“I’m not giving up on us, Firefly. I meant what I said, you’re mine.”
Nine years ago, Hadley had it all; amazing friends, doting parents, and a boyfriend she loved more than life itself. Her future was set, or so she thought.
After he disappears without so much as a goodbye, Hadley picks up the pieces the best she can. She leaves town in an attempt to put the past behind her, but the damage has already been done.
One mistake. That was all it took to completely destroy Sebastian’s life and everything that ever mattered to him. A stupid, careless mistake and he never regretted anything more.
Upon his return, he tries to salvage what he can, finding solace in women and street racing. But even staring death in the eye can’t hide the fact that something’s missing from his life.
Forced to reunite, thanks to their mutual friends’ wedding, Hadley and Sebastian come face to face with all their unresolved issues and the realization that they may not be as over each other as they thought they were. Could this be their chance to rekindle what they lost, or will the secrets of their past be the deal breaker?
Amanda K. Mann is a Cali girl, born and raised. She’s the mother of two amazing children, both a son and a daughter, and a wife to an amazingly supportive and loving Marine husband. Which means she gets to move every three years or so.
Animal lover and Supernatural addict, she spends most of her free time with her nose stuck in a book or typing away at some new idea that popped into her brain. Her blood type is caffeine and she is a sucker for cute otter pics.
Wow I went into this read blind and I’m so glad I did this read truly captured my heart. The emotions portrayed through this book were so strong and the plot was so beautiful along with it. The ending truly broke me and I’m hoping for a second book to go through other characters lives. I really enjoyed this one
4.5/5⭐️Overall I really liked the book. I actually loved it until the end. The spice level was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ which was great. I loved all the characters. I just didn’t like the very end of the story because it didn’t end with a truly happy ending and it didn’t give an epilogue that told us how everything ended after several months.
9 years ago Hadley and Sebastian were happy until Sebastian left without any explanation, breaking both their hearts. Hadley and Sebastian are forced to reunite for their best friend’s wedding which pushes them to confront why they split in the first place.
This was a fast paced read I read it in less than 24hrs. It helped me get out of my reading slump. I enjoyed the FMC because she was really relatable but the MMC, I wasn’t the biggest fan. I felt like he was a bit of an ass which would make sense because he’s supposed to be an “asshole to everyone but her” type of MMC. The issue is I felt like he was an asshole to her at times also and I literally wanted to go slap him. I liked the overall plot and really loved the heart wrenching ending. I also loved that the FMC understood where her boundaries are. I do feel like the MMC redeemed himself by the ending and I did like that the characters deal with real life issues and are able to work through it by the end of the book. The ending is heart wrenching!
What I didn’t care for: The cover 🫣 sorry I just hate naked people on covers. The immaturity of the characters at times. Like come on it is not that hard to communicate. Be an adult! Why are they having miscommunication/ being scared to talk to each other as if they are teenagers. Another character witnessing their “spicy” scene gave me the Ick but I’m sure some people like that.
If you like second chance romance, miscommunication trope, possessive MMC and spice you’ll like this book.
(I received this book as an ARC from the Author)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow! This book was sooo freaking good! As an ARC reader I had the provide to read it early before the release and I am so grateful! This is a spoiler free review but I can say that I absolutely loved it. The characters were so easy to love, the plot was great, the ending had me in tears and on the edge of my seat, & the epilogue well I believe it’s a spoiler for a possible second book 🙏🤞 hopefully!
WOW! I cant not recommend this book enough. This was such a good read, the way I gasped in certain parts, had to put the book down and walk away just to come back and continue binging was incredible. The second I thought it was being predictable NOPE, I was so wrong. The spice and tension was perfect and placed in all the right spots. I read this book in one day and I am really hoping we get book 2 to this series. PLEASE!!!!!
This book blew me away. This was a big 5 star read for me and I usually do not give many 5 STARS. I honestly did not know what to expect with this book. I went into it blind and was captivated the moment it started. This was a real page turner. It starts off with a couple that is brought back together for their friends wedding. There is a lot of unresolved turmoil between the couple and their friends. It is told in dual POV. The world building and storyline was written phenomenally. The characters developed beautifully as the story was continued to the point that I felt like I was really there and they were my family. I felt so many emotions with this read and loved every minute. It had so many emotional turns and twists that I was emotionally wrecked after this book and needed a few days to take it all in. The moment I was done reading it, I had to go back and reread it. I cannot express how much I loved this book and recommend it. The only sad thing is I can not experience the first read again with this book no matter how many times I read it. This is definitely going on my reread book shelf. I really hope we get a book 2 because I am not ready for this world and these characters to end!
This small-town, second chance romance is SO good! The chemistry between Hadley and Sebastian was palpable. The build up and pacing of their reuniting didn’t feel rushed or hurried. The found family trope is one of my favorites and Amanda Mann does it very well in this book. The relationship between each person, main characters and supporting, doesn’t feel forced or like an afterthought. Each relationship is intentional and serves a purpose in the story. I love the friendships between Hadley and Jenny, Sebastian and Porter, Hadley and Porter, and Jenny and Sebastian. Those details are what makes Mann’s found family so successful in this book.
Tropes: Second Chance Romance Street Racing Small Town Romance Forced Proximity Bad Boy/Good Girl Found Family
Blurb: Hadley is back in Bloomwick for her best friend's wedding, and while she’s excited to be back she’s also apprehensive to see her ex-boyfriend, Sebastian, the one who ghosted her. She doesn’t know why Sebastian suddenly stopped talking to her, even nine years later. Hadley is determined to remain civil (because she’s over him) and not cause drama during her best friend's wedding.
Sebastian has moved on from Hadley. He can get through seeing her during their best friends’ wedding. He is over her and can at least try and be friends with her again. Sebastian is still adamant about Hadley not finding out what happened nine years ago, but as he and Hadley realize what they had isn’t over, his hopes of not having to tell her fade away.
This review contains my genuine thoughts and opinions about this book. Thank you Amanda K Mann for blessing me with an ARC for Deal Breaker! I can’t wait for more from this group of characters!
"𝗜’𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝘀, 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝘆." Excuse me while I SOB.
This book. THIS BOOK. It hooked me from page one and refused to let me go. Hadley and Sebastian's story is the perfect mix of heartbreak, angst, and sweet, sweet redemption. Nine years of pain, regret, and longing wrapped into one beautifully messy package, and I ate up every single word like it was the last cupcake at a wedding.
Sebastian—ugh, this man. A street-racing bad boy with a broken heart? Sign me up! And Hadley? She’s everything I wanted in a heroine—strong, vulnerable, and unapologetically herself. Their reunion before their friends' wedding? Chef’s kiss. The tension, the sparks, the emotional damage—it’s all there. I was literally screaming at my Kindle, "𝑱𝑼𝑺𝑻 𝑲𝑰𝑺𝑺 𝑨𝑳𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝒀!"
And that TWIST at the end? Oh. My. God. My jaw hit the floor. I didn’t see it coming, and it almost BROKE ME. I had to pause, collect myself, and remind my heart to keep beating. The angst levels? OFF THE CHARTS.
Then came the epilogue. Listen, I need book two like yesterday. You can't just leave me hanging like that! I need more of Hadley and Sebastian—more street races, more banter, more steamy make-ups. Honestly, I’d happily read about them grocery shopping if it means spending more time in their world.
So, if you’re into second-chance romances with all the feels, characters you can’t help but root for, and a twist that’ll leave you reeling, READ THIS BOOK. Just be ready to beg the author for a sequel, because trust me, you will.
Once again Amanda K Mann has you invested in the story of Hadley and Sebastian as they fight for their second chance and HEA! After nine years, Hadley returns to her home town to be an attendant in her best friends, Jenny and Porters wedding. Finding out she was to be partnered with her ex, Sebastian, soon changes her feelings about being there at all. He ghosted her nine years earlier and she was not sure of her current feelings towards him. Take a ride on the wild side, literally, as Sebastian, a street car racer, with secrets, tries to win Hadley's forgiveness and affections again. But secrets can be their undoing, as Hadley tries hard to forgive and forget, but unable to unless Sebastian reveals why he left her nine years ago. Something he is unwilling to do! A frustratingly haunting second chance romance with all the feels, as both Hadley and Sebastian comes to term with their past colliding with their future. Drama, heartache and unexpected events lead this story as we all wait with bated breath to see if it ends in a HEA for Hadley and Sebastian. I loved this worthy 5 star read, as I ma sure you all will too.
When I say this book BLEW me away, I mean it BLEW ME THE FREAK AWAY! Second chance love stories truly have me in a chokehold and Deal Breaker grabbed me instantly and did not let me go. Hadley and Sebastian's love story was clear from the beginning that it was going to be a good girl/bad boy situation. Hadley just returning home for her best friends wedding and finally seeing the man who just up and left her nine years ago, no explanation whatsoever. Amanda Mann truly hits you hard with feeling every emotion both of these characters had throughout their attempt to get through being around each other for the sake of their friends getting married. I am sucker for the way they both give into falling back into their love despite the hurt between the two of them. Sebastian was a character I did not expect to fall in love with so easy and I can see how Hadley fell for him at the beginning. The rough exterior was all for show but the minute Hadley and him are alone, that rough exterior falls and you find this sweet man who truly embraces his emotions. 10/10... 3/5 spice... 5/5 LOVE LOVE LOVE
I’m not a hundred percent sure if I finished this book, or if this book finished me. 😅 When I finished it I had to sit with my thoughts to even begin formulating a review.
Deal breaker follows Hadley who returns to her hometown after 9 years to attend her best friend’s wedding. After not seeing Sebastian for 9 years the last thing she expected was all the emotions so thought she dealt with to come back full force. Sebastian realizing he still has feelings for Hadley wants to rekindle what they once had but a secret is holding him back.
The love these two had, and still have for each other is evident but they are too stubborn to give in and when they do they are hit with another life altering tragedy.
I can’t stress enough to check the trigger warnings, this book hit close to home and left me in tears (happy & sad) How this book ended left me wondering if we will get to see these characters again, if so I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Thank you Amanda K. Mann for the opportunity to read Deal Breaker before it releases!
This is my first time reading a book by Amanda K. Mann. I had previously read a book she co-authored with DV Fischer, so I knew this book would be good. I am happy to announce that I was right. This book had me crying quietly because I didn’t want my husband to ask me any questions! He might have wanted to have a conversation and I was not planning on putting down this book! I loved reading this second chance at romance story. Hadley is such a fake ‘til you make it FMC. Sebastian is a bad boy on the outside and good guy on the inside MMC. Their story is tragic with twists of hope and more tragedy. As I previously stated, this book had me crying, then hopeful and then had me crying again. The twist at the end really surprised me. Unfortunately not in a good way! Waah!! Thank you, Amanda K. Mann for such a wonderful and emotional read. I am hoping to hear in the future a book for two other characters in the same world…If you read the book, you’ll know what characters I mean!! I cannot wait to see what you have coming out next!!
“Hang on, Firefly,” I tell her. “This is going to get a bit crazy.”
This is a fantastic second chance romance by Amanda Mann which I couldn't put down. It's full of action, anger, regret, love, loss, street racing, friendship, forgiveness, great humor and romance. Amanda has put so much emotion and feeling in Hadley and Sebastian's story that I found myself smiling and crying with them.
Hadley had left her home town after her boyfriend had disappeared without a word and broke her heart. She agrees to come back for her best friend's wedding, not realising her ex is the best man. But he's changed, spending his time street racing and not caring about the risks to himself or others. Jenny is determined to see her friends confront their issues before her wedding to Porter as she knows there's still something strong between them, but will Sebastian's secrets be too much for Hadley to deal with?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Honestly…. I am shocked. I finished this book in just a couple hours as I could not put it down. Immediately the emotional pull you feel for Hadley and the connection to her pain is intense. From her panic attacks to her indecision on all things Sebastian, I absolutely loved the true human qualities she showed. Often in other reads you can get frustrated with the FMC with how stubborn they may be or how easy to convince. You get one or the other but not with Hadley. I felt like her internal struggle was the appropriate amount of tug and pull with a good sprinkle of angst.
I loved Sebastian’s character and how he stuck to what he wanted. I was not expecting our dear sweet porter to depart and I’m honestly still devastated as he did deliver some of my favorite lines of the book.
