What do you think?
Rate this book
A Rule Book #1
Breakaway
As Tampa Bay's star center, Mark Carmelo's life was hockey, and after a bitter and public break up, all he wanted to do was focus on the game.
Until he saw her.
The one that got away.
The one he thought he'd never see again.
For thirteen years, Stevie West drowned in her lackluster life. Recently divorced from her “roommate” with passionless benefits, she was ready to start over. On her own.
Until she ran into him.
The same man she'd met one year ago.
The temptation that had finally given her the courage to find herself again.
When lightning strikes twice, there’s no way to deny the chemistry it creates.
But with both of them still nursing old wounds, Mark and Stevie will have to find a way around the other's defenses, a way to breakaway and score the one thing they never expected… love.
Until he saw her.
The one that got away.
The one he thought he'd never see again.
For thirteen years, Stevie West drowned in her lackluster life. Recently divorced from her “roommate” with passionless benefits, she was ready to start over. On her own.
Until she ran into him.
The same man she'd met one year ago.
The temptation that had finally given her the courage to find herself again.
When lightning strikes twice, there’s no way to deny the chemistry it creates.
But with both of them still nursing old wounds, Mark and Stevie will have to find a way around the other's defenses, a way to breakaway and score the one thing they never expected… love.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2018
125 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Johnson
41 books2,043 followersA.M. Johnson lives in Utah with her family where she works as a full-time nurse. If she’s not at the hockey rink with her kiddos, you’ll find her buried in a book or behind the keyboard. She loves romance and all things passionate. Amanda enjoys exploring all genres and bringing life to the human experience.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
December 16, 2018
★ 2 STARS ★
▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬
▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬
March 11, 2018
This is a completely scorching hot hockey second chance romance. Aside from the sexy times Mark and Stevie have, I loved the little insecurities, it brought out the sweeter side in both of them. Mark is a twenty-six yr old hot and very popular hockey player with trust issues due to his cheating ex. Stevie is a thirty-two yr old woman who has newly divorced her high school sweetheart. She is a pretty, curvy woman who doesn’t feel comfortable with her body. But, Mark finds her curvy figure sexy as hell. He is the most amazing, caring, sweet guy who isn’t ashamed to flaunt her out in public. I loved seeing those two put their hang ups and issues behind and face the facts that they made each other happy.
I just loved the overall feel of this book. Even though the ending was satisfying, I wish that the author would give us a better closure. Other than that it’s a great read, with fantastic dialogue, good storyline, some laughs and plenty of sexy time.
In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 3/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pace Steady | Action 2/5
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
I just loved the overall feel of this book. Even though the ending was satisfying, I wish that the author would give us a better closure. Other than that it’s a great read, with fantastic dialogue, good storyline, some laughs and plenty of sexy time.
In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 3/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pace Steady | Action 2/5
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2018
Mark Carmelo was the was the star center for Tampa Bay. Hockey was his life and after a very public heartbreak, he put all of his focus back into the game. But something was missing. A chance meeting in a bar leads him to Stevie West. Their instant chemistry was electric. They wanted each other. They were definitely feeling each other. She was married. Fast forward a year, her marriage is over, they bump into each other, and all bets are off. While hockey is still his life, he’s found hope and love with Stevie. Slowly but surely these two start to complete each other, to heal each other. Stevie was trying to find herself all over again and found Mark along the way. It was so sweet. Although there’s a seven-year age difference between them, there was never a time where it made a difference to this story.
Breakaway
was so sweetly romantic and A.M. Johnson’s writing of this story was almost poetic. It’s a second chance sports romance full of heart and heat with hockey as a backdrop.
Release: 03.15.2018 | Genre: Sports Romance | POV: Dual - 1st person | Heat: 3 | Standalone - A Rule Book Novel
Blogger | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Release: 03.15.2018 | Genre: Sports Romance | POV: Dual - 1st person | Heat: 3 | Standalone - A Rule Book Novel
Blogger | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
March 2, 2021
3,5 stars
This is a sports (hockey) romance. The books starts in a strong way and I thought it was going to be a 4 or 5-star book for me but after they get together and become a couple, it drags and it drags a lot, unfortunately!
The beginning of the book is awesome; they meet in a bar when she is married and unhappy, lost herself and her dreams in a meaningless relationship. They have an instant and strong attraction and there is some harmless?! flirting. Even though they both want it, they do nothing about it in the end. She says she would feel terribly guilty if she gave in to her attraction to him. He wishes her good luck in life and they go their separate ways. However, this attraction plays an important role in Stevie's (our heroine) realization that her marriage has really ended. She thinks she wouldn't have felt any attraction towards a stranger if she were happily married. She leaves her husband in a month and says she wants a divorce.
One year passes.
Our hero, Mark, is a famous hockey player but he had casual hook ups only when he was young and a new player. Later, he was always a relationship-guy. Sadly, he was cheated on by his girlfriend of 2 years. (This happened before he met our heroine). Since then, he has been living alone, not trusting anyone else, however, he has never forgotten that woman he was insanely attracted to. And one year later, when he sees her again an a bar, he cannot believe his eyes. Now she is divorced and free!!!!!
Stevie and Mark become a very sweet couple. They have good chemistry and they also get along with each other very well. Stevie is 7 years older than Mark but it never becomes a problem. Stevie was never very happy with her curvy body but the way Mark is attracted to her makes her feel sexy for the first time in her life.
After these two become a couple, I remember feeling happy and reading the book with a big smile on my face but then, nothing really happens. And it starts to get boring as it drags a lot!
There is one annoying conflict between them when the ex-husband comes and causes a problem between them. Actually, Stevie doesn't do anything wrong but Mark has trust issues because he had been cheated on before so he acts as an as*hole for a little while.
He doesn't grovel much when he regrets the distance he put between himself and Stevie because he had a life&death situation, so everything comes back to forgiveness because of the fear of losing him. You know, something like that : "I am angry with you but I was about to lose you so you are here and alive now, yay!!!" kind of solution. He does say he is sorry, though, don't worry.
I am very happy about the epilogue but I know some readers are never happy about a HEA if there is no marriage and children so I want to warn you about it.
Well, personally, I am sick of "married with 2 and a half children" kind of HEA; I sometimes want to read books where it ends with the couple living together (not married) and deciding they don't want any children.
Well, this book made me happy with its HEA as in this case, one of my wishes has come true! They Yayyy to no cliche ending! Thank you Ms. Johnson.
The writing of the book is in dual point of view. Apart from the fact that it drags, the writing is good and it makes you feel. It is not a long or short book; it is 280 pages. Only the fact that not much happens makes it drag.
I didn’t get the chance last time, and as if a year had never passed, I felt her skin, the heat of her cheek just like it had scorched my palm and never healed.
***
“You’re an accountant?”
Thinking about her in a tight blouse with the top four buttons popped opened, her hair pulled up into a bun, turned my grin into something scandalous. I had her blushing as she laughed through her next sentence. The woman had read my mind.
“It’s not that exciting.”
“I’d like to see you behind a desk.” My tone was coated with innuendo.
“So charming, did you pull that fantasy from the latest issue of Playboy ?”
My chuckle shook my shoulders. “Nope, just my own dirty mind.”
***
“Don’t let this shit get to you. I’m just me… just Mark.”
I swallowed around the bundle of nerves in my throat, the fear of who he was, what it all represented. Our age difference, the fight he’d gotten into, his money, the feelings he was capable of conjuring, I put it all away for now as he reached across the console, his hand settling on my thigh right above my knee. I let my eyes fall to the connection. My smile spread as I met his dark gaze again. Mark could have anything he wanted, anyone he wanted, but he was sitting here—with me.
I nodded, pressing my lips together in an attempt to contain my growing smile. He responded, his confident grin pulling into a dimple on his right cheek as I said, “Just Mark.”
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
This is a sports (hockey) romance. The books starts in a strong way and I thought it was going to be a 4 or 5-star book for me but after they get together and become a couple, it drags and it drags a lot, unfortunately!
The beginning of the book is awesome; they meet in a bar when she is married and unhappy, lost herself and her dreams in a meaningless relationship. They have an instant and strong attraction and there is some harmless?! flirting. Even though they both want it, they do nothing about it in the end. She says she would feel terribly guilty if she gave in to her attraction to him. He wishes her good luck in life and they go their separate ways. However, this attraction plays an important role in Stevie's (our heroine) realization that her marriage has really ended. She thinks she wouldn't have felt any attraction towards a stranger if she were happily married. She leaves her husband in a month and says she wants a divorce.
One year passes.
Our hero, Mark, is a famous hockey player but he had casual hook ups only when he was young and a new player. Later, he was always a relationship-guy. Sadly, he was cheated on by his girlfriend of 2 years. (This happened before he met our heroine). Since then, he has been living alone, not trusting anyone else, however, he has never forgotten that woman he was insanely attracted to. And one year later, when he sees her again an a bar, he cannot believe his eyes. Now she is divorced and free!!!!!
Stevie and Mark become a very sweet couple. They have good chemistry and they also get along with each other very well. Stevie is 7 years older than Mark but it never becomes a problem. Stevie was never very happy with her curvy body but the way Mark is attracted to her makes her feel sexy for the first time in her life.
After these two become a couple, I remember feeling happy and reading the book with a big smile on my face but then, nothing really happens. And it starts to get boring as it drags a lot!
There is one annoying conflict between them when the ex-husband comes and causes a problem between them. Actually, Stevie doesn't do anything wrong but Mark has trust issues because he had been cheated on before so he acts as an as*hole for a little while.
He doesn't grovel much when he regrets the distance he put between himself and Stevie because he had a life&death situation, so everything comes back to forgiveness because of the fear of losing him. You know, something like that : "I am angry with you but I was about to lose you so you are here and alive now, yay!!!" kind of solution. He does say he is sorry, though, don't worry.
I am very happy about the epilogue but I know some readers are never happy about a HEA if there is no marriage and children so I want to warn you about it.
Well, personally, I am sick of "married with 2 and a half children" kind of HEA; I sometimes want to read books where it ends with the couple living together (not married) and deciding they don't want any children.
Well, this book made me happy with its HEA as in this case, one of my wishes has come true! They Yayyy to no cliche ending! Thank you Ms. Johnson.
The writing of the book is in dual point of view. Apart from the fact that it drags, the writing is good and it makes you feel. It is not a long or short book; it is 280 pages. Only the fact that not much happens makes it drag.
I didn’t get the chance last time, and as if a year had never passed, I felt her skin, the heat of her cheek just like it had scorched my palm and never healed.
***
“You’re an accountant?”
Thinking about her in a tight blouse with the top four buttons popped opened, her hair pulled up into a bun, turned my grin into something scandalous. I had her blushing as she laughed through her next sentence. The woman had read my mind.
“It’s not that exciting.”
“I’d like to see you behind a desk.” My tone was coated with innuendo.
“So charming, did you pull that fantasy from the latest issue of Playboy ?”
My chuckle shook my shoulders. “Nope, just my own dirty mind.”
***
“Don’t let this shit get to you. I’m just me… just Mark.”
I swallowed around the bundle of nerves in my throat, the fear of who he was, what it all represented. Our age difference, the fight he’d gotten into, his money, the feelings he was capable of conjuring, I put it all away for now as he reached across the console, his hand settling on my thigh right above my knee. I let my eyes fall to the connection. My smile spread as I met his dark gaze again. Mark could have anything he wanted, anyone he wanted, but he was sitting here—with me.
I nodded, pressing my lips together in an attempt to contain my growing smile. He responded, his confident grin pulling into a dimple on his right cheek as I said, “Just Mark.”
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
April 6, 2018
Breakaway
(Romance novel)
Definition: When a reader *ahem, cough, cough, me* has no defensive mechanism between herself and her goals of daily life (housework...showering...any manner of productivity); therefore, giving the author a chance to skate and shoot their words (or THIS BOOK!) at will. Usually, a major lapse in the reader’s household life.
*giggle* I jest, I'm kidding, of course! The previous little rewrite was from the initial opening definition in Breakaway. I've read my fair share of sports romances, I like them. Give me an athlete... any athlete, I dig them. I haven't read about many hockey players though... so immediately, I was interested. Breakaway had piqued my curiosity for that piece alone.
You all know me. You know my reviews... so you also should be prepared for the fact that I'm not going to give you spoilers. Sorry! What I will give you is the fact that Ms. Johnson is an unquestionable talent. Her words are poignant and poetic; peppering lighthearted humor that made me laugh out loud, some angsty bits that made my stomach clench up with some serious pretzel tummy and rounded it out with some hot and spicy bits that had me cleaning the fog off my kindle screen. This contemporary romance is beautifully nuanced and crafted, no less so for the sheer believability that the author spun into the storyline.
Guess what else... you already know what I'm going to say, don't you??? Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. No...that's not it. I mean, there is, of course! But, I was going to say... there's a soundtrack! It too, is brilliant!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Now, for her words... a taste, because she'll do a much better job of convincing to you one-click for Mark and Stevie, than I...
Time wasn’t enough to hold a person. Time was fragile, and loyalty could only get you so far. I’d learned that for myself the hard way. It didn’t matter how much you loved a person, it wouldn’t make them love you back.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Because when I’m on the ice, the world stops when the puck moves, and everything inside of me comes alive.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
My heart pounded staccato beats inside my chest, desperate to get a glimpse of him. Like everyone else, I was in awe, but for a completely different reason. This was his life. Every row of this arena was alive, buzzing, and brimming over with adrenaline because of him. Every single person here knew his name, and I was here because he knew mine.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
So... yeah, another short review from me. *cough cough* Oops. LOL! #SorryNotSorry about that. To summarize, you're kind of getting it all here. Main and secondary characters that are easy to love. A sports romance that doesn't lose you in technical jargon. A very well-written novel that engages every aspect of reader-dom- the intellectual, the comedic and if you're like me... smut-lovers alike; allowing you to just... sit back and enjoy. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book prior to release. 4.25 'Melo' stars.
(Romance novel)
Definition: When a reader *ahem, cough, cough, me* has no defensive mechanism between herself and her goals of daily life (housework...showering...any manner of productivity); therefore, giving the author a chance to skate and shoot their words (or THIS BOOK!) at will. Usually, a major lapse in the reader’s household life.
*giggle* I jest, I'm kidding, of course! The previous little rewrite was from the initial opening definition in Breakaway. I've read my fair share of sports romances, I like them. Give me an athlete... any athlete, I dig them. I haven't read about many hockey players though... so immediately, I was interested. Breakaway had piqued my curiosity for that piece alone.
You all know me. You know my reviews... so you also should be prepared for the fact that I'm not going to give you spoilers. Sorry! What I will give you is the fact that Ms. Johnson is an unquestionable talent. Her words are poignant and poetic; peppering lighthearted humor that made me laugh out loud, some angsty bits that made my stomach clench up with some serious pretzel tummy and rounded it out with some hot and spicy bits that had me cleaning the fog off my kindle screen. This contemporary romance is beautifully nuanced and crafted, no less so for the sheer believability that the author spun into the storyline.
Guess what else... you already know what I'm going to say, don't you??? Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. No...that's not it. I mean, there is, of course! But, I was going to say... there's a soundtrack! It too, is brilliant!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Now, for her words... a taste, because she'll do a much better job of convincing to you one-click for Mark and Stevie, than I...
Time wasn’t enough to hold a person. Time was fragile, and loyalty could only get you so far. I’d learned that for myself the hard way. It didn’t matter how much you loved a person, it wouldn’t make them love you back.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Because when I’m on the ice, the world stops when the puck moves, and everything inside of me comes alive.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
My heart pounded staccato beats inside my chest, desperate to get a glimpse of him. Like everyone else, I was in awe, but for a completely different reason. This was his life. Every row of this arena was alive, buzzing, and brimming over with adrenaline because of him. Every single person here knew his name, and I was here because he knew mine.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
So... yeah, another short review from me. *cough cough* Oops. LOL! #SorryNotSorry about that. To summarize, you're kind of getting it all here. Main and secondary characters that are easy to love. A sports romance that doesn't lose you in technical jargon. A very well-written novel that engages every aspect of reader-dom- the intellectual, the comedic and if you're like me... smut-lovers alike; allowing you to just... sit back and enjoy. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book prior to release. 4.25 'Melo' stars.
October 30, 2018
Breakaway is the perfect hockey romance thanks to Mark and Stevie. They have amazing chemistry. I really enjoyed the seven year age gap between them. Yes, Mark was young but very mature for his age. Their relationship took time to develop but it was done with so much attention to their chemistry and attraction that I enjoyed them being on dates and discovering one another.
The hockey games and references were great too. Stevie’s BFF Reagan caught my attention as did Mark’s team mate and friend Bryson. I hope they get a book too. Breakaway was my first book by A.M. Johnson and I’m very excited for more from her. Her writing is flows beautifully and is definitely one of the reason I’m coming back for more.
4 Us Stars
The hockey games and references were great too. Stevie’s BFF Reagan caught my attention as did Mark’s team mate and friend Bryson. I hope they get a book too. Breakaway was my first book by A.M. Johnson and I’m very excited for more from her. Her writing is flows beautifully and is definitely one of the reason I’m coming back for more.
4 Us Stars
March 15, 2018
BREAKAWAY IS LIVE
MARK and STEVIE ARE LIVE Y'aLL !!!!
I hope you guys love Mark and Stevie as much as I do =)
US http://bit.ly/BreakawayUSA
CA http://bit.ly/BreakawayCAN
UK http://bit.ly/BreakawayUK
AUS http://bit.ly/BreakawayAUS
MARK and STEVIE ARE LIVE Y'aLL !!!!
I hope you guys love Mark and Stevie as much as I do =)
US http://bit.ly/BreakawayUSA
CA http://bit.ly/BreakawayCAN
UK http://bit.ly/BreakawayUK
AUS http://bit.ly/BreakawayAUS
March 26, 2018
"Time wasn't enough to hold a person. Time was fragile, and loyalty could only get you so far."
I'm a huge fan of A.M. Johnson. She writes a new book, I read it. No questions asked. She has the ability to make me sob my way through a book and swoon all over the place with her heroes. Oh boy! Her heroes... Mark Carmelo was EVERYTHING!
I have never felt such a connection with a character before, of course, I have loved lots of them but what I felt with Stevie was totally different. It was like if I was reliving my own love experience right along with her. It hit so close to home for me because I have been there... same fears, insecurities. The difference between us is that she conquered them, while I'm still a work in process.
And when I said that Mark was EVERYTHING, is because he certainly was. He wasn't perfect, his demons were strong to the point that he almost gave up, but his love for Stevie was bigger.
There's no doubt in my little dark heart that if I had the chance to fall in love again, I'd want someone like Mark Carmelo. He has set a very high bar for the men I meet. So you can call me Mrs. Carmelo, LOL.
The reason I'm not giving the book 5 stars is that of its level of angst. I'm a sucker for angsty readings and for me, Breakaway was on the low side. I personally wanted a little bit more. But of course, that's me and my masochistic heart.
Breakaway was a delightfully sweet second chance romance with just a spark of angst, and a chemistry that sizzles off the pages. If you are looking for a story that will make you want to fall in love and melt not only your heart but your panties, this is the book for you.
You can find me here: INSTAGRAM
April 11, 2018
Re-Read 4/2018
For this re-read, I actually listened to the audiobook and it was pure perfection!! Aaron Shedlock and Tracy Marks were amazing as Mark and Stevie! Both were just the right amount of sexy and sweet and even if you've already read the book, I definitely recommend the audio! Every emotion is heightened and the narration will have you feeling all the feels! Aaron Shedlock is beyond sexy and continues to amaze me with his range and talent! A fantastic book and wonderful audio!
*****
I loved this second chance contemporary sports romance! It was a lighter read than I'm used to from this author, but it still packed an emotional punch.
Mark and Stevie's journey was so beautifully imperfect and honest. Their insecurities and vulnerabilities made them even more endearing and relatable. I loved that Stevie was not the typical romance heroine. For starters, she is older than our hero by 7 years. She is curvy and sometimes self conscious and she isn't warring with her biological clock about whether or not she's going to have children. Mark was also atypical, preferring a quieter existence instead of the usual manwhore athlete portrayed so often in books. The chemistry between these two was palpable and undeniable. Every touch and lingering glance made my heart beat faster and the build up was so amazingly delicious!
I really enjoyed all the details about hockey and about the commitment it takes to play at the professional level. In a way, hockey was it's own character in this book, causing both pain and joy. I personally don't know very much about hockey, so it was fun to learn right along with Stevie too. The secondary characters were just as wonderful (how cute was Mark's family!?) and I'm hoping that we will be seeing more of Reagan and Bryson (perhaps romantically, perhaps not) in the future. Definitely recommend this one!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
For this re-read, I actually listened to the audiobook and it was pure perfection!! Aaron Shedlock and Tracy Marks were amazing as Mark and Stevie! Both were just the right amount of sexy and sweet and even if you've already read the book, I definitely recommend the audio! Every emotion is heightened and the narration will have you feeling all the feels! Aaron Shedlock is beyond sexy and continues to amaze me with his range and talent! A fantastic book and wonderful audio!
*****
I loved this second chance contemporary sports romance! It was a lighter read than I'm used to from this author, but it still packed an emotional punch.
Mark and Stevie's journey was so beautifully imperfect and honest. Their insecurities and vulnerabilities made them even more endearing and relatable. I loved that Stevie was not the typical romance heroine. For starters, she is older than our hero by 7 years. She is curvy and sometimes self conscious and she isn't warring with her biological clock about whether or not she's going to have children. Mark was also atypical, preferring a quieter existence instead of the usual manwhore athlete portrayed so often in books. The chemistry between these two was palpable and undeniable. Every touch and lingering glance made my heart beat faster and the build up was so amazingly delicious!
I really enjoyed all the details about hockey and about the commitment it takes to play at the professional level. In a way, hockey was it's own character in this book, causing both pain and joy. I personally don't know very much about hockey, so it was fun to learn right along with Stevie too. The secondary characters were just as wonderful (how cute was Mark's family!?) and I'm hoping that we will be seeing more of Reagan and Bryson (perhaps romantically, perhaps not) in the future. Definitely recommend this one!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
April 19, 2018
Audible: Narrators – Tracy Marks and Aaron Shedlock
Both of these narrators do an exceptional job of bringing to life Mark and Stevie. Their voices give deeper characterization to A.M. Johnson’s words and I loved how they were never monotone or flat but always flowing, always sharp and clear and always perfect. I’m a huge fan of Tracy Marks but now I’m adding Aaron Shedlock to my list of favorites.
A year ago, Stevie was struggling with a huge life decision. After spending a platonic evening with Mark she finally has the push she needs to make changes that should’ve been made years ago. Reuniting with him again, Stevie is finally coming to the realization of who she is and what she wants in life and taking the steps to get it.
Mark had a very public relationship and then breakup years ago. Now the only thing he’s dedicated to one hundred percent is his team and playing hockey. When he sees Stevie again and learns of her current life status, he’s amped to take the step that they walked away from a year earlier. However, the shadow of both their pasts lurk at the edges ready to push them at the first available moment.
I loved this couple! Usually, I don’t like an older woman/younger man trope but this one didn’t even hinge on this point of their relationship. Mark was mature and caring and all he wanted was to give Stevie everything she had been missing out on. Stevie struggled with some self-esteem issues due to her own past, but the longer she is with Mark, the more her confidence grew.
This was a story of second chances, finding yourself, and learning to trust. I loved how Stevie was everything to Mark and that his dedication had switched to include her in his life. She deserved someone who could show her the world around her in technicolor where everything before him had been flat and gray. The secondary characters were perfect and I hope we get more about them in future books!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Both of these narrators do an exceptional job of bringing to life Mark and Stevie. Their voices give deeper characterization to A.M. Johnson’s words and I loved how they were never monotone or flat but always flowing, always sharp and clear and always perfect. I’m a huge fan of Tracy Marks but now I’m adding Aaron Shedlock to my list of favorites.
A year ago, Stevie was struggling with a huge life decision. After spending a platonic evening with Mark she finally has the push she needs to make changes that should’ve been made years ago. Reuniting with him again, Stevie is finally coming to the realization of who she is and what she wants in life and taking the steps to get it.
Mark had a very public relationship and then breakup years ago. Now the only thing he’s dedicated to one hundred percent is his team and playing hockey. When he sees Stevie again and learns of her current life status, he’s amped to take the step that they walked away from a year earlier. However, the shadow of both their pasts lurk at the edges ready to push them at the first available moment.
I loved this couple! Usually, I don’t like an older woman/younger man trope but this one didn’t even hinge on this point of their relationship. Mark was mature and caring and all he wanted was to give Stevie everything she had been missing out on. Stevie struggled with some self-esteem issues due to her own past, but the longer she is with Mark, the more her confidence grew.
