Break Free

Glen Springs #3

by Alison Hendricks

Eric

When life serves up the worst, just put on your best face and greet the day with a smile. That's the philosophy that's made my mom the strongest person I know, and it's one I've tried to live by, too. With a great job running a very successful diner, it seems like the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

Only... my face is always just an act. Years ago, I let a man I loved control my life and make me feel like I was nothing. I got away--just barely. But now he's back, and I don't know if I have the strength to make it through.

I never wanted to rely on anyone else, but I may just have to depend on my favorite customer--a gruff security guard with a protective streak--to feel safe again.

Reeve

I'm a f*cking failure. Couldn't hack it as a cop, so now I'm stuck with the laminated badge of hospital security. I go through the motions every day, with only one bright spot in my life: Eric, the owner of the local diner. We talk, we flirt, I imagine him on his knees...

And then I go home alone and try not to think about how empty my life is.

I've never let anyone get close to me, but Eric's busting down all my best defenses. When his assh*le ex comes back into his life, it triggers that hyper-protective instinct I thought I'd buried.

I'm not going to make the mistakes of my past.

And I'm not going to let anyone hurt Eric ever again.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, M M Contemporary

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2017

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this story and found myself skimming several passages. The entire story is essentially summarized via internal monologue; there is very little showing.

The relationship felt contrived; I didn't get the whole flirting for months without ever talking or hanging out thing, and I never felt the passion between the guys.

Even the angst felt subdued. I couldn't muster an emotional reaction to Eric's past, and Reeve's "I'm such a failure" routine got tiresome.

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 2 out of 5]

***2 Stars***

I had a hard time getting into this book. Mainly because it doesn't feel fully developed. We jump into the story with Eric and Reeve already having developed a flirty relationship, so I didn't get a chance to connect to their friendship. Also, neither of their backstories felt fully fleshed out.

Especially Reeve's. His feeling of being a failure fell flat for me. We don't get the full picture until over halfway into the book and by then it was too late for me.

Also, I never warmed up to Eric. Frankly, I didn't like him much. His foolish pride annoyed the crap out of me. The fact that he was putting those around him in possible danger simply because he didn't want anyone to protect him had me rolling my eyes the whole time.

When the diner is vandalized, Eric decides he'd rather make up a hate crime then have anyone know the truth about his abusive ex...even though he knew that with his lie, the town would rally behind him both with their time and money to fix up the diner....at that point I was done with him.

Overall, I found very little to connect to in this book. I found myself reading for the sake of finishing the book rather than being invested in the story or characters.


***ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review***

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid romance in this series

3.5*

Alison Hendricks writes well-developed romances with just enough of a mix between sweet and spicy to stop them ever becoming full and this is no exception.

I liked both Eric and Reeve, each had flaws and frailties, each had their own personal strength and together they were a great pair.

The domestic violence element of the narrative was handled with a respectful touch and it never felt like it was being treated simply as a vehicle to cause plot tension.

I felt convinced by the relationship between these two men and I felt the outcomes were realistic. Loved the epilogue.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

Break Free is the third book in Alison Hendricks' Glen Springs' series; although each title can be read as stand alone.

Eric is the chef at Gracie's Diner. Reeve, who works security at Glen Springs' Hospital is his favorite customer. So far both only interact at the diner, and though they might recognize attraction on the other man, neither Eric nor Reeve ever make the first move. Until someone from Eric's past returns and endangers his life and Eric finds comfort from Reeve...

I loved how Eric and Reeve connect because both of their past -- Eric a victim of abusive relationship and Reeve a cop that no longer believe in a system since it failed to save a potential victim. Eric never tells anyone about that past of him; especially his mother. Eric is ashamed of being weak and let the abuse continued when his own mother is the strongest woman he knows. But he finds himself telling Reeve somehow.

While Reeve is an ex-cop; his protective side, the needs to help people, to make a difference is very strong in him. I loved how Reeve doesn't just take-over everything when Eric told him about his ex. Instead he helps Eric to control what Eric can do, to make himself feel safe. The part where Reeve teaches Eric martial arts is one of my favorite scenes in this book; and it makes me thinking that maybe one of my 2018 new year resolutions should be enrolling in self-defense class.

Break Free is an enjoyable read for me. I wonder if there's another book coming from this series though because I don't remember any other potential character that can have his own book. I guess I just have to wait and see :)

[Santy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again as is becoming the usual for this series, I loved this!

It was a bit angstier and more emotional than the first two books but it was soooo good. I only wish there was more of Reeve and Eric as a couple beyond the incidences with Reeve’s case and Eric’s psycho-ex.

I loved the secondary characters as usual and I thought the pacing was very apt. I enjoyed the relationship between Eric and his mum;Gracie. I smiled whenever she came on page because you can see that beneath the punk , badass exterior was a mother who just wanted to do right by her child.

I don’t know if this was the last book in the beautiful series. I reeeaaaallly hope not. Please write another one Alison Hendricks... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE 😊

[Bo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out as a solid 4 star read for me until the end. There was a situation at the end that was somewhat preposterous to me. I don't want to give any spoilers away, but it really went against character for me. Reeve is a former detective, and he seemed incompetent at the end, and it really ruined it for me. I really enjoyed this read, but I had to take a star away for the ending.

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Eric's hiding of what happened intrigued me - with his Mom especially. It rang kind of true. I found the writing easy to read, and I didn't want to stop until I was finished.

[Alexis Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ARC of this book was provided by the author in return for an honest review.

As per other books in this series, this one also is earning only three stars from me. I will say that the author's use of first person present tense has gotten significantly better than her earlier works. That was on the plus side. However, there is still a distinctive lack of "differences" between the men.

The story started out promising. I really liked the teasing banter between MCs Eric and Reeve. Angst quickly sets in for both men when their respective pasts come to haunt them. While Reeve's is sort of one and done, Eric's "problem" remains the focal point of the storyline.

I was happy with the limited amount of sex scenes (this is more a personal note as I'm finding more PwP lately than I'd like). What was included was good, though not as good as I think a 1st Person POV could be, probably because it was also present tense and there was too much "in the head" and not enough feeling of the body.

The ending is wrapped up in a neat bundle to end the series, with no further hints towards any future books. (Author has stated that this series is done.)

Present tense is not my cup of tea, but Ms. Hendricks does a decent enough job that I enjoy the stories for what they are.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I think this is my favorite of the Glen Springs series. I loved both Reeve and Eric. Strong men, but not without their issues. Eric is still struggling with the "ramifications" of an old relationship. Reeve a former cop still haunted by things seen and not done. The harmless, casual, yet constant flirtations become something more as Reeve and Eric get to know one another at a level neither truly considered.

When an ex comes to town, Eric is faced with an immediate threat and ends up turning to Reeve. I loved watching how the relationship grew as Reeve started teaching and helping Eric instead of trying to save him. I do, however, wish that there had been more page time of the two of them together focusing on the dynamic between them, rather than on their individual struggles.

A nice edition to this series. This author has become an "auto-read" for me. =)

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Break Free by Alison Hendricks. It's the last book in the Glen Springs series. The book starts out a little slow and I didn't really care for the main characters on their own but I did like when they started interacting together. I would have liked a little more heat to the book. It was definitely a slow burn. But all of the questions and problems that the characters go through are tied up nicely in the end. Overall a nice end to the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this story.

[Wendy Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best of the three books. Heavy subject handled well with an HEA!!

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts on a joyful note with the flirty and lively Eric, who we know from the first books in the series Final Stretch and Last Bell, but it soon turns somewhat darker. Eric has secrets, dark secrets, and his past is coming back to bite him in the worst way possible. He won’t burden his mother, but thankfully, albeit tentatively, he can turn to the new resident in town, former cop, Reeve. Reeve also has his reasons to keep a low profile and not cross the line with Eric. But taking care of people is in his nature, and Reeve can’t resist helping and caring for Eric. And yes, he wants to protect Eric, but more than that, he knows the best way to help Eric is giving him back the control of his life.
I always like books with MC’s that have more layers than you initially think they have. This author delivers just that. Vibrant and lively Eric is more than a flirty, self-absorbed diva. He is a hard-working man who adores his mother and a survivor of domestic abuse. And Reese is more than the man with a badge. A caretaker by nature, protective of all he deems worthy, but also vulnerable. It takes the right person to uncover that vulnerability and show him that it is not a weakness but a strength. Breaking free from the past is what bind these two men.
It is a suspenseful and thrilling story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. At times, intense and then lighter with sweet and tender moments, combined with a healthy dose of hot sexiness. No misunderstandings or miscommunications, but a slow growing together based on love and trust.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Eric and Reeve's story...this one is a must read.

We have met Eric previously in Final Stretch and Last Bell as the flirty and vivacious dinner owner....little did we know he holds secrets that threaten to destroy him when his ex shows up in town again. Reeve is an ex-cop turned security guard who is fighting a decision made long ago that left him battered and torn. He is lonely and isolated but desperately longs for more, even if he feels he doesn't deserve it and is a failure.
Together these two realise they can be whole again when they find in each other the love and support they have needed. This one is so sweetly written and the two of them reveal their true selves in such a lovely way that I can't help applaud Alison for her writing of this difficult romance.

There are some very tricky areas that Alison has been sensitive with, and yes, this makes the story less fast paced than some of her previous work but you can see how much this means to Alison as she has written Eric and Reeve's story. As a reader you should be aware this book does have some triggers, but Alison handles them so well that to be honest, I don't see them being too big an issue. The overriding love that comes from these two makes this book perfect and I hope we see more of them in Glen Springs in Alison's next instalment.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reading Copy of this book

[Kristian Erdmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited not only about Eric but about his mom she is too much and did not disappoint!! Eric on the outside has it all together but it's not all as good as it seems to be but the highlight of his day for sure is the moments Reeve come into his restaurant.
Reeve used to be a cop but now works as a security guard due to things he'd rather not about but things that he still trys to deal with. He's trying to move on from his past but not sure how which is why he's not sure what to do with his feelings toward Eric.
Then an incident happens that brings them together and a slow burn begins that still keep you hooked and wanting more. These two are great alone and amazing together. They both deserve a chance at being happy and together they find that happy now all they have to do is hold onto it. This book will give you the love laughs and feels that make a book worth reading. Great read with great characters!!

[Violet Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Glen Springs Series. An intriguing book the writing was good. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters wonderful. The characters were developed and thought out. Eric and Reeve are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, ex-cop, security guard, a business owner, a diner, nasty ex-boyfriend, a past murder, a feisty mom, friends, vandalism and so much more in this book.

Here is a quote from the book, “Where’d you get the recipe?” “Hot guy in Calcutta,” I say around a mouthful of rice. Mom just shrugs, not at all embarrassed. “Too old for me.” “He wasn’t even forty.” I give her a look. “Like I said. Too old.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can recommend. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

[L Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

What made me like this book was Reece. I absolutely love the tough guy with a heart of gold. Something about caretakers in the story who are written the way this one as an MC really brought me the warm fuzzies. I always love the extremes in the characters because when one MC makes the progress and growth as seen in this, that can only can achieve with a specific character type it makes the story that much more special.

Also you'll have to appreciate slow burn stories. This one doesn't have the automatic and typical physical attractions, but it's still a very good story trait that I appreciate every now and then. That being said I wasn't feeling slow burn at the time I read this so I give this a 3.5 stars.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reeve and Eric were hard for me to really get into as a couple. I understand Reeve’s disillusionment with the justice system, but basically losing all motivation and ambition in life because of it seemed too much like giving up and not really in keeping with his character. With his desire to help, but not be bound by all of the rules that surround police work, I would have thought that he would go more into PI work and not be a hospital security guard.

I felt more of a connection to Eric and his determination to live his life as best as he could. I understood his reasoning behind trying to keep his past with Blake from his mother, and his need to share that past with Reeve. And the end was delightfully just.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Brittany Kornkven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read Eric’s story. He’s one of those characters that don’t often get their own HEA, a side character brought in a for the comic relief, good times, forget about your troubles, etc. I liked that we find out he has more to him. However, his situation with his ex took til the end of the book to resolve and when it was, it didn’t feel very realistic. Why would a former cop handle that that way? So Reeve, the former cop, he seemed very sweet and protective but by the end I felt like he was using his heart over his head in the way he handled things. They were strong characters separately, stronger together but not always with the most common sense.

[Dara Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! I've wanted Eric's story for a while now and I'm so glad I got it. And Reeve.....sigh.....yeah. Watching the two of them finally come together was like watching the mating dance of two beautiful birds - fascinating in its complexity, devastating in its beauty and ultimately perfect in its completion. And everyone else in this story - Gracie especially - gave it the perfect amount of humanity that it needed. Not sure yet if there will be another in this series but I will definitely be keeping my eyes open, hoping for more.

[Amanda at WickedGoodReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like I have been waiting for Eric's story forever!!!

Eric-sexy chef at the local diner in the town of Glen Springs. If anyone deserves their HEA it is this guy.

Reeve-sexy ex-cop who visits said diner every day....

These two are drawn to each other, but neither ever makes an actual move. That is, until fate in the form of an ex from Eric's past makes an ugly appearance and Reeve, desperate to right the wrongs of his past, steps up to help Eric stay safe.

What follows is a sweet romance, a little angst, and an HEA that will make you happy!!

[Stacy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Glen Springs book yet!

Every M/M author should be required to read this book. Alison took a common theme and handled it brilliantly. The characters are mature. No harsh words were slung. They actually thought before they spoke if you can imagine that. And the inevitable wasn’t dragged out. I hate when you know it’s going to happen and have to read through pages of thought first. Congrats on a great job!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a cute story; had a little bit of angst. I have not read the previous two books so I didn't find myself missing anything. One thing I always comment about how the author writes: sentence structure, word usage, and imagination. Alison Hendricks had it in spades. Another author to keep track.

[TL Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this intense

You really touched on a subject that will hit home with many other readers. I appreciate that you didn’t go in depth with the abuse, but treaded lightly into it to get the scene across. Furthermore, I think it speaks a lot to your character that you followed the story up with numbers for those affected to call for help.

Truly a great story.

[Lyra French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wooooooowwwwww

This is one of the best books I've ever read. The characters were believable and relatable, the relationship is passionate without being cheesy, and the problems they face will wrench your heart. Two enthusiastic thumbs way up for this one!

[FromTheLab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t really feel the romance in this one.

I liked Eric and Reeve but they didn’t seem to have any romantic connection beyond both being involved in domestic violence cases.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Really enjoyed! Can be read standalone as i have not read the rest of the series yet but definately will now! I voluntarily reviewed an arc copy of this book.

[Pianisuparse · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 'This was really easy to read and I liked Eric and Reeve. Good amount of intrigue in the storyline and a I think the author dealt with the issue of domestic violence well' stars.

[Jenn C · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ~ Eh - okay storey. A bit slow and draggy in parts and pretty predictable.

[Straight Girl Goes Gay · Rating 4 out of 5]

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