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Rockford University #2
Made to Break
AVALON:
I’m a one time kind of girl. I’ve gone my whole life without being in a relationship because I don’t need to be in one to get what I want from one... sex.
If my parents taught me anything, it’s that you can only truly rely on yourself. Not the type of lesson I expected to learn in elementary school when my dad walked out on us and my mom put drugs and alcohol before me in order to cope, but it was a lesson I’ve lived by ever since. I don’t need a guy to break my heart because I have enough heartbreak to last me a lifetime. So, I live by three No sleepovers. No repeats. And absolutely no strings.
Everything changes though when I wake up in the bed of Rockford hockey player, Zeke Harris. Zeke is exactly what I don’t need in my life, and I’d rather jump off a bridge than ever end up in bed with him again. The problem is, that night was the best night of my life, and my body’s screaming at me to do it all over again. So when he proposes a no-strings relationship, sex and nothing else, I can’t help but give in. After all, I already broke one rule—
What’s the worst that could happen?
ZEKE:
Her cancer consumes me. Every day I wonder if I’ll have to say goodbye to the one constant in my life… my mom. I feel like no one understands and maybe it’s because I never let anyone in enough for them to understand, but I don’t want to just be the guy with the sick mom.
Which is why my friends see me as a carefree playboy. It’s easier to sleep around and avoid connections, than to actually let anyone in. Last time I did that, I got hurt, and I promised myself I’d never get into a relationship again. All I need is sex. It helps me escape my reality long enough to give me peace. And once we go our separate ways, we never see each other again, to avoid attachments. That’s how it has to be... until Avalon.
The only girl I’ve ever met with a no-strings rule of her own. Which I thought would be a good thing. not having to worry about her chasing me down after our hookup, I never thought I’d be the one chasing after her. Not to be my girlfriend or anything, but to give her a proposition. We both want the same thing out of the arrangement, the best sex of our lives and nothing else. After all—
I’m not the type of guy to fall in love.
I’m a one time kind of girl. I’ve gone my whole life without being in a relationship because I don’t need to be in one to get what I want from one... sex.
If my parents taught me anything, it’s that you can only truly rely on yourself. Not the type of lesson I expected to learn in elementary school when my dad walked out on us and my mom put drugs and alcohol before me in order to cope, but it was a lesson I’ve lived by ever since. I don’t need a guy to break my heart because I have enough heartbreak to last me a lifetime. So, I live by three No sleepovers. No repeats. And absolutely no strings.
Everything changes though when I wake up in the bed of Rockford hockey player, Zeke Harris. Zeke is exactly what I don’t need in my life, and I’d rather jump off a bridge than ever end up in bed with him again. The problem is, that night was the best night of my life, and my body’s screaming at me to do it all over again. So when he proposes a no-strings relationship, sex and nothing else, I can’t help but give in. After all, I already broke one rule—
What’s the worst that could happen?
ZEKE:
Her cancer consumes me. Every day I wonder if I’ll have to say goodbye to the one constant in my life… my mom. I feel like no one understands and maybe it’s because I never let anyone in enough for them to understand, but I don’t want to just be the guy with the sick mom.
Which is why my friends see me as a carefree playboy. It’s easier to sleep around and avoid connections, than to actually let anyone in. Last time I did that, I got hurt, and I promised myself I’d never get into a relationship again. All I need is sex. It helps me escape my reality long enough to give me peace. And once we go our separate ways, we never see each other again, to avoid attachments. That’s how it has to be... until Avalon.
The only girl I’ve ever met with a no-strings rule of her own. Which I thought would be a good thing. not having to worry about her chasing me down after our hookup, I never thought I’d be the one chasing after her. Not to be my girlfriend or anything, but to give her a proposition. We both want the same thing out of the arrangement, the best sex of our lives and nothing else. After all—
I’m not the type of guy to fall in love.
- GenresRomance
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2024
5 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Emily Tayfel
8 books16 followersBorn in Las Vegas, Nevada, Emily is one of five children. She grew up with a love of sports because of her dad and hopes to travel the world in the near future. She holds a B.A. in Film and Television, as well as a minor in Creative Writing and Professional Writing.
From an early age she's loved to create stories and knew she wanted a profession that would allow her to do that. When she's not writing new books or screenplays, she's watching tv with her sister or reading romance books.
From an early age she's loved to create stories and knew she wanted a profession that would allow her to do that. When she's not writing new books or screenplays, she's watching tv with her sister or reading romance books.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 5, 2024
✨ARC REVIEW✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Quote: “I’ve been waiting for this moment… I was just waiting for you to want it.”
Made to Break 🏒
By Emily Tayfel
Series: Rockford University, Book 2
Pub Date: November 18th, 2024
May I just say…… “I BEG YOUR FINEST PARDON?!”
This was my first book from Emily Tayfel and it was a fun little spicy 6 pack of nuggets that comes with 2 sauces and a side of fries.
Tayfel’s attention to detail created a world in which I was able to walk side by side with our FMC/MMC, laugh when they laughed, roll my eyes when they did something dumb and feel pain when it felt like their worlds had been shattered.
Her characters are so chaotically animated to the point they feel so very real to me now - their personas, their relationships, their banter (oh my word their banter!!!) - I felt like they were right in front of me, rather than mere words on a page, their thoughts, their emotions, their cries..
Tayfel has written Made to Break in such a way I found myself creating tiny windows of time throughout my day so I could read the next page because I simply needed to know what happened next (finished in less than 24hrs).
From her use of captivating language, her character development, her representation of the struggles and hardships we face every single day… Emily Tayfel has thoroughly caught my attention and I could not be more impressed.
I can’t wait for the next book to release. That cliffhanger has me needing book three ASAP! (The Audacity!!)
Thank you @authoremilytayfel for trusting me with an ARC and for the opportunity to create an early review.
It has been a pleasure.
-Julie 🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Quote: “I’ve been waiting for this moment… I was just waiting for you to want it.”
Made to Break 🏒
By Emily Tayfel
Series: Rockford University, Book 2
Pub Date: November 18th, 2024
May I just say…… “I BEG YOUR FINEST PARDON?!”
This was my first book from Emily Tayfel and it was a fun little spicy 6 pack of nuggets that comes with 2 sauces and a side of fries.
Tayfel’s attention to detail created a world in which I was able to walk side by side with our FMC/MMC, laugh when they laughed, roll my eyes when they did something dumb and feel pain when it felt like their worlds had been shattered.
Her characters are so chaotically animated to the point they feel so very real to me now - their personas, their relationships, their banter (oh my word their banter!!!) - I felt like they were right in front of me, rather than mere words on a page, their thoughts, their emotions, their cries..
Tayfel has written Made to Break in such a way I found myself creating tiny windows of time throughout my day so I could read the next page because I simply needed to know what happened next (finished in less than 24hrs).
From her use of captivating language, her character development, her representation of the struggles and hardships we face every single day… Emily Tayfel has thoroughly caught my attention and I could not be more impressed.
I can’t wait for the next book to release. That cliffhanger has me needing book three ASAP! (The Audacity!!)
Thank you @authoremilytayfel for trusting me with an ARC and for the opportunity to create an early review.
It has been a pleasure.
-Julie 🌶️
November 10, 2024
"I recently read Made to Break by Emily Tayfel, and it stole my heart. This moving hockey romance is a must-read for anyone who loves the sport and a good love story. With its emotional character development and heart-wrenching moments, I cried and giggled multiple times. It's a 10/10 reading experience that I highly recommend."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read this as an ARC and ahhh! It's good, sad but good and then happy. I hope there's more after this because I can't wait. From the minute I started this about 4 days ago haha I haven't been able to put it down! Easy to read, some spicy spice, and a very good flow! Then the ending? hello? A good cliffhanger! It's a definite TBR if you need a low maybe medium spice book.
-hockey
-romance
-low-med spice
I read this as an ARC and ahhh! It's good, sad but good and then happy. I hope there's more after this because I can't wait. From the minute I started this about 4 days ago haha I haven't been able to put it down! Easy to read, some spicy spice, and a very good flow! Then the ending? hello? A good cliffhanger! It's a definite TBR if you need a low maybe medium spice book.
-hockey
-romance
-low-med spice
December 1, 2024
*ARC Review *
Avalon and Zeke’s story is a whirlwind of fiery passion, emotional walls, and unexpected twists! 🌪️💋 She’s fiercely independent, living by her own rules and refusing to let anyone get too close. He’s the life of the party, hiding a heart weighed down by pain and secrets. Neither is looking for love—just a little escape from the chaos of life. 🖤
When a one-night encounter turns into an irresistible connection, they strike a deal: no strings, no commitments, just fun. Sounds simple, right? 😏 But as their chemistry ignites and their worlds collide, they discover that rules are meant to be broken. 💥🔥 With electric banter, raw vulnerability, and some of the hottest scenes ever, this story will have you laughing, swooning, and rooting for two guarded souls to finally let love in. ❤️🔥
Avalon and Zeke’s story is a whirlwind of fiery passion, emotional walls, and unexpected twists! 🌪️💋 She’s fiercely independent, living by her own rules and refusing to let anyone get too close. He’s the life of the party, hiding a heart weighed down by pain and secrets. Neither is looking for love—just a little escape from the chaos of life. 🖤
When a one-night encounter turns into an irresistible connection, they strike a deal: no strings, no commitments, just fun. Sounds simple, right? 😏 But as their chemistry ignites and their worlds collide, they discover that rules are meant to be broken. 💥🔥 With electric banter, raw vulnerability, and some of the hottest scenes ever, this story will have you laughing, swooning, and rooting for two guarded souls to finally let love in. ❤️🔥
November 30, 2024
Wow. Where do I even begin? If you thought you were a Declan girlie...just wait because here comes Zeke Harris. Honestly I've loved Zeke from the second I met him in Declan and Ember's book and this book just grew my love for him. Personally...his story with Avalon takes the cake in my book. I love how versatile both characters are and how they bond via their trauma. You could tell from the second they started their "aquantiances with benefits" deal...that they were going to fall in love. I enjoyed how Tayfel incorporated little Wsster eggs of Ember and Declan into the book and set up the future books. Plus that TWIST at the end, COME ON! Anxiously awaiting book 3 to ruin my life! Write faster please! 🙏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2025
Emily Tayfel is becoming one of my favorite authors. I love this series, I love the characters. there is always a realistic depiction of the struggles the characters face.
November 18, 2024
💖ARC Review 💖
I was so excited to read Made to Break and finally get Zeke’s story! I’ve loved him since the first book in the Rockford University series, and this one did not disappoint. Zeke is honestly the perfect book boyfriend—sweet, caring, and everything you’d want.
Avalon is such a strong character. She’s been through so much in her past and doesn’t trust easily, but I loved how she still cared so much about Zeke and the people around her. Their relationship felt so real, and their banter made me smile so much. These two together are one of the best couples I’ve ever read.
The pacing of the story was great, and I couldn’t put it down. It had everything—love, laughter, and some moments that really hit me in the feels. It was also fun seeing familiar faces from the first book. I’m so excited to see what’s next in this series!
I was so excited to read Made to Break and finally get Zeke’s story! I’ve loved him since the first book in the Rockford University series, and this one did not disappoint. Zeke is honestly the perfect book boyfriend—sweet, caring, and everything you’d want.
Avalon is such a strong character. She’s been through so much in her past and doesn’t trust easily, but I loved how she still cared so much about Zeke and the people around her. Their relationship felt so real, and their banter made me smile so much. These two together are one of the best couples I’ve ever read.
The pacing of the story was great, and I couldn’t put it down. It had everything—love, laughter, and some moments that really hit me in the feels. It was also fun seeing familiar faces from the first book. I’m so excited to see what’s next in this series!
December 10, 2024
This is the second book of the Rockford University series and is about Zeke and Avalon.
This book broke my heart in more ways than one. Seeing Avalon’s pain because of her parents and then seeing Zeke’s pain shows there are good and bad parents but that they can all cause pain at times.
Zeke and Avalon both were determined that the relationship wouldn’t go anywhere. They wouldn’t get tangled up with feelings for each other but the heart wants what the heart wants and in this case.. these two wanted each other.
Things aren’t always easy and Zeke and Avalon were proof of that. Can they overcome all of the obstacles and find a way to be together or will life get in the way and make them go their separate ways?
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
This book broke my heart in more ways than one. Seeing Avalon’s pain because of her parents and then seeing Zeke’s pain shows there are good and bad parents but that they can all cause pain at times.
Zeke and Avalon both were determined that the relationship wouldn’t go anywhere. They wouldn’t get tangled up with feelings for each other but the heart wants what the heart wants and in this case.. these two wanted each other.
Things aren’t always easy and Zeke and Avalon were proof of that. Can they overcome all of the obstacles and find a way to be together or will life get in the way and make them go their separate ways?
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
July 15, 2025
Avalons a freshmen at RU who grew up in unfortunate circumstances. Trying to live a normal life she’s found one way to cope, no strings attached sex! Zeke is a junior on the hockey team at RU, he’s also taken care of his mom who has cancer since he was 16. He decided early on in life that love and relationships weren’t for him, until Avalon Stewart walks into the party at his house.
