I’m the bad boy of hockey. I score goals—and make headlines. My latest fight bought me a three-game suspension and a brand-new babysitter. Tori Prince. Ice Queen, hedge fund shark—and the team owner’s daughter. Now we’re neighbors and she runs my life like a hostile takeover: no partying, a strict curfew, mandatory sessions with the team’s psychologist. Smile for the cameras. Stay out of trouble. Don’t give her father’s franchise another reason to regret keeping me. One more screw-up and I lose my contract. Pissed off, I push back. Hard. Except Tori doesn’t flinch. She’s all perfect curves and ruthless self-control—and I may have finally met my match. Which only makes me want to undo her more. Every glare she gives me feels like a dare, and the closer she stands, the harder it is to remember why we can’t cross the line. Then we do. One kiss turns into her hands fisting my jersey, her panties on my floor, the rules between us shattered. And if our secret leaks? I’m off the roster, she’s Wall Street’s punchline, and the Coastal Crushers get scorched by the fallout.
I hate having to write less than stellar reviews, especially for authors I love. So just know, it's with a heavy heart that I share my thoughts on "Bad Boy Breakaway". And please remember that reading is subjective, what I like you may not like and vice versa. I will also add that these are MY gripes, and most likely are just issues that I have.
Let me preface this by saying that Kara Kendrick is an amazing writer and storyteller, and that I absolutely loved the books leading up to this book. How the book before this one left off, teasing Bennett's story was just everything! And that's the start of my disappointment: I had such high expectations for this story and it just didn't live up to them. Is that a "me" thing? Most likely.
To be honest, the story just fell a bit flat for me, Bennett was the most interesting character - but I just expected him to be more. The scenario with him needing a "babysitter" I got and that's fine, and it built the premise, but as the story persisted, the reasoning for it being ongoing just felt like plot holes. (There's more to add here with specifics, but to avoid spoilers I'll leave it at that).
As for the FMC.. she was - I'm sorry to say - boring. She lacked any type of character for me - I will highlight the FOR ME part, because this is most likely a "me" issue - and she was just... boring. This contributed to - for me - the lack of chemistry between the two main characters. And I'm really sorry to have to say that, like it pains me. But... as I kept reading, hoping it'd get better, it just didn't. And so then one might question why not DNF? The answer is because Kara is an amazing writer and had it been any other author, I would have DNF'd but despite my issues with the story, I read it because Kara is just that good of a writer. Sounds like an oxymoron considering my gripes, but take it for what it is - a compliment to her nonetheless.
That all said, and my apologies for saying it, I walk away disappointed BUT it's not deterring me from continuing to read Kara's books. There's an ass for every seat and not every book will be to everyone's tastes - and this one just wasn't for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 [Rounded Up] 🌶️🌶️/5 📚 Book #2 In the "Costal Crushers" interconnected Standalone Series 🏒 Hockey Romance 🗣️ Dual POV 🖤 M/F
If you pick up Bad Boy Breakaway expecting a classic hockey romance, you’ll get that....but with way more tension, attitude, and chaos than usual.
This leans hard into the “bad boy meets his match” trope, and honestly, that’s where it shines. Bennet is exactly what you expect...cocky, reckless, headline-making, but the story works because Tori doesn’t bend. She’s controlled, strategic, and completely unimpressed by his nonsense, which makes their dynamic feel like a constant power struggle in the best way.
The forced proximity setup (aka babysitter situation) is doing a lot of heavy lifting here...and it works. The push-and-pull, the tension, the “we absolutely should not do this but we’re going to anyway” energy carries the entire book. And once it tips into romance, it goes all in...high chemistry, high stakes, very little restraint.
What elevates it a bit beyond your typical sports romance is the pressure behind everything. This isn’t just about feelings—it’s contracts, reputation, family power dynamics, and the risk of everything blowing up if they get caught. That underlying tension keeps it from feeling too predictable.
Is it subtle? Not really.... Is it a little dramatic? Definitely....But it knows exactly what it is and commits to it.
Overall, this is one of those reads you fly through. It’s fast, addictive, and built on strong character chemistry rather than deep introspection...and that’s kind of the point.
If you like forced proximity, power dynamics, and a heroine who actually holds her ground, this one will absolutely work for you.
Tropes: 🏒 Small Town 🖤 Enemies to Lovers 🏒 Hockey Romance
So picture this....basically chaos on ice.... and honestly in the best way possible!🔥😍
It reallt does thrive on our “bad boy meets his match” trope. Bennett is reckless & full of attitude, but Tori?! Cool, controlled, & absolutely Not falling for it💁🏼♀️ which makes their dynamic oh just soooo fun 😏
The forced proximity (a babysitter setup?! 👀) delivers peak tension and “we shouldn’t…but we will” energy; but when it tips into romance, boyyyy does it fly into high chemistry, zero chill! Add in pressure from reputation, contracts, and family drama, and it stays addictive the whole way through🤗 loved every dang moment of it & as always craving more!!
Is it Dramatic? Yes! Subtle? Not at all! Fun? 100%
Definitely pickup a copy asap while hockey season is still in full swing (or after ...anytime really)
Huge thank you to Valentine PR & Kara Kendrick for letting me ARC read this gem!! 🏒💕
Totally giving bad boy who hates everything but her…. eventually ❤️🔥
Thank you to the author for the e-arc!!
This was such a good read!!! A great mix of hate to love, while also seeing how much he really cares for her, once he gets to know her. Plus the nicknames??? I’M DONE FOR.
One of my favorite things about this was the growth we get to see from Bennett. Seeing how beneficial therapy was for him made me so happy and proud!!! Plus Tori, ugh my girl. Watching her stand up for herself and learn what she wants and needs was so great to see.
Loved the forbidden-ness of it, plus all the little smiles they’d crack but try to hide from eachother. I was indeed tearing up by the end. Such a great read 🥹
This hockey romance is deeply emotional and yet addictively flirty. Bennett is the grumpy, bad boy trying to stay low on the coach's radar after being benched. Tori is forced to move to Florida to watch Bennett's every move. She's a bit strong-headed and follows every rule. The Ice Queen has finally found the one rule she can't stop thinking about breaking.
As Tori and Bennett spend more time together, she doesn't see the cocky bad boy anymore just a man who just wants to know how to be loved and wanted. Their attraction becomes real and the playful banter doesn't feel so playful. They definitely have an enemies to lovers tension that slowly burns away to raw emotional growth. These characters were great in their own ways, but I can see their baggage being much for some readers.
Bad Boy Bennett has found himself in trouble with the team owner and benched for 3 games, and the owners daughter a.k.a. the Ice Princess is now his warden running a strict ship. I absolutely loved the banter between Tori and Bennet's banter. There is so much chemistry between the 2 characters made it to where I didn't wanna stop reading. It was soo much fun. I also enjoyed the sport aspect of the book as well, I wasnt sire if I would because I havemt read a hockey romance before, but it was a blast.This is the first time I've read from this author and I've just found a new favorite author. Please don't miss out on this incredible read!!!
This book was HOT!! There is something about a true enemies to lovers who literally loathe each other yet can't stay away from each other that gets me going. Bennett and Tori gave me very early Dean and Allie vibes...IYKYK!!!! and I ATE IT UP!
The quintessential bad boy hockey book but even better. Bennett is our bad boy MMC who has unfortunately made it onto the owner of his team's ***T list...and things aren't looking so for good for him...he needs to be kept under control IMMEDIATELY! But don't worry...we have the PERFECT person for the job! Tori! Tori is our FMC and the daughter of the owner, and now Bennetts personal babysitter...and trust me...neither of them is excited about this.
We see these two duke it out, spew hate and rage at each other, but we also see how they can't stay away from each other. Bennett is a guy who is used to getting everything he wants with no exception, but in Tori he has met his match. She won't back down and isn't intimidated by Bennetts holier than though attitude and makes sure he knows it.
I loved seeing how Tori helped Bennett find himself and realise that maybe he needed to take a step back and look at his actions and re-evaluate things, not just for his career but for himself. And Tori learned that she didn't need to control everything...and that sometimes falling for the bad boy is the best thing she could ever do for herself.
Thank you so much to Kara Kendrick for the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book!
*Hockey Romance *Hockey Bad Boy MMC *Owners Daughter FMC *Enemies to Lovers *She's his babysitter *Small Town *Forbidden *Bad Boy x Good Girl *Dual POV *HEA
I absolutely loved Bad Boy Breakaway, an incredible small-town workplace romance love story, the second book in her Coastal Crushers series. Kara Kendrick has shown readers that she is an amazing storyteller and is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors to read. I was hooked from the first few pages, it was impossible to put Bad Boy Breakaway down, and I loved every moment on every page. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? Bad Boy Breakaway is the story of Victoria “Tori” Prince, runs the Prince Hedge Fund, a multi-million-dollar hedge fund, and daughter of the Coastal Crusher owner, Max Prince and Bennett Steele, professional hockey player for the Coastal Crushers. Following a scandal involving Bennett defending his brother’s Weston’s girlfriend, Harbor Hayes which led to a three-game suspension, Max Prince assigns his daughter, Tori to be Bennett’s handler. This is inconvenient to Tori since she has to relocate to Driftwood Cove, Florida with the team to keep an eye on Bennett 24/7. This included moving Bennett out of the house he shared with his brothers into a condo next door to Tori’s. Tori still must run the hedge fund from Florida. As Tori and Bennett spend time together with Tori's babysitting duties things start to change slightly between them. One of my favorite parts is how Bennett changes Tori’s contact name in his phone from “Ice Queen” to “Sunshine.” Conversation between Tori and Bennett flows so easily, with innuendos and playful banter, and Bennett constantly flirts with Tori. One of my favorite parts are all the flowers that Bennett sends to Tori and all the messages on the notes included with the flowers. I love the text stream between Tori and Bennett where he must check in with Tori multiple times a day, and the one between Bennett and his triplet brothers and teammates Callum and Weston. I love that Bennett calls Tori “Sunshine.” Tori and Bennett share with each other their relationships with their fathers. Bennett’s father was a professional hockey player and they had a strained relationship. Tori has a difficult relationship with her father, Max. As Tori and Bennett spend time together things change between them, but they try to keep it a secret from everyone. I love how Tori hiring bodyguards to keep an eye on Bennett, backfires on her as their relationship changes. Tori and Bennett attend a charity event while the team is in New York, which leads to a surprise plot twist putting their relationship and jobs in jeopardy, and leads to Tori staying behind in New York. Tori’s father’s reactions towards her regarding the plot twist are heart breaking. I love everything that Tori and Bennett are willing to do to resolve the plot twists, and how that leads to Tori and Bennett admitting their real feelings. I love all the changes that Tori and Bennett are willing to do in their lives to have a life with one another. I love how Bennett puts in the work with therapy and how his therapist helps him resolve the plot twist. I loved the ending of their love story, especially all the surprises! I love how Tori informs Max about her relationship with Bennett, and how Bennett with Harbor’s help announces his feeling for Tori. It made me swoon; it was my favorite part of the book. Another one of my favorite parts is the epilogue that is told from Bennett’s perspective, it is the perfect ending of their love story. I love how Puck Bunny changes with Tori’s love. I really enjoy how the book is told in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. I love how Kara Kendrick always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. Bad Boy Breakaway is filled with the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments that I have come to love and expect in a love story, and Kara Kendrick did not disappoint with the delivery, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments as well as the plot twists and surprises that filled this page turner. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Bad Boy Breakaway. I enjoy all the interactions among the characters; especially Bennett and his brothers Callum and Weston, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. Kara Kendrick’s descriptions are so real, I was right there with Tori and Bennett in Driftwood Cove and watching hockey games. Who does not love a friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed Bad Boy Breakaway, who does not love a small-town workplace romance love story. Highly recommend this incredible love. I received an advance copy from the author.
The Coastal Crushers series is written by Kara Kendrick. Bad Boy Breakaway is the second book of the interconnected stand alone series. I want to thank the author and Valentine PR for the ability to read this ARC. I listened to Slap Shot Scandal, the first book in the series, prior to reading this book. It was worth it and I recommend you read the series in order, but is not necessary to follow Tori and Bennett’s story. Kara Kendrick is a new to me author and the Coastal Crushers series is why I love reading ARCs and discovering new authors. I loved Tori and Bennett so much. We were introduced to their story at the very end of the previous book, and I was kicking my feet in the air knowing this one was going to be worth it. This series includes triplet hockey players so far, need I say more...
The hockey team owner believed Bennett needed a full time babysitter. He felt his daughter was the perfect fit and the sparks flew. I love the forbidden element and tension between Tori and Bennett. The banter and sass was fantastic too. The attraction and heat immediately jumped out of the book. They had undeniable chemistry. Neither one of them really fought to stay apart very hard, and I loved it. Bennett was a destructive hurricane and the perceived family problem child. Tori was very straight laced and had a lot of pressure put onto her shoulders being the team owner's daughter. They both had a lot of big emotions and personal growth throughout this storyline.
Forced proximity may have brought them together, but what developed was worth the struggle by the end. Bennett taught Tori how to relax and let loose a little bit. He was also a calming force for her when she would get too far in her own head. Bennett needed to be wrangled and tamed. He grew up, cleaned up his image, and learned he was worth loving. Tori knew he was more than what was in the tabloids. They both had to dig deep. I felt like they truly grounded one another.
It is evident that the author loves the stories that she has written. Tori's nickname, Sunshine, was so fitting for this couple. Bennett and Tori set the bar high for the next book in the series. I will be following this series as it continues. I will immediately add to cart on Audible and Kindle. This emotional love story is exactly what you need to add to your TBR if you love hockey, bad boys, tension and spice, true character growth, and a touch of scandal. You should definitely ride the wave and dive into this series!
The Coastal Crusher series has expanded to 2 books. Bad Boy Breakaway by Kara Kendrick is a book that I couldn’t put down. Kara’s writing style makes her stories flow seamlessly, her character development pulls you into the story, and the yearning and tension keep you on the edge of your seat. This book has it all; misunderstood hockey athlete, unapologetic boss babe, small town community, and chemistry that jumps off the pages. Add in the off limits romance with the team owner’s daughter, Kara delivered a story that you need to read.
Bennett has reached the end of the rope his hockey team will allow him. After his last altercation the team assigns him a handler to help rebuild his reputation and keep him out of the press. He is not happy about this as he does not want a babysitter or someone monitoring him 24/7, but if he wants to get back to playing the game he loves, this is what he must do. Worse, his handler ends up being the daughter of the man who owns the hockey team he plays for. However, what starts out as unwanted, slowly turns into forbidden attraction, and Bennett has to determine if changing is for himself or for others.
Tori is strong from the get go in this story. She is smart, hardworking, successful, but she definitely feels pressure weighing down on her. She has the expectations of excelling in everything she does, but as the story progresses I found myself asking if the pressure is coming from others or from herself. When given the task to watch over Bennett, she continues doing her full time job, and never loses a step. This woman is an amazing character and seeing her be honest with herself as Bennett breaks down her walls is beautiful.
Kara puts so much thought into the development of her characters and their storylines. Everything put in her stories serve a purpose and play an important role in the overall projection of said story. Bad Boy Breakaway is no different. Whether it is the main storyline of our MCs or side characters rounding out the story, everything is done with intention. It is what makes Kara’s books so easy to lose yourself in and forget you are reading. The stakes are high in this book, the love is deep, and the story is worth reading.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect: 🏒Hockey Romance 🔥Small Town Romance 🏒Forbidden Romance 🔥Coach’s Daughter 🏒Enemies to Lovers 🔥Bad Boy MMC 🏒Good Girl FMC 🔥Workplace Romance
✨ Rating: 5 ⭐️ 🪩 Vibes: The [reformed] bad boy + the good girl 📖 Favorite Quotes: He tastes like mint and bad decisions, and I can’t stop myself.
Bennett Steele’s standing in the middle of my condo, shirtless. Looking like he’s about to star in a sin I haven’t committed yet. 📚 Would I Recommend?: Yes! 💬 tldr review: Hockey bad boy on probation + owner’s daughter forced to keep him in line = immediate tension, forbidden vibes, and very satisfying payoff. Bennett earns his redemption, Tori holds her ground, and the chemistry absolutely delivers.
Thoughts: The way I flew through this book. It was my first Kara Kendrick book, but it absolutely won’t be my last. I was hooked from page one.
Hockey player Bennett Steele is on very thin ice with both the league and his team after an altercation while trying to protect his brother’s girlfriend. Enter Tori Prince (daughter of the team owner) who’s tasked with monitoring his behavior… all while juggling her own high-pressure job managing a hedge fund.
The tension between these two was immediate. It started as pure frustration and exasperation over their situation, but that very quickly turned into a thick, forbidden attraction. Watching Bennett slowly chip away at Tori’s walls, while genuinely trying to stay on his best behavior, was so satisfying. He was absolutely the messy to her order.
I really felt for Tori. She’s constantly put in impossible positions, expected to stay calm and professional when speaking her mind would’ve been the easier (and honestly, more deserved) route.
And Bennett? I loved that he actually put in the work to earn back trust—from the league, the team owner, and his coach. Everyone was waiting for him to mess up, and even though he knew that’s how he was viewed, he still showed up and did the right thing. That said a lot about who he is at his core.
And when they finally give in to that simmering tension?? 😮💨🔥 The spice was spicing, but in a way that added to the story instead of overpowering it.
Thank you to Kara Kendrick for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read If You Like: 🏒 Hockey Romance 🚫 Forbidden Romance 🐈⬛ Black Cat FMC ⛸️ Bad Boy / Good Girl 😒 Enemies-to-Lovers 🛏️ Forced Proximity 💼 Workplace Romance
This hockey romance hit that sweet spot between emotional depth and addictive, flirty tension. It was my first time reading this author, and I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging and easy it was to fall into this world. If you love forced proximity, “bad boy” energy clashing with a more put-together heroine, and that slow shift from tension to something real—this definitely delivers.
Bennett comes across as the classic reckless, charming troublemaker, but underneath all that is someone who’s spent far too long believing he’s not worth much more than the label everyone’s given him. Watching him wrestle with that—and slowly start to want more for himself—was one of the strongest parts of the story. His vulnerability really sneaks up on you.
Tori, on the other hand, is all control and structure. As the team owner’s daughter, she’s built her life around expectations and doing everything “right.” Being put in charge of keeping Bennett in line starts as just another responsibility, but it quickly becomes something that challenges everything she thought she wanted. I loved how her growth felt just as important as his.
Their dynamic is where the book really shines. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is undeniable, and the push-and-pull between them feels natural. There’s plenty of heat, but it never overshadows the emotional core. Instead, their relationship builds in a way that feels earned—messy at times, but real. When things finally click into place, it’s both satisfying and heartfelt.
That said, the beginning did feel a little disjointed. Since this is the second book in the series, it sometimes felt like I was missing key context—especially surrounding Bennett’s situation and some of Tori’s background. Once the story gets going, those gaps start to fill in, but it took a bit to fully settle in.
Overall, this was a fun, emotional read with strong character growth and a romance that balances spice with substance. It’s not just about falling in love—it’s about learning you deserve it in the first place.
I received an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
I am officially obsessed! I honestly thought I knew exactly what to expect from a hockey "bad boy" story, but Bad Boy Breakaway by Kara Kendrick completely caught me off guard in the best way possible. I flew through this in one sitting because I just could not get enough of Bennett and Tori’s chemistry.
The premise had me hooked immediately: Bennett Steele is the resident wild child of the Coastal Crushers, and after one too many headlines, the team owner assigns him a literal warden to keep him out of the tabloids. And of course, that warden is Tori Prince, the owner’s daughter and a high-stakes hedge fund shark who has zero time for his nonsense. They end up as neighbors, and the "forced proximity" tension is basically at a boiling point from page one.
But what really got me was the depth behind Bennett’s persona. It is so easy to write a cocky athlete, but Kara Kendrick gives him so many layers. He is a character who feels like he is constantly being misunderstood and watching him navigate the pressure of his career and his reputation was so compelling. He is not just some guy looking to break the rules; he is someone genuinely seeking to see the man behind the jersey.
And Tori? She is such a powerhouse. I loved that she did not just "melt" for him; she is a total boss who holds her ground, even when Bennett is doing his absolute best to get under her skin. Watching them go from professional enemies to having this thick, undeniable attraction was everything. Their connection is not just spicy; it is that "everything is on the line" kind of intensity that keeps you turning the pages too late into the night.
If you love a story with sharp banter, high stakes, and characters that you genuinely want to root for, you need to read this. It is heartfelt, intense, and easily a 5-star read for me! I am already counting down the days until we get more of these Coastal Crushers.
A huge thank you to Kara Kendrick and Valentine PR for letting me read this ARC!
Bad Boy Breakaway is officially out! Do yourself a favor and go grab your copy right now! You will not regret meeting Bennett Steele!
This book was a true hockey romance book. It was my first time reading a Kara Kendrick book, and overall I did enjoy it. It had tropes I liked: forced proximity, owner’s daughter, bad boy x good girl, and enemies to lovers. And the characters were really entertaining and had a good story line. It was a relatively quick read, light, and flirty.
I really liked Bennett. He is a triplet, and the wild one of out of the brothers. He’s a people person with a charming personality. He hates be managed and just wants someone to take a chance on him, to show him unconditional love. Something that’s so relatable. Tori is his “baby sitter” after he ends up on probation. She’s the owner’s daughter and just wants to focus on her main job as a hedge hunter. She’s organized, precise, likes control, and slightly prickly. But these two are each other’s puzzle piece. The one part that’s missing from being complete. They have a flirty banter, natural attraction, and of course know what buttons to push to get a rise out of each other. But when the connection is just too much, they break. And it’s firey, hot, and sweet. I did enjoy that they got their HEA. I was expecting more of a rebuttal from Tori’s dad, which was surprising to see. But the way she stood up for what she wanted 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 like yes girl!!
My only complaint was it felt like something was missing in the beginning. Like I missed part of the background of what happened. This is book 2 in the series, and I did not read the first one, which could explain why I felt something was off. You do find out more of why Bennett is in his predicament about 35-ish percent in, and then it makes sense why Tori has to be his “baby sitter”. I would’ve liked to have more background of Tori, and how she gets there, but again all that could’ve been revealed in the first book. I am glad I stuck it out to see what happened, because I think it added to Bennett’s character, and it did turn out to be a good book despite my feelings.
This was an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.
Just like in the previous book in the series, Kara Kendrick delivers a beautifully written, well-paced plot, a romance brimming with emotion, undeniable tension, twists, power dynamics, conflicts, obstacles, spicy love scenes and a whole cast of likable characters. The tropes are:
- Small Town romance - Sports romance - Hockey romance - Enemies to lovers - Forced proximity - Off-Limits - Forbidden love - Team owner‘s daughter - Team‘s troublemaker
Bennett and Tori are endearing protagonists who are easy to relate to and who captivate the reader. He is the classic cocky hero with a bad-boy image who hates being told what to do but secretly longs to be loved unconditionally. Tori is a strong, level-headed heroine who is professional, composed and strictly adheres to the rules. I really enjoyed the tension, the playful banter, the sizzling chemistry between the two, the surrender and the way she brought him to his knees. They complement each other perfectly.
After Bennett, the team’s troublemaker, gets into a physical altercation while defending his brother Weston’s girlfriend, he is suspended for three games. In addition, Tori Prince—the daughter of the team owner and financial shark, also known as the “Ice Queen”—is tasked with keeping an eye on him. Tori isn’t thrilled about moving to Florida and, on top of her usual duties, having to babysit her new neighbor, the team’s bad boy. But the more time they spend together, the more she opens up to him. Bennett, too, is ready to confront his complex feelings—and their initial frustration turns into forbidden attraction…
If you like forbidden love hockey romances with bad guys and good girls, enemies-to lovers tension, witty banter, funny moments, great character development, and heat, this book is for you.
Thank you Kara Kendrick and Valentine Press for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
I don’t even know where to start because Bad Boy Breakaway absolutely steamrolled me in the best way possible and I am still not okay about Bennett and Tori.
Like YES, give me the cocky, headline-making, rule-breaking hockey menace who thinks he’s untouchable… and then immediately hand him a woman who could dismantle him with a single look and a spreadsheet. Tori Prince??? ICE QUEEN?? Wall Street shark?? I’m obsessed. She didn’t just match his energy, she controlled it. Every time Bennett pushed, she pushed back harder and I was living for it.
The tension in this book?? DISGUSTING (complimentary). Every glare felt like foreplay. Every argument had me kicking my feet like a deranged gremlin because you just KNOW it’s going to explode. And when it finally does??? Yeah… I needed a moment. Or several.
But what really got me was how much depth snuck in under all that fire. Bennett isn’t just the “bad boy” label. He’s messy, frustrated, fighting for his career, and lowkey craving something real even if he’d rather eat glass than admit it. And Tori? She’s so tightly wound, so controlled, carrying pressure from every direction, and watching her slowly unravel with him was EVERYTHING.
Also the forced proximity?? The neighbors?? The “I’m supposed to be managing you but actually I’m losing control instead” dynamic??? Elite chaos. Absolute perfection.
And the stakes!!! This isn’t just will-they-won’t-they. It’s careers on the line, reputations ready to combust, and every stolen moment feels risky and addictive. You can feel the crash coming and you still can’t look away.
I laughed, I swooned, I stress-read like my life depended on it. By the end I was fully emotionally attached and not ready to let them go.
If you love: • arrogant athletes getting humbled HARD • ice queens who don’t melt, they choose to burn • explosive chemistry with actual emotional payoff • high-stakes secret romance
…this book will ruin you in the most delicious way.
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️ Bad Boy Breakaway by @authorkarakendrick 4.5 ⭐ / 3.5🔥🌶
“Hockey is a metaphor for life. You have to be willing to get knocked down and get back up.” - Mike Eruzione
I had to start there. That quote resonated so deeply within me that I knew this book would be fantastic. I am always a huge fan of @authorkarakendrick and when she kicked off the Coastal Crusher’s Series with Slap Shot Scandal, I just knew I had to see this series through. From the Start of book 2 Bad Boy Breakaway you just know its gonna be goooood! The chemistry, the tension, the whit between Bennett and Tori is explosive.
I don’t know how Bennett’s brothers and the Team Psychologist are the only ones who know there is more to the story because with the way @authorkarakendrick brings a book to life you could feel the sexual tension through the pages, Heck, I’m pretty sure my husband could feel it at the other end of the couch!
Bennett is vulnerable and the Reformed Bad Boy of Hockey. Tori is all control, calm and daddy’s good girl. When Daddy says jump she says ‘how high’.... But this may be one of those times where Tori should have asked more questions, because “handling” Bennett was never about handling him from the start. NO it was so much more! From the first night when Tori gives Bennett the Rules… it was all about who was going to break first, Bennett or Tori? Though Polar opposites Bennett and Tori are perfect together! She grounds him keeping him in control where it matters most, and he makes her messy in the best ways…🥵!!
Add Bad Boy Breakaway, Book 2 of @authorkarakendrick’s Coastal Crushers Series to your TBR today! You’ll love it so much you’ll want to add Book 1, Slap Shot Scandal immediately as well. Thank you @authorkarakendrick and @valentine_pr_ for my ARC.
Bad Boy Breakaway delivers a mix of emotional depth, character growth, and just the right amount of heat. This story is about two people who have been living under expectations, one who’s constantly failing them, and one who’s never dared to challenge them.
Bennett is the quintessential “bad boy” hockey player on the surface, but underneath the reputation is someone who’s spent his entire life believing he’s not worthy of more. Being put on probation after a fight only reinforces the idea that everyone expects him to mess up....and eventually, he will. Watching his journey, especially with the help of Dr. Sparks, is one of the my most favorite aspects of the story. I loved how she helped him see just how worthy he is of the love he wants. His internal struggles broke my heart but have faith, kara puts your heart back together.
Tori, on the other hand, has lived her life trying to be exactly what her father wants. As the team owner’s daughter and financial wizard, she’s always followed the rules, until she’s tasked with keeping Bennett in line. What starts as a responsibility slowly turns into something much deeper, forcing her to confront her own needs and what she truly wants.
Their relationship growth is where this story shines. The tension between them builds naturally, blending all the emotions with undeniable chemistry. The “babysitter” setup adds a fun layer of forced proximity, and their connection evolves in a way that feels earned. And yes, the spice is definitely there, adding intensity without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
It’s not just about a romance. it’s about self-worth, breaking out of the boxes people put you in, and learning to believe you deserve more. Bennett and Tori don’t just fall in love, they help each other grow into stronger versions of themselves and I loved them so much.
The Bad Boy of hockey meets the financial guru Ice Queen, who is also the daughter of the team owner. Tori is Bennet's new neighbor and babysitter after a preseason altercation puts him on probation with the league. If she can't whip him into shape and keep him in line, he may lose the game that he loves. But if she can't find the courage to go against her father, she may lose the man that she loves.
Tori I loved Tori! She is very much a by-the-book, work hard for what you want kind of girl. She is strict with Bennet without being controlling, and she always gives him the chance to prove himself. I appreciated the fact that she was always trying to juggle doing the right thing professionally while finally getting what she wants personally. Sure, she made some mistakes, but that just made her more relatable.
Bennet I loved Tori, but Bennet has my heart! I related so much to his struggle with always feeling like he's causing problems for everyone. He grew up with a father that drilled that belief into him, and he's forced to face those issues for the first time in his life with mandated sessions with the team psychologist. I really loved his growth in this book as he worked through all of his feelings. You could see an obvious change in his thinking and reactions as the story progressed.
