Mixed

Breaking Free #2

by Maya Hughes

You draw a guy nude--one time--and suddenly he thinks he knows what's best for you... then again, what if he's right? 

Jen's been hiding a secret that threatens to destroy her since her mother's death.  Her one refuge is her art, but one art class a week is all she can manage, while being the good daughter and following in her father's footsteps as a lawyer. She wasn't expecting that the nude model from her life drawing class would wind up being the owner of her new favorite bar...

Mark Jones has wrapped up the divorce from hell, but someone needs to tell that to his psycho ex. She isn't finished with him yet. And her scheming could destroy everything he's worked for, unless he can find a way to buy her out - and fast. To make matters worse, in a moment of desperation he agrees to be a nude model for some extra cash and that has come back to haunt him, when a crazy sexy blond artist catches his eye and makes him lose his cool.

When family secrets, betrayal and revenge threaten everything that keeps them together, will their new-found love be strong enough to survive?

Mixed is a standalone romance in the Breaking Free series with no cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Romance

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2017

About the author

Maya Hughes is an Amazon Top 20 author of swoon worthy, laugh out loud, and emotional new adult and contemporary romances.

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Reviews

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new to me author, I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.

[Theresa Alberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed by Maya Hughes is the second book in the Breaking Free Series but can absolutely be read as a standalone.

Jen has always lived her life for others, helping, doing what is expected of her, especially when it comes to her career. Her passion is art but it is something she has resigned to be a hobby while she climbs the partnership track at her law firm. When she meets Mark, she lets her inhibitions down for a night and while glad she did, she goes back to life as normal. But Mark keeps creeping into her everyday life with a push and pull relationship that she doesn't like very much. Either Mark needs to commit or walk away for good.

Mark is glad to be rid of his ex-wife, who cheated on him in their own home, but he is beside himself i trying to find out how to keep his family bar that Cheryl is trying to get half of. He is in no position to get involved with anyone, especially someone like Jen who he could totally fall head over heels for.

The relationship that develops between Jen and Mark is intriguing and at times you find yourself wanting them to make and other times wanting them to throw in the towel before its beyond repair. I love the banter between these two and how their friendships with others develops, truly showing the reader that family is what you make it and often has nothing to do with blood.

I am intrigued by Rox and I cannot wait to read her story, because I have a feeling that it will be a fantastic tear jerker!

3.5 stars

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets, lies, betrayal, revenge, scorching chemistry, friendship, banter, steamy scenes, which all leads to love and a happily ever after. Really enjoyable read.

I volunteered to review an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Another beautiful love story from Maya! This one definitely had more angst but I loved getting to see inside who Jen is and seeing her find her happy ending!

Mark was amazing and I love the whole crew of people that surround him and now Jen!

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.85 Stars

I Voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

So I read the previous book in this series, and I enjoyed it. (But this can still be read as a standalone) and this one I enjoyed it too
I just felt that some parts you need a bit more explanation. And some parts where the heroine was upset with the hero was a bit too much.

This story is about a successful lawyer Jen who's passion is actually being an artist. But for some reason she decided to follow in her father's footsteps and maybe also for his approval, and became a lawyer. For most part her life was good, even though being a lawyer wasn't her first choice she was pretty good at it.
Mark was a bar owner and is in the middle of a fight with his ex-wife about money, so his in a bind and he might have to sell his bar to pay her out.

Mark and Jen officially meet when Jen attends a painting class and Mark is the nude model. She can't believe that she meets the rude guy from the previous night. Their relationship starts as more of a friendship, even though they are both attracted to each other, until they end up sleeping together. From there they both have to come to terms with their own issues. Jen about her art and her relationship with her father, and Mark sorting out his problems with his ex.

I enjoyed this story, it was a good book to keep your attention for a Sunday afternoon read, but I found that even though I liked both characters and the story, it lacked some excitement for me. And that's why I gave the book 3.85 Stars

That being said, I really can't wait for the next book which is the chef Roxie and the best friend Liam. There is some history there and especially at the end of this book when we get to see a bit of Roxie's past coming back to hunt her.

Reviewed on behalf of

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute but lack of communication was annoying.

[FMR Book Grind · Rating 4 out of 5]

TATIA'S REVIEW
4 STARS

A quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Jen is a lawyer. Not her chosen profession, but a safe one that she's good at. It's also the field where she's trying to make a name for herself on her own, which isn't easy with who her father is.
Mark is going through a nasty divorce. How he never saw his ex-wife for the witch she is a mystery to him. No one else around him liked her and that should have been a sign. Last thing he needs is the girl he finds in his office one night. She had to have been snooping around.
These two were good for each other, but so back and forth. While saying that, they still pushed each other to be better, to try better for themselves. This was overall a story that I liked. There were a few issues with some details, but I'm hoping those are fixed before release day.

FLAVIA'S REVIEW
3.85 STARS

So I read the previous book in this series, and I enjoyed it. (But this can still be read as a standalone) and this one I enjoyed it too
I just felt that some parts you need a bit more explanation. And some parts where the heroine was upset with the hero was a bit too much.

This story is about a successful lawyer Jen who's passion is actually being an artist. But for some reason she decided to follow in her father's footsteps and maybe also for his approval, and became a lawyer. For most part her life was good, even though being a lawyer wasn't her first choice she was pretty good at it.
Mark was a bar owner and is in the middle of a fight with his ex-wife about money, so his in a bind and he might have to sell his bar to pay her out.

Mark and Jen officially meet when Jen attends a painting class and Mark is the nude model. She can't believe that she meets the rude guy from the previous night. Their relationship starts as more of a friendship, even though they are both attracted to each other, until they end up sleeping together. From there they both have to come to terms with their own issues. Jen about her art and her relationship with her father, and Mark sorting out his problems with his ex.

I enjoyed this story, it was a good book to keep your attention for a Sunday afternoon read, but I found that even though I liked both characters and the story, it lacked some excitement for me. And that's why I gave the book 3.85 Stars

That being said, I really can't wait for the next book which is the chef Roxie and the best friend Liam. There is some history there and especially at the end of this book when we get to see a bit of Roxie's past coming back to hunt her.

[Emily Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Maya Hughes’ Mixed is a story about a woman breaking free of the holds life has weighed her down with and finding peace, happiness, and maybe a little love along the way.

In Mixed, Hughes introduces us to Jen Taylor, a successful lawyer on the verge of partnership whose heart just isn’t in her work. She hates the long hours, the stuffiness of the office and how her peers believe her Daddy just handed her life on a silver platter. She wants to be free, independent, and be taken seriously. One step into The Bramble, a local bar Jen’s life changes exponentially with meeting Mark. Mark also wants to be set free. Free from worry, terrible ex’s and the cards he’s recently been dealt. Meeting Jen isn’t what he had in mind, however he finds it impossibly not to be near her.

This was my first novel by Hughes. It is the second in her Breaking Free series and you could easily read it as a standalone without giving the first book’s plotline away. This book has a good storyline filled with steamy love scenes, funny moments, and deep rooted complications, however it lacked that extra something to really make me latch on to these characters. There were subtle hints dropped here and there about the way life has changed them emotionally, however you really didn’t get that whole back story until nearly the very end in one big dose of hmmm….. With that being said, I could easily pick up this book and read it as time passes. I still found it fun, engaging (more towards the last five chapters) and would still recommend this as a read for those who are just looking for something to keep their minds busy.

I am looking forward to Hughes’ next addition to this series featuring Rox, the chef and Liam, the investor. I have a feeling that Hughes has quite the story lined up for those two and I can’t wait to dive in and see what she has in store for her readers.

[Jillian Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen is a Feisty, independent woman trying to prove herself as a lawyer through hard work and determination despite obstacles her father has created for her. Jen just wants to be her own person. In the little free time she has Jen creates beautiful art, it is her true passion.

Mark is a recently divorced bar owner who is fighting his own battles with his ex. His entire life and livelihood are on the line. He is too proud to ask for help and is willing to do whatever it takes to save his bar.

Mark and Jen initially meet in a nasty encounter in Matt's office, but reunite a few days later in an awkward if not professional setting! The two become instant friends. Jen saves Mark from a few encounters with his ex wife and plays his fake girlfriend. Feelings grow and sparks fly! Secrets and excess baggage threaten their relationship along the way and Jen learns more about her father and mother turning her world upside down.