This is the 2nd book in the interconnected standalone Rockford university series, and is filled with banter, friendship, found family, some spicy scenes, love and loss. You will cry and laugh and want to keep reading more! I can’t wait to read the 3rd in the series!
This is the 2nd book in the interconnected standalone Rockford university series, and is filled with banter, friendship, found family, some spicy scenes, love and loss. You will cry and laugh and want to keep reading more! I can’t wait to read the 3rd in the series!
April 16, 2025
This is the perfect choice for readers who are captivated by emotionally charged, forbidden romances. The story delves into the lives of complex characters who find themselves navigating a world of strict personal rules and societal expectations. As they grapple with their own internal conflicts and the external pressures that threaten to break them, readers will be drawn into a story of passion, heartbreak, and the enduring power of love.
May 17, 2025
I like them - they needed each other. Really sad about their home lives. Truly disappointing how people can be.
"And I’d do it all again. But I shouldn’t have had to do it in the first place."
“The only way to get through this is to laugh. If we lose laughter, we lose everything.”
"And I’d do it all again. But I shouldn’t have had to do it in the first place."
“The only way to get through this is to laugh. If we lose laughter, we lose everything.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
Well I think I just found a new favorite book. Emily Tayfel created a masterpiece. It’s written beautifully, and I love Avalon and Zeke so much. This series is definitely a must read, and the second installment was just as good as the first one.
November 10, 2025
Chapters 51-56
Emily Tayfel will grab your heart with these chapters,step on it and then wrap it up
in a nice package and hand it back to you.
The tidy ups of all the relationships OMG!
The ending will make you crack up laughing
or if you are like me snort laugh.
Chapters 46-50
These chapters will have you crying especially the end of chapter 50 😭.
Zeke and Avalon wanted everyone to meet her,
well the meeting was under not good circumstances,but everyone was there for Zeke,
and very understanding of their relationship.
The scenes between Zeke and his mom and
Avalon and Zeke's mom OMG Emily took our
heart out and squashed them!
I need to finish this story TONIGHT
and I need these books on my
bookshelf ASAP!
Chapters 41-45
Well not only was there Mom relationships,
now we had father relationships.
One doesn't want anything to do with the father,
and the other finally lets out their frustrations
out at dinner.
I love going on the journey with Zeke and Avalon,
They are there for each other in many ways.
When will the rest of Zeke's friends meet Avalon?
The ending of chapter 45 had me snort laugh.
I CAN'T WAIT to read more
Chapters 36-40
These chapters have you going between moms
and the relationships between with the moms.
There is an emergency with one of the moms,
but everything is getting better,until that mother
finds out what she has to do.
The other mom well it's time to meet the mother moment
The moment goes so well and it's adorable and it's
someone's special day.The someone who has a special
day gets an amazing gift one that they were waiting for.
The end of chapter 40 hmmm did we just meet a family
member of someone?
Chapters 31-35
I thought Ember and Declan's story was cute,
I now love Zeke and Avalon's story as well.
Now I realize when Zeke is speaking of a girl
he was not talking about Ember,it was Avalon.
Zeke and his mom and how everyone is family I love it,all though I don't like Zeke having to be at the hospital alone,he does have his dad and he(dad)
should not bury himself in work.
Chapter 34 the end of it has me gasping OMG,.
I was not expecting that and Chapter 35
I love it!
I CAN'T WAIT to read more
Chapters 26-30
I have two favorite male characters in this series,they are
Declan and Zeke. The more I am reading the story, the more
Emily is getting me to like Zeke
He is not only helping his mom,he is helping Avalon and is always there for when his friends or teammates need him.
Avalon is finally comes to terms with her family and getting
used to not being there for that family member.
He is learning and growing in this story it makes my heart squeeze.
Chapters 21-25
These pages takes your heart on a rollercoaster.
I love how the first story interwines with this book
We are getting heart rate rising moments!!
I feel so bad for Avalon
Chapters 16-20
I love how Zeke and Avalon gets to show us their point of view.
I love how Emily is gradually leading us up to a possible connection.
Chapters 11-15
These chapters are heating up and I can't get enough of Zeke and Avalon. I love how we get both their back stories,but
they are both strong for each other.
I say the MVP of the story is Zeke's mom,she loves to hear
about everyone's love lives and that is what keeps her fighting.
I can't wait for more!
Chapters 6-10
These chapters all I have to say is I feel so bad for Avalon oh and chapter 9 is my favorite chapter!
This is my second book by Emily Tayfel.
I love how authors intertwine characters
from the previous book to this book.
If this is your first time you are reading my reviews.
I like to read 5 chapters and review and repeat the
process until I finish the book.
I also like to have characters in my head
(yes I know they are on the covers),
but in my head I use my favorite
actors/actress', Favorite Broadway
actors/actress' or favorite wrestlers.
I have not gotten a clear picture of
the characters in this story yet.
Chapters 1-5
I love how we are going to get Zeke's story.
The ringing of the phone gets my book
anxiety high,the phone ringing happened
at the of book one.
We meet a new character to add to Zeke's story
and I can't wait to see what's going to happens next.
Emily Tayfel will grab your heart with these chapters,step on it and then wrap it up
in a nice package and hand it back to you.
The tidy ups of all the relationships OMG!
The ending will make you crack up laughing
or if you are like me snort laugh.
Chapters 46-50
These chapters will have you crying especially the end of chapter 50 😭.
Zeke and Avalon wanted everyone to meet her,
well the meeting was under not good circumstances,but everyone was there for Zeke,
and very understanding of their relationship.
The scenes between Zeke and his mom and
Avalon and Zeke's mom OMG Emily took our
heart out and squashed them!
I need to finish this story TONIGHT
and I need these books on my
bookshelf ASAP!
Chapters 41-45
Well not only was there Mom relationships,
now we had father relationships.
One doesn't want anything to do with the father,
and the other finally lets out their frustrations
out at dinner.
I love going on the journey with Zeke and Avalon,
They are there for each other in many ways.
When will the rest of Zeke's friends meet Avalon?
The ending of chapter 45 had me snort laugh.
I CAN'T WAIT to read more
Chapters 36-40
These chapters have you going between moms
and the relationships between with the moms.
There is an emergency with one of the moms,
but everything is getting better,until that mother
finds out what she has to do.
The other mom well it's time to meet the mother moment
The moment goes so well and it's adorable and it's
someone's special day.The someone who has a special
day gets an amazing gift one that they were waiting for.
The end of chapter 40 hmmm did we just meet a family
member of someone?
Chapters 31-35
I thought Ember and Declan's story was cute,
I now love Zeke and Avalon's story as well.
Now I realize when Zeke is speaking of a girl
he was not talking about Ember,it was Avalon.
Zeke and his mom and how everyone is family I love it,all though I don't like Zeke having to be at the hospital alone,he does have his dad and he(dad)
should not bury himself in work.
Chapter 34 the end of it has me gasping OMG,.
I was not expecting that and Chapter 35
I love it!
I CAN'T WAIT to read more
Chapters 26-30
I have two favorite male characters in this series,they are
Declan and Zeke. The more I am reading the story, the more
Emily is getting me to like Zeke
He is not only helping his mom,he is helping Avalon and is always there for when his friends or teammates need him.
Avalon is finally comes to terms with her family and getting
used to not being there for that family member.
He is learning and growing in this story it makes my heart squeeze.
Chapters 21-25
These pages takes your heart on a rollercoaster.
I love how the first story interwines with this book
We are getting heart rate rising moments!!
I feel so bad for Avalon
Chapters 16-20
I love how Zeke and Avalon gets to show us their point of view.
I love how Emily is gradually leading us up to a possible connection.
Chapters 11-15
These chapters are heating up and I can't get enough of Zeke and Avalon. I love how we get both their back stories,but
they are both strong for each other.
I say the MVP of the story is Zeke's mom,she loves to hear
about everyone's love lives and that is what keeps her fighting.
I can't wait for more!
Chapters 6-10
These chapters all I have to say is I feel so bad for Avalon oh and chapter 9 is my favorite chapter!
This is my second book by Emily Tayfel.
I love how authors intertwine characters
from the previous book to this book.
If this is your first time you are reading my reviews.
I like to read 5 chapters and review and repeat the
process until I finish the book.
I also like to have characters in my head
(yes I know they are on the covers),
but in my head I use my favorite
actors/actress', Favorite Broadway
actors/actress' or favorite wrestlers.
I have not gotten a clear picture of
the characters in this story yet.
Chapters 1-5
I love how we are going to get Zeke's story.
The ringing of the phone gets my book
anxiety high,the phone ringing happened
at the of book one.
We meet a new character to add to Zeke's story
and I can't wait to see what's going to happens next.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews