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Atlanta Firebirds #4
Breakaway
Berger's story. Blurb coming soon!
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 18, 2026
When I first read this book, I gave it four stars. Taking them away though, because I don’t want AI generated content have any stars…
First review:
This book could be a five star. And then it ends (like every book in this series) just a chapter short of a real great book. Why does the author do that? It’s so incredibly frustrating. Of course we do get some of the needed closing in the next book. But it’s not enough. I need epilogues! The story where they actually get their closure. They’re coming out, or cliche kiss on the ice moment and the stuff that happens when the dust falls down. And that costs a full star. Like Berger would say: I don’t make the rules, it’s just a solid four point one. That’s just the way it is.
It’s supposed to be based on the Heated Rivalry series. And this book came close to the quality. However, in stead of Scott giving this speech about his win and kiss when Kip was watching and clinking his glasses the television, in this book we get just promises and a smile. No grand gestures, no real talk, no team reactions, just the idea of Wes retiring, that was prepared and arranged mostly off page. (What is Wes going to do after retirement? Move to Atlanta of course, but what else?) I need answers!
I loved the whole story so much, this book is by far the best in the series. It’s been sold as an age gap romance but it doesn’t really feel this way. It’s more about not knowing who you really are and meeting someone who sees you. Because of the flashbacks it almost feels like a slow burn. They move in great pace though.
I loved how Wes looks at Luca. And I certainly love how well thought through Luca’s character and depression are. I actually had tears in my eyes, and a huge lump in my throat, while he was going through it. And when he realizes that it’s not him but the depression talking while looking at that photo. 😭😭😭 I wish I was that wise! (Not going through a depression myself, don’t worry, but am clawing my way back from a burn out, so it’s not that far removed).
I didn’t get the book they were discussing in bookclub, but I love those chats. And it’s a lovely detail in this series.
Conclusion: This book is really good, I think, way, way better quality and representation than any of the other books in the series. I just wish someone had told the author that ending books on a promise is not something you should make your readers go through every single time!
And also: don’t call your bonus chapters deleted scenes, even though we all know that’s what they often are. Although it would be SO MUCH BETTER if the bonus chapters were actual epilogues. Show is a scene where Avi and Ash are home,doing domestic things, and Avi suddenly realizes he’s going to propose to Ash. Or where Marchetti and Brooks go out to a club together, and pretend they just met, and then in the end go home together and it’s all domestic bliss where it feels like they’ve been living together for 3 years.
And the bonus, where Wes is in the Atlanta teambox watching the game and Grayson asks him to be their scout because of his sharp analytics, while referring to Luca as his husband. Just something that shows us, it didn’t just work out, it was the best thing that ever happened.
Will reread though, and only recommend if you don’t mind the ending is missing…
Ps: tiny star deduction as well for the homophobia, both inner with Wes as outer with the little remark during the sponsor night.
Ps 2: in some cases I wondered if Marchetti and Berger where the same person, the way they talked. Somehow I liked it a lot more in this book. This was the least AI of them all.
First review:
This book could be a five star. And then it ends (like every book in this series) just a chapter short of a real great book. Why does the author do that? It’s so incredibly frustrating. Of course we do get some of the needed closing in the next book. But it’s not enough. I need epilogues! The story where they actually get their closure. They’re coming out, or cliche kiss on the ice moment and the stuff that happens when the dust falls down. And that costs a full star. Like Berger would say: I don’t make the rules, it’s just a solid four point one. That’s just the way it is.
It’s supposed to be based on the Heated Rivalry series. And this book came close to the quality. However, in stead of Scott giving this speech about his win and kiss when Kip was watching and clinking his glasses the television, in this book we get just promises and a smile. No grand gestures, no real talk, no team reactions, just the idea of Wes retiring, that was prepared and arranged mostly off page. (What is Wes going to do after retirement? Move to Atlanta of course, but what else?) I need answers!
I loved the whole story so much, this book is by far the best in the series. It’s been sold as an age gap romance but it doesn’t really feel this way. It’s more about not knowing who you really are and meeting someone who sees you. Because of the flashbacks it almost feels like a slow burn. They move in great pace though.
I loved how Wes looks at Luca. And I certainly love how well thought through Luca’s character and depression are. I actually had tears in my eyes, and a huge lump in my throat, while he was going through it. And when he realizes that it’s not him but the depression talking while looking at that photo. 😭😭😭 I wish I was that wise! (Not going through a depression myself, don’t worry, but am clawing my way back from a burn out, so it’s not that far removed).