Mixed is book 2 in the Breaking Free series. It can be read as a standalone as I have not read book 1 yet, but definitely plan to as those characters are mentioned. I really enjoyed the development of Jen and Mark individually and as a couple. There was a big twist at the end not necessarily involving Jen and Mark, but it affected them. I don't want to give any spoilers but in the end I wanted more of Mark and Jen's story. Maybe a year following their decision. I'm hoping for book 3 and we may get more insight into Mark and Jen!! I hope so!!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen Taylor is an independent lawyer, who works hard, and takes whatever obstacle her father throws at her, in order for people to take her seriously, instead of a silver spoon baby. But while she's successful, it's not her true passion, art is. However, with all of the hours she puts in at work, she can only find time to take a painting class once a week, and her first class brings her face to face with Mark, the nude model, a man she had a nasty encounter with recently. Mark is a bar owner trying to finalize a hellish divorce, but the ex wants more, and he may have to sell his bar to pay her off, so he finds himself modeling in the buff for extra cash. They become instant friends, however, their potent chemistry cannot be denied, and they end up heating up the sheets. But will they each come to terms with their baggage in order to break free? Mixed was a story that I did enjoy, but it took me a bit to really sink my teeth into it. Jen and Mark were good characters, although, a couple of time, I wanted to shake each of them at different times for over the top emotions and/or questionable decisions. What I can't deny is the sexy times were FIERY HOT, as their chemistry was potent, which shot sparks out of my kindle. Not to mention that the secrets floating gave a bit of excitement, and finally came to a head at the end. I found Maya Hughes writing style fun & original, and I'm super excited for Rox's story next!

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! The characters pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me until the end. Jen is a lawyer with a talent in art that is left unexplored. She is awesome but never shows anybody and doesn't know it. She does it for herself because it feels good. She is on the track to becoming partner at her firm and she is trying to do it on her own, without her father's influence. Mark is a bar owner who is in a nasty battle with his manipulative ex-wife to try and keep his bar. She just wants money and while the bar is doing great after the remodel, he doesn't quite have enough time to buy her out with the situation she has created. They meet and pretty much have an instant connection, even though the first meeting isn't ideal. They keep interacting and meeting up and they just get along better and better. I loved the two of them together. They both have a lot going on and I loved the way that they meshed for the most part. Mark had a little bit more to figure out to truly give the relationship a go but they just couldn't stay away from each other. I loved the way that they interacted and the way that things built between them. The sex is fairly explicit but plays a small role in the story. The story focuses more on the two characters and the things that are going on in their lives and their relationship. I really enjoyed the story line and I loved how it ended.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Workaholic lawyer Jen Taylor is out for a working lunch when her friend Alex calls. Jen finds an office to talk in but is kicked out by a pissed off guy. Jen misses sketching and is shocked when the ripped nude model at her art class turns out to the pissed off office guy from the bar. Mark Jones has poured his sweat and blood into the relaunch of his father's dive bar into The Bramble, an upscale bar and lounge. Thanks to his ex-wife Cheryl, Mark could lose The Bramble, unless he can find a way to buy her out before the deadline. Mark accepts a job as a nude model in a moment of desperation. Mark apologizes to the stunningly beautiful Jen and offers her a free drink the next time she's at The Bramble and Jen says “Very nice, what about now?” Cheryl is at The Bramble when Mark and Jen arrive and starts ripping into Mark. Jen quickly sizes up the situation and pretends to be Mark's girlfriend. On another visit to The Bramble, Jen offers to have a look through Mark's divorce documents and tells Mark that there are changes that need to be made. Things heat up when Mark invites Jen as his plus one for a wedding. Jen and Mark start dating but can their relationship survive the many challenges in their life?

Maya Hughes delivers a fun, suspenseful and steamy story that will reel you in

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen is a lawyer who moved crossed the country to try to get out from the shadow that is her famous father. While he has given her everything she ever wanted she has had to deal with everyone thinking she got where she is because he bought it for her. That she has accomplished nothing on her own. While being a lawyer isn't bad she loves art. A passion she gets from her mom who died when she was young. When she needs to recenter or calm herself she draws.
Mark owns the Bramble and is fighting to keep it even though his ex is trying her best to take it away from him.
Mark and Jen meet at the Bramble and then again at art class when Mark is a model. Their connection is instant but it initially is more friendship. As they begin to spend more time together things heat up but is Mark ready for another connection? He was burned by his ex so much. And can Jen just be there when he needs her?
When Mark does something he thinks will help Jen reach her dream will it remind her too much of her father and will she push him away?
This story gives you all the bumps and bruises that a normal relationship goes through.
I received this book and am giving an honest and voluntary review.

[Medavis66 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fantastic story about taking chances. Loads of fabulous characters! Mark had been devastated by the betrayal behind his divorce. He just wanted everything to do with his ex-Cheryl to go away so he could move on. She never liked The Bramble, but she sure wanted her half. It was a half she did nothing to deserve, but she'll get what's coming to her. Jen had moved to LA so she can be away from her father's influence. She wants to earn partner in the law firm she works for on her own. Jen and Mark meet at the bar once and then again when he is the model for her Sunday sketch class. Sparks fly in a fun way. Keira is Marks's friend and instructor for the class. She sees promise in Jen's work. Jen uses art to relieve stress and feel close to her mother, who passed away years ago. Liam is a good friend that I'd like to learn more about. Things happen at the end with Rox that has possibly set up the next story. I'm also hoping we learn more about Eric and possibly his band. This story flows really well for me and the characters grow and change nicely throughout. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Voluntary review of ARC copy of book.

[Gabbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this book, I wasnt sure what to expect. I had never read any books from Maya Hughes and it was the second book in a series, but since I won it in a giveaway I gave it a chance. Although it was the second book in the Breaking Free series, I didnt feel like I misplaced or with a big question mark all the time. Except for mentioning Alex and Gabe, who are the protagonist of the first book, in the most minor way possible, I was able to follow along the story perfectly well. Definitely can be read as a stand alone. That being said I was super curious about Alex and Gabe, which is going on my reading list.

Now to Mark and Jen...

They are so unconventional but what I really love the most about them is the friendship that they build from the beginning. There's an obvious underlying tension but its nice to see how them grow comfortable together. The author tells their story so beautifully and definitely had me flipping pages as fast as I could possibly read.

I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jen meets Mark at the bar near work after she uses his office (without asking) for a phone call. He's rightfully angry, but has enough to worry about with his ex-wife breathing down his neck and financial issues at the bar. Jen's on partner track at a law firm and we start to learn that she's new to LA having moved away from NY to make it on her own without her father's influence.

While I hated the execution of all of them, the stories aren't bad. Typical lack of communication stuff. The characters aren't fleshed out the way I prefer. Jen has anger issues; Mark's a good guy who is just stupid when it comes to mixing business and personal finances.

The writing here was okay, I wasn't crazy about the choppiness of the story, especially in the last third of the book. There's reference to a first book which I did not read. I presumed that book had to do with Mark's twin friends who threw the crazy wedding. NO. It's about Alex and Gabe, Jen's best friend and her celebrity baby daddy. I want to know more about those twins!

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unique in its storyline. Jen meets a guy, Mark, in a very awkward, but fun way. I like it when the story is different and not like all the other books. Both Jen and Mark has had a past that they have to struggle to get on from. Mark has just finished a very bad divorce and Jen has moved to get away from her very strict father. They are both looking for something more in their lives and hope to find it somehow.
The main characters is so lovable that you only can love them and cheer for them that it works in the end. Their chemistry is so very well described that you can feel it.
The book has lots of humor, drama, passion, emotions, secrets, lies and hot scenes. The does not finish with a solution to all the mysteries, so it made an opening for the next book.
It is a book I will recommend to others in spite of that it took me a bit to really get caught in it. A very well written book and I look forward to the next.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Kelly Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable book! Jen has had to live up to high standards. She took a career path that was chosen for her and has busted her butt at every turn to make sure she succeeded. It never feels enough. She devoted precious little time to her art, to her joy and spends even more time being there for those she loves.
Mark has had enough. His ex-wife is psychotic and set on destroying him and everything he holds close to his heart. He’s always on edge, angry, and set to go off at any moment...which is why he jumps all over Jen when he finds her using his office for a private phone call. Encounter two doesn’t go as they planned either. One agreement to be a nude model and he looks up o find the gorgeous woman he accosted in his office. Sparks fly and it doesn’t take long for them to act. Unfortunately her family has secrets, there’s pressure, his ex wants revenge and everything seems to be destined to keep them apart. It’s a rough ride but one well worth jumping on. Great story!

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Breaking Free Series. Jen is a lawyer who uses art/drawing as a stress reducer and as a way to feel closer to her later mother. She meets Mark (again) when he ends up being her nude model in her drawing class. He is in a messy divorce from a wife who is trying to take him to the cleaners. In an effort to make some extra money he allows his art instructor friend convince him to be a nude model. Lots of mixed in this book – mixed feelings and mixed emotions. Well written with great characters. When Jen pretends to be his girlfriend to throw off his ex, she finds that she likes the attraction they have. Both have demons and wounded hearts and can they make it together. I voluntarily reviewed an arc copy of this book.

[pr stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an interesting twist on gender roles in this sexy romance, the male lead is the one who chooses to pose nude for money, instead of the female. Jen is a successful attorney whose life choices have been constrained by her family; she indulges her passion for art in evening classes. Mark's life choices have been constrained by his family as well, in a different way; struggling with debt in the aftermath of a divorce, Mark works as a model in Jen's art class. Their attraction is undeniable, but so many obstacles stand in the way of their relationship. Will these hurdles break their relationship or make it stronger? A real page turned. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I have read any other books by this author but I surely will be on the lookout for others. It was a romance with a story two stories actually both Mark's and Jen's. Both have baggage and the story basically is them both finding a path through to the love awaiting them if only they are game. There are some very emotional scenes within the book that will cause a tear or two to be shed or feelings of outrage to rush to the surface. This book is full of love, desire, some hot scenes and lots of romantic gestures. A book I have no hesitation in recommending to all lovers of romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Rebecca Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen just wanted her dad's approval and consent to live her own life. So she move across the country to make her own way to get that to happen. Mark was struggling to make ends meet and get over his nasty divorce and settle the mess his ex-wife created. Together they create a fake relationship, but soon both have very real feelings. They just don't know how to express those feelings or get over other life factors. It doesn't hurt that Jen gets to see Mark naked before they even start, so the physical attraction is very strong from the get go. I absolutely loved this book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it

Jen Taylor wanted to be an artist, but for some reason decided to become a lawyer and is on the verge of making partner, but her life is not easy at all. Mark owns a bar but becomes a nude model for a painting class to help make money after his ex wife decides to make his life a mystery

This is a beautiful romance story, two people both going through a rough period in their life meet and sparks fly. This is touching, romantic and emotional and I highly recommend this book

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen is lawyer who loves painting more than she loves the law, but has always done what her father wishes. Mark thinks his divorce is finally going to be over and he'll have his family bar back 100%..but neither of them expect to find each other. Their attraction is instant but life keeps getting in their way. Their story is full of great witty banter, a crazy ex wife, controlling father, someone out to sabotage the bar and LOADS of smoking hot action between Jen and Mark. The ride that Maya takes you on to find their HEA is one I really loved to read.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I missed the first one in this series, but really enjoyed this one anyway. A chance encounter throws two totally different personalities together, but makes one good story. Instant attraction can't seem to catch a break though as Jen and Mark navigate through a crazy maze of problems to come out on top with their HEA. There are definitely some sexy times along with two people trying to catch a break from an ex-wife and controlling father, and sabotage to be together.

**ARC provided for review.

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark is put in a bad bind, and has to resort to modeling nude to earn some extra money. Jen is his artist, and they have some serious chemistry flowing between them. I loved this story but really wanted to smack each of them at times. Their lack of trust, overreactions, and just plain poor choices created so much angst, but I did love the flow and the plot twists. Secrets kept them from being totally honest with each other. They had some amazingly heated moments, which I totally loved. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After going through a nasty divorce, the last thing Mark thinks he needs is another woman. Struggling to get out of her father's shadow, Jen became a lawyer to please him, but is struggling with what's in her heart. A chance meeting changes everything. Will Mark be able to let go of the past to embrace the future? Will Jen be strong enough to go after what she wants?

This book was hot with a plot! Loved how Mark is determined to not let his ex win. When Jen finally took that step to let herself follow her dreams was excellent. Great book and cannot wait to read more form this author!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen's passion is for drawing and loves art but what she does for a living is being a lawyer. When she goes to a nude model drawing class, she has to sketch Mark who is someone whose first meeting didn't go very well. Mark who is trying to get his divorce finalized from his wife but also wants half of their baris doing everything he can to stall for a bit but isn't sure how much longer Cheryl will let him do this. The attraction between Mark and Jen is undeniable but can secrets tear them apart before they even begin? I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second standalone book in the Breaking Free series and I actually enjoyed it more than the first. I liked Jen and Mark's characters a lot along with the side characters. There were a few laughs and surprises along the way, and an ex bent on getting what ever they could even though it wasn't deserved. This was a good sweet and short second chance at finding love romance read and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the concept of the storyline, but I'm not sure the execution of said storyline was up to my high standards. It just seemed like too much was left unsaid; yet, in places, it felt like the story was dragging from too much being said. There were a couple of places midway through the book where I just wanted to close my Kindle and stop reading altogether. Not a bad book...just not as good as I hoped. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and am sort of meh about it.)