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While Texas is known for loving football, Lexi Stewart has always been drawn to the ice. Hockey is her passion, and she wants nothing more than to pursue a career in video editing for the home network of the Dallas Demons hockey team.

Lexi has an editing job for a corporate account, but it’s not fulfilling. Nor is her dating life, despite having the so-called help of The One Online Dating Service. Lexi knows there has to be more for her—on both fronts. She’s ready to take the next step, but it doesn't seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon.

Until a flying puck changes everything.

Niko Xenakis is the new Dallas Demons TV producer, and he’s looking to make his mark in his new role and hopefully work his way back to his hometown of Baltimore. But once he meets Lexi, he might just change his mind on what he wants for his future . . .

But the road to love is never easy, complicated by the fact that they both carry emotional baggage from the past in their hearts. Can these two “breakout”of the past to find love in the present?

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2015

170 people are currently reading
274 people want to read

About the author

Aven Ellis

50 books830 followers
USA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.

Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.

Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Simona.
613 reviews122 followers
February 1, 2020
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

By now you guys probably know that I get really excited whenever I see an Aven Ellis book, you’re not wrong ;) I had the pleasure of beta reading this beauty and I loved being part of this journey, the characters are amazing.

The story follows Lexi and the ones of you who have read The Definition of Icing already know her, she is Kenley’s best friend, so we also get to read about Kenley and Nate again in this book, which is great.

So, let me introduce you to the main characters in this book. Lexi Stewart is young, creative and really passionate. She loves hockey and editing, her dream is to work at TATS, the sports station, and wants to edit hockey related things. Every Saturday she goes to the Dallas Demons practise and films the players, to edit small things, that’s where she meets Niko in a rather funny way. It’s actually one of my faves and Aven’s writing captured that beautifully.

Well, Niko Xenakis is the other main character. He just moved to Dallas from Seattle taking over the producer job for the Demons games. He is Greek and from Baltimore, his parents are tradional and own a bakery. Niko is all a woman can ask for: sexy, passionate, sweet, thoughtful, gorgeous, romantic, caring, just AMAZING!!! Aven just proves once again that she really is the QUEEN OF BOOK BOYFRIENDS.

Back to Lexi, I loved her as a main character, full of energy and heart. I wish I would have a best friend like her. She likes hockey and she is so much fun. Lexi gets the opportunity to finally work at TATS and edit some Demons stuff. She is very grateful for the opportunity and it just shows her that she really wants to do this. Things are not easy of course, with others getting the opportunity as well or a puck slut kind of reporter getting in her way. She starts to fight for what she wants though, which was great to see.
I might have to add here that Lexi is adopted, because that becomes part of the story in several ways.

So, I said the way Lexi and Niko meet is funny, it really is. The two of them get along from the start. Their chemistry is really unique, not that obvious, but small gestures and moments show that they have something real. Both of them are really hesitant at first though, but they are still willing to get to know each other. I loved that journey and everything they shared. Aven’s writing made it seem so authentic and I felt like being there with the characters.

Thanksgiving is an important day in their relationship and it also involves Cici (Kenley’s mum). Another one of these events is the Casino Night, just awesome!!!

The first kiss scene in this book is the BEST, my absolute fave. It is full of passion, heart and love. It’s written in a vivid and passionate way and it’s perfect for Lexi and Niko.

Niko is so thoughtful and always there for her, even if he is away. He is a rock for Lexi, especially when something she has long forgotten comes up again.

Lexi and Niko come from two different worlds and that will become an issue in this story. I will not tell you more here, but it will all really affect and touch you as a reader. The drama and misunderstandings in this story are part of a wonderful and flowing storyline.

This book has it all. Aven has found a great mixture of humour, love, passion, work, friendship, family and much more. Her writing is engaging and makes you never want to leave that world again. Feelings and emotions come across really well in Aven’s writing, she is touching my heart and also manages to put a huge smile on my face every single time.

The Christmas atmosphere comes across beautifully in this story, Niko has some great surprises for Lexi, one of them involving a hockey Christmas tree ;). Worth every sweet little moment.