I didn’t get the book they were discussing in bookclub, but I love those chats. And it’s a lovely detail in this series.
Conclusion: This book is really good, I think, way, way better quality and representation than any of the other books in the series. I just wish someone had told the author that ending books on a promise is not something you should make your readers go through every single time!
And also: don’t call your bonus chapters deleted scenes, even though we all know that’s what they often are. Although it would be SO MUCH BETTER if the bonus chapters were actual epilogues. Show is a scene where Avi and Ash are home,doing domestic things, and Avi suddenly realizes he’s going to propose to Ash. Or where Marchetti and Brooks go out to a club together, and pretend they just met, and then in the end go home together and it’s all domestic bliss where it feels like they’ve been living together for 3 years.
And the bonus, where Wes is in the Atlanta teambox watching the game and Grayson asks him to be their scout because of his sharp analytics, while referring to Luca as his husband. Just something that shows us, it didn’t just work out, it was the best thing that ever happened.
Will reread though, and only recommend if you don’t mind the ending is missing…
Ps: tiny star deduction as well for the homophobia, both inner with Wes as outer with the little remark during the sponsor night.
Ps 2: in some cases I wondered if Marchetti and Berger where the same person, the way they talked. Somehow I liked it a lot more in this book. This was the least AI of them all.
May 22, 2026
I. Wanted.More!🥲🥲🥲
I wanted to see more of their joy together. This is not a happy book, it's a very sentimental one, it's a story of two men in love yet a thousand miles apart, each dealing with their loneliness. This is an amalgama of the moments we caught of their story in the previous books. A sad, melancholy story of two men hiding their feelings in plain sight and the slow unravelling of their time apart.
Bauer's writing is poetic as always, words repeated that become main characters that Luca and Wes live with.
The time stamps from then and now, a vehicle to dig in the pain that becomes a living thing when the relationship starts to disintegrate. The feelings are sharp and cutting.
I loved this book, it is not for the light hearted, but well worth going on this journey to find happiness at the end.
"I'm losing my faith in our lives apart"
Vessel - Fields of Elation
I wanted to see more of their joy together. This is not a happy book, it's a very sentimental one, it's a story of two men in love yet a thousand miles apart, each dealing with their loneliness. This is an amalgama of the moments we caught of their story in the previous books. A sad, melancholy story of two men hiding their feelings in plain sight and the slow unravelling of their time apart.
Bauer's writing is poetic as always, words repeated that become main characters that Luca and Wes live with.
The time stamps from then and now, a vehicle to dig in the pain that becomes a living thing when the relationship starts to disintegrate. The feelings are sharp and cutting.
I loved this book, it is not for the light hearted, but well worth going on this journey to find happiness at the end.
"I'm losing my faith in our lives apart"
Vessel - Fields of Elation
May 25, 2026
Not me being excited about the similarities to heated rivalry just to be disappointed….eh. I absolutely despise flashback scenes/chapters and this had entirely too many. It was messing with the flow of the book tbh. This couple was so so cute though. My other issue is the ending was so unsatisfying, I was expecting more but it just ends.. like no? Anyway, 3 ⭐️
July 4, 2026
This may be the best depiction of depression I've read in a long time. This story gutted me, it was heartbreaking and Bauer is really great at making you feel the character's emotions and almost feel as though you're experiencing it with them.
I truly loved this so much, I cried multiple times and I love the love between Wes and Luca.
I truly loved this so much, I cried multiple times and I love the love between Wes and Luca.
May 23, 2026
Every book in this series is better than the one before it. But what I need is closure to the story. It is revisited in the next book, but not sufficiently.
Especially in this book. When you finish the last page, you want to feel that everything turned out well.
This series and author do not need an open ending in the book. It is good, and we are certainly looking forward to the next installment.
After some hesitation, I therefore decided not to give it 5 stars.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Especially in this book. When you finish the last page, you want to feel that everything turned out well.
This series and author do not need an open ending in the book. It is good, and we are certainly looking forward to the next installment.
After some hesitation, I therefore decided not to give it 5 stars.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
June 16, 2026
Really wish I could like the style of this author because the plots are interesting. Unfortunately the more I read, the worse it got. Most sentences are fragmented, sometimes composed of one or two words. You feel like you are reading in staccato. There is no respite, no break into regular prose. It’s one thing to use lyrical language when necessary, another thing entirely to write an entire book that sounds like 90s teen drama written by adults while listening to Eurodance. I am really curious to know if the editor never bothered or if the author stock to their guns.
June 5, 2026
I found the start to this one a bit hard going but that could be because I like to read a series as a whole but it’s been a minute since Tape to Tape. Once I got into the story, I think I fell a little bit in love with Luca. In the previous stories, we’ve only seen him as a stats obsessed foodie. He’s loud, and this is acknowledged but he is so much more.
How Luca and Wes get together has some yearning but nothing major as they start seeing each other fairly soon after meeting. Their relationship is cute but it could have been so much more, if not for Wes being closeted. Seeing Luca’s transfer to Atlanta from both perspectives was good. When it comes about, they each thought they were dealing with the worst of things to protect the other. It highlights how important open communication is.
I shed real tears after All Star week when Wes was looking at his photos and then Teo’s call. My heart broke, especially when he told him he wanted mercy. What happens after this was so sweet. And I think it was needed to give the reader a better idea of who Wes really is.
Having lived with depression myself, including having had a breakdown, I think Riley did really well to depict this sensitively. Making sure help was offered and eventually accepted. I can take some doing and can leave the depressed person drained (I recommend looking up spoon theory). I also liked the parallel made between the book being read in five hole fiction and what else had been happening on the page.
Like some other reviewers, I would have liked to have seen beyond the end of the season to see how things worked out. I know there will be some of this in the next instalment but it would give them the HEA that readers want.
Looking forward to Soucy’s story.
How Luca and Wes get together has some yearning but nothing major as they start seeing each other fairly soon after meeting. Their relationship is cute but it could have been so much more, if not for Wes being closeted. Seeing Luca’s transfer to Atlanta from both perspectives was good. When it comes about, they each thought they were dealing with the worst of things to protect the other. It highlights how important open communication is.
I shed real tears after All Star week when Wes was looking at his photos and then Teo’s call. My heart broke, especially when he told him he wanted mercy. What happens after this was so sweet. And I think it was needed to give the reader a better idea of who Wes really is.
Having lived with depression myself, including having had a breakdown, I think Riley did really well to depict this sensitively. Making sure help was offered and eventually accepted. I can take some doing and can leave the depressed person drained (I recommend looking up spoon theory). I also liked the parallel made between the book being read in five hole fiction and what else had been happening on the page.
Like some other reviewers, I would have liked to have seen beyond the end of the season to see how things worked out. I know there will be some of this in the next instalment but it would give them the HEA that readers want.
Looking forward to Soucy’s story.
Read
May 23, 2026This was the strongest character work of the series. Oh Berger and the performance, this rang incredibly true. Definitely a heavier read than the others but still with that charm and hope throughout.
Here's the problem: the overlapping timelines of this series. Not the past and present of this book, that made perfect sense for the plot, but the fact that each book covers the same months but the author sort of tries to keep them standalone by revisiting some scenes but not the moments where the couples are revealed, I guess so people could pick up wherever? It gets confusing to remember which characters know what and would really better serve their journeys by having their POVs on those moments. There's zero reason Marchetti and Brooks had to be the first season of this team, for example-- the others maybe but they could still have been more sequential, maybe a few flashbacks if needed, and the series as a whole would feel more cohesive and I think would give each couple more of their own moment.
Here's the problem: the overlapping timelines of this series. Not the past and present of this book, that made perfect sense for the plot, but the fact that each book covers the same months but the author sort of tries to keep them standalone by revisiting some scenes but not the moments where the couples are revealed, I guess so people could pick up wherever? It gets confusing to remember which characters know what and would really better serve their journeys by having their POVs on those moments. There's zero reason Marchetti and Brooks had to be the first season of this team, for example-- the others maybe but they could still have been more sequential, maybe a few flashbacks if needed, and the series as a whole would feel more cohesive and I think would give each couple more of their own moment.
June 6, 2026
Like the previous books in the series, I find the characters in Break away to be absolutely fantastic. I like the mc's individual relationships asweel as their friendship with the other guys on their respective teams. And I love that we get to see more of the mc's from the previously books.
In addition, I think the book club and team chats add an additional wonderful dimension to the book's narrative.
In addition, I think the book club and team chats add an additional wonderful dimension to the book's narrative.
June 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this book although I will say I was super confused on the time line for a minute I had to go back and figure it out I think there should be dates on the current chapters to ease confusion. This would have been 4 stars but I feel like it just randomly ended I feel like there is so much I would have liked to see play out.
May 31, 2026
This book was an excellent example of writing done correctly. Luca was loud and very likeable, but when he gets traded, he silently falls apart dropping into depression because he had to leave the man he loves behind. Wes don't know what is happening but feels the strain on their relationship. One of Luca's new teammates works out what Wes is to Luca and calls him when his friends don't know what to do. This has an immediate impact on both men and a long-term repercussion that changes everything. Great emotional read.
June 2, 2026
a little slow
I didn’t like the sad drug out feeling of this book. It made me want to dnf honestly but I’m glad I stuck it out
I didn’t like the sad drug out feeling of this book. It made me want to dnf honestly but I’m glad I stuck it out
May 30, 2026
2.4 Underwhelming
I have been waiting for this book for a while i could feel this couple developing but honestly was kinda underwhelmed. I didnt feel like they got a happy ending. I didn’t feel like we got an ending at all. the angst was fine we just needed more happy ending at the end.
I have been waiting for this book for a while i could feel this couple developing but honestly was kinda underwhelmed. I didnt feel like they got a happy ending. I didn’t feel like we got an ending at all. the angst was fine we just needed more happy ending at the end.
May 25, 2026
This was my least favorite of the series so far.
No real juice for the squeeze. With all the hell Berger went thru, with the big decisions Mercer made, we didn’t even get to see it.
There was some good meat in the therapy work, a great representation of depression and processing patterns that help you survive but stop you from thriving. However, it could’ve used more love story to balance that weight. Both of them deserved to be seen.
No real juice for the squeeze. With all the hell Berger went thru, with the big decisions Mercer made, we didn’t even get to see it.
There was some good meat in the therapy work, a great representation of depression and processing patterns that help you survive but stop you from thriving. However, it could’ve used more love story to balance that weight. Both of them deserved to be seen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2026
good read
I was confused until almost halfway through the book with the story going back in forth in time. Once I understood it I loved it. Glad I didn’t give up on it
I was confused until almost halfway through the book with the story going back in forth in time. Once I understood it I loved it. Glad I didn’t give up on it
June 3, 2026
Breakaway is a deeply emotional MM hockey romance that will stay with him for quite some time.
As the fourth book in the Atlanta Firebirds series, it follows closeted players Luca Berger and Wesley Mercer, whose two year secret relationship is thrown into chaos when a draft brings Luca from Miami to Atlanta.
What starts as a story about long distance strain evolves into something more raw…. an exploration of depression, the weight of staying hidden, and the courage it takes to finally choose yourself and the person you love out loud. (I cried buckets in this book.)
I really liked Luca. He’s been in all the books so far, and now it’s his turn. He’s the loud, charismatic left wing player who keeps everyone entertained and stays late at the rink, but beneath that mask he’s quietly unraveling in his new city. 😢
Wesley, the watchful veteran center, carries his own burdens after years in the closet. His cautious nature makes perfect sense given what he’s seen in the league, but watching him slowly break every rule he’s lived by for Luca feels earned and powerful.
The flashbacks to their hidden life together in Wesley’s penthouse add real warmth and intimacy, making the present day silence and missed calls hit even harder. (I kept shouting… pick up the phone!)
It’s not a light or fluffy read, this one leans heavily into the angst, the loneliness, and the slow process of tearing down walls.
If you’re looking for constant banter or high heat scenes, this might not be it, but the emotional payoff and character growth are worth it. The supporting cast and team dynamics from the series continue to shine, giving that found family comfort even amid the heavier themes. (Thank goodness the group chat added a little levity.)
Overall, I’d call this one of the stronger books in the series for anyone who appreciates thoughtful sports romance with mental health depth.
It’s tender, painful in the best way, and leaves you rooting hard for these two to make it.
If you enjoyed the earlier Firebirds books but wanted more emotional weight, Breakaway delivers.
🦋
4.75 ⭐
As the fourth book in the Atlanta Firebirds series, it follows closeted players Luca Berger and Wesley Mercer, whose two year secret relationship is thrown into chaos when a draft brings Luca from Miami to Atlanta.
What starts as a story about long distance strain evolves into something more raw…. an exploration of depression, the weight of staying hidden, and the courage it takes to finally choose yourself and the person you love out loud. (I cried buckets in this book.)
I really liked Luca. He’s been in all the books so far, and now it’s his turn. He’s the loud, charismatic left wing player who keeps everyone entertained and stays late at the rink, but beneath that mask he’s quietly unraveling in his new city. 😢
Wesley, the watchful veteran center, carries his own burdens after years in the closet. His cautious nature makes perfect sense given what he’s seen in the league, but watching him slowly break every rule he’s lived by for Luca feels earned and powerful.
The flashbacks to their hidden life together in Wesley’s penthouse add real warmth and intimacy, making the present day silence and missed calls hit even harder. (I kept shouting… pick up the phone!)
It’s not a light or fluffy read, this one leans heavily into the angst, the loneliness, and the slow process of tearing down walls.
If you’re looking for constant banter or high heat scenes, this might not be it, but the emotional payoff and character growth are worth it. The supporting cast and team dynamics from the series continue to shine, giving that found family comfort even amid the heavier themes. (Thank goodness the group chat added a little levity.)
Overall, I’d call this one of the stronger books in the series for anyone who appreciates thoughtful sports romance with mental health depth.
It’s tender, painful in the best way, and leaves you rooting hard for these two to make it.
If you enjoyed the earlier Firebirds books but wanted more emotional weight, Breakaway delivers.
🦋
4.75 ⭐
June 12, 2026
Uugh - this book and these hockey players about broke my heart! We've met Luca in the previous Firebirds stories - he's loud, rates everything on a scale and we have to watch as he falls apart and works on putting himself back together. On his previous team, he fell in love with Wes - where they were roommates, teammates and lovers. When Luca is unexpectedly picked up in the expansion draft and has to move to Atlanta, the two are separated. Wes is in the closet and their relationship has always been quiet, I'm not even sure their team knew and that quiet; Luca's inability to talk to his teammates and growing group of friends is part of what brings on his depression. I really think the aspect of Luca's depression was handled beautifully and is easy to relate too - as big life situations happen and effect how we move through life. While this book will probably sit with me for along time, I'm only giving 4 stars because the dual timeline was super confusing at some parts for me and the lack of a solid HEA on page really kinda ruined it for me. We know what's going to happen, we make assumptions at the end, but we don't get to see it and I needed to see it. As in the previous books, we have the team group chat, which I love and the bookclub chat. The author did an amazing job connecting the story they are reading to run parallel with Luca's walk in life. And of course, we see alot of the guys we've already met. I hope we get to see a bit of Luca and Wes in the upcoming book.
July 31, 2026
This book wrung me out, in the best (and safest) way. I have adored every book in this whole series. The writing is gorgeous. The characters are fantastic, real people I develop attachment to for the length of the book (or series, in this case) and remember with affection.
And so it started with Berger (whose name I can't decide if it's pronounced the German way (BURGER) or the French way (bear-ZHAY), because he's Swiss and Switzerland has both German mountain dwellers and French shepherds so both are possible). But then he started dissolving (such an apt word choice, straight from the book description), and his mental health struggle, or his situation, or the combination, struck a chord in me, and suddenly the narrative distance shrank to uncomfortable proximity.
Our situations are not remotely alike, but both of us have experienced upheaval, seismic change in job, location, and relationship, and the wistful looking back at a life left behind that continued without us. Luca sank deeper than I did, but he showed me how lucky I was not to have left my entire support system in another city.
This story broke my heart and then repaired it.
And so it started with Berger (whose name I can't decide if it's pronounced the German way (BURGER) or the French way (bear-ZHAY), because he's Swiss and Switzerland has both German mountain dwellers and French shepherds so both are possible). But then he started dissolving (such an apt word choice, straight from the book description), and his mental health struggle, or his situation, or the combination, struck a chord in me, and suddenly the narrative distance shrank to uncomfortable proximity.
Our situations are not remotely alike, but both of us have experienced upheaval, seismic change in job, location, and relationship, and the wistful looking back at a life left behind that continued without us. Luca sank deeper than I did, but he showed me how lucky I was not to have left my entire support system in another city.
This story broke my heart and then repaired it.
May 29, 2026
3.5 stars: I liked this book more than I thought I would because age-gap relationships are usually a miss for me. With Luca and Wes it just worked. The characters emotions and struggles were extremely well written and you could feel them. The spicy scenes were also well written and felt like they were there to tell the story rather than just because. I was frustrated by the Five Hole Fiction in this story because it was clear from Fonty adding Volcov multiple times that they were openly together but that makes their timeline not line up correctly with Wes and Luca’s. I also didn’t care for the ending. Wes and Luca didn’t need to come out or anything but I wish they had been actually together. For example instead of ending with the interaction with Marchetti it bounced forward to when Luca and Wes got to see each other again whether a few hours or days and ended on a simple but cute interaction with them. The way it is written just felt unfinished to me.
July 21, 2026
This is my first time reading this series so I'm not familiar with these men. I adored Luca, but Wes did not come alive off the pages for me -- he was kind of drab. I sometimes found the style of the way they talked to each other odd--I don't know any other way of putting it.
I loved Luca's rating system, and I thought the depiction of depression was very well presented here. It broke my heart when a drunk Luca said to his teammates that he just wanted "Mercy." Although the team chats were often funny, it and the going back and forth through time I sometimes just found to be tedious and often slowed the story down.
I thought that the love scenes were well done and showed the deep love that Luca and Wes had for one another. However, about half past the midway point of the book, I just skimmed through until I got to the end of the story.
I loved Luca's rating system, and I thought the depiction of depression was very well presented here. It broke my heart when a drunk Luca said to his teammates that he just wanted "Mercy." Although the team chats were often funny, it and the going back and forth through time I sometimes just found to be tedious and often slowed the story down.
I thought that the love scenes were well done and showed the deep love that Luca and Wes had for one another. However, about half past the midway point of the book, I just skimmed through until I got to the end of the story.
May 21, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really appreciated that Luca and Wes are already a couple, so their relationship doesn't need to be built from scratch. The two timelines, Miami and Atlanta, give a glimpse into their lives together, both past and present. This makes their story feel incredibly intense and authentic. The physical and emotional distance between them was palpable, and I felt every emotion alongside them in each chapter.
It was all the more wonderful to see how hard they fought for their happy ending and how they truly deserved it. Let's not forget the book club, the cats, the spreadsheets, and the team that becomes family.
An emotional and touching continuation of the series that completely won me over once again.
I really appreciated that Luca and Wes are already a couple, so their relationship doesn't need to be built from scratch. The two timelines, Miami and Atlanta, give a glimpse into their lives together, both past and present. This makes their story feel incredibly intense and authentic. The physical and emotional distance between them was palpable, and I felt every emotion alongside them in each chapter.
It was all the more wonderful to see how hard they fought for their happy ending and how they truly deserved it. Let's not forget the book club, the cats, the spreadsheets, and the team that becomes family.
An emotional and touching continuation of the series that completely won me over once again.
May 26, 2026
I’m in love
I feel in love with this series from the first book and have been patiently waiting for this one to come out cause I knew Lucas story was going to hurt me good. And it did. I love this boy with all of my being and learning about him and the love he shares and the way he is why he is, is heartbreaking. The love him and Wes have prove it can transcend time and space and it does and it makes me happy the kid gets to have to love he deserves and gets to live it out loud. I’m so excited for the next book and I really hope we can keep seeing more work from Riley Bauer because her writing, stories, character & plots are beautiful in a way only few books have the art of telling. You are a talented woman I look forward to reading everything you give us ❤️
I feel in love with this series from the first book and have been patiently waiting for this one to come out cause I knew Lucas story was going to hurt me good. And it did. I love this boy with all of my being and learning about him and the love he shares and the way he is why he is, is heartbreaking. The love him and Wes have prove it can transcend time and space and it does and it makes me happy the kid gets to have to love he deserves and gets to live it out loud. I’m so excited for the next book and I really hope we can keep seeing more work from Riley Bauer because her writing, stories, character & plots are beautiful in a way only few books have the art of telling. You are a talented woman I look forward to reading everything you give us ❤️
July 14, 2026
Another good one in the series. I was a bit disappointed that there were fewer team/teammate scenes, but it made sense for Luca’s story, which was very internal. Also, many of the scenes would’ve been repeats bc of the overlap with earlier books. Also, we still had the awesome text interludes, which are always great. (I hope there’s something similar in the next series, which I already can’t wait to read!). More than some in the series, I think this book wouldn’t stand alone very well—the earlier books really informed it. The relationship development was low-key and, per usual with Bauer, I would’ve liked a bit more. But I think it was more natural/believable than in some of the others and the drama/tension felt very natural/unforced.
June 19, 2026
5/5*
This has been my favourite of the series so far (I'm a big goalie fan so I hope the Lundy and Soucy story really does it for me).
I really liked that the story was a bit different to the rest of the series which I had worried would begin to feel a bit samey, and I thought Wes and Luca were nicely fleshed out.
I found and even though I felt the resolution coming from quite early on it still hit in a satisfying way.
This one returned to a good amount of the found family/team too which was the main thing I found let down the last book, and it had a good amount of my kings Avi and Ash.
Also, finally a character going by their name, not a nickname!
This has been my favourite of the series so far (I'm a big goalie fan so I hope the Lundy and Soucy story really does it for me).
I really liked that the story was a bit different to the rest of the series which I had worried would begin to feel a bit samey, and I thought Wes and Luca were nicely fleshed out.
I found and even though I felt the resolution coming from quite early on it still hit in a satisfying way.
This one returned to a good amount of the found family/team too which was the main thing I found let down the last book, and it had a good amount of my kings Avi and Ash.
Also, finally a character going by their name, not a nickname!
May 26, 2026
Not sure if the romance is the real center of this book versus the interior journey they (especially Berger) go on. Really incredible and realistic mental health rep and doing the work to get better.
4.5 ⭐️ only because it’s unsatisfying after the difficult road they walked together and separately to not get any glimpse into their lives on the other side of it (the people need an epilogue!) Overall am loving this series and the writing.
4.5 ⭐️ only because it’s unsatisfying after the difficult road they walked together and separately to not get any glimpse into their lives on the other side of it (the people need an epilogue!) Overall am loving this series and the writing.
May 29, 2026
Breakaway is the fourth book in the Atlanta Firebirds series, each can be read as a standalone but I recommend them all they're that good. This is a roommates, teammates, friends to lovers, age gap read about Berger and Mercy. I absolutely loved this book, it broke me in places and put me together all at the same time, Riley did so well at writing the mental health portions of the book. Loved this book so much and I can't wait for the next in the series.
July 3, 2026
binged in one sitting
As I write this, I’m still not sure what to think. Do you need to read the prior books in the series to understand this one…no. Will doing so make it more enjoyable…absolutely! The chapters go back in forth in time which was confusing at first. Berger’s backstory…you’ll need tissues. Wes is less of a complex figure. I wish he had a bit more depth. Still has the same text messages and book club which make it fun.
As I write this, I’m still not sure what to think. Do you need to read the prior books in the series to understand this one…no. Will doing so make it more enjoyable…absolutely! The chapters go back in forth in time which was confusing at first. Berger’s backstory…you’ll need tissues. Wes is less of a complex figure. I wish he had a bit more depth. Still has the same text messages and book club which make it fun.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader
It would track the most performative person in the locker room would hit the hardest. I have lived Berger’s situation myself and still struggle with it daily. This book was lovingly crafted. They did not gloss over the backstory. The backstory fully explains the spreadsheets, the distance after AS break and the elevator. This was a hard HEA, but so worth it.
It would track the most performative person in the locker room would hit the hardest. I have lived Berger’s situation myself and still struggle with it daily. This book was lovingly crafted. They did not gloss over the backstory. The backstory fully explains the spreadsheets, the distance after AS break and the elevator. This was a hard HEA, but so worth it.
June 4, 2026
My favorite so far!
Omg I cried so much in the 2nd half of this book. Berger had me in my feels! My heart was broken for them both! But I’m here for the playoff games! Wes and Berger loved each other so much! If this genre is your kinda thing and you like the love and all the feels then read this! You won’t be disappointed!
Omg I cried so much in the 2nd half of this book. Berger had me in my feels! My heart was broken for them both! But I’m here for the playoff games! Wes and Berger loved each other so much! If this genre is your kinda thing and you like the love and all the feels then read this! You won’t be disappointed!
July 14, 2026
Another winner
I have never binge read a series like I am this one. Just eating them up. The character development is incredible and the stories gripping. I'm a therapist and I love the way Luca's story was handled. I am both anticipating and dreading starting book 5. I am part of this world now and I don't want to leave!
I have never binge read a series like I am this one. Just eating them up. The character development is incredible and the stories gripping. I'm a therapist and I love the way Luca's story was handled. I am both anticipating and dreading starting book 5. I am part of this world now and I don't want to leave!
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