Breakout

Walker University #3

by Cala Riley

Some risks are worth taking. Others could cost you everything.

Peyton Anderson doesn’t do trust. She’s learned the hard way that the only person she can count on is herself. Sure, she has friends—and a no-strings-attached arrangement with Walker Wolves star Beckett Hayes—but letting people in? That’s never been her game. So when an unexpected inheritance comes with one massive condition—she has to be married—Peyton is ready to walk away.

Beckett, however, sees an opportunity. He’s wanted more with Peyton from the start, and if a marriage of convenience is what it takes to prove they belong together, he’s all in. But what starts as a simple arrangement quickly turns complicated. As past wounds resurface and outside pressures mount, their secret marriage begins to feel anything but temporary.

Peyton is convinced they’ve made a mistake. Beckett knows he’s exactly what she needs—if only she’ll let him in. But with hearts and futures on the line, will their love be the ultimate goal… or just another penalty?

For fans of The Deal by Elle Kennedy and Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, Breakout delivers an irresistible mix of passion, tension, and swoon-worthy romance. Grab your copy today and fall for the Wolves!

Genres: Romance, Hockey, Marriage Of Convenience, Sports, Hockey Romance, Friends To Lovers, Sports Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

Cala Riley, better known as Cala and Riley, are a pair of friends with a deep seated love of books and writing. Both Cala and Riley are happily married and each have children, Cala with the four-legged kind while Riley has a mixture of both two-legged and four. While they live apart, that does not affect their connection. They are the true definition of family. What started as an idea that quickly turned into a full-length book and a bond that will never end.

Check out our linktree for more information:
https://linktr.ee/authorcalariley

Reviews

[lauren‎♡₊˚ 🦢・₊✧ (semi-ia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75💫

ive been flying through this series so fast i just love this group!!

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

pre read!!

ive been obsessed w these two since book one and im so excited to read their story🥹🤞🏻⛸️

[Jen ♥]

Poor Beckett really deserves way better than this, and Peyton is definitely not it!

I just don’t get why he turned into such a pushover and let her walk all over him. I really can't stand it when FMCs act this way, and it turns out I can't stand it when MMCs do the exact same thing either.

Loving someone doesn’t mean you have to lower your standards, put up with disrespect, or let them keep hurting you time after time. It’s just not how it should work.

Traumas and baggage are not a free pass for people to act like jerks. It's frustrating when they try to use that as an excuse for their shitty behavior. They need to take accountability for what they did, and fucking Peyton didn't own up to any shit.

She's all like, "Woe is me, I'm an orphan, I have no one." Bffr, what do you call your friends then??? It's goddamn hard to feel sorry for her when she's just been a selfish witch from the very start. She's so thoughtless, careless, and can't even be bothered to think about how Beckett feels. I could probably count on two hands how many times she actually showed up for him. It was always Beckett who had to drop everything and rush over to help her.

She really pissed the crap out of me, and I can't remember the last time I felt this level of rage with a FMC. She should've just gone to therapy, divorced Beckett, and worked on herself instead. She never deserved him, not then, not now, and definitely not in some fictional future.

Beckett can do sooo much better!

[Larareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you LoveNotesPR for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, this book wasn't really for me. I loved the characters and the found family, the plot was actually great but the writing really didn't do it for me. It was written almost childish and there was a lot of telling and not showing...

Either way it was a really quick and fun read!

[Grecia Robles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the lovers Notes PR and Cala Riley for provindig me with ARC in exchange for an honest review

Tropes
Sport Romance
Friends with Benefits
Marriage of Convenience

Breakout es el tercer libro de la serie Walker University, una saga de sport romance ambientada en el entorno universitario y centrada es sus jugadores de hockey y sus relaciones amorosas.

En esta ocasión tenemos como protagonistas a Payton y Beckett, que desde el principio del libro tienen una relación de amigos con beneficios, delante de ala gente y sus amigos ella no lo tolera y a él solo le gusta molestarla coqueteando con ella, pero tras bambalinas le dan como cajón que no cierra.

Payton creció en una casa de acogida tras la muerte de sus padres y sin un familiar que reclamara su custodia por lo que es una sorpresa cuando recibe una herencia de su supuesto abuelo que acaba de fallecer con la condición que tiene que estar casada lo cual es un problema porque ella no cree en el amor ni las relaciones y decide rechazar pero Beckett la convence de aceptar y se ofrece casarse con ella.