There are so many wonderful scenes and moments in this book, of course I also really liked the hockey aspect of it all. Some Dallas Demons players get their mention as well, be prepared to meet them sooner or later ;) Just saying…

A masterpiece with two amazing main characters, a lot of other awesome characters. Everything put together into a unique, magical, romantic and gripping read!!!
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews629 followers
October 15, 2015
Sometimes it feels like an author has written something JUST FOR YOU. So, with that thought in mind, thank you, Aven Ellis for knowing what sport I like, and how I like my romance!

Breakout by Aven Ellis goes behind the scenes of the Dallas Demons hockey team and right into the producer’s trailer. Not only does the hot new producer have an eye for team highlights, he has an eye for the woman who knows how to make those highlights shine! Who knew one tackle (the only football reference) would open doors to a new career and a new life filled with love and happiness for Lexi, a dyed in the wool hockey fan and freelance editor.

The day Niko saved Lexi from an errant puck at practice was the day Lexi gave up on online dating services and dared to take a chance on feeling something for a real, live, warm and caring man. End of story? Oh heavens no, we have three more quarter to play before the clock runs down and the buzzer sounds, because the road to happiness can be slippery and filled with pitfalls, misunderstandings and buxom blonde beauties who think they can charm Niko into submission. Is Lexi going to take this sitting on the bench or is she going to take the fight to the ice and beyond?

Aven Ellis has nailed so many dating pitfalls and given them a humorous spin, there were times I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! Remember meeting the parents? For Niko, meeting Lexi’s parents was, to say the least a shock, because Lexi has been holding back from full disclosure. Shame on Lexi! Niko is beyond a catch, even with his own secret baggage! But leave it Aven Ellis to bring it altogether and give us a romance with her special spice and flare, from the pre-game highlights to the post-game wrap up.

Looking for romance that feels good? The kind that makes you smile as you see a few things you just might have done in your past? Lexi has spirit, she has attitude and she just has to bring to the table if she wants to hang on to Niko! And THIS is why I like to read!

I received an ARC edition from Aven Ellis in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Dallas Demons Hockey Romance
Publication Date: November 4, 2015
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 246 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Derna.
590 reviews290 followers
November 8, 2015
*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***

When the latest Aven Ellis book arrives on my Kindle, I always get a little excited as I know I'm going to be spending a few hours of reading getting wrapped up in a great romance story that offers me everything I love.

“All good things don’t come to an end…Sometimes they’re just the beginning.”

Breakout (Dallas Demons #3) is the heart-warming story about gorgeous hockey loving fan Lexi Stewart and the sexy Greek sports TV producer Niko Xenakis. Lexi hasn’t had much luck with her love life of late, and Niko is not looking for love. However, when these two meet that could all change, but only if they don’t let the emotional baggage and insecurities that they both have due to their pasts get in the way.

“For the first time in years my heart skips inside my chest.”

“You’re different from anyone I’ve ever been with.”


I loved Lexi & Niko they were sweet together. I liked the pace of their relationship not too fast, but not to slow. Although they had a few bumps in the road, you could never question the chemistry and feelings they had for each other. The connection that they shared was impossible to ignore, and there was some sweet and tender moment between them. I liked watching them trying to overcome their issues and emotionally grow during the book in the hope that they get the true love and happiness that they both wanted and deserved.

“I’m done being tortured.”

“There is something more than a friendship between us.”


Overall Breakout is a perfect addition to the series and ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a great romance hockey story. Fans of Aven new or old will love it. Aven sucks you in as she delivers a great story with humour, romance, a creative heroine, a sexy hero, and entertaining secondary characters, one that I may have wanted to in the nicest possible way bitch slap. And to top it all off there is an HAE with swoon-worthy epilogue that left me with a big grin on your face.

Oh, and as I have a thing for men who speak foreign languages so Niko can whisper sweet sexy romantic words in my ear all day long.

“σ 'αγαπώ.”

Loved it and with some inside knowledge I’m excited for what she has planned next for us all. One-click this book today and fall in love with another couple that Aven has created.
Profile Image for Jo Hughes.
253 reviews269 followers
November 20, 2015
I would like to thank Carina for auto-approving me to read this book on NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I would also like to thank author Rebecca Raisin for being there when I needed her the most and sending me bits of this story to help me through, love you (sorry it's taken me awhile to write this review) xx.

I will start with this gorgeous cover of all of becks books this really has to be my favourite and carina have outdone themselves with this one.

In this story, we meet up again with Sarah the main character from The Bookshop on the Corner. She is still in the small town of Ashford and it was lovely to meet up with some familiar characters, in Lil and CiCi. The Sarah's friend Sophie has a proposal for them to swap bookshops as Sophie has had her heartbroken and needs to get away. Sophie would live and run Sarah's bookshop in Ashford and Sarah run Sophies in Paris. For Sarah this idea is a no-brainer especially with the love of her life Ridge away for longer periods of time and the feeling that they are growing apart, after all he could visit her in Paris just as easily as he could in Ashford.

I loved that Sarah decided to invest into the adventure and enjoyed following her around Paris, for me it is a place I have half wanted to visit especially places like the Eiffel Tower but, on the other hand, isn't Paris the city of love? I loved Bec's descriptions of the City and can tell she really invested in the time she spent there earlier this year.

This is the longest book the Bec has written and personally I think it is one of her best, although I will always love the Gingerbread books. I know with each books Bec's writing is getting better and better. It's worth all the blood sweat and tears honey, you're fantastic. So if you want some escapism in the city of love that has a bookshop this one is for you. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Alba.
515 reviews103 followers
January 15, 2016
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/01...

Aven's books are like a happy place where you can escape to for a few hours and forget about everything else. And Breakout is no exception. She always creates the cutest stories with the best heroes: gorgeous and gentle guys, ready to love unconditionally. And that's the case with Niko Xenakis, perfect book boyfriend material.

When Aven first announced that she was writing a new installment in her Dallas Demons Series, I was over the moon as I am a big fan of a certain Dallas Demon captain so I was hoping for some guest appearances and I was not disappointed at all. It's always great to see how lovely Harrison and wife are doing. But what I enjoyed the most from this story was that contrary to the previous two books of the series, we get to see the other side of Hockey: the TV producers. I'm always curious to know what goes on behind the cameras and in Breakout we get a peek to the TV world which can be as stressing and fast as a hockey match.

I admit that it took me a while to warm to our main character, Lexi. I don't know why exactly but I didn't relate to her as much as to Aven's previous heroines. At firs, she seemed like a nice girl but there was something missing in her, a spark or something. But as I got to know her, I started to understand her better. I really think that Niko and her new job brought out a new more confident Lexi, which I liked better. You could really see who she evolved as a character and kind of grew up during the story.

I'm sure Aven's fans will love Breakout. She delivers all we love in her stories: love, friendship, sports and some fun banter. And if you haven't read any of Aven's book yet, where have you been? Definitely worth a read!
Profile Image for Heidi.
194 reviews7 followers
November 24, 2015
Breakout is another fantastic addition to Aven Ellis' Dallas Demons Series and it might just be my favourite yet. What I love most about this author and her books is the high recognition factor. I know exactly what I am in for when I pick up one of Aven's novels - a brilliantly crafted storyline, lovable characters and plenty of romantic heartfelt moments.

Lexi Stewart is your normal down-to-earth, next-door neighbour kind of girl (ok, her parents are super rich and her best friend, Kenley, is dating a Dallas Demons hockey star, but she is lovely and grounded, nonetheless) with big dreams and career aspirations. Throw Niko Xenakis, a fiery Greek TV producer into the mix and you get an explosive coupling.

The relationship between these two was definitely the highlight in this book for me. Both have strong family bonds and values, but not everything has been plain sailing along the way. I also really loved that so many re-occurring characters from the previous books made an appearance in Breakout. You just have to love CiCi... (Kenley's mother).

Whenever I start one of Aven's books, I finish it very quickly. It is incredibly easy to get completely absorbed into the storyline, forget the world around you and delve into the gorgeous plots.
Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,343 reviews23 followers
September 8, 2018
Lexi is a big hockey fan and also an upcoming editor, so she records and edits games of the Dallas Demons for her YouTube channel. She is saved from a flying puck by a handsome guy, who turns out to be the new producer for the Dallas Demons (Niko).

This is the first book by Aven Ellis I have read, but it can completely standalone. There are some references to other couples (of the first books) but nothing you won't understand. One of the main issues of Lexi is that she was given up for adoption as a baby and - even when she has great adoptive parents who are also insanely rich - she feels abandoned because both her biological parents want nothing to do with her. This abandonment issue plays a part in the book.

Niko is a great guy, from a Greek family who wants him to marry the traditional Greek girl and don't understand why he wants to be a producer. Lexi and Niko are immediately attracted to each other and both are looking for their dream producing/editing jobs.

The story is fast, sweet (but with some steam), with great friends and a lot of insecurity from Lexi. I thought she went a bit overboard with some things, but overall it was quite low drama.

I would certainly read another Aven Ellis book.
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
January 14, 2019
This was an ok read. I’m disappointed that there wasn’t a hockey player in the romance, since it’s part of a team series. Almost can’t say this is about hockey since neither h/H are part of the team except by the production crew of the televised games. There’s not even any description of the games either. The flow was fine, but the story/author gets hung up on designer labels too much. It made all the women seem snooty & un-relatable, I couldn’t like them. I’m not sure I would read another by this author since I just hate name dropping -for anything rich & famous -lifestyles, from cologne to women’s facial cream, to designer clothes parties & exclusive neighborhoods & fancy cars. This is the 3rd in the series that I’ve read & they were pretty much all about the “rich” product descriptions. The character development is minimal, the characters weren’t memorable, after 12 days, I can’t remember the h/H’s names even. I know I said after book 2 that I wouldn’t read more by this author, but this came up for free on Amazon & I was hoping just maybe it would be a little better than the first 2 in the series, after I realized it was by the same author. Darn.
232 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2019
I loved iy

I loved this next addition to the Dallas Demons Hockey Romance series. Lexi is a girl who loves Hockey and she went to college to become a video editor. Her dream job would be to work for the network that produces the Dallas Demons broadcasts. She was at a team practice one day shooting the guys so she could practice editing shots together when she heats "watchout" and is flattened to the bleachers by the most beautiful man she has ever seen just as a puck missed her head. Nico, the new producer for the Demons broadcasts, is her hero in all his Greek God glory! Once he finds out she has the abilities, he gets her a job with company but it's hard to work beside him not knowing what their status is, friends? Just Co-Workers? This is really confusing!! And they both have something to prove, his job is just for a year, and her job is just a foot in the door, they can't let a workplace romance mess that up.
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 7 books33 followers
January 15, 2019
Lexi met Niko at a Dalles Demons hockey practice. Instant attraction. However, insecurities and doubts about their self-worth plagued Lexi and Niko. Neither revealed how they felt. The relationship was rocky. Interesting plotline, well written very complex characters and I liked the story. I thought Lexi's reactions to things was a little over the top. She went ballistic before knowing what really happened. Niko was patient with her because he really understood why she always reacted the way she did. I recommend.
Profile Image for Joana Dias.
172 reviews
March 31, 2025
Embora o Texas seja conhecido por amar futebol, Lexi Stewart sempre foi atraída pelo gelo. Hóquei é sua paixão, e ela não quer nada mais do que seguir uma carreira em edição de vídeo para a rede doméstica do time de hóquei Dallas Demons.

É um livro bastante apaixonante, e com alguns temas com os quais a maioria das pessoas tem que lidar no seu dia a dia, mas sem dúvida um romance bastante apaixonante.

LEIAM
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Charlotte Henderson.
58 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2019
Aven Ellis never fails to pull me out of a slump. Lexi and Niko grabbed my heart with their insecurities, and the way they overcame them.

Guys, I stayed up until 1:30 AM finishing this book. I adored it. Who doesn’t love a good hockey book, even if Niko is a producer and Lexi is in editing. Freaking fabulous.

Read this!!
150 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2020
Another great book in this series

This is another great book in this series. I love a great HEA book. This one fits the bill. Lexi and Niko have hurdles in their lives to get through but they get through them together and I love their meet cute and their relationship!
Profile Image for Rosanne Tucker-Gilliam.
17 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2022
Breakout

I loved this story it was so enjoyable I could not stop reading it I read it in one day I loved the joy and fun in it I not have to find another book that will bring make me feel this wonderful.
Profile Image for Kayleigh (Kayimreading).
603 reviews32 followers
Read
December 14, 2023
Sorry but no. I dnf’d this at 5% after the same sentences were repeated over and over again about how the girl is a loser who makes edits and the guy was too hot to even notice her. In that short period of time I knew this wasn’t going to be for me.
Profile Image for Dannie Lynn Fountain.
Author 6 books60 followers
December 15, 2023
The FMC in this book is insecure AF and not in a cute redeemable way. Also it's not exactly a hockey romance, more of a "sports media romance." I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher via libro.fm.
Profile Image for Donna.
157 reviews
January 16, 2019
This is a fun, romantic book. There is some language that I feel is unnecessary, but still I enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Jessica.
12 reviews
December 6, 2021
Another Goal!!!

I think Aven’s hockey series are my favorite, and this one did not disappoint! Now excuse me while I go plan my Greek vacation!
5 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2022
fun fast read

I’m such a fan of the Dallas Demons series! So far this one is my favorite! You’ll love Lexi and her journey to love!
297 reviews
May 28, 2024
It was a refreshing hockey story where the romance is not involving a p!ayer. I did find Lexi to overreact a bit but I guess you need to have conflict to have resolution and a HEA ending.
Profile Image for Shae.
3,211 reviews349 followers
June 16, 2024
True Rating: 3.5 Stars

This is a fun little hockey based series. This one take a different stance on it, and I'm not mad about it. I had a good time, and will keep reading in the series.
Profile Image for Whitney.
424 reviews50 followers
November 4, 2015
The third book in the Dallas Demons series is just as romantic and funny as the previous two! Lexi is trying to achieve her dream of editing hockey for Total Access Total Sports when one day, the answer to her dreams literally crushes her against the bleachers to save her from a runaway hockey puck! From the start I was in love with Lexi and Niko. Lexi is such a headstrong woman who, like I always say about Aven’s female main characters, is someone I want to be friends with. She grew up in Dallas with her adoptive parents, who are well off, but Lexi has paved her own way and never relied on their money, and by whom she is loved and adored by. Lexi is surrounded by loving, encouraging people, like her best friend Kenley, and second mother, CiCi, but deals with feelings of being abandoned and left unloved since her birth parents gave her up. She is a wonderful friend, has beautiful red hair, an eclectic collection of pj pants, is passionate about hockey, and pursuing her dream job. Niko is Greek, with Mediterranean sea blue eyes, and a Greek tattoo that peeks out from his dress shirts. Niko comes from a completely different background than Lexi. He grew up working in his parents bakery in Baltimore without any encouragement from them to pursue his dream of producing. They expect him to work in the bakery and marry a “nice Greek girl.” He has always felt like he is not good enough and a disappointment to his family.

So the two each bring some baggage to the table. Like all of Aven’s novels, as in real life, this isn’t a perfect-nothing-goes-wrong romance. Lexi and Niko have fights, there are mis-communications, but they always work things out. Lexi has to deal with a “reality show reject” at work who has eyes for Niko. Niko needs to stop thinking of himself as the son who lets his parents down and realize he is worth love, from the right woman. As I’ve said before, I don’t think any couple can top William and Mary-Kate (Connectivity) but Niko and Lexi are coming in at a close second! This book will make you laugh, cry, and wish with all your heart that things start to fall into place for Lexi and Niko soon! The little gifts that Niko brings Lexi, like finger-less gloves for working in the office, and her favorite Gingerbread Latte, are so sweet and thoughtful.

The supporting characters are awesome as well- I really loved CiCi in this book. She is still nosy, but loves Lexi like a daughter and will do anything to help her and Niko stay together! And Kenley is such a great best friend. She’s always there with some yummy chocolate and to offer advice, especially when Lexi doubts herself.

The setting, besides the romance, is one of my favorite aspects of this book as it’s set around the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love looking at Christmas lights and just being surrounded by the magic of the holiday season, and it’s always great when Starbucks brings back their red cups! :) Another fun and memorable aspect of Aven’s books are the attention to detail. For example, how Lexi wears Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt perfume (I need to smell this!!) and applies her Bite Rhubarb lip crayon before her date. I LOVE little details like that, it helps me to really envision the character.

I love this book with the intensity of a thousand suns. There’s only one thing I disliked about Breakout- the fact that it had to end! I’m thankful for the epilogue-the fact that there wasn’t a cliffhanger and it was just so beautiful and romantic. Now I can’t wait for On Thin Ice and Trivial Pursuits, some upcoming releases by the author! As always, a huge thank you to Aven for gifting me this novel. Breakout releases November 4th on Amazon!!

https://wordswisdomwhitney.wordpress....
Profile Image for Isabell.
234 reviews70 followers
October 2, 2016
quote

Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes


I kindly received Breakout in exchange of an honest review by the author.

This time, our main characters are Lexi Stewart and Niko Xenakis. Lexi has always been drawn to the ice. Hockey is her passion, and she wants nothing more than to pursue a career in video editing for the home network of the Dallas Demons hockey team. Niko recently has moved to Dallas from Greektown (Baltimore) to be new Dallas Demons TV producer. The passion for hockey brings Lexi and Niko together. They first met at the ice rink at practice of the Dallas Demons and things are taking off from there ... But the road to love is never easy, complicated by the fact that they both carry emotional baggage from the past in their hearts. Can Lexi and Niko overcome their obstacles to find true love in the end?

How can I not love a book by Aven Ellis? Everytime I finish a book by Aven Ellis it is my new favourite of hers. Breakout is no exception. As I've gotten to know this lovable cast of hockey players, and their significant others, they have come to life for me. Harrison & Kylie (Waiting for Prince Harry, Dallas Demons #1), Nate & Kenley (The Definition of Icing, Dallas Demons #2), and now Lexi & Niko. Each of these stories are fantastic, but my absolute favorites is Lexi's and Niko's story! I absolutely cannot get enough of this series and I hope many more parts will follow.

Lexi is such an adorable character - I related to her in so many ways. As much as I loved her, I had a problem that I thought she totally overreacted in many situations. Nico was an amazing hero. Hard working, focussed, funny, smart, masculine and gentle at the same time. Not to forget: so damn HOT! The romance and sexy factor between Lexi and Niko where off the charts! The chemistry between them was undeniable.

The secondary characters from previous books in the series played a significant role in Lexi's and Niko's story. They are all like one huge family, and they feel as if they are my friends as well. I loved to be back with the characters I previously read about. I wanted to hug them all! I love this whole cast! Especially Cici, She made me out loud while I was sitting in the bus. A bit embarissing, but who cares! Casino night was definitively one of my favorite scenes!

I very enjoy a good sports / hockey romance, and the Dallas Demons Series is one that I would recommend to those of you who enjoy this genre. It is excellent! Not only because of the great characters you'll fall in love with, also Aven Ellis exceptional writing that draws you in as soon as you pick up one of her books.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,317 reviews572 followers
October 6, 2015
This book features everything you could want in a romantic comedy...Love, Romantic gestures, a gorgeous Greek man, humour, Thanksgiving and Christmas & recurring characters! What more could a girl want?

I was sort of tempted to finish the review there, as it really does sum up the book, but that may not be fair! I had another book already loaded and ready to start when Breakout appeared in my inbox, and the second I saw the email I knew I was reading this first.

I just can not resist an Aven Ellis book, and with good reason, she lets me change book boyfriends every few months as there hasn't yet been a man she has written that I haven't fallen in love with. I will admit in this case, it took me a bit longer than normal to warm to Lexi and Niko, but once I had, I was hooked.

For fans of the Dallas Demons series, let me assure you we do still see a bit of Harry and Nate, as well as Kenley, Ryan, Cici etc.. So all the loveable characters we already know. If you are new to the series, then this is a stand alone book, anything relevant is explained, but I would still urge you to consider reading the others at some point.

The first meeting between Lexi and Niko is funny and fabulous, and sets the tone really well for their interactions for the rest of the story. They both have an issue they need to overcome to fully realise they are meant to be with each other, and have similar tastes in everything, including a great depth of "Saved By The Bell" knowledge.

I loved the descriptions of some of Lexi's novelty pants and t-shirts, and felt they really helped add a different view to her character. Niko and Lexi also both have a very clear love of Ice-hockey and thanks to Niko, Lexi gets a chance at her dream job, although even that isn't without its problems.

Watch out for the Casino event, where the whole gang are involved in a fantastic plan, I was also pleasantly surprised to see that there were the two big end of year holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas featured in the story, and I loved the Christmassy scenes too (especially at this time of year!).

I don't think this is my favourite book by Aven, but with them all being so amazing, its hard to chose. I suspect my favourite is The Definition of Icing (purely because of Kenley and all the chocolate, as well as Nate!) but this is still a brilliant story, and Niko is just incredibly romantic.

Thank you so much to Aven for this advance review copy. This was my honest review.
Profile Image for Amanda R.
727 reviews
April 11, 2017
Ok first off if you haven't read any of the others I would suggest that you do, not because the story would be incomplete without them but you would be spoiled as to what happened with the other couples that are in the books before.

In this book we get Lexi's story and the new producer for the Demons. Lexi is bff's with Kenley and Amanda, both from previous books and Kenley has her own story with Nate (hubba hubba). She's quiet but she is fierce about her love of the Demons. She goes and does videos for the team and is at every game. One day while she's taking video of their practices, she's tackled by a good looking guy. He saves her from being hit in the head with a puck. Niko is gorgeous and she is struck silent by that. They strike up a friendship and that's all Lexi thinks it is. Why would he like her she's plain and she's quiet. She's not like other girls shes at home in her comfy clothes and doesn't really do makeup. He also helps her get the opportunity of a life time to work as an editor of the opening for the Demons, her dream come true! While they become closer friends, Lexi's attraction towards Niko grows.

Niko has his dream job as well. He's new and he wants something better then the opening he's got going on at the beginning of the games. When he sees Lexi and her dedication to the Demons and her videos he wants her to edit the openings. He'd noticed her before but saving her from the puck gave him the opportunity to get to her know her. The more he knows her the more he likes her but she tells him that she doesn't date co-workers. How's he supposed to get around that?!? He thinks she likes him more than just friends but he doesn't want to rock the boat.

The chemistry between them was undeniable to us readers, they fought it or should I say Lexi fought it. To me Niko was giving off signals like the bat signal. Lexi was oblivious, really thinking that he had the hots for someone else. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a easy read and I read it fast.. Like I usually do when a book grabs me. I always read it so fast I'm disappointed when its over quickly. I also spoke to the author on Twitter and she is just about the nicest lady ever!! SO when you read this book (and you totally should, the series even!) leave her a review, its your way of saying thank you. Authors really deserve our words of praise for their words!
Profile Image for Jessica .
848 reviews164 followers
July 1, 2016
Getting a new hockey romance from Aven Ellis is always a surefire way to big smile on my face. I absolutely cannot get enough of them (and I don't even LIKE hockey! Shhh, don't tell). This time, however, our hero is not a hockey player, but the new tv producer for the Demons hockey team. No need to worry my hockey friends, we get plenty of time immersed in the sporting world, as Lexi, our heroine, loves all things hockey and does edits of her own for the team.

Lexi was a fun heroine to read about. There were times where she drove me a little crazy, but had I been in her position I would have had the same thoughts and insecurities she did, so it wasn't fair of me to judge her too harshly. She could be a bit much at times, but overall she was a genuinely sweet person who had some self-esteem issues, as well as some lingering issues from her past that affected how she handled her relationships. She falls for Niko hard and fast and I loved seeing her try to work out what to do about him. Niko was a complete sweetheart and I loved him! He's not without his faults though and things aren't always smooth sailing for the two. They have their little kinks to work out, but it was nothing so dramatic or angsty that I felt overwhelmed. I am all about the sweet romances. He really likes Lexi and I like that he didn't run away when things got hard. He is a dependable guy and I love how much he supported and cared for her.

It was great to see so much of Kenley again, as well as her crazy mother, Cici! They were too much fun and I love how much they are there for Lexi. Family is so much more than just blood and I love how Aven highlighted that.

I am excited for the next book in the series. I am REALLY hoping it will be about Nate's sister, Holly, and Matt Rhinelander, the young, playboy Dallas Demon player!

*Received a copy of this book via the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Profile Image for Emma Star Crossed Reviews .
1,018 reviews295 followers
January 22, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free For A Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I would like to thank Aven for not only letting me be part of this tour but for the privilege of being one of her Beta Readers. I love all of Aven's books but this one has a special place in my heart. I claimed Niko as my book boyfriend before Aven had even written one word of this book. I just knew he was going to be everything you need in a book boyfriend.

Niko has just moved to Dallas to be the Dallas Demons TV producer. Niko grew up in the Greektown in Baltimore. He spent his evenings and weekends working in his parents bakery. They thought that his TV dreams were just that and would never amount to anything. They expected him to take over the bakery when they retired. Niko however set out to prove them wrong.

For those of you who have read the other Dallas Demon books you would have already been introduced to Lexi. Lexi is Kenley's best friend. Lexi has a passion for Ice Hockey. She's loved it ever since she was a kind and dreams of working at Total Access Total Sports or TATS as it's known. TATS is the channel that shows the Dallas Demons games and Lexi would kill to be involved in the editing for the team.

Both Lexi and Niko have issues in their past. Lexi has abandonment issues, Niko feels he's not good enough for her which leads to some troubled times.

I love every single page of this book and I don't have the words to express how Aven makes me feel when I read her words. She had me laughing, screaming in frustration, crying and then laughing all over again.

I can't wait for you to all read this book and I hope for many more stories from Aven.
Profile Image for All-Things-Books [Whairigail].
135 reviews
November 13, 2015
5 Sparkly Stars!

Aven Ellis is my go to author - if I'm sad, her books will cheer me up. If I'm happy, they will keep me there. If I'm insecure, they will provide me some reassurance. If I need reminding that the world isn't a horrible place, they'll do that and BREAKOUT was no different - it is everything anyone needs in a romance novel and so much more.

“Come on, Lexi, trust me. Give me one of your hands.”

Breakout is the story of Lexi and Niko - Lexi is a young, vibrant video editor who lands a summer job at a corporate firm doing work that, whilst great experience, isn't exactly what she wants to be doing. Whilst working there she meets Niko - the Dallas Demons TV producer. Niko is new to the role and the cit and is looking to prove himself worthy whilst also learning to live in an entirely new place.

The two of them have a an instant connection, though neither of them are willing to let their hearts or bodies make the moves as they've both got a crap ton of baggage from various aspects of their lives.

Lexi is such an adorable character - I related to her on almost every level and her internal dialogue made me laugh out loud almost every other page.

My life really is an episode of Gossip Girl.

Then we have Niko...how do I describe Niko? ... ***comes back to computer after daydreaming for an hour***

Niko is:

Hot
Hard working
Hot
Focuses
Hot
Funny
Hot
Clever
Hot
Adorable
Hot
Manly
Hot

Did I mention he is HOT?!

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book as it was being written and since its been finished, I've re-read it twice...that's THREE TIMES in a year! It is just that good.

*BREAKOUT (DALLAS DEMONS #3) RELEASES ON 4th NOVEMBER 2015*
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