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Boston Howlers #1
Betting on the Breakaway
He thinks love is a lie. She's about to prove him wrong.
NHL star Mac Sullivan's career is on ice after a tragic accident, and his viral rant calling romance "dangerous fantasy" just made him public enemy number one for the people of MillbrookFalls, the former romance capital of New England. Hiding out in the small town where he spent childhood summers, the last thing he expects is to be confronted by Delaney Caldwell—the girl who used to have a crush on him and now owns the local bookshop he nearly destroyed with his big mouth.
Delaney's solution? A bet. Ten dates based on classic romance tropes. If she wins, he publicly apologizes and admits love exists. If he wins, she has to come to every game in his jersey for a full season.
What starts as a battle of wits becomes something neither of them saw coming. Because sometimes the best love stories begin with a wager...
And sometimes the person you're trying to convince is yourself.
NHL star Mac Sullivan's career is on ice after a tragic accident, and his viral rant calling romance "dangerous fantasy" just made him public enemy number one for the people of MillbrookFalls, the former romance capital of New England. Hiding out in the small town where he spent childhood summers, the last thing he expects is to be confronted by Delaney Caldwell—the girl who used to have a crush on him and now owns the local bookshop he nearly destroyed with his big mouth.
Delaney's solution? A bet. Ten dates based on classic romance tropes. If she wins, he publicly apologizes and admits love exists. If he wins, she has to come to every game in his jersey for a full season.
What starts as a battle of wits becomes something neither of them saw coming. Because sometimes the best love stories begin with a wager...
And sometimes the person you're trying to convince is yourself.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
7 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 1, 2025
This was the perfect cozy holiday hockey romance with a fun twist on all the popular romance tropes we know and love. Mac and Delaney will absolutely have you swooning and falling in love right along with them. Not only are the main characters lovable but the small town and side characters are equally as fun. This absolutely gave cozy New England small town during the holidays and I loved every minute of it.
November 4, 2025
This is a sweet small town romance novel that decides to be practically all the romance tropes in one. Enemies to lovers (though they never are really ENEMIES, persay), forced proximity, single bed, etc etc. After an accident that turns everything upside down for hockey player Mac, he runs to the small town his family used to vacation at during the summer when he was younger. He hopes to hide away, but Delaney refuses to let him. Mac publicly stated that romance was fake, a fairytale, and Delaney sets out to prove him wrong in the form of a bet. Ten dates to prove romance isn't fake, each date being a different romance novel trope.
The thing I find weird about this is that she's essentially betting that she can make him fall for her. How else would she prove that the dates would work? If he didn't fall for her, wouldn't he win the bet?
Besides this, it was a cute book that I finished within a day. It keeps a pretty good pace and doesn't drag on anywhere. If you like small town romances where the community is just as nosey as they are supportive and loving, you'll love this book about a small book shop owner and famous hockey player!
The thing I find weird about this is that she's essentially betting that she can make him fall for her. How else would she prove that the dates would work? If he didn't fall for her, wouldn't he win the bet?
Besides this, it was a cute book that I finished within a day. It keeps a pretty good pace and doesn't drag on anywhere. If you like small town romances where the community is just as nosey as they are supportive and loving, you'll love this book about a small book shop owner and famous hockey player!
November 9, 2025
ARC Review: 4.75 stars, excellent read. Where do I even begin? This book is pure serotonin wrapped in pages. It felt like watching a Hallmark Christmas special (except better), curled under a fuzzy blanket with a mug of hot chocolate that somehow never gets cold. I kept waiting for that one heartbreaking twist (because let’s be honest, most romances love to sneak in an emotional ambush), but nope. This one stayed true to its promise: soft, swoony, and gloriously happy from start to finish.
But what surprised me most was the emotional depth woven quietly between the cozy moments. Both main characters carry heartache in their pasts, loss, grief, and regret, and instead of weighing the story down, those layers give it heart. You can feel how their experiences shape them, how healing starts to unfold between the laughter and flirtation. It’s the kind of emotional thread that makes the happily-ever-after feel earned.
There’s something so refreshing about a story that doesn’t need chaos or devastation to be compelling. It reminded me why I fell in love with romance in the first place, because sometimes, love can just be good. It can be fun and warm and full of laughter, even when born from a little heartbreak. This book gave me that feeling in spades.
The plot had such a great flow, playful, smart, and layered enough to keep me turning pages long past when I should’ve been asleep. The 10 dates, 10 tropes concept? Absolute genius. It’s like the author wrote a love letter to romance readers who know exactly which tropes make their hearts race. Fake dating? Snowed in? Grumpy/sunshine? Forced proximity? All here. All adorable. All executed perfectly.
The FMC was sweet as honey, kind, grounded, and quietly strong in a way that made me root for her every step of the way. And the MMC… sigh. Broody, a little emotionally guarded, but the way he fell for her? Hopelessly, helplessly, beautifully. He gave me that “gruff on the outside, melted marshmallow on the inside” energy that gets me every time. Their chemistry was natural and believable, and the banter had that perfect mix of warmth, vulnerability, and spark.
I laughed. I swooned. I may have squealed out loud once or twice. And by the time I hit the final page, I didn’t want it to end. It’s the kind of story that wraps you up, breaks you open just a little, and reminds you what joy feels like.
I’m so sad my journey with these two is over, but I love the ending nuggets setting up the series for book #2 next year. This one deserves a spot on every cozy reader’s holiday TBR.
But what surprised me most was the emotional depth woven quietly between the cozy moments. Both main characters carry heartache in their pasts, loss, grief, and regret, and instead of weighing the story down, those layers give it heart. You can feel how their experiences shape them, how healing starts to unfold between the laughter and flirtation. It’s the kind of emotional thread that makes the happily-ever-after feel earned.
There’s something so refreshing about a story that doesn’t need chaos or devastation to be compelling. It reminded me why I fell in love with romance in the first place, because sometimes, love can just be good. It can be fun and warm and full of laughter, even when born from a little heartbreak. This book gave me that feeling in spades.
The plot had such a great flow, playful, smart, and layered enough to keep me turning pages long past when I should’ve been asleep. The 10 dates, 10 tropes concept? Absolute genius. It’s like the author wrote a love letter to romance readers who know exactly which tropes make their hearts race. Fake dating? Snowed in? Grumpy/sunshine? Forced proximity? All here. All adorable. All executed perfectly.
The FMC was sweet as honey, kind, grounded, and quietly strong in a way that made me root for her every step of the way. And the MMC… sigh. Broody, a little emotionally guarded, but the way he fell for her? Hopelessly, helplessly, beautifully. He gave me that “gruff on the outside, melted marshmallow on the inside” energy that gets me every time. Their chemistry was natural and believable, and the banter had that perfect mix of warmth, vulnerability, and spark.