Lo que puede ser un gesto altruista de Beckett, no lo es tanto ya que él está enamorado de Payton por lo que aceptó cualquier migaja que le diera, pero ahora está dispuesto a convencerla que él es el hombre de su vida…ajá si, nuestro amigo más migajero.

El libro si es entretenido tiene toda la vibe del New Adult/College, pero sentí que entraba a una historia sin contexto porque desde el principio ellos tiene una relación de amigos con beneficios, no se sabe cuando empezó porque empezó y esto fue culpa mía porque pedí el arc sin darme cuenta que era el tercero de la serie, sin haber leído los anteriores.

Puede que le de la oportunidad a los demás libros porque me intrigaron las demás parejas.

[Liz | Bookslizreads90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

arc review
Releases 8/12

Tropes-
Marriage of Convenience
Hockey Romance
Secret Relationship
Opposites attract
Found family
"You own me. My heart. My soul. My everything.”

✨️Thank you so much to Cala Riley and Love Notes PR for the ARC for my honest review.
I absolutely ate this book up and left no crumbs. If you want to read a book where the MMC is absolutely down bad for the FMC, look no further. Meet Beckett Hayes. He is book boyfriend goals. Peyton has some past trauma and has built up some walls, and Beckett slowly chips them away. He is so patient with her and I just love him so much. I loved the emotional connection that these two form. This is a beautifully written love story. I definitely recommend this book to all my friends!!

[Dawn Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for the story of Beckett and Peyton since I started this series.

Becket and Peyton have a secret friends with benefits relationship that gets messier when they must get married so Peyton can get her inheritance from a family member she didn’t know existed.

Along the way, Beckett tries to show Peyton he has loved her all along and this is anything but fake to him.

I felt their relationship grew organically but I think the secret should’ve come out sooner to their closest friends. I think we could have had some other side “bad” relationships left out of the story and not missed anything.

I loved their banter in the other books so it kinda fell flat missing it in group scenes in this one but I did love their story!

This is an arc review from Love Notes PR that I’m thrilled to have been chosen for on this book!

[Isabella Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

“𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐟. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐮𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭. 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐏𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐧. 𝐒𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡.”

Not going to lie…this book made me sad…and angry…and not in the way I like books to make me sad and angry. And I hate that because I LOVE this series and I LOVE Cala Riley. But this wasn’t in my top Cala reads.

The plot and premise of the book was a pretty straight forward one. Friends with benefits turns into marriage of convenience so the FMC can get her inheritance, and of course, fake turns real. Pretty straight forward. Love it. Great. But…it’s not that simple.

Peyton made my heart hurt. Reading her was like looking in a mirror. She loses her parents at a very young age, and when no family is around, she ends up in foster care. Trauma after trauma has shaped this poor girl. She’s guarded…fiercely independent and refuses help from anyone. Preferring to struggle than owe anyone anything. I cried. I myself lost both parents at the age of 4 and was put into the system. And I, like Peyton, wasn’t one of those lucky ones that got a forever family…I had to struggle and claw my way out of things that no child should have to just to survive.

Peyton meets our MMC, Beckett , in college. He’s the all star hockey player and they have a very specific type of relationship. Friends with benefits. No feelings…no attachments….no expectations…Peyton is VERY CLEAR with her boundaries but you can also see that Beckett is already head over heels in love with her.

This is where things go left for me and I can’t recover. Out of the blue, Peyton gets a letter from a lawyer letting her know that her VERY WEALTHY GRANDFATHER has passed away and left her a very large inheritance 🤨 a grandfather she knew nothing about, but one who cares SO MUCH about her that he left her all this money. Oh! But here’s the catch. Gotta be married to get it 🤨 IKYFL!!! *takes a deep breath* this MAN knew his granddaughter was in the system…alone…no family…suffering…and he was off living his happy life without a care in the world, without helping her or taking her in….and THINKS some money will make it all better! Money that she has to give up her FREEDOM for by being married just to get it ?!?! It was at this point I threw my kindle across the room and walked away.

I’m sorry…but for me? The villain in this story is the grandfather. I don’t care. I. Don’t. Care. He could have left her the world and it wouldn’t have mattered because he did not help her when she needed it most. The damage has been done and no amount of money will ever fix it.

