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Break Away
Jocks are nothing but trouble.
Student journalist Lane Matthews knows that all too well, which is why he's dreading his latest assignment: to write an intimate exposé of the most popular athlete on campus, River Brame.
But River isn’t your typical goal-scoring stud with a stupidly good body -- and Lane soon learns that the North Dakota captain is hiding a softer, sweeter side under that hard body. Lane has to stay professional and remind himself that River is straight, and not looking to score with a gay sex columnist. Even if he could swear that River is flirting with him ...
Where there's smoke, there's fire.
River’s dazzling skills and jaw-dropping physique have him destined to be a star in the NHL -- but the cut-throat media is desperate to smear his name. Lane’s feature story will help River set the record straight and dispel the damaging rumors. Can Lane help River extinguish the embers of controversy ... or will they ignite an even hotter one?
As the two men grow closer, suspicions about their friendship start to spread. Can River manage fame and a secret life? Is Lane chasing more heart-break and humiliation? And will their secret passion drive them apart ... or can Lane and River break away and find their path together?
Break Away is a 130,000 word novel with a HEA. Narrated in past tense, dual first-person. No cliffhangers or cheating. A hot slow-burn with twists and turns!
Student journalist Lane Matthews knows that all too well, which is why he's dreading his latest assignment: to write an intimate exposé of the most popular athlete on campus, River Brame.
But River isn’t your typical goal-scoring stud with a stupidly good body -- and Lane soon learns that the North Dakota captain is hiding a softer, sweeter side under that hard body. Lane has to stay professional and remind himself that River is straight, and not looking to score with a gay sex columnist. Even if he could swear that River is flirting with him ...
Where there's smoke, there's fire.
River’s dazzling skills and jaw-dropping physique have him destined to be a star in the NHL -- but the cut-throat media is desperate to smear his name. Lane’s feature story will help River set the record straight and dispel the damaging rumors. Can Lane help River extinguish the embers of controversy ... or will they ignite an even hotter one?
As the two men grow closer, suspicions about their friendship start to spread. Can River manage fame and a secret life? Is Lane chasing more heart-break and humiliation? And will their secret passion drive them apart ... or can Lane and River break away and find their path together?
Break Away is a 130,000 word novel with a HEA. Narrated in past tense, dual first-person. No cliffhangers or cheating. A hot slow-burn with twists and turns!
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2016
71 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Van Barrett
18 books71 followersA lot of so-called straight guys think they're only into girls. Until they run into another hot boy who won't take no for an answer.
Hey, I'm Van Barrett, and that's exactly what I write: confused & curious straight boys who just can't resist another man's big, hard, and chiseled -- umm, bod -- and end up begging for it.
Me? Well, I'm a 30-somethin', outdoorsy, sporty kinda guy who used to live in the big city. Got tired of the hustle and bustle, so I moved out to the country and settled on a plot of land. When I'm not working the land, I'm writin' my stories. Hope you enjoy.
If you wanna be the first to hear about my new releases, be sure to sign up for the Van Barrett Newsletter at the link below:
http://bit.ly/1GAiecQ
Hey, I'm Van Barrett, and that's exactly what I write: confused & curious straight boys who just can't resist another man's big, hard, and chiseled -- umm, bod -- and end up begging for it.
Me? Well, I'm a 30-somethin', outdoorsy, sporty kinda guy who used to live in the big city. Got tired of the hustle and bustle, so I moved out to the country and settled on a plot of land. When I'm not working the land, I'm writin' my stories. Hope you enjoy.
If you wanna be the first to hear about my new releases, be sure to sign up for the Van Barrett Newsletter at the link below:
http://bit.ly/1GAiecQ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 10, 2016
Hmmmm....how do I write a review for this book? I didn't exactly hate it. It definitely had potential but the cheese factor really played a big part in bringing it down.
If I could compose the blurb that describes the plot it would be something like this..
Obnoxious, alcoholic, size queen meets and wins a nice guy (and his huge penis) too good for him. In fact the huge penis should be considered one of the lead characters. Actually without the huge penis there wouldn't be a book. Meanwhile some hockey is played in the background.
A few more things that bothered me...
I'm offended by groups of guys referred to as "boys" just as much as women being called "girls".
The author uses "ha ha" way too much.
Sorry to say this about the guy on the cover, he's pretty but looks like he's not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree.
Did I mention the importance a huge penis played in the plot?
In conclusion the author confirms my main complaint about this book by three sentences at 85%...
“Never,” he grinned. He made a bee-line for the bed, leading me by the cock like a dog on a leash. “It's never long enough.”
If I could compose the blurb that describes the plot it would be something like this..
Obnoxious, alcoholic, size queen meets and wins a nice guy (and his huge penis) too good for him. In fact the huge penis should be considered one of the lead characters. Actually without the huge penis there wouldn't be a book. Meanwhile some hockey is played in the background.
A few more things that bothered me...
I'm offended by groups of guys referred to as "boys" just as much as women being called "girls".
The author uses "ha ha" way too much.
Sorry to say this about the guy on the cover, he's pretty but looks like he's not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree.
Did I mention the importance a huge penis played in the plot?
In conclusion the author confirms my main complaint about this book by three sentences at 85%...
“Never,” he grinned. He made a bee-line for the bed, leading me by the cock like a dog on a leash. “It's never long enough.”
October 22, 2016
This story was sweet.
I have to say this first though: It is NOT "me and Lane"!!! IT IS "Lane and I"! Tired of so many authors being grammatically incorrect regarding this phrase. Otherwise, this story was okay. I really enjoyed the premise behind it, but I just couldn't get past the two main characters' lack of empathy or understanding for each other's concerns. It seemed they were all about "me, me, me". I expected more insight from Lane due to the fact that he was majoring in psychology with a minor in journalism. He didn't seem very self-aware of the situation, and he felt more pity for himself than anything. River let me down in that he was more concerned with his Image than he was of his team succeeding, which didn't seem like the personality he first exhibited in the beginning of the book. It was kind of fluffy at the end where EVERYONE was totally okay with River coming out as a gay, hockey player, but I thought it was a nice and fitting ending. I think my favorite part of the story was when River confessed how he met Lane.
I have to say this first though: It is NOT "me and Lane"!!! IT IS "Lane and I"! Tired of so many authors being grammatically incorrect regarding this phrase. Otherwise, this story was okay. I really enjoyed the premise behind it, but I just couldn't get past the two main characters' lack of empathy or understanding for each other's concerns. It seemed they were all about "me, me, me". I expected more insight from Lane due to the fact that he was majoring in psychology with a minor in journalism. He didn't seem very self-aware of the situation, and he felt more pity for himself than anything. River let me down in that he was more concerned with his Image than he was of his team succeeding, which didn't seem like the personality he first exhibited in the beginning of the book. It was kind of fluffy at the end where EVERYONE was totally okay with River coming out as a gay, hockey player, but I thought it was a nice and fitting ending. I think my favorite part of the story was when River confessed how he met Lane.
February 25, 2018
College romance.
Lane is a journalist student, gets to write about the star hockey player River. Little that they knew they had so much in common, even though Lane knew nothing about hockey or any sport.
Even though they hit it off, River was in the closet and Lane had some issues he would prefer kept hidden.
Lane is a journalist student, gets to write about the star hockey player River. Little that they knew they had so much in common, even though Lane knew nothing about hockey or any sport.
Even though they hit it off, River was in the closet and Lane had some issues he would prefer kept hidden.
October 24, 2016
I really, really enjoyed this. There were some odd moments but overall it was a great story. Look forward to reading more from this author.
Happy Reading Lynz!
Happy Reading Lynz!
April 12, 2021
Slow middle but really good end, annoying ignoring of rules
3.5 stars...I’m a fan of the hockey romance and the jock/nerd trope so was intrigued to find this new to me author. Lane is a non-sports guy who knows nothing about hockey and writes a sex/relationship ship advice column for the student newspaper. River is a star
hockey player destined for the NHL. A rather unlikely situation brings them together.
As the story unfolds it follows a pretty recognizable pattern. I liked River but was unsure about Lane. I would have liked a bit more character development on both MCs but particularly on Lane. (Mostly more info on his family’s reaction to the defining moment he talks about.) A NJ boy heading to ND for college kind of strains credulity so more info on why he made the choice might have helped.
The book bogs down in the middle. It becomes kind of repetitive and the story arc almost comes to a halt. I was close to DNFing the book but decided to give it a bit more time. I’m glad I did.
Things finally picked back up and the last third of book is much better than the middle third. It moves much better and the action picks up. There is some good social commentary on social networking site and the media as well.
It’s a bit annoying that Lane and Devon don’t figure out what’s happening more quickly (the reader will) as the obvious clues are there. The ending is sweet and gives hope that things will truly turn out that way in the future.
Some of the portrayals of collegiate athletics and NCAA rules are inaccurate and more annoying here as they are key elements of the story. NCAA student athletes cannot hire an agent. If they do, they forfeit their eligibility. The whole point of this story is River wanting to maintain his eligibility and play for four years. I am familiar with that info based on my own interests and experience but it isn’t hard to find out. I did a google search and it took less than five minutes to get that info. That’s lazy research and it wasn’t necessary to the story. And I’m not going for the “it’s fiction” argument. You set your story in an environment with specific rules. You used those rules as a key element of the story. You can’t ignore what is inconvenient, especially when it’s not necessary. Likewise the booze in a college locker room. That’s a hard no.
3.5 stars...I’m a fan of the hockey romance and the jock/nerd trope so was intrigued to find this new to me author. Lane is a non-sports guy who knows nothing about hockey and writes a sex/relationship ship advice column for the student newspaper. River is a star
hockey player destined for the NHL. A rather unlikely situation brings them together.
As the story unfolds it follows a pretty recognizable pattern. I liked River but was unsure about Lane. I would have liked a bit more character development on both MCs but particularly on Lane. (Mostly more info on his family’s reaction to the defining moment he talks about.) A NJ boy heading to ND for college kind of strains credulity so more info on why he made the choice might have helped.
The book bogs down in the middle. It becomes kind of repetitive and the story arc almost comes to a halt. I was close to DNFing the book but decided to give it a bit more time. I’m glad I did.
Things finally picked back up and the last third of book is much better than the middle third. It moves much better and the action picks up. There is some good social commentary on social networking site and the media as well.
It’s a bit annoying that Lane and Devon don’t figure out what’s happening more quickly (the reader will) as the obvious clues are there. The ending is sweet and gives hope that things will truly turn out that way in the future.
Some of the portrayals of collegiate athletics and NCAA rules are inaccurate and more annoying here as they are key elements of the story. NCAA student athletes cannot hire an agent. If they do, they forfeit their eligibility. The whole point of this story is River wanting to maintain his eligibility and play for four years. I am familiar with that info based on my own interests and experience but it isn’t hard to find out. I did a google search and it took less than five minutes to get that info. That’s lazy research and it wasn’t necessary to the story. And I’m not going for the “it’s fiction” argument. You set your story in an environment with specific rules. You used those rules as a key element of the story. You can’t ignore what is inconvenient, especially when it’s not necessary. Likewise the booze in a college locker room. That’s a hard no.
April 19, 2021
Lane is a college junior who writes a sex advice column for the student paper. He started as a journalism major but quickly realized that wasn't his calling and switched to Phych. But since he's continued to write for the paper and take some of the core classes, he could graduate with a minor in journalism, which may help him in the future.
River is the star captain of the university hockey team who is being pressured to sign with the NHL team who drafted him out of high school. But he's been upfront with them from the beginning, his first priority is to his university and finishing his 4 year degree. Thing is, after he's finished uni his options open up and he will become a free agent.
Cue the scuzzy scout for the NHL team, not willing to lose River who was an initial throw-away pick to another team he beings to pressure River. Who holds true to his commitment to finishing his time at uni before making any decisions. Cue the backhanded smear campaign to force River to sign the contract. Cue the jealousy, the secrets, the hiding and accusations.
There were times I thought some of the story was pointless, but it was good. The characters are strong, independent and human.
River is the star captain of the university hockey team who is being pressured to sign with the NHL team who drafted him out of high school. But he's been upfront with them from the beginning, his first priority is to his university and finishing his 4 year degree. Thing is, after he's finished uni his options open up and he will become a free agent.
Cue the scuzzy scout for the NHL team, not willing to lose River who was an initial throw-away pick to another team he beings to pressure River. Who holds true to his commitment to finishing his time at uni before making any decisions. Cue the backhanded smear campaign to force River to sign the contract. Cue the jealousy, the secrets, the hiding and accusations.
There were times I thought some of the story was pointless, but it was good. The characters are strong, independent and human.
July 24, 2017
Wow, okay... I don't normally read sports stories but I enjoyed this one a lot. It got too long at some points but honestly, when it ended I was like, "Noooo! I need more River and Lane!"
I loved the growing attraction between them and then them finally getting together and fighting to stay together. And Lane and Devon (though Devon kinda annoyed me sometimes) were good too, and most of all I loved the Fighting Hawks. Their camaraderie was great and I loved their acceptance of Lane. The only thing that was a WTH moment was River ending up with the Wild (sorry not sorry... I have a bias against the Wild but whatever.)
I loved the growing attraction between them and then them finally getting together and fighting to stay together. And Lane and Devon (though Devon kinda annoyed me sometimes) were good too, and most of all I loved the Fighting Hawks. Their camaraderie was great and I loved their acceptance of Lane. The only thing that was a WTH moment was River ending up with the Wild (sorry not sorry... I have a bias against the Wild but whatever.)
