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Phoebe & Madsen #1

The Break Series

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Madsen Secksin is .... Infuriating. Argumentative. Annoying. Hot. Frustrating.
Did I mention Hot?
Oh and?
He's my brother's best friend.

Who knew one room, one bed, and one week would change my life forever?

The Break Series follows the love and relationship of Phoebe & Madsen as they maneuver through obstacles and personal growth over a single year during Spring Break Summer Break and Winter Break.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2017

192 people are currently reading
518 people want to read

About the author

Andrea Johnston

29 books659 followers
A romantic at heart, Andrea has always been a storyteller. An avid reader since a young age, she never planned to pen her own romance novel but, on a whim, and with no plan, she discovered her passion. Known for her slow burn small town romances, Andrea prides herself on writing relatable characters that the reader cheers for and secondary characters who bring the sass and laughs to each story.

Settled in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dog, she counts down the days when her adult children come home for a visit. Even if it means more laundry!

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5 stars
250 (54%)
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142 (30%)
3 stars
49 (10%)
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16 (3%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
Profile Image for ♂️Must Have Book Boyfriends ♂️.
523 reviews2,316 followers
March 30, 2017
5 I'M SEXSIN' FOR SECKSIN STARS!!!

Oh hell. I'm in lust with Madsen. Not only is he HOT, he's charming, cocky and sweet! And a good guy! Whaaat? Well, it's the perfect combination to combust panties everywhere. I could also stare at his body all damn day. Yes I have a visual. You're welcome ;)



And how fun was this story?! I loved it! It was fast paced, yet the sexual tension had me squirming in all the best ways! Talk about pent up sexual tension! *whew* I loved the banter between Madsen and Phoebe. And when they FINALLY got on their sexy....OH. DAMN. It was hot and left me grinning from ear to ear.

I adore Andrea Johnston's writing and this sassy little novella packed a punch right to my special spot. Oh yes. If you're looking for a super fun, hot quickie then you should grab Spring Break! I can't wait to read more about these two!

SYNOPSIS

“Go on Spring Break!” they said.

“It’ll be fun!” they said.

What they failed to say was Madsen Secksin – who, like his name is pure sex and sin - would be laying in the bed next to me.

I’m determined to have fun.

I will not get my groove on with Madsen even if there are four years of pent up sexual tension between us.

I will not allow myself to fall for his charming ways.

Oh, who am I kidding?

Spring Break is meant for bad decisions.

How bad could it really be?

Spring Break releases March 30th

Profile Image for ♂️Must Have Book Boyfriends ♂️.
523 reviews2,316 followers
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August 26, 2017
5 JUST A PIT STOP STARS!!!

MADSEN!!!! Love this man so much! And I LOVED him even more in this book! This story made me laugh, swoon and FEEL! I adored the banter between Madsen and Phoebe and also her brother!

I was SUPER STOKED to get more of Phoebe and Madsen. These two stole my heart in SPRING BREAK, I couldn't get enough and I never wanted it to end! There were a couple of times I wanted to throw my kindle. Seriously. When you are attached to characters like I am to these two, you just want them to be happy. Together. Forever!

Summer Break is a sexy, fun and heart melting romance that will give you the FEELS. Speaking of melting, Madsen definitely lived up to his name in Summer Break. Secksin for the win! *melts* #NeedMoreNow!!!

SUMMER BREAK IS LIVE AND 99c FOR A LTD. TIME!!!

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2vf4P13
Profile Image for Stefanie.
1,191 reviews
January 25, 2018
We first meet up with Madsen and Phoebe in Spring Break. This novella is about taking chances, having fun and living. I laughed out loud in several parts. Then onto Summer Break where its carefree times of summer. The fantastic times with friends. Takes us on a journey of stepping outside the mold. To not always doing what your parents want you to. To doing what makes you happy. Then onto Winter Break where there are some overcoming and trials. Some sweet surprises along this journey. The Break series wraps up with a sweet bonus chapter. Loved the different POV. The puppet Master.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,305 reviews58 followers
January 11, 2018
Loved that this series is rolled into one book! Phoebe and Madsen's love story was not always an easy ride, but it was amazing! Loved their journey. It was real and relatable and you feel like you actually know them.

