Deal Breaker

by Maia Kinley

We were supposed to hook up and never see each other again. Oops.

Ellis Donlan
Me? A sports agent? Clearly, hell has frozen over.
But it must be happening because Dad insists I start working for the family business, and I've run out of excuses not to.
Already dreading my first day tomorrow, I know the best thing to take the edge off is finding myself a hot guy for the night.
That plan leads me to Damon, the hottest, sweetest man ever.
We agree to one night of fun, then we never see each other again.
But the universe must have other ideas because the very next morning, I find out he’s my new coworker. And thanks to a little too much pillow talk, I accidentally use his insider information against him.
Now he hates me, and the sweet guy I met is nowhere to be found.

Damon Marks
I don’t do one-night stands. Not my thing.
Until Ellis enters my life. He’s beautiful, bold, and I'm instantly enamored.
He refuses to give me his number and tells me straight up that he only wants one night. Even if I don’t usually do this, I can't walk away.
It’s too bad he doesn’t want to see me again after this, because he’s perfect.
Unfortunately for him, the following day we’re both surprised to discover we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other—because he’s the CEO’s son.
And unfortunately for me, I never even saw it coming.
Now, two years later, just when I’ve gotten used to disliking the man I’m still very much attracted to, misfortune finds us once again when a snow storm traps us together in a hotel room—and we’ve only got one bed.

Deal Breaker is an M/M holiday romance novella, featuring a one-night stand between two people who thought they’d never see each other again.

Genres: M M Romance, Novella, Holiday, Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Sports

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2025

Reviews

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5**** stars


｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*｡.
Bahahahaha. Imagine you just want to leave your hookup’s place and come face-to-face with your boss after you’ve railed his son the whole night. 💀

It simply wouldn’t be professional.”
“Yes, and Dad thinks you’re very professional.”
“After he caught me barefoot with rumpled clothes in his kitchen after a night of debauchery with his son, I would think so.”
I choke in surprise, my eyes going wide. “O-oh. Okay. Wow. So we’re finally making jokes of that night? We’re finally past that?”

Really cute holiday novella of these two men who once hooked up and then kept their distance (for reasons) while working as fellow sports agents who then very conveniently end up snow-storm-stranded in a hotel room for several days over the holidays with only one bed. Naturally.

*･☆ﾟ ━━━━━━ * .･☆ﾟ*･ﾟ━━━━━ ☆ *･ﾟ

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deal Breaker is a low angst holiday novella that is cute, full of steamy moments, and a great way to escape into a quick story filled with great banter and a winning push/pull dynamic between the lead characters. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and love a fun second-chance romance, also the one-bed trope is a perfect addition as well.

[Gaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Damon should have listened to Ellis. I, unfortunately, agree with his initial statement. I really don’t think they would have made it work in the long run

[Kiandra 🦋 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Commitment issues are lame 🙄

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Short and sweet. It’s a good novella.

Nothing new in terms of the plot - a one-night stand couple ends up meeting up after a big time jump, and they get stuck together in a snowstorm. One is all for commitment, and the other is against commitment due to childhood trauma. They realise that they MFEO and get their HEA.

It’s fun, sweet, and spicy. A little predictable but enjoyable nonetheless.


………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.

[sunnoah · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this so much 😭😭😭😭😭😭 omggg i need more !!! they are so cute and funny, i actually read this in one seating but didn’t have the time to update.

i loved the snowed in trope 😝😝 and how they met !!! iconic omg Damon is so 🙁💗 cutie !!! i have to admit i did get frustrated with Ellis character BUT literally for like a page and then i loved him again HAHAHAHA

this was a great read 🫶 thank you for the arc !!!

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was soo cute!! The biggest downside was that it was too short, I would have loved to read more about them.

The story is about Damon, an adorable guy who normally doesn't do one-night stands, and Ellis, who tries to maintain high walls around himself and who doesn't do relationships. I loved their story. The only thing is that I found it a little too fast-paced, I would have loved a little more story within the story. But it is definitely a recommendation for those who want to read a cute short book around the Holidays.


I would like to read more about them in the future. I would love to read an epilogue of what their lives look like in the future, as well as how Killian's contract ends up looking, their colleagues' reactions to their relationship and most importantly, how Ellis' experience of meeting Damon's family was.


This review is based on an ARC received by the author. Thank you for the ARC!!

[Wicked River Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more!! This was such a fun novella. Ellis was clearly more than he allowed anyone to see and it was interesting getting to know the many sides of him. Although he was smart and great as his job it was fun to see the bratty needy side of him too. With Damon being someone who likes control and order it was also fun seeing him throw caution to the wind at times when it came to Ellis. It was good to see Ellis slowly let his guard down and begin to let Damon in. They were so cute together. I would definitely read a full length novel about these two.

🩵ARC REVIEW💙

[Flora.reads.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
4.5⭐

Awwww this was so damn sweet and cute! Loved it!
RTC

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 🌟
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Heroes: Ellis and Damon

[sara]

Did I only receive this arc only last night? Yes…

So, it’s fair to say I was excited for this novella and really enjoyed reading it. I would say the only disappointing thing about this novella is that it’s a novella. I genuinely adored the characters and I could’ve read an entire book about them. I mean Damon taking care of Ellis while he was sick regardless of being “rivals” was so adorable.

This was a really easy read, like you could just finish it in one sitting and it’ll satisfy your need for a fluffy romance. I honestly believe Maia Kinley books are always a good option for anyone looking for a book on the lighter and heartwarming side, especially if you’re anything like me who prefers darker romance but usually needs to read a fluffy book as a way to refresh my mind afterwards.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Bethany Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @author.maiakinley for the digital copy to review!

I love a sweet and hot and fun novella and this one checked all of the boxes for me. First of all, the chemistry was instant and I loved the one night stand setting… which ultimately led to such a beautiful conflict/reconciliation.

I really liked how forward Ellis was with asking for what he wanted, without shame. Sex is not bad or dirty, and Ellis knew what he wanted and why. I was on board with his mission! I also loved how taken Damon was with Ellis initially - so much so that he breaks his own rules!

Hurt/comfort is one of my favorite favorite favorite tropes in romance books and this was a stunner. Ellis gets sick and Damon takes such good care of him. My heart was fluttering the in the best way.

I loved their “only one bed” situation caused by a snowstorm which forced them to actually confront their feelings from years ago and learn to communicate better.

This was genuinely sweet and fun and I had a great time with these two. 🩷

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lighthearted, fun novella. I really enjoyed Ellis and Damon's story and would have happily read more of it. I loved the caretaking element. I loved Damon's stability and Ellis' more chaotic style. I would have definitely enjoyed an epilogue to their story.
In the end, I really enjoyed this novella and would definitely come back for more Ellis and Damon.

[F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so sweet. I wanted more of them 🥹

[Tare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - 3.5 stars rounded up

[Boys From The Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quick and fun. Really enjoy Maia Kinley books. Great for in between bigger books. Definitely recommend this one

[bubblegumpopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short little nibble of a story featuring a one-time hook-up that goes wrong when it turns out they now work together. There's a big time leap there, so it doesn't really deal with the immediate fallout from that, but rather the mild rivalry that has formed in the intervening years. When they get stuck together on a work trip and there is--dun dun DUN!--only one bed, their sexual tension reignites.

There isn't really anything revolutionary or groundbreaking here, but if you're looking for a sweet yet still smutty holiday-themed story, this is a fun read.

***

I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[D.Talks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided with an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. These are my real sentiments about the story and everything written here is respectful, without meaning to harm anyone, but to offer my opinion as constructive criticism/compliments. Thank you, Maia, for the opportunity! I'm truly honored!

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5
🔥🔥🔥.75 / 5

Couple: Ellis and Damon.
Structure: Structure: Dual POV, 1st person, present tense. Short holiday novella.

The only bad thing about this story is that it isn't a full-length novel LOL

This was so heart-warming and the characters were SO lovable! Maia did a wonderful job showing their complexity in few pages. I do wish we had more of them, though. Both in the two years after they first hooked up and after the end of the book. Ellis meeting Damon's family MUST at least become an extra for us, pretty please!

Killian's cameo made me scream! All the love for the babiest baby of all the baby world 💚💚 I also wish we could maybe get a Vaughn/Westley story? 🙈 Come on, Maia, you gave us this beautiful thing, you really gonna leave us wanting more like this? hahaha

Anyway, just read it! It's short, heart-warming and adorable. You won't regret it!

[Toddles · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEAL BREAKER
By Maia Kinley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an E-book ARC edition of this novella in exchange for an honest review. It Is available NOW on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amazon.com/B0FTXRB18C

This is a 106-page Fast Paced, One Night Stand-to-Lovers but took the long way to get there, Snow Storm Stranded, Only One Bed MM Romance. This novella is a standalone story about two young sport agents just trying to prove themselves. However, it does take place in the Camrose University Universe!

--Fuck me and fuck off.--

Written in dual 1st person POV, the novella begins how most men used to meet, in a bar. Ellis is on the hunt for a hookup. He has to start his new job the next day working for his father at a sports agency. He isn’t thrilled about it so he's taking it as a sign; if he can get railed, it will all work out the next day. Damon is there with some pro-sports friends just hanging out. When he sees Ellis, the pull to him is to great. He throws his ‘no hookups' rule out the window. What they weren’t expecting was a shock to the system the next day that they didn’t see coming which turns lust into irritants.

--”What happens in a snowstorm, stays i-in a s-snowstorm.”--

This novella was written thoroughly, quickly, and almost fully in just over 100 pages. I myself am pretty hard on novellas and short stories (sorry), as I am someone that like a fleshed out tale. She does start it out in an extraordinary way by giving us what I consider a two chapter prologue that sets up the plot that will carry us to the end. And if you think you know why it’s called DEAL BREAKER, you won't have to wait long to find out. Maia Kinley did a awesome job creating two characters and giving them full personalities and like problems in such a short amount of time. She crafted Ellis to have the spotlight in this novella. He has so many layers. He had snarky golden retriever chihuahua mix vibes that’s territorial and skittish. He protects himself by detached hook-ups but is super lonely at the same time. He does it to himself. It is a double-edged sword created by witnessing unhealthy marriages/relationships and how miserable they always are with how they are with. Damon doesn’t have as many layers. He is a simple guy that is a true caretaker, but his characterization is tied tightly to the plot. He is the one responsible for moves us in a forward trajectory. It works perfectly. It’s like if Ellis’ chaotic and hyper self stays in one place to long, it would be destruction so Damon’s guidance keeps him moving to minimize the wreckage.

--What is it with this man that I always end up listening? He could ask me to rob a bank with him and I'd probably make suggestions about how we should do it.--

The spice was awesome! 4/5🌶! The character's personalities really show through their sexual preferences. Where one wants to go slow & steady to draw it out and make a connection while the other wants it fast & dirty to keep it detached. It created this push & pull between the two and the more they do the deed the more stitches that are added sewing their hearts together. But there is some fun thrown in there with some commanding ‘Simon Says’ vibes. This is primarily about just them two so the ensemble is just down to 4 people. Ellis' dad makes a cameo appearance, while a personal assistant named Heather runs their world. My favorite little side plot which was barely anything but really left an impression is about Westley & Vaughn, two pro hockey players that have been bestie since they were little kids. I AM JONESING FOR THEIR STORY! It has so much potential.

--He catches me when I lose my footing, grabbing me by my arms and holding me steady, because that’s what he’s good at. Always. He’s good at steadying me. At keeping my feet on the ground.--

I really enjoyed this novella. It is an easy read to kill some time but not time to kill. It is something to fall into to take you away and stand you somewhere else for a little bit. I read it while sick and it was a great distraction with a plot that didn’t hurt to follow and characters you love to adore while they figure their crap out with humor and laughter. There is a lot of potential for a Part 2, about the challenges of dating while both being in the sports industry, the obstacle of being around pro athletes and the bosses son/employee relationship and how it affects EVERYTHING. I personally would love more of these guys. And it’s awesome they are in the same universe as our Camrose Boys so they could pop up in the last book! 🤞

💜Happy Reading🫶

[Ashley | adhdandread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deal Breaker
Length: 104 pages
Source: Gay Romance Reviews
Publication date: December 20, 2025

4 ⭐
3 🌶️

WHAT TO EXPECT
🩵 MM holiday novella
❄️ One-night stand
🩵 Co-workers/workplace romance
❄️ Snowed in/forced proximity
🩵 'Only one bed'
❄️ Airport declarations/rom-com vibes
🩵 Opposites attract

AUTHOR'S BLURB
We were supposed to hook up and never see each other again. Oops.

Ellis Donlan
Me? A sports agent? Clearly, hell has frozen over. But it must be happening because Dad insists I start working for the family business, and I've run out of excuses not to.

Already dreading my first day tomorrow, I know the best thing to take the edge off is finding myself a hot guy for the night. That plan leads me to Damon, the hottest, sweetest man ever. We agree to one night of fun, then we never see each other again.

But the universe must have other ideas, because the very next morning, I find out he’s my new coworker. And thanks to a little too much pillow talk, I accidentally use his insider information against him.

Now he hates me, and the sweet guy I met is nowhere to be found.

Damon Marks
I don’t do one-night stands. Not my thing. Until Ellis enters my life. He’s beautiful, bold, and I'm instantly enamored.

He refuses to give me his number and tells me straight up that he only wants one night. Even if I don’t usually do this, I can't walk away. It’s too bad he doesn’t want to see me again after this, because he’s perfect.

Unfortunately for him, the following day we’re both surprised to discover we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other—because he’s the CEO’s son. And unfortunately for me, I never even saw it coming.

Now, two years later, just when I’ve gotten used to disliking the man I’m still very much attracted to, misfortune finds us once again when a snow storm traps us together in a hotel room—and we’ve only got one bed.

MY THOUGHTS
This was incredibly cute and packed with character development for such a quick read! You get a clear and vivid sense of both of these men in a short amount of time: their looks, their personalities, their values, their commonalities, their fears.

Damon is such a comforting straight man to the chaos that is Ellis. He's steadfast but also flexible in letting Ellis have space and come to his own conclusions about what is between them. Rather than become defensive when Ellis repeatedly tries to push him away, Damon is compassionate.

And Ellis, my sweet menace. I loved him. He helps Damon loosen up, relax a bit, both in his professional and personal lives. These two men have such different approaches to things, and yet their motivations are the same. Ellis struggles more with the intimacy between them (both platonic and romantic), but watching him try to meet Damon in the middle is heartwarming.

BOTTOM LINE
This is the first thing I've read from Maia, and it will not be the last. Bumping up her Camrose U series on my TBR for 2026.

CONTENT WARNINGS
Explicit sexual content
–A🩷

Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews and Maia Kinley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, and Fable.

[Maxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*

I had a great time reading this fun holiday novella, it’s exactly the kind of cozy romance you want for the season.

Deal Breaker is set in the same world as Maia Kinley’s ongoing Camrose U series, so fans will recognize the universe. This time, the focus is on Ellis and Damon, whose story kicks off with a one-night stand that unexpectedly turns them into rival colleagues, and eventually, something more.

Both Ellis and Damon are sports agents, but they’ve taken different paths to get there. Ellis is reluctantly following in his father’s footsteps, his dad actually owns the agency where they work, while Damon was forced to go to the business side after an injury ended his hockey career. You can see how both guys are carrying some baggage into their new roles.

After their initial hookup, neither of them realizes they’ll end up working together, which leads to some awkward situations. Throw in a few misunderstandings and the fact that Damon doesn’t want the first impression at his new job to be “the guy who slept with the boss’s son,” and it’s no surprise that any relationship between them, professional or otherwise is doomed from the start
But fate (and a blizzard) has other plans: two years later, a snowstorm in Buffalo leaves them stranded together with nowhere to go.

You know the drill: there’s only one bed, forced proximity, one of them gets sick, the other has to play caretaker, and rivals-to-lovers vibes. Add the cozy holiday atmosphere, and you basically have a steamy, bite-sized Hallmark movie in book form.

As the story unfolds, Ellis tries to prove to Damon that he’s not the unethical jerk Damon assumes him to be, while Damon helps Ellis see that maybe letting someone in and committing to a relationship isn’t such a bad thing after all. Their chemistry is fun to watch, and both characters bring out the best in each other.

Eventually, they both get their heads off their asses and decide to give this thing a try. The story wraps up quickly (it’s a novella after all), but it still delivers a satisfying dose of warmth and hope.
All in all, Deal Breaker is a fun, fast-paced read with likeable main characters. Plus, there are a couple of name drops for Killian Schulz, the golden retriever MC from Off the Roads, so I’m guessing we haven’t seen the last of Damon and Ellis in this universe.

If you’re after a short and entertaining holiday romance, this one definitely deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Aleja · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Enemies (rivals) to lovers | Forced proximity | Only one bed | Snowed in | Holidays

Tengo que admitir que no sabía qué esperar; este fue mi primer acercamiento a la autora y, la verdad, fue una experiencia muy grata.

Ellis y Damon me parecieron adorables juntos. Me encantó la chispa que hubo entre ellos desde el principio y la forma tan natural en la que se fue desarrollando todo.
Sinceramente, pensé que al ser una historia bastante corta no iba a llegar a conectar con los personajes, pero me equivoqué por completo. Conecté muchísimo con ambos, aunque especialmente con Damon. Él y yo nos parecemos bastante en personalidad, así que fue inevitable verme reflejada en él, jajaja. Con Ellis me pasó algo similar: entendí completamente sus motivos y el porqué de sus actitudes, así que también pude identificarme con él, aunque desde otro lugar. Básicamente, me vi reflejada en los dos protagonistas desde distintos puntos, jajaja.

Siento que el final llegó demasiado rápido y que necesito más de ellos 😭😭. Quiero saber cómo les va en sus vacaciones, cómo los recibe la familia de Damon y… todo 🥹.

PD: muero por conocer la historia de Vaughn y Westley 👀

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

I have to admit I didn’t know what to expect; this was my first time reading this author, and honestly, it turned out to be a really lovely experience.

Ellis and Damon were absolutely adorable together. I loved the spark between them from the very beginning and how naturally everything unfolded.
To be honest, since it’s quite a short story, I didn’t think I’d end up connecting with the characters—but I was completely wrong. I connected deeply with both of them, especially Damon. His personality is very similar to mine, so I couldn’t help but see myself in him, haha. I felt something similar with Ellis as well; I completely understood his motivations and the reasons behind the way he acts. In the end, I found myself relating to both protagonists in different ways.

I do feel like the ending came a bit too fast, and now I need more of them 😭😭. I want to know how their vacation goes, how Damon’s family receives them… everything 🥹.

P.S. I’m dying to read Vaughn and Westley’s story 👀

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divorced parents don't do traditional Christmas; Love spouts around one that does

Ellis Donlan is a reluctant sports agent, owing to his father's expectations—his father, being the proprietor of a prominent agency, desires him to follow this career path, and eventually take over the company. Ellis also refrains from forming domestic relationships, reflecting his parents' circumstances, as neither parent has maintained a stable partnership. His preference is merely to engage in casual encounters when desired, and to detach emotionally thereafter.

However, on the eve of assuming the role his father had intended for him, Ellis becomes involved with an individual who embodies committed relationships, acts as a caring partner, and desires a traditional family unit that observes Christmas together. This individual, Damon Marks, whom Ellis subsequently learns is also affiliated with his father's firm, demonstrates behaviors Ellis finds compelling. Damon shares information that Ellis uses to impress his father by attracting two highly sought-after clients to his agency after the two men are found in Ellis' father's penthouse following their liaison.

In the course of time, Ellis's encounters with Damon become infrequent due to their demanding travel schedules assisting clients. Nevertheless, during a period when they are snowed in at Christmas, with Ellis immensely suffering from a cold or flu, Damon assumes a caring role. Such compassionate conduct is unfamiliar to Ellis, whose parents are divorced and who have not engaged in traditional holiday festivities.

Crippled by the snowstorm, the two men develop a closer understanding of each other, and Damon's nurturing demeanor leaves a profound impression on Ellis. This experience charts a new course for Ellis's future and contributes to a happy ending.

Maia Kinley, renowned for her storytelling involving men in love, men involved in sports, and men expressing emotions, excels in world-building and character development within this novella. The narrative is engaging, well-paced, and culminates in an ending that received my enthusiastic approval, believing it to be the obvious and fitting resolution for Damon and Ellis.

[Samantha Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book as an arc because I really enjoyed the Camrose books. Sometimes I have issues reading novellas, especially if they're like a prequel, (this isn't stated that this book is) because we don't really get to see the depth in characters But that wasn't a problem here.

Also super micro tropes “I don’t do dates,” I say. “Sorry. That’s my deal breaker.”. - book title.

“Sorry,” he mumbles. Stepping back into the elevator, he lets go of the door. “This is my deal breaker.” - book title revenge


I liked how the author got into their pasts a bit and used both thoughts, actions, and the observations of each other to build the backstory.
“You’re really trying to make this as detached as possible, huh?” he asks. “Who hurt you?” “Nobody,” I say defensively. “I just like it this way.”



I also like how we see attempts at growth, but, because it’s only 108 pages we don’t get t see how that growth continues or what the results are.

"While I’m adamant that I’m never going to be the type of person who does the whole dating shit, Damon makes me question my entire belief system."

“Can I kiss you?” Damon’s eyebrows furrow and he studies my face. It makes me feel seen—way too fucking seen. “You don’t do that,” he states,"

Although some people think that forced proximity/one-bed can be overdone, I still enjoy it.
“I was. I tried my best, and I did find you a room. It’s… it’s at the Hilton, actually, and it’s a great room. Gorgeous. You’re going to adore it.” “And you sound panicked, because…?” “Please don’t hate me for this.”

Add on the Christmas-time snowstorm halting travel
“It doesn’t count. Legally speaking, cuddling with someone you hate is fine in emergency s- situations.” “You’re ridiculous.” “What happens in a snowstorm, stays i- in a s- snowstorm.”

and one MMC being sick (SOUP), and we've got the perfect formula to make Ellis feel those gross feelings he tries so hard to avoid.

"I replay what he said when he was on the phone. He’s still sick and I’d feel better having my eyes on him. Shit, what did I do to deserve this side of Damon?"

[Kiki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a Christmas novella for your holiday break. Have I got a book for you!
Deal Breaker is a sweet and sexy read with a lot of heart.
It’s rivals to lovers, snowed in, only one bed, and a second chance to get things right.
Ellis has come home to Tampa to join his dad’s sports management agency. The night before he starts, he heads to a bar to let off a little steam and flirts with sexy hockey player, Damon. They both dance around what they do for a living. Ellis is very upfront about what he wants. Damon doesn’t do hookups, but can’t resist the alluring red-haired spitfire.
What begins with a one night hookup comes with unexpected complications…
Flash forward two years and Ellis is the agency golden boy. What he doesn’t know about sports he makes up for in knowing how to read people and get them what they want. Damon is still annoyed with Ellis because he used information he shared about two friends to sign them as his first clients - even though Damon admitted he didn’t want to rep his friends. He’s suspicious of Ellis’s methods and struggling at work.
A scouting trip to Buffalo and a freak snow storm has them stranded, sharing the last remaking hotel room, while they wait for the weather to clear and flights to resume. And they finally, finally, talk about what happened the night they met and how Ellis’s dad caught them the next morning. (Ouch! He was supposed to be out of town and Ellis was staying at his apartment until he found a place …)
There’s bonding over a classic Christmas movie, a hysterical video call with Damon’s sisters, and the enduring appeal of banana bread.
Ellis lets his guard down and Damon realizes he’s been wrong about him. He’s still a handful and lacks a weather appropriate wardrobe, but when Ellis shares stories about his childhood and why he doesn’t do relationships Damon begins to understand him. And Damon’s sweetness and caretaker vibes begin to melt Ellis’s icy reserve and question what he really wants.
So what happens when the weather clears and they can head home for the remainder of the holiday? There’s a romcom worthy ending that will leave you smiling.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damon and Ellis burn hot and bright from the moment they meet in a bar. Ellis is about to start a job he doesn't really want at his dad's company as a sports agent. He doesn't really care for sports but his dad thinks he needs a steady job and to make a good income and as a CEO's son Ellis reluctantly agrees. But first he needs to find a hook up to set the tone for his new job. In comes Damon who makes Ellis want to break every rule he set for himself when it comes to men, sex, and hook ups. No intimacy, no dating, only one night and no kissing. Damon doesn't really do the casual thing but the pull he feels to Ellis is too strong to ignore and maybe he can change his mind if given the chance. Thus they spend a passionate night together and both know they're gone for the other even if it's only been one night. Damon is sweeter than Ellis can handle but he loves it as much as it scares him as well as the way Damon handles him like he cares and like he's precious and wants to take care of him. Ellis is witty and has a presence that pulls Damon in. He sees what Ellis tries to hide and he wants to know more. That is until the next morning when they find out they're co workers and their pillow talk is used in a way that rubs Damon the wrong way and from there things don't end the way either want and instead 2 years pass of them working for the same company but getting under each other's skin in a not so subtle way since everyone can tell. Now they're both snowed in for Christmas together in a hotel while their flights are grounded and everywhere else is full. How will a few days of forced proximity along with an attraction that never really went away go? You'll have to read to find out. But I will say that it's a tad swoony, a whole lot hot and sweet. A great short sweet and spicy holiday romance. I wanted more because I loved them both so much and this story feels like it has the potential for a longer story but even if it never happens it doesn't take away from the speed and enthusiasm in which I read this book. I'll definitely be checking out more books by this author in the future.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for my honest review.

This was such a cute, fun, low-angst holiday novella, and exactly the kind of quick MM escape I love between heavier reads. A one-night stand that turns into a coworkers-to-enemies-to-second-chance hookup? Yes, please. Add a snowstorm and a one-bed situation and I’m already invested.

Ellis and Damon had me hooked from their very first meeting. Ellis just wants to take the edge off before being shoved into his family’s business, and Damon is the sweetest “I don’t do one-night stands but I can’t resist you” man alive. Their chemistry is instant and hot, but the real fun starts the next morning when they realize they’ll be seeing a lot more of each other than planned.

And then Ellis accidentally uses Damon’s pillow-talk confession against him? That was messy chaos in the best way. The tension that develops over the next couple of years—annoyance, attraction, avoidance, totally unresolved feelings—was delicious. Damon going from sweet to furious? Ellis pretending he doesn’t care? I ate all of that up.

Their banter and push/pull dynamic are what really carry this novella. It’s flirty, a little spiteful, a little soft underneath, and just the right amount of “oh no, we still want each other.” And when they’re trapped in a hotel room with only one bed… the forced proximity sparks exactly how you expect it to.

This story has:
• One-night stand → surprise coworkers
• Second-chance romance
• Snowstorm + one bed
• Low angst with steamy moments
• Great banter
• A sweet but stubborn love interest
• Holiday vibes without being overly cheesy

It’s short, cute, and easy to devour in one sitting—exactly the vibe I wanted. A fun, spicy little holiday romance with just enough emotional tension to keep me hooked.

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
DEAL BREAKER di MAIA KINLEY
VOTO: 5 ⭐, 3 🌶️

This book was short but amazing! It started hot but then time passes and oh my… it’s so sweet! I think Damon is my new book boyfriend he’s so caring and sweet!
I didn’t really liked Ellis at first, but near the end he’s amazing! I really LOVED the Christmas’ Eve scene, so cute and sweet. That scene was PERFECTION!
I really recommend this book but also every other book by Maia Kinley, she’s an amazing author and if you love cute and sweet love stories Maia is the right author for you.
Thank you very much for my ARC COPY and this amazing opportunity!

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Storia breve molto carina che mi é piaciuta moltissimo!!!
I protagonisti sono Damon e Ellis, entrambi agenti sportivi.
I due si incontrano due anni prima in un bar e nonostante Damon non ami le relazioni da una sola notte, accetta perché Ellis lo colpisce da subito. L'intesa tra i due é immediata: ma se la notte appena trascorsa tra i due sembra perfetta, lo è meno il loro risveglio: il padre di Ellis, nonchè capo di Damon, si presenta la mattina dopo a casa, scoprendo non solo il figlio a letto con Damon, ma quest'ultimo ascolta come una confidenza fatta su due suoi carissimi amici viene raccontata alla prima occasione al padre. Damon si risente del comportamento di Ellis e nonostante lavorino nello stesso ufficio, per due anni non si rivolgeranno mai la parola.
Pochi giorni prima di rientrare a casa per le vacanze natalizie, Ellis e Damon si ritrovano bloccati a Buffalo per via di una tormenta di neve. I due saranno costretti a dividere la stessa stanza e… lo stesso letto! :)
Ho adorato tantissimo tutto quanto: se già avevo amato Damon nei primissimi capitoli, durante il libro si è preso il mio cuore, mentre Ellis è migliorato tantissimo e ho adorato il capitolo di come entrambi trascorrono il Natale nella stanza d’albergo.
Questo libro, essendo una novella, è composto da soli nove capitoli… ne avrei voluto uno in più post epilogo? Decisamente si, ma forse li rivedremo?!
Maia Kinley è una nuova autrice che ho scoperto quest’anno e come il libro precedente, anche questo mi è piaciuto moltissimo! Vi consiglio calorosamente tutti i suoi libri, sono comprensibilissimi anche se non si conosce perfettamente l’inglese! Per chi ama gli autori coccola che aggiungono un po’ di spicy alle loro storie, Maia è super consigliata! Non vedo l’ora di leggere altri suoi libri!
Grazie mille a maiakinley per la copia ARC!

[Stephanie Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Deal Breaker by Maia Kinley. This is a 5 star read for me I absolutely loved this novella. I love Ellis and Damon they are so different but so good together. I wish it was longer because I wanted more of them and their story I didn’t want it to end. I loved the fast pace and the spice even though it was a novella it wasn’t rushed and it had a great story line. This is a super cute funny short holiday read it had me cracking up throughout the whole thing. I also love the Buffalo references and the mention of Killian character from Maia’s other book Off The Boards. This is a one night stand, co-workers, forced proximity, hate to love, MM holiday novella. This is Ellis and Damon’s story. Ellis and Damon meet one night at a bar and have a one night stand they end up finding out they are both sports agents at the same company. Damon and Ellis have different approaches to getting clients and Damon doesn’t like Ellis’s and it leaves them on bad terms. Two years pass and Damon and Ellis are both stuck in Buffalo during a snowstorm and have to share a hotel room. Both have continued to have feelings for the other for the past 2 years but neither wants to admit it the forced proximity helps Damon open his eyes and see Ellis is more than he thought he was . Ellis doesn’t do relationships or kissing its too personal he just does hookups and doesn’t want a connection but from the first night they were together Damon changed all that he makes Ellis wonder what if he broke his rules and took a chance on Damon. I loved this book

[That One Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review* Thank you to Maia Kinley for sending me a copy!

Intro:
This book is an MM novella between Damon and Ellis, both sports agents trying their best to avoid each other after a one-night stand gone wrong.


Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Open Door Spice
-CEO's Son
-Only One Bed
-Snowed In
-Sports Agents
-HEA


Likes:
-So sweet how Damon takes care of Ellis
-You get to know the MC's personalities well in a short amount of time
-Pacing felt right, didn't feel rushed/crammed
-Cute little details, like the croissants
-Both MCs are sweeties


My Dislikes:
-Ending was a little predictable/cliche, was still a good ending

Quotes:
-"You, I'm smiling at you. You're so fucking cute"
-"Don't read into this Dee. I need your warmth"
-"If you thought I was annoying before, you're in for a ride"
-"You pretend to hate me, But what you actually hate is how unstable I make you feel"


This book was a nice quick read. I liked that both MCs had the same profession, that isn't often the case in many stories. I liked how both MCs met and the classic scenario of only one bed. This story has sweet characters, a snowstorm, lavender honey croissants, a dash of spice and a shot at second chances. You may enjoy this book if you like characters that are opposites, one who has a slightly warped view about the other and one character who needs a lot of push to forget about their past and give love a chance.