It was a great easy read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sub/Genre: Contemporary Small Town Storyline Rating: 5/5 ⭐️ Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️ Dark Rating: 1.5/5 🖤 Emotional Rating: 2/5 🥺 Tropes: Second Chance, First Love, Small Town, Bad BoyXGood Girl, Street Racing, Traumatic Past Triggers: Suicidal Ideation, Driving Drunk, Drug Use, Death Ending: A VERY SAD HEA with an epilogue hinting at the next book.
I didn’t know Amanda K Mann was going to make me CRY LIKE A BABY with this book. Yet here I am!
Hadley goes back to her hometown for her best friends wedding. The best friend who is now making her walk does the aisle with her ex boyfriend Ethan. Ethan that ghosted her after planning a future with here.
The two have unfinished business and need to learn to get along before the wedding. But nine years is a long time… and they are two very different people now.
This second chance, small town romance following Hadley and Sebastian is captivating. Both of our MCs reunite at a friend's wedding but Sebastian is holding on to a secret which leads to why he left Hadley standing alone so long ago. Hadley, needing answers, is torn on her feelings and seeing Sebastian again. Do they overcome the tragic secret or do they go their separate ways? The chemistry was there and the found family & friends really make this storyline great. Each of the friends have their own backstory within this romance, and really leaves hope for the future books. I myself would love to see these side characters come to life in the suture. The writing of this storyline was really done well. Amanda K Mann really gave us a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ book here. I can't wait to see more to come.
It was a good emotional read, but i had issues with it.
Like how she just got over the hurt he put her through, obviously wasn't that hurt by events. I understand she forgave him because they loved it each other, but come in, make him work for it, at least.
And the pushing of them together by her friends, I found annoying also for their own selfish reasons.
I like the intensity of their relationship when they finally put their past behind them, and maybe seen an epilogue from either of their Pov instead of Ethans, although I knew that his would lead on to another book.
I'm glad she made her demands. No one should be second best in a relationship, especially to a hobby.
"Deal Breaker: A Second Chance Romance" by Amanda K. Mann was my first read from this author, and it didn't disappoint. Drawn in by my love for the second chance romance trope, I found this book to be an emotional journey that I thoroughly enjoyed. Amanda K. Mann has a way with words that makes you feel every emotion the main characters experience.
The story was fast-paced, which kept me hooked from start to finish. Hadley, the protagonist, was incredibly relatable, adding depth and realism to the narrative. If you love a good second chance romance, I highly recommend giving this book a read. It’s a heartfelt and captivating story that leaves a lasting impression.
This is a 3.5 for me and also a very spicy read. I love 2nd chance romance and this was a very emotional one. I liked the friendship and the side characters and the drag racing was cool. the only thing is that there was a lot of one sides miscommunication which is one of my least favorite tropes but my heart broke a little when I found the reason for the ghosting and miscommunication. I did root for the couple and I am invested in the lives of the side characters. I am ready for the next book.
You will like this if you love to get your heartbroken a little along the way.
received this ARC for review and all thoughts are mine.
Deal Breaker was a book I went into blind and was a first for me by Amanda.
It took me twice to read and get my thoughts together for it. Overall, I did enjoy the storyline, but it was HEAVY on the emotional aspect of the book itself. It probably shouldn't have been a book to dive blind into, but it didn't change my mind on how I would write my review. Amanda broke my damn heart with this one, I BAWLED at different points in the storyline. The emotions were raw and really entwined to the characters and storyline beautifully. I loved Hadley's and Sebastian's story and the second chance romance aspect of it. Great book, but be prepared to CRY A LOT.
This was an outstanding novel with outrageously amazing smut and wonderfully characters. However, don’t be fooled, this novel will have you in full blown tears by the end because yes it’s beautiful but oh so tragic. It always catches me off guard at how well this author can sweep her readers into a whirl pool of emotions! Overall I only have good things to say and I’m not even close to being ready to let these characters go. I’m so grateful to have received the opportunity to arc read this book and cannot wait to see what else Amanda K Mann has in store for her both her fans and new readers alike!
