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Break Point
The match is heated, but who holds the advantage?
A brand new STANDALONE from Rachel Blaufeld with a quick trip back to Hafton U., featuring a cameo from the guys in Vérité. *$1 of every Release Week Sale will go to Local Women's Shelter.
Juliette Smith, star tennis player, is starting over at a new university. Traumatized by hazing at her last school, all she wants is to attend classes, win tennis matches, and be left the hell alone.
She should have known her coach, Drew King, would be a problem from the moment he flexed his sexy-as-hell forearms.
What happens when you mix a pissed-off woman with a bunch of snooty teammates and a hot coach?
A heated match, complete with team politics and a forbidden game of singles with the coach.
It’s reckless and hot until one of them taps out.
Unable to admit she may be better off as a double, Jules is convinced she needs to play the game of life alone. Then life throws her a lob and she runs smack into her past.
Coach King is back, and he wants to take control of the game. But she’s not certain she wants his advice when it comes to the life she’s built.
The power struggle is on, but this time off the court.
A brand new STANDALONE from Rachel Blaufeld with a quick trip back to Hafton U., featuring a cameo from the guys in Vérité. *$1 of every Release Week Sale will go to Local Women's Shelter.
Juliette Smith, star tennis player, is starting over at a new university. Traumatized by hazing at her last school, all she wants is to attend classes, win tennis matches, and be left the hell alone.
She should have known her coach, Drew King, would be a problem from the moment he flexed his sexy-as-hell forearms.
What happens when you mix a pissed-off woman with a bunch of snooty teammates and a hot coach?
A heated match, complete with team politics and a forbidden game of singles with the coach.
It’s reckless and hot until one of them taps out.
Unable to admit she may be better off as a double, Jules is convinced she needs to play the game of life alone. Then life throws her a lob and she runs smack into her past.
Coach King is back, and he wants to take control of the game. But she’s not certain she wants his advice when it comes to the life she’s built.
The power struggle is on, but this time off the court.
236 pages, ebook
First published January 9, 2017
234 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Blaufeld
27 books939 followersA recent poll of her readers described Rachel Blaufeld as insightful, generous, articulate, and spunky. Originally a clinical social worker, Rachel creates broken yet redeeming characters. She’s been known to turn up the angst like cranking up the heat in the dead of winter. A devout coffee drinker and doughnut eater, Rachel spends way too many hours in local coffee shops, downing the aforementioned goodies while she plots her ideas.
As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author.”
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
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As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author.”
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
Connect here 👇🏻
Website: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com
Newsletter: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com/signup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelblaufe...
Facebook Private Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Tunne...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelblaufeld
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rache...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelblauf...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Blaufeld...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
December 31, 2016
3.5 stars!
Break Point is a forbidden love story of a college tennis player who falls for her coach. Juliette Smith has just transferred colleges due to a traumatic event that just happened at her last school. She is the best of the best when it comes to tennis and has no trouble being recruited into Hafton Univeristy’s tennis team. Coach Drew King is young and handsome. He and Juliette have this instant attraction and palpable chemistry. When sneaking around becomes too risky for them both, Drew does what he needs to do to protect Jules. Even if she doesn’t see it that way.
Oh Drew King… I love forbidden love and I loved his character throughout the story. Drew made a mistake, but he really did what he thought was best at the time and it made a lot of sense to me. He was the type of man who was in charge and domineering, but also sweet and understanding. A great hero. It was also apparent the H and h had a lot of chemistry. There was tons of push and pull and their relationship wasn’t easy, but Drew was pretty adamant in convincing Jules that’s just because it’s not easy, doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.
Break Point is not an easy book for me to review because I have such mixed feelings about this story and these characters. The hero I absolutely loved. A good portion of the story-line I adored. The heroine… oh the heroine. She frustrated me beyond belief. I am a pretty easy reader, but there are a few ‘cardinal rules’ that I don’t want broken in my books. One of them is . That being said, I love this author’s writing style, and I loved Drew and his relationship with Darla. I’m going to go with a middle of the road 3.5 stars. I think most people (who don’t get hung up over what I did- which is a totally personal thing) will love Break Point. Even with my issues, overall it was still an enjoyable read!
Break Point is a forbidden love story of a college tennis player who falls for her coach. Juliette Smith has just transferred colleges due to a traumatic event that just happened at her last school. She is the best of the best when it comes to tennis and has no trouble being recruited into Hafton Univeristy’s tennis team. Coach Drew King is young and handsome. He and Juliette have this instant attraction and palpable chemistry. When sneaking around becomes too risky for them both, Drew does what he needs to do to protect Jules. Even if she doesn’t see it that way.
Oh Drew King… I love forbidden love and I loved his character throughout the story. Drew made a mistake, but he really did what he thought was best at the time and it made a lot of sense to me. He was the type of man who was in charge and domineering, but also sweet and understanding. A great hero. It was also apparent the H and h had a lot of chemistry. There was tons of push and pull and their relationship wasn’t easy, but Drew was pretty adamant in convincing Jules that’s just because it’s not easy, doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.
“Lean on me, babe. Tonight, tomorrow, forever. That’s all I want.”
Break Point is not an easy book for me to review because I have such mixed feelings about this story and these characters. The hero I absolutely loved. A good portion of the story-line I adored. The heroine… oh the heroine. She frustrated me beyond belief. I am a pretty easy reader, but there are a few ‘cardinal rules’ that I don’t want broken in my books. One of them is . That being said, I love this author’s writing style, and I loved Drew and his relationship with Darla. I’m going to go with a middle of the road 3.5 stars. I think most people (who don’t get hung up over what I did- which is a totally personal thing) will love Break Point. Even with my issues, overall it was still an enjoyable read!
February 6, 2017
My review has been flagged and removed so let's try this again.
I've been called a liar when I reviewed this book mind you there was no review before I wrote THAT review.
Hero's a manwhore who dipped his dick in anything and everything during the 7 years of separation meanwhile the heroine got no life while taking care of their daughter sure he didn't know that he had a daughter but that's not the point she was also a selfish bitch who hid the daughter from him.
Do I feel sorry for the heroine because of that? No because IMO she deserved that manwhore of a hero just like he deserved a selfish bitch for a heroine.
Here's some lovelies excerpts from the book itself.
1)-"Look, I wasn’t meant to be celibate, so every now and again, I found a redhead who happened to be pleasing to the eye. They were never as satisfying as I’d hoped, and they always left me wanting more”
And when he was wooing her he was honest with her so I'll give him half of point for that but i didn't feel his love for her even this he said that he was falling in love with her when he dropped her faster than a hot potato.
2)-“Truthfully, the first year I was pretty much drunk on the weekends or working. Then I sobered up and made several big hits while screwing my way through women. It wasn’t very satisfying. They weren’t you, physically or personality or anything. I took all my anger out on my body, working out until I was exhausted.”
I nodded and finished off my wine.
Like I said, I shouldn’t have asked. I hadn’t slept with anyone since before Darla was born. Since Drew left Ohio.
“We’re going to make this right, Jules. I never stopped caring for you. I already can’t imagine a life without you and Darla. We’ll make it right, and I hope in a few short weeks or months, you’ll allow me to take care of you.”
He wanted his daughter and wanted to spend time with her but he wanted to be in the heroine's pants more.
I've been called a liar when I reviewed this book mind you there was no review before I wrote THAT review.
Hero's a manwhore who dipped his dick in anything and everything during the 7 years of separation meanwhile the heroine got no life while taking care of their daughter sure he didn't know that he had a daughter but that's not the point she was also a selfish bitch who hid the daughter from him.
Do I feel sorry for the heroine because of that? No because IMO she deserved that manwhore of a hero just like he deserved a selfish bitch for a heroine.
Here's some lovelies excerpts from the book itself.
1)-"Look, I wasn’t meant to be celibate, so every now and again, I found a redhead who happened to be pleasing to the eye. They were never as satisfying as I’d hoped, and they always left me wanting more”
And when he was wooing her he was honest with her so I'll give him half of point for that but i didn't feel his love for her even this he said that he was falling in love with her when he dropped her faster than a hot potato.
2)-“Truthfully, the first year I was pretty much drunk on the weekends or working. Then I sobered up and made several big hits while screwing my way through women. It wasn’t very satisfying. They weren’t you, physically or personality or anything. I took all my anger out on my body, working out until I was exhausted.”