This whole thing triggered something in me that made mental. And not in a good way. I was RAGING. And, I understood WHY Peyton didn’t want to read the letter from her grandfather…I wouldn’t have wanted to either. Because it would not have mattered what he said or what excuse he gave, it wouldn’t have been enough. It would have never been enough.

The rest goes as you imagine. Beckett helps her by marrying her so she can get her money and finally feel like she doesn’t have to struggle. And they both realise how much they love each other. Happy ending. The end.

I’m sorry. I’m mad. I can’t even be happy about the happy ending because we barely get any of it. It’s like less than 15% of the book. Even in her story poor Peyton can’t get a break. Beckett is great we love him. I’m angry at the book. Not the characters. Not the author.

Most of you will love it because it doesn’t hit quite as close to home for you. So definitely read it if these are your vibes.

Thank you to Cala Riley & Love Notes PR for allowing me to ARC read this book.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received from Love Notes PR in exchange for honest review.

In book 3 of the Walker University series, the focus is on Peyton and Beckett, who have a friends-with-benefits arrangement - with strict rules. Peyton is adamant there will be no feelings involved. But it's far too late for Beckett, who knew he loved her the moment he met her. Peyton receives notification that her paternal grandfather, whom she never knew, has passed away and left her his entire estate, but on one condition - she has to be married before she can claim it. Beckett automatically steps up - but will Peyton's walls ever come down enough to admit her feelings for him?

Cala and Riley's writing has improved so much in this instalment of the series! Peyton's character is chock full of trauma from her childhood, and she doesn't believe she is worthy of anyone's love - despite Beckett, the goodest boy golden retriever, worshipping the ground she walks on. He is adorable, and prepared to play the long game to win Peyton over - and when the marriage of convenience trope comes into play, it's clear he's all in. Watching Peyton's walls crack was a joy, knowing she had all that love to come her way should she just choose to acknowledge she is as deserving of it as any other human. I love that the process was depicted slowly, as it gave a genuine representation of healing from trauma - to rush it would have done a disservice to survivors. As always the supporting cast were a key component of this story - I am desperate for a Wyatt love interest! The spice levels definitely went up a notch in this book, but it was suited to the characters, and it didn't feel stilted like it has in the past. Definitely my favourite read of theirs so far!

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book!

[Emmy Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so obsessed with this book! Hockey romance is like a drug and this new fix hit just right. What makes hockey romance, hockey romance you ask? Hot obsessed and possessive hockey men, a team of goofy but cool hockey players and of course a MY GIRL WEARING MY JERSEY MOMENT! And this book nailed them all, especially the last one. I’ve never been too big on marriage of convenience but I loved this plot. Both of them desperately needed it and I liked that they already knew each other well before the marriage. Like some are “I just met you but you’re perfect to marry right now”. There’s a clear yearning going on here, more mmc focused but it’s both of them really. I’m such a sucker for the trope where one character is cold or reserved and the other cracks and breaks through their icy walls. It really is one of the sweetest tropes and makes me tear up, this one definitely did. The plot twists were pretty good, there was one that did catch me a little off guard (if you’ve read my reviews you know that not much catches me off guard), and the story was told brilliantly and beautifully. Beckett is literally perfect, green flag to the core, he’d fight off anyone flirting with you, and if you need anything, one call and he’s there, no questions asked. I liked the insecurity rep that was shown in Peyton, because I think that’s something most people can relate to (and I definitely do relate) so it really got me feeling and connecting to Peyton. I really want to read more of this series because I loved all the characters and I give this a 4.5/5

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my seven minutes of happiness reliving one of the best hockey romances I’ve read in a while. Breakout, the third sizzling instalment in the fantastic Walker University series, is a red-hot friends-to-lovers, fake marriage romance that brings all the heat, heart, and healing you could ask for.

Beckett is everything you want in a book boyfriend. He’s loyal to his teammates—who just so happen to be his best friends—and when it comes to the bedroom? Let’s just say hot is an understatement. But what makes him truly swoon-worthy is how he quietly and consistently shows up, especially when Peyton needs someone to believe in her.

There’s a quiet fragility to Peyton’s strength—she’s resilient, yes, but beneath the surface is a girl still aching from the loss that shaped her. Losing her parents at a young age and growing up in the foster care system left scars that don’t fade easily. Her story isn’t just about falling in love; it’s about healing old wounds and learning to believe she’s worthy of being chosen, every single day. And Beckett? He’s been choosing her long before she even realised.

When a twist of fate (and a looming inheritance) leads to a fake marriage, Beckett doesn’t hesitate—he steps in, ready to protect, support, and love Peyton in every way she needs. What begins as a hidden friends-with-benefits situation quickly unravels into something deeper, richer, and far more emotional.

Cala Riley delivers a story filled with passion, depth, and tender, tear-jerking moments. With a fresh take on the fake marriage trope and unforgettable chemistry, Breakout is one friends-to-lovers romance you don’t want to miss.

If you love fiercely loyal heroes, emotional healing arcs, and fake marriage twists, this book is for you.

Perfect for fans of:
   •   Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series
   •   Meghan Quinn’s Vancouver Agitators series
   •   Helena Hunting’s Pucked series
   •   Sara Cate’s Salacious Players Club (for that extra swoon and steam)
   •   Kennedy L. Mitchell’s Redemption Hills series (for emotional depth with heat)

If these authors own your heart, Beckett and Peyton will absolutely steal it.

[Mochi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breakout Arc review 🏒💙
My rating:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
First of all I want to thank both the authors and Love Notes PR for the amazing opportunity to read and review the book, I am incredibly grateful.
The FMC had a traumatic childhood, a lot of bad and horrible things happened to her and because of that she has some major problems like trust issues and she's afraid of having "too much" in her life and having people care for her and that's why she does everything on her own, works multiple jobs just to keep up even though her friends wouldn't mind to help her.
The writing is really easy to read, there's no difficult words/ phrases so it's a really fast read.
I love to see how Beckett, the MMC is so over heels for Peyton, FMC and everyone in the friend group knows that. Ever since the same scene you could tell she was it for him and it was beautiful to see their relationship grow with its ups and downs.
Beckett is such an acts of service guy, it's so cute to see him doing everything to make Peyton feel treasured and loved.
I actually teared up to a part/scene in this book, and this book has some sad parts and deals with grief.
I loved the found family this book brought me, they were so funny together and supportive of each other.

Overall I really enjoyed this book!!

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re it. You’re my seven minutes.

The way I blew through this book. Beckett Hayes is ultimate book boyfriend material and has just jumped right to the top of my best book boyfriends ever. I loved his love for Peyton and how he made the little things matter. Don’t even get me started on the paper rings 😭 Peyton had a rough start to life and yes she had trauma. But what I loved is that this wasn’t a one way street and although Peyton had set backs, she was doing the best she could, in the only way she knew how, while also navigating falling for Beckett, even though she was petrified she wasn’t good enough.

I love the found family aspect of this series and literally can’t wait to get my hands on Brett and Wyatt’s book.

There was so many good moments in this book that will have your heart aching.

❤️Hockey romance
❤️Marriage of convenience
❤️Found family
❤️friends with benefits rules
❤️squirting
❤️My wife
❤️secret relationship

[Chloë✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breakout by Cala Riley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 4/5
Characters: 4/5

Releasedate: August 12th 2025

🏒 Hockey Romance
🥰 Friends with Benefits
💍 Marriage of Convenience
💋 My Wife
🧡 Found Family
🤭 Secret Relationship

Peyton Anderson is a character that deals with a lot of trauma, she lost her parents when she was very young and ever sinds then she is fiercely independent and emotionally guarded, when she meets Beckett Hayes the devoted Walker Wolves hockey star, It’s based on clear bounderies:
1. No strings
2. No expectations

But when Peyton inherits something significant with the note that she needs to be married this dynamic changes.

It was very nice reading about Peyton and Beckett, You just noticed immediately that Beckett loves her from the beginning!
The book was fast paced and It was a very nice and easy book to read.

Thank you for letting me read the ARC.

[Tori M · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
3 spice

Beckett Hayes, the man you are.

My gosh, I loved this book and this man. This series gets better and better as they come out.

I think marriage of convenience is one of my new fav tropes and hearing "good wife" or Beckett using the word "wife" in any sentence, yeah, that does things for me.

Peyton doesn't believe she is good enough for love or for Beckett, but he helps her heal and move forward, he plays the long game, accepting a friends with benefits deal until lines are blurred and she accepts what they have is real.

She needs a marriage to accept an inheritance left by a long-lost grandfather, and he needs his dad to back off. They're already in a situationship so why not double down.

Honestly, the men in this series are *chefs kiss* - everything you want from your hockey men. Loyal, possessive, and protective, not just of their ladies but also of their friends and team.

I loved everything about this book. Thank you, Love Notes PR and Cala Riley for the early copy.

[Natacha Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fui ler este livro com 0 expetativas, sendo bem sincera.
Mas, qual não foi a minha surpresa, quando fiquei até às 5h da manhã a lê-lo, pois só queria saber mais sobre a Peyton e o Beck.
O Beck é o book boyfriend de sonho, e a Peyton é uma personagem com a qual me sinto tão relacionada na personalidade dela.
Talvez, o grande motivo de eu ter adorado este livro, seja simplesmente porque o amor deles é tão semelhante com o que eu sempre sonhei, e que vivo neste momento.
É um romance de hóquei, que é sempre a minha paixão, mas é também sobre luto, trauma, irmos atrás do que desejamos, encontrarmos nos nossos amigos a família que sempre desejamos, aprender a confiar nos outros e em nós mesmos.
Ainda não li os outros livros da saga, mas acredito que sejam igualmente bons, pois a escrita da autora é super simples e fluída.
E, sejamos sinceros, quem não adora um "my wife" moment?

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Tropes;
Marriage of convenience
He falls first
Fwb to something real
College hockey

Loved 🥰:
- I’ve been waiting for Peyton & Beckett since book 1 & they did not disappoint 😍
- Beckett was so in love and honestly every POV was such a joy to read
- That Beckett was in it for the long haul no matter how long it took to show Peyton she was loved & cared for
- The “my wife” & “good girl” moments 🥵🥵
- Peyton’s character evolution wasn’t rushed which I loved because it felt realistic seeing her walls come down brick by brick after the trauma she had went through as a child

Why it wasn’t rated higher (for me personally)🤷🏻‍♀️:
- I would have liked to have seen more of Peyton & Beck after they had declared their feelings and had their HEA

Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Range & Rep:
New adult romance

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had really been anticipating this book as Beckett has been a fave from the first book. And he did not disappoint in this one either.
The found family dynamics are still present in the series, especially among the guys on the team. I was also happy that Wyatt was more present in this, as he has sort of been the quiet guy on the team. It was nice to see his personality starting to break through.
There were only two downsides I had with this book. As with Book 2 in the series, I feel like the major trigger conflict is dealt with quickly and early on. In this, it was Peyton having a quick solution to process the inheritance, and those present just accepted the whole thing.
The second was Peyton herself. Now, I loved Peyton in the series so far because she has been a hard worker and tried to find balance as well as be a good voice of reason. However, in this book, she just couldn't get out of her own way. I understand the trauma she was going through and how she was trying to work through it, but she just kept distancing herself from Beckett and her friends frequently. I hated that despite all she has been through to this point with her friends, she still felt she could rely on them or trust them with the truth. Once again, I understand this was done to illustrate how deep her trauma was, but after a while, it just felt like a lot.
I really sympathized with Beckett and what he was going through with his parents, as well as his relationship with Peyton. I'm just glad that Beckett got his HEA.

[Abbey ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped at the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of this as soon as I saw LoveNotes PR had listed it. A new Cala Riley book? Yes please!

I have read Iced and Cross Check and devoured them both. Anything to do with hockey romance, I am in!

Peyton and Beckett’s story was so beautifully written and I really enjoyed their journey. Everything about this book had me hooked and turning the pages SO fast.

If you enjoy a swoony, spicy sports romance - Breakout is for you!

Tropes:

🏒 | Hockey romance
❤️ | Friends with benefits
💍 | Marriage of convenience
♾️ | Found family
🤫 | Secret relationship

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Beckett. He was absolutely the best book boyfriend. He loved and supported Peyton even when she felt like she didn't deserve anyone's love. He did all he could to prove how important she was, not only to him but their friends. Peyton always had to be strong and independent it took a while for her to trust Beckett and his love.

[Alisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was super cheesy and silly to me. The characters felt half developed and the story was unbelievable. The FMC didn’t sound excited at all to inherit BILLIONS despite being impoverished. The MMC was so devoted to her that it didn’t matter what she did or said, he was all about it which at times felt unrealistic and a little sad. This was just not my cup of tea.

[Liz (LoverOfBooks80) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so cute. A must read in the Walker Uni series. I hated putting it down to adult (I read every spare minute I could whilst on holiday).

Peyton has so much trauma from her past, that she can't let her walls down. Enter Beckett. Oh Beckett, he loves hard and I felt for him at times. The chemistry between Payton and Beckett, just enough to keep you on your toes, to want to shake Peyton to wake up, but also to want to shelter her. Mixed emotions.

Another fabulous read.

[Allie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received this book as a ARC reader and was not paid for my review.

This was my introduction into the Walker U series. I was slightly worried that I wouldn’t be able to follow along since I didn’t know the characters, but that wasn’t a problem!

Peyton and Beckett are friends with benefits until they hatch a plan to fool everyone, but it’s all a secret. They won’t actually be fooling more than a handful of people since Peyton has a history with closing people out due to her trauma, and Beckett is a walking green flag, ready to take whatever steps Peyton needs.

Overall, the spice is open door and I would give it 3/5 🌶️. It doesn’t distract or take away from the plot. Also, I’m going to have to read these rest of these!

[𝙻𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝙻𝚢𝚗𝚗 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book broke me in the best way possible. The prologue was honestly heart breaking but explained so much about our Peyton that we never got in the first two books. Peyton and Beckett’s love story did not unfold how I thought it would at all but it was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. I loved getting to know bits and pieces of Peyton in Iced and Cross-Check, I feel like Beckett was always around and we only knew so much about him but in Breakout we get to know so much about his past and his family, it’s amazing the guy is who he is considering where he came from. Their secret relationship/situation-ship plus their marriage of convenience was so fun to watch unfold and watch them figure out what they wanted for the future. I also really enjoy how this book parallels Cross-Check and fills in blanks we didn’t even know we needed. I love these two together and I can’t wait to see more of them in the next books 🤍 Thank you Cala Riley for trusting me with an ARC of this book I loved it!

If you love:
🎀 Secret Relationships
🎀 Marriage of Convenience
🎀 Hockey Romance
🎀 Found Family
🎀 Protective MMC
🎀 “My Wife”

Genre/type: Marriage of Convenience Hockey Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or stand alone: Book 3 in an interconnected standalone series
Tropes or themes: secret relationship, marriage of convenience, hockey romance, found family, protective mmc, “my wife”
Check triggers: death of parents (past)

Lisa.lynn.escobar
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | Fable

[Kacey Daniels {hiatus} · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the tropes of this book and the found family within the characters. It seemed like it was trying the best like the Off Campus series which I love but unfortunately it just didn’t get there. The writing didn’t work for me it felt very childish like something that was written by a middle schooler and had the feel of being told things but not shown them or feeling them and when that happened I just don’t enjoy or feel as connected to book as I would have otherwise.

Thank you love notes PR for the eARC this review is voluntary and of my own opinions.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Heartwarming Slap Shot to the Feels

This book was an absolute top-shelf romance that hit all the right notes. We follow Beckett, a college hockey star who is completely gone for a girl who’s determined to keep him at arm's length. Peyton is fiercely independent, guarding a painful past that makes her shy away from anything more than secret hookups. Her walls are sky-high, built on a foundation of loss and fear after the death of her parents.

But Beckett isn't just your typical jock; he's patient, persistent, and completely devoted. He sees past her defenses to the incredible person underneath. When an unexpected crisis forces her into a corner, leaving her in need of a marriage of convenience, Beckett doesn't hesitate for a second to put everything on the line for her.

What I absolutely loved was the slow, beautiful burn of her learning to trust him. It wasn't an overnight fix. Instead, it was a realistic and tender journey of her slowly letting him in, piece by piece, and allowing him to be her strength when she needed it most. They truly healed and grew together, making their connection feel incredibly authentic and earned.

If you're a fan of sports romance, particularly hockey romances with a whole lot of heart, you will devour this. With tropes like marriage of convenience and a hero who would do anything for his girl, this story is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and emotional. A definite must-read!

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥 Enemies to Lovers
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🏒 Athlete/Non-Athlete Romance
💔 Emotional Angst
💑 Slow Burn
🤐 Secret Relationship
🌟 Opposites Attract
🖤 Hidden Depths

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Breakout by Cala Riley is a sizzling and emotionally charged college romance that expertly blends passion, vulnerability, and the challenges of navigating adulthood when the heart is on the line. As the third instalment in the Walker University series, this book stands strong on its own while rewarding returning readers with deeper insights into familiar characters and relationships.

Peyton Anderson is a character etched with complexity. Hardened by past betrayals, she’s fiercely independent and emotionally guarded. Her arrangement with Beckett Hayes, the charming and devoted Walker Wolves hockey star, is based on clear boundaries: no strings, no expectations. But when Peyton unexpectedly inherits something significant—with the caveat that she must be married to claim it—their dynamic is upended.

What makes this novel so compelling is how it turns the familiar “marriage of convenience” trope on its head. Beckett isn’t just the easy-going jock looking for a way in—he’s all heart, fully committed to Peyton even before she realises it. His patience, emotional intelligence, and unwavering belief in their potential create a satisfying contrast to Peyton’s fear-driven resistance.

Cala Riley excels in balancing intense chemistry with emotional depth. Every kiss and heated glance is laced with meaning, but the real triumph lies in the slow, painful unpacking of Peyton’s trauma and how Beckett helps her confront it. Their secret marriage, initially born of necessity, becomes the crucible through which both characters must reckon with their insecurities, dreams, and the true meaning of love.

The pacing never drags, and the alternating perspectives help build a richer emotional landscape. Riley’s signature blend of sports culture, campus politics, and heartfelt romance continues to shine. Fans of Elle Kennedy’s The Deal and Hannah Grace’s Icebreaker will find Breakout just as addictive—equal parts steamy and sincere.

In short, Breakout is a deeply satisfying read that delivers more than just romantic thrills. It explores trust, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to let someone in. For those who like their romance with substance and sports, this one’s a must-read.

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breakout by Cala Riley is the third book in the series which follows the Walker University
Wolves hockey players and the women they fall for. This time it is a friends-to-lovers,
marriage of convenience, slow burn romance between Peyton Anderson and Beckett Hayes.

“I’m going to show you what it means to be my wife”

The prologue is very sad as it recounts the tragedy Peyton endured aged five and the traumatic childhood she experienced afterwards. Now in her Sophomore year, she is sharing a room with Cora as her best friend Grace has moved into the hockey house with her boyfriend Clay. In Cross-Check it was obvious there was something was going on between Peyton and Beckett and now we find out what they have been up to. It turns out they have a friends with benefits arrangement and he is her guilty pleasure.

She makes him keep to a set of rules which means they sneak around to keep it a secret. In front of their friends they act as if they hate each other. She doesn’t believe she deserves love and thinks she’s not good enough for him. She has built up walls to protect her heart but he’s determined to knock them down.

Even though she is his dirty little secret, to him she is perfect and he worships her. He is obsessed and in love with her but can’t tell her his true feelings because she’d stop seeing him. She’s the one for him but he needs to convince her he is serious. He is so protective of her, patient and thoughtful. Things aren’t easy as he knows some of their friends are getting suspicious and he’s also having terrible trouble with his father who wants to control his future.

A puzzling letter about an inheritance starts a series of events that changes their lives forever. She didn’t even know she had a grandfather and now he’s made her the beneficiary of his estate. However, the will states she must be married so Beckett jumps at the chance. While they continue to keep everything from their friends, their chemistry is undeniable and the way he looks at her regularly gives him away. Wyatt, his best friend has an inkling what is going on and so does Grace.

I loved how he takes the fake marriage very seriously and would do anything for her. To him it’s not temporary but forever. She starts to realise that it’s all becoming real but has been let down throughout her life so is scared to rely on him or let her feelings develop. Things get interesting as more issues arise but he supports and helps her through all the turmoil involved. Can he make her believe how much he loves her and give their marriage a chance. Lovely romantic epilogue to finish which left me so happy for both of them.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️✨️ ARC Review ✨️✨️

The prologue of Breakout is absolutely heart-breaking and sets the tone for Peyton’s story.

From the very beginning you can feel the weight she carries and understand why she has built such strong walls around herself. It makes watching her journey and seeing how Beckett fits into her life even more powerful.