I laughed. I swooned. I may have squealed out loud once or twice. And by the time I hit the final page, I didn’t want it to end. It’s the kind of story that wraps you up, breaks you open just a little, and reminds you what joy feels like.
I’m so sad my journey with these two is over, but I love the ending nuggets setting up the series for book #2 next year. This one deserves a spot on every cozy reader’s holiday TBR.
November 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up)
After inheriting her grandma's failing bookshop in the town she grew up in, Delaney was excited for the opportunity to have her late best friend's brother (and star hockey player) do a signing for his new memoir. But still struggling from his sister's death in a car accident he was driving for, he openly speaks negatively about romance and romance books being unrealistic and crushes Delaney's hopes of turning their tourist town back into New England's Romance Capital. That is until she thinks of a plan to make him eat his words. A bet where they have to go on a series of dates that are centered around common romance tropes. If she wins, he has to publicly admit that he was wrong. If he wins, she has to attend every one of his games wearing his jersey.
This book had the makings of all the things I like: small town romance, second chance at love, fake dating, etc and I was really hopeful about it, and it turned out to be a very cute and cozy holiday romance that I was excited to receive an ARC for.
That being said, I seriously wonder if anyone read this for edits as there were SO many inconsistencies from the very beginning from their ages, where Delaney confronted him, how long it had been since they last saw each other. There were seriously so many and it really took away from the book for me. So while I did round up to four stars, the issues above knocked off half a star for me.
That being said, I did like the premise and the setup for the second book, so I'll still be on the lookout and give it a try, but hopefully there will be better edits in the follow up.
After inheriting her grandma's failing bookshop in the town she grew up in, Delaney was excited for the opportunity to have her late best friend's brother (and star hockey player) do a signing for his new memoir. But still struggling from his sister's death in a car accident he was driving for, he openly speaks negatively about romance and romance books being unrealistic and crushes Delaney's hopes of turning their tourist town back into New England's Romance Capital. That is until she thinks of a plan to make him eat his words. A bet where they have to go on a series of dates that are centered around common romance tropes. If she wins, he has to publicly admit that he was wrong. If he wins, she has to attend every one of his games wearing his jersey.
This book had the makings of all the things I like: small town romance, second chance at love, fake dating, etc and I was really hopeful about it, and it turned out to be a very cute and cozy holiday romance that I was excited to receive an ARC for.
That being said, I seriously wonder if anyone read this for edits as there were SO many inconsistencies from the very beginning from their ages, where Delaney confronted him, how long it had been since they last saw each other. There were seriously so many and it really took away from the book for me. So while I did round up to four stars, the issues above knocked off half a star for me.
That being said, I did like the premise and the setup for the second book, so I'll still be on the lookout and give it a try, but hopefully there will be better edits in the follow up.
November 9, 2025
This book is the definition of grumpy hockey player meets sunshine bookstore girl. The story starts in a small town that’s famous for believing in love — like Hallmark but with a little more chaos and caffeine.
Delaney grew up watching the rich summer kids visit every year, secretly crushing on one of them — the brother of her best friend. One kiss at a bonfire changed everything, and then ten years later tragedy hit. Now he’s a famous hockey player, running from his past, and she’s running a cozy little bookstore her grandmother left her.
When he comes back to town and publicly declares that “love is dead,” BookTok collectively combusts — and Delaney? She’s not having it. She challenges him to ten dates, each one based on a classic romance book trope: proximity, enemies to lovers, forced one bed — you name it.
What follows is pure small-town gold — witty banter, sizzling chemistry, meddling townsfolk placing bets, and two broken hearts finding their way back to believing in love again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨Trope overload in the best way
💋Spice level: slow burn → steam
🩵Small-town magic + second chances
❄️Hea
As always I wanted to thank you J Louise for giving me a chance on this amazing arc! No matter what genre you write it’s always a hit ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Delaney grew up watching the rich summer kids visit every year, secretly crushing on one of them — the brother of her best friend. One kiss at a bonfire changed everything, and then ten years later tragedy hit. Now he’s a famous hockey player, running from his past, and she’s running a cozy little bookstore her grandmother left her.
When he comes back to town and publicly declares that “love is dead,” BookTok collectively combusts — and Delaney? She’s not having it. She challenges him to ten dates, each one based on a classic romance book trope: proximity, enemies to lovers, forced one bed — you name it.
What follows is pure small-town gold — witty banter, sizzling chemistry, meddling townsfolk placing bets, and two broken hearts finding their way back to believing in love again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨Trope overload in the best way
💋Spice level: slow burn → steam
🩵Small-town magic + second chances
❄️Hea
As always I wanted to thank you J Louise for giving me a chance on this amazing arc! No matter what genre you write it’s always a hit ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 7, 2025
Want to live in a romance book? And play out all your favorite troupes? Then this is the book for you! Yes, it is a hockey romance, but with a twist.
Delaney and Mac met years ago when Mac's family vacationed in Delaney's small town every summer. Delaney became fast friends with Lily, Mac's sister, and they went everywhere together. Delaney developed a crush on Mac but never thought anything would come of it. The last summer that Lily's family vacationed in that small town, when Delaney was 15, Mac kissed her. The next day, he left.
Years passed, and everyone went on with their lives until tragedy hit, and Mac needed a place to get away from everything. He remembered how peaceful that small town was and came to heal. And boy did he heal. Through an experiment meant to teach Mac a lesson on love. Delaney and Mac go on 10 dates, each designed after a different romance book troupe.
They have some obstacles to overcome, but to watch each one open up was a beautiful journey.
I really enjoyed this journey and cannot wait to see where this series goes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
Delaney and Mac met years ago when Mac's family vacationed in Delaney's small town every summer. Delaney became fast friends with Lily, Mac's sister, and they went everywhere together. Delaney developed a crush on Mac but never thought anything would come of it. The last summer that Lily's family vacationed in that small town, when Delaney was 15, Mac kissed her. The next day, he left.
Years passed, and everyone went on with their lives until tragedy hit, and Mac needed a place to get away from everything. He remembered how peaceful that small town was and came to heal. And boy did he heal. Through an experiment meant to teach Mac a lesson on love. Delaney and Mac go on 10 dates, each designed after a different romance book troupe.
They have some obstacles to overcome, but to watch each one open up was a beautiful journey.
I really enjoyed this journey and cannot wait to see where this series goes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
November 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️ ARC Review - Betting on the Breakaway by J. Louise. This is my first book by J. Louise and I really enjoyed it. Small town with meddling/nosy neighbors, holiday/Christmas vibes & charm, a childhood crush, a grumpy injured broken hockey player that doesn’t believe in love, and a romance-obsessed bookstore owner. What could go wrong?! This story has: Heart, humor, depth, tension, raw emotion, characters with chemistry, no 3rd act breakup, and good spice.
Delaney Caldwell hasn’t seen Mac Sullivan in 10 years. He’s back to attend a signing event at her bookstore Rosewood Books for his autobiography. But he goes on a podcast the night before the signing and says romance & romance novels are nonsense. To save her bookshop (and the town by putting Millbrook Falls back on the map), Delaney proposes 10 dates to prove to him that real love exists. If she wins, he apologizes to the world. If he wins, she goes to all of his hockey games wearing his jersey.
Due to a tragic accident, Mac is broody, emotionally unavailable, and has given up on love or anything good in his life. He’s guarded and has built walls to protect himself because he thinks that he can’t lose someone if he doesn’t let them get close. He doesn’t think he deserves happiness because he blames himself. Delaney is determined to show him that real love exists but it isn’t perfect like in a fairytale - it’s raw, messy, challenging, and scary. She shows him that believing in good things - love, happy endings - is brave. I felt for Mac and wanted to give him a hug. 🥺 Delaney really saw him and understood him. She challenged him but also held space for his grief. The slow-burn was great, the tension was perfect, the spice was nice, and the emotion was real.
❤️ Set in Millbrook Falls, RI, former romance capital of New England
❤️ She’s a bookworm
❤️ He was her first kiss at 15 (he’s 2 years older)
❤️ He stands up for her to her jerk of an ex
❤️ The way he claims her in front of her douche ex 👏🏻👏🏻🫠🫠❤️❤️🥵🥵
❤️ Sweatpants 🚨
❤️ Hand necklace 🖐️ 💎
❤️ When he says ‘tell me what you want, Sunshine’ (that’s me—melting 🫠)
Favorite quotes:
"And you'll see all of it. You'll see exactly why I don't deserve nice things like bookshops and small towns and women who believe in happy endings."
“Everything good in my life gets taken away, Delaney. Everyone I love gets hurt."
"I'm not good for you.”
“That's not your choice to make."
"They think I'm too romantic for my own good. They worry I'll end up alone because I'm waiting for some fictional perfect love instead of settling for good enough."
“Maybe they have a point."
“Maybe they don't."
"What if I hurt you? What if I'm not capable of being what you need?"
"What if you don't hurt me? What if you're exactly what I need, and I'm exactly what you need, and we're both brave enough to find out?"
‘When you whispered my name in the dark, when you touched my scars like they were something precious instead of ugly reminders of failure-you saw me, Delaney.’
"And if you win this final date?"
“Then I get to prove that happy endings aren't just for fairy tales. They're for real people who are brave enough to believe in them."
‘I want someone who thinks my small town romance bookshop is magnificent, not just a cute phase I’ll eventually outgrow. I want you, Mac. Complicated, damaged, beautiful you.’
Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Holiday romance
*Grumpy X Sunshine
*Injured Hockey player MMC
*Romance-obsessed Bookshop owner FMC
*Fake dating
*Broken boy
*He’s possessive
*One bed
*Forced proximity
*Slow-burn
*Tension
Content warning: traumatic accident, death, grief/loss, survivor’s guilt
Thank you to J. Louise and for the honor of reading this early in exchange for my honest opinions and review.
I can’t wait for Jake & Maya’s story in book 2!
Delaney Caldwell hasn’t seen Mac Sullivan in 10 years. He’s back to attend a signing event at her bookstore Rosewood Books for his autobiography. But he goes on a podcast the night before the signing and says romance & romance novels are nonsense. To save her bookshop (and the town by putting Millbrook Falls back on the map), Delaney proposes 10 dates to prove to him that real love exists. If she wins, he apologizes to the world. If he wins, she goes to all of his hockey games wearing his jersey.
Due to a tragic accident, Mac is broody, emotionally unavailable, and has given up on love or anything good in his life. He’s guarded and has built walls to protect himself because he thinks that he can’t lose someone if he doesn’t let them get close. He doesn’t think he deserves happiness because he blames himself. Delaney is determined to show him that real love exists but it isn’t perfect like in a fairytale - it’s raw, messy, challenging, and scary. She shows him that believing in good things - love, happy endings - is brave. I felt for Mac and wanted to give him a hug. 🥺 Delaney really saw him and understood him. She challenged him but also held space for his grief. The slow-burn was great, the tension was perfect, the spice was nice, and the emotion was real.
❤️ Set in Millbrook Falls, RI, former romance capital of New England
❤️ She’s a bookworm
❤️ He was her first kiss at 15 (he’s 2 years older)
❤️ He stands up for her to her jerk of an ex
❤️ The way he claims her in front of her douche ex 👏🏻👏🏻🫠🫠❤️❤️🥵🥵
❤️ Sweatpants 🚨
❤️ Hand necklace 🖐️ 💎
❤️ When he says ‘tell me what you want, Sunshine’ (that’s me—melting 🫠)
Favorite quotes:
"And you'll see all of it. You'll see exactly why I don't deserve nice things like bookshops and small towns and women who believe in happy endings."
“Everything good in my life gets taken away, Delaney. Everyone I love gets hurt."
"I'm not good for you.”
“That's not your choice to make."
"They think I'm too romantic for my own good. They worry I'll end up alone because I'm waiting for some fictional perfect love instead of settling for good enough."
“Maybe they have a point."
“Maybe they don't."
"What if I hurt you? What if I'm not capable of being what you need?"
"What if you don't hurt me? What if you're exactly what I need, and I'm exactly what you need, and we're both brave enough to find out?"
‘When you whispered my name in the dark, when you touched my scars like they were something precious instead of ugly reminders of failure-you saw me, Delaney.’
"And if you win this final date?"
“Then I get to prove that happy endings aren't just for fairy tales. They're for real people who are brave enough to believe in them."
‘I want someone who thinks my small town romance bookshop is magnificent, not just a cute phase I’ll eventually outgrow. I want you, Mac. Complicated, damaged, beautiful you.’
Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Holiday romance
*Grumpy X Sunshine
*Injured Hockey player MMC
*Romance-obsessed Bookshop owner FMC
*Fake dating
*Broken boy
*He’s possessive
*One bed
*Forced proximity
*Slow-burn
*Tension
Content warning: traumatic accident, death, grief/loss, survivor’s guilt
Thank you to J. Louise and for the honor of reading this early in exchange for my honest opinions and review.
I can’t wait for Jake & Maya’s story in book 2!
November 10, 2025
✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW
Betting on the breakaway - J Louise
5/5⭐️
📚📚����
This was one of those books I was obsessed with by chapter one! I binged the entire thing in one sitting because omg I just couldn’t get enough of these two! Mac and Delaney have a past because of summers Mac’s family visited and Delaney being Lily’s bestie! Tragedy hits Mac’s world and the only place he can think of disappearing to is that small town. Let’s just say the emotions hit me hard for him! Delaney and Mac end up starting a bet for making Mac believe in love and happy endings. Each date is a romance trope and omg I was eating that stuff up! These dates had me kicking my feet and giggling to absolutely melting from the tension between them!! The banter was top tier and the letters I just loved so much! By the end I was just obsessed and now need every book J Louise writes! Highly recommend!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Fake dating
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Forced proximity
- BFFs brother
- Childhood crush
- Enemies to lovers
- Workplace
- Second chance
- Only one bed
- Love triangle
- Fish out of water
- Pen pals
- “Grand gesture”
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy
QOTD✨have you ever taken any funny bets? Or do you like going to holiday festivals?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok
ARC REVIEW
Betting on the breakaway - J Louise
5/5⭐️
📚📚����
This was one of those books I was obsessed with by chapter one! I binged the entire thing in one sitting because omg I just couldn’t get enough of these two! Mac and Delaney have a past because of summers Mac’s family visited and Delaney being Lily’s bestie! Tragedy hits Mac’s world and the only place he can think of disappearing to is that small town. Let’s just say the emotions hit me hard for him! Delaney and Mac end up starting a bet for making Mac believe in love and happy endings. Each date is a romance trope and omg I was eating that stuff up! These dates had me kicking my feet and giggling to absolutely melting from the tension between them!! The banter was top tier and the letters I just loved so much! By the end I was just obsessed and now need every book J Louise writes! Highly recommend!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Fake dating
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Forced proximity
- BFFs brother
- Childhood crush
- Enemies to lovers
- Workplace
- Second chance
- Only one bed
- Love triangle
- Fish out of water
- Pen pals
- “Grand gesture”
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy
QOTD✨have you ever taken any funny bets? Or do you like going to holiday festivals?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok
November 12, 2025
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖬𝖺𝖼
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖣𝖾𝗅𝖺𝗇𝖾𝗒
4 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
This may be the sweeter and more cheerful side to Jen Stevens writing. But the possessive hero vibes...that remains the same!
Betting on the Breakaway, was a perfect start to this world. I absolutely loved everything about the small town, it's people and their nosey-ness.
Mac, this hero went through something so terrible and instead of having people support him, he was sidelined. And now his on a "medical" suspension until everything quietens down. But when it rains it pours and Mac finds himself saying something on a podcast that has the whole romance loving community in a fit.
Delaney, she is a bookstore owner. And one hundred percent believes in love. So when her childhood crush and famous hockey player says something against it, she decides to capitalise on the moment and challenges him to go on ten dates, every date will deal with a different trope. And he either starts believing love isn't a sham? Or well falls madly in love with her? 🤭
I really enjoyed the first book to this new series. I have read quite a few of Jen books and she outdid herself in this new genre.
The chemistry in this book was so good, the push & pull, the emotions! The freaking emotions. And the antics of a small town. I loved it.
The ending sets up the premise for the next book and I'm waiting for Jake & Maya's book. Patiently. Kinda. 😂
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 📖📖📖
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖬𝖺𝖼
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖣𝖾𝗅𝖺𝗇𝖾𝗒
4 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
This may be the sweeter and more cheerful side to Jen Stevens writing. But the possessive hero vibes...that remains the same!
Betting on the Breakaway, was a perfect start to this world. I absolutely loved everything about the small town, it's people and their nosey-ness.
Mac, this hero went through something so terrible and instead of having people support him, he was sidelined. And now his on a "medical" suspension until everything quietens down. But when it rains it pours and Mac finds himself saying something on a podcast that has the whole romance loving community in a fit.
Delaney, she is a bookstore owner. And one hundred percent believes in love. So when her childhood crush and famous hockey player says something against it, she decides to capitalise on the moment and challenges him to go on ten dates, every date will deal with a different trope. And he either starts believing love isn't a sham? Or well falls madly in love with her? 🤭
I really enjoyed the first book to this new series. I have read quite a few of Jen books and she outdid herself in this new genre.
The chemistry in this book was so good, the push & pull, the emotions! The freaking emotions. And the antics of a small town. I loved it.
The ending sets up the premise for the next book and I'm waiting for Jake & Maya's book. Patiently. Kinda. 😂
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 📖📖📖
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
November 7, 2025
4.5 Stars
Betting on the Breakaway is book one of the Boston Howlers series written by J. Louise. If you are looking for a romantic holiday book with a cozy feel, this one is for you.
The book focuses on NHL star Mac Sullivan and bookshop girl, Delaney Caldwell. After the tragic events that sidelined Mac and took someone precious to him, Mac has given up on love, referring to romance as a “dangerous fantasy” while preparing for a book tour. Delaney, hoping that Mac would bring some attention not only to her bookstore but also to her small town, must scramble to refocus the attention in a positive direction.
Delaney’s solution is a bet with Mac. Ten dates based on classic romance tropes. If she wins, he will publicly apologize and admit that love does exist. If he wins, she has to come to every game in his jersey for a full season.
I love these characters! Delaney’s positive outlook and sunny disposition can win anyone over. Mac, even after suffering the horrible losses, is still willing to take the bet and give the dates a try. I love the cozy, small-town feel of the book - it gave me Hallmark town vibes. I loved the tension between the two of them and the slow-burning nature of their relationship.
I look forward to reading more by J. Louise in this genre!
Thanks to J. Louise for gifting me an eARC of Betting on the Breakaway. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Betting on the Breakaway is book one of the Boston Howlers series written by J. Louise. If you are looking for a romantic holiday book with a cozy feel, this one is for you.
The book focuses on NHL star Mac Sullivan and bookshop girl, Delaney Caldwell. After the tragic events that sidelined Mac and took someone precious to him, Mac has given up on love, referring to romance as a “dangerous fantasy” while preparing for a book tour. Delaney, hoping that Mac would bring some attention not only to her bookstore but also to her small town, must scramble to refocus the attention in a positive direction.
Delaney’s solution is a bet with Mac. Ten dates based on classic romance tropes. If she wins, he will publicly apologize and admit that love does exist. If he wins, she has to come to every game in his jersey for a full season.