The bonus chapter was not at all what I was expecting, but it was perfect! Don't want to give away too much about the bonus, but I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Letica.
185 reviews
January 13, 2018
What a sweet read! And that bonus chapter, Wasn’t expecting that at all! I love that all the series is in one book now and that we get a bonus chapter! I will definitely be stalking the author to see if she adds to this series.
Profile Image for Cindy M. Green.
842 reviews30 followers
August 20, 2017
Okay, okay. I didn't think it was possible for me to love Madsen any more than I did in Spring Break. But guess what, I DO, I DO, I DO. Holy man, Madsen is THE book boyfriend of book boyfriends. Sweet, sexy, thoughtful, oh my gosh is he thoughtful. He is so in tune with what Phoebe wants and needs you swear he can truly read her mind. And again, her mind is still in the no relationship "labels" and that doesn't make Madsen feel any less for her. If anything, it intensifies his love for her and his determination to show her they are for real and a forever thing!

Phoebe and Madsen have graduated college and with that comes changes in their lives; questions as to what comes next, what is to become of their relationship. Every decision Mads makes he takes Phoebs into consideration. It's not just about him and his future, it's about them and THEIR future. Phoebe has an opportunity come her way, but Mads doesn't stand in her way and knows they can make it work. I love Phoebs and her determination to remain true to herself. She feels pressure from her family, and always has to do the "right thing." She's trying to figure out that balance between that and her love for Mads.

I loved this story, loved the way it put a smile on my face. The characters are funny, feisty and oh so lovable. The little alpha, possessiveness we got to see from Mads was hot as h*ll. These two are great as a couple. Mads has sealed the deal for me and I'm in until the end. Now begins the wait until the next chapter in their lives, Winter Break. Ugh, what are these two going to be doing until then. I guess we'll have to wait and find out! However, I never said I was patient!
Profile Image for Joy Novel Thoughts.
573 reviews70 followers
August 24, 2017
Summer Break is everything I wanted and more! I was running through the gamut of emotions! I was angry, frustrated, nervous, laughed, cried and swooned!

Summer Break is told completely from Madsen's point of view and I adored living in his head. But, I was very frustrated on his behalf because Phoebe refused to label their relationship and it made me crazy!

"We look like we're dancing. Maybe we are. Sometimes it feels like we're dancing around the future, never really moving forward and thankfully, not moving backward."

The patience that Mads had in Summer Break was amazing, even though he wanted to go full on alpha male and he did once, and it was so hot! I had lots of bad gut feelings during this book and I was so anxious I wanted to scream!!!

"The reality is, you are my future Phoebe. I'll do this at your pace and keep the labels off the table, but make no mistake, we are forever and you are what matters most to me."

Swoon y'all! FREAKING SWOON! Madsen is amazing and I would love nothing to more than to bring him to life! If you are looking for sweet, anxiety inducing quick read with big proclamations of love, then you need to pick this book up today!
Profile Image for L B.
212 reviews9 followers
January 13, 2018
The Break Series is three novellas all in one PLUS one AMAZING BONUS CHAPTER!!!!

Spring Break features Phoebe and Madsen thrown together on spring break. To say that these two aren't exactly friends is an understatement. Phoebe can't stand Madsen's cocky attitude or his 'man-whorish' was. But, alas, she cannot resist his charm and a HAWT spring break hookup occurs.

Summer Break features a now semi-together Phoebe & Madsen, even if Phoebe refuses to admit that it's more than just a fling. Summer is spent together on another beach and more HAWTNESS continues until summer ends and reality sets in. Enter Jackson, sexy neighbor of Phoebe and Madsen's arch nemesis.

Winter Break is the culmination of the Phoebe and Madsen saga - You will have to read it to see how it wraps up and believe me, you won't be disappointed!