I was cheering for their happy ending from the start and I was not disappointed! This was a fast-paced story, and I could not put it down. I even managed to finish it in one day, which I haven't been able to do in a while. There was a little bit of a miscommunication trope that wasn't my favorite, but it didn't last too long thankfully. Other than that, it was exactly what I needed! I also need more of the triplets immediately!! I didn't read the first book before diving into this one, but that will have to change ASAP!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you so much to the author and Valentine PR for this ARC!
A rule-breaking bad boy meets an ice-cold queen—and the sparks are absolutely explosive in this addictive enemies-to-lovers hockey romance.
If you love a truly unapologetic bad boy hockey player who bends every rule going, paired with an Ice Queen who lives by them, then Bad Boy Breakaway by Kara Kendrick is exactly the kind of chaos-fuelled, chemistry-loaded romance you need on your TBR.
As the second book in the Coastal Crushers series, this small-town hockey romance delivers on every level. Bennett is your classic rule-breaker—cocky, reckless, and impossible to ignore—but what makes him unforgettable is the depth behind the attitude. There’s a story to him, one that slowly unravels and pulls you in when you least expect it.
Then there’s Tori—strong, composed, and completely no-nonsense. As the daughter of the team owner and now running her father’s hedge fund, she’s built a life on control and discipline. But when she’s tasked with keeping Bennett in line? That’s when everything starts to unravel… in the best possible way.
The push and pull between them is chef’s kiss. The tension? Off the charts. The banter? Sharp, addictive, and perfectly timed. That “ping pong” dynamic between hate and undeniable attraction is delivered flawlessly, keeping you hooked from start to finish.
And when those walls finally start to crack… the emotional payoff is so worth it. Their journey to a hard-fought HEA is messy, magnetic, and completely captivating.
If you like: • Bad boy hockey players • Ice queen heroines • Enemies-to-lovers tension • Forced proximity / “keep him in line” trope • Small-town sports romance vibes • Emotional backstories with depth
This one is an epic addition to the series and proves that sometimes breaking the rules leads to the best kind of love
“Sometimes you have to fight for things worth having.”
Bad boy meets good girl—with an enemies-to-lovers twist that delivers all the angst, tension, and banter you could want.
This was such a fun, quick read that kept me hooked the whole way through. The chemistry is undeniable, and when things finally escalate between them… let’s just say the payoff is worth it. Also, a special shoutout to that night city view scene, which apparently unlocked a brand-new fantasy for me—no complaints there 😄
Both characters show meaningful growth, and I really appreciated how balanced it felt between them. Bennett fits the classic “bad boy hockey player” mold: hot-tempered, emotionally closed off, and a bit of a womanizer who likes to stay in control. But Tori completely throws him off his game. She challenges him in a way no one else does, and watching him spiral into obsession while trying (and both failing and succeeding) to get under her skin was incredibly entertaining.
Tori, on the other hand, starts off very controlled and work-focused, especially when it comes to her emotions. Through her dynamic with Bennett, she learns to let go, embrace life a little more, and open herself up to something deeper.
What I loved most is how their relationship pushes both of them to grow. They learn that some things are worth fighting for, that it’s okay to lean on others, and that standing up for yourself, even against expectations or stereotypes, matters.
Overall, an enjoyable read with good character development, strong chemistry, and a satisfying ending.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the advanced e-copy.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Bad Boy Breakaway as much as I did, but it really surprised me in the best way. One of the things I appreciated most was the absence of “other woman” drama, it let the story focus on the characters and their growth instead of unnecessary conflict.
The book introduces Bennett as a problematic player who constantly needs to be managed and micromanaged. He’s the “trouble” triplet, the one who doesn’t quite fit the mold, despite all three brothers playing on the same professional team. His reputation makes him difficult to handle, and that’s where Tori comes in.
Tori is extremely Type A and very driven. She’s tasked with essentially babysitting Bennett, even though she already has a full life and career. Taking this on as a favor to her father stretches her thin, but she handles it with the same determination she brings to everything else. She’s confident and successful professionally, but her love life is a bit more complicated.
As Tori spends more time with Bennett, she slowly lets her guard down and allows herself to be vulnerable. At the same time, Bennett is forced to confront parts of his life he’s long avoided.
I also have to highlight the therapy scenes, which were some of the most realistic I’ve read. The attention to language and the way the therapist communicates with the patient felt thoughtful and authentic, which I really appreciated.
Forced Proximity Opposites Attract Sports Romance Found Family Forbidden
I love a hockey romance, and the first book in this series was amazing, but this may be even more phenomenal of a read. I feel like the hockey bad boy and the “babysitter” he gets due to doing something stupid, is a pretty common storyline. But Kara Kendrick captured the tension in the enemies to lovers so well. The attraction is clear from the beginning and they’ve got this whole “will they or won’t they” vibe that keeps readers on edge, haut waiting for that fvck it moment. The plot is so intense, she’s the managers daughter, it’s a little forbidden and they go through quite a bit to get their HEA, but it was soo well deserved. Bennet is your typical, cocky, flirty, NHL bad boy. But he’s not just the hotness that makes me love him so much. Bennet is literally the sweetest sweetheart to ever sweetheart. He sent her flowers three times a day with cute notes after their first time!! I also love the women in this series so much. I love how we’ve got these strong independent women with flourishing careers, and just give girl boss vibes. Truly Tori was a queen and I loved her so much. Also I loved Dr Sparks, and her therapy sessions because she saw through the guy so easily. I cried during their therapy sessions because it felt so real and I know what it feels like to be so vulnerable it’s scary, in a therapy session. It was an amazing representation, but on a different note I also hope she gets her own book! This book was a masterpiece, i could not put it down and read it in one sitting because i was absorbed into it. Definitely a 5/5
This is the second book in the Coastal Crushers series and while I don't necessarily think you have to read in order I would recommend it. I was a little lost in the first few chapters in regards to who the characters were, however, that did not take away from how amazing this book was for me. This was my first book by Kara Kendrick and it won't be my last.
Bennett Steele is the bad boy of hockey and finds himself on thin ice after an altercation trying to protect his brothers girlfriend (from first book). As punishment he gets tasked with a babysitter who is none other than the team's owners daughter, Tori Prince. Tori already has a high stress job managing her family's hedge fund and now finds herself looking after Bennett who is known for acting rashly and aggressively. They butt heads at first due to pure frustration but the tension quickly turns into forbidden attraction.
I really enjoyed Bennett and Tori's bickering and the tension between the two of them. Even though these two are complete opposites, they really brought out the best in each other and helped each other grow and mature. It was nice to see how hard Bennett worked to prove himself to the team, himself and Tori in the end.
Tropes: -bad boy x good girl -forbidden romance -enemies to lovers -hockey romance
-ARC READ. Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for an e-arc of this book for my honest review.
I had the chance to read Bad Boy Breakaway early, and let me just say… this one had me in a chokehold from start to finish.🫠
This is the kind of story that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re enjoying the tension, and the next you’re completely emotionally invested, riding every high, low, and “uhhhhh just kiss already” moment right along with them.
He’s your ultimate alpha hockey bad boy—confident, a little reckless, and very used to being in control. But she? Total black cat energy. Guarded, independent, and absolutely not here for his attitude. Watching her challenge him at every turn while he slowly falls apart for her? Elite.💋
The slow burn in this story is painfully good. Every look, every argument, every almost-touch builds this tension that just keeps tightening until you’re desperate for the payoff. And when it finally hits? SO satisfying.💕
Emotionally, this book takes you on a ride. You’ll swoon, you’ll get frustrated, you’ll want to shake them both—and then suddenly you’re cheering because they finally figure it out.
✨ Tropes: • Alpha hockey bad boy • Black cat heroine • Opposites attract • Slow burn • Forbidden love
If you love tension-filled romance with strong personalities clashing and undeniable chemistry, this one is absolutely worth the read.
A chaotic bad boy hockey player and his no-nonsense “babysitter”? Oh this was messy in the best way and I ate it up!
Bennett is exactly what you expect at first : reckless, cocky, always one bad decision away from disaster. But what makes this story work so well? Tori. She is NOT impressed. She’s controlled, ambitious, a little prickly, and she refuses to let him get away with anything. And honestly? I loved that for her !
Their dynamic? Pure tension. Constant push and pull, power plays, button-pushing… the kind of energy where you know it’s going to explode at some point. And when it does? Yes, Just yes !🔥
The forced proximity (aka she has to keep him in line 24/7) works so well here. Add in the owner’s daughter trope + off-limits tension + reputation on the line and suddenly it’s not just romance, it’s pressure. Everything feels like it could blow up at any moment, and I loved that extra layer.
Bennett surprised me though. Under all the chaos, there’s something softer, someone who just wants to be seen and chosen. And Tori? She holds her ground the entire time. She doesn’t lose herself in him, and that made their relationship feel so much stronger.
Thanks so much to @valentine_pr_ and @authorkarakendrick for this ARC !
Loved this one and loving the series. Only 2nd book in the Coastal Crushers series and it's fantastic already. The Bad Boy of the team finally meets his match, the Ice Queen. Bennett is 1 of the triplets and he always seems to find trouble or trouble finds him. Now he has been suspended for few games and has a new baby sitter aka The Ice Queen. Tori Prince is the owners daughter and a ruthless hudge fund manager. She does not want to do babysitting and she has no intention of letting another man ruin her. She sets strict rules and hopes Bennett abides them. But Bennett is not happy and he plans o make her life a misery by pushing her until she becomes his 'Sunshine' instead of the Ice Queen. Now the chemistry between them is to hit for them to fight. This could ruin his chance wit the owner and her reputation with her clients.. Thing is when sparks are that strong they have no chance of denying it. So the cave until everything goes wrong..... I loved how their relationship grew and how protective he got of her. I also loved the strength she showed when she realised what was important to her. This was a fantastic enemy to lovers romance ndi can't wait to see the 3rd triplets story.
“Eyes on me. I want you to know who’s between your thighs right now, making you feel good.”