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Breakaway Lies: A RH College Hockey Romance
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2026
About the author
Melissa Adams
60 books842 followersMelissa Adams is from the UK but was born in Italy and grew up between the two countries. She’s now UK based and her day job is connected her other huge passion after writing and reading: flying. She lived in the US and got herself a super hot Yankee husband who followed her back to Europe.
Her obsessions: Yorkshire terriers and Norse gods!
She’s often heard saying that she never trusts people who don’t love animals.
Her passions have been reading and writing from an early age and her first adventure in writing was in journalism.
Melissa’s stories focus on the romance, on character development and on the sensual aspect of love. Summer romance is her absolute first love but every story she writes has a mystery twist because life is nothing but a mystery.
Here’s a link to her website for all the latest news about her and her writing: https://melissaadamsr.wixsite.com/web...
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHwit...
IG: @melissa.adamsr
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/melis...
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Her obsessions: Yorkshire terriers and Norse gods!
She’s often heard saying that she never trusts people who don’t love animals.
Her passions have been reading and writing from an early age and her first adventure in writing was in journalism.
Melissa’s stories focus on the romance, on character development and on the sensual aspect of love. Summer romance is her absolute first love but every story she writes has a mystery twist because life is nothing but a mystery.
Here’s a link to her website for all the latest news about her and her writing: https://melissaadamsr.wixsite.com/web...
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHwit...
IG: @melissa.adamsr
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/melis...
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 26, 2026
Plot: 3.5/5 • Spice: 4/5 ➡️➡️➡️ Taryn wakes up covered in blood. Too much blood to be anything other than from a dead body. She wakes up next to the guy she gave up her v card to. Except he’s now beheaded… She called her best friend instead of the police. They make a plan and they run. Taryn has no memory of the night before. She knows she was drugged. She didn’t murder anyone, let alone chop off their head.
Running away with her best friend their car dies/runs out of gas in a small town. A town that trying to start/build an NHL team. With that they’re looking to create a cheer/dance team. Taryn and Josie arrive just in time for try outs. Some of the girls are nothing but gems to them. So helpful. So kind. But there’s always a catty backstabbing bitch in there somewhere.
Taryn catches the eye of three hockey players. Tucker, Colsen, and Nash. Ironically, Nash used to go to Taryn and Josie’s old school. He left for different reasons, but small world? He also knew the guy Taryn woke up next to. So Taryn lies through her teeth when Nash asks if she was at that party.
Jugging all three guys has its ups and downs. Two are on board. One has severe jealousy issues. After a birthday night out for Tucker the cheer team and the hockey team are called in for a non fraternization meeting. Soooo now what happens with Taryn and her three guys? She’s trying to make this dance team and they still haven’t made final cuts.
Ends abruptly after that. The final lines in this one are some stalker-ish texts she receives. It’s a cliffy. Setting you up for book two. I liked this. The beginning was up and down. It look a little to hold my attention. Mostly being when the boys POV came on. The girls story held my attention all the way. Waiting for book two 🙂
Running away with her best friend their car dies/runs out of gas in a small town. A town that trying to start/build an NHL team. With that they’re looking to create a cheer/dance team. Taryn and Josie arrive just in time for try outs. Some of the girls are nothing but gems to them. So helpful. So kind. But there’s always a catty backstabbing bitch in there somewhere.
Taryn catches the eye of three hockey players. Tucker, Colsen, and Nash. Ironically, Nash used to go to Taryn and Josie’s old school. He left for different reasons, but small world? He also knew the guy Taryn woke up next to. So Taryn lies through her teeth when Nash asks if she was at that party.
Jugging all three guys has its ups and downs. Two are on board. One has severe jealousy issues. After a birthday night out for Tucker the cheer team and the hockey team are called in for a non fraternization meeting. Soooo now what happens with Taryn and her three guys? She’s trying to make this dance team and they still haven’t made final cuts.
Ends abruptly after that. The final lines in this one are some stalker-ish texts she receives. It’s a cliffy. Setting you up for book two. I liked this. The beginning was up and down. It look a little to hold my attention. Mostly being when the boys POV came on. The girls story held my attention all the way. Waiting for book two 🙂
April 13, 2026
DNF. RH. Yea okay no. I wanted to give this a try but i should really stop trying books with such low reading/reviews numbers.
There will be SPOILERS from chapter 1:
The first scene is immediately troubling me. Not for the gore, i’m all for the gore, but the way the author chose to share it with us.
❄️ She wakes up, soaking in blood and the first thing she does is closing her eyes and thinking back on her night.
❄️ As a reader i don’t want to read the obvious; i saw the drugged-plot coming from a mile away and it’s boring to have to read through the character coming to the conclusion - especially when said character is trained as a nurse.
❄️ A nurse? How the freak can you respond to soaking in blood wondering if it’s virgin blood or your period? Also, that much blood has a smell (if the fiction i read is correct).
❄️ As she woke up screaming (because of the blood, like hello, nurse?) i wonder why she’s thinking a simple calling out her hookup’s name WILL wake him up. Oh, is he asleep? Or is he unconscious? Oh dear, then i should help him!
So then, very shortly it becomes interesting. Because yea, waking up to a corpse lying next to you is fuel for a potentially good plot/story.
What made me dnf after wanting to give it another try with that? The. Endless. Monologue. Oh gosh, i know people have like a gazillion thoughts every day but as a reader i want you to take me with you on what is happening without making it boring? And who actually thinks it’s a great idea to run from a murder scene… like, that won’t make you seem guilty.
Sorry, i know i’m being nasty. That’s why i should stop reading books that haven’t been read, rated and reviewed (not ARC) by at least a few hundred. I’ll learn.
There will be SPOILERS from chapter 1:
The first scene is immediately troubling me. Not for the gore, i’m all for the gore, but the way the author chose to share it with us.
❄️ She wakes up, soaking in blood and the first thing she does is closing her eyes and thinking back on her night.
❄️ As a reader i don’t want to read the obvious; i saw the drugged-plot coming from a mile away and it’s boring to have to read through the character coming to the conclusion - especially when said character is trained as a nurse.
❄️ A nurse? How the freak can you respond to soaking in blood wondering if it’s virgin blood or your period? Also, that much blood has a smell (if the fiction i read is correct).
❄️ As she woke up screaming (because of the blood, like hello, nurse?) i wonder why she’s thinking a simple calling out her hookup’s name WILL wake him up. Oh, is he asleep? Or is he unconscious? Oh dear, then i should help him!
So then, very shortly it becomes interesting. Because yea, waking up to a corpse lying next to you is fuel for a potentially good plot/story.
What made me dnf after wanting to give it another try with that? The. Endless. Monologue. Oh gosh, i know people have like a gazillion thoughts every day but as a reader i want you to take me with you on what is happening without making it boring? And who actually thinks it’s a great idea to run from a murder scene… like, that won’t make you seem guilty.
Sorry, i know i’m being nasty. That’s why i should stop reading books that haven’t been read, rated and reviewed (not ARC) by at least a few hundred. I’ll learn.
April 21, 2026
I couldn’t put it down!!
Fantastic book! Taryn and the guys are perfectly imperfect characters and it adds depth to this amazing story. I love the mystery, and as usual this author brings the🔥🔥🔥 I can’t wait for the next book!!
Fantastic book! Taryn and the guys are perfectly imperfect characters and it adds depth to this amazing story. I love the mystery, and as usual this author brings the🔥🔥🔥 I can’t wait for the next book!!
April 11, 2026
I love being back at Star Cove; as a Jules fan, any time the country club is mentioned I start looking for him!
Taryn's story starts out with a bang as she wakes up from the night before in a compromising situation with little memory of what happened. I did suspend my disbelief at going on the run being the better option as clearly a blood test would have shown Taryn had been drugged but then we would have had a very different book! Although it is the driver for Taryn and Jodie arriving in Star Cove, there isn't an awful lot going on from that subplot in book one with the focus being more on Taryn's relationships with the guys and the cheerleading team. I have zero suspects for the stalker so far although my money is on this somehow being tied to Nash. Something definitely happening off page with him in that final chapter too as he's suddenly all glarey.
I have loved Tucker since the Not Your Pucking Bunny series and have been hoping he would get his own HEA. I loved the pier date and how all in he is already; insta love isnt usually my thing but he is 100% one of my exceptions. His relationship with the duck is hilarious too; I just hope that no pets clause has a work around as you just know Gen will dob them in. I really don't like her and I hope she has some karma coming her way in book two!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
Taryn's story starts out with a bang as she wakes up from the night before in a compromising situation with little memory of what happened. I did suspend my disbelief at going on the run being the better option as clearly a blood test would have shown Taryn had been drugged but then we would have had a very different book! Although it is the driver for Taryn and Jodie arriving in Star Cove, there isn't an awful lot going on from that subplot in book one with the focus being more on Taryn's relationships with the guys and the cheerleading team. I have zero suspects for the stalker so far although my money is on this somehow being tied to Nash. Something definitely happening off page with him in that final chapter too as he's suddenly all glarey.
I have loved Tucker since the Not Your Pucking Bunny series and have been hoping he would get his own HEA. I loved the pier date and how all in he is already; insta love isnt usually my thing but he is 100% one of my exceptions. His relationship with the duck is hilarious too; I just hope that no pets clause has a work around as you just know Gen will dob them in. I really don't like her and I hope she has some karma coming her way in book two!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
April 17, 2026
Wow Melissa has done it again with this captivating why chose supper hot romance story which definitely blew my mind right from the start. With Taryn who's this sweet and caring person and unfortunately finds her self in a bad situation so she'll travel to star cove with the help of her best fresh jo jo who I'm still not sure about. Is she what she makes out to be or is there something we're Not seeing yet. And meet three hot hockey players. Tucker who i wasnt quite sure about at first but I loved seeing this new side of him especially when he finds that little chick which was so adorable how could you not love him. Then there Colsen who's caring and a true friend to Tucker which will come in handy when it comes to sharing and i think even though things are quite new between Taryn and her guys they'll be there for her no matter what.. And then there’s Nate who has a past with Taryn which I thinks going to make things complicated between the four of them . But just as things start to settle there's a stalker on the lose and a murder hovering over Taryn shoulders and a bratty Gen who I really don't like and a bomb she'll of an ending that has me wanting to find out what happens next.
May 15, 2026
Gah! The suspence!
MA does it again. A first book in a duet, where you simply can't stop reading. The book is un-put-down-able!
Taryn is real. A very relatable FMC loaded with flaws and she is just human!
Combined with friends - new and old - this is a fast paced, on your toes story with loads of team drama.
Tucker, that I vividly remember from the Six Six Six series, is absolutely adorable. But I can also relate to both Colsen and Nash. Sweet, but actually traumatized Nash. I can't wait to see how it will all turn out.
The cliffie isn't the worst MA has delivered, but it's a good thing still, that book 2 release close to the first one.
If you love WhyChoose romance with hot hockey players and loads of drama (Cheerleaders has a mean stereotype for a reason), this is a must read!
MA does it again. A first book in a duet, where you simply can't stop reading. The book is un-put-down-able!
Taryn is real. A very relatable FMC loaded with flaws and she is just human!
Combined with friends - new and old - this is a fast paced, on your toes story with loads of team drama.
Tucker, that I vividly remember from the Six Six Six series, is absolutely adorable. But I can also relate to both Colsen and Nash. Sweet, but actually traumatized Nash. I can't wait to see how it will all turn out.
The cliffie isn't the worst MA has delivered, but it's a good thing still, that book 2 release close to the first one.
If you love WhyChoose romance with hot hockey players and loads of drama (Cheerleaders has a mean stereotype for a reason), this is a must read!
April 10, 2026
We start with SOOOO much more drama and mystery this time with the initial set up to the book, something that already has "conspiracy theories" going off. We have hot hockey guys, a mean girl who would give Regina George a run for her money and a "blast from the past". The spice is on the spicier range and has a good pacing in with the story and drama. While I'm not sure if I have a favourite guy yet Nash is by far the most reluctant of the trio of hunky guys we have. We also get a little random found animal and I'm a sucker for books with added animal companions so maybe my favourite for now is Beaty. Of COURSE we end on a cliffy so now ill be waiting on said cliff edge for melissa to release the second part.
April 12, 2026
Breakaway Lies is a good, dark, addictive why choose hockey romance that hits hard from the start.
Taryn is running from a night she can’t remember, and the fear and mystery around her past give the whole story this heavy, emotional tension. Star Cove should be her escape, but instead she’s thrown into cheer drama, a mean girl with claws, and three off limits hockey players who pull her in deeper with every chapter.
Tucker, Nash, and Colsen aren’t just hot athletes. They are intense, protective, and impossible for her to resist.
The chemistry is explosive, the danger feels real, and the secrets closing in on Taryn sucks you in and you can't put it down!!
And just when things start to feel safe, the story drops a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book!!
Taryn is running from a night she can’t remember, and the fear and mystery around her past give the whole story this heavy, emotional tension. Star Cove should be her escape, but instead she’s thrown into cheer drama, a mean girl with claws, and three off limits hockey players who pull her in deeper with every chapter.
Tucker, Nash, and Colsen aren’t just hot athletes. They are intense, protective, and impossible for her to resist.
The chemistry is explosive, the danger feels real, and the secrets closing in on Taryn sucks you in and you can't put it down!!
And just when things start to feel safe, the story drops a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book!!
May 7, 2026
OH MY GOODNESS I NEED MORE!!!!!
Breakaway Lies is book 1 in the Off Limit Plays series. This is a dark why choose college age hockey romance.
I am OBSESSED with everything Star Cove and Melissa Adams.
Taryn and her best friend end up in Star Cove after a night she cant remember and it wasnt pretty. They see this as their fresh start in a new place, new people and of course, new drama.
I absolutely ADORE Tucker! If you have read Bex's books, you should recognize his name. Colsen is dreamy and I don't know how to feel about Nash right now 😂
And that cliffhanger!?!?!?! I was ready to throw my kindle across the room!!!
I can not wait for book 2! If you haven't read Melissa Adams yet, you are really missing out!!!!
Breakaway Lies is book 1 in the Off Limit Plays series. This is a dark why choose college age hockey romance.
I am OBSESSED with everything Star Cove and Melissa Adams.
Taryn and her best friend end up in Star Cove after a night she cant remember and it wasnt pretty. They see this as their fresh start in a new place, new people and of course, new drama.
I absolutely ADORE Tucker! If you have read Bex's books, you should recognize his name. Colsen is dreamy and I don't know how to feel about Nash right now 😂
And that cliffhanger!?!?!?! I was ready to throw my kindle across the room!!!
I can not wait for book 2! If you haven't read Melissa Adams yet, you are really missing out!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
And we are back in Star Cove. The nice tourist spot in California where everyone knows everyone but yet doesn’t at the same time. This story has intrigue, super hot hockey players, and a girl trying to get over something that happened back in South Carolina. Oh and one the guys she likes is also from South Carolina. Surprise. Surprise.
This story is super intriguing from the get go and I love all the characters. I honestly wish there was unknown stalker type content. Especially since the story is Taryn running away from this. But I really enjoyed the story and I can’t wait for what happens next!
This story is super intriguing from the get go and I love all the characters. I honestly wish there was unknown stalker type content. Especially since the story is Taryn running away from this. But I really enjoyed the story and I can’t wait for what happens next!
April 10, 2026
Hungover after that cliffhanger which leaves me wanting the rest of the story asap. Though knowing the author she'll be back at writing again so won't have to wait a year. There's drama, mystery and might I add hot hockey guys? Yes I love hockey romance like no other. The spice is as always spicy and on point, the way I like it! Do I know who my favorite guy is? It's up for debate I think. I love the fact that this relationship needs to be worked on and it is well depicted here that it is not automatically working. I always enjoy the realism as it makes the story very relatable. Definitely waiting for more to come!
March 14, 2026
S€x, lies, intrigue, and a mean girl. What better way to start a college hockey why choose series? Taryn and her bestie flee from South Carolina and end up across the country in Star Cove. Right after moving there, Taryn meets Tucker and Colsen and feels attraction for both of them. She also runs into Nash, who she knew from going to school with him in SC. Spicy and suspenseful. The guys have to decide if they can share while Taryn deals with negativity from multiple fronts. There’s definitely a bit of a cliffy. Can’t wait to find out what happens next!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow... What a way to start a series. A little murder, mean girl cheerleaders and some hot hockey players. Taryn and her best friend Jodie settle in at Star Cove pretty quickly and everything seams to be going right for them. Taryn gets to know the guys better while maintaining a regress training schedule. I like Taryn and the guys. Even Mack and the little duckling. Things get thrown in the deep end at the end, when a new rules to brought to light that may chance everything. I can't wait to read the next book!
April 10, 2026
Right off the hockey stick (not bat) Taryn is caught in a compromising position - But thankfully she has her ride or die Jodie with her, and they make a beeline outt'a town.
Then these two beauties get a lifeline in the form of cheer tryouts and then they go to a party where Taryn meets not 1 BUT 2 hot hockey players - YES, PLEASE & THANK YOU!
But wait there's more! Taryn's past does catch up to her, but not in the way you would think - OR is it???? You must read to find out.
Shmexy times happen, Mean Girls are alive and there is a Mystery Afoot!
Then these two beauties get a lifeline in the form of cheer tryouts and then they go to a party where Taryn meets not 1 BUT 2 hot hockey players - YES, PLEASE & THANK YOU!
But wait there's more! Taryn's past does catch up to her, but not in the way you would think - OR is it???? You must read to find out.
Shmexy times happen, Mean Girls are alive and there is a Mystery Afoot!
April 11, 2026
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Melissa is the queen of cliffhangers! Like need the next book asap!
Our FMC Taryn wakes to a shock after being potentially ruffied. Seeing this scare she phones her best friend who suggests it’s best they flea! They end up in star cove after running out of gas. They stay here and settle in. Taryn meets her guys one who she already knows and they all have a connection! We get lots of drama including a mean girl!
Overall a fab read and I cannot wait for the next book.
Our FMC Taryn wakes to a shock after being potentially ruffied. Seeing this scare she phones her best friend who suggests it’s best they flea! They end up in star cove after running out of gas. They stay here and settle in. Taryn meets her guys one who she already knows and they all have a connection! We get lots of drama including a mean girl!
Overall a fab read and I cannot wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Taryn wakes up with no memory of how her night ended and in a very bad position, she calls her bestie and they run until they can't run anymore.
This author has released some books that I've really loved, but I wasn't crazy about the duet just before this one, so I started this one with a grain of salt. I really did enjoy it though and read it pretty quickly when I started it. I really liked all four MCs and can't wait for the second book.
I highly recommend.
This author has released some books that I've really loved, but I wasn't crazy about the duet just before this one, so I started this one with a grain of salt. I really did enjoy it though and read it pretty quickly when I started it. I really liked all four MCs and can't wait for the second book.
I highly recommend.
April 11, 2026
Taryn wakes up with very little memory of the night before but she finds herself in a very bad situation. She calls her bestie and they pack up leave town for a fresh start. She meets Tucker and Colson where starts dating them both. The mean girl drama with Gen of course is unwarranted. Then there is Nash a guy from Taryn's past who wants something more but is well aware she is dating his teammates. Then Melissa throws in a nice cliffhanger.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Breakaway Lies, book 1 of the new Off Limit Plays Duet by Melissa Adams, @melissa.adamsr is a favorite author of mine. Please read the trigger warnings! As always, an amazing book by Melissa.
Eek! This was a great book about Taryn, Tucker, Nash & Colsen! Tropes: Contemporary, Reverse Harem, College, Hockey, Cheerleaders, Little Bit of Mystery, Teammate Drama & A Cliffhanger!
Eek! This was a great book about Taryn, Tucker, Nash & Colsen! Tropes: Contemporary, Reverse Harem, College, Hockey, Cheerleaders, Little Bit of Mystery, Teammate Drama & A Cliffhanger!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Star Cove is one of my favorite fictional towns and we are back with the newest Hockey Hotshots! This book has "Thelma and Louise" vibes mixed with Hockey and sprinkled with some "Bring It On". I loved Taryn and her bestie, and Mack, Tucker and Nash were Hockey God goals!! Add in a little murd8r, mean girl and you have a story you will not want to put down!
April 11, 2026
This was a wild way to start a book! Omg I wasn’t expecting it from our girl Melissa. I enjoyed the story and the friendship between Taryn and Jodie. The guys are an interesting bunch and I can’t wait to see where that goes. Def read the trigger warnings before reading but it’s worth it!
April 12, 2026
Melissa does it again. She just knows how to pull you in and keep you guessing. Just love how the characters just gel so well together and how they can keep you laughing at times. Can't wait to see how the story plays out.
April 17, 2026
Breakaway Lies
This book starts out with a bang, and let's just say it was not what I was expecting. After a little road trip, a car breaking down, ending up in Star Cove seems like a good start over. Cheer tryouts, cute guys what more could a girl ask for
This book starts out with a bang, and let's just say it was not what I was expecting. After a little road trip, a car breaking down, ending up in Star Cove seems like a good start over. Cheer tryouts, cute guys what more could a girl ask for
Review of advance copy received from Author
Everything you'd expect and love from a college sports romance. Great start to a new series by Miss Adams. Taryn moves from SC to CA with her best friend. After meeting Tucker and Colsen, she's attracted to them both. And then enters Nash, a former acquaintance from school in SC. The story was spicy, intriguing, grabbed my attention and held it tight. Hopefully the guys will learn to share and Taryn will survive the cheerleaders! Can’t wait for the next book.
April 12, 2026
So excited!
Super pumped to head back to our favorite coastal town. I love this so far. Can't wait to read more!
Super pumped to head back to our favorite coastal town. I love this so far. Can't wait to read more!
April 12, 2026
great start to the series
A little mystery and forbidden romances is going to be a great mix for this series. I can’t wait to see how Taryn’s story goes. Loved it
A little mystery and forbidden romances is going to be a great mix for this series. I can’t wait to see how Taryn’s story goes. Loved it
April 13, 2026
Great start to a new series set in a wild I really enjoyed. It hits the ground running and keeps you interested from the very start. There is intrigue, steam, and lots of emotions.
April 30, 2026
The writing was extremely repetitive and the dialogue was a bit bland. This was tough to get through.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews