Breakout

by Mori Elle

Aiden Stone is the untouchable captain of the North Ridge Falcons. The NHL’s next golden boy.
But one messy, very public breakup with his influencer ex has turned his golden reputation into a liability
To save his career and get to the NHL, Aiden needs to change the narrative. Fast. He needs a distraction. A steadying anchor. Someone who doesn’t care about his status, his jersey, or the spotlight.

Harper Sinclair is that someone. She’s sharp, unimpressed, and she definitely doesn't "do" hockey players. She’s an investigative journalist who hunts for the truth, not for autographs. But while she can handle a corrupt politician, she can’t handle her mother’s relentless matchmaking.

With her sister’s wedding looming, Harper’s mother has already decided on her wedding's date and a husband-to-be: a perfect man named Daniel. Backed into a corner and desperate to escape, Harper spins a reckless lie—claiming she’s already dating a professional athlete. She just didn’t expect that lie to come to life in the form of the college captain.

The deal was simple: He needed her to save his reputation. She needs a fake boyfriend. The fine print? Neither of them expected the fire between them to be this real.

🏒 Hockey Romance

🤝 Fake Dating

🔥 He falls first / hard

🎓 College / New Adult

🌶️ Spicy (Especially once those clauses start breaking)

🔥 Slow Burn (The tension is intense)

🧤 "Touch her and you die" vibes

👗 Forced Proximity

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2026

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75🌟, 3🌶️

I was charmed by this romance from beginning to end.

The chemistry between Aiden and Harper was undeniable, and I loved watching their relationship unfold. The slow-burn tension felt completely earned, especially because both characters were dealing with real challenges outside of their romance, which made their connection feel even more authentic.

Harper was an easy character to root for. She is confident, independent, and unapologetic about protecting her peace, but her vulnerability added so much depth to her character. Aiden took a little longer to win me over, but seeing him let go of his carefully crafted image and reveal the person underneath was one of my favorite parts of the story.

A few minor editing issues stood out, but they did little to affect my overall enjoyment. This book strikes a wonderful balance between heart, humor, and spice without getting bogged down in hockey details.

This was an enjoyable read, and I am so glad I picked it up.

~~~~

Huge thank you to the author, Mori Elle, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Hannah Umana · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First, I want to thank the author for giving the opportunity to read this ARC. 

This book is everything I want in a romance and more. The chemistry between Aiden and Harper is electric from the very beginning, and the slow-burn tension had me completely hooked. Aiden’s “golden boy turned mess” arc paired perfectly with Harper’s sharp, no-nonsense personality—she truly doesn’t fall for his charm easily, which makes every moment between them feel earned.

The fake dating trope is done so well here, with just the right mix of humor, angst, and emotional depth. And when those carefully set boundaries start to crumble? Absolutely irresistible. The pacing keeps you invested, and the payoff is worth every second of buildup.

I especially loved how both characters had real stakes outside of the romance—Aiden fighting for his future and Harper dealing with family pressure and her own independence. It made their connection feel authentic, not just convenient.

If you love spicy, slow-burn college hockey romance with intense chemistry and a “he falls first and hard” dynamic, this one is a must-read. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day.

[Jo Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

BREAKOUT by MORI ELLE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Breakout is the first (#1) book in the NORTH RISE KINGS series .


After a very public break up from his influencer ex girlfriend, North Ridge Captain Aiden Stone’s future in the NHL is severely compromised. Image is everything and his is on the floor.

Cue investigative journalist Harper Sinclair. When Aiden witnesses her using the full force of her indifference, her determination for the truth to put down a corrupt politician, he’s hooked. She’s everything he needs to repair his image - unmoved by his status, strong, sharp, and utterly uninterested in dating hockey players.

Under pressure to find a date (that isn’t arranged by her parents) for her sister’s wedding, Harper agrees to help Aiden with his image if he’ll fake date her for the wedding weekend.

Determined to keep her distance from the arrogant man she assumes Aiden to be, she finds her walls starting to crumble as she gets to know the man behind the hype. As they spend more time together so their relationship progresses and feelings start to develop.

However, when Aidan’s future is threatened Harper puts everything on the line to save his career, everything including their relationship and her own career. The path of true love never runs smoothly….
—————————

This is Morielle’s debut novel and I have to say, for a first book it is GREAT!

The deep emotional connection between the MC’s was off the charts. I particularly liked how Aiden bared his soul to Harper, giving us an insight to what propelled his ambition, his determination and focus on the ice.

Harper is strong, intelligent, forthright and a great female character. She doesn’t shout, she doesn’t need to. She’s confident in herself and her beliefs and knows what she deserves.

Although (being a Brit) I know pretty much nothing about hockey, I do enjoy reading this genre and the insights into the players relationships off the ice were appreciated.

The writing was super, pacing perfect, and I mostly enjoyed the whole premise (though the third act break up was sadly a little predictable).

With just under 380 (kindle) pages, an eye catching, couples cover and good editing I will definitely be looking out for future reads by this author and recommend you give this book a read!

Many thanks to Morielle for an early read of this delightful hockey romance. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.

🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Open Door Spice 🔥🔥
🏒 Third Act Break-Up
🏒 He Falls First
🏒 Slow Burn

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is swoony, addictive, and absolutely overflowing with hockey romance tension 👀🏒🖤

A fake dating arrangement?
A college hockey captain with a reputation problem?
An investigative journalist FMC who wants absolutely nothing to do with hockey players??

Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.

Aiden Stone is PEAK book boyfriend material 👀🔥

Talented. Protective. Determined.

And honestly??

This man falls FIRST and falls HARD.

What starts as a simple arrangement quickly turns into something neither of them is prepared for.

Because while Aiden needs help repairing his image, Harper needs a fake boyfriend to survive her family's expectations.

The deal seems simple.

The chemistry?
Not so much 😂🖤

Watching these two fight their attraction while pretending to be a couple was SO much fun.

The banter was fantastic, the tension was incredible, and every scene between them felt like it was building toward something bigger.

And WOW 👀🔥

Once those feelings start becoming real, the emotional stakes get even higher.

I absolutely loved that Harper wasn't impressed by his fame or hockey status. She challenged him, pushed back, and made him work for every inch of her trust.

✨ If you love:
• hockey romance
• fake dating
• he falls first
• slow burn tension
• protective MMCs

This one is romantic, emotional, addictive, and packed with swoony hockey hero energy 🏒🖤🔥

[Lauren Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing first story by this author! From the dialogue style, the plot as it unfolded across the pages, and the character development throughout the book-I was engrossed from chapter one and couldn’t put it down.

The depth this story had captured me from the very beginning, causing me to laugh out loud, smirk, blush, and even tear up. It was so real and so easy to connect with. The characters were amazing. The main characters as individuals and as a couple were so heartfelt. I enjoyed each of them and loved having insight to their thoughts and feelings. The side characters in the story brought so much to the book itself. From Ellie, Harper’s best friend, to all the hockey guys, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for each of them. Their support for Aiden and Harper, the friendships developed along the way, and just the camaraderie that was woven into the book had me hooked. The characters each had depth, a role, and contributed to the story in such a way that I couldn’t picture this book (or now the series) without one of them in it.

I really enjoyed this book and am excited to see what Mori Elle has in store for us as she releases more books. This book was so much fun to read (don’t get me wrong, there were laughs and tears along the way), but I enjoyed how real it was and found it easy to connect with from the start. Welcome to the North Ridge Kings. I can’t wait to be back here soon.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 of the North Ridge Kings series
ARC review
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
MCs - Aiden and Harper
What did that IG post tell/show? 😱
Oh snap! Is the coach your father?
Scorn ex?
Holden you are a good friend and hype guy.
Who you thinking Aiden? Will they join you or meet you at the annual fundraiser?
Nice "hockey house"
Pressure
Oh 💩! What is being exposed??
🤝
Dang! I like Harper. Lady with the facts and isn't afraid to state them no matter her audience.
Is Harper's don't give a poop about your thoughts attitude a front for insecurity?
...and 🎤 💥
A week of documenting camp with them?? Spells trouble.... just not sure which kind yet.
🛌 👰‍♀ 🤵
The hockey house has his back...on and off the ice.
Aiden is worried and doesn't want you guys scaring her off. 😍
Is Harper working on her Doctorate? Did I miss that somewhere?
"towel-to-body-mass ratio issue" 🤣
Oh Ellie, you are quick witted! 🤣🤣
Oh well 💩. Harper how are you going to reverse Olivia's damage?? And still keep Aiden??
Aiden's dad should be upset and hurt, yet he is complementary and 👀 her. Ok.
You go Ellie!!
Harper your dad speaks with amazing wisdom.
🚘 Ellie on a mission!! BAB that she is!!!!!
👸
Interesting that he is searching for her "armor."

[Anah Grindrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What an amazing debut novel!

Tropes:
* Hockey Romance
* Forced Proximity
* He Falls First
* Slow Burn
* Third Act Break-up

This book follows Aiden our MMC who is the North Ridge Captain and Harper our FMC who is a investigative journalist. Aiden has just come out of a very public break up with his influencer ex girlfriend making his future in the NHL severely compromised, Image is everything!

He sees Harper in full force and determined to uncover the truth on a corrupt politician and she is perfect and everything he needs to help his image - she is unmoved by his status and uninterested in dating hockey players ever. Feeling under pressure to find a date for her sisters wedding, she agrees to help Aiden if he fake dates her for the wedding.

She tries to keep her distance but her walls are slowly crumbling as she gets to know Aiden...in the path of true love that never runs smoothly....when his future is threatened...she will put everything on the line including her own career and her relationship to save his career.

Thank you Mori Elle for the ARC

[a.vangasse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free provided by the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Mori Elle!

As the debut novel for the author i think it’s actually pretty good. I give it 3.5 ⭐️.

I love how the fake relationship between the mc’s starts and develops through the story. The emotional connection and chemistry between the MC’s is just of the shards.

Sometimes I thought I missed somethings but turned out I didn’t. It didn’t deter me to read further! I loved the tropes in the book and they were put in really well.

And ofcourse there is always a bitch side character who the author really put in well.

And those side characters? Ooh i loved them all. I’m looking forward what the authors has in store for Ellie and Holden!🙈

If you like
👉 ice hockey college romance
👉 fake dating
👉 he falls first and hard
👉 open door spice
👉 third act breakup

Then you should definitely read this book!

[The Writing Wormhole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the premise of Breakout. A journalist and a hockey player is something I haven't seen a lot in this specific sub genre but it worked really well. I was also expecting the third-act break up too be for some kind of dumb reason or a miscommunication of some sort but I was really surprised and I actually really really liked it. It was somewhat realistic and added a necessary piece of drama after a well-placed Chekhov's Gun. The chemistry between the leads was also fun and a great way to set up the next book in the series that I'm assuming there's going to be because of the way the next characters were set into motion. The only thing that I would have in terms of a critique for this book is more depth to the female characters. I felt like Aiden was a really well-rounded character but Harper's emotions didn't feel as grounded to me. I look forward to the next book that Mori Elle releases.

[Mini · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a debut novel for this author, I'd say this is actually pretty good. A solid 3.5 stars for me, although I found myself having a hard time getting past continuity errors and editing issues to the point where several times I had to flip back pages cuz I was lost only to discover that I hadn't actually missed anything. This author definitely has potential, and I really enjoyed the tropes she chose and the characters she created.
If you're new to hockey rom-com books, this is a pretty good one to start with as it isn't heavy on the hockey, lingo, plays, etc etc, which many books are. Even tho it's set in college, there is very little about courses, classes, exams, assignments, etc, that u typically find in similar books.
I'm interested to see the growth of the author and the next books in the series.
All in all a cute quick (read it in a afternoon) read.

[Soft and Sinister · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in an evening and that said it is not because it was an easy read… the storyline was good and very interesting however there wasn’t a lot of continuity and I paged back to see maybe I missed something just to realise nope this is just how the book is written. I take my hat off to any author to even put themselves out there to write a book so I’m by no means bashing anyone - this story just had so much potential but it did feel robotic to me and that was really disappointing. What I did love: both MC’s were intriguing, the fake-dating trope is always a winner for me. I loved the obsessive vibes and the side characters. I liked the growth and understanding of each other for our MC’s and I really loved the “mine” vibes 🤗 grumpy vs grumpy…? YES
Overall a good read! Thank you for the author Mori Elle for sending this arc for an honest review

[E.J. Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I just want to say thank you to the author for allowing me to be apart of the ARC team for this book!

I really enjoyed this book! The storyline is gripping and the characters are so interesting, both having stakes for their futures.

I’ll be honest… I did not like Aidan at the start. I don’t
know why and that bugs me. He just didn’t seem like an overly nice guy. But the more I read, the more he grew on me.

I loved Harper! She doesn’t take any sh*t, she’s quick witted but also there’s a vulnerability to her that’s relatable.

The chemistry between the characters is undeniable and the slow burn aspect was 🔥. The way it was handled with the teasing was just so😮‍💨Loved it!!

I love a fake dating romance trope. I just wish it had lasted longer!

[Kristen S · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

This was freaking cute. I loved Aiden and how he was a typical captain but he didn't carry that usual air of arrogance. He was simply a man that knew what he wanted and how to get it.

Harper. Oh my GOD do I love her. Very powerful MFC. Took no crap and was able to dismantle anyone with a sharp tounge and wit. She was brilliant!

Also I loved how we got to really see more of the hockey dynamic. I've read hockey romance books that doesn't have any hockey scenes so it was great there were several in this book.

I really enjoyed this ARC and I'm so thankful to Mori Elle and her team for the opportunity to read this and review. I look forward to adding this to my shelf.

[Miri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden is unstoppable. Captain of the hockey team, comes from money, has amazing friends and best of all, in line for the NHL.

Harper is the daughter of a judge, top writer for the university paper, and trying to catch a break at uncovering a story that will take her far.

After asking the right questions to expose a scandal at a gala, Aiden found Harper to be a breath of fresh air and just what was missing in his life.

Can he trust Harper as a journalist to not expose his deepest secrets or can he let her have his heart and a happily ever after?

[Crystal Harbour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overall. It was a cute story line. However, there were the same scenes with different POVs. A lot of noticeable differences. Extra dialogue. Distracting.
WAY too many ice puns in the beginning and got annoying. There were some time jumps that did not have a line break with dashes or something to designate between them. Confusing. And Harper was mad that Olivia showed Aiden the article? But Harper knew Aiden was going to see it regardless and be mad. She has no right to be mad at him.
Ellie seems fun and I think her story will be interesting!! #ARC

[Teri Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable story. The FMC is sassy, very smart and great with comebacks. The MMC is also very smart, talented and is captain of the hockey team. He has ex girlfriend issues and the FMC agrees to fake date him. But it will benefit both of them, each for their own reasons. I love the way this book is laid out. It’s enemies to friends to lovers to enemies to lovers. And , the spice! So good. This book was intriguing in every way and at every turn. I am so happy I got to read it. I loved the beginning, ending and everything in between. I definitely recommend this novel.

[Jea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breakout is a sports romance with lots of chemistry and a slow-burn romance that begins as fake-dating. Aiden was headed for the NHL, until a drama-filled public breakup leaves his reputation damaged. Harper is an investigative journalist who doesn't do athletes, but when her mom starts trying to set her up with the "perfect" date to her sister's wedding, she panics and says she's already dating someone. This book has the perfect combination of spice, slow-burn, he-falls-first, hockey player, strong FMC, and fake-dating to keep you interested from start to finish!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! After the editing issues were fixed, I really enjoyed reading it and would give it 4.5 stars. It was a quick read.

I love Aiden and Harper. I wish we had more! They are so cute and I wish there was more of them together for real before the conflict happens, which separates them for a bit. I want to know what happened and if they end up in Chicago eventually.

Excited to see Ellie and Holden's story next!

I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tori Stouffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed the author advance copy


I love how the Harper was a strong character. She also put someone who held her heart before herself. I loved how Aiden was possessive over Harper. He is the type of guy that will be in your corner until he feels like you screwed him over. This story is sweet, a little heartbreaking and funny. I also felt like it was a little incomplete. I would read the next book in this series.

[Karin Kaisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by the author, the overall story is good and I loved it. I really liked the main characters and the pacing kept me interested. Lots of wonderful characters to base new books on (Ellie & Holden most interesting, as there was the tension visible). The steam was good and spicy. The HEA was a nice wrap up, but still kept somehow open which may end in a 2nd book?
I am planning to read the next book in the series.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable hockey romance with strong writing and a story that pulled me in. At times, the transitions between scenes felt a bit quick, which made it slightly harder for me to follow. I personally prefer more defined breaks between chapters, but that’s just my reading style. Even so, I really liked the book and thought the story was well done

[Janessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was excited to receive this as an ARC! While I liked the story line, I had a little bit of a hard time staying focused on it. I always love the fake dating trope, but this one happened kind of fast and threw me off. While I think this series has some potential, I am grateful for the ARC opportunity!

[dales explorer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book to read through an arc offering.

I like hockey romances and found this to be in an interesting storyline, with enough intrigue to make it different from other stories out there.

I found the fake dating/slow burn between Aiden and Harper gripped me and thought the characters developed well.

Looking forward to Holden and Ellie’s story next.

[Leanne Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was enjoyable to read, but found it was a little bit slow and the fake relationship between Aidan and Harper wasn’t believable, one minute they were making a deal the next they were getting steamy. But I did enjoy Harper putting the hockey players in there place. I also enjoyed the last half of the book. I was a little annoyed at Aidan at the end but he made up for it.

[Brooklyn Melman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book because of how well written. This book was a page turner for sure. If you like sports romances, fake relationships, or even a strong mmc and strong fmc this is the book. You come to love the best friend and team mates and the banter keeps you doing anywhere from a giggle to a cackle.

[Chelsea Bohacek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute college hockey romance book! Aiden is captain of the team and Harper is a journalist for the school. They decide to start fake dating to help his image and she needs the inside scoop on the team for the paper. Hope we get Ellie and Holdens story!

[Patricia Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aiden and Harper had red hot chemistry. The fake dating trope built tension between these two that was felt on every page of this book. I found the book well written easy to follow and an overall great read.
This is a voluntary review.

[Jeanette Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book and did have tears which is a surprise because I'm not usually that girl. I liked the story even though you knew what to expect along the way. The only downside and the reason for the 3 is there were points that the story didn't flow smoothly for me.

[Angel Rorrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute winner and I can’t express how much I loved this book and how I’m anticipating book 2. Couldn’t stand to put the book down. A must read! This one has all the boxes checked.

[Breinna Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chemistry, the vulnerability, the romance, the forced proximity were all fabulous! The story line was excellent and the plot was a good pace! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!