THE BONUS CHAPTER: brings to light factors that were set in motion without the readers knowledge. This chapter is not exactly what you might think it is but gives the reader ALL OF THE FEELS.

This series is full of lust, angst and some incredibly HAWT sex! Enjoy!!!
Profile Image for Kathy Schofield.
86 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2018
So now Andrea Johnston has put all the Break Series novellas into one book with added extra chapter at the end.
The way she writes, makes the characters so very believable and honestly, you just ended up so intertwined in their stories.
Madsen and Pheobe's story is a great one...starting off in the Spring, getting through a hot Summer together and getting through a tough and cold Winter.
Phoebe is a strong, sassy, independent chick who knows what she wants and can realise her dreams don't have to be diminished.
Madsen is a bloke who is intelligent, knows how to annoy in a bloody funny way, and can see that a chick with her own dreams and desires is someone who needs his support and encouragement.
The supporting characters throughout the book give an added extra bonus.
This is a great and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for ToniAnn.
654 reviews12 followers
January 13, 2018
This is one of my favorite series, ever! I love Phoebe & Mads. There story is amazing. They've literally gone through every up and down most couples go through. Phoebe is gorgeous and sassy and I love it! Madsen is sexy and hilarious. Mads grows very patient, more and more within each book. He knows that Phoebe need to do her own thing and live her own life. But, he will do anything he has to make it work with her. You will feel every emotion with this book. I cried, I laughed, and I was mad. I recommend this book to everyone!
Profile Image for Lora Edwards.
Author 8 books51 followers
January 11, 2018
I loved the this series the first time around, I loved re-reading the stories and the bonus chapter was awesome! This series of novellas is cute and fun and now you can read them straight through in one package is great. Madsen and Phoebe have a great fun love story and you can live vicariously through the tropical and sunny locales that they go to which is awesome.

Don't miss this one it is cute and funny, but also has depth and heart.
Profile Image for Marisol.
69 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2018
Sexy

FINALLY!!! I’m so excited to have all 3 parts of The Break Series in one book! Phoebe and Madsen’s story is so hot, sexy, and REAL. Johnston has perfected the art of writing NA romance with realistic vision while keeping the sexy times fresh and exciting. There is no routine to it. It’s just raw, passionate, and so scorching you’ll ache and burn!
Profile Image for Erin Sullivan koepplinger.
32 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2018
I love this series so much! I immediately fell in love with Madsen and Phoebe. The bonus chapter at the end was a great surprise! These 3 fantastic stories in one book. Another fantastic book, Andrea!!
Profile Image for Kristina.
283 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2018
This is the series rolled into one book with a bonus chapter, the bonus chapter fits perfectly for the ending. No spoilers but it was an unexpected character from the series. Love it.
Profile Image for Bff Book Blog.
396 reviews35 followers
March 30, 2017
I only have one problem with Spring Break by Andrea Johnston.....I want MORE, now! Spring Break is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud, sweet and steamy read. It's quick and fun and the perfect pick-me-up for your winter blahs. In other words, it's everything a Spring Break should be.

Madsen and Phoebe are smart and sassy. They've perfected the art of enemies. But, during this trip they discover their vicious banter and sparring has really just been several years of intense foreplay! And, once the the wick is lit, this keg is going to blow!

I highlighted more in this novella than I do in most full-length books. The characters and story are so well developed, you'll be shocked it's a short story. And the Chapter Headings are my most favorite. Here are a couple of examples:

Warning: Sometimes Your Best Friend Really Knows What's Best

Warning: Never Declare You Aren't "That Kind of Girl" - It's the First Step to Being That Girl

Warning: When the Name of the Cocktail is "Mystery Punch," Just Say No

If you're looking for a charming, quick read, you don't want to miss Spring Break. I can't wait for Johnston's continuation of this sweet series!

