What do you think?
Rate this book
Edgemont University #1
Breakaway
This is a second edition of Breakaway. The original story has been edited for formatting and grammar. The story itself did not change. Welcome to the world of Elle and Liam. I hope you love them as much as I do.
Elle didn’t just leave her old life behind, she ran. From fear. From control. From him.
Starting over was supposed to mean freedom, not sharing a space with Liam Kendricks, the campus football star. But when forced proximity turns late-night tension into something deeper, Liam becomes impossible to ignore. And when Elle’s past comes crashing back into her life, the one man she tried to avoid loving may be the only one strong enough to stand between her and the darkness chasing her.
This is a sweet and spicy story, but it does deal with real world issues such as abuse, assault, drugs, harsh language, sexual situations, and non-descript mention of suicide.
Please take these trigger warnings into consideration and make the best choice for yourself.
There is a HEA and swoon-worthy MMC to help bring some light to the dark.
Elle didn’t just leave her old life behind, she ran. From fear. From control. From him.
Starting over was supposed to mean freedom, not sharing a space with Liam Kendricks, the campus football star. But when forced proximity turns late-night tension into something deeper, Liam becomes impossible to ignore. And when Elle’s past comes crashing back into her life, the one man she tried to avoid loving may be the only one strong enough to stand between her and the darkness chasing her.
This is a sweet and spicy story, but it does deal with real world issues such as abuse, assault, drugs, harsh language, sexual situations, and non-descript mention of suicide.
Please take these trigger warnings into consideration and make the best choice for yourself.
There is a HEA and swoon-worthy MMC to help bring some light to the dark.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2025
About the author
Kayla Hartness
4 books10 followersI've always been an enthusiastic reader with a love of many genres, but my heart belongs to romance the most! I live with my husband, four cats, and two dogs in Lancaster Ohio. I am a mildly obsessed fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets. I have the world's best job, working with adults with developmental disabilities. Writing a book has been a lifelong goal of mine and I am happy to say I can officially check it off the bucket list!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 23, 2025
This was super cute. Seeing their journey unfold kept me hooked. It was good to see Liam be so supportive and then having his family embrace her and Noah was precious! I would definitely recommend this especially if you’re looking for something that’s on the mostly light side with maybe a two on the spicy scale.
July 7, 2025
I loved it! I laughed along with the characters and felt like I was in the room with them. It was hard to put it down and I would find myself excited to pick it back up like I was meeting up with my friends. im excited for the second one.
March 15, 2025
Fantastic!
This book is fantastic! I struggled to put it down. The characters are believable and real. I’m anxiously awaiting the next one. Thanks, Kayla!
This book is fantastic! I struggled to put it down. The characters are believable and real. I’m anxiously awaiting the next one. Thanks, Kayla!
January 13, 2026
This book got me out of my slump! Check the TW. Things start on page one.
Elle is living a nightmare. My heart broke for her and what happened to her. She picked herself up and has made so much progress. She was lucky to get the best roommate her freshman year. Lorelai is what we all want in a bestie. She has Elle’s back, supports her and knows when to push her out of her comfort zone. When their dorm becomes unlivable due fire damage they are forced to move in with a different student separating them but they remain besties. Elle finds herself in a unique roommate situation.
Liam is a football star. He has two best friends and even though they are all football stars they are not arrogant jerks. They are the kid of guys you want your daughter to meet in college. When Liam officially meets Elle he asks her to get coffee and the moment is so sweet. Two nervous people who are interested in each other. Liam is that kind of guy that only lives in books.
The side characters are front and center throughout the story and I’m so glad. These are fantastic characters and I cannot wait to get into book 2!
Elle is living a nightmare. My heart broke for her and what happened to her. She picked herself up and has made so much progress. She was lucky to get the best roommate her freshman year. Lorelai is what we all want in a bestie. She has Elle’s back, supports her and knows when to push her out of her comfort zone. When their dorm becomes unlivable due fire damage they are forced to move in with a different student separating them but they remain besties. Elle finds herself in a unique roommate situation.
Liam is a football star. He has two best friends and even though they are all football stars they are not arrogant jerks. They are the kid of guys you want your daughter to meet in college. When Liam officially meets Elle he asks her to get coffee and the moment is so sweet. Two nervous people who are interested in each other. Liam is that kind of guy that only lives in books.
The side characters are front and center throughout the story and I’m so glad. These are fantastic characters and I cannot wait to get into book 2!
March 21, 2026
Needs some work
Honestly, I didn't finish. Between the formatting issues (incorrect capitalization, missing punctuation, unformatted chapter headings), and the extreme exposition, I had to stop. Outside of format, it felt like someone was telling me about the story rather than me getting immersed in the story. There were also points where the dialogue seemed forced and unrealistic. I truly think this can be a great book but a pass with a strong editor and a solid rewrite is necessary first
Honestly, I didn't finish. Between the formatting issues (incorrect capitalization, missing punctuation, unformatted chapter headings), and the extreme exposition, I had to stop. Outside of format, it felt like someone was telling me about the story rather than me getting immersed in the story. There were also points where the dialogue seemed forced and unrealistic. I truly think this can be a great book but a pass with a strong editor and a solid rewrite is necessary first
September 28, 2025
Wow… just wow. I went in thinking this would be a lighthearted college romance, but it was so much more. The author managed to balance sweetness, heat, and some very serious topics in a way that felt authentic and meaningful. Elle’s voice drew me in, and Liam was the perfect mix of cocky and lovable.
January 27, 2026
Amazing!
I felt so bad for what Elle had to go through, but I love reading books about an amazing MMC who loves the FMC and helps her through her trauma. Liam is the perfect book boyfriend, and his family is amazing! With his two best friends, I definitely want to read the rest of this series!
also would totally read Liam's parents story because I loved them so much!
I felt so bad for what Elle had to go through, but I love reading books about an amazing MMC who loves the FMC and helps her through her trauma. Liam is the perfect book boyfriend, and his family is amazing! With his two best friends, I definitely want to read the rest of this series!
also would totally read Liam's parents story because I loved them so much!
June 17, 2025
not usually a fiction or romance gal
I tend to read more non fiction; memoirs, biographies, and nerdy education type books. I can safely say that I may now be a fiction and romance gal after (the very SPICY) Breakaway, book one of the edgemont university series!
Kayla Hartness is an incredible story teller ! I’ve already downloaded book 2 and cannot wait to read it next!!!!
I tend to read more non fiction; memoirs, biographies, and nerdy education type books. I can safely say that I may now be a fiction and romance gal after (the very SPICY) Breakaway, book one of the edgemont university series!
Kayla Hartness is an incredible story teller ! I’ve already downloaded book 2 and cannot wait to read it next!!!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews