such a phenomenal way, I can’t get enough.
I’ve been curious about Trevor in the other two books and couldn’t wait to hear his story and it’s well worth the wait. He definitely delivers in this book with hate to want you vibes and lots of warring with himself. It’s an emotional struggle but hotter than hell.
I whole heartedly love Trevor, the new character (Dom) we meet is pretty awesome too, but together sparks will fly. The push & pull is incredible. Their complete opposites but together their everything.
Thank you Isabel Lucero. Your truly amazing and can’t wait for more in the series.
Absolute page turner, 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ All the way. Would highly recommend.
I’m absolutely lost for words. Just when I thought this series couldn’t possibly get any better, Isabel gives us Breaking Free.
I’m in love with this book! It’s pure lust, fire, passion, hope, explosive chemistry. All of it just pours onto the pages in such a phenomenal way, I can’t get enough.
I’ve been curious about Trevor in the other two books and couldn’t wait to hear his story and it’s well worth the wait. He definitely delivers in this book with hate to want you vibes and lots of warring with himself. It’s an emotional struggle but hotter than hell.
I whole heartedly love Trevor, the new character (Dom) we meet is pretty awesome too, but together sparks will fly. The push & pull is incredible. Their complete opposites but together their everything.
Thank you Isabel Lucero. Your truly amazing and can’t wait for more in the series.
Absolute page turner, 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ All the way. Would highly recommend.
July 11, 2021
It's been a long time since college but I still enjoy reading about guys in college falling in love. Especially jocks, in this case football players, in this case rivals for the same starting position.
From their hot af meeting to the end of the book, these two guys have combustible chemistry. The storyline is solid, and though it's the third in the series, I didn't feel like I missed out by not reading the first two. I will probably go back and read them when the next book comes out, because I enjoyed this author and will read more from her.
From their hot af meeting to the end of the book, these two guys have combustible chemistry. The storyline is solid, and though it's the third in the series, I didn't feel like I missed out by not reading the first two. I will probably go back and read them when the next book comes out, because I enjoyed this author and will read more from her.
July 22, 2021
A closeted college football player meets and falls for a transfer student from another school. The transfer has stolen not only his affections, but his position on the field. Unlike so many “He said/He Said” romances, this one appears to switch back and forth between POVs every five chapters. I can only say “appears to” based on the Table of Contents indicating that. Unfortunately, the two main character’s points of view sounded so similar as to be indistinguishable. I was continually a bit confused as to just who was narrating the tale until some specific clue came along. Nothing pulls one out of a story as suddenly as realizing that you’re thinking of the scene from the wrong character’s point of view.
In this tale the supporting characters seem pretty well developed (as one would expect with the third installment in a series) but this novel is billed as “a complete stand-alone”. This is the first in the series that I’ve been exposed to, and I kept having the nagging feeling that some of the earlier novels had been about the supporting characters. The problem with that was that it often felt as if the supporting characters were more interesting that this book’s main characters.
One of this tale’s main characters, Dominic, the self confident transfer student, had family problems but the problems felt more like interruptions than organic elements of the plot. Also, other than thinking that he’s a football player of Latinx heritage, I couldn’t describe him to a police artist to save my life. While I was reading this book I also started reading another involving hockey players. Although I’m only two chapters in, in that one, I feel that I know more about the hockey players than I learned about the football-playing main characters here in 30-some chapters.
There was also a credibility issue surrounding one of the major plot points… The other main character, Trevor was deeply closeted. Yet we’re given no compelling reason he should be. Many of his fellow football players were either openly gay or Bi. I had trouble believing that there was any reason he’d be afraid to come out.
Overall, this book starts great, kinda lags in the middle, and then picks up toward the end. The opening scenes in this novel had a lot of promise. But thereafter it sort of felt a bit flat. While it was an enjoyable enough read, it did feel a bit like the author was just going through the motions a bit.
For an author with as many books to her credit as this, the tale felt a bit like the latest product of a “cookie cutter” style. To begin with, neither character has much more than a three line back-story. Second, for a book about football players, there were almost no details about football. About 60 % of the way through I started thinking about how few words I would have had to change to make this a book about basketball or hockey players. (Not Many.) I actually attended a Big Ten school in Michigan and was a tutor for the athletic department. The amount of mid season free time these “potential National Champion” college football players had was patently unbelievable. And have you ever heard of a potential National Champion college football team playing against a school with Prep in their name? Even a Michigan team flying to a game in Pennsylvania set off my incredulity alarms.
In a similar vein, for a novel set in Michigan there were NO Michigan details. And for a novel involving college students, there were almost no college details. At about the 65% point, after the two main characters stop their bickering, the whole coming out process and their coming together actually made this more interesting again. Dominic’s sub-plot involving his mother also worked better toward the end but we really didn’t get the level of detail we really needed to care much. I’m guessing that part of the problem there was that most of that back-story was “told” to us via dialogue rather than being “shown” to us in some way.
There were some interesting sex scenes here. Trevor’s initial submissiveness was intriguing. . I sort of wish that some of the time spent on the whole “closeted athlete issue” had been spent exploring more about the reasons behind Trevor’s submissiveness. I think that that would have made for a more interesting tale. Several of the “first time” scenes were also pretty engaging. Given what I read here I truly believe that this author is capable. Unfortunately, I also felt she was capable of more than this.
***Note: While I received a free copy of this title, this is an honest and impartial review ***
In this tale the supporting characters seem pretty well developed (as one would expect with the third installment in a series) but this novel is billed as “a complete stand-alone”. This is the first in the series that I’ve been exposed to, and I kept having the nagging feeling that some of the earlier novels had been about the supporting characters. The problem with that was that it often felt as if the supporting characters were more interesting that this book’s main characters.
One of this tale’s main characters, Dominic, the self confident transfer student, had family problems but the problems felt more like interruptions than organic elements of the plot. Also, other than thinking that he’s a football player of Latinx heritage, I couldn’t describe him to a police artist to save my life. While I was reading this book I also started reading another involving hockey players. Although I’m only two chapters in, in that one, I feel that I know more about the hockey players than I learned about the football-playing main characters here in 30-some chapters.
There was also a credibility issue surrounding one of the major plot points… The other main character, Trevor was deeply closeted. Yet we’re given no compelling reason he should be. Many of his fellow football players were either openly gay or Bi. I had trouble believing that there was any reason he’d be afraid to come out.
Overall, this book starts great, kinda lags in the middle, and then picks up toward the end. The opening scenes in this novel had a lot of promise. But thereafter it sort of felt a bit flat. While it was an enjoyable enough read, it did feel a bit like the author was just going through the motions a bit.
For an author with as many books to her credit as this, the tale felt a bit like the latest product of a “cookie cutter” style. To begin with, neither character has much more than a three line back-story. Second, for a book about football players, there were almost no details about football. About 60 % of the way through I started thinking about how few words I would have had to change to make this a book about basketball or hockey players. (Not Many.) I actually attended a Big Ten school in Michigan and was a tutor for the athletic department. The amount of mid season free time these “potential National Champion” college football players had was patently unbelievable. And have you ever heard of a potential National Champion college football team playing against a school with Prep in their name? Even a Michigan team flying to a game in Pennsylvania set off my incredulity alarms.
In a similar vein, for a novel set in Michigan there were NO Michigan details. And for a novel involving college students, there were almost no college details. At about the 65% point, after the two main characters stop their bickering, the whole coming out process and their coming together actually made this more interesting again. Dominic’s sub-plot involving his mother also worked better toward the end but we really didn’t get the level of detail we really needed to care much. I’m guessing that part of the problem there was that most of that back-story was “told” to us via dialogue rather than being “shown” to us in some way.
There were some interesting sex scenes here. Trevor’s initial submissiveness was intriguing. . I sort of wish that some of the time spent on the whole “closeted athlete issue” had been spent exploring more about the reasons behind Trevor’s submissiveness. I think that that would have made for a more interesting tale. Several of the “first time” scenes were also pretty engaging. Given what I read here I truly believe that this author is capable. Unfortunately, I also felt she was capable of more than this.
***Note: While I received a free copy of this title, this is an honest and impartial review ***
July 15, 2021
Yes! Yes! YES!!! I absolutely loved these two. I could feel the tension coming through the pages and this book is HOT! If you love M/M, then this book is for you. Highly recommend.
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