This was a story of second chances, finding yourself, and learning to trust. I loved how Stevie was everything to Mark and that his dedication had switched to include her in his life. She deserved someone who could show her the world around her in technicolor where everything before him had been flat and gray. The secondary characters were perfect and I hope we get more about them in future books!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
April 14, 2018
Narrator Review: Tracy Marks & Aaron Shedlock
Distinguishable between characters: 5 Stars
Impersonating opposite sex: 5 Stars
Accents: 5 Stars
Any critiques: None
Overall enjoyment of Performance: 5 Stars.
Recommend audible version: Yes, Highly recommend! Tracy Marks is one of my favorite narrators. Aaron Shedlock is new to me and he did a fantastic job. I absolutely love when an audiobook has both a female and male narrator.
Story Review:
I'm excited to find a new hockey series AND a new author to watch out for. I love sports romance books but they can also make me a little leery. Sometimes famous can equal too much OW drama. I'm glad to find that this is not the case in this book.
Mark was an awesome hero. It's mentioned that in the beginning of his career that he was a playboy but by the time our heroine comes into the picture, he is no longer living that kind of lifestyle. Instead we get to see a more sweet side albeit a cautious Mark.
After the lavish lifestyle, Mark did attempt a relationship with a woman who ultimately cheated on him with one of the players on the team. He is over the woman but not over the distrust when he first meets Stevie, who happened to be married at the time. The timing for these two was all wrong but the fact that Stevie stayed true to her husband helped to restore some faith back into Mark.
When Stevie and Mark run into each other a year later, Mark still feels the pull to her. Luckily, this time around she is divorced. With her fresh off a divorce, and Mark still holding in some lingering trust issues, this still made for a very sweet love story. I really enjoyed watching these two get to know each other and grow in their feelings.
There are some minor instances with is ex and her ex but ultimately the author kept her focus on Mark and Stevie. I really appreciate when an author does that. I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
ARC provided by Audioboom.
Distinguishable between characters: 5 Stars
Impersonating opposite sex: 5 Stars
Accents: 5 Stars
Any critiques: None
Overall enjoyment of Performance: 5 Stars.
Recommend audible version: Yes, Highly recommend! Tracy Marks is one of my favorite narrators. Aaron Shedlock is new to me and he did a fantastic job. I absolutely love when an audiobook has both a female and male narrator.
Story Review:
I'm excited to find a new hockey series AND a new author to watch out for. I love sports romance books but they can also make me a little leery. Sometimes famous can equal too much OW drama. I'm glad to find that this is not the case in this book.
Mark was an awesome hero. It's mentioned that in the beginning of his career that he was a playboy but by the time our heroine comes into the picture, he is no longer living that kind of lifestyle. Instead we get to see a more sweet side albeit a cautious Mark.
After the lavish lifestyle, Mark did attempt a relationship with a woman who ultimately cheated on him with one of the players on the team. He is over the woman but not over the distrust when he first meets Stevie, who happened to be married at the time. The timing for these two was all wrong but the fact that Stevie stayed true to her husband helped to restore some faith back into Mark.
When Stevie and Mark run into each other a year later, Mark still feels the pull to her. Luckily, this time around she is divorced. With her fresh off a divorce, and Mark still holding in some lingering trust issues, this still made for a very sweet love story. I really enjoyed watching these two get to know each other and grow in their feelings.
There are some minor instances with is ex and her ex but ultimately the author kept her focus on Mark and Stevie. I really appreciate when an author does that. I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
ARC provided by Audioboom.
March 15, 2018
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
5 "Can I get a slice of Mark Carmelo, please?" Stars!!!!!!
I'm a sucker for sports romances. And Breakaway, fed my sports loving hunger. This hockey romance left the biggest smile on my face. And honest, I haven't stopped smiling since I finished reading a couple of hours ago. AM definitely didn't disappoint. But come on, it's a given. I knew before I even started reading that I was going to love this book. And one, not so small particular aspect had me loving it even more.
Mark Carmelo is the star center of Tampa Bay's hockey team. And after a bitter break up the only thing on his mind is hockey. His focus is on the game and that's how he wants it. Though, sometimes life has a different plan. And after a loss, Mark finds himself at a bar trying to get his mind off of the game. And what Mark doesn't know, is that in that same bar, a certain woman will take over his thoughts.
Stevie West is at an impasse. The life she once thought she wanted is anything but. She's spent countless years living in slow motion and the man she married, isn't the man she recognizes now. Needing some time to herself, Stevie takes a trip and visits her friend. And when out at a bar, Stevie's life is about to change.
It's no surprise how impactful Stevie and Mark's first encounter was. Their chemistry was undeniable. But nothing could've happened because Stevie was off limits. And now, a year later and with some changes, when coming face-to-face again, the spark is still there. It doesn't matter how little time they shared back then, the connection is still there and thriving. Stevie and Mark gave me all the feels. These two were so freaking cute. They both leaned and taught each other many things. Yes, they had to work through problems, but in the end it just made their relationship stronger. I just loved these two to pieces.
MARK CARMELO, oh let me count the ways. Mark stole every little piece of my heart. He was compassionate and charming and such a good man. He made me so giddy that at times I found myself squealing from happiness. I couldn't get enough and just wanted more and more and more of him, I loved, loved, loved this sweet hockey player.
I'm counting down the days until the next book. I need to get back to this world, and soon!
5 "Can I get a slice of Mark Carmelo, please?" Stars!!!!!!
I'm a sucker for sports romances. And Breakaway, fed my sports loving hunger. This hockey romance left the biggest smile on my face. And honest, I haven't stopped smiling since I finished reading a couple of hours ago. AM definitely didn't disappoint. But come on, it's a given. I knew before I even started reading that I was going to love this book. And one, not so small particular aspect had me loving it even more.
Mark Carmelo is the star center of Tampa Bay's hockey team. And after a bitter break up the only thing on his mind is hockey. His focus is on the game and that's how he wants it. Though, sometimes life has a different plan. And after a loss, Mark finds himself at a bar trying to get his mind off of the game. And what Mark doesn't know, is that in that same bar, a certain woman will take over his thoughts.
Stevie West is at an impasse. The life she once thought she wanted is anything but. She's spent countless years living in slow motion and the man she married, isn't the man she recognizes now. Needing some time to herself, Stevie takes a trip and visits her friend. And when out at a bar, Stevie's life is about to change.
It's no surprise how impactful Stevie and Mark's first encounter was. Their chemistry was undeniable. But nothing could've happened because Stevie was off limits. And now, a year later and with some changes, when coming face-to-face again, the spark is still there. It doesn't matter how little time they shared back then, the connection is still there and thriving. Stevie and Mark gave me all the feels. These two were so freaking cute. They both leaned and taught each other many things. Yes, they had to work through problems, but in the end it just made their relationship stronger. I just loved these two to pieces.
MARK CARMELO, oh let me count the ways. Mark stole every little piece of my heart. He was compassionate and charming and such a good man. He made me so giddy that at times I found myself squealing from happiness. I couldn't get enough and just wanted more and more and more of him, I loved, loved, loved this sweet hockey player.
I'm counting down the days until the next book. I need to get back to this world, and soon!
February 26, 2018
5 Cranky Stars
I want to preface this review by saying that A.M. Johnson writes the best first kiss in her books and this one is no exception. In fact, it’s in the top of the first kisses of her books. She had me leaning into the book like it was happening to me. Seriously after reading this you’ll want all of Mark Carmelo kissing all over you too.
Stevie is fresh of a divorce from Ben. He in a way stole her light and she found herself molding herself to his ways and lost herself. One year prior she met Mark in a bar and there was enough fire to light a house on fire. She has now moved back to her hometown and is trying to figure out who she is and make it on her own. She thought her and Mark were a one time meet and greet but boy was she wrong. They meet again and this time nothing is holding Stevie back except herself.
Mark is a hockey hottie. Being a star player for his team he has the world at his feet. Sadly, his ex is still ever present in his life and doing what she did to him it’s hard to just let go. He still remembers the voluptuous girl who stole his thoughts with a single glance. Another chance encounter brings them back together and this time he isn’t letting go. He struggles with the fact that Ben is present in Stevies life but he doesn’t expect to fall so hard for her. She stole his heart and his dog.
Ok let’s talk about stick in the mud Ben. Dude you had the girl you robbed the girl of her light you just don’t get to bounce back in. Sorry bud there’s the door. Stevie had thoughts every woman has had about her body but I was told woman are supposed to be soft and Mark made her feel beautiful. Their steamy encounters make you fan yourself and once again wish for some Carmelo action. I know jack about hockey other than it’s on ice and can be pretty brutal but A.M. Johnson makes me want to click on ESPN and find some hockey. Kudos lady!!
I want to preface this review by saying that A.M. Johnson writes the best first kiss in her books and this one is no exception. In fact, it’s in the top of the first kisses of her books. She had me leaning into the book like it was happening to me. Seriously after reading this you’ll want all of Mark Carmelo kissing all over you too.
Stevie is fresh of a divorce from Ben. He in a way stole her light and she found herself molding herself to his ways and lost herself. One year prior she met Mark in a bar and there was enough fire to light a house on fire. She has now moved back to her hometown and is trying to figure out who she is and make it on her own. She thought her and Mark were a one time meet and greet but boy was she wrong. They meet again and this time nothing is holding Stevie back except herself.
Mark is a hockey hottie. Being a star player for his team he has the world at his feet. Sadly, his ex is still ever present in his life and doing what she did to him it’s hard to just let go. He still remembers the voluptuous girl who stole his thoughts with a single glance. Another chance encounter brings them back together and this time he isn’t letting go. He struggles with the fact that Ben is present in Stevies life but he doesn’t expect to fall so hard for her. She stole his heart and his dog.
Ok let’s talk about stick in the mud Ben. Dude you had the girl you robbed the girl of her light you just don’t get to bounce back in. Sorry bud there’s the door. Stevie had thoughts every woman has had about her body but I was told woman are supposed to be soft and Mark made her feel beautiful. Their steamy encounters make you fan yourself and once again wish for some Carmelo action. I know jack about hockey other than it’s on ice and can be pretty brutal but A.M. Johnson makes me want to click on ESPN and find some hockey. Kudos lady!!
March 15, 2018
4 - 4.5 stars
This being my first book from A.M. Johnson I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm happy to say it was better than I thought it would be. Plus I like Tampa Bay the real team and it's rarely used yet. The hockey writing was good and it had all the excitement I love about the sport. Mark Carmelo was a hot hockey player hero plus a down to earth solid guy. I liked him, he has definite swoon factor.
I will say this story had a one that got away feel and second chance romance in it. Older woman and younger guy is tricky especially since Mark is a professional athlete at that. There's a bit of a scrutiny involved at some point but overall not much effect on their relationship. I liked how it was done here with realness and relaxed laid back way. I felt Mark was mature and he knew what he was doing. He had his own trust issues but he had something good going to let it affect. On a side note this plot happens I like how it was used here as conflict.
The heroine Stevie wasn't the typical one for hockey romance in that she's confident in her full figure. She's loyal and also has gracious way about her. There is the ex drama but mostly I feel this book is laid back and chill but still wonderful. You can sink in into the story and feel good even with the realness. Stevie and Mark had chemistry and they had hot moments, also insecurities come about with trust.
I have no idea if this is the author's first sports romance but it was pretty good. If I have any complaints I would say they ending fell a tad short it was satisfying but I wanted more. I still enjoyed it and the writing is very easy to get into. I wouldn't be disappointed for more.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
This being my first book from A.M. Johnson I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm happy to say it was better than I thought it would be. Plus I like Tampa Bay the real team and it's rarely used yet. The hockey writing was good and it had all the excitement I love about the sport. Mark Carmelo was a hot hockey player hero plus a down to earth solid guy. I liked him, he has definite swoon factor.
I will say this story had a one that got away feel and second chance romance in it. Older woman and younger guy is tricky especially since Mark is a professional athlete at that. There's a bit of a scrutiny involved at some point but overall not much effect on their relationship. I liked how it was done here with realness and relaxed laid back way. I felt Mark was mature and he knew what he was doing. He had his own trust issues but he had something good going to let it affect. On a side note this plot happens I like how it was used here as conflict.
The heroine Stevie wasn't the typical one for hockey romance in that she's confident in her full figure. She's loyal and also has gracious way about her. There is the ex drama but mostly I feel this book is laid back and chill but still wonderful. You can sink in into the story and feel good even with the realness. Stevie and Mark had chemistry and they had hot moments, also insecurities come about with trust.
I have no idea if this is the author's first sports romance but it was pretty good. If I have any complaints I would say they ending fell a tad short it was satisfying but I wanted more. I still enjoyed it and the writing is very easy to get into. I wouldn't be disappointed for more.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
March 15, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Author and Give Me Books***
I enjoyed this title overall. I liked their first meeting, that there was a chemistry there which they were not able to deny, but did not act on...there is an appeal to the one who got away being that one because they couldn't act on the attraction due to commitments to another person.
I liked Mark, I thought he was an interesting character and I liked who he was as a person.
Stevie was, maybe, a little less likeable for me. I struggled with her a little in places and there were a couple of times where I am not sure I was really convinced a person, and this character, would act in this manner.
For me, for a romance to work when there is a past with the characters, you need to be able to leave the past in the past and focus on the future and the present. If the past is a factor, the other people who may have been a part of that past need to be far removed. For me, Stevie's ex was too present and it pulled me out of the story from time to time, and left me struggling to read it in parts.
Not all of it was an issue, and I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Mark and Stevie. I liked them as a couple, and I believed in their attraction and their chemistry.
Overall, I did enjoy this title, and I do recommend it.
I enjoyed this title overall. I liked their first meeting, that there was a chemistry there which they were not able to deny, but did not act on...there is an appeal to the one who got away being that one because they couldn't act on the attraction due to commitments to another person.
I liked Mark, I thought he was an interesting character and I liked who he was as a person.
Stevie was, maybe, a little less likeable for me. I struggled with her a little in places and there were a couple of times where I am not sure I was really convinced a person, and this character, would act in this manner.
For me, for a romance to work when there is a past with the characters, you need to be able to leave the past in the past and focus on the future and the present. If the past is a factor, the other people who may have been a part of that past need to be far removed. For me, Stevie's ex was too present and it pulled me out of the story from time to time, and left me struggling to read it in parts.
Not all of it was an issue, and I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Mark and Stevie. I liked them as a couple, and I believed in their attraction and their chemistry.
Overall, I did enjoy this title, and I do recommend it.
March 5, 2018
4.5 stars for this stunning book!
"The weight that held my heart broke free and fell into my gut, raising every last one of the butterflies from the dead."
I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of an ARC of Breakaway, even though I've never read one on Amanda's books before. So actually I had no idea what I got myself into. But reading about a hot NHL player can't do any harm, or so I thought....
"His touch was breath and I needed to inhale it."
Do you know the feeling of having a stressful week and on the weekend you go and pamper yourself at the spa. The feeling you get when you enter the hot whirlpool, sitting down closing your eyes and let the bubbles wrapping you in a relaxing warm blanket. And all the stress just melts away.
THAT's exactly how I felt reading Breakaway.
"She was stealing my breath, and I wanted her to have it."
Stevie is this kind of girl you want to have as your best friend. She's fiercely loyal, her feelings run deep, she's intelligent, honest, caring, funny, trusting. Beautiful inside out. I really love that Amanda made her so real. Not only because Stevie is a full figured girl who scored herself a ridiculously hot NHL player who sees her for who she really is and loves all her curves. But because the way she acts, interacts, reacts. Amanda gave Stevie a beautiful soul shining through all the pages.
"Mark had the uncanny ability of making me feel at home in my own skin. Even if I was on fire and smattered with a million goose bumps."
And don't let me even start to write about Mark. How comes a 26/27 year old NHL top player can be so HOT, grown-up and down to earth? He's a man I'd totally fall for and not because he's a hot star player. He was actually too cute for his own good. I'm lost for words when it comes down to describe him. The way he made Stevie feel, the way he opened her bottle and set her free was simply amazing.
"It was in him I was able to find myself again."
Stevie and Mark's chemistry sparkles from every page you turn. They fit together right from their first encounter. They work together like a well oiled machine. Like old loving souls meeting again on earth.
Thank you Amanda for this wonderful written love story! I'm happy I didn't miss out on this beauty! And thank you for making Stevie so damn real! I adore her <3
"To those who dream ... find what gives you passion, light that match and ignite your soul." I can't even tell you, what this dedication means to me!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
"The weight that held my heart broke free and fell into my gut, raising every last one of the butterflies from the dead."
I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of an ARC of Breakaway, even though I've never read one on Amanda's books before. So actually I had no idea what I got myself into. But reading about a hot NHL player can't do any harm, or so I thought....
"His touch was breath and I needed to inhale it."
Do you know the feeling of having a stressful week and on the weekend you go and pamper yourself at the spa. The feeling you get when you enter the hot whirlpool, sitting down closing your eyes and let the bubbles wrapping you in a relaxing warm blanket. And all the stress just melts away.
THAT's exactly how I felt reading Breakaway.
"She was stealing my breath, and I wanted her to have it."
Stevie is this kind of girl you want to have as your best friend. She's fiercely loyal, her feelings run deep, she's intelligent, honest, caring, funny, trusting. Beautiful inside out. I really love that Amanda made her so real. Not only because Stevie is a full figured girl who scored herself a ridiculously hot NHL player who sees her for who she really is and loves all her curves. But because the way she acts, interacts, reacts. Amanda gave Stevie a beautiful soul shining through all the pages.
"Mark had the uncanny ability of making me feel at home in my own skin. Even if I was on fire and smattered with a million goose bumps."
And don't let me even start to write about Mark. How comes a 26/27 year old NHL top player can be so HOT, grown-up and down to earth? He's a man I'd totally fall for and not because he's a hot star player. He was actually too cute for his own good. I'm lost for words when it comes down to describe him. The way he made Stevie feel, the way he opened her bottle and set her free was simply amazing.
"It was in him I was able to find myself again."
Stevie and Mark's chemistry sparkles from every page you turn. They fit together right from their first encounter. They work together like a well oiled machine. Like old loving souls meeting again on earth.
Thank you Amanda for this wonderful written love story! I'm happy I didn't miss out on this beauty! And thank you for making Stevie so damn real! I adore her <3
"To those who dream ... find what gives you passion, light that match and ignite your soul." I can't even tell you, what this dedication means to me!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 15, 2018
Breakaway is AM Johnson's latest release and first book in her new Rule Book Series. It's a complete standalone and a different take on romance from what she's done in the past. It enraptured me and kept me going until the very last word.
Stevie West is back in Tampa after divorcing her husband of over a decade. She knows it's too soon for any type of relationship, but Mark Carmelo has been on her mind for the last year, and the heart wants what the heart wants. She's newly independent and completely out of her element in the dating scene.
Mark Carmelo is the star of Tampa Bay's hockey team. In his mid-twenties, he's got everything going for him. Betrayal from his ex left him without trust in women, but Stevie brings out something he never thought he'd have again and more.
As I stated earlier, Breakaway is a completely new venture for AM Johnson. It's still got her smart writing and clear research of the subject matter, but it's...lighter. Stevie and Mark have a whirlwind romance that made me deliriously happy and I could not put this book down. It gave me hope. With tons of laughter and even some tears with so much hockey thrown in, Breakaway is the next sports romance not to be missed!
March 15, 2018
In Breakaway I was introduced to hockey player Mark and slowly fell in love with him. He has baggage from a recent, very public, and very bad break up, but meeting Stevie changed his whole world. She is coming out of her own break up. When she and Mark first met, she wasn't happy with her life and meeting him gave her the courage she needed to make a change. The second time they meet there's no denying the attraction they felt the first time and now with them both being free to explore it they take a chance. But when their past keeps inserting its way into their present, their old wounds could cause them to miss out on future happiness.
This is a story that I would definitely recommend to sports romance fans. It has great detail about hockey and time spent in the game atmosphere to truly give the sports feel. Mark and Stevie were both great characters who complemented each other perfectly and even if they didn't seem well suited on the surface, I could definitely see how perfect they were for each other long before the last word was read.
I hope there will be more books after this one. I would love to see Mark's team captain meet his match and get his own story.
March 15, 2018
5 WINNING GOAL STARS!! This Book will be one of my top picks for 2018. Talk about feels, this story has it all, I would find myself tingly and smiling all the way through. Mark is the perfect guy, athletic, sexy as sin, rich, sweet, but has some trust issues. Stevie is beautiful, natural, fun, but was in a long time relationship since high school. These two find each other and sparks fly and I loved watch their story be told. A.M. Johnson is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite authors. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
March 5, 2018
I absolutely loved this book!! I was captured from the beginning and could not put it down. Mark & Stevie take a chance on each other after suffering in previous relationships. I loved their instant attraction to each other.
Mark is a very down to earth guy and oh so swoon worthy. Stevie is adorable, caring and she just wants to have fun for a change.
It is such a beautifully written story and I will definitely read it again! You will love it too!!
Mark is a very down to earth guy and oh so swoon worthy. Stevie is adorable, caring and she just wants to have fun for a change.
It is such a beautifully written story and I will definitely read it again! You will love it too!!
June 17, 2019
DNF
The blurp is very promising. It seems like a romance where the heroine is older than the Hero. Listening into 60% of the audio book, I lost interest. The plot is all over the place. No focus. No depth in the content. I can not connect to the characters. Nothing work.
2 stars
The blurp is very promising. It seems like a romance where the heroine is older than the Hero. Listening into 60% of the audio book, I lost interest. The plot is all over the place. No focus. No depth in the content. I can not connect to the characters. Nothing work.
2 stars
April 18, 2018
Audiobook Review:
Overall 4.5*
Performance 5*
Story 4.5*
"Second chance at a second chance."
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Oh yes, for sure! I loved the story and Tracy and Aaron are perfect! They did a really terrific job giving life to Stevie and Mark. Aaron is a new-to-me narrator, but now that I've found him I'm going on a binge!
What did you like best about this story?
I had no idea going in that this was an older woman/younger man story, (one of my very favorite tropes), if I had I would have jumped on this book when it first released! I love when I find a book with this trope, and the woman doesn't spend the majority of it thinking she's not worthy of being with a younger man. Stevie may have been a little leery at first, especially after just getting out of her only relationship, but the age difference wasn't something that was treated as a major conflict between her and Mark. And that made me so happy!
Mark is such a sweet, swoon-worthy character! For someone his age, and in the profession he's in, he really had his act together. Playing around, having a different woman in his bed each night, while that may be what was expected of him, that's not the kind of guy he was. He wasn't interested in the bunnies, that wasn't the life he wanted. From the first moment he met Stevie he knew there was something special there.
I really liked that this was a sports romance that didn't skimp on the sports aspect of it, too!
Which scene was your favorite?
I really enjoyed Stevie and Mark's first meeting! There was so much chemistry between them, but because she was married they had to keep themselves in check. I liked that as much as Mark would have liked things to have gone a different direction, he respected Stevie and didn't push her. And then when they saw each other again after a year- I loved that Mark wasn't afraid of going right up to her, even as she sat at a table surrounded by a bunch of men he didn't know. A year later and that spark was still there between them.
Any additional comments?
Mark and Stevie were so perfect together! They both kind of brought each other back to life, after their respective break-ups. With Mark, Stevie was able to shine once again. She didn't have to hold herself back, or make herself into someone she wasn't, if that makes sense! And Mark, Stevie was just the woman for him. I love how much he adored her, even with his little lapse when he let his insecurities get to him.
Overall 4.5*
Performance 5*
Story 4.5*
"Second chance at a second chance."
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Oh yes, for sure! I loved the story and Tracy and Aaron are perfect! They did a really terrific job giving life to Stevie and Mark. Aaron is a new-to-me narrator, but now that I've found him I'm going on a binge!
What did you like best about this story?
I had no idea going in that this was an older woman/younger man story, (one of my very favorite tropes), if I had I would have jumped on this book when it first released! I love when I find a book with this trope, and the woman doesn't spend the majority of it thinking she's not worthy of being with a younger man. Stevie may have been a little leery at first, especially after just getting out of her only relationship, but the age difference wasn't something that was treated as a major conflict between her and Mark. And that made me so happy!
Mark is such a sweet, swoon-worthy character! For someone his age, and in the profession he's in, he really had his act together. Playing around, having a different woman in his bed each night, while that may be what was expected of him, that's not the kind of guy he was. He wasn't interested in the bunnies, that wasn't the life he wanted. From the first moment he met Stevie he knew there was something special there.
I really liked that this was a sports romance that didn't skimp on the sports aspect of it, too!
Which scene was your favorite?
I really enjoyed Stevie and Mark's first meeting! There was so much chemistry between them, but because she was married they had to keep themselves in check. I liked that as much as Mark would have liked things to have gone a different direction, he respected Stevie and didn't push her. And then when they saw each other again after a year- I loved that Mark wasn't afraid of going right up to her, even as she sat at a table surrounded by a bunch of men he didn't know. A year later and that spark was still there between them.
Any additional comments?
Mark and Stevie were so perfect together! They both kind of brought each other back to life, after their respective break-ups. With Mark, Stevie was able to shine once again. She didn't have to hold herself back, or make herself into someone she wasn't, if that makes sense! And Mark, Stevie was just the woman for him. I love how much he adored her, even with his little lapse when he let his insecurities get to him.
March 15, 2018
* ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
This is a sport romance. And what are sport romance famous for? An insanely good looking hero, right? Well guess what? Mark Comelo is more than that. Yes his body is perfect, but what is going to take your breath away is his heart.And here I thought is impossible to fall in love with a fictional character first for his heart and than for his body. But Mark is perfection. Just the way he is. Mark is beautiful inside and out. He will gain your heart with his little and so tender gestures as well as he will do it with his charm, sense of humour and loyalty. Why he is so ridiculously perfect? His sex appeal is Something else, because it gets all the masculinity requirements, but also his disarming innocence. He is a hockey champ. And a champion always fight for his goal. On the ice and outside the rink.
Stevie is beautiful. A very beautiful and bright woman who meet her real soulmate when she less expected to. Is the first time I read about a couple chemistry so real and so deep, but innocent too. Is the first time when she is older than him. An insignificant particularity, that made their relationship original Andi credibility tender, powerful and addictive.
Breakaway is like I heard means in hokey an instant when everything change. An instant made of hope and glory, adrenaline and luck, but for Stevie and Mark is the moment when their hearts locked, even if they couldn't be together from the first time. And when your heart find its perfect match, time and distance can do nothing against.
Breakaway is magically written. Is duo POV. But has an easy and silent way to flue through your veins. To hook your mind from the beginning, to worm your spirit and mell your heart. A.M Johnson is unique not only for her extraordinary talent, but also because she has a way to go straight to your heart with her stories, which is rare and true.
Last but not least, Breakaway will make you love hockey. Even if you are not a fan, Mark and ( Amanda aka the author) will make you change your mind. That's a sure thing.
This is a sport romance. And what are sport romance famous for? An insanely good looking hero, right? Well guess what? Mark Comelo is more than that. Yes his body is perfect, but what is going to take your breath away is his heart.And here I thought is impossible to fall in love with a fictional character first for his heart and than for his body. But Mark is perfection. Just the way he is. Mark is beautiful inside and out. He will gain your heart with his little and so tender gestures as well as he will do it with his charm, sense of humour and loyalty. Why he is so ridiculously perfect? His sex appeal is Something else, because it gets all the masculinity requirements, but also his disarming innocence. He is a hockey champ. And a champion always fight for his goal. On the ice and outside the rink.
Stevie is beautiful. A very beautiful and bright woman who meet her real soulmate when she less expected to. Is the first time I read about a couple chemistry so real and so deep, but innocent too. Is the first time when she is older than him. An insignificant particularity, that made their relationship original Andi credibility tender, powerful and addictive.
Breakaway is like I heard means in hokey an instant when everything change. An instant made of hope and glory, adrenaline and luck, but for Stevie and Mark is the moment when their hearts locked, even if they couldn't be together from the first time. And when your heart find its perfect match, time and distance can do nothing against.
Breakaway is magically written. Is duo POV. But has an easy and silent way to flue through your veins. To hook your mind from the beginning, to worm your spirit and mell your heart. A.M Johnson is unique not only for her extraordinary talent, but also because she has a way to go straight to your heart with her stories, which is rare and true.
Last but not least, Breakaway will make you love hockey. Even if you are not a fan, Mark and ( Amanda aka the author) will make you change your mind. That's a sure thing.
February 23, 2018
Captain
Verb
1. Be the captain of ( a ship, aircraft, or sports team).
Synonyms: command, run, be in charge of, control, manage, govern.
If Amanda was my captain I would follow her to the end of the earth, to hell and back, into the eye of the storm and into a five on three situation where the next goal is win or lose. A good captain does everything in their power to never let you down. A.M. has never let me down with her books and this one is no different. She will tell you herself this is a little different than her other books. It’s not as Angst filled or as dark but it’s just as beautiful. Some times as a reader you need something hopeful and light. Something that lets you just breathe. I loved a lot about this book and one of the things I loved was the whole crew minus ( Mia and Ben ugh). Mark and Stevie fit together seamlessly and page after page had me happily engaged in their love story. Bryson and Reagan were great secondary characters that were interesting enough for you to fall in love with them but not overpowering. Poppy was by far my favorite character anyone that is that much of a spitfire has a piece of my heart. The thing that I loved the most about this book was the fact that you could feel and hear the love and passion A.M. has for hockey. As a girl that loves hockey I will be the one that says it there is not enough hockey romances. There is football, baseball and soccer everywhere you turn. Not enough hockey, so I have to thank Amanda for a lighthearted, sweet and sexy read packed with hockey goodness. If your a little nervous because you have heard this isn’t like A.M.’s normal book do not live with the regret of not reading this because you don’t think you’ll like it. You will it’s the same old A.M. goodness just wrapped in in a different wrapping.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️/10
- The Unapologetic Romantic
Verb
1. Be the captain of ( a ship, aircraft, or sports team).
Synonyms: command, run, be in charge of, control, manage, govern.
If Amanda was my captain I would follow her to the end of the earth, to hell and back, into the eye of the storm and into a five on three situation where the next goal is win or lose. A good captain does everything in their power to never let you down. A.M. has never let me down with her books and this one is no different. She will tell you herself this is a little different than her other books. It’s not as Angst filled or as dark but it’s just as beautiful. Some times as a reader you need something hopeful and light. Something that lets you just breathe. I loved a lot about this book and one of the things I loved was the whole crew minus ( Mia and Ben ugh). Mark and Stevie fit together seamlessly and page after page had me happily engaged in their love story. Bryson and Reagan were great secondary characters that were interesting enough for you to fall in love with them but not overpowering. Poppy was by far my favorite character anyone that is that much of a spitfire has a piece of my heart. The thing that I loved the most about this book was the fact that you could feel and hear the love and passion A.M. has for hockey. As a girl that loves hockey I will be the one that says it there is not enough hockey romances. There is football, baseball and soccer everywhere you turn. Not enough hockey, so I have to thank Amanda for a lighthearted, sweet and sexy read packed with hockey goodness. If your a little nervous because you have heard this isn’t like A.M.’s normal book do not live with the regret of not reading this because you don’t think you’ll like it. You will it’s the same old A.M. goodness just wrapped in in a different wrapping.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️/10
- The Unapologetic Romantic
March 14, 2018
Breakaway, A Rule Book Novel, by A.M. Johnson was the first full-length book I read by this author and loved it. I am a huge fan of sport romances and second chance romance, so this was right up my alley!
Mark Carmelo is a star center for Tampa Bay’s hockey team and takes his role on the team very seriously. After a very public and bitter breakup, he is determined to focus on his game and put everything else to the side. I loved Mark. Though he was a very hot, sexy and famous hockey player, he was so caring and sweet.
Stevie West is recently divorced and finally out of a relationship that was going nowhere. She lost herself for the last few years and wants to start living again. She wants to find who she was and what she wants to be. She had a lot of insecurities about herself. She is a curvy woman and is not happy with her body. What I loved about her is that she seemed so real and honest. We could all be her and I just wanted to cheer her on!
When Mark and Stevie first meet it was not the right time, but when they meet again, could this finally be their chance? Mark is smitten by her and wants to see where they could go. He was just what she needed. He made her feel beautiful and cared for. I loved seeing their relationship blossom.
I really enjoyed Breakaway by A.M. Johnson, it had a little bit of everything. A touch of angst, hot off the pages chemistry, sweet romance and a great book boyfriend! It was a sweet romance that left me feeling happy and content.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Mark Carmelo is a star center for Tampa Bay’s hockey team and takes his role on the team very seriously. After a very public and bitter breakup, he is determined to focus on his game and put everything else to the side. I loved Mark. Though he was a very hot, sexy and famous hockey player, he was so caring and sweet.
Stevie West is recently divorced and finally out of a relationship that was going nowhere. She lost herself for the last few years and wants to start living again. She wants to find who she was and what she wants to be. She had a lot of insecurities about herself. She is a curvy woman and is not happy with her body. What I loved about her is that she seemed so real and honest. We could all be her and I just wanted to cheer her on!
When Mark and Stevie first meet it was not the right time, but when they meet again, could this finally be their chance? Mark is smitten by her and wants to see where they could go. He was just what she needed. He made her feel beautiful and cared for. I loved seeing their relationship blossom.
I really enjoyed Breakaway by A.M. Johnson, it had a little bit of everything. A touch of angst, hot off the pages chemistry, sweet romance and a great book boyfriend! It was a sweet romance that left me feeling happy and content.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
March 22, 2018
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book and have decided to leave a voluntary review. Breakaway happens to be one of favourite books by Amanda besides the still series. I loved Mark from start. I loved how he wasn't a man whore or into the puck bunnies Mark was just different. And loved how hockey was a huge part of his life besides his family. Mark was just amazing I couldn't help but want more and more of him. I couldn't help but hate Mia more and Mia she truly showed what kind of person she was. Stevie was a sweet girl and at first I thought she was reserved etc, wow was I wrong I loved how Mark brought out her true self. And I didn't like Ben at all. The way I look at it he had his chance and blew it. I would love more from Mark and Stevie and Bryson I so want his story.
July 12, 2018
It started off so well and then I lost all interest. Their initial meet is great, I liked their chemistry. As soon as they get together though, the entire story starts dragging. Nothing really happens and at the same time the style is oddly flowery and over-the-top. I'm surprised I actually finished it.
March 15, 2018
My first A.M. Johnson novel and boy was it gooooood!!! I was super excited to start it, because one, HOCKEY PLAYER, and two, J loves Johnson's work so I knew I was in for a treat.
I will state that I was nervous, because I don't like when the H is younger than the h, but my worry was quickly put to rest. Breakaway was written soooo well! I literally enjoyed every minute of it. It was also HOT! Get ready people! You’re gonna love it!
Mark Carmelo had his shit together. He was all alpha male, but also so damn sweet!!!! He wasn't arrogant. He was such a sweetheart, caring, loving, and funny. He loved his family and it was damn cute to see him interact with his niece. Mark was especially understanding with Stevie. He knew Stevie needed to be free and that her light should burn not snuffed out the way Ben had previously done to her.
"Start over. Fly free, do whatever you want, Stevie. You don't have to worry about that shit with me. I'll never censor you."
Stevie was such a kickass h. I usually feel indifferent when it comes to the h, but I actually really liked her. After dealing with her ex-husband who is an ass, it's time for Stevie to pick herself up and get back on the horse.
"I want messy, Mom. Even if it hurts. Mark makes me feel… I don't know… a little reckless, but he makes me feel safe, too. I don't have a plan… I just like him."
Their text messages were so damn cute! This whole story made my heart happy. It was high on the sweet and low on drama. Breakaway was great for a one sit read. Something to make you smile wide and pull on your heart strings a bit. I recommend reading it when it releases! What's better than a hockey player who blushes and a kickass chick who is discovering herself all over again after leaving her past life?
"Can I say, I fucking hate that you've ever felt less than real? You're beyond real. I know you were with him for a hell of a long time, but Stevie, you should get to feel everything, to have everything you want."
I will state that I was nervous, because I don't like when the H is younger than the h, but my worry was quickly put to rest. Breakaway was written soooo well! I literally enjoyed every minute of it. It was also HOT! Get ready people! You’re gonna love it!
Mark Carmelo had his shit together. He was all alpha male, but also so damn sweet!!!! He wasn't arrogant. He was such a sweetheart, caring, loving, and funny. He loved his family and it was damn cute to see him interact with his niece. Mark was especially understanding with Stevie. He knew Stevie needed to be free and that her light should burn not snuffed out the way Ben had previously done to her.
"Start over. Fly free, do whatever you want, Stevie. You don't have to worry about that shit with me. I'll never censor you."
Stevie was such a kickass h. I usually feel indifferent when it comes to the h, but I actually really liked her. After dealing with her ex-husband who is an ass, it's time for Stevie to pick herself up and get back on the horse.
"I want messy, Mom. Even if it hurts. Mark makes me feel… I don't know… a little reckless, but he makes me feel safe, too. I don't have a plan… I just like him."
Their text messages were so damn cute! This whole story made my heart happy. It was high on the sweet and low on drama. Breakaway was great for a one sit read. Something to make you smile wide and pull on your heart strings a bit. I recommend reading it when it releases! What's better than a hockey player who blushes and a kickass chick who is discovering herself all over again after leaving her past life?
"Can I say, I fucking hate that you've ever felt less than real? You're beyond real. I know you were with him for a hell of a long time, but Stevie, you should get to feel everything, to have everything you want."
March 14, 2018
Breakaway is a sweet hockey romance that will make your heart skate and your soul fly. It is the first book in what is promising to be a fantastic series from A.M. Johnson.
Stevie married her high school sweetheart and had been with him for thirteen years. She’s been a shell of the person that she was meant to be and finally made the decision to divorce. Newly moved back to her hometown, Stevie comes face to face to the man she met a year ago. The one who made her realize that her life could be more. And this man wants everything to do with her.
Mark is the star center for Tampa Bay. He’s been hurt in the past and is guarded but from the moment he met Stevie a year ago, he knew there was something about her he would never forget. Now that she’s back in his life and available, he makes it known what he wants. When her past catches up to her future, Mark is forced to relive some old feelings that could jeopardize the good thing they have going on. It’s up to them to see if they can get through the emotional battle thrown at them.
First and foremost, I must say that Mark is absolutely one of the sweetest and swoon worthy heroes from a sports romance story. One person does hold my top spot but Mark certainly gave it a good battle. From the second he meets Stevie, he lets her know how amazing she is and wants her to be free and happy.
I think my favorite part of it is the set up of all the supporting characters. I loved each and every one of them and I was left wanting to know all of their stories. And Poppy….yeah. I need her in my life ASAP.
Breakaway gives us a sweet and sexy romance with just the perfect balance of angst to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping faster. If you are looking for sweet and swoon-worthy, then Breakaway is for you!
Stevie married her high school sweetheart and had been with him for thirteen years. She’s been a shell of the person that she was meant to be and finally made the decision to divorce. Newly moved back to her hometown, Stevie comes face to face to the man she met a year ago. The one who made her realize that her life could be more. And this man wants everything to do with her.
Mark is the star center for Tampa Bay. He’s been hurt in the past and is guarded but from the moment he met Stevie a year ago, he knew there was something about her he would never forget. Now that she’s back in his life and available, he makes it known what he wants. When her past catches up to her future, Mark is forced to relive some old feelings that could jeopardize the good thing they have going on. It’s up to them to see if they can get through the emotional battle thrown at them.
First and foremost, I must say that Mark is absolutely one of the sweetest and swoon worthy heroes from a sports romance story. One person does hold my top spot but Mark certainly gave it a good battle. From the second he meets Stevie, he lets her know how amazing she is and wants her to be free and happy.
I think my favorite part of it is the set up of all the supporting characters. I loved each and every one of them and I was left wanting to know all of their stories. And Poppy….yeah. I need her in my life ASAP.
Breakaway gives us a sweet and sexy romance with just the perfect balance of angst to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping faster. If you are looking for sweet and swoon-worthy, then Breakaway is for you!
March 15, 2018
OBSESSED!!!
I am a HUGE fan of A.M. Johnson's words and this book did not disappoint. Stevie has to be one of my absolute favorite female characters I've read to date. Her story is one that many of us can relate to and it just clicks. Bring Mark into the picture and that's when I remind myself why I love reading romance.
A.M. Johnson always has a way of grabbing onto your heart and never letting go.
This book is different from all her others. It's light and heartfelt and leaves you with all these warm fuzzy feelings.
Definitely a must read!! I know this book will be a must on my re-read list!
I am a HUGE fan of A.M. Johnson's words and this book did not disappoint. Stevie has to be one of my absolute favorite female characters I've read to date. Her story is one that many of us can relate to and it just clicks. Bring Mark into the picture and that's when I remind myself why I love reading romance.
A.M. Johnson always has a way of grabbing onto your heart and never letting go.
This book is different from all her others. It's light and heartfelt and leaves you with all these warm fuzzy feelings.
Definitely a must read!! I know this book will be a must on my re-read list!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews