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Boston Playmakers #2
On the Breakaway
Avery Holt lives by one simple rule: never let anyone get close enough to hurt her again. After learning the hard way that love always ends in pain, she’s focused on soccer and ignoring the hockey captain who reminds her far too much of the man who broke her.
Grayson Shaw is done chasing forever. After a string of failed relationships, he's determined to figure out how to be happy on his own. It should be easy– until Avery crashes into his life. She’s guarded, stubborn, and determined to hate him, even though he gives her no reason to.
When their paths continue to collide, the line between irritation and attraction grows impossibly thin. Convinced their dislike for each other is enough to keep things simple, giving in just once seems harmless. Except once turns into twice. And twice turns into stolen moments, late-night conversations, and something neither of them ever saw coming.
As Avery’s walls begin to crack and the forever Grayson stopped hoping for suddenly seems possible, they’ll have to decide if they’re willing to risk their hearts again for something that could finally be different. Something real.
Because the hardest part of being on the breakaway is trusting someone enough to be beside you while you take the chance.
On the Breakaway, the second book in the Boston Playmakers series, is a steamy sports romance about healing after heartbreak, learning to trust again, and discovering that sometimes it’s the biggest risks that lead to the most unexpected victories.
Grayson Shaw is done chasing forever. After a string of failed relationships, he's determined to figure out how to be happy on his own. It should be easy– until Avery crashes into his life. She’s guarded, stubborn, and determined to hate him, even though he gives her no reason to.
When their paths continue to collide, the line between irritation and attraction grows impossibly thin. Convinced their dislike for each other is enough to keep things simple, giving in just once seems harmless. Except once turns into twice. And twice turns into stolen moments, late-night conversations, and something neither of them ever saw coming.
As Avery’s walls begin to crack and the forever Grayson stopped hoping for suddenly seems possible, they’ll have to decide if they’re willing to risk their hearts again for something that could finally be different. Something real.
Because the hardest part of being on the breakaway is trusting someone enough to be beside you while you take the chance.
On the Breakaway, the second book in the Boston Playmakers series, is a steamy sports romance about healing after heartbreak, learning to trust again, and discovering that sometimes it’s the biggest risks that lead to the most unexpected victories.
- GenresHockey
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved their crazy chemistry.
»Writing
I would say the writing was engaging and creative. Also the flow of events was very good. Like the reactions of the characters felt real and genuine. The s*x scenes were fun and HOT, enjoyed that part very much tbh. The banter and tension was good too. That group of hockey boys was really fun and loving. And ngl but i'm super excited for ALL the other characters in the story.
But the writing felt a bit lengthy and repetitive at times.
»Characters
—🏒Grayson
This character is absolute spotless. Like girl, I'm obsessed with him. I absolutely loved the way Grayson is obsessed with FMC from Day 1. This character came with care, responsibility and reliability, just what Avery wanted. I love the way he treated her, even though the feeling were not much reciprocated from her side.
—🏈Avery
I didn't like FMC character's much. LIKE GIRL CAN'T YOU SEE THE WAY THE BOY IS OBSSESED WITH YOU!?
Her character was kind of confusing to me. She just keep pushing Grayson away every chance she got. And she repeatedly keeps bringing up his ex in her inner monologue saying that she doesn't want to repeat the same mistakes. This happens till literally 80% of the book. And when MMC beats her ex up on ice, even then we acted pissed with MMC! So this part didn't sit well with me.
Otherwise i loved the way she was strong and independent. I always love the trope of women in sports, I appreciate it a lot!
⇒So yeah, overall i loved this cozy and fun hockey romance with a badass soccer FMC and obsessed cinnamon roll hockey captain!
3.25 ~ 3 stars!
And now i am eagerly waiting for the next couple, iykyk:)
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————◊°⁙⁕
↪pre-read
—*☆ JUST LOOK AT THIS COVER! isn't it so cute?
I read the book 1 of this series few months back and absolutely loved that debut book.
So continuing the series with the ARC of book 2.
It's a dual athlete sports romance.
I will never get over hokcey romances :)
»Writing
I would say the writing was engaging and creative. Also the flow of events was very good. Like the reactions of the characters felt real and genuine. The s*x scenes were fun and HOT, enjoyed that part very much tbh. The banter and tension was good too. That group of hockey boys was really fun and loving. And ngl but i'm super excited for ALL the other characters in the story.
But the writing felt a bit lengthy and repetitive at times.
»Characters
—🏒Grayson
This character is absolute spotless. Like girl, I'm obsessed with him. I absolutely loved the way Grayson is obsessed with FMC from Day 1. This character came with care, responsibility and reliability, just what Avery wanted. I love the way he treated her, even though the feeling were not much reciprocated from her side.
—🏈Avery
I didn't like FMC character's much. LIKE GIRL CAN'T YOU SEE THE WAY THE BOY IS OBSSESED WITH YOU!?
Her character was kind of confusing to me. She just keep pushing Grayson away every chance she got. And she repeatedly keeps bringing up his ex in her inner monologue saying that she doesn't want to repeat the same mistakes. This happens till literally 80% of the book. And when MMC beats her ex up on ice, even then we acted pissed with MMC! So this part didn't sit well with me.
Otherwise i loved the way she was strong and independent. I always love the trope of women in sports, I appreciate it a lot!
⇒So yeah, overall i loved this cozy and fun hockey romance with a badass soccer FMC and obsessed cinnamon roll hockey captain!
3.25 ~ 3 stars!
And now i am eagerly waiting for the next couple, iykyk:)
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————◊°⁙⁕
↪pre-read
—*☆ JUST LOOK AT THIS COVER! isn't it so cute?
I read the book 1 of this series few months back and absolutely loved that debut book.
So continuing the series with the ARC of book 2.
It's a dual athlete sports romance.
I will never get over hokcey romances :)
September 24, 2026
4🌟 | 3🌶️
The chemistry between these two had me paying attention every time they shared a scene.
There was such a fun push and pull between them, with plenty of flirting, tension, and little moments that made their connection feel natural. I also loved the hockey friend group and how much warmth and personality they brought to the story. The romance had plenty of heat too, and the mix of sports, friendship, and attraction made this an easy one to settle into.
Grayson was easily my favorite. He was caring, patient, dependable, and completely gone for Avery, with all those thoughtful acts of service that made him ridiculously easy to adore. I especially liked how he never stopped showing up for her, even when she struggled to let him in. Avery was strong and independent, and I appreciated having a female professional athlete at the center of the story. Watching her slowly learn to trust again also added a nice emotional layer to their relationship.
Overall, this was such a fun and swoony sports romance with great chemistry, strong friendships, plenty of heat, and a hero who was incredibly easy to fall for. I had a great time with this couple and loved getting to know more of the hockey crew along the way.
It left me happily invested in the series and excited to see where these characters go next.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Nikki Reid for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
The chemistry between these two had me paying attention every time they shared a scene.
There was such a fun push and pull between them, with plenty of flirting, tension, and little moments that made their connection feel natural. I also loved the hockey friend group and how much warmth and personality they brought to the story. The romance had plenty of heat too, and the mix of sports, friendship, and attraction made this an easy one to settle into.
Grayson was easily my favorite. He was caring, patient, dependable, and completely gone for Avery, with all those thoughtful acts of service that made him ridiculously easy to adore. I especially liked how he never stopped showing up for her, even when she struggled to let him in. Avery was strong and independent, and I appreciated having a female professional athlete at the center of the story. Watching her slowly learn to trust again also added a nice emotional layer to their relationship.
Overall, this was such a fun and swoony sports romance with great chemistry, strong friendships, plenty of heat, and a hero who was incredibly easy to fall for. I had a great time with this couple and loved getting to know more of the hockey crew along the way.
It left me happily invested in the series and excited to see where these characters go next.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Nikki Reid for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
ON THE BREAKAWAY (ARC) | ★★★★☆.25 | KINDLE
avery holt lives by one rule: don’t let anyone get close enough to hurt her again.
grayson shaw is tired of chasing forever. he’s ready to figure out how to finally be happy on his own.
it should be easy enough. but what happens when avery and grayson crash into each others lives and everything that seemed so simply … isn’t anymore?
this was my second book i have read by the wonderful @authornikkireid , this was also the first book i ever had the privilege of beta reading and it was such an amazing experience. this story was beautiful, i loved avery and grayson together. their banter was everything, the mirror — took me out PLEASE, the fucking swan boat — i can’t.
i found myself getting really hooked and had to see the whole book the rest of the way through — like i just couldn’t put it down! i think avery’s character was one i wanted to throat punch because she kept being STUPID and i wanted to yell at her. but my angel boy grayson was everything and more. i literally just wanted to give him all the love.
overall, i really loved on the breakaway more than with the assist and i did really love nathan and wes, but this book UGH i could talk about some of these scenes forever.
thank you so much to nikki for allowing me to be a part of this journey!
on the breakaway is out this month — 09.22.26
avery holt lives by one rule: don’t let anyone get close enough to hurt her again.
grayson shaw is tired of chasing forever. he’s ready to figure out how to finally be happy on his own.
it should be easy enough. but what happens when avery and grayson crash into each others lives and everything that seemed so simply … isn’t anymore?
this was my second book i have read by the wonderful @authornikkireid , this was also the first book i ever had the privilege of beta reading and it was such an amazing experience. this story was beautiful, i loved avery and grayson together. their banter was everything, the mirror — took me out PLEASE, the fucking swan boat — i can’t.
i found myself getting really hooked and had to see the whole book the rest of the way through — like i just couldn’t put it down! i think avery’s character was one i wanted to throat punch because she kept being STUPID and i wanted to yell at her. but my angel boy grayson was everything and more. i literally just wanted to give him all the love.
overall, i really loved on the breakaway more than with the assist and i did really love nathan and wes, but this book UGH i could talk about some of these scenes forever.
thank you so much to nikki for allowing me to be a part of this journey!
on the breakaway is out this month — 09.22.26
August 23, 2026
Arc received by author for honest review:
She did it again!! I loved this so much! Grayson is the type of guy every girl wants…someone who just knows and understands you so deep…very much an acts of service type of man. My favorite line was 100% the “I don’t scream…I aggressively motivate” which is so graysons personality. I also loved Avery, her character emphasized how having walls in a relationship can be beneficial in the beginning but you need to be aware of how to let those walls down when you are with the right person. A lot less soccer and move hockey in this hook and way more relationship driven but I still loved everything about this. One of my favorite sports romances to date and I love that all of these characters are strong and have learned from their past experiences. I absolutely cannot wait until the next book is released…they set up Harper and her potential love interest very well!
She did it again!! I loved this so much! Grayson is the type of guy every girl wants…someone who just knows and understands you so deep…very much an acts of service type of man. My favorite line was 100% the “I don’t scream…I aggressively motivate” which is so graysons personality. I also loved Avery, her character emphasized how having walls in a relationship can be beneficial in the beginning but you need to be aware of how to let those walls down when you are with the right person. A lot less soccer and move hockey in this hook and way more relationship driven but I still loved everything about this. One of my favorite sports romances to date and I love that all of these characters are strong and have learned from their past experiences. I absolutely cannot wait until the next book is released…they set up Harper and her potential love interest very well!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️
I really liked the found family in this book! I love when the FMC and MMC have their own groups that blend so well together. These friends really supported each other which was so necessary as Grayson and Avery navigated their “enemies” with benefits turned relationship. Avery understandably had a lot of walls due to her upbringing and past relationship, and Grayson was just the right guy to break down those walls and show her she could trust again. She was also the perfect person to pull Grayson out of his savior complex and let himself not be perfect all the time.
While I understood Avery’s hesitance, it did feel like it dragged on a bit. I also enjoyed that Avery is a professional athlete too, but it seemed like we got more of Grayson’s hockey season than Avery’s soccer season. I am curious about Harper so I’ll probably be back for book 3!
Thank you to the author for this eARC. All views are my honest opinion.
I really liked the found family in this book! I love when the FMC and MMC have their own groups that blend so well together. These friends really supported each other which was so necessary as Grayson and Avery navigated their “enemies” with benefits turned relationship. Avery understandably had a lot of walls due to her upbringing and past relationship, and Grayson was just the right guy to break down those walls and show her she could trust again. She was also the perfect person to pull Grayson out of his savior complex and let himself not be perfect all the time.
While I understood Avery’s hesitance, it did feel like it dragged on a bit. I also enjoyed that Avery is a professional athlete too, but it seemed like we got more of Grayson’s hockey season than Avery’s soccer season. I am curious about Harper so I’ll probably be back for book 3!
Thank you to the author for this eARC. All views are my honest opinion.
September 5, 2026
Another absolute banga from Nikki Reid, honestly!
After with the Assist, I was already excited for this one, but I’ll admit, at first I was worried I wouldn’t love On the Breakaway quite as much. However, by chapter 10, I was ALL IN!!!
The back and forth love/hate banter I was Living for it. And the spicy scenes were phenom🔥🥵
Nikki has such a way with describing scenes so effortlessly that you can genuinely picture everything as you’re reading. Nothing feels overdone, but somehow you’re completely immersed in it.
And Grayson is honestly, divine 😮💨 I will always love a misunderstood man, and he genuinely just gets better and better the more I read.
That last 25% was definitely my favourite. What a HIGH that ending left me on. And the swan boat?! 🥹
Also my inkling is Harper & Wyatt for book 3👀🤭 if so GIMME IT NOW PLEASE!
After with the Assist, I was already excited for this one, but I’ll admit, at first I was worried I wouldn’t love On the Breakaway quite as much. However, by chapter 10, I was ALL IN!!!
The back and forth love/hate banter I was Living for it. And the spicy scenes were phenom🔥🥵
Nikki has such a way with describing scenes so effortlessly that you can genuinely picture everything as you’re reading. Nothing feels overdone, but somehow you’re completely immersed in it.
And Grayson is honestly, divine 😮💨 I will always love a misunderstood man, and he genuinely just gets better and better the more I read.
That last 25% was definitely my favourite. What a HIGH that ending left me on. And the swan boat?! 🥹
Also my inkling is Harper & Wyatt for book 3👀🤭 if so GIMME IT NOW PLEASE!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Overall thoughts: This didn't disappoint. I knew I was going to fall in love with Grayson and Avery. They both completed each other SO WELL. Seeing the patience Grayson had and the way Avery healed herself from her past relationship and didn't jump in a new one right away. It's hard to get past that when you've had a terrible example of your parental figures always fighting even after they divorced. You could understand and feel her pain, as much as she wanted to give him a chance, she still wanted to heal first. And the way he waited for her made me swoon over their love story.
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Found family, sassy fmc, green forest mmc and a love story that made us wait. If this speaks to you, you should definitely add it to your tbr 😉
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Overall thoughts: This didn't disappoint. I knew I was going to fall in love with Grayson and Avery. They both completed each other SO WELL. Seeing the patience Grayson had and the way Avery healed herself from her past relationship and didn't jump in a new one right away. It's hard to get past that when you've had a terrible example of your parental figures always fighting even after they divorced. You could understand and feel her pain, as much as she wanted to give him a chance, she still wanted to heal first. And the way he waited for her made me swoon over their love story.
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Found family, sassy fmc, green forest mmc and a love story that made us wait. If this speaks to you, you should definitely add it to your tbr 😉
August 26, 2026
Thank you, Nikki, for selecting me to read this e-arc!!!!
If you couldn’t tell, I ate this up & finished it in 24 hours. I absolutely loved this book. I love a hockey romance, especially grumpy x sunshine!!!! The banter was great, the storyline had my full attention and I loved the friendships that were formed🤭 Highly recommend this book, coming out in September!!!!!
If you couldn’t tell, I ate this up & finished it in 24 hours. I absolutely loved this book. I love a hockey romance, especially grumpy x sunshine!!!! The banter was great, the storyline had my full attention and I loved the friendships that were formed🤭 Highly recommend this book, coming out in September!!!!!
October 11, 2026
Avery se besa con otros hombres para darle celos. Debido a su pasado, es desconfiada y se la pasa alejándolo, hasta que llega un punto en el que resulta desesperante, porque Grayson también tiene sentimientos y siempre tiene que dejarlos de lado por ella.
La calificación es por él.
La calificación es por él.
September 8, 2026
A fun sequel to With the Assist!! As always Nikki has loaded this up with grade A banter and yearning!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“On the Breakaway” is the second book in the “Boston Playmakers Series.” This is a steamy sports romance about healing after heartbreak, learning to trust again, and discovering that sometimes it’s the biggest risks that lead to the most unexpected victories. It is also a duel sports romance….men’s hockey and women’s soccer.
Grayson Shaw is the Captain of the Boston Blades hockey team. He has always wanted the type of relationship that his parents have….a happily ever after. With a string of failed relationships, he decides that maybe some time on his own is a good idea. That is until he meets a beautiful fiery redhead that tests him to his limits…. Avery Holt, aka Chaos, plays for the Boston Tempest women’s soccer team. Between the relationship with her parents, who divorced when she was ten, and her previous relationship to someone who controlled and devalued her, Avery’s attitude towards relationships are extremely negative. Grayson finally convinces Avery to go out on a date with him….will he be able to convince Avery to give them a chance?
“Your walls don’t scare me.” He swallows, his eyes flicking to my lips. “What now?” A choice. I lean in, brushing my lips across his in a slow kiss. His hand slides from my cheek into my hair, holding me while he melts against me. It’s like his entire body has released a sigh of relief from the simple contact of my lips against his. He pulls back just slightly, eyes searching mine for some sort of permission that he doesn’t need. I brush my nose against his and kiss him again. This time, he doesn’t stop.”
This is everything you expect from a sports romance, enemies to lovers, with a touch of alpha male thrown in. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Grayson and Avery. Will Avery let her barriers down and give Grayson a chance?
“I love you.” My voice breaks this time. “I love that you always show up. I love that you don’t let me run. I love your stupid sexy glasses. And your actual cooking. And I even love that you’re always kidnapping me.” A tear slips down my cheek. “I just love all of it. All of you.” I barely finish the word before he’s reaching for me, and I’m reaching for him. When his lips find mine, it feels like coming home after being lost for far too long.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story, with all the ups, the downs, the friendship, the heartaches and most of all, what love can overcome. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Grayson Shaw is the Captain of the Boston Blades hockey team. He has always wanted the type of relationship that his parents have….a happily ever after. With a string of failed relationships, he decides that maybe some time on his own is a good idea. That is until he meets a beautiful fiery redhead that tests him to his limits…. Avery Holt, aka Chaos, plays for the Boston Tempest women’s soccer team. Between the relationship with her parents, who divorced when she was ten, and her previous relationship to someone who controlled and devalued her, Avery’s attitude towards relationships are extremely negative. Grayson finally convinces Avery to go out on a date with him….will he be able to convince Avery to give them a chance?
“Your walls don’t scare me.” He swallows, his eyes flicking to my lips. “What now?” A choice. I lean in, brushing my lips across his in a slow kiss. His hand slides from my cheek into my hair, holding me while he melts against me. It’s like his entire body has released a sigh of relief from the simple contact of my lips against his. He pulls back just slightly, eyes searching mine for some sort of permission that he doesn’t need. I brush my nose against his and kiss him again. This time, he doesn’t stop.”
This is everything you expect from a sports romance, enemies to lovers, with a touch of alpha male thrown in. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Grayson and Avery. Will Avery let her barriers down and give Grayson a chance?
“I love you.” My voice breaks this time. “I love that you always show up. I love that you don’t let me run. I love your stupid sexy glasses. And your actual cooking. And I even love that you’re always kidnapping me.” A tear slips down my cheek. “I just love all of it. All of you.” I barely finish the word before he’s reaching for me, and I’m reaching for him. When his lips find mine, it feels like coming home after being lost for far too long.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story, with all the ups, the downs, the friendship, the heartaches and most of all, what love can overcome. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first book by Nikki Reid. This means I jumped straight in at book 2 of this series: I can confirm that it is a standalone story, you definitely don’t need to have read Book 1 to follow Avery and Grayson’s story. That said, I’ve just added Book 1 to my TBR as I find Nikki’s writing engaging and am curious about the story.
It’s not often I read books with a sunshine/golden retriever MMC and grumpy FMC and I liked it! The dual athlete (Avery – soccer, Grayson – ice hockey) aspect is also interesting, as both MCs travel a lot which means the story develops over time – this isn’t a steamy, everything-unbelievably-happens-in-one-week romance. Attention is also paid to the friendships that Avery and Grayson have: their romance is clearly center-stage, but they have lives outside of their meet-ups too.
Avery’s been burned very badly by her awful, controlling ex but hasn’t told anyone precisely why. Her walls are up all the time when she’s around Grayson, as she thinks he behaves similarly to her ex and she more generally doesn’t trust falling in love anymore, as her divorced parents are also awful. She continually runs into Grayson everywhere she goes, from nights out with friends to the supermarket. She doesn’t trust him because of her past and unbeknownst to him, almost all his initial actions – although meant well in his case – are triggering for her. Her development arc shows how she slowly starts lowering her defences when she starts to see that Grayson means what he does and how good and attractive he is.
I sometimes got a little frustrated with Avery because she really kept everything under lock and key for everyone as long as possible – although this is explained, I found it difficult to understand that she really didn’t trust any of her friends enough to tell them what was going on, especially after the relationship was over.
Grayson is a sweetheart. He’s just being his normal self around Avery but is sensitive enough to understand that he rubs her up the wrong way, and that there’s more going on than just her not fancying him. The banter between him and Avery is excellent and Grayson is excellent at asking exactly the right questions (whether Avery answers them is another matter). He can’t stay away from Avery and things turn hot when he gets a hold of some of her underwear (literally).
I sometimes felt bad for Grayson: he’s clearly into Avery but she sends him mixed messages for quite a while. His patience and understanding are really what allows their relationship to succeed. Overall this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book at all though.
I’m glad I read this book and thank Nikki Reid for the ARC!
It’s not often I read books with a sunshine/golden retriever MMC and grumpy FMC and I liked it! The dual athlete (Avery – soccer, Grayson – ice hockey) aspect is also interesting, as both MCs travel a lot which means the story develops over time – this isn’t a steamy, everything-unbelievably-happens-in-one-week romance. Attention is also paid to the friendships that Avery and Grayson have: their romance is clearly center-stage, but they have lives outside of their meet-ups too.
Avery’s been burned very badly by her awful, controlling ex but hasn’t told anyone precisely why. Her walls are up all the time when she’s around Grayson, as she thinks he behaves similarly to her ex and she more generally doesn’t trust falling in love anymore, as her divorced parents are also awful. She continually runs into Grayson everywhere she goes, from nights out with friends to the supermarket. She doesn’t trust him because of her past and unbeknownst to him, almost all his initial actions – although meant well in his case – are triggering for her. Her development arc shows how she slowly starts lowering her defences when she starts to see that Grayson means what he does and how good and attractive he is.
I sometimes got a little frustrated with Avery because she really kept everything under lock and key for everyone as long as possible – although this is explained, I found it difficult to understand that she really didn’t trust any of her friends enough to tell them what was going on, especially after the relationship was over.
Grayson is a sweetheart. He’s just being his normal self around Avery but is sensitive enough to understand that he rubs her up the wrong way, and that there’s more going on than just her not fancying him. The banter between him and Avery is excellent and Grayson is excellent at asking exactly the right questions (whether Avery answers them is another matter). He can’t stay away from Avery and things turn hot when he gets a hold of some of her underwear (literally).
I sometimes felt bad for Grayson: he’s clearly into Avery but she sends him mixed messages for quite a while. His patience and understanding are really what allows their relationship to succeed. Overall this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book at all though.
I’m glad I read this book and thank Nikki Reid for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a strong follow-up to With the Assist, while we don't have a broken boy this time (BOOOO!), instead we have a broken girl... who no one knows is even broken. Yeah, that's right, she's a lady and knows how to successfully suffer in silence and not even let her closest of friends realize there was anything wrong. Well, maybe Wesley had an inkling that something wasn't quite right, but for the most part she played her role well. Liam's soul mate aka a girl that gets around (at least how it seems on the surface). That also gives me hope for Liam's story, I love a reformed playboy, and I HOPE I've guessed right on that pairing. Let's just say, Wyatt would not be happy about my hopes 🤞. Not to mention my hopes for Wyatt's pairing. I love when authors leave breadcrumbs for me to decipher. Maybe I'm also thinking too hard, but it is what it is.
Anyway, this book deals with THE difficult topic of emotional abuse from family/partners, as well as the escalation of the abuse. While said abuser didn't get much page time, their impact was great. Thankfully, with the help of an arguably Service Dom (not said aloud, but he definitely was an Acts-of-Service kind of guy), Avery finds herself again - or maybe for the first time. She puts on a good mask and I hate how easily everyone believes it. I enjoyed the slow realization that Grayson has about Avery. I love how as her onion layers come undone, he's there to gather the pieces and make a good soup out of it (Is that a good metaphor? idk, go with it).
Anyway, our really "good boy" Grayson is a fan of relationships, even though he's currently on a break and failing at it. He's also very swoony and knows how to schedule a great date - even if Avery makes fun of him for it. We know she loved it. I loved their relationship. I loved how he brought her out to the light. I love that he gave her hope. I just loved it. I'm bought in on this series. Nikki really nailed the the authenticity of writing people. The conversations weren't forced and I believed these people were real. Not to mention, the spice hit hard. Oh and Grayson is a closeted panty stealer. I love that, too! Give this a read. I ate it up fast and enjoyed my experience.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I received this eARC from the Author. My opinions about it are my own.
Anyway, this book deals with THE difficult topic of emotional abuse from family/partners, as well as the escalation of the abuse. While said abuser didn't get much page time, their impact was great. Thankfully, with the help of an arguably Service Dom (not said aloud, but he definitely was an Acts-of-Service kind of guy), Avery finds herself again - or maybe for the first time. She puts on a good mask and I hate how easily everyone believes it. I enjoyed the slow realization that Grayson has about Avery. I love how as her onion layers come undone, he's there to gather the pieces and make a good soup out of it (Is that a good metaphor? idk, go with it).
Anyway, our really "good boy" Grayson is a fan of relationships, even though he's currently on a break and failing at it. He's also very swoony and knows how to schedule a great date - even if Avery makes fun of him for it. We know she loved it. I loved their relationship. I loved how he brought her out to the light. I love that he gave her hope. I just loved it. I'm bought in on this series. Nikki really nailed the the authenticity of writing people. The conversations weren't forced and I believed these people were real. Not to mention, the spice hit hard. Oh and Grayson is a closeted panty stealer. I love that, too! Give this a read. I ate it up fast and enjoyed my experience.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I received this eARC from the Author. My opinions about it are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💌 Firstly thank you Nikki for the opportunity to ARC read On the Breakaway and for putting Grayson in slutty little glasses 🙈
While I do think Avery needs some warming up to, she’s such a relatable character for anyone that’s outspoken, loving, bold but still found themselves in *not the best* relationships 🫠 and yeah maybe she judged Grayson a bit too soon but when you get to see her perspective on it, of course it makes sense!! And Grayson’s just a sweetheart that you can’t helppp but love 💕
He thinks she's impossible. She thinks he's unbearable. So how did they end up like this?
Avery Holt lives by one simple rule: never let anyone get close enough to hurt her again. After learning the hard way that love always ends in pain, she’s focused on soccer and ignoring the hockey captain who reminds her far too much of the man who broke her.
Grayson Shaw is done chasing forever. After a string of failed relationships, he's determined to figure out how to be happy on his own. It should be easy– until Avery crashes into his life. She’s guarded, stubborn, and determined to hate him, even though he gives her no reason to.
When their paths continue to collide, the line between irritation and attraction grows impossibly thin. Convinced their dislike for each other is enough to keep things simple, giving in just once seems harmless. Except once turns into twice. And twice turns into stolen moments, late-night conversations, and something neither of them ever saw coming.
As Avery’s walls begin to crack and the forever Grayson stopped hoping for suddenly seems possible, they’ll have to decide if they’re willing to risk their hearts again for something that could finally be different. Something real.
Because the hardest part of being on the breakaway is trusting someone enough to be beside you while you take the chance.
On the Breakaway, the second book in the Boston Playmakers series, is a steamy sports romance about healing after heartbreak, learning to trust again, and discovering that sometimes it’s the biggest risks that lead to the most unexpected victories.
‼️OUT 22/09‼️
While I do think Avery needs some warming up to, she’s such a relatable character for anyone that’s outspoken, loving, bold but still found themselves in *not the best* relationships 🫠 and yeah maybe she judged Grayson a bit too soon but when you get to see her perspective on it, of course it makes sense!! And Grayson’s just a sweetheart that you can’t helppp but love 💕
He thinks she's impossible. She thinks he's unbearable. So how did they end up like this?
Avery Holt lives by one simple rule: never let anyone get close enough to hurt her again. After learning the hard way that love always ends in pain, she’s focused on soccer and ignoring the hockey captain who reminds her far too much of the man who broke her.
Grayson Shaw is done chasing forever. After a string of failed relationships, he's determined to figure out how to be happy on his own. It should be easy– until Avery crashes into his life. She’s guarded, stubborn, and determined to hate him, even though he gives her no reason to.
When their paths continue to collide, the line between irritation and attraction grows impossibly thin. Convinced their dislike for each other is enough to keep things simple, giving in just once seems harmless. Except once turns into twice. And twice turns into stolen moments, late-night conversations, and something neither of them ever saw coming.
As Avery’s walls begin to crack and the forever Grayson stopped hoping for suddenly seems possible, they’ll have to decide if they’re willing to risk their hearts again for something that could finally be different. Something real.
Because the hardest part of being on the breakaway is trusting someone enough to be beside you while you take the chance.
On the Breakaway, the second book in the Boston Playmakers series, is a steamy sports romance about healing after heartbreak, learning to trust again, and discovering that sometimes it’s the biggest risks that lead to the most unexpected victories.
‼️OUT 22/09‼️
August 23, 2026
Believe me people when I tell you this: it was just as good as the first one. No second book syndrome, pure love and joy. I adored it!
One of the luckiest accidents this year is that i found this series. And somehow, although i’m not a soccer fan i still decided to give it a chance. And surprise: i loved it. And now, after finishing the second book, i can tell that i loved this one too. Especially Grayson if i’m being honest, cause i’m so in love with that man, it hurts. And i have been ever since the first book, so imagine my joy when i realised that this second is gonna be his book. And it did not disappoint! The story was great, the problems seemed realistic, the characters are loveable and the writing style is like hearing them talk directly to you. I felt like i was there with them, i was emotionally invested and i couldn’t even put the book down. I rushed through it, enjoying every second (yes, even the bad parts, because i love drama, sue me) and then i realised that there are no more pages left… I feel like I could’ve read even more, but logically thinking it was perfect just the way it was. I loved how different our main characters seemed, even though they were more alike than they thought and i loved how they complemented each other. Their emotional flow also seemed realistic and i appreciated how it took time for both of them to realise things, to heal and to change. And although the author said it’s gonna be a really spicy book (and it was spicy don’t worry), i loved how that didn’t take away from the story or the emotional depth this book holds. And of course the focus was on our main characters and their feelings, the side characters weren’t left behind, they played an important part too and i feel like the book gave a steady ground for the next one.
I’d like to thank Nikki for giving me an opportunity to read this book as an arc, i loved it so much and i can’t wait for the next one! And also, i can’t wait for it to be released, so others can experience this bundle of love this book is.
One of the luckiest accidents this year is that i found this series. And somehow, although i’m not a soccer fan i still decided to give it a chance. And surprise: i loved it. And now, after finishing the second book, i can tell that i loved this one too. Especially Grayson if i’m being honest, cause i’m so in love with that man, it hurts. And i have been ever since the first book, so imagine my joy when i realised that this second is gonna be his book. And it did not disappoint! The story was great, the problems seemed realistic, the characters are loveable and the writing style is like hearing them talk directly to you. I felt like i was there with them, i was emotionally invested and i couldn’t even put the book down. I rushed through it, enjoying every second (yes, even the bad parts, because i love drama, sue me) and then i realised that there are no more pages left… I feel like I could’ve read even more, but logically thinking it was perfect just the way it was. I loved how different our main characters seemed, even though they were more alike than they thought and i loved how they complemented each other. Their emotional flow also seemed realistic and i appreciated how it took time for both of them to realise things, to heal and to change. And although the author said it’s gonna be a really spicy book (and it was spicy don’t worry), i loved how that didn’t take away from the story or the emotional depth this book holds. And of course the focus was on our main characters and their feelings, the side characters weren’t left behind, they played an important part too and i feel like the book gave a steady ground for the next one.
I’d like to thank Nikki for giving me an opportunity to read this book as an arc, i loved it so much and i can’t wait for the next one! And also, i can’t wait for it to be released, so others can experience this bundle of love this book is.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC Review✨
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ x INFINITY
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
This was my first book by Nikki Reid and let me tell you, it won’t be my last either!! I straight up devoured this book in no time at all.
I was kicking my feet like a schoolgirl while reading this book! Avery and Grayson are seriously perfect for each other. I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry, the banter between these two, and all the humor throughout their story.
Grayson is the ultimate golden retriever MMC. He wears glasses, yes you read that correctly. He wears glasses!!! He calls Avery “Chaos,” and just wants her to like him while she is hell-bent on pushing him away. He’s a professional hockey player, she’s a professional soccer player, and their black cat/golden retriever dynamic was EVERYTHING to me!!
I love that he just kept coming back for more and never allows her to completely push him away. He’s a giver who wants her to understand that a man can give without expecting anything in return. Your heart kind of breaks for him at one point.
Then Chapter 14 happened, he finally said f- it and went all in. There was no going back then! And Chapter 20? “Beg, baby. Beg Grayson.” That is all I’m saying.
If you don’t know this about me, I love friend groups in books. Avery’s friend group was another favorite part of this book. They reminded me of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda because they were so open, accepting, and absolutely hilarious.
These two handled their relationship with so much maturity, even when Avery was being a complete black cat.
What To Expect:
💥Athlete x athlete
💥Black cat x cinnamon roll
💥Dislike to love
💥Just one time
💥Secret relationship
💥He falls first
💥Found family
Oh Nikki, thank you so incredibly much for reaching out and asking me to read this book. Thank you for chatting with me while I read it. I really enjoyed that!
I am very much looking forward to book three. I know their story line will just hit! If you want or need me for anywhere, reach out!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ x INFINITY
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
This was my first book by Nikki Reid and let me tell you, it won’t be my last either!! I straight up devoured this book in no time at all.
I was kicking my feet like a schoolgirl while reading this book! Avery and Grayson are seriously perfect for each other. I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry, the banter between these two, and all the humor throughout their story.
Grayson is the ultimate golden retriever MMC. He wears glasses, yes you read that correctly. He wears glasses!!! He calls Avery “Chaos,” and just wants her to like him while she is hell-bent on pushing him away. He’s a professional hockey player, she’s a professional soccer player, and their black cat/golden retriever dynamic was EVERYTHING to me!!
I love that he just kept coming back for more and never allows her to completely push him away. He’s a giver who wants her to understand that a man can give without expecting anything in return. Your heart kind of breaks for him at one point.
Then Chapter 14 happened, he finally said f- it and went all in. There was no going back then! And Chapter 20? “Beg, baby. Beg Grayson.” That is all I’m saying.
If you don’t know this about me, I love friend groups in books. Avery’s friend group was another favorite part of this book. They reminded me of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda because they were so open, accepting, and absolutely hilarious.
These two handled their relationship with so much maturity, even when Avery was being a complete black cat.
What To Expect:
💥Athlete x athlete
💥Black cat x cinnamon roll
💥Dislike to love
💥Just one time
💥Secret relationship
💥He falls first
💥Found family
Oh Nikki, thank you so incredibly much for reaching out and asking me to read this book. Thank you for chatting with me while I read it. I really enjoyed that!
I am very much looking forward to book three. I know their story line will just hit! If you want or need me for anywhere, reach out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an advanced reader copy for giving my 2 cents.
We meet professional women's soccer player Avery who is the life of the party. she doesnt need anybody and does what she wants when she wants. She had a bad relationship break up the year before that left her reeling and thinks its the norm for relationships so she doesnt want one again. We meet Grayson, hockey captain golden retrieve who always looks after everyone and yearns for the relationship his parents have. Avery and Grayson are like oil and water...never getting along and always sparring with one another. Avery thinks Grayson is a goodie two shoes and Grayson thinks Avery is a loud mouthed brat. of course they run in the same circles and are always around one another. When Grayson buys her groceries one day she gets super annoyed and then her car wont start so he drives her home. Avery doesnt buy the hero complex with Grayson. But when he rescues her from herself after a night of drinking, she ends up sleeping in his spare room and when she sees him in glasses and gray sweatpants...she now sees that he is HOT! This has her brain thinking that they should have sex. Avery propositions Grayson at the bar the next time the group is out and he turns her down and he cant believe he said no. a lapse in judgement has Grayson holding Avery hostage in the bar bathroom. Avery doesnt like Grayson and he dont like her...right! Their angst against one another turns into passion that neither knew would exist. One date involving a plastic swan boat leads to a series of hookups. but what happens when feelings are caught? Can Avery run away from her feelings fast enough and Grayson finally let got of his good guy image?
We meet professional women's soccer player Avery who is the life of the party. she doesnt need anybody and does what she wants when she wants. She had a bad relationship break up the year before that left her reeling and thinks its the norm for relationships so she doesnt want one again. We meet Grayson, hockey captain golden retrieve who always looks after everyone and yearns for the relationship his parents have. Avery and Grayson are like oil and water...never getting along and always sparring with one another. Avery thinks Grayson is a goodie two shoes and Grayson thinks Avery is a loud mouthed brat. of course they run in the same circles and are always around one another. When Grayson buys her groceries one day she gets super annoyed and then her car wont start so he drives her home. Avery doesnt buy the hero complex with Grayson. But when he rescues her from herself after a night of drinking, she ends up sleeping in his spare room and when she sees him in glasses and gray sweatpants...she now sees that he is HOT! This has her brain thinking that they should have sex. Avery propositions Grayson at the bar the next time the group is out and he turns her down and he cant believe he said no. a lapse in judgement has Grayson holding Avery hostage in the bar bathroom. Avery doesnt like Grayson and he dont like her...right! Their angst against one another turns into passion that neither knew would exist. One date involving a plastic swan boat leads to a series of hookups. but what happens when feelings are caught? Can Avery run away from her feelings fast enough and Grayson finally let got of his good guy image?
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy of this book and am very thankful for the opportunity 🫶🏻
-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-
I am in love with both Avery and Grayson😍
Avery is the definition of black cat energy. After everything she’s been through with her parents and her ex, she’s completely closed herself off when it comes to relationships. Love? No thank you!
And then there’s Grayson. Basically her complete opposite and the perfect example of golden retriever energy. He grew up surrounded by a warm, loving family he can always come home to, and you can really feel how much he wants to find that same kind of warmth and love in a relationship of his own. He just hasn’t found it yet.
And surprisingly, that contrast was probably the part of this story I connected with the most!
I grew up in an incredibly close and loving family. My parents have been together since they were 13, and even now, my husband, our children and I live together with my family. We’re together all the time, and that sense of closeness, warmth and love has always been a huge part of my life!
So in that way, I understood Grayson completely. I want that same warmth and love in the family and life I’m building.
But personality-wise? I’m Avery. 😂 Outside of my little family bubble, I am absolutely the girl giving off black cat energy HAHA
Maybe that’s why these two worked so well for me!
And THE BANTER. Avery and Grayson constantly fighting, teasing and getting under each other’s skin was top tier. Their dynamic had me smiling so much.
And Grayson’s nickname for her?!
ALL. OF. MY. YES.
Black cat × golden retriever will get me every single time. 🖤✨
-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-
I am in love with both Avery and Grayson😍
Avery is the definition of black cat energy. After everything she’s been through with her parents and her ex, she’s completely closed herself off when it comes to relationships. Love? No thank you!
And then there’s Grayson. Basically her complete opposite and the perfect example of golden retriever energy. He grew up surrounded by a warm, loving family he can always come home to, and you can really feel how much he wants to find that same kind of warmth and love in a relationship of his own. He just hasn’t found it yet.
And surprisingly, that contrast was probably the part of this story I connected with the most!
I grew up in an incredibly close and loving family. My parents have been together since they were 13, and even now, my husband, our children and I live together with my family. We’re together all the time, and that sense of closeness, warmth and love has always been a huge part of my life!
So in that way, I understood Grayson completely. I want that same warmth and love in the family and life I’m building.
But personality-wise? I’m Avery. 😂 Outside of my little family bubble, I am absolutely the girl giving off black cat energy HAHA
Maybe that’s why these two worked so well for me!
And THE BANTER. Avery and Grayson constantly fighting, teasing and getting under each other’s skin was top tier. Their dynamic had me smiling so much.
And Grayson’s nickname for her?!
ALL. OF. MY. YES.
Black cat × golden retriever will get me every single time. 🖤✨
August 26, 2026
Avery and Grayson.
I have loved these guys since the first book. I just knew I was going to devour this book and devour it I did.
This is book 2 in a series. Can definitely be read as a standalone but highly recommend reading book 1 first to understand the relationships.
Potential spoilers!
Avery is tough, guarded and not who anyone thinks she is. She thinks she needs all these walls up thanks to a crap childhood and acts like she sleeps around to prove she got over a horrible, horrible ex. But that's not who she is at all. She's misunderstood, keeps her feelings inside and just doesn't know how to trust anyone. No one, aside from her friends, have ever given her a reason to trust them, until Grayson.
Gaaaah, Grayson. Where do I even start and how do I keep it short!? He's everything you want in a man. He is a walking green flag. He is patient, kind, and sexy. Every girl wants themselves a Grayson. He juggles his professional career and Avery like it's no problem. He gives her the space she needs to be able to trust him, and herself. He is everything she ever deserved and more.
This series has been so amazing. I love everything about them. As I said in my review of the first book, if you love the Vancouver Storm or DC Stars series, you will love these.
If you like hockey, dual athlete, he falls first and hard kind of books, go read this series.
100/10 recommend. I cannot wait to see what she does next after this book and this series!!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I have loved these guys since the first book. I just knew I was going to devour this book and devour it I did.
This is book 2 in a series. Can definitely be read as a standalone but highly recommend reading book 1 first to understand the relationships.
Potential spoilers!
Avery is tough, guarded and not who anyone thinks she is. She thinks she needs all these walls up thanks to a crap childhood and acts like she sleeps around to prove she got over a horrible, horrible ex. But that's not who she is at all. She's misunderstood, keeps her feelings inside and just doesn't know how to trust anyone. No one, aside from her friends, have ever given her a reason to trust them, until Grayson.
Gaaaah, Grayson. Where do I even start and how do I keep it short!? He's everything you want in a man. He is a walking green flag. He is patient, kind, and sexy. Every girl wants themselves a Grayson. He juggles his professional career and Avery like it's no problem. He gives her the space she needs to be able to trust him, and herself. He is everything she ever deserved and more.
This series has been so amazing. I love everything about them. As I said in my review of the first book, if you love the Vancouver Storm or DC Stars series, you will love these.
If you like hockey, dual athlete, he falls first and hard kind of books, go read this series.
100/10 recommend. I cannot wait to see what she does next after this book and this series!!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 5/5
I absolutely devoured On the Breakaway. From the very first chapter, I was hooked, and Avery and Grayson completely had me.
These two are seriously the definition of opposites attract. Avery is so guarded and closed off, and I loved watching Grayson slowly shatter the glass she had built around herself. The way she was almost taken aback whenever he was genuinely kind to her broke my heart a little, especially knowing how much her ex, Damon, had affected the way she viewed relationships and herself.
Unfortunately, I’ve had a Damon in my life, so I understood Avery more than I wanted to. Watching her slowly realize that not everyone is going to treat her the way he did made her story hit that much harder for me. And I loved that Avery and Grayson weren't magically perfect together. They had to work things through and when they worked it out, they persevered.
And GRAYSON. 😭 The banter! Him calling her “Chaos.” The mirror scene?! The swan boat?! There were so many little moments throughout this book that had me completely hooked and made their relationship so much fun to read.
Nikki Reid seriously did it again. I loved her debut and the first book in the Boston Playmakers series, so I had high hopes going into book two, and I’m so happy to say that On the Breakaway delivered just as much.
Avery + Grayson have my heart. Easy five stars. No notes. I ate this up. 🏒💗
Thank you Nikki for allowing me to read your book for a honest review 🩷
I absolutely devoured On the Breakaway. From the very first chapter, I was hooked, and Avery and Grayson completely had me.
These two are seriously the definition of opposites attract. Avery is so guarded and closed off, and I loved watching Grayson slowly shatter the glass she had built around herself. The way she was almost taken aback whenever he was genuinely kind to her broke my heart a little, especially knowing how much her ex, Damon, had affected the way she viewed relationships and herself.
Unfortunately, I’ve had a Damon in my life, so I understood Avery more than I wanted to. Watching her slowly realize that not everyone is going to treat her the way he did made her story hit that much harder for me. And I loved that Avery and Grayson weren't magically perfect together. They had to work things through and when they worked it out, they persevered.
And GRAYSON. 😭 The banter! Him calling her “Chaos.” The mirror scene?! The swan boat?! There were so many little moments throughout this book that had me completely hooked and made their relationship so much fun to read.
Nikki Reid seriously did it again. I loved her debut and the first book in the Boston Playmakers series, so I had high hopes going into book two, and I’m so happy to say that On the Breakaway delivered just as much.
Avery + Grayson have my heart. Easy five stars. No notes. I ate this up. 🏒💗
Thank you Nikki for allowing me to read your book for a honest review 🩷
October 1, 2026
⚽️🏒⚽️🏒⚽️ and 🌶️🌶️ : keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
Genre/series: On the Breakaway is book two of the Boston Playmakers. Can be read as a standalone but seriously guys, read the first one!
I just love the way that @authornikkireid writes. Her stories always seem true, honest and although it’s between two professional athletes, human. I appreciate when I can find something relatable in characters.
Nikki brings you through so many emotions in this book. I absolutely adore Grayson. Huge golden retriever with a golden heart. Avery pushed my buttons sometimes because I wanted to help point her in the other direction. Her insecurities though… totally relatable. Especially going through something she has.
This book is a little less about the sports as the first one so if you need less, this one is for you! Bad breakups, emotional insecurity, some hockey and soccer.
The Boston Playmakers world is one I am so happy I fell into. The side characters are awesome and a couple have their own book. I hope to continue seeing more of this friend group in the future!
Tropes:
⚽️ Athlete x Athlete
🤔 Dislike to Love
🐈⬛ Black Cat FMC
🍁 He Falls First
🤫 Secret Relationship
🧑🧑🧒 Found Family
⚠️: discussions of domestic abuse
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @authornikkireid! I am so thankful I found you as an author! Must read author for me 💙
Genre/series: On the Breakaway is book two of the Boston Playmakers. Can be read as a standalone but seriously guys, read the first one!
I just love the way that @authornikkireid writes. Her stories always seem true, honest and although it’s between two professional athletes, human. I appreciate when I can find something relatable in characters.
Nikki brings you through so many emotions in this book. I absolutely adore Grayson. Huge golden retriever with a golden heart. Avery pushed my buttons sometimes because I wanted to help point her in the other direction. Her insecurities though… totally relatable. Especially going through something she has.
This book is a little less about the sports as the first one so if you need less, this one is for you! Bad breakups, emotional insecurity, some hockey and soccer.
The Boston Playmakers world is one I am so happy I fell into. The side characters are awesome and a couple have their own book. I hope to continue seeing more of this friend group in the future!
Tropes:
⚽️ Athlete x Athlete
🤔 Dislike to Love
🐈⬛ Black Cat FMC
🍁 He Falls First
🤫 Secret Relationship
🧑🧑🧒 Found Family
⚠️: discussions of domestic abuse
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @authornikkireid! I am so thankful I found you as an author! Must read author for me 💙
August 28, 2026
Okay I adored Wesley and Nathan but Avery and Grayson? Elite level couple!
The way Grayson came out of his shell around Avery and loved her for how she made him feel rather than loving her because he felt he should be in a relationship - swoon! And his dirty pillow talk, calling her "baby" and "Chaos" as a nickname?! 😍
I loved watching them both struggle to let go of what they think relationships should look like and instead learn to love what they actually have. Their banter too? Incredible!
Avery was such a strong character and I loved seeing her development over the story - watching her struggle to move on from her toxic last relationship felt so real. The moment she told Harper and Wesley that she felt like what Damon did to her wasn't that bad, and they confirmed that it absolutely was and she had every right to feel the way she did? Honestly 10/10 friends. I adored their friendship! Also loved the dynamic between Liam and Avery too.
Please please please let the next book be Wyatt and Harper - I need these two in my life! I love Wyatt's grumpiness and I feel like he's going to fall so hard!
A big thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this early copy. As always, these are my honest thoughts..
The way Grayson came out of his shell around Avery and loved her for how she made him feel rather than loving her because he felt he should be in a relationship - swoon! And his dirty pillow talk, calling her "baby" and "Chaos" as a nickname?! 😍
I loved watching them both struggle to let go of what they think relationships should look like and instead learn to love what they actually have. Their banter too? Incredible!
Avery was such a strong character and I loved seeing her development over the story - watching her struggle to move on from her toxic last relationship felt so real. The moment she told Harper and Wesley that she felt like what Damon did to her wasn't that bad, and they confirmed that it absolutely was and she had every right to feel the way she did? Honestly 10/10 friends. I adored their friendship! Also loved the dynamic between Liam and Avery too.
Please please please let the next book be Wyatt and Harper - I need these two in my life! I love Wyatt's grumpiness and I feel like he's going to fall so hard!
A big thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this early copy. As always, these are my honest thoughts..
September 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy of this book!
I have been in a major reading slump this month and this book pulled me right out of it. I flew through this.
Grayson is such a golden retriever and Avery definitely gives off black cat energy. They go so well together though.
Avery has some trust issues and has been through a lot from a prior relationship. She seems fine, but she still carries around what happened in that relationship. She automatically doesn't like Grayson based upon this image she's created in her head of him.
Grayson, as Avery would say, has a "hero complex." He is always helping wherever he's needed and is overall a really good guy.
Avery has to learn to put what happened in the past behind her in order to trust Grayson and she really has a hard time doing that. She grows so much throughout this story.
The chemistry is off the charts. The banter is fantastic.
You should run to pick this book up if you like: dislike to love, athlete x athlete, black cat x golden retriever, he falls first, secret relationship.
Also, if you haven't read With the Assist (the first book in this series), you totally should do that too!
September 5, 2026
Nikki Reid does it again 👏🏻👏🏻 This is book two in series and I’m still wrapping my mind that book one was her debut because her writing is 🤌🏻 As soon as I finished With the Assist, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book and I was so excited to get On the Breakaway as an ARC.
This is another dual athlete story, with characters we met in book one; Avery and Grayson. Avery is our black cat FMC and Grayson is a total golden retriever MMC. Their back and forth banter is my favorite and I loved watching them fall for each other. The book is spicy, but something I really love about Nikki’s books is that while yes I absolutely LOVE me a spicy book, I also want it to make sense in the plot and she gets that. It always adds to the plot instead of feeling like you just got dropped off there. The side characters were even better in this story too; I feel like we see them more because the characters are engaging with them a lot. The friendships are realistic, heartwarming and fun. I really can’t wait for the next book!
Read if you like:
🏒Black cat x golden retriever
⚽️Nicknames (Chaos 😍)
🏒Dual athlete
⚽️Found family
🏒Hate to love
⚽️He falls first
This is another dual athlete story, with characters we met in book one; Avery and Grayson. Avery is our black cat FMC and Grayson is a total golden retriever MMC. Their back and forth banter is my favorite and I loved watching them fall for each other. The book is spicy, but something I really love about Nikki’s books is that while yes I absolutely LOVE me a spicy book, I also want it to make sense in the plot and she gets that. It always adds to the plot instead of feeling like you just got dropped off there. The side characters were even better in this story too; I feel like we see them more because the characters are engaging with them a lot. The friendships are realistic, heartwarming and fun. I really can’t wait for the next book!
Read if you like:
🏒Black cat x golden retriever
⚽️Nicknames (Chaos 😍)
🏒Dual athlete
⚽️Found family
🏒Hate to love
⚽️He falls first
September 19, 2026
Book 2 of the Boston Playmakers Series was exactly what I wanted and needed in a sports romance! I loved book one, but book two?! I loved, loved, LOVED it! Book two absolutely knocked it out of the park for me.
Avery is a professional soccer star who has past relationship baggage and trauma. She is just looking for a no strings attached good time. Grayson is the total opposite! He is a relationship man who falls fast and hard. What starts as a one-time thing between two acquaintances who can’t stand each other quickly turns into a secret romance, and eventually, a real, loving relationship neither of them expected.
I ate up the dislike-to-lovers tension and secret romance in this book. Avery and Grayson are both athletes, which I also love. I also loved getting to see and hear from everyone in the friend group again. Book one did such a great job bringing all of these characters together, and book two took those friendships, relationships, and connections to another level. I was already invested after book one, but book two made me love this group of characters even more. I seriously can’t get enough of them! Now I need my girl Harper to get her “happily ever after” too!
Avery is a professional soccer star who has past relationship baggage and trauma. She is just looking for a no strings attached good time. Grayson is the total opposite! He is a relationship man who falls fast and hard. What starts as a one-time thing between two acquaintances who can’t stand each other quickly turns into a secret romance, and eventually, a real, loving relationship neither of them expected.
I ate up the dislike-to-lovers tension and secret romance in this book. Avery and Grayson are both athletes, which I also love. I also loved getting to see and hear from everyone in the friend group again. Book one did such a great job bringing all of these characters together, and book two took those friendships, relationships, and connections to another level. I was already invested after book one, but book two made me love this group of characters even more. I seriously can’t get enough of them! Now I need my girl Harper to get her “happily ever after” too!
September 23, 2026
Hooked from the first chapter!
This is a well-written story of Avery, who had been burned by love in the past, including being the dog toy in the tug-of-war contest that was her parents' marriage and divorce, and Grayson, who had spent most of his adult years searching for the same love demonstrated in his parents' idyllic marriage.
Grayson, the captain of his NHL team, is a natural leader: confident and caring, with the need to nurture and care for the people in his life. He recently paused his serial, yet indefatigably monogamous, dating; AKA his relentless search for "the one."
Avery is recently free from an increasingly controlling ex, having escaped with a weariness of overly confident men. When she meets Grayson, she unfortunately sees all of the qualities her ex possessed. Grayson is intrigued by the standoffish but beautiful professional soccer player who appears to be the life of the party, but one with a chip on her shoulder.
They are unable to avoid each other, as their teams/friend groups are intertwined.
From there, attraction builds despite continuous resistance from both sides.
I thoroughly enjoyed Grayson and Avery's story.
This is a well-written story of Avery, who had been burned by love in the past, including being the dog toy in the tug-of-war contest that was her parents' marriage and divorce, and Grayson, who had spent most of his adult years searching for the same love demonstrated in his parents' idyllic marriage.
Grayson, the captain of his NHL team, is a natural leader: confident and caring, with the need to nurture and care for the people in his life. He recently paused his serial, yet indefatigably monogamous, dating; AKA his relentless search for "the one."
Avery is recently free from an increasingly controlling ex, having escaped with a weariness of overly confident men. When she meets Grayson, she unfortunately sees all of the qualities her ex possessed. Grayson is intrigued by the standoffish but beautiful professional soccer player who appears to be the life of the party, but one with a chip on her shoulder.
They are unable to avoid each other, as their teams/friend groups are intertwined.
From there, attraction builds despite continuous resistance from both sides.
I thoroughly enjoyed Grayson and Avery's story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed On the Breakaway. Avery and Grayson were such an easy couple to get invested in both carrying their own reasons for keeping people at a distance.
I liked the slow shift from irritation and teasing into something more serious. Their chemistry was there, but what I loved most was watching Avery gradually let her guard down. Her fear of repeating past mistakes made her hesitation feel real, not just drama for drama's sake.
Grayson was great too. He wasn't the type to bulldoze through Avery's walls. There was patience in how he dealt with her, and their banter genuinely made me smile.
The sports element worked well in the background without taking over the romance. I especially liked the friendships and group dynamic made the world feel bigger than just the two of them.
Overall, this was a sweet, steamy romance about learning to trust again and taking a chance on something that matters. I enjoyed their journey and would definitely read more from the Boston Playmakers world.
I liked the slow shift from irritation and teasing into something more serious. Their chemistry was there, but what I loved most was watching Avery gradually let her guard down. Her fear of repeating past mistakes made her hesitation feel real, not just drama for drama's sake.
Grayson was great too. He wasn't the type to bulldoze through Avery's walls. There was patience in how he dealt with her, and their banter genuinely made me smile.
The sports element worked well in the background without taking over the romance. I especially liked the friendships and group dynamic made the world feel bigger than just the two of them.
Overall, this was a sweet, steamy romance about learning to trust again and taking a chance on something that matters. I enjoyed their journey and would definitely read more from the Boston Playmakers world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Nikki Reid for the arc!
Overall there were many aspects I liked about this story. Our MMC Grayson is delicious. Hockey player. Good guy to his core. SO down bad for our FMC Avery. A great trifecta honestly. & then he had the audacity to pull out those slutty little glasses? Woof.
Their chemistry and banter was HAWT. The steam was SCHTEAMING. I loved the sports aspect where the FMC Avery was a soccer player. She was definitely a badass. Unfortunately she just rubbed me such a wrong way it was hard to get past. I can’t really put my finger on it. The author did a great job explaining Avery and why she is the way she is, I just had such a hard time connecting with/understanding her. She was OVERLY confident and some of the decisions she was making had me yelling in my house “GIRL WHY?!” On multiple occasions. she irked me in a way I couldn’t really get over and it unfortunately tainted the read for me as a whole.
This story had good bones and was well written. I appreciate that chance to review it so much.
Overall there were many aspects I liked about this story. Our MMC Grayson is delicious. Hockey player. Good guy to his core. SO down bad for our FMC Avery. A great trifecta honestly. & then he had the audacity to pull out those slutty little glasses? Woof.
Their chemistry and banter was HAWT. The steam was SCHTEAMING. I loved the sports aspect where the FMC Avery was a soccer player. She was definitely a badass. Unfortunately she just rubbed me such a wrong way it was hard to get past. I can’t really put my finger on it. The author did a great job explaining Avery and why she is the way she is, I just had such a hard time connecting with/understanding her. She was OVERLY confident and some of the decisions she was making had me yelling in my house “GIRL WHY?!” On multiple occasions. she irked me in a way I couldn’t really get over and it unfortunately tainted the read for me as a whole.
This story had good bones and was well written. I appreciate that chance to review it so much.
September 7, 2026
ARC REVIEW | ⭐️ 4 | 🌶️ 2
This was my first Nikki Reid book and safe to say, I’ve already got my next book of hers question and ready on my kindle
I loved having two athlete MCs, it gave the sports romance a slightly different spin. Add a classic black cat x golden retriever dynamic, and watching Avery and Grayson fight (or flirt, depending on who you asked) was so much fun.
But underneath the banter, these two had so much depth. Avery is recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship and coming to terms with a lifetime of conditional love, while Grayson is learning that maybe life and love, is supposed to come with a little chaos.
This one hit surprisingly hard emotionally, but balanced it beautifully with the fun, flirty moments… and a few very spicy ones.
I would’ve loved more of the soccer side of the story. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this and I’m really looking forward to what come next in this series.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author for free and leave this review voluntarily.
This was my first Nikki Reid book and safe to say, I’ve already got my next book of hers question and ready on my kindle
I loved having two athlete MCs, it gave the sports romance a slightly different spin. Add a classic black cat x golden retriever dynamic, and watching Avery and Grayson fight (or flirt, depending on who you asked) was so much fun.
But underneath the banter, these two had so much depth. Avery is recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship and coming to terms with a lifetime of conditional love, while Grayson is learning that maybe life and love, is supposed to come with a little chaos.
This one hit surprisingly hard emotionally, but balanced it beautifully with the fun, flirty moments… and a few very spicy ones.
I would’ve loved more of the soccer side of the story. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this and I’m really looking forward to what come next in this series.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author for free and leave this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2026
Book 2 in the Boston Playmakers Series follows Wesley's friend Avery and Nathan's captain, Grayson. She does not like him, so much that she chooses to kiss her friend, rather then kiss him on New Year's Eve. He reminds her too much of her ex, though he is the first guy to make her feel something since that relationship. She proposes one-night, he agrees. He's done with long term as well. Sparks ignite and then she runs and avoids him. But then it happens again so they decide no strings and keep it quiet. But can it stay quiet?
Avery has a lot to work through as she moves on from her ex and has to find herself again. She is constantly comparing Grayson to her ex, even though he shows time and time again that they are nothing alike. He even makes note to be opposite of her ex when she mentions things. It got a little annoying to a point as the book is coming to an end and she is still doing it. Grayson was so sweet, patient, and dependable. He shows time and time again why he is a good captain and a good person. He teammates were a great addition.
Avery has a lot to work through as she moves on from her ex and has to find herself again. She is constantly comparing Grayson to her ex, even though he shows time and time again that they are nothing alike. He even makes note to be opposite of her ex when she mentions things. It got a little annoying to a point as the book is coming to an end and she is still doing it. Grayson was so sweet, patient, and dependable. He shows time and time again why he is a good captain and a good person. He teammates were a great addition.
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