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Breakaway Heart

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Puck-er up for Kate Wilder’s smash series of hard hits, soft lips, and big burly hockey players being reduced to quivering wrecks!

Lucy Heaton is on her first vacation in three years. A blissful all-inclusive luxury two-week break away from work and guys. Especially guys.

Meanwhile, star winger of the Ice-Hawks, Randall Jackson, is spending his summer break showcasing the absolute worst side of himself on the hit celeb dating show Love Villa. Lucy and America can’t look away from the disaster-class unfolding on their screens. And the worst thing? Randall has absolutely no idea his behavior is making him enemy number one outside of the villa.

When Randall is shocked to be voted out as the public’s least liked Villa character - and even more shocked at the reception he gets on the outside - he goes into hiding in a private retreat. Lucy’s break away is about to take a wild turn when, in the quiet village near her resort, she runs into the nightmare she did not ask for.

Now Randall wants her to help him be a better person, but is there any saving ‘the most shameless man on TV’ who thinks love is for losers?

The rulebook just got thrown out in Kate Wilder’s sparkling new hockey rom-com, Breakaway Heart.


🏒 Fake dating
🥅 Vacation fling
🏒 Reformed playboy
🥅 Enemies-to-lovers
🏒 Love coaching
🥅 Opposites attract
🏒 Reverse grumpy x sunshine
🥅 Hockey romance

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2025

5 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

Kate Wilder

2 books26 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Anca A.
522 reviews48 followers
July 31, 2025
#Review: *Breakaway Heart* - Kate Wilder - ARC [18+]
4.5/5✨
2.5/5🌶️

Super grateful to be part of Kate's ARC team, to be able to read this book in advance. Thank you so much Kate for this e-copy!

Lucy Heaton doesn't have the most exciting life, being single and a bit workaholic. Because she hasn't taken some days off in a log time, her boss kind of forced her to do so. She was now all by herself in vacation with nothing to do, just binge her favourite TV show. That's until something incredible and strange happened to her. Lucy met the man she was constantly seeing on that show. The problem was that this man, Randall Jackson, will come like a big wave into her life and will literally change everything.

Randy had some issues he needed to fix after participating on that famous TV show and he thought Lucy was the right person to help him out. The close proximity to Lucy will make Randy change a lot, realizing some things which will completely alternate his life. But the holiday won't last forever and so their connection, which left them with some uncertainties about what they should do when this will be all over.

This book was really fun, especially because of the odd situation Randy and Lucy were in. Their first encounter was hilarious, giggling so much while reading. I loved how bossy and secure Lucy was and how she didn't shy away when she met the guy from TV. Their series of fake dates were hilarious, loving the way their relationship grew throughout the story, from complete strangers to something more. There was some angst too, which was a great addition to the fun side of this book. The change of scenery from the last part of this story was really good addition to the plot.

I think that this book is the perfect choice for when you wanna read something fun, relaxing and short. The whole plot was pretty on point, with no unnecessary drama and an easy read, which made the pages flow smoothly. Super cute and perfect for summer, lazy days.

✨Tropes
#StrangersToLovers
#FakeDating
#HolidayRomance
#Banter
#ReformedPlayboy
#Hockey
#SportsRomance
Profile Image for Dawn Griffith.
263 reviews195 followers
July 14, 2025
4.25 stars. Okay, this one was such a cute, short read! If you're in the mood for a swoony, laugh-out-loud rom-com with a grumpy hockey star and a smart, snarky heroine, this is it!

The setup? Adorable chaos. Lucy is just trying to enjoy her well-earned vacation, while Randall aka America’s least favorite reality TV heartthrob is basically hiding from the world after becoming a walking PR nightmare. Their unexpected run-in is hilarious and awkward in all the best ways, and the way they are thrown together? Chef's kiss.

I loved the banter between these two! Lucy doesn't take Randall's nonsense, and watching this cocky, slightly clueless hockey player slowly realize maybe he does have a heart was the best kind of slow-burn. The chemistry was crackling, but so was the emotional growth.

Honestly, this book was a total mood-booster. Fun, flirty, and full of heart. Randall may have been a mess at the beginning, but his redemption arc? Loved it. 💕

Perfect for: fans of enemies-to-lovers, reality TV chaos, golden retriever energy hidden under grumpiness, and a vacation romance that’s equal parts sweet and spicy. 🏖️✨
Profile Image for Nicole.
12 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2025
I actually finished this in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down, and with it being a small book it was the perfect size to finish really easily and quickly as it was fast paced☺️

If you’re a fan of Love Island then this book is right up your street🏝️

When Lucy goes on a summer vacation that her job told her to take, I don’t think she expected to meet an arsehole of a hockey player🤷🏼‍♀️
The character development of Randell was written so well that it was easy to follow and in the end was hard not to like him🥅

🧡Fake Dating
🏝️Love Coach
🏒Hockey Romance
🧡Reformed Playboy
🍑 Oh and a scene involving a peach😜
Profile Image for Spinster Pam.
196 reviews14 followers
July 30, 2025
This was such a cute story. Think Hallmark movie but with spice. So fun! And it was low stakes and not 12 million pages, which made for a nice, stress free read to end my day. Thank goodness for these kinds of stories!

Lucy is a business woman who has been forced to take a vacation after not using her pto for the last four years.

Randy/Randall is a star hockey player who has built a reputation for being not great and a lot selfish.

They meet when they are both in Mexico - her because she was forced to take a holiday and him because he is hiding away after a disastrous reality show appearance. He is being his worst self and she calls him on it. So, he asks her to help coach him on how to be less awful and pretend date. Because she is curious & bored, she agrees. They share some strong words, some sweet words, some deep truths, and a bit of spicy time. Things end abruptly and badly. And then they go back home and things get interesting.

Both Lucy and Randall are carrying around pain that is having a massive impact on their lives and relationships. Watching them both start to face things and talk about why they are will tug at your heart. I love seeing how they support each other, even when they still aren't sure about the other one or what everything means. They are so sweet.

I am so excited to see what else Kate does with this series and how she brings more characters to life.

I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. My review is based on the story itself, not the advance copy.
Profile Image for KelsBookstagram.
740 reviews24 followers
July 18, 2025
I am absolutely in love with Kate Wilder's swoonworthy skates and sparks series, and let me tell you, Randall & Lucy do not friggin disappoint!

I honestly devoured this in one sitting and loved the pace, intensity of the connection, and the vunerabilities both characters had. The chemistry and attraction were the perfect amount for this quick read, and honestly, i just fell in love with Randy and the sass Lucy brings to call Randy out really brings normality and humour to the pages.

I love how this has a fake dating, love guru feel, and in the same breath, I love seeing them unpick eachothers layers! 🥰

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜, 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙. 𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩, 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙧𝙮, 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬, 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛, 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚."

"I LOVE Hannah and really hope she gets a story in the series in the future! But we have to talk about the ending. It had me friggin laughing and swooning all the same breath! 🤣❤️

Kate Wilder's reads will feel your heart with swoonworthy moments and leave your heart full!
Profile Image for Andrea.
134 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2025
Another cute hockey romance added to my list! I was so excited when Kate announced this book, and I’m extremely grateful to have been a part of her ARC team.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Lucy and Randall. The reverse grumpy-sunshine trope worked perfectly with the love coaching, playful banter, and flirty tension between them. I loved how Lucy wasn’t afraid to call Randall out on his antics. There’s a lot of reflection and vulnerability shared between the two, and over time, we get to see them open up about their pasts, insecurities, and hidden desires.

It was heartwarming to see Randall gradually change with every interaction he had with Lucy. Watching him grow out of his playboy persona into someone who wants to love authentically was so sweet.

One thing I especially loved about Lucy was how relatable she is—her skepticism about love, her fear of letting people in, the loneliness of being single, and the struggles of modern dating. She represents all the single girls who are hopeless romantics, holding out for the right guy. I was so happy to see her take charge and go after what she truly wants.

This was a fun, fast-paced read that perfectly fits the summer vibes—especially for anyone currently obsessed with Love Island. Thank you, Kate Wilder, for letting me be a part of your ARC team for Breakaway Heart!
Profile Image for Lou Li Reads.
537 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2025
Book 2 from the skates and sparks series gives us the story of Lucy and Randell. A vacay fling with a difference. Following an epic character assault in view of the public, Randell has gone into hiding, he’s taking himself away to a small Mexican village. Lucy has been working full speed for the last 4 years with no holiday and her boss has forced her to take a break. Holidaying alone in a Mexican resort has her even more depressed. On a day trip to a nearby town, she runs in Randell and takes pity on him after the rough times he’s had. She agrees to be his Love Guru and fake date but is ghosted just after a few days. Back home with the holiday feeling in the rear view, Lucy has struggled to get back into the swing of life with Randy having got firmly under her skin. Randy has been left feeling the same and his teammates know exactly who Lucy is when she rocks up at a practice session. A second chance, a bit more faking it and a whole lot of hiding feelings. Told in the POV of Lucy, her inner voice is pretty hilarious, a quick read, lots of giggles and a HEA for Lucy!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
Profile Image for SwoonAndScroll.
166 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2025
⭐⭐⭐

This was a really quick read.

I liked the concept of the story, but felt that there was a lot that was attempted to be squeezed into less than 200 pages - it caused the pacing to feel a bit odd.
Had it been longer and more fleshed out, or aspects of it just left out from the story, I think it could have really benefitted.

Unfortunately, I felt pretty disconnected from the characters.
When they let their walls down, I didn't really empathise with them or anything; they were kind of just... there.

This has the bones to be fantastic, but I think it missed the mark for me, personally.

Thank you, Kate Wilder, for the opportunity to read this eARC!
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
141 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2025
This was a cute book, however, I was left just a little disappointed because the first book in this series, Hockey Heart was soooo good and this one was just meh. Maybe it was the storyline for me, but I feel like it wasn’t over when the book ended. The last 20% wrapped up so quickly that I feel like I got whiplash.

But that peach scene tho….
Profile Image for Michelle Patton.
332 reviews7 followers
July 28, 2025
Breakaway Heart is the second book in Kate Wilder’s Skates and Sparks series. I haven’t read the first, but this one stood on its own just fine—which is always a plus. While the story itself was just okay for me overall, I did enjoy the characters, and Jefferson the quirky dog definitely stole the show!
Profile Image for Tanisha FantasyBooksandBudgets.
114 reviews11 followers
July 27, 2025
This is a short read, but don't let that fool you, its jam packed with so much fun.
Perfect for dating show fanatics and new to genre sports romance readers, this book is a total vibe.
The character arc for Randy is done so well, and I loved seeing many different sides of him.
I love a fun insta love book, and this book is a great time. Perfect for a quick read!
Profile Image for Natalyastyles.
139 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2025
Thank you so much so much Author Kate Wilder, for giving me the amazing opportunity to read another ARC of your new upcoming Hockey Romance Novel🧡🏝️🏒✨
“Breakaway Heart”
The Second Installment In The-
“Skates and Sparks Book Series”
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨Read!! Did I devoured this book or did it devour me AHHH!! I was so engrossed instantly🤩with this book especially with its villa island vibes I knew I was going to love it and with the way it’s fast paced! It had me in my seat flipping page after page🤩And the main characters had my heart they were so adorable & humorous with each page! Alongside with their enemies to lovers touches🔥without a doubt this tale will hold your attention endlessly and I genuinely couldn't get enough of them and this unforgettable hockey/villa romance novel that I am looking forward to reading more in the series and by the lovely author🤩🧡

“Breakaway Heart,” Stars two main characters-
(🧡🏒Lucy Heaton & Randall Jackson🏒🧡)
Kate Wilder, sends them on a journey of endless possibilities when they encounter a
Fake dating trope✨ a hot Vacation fling🔥 and my favorite a Reformed playboy 💋✨
Enemies-to-lovers elements plus a Opposites attract Reverse grumpy x sunshine🥹🧡
That Kate Wilder, wrote together so beautifully🥹🧡

“It’s sweet desire. To me, you’re perfect.”-Randall Jackson💋✨

Order
“Breakaway Heart”
ASAP!! For a lovely unexpected love story🧡
And you can do just that by visiting the author’s social media @katewilder.author ON IG and
also get the chance to enjoy her lovely page filled with teasers and aesthetics🧡✨
374 reviews
July 29, 2025
Breakaway Heart is book two in the Skates and Sparks series and is th story of Lucy and Randall. This is a strangers to lovers, fake dating, opposites attract, hockey romance.

Lucy has taken her first vacation in three years at an all inclusive resort to get away from work, men and all the things that stress her out. Randall is the star right winger for the Ice Hawks and is spending his summer showing the world the worst parts of himself on a reality dating show. When he gets voted out of the villa, he finds a private retreat to hide out. While Lucy is exploring town she meets Randall and his behavior only reinforces why he was kicked off Love Villa. Lucy offers Randall love lessons to teach him how to talk to women, treat them properly and be a better human. Lucy nor Randall saw anything coming from their love lessons but fate sometimes has other plans.

This is a short book packed full of great banter, spicy moments and surprising heartfelt moments. The story itself is great and the emotional depth of Randall and Lucy's characters made you understand what they had been through to lead them to where they were when we meet them in the story. This is a wonderful, short read with a lot of moments that make you cheer for the man Randall truly is.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Kayla B.
197 reviews22 followers
August 10, 2025
Breakaway Heart was such a cute fun read. Think Hallmark and Love Island with a little spice thrown in. It's a perfect choice if you are in need of a palate cleanser or just something fun and sweet.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ; 3.75 rounded up

🏝️Fake Dating
🏝️Reformed Playboy
🏝️Hockey Romance
🏝️Vacation Fling
🏝️Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
🏝️Strangers to Lovers

Lucy finds herself at an all inclusive resort in Mexico after her boss insisted she needed time away from work. Most of her time there was spent moping and regretting being there at all. Until she befriended the manager of the resort. While trying to make her have a better trip, he sends her to a little town outside of the resort for some peace away from the resort hustle and bustle. While spending her time exploring she had the unfortunate run it with Randall Jackson. The playboy on the celebrity dating show she had just been watching. But the last thing she expected from their encounter, was to be offering to help him become a better person.

Randall Jackson (Randy), is a hockey star and ex tv show celebrity. After being voted off the dating show he was on, he took off to a secluded area of Mexico to hide out for a while. He was so used to women falling at his feet to spend time with him, that when the time came for a random American helping him buy a pool float wasn't fawning over him, he took on the task to find out why. And asking her to teach him how to become a better person was the best thing he could come up with. But after spending a few evenings together, she became the only thing he wanted to think about outside of hockey.

But the miscommunication between the two, causes them both to struggle. Lucy has commitment fears while Randy never wanted commitment before her. And when Lucy thinks he runs away she realizes just how deep the feelings she has for him go. But she never realized his feelings towards her were the same until speaking with his teammates one day. It was sweet watching them reconnect and let their walls come down for each other. I just wish it were a little longer to help add some extra to the story.

Thank you Kate Wilder for gifting me with an early reading copy. All thoughts and opinions of this review are my own.
Profile Image for Samantha Carol-Ann.
82 reviews
July 17, 2025
Breakaway Heart is a fake dating hockey romance about our 2 main characters Lucy and Randall.

Lucy is a hard worker, who is practically made to take a vacation. Lucy finds herself in Mexico, just going through the motions every day until one day the hotel manager suggests a restaurant in a nearby town. While on her way there, she runs into none other than Randall Jackson.

Randall Jackson is the definition of misunderstood. Forced into an identity that isn't even the real him, he ends up pushing away anyone that tries to get close. Until Lucy. She changes everything, changes him. He is determined to learn how to change into someone that deserves a happily ever after; what could possibly go wrong when you start blurring the lines with you dating "coach?"

Like the previous book in the series, it is short and fast paced BUT it doesn't feel rushed. You get to watch Lucy and Randall's story unfold and it is such a beautiful story.

Tropes:
🧡 Fake dating
🧡 Vacation fling
🧡 Enemies with benefits
🧡 Love coach
🧡 Reverse grumpy/sunshine
🧡 Hockey romance
🧡 Reformed playboy
🧡 Strong FMC
Profile Image for Tatiana.
304 reviews11 followers
July 22, 2025
If you're in the mood for a swoony, laugh-out-loud rom-com with a grumpy hockey star and a smart, yet snarky heroine, this is definitely the book for you!

This book is short but fast paced. You get to watch Lucy and Randall's story unfold and it’s a beautiful story you can’t help but fall in love with.

Breakaway Heart is a fake dating hockey romance about Lucy and Randall. I love fake dating romances because there’s always a caveat about not falling in love yet they always do!! I loved Lucy and Randall’s story!
Lucy is a hard worker, who is made to take a vacation when she meets Randall. Randall’s character is so misunderstood to the point he pushed everyone away because everyone put him in a box he should have never been in… Until Lucy. She changes everything, changes him. He wants to be someone who deserves to find love.. I loved the banter between these two! This book has it all from chemistry to emotion growth. The depth of this book was amazing and I didn’t want it to end.
Profile Image for Booktrovert_reads_romance.
283 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2025
This one was a quick, easy read for me which is exactly what I was hoping for.

We start with Lucy on a tropical vacation she was forced to go on….sitting in her hotel room, eating ice cream, watching a reality dating show. 😂 Honestly her reactions to Randall on that show were so honest & real. When she runs into him trying to hide after getting booted from the show she isn’t afraid to call him out on his behavior from the show & how he is acting right there with her.

I loved getting to watch Randall shed his playboy persona, even though it’s a little bit of a rough journey. I really appreciate when a book as fast paced as this one still manages to include personal growth from both MCs.

This is one where I wish the book had been longer because at times I feel like I needed just a little more to really get the whole story & give me a chance to connect with the characters a little more. Overall it was a fantastic before the end of summer read!

Thank you so much Kate for giving me the chance to read an ARC of this one!
Profile Image for Nisma B.
160 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2025
[ARC review]

Thank you so much to Kate Wilder for the ARC of Breakaway Heart! I flew through this book in one sitting. It was the perfect mix of flirty, fast-paced fun and heartfelt redemption.

Lucy and Randall’s story pulled me in right away. The vacation-gone-wrong setup was chaotic in the best way, and I loved how their tension slowly turned into a steamy, genuine connection. Lucy is sharp, confident, and refreshingly real. Randall, the grumpy hockey star with a messy reputation, surprised me with his emotional depth and growth. Watching him evolve was one of the most satisfying parts of the book.

The banter was top-tier, the chemistry sizzled, and the emotional payoff hit just right. If you’re into slow-burn enemies-to-lovers with plenty of sass, heat, and heart, this book delivers.

A total mood-boosting rom-com, Breakaway Heart is perfect for fans of Love Island-style tension, messy-but-lovable characters, and satisfying redemption arcs. I’m excited to see what Kate Wilder writes next!
Profile Image for Sofia Silva.
266 reviews7 followers
July 9, 2025
Lucy Heaton is on a much needed and forced vacation, but not enjoying her time alone in a beautiful Mexican resort.
When she meets Randall Jackson, hockey player for the Ice Hawks, who is trying to hide and run from a PR scandal, she is annoyed by his behaviour.
Randall is faced with the harsh reality of what his demeanour has created in public perception.
He hides his true and battered self from everyone, but Lucy brings out the best on him.
She accepts his plea to help him change and things start to change between them. They are really attracted to each other and can’t deny the chemistry.
Unfortunately, their pasts will weigh down on their relationship and create some walls between them.
A very cute and likeable story of how love can bring the best out of someone and how it can make someone change for the better.
It is a fun and light read. A second chance in life for love.
Thank you for the ARC.
Profile Image for Jessica.
311 reviews
July 14, 2025
4.75 ⭐

First off i would like to thank Kate for the opportunity to read & review this gifted E-Arc.

Lucy & Randall
This book is just so lighthearted and funny. Like the banter and tension between them is so good. I couldn't stop laughing at points and at others i wanted to shake Randall. I absolutely loved that Lucy wasn't afraid to be her self and tell Randall exactly what he needed to hear and didn't shy away from it. I didn't like Randall at first and then when he opened up and showed his true self i fell in lobe with him. I loved that he was using this aloof persona to hide his soft vulnerable side but i loved that Lucy helped him grow in his confidence and to stand up for himself. I lobed watching his character grow and earn his redemption arc.

5/5 Recommend this book. If you need something super fast paced and lighthearted then you need this book. If you loved any of the dating reality shows or especially love island then i definitely recommend this one.
32 reviews
July 18, 2025
This was such a fun, feel-good read! I devoured it in one sitting and enjoyed every minute of Randall and Lucy’s chaotic, chemistry-filled journey.

Randall is a former reality TV star turned hockey player with a reputation that’s hard to shake, and Lucy is just trying to enjoy her well-earned vacation when their worlds collide in the most unexpected—and hilarious—way. What follows is a whirlwind of banter, awkward moments, and emotional growth that completely pulled me in.

I loved how Lucy held her own and never let Randall’s charm distract her from what she wanted. And watching Randall slowly peel back his layers and step up in ways no one expected? So satisfying. Their connection felt real, the pacing was perfect, and the emotional beats hit at just the right moments.

It was light, swoony, and had just the right amount of heart. Definitely one I’ll be recommending to friends when they need something sweet and entertaining.
Profile Image for H.
101 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2025
ARC review. Lucy is on vacation and meets Randall, NHL-player-turned-reality-tv villain who hiding out from his latest appearance. He wants to change, and enlists Lucy to help him become a better man. Can she see the real him and resist falling?

I have a guilty pleasure: reality TV. And if you love the goofy, silly drama of those shows, this hockey romance is going to be one to add to the list. Randall is insufferable at the beginning but allows himself to be vulnerable with Lucy, and she starts to see the man underneath the bravado. Some of the moments and conversations are absurd and hilarious, and some are oddly sweet. As they open up, they push each other to move past the hurt of their respective pasts. Is Randy my kind of guy? Not necessarily. But he shows real growth and watching his character change is a fun ride. If you need a good laugh with a side of heart, give this one a shot.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
783 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2025
“I’m obsessed with looking at you. When I leave the room, I miss you, and I’m just waiting to get back.”

Breakaway Heart by Kate Wilder is a fun and flirt-tastic whirlwind romance. Lucy Heaton is on a paradise vacation and hating every minute, until she stumbles into hockey’s most hated/loved playboy, Randall Jackson. Party guy of the Merryville Ice-Hawks, Randy has been coasting on his natural talent for years. Despite her annoyance with the trouble making goal scorer, Lucy agrees to help the not-so-lothario with his dating game. Kate Wilder writes punny, charismatic, well-rounded characters, a compelling plot and sweet & saucy romance. Breakaway Heart is a witty and sweet vacation-to-game time love story. If you’re looking for a low-angst, shenanigan-filled read with a fiery FMC and a smooth, dirty-talking MMC, grab this quick & quirky book today!

✨A grinning, hair-twirling thanks to Kate Wilder for the advanced copy of this delightful hockey romance!
Profile Image for Lemonnyyy.
194 reviews4 followers
August 11, 2025
🧡🏒Breakaway Heart by Kate Wilder🏒🧡

190 Pages

Skates and Sparks Book 2

My oh my, I dont think I can look at peaches the same way ever again.

Book 2 follows workaholic Lucy, needing some well earned and deserved time away from work and guys, she was not expecting to bump into a disgraced Hockey player hiding out in Mexico, and well one thing leads to another.

I absolutely devoured this it was a perfect balance between sweet and spicy, I could happily sit and read another book about Lucy and Randy! I loved seeing Sarah and Hayden and thr rest of the Ice-hawks and cannot wait to see more from them.

I would highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to add a new Hockey Romance to their tbr! For fans of Hockey Romance, Fake Dating, Vacation Fling, Reverse Grumpy Sunshine and a smidgen of Spicy Goodness.
Profile Image for Sophie Hutchins.
253 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2025
“I’m obsessed with looking at you. When I leave the room, I miss you, and im just waiting to get back.”

A quick fluffy, steamy read.

I remember Randell from book 1 and thinking he’s going to be a nightmare in this book, which he was but I liked the way he grew and he did so with the help of Lucy not because she wanted to change him so much as he needed help and wanted to change himself.

I like how Randy grew as a human being, developing niceties and putting aside the personas that don’t truly show him what so ever. I did love that he kept the cheeky, flirty side but learnt that his cocky over the top behaviour was him putting on a show.

I liked how Lucy took none of his shit, to begin with she didn’t like him, but I liked the way she opened up to him. With every layer he peeled back to reveal the true him, the more her heart opened to him.

I loved Randy’s dog, Jefferson, he was an unexpected fun character with so much personality for a dog. And he matched Randy too just in dog form.

I loved getting to see characters from book 1 and look forward to seeing what comes next from this series.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

“Lucy, I’m going to write goddamn love letters all over your body with my mouth, all night.”
Profile Image for Bookcorner_talk.
268 reviews11 followers
July 29, 2025
I loved this story. It’s was an absolute swoony romance with
🔹 Fake Dating
🔹 Hockey Romance
🔹 Reformed Playboy
🔹 Love Coach
🔹 Enemies to lovers
🔹 Reverse Grumpy vs Sunshine
Lucy and Randall’s chemistry is great. I love that Lucy had no problem calling out Randall on his antics. He’s definitely a playboy and being that he’s hiding out from the world because of course he became a walking PR nightmare. Lucy is just trying to enjoy her vacation. A vacation that is so needed but I always say that the best things happen when you least expect it. This was a fast paced romance with a few laughs out loud moments. Kate Wilder never disappoints and I rate it 4.5 stars.

*** I received this e-book as an arc in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Red-Eyed Reader.
92 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2025
This was such a cute, funny, and fast-paced read! I loved the fresh twist on the fake dating trope. Instead of trying to fool everyone around them, Lucy and Randy go on “fake dates” so Lucy can show Randy exactly how a woman deserves to be treated and it was such a clever premise.

Randall gave me major Wade Kinsella of Hart of Dixie vibes. He might seem like a charming, womanizing jerk at first, but underneath, he’s a genuinely sweet and thoughtful guy. His character growth was one of my favorite parts of the story.

I had such a great time reading this one—it might even be my favorite in the series so far! While this is Book 2 in the Skates and Sparks series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Profile Image for Courtney Parrish.
8 reviews
August 18, 2025
I devoured this book in just one day! I was absolutely captivated by its fast paced story and charming characters. Wilder's writing style makes it easy to get lost in the narrative!

The story revolves around Randy, a self-assured hockey star, who finds himself on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. After spending three days in Mexico with Lucy, his fake "love guru," Randy's perspective on life and love undergoes a significant transformation.

What sets "Breakaway Heart" apart is its ability to balance lighthearted fun with deeper emotional insights. The interactions between Randy’s and Lucy create a dynamic that keeps the reader invested until the very end. Wilder truly did an amazing job portraying Randy’s character growth and I can’t recommend this book enough!
Profile Image for Annie.
477 reviews12 followers
August 30, 2025
3⭐ 3🌶️

Unfortunately, I just found this book a little too basic. I couldn't connect with the plot or the characters, which was sad because I quite enjoyed the first book of the series. The saving grace for this book was the inclusion of past characters and the FMC learning about ice hockey.

I think the other aspect that was unrealistic was how the family issues were magically solved with just one outburst. I'm just not really sure that this is how it would have gone in real life. However, given the chance, I will continue to read this series because this book might just be like when a band has a difficult second album.

Big thanks to Kate wilder for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Karen B.
1,646 reviews26 followers
July 29, 2025
Imagine watching a reality show where the hunky hockey player star is terrible at romance only to find him at your resort vacation spot hiding after the show airs…and he ends up asking you for help. This is Lucy’s new normal—just when she thought she was done with men, Randall shows up needing to repair his image and wants Lucy to help him be a better person. Their enemies-to-lovers, fake dating relationship turns into a heated romance with all the banter, coaching and forced proximity brought by the beautiful paradise resort setting. A lighthearted and quick read with an adorable plot.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
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