From the first chapter you can feel how much Beckett cares for Peyton. Even when their relationship is labelled as casual, his feelings run much deeper. He is steady, patient, shows up for her without expectation and that quiet constant love shines through.

Peyton’s instinct is to always protect herself and it is easy to see why. What I loved most was how Beckett never tried to push past her boundaries, instead he showed her over and over through small moments that he was safe to trust. Watching him support her through her family struggles and encourage her when she felt most alone was beautiful.

The family arcs were a highlight for me. Beckett standing up to his family to choose both his dreams and his relationship was such a strong moment. And the way he was there for Peyton as she faced her own complicated family ties made their connection feel even more unshakeable.

I really appreciated that there is no dramatic third act breakup. Yes, there is a bump in the road but Beckett shows up when it matters most. There is no doubting his feelings, no walking away at the first sign of trouble. Once he chooses Peyton he chooses her fully and that unwavering love is what makes their relationship so compelling.

Their friends weren’t thrilled about the secrets but once everything was out in the open there was understanding and support.

The epilogue? Absolute perfection. Peyton finally got the happy ending she always deserved and Beckett got the girl.

Overall, Breakout delivers everything I love in a romance: the friends with benefits setup, swoonworthy devotion, complicated family dynamics and a love story that only grows stronger under pressure.

At its heart it is a story about trust, healing and choosing love even when it feels like the biggest risk of all.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cala Riley is a new to me author and so I haven’t had the chance to read the previous two books, but I definitely will after reading Breakout. This story had some of my favorite tropes: hockey romance, marriage of convenience, found family. I really enjoyed reading Peyton and Beckett’s story and getting to see them grow not only together, but within themselves as well. Peyton had a rough upbringing after her parents died and has only ever had herself to rely on and Beckett comes from money, but has never used that to get a leg up especially not when that money comes with strings attached. Beck and Peyton have been having a secret friends with benefits relationship they've been hiding from their friend group.Peyton has strong feelings for Beck and is convinced that they could never work because she doesnt think she is good enough for him and that no one ever stays in her life, meanwhile Beck is already in deep with Peyton, but is too afraid to ruin what they have because he knows shes skittish. Beck’s father doesnt approve of him playing hockey and expects him to quit the sport after graduation and run the family company and tries to set him up with a colleague's daughter in hopes of creating a beneficial relationship between the two. When Peyton receives a phone call from a lawyer claiming she is to inherit an estate and huge amount of money from a deceased family member she never even knew existed, she tells Beck and he surprises her by showing up to the law office for her. Things change for the couple when in order for Peyton to inherit any of it, she must be married. Beck volunteers because he knows She’s it for him and the marriage will help buy him time to convince her that they could have a real relationship and so he can get his father off his back once and for all and just focus on making it to the NHL and winning Peyton’s heart. This book is one of my favorite reads of this month and cant wait to read more.

[Amber Goulbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Payton and Beckett's story.

Payton
~ orphaned when she was 5 years old and doesn't have any other family as far as she knows
~ works to put herself through college

Beckett
~ plays college hockey
~ comes from a wealthy family and is expected to do what he is told and not follow his dreams

Payton and Beckett have a friends-with-benefits arrangement with rules to avoid falling in love, but both secretly already have feelings for each other. She is adamant that they keep their relationship a secret, and Beckett is willing to go along with it because he doesn't want her to pull away.

Payton learns she's named in a family member's will—someone she didn't know existed. The catch? She must be married to inherit, and Beckett volunteers to be her fake husband. Payton and Beckett keep their marriage a secret from his father and their friends. When they find out, it causes problems with his father and leads to hurt feelings among their friends, which the two of them have to deal with.

Final Thoughts
Payton's stubbornness causes frustrating misunderstandings, while Beckett, a great guy, takes care of her even though she doesn't always see it. It drove me crazy at times.

The letter that Peyton's grandfather wrote to her was both beautiful and heartbreaking, and had me in tears.

Beckett's father was a terrible person, and I despised everything he did. No one should have to deal with parents like him.

The epilogue was one of the best I've read lately, and I can't wait for the next book!

What to expect:
🏒 Hockey Romance
🥰 Friends with Benefits
💍 Marriage of Convenience
💋 My Wife
🧡 Found Family
🤭 Secret Relationship
🌶️Spice

I would like to thank Cala Riley and LoveNotesPR for the advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.