I nodded and finished off my wine.
Like I said, I shouldn’t have asked. I hadn’t slept with anyone since before Darla was born. Since Drew left Ohio.
“We’re going to make this right, Jules. I never stopped caring for you. I already can’t imagine a life without you and Darla. We’ll make it right, and I hope in a few short weeks or months, you’ll allow me to take care of you.”
He wanted his daughter and wanted to spend time with her but he wanted to be in the heroine's pants more.
February 6, 2017
3.5 -
Be with you...
Stars!
Rachel Blaufeld takes us back to Hafton University albeit briefly, for a tale of forbidden love, second-chances, and untold secrets.
I am going to be honest and say that although I read Break Point in pretty much one sitting, and didn’t struggle with it one bit, for me this isn’t the best book I have read by the author. I am a huge fan of her work, and everything prior to this that I have read has been five stars, but there was just a little something off with the pacing and plot progression on this one. I am also a huge stick in the mud when it comes to people acting the martyr, when the situation they find themselves in is of their own making, and Jules Smith in that respect is certainly her own worst enemy.
I’d fallen for the man in charge.
It is my understanding that Break Point initially started out as a novella and the author, after reader demand expanded on it, understandable as the bones of the story-line are solid, but there were parts, especially at the start that I would have liked a bit more expansion on. Jules reasons for going to Hafton for one, and also the beginnings of her relationship with Coach King at the time, both could have done with a little more depth and development nothing massive but they were dealt with at novella speed, whereas the rest of the book wasn’t and it didn’t quite fit.
"You’re going to have a second chance, and I’m going to make it happen."
Small niggles aside though, I did in general enjoy the reconnection between Drew and Jules, so much has happened to them in the seven years they were apart, that their coming back together is down a path with many obstacles on it.
"I want what’s best for you and this isn’t it."
"You don’t get to decide that."
Jules is independent to the nth degree, understandable really as she has had to be, acting responsibly and making her own way in the world were things she had to take control of after Drew left her at Hafton and they are things that are now ingrained in her whole being, and day-to-day living.
"You're everything, and I want it."
But Drew is a man on a mission second time around, and I absolutely adored his total steam-rollering into Jules’ life and sweet manipulation of things to get her to be where he wanted her. The inevitable wobble comes towards the end and it was kind of expected, but I loved that this is a guy who only ever makes a mistake once, and he did everything in his power to make amends for it.
"I was scared once, and I ran away from the best thing that ever happened to me."
This is a story that’s a little lighter than the previous work I have read by the author, still pretty enjoyable and easy to get along with, and I look forward to reading more from her and hopefully returning to Hafton Uni again at some point soon.
ARC generously provided via TRSOR Promotions, in exchange for the above honest review.
Rachel Blaufeld takes us back to Hafton University albeit briefly, for a tale of forbidden love, second-chances, and untold secrets.
I am going to be honest and say that although I read Break Point in pretty much one sitting, and didn’t struggle with it one bit, for me this isn’t the best book I have read by the author. I am a huge fan of her work, and everything prior to this that I have read has been five stars, but there was just a little something off with the pacing and plot progression on this one. I am also a huge stick in the mud when it comes to people acting the martyr, when the situation they find themselves in is of their own making, and Jules Smith in that respect is certainly her own worst enemy.
I’d fallen for the man in charge.
It is my understanding that Break Point initially started out as a novella and the author, after reader demand expanded on it, understandable as the bones of the story-line are solid, but there were parts, especially at the start that I would have liked a bit more expansion on. Jules reasons for going to Hafton for one, and also the beginnings of her relationship with Coach King at the time, both could have done with a little more depth and development nothing massive but they were dealt with at novella speed, whereas the rest of the book wasn’t and it didn’t quite fit.
"You’re going to have a second chance, and I’m going to make it happen."
Small niggles aside though, I did in general enjoy the reconnection between Drew and Jules, so much has happened to them in the seven years they were apart, that their coming back together is down a path with many obstacles on it.
"I want what’s best for you and this isn’t it."
"You don’t get to decide that."
Jules is independent to the nth degree, understandable really as she has had to be, acting responsibly and making her own way in the world were things she had to take control of after Drew left her at Hafton and they are things that are now ingrained in her whole being, and day-to-day living.
"You're everything, and I want it."
But Drew is a man on a mission second time around, and I absolutely adored his total steam-rollering into Jules’ life and sweet manipulation of things to get her to be where he wanted her. The inevitable wobble comes towards the end and it was kind of expected, but I loved that this is a guy who only ever makes a mistake once, and he did everything in his power to make amends for it.
"I was scared once, and I ran away from the best thing that ever happened to me."
This is a story that’s a little lighter than the previous work I have read by the author, still pretty enjoyable and easy to get along with, and I look forward to reading more from her and hopefully returning to Hafton Uni again at some point soon.
ARC generously provided via TRSOR Promotions, in exchange for the above honest review.
February 9, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Rachel Blaufeld serves up a sweet and sexy forbidden romance that will score major love in her latest sports romance, Break Point.
“Jules, I want you more than anything. All of you. Everything about you. More than any other woman I’ve ever wanted. It’s a force . . . deep inside me.”
Juliette Smith is a rising collegiate tennis star who had the makings to be a great tennis player but when she meets her coach, sparks begins to fly. Instant attraction ensues and soon Juliette finds herself in a secret affair with Drew King. Just as things heats up off court, Drew fears that Juliette’s reputation and academic status could be put in jeopardy and so he decides to end their relationship. But what happens when Juliette runs into Drew several years later? Will Drew realize that walking away from her was one regret that he has to make up for?
“What the fuck? What the hell happened to me? The big dick-swinging bachelor, the hard-ass coach who fell into lust with his collegiate player? He fell in love and never forgot it.”
If you were to ask me what made Break Point stand out, the answer would be simple. Drew King. Yes, Drew made Break Point. He was sweet, sexy, understanding, patient, and most of all honest. He wore his heart on his sleeve. There was nothing hidden as he bared his feelings for Juliette. Yes, walking away from her may have been the worst decision he made but in his defense, he wanted the best for her. And as for Juliette, she is one of those characters that either you will love or hate. As much as I might disagreed with her reasoning, I appreciated that Rachel Blaufeld allowed readers to see that these are flawed individuals who have guarded their heart for a reason. And so if you are looking for a story that weaves a bit of angst, love, second chances, and new beginnings then I suggest you read Break Point. Though this book may have been light on drama, Rachel Blaufeld serves a love story that will sure to leave a smile on your face.
Rachel Blaufeld
Rachel Blaufeld serves up a sweet and sexy forbidden romance that will score major love in her latest sports romance, Break Point.
“Jules, I want you more than anything. All of you. Everything about you. More than any other woman I’ve ever wanted. It’s a force . . . deep inside me.”
Juliette Smith is a rising collegiate tennis star who had the makings to be a great tennis player but when she meets her coach, sparks begins to fly. Instant attraction ensues and soon Juliette finds herself in a secret affair with Drew King. Just as things heats up off court, Drew fears that Juliette’s reputation and academic status could be put in jeopardy and so he decides to end their relationship. But what happens when Juliette runs into Drew several years later? Will Drew realize that walking away from her was one regret that he has to make up for?
“What the fuck? What the hell happened to me? The big dick-swinging bachelor, the hard-ass coach who fell into lust with his collegiate player? He fell in love and never forgot it.”
If you were to ask me what made Break Point stand out, the answer would be simple. Drew King. Yes, Drew made Break Point. He was sweet, sexy, understanding, patient, and most of all honest. He wore his heart on his sleeve. There was nothing hidden as he bared his feelings for Juliette. Yes, walking away from her may have been the worst decision he made but in his defense, he wanted the best for her. And as for Juliette, she is one of those characters that either you will love or hate. As much as I might disagreed with her reasoning, I appreciated that Rachel Blaufeld allowed readers to see that these are flawed individuals who have guarded their heart for a reason. And so if you are looking for a story that weaves a bit of angst, love, second chances, and new beginnings then I suggest you read Break Point. Though this book may have been light on drama, Rachel Blaufeld serves a love story that will sure to leave a smile on your face.
Rachel Blaufeld
December 27, 2016
*ARC provided by the author for an honest review*
I couldn't get enough of this brilliant
I was dying to read this book. I luvd it as soon as I started. I read it in one sitting. The story is about Jules and Drew. Jules has had a hard time. Things didn't go well in her last school. So she had to leave to start a fresh life. Jules is a great tennis player and she got into a great tennis program. This is where she meets the very hot Coach King. Straight away she can feel the attraction towards him. It's feelings she hadn't felt in a long time. He's has gorgeous blue eyes tanned strong hand and tattoos what more could u want an he was goin to her coach things just got a lil better.
As soon as Drew/Coach King meets Jules he just knew he had to have her. With her gorgeous red hair and emerald green eyes she is just gorgeous. But could he go there he was her coach she was his pupil. Julesvvvv had been through a lot he didn't want to cause her more pain. Drew could get her of his mind he need to have her and when he gave her a hint of his attraction to her and she didn't back away his well to start away was gone he was having her end of.
This story was just great I enjoyed every bit of it. My heart went out to Jules she had dealt with a lot but she was a strong girl and didn't let things get to her. She made the best of what she had and she did good. I did get a lil angry with Drew in parts. He would do stupid things that would upset Jules even though he didn't mean to I just felt a lil protective of her. She needed someone to look after her and Drew was the man for the job. Jules just couldn't seem to trust him.
I would highly recommend this book. Everything about it was brilliant. The story kept me interested al the way through. I needed to know how life was goin to go for Jules and Drew cause it wasn't smooth. The characters as u can tell I luvd Drew is he is so sexy I really liked him. Jules like I said I felt protective with her she is just a really great character. This author really know how to bring the story alive I get so sucked into her books everytime. She throws in a few surprises as well. The book is just brilliant.
I couldn't get enough of this brilliant
I was dying to read this book. I luvd it as soon as I started. I read it in one sitting. The story is about Jules and Drew. Jules has had a hard time. Things didn't go well in her last school. So she had to leave to start a fresh life. Jules is a great tennis player and she got into a great tennis program. This is where she meets the very hot Coach King. Straight away she can feel the attraction towards him. It's feelings she hadn't felt in a long time. He's has gorgeous blue eyes tanned strong hand and tattoos what more could u want an he was goin to her coach things just got a lil better.
As soon as Drew/Coach King meets Jules he just knew he had to have her. With her gorgeous red hair and emerald green eyes she is just gorgeous. But could he go there he was her coach she was his pupil. Julesvvvv had been through a lot he didn't want to cause her more pain. Drew could get her of his mind he need to have her and when he gave her a hint of his attraction to her and she didn't back away his well to start away was gone he was having her end of.
This story was just great I enjoyed every bit of it. My heart went out to Jules she had dealt with a lot but she was a strong girl and didn't let things get to her. She made the best of what she had and she did good. I did get a lil angry with Drew in parts. He would do stupid things that would upset Jules even though he didn't mean to I just felt a lil protective of her. She needed someone to look after her and Drew was the man for the job. Jules just couldn't seem to trust him.
I would highly recommend this book. Everything about it was brilliant. The story kept me interested al the way through. I needed to know how life was goin to go for Jules and Drew cause it wasn't smooth. The characters as u can tell I luvd Drew is he is so sexy I really liked him. Jules like I said I felt protective with her she is just a really great character. This author really know how to bring the story alive I get so sucked into her books everytime. She throws in a few surprises as well. The book is just brilliant.
January 19, 2017
**Break Point generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "That's what matters." Stars
Rachel Blaufeld always manages to provide an angsty and entertaining sports romance story. My thing isn't typically contrived angst resulting from a heroine who has insecurities and hang ups she refuses to admit or accept but Blaufeld finds unique ways to compound and humanize those issues to fully hold my attention. With Break Point we meet a young woman who falls for her tennis coach stretching limits of a taboo teacher/student-esque romance as well as a coming of age type story for this heroine. Everything they go through from the time they meet until the end felt like something plucked right from a college campus. It's a hard story, sad and regretful, yet it's laced with tones of humor, hope, and devotion.
Coach King provides much to love about the story. He sacrifices and does what he thinks is right to give Jules the best shot she has to succeed. As an aspiring tennis player yet young, naive woman Jules doesn't see things so clearly. She did frustrate me at times, I think a reader needs to be set up for that. She's unwilling to fold in her beliefs because she's beyond scared. This quality in her really gives us a sense of maturation and growth as we come to the conclusion. As her and Drew navigate unknown of their future we get a true sense of his self and his commitment even as he's making a colossal error in his career. There's a certain other character to the story who provides such distinct comic and sweet relief from the angst that you'll adore.
As always Blaufeld's writing pointedly depicts her story. It's honest and witty, sarcastic and full of real life situational prose. I find myself immersed in her writing as I sat sit down with her books and it's easy to read in one sitting thanks to the level of her gift. I love that she takes risks with her characters and allows you to fall for them despite their flaws. She makes them real and she makes her readers feel every evocative part of them. Break Point serves as a New Adult/Contemporary Romance told from dual first person points of view that will leave you satisfied and smiling.
Beta Read.
November 1, 2021
“I'm feeling so lucky to have read this book. Definitely didn't think it'd be so engrossing and I devoured this book like crazy.” Claudia, GR
"Sensual and forbidden, a mesmerizing love story that leaves no feeling untouched." ~ Katy Evans, NYT Bestselling Author
"Addictive! Sexy! A romance with unexpected turns and a heartfelt story of love and forgiveness." ~ Jewel E. Ann, Author
"Rachel Blaufeld is a queen of a sexy romance and when I am in the mood for an angsty story with some incredibly hot moments she is an author I go to." ~ Miranda, Red Cheeks Reads
"...a well balanced story, some funny moments and some good old angst." ~ Michelle, After Dark Book Lovers
"Sensual and forbidden, a mesmerizing love story that leaves no feeling untouched." ~ Katy Evans, NYT Bestselling Author
"Addictive! Sexy! A romance with unexpected turns and a heartfelt story of love and forgiveness." ~ Jewel E. Ann, Author
"Rachel Blaufeld is a queen of a sexy romance and when I am in the mood for an angsty story with some incredibly hot moments she is an author I go to." ~ Miranda, Red Cheeks Reads
"...a well balanced story, some funny moments and some good old angst." ~ Michelle, After Dark Book Lovers
January 7, 2017
Juliette Smith is ready to start her life over. After moving back home due to some hazing at her past school, the tennis star is ready to put her nose to the grind... play tennis, study and stay out of trouble. But then trouble came walking through her door... her new coach Drew King. The chemistry was explosive between these two. He knew of her past, yet he didn't run from her and there was a burning passion and fire from the start between these two that they just couldn't deny. They had to be careful. She was a student. He was the coach. It was forbidden from the start.
Drew didn't want Jules to end up the same way she did after leaving her last school. So he decides to take hold of her future and leaves.
Now 6 years later Jules finds herself in front of Drew again and Drew's not going to let her go this time around. But Jules has had a lot happen over the last 6 years. She's built a life for herself even after all the pain and she's not letting Drew back in as easily as she did before.
This is a hot steamy emotional read. Rachel takes you on a journey each and every time you open one of her books and she is definitely a go to author for me. I loved Drew and Juliette's story. A must read!
Drew didn't want Jules to end up the same way she did after leaving her last school. So he decides to take hold of her future and leaves.
Now 6 years later Jules finds herself in front of Drew again and Drew's not going to let her go this time around. But Jules has had a lot happen over the last 6 years. She's built a life for herself even after all the pain and she's not letting Drew back in as easily as she did before.
This is a hot steamy emotional read. Rachel takes you on a journey each and every time you open one of her books and she is definitely a go to author for me. I loved Drew and Juliette's story. A must read!
January 12, 2017
⭐⭐⭐ 3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
You’re not just the prize. Your everything. And I want it.
I love a good forbidden romance so when I saw this story, I immediately jumped on it. Who doesn’t love a student/teacher romance every once in a while? I know I do and I couldn’t wait to see how Drew and Jule’s story unfolded.
Being one of the best tennis players at her school, Juliette Smith is on top of her game. Or at least she’s trying to be. When she meets her new coach, there’s an immediate attraction between the both of them but they try to avoid it. That is until they both succumbed to the temptation and finally gave in. What starts out as a forbidden affair, quickly turns into something so much more. But neither Drew nor Jules ever expected the next turn of events to impact their lives forever.