An advance copy of this book was received from the author. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review. This book received a 4.5 Rating on BFF Book Blog. BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional icons for: butterflies, funny, romance, steamy and sweet.
Profile Image for Cindy M. Green.
842 reviews30 followers
August 21, 2017
Holy man did I love Spring Break. I don’t remember my Spring Break adventures ever being like Phoebe and Madsen’s, but boy did I ever enjoy living vicariously through them as I read this awesome novella by Andrea Johnston!

Phoebe and Madsen have known each other all through college. Madsen is Duncan’s best friend, who also happens to be Phoebe’s twin brother. Kelsey is Phoebe’s best friend and is dating Duncan. Sounds like this should be a cozy group, right?!? Well, Phoebs and Mads are anything but cozy. The two have bantered back and forth over the years acting like the best of enemies. However, as they spend more time together because Duncan and Kels are off getting their “spring break on,” the two realize their crazy banter and insults and have been nothing but the best foreplay they’ve ever had.

Once these two decide to cross enemy lines, there is no going back! The chemistry between them is hot, sexy and ON FIRE. Oh my gosh, let me tell you there will be no shortage of cold showers and fanning yourself when reading about these two. Did I mention these two combust like no other and are on fire?!? The more time they spend together the more they realize this is the real deal.

It was refreshing how Mads was the one to put his feelings on the line, where Phoebs didn’t want to put a “label” on their relationship. She knew how she felt about him, but was simply too afraid to make that declaration. Mads is seriously one of my favorite book boyfriends. Oh man…he’s hot, sensitive and so in tune with what Phoebs wants at all times. I swear I swooned and had googly eyes every time he spoke.

If you’re looking to take a trip on Spring Break, take one to Florida with Phoebe and Madsen!
Profile Image for S.L. Scott.
Author 88 books5,080 followers
March 30, 2017
Super Fun, Smiling the whole time read. Love all of Johnston's feel-good, clever, and witty books.
Profile Image for Mandy.
583 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2017
This was exactly what I needed! Fun, Flirty, Sexy. A quick read that packs a punch. I really enjoyed this novella and I can't wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,305 reviews58 followers
June 17, 2017
Such a fun read!

Phoebe was so funny and I found her amusing the whole book.

Phoebe is talked into a spring break trip by her roomie & best friend (who also happens to date her twin brother). His BFF Madsen also comes along.

There is an attraction between Phoebe and Madsen that they have fought all through college.

Read this book to watch them attempt to fight it as they room together on Spring Break!
Profile Image for Cassidy.
751 reviews58 followers
January 21, 2018
The Break Series was previously published separately. It includes Spring Break, Summer Break, Winter Break, and a previously never published chapter. The bonus chapter is just the icing upon the cake.

Spring Break
This is the story of a college student, Phoebe, who gets talked into going on a Spring Break trip by her best friend, Kelsey. Her crush of four years, Madsen, ends up being part of their Spring Break gang. What could happen in a week of fun in the sun?

I'm not one who tends to love a short story. I really enjoyed Spring Break! It is such a cute, sweet story that made me laugh a lot. There is not a cliff hanger. You could just read part 1 and walk away happy.


Summer Break
Summer Break is part two in the Phoebe & Madisen saga. I'm not one that usually enjoys books that are on the shorter side. I love this series. It is entirely Madsen's point of view. I really enjoyed reading his point of view. He's something special. I loved reading the fortunes at the beginning of each chapter. I hope you enjoy this sweet, sassy, sexy story.


Winter Break
Winter Break is the last book in the Break series. At the beginning of this book the main characters live and work at opposite ends of the country. We get to experience them doing long distance. Our attendance is required at the wedding of Kelsey and Duncan. This book encompasses the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I liked this book. It feels like what real life would be like after graduating college. It’s a confusing time of figuring out who you are where you should be. Add a relationship on top of that and you have a mess of feeling and emotions. It’s so easy to get attached and root for these characters. I’m sad we have to say goodbye to them.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,305 reviews58 followers
January 22, 2018
A cute, quirky story of Phobe and Madsen (continued from Spring Break). After years of dancing around a relationship, these two finally commit.

They are spending part of their last summer of "freedom" (they j ust finished up college) with their best friends at a beach house. Madsen is madly in love with Phoebe, but she has trouble committing fully (won't even call him her boyfriend) and it's driving him nuts.

He gets a job offer in NY, she is working with an old "friend" (who is a guy, of course) in Cali and doesn't want to leave that opportunity. We watch them work on their relationship, and look forward to seeing how it resolves in the next installment!


An advance copy of this book was received from the author. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review. This book received a 4.5 Rating and BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional icons for: steamy, romance, hero, sweet.
Profile Image for Booked & Busy Book Blog.
927 reviews33 followers
January 17, 2018
Spring Break is the story of Phoebe and Madsen, who aren’t exactly friends. Madsen is Phoebe’s twin brothers best friend and to say they don’t get along is an understatement. Phoebe thinks Madsen is a manwhore and Madsen is constantly throwing innuendos her way. Which annoys her to know end since she is actually smitten with him.
After a hot spring break hookup, Phoebe refuses to admit to anything more then it being a fling while Madsen wants more. After a summer spent together in California, life calls Madsen in one direction and Phoebe in another. Will this be the end of their relationship for good?
The last part of the series tells the trials and tribulations of two people, on different paths, in different locations.
Andrea Johnston is a new author to me and I enjoyed the The Break Series. It was fun, sexy, had just the right amount of angst and I really loved the bonus chapter that explained how Phoebe and Madsen were just meant to be.
Profile Image for Samantha.
302 reviews
January 13, 2018
Amazing,
Loved the story of Madsen and Phoebe, from how it started, to them being on separate parts of the country to finding out if their love will be strong enough to keep them together, The Banter between Phoebe and her twin brother Duncan is hilarious. The bonus scene omg.... just loved it wasn't what i excepted at all. Andrea sure knows how to keep a reader wanting more, and enjoying the end at the same time.
One of my instant one click authors, can't wait for more from her.
2,354 reviews14 followers
January 25, 2018
Received an ARC at no cost to author...Get ready for a roller coaster of feelings and emotions. We have Phoebe and Mad who go thru many things, first they can't stand each other, then there was lust and then heartbreak, but will their relationship survive? Well my friends you need to read..I enjoyed both of these characters and I enjoyed how the author made me go thru a range of emotions, that my friends signifies a good book. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Michelle Guidry.
26 reviews
December 14, 2017
WOW!!!!!! I’m so sad to see Phoebe and Madson’s story some to an end. It was bittersweet. But what an ending. I absolutely love these two to the moon and back. Andrea had me second guess possible outcomes from page one. She definitely kept me on my toes. Love the whole Break series, but Winter Break was my favorite, hands down. Bravo Andrea on a job well done.
Profile Image for Shawn.
257 reviews6 followers
December 21, 2017
I have enjoyed the journey that is Phoebe and Madsen. It has been a fun journey to get them to their HEA. It wasn't always laughs and giggles but they really did take the trip together. Overcoming the odds and doing what was right for them.

I love this quote!
The days before Madsen Secksin came into my life are gray; they don’t hold the technicolor of love he brings to my life.
Profile Image for Erin Sullivan koepplinger.
32 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2017
All of the feels!!! I have loved Phoebe and Madsen since Spring Break. They have a chemistry that just drips off the page. It also helps that Andrea can write incredibly hot scenes!! Hot, hot, hot!!!! Read the whole series. You won't regret a second.
Profile Image for Book Nerd Kate.
35 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2017
Absolutely loved this quick and easy read. This book had me laughing and sharing Phoebe's desire for Madsen. Sexy, funny, and romantic.. This was perfection ♡
Profile Image for Letica.
185 reviews
December 16, 2017
Can’t stand to be around each other to lovers. Loved seeing the growth between the characters and the life choices they had to face. Great ending to the story of phoebe and madsen!
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