I love these characters! Delaney’s positive outlook and sunny disposition can win anyone over. Mac, even after suffering the horrible losses, is still willing to take the bet and give the dates a try. I love the cozy, small-town feel of the book - it gave me Hallmark town vibes. I loved the tension between the two of them and the slow-burning nature of their relationship.
I look forward to reading more by J. Louise in this genre!
Thanks to J. Louise for gifting me an eARC of Betting on the Breakaway. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2025
"For what it's worth," he says, voice pitched low enough that only I can hear, "I hope you win." 😍
You know a book is going to be fantastic when before you even get to chapter one you're filled with awww, sadness, and heartbreak 🥹🥺😭 so many emotions and not even 15 pages in!
Mac- "I'm just a guy hiding in my childhood vacation bedroom, trying to figure out how to be human again." I know he's grumpy but honestly he has every right to be 😭 his whole story tugs at your heart strings right away. His journey to healing is everything and I loved every second of it ❣️
Delaney- "she's sunshine and hope and everything bright in this world." Most likeable character ever. Aren't we all just bookworms who dream of running a book store?! 😍 She's such a romantic! full of spirit and hope 🥹
I loved this book! Small town holiday romances are just ♥️♥️ The entire premise was fresh and fun. There is banter and tension and so many sweet movie moments that just make your eyes leak and your heart flutter. This book has definitely made it to my favorites list year. Trophy bookshelf worthy, movie worthy. I can't wait for book 2!
Tropes to love
✔️Holiday romance
✔️Grumpy/sunshine
✔️Romance bet
✔️Best friends brother
✔️Romance obsessed bookstore owner
✔️Nosey small town
✔️Childhood crush
✔️Injured NHL player
✔️Ten fake dates
thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily!
You know a book is going to be fantastic when before you even get to chapter one you're filled with awww, sadness, and heartbreak 🥹🥺😭 so many emotions and not even 15 pages in!
Mac- "I'm just a guy hiding in my childhood vacation bedroom, trying to figure out how to be human again." I know he's grumpy but honestly he has every right to be 😭 his whole story tugs at your heart strings right away. His journey to healing is everything and I loved every second of it ❣️
Delaney- "she's sunshine and hope and everything bright in this world." Most likeable character ever. Aren't we all just bookworms who dream of running a book store?! 😍 She's such a romantic! full of spirit and hope 🥹
I loved this book! Small town holiday romances are just ♥️♥️ The entire premise was fresh and fun. There is banter and tension and so many sweet movie moments that just make your eyes leak and your heart flutter. This book has definitely made it to my favorites list year. Trophy bookshelf worthy, movie worthy. I can't wait for book 2!
Tropes to love
✔️Holiday romance
✔️Grumpy/sunshine
✔️Romance bet
✔️Best friends brother
✔️Romance obsessed bookstore owner
✔️Nosey small town
✔️Childhood crush
✔️Injured NHL player
✔️Ten fake dates
thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily!
November 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
This book was 👌😍
What started as a bet became a whole lot more for Del and Mac. Del believes in love , and Mac believes love ruins everything. 10 dates based on book tropes to see who is right is honestly nothing I have read before. I loved each trope they tackled, including the unplanned ones (only one bed, properly snowed in forced proximity, near death experience).
I loved the way Del didn't shy away from a challenge and her feelings. How she acknowledged how Mac would be feeling and made him talk about it like grown-ups. It never felt like there was a whole miscommunication trope (which I HATE 🤣🤣).
This book is built on sexual tension, and it does take a while for the actual deed (around 50% mark), but it doesn't disappoint when it happens. I usually like books where it isn't a slow burn, but that didn't put me off as there was that sexual tension.
I'm not going to lie. I could have screamed at Maya or Macs phone every time they seemed to interrupt what was an important discussion between Del and Mac.
There were parts of the book where I wish it had been developed more.. such as the conversation Del has with the other hockey players' partners, and it reads like she wants to speak to Mac about it, but she doesn't. It didn't take anything away from the story but would have been nice to explore.
I can't wait for book two!
🌶
This book was 👌😍
What started as a bet became a whole lot more for Del and Mac. Del believes in love , and Mac believes love ruins everything. 10 dates based on book tropes to see who is right is honestly nothing I have read before. I loved each trope they tackled, including the unplanned ones (only one bed, properly snowed in forced proximity, near death experience).
I loved the way Del didn't shy away from a challenge and her feelings. How she acknowledged how Mac would be feeling and made him talk about it like grown-ups. It never felt like there was a whole miscommunication trope (which I HATE 🤣🤣).
This book is built on sexual tension, and it does take a while for the actual deed (around 50% mark), but it doesn't disappoint when it happens. I usually like books where it isn't a slow burn, but that didn't put me off as there was that sexual tension.
I'm not going to lie. I could have screamed at Maya or Macs phone every time they seemed to interrupt what was an important discussion between Del and Mac.
There were parts of the book where I wish it had been developed more.. such as the conversation Del has with the other hockey players' partners, and it reads like she wants to speak to Mac about it, but she doesn't. It didn't take anything away from the story but would have been nice to explore.
I can't wait for book two!
November 24, 2025
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
Betting on the Breakaway by J. Louise was such a cute, feel-good sports romance, and I absolutely loved it. From the opening chapters, I could tell this would hit all my soft spots—hockey boys with big hearts, flirty banter, and that perfect balance of sweetness and tension.
The characters were instantly lovable. The chemistry between Mac and Delaney felt natural, fun, and genuinely warm in a way that made me root for them from the start. I found myself smiling at their banter, swooning at the softer moments, and feeling completely wrapped up in their world. It had that light, comforting vibe I crave in sports romance, without losing the emotional moments that give it depth.
This book nails so many great tropes:
🏒 Sports romance (hockey!)
💕 Friends-to-lovers
🔥 Slow-burn with payoff
💬 Flirty, adorable banter
📱 A little bit of accidental/chaotic communication drama
💖 Protective hero + sweet, strong heroine
The pacing was easy and addicting, the writing pulled me in, and the romance hit exactly the right tone for me—fun, heartfelt, and full of charm. It’s one of those books that just makes you happy, and I already know I’ll think about these characters again.
A solid 4.5 stars and such a joy to read.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Betting on the Breakaway by J. Louise was such a cute, feel-good sports romance, and I absolutely loved it. From the opening chapters, I could tell this would hit all my soft spots—hockey boys with big hearts, flirty banter, and that perfect balance of sweetness and tension.
The characters were instantly lovable. The chemistry between Mac and Delaney felt natural, fun, and genuinely warm in a way that made me root for them from the start. I found myself smiling at their banter, swooning at the softer moments, and feeling completely wrapped up in their world. It had that light, comforting vibe I crave in sports romance, without losing the emotional moments that give it depth.
This book nails so many great tropes:
🏒 Sports romance (hockey!)
💕 Friends-to-lovers
🔥 Slow-burn with payoff
💬 Flirty, adorable banter
📱 A little bit of accidental/chaotic communication drama
💖 Protective hero + sweet, strong heroine
The pacing was easy and addicting, the writing pulled me in, and the romance hit exactly the right tone for me—fun, heartfelt, and full of charm. It’s one of those books that just makes you happy, and I already know I’ll think about these characters again.
A solid 4.5 stars and such a joy to read.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2025
4.5⭐️
Betting on the Breakaway is a great holiday hockey romance that follows a fun twist on romance tropes we love! This definitely got me into the holiday spirit although it’s not a holiday book per se so you can read this anytime.
Mac and Delaney had me falling in love with them both! Mac is an injuried hockey player who escapes to Millbrook Falls. Delaney runs a romance bookstore. When Mac insults the romance community, Delaney’s solution is to challenge Mac to a bet of 10 dates following 10 different romance tropes. I thought this was such a cute and fun experience, something that I hadn’t seen before. I love the tension between Mac and Delaney in this book as well!
Millbrook Falls totally gives me Hallmark vibes. It’s a small town set in New England.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I loved Mac and Delaney’s journey throughout the book. I was rooting for them the whole time and I really enjoyed the sexual tension between them. This was definitely a quick read for me! I’m really excited to see where this series goes next.
Thank you J. Louise for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Betting on the Breakaway is a great holiday hockey romance that follows a fun twist on romance tropes we love! This definitely got me into the holiday spirit although it’s not a holiday book per se so you can read this anytime.
Mac and Delaney had me falling in love with them both! Mac is an injuried hockey player who escapes to Millbrook Falls. Delaney runs a romance bookstore. When Mac insults the romance community, Delaney’s solution is to challenge Mac to a bet of 10 dates following 10 different romance tropes. I thought this was such a cute and fun experience, something that I hadn’t seen before. I love the tension between Mac and Delaney in this book as well!
Millbrook Falls totally gives me Hallmark vibes. It’s a small town set in New England.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I loved Mac and Delaney’s journey throughout the book. I was rooting for them the whole time and I really enjoyed the sexual tension between them. This was definitely a quick read for me! I’m really excited to see where this series goes next.
Thank you J. Louise for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 3, 2025
The joy this story brought me was so great that I gobbled it right up in a day. A romance book about all the tropes. You literally get them all!
Delaney & Lily meet at summer friends in a small Rhode Island town. Delaney is a quiet bookish girl with a crush on Lily's older brother Mac. The last time she sees him, he kisses her - her very first kiss.
Fast forward some years - he's a hockey player on medical leave from an accident that not only hurt his shoulder, but killed Lily. As he is healing from grief and the media - he finds himself back in that small town. A bad interview and a bet later, Delaney is determined to show him that love exists.
I loved their little dates and watching them fall for each other; even when they were determined to keep it as "just the bet". The story was well-written with emotional depth; leaning into all the feelings and how grief and love and loss and hurt can all be intertwined.
While it does take place at the holidays, it isn't a Christmas book - so feel free to read this anytime of year!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: arc team
Delaney & Lily meet at summer friends in a small Rhode Island town. Delaney is a quiet bookish girl with a crush on Lily's older brother Mac. The last time she sees him, he kisses her - her very first kiss.
Fast forward some years - he's a hockey player on medical leave from an accident that not only hurt his shoulder, but killed Lily. As he is healing from grief and the media - he finds himself back in that small town. A bad interview and a bet later, Delaney is determined to show him that love exists.
I loved their little dates and watching them fall for each other; even when they were determined to keep it as "just the bet". The story was well-written with emotional depth; leaning into all the feelings and how grief and love and loss and hurt can all be intertwined.
While it does take place at the holidays, it isn't a Christmas book - so feel free to read this anytime of year!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: arc team
November 14, 2025
Betting on the Breakaway was such a cute read. It was such a cozy read as well.
Mac and Delaney were so cute. I was worried that Delaney was going to be a little too innocent when it came to Mac and how she acted around him but I gotta say I loved how she never backed down and always said what was on her mind. She gave banter back to him like a champ! The way she stomped over to his hotel to give him a piece of her mind when he wanted to back out on an agreement he made. This is where the bet became a thing.
Mac took some time to get into but ultimately I ended up loving him in the end. He is going through such a rough patch with the accident. You will feel bad for him but the things he said were not cool. So this is where I loved Delaney giving it to him good! I did love how he was with her, how he just did things and didn’t know it was because he loved her.
If you are looking for an easy read, something that is warm and loving, then you need to read this book!
.
.
.
4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
7/10 recommendation
Mac and Delaney were so cute. I was worried that Delaney was going to be a little too innocent when it came to Mac and how she acted around him but I gotta say I loved how she never backed down and always said what was on her mind. She gave banter back to him like a champ! The way she stomped over to his hotel to give him a piece of her mind when he wanted to back out on an agreement he made. This is where the bet became a thing.
Mac took some time to get into but ultimately I ended up loving him in the end. He is going through such a rough patch with the accident. You will feel bad for him but the things he said were not cool. So this is where I loved Delaney giving it to him good! I did love how he was with her, how he just did things and didn’t know it was because he loved her.
If you are looking for an easy read, something that is warm and loving, then you need to read this book!
.
.
.
4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
7/10 recommendation
October 30, 2025
Mac and Delaney's story is so fun! This book is addicting. Go ahead and plan to read this one in a day or a sitting if you're like me.
Delaney is our perfect bookstore owner full of hope and dreaming of her HEA, not just for herself, but for her town. Think coastal Stars Hollow vibes. As she prepares for the holiday season, Mac walks back into town trying to escape his demons and presents a challenge only a romance novel can solve!
Mac is an injured NHL player. Yes, we like hockey players. He escapes to the town of his past for a break from the chaos of his life, but running into Delaney leads to accepting a bet to go on ten dates based on romance tropes.
Each trope unravels a little bit of their pasta while they decide what they want for their future
Delaney, thank you for representing those of us that never quite fit in with the crowd and deciding to live unapologetically as ourselves.
This is the first in a series and I cannot wait for Book 2 with the set-up!
Delaney is our perfect bookstore owner full of hope and dreaming of her HEA, not just for herself, but for her town. Think coastal Stars Hollow vibes. As she prepares for the holiday season, Mac walks back into town trying to escape his demons and presents a challenge only a romance novel can solve!
Mac is an injured NHL player. Yes, we like hockey players. He escapes to the town of his past for a break from the chaos of his life, but running into Delaney leads to accepting a bet to go on ten dates based on romance tropes.
Each trope unravels a little bit of their pasta while they decide what they want for their future
Delaney, thank you for representing those of us that never quite fit in with the crowd and deciding to live unapologetically as ourselves.
This is the first in a series and I cannot wait for Book 2 with the set-up!
November 11, 2025
The perfect book for every romance junkie out there! This is every reason why romance books are addictive and absolutely everything, every reason why they make you think of warmth, light, happiness, and hope, and every reason why a good trope makes you feral, in the form a bet between a smalltown bookstore owner and a broken extremely grumpy hockey player. The stakes, if he wins, she has to attend all his next season games IN HIS JERSEY (squealing, I know), if she wins, he has to very publicly announce how much he believes in love and apologize for his cynical and horrible attitude about love and all it’s magic. The terms, ten dates based on ten tropes and oh my dang is it unbelievably fabulous. It’s touching and funny and sexy and honest, the tropes used were so ridiculously perfect, and the way it has you melting, unmatched. This is a must read that will have your heart absolutely soaring!
November 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! I thought that Mac and Delaney were good together, and they had great chemistry. It was hard to watch Mac go through all the pain that he had to. I understood why he felt like he did, but it was wonderful to see him be able finally realize that he was worthy of good things. Delaney was super sweet, but she was a good match for Mac's grumpiness. I wish she would have stood up for herself a little more with the ex, but I always like when people are put in their places. I was pleasantly surprised with date 10 and Mac's speech. I was a little nervous he wasn't going to show. I loved that they were able to find a happy medium that worked for them when "real life" came calling. The ending was sweet, and it was nice to see them get their HFN ending. I can't believe that I have to wait a year for the next one in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
November 16, 2025
Best friend’s brother, childhood crush, first kiss. They are all grown up now, he’s a famous hockey player dealing with the grief and loss of his sister (her best friend) he makes a very public statement about love being a fantasy … just before a book signing at her romance bookstore in the “Romance capital of New England” the place they met and spent many summers together the three of them. In order to prove love exists that it is real they make a bet. 10 dates 7 weeks each date a different Romance Trope ….you don’t want to miss this one!
Delaney and Mac’s story while wrapped in grief, and healing is truly one of the best reads in a long time. This book had all of my favorites and it was even better that the mc’s were aware in the process of the tropes happening. This book had me laughing, smiling and kicking my feet while also feeling deeply for their loss. They are forever connected through their childhoods, his sister and the bet pulls them closer than ever!!!
Delaney and Mac’s story while wrapped in grief, and healing is truly one of the best reads in a long time. This book had all of my favorites and it was even better that the mc’s were aware in the process of the tropes happening. This book had me laughing, smiling and kicking my feet while also feeling deeply for their loss. They are forever connected through their childhoods, his sister and the bet pulls them closer than ever!!!
November 2, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ⭐️
If you’re looking for a cozy, romantic book with a strongly opinionated FMC this holiday season, this is the book for you! The way everything was connected in this book from past to present along with the MCs and side characters had me giggling and not wanting to put this book down.
While prepping for a book signing at a small town romance bookstore, Mac announces to the world that love is a myth, a fairytale, and something that people are silly to believe in. Delaney, the owner of the small town romance bookstore takes this personally and challenges Mac to a bet. If she can prove to him that love exists by taking him on dates based on popular romantic tropes, then she wins. I loved the way their story unfolded and how the side characters and town got involved in a bet for the ages.
3.5 ⭐️
If you’re looking for a cozy, romantic book with a strongly opinionated FMC this holiday season, this is the book for you! The way everything was connected in this book from past to present along with the MCs and side characters had me giggling and not wanting to put this book down.
While prepping for a book signing at a small town romance bookstore, Mac announces to the world that love is a myth, a fairytale, and something that people are silly to believe in. Delaney, the owner of the small town romance bookstore takes this personally and challenges Mac to a bet. If she can prove to him that love exists by taking him on dates based on popular romantic tropes, then she wins. I loved the way their story unfolded and how the side characters and town got involved in a bet for the ages.
November 7, 2025
Delaney and Mac are both incredible on their own.
Delaney is pure sunshine — hopeful, bright, the kind of girl you can practically see leaving unicorns and rainbows behind her with every step she takes.
Mac, on the other hand, is a closed-off, grumpy guy who doesn’t believe in love.
And honestly, who could blame him after everything he’s been through?
It was obvious from the moment they made that bet that it was going to end in disaster — but really, did anyone lose?
I loved watching Mac slowly step onto the path of healing, and how he was there for Del when she needed him.
I loved his protectiveness, the way his jaw would tense every time something happened that he didn’t like — and there were quite a few of those moments 🤭
To sum it up: if you’re craving a small-town holiday romance, I can highly recommend this one :)
This was an ARC, and this is my honest review.
Delaney is pure sunshine — hopeful, bright, the kind of girl you can practically see leaving unicorns and rainbows behind her with every step she takes.
Mac, on the other hand, is a closed-off, grumpy guy who doesn’t believe in love.
And honestly, who could blame him after everything he’s been through?
It was obvious from the moment they made that bet that it was going to end in disaster — but really, did anyone lose?
I loved watching Mac slowly step onto the path of healing, and how he was there for Del when she needed him.
I loved his protectiveness, the way his jaw would tense every time something happened that he didn’t like — and there were quite a few of those moments 🤭
To sum it up: if you’re craving a small-town holiday romance, I can highly recommend this one :)
This was an ARC, and this is my honest review.
November 15, 2025
This book was the perfect cozy holiday hockey romance like, all my favorite tropes wrapped up in a warm New England hug. Mac and Delaney had me swooning from page one, and honestly, the side characters and small-town vibes were just as charming.
I loved the emotional depth. Both characters come in with their own grief and regrets, but instead of making the story heavy, it just gives it more heart. Their healing feels gentle and real, like it’s happening in between the flirting and the laughter.
And can we talk about the trope madness? Ten dates, ten tropes pure genius. Fake dating, snowed-in, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity… all of it adorable, all of it done so well. I flew through the pages way past my bedtime.
Delaney is sweet and steady and easy to root for, and Mac… whew. Broody on the outside, total marshmallow on the inside. The chemistry? Effortless. The banter? Chef’s kiss. I laughed, I swooned, I may have squealed once or twice.
By the last page, I didn’t want it to end. It’s one of those books that just wraps you up and reminds you how good a feel-good romance can be.
I loved the emotional depth. Both characters come in with their own grief and regrets, but instead of making the story heavy, it just gives it more heart. Their healing feels gentle and real, like it’s happening in between the flirting and the laughter.
And can we talk about the trope madness? Ten dates, ten tropes pure genius. Fake dating, snowed-in, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity… all of it adorable, all of it done so well. I flew through the pages way past my bedtime.
Delaney is sweet and steady and easy to root for, and Mac… whew. Broody on the outside, total marshmallow on the inside. The chemistry? Effortless. The banter? Chef’s kiss. I laughed, I swooned, I may have squealed once or twice.
By the last page, I didn’t want it to end. It’s one of those books that just wraps you up and reminds you how good a feel-good romance can be.
November 20, 2025
Okay, I’m going to start off by saying I’m not a hockey fan, however, I wanted to give this book a try. And I’m so glad that I did. Mac, an NHL star says some pretty mean things about love. Really making a lot of people unhappy. Delaney gives him a proposition. She bets him that she can show him exists. If she proves this in 10 dates then he has to apologize publicly and admit love exists. If he wins, she has to attend every one of his games wearing his jersey.
This book was such a fun read. And way to Delaney for setting yourself up for 10 dates lol. But in all seriousness, this book was a pretty fun read. Talk about trope overload. But in a fun way. These two together were fun and romantic. Loved the banter between them. It was a cute and cozy read.
Thank you for allowing me to read this as an ARC. I truly enjoyed it.
This book was such a fun read. And way to Delaney for setting yourself up for 10 dates lol. But in all seriousness, this book was a pretty fun read. Talk about trope overload. But in a fun way. These two together were fun and romantic. Loved the banter between them. It was a cute and cozy read.
Thank you for allowing me to read this as an ARC. I truly enjoyed it.
October 30, 2025
Delaney and Mac's story brought a little bit of ALL the things romance readers like to read about to the pages of this book. It was fun, happy, sad, encouraging and most of all relatable! I typically read darker romances, but this was such a breathe of fresh air. The way the characters were developed kept me glued to the pages. I felt like I wasn't sure what was going to happen next with Mac and his struggles throughout the book. And Delaney is really all of us book worms in a nutshell, a true believer in all the magic of romance.
Relationships , fake experimental ones or real ones, friendships and marriages are about choosing that person on the good days and the bad. Everyday.
I truly enjoyed this read.
P.S. I can't wait to read Maya and Jakes story!!
Relationships , fake experimental ones or real ones, friendships and marriages are about choosing that person on the good days and the bad. Everyday.
I truly enjoyed this read.
P.S. I can't wait to read Maya and Jakes story!!
October 30, 2025
Betting on the Breakaway gets 5 stars from me. I love hockey, I love cute holiday romance.... why not hop into the world of cute holiday hockey romances?! First up, the detailed descriptions were top notch. I felt myself transported to Millbrook Falls for the holiday season. Second, the characters. Delay is the sweet small town bookish girl and Mac is the hot out of town summer crush from her youth who now happens to be a pro hockey player. Mac returns to town after the tragic loss of someone close to him for a book signing at Delaneys bookstore and all bets are ON! Delaney leads Mac on an adventure in dating through all the typical book tropes to show him true love really exists. Will it all work out in the end or was this just another tourist visit for Mac?
November 11, 2025
This book was almost all warm fuzzies for me. Despite Mac having a rough time, it was written in a way that I never felt like there were gigantic struggles. Just some pessimism/ cynicism that needed to be overcome. Delaney was a textbook romance girlie who was in trouble from the time she met Mac years ago, to when he came bursting back into her life. I almost feel like she knew "exactly" what she was getting into setting that bet with him. Though I don't blame her. I really appreciated that this book was missing the classic misunderstanding that typically tears the couple apart and went for the more reality-based mental battle to find what is right for you. This made it a safe, no risk cozy read, and I loved it for my current mental state.
November 19, 2025
Mac is suffering after the incident that has left him broken in many ways and being back in the town where his family use to vacation should give him the reprieve he needs. Instead, it brings back hurtful memories and a challenge from the girl he never really forgot and his life is about to turned upside down again. Delaney is ever the hopeful romantic with her bookstore, ideas to help the town, and just over all cheerful demeanor but when she steps to Mac and challenges him to prove love is not fake, she is in way over her head. Can these two survive 10 dates without falling or will they walk away pretending nothing happened but with shattered hearts? I enjoyed this story, it was emotional, fun crazy times, and the vulnerability of the characters made me love them even more.
December 30, 2025
Review:
Take one grumpy NHL player, add one sunshiny bookstore owner, mix in a good amount of small town involvement and you've got the perfect cozy holiday sports romance!
Delaney is a fantastic takes no sh*t FMC. She can take whatever trauma laden NHL star Mac deals out with a smile and perky attitude.
The story flows nicely, the writing is on point, and the author allows space for the grief and trauma without sugar coating or down playing the impact.
Tag line: He thinks love is a lie. She's about to prove him wrong.
Quotes:
"I think maybe... maybe good things aren't about deserving them. Maybe they're about being brave enough to accept them when they show up." - Mac
"Takes real strength to stay optimistic when the world keeps disappointing you." -Mac
Take one grumpy NHL player, add one sunshiny bookstore owner, mix in a good amount of small town involvement and you've got the perfect cozy holiday sports romance!
Delaney is a fantastic takes no sh*t FMC. She can take whatever trauma laden NHL star Mac deals out with a smile and perky attitude.
The story flows nicely, the writing is on point, and the author allows space for the grief and trauma without sugar coating or down playing the impact.
Tag line: He thinks love is a lie. She's about to prove him wrong.
Quotes:
"I think maybe... maybe good things aren't about deserving them. Maybe they're about being brave enough to accept them when they show up." - Mac
"Takes real strength to stay optimistic when the world keeps disappointing you." -Mac
October 29, 2025
Betting on the Breakaway by J. Louise is an adorable hockey romance that feels just like curling up with a cozy holiday Hallmark movie. The story follows a romance-loving Delaney who wholeheartedly believes in happily-ever-afters and a brooding hockey player Mac who insists that true love doesn’t exist. When she ropes him into a playful bet—forcing him to experience romantic “book trope” dates—their chemistry sparks in the sweetest, most entertaining way. I absolutely loved this book. All the sub characters and the small town vibe had me turning pages and I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for book two!
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