Drew prides himself in knowing that he coaches one of the best tennis teams at the University. Although he’s young, he knows exactly what he’s doing when it comes to coaching his team and he’s determined to bring out the best in all of his players. One in particular has been a constant on his mind and he knows that just by closer to her, his entire career could go up in flames. But you know the saying the heart wants it wants and nothing can stop it. How will Drew and Juliet’s story end? Will it be heartbreak or one of the greatest loves they’ve ever known?
I have to say that I really liked Drew. He was a force to be reckoned with when it came to knowing and getting what he wanted. Did he tick me off for a certain time? You bet he did! But I forgave him because I understood where he was coming from. Now as for Jules, she definitely tested my patience a few times and for that alone, I didn’t enjoy the story as much as I would’ve hoped. But aside from that, this was still an enjoyable read so if you love forbidden romance, you should give this one a try.
February 2, 2017
Rachel Blaufeld is a queen of a sexy romance and when I am in the mood for an angsty story with some incredibly hot moments she is an author I go to. I instantly fell for Drew, he has a chemistry that pulls you in right from the start. My heart ached for the pain Jules had gone through and desperately wanted their love to be easy, but nothing worth it ever is.
“We’ll be careful. Smart. The draw is too strong.”
When Jules and Drew meet she is starting fresh at a new college after a tragic event forced her to move. Drew is her new tennis coach and despite the fact that the line between faculty and student needs to stay completely platonic the two cannot deny the pull they have over one another. When they finally give in they know they cannot go back. The need for each other is too strong and soon they find themselves in riskier and riskier situations. Before they know it everything catches up with them and both their lives are forever changed.
‘She’d always liked my dominant side, and it was high time I took charge.’
Break Point was an emotionally charged story filled with heat, angst and intense moments. I loved the characters, especially Drew. I read the book in one sitting, unable to move on with my life until I got to the end. I was pulled in to the whole coach/ student aspect but the story stood great all on it’s own. If you love a new adult/contemporary romance with a heavy sports aspects and some incredibly hot sex then this is a book you will want to check out.
4.5 Smooches
~miranda
“We’ll be careful. Smart. The draw is too strong.”
When Jules and Drew meet she is starting fresh at a new college after a tragic event forced her to move. Drew is her new tennis coach and despite the fact that the line between faculty and student needs to stay completely platonic the two cannot deny the pull they have over one another. When they finally give in they know they cannot go back. The need for each other is too strong and soon they find themselves in riskier and riskier situations. Before they know it everything catches up with them and both their lives are forever changed.
‘She’d always liked my dominant side, and it was high time I took charge.’
Break Point was an emotionally charged story filled with heat, angst and intense moments. I loved the characters, especially Drew. I read the book in one sitting, unable to move on with my life until I got to the end. I was pulled in to the whole coach/ student aspect but the story stood great all on it’s own. If you love a new adult/contemporary romance with a heavy sports aspects and some incredibly hot sex then this is a book you will want to check out.
4.5 Smooches
~miranda
May 11, 2025
I initially read this book in an anthology I’m currently reading, but in a novella form. Thankfully, I was able to find out that it has been converted into a full-blown novel, so I decided to take the opportunity to read this in one sitting since I was able to read the first half of it. And I am glad that this one trumps the novella version. It sort of comes full circle, letting us know what really happened to them especially after ending their forbidden love affair. I also liked the idea that the characters are honest about their cheesiness and it is refreshing to read about it in the genre that is inevitably cheesy. This is my first book by the author and I think she has done a good job in wrapping up a sweet love story from a cliffhanger novella. This would definitely not be my last book by her.
January 12, 2018
So I was a little turned off by part one of this book; however, I never give up on a book unless it completely cannot be saved. Well this was NOT the case for this book!! I had faith that Rachel Blaufeld would deliver and deliver she did!! Juliette is a tennis star that has a bit of a past. Andrew King is the hotshot tennis coach that is drawn to Juliette during a moment of weakness. Drew makes some questionable decisions which also causes Juliette to make decisions as well. This story had it's ups and down where I wanted to smack Juliette for some of her choices. However, my love for Drew never faltered. So glad that I continued on with the story until the end!!
Provided as an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
The video review will be released January 12 after 9am.
This specific video review: https://youtu.be/VnPuhwletaM
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieun...
Provided as an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
The video review will be released January 12 after 9am.
This specific video review: https://youtu.be/VnPuhwletaM
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieun...
January 9, 2017
Review by Lisa Kane
Juliette “Jules” Smith is twenty and about to start a new college. She’s a tennis sensation and has a bright future ahead of her. Only she’s still running from her past. Her teammates at her last school did a terrible thing. She still hasn’t been able to move on from it. She just wants to go to school, play tennis and blend in the crowd. Her mother is obsessed with Jules’ tennis abilities. That and her dead husband. Jules only exist for her talent. She’s on a tennis scholarship and she’s meeting the new coach. Drew King.
Genevieve Smith cared about two things: my dead father, and getting me educated and out.
Drew King was a tennis sensation himself. But he blew out his knee and took to coaching instead. Tennis isn’t his only talent. He’s a bit of a market wiz and he makes a hell of a lot of money for himself and a few clients.
Coach King, all six feet of him with his messy, wavy blond hair (golden blond, sun-kissed blond, perfect blond), blue eyes like the Mediterranean, and forearms to die for.
From their first meeting Drew was knocked over by his attraction to Jules. But he’s her coach. Her much older coach. As hard as they tried, there was no way that they weren’t going to give in to what was between them. Only Drew decided he couldn’t ruin Jules’ future by letting them get caught. So he broke her heart and he left. But he didn’t leave with his own heart in one piece.
I wasn’t getting a girl of my own, because the only girl I wanted was now a grown woman who had probably long forgotten about me.
Seven years later, Jules is living a very different life. She moved to another state and is waiting tables at a high society country club. Guess whose table she gets? To say Drew is more than a little crazy at seeing her again is an understatement. Frist he can’t believe she’s a waitress. He gave her up so she could pursue her dreams and she’s a waitress?
“I gave it all up for you. Thank fuck I did, but not for this second-class bullshit.”
He badgers her until she tells him the reason things spun out of control for her. A career in tennis is a dead dream. These days she has a lot more responsibility and has no time for that kind of nonsense.
I’m not going to spoil the story line. But I will say, Drew may have screwed up big time when he left Jules, but he’s not going to make the same mistake again. He’s a wealthy investment advisor and has a lot of influence. He’s in a position to change Jules’ life in every way. Only Jules doesn’t want to change it. This man broke her once and she can’t let that happen again. Too much is at stake.
"I’m so confused, Jules. I spent the last seven years trying to put you in some sort of storage bin in my brain. I worked, worked out, ate, drank but I didn’t live."
I love a second chance at love romance. Throw in a forbidden romance and maybe one with a twist or two and I’m hooked. Break Point has flawed likeable characters who have made some serious mistakes but to their credit they own up to them. They own their battle scars. They deserve to be happy. And only when they are together again will they be happy.
“Jules, I want you more than anything. All of you. Everything about you. More than any other woman I’ve ever wanted. It’s a force…deep inside of me.”
Juliette “Jules” Smith is twenty and about to start a new college. She’s a tennis sensation and has a bright future ahead of her. Only she’s still running from her past. Her teammates at her last school did a terrible thing. She still hasn’t been able to move on from it. She just wants to go to school, play tennis and blend in the crowd. Her mother is obsessed with Jules’ tennis abilities. That and her dead husband. Jules only exist for her talent. She’s on a tennis scholarship and she’s meeting the new coach. Drew King.
Genevieve Smith cared about two things: my dead father, and getting me educated and out.
Drew King was a tennis sensation himself. But he blew out his knee and took to coaching instead. Tennis isn’t his only talent. He’s a bit of a market wiz and he makes a hell of a lot of money for himself and a few clients.
Coach King, all six feet of him with his messy, wavy blond hair (golden blond, sun-kissed blond, perfect blond), blue eyes like the Mediterranean, and forearms to die for.
From their first meeting Drew was knocked over by his attraction to Jules. But he’s her coach. Her much older coach. As hard as they tried, there was no way that they weren’t going to give in to what was between them. Only Drew decided he couldn’t ruin Jules’ future by letting them get caught. So he broke her heart and he left. But he didn’t leave with his own heart in one piece.
I wasn’t getting a girl of my own, because the only girl I wanted was now a grown woman who had probably long forgotten about me.
Seven years later, Jules is living a very different life. She moved to another state and is waiting tables at a high society country club. Guess whose table she gets? To say Drew is more than a little crazy at seeing her again is an understatement. Frist he can’t believe she’s a waitress. He gave her up so she could pursue her dreams and she’s a waitress?
“I gave it all up for you. Thank fuck I did, but not for this second-class bullshit.”
He badgers her until she tells him the reason things spun out of control for her. A career in tennis is a dead dream. These days she has a lot more responsibility and has no time for that kind of nonsense.
I’m not going to spoil the story line. But I will say, Drew may have screwed up big time when he left Jules, but he’s not going to make the same mistake again. He’s a wealthy investment advisor and has a lot of influence. He’s in a position to change Jules’ life in every way. Only Jules doesn’t want to change it. This man broke her once and she can’t let that happen again. Too much is at stake.
"I’m so confused, Jules. I spent the last seven years trying to put you in some sort of storage bin in my brain. I worked, worked out, ate, drank but I didn’t live."
I love a second chance at love romance. Throw in a forbidden romance and maybe one with a twist or two and I’m hooked. Break Point has flawed likeable characters who have made some serious mistakes but to their credit they own up to them. They own their battle scars. They deserve to be happy. And only when they are together again will they be happy.
“Jules, I want you more than anything. All of you. Everything about you. More than any other woman I’ve ever wanted. It’s a force…deep inside of me.”
January 10, 2017
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
3.5 40-LOVE CROWNS
Break Point is a tale of forbidden romance. A tale of two people who shouldn't be together, but just can't resist each other. Even more than this, it is a tale of what happens when that love combusts, leaving devastation in its wake, and the redemptive road one must take in order to reclaim what has been lost.
This story follows Jules, a tennis star, and her coach, Drew. From the moment they meet, their is instantaneous attraction. The physical draw is too much to resist, and both succumb to their passions. While the physical intimacy between the two is electric, I did not always feel that with their emotional interactions. I wanted more longing looks, more secret touches, and more of glimpse into their bedroom conversations. These acts and conversations happen, but they are often glossed over. Ultimately, the physical acts do a good job with conveying their feelings for one another, and carry the reader through the story, but this couple could have been explosive if readers would have had the emotional connection, too.
Jules is a likable heroine. She has been traumatized by a past hazing incident at her old school, and it is a brutal act. Her reaction to the hazing left me feeling conflicted. On the one hand, I admired her strength and her determination to move on and not let those girls control her life, but on the other hand, it seemed like she should have been more traumatized from the event. Maybe she was, but the author does not show us any of this. When readers meet her, she is healed and trying to move on with her life. What I absolutely admire about her is her tenacity to move forward even with the weight of the world on her shoulders. After a second life-changing event, she never stops fighting for the life she wants. Her trials and tribulations and her survival make her a fantastic heroine.
Drew King, the young and attractive new tennis coach, cannot seem to control himself when he is around Jules. His need to consume her ends up consuming them both, and he ultimately does what he thinks is best for Jules and her career as a tennis player. Although, this act hurts, it is honorable and the right thing to do, which results in Drew earning the adoration of readers. What readers will love most about him though is his drive to obtain what he wants most. Once he decides on Jules and the life he wants with her, he goes after it whole-heartedly, and he does not waver for anything or anyone. His love of Jules and his devotion to their life together will have readers falling in love with King Drew!
The story is not what I expected. I thought most of it would focus on the forbidden romance aspect, the illicit touches, the secret rendezvous, and the thrill of getting caught. Break Point, however, spends little time on the forbidden romance, and this part of the book acts as a catalyst for the rest of the plot, setting the real story line of the book in motion. This second part of the book is fast paced, and the reconnection of the couple moves just as quickly, resulting in little conversation as to what went wrong before or the hurt both characters endure along the way. Even though the story line moves quickly, watching these two come back together and form a new family is enjoyable.
Break Point by Rachel Blaufeld is an angsty and pleasurable read. The torment the characters endure, the passion that consumes them, the inevitable fallout, and the road back to their HEA will keep readers entertained.
-----------------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
3.5 40-LOVE CROWNS
Break Point is a tale of forbidden romance. A tale of two people who shouldn't be together, but just can't resist each other. Even more than this, it is a tale of what happens when that love combusts, leaving devastation in its wake, and the redemptive road one must take in order to reclaim what has been lost.
This story follows Jules, a tennis star, and her coach, Drew. From the moment they meet, their is instantaneous attraction. The physical draw is too much to resist, and both succumb to their passions. While the physical intimacy between the two is electric, I did not always feel that with their emotional interactions. I wanted more longing looks, more secret touches, and more of glimpse into their bedroom conversations. These acts and conversations happen, but they are often glossed over. Ultimately, the physical acts do a good job with conveying their feelings for one another, and carry the reader through the story, but this couple could have been explosive if readers would have had the emotional connection, too.
Jules is a likable heroine. She has been traumatized by a past hazing incident at her old school, and it is a brutal act. Her reaction to the hazing left me feeling conflicted. On the one hand, I admired her strength and her determination to move on and not let those girls control her life, but on the other hand, it seemed like she should have been more traumatized from the event. Maybe she was, but the author does not show us any of this. When readers meet her, she is healed and trying to move on with her life. What I absolutely admire about her is her tenacity to move forward even with the weight of the world on her shoulders. After a second life-changing event, she never stops fighting for the life she wants. Her trials and tribulations and her survival make her a fantastic heroine.
Drew King, the young and attractive new tennis coach, cannot seem to control himself when he is around Jules. His need to consume her ends up consuming them both, and he ultimately does what he thinks is best for Jules and her career as a tennis player. Although, this act hurts, it is honorable and the right thing to do, which results in Drew earning the adoration of readers. What readers will love most about him though is his drive to obtain what he wants most. Once he decides on Jules and the life he wants with her, he goes after it whole-heartedly, and he does not waver for anything or anyone. His love of Jules and his devotion to their life together will have readers falling in love with King Drew!
The story is not what I expected. I thought most of it would focus on the forbidden romance aspect, the illicit touches, the secret rendezvous, and the thrill of getting caught. Break Point, however, spends little time on the forbidden romance, and this part of the book acts as a catalyst for the rest of the plot, setting the real story line of the book in motion. This second part of the book is fast paced, and the reconnection of the couple moves just as quickly, resulting in little conversation as to what went wrong before or the hurt both characters endure along the way. Even though the story line moves quickly, watching these two come back together and form a new family is enjoyable.
Break Point by Rachel Blaufeld is an angsty and pleasurable read. The torment the characters endure, the passion that consumes them, the inevitable fallout, and the road back to their HEA will keep readers entertained.
-----------------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
December 30, 2016
Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict (www.bookboyfriendaddict.com). A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
“Jules, I want you more than anything. All of you. Everything about you. More than any other woman I’ve ever wanted. It’s a force… deep inside me.”
After suffering a traumatizing scandal at her last college, the last thing Juliette “Jules” Smith is looking for at her new college is to stir up any trouble. She just wants to go to her classes, play tennis and keep her head down, she’s not looking for friends, much less a love interest. The only problem is that once her new coach, Drew King, shows up in her kitchen to introduce himself, she can’t fight the attraction that he stirs within her. Turns out the attraction isn’t one sided and he’s just as attracted to her as she is to him. Drew is aware of Jules’ past and feels protective of her which is why he initially resists acting on his urges, but he can only remain strong for so long. The two ultimately embark on a secret affair that would mean big trouble for both if they were found out. When one of them can’t handle the heat and walks away, they are both left heartbroken. Years later and Jules has made a life for herself far away from her failed college career. While she’s lonely from time to time, she’s proud of the life she’s built and isn’t looking for a man. But when her path crosses with none other than Drew King again, she finds that whether she wants one or not, Drew isn’t going away this time. Will Jules be able to give up some of her control and let Drew in again? Especially now that the stakes are even higher?
I really enjoyed this story, it was heartfelt and sexy with a strong heroine and a big hearted, protective hero. I wasn’t aware at first that the story originally started as a novella, which ultimately morphed into a full length story. This is why the book is divided into two parts. Part one is the original novella and part two is the rest of the story. The first part definitely felt like a novella, especially in contrast to part two. Things moved fast and I sort of wished that there had been more time to develop Jules and Drew’s relationship before the big time jump. All of that almost just felt like a big intro to what was truly the heart of the story, which is what happens after they find each other again after several years. I actually really loved the second half of the story (well more like three-quarters since part one was only like 25%), the twist that was introduced at the end of part one is something that I really love in books and I thought that this aspect was very well done. It really made me love Drew with how he handled everything. And even though I didn’t love Jules’ decision at the end of part one, I did admire her tenacity, she was a fighter and I like how she kept that up even once Drew was back in the picture.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. I would have loved more from part one, but part two more than made up for it and I really loved both epilogues. If you’re looking for a sweet, sexy, heartfelt second chance romance, with a dash of sports romance mixed in, I would definitely recommend this one!
“What about me? My life? My job? Everything I’ve built?”
“Life as you know it, babe, is over. What you’ve built on your own is awesome, but what we’re going to build together is going to be even better.”
“Jules, I want you more than anything. All of you. Everything about you. More than any other woman I’ve ever wanted. It’s a force… deep inside me.”
After suffering a traumatizing scandal at her last college, the last thing Juliette “Jules” Smith is looking for at her new college is to stir up any trouble. She just wants to go to her classes, play tennis and keep her head down, she’s not looking for friends, much less a love interest. The only problem is that once her new coach, Drew King, shows up in her kitchen to introduce himself, she can’t fight the attraction that he stirs within her. Turns out the attraction isn’t one sided and he’s just as attracted to her as she is to him. Drew is aware of Jules’ past and feels protective of her which is why he initially resists acting on his urges, but he can only remain strong for so long. The two ultimately embark on a secret affair that would mean big trouble for both if they were found out. When one of them can’t handle the heat and walks away, they are both left heartbroken. Years later and Jules has made a life for herself far away from her failed college career. While she’s lonely from time to time, she’s proud of the life she’s built and isn’t looking for a man. But when her path crosses with none other than Drew King again, she finds that whether she wants one or not, Drew isn’t going away this time. Will Jules be able to give up some of her control and let Drew in again? Especially now that the stakes are even higher?
I really enjoyed this story, it was heartfelt and sexy with a strong heroine and a big hearted, protective hero. I wasn’t aware at first that the story originally started as a novella, which ultimately morphed into a full length story. This is why the book is divided into two parts. Part one is the original novella and part two is the rest of the story. The first part definitely felt like a novella, especially in contrast to part two. Things moved fast and I sort of wished that there had been more time to develop Jules and Drew’s relationship before the big time jump. All of that almost just felt like a big intro to what was truly the heart of the story, which is what happens after they find each other again after several years. I actually really loved the second half of the story (well more like three-quarters since part one was only like 25%), the twist that was introduced at the end of part one is something that I really love in books and I thought that this aspect was very well done. It really made me love Drew with how he handled everything. And even though I didn’t love Jules’ decision at the end of part one, I did admire her tenacity, she was a fighter and I like how she kept that up even once Drew was back in the picture.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. I would have loved more from part one, but part two more than made up for it and I really loved both epilogues. If you’re looking for a sweet, sexy, heartfelt second chance romance, with a dash of sports romance mixed in, I would definitely recommend this one!
“What about me? My life? My job? Everything I’ve built?”
“Life as you know it, babe, is over. What you’ve built on your own is awesome, but what we’re going to build together is going to be even better.”
January 18, 2017
1.5 stars
I was super excited for this this story to come out. After reading the short story from the anthology. I couldn't wait for Drew and Juliette's story to continue! The way it ended in the novella... in a cliffhanger. Was hard... but it had me thinking about how their story was going to play out.
Part one was a re-read of the novella.
Part two the continuation of the novella. I was a little bit disappointed about it.
I know 7 years has past. Without knowing or hearing about each other.
But I have to say... my biggest pet peeve in books is when main character go with other people in the time they were apart. Or if one person has been with other people and the other person has not been with anyone at all in all those years.
Drew-
"Look, I wasn’t meant to be celibate, so every now and again, I found a redhead who happened to be pleasing to the eye. They were never as satisfying as I’d hoped, and they always left me wanting for more."
Juliette-
"I shouldn’t have asked. I hadn’t slept with anyone since before Darla was born. Since Drew left Ohio."
It just really gets to me in books!
I mean why? It's just so unbelievable and unrealistic.
Why does it always have to be the girl in books to be the celibate ones? The one to be forced to grow up and face what life has given her. And the guy just gets to walk out and not look back. To move on with his life and be and do what he wants? The one to make money and the girl has to struggle.
I just don't get it.
That right there was hard for me to see past. And I just kept thinking... this book ruined the feelings I had in the novella. I was seeing these characters in a whole different light. I really didn't like them.
I was having a hard time liking Drew. I just thought he was an AHole with Juliette in the beginning. Then he kind of just switches to going after and wanting her.
I also hated how every girl/women Drew was around wanted him. They were either trying to pick him up, licking their lips, sticking out their chest. It was all so over the top!
By 63% I still hadn't warmed up to Drew. There was just something about him.
Juliette wasn't far behind with me either. Chapter 32 was a big wth for me. I just wasn't feeling her at all. And her reasonings.
And the whole keeping Drew in the dark about having his child! She had plenty of opportunities to do the right thing. And she didn't.
The ending....
It nice. I'm glad it ended the way it did.
I just wished the story played out differently.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
I was super excited for this this story to come out. After reading the short story from the anthology. I couldn't wait for Drew and Juliette's story to continue! The way it ended in the novella... in a cliffhanger. Was hard... but it had me thinking about how their story was going to play out.
Part one was a re-read of the novella.
Part two the continuation of the novella. I was a little bit disappointed about it.
I know 7 years has past. Without knowing or hearing about each other.
But I have to say... my biggest pet peeve in books is when main character go with other people in the time they were apart. Or if one person has been with other people and the other person has not been with anyone at all in all those years.
Drew-
"Look, I wasn’t meant to be celibate, so every now and again, I found a redhead who happened to be pleasing to the eye. They were never as satisfying as I’d hoped, and they always left me wanting for more."
Juliette-
"I shouldn’t have asked. I hadn’t slept with anyone since before Darla was born. Since Drew left Ohio."
It just really gets to me in books!
I mean why? It's just so unbelievable and unrealistic.
Why does it always have to be the girl in books to be the celibate ones? The one to be forced to grow up and face what life has given her. And the guy just gets to walk out and not look back. To move on with his life and be and do what he wants? The one to make money and the girl has to struggle.
I just don't get it.
That right there was hard for me to see past. And I just kept thinking... this book ruined the feelings I had in the novella. I was seeing these characters in a whole different light. I really didn't like them.
I was having a hard time liking Drew. I just thought he was an AHole with Juliette in the beginning. Then he kind of just switches to going after and wanting her.
I also hated how every girl/women Drew was around wanted him. They were either trying to pick him up, licking their lips, sticking out their chest. It was all so over the top!
By 63% I still hadn't warmed up to Drew. There was just something about him.
Juliette wasn't far behind with me either. Chapter 32 was a big wth for me. I just wasn't feeling her at all. And her reasonings.
And the whole keeping Drew in the dark about having his child! She had plenty of opportunities to do the right thing. And she didn't.
The ending....
It nice. I'm glad it ended the way it did.
I just wished the story played out differently.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
October 20, 2016
I want the entire book.... now!!!
January 13, 2017
Life can absolutely feel like a tennis match sometimes; with its ups and downs, risky plays, and must win moments, even the best tennis players can be schooled because the ultimate ace doesn’t happen on the court and regardless of how much practice and skill one may have, there are times when the impossible happens and s/he ends up losing so much more than just one match.
In the first part of Break Point, Jules Smith learns the true definition of a double fault when she puts her trust, first, in her new teammates at her first college and then in her new tennis coach at her new school. The first incident drastically changed her life and how she interacted with others while her secret relationship with Coach King and his desertion of her unilaterally altered every aspect of her world and prompted her to make difficult decisions without thinking of the repercussions for not only herself but for all those involved.
While there is a forbidden aspect of Break Point due to Jules and Drew’s initial relationship, that is not the focus of their story. The story line focuses more on people’s choices and the impact of those decisions even seven years later. Both Jules and Drew handled their feelings for one another and the fallout of their clandestine affair without truly thinking of the impact of those “for the best” actions on the other person. And because of this, when they reconnect 7 years later, they both have concerns and vulnerabilities to work through as well as a plethora of “old feelings, unanswered questions, and new curiosities,” which could ultimately allow them to move forward together or destroy any chance of healing from the past and reuniting in a forever kind of way.
Jules and Drew’s story is complex, and while I did feel like the first part of their story didn’t provide me with enough insights into what exactly happened to Jules at her first college or a clear sense of the true depth of their feelings for one another as they began their secret relationship, the second half of their story illustrates exactly what both of them lost after Drew left his coaching position and Jules behind for what he thought was her own good. It also shows the depth of Jules’ pain and the steps she’s taken to not allow her heart to be broken again. The decisions that Jules made may be questionable, but she never did anything to be malicious; in a sense, she made them in order to survive…in order to make a future for herself, even if it is one that doesn’t heal her heart or surround her with a multitude of friends and family…she has done the best she could for the circumstances she was given, and no one can fault her for her response.
Drew is quite the tenacious alpha male as he works to reclaim the woman he loves, and while Jules made him work for every inch, more out of fear than anything else, Drew proved that he could trust her with her heart…he proved that giving him some of the control she holds on to so tightly wouldn’t hurt her but fill a void that she’s had ever since he left.
Break Point is a second chance love story that illustrates the fact that people can’t really help who they fall in love with, and while it may not be deemed appropriate in the eyes of society, the feelings still remain, and sometimes, doing the right thing is actually the wrong way to handle it because the devastation that it costs is sometimes irreparable.
4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
In the first part of Break Point, Jules Smith learns the true definition of a double fault when she puts her trust, first, in her new teammates at her first college and then in her new tennis coach at her new school. The first incident drastically changed her life and how she interacted with others while her secret relationship with Coach King and his desertion of her unilaterally altered every aspect of her world and prompted her to make difficult decisions without thinking of the repercussions for not only herself but for all those involved.
While there is a forbidden aspect of Break Point due to Jules and Drew’s initial relationship, that is not the focus of their story. The story line focuses more on people’s choices and the impact of those decisions even seven years later. Both Jules and Drew handled their feelings for one another and the fallout of their clandestine affair without truly thinking of the impact of those “for the best” actions on the other person. And because of this, when they reconnect 7 years later, they both have concerns and vulnerabilities to work through as well as a plethora of “old feelings, unanswered questions, and new curiosities,” which could ultimately allow them to move forward together or destroy any chance of healing from the past and reuniting in a forever kind of way.
Jules and Drew’s story is complex, and while I did feel like the first part of their story didn’t provide me with enough insights into what exactly happened to Jules at her first college or a clear sense of the true depth of their feelings for one another as they began their secret relationship, the second half of their story illustrates exactly what both of them lost after Drew left his coaching position and Jules behind for what he thought was her own good. It also shows the depth of Jules’ pain and the steps she’s taken to not allow her heart to be broken again. The decisions that Jules made may be questionable, but she never did anything to be malicious; in a sense, she made them in order to survive…in order to make a future for herself, even if it is one that doesn’t heal her heart or surround her with a multitude of friends and family…she has done the best she could for the circumstances she was given, and no one can fault her for her response.
Drew is quite the tenacious alpha male as he works to reclaim the woman he loves, and while Jules made him work for every inch, more out of fear than anything else, Drew proved that he could trust her with her heart…he proved that giving him some of the control she holds on to so tightly wouldn’t hurt her but fill a void that she’s had ever since he left.
Break Point is a second chance love story that illustrates the fact that people can’t really help who they fall in love with, and while it may not be deemed appropriate in the eyes of society, the feelings still remain, and sometimes, doing the right thing is actually the wrong way to handle it because the devastation that it costs is sometimes irreparable.
4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
February 3, 2017
Rachel Blaufeld does it again with her newest novel, Break Point. She has a way of writing beautifully broken characters that I instantly fall in love with.
"I was fascinated with King’s white smile, his biceps, and his not-so-muted attitude. Although he could have been muttering, “Blah, blah, blah,” for all I knew, and I would have been spellbound. Something naughty and oh-so-right was simmering in him, just beneath the surface, clamoring to get out.”
After a horrible experience at her previous college, rising tennis star Juliette Smith transfers to Hafton University where she meets Coach Drew King. Sparks fly between the two and they soon find themselves in a secret affair. However, since being involved with a member of his team is against the rules, and afraid of jeopardizing her future, Drew makes a decision he feels is best for Jules.
"It’s going to be okay, Jules. Let yourself fall. I can hold us both; I can brace your fall. I even have enough room for three in my arms.”
Drew King--there's a pretty good chance I’m smitten with him. He made this story. He was perfect. Understanding, endearing, and always had his heart in the right place. Everything he did was to put Juliette first, even if it sometimes didn’t go quite as planned. And Juliette was such a strong heroine character. She grew up isolated—her mom being emotionally distant and her main focuses being school and tennis. She went through a lot between the hazing at her previous college and then everything later in life. There were times she pushed me to the brink of frustration, however, I had so much admiration for everything she overcame. I loved these two together!
"Jules and I were a slow-burning torch, one that never would fully extinguish.”
Break Point was a stunning, forbidden love story about strong-willed characters working to fix past wrongs, and find forgiveness. One that I really loved. Rachel has a way of sucking you into her stories and making you feel every emotion her characters go through. So, if you're looking for an off-limits story with flawed characters and second chances, then I highly suggest reading Break Point.
"I was fascinated with King’s white smile, his biceps, and his not-so-muted attitude. Although he could have been muttering, “Blah, blah, blah,” for all I knew, and I would have been spellbound. Something naughty and oh-so-right was simmering in him, just beneath the surface, clamoring to get out.”
After a horrible experience at her previous college, rising tennis star Juliette Smith transfers to Hafton University where she meets Coach Drew King. Sparks fly between the two and they soon find themselves in a secret affair. However, since being involved with a member of his team is against the rules, and afraid of jeopardizing her future, Drew makes a decision he feels is best for Jules.
"It’s going to be okay, Jules. Let yourself fall. I can hold us both; I can brace your fall. I even have enough room for three in my arms.”
Drew King--there's a pretty good chance I’m smitten with him. He made this story. He was perfect. Understanding, endearing, and always had his heart in the right place. Everything he did was to put Juliette first, even if it sometimes didn’t go quite as planned. And Juliette was such a strong heroine character. She grew up isolated—her mom being emotionally distant and her main focuses being school and tennis. She went through a lot between the hazing at her previous college and then everything later in life. There were times she pushed me to the brink of frustration, however, I had so much admiration for everything she overcame. I loved these two together!
"Jules and I were a slow-burning torch, one that never would fully extinguish.”
Break Point was a stunning, forbidden love story about strong-willed characters working to fix past wrongs, and find forgiveness. One that I really loved. Rachel has a way of sucking you into her stories and making you feel every emotion her characters go through. So, if you're looking for an off-limits story with flawed characters and second chances, then I highly suggest reading Break Point.
January 3, 2017
UPDATE:
I have been avoiding writing this review because I am in denial that I finished the book and Jules and Drew aren't in my life anymore! I honestly don't know how Blaufeld creates these characters that are so real and so human. At times, I hated Jules and was frustrated with her and Drew...but I knew that I still wanted to keep reading. That just makes me think of them as real people who I could know! I loved this story as it touched on tough and challenging topics and was true to them and didn't shy away from the drama that some relationships have. I am so appreciative that there was more to Jules and Drew's story...I'm just wishing there were EVEN MORE! I could keep reading and never tire of these two! Thanks for writing such a great story and such great characters.
ARC received for an honest review.
Original review of the novella:
Amazing story written by an amazing author. This is a shorter story than Blaufeld usually writes, yet nothing is lost. She develops the characters and their relationships enough for you to love them and only want more and more and more! The only bad part is that it ends! You never want it to - you want more and ache for it when you finish. Lucky for us, Blaufeld is writing more to this story-so I'll be waiting patiently for that to come out. Until then, I might have to re-read this 100 times because it's just that good!
I have been avoiding writing this review because I am in denial that I finished the book and Jules and Drew aren't in my life anymore! I honestly don't know how Blaufeld creates these characters that are so real and so human. At times, I hated Jules and was frustrated with her and Drew...but I knew that I still wanted to keep reading. That just makes me think of them as real people who I could know! I loved this story as it touched on tough and challenging topics and was true to them and didn't shy away from the drama that some relationships have. I am so appreciative that there was more to Jules and Drew's story...I'm just wishing there were EVEN MORE! I could keep reading and never tire of these two! Thanks for writing such a great story and such great characters.
ARC received for an honest review.
Original review of the novella:
Amazing story written by an amazing author. This is a shorter story than Blaufeld usually writes, yet nothing is lost. She develops the characters and their relationships enough for you to love them and only want more and more and more! The only bad part is that it ends! You never want it to - you want more and ache for it when you finish. Lucky for us, Blaufeld is writing more to this story-so I'll be waiting patiently for that to come out. Until then, I might have to re-read this 100 times because it's just that good!
January 6, 2017
4.5 Stars
First book I have read by this author and it won't be the last I really enjoyed Break Point, after all what's not to love about a sports romance, forbidden love and second chances. Jules is at a new university after a horrendous experience at her old school and all she wants to do is move on forget the past and play tennis. Drew is the tennis coach with the sexy as hell forearms and Rachel realises as soon as she sees him this is the man she left 6 years ago. Will second time around work any better for this loveable couple, will they get past the coach/student problem and will they get over the secrets Jules kept from Drew.......
The characters have chemistry and are easy to love, this author seems to be able to draw you into the story and it had just the right amount of angst and hotness to keep you interested.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Rachel Blaufeld
First book I have read by this author and it won't be the last I really enjoyed Break Point, after all what's not to love about a sports romance, forbidden love and second chances. Jules is at a new university after a horrendous experience at her old school and all she wants to do is move on forget the past and play tennis. Drew is the tennis coach with the sexy as hell forearms and Rachel realises as soon as she sees him this is the man she left 6 years ago. Will second time around work any better for this loveable couple, will they get past the coach/student problem and will they get over the secrets Jules kept from Drew.......
The characters have chemistry and are easy to love, this author seems to be able to draw you into the story and it had just the right amount of angst and hotness to keep you interested.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Rachel Blaufeld
February 7, 2017
5 Crazy Ass Must Read Stars!!!!!
Word of warning: TISSUES!
Yes, tissues. Make sure to have a box on hand because this is one hell of an emotional ride. I'm still getting teary just thinking about it all as I write this review. Holy heck, what have you done to me, Ms. Blaufeld. I'm a mess. My chest is still achy from the angst of it all.
It wasn't all tears though. You have Drew King. Yes, Drew. Hmmm....Drew. *sighs* He is swoon-worthy and sexy and the newest member to my BBF list.
I really enjoyed reading this. I can't wait to read more from Rachel.
Word of warning: TISSUES!
Yes, tissues. Make sure to have a box on hand because this is one hell of an emotional ride. I'm still getting teary just thinking about it all as I write this review. Holy heck, what have you done to me, Ms. Blaufeld. I'm a mess. My chest is still achy from the angst of it all.
It wasn't all tears though. You have Drew King. Yes, Drew. Hmmm....Drew. *sighs* He is swoon-worthy and sexy and the newest member to my BBF list.
I really enjoyed reading this. I can't wait to read more from Rachel.
January 15, 2017
I think this might be my favorite book of Rachel's. The story just got better with each chapter. My favorite thing...there is not a wasted word or detail anywhere in this book. Superbly written. No wonder this mom/wife/columnist/author is popular with readers, bloggers. and authors! Absolutely love this book!
February 7, 2017
Really powerful read
Although I wasn't sure I liked the heroine.. she redeemed herself in part two and towards the end of the book.. in true Style the author gives us a powerful read that will have you mad first, but swooning at the end!
Although I wasn't sure I liked the heroine.. she redeemed herself in part two and towards the end of the book.. in true Style the author gives us a powerful read that will have you mad first, but swooning at the end!
January 11, 2017
4.5 Smooches review at Red Cheeks Reads
January 21, 2017
I came across Break Point in the Hot for Teacher Anthology: Nineteen Stories Filled with Love and Lust and it was one of my favorites stories of the bunch until I hit the place where it said:
My immediate reaction was:
In the first part Juliette and Drew’s chemistry was off the charts hot, their romance lovely. When Drew ultimately decides to do what’s best for Juliette in a typical one-sided man decision, my heart broke. I was totally invested in the characters but with this being a two-part story, I had hoped we’d get a bit more depth to them.
Part two starts seven years later. Jules is a single Mom just going through the motions. When she encounters Drew at her new workplace, what is her nightmare is his dream come true. Even though the chemistry and feelings are all there, she knows that with her very big secret things will get messy. Now Drew is set on winning Jules back and getting to know the baby girl he never knew he had.
Drew kept on being the sweet, sexy and completely crazy in love guy he was during the first part of the story but cuter because he desperately wanted to be a part of his little girl’s life.
While I understood Jules’ feelings at the time when she was left alone, I can’t say I didn’t get tired of her attitude towards Drew. Yes, he left her but she never gave him a chance to make it right, going as far as making it very difficult for him to find her. Then she kept throwing in his face how he hadn’t been a part of their daughter’s life when that was mostly her doing. Again, I got where she was coming from, but I wished she would have let go of her resentment faster and enjoyed what she was being offered.
Fortunately, Drew’s adoration for his daughter and his steadfastness towards Jules more than made up for anything that could bother me, making Break Point one very sweet and enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
“Part Two of Drew and Juliette’s story is coming soon”
My immediate reaction was:
How soon is this? Will soon be next week? Because I think that’s pretty much all the time I can wait for it to be out before going into an anxiety attack.
In the first part Juliette and Drew’s chemistry was off the charts hot, their romance lovely. When Drew ultimately decides to do what’s best for Juliette in a typical one-sided man decision, my heart broke. I was totally invested in the characters but with this being a two-part story, I had hoped we’d get a bit more depth to them.
Part two starts seven years later. Jules is a single Mom just going through the motions. When she encounters Drew at her new workplace, what is her nightmare is his dream come true. Even though the chemistry and feelings are all there, she knows that with her very big secret things will get messy. Now Drew is set on winning Jules back and getting to know the baby girl he never knew he had.
Drew kept on being the sweet, sexy and completely crazy in love guy he was during the first part of the story but cuter because he desperately wanted to be a part of his little girl’s life.
While I understood Jules’ feelings at the time when she was left alone, I can’t say I didn’t get tired of her attitude towards Drew. Yes, he left her but she never gave him a chance to make it right, going as far as making it very difficult for him to find her. Then she kept throwing in his face how he hadn’t been a part of their daughter’s life when that was mostly her doing. Again, I got where she was coming from, but I wished she would have let go of her resentment faster and enjoyed what she was being offered.
Fortunately, Drew’s adoration for his daughter and his steadfastness towards Jules more than made up for anything that could bother me, making Break Point one very sweet and enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
March 27, 2018
I really enjoyed Jules and Drew. This story is about turmoil and obstacles that were in the way of happiness. We saw how emotionally damaged Jules was. She did so much in this book that stopped her from pursuing happiness. At times I was very disappointed in her decisions but yet again I think it was her mindset and her history that prevented her from seeing how much she meant to Drew. I’m glad that Drew was pursuing her and so determined to have her. I was also awed by his ability not to hold a grudge because of what she did. He had every reason to be mad and yet he was so in love with her that he just took everything in stride.
December 24, 2017
Oh I felt so bad for Jules. She went from a terrible situation at one school to thinking she found compassion and love at another. Drew was trying to do best by her. But I understood her reasoning for keeping that secret from him. Their lives were meant to be intertwined. Drew had so much time to make up and I think he did it perfectly . This book just got better and better!
April 1, 2018
First time reading this author and I have to say, I’m happy this one was placed in my bookworm box.
A forbidden love....Love at first sight....A forever love....
Drew and Jules love story is breathtakingly beautiful. I didn’t want to put it down. Even when the last word was read, I craved more.
Rachel Blaufeld is an amazing writer and I can’t wait for more as I see so many possibilities for Break Point to be a series.
A forbidden love....Love at first sight....A forever love....
Drew and Jules love story is breathtakingly beautiful. I didn’t want to put it down. Even when the last word was read, I craved more.
Rachel Blaufeld is an amazing writer and I can’t wait for more as I see so many possibilities for Break Point to be a series.
January 15, 2018
Loved this book
Loved the story and the characters. From forbidden love to strong independent woman to true love! I recommend this book!
Loved the story and the characters. From forbidden love to strong independent woman to true love! I recommend this book!
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