March 25, 2021
I was disappointed in the writing on this one. A couple of things jumped out at me:
In the dialogue: Lane constantly referred to River by name when talking to him. That felt unnatural. Do you repeatedly say the other person’s name when talking one on one?
The intimate scenes felt like a harlequin romance. What guy refers to his own “manhood?”
Overall the story was predictable. The letters to the paper foreshadowed half of the storyline. You know know what was happening and who was involved.
Finally, what happened to the Clone? It would have been funny if River gave it to Lane while he was gone or that Lane made one for River...just a thought.
In the dialogue: Lane constantly referred to River by name when talking to him. That felt unnatural. Do you repeatedly say the other person’s name when talking one on one?
The intimate scenes felt like a harlequin romance. What guy refers to his own “manhood?”
Overall the story was predictable. The letters to the paper foreshadowed half of the storyline. You know know what was happening and who was involved.
Finally, what happened to the Clone? It would have been funny if River gave it to Lane while he was gone or that Lane made one for River...just a thought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2016
I wish I could find love like this
I absolutely loved this book and this author. This story along with the characters had me laughing and crying along with them. They gave me a timeout from the real world. These characters are fun loving and at times hilarious its a must read for anyone who likes romance!
I absolutely loved this book and this author. This story along with the characters had me laughing and crying along with them. They gave me a timeout from the real world. These characters are fun loving and at times hilarious its a must read for anyone who likes romance!
December 28, 2019
I'm really starting to like Van Barrett for his accurate sports romance and his MM romance. I think I may have a new favorite to the mix for my MM genre.
Lane is a school journalist. River is a school hockey star.
River needs Lane to help set the public straight about something that his draft team is spinning
I so hope we get Marvin's story next.
Lane is a school journalist. River is a school hockey star.
River needs Lane to help set the public straight about something that his draft team is spinning
I so hope we get Marvin's story next.
August 30, 2020
2.5 and I was kind enough to round up.
It’s the style of writing for me. 1st person narrative needs to be a lot more cleaner for me. It felt like it was trying too hard to be a real time update of their thoughts.
Smut was glorious tho.
It’s the style of writing for me. 1st person narrative needs to be a lot more cleaner for me. It felt like it was trying too hard to be a real time update of their thoughts.
Smut was glorious tho.
October 23, 2016
--4. 5 stars--
Sports romance is one of my favorite genre and you add gfy on it then that's it I'm a goner❤️
I loved this book. I loved hockey. We've got dual pov's, lot of smexy scene, River's first time on gay sex, low-angst, and i super loved the epilogue.
Sports romance is one of my favorite genre and you add gfy on it then that's it I'm a goner❤️
I loved this book. I loved hockey. We've got dual pov's, lot of smexy scene, River's first time on gay sex, low-angst, and i super loved the epilogue.
January 12, 2017
Good story
What a good story this was. Funny and caring yet silly at times too. I would recommend this feel good story.
What a good story this was. Funny and caring yet silly at times too. I would recommend this feel good story.
June 9, 2017
3.5 Stars
November 20, 2017
I love when you get surprised by how much you enjoyed a book. Happened with this one. I definitely need to add this author to my must read list.
February 7, 2018
Plus a star for serious cuteness and hot smut, minus a star for the rushed, OTT ending & epilogue.
February 7, 2018
This was such a good read. I couldn't stop reading. I stayed up way too late to read this. The romance was believable, the plot was good and it had just the right amount of smexy time.
February 14, 2018
It was an okay read. I stopped reading it a couple of times and read something else but came back and finally finished it.
March 4, 2021
Dumpster fire of crappy stereotypes.
Read
June 9, 2021Enjoyable read
A most relaxing and enjoying read. The story line is captivating eventhou slightly predictable.
Still worth the read...regardless
Enjoy and have fun reading it.
A most relaxing and enjoying read. The story line is captivating eventhou slightly predictable.
Still worth the read...regardless
Enjoy and have fun reading it.
August 17, 2021
I have no words. I hated this so much.
March 3, 2017
Definitely a must read!
I love this story! I read some of the reviews and most of them said that there was a lot of hockey mentioned in this book. I do not think so, I am not very knowledgeable about the sport to be honest. But, that helped me relate to one of the characters, Lane Matthews.
I was also very surprised that it took place in Grand Forks, ND at the University of North Dakota! It is very close to where I grew up so I knew most of the places that are mentioned in this book!
This is definitely a great read! I could not put it down, especially because of the story between the two main characters!
I love this story! I read some of the reviews and most of them said that there was a lot of hockey mentioned in this book. I do not think so, I am not very knowledgeable about the sport to be honest. But, that helped me relate to one of the characters, Lane Matthews.
I was also very surprised that it took place in Grand Forks, ND at the University of North Dakota! It is very close to where I grew up so I knew most of the places that are mentioned in this book!
This is definitely a great read! I could not put it down, especially because of the story between the two main characters!
February 25, 2017
It was so hard to put this book down to go to wrk.
There's nothing more than I enjoy than good book. From the very chapter I was hooked. Love this book. Cannot wait to read more from this author .
There's nothing more than I enjoy than good book. From the very chapter I was hooked. Love this book. Cannot wait to read more from this author .
Read
October 22, 2016College Hockey, Romance, Passion. Hat Trick!
Excellent story, well written with plenty of emotion in a roller coaster effect. The main characters are likeable. Lane is a psych major journalism minor student journalist who secretly co-authors a column with his female friend Devon. Bitch and Moan! In the column he is very clearly out and open about his orientation.
River is the captain of the college hockey team. He is currently not in a relationship and has not really had serious relationships. His only relationship ended more than a year ago.
The story of the journey taken by his friend Devin, River and really the entire hockey team is one that you won't want to put down.
This is a truly engaging well-written story, full of passion and great relationships. I borrowed it on Kindle Unlimited and then purchased because I suspect I will read it again. I certainly will be looking for more by this author.
Excellent story, well written with plenty of emotion in a roller coaster effect. The main characters are likeable. Lane is a psych major journalism minor student journalist who secretly co-authors a column with his female friend Devon. Bitch and Moan! In the column he is very clearly out and open about his orientation.
River is the captain of the college hockey team. He is currently not in a relationship and has not really had serious relationships. His only relationship ended more than a year ago.
The story of the journey taken by his friend Devin, River and really the entire hockey team is one that you won't want to put down.
This is a truly engaging well-written story, full of passion and great relationships. I borrowed it on Kindle Unlimited and then purchased because I suspect I will read it again. I certainly will be looking for more by this author.
November 17, 2022
This book was scorching hot! Man, I can't wait to read it all over again! Is Van Barrett a man? I mean, the writer sure seems to grasp sex from a masculine POV (which sometimes the female writers of M/M-ROM tend to pretty-up), and I loved it. The story was a little cheesy (but a little cheese never hurt anyone) but other than that, I was all over it. The guys were hot, the sex was hotter and the feels were juuuussst right.
April 22, 2017
What can I say...? I really, really liked it! not liked it.. LOVED it!
I fell right away with Lane character, he is the type of gay guy that I like.. With strong personality and a very good sense of humor. River was very sweet despite being a jock and I really loved their chemistry. The plot is very well described and the writing is pure pleasure!
I truly recommend it! :)
I fell right away with Lane character, he is the type of gay guy that I like.. With strong personality and a very good sense of humor. River was very sweet despite being a jock and I really loved their chemistry. The plot is very well described and the writing is pure pleasure!
I truly recommend it! :)
November 14, 2016
Amazing
I love this book! The characters had a great connection. Vann Barrett is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors :)
I love this book! The characters had a great connection. Vann Barrett is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors :)
November 15, 2016
Awesomeeee so good, I loved it.
October 31, 2016
I really enjoyed this M/M hockey book. Sexy, flirty friendship between a star college hockey player and a psych/journalism student. River...I was surprised by some of his reactions with what came out at the end but overall found him a like able sports guy dealing with a tough situation. Lane...a little rambunctious and unsure of himself but a good guy. Really liked the two together. They balanced each other out when they were on their A-game. I'll definitely check out more of this author's work.
April 5, 2017
I was recommended this book and I was glad I was, it was so good that is not enough of a word to describe this book. I'm not a writer so can't come up with fancy words.
It's a long book and a slow burn romance but so damn worth it! My adrenaline was racing half way through and I spent all day and night reading it, couldn't put it down.
Lane a gay student who is taking journalism as his minor is roped into interviewing River the darling hockey player of their college. River wanted someone who didn't have any background in sports to do the interview. As their friendship grows other feelings between the two start to happen.
Can't tell you the rest you have to read it, but I do have to tell you there is a lot of betrayals and backstabbing. ...ahhh the drama of college!
I definitely will be reading this a couple more times for sure
It's a long book and a slow burn romance but so damn worth it! My adrenaline was racing half way through and I spent all day and night reading it, couldn't put it down.
Lane a gay student who is taking journalism as his minor is roped into interviewing River the darling hockey player of their college. River wanted someone who didn't have any background in sports to do the interview. As their friendship grows other feelings between the two start to happen.
Can't tell you the rest you have to read it, but I do have to tell you there is a lot of betrayals and backstabbing. ...ahhh the drama of college!
I definitely will be reading this a couple more times for sure
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews