Breakaway: An Enemies to Lovers Hockey Romance

by Kathy Asher

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2026

Reviews

[Jocelynne Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breakaway was everything I love in a sports romance: emotional tension, incredible chemistry, high stakes, and characters who completely captured my heart.

From the start, the relationship between Matt and Carrie had me hooked. They're on opposite sides, carrying secrets that have the potential to destroy everything between them, yet their connection feels impossible to ignore. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic created the perfect amount of tension, especially knowing that Carrie's job puts her in direct conflict with the man she's falling for.

Matt was such a fantastic hero. Beneath his reputation as hockey's golden boy is a man carrying years of disappointment, pressure, and responsibility. I loved watching his walls slowly come down as he let Carrie into his life. The fact that he falls first made every emotional moment hit even harder, and there were several scenes that completely melted my heart.

Carrie was equally compelling. As a media strategist, she's used to controlling narratives and managing crises, but when it comes to her own feelings, everything becomes much more complicated. Her internal struggle between loyalty to her career and her growing love for Matt felt believable and heartbreaking.

The romance itself was wonderfully developed. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but what made their relationship special was the emotional connection that grew alongside the attraction. Their conversations, vulnerabilities, and moments of support made me root for them from beginning to end.

And then there's Bob. Honestly, the golden retriever might have stolen every scene he appeared in. He brought so much warmth and humor to the story and played a surprisingly important role in bringing Matt and Carrie together.

I also appreciated the family dynamics and the challenges surrounding Matt's brother. Those storylines added depth and emotional weight beyond the romance and made the characters feel even more real.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts with the MCs rescuing a stuck Golden Retriever puppy from a torrential rain storm. Obviously he is giving all of the puppy love and energy that the story needs. The MCs keep running back into each other with multiple meet-cutes/oops, despite the fact that the MMC, Matt, is just trying to hide away after telling himself he's the reason they lost in the finals to the White Hearts for the 3rd year in a row. Carrie just started a new job with the White Hearts... of course the attraction is before they know who the other is, but knowing and stopping are not the same thing, even when stopping is the smartest choice. Matt cannot help himself from being the good person doing the right thing in the hard situations and it continues to throw them into the same orbits. Matt is dealing with so much because of Carrie, Bob (the puppy) and his brother Frank and a deathbed promise to his mother, to the point that he literally collapses. Carrie has to decide if she's going to be the professional she wants to be or the woman she wants to be.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was trying to save the puppy from a storm

A great off-limits ice-hockey romance with great chemistry and emotional tension between the main characters. There are rivals-to-lovers, an ice hockey player and an assistant for the opposing team, a cute rescued puppy, brother with addiction issues, hero falls first, drama, passion, secrets, betrayal, great twists, humor and a HEA.

After helping Carrie to save a dog in a storm Matt kisses her and then leaves, before exchanging names. A chain of events lead them to keep running into each other but Matt just tries to hide from Carrie feeling guilty that he's a fault with no way to fix everything.

When she's almost hit by a car Matt can't leave her and finds himself waiting at the hospital while she's seen before offering her help, just as she'd helped the dog. Until he finds out she works for the team who have beaten his team for 3 years running. Carrie's new job is unfortunately media strategist's assistant for the White Hearts putting her on the wrong team to the man she's falling for. But they can't deny their feelings for, or stay away, from each other.

Matt and Carrie are great together, making a family with a rescued puppy, and I loved how supportive Carrie was of both Matt and his brother.

An enjoyable storyline with some great twists in the plot, lovely banter and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding us by MeemsAngel82

This was a genuinely sweet and great book. I really felt like these two were real characters and ones I honestly like and cared about. I liked them both. He was flawed and so was she and meeting one another was perfect. At a somewhat messy point, they met and connected. Outwardly they seemed to be doing well. But after meeting one another and meeting/not meeting expectations in some ways, it was like only being together made the outside noise pause.

If only they realized it sooner.

They know they were good together. But they are human despite the fancy jobs they have, they are relatable in many ways. So the not talking if out thing was going to happen. And then you throw a golden retriever into the story? Really? My heart went splat, absolutely craving this little family being together with their pup. Great writing. It all felt real and human and flawed and it just worked.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the book starts out... it's pouring rain & Matt is waiting out the rain in a gas station with a bunch of others... when he sees Carrie struggling in the rain to get a dog loose from a bike chain... and goes to help her... they end up kissing inside....without knowing each other's names...

This book was such a fun read!! I love the characters... what the dog adds to the story... and how they found their HEA.

Matt's brother & his addiction is a hard part of the story.. but I love how Carrie is supportive & helps both of the brothers...

This is Book 2 in the Hard Hearts Series, as interconnected standalones. I look forward to the next book in the series!!

Spice level: 3/5

*hockey romance
*sports romance
*enemies/rivals to lovers
*adopted/rescued dog
*brother with an addiction problem
*she's a marketing professional
*broken/wounded hero

Thank you to the author (Kathy Asher) & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Breakaway” by Kathy Asher

-A sweet, entertaining hockey romance with lovable characters and an adorable puppy. Matt and Carrie meet while rescuing an adorable golden retriever puppy named Bob during a rainstorm. Their instant connection becomes complicated when they discover she works for his hockey team’s biggest rival. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

I love the chemistry between Matt and Carrie, and Bob adds so much heart to the story. The hockey rivalry, secret relationship, and family struggles keep the reader interested. Matt’s brother’s addiction brings some emotional moments, and Carrie’s supportive throughout. The tension and betrayal storyline is stressful, but the ending is worth it.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard lesson for the heroine to learn at the hero's expense is either to eventually lose her integrity in her demanding job or to make the right choices so that wouldn't happen.
Hilarious start to the story: him running, her chasing. There's an important noble rescue worth mentioning. The theme of running away and chasing, mostly for emotional, personal reasons, goes throughout the story. Still, I'm enjoying this story and these crazy and vulnerable protagonists.
I want to give the adorable dog with great attachment skills the credit for building the bridges (between more than one pair of characters), even if that isn't entirely accurate.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt and Carrie might be on opposite teams—one as a player, the other in PR—but they simply can’t resist each other. Even with all the curveballs thrown their way, and some seriously stubborn behavior (Matt!), they do eventually find their way together.
This romance has it all: spicy, electric moments, plenty of misunderstandings, a bit of manipulation, and just enough miscommunication to keep things interesting. You’ll fall for both Matt and Carrie—but the real heart-stealer? Bob, the Golden Retriever, who ends up being the ultimate catalyst for their relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of Hard Hearts Series. Can be read as a standalone.

'I'm a media strategist who's lost control of her own story. And the only play I have left is the truth.
Problem is, the truth might cost me everything — including him.'

The characters were very likeable and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steamy enemies to lovers hockey romance. Matt has been struggling to live to the expectations put on his shoulders for the past few years. He is brooding and high energy. Carrie works PR for the opposing team, she is sent as a spy on Matt, but ends finding a connection that goes beyond the ice, and Bob (his dog) who plays matchmaker. The more they get to connect, the higher the chance of losing it all due to the secrets.
Steamy, heartfelt, full of redemption and a love story that defies enemy lines.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kerri Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute, fast-paced read! Matt is a sexy hockey star, and Carrie is a beautiful PR professional assigned to dig up dirt on him for a story. But the more time she spends with him, the harder it becomes to see him as just another assignment. As their connection grows, so do the feelings neither of them expected. Filled with chemistry, humor, and plenty of swoony moments, this was an entertaining romance that kept me turning the pages. A fun, lighthearted read for anyone who loves sports romance!

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two icy hockey teams that have so much hate for each other and two people, she works for one team and he Plays for they have to keep there love secret.
There is also a puppy called Bob and he's so adorable you can nearly picture him in your mind, he loves cuddles.
There's underhand treatment dealt out by both teams and she's been given the job of ruining Matts life, there would be nothing left of there love if she did.
Love or job.

[Robert Kavanagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breakaway is a fast-paced, emotionally charged romance that delivers exactly what it promises. While the characters can be frustrating at times, they remain compelling and ultimately lovable. The chemistry is strong, the pacing keeps you turning pages, and the standout scenes—both emotional and romantic—are well executed.
If you’re looking for a quick, engaging read to fill a few hours, this book is a solid choice.

For full review visit:

https://inneryolk.blogspot.com

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a greatly written book, and i loved the chemistry between matt and carrie. I was really scared of them not getting over the ‘betrayal’ but i loved the tension. I would give this five stars, but I honestly don't think its as good as her first book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Matt and Carrie. Their connection was so beautiful. But both were on opposing hockey teams. He was a player, she was the PR. She’s there to get intel, but she’s falling for Matt. Everything they were to one another was so sweet. But when she finally had to come clean, I was so afraid Matt wasn’t going to forgive her. This was sweet, held suspense, and was a really great story to read.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Hard Hearts series. Matt is a hockey player. Carrie is the PR for a rival team. The problem is they have a great connection and chemistry. The fast paced, engaging plot is emotional. There’s some suspense, team rivalry and steam. A great sports romance. I am voluntarily leaving this review

[Amy Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about great chemistry and connection between Matt and Carrie. You get drawn in by all the shenanigans (meaning misunderstandings/miscommunication), and then excited at the end by their HEA. You won't be let down and you'll have a hard time putting it down until the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all starts with kissing a stranger in public... Carrie and Matt's story unfolds with touches of drama, hockey, workplace romance, he falls first and more, where things are not always as simple as they seem. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a spicy that had me turning the pages. It was fast paced and the plot was intriguing The characters have great chemistry and connection. I recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed breakaway which was Matt and Carrie’s story. It was an entertaining read. And voluntarily leaving my review.