This is my first time reading a book by Amanda K. Mann. This book had me crying quietly because I didn't want my husband to ask me any questions! I love reading this second chance at romance story. I seriously could not get enough of Hadleys and Sebastians banter! Their story is tragic with twists of hope and more tragedy. As I previously stated, this book had me crying, then hopeful and then had me crying again. The twist at the threw me through a loop! Unfortunately not in a good way!! I need more of those two!!!
Thank you, Amanda K. Mann for such a wonderful and emotional read. This definitely got me out of my book slump! I cannot wait to see what you have coming out next!!
This is haunting second chance for Sebastian and Hadley. After being gone for 9 years Hadley comes back to town for a new job and her friends wedding. Sebastian wants a second chance with Hadley, but she doesn’t know if she can get back with him after he hurt her bad before. This is a great heart wrenching story that will leave you going through every single emotion that you have in you. It will rip your heart out, put it back together and have you laughing then rips your heart out again. If you’re not careful this book makes it all feel real and is happening to you or someone you know.
Did I stay up most of the night to finish this book in one sitting??? YES! Do I regret that choice?? Absolutely not!!
Deal Breaker was a fantastic read full of all of the emotions! I was hooked from the first chapter, the more you read the more it just draws you in and before you know it, it’s over!! I could have read 10 more chapters of Hadley & Sebastian’s story! I will say I did find the twist towards the end a touch predictable but still so good! However the way Amanda writes characters is phenomenal, I was so attached to everyone in this book almost immediately!
Amanda K. Mann has written a book that absolutely broke my heart and I need a second one to heal it. When you think this is going to be a typical disgruntled lovers story, the author deftly turns it on it's head and you realise just how much more there is to the story. More emotion, more love and laughter, more heartbreak and deals to be broken and mended. So much depth to the characters, you can feel what they feel. An amazing story but then again Amanda K. Mann never disappoints!!
A shortie but a goodie! I had no idea what I was getting into but I absolutely adored this book. It was amazing and I could not put it down. I love the story and the plot twist. I felt the yearning, wanting, and love from both characters. I was legit so sad when I reached the plot twist, I literally couldn't believe it! I need the next book asap!! I loved Ethan and I need his book asap!! He's probably my favorite character! I really loved reading this book and I wish I could experience it again for the first time!
I love this book so much! It made me laugh and cry! I am so thankful to say I arc read this one! I hope to own this on my shelf one day!
Tropes ♥️Found family ♥️Nicknames ♥️Second chance ♥️Street racing ♥️Will do anything for her ♥️Secret tattoo ♥️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ♥️Protective MMC ♥️Hidden soft spot just for her ♥️Anxiety and Panic attack reps ♥️Small town ♥️ Simp MMC x Earn my love FMC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this one so much! Thank you so much Amanda! If you see this I want to ARC for you again! P.S I would love a paperback copy to make so content on and photoshoot!
This is a small town, second chance romance that is full of love, loss, action, anger, friendship, regret, street racing, forgiveness, humor and romance. This is Hadley and Sebastian's story. Drama, heartache and unexpected twists led this story as I waited with anticipation to see if it ended in a HEA for Hadley and Sebastian. With so much depth to the characters, you can feel what they feel. I would love to see these side characters come to life in future books. The writing of this storyline was really done well. I can’t wait to read what Amanda writes next!
Deal breaker had me holding my breath in and my heart going 1000 miles per second!
There was heartbreak, spice, emotional development, second chance and a great ending! I definitely did not see the last few chapters coming, it really had me holding my breath and hoping for the best.
My emotions were on a roller coaster ride with this book. I really hope we get another book based on the ending because I MUST know how it ends for Ethan, I need him to have his romance too!!!!!
Absolutely amazing! I loved everything about this book! Hadley is a “good girl” who fell for a “bad guy”. Sebastian is the ultimate golden retriever boyfriend but with a dark secret. This story is filled with the perfect amount of spice without crossing into the smut realm while keeping some of the “dark romance” tropes. While some of the banter was childish it played into the whole high school sweetheart plot. I usually don’t read small town romance, second chance stories but I’m so glad I was able to receive this ARC. I’m still drying my tears from twist at the end. Thank you for this beautiful story Amanda!