Clean Break

Farm College #2

by Erin McLellan

Connor’s To-Do
• Learn to accept my future on the family farm
• Be social, to a degree
• Make a secret bucket list
• Have a real conversation with Travis Bradford

Travis’s To-Do
• Get into my top law school
• Get the hell out of Elkville, Oklahoma
• Stay focused on my dreams and goals—no crushes, no distractions
• Get spanked by hot and perfectly fussy farm boy, Connor Blume

Travis and Connor do not like each other, but after being paired together in Entomology 101, their mutual hostility explodes into secret after-class hookups and unexpected feelings. With graduation looming near and their careers taking them in different directions, they’ll have to decide if a future together is worth adjusting their to-do lists and letting go of their carefully laid plans.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, New Adult, College, Contemporary Romance

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2019

About the author

Erin McLellan is the author of the Farm College, So Over the Holidays, and Storm Chasers series. She enjoys writing happily ever afters that are earthy, emotional, quirky, humorous, and very sexy. Originally from Oklahoma, she currently lives in Alaska and spends her time dreaming up queer contemporary romances. She is a lover of chocolate, college sports, antiquing, Dr Pepper, and binge-worthy TV shows.

Reviews

[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gif literally sums up my experience with this book:



Super bummed this wasn't a hit out of the park for me since I've been wishing for it since Controlled Burn. I mean... kink, enemies to lovers, ginger MC, virgin, big guy bottoming, Erin McLellan...



I might be defective. Any chance for a new model? I digress. Anyhoo, no use crying over spilled milk and all that.

In no way does my mediocre response to this book diminish my respect for this author nor will it prevent me from reading more from her in the future. Her writing is as solid as ever. Both characters are three-dimensional, well constructed and sympathetic, in their own ways.

They have chemistry and spine-tinglingly kinky sex with spanking, mild D/s and a teensy bit of breath play.

My problem was Travis and this conflict. The basic formula is much the same as Controlled Burn which completely and utterly worked for me, but this, while plausible, didn't get under my skin the way Joel and Paulie's journey did. Mostly because the conflict is external rather than internal.

The central conflict is they have divergent paths after graduation which is looming thus they have an expiration date. Totally believable. Sort of. Until you listen to Connor for about 2.5 seconds. Which then dovetailed into Travis's perspective making me want to staple things to him. He's the one that devises this fuck buddy relationship yet he repeatedly initiates intimacy, asks Connor to be vulnerable which he does and lays himself bare for Travis whereas Travis gives virtually nothing of himself then repeatedly ices Connor out.

So the power differential was lopsided from early on which I didn't love and came with the added bonus of Travis getting Connor to disclose how all consuming his anxiety and OCD are; that they cause him to spin everything into being his fault somehow. Which made reading Connor's POV a special version of hell and Travis' increasingly distressing as it was akin to kicking a puppy. At one point I found myself talking aloud to my kindle asking Travis to please stop kicking the puppy.



He is aware that what he's doing to Connor is hurting him and in his defense he does berate himself for it but he continues to do it anyway! Ostensibly so he can protect himself from falling ass over teakettle for him. Lookit, I sympathize with safeguarding one's heart but at a certain point doesn't it become imperative to use words to explain this rather than... not? Especially when you care for the other person? Unfortunately, this went on and on sapping all my happy. They part ways for a time and ultimately (in the last chapter! 😩) they reunite. The epilogue, though glorious, just wasn't enough to make up for all that puppy kicking for me.

But I seem to be in the minority judging from other ratings on GR so I would encourage anyone interested to read those reviews too. As always, my opinions are my own so YMMV.



A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the Farm College series by Erin McLellan (Controlled Burn), and I think that Clean Break was a great follow-up. If you liked the angst and intensity in the first book, Clean Break will be right up your alley.

I love how Erin McLellan always makes me feel these deep emotions, for better or for worse. She isn't an author that makes me feel "meh" about anything. Clean Break was emotional and powerful, and I really dug that. I'm not a fan of drama usually, but I liked the back-and-forth and drama with this one, as it just made sense with the story.

Clean Break also had some nice kinky moments, though I wouldn't call it a BDSM story. It's more like a vanilla relationship with lots of spanking and some light restraints as a bonus (natch). The spanking was hot and right in line with the level of impact play that I feel comfortable with, so it was very fitting with my tastes.

I adored the fact that we got a POC MC and a second MC with anxiety and OCD. I love diverse, interesting characters, and we really got that with this story. Plus, we get snark and banter for daaaaays, and that's automatic bonus points for me.

The drama at the end tested my patience, but the story was 100% satisfying. I got my emotional fix for the week, and I can't wait for more in this series.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 BIG stars

So soooo much feelings in this read.

I know the following lists are in the blurb but they are of importance !!

Connor’s To-Do List:
Learn to accept my future on the family farm
Be social, to a degree
Make a secret bucket list
Have a real conversation with Travis Bradford

Travis’s To-Do List:
Get into my top law school
Get the hell out of Elkville, Oklahoma
Stay focused on my dreams and goals—no crushes, no distractions
Get spanked by hot and perfectly fussy farm boy, Connor Blume

~~~

Travis hates Connor for over more than a year. Connor said something horrible when Travis had his dick in his hand. And here they are, sitting in the same college class, forced to a be in a project together.

Connor is shy, has anxiety and OCD, sometimes this makes him lock up and freeze. Connor makes to-do and bucket lists, it gives him some order and purpose. His family expect him to take over the family business and Connor doesn’t know how to tell them this isn’t what he wants for his future.

“He’d only broken my ridiculously easy-to-break heart last year,”

Hateful comments coming from Travis mouth toward Connor. They take their anger out on each other by kissing in the storage-closet at school.
Okey Connor was adorable and Travis was an adorable brat. After kissing they take it a step further. Travis only wants to be friends with benefits, but the thing between them says something else.

Travis is very conflicted about his growing feelings for Connor. He is fighting it hard. He can’t feel because he has to leave town.
Connor is stuck in Elkville and Travis has big plans and Elkville in not involved in any of those.


Something incredible intense is growing between them and Connor wants nothing more than to be with Travis. Travis can’t... just can’t commit. It’s heartbreaking, devastating to watch.
They hurt each other being so close. This has to end!

This story was something special, really special! Travis and Connor were one of a kind.
I loved them both hard, they were beautifully developed, with their own special characteristics. You can only love them for who they are and why they make their decisions.

The way of writing made me delirious, it was intoxicating and addictive, it kept me in its spell.
The pace was wonderful perfect, no rush and no stalling. The hurt and comfort so palpable.
Their sexy scenes in the storage-closet, bedroom or wherever were breathtaking and their lovemaking was sexy, steamy and so insanely intense.
The whole story was extremely captivating and an absolute must read!
I didn’t wanted this story to end. I couldn’t say goodbye to Travis and Connor.

Highly recommended

[.Lili. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved Clean Break by Erin McLellan. This book made me feel. You know those books that make your heart pitter putter and make you out down your Kindle, and you take a deep breath because of all the emotions you're feeling? You will experience that with this book.

Clean Break is about two college students coming to the end of their college studies and the beginning of their careers. Unfortunately, what do you when the person you're falling for isn't headed in the same direction as you?

Highlights:

-The cover. I'm a cover whore, and that cover grabbed my attention right off.

-Interracial couple. Being in an interracial relationship myself- I love reading about them.

-Bisexual rep.

-Great characters. Connor and Travis that felt like real people, they were relatable, and experienced character growth throughout the story.

-The pace of the story was per. fect.

-Kink lite: some spankings and light restraints.

-As a lover of New Adult romance, I appreciated that there was no unnecessary family drama. Sometimes authors through everything under the kitchen sink they can to add angst to New Adult stories.

-I enjoyed the pull and push. It made sense for them, and it just added this layer of delicious angst to the story.

-And the end was satisfying; it just made me happy.

You guys, I can't recommend this enough. Clean Break made me giddy. Erin McLellan is a new to me author, and you better believe I headed to Amazon and bought the first book so I can sink into it.

[Teal]

The writing just didn't click for me. I can't explain why. It's technically competent. There's just no spark, nothing to engage my emotions and make me care about either of the MCs. Oh well. Wish I could be more helpful. All I can say is, YMMV.

[Elsa Bravante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un NA con una pareja absolutamente adorable. Recomendable.

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I strongly suggest reading Controlled Burn before this one. Paulie and Joel and other characters pop up in this book. Joel more so, because he's Travis' roommate, and Paulie is practically living there.

Connor is a townie. His family is in the farming business, and he will take it over from his parents once he graduates, which is 3 months away. The poor guy has OCD, he's really particular. And he also has anxiety issues. (I thought those two go hand in hand usually, but apparently not every time). He is shy and uncertain and a bit aloof. He's the kind of guy who always writes to-do lists, and makes a spreadsheet for everything. Because that is how he can be in control. And with Travis he can be bossy, he is able to let go.

Travis is a bit quirky, almost Connor's opposite.

"The only reason I was taking Entomology 101 was because the teacher, Dr. Greer—who was total Daddy goals—had told me it would be fun."

He hated Connor at first because he thought he was a douche for what happened last semester.

"I legit hated him. Everything about him. From his auburn hair to his powerful thighs to his choice of vending machine snack. He sucked."

But he misjudged Connor, he didn't know about the OCD. Somehow they found themselves in a closet on campus kissing the fuck out of each other. And there is a lot of kissing in this book.

A lot of exploring. Because of Connor's OCD, there is some stuff he never liked doing, so they try a few things. And it turns out to be really kinky.

From the beginning they knew it couldn't work between them, because they had different career paths, and the distance would break them apart. So I expected what would happen.

"Past me: had a huge crush on him. Current me: was making out with him in a closet like a teenager. Future me: was going to have nothing to do with him, since I was going to have nothing to do with Elkville, Oklahoma in less than three months"

Travis broke my heart. He decided to hide his true feelings from Connor, in order to protect him, and of course Connor thought his feelings were not reciprocated. Connor needed to work through some personal stuff, so they could work out their relationship.

"It’s always been assumed that I’d step into the family businesses. It seems like it was decided for me before I was old enough to have an opinion. But I’m not sure it’s what I want.” Dr. Greer’s head tipped back slightly. “Ah, I see. What would you like to do instead?”
“I have no idea.” That was the worst part of this whole thing. I didn’t have an alternative."

I really liked this book. They were up to some kinky stuff: spanking and breath play. Breath play would have deserved more than half a chapter right at the end, just after they got back together, after months of not seeing each other. I would have liked more exploring in that direction. I also found the ending a bit choppy and rushed. But I loooved when Travis finally let the tears flow. ;(
Overall, this was great!

Warning: There is a few months of separation between the MC's. I know someone does not like that.

And Alex needs a book too. :)

[L.J. Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍😍😍😍😭😭😍

ARC given by the wonderful author. 💜💜💜

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Clean Break is the follow-up to McLellan’s Controlled Burn, which was a book I highly enjoyed. Travis was a side character in that story as he was Joel’s roommate and he made enough of an impression on me to mention him in my review of that book. But it has been almost two years since I have read that book, and Travis was no longer at the forefront of my reading thoughts. Yet the first-person narrative here quickly brought Travis back onto my radar.

Travis and Connor don’t like each other much as the story opens. They are also a study in contrasts. Connor grew up on a farm and is expected to take over and his OCD can control him some days. He also has less experience with men, but is willing to try lots of things to be with Travis. Travis wants to hate Connor. He thinks he really does, but when he’s not raging over their failed hook-up, Travis knows that Connor settles something inside of him.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked seeing Joel and Paulie from book one so much in this. I really loved that book. This one though was just ok for me. It was well written but the couple drove me nuts. The entire book was this non-stop back and forth. We can't be together. Then they got together. Then "We can't be together". On and on it went until I had no more patience for them. I think a lot of their drama was age appropriate and happens to a lot of young 20's, still in college, etc people but I've passed that stage in my life and have little patience for it, even in books. I will say that they sex scenes were stellar. Really well done kink.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe how much I loved this story. Yes, I loved the first book, but I thought it must be a fluke and there was no way I'd like this. But the characters were wonderful and their chemistry, i.e., love-hate relationship, was perfect. From the moment they met and poor OCD, tongue-tied Connor accidentally insulted Travis (who we met in book one -- Paulie's roommate) to the moment they are assigned as a study pair for their course on bugs...well, entomology. And then they found the 4th floor janitorial closet after class and that became "their" closet and kissing became "amazing" and Connor, whose OCD doesn't like germs in his mouth, realizes kissing is a whole mother matter.

There's even a bit of kink--when Connor discovers he likes to hold Travis down and when Travis discovers he loves having Connor pin him to the mattress or to the wall of "their" closet. It's not OTT, just right, like Goldilocks would say.

I laughed, I cried, and everything in between. Their relationship was a slow burn, and yet it had an expiration date because no way was Travis staying in this town and no way could Connor disappoint his family by not taking over the family business in this hick town.

These formulas/tropes shouldn't work. I should have been done with reading those stories but Erin McLellan infused life between these pages. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking. In short, I am so thankful I read this. I needed this book this week. And, of course, I highly recommend it. In fact, read book one too. You won't be disappointed.

[Lori¸¸¸.•*❀Ɍɛɑɗs̱LɪƙɛIʈs̱H̱ɛɍJɔɓ 유❤유 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Erin McLellan has style and voice that calls to me. Her hurt/comfort makes my heart hurt. I was so impressed with the characters in this book. Although flawed, they were fully capable adults (albeit young) with fully functional emotions even if Travis didn't express his well. He and Connor were so sweet and honestly just good people.

I would love to read more about some of the side characters but I am not sure what she has planned.

[Tolk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I loved Travis' and Connor's story because their struggle felt so real. I especially liked how emotional they were. And their friends were awesome.
There were a few tiny details that interrupted my reading flow, which is why the book does not get the full 5 stars it would have deserved otherwise.

[Antisocial Recluse · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Travis was Joel’s friend and roommate in book one and Connor was his cowboy crush. Connor gave Travis the wrong impression during an attempted hookup and a year later they’re still at odds. Being paired up in a class changes everything. I felt like it took me a really long time to get through this. I really shouldn’t have tried an NA type of book but thought since they were seniors it would probably work. There is nothing wrong with the story about young, college-age men being really smart and ambitious but emotionally stupid and non-communicative because they *are* young, college-age men. I simply had a hard time relating to it enough to become absorbed in the story. Travis was kind of a jerk but then again, Connor isn’t quite honest enough. The characters are drawn well, as are their friends and family. The plot works, with nothing overblown or excessively dramatic, except maybe the characters spend too much time in a literal closet. It’s good, just wasn’t the best personal choice to read.

*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*

[Jess Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Erin McLellan, so I went into this with no expectations. This absolutely blew me away. I would consider this a slow-burn, and BURN it did. Connor & Travis' chemistry was off-the-charts and palpable. I felt every moment of the delicious push and pull, frustration, and indecision. I also felt the building love that they worked so hard to keep under wraps.

There was a mild kinky aspect and power exchange that I really enjoyed. It was very well done, and I don't think it would put readers off that generally steer away from kink.

Snark and banter always flips a big switch for me, and all of the characters nailed it.

Finally, the psychological aspect was brilliantly written. Connor was such a dynamic and multi-layered character and we got to see every little piece exposed. Travis didn't have the same psychological hang-ups, but he struggled with his own mental obstacles.

Expectations tend to be my enemy, so hopefully when I now read EVERYTHING THIS AUTHOR HAS EVER WRITTEN, I won't set impossible standards. 5+ stars.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin McLellan's Clean Break is the second in the Farm College series. After loving book one, Controlled Burn, I was super excited to dive into this one.

And I love it! Travis and Connor are two complicated young men who are struggling with their feelings, their futures, and a major case of OCD.

Travis and Connor start as acquaintances who have some animosity between them. As they work together in class, they decide to pursue their mutual attraction.

Connor's struggling with his future, as he's been destined to run his family farm since birth. Never given a choice in the matter, he's unable to pursue his own dreams.

As for the relationship, they start off as make-out buddies, and as time goes on, it evolves to more, for both their bodies, minds, and hearts. Unfortunately their futures don't mesh.

I enjoy the author's writing style, as well as her storylines, which take place in that all too important time in our lives, college to adulthood. I love the writing style, as well as the flow and tone.

Clean Break is an amazing tale with a whole lot of sexual tension and attraction. It's an emotional ride as they progress from make out buddies to more. And there's some kink involved, with a spectacular spanking scene.

Their relationship consists of lots of awkward moments, which are superbly written and very naturally fit. They have to deal with fears, doubts, and insecurities, as well as boundaries and mental issues. They struggle with secrecy and sneaking around.

The OCD is superbly written, with a whole lot of knowledge, compassion, and care. I could the pain and suffering in every fiber of my being, as one of the men struggles with his obsessions. Knowing people who suffer immensely from this, my heart broke for him.

One of my favorite lines is "...my invisible backpack feels a lot lighter around you." Cue swooning!


Clean Break is a beautiful story of dealing with one's predestined gals aren't in alignment with ones own dreams.

[K.R. Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 4

Just Incredible!! Something very special about this story and its characters!!

An unlikely pairing with so much depth, heart and a (fair) bit of baggage to make it interesting. Erin has created the perfect pair who fight against the odds of their somewhat ‘predestined’ lives to find their way to be together. I loved Travis and Connor!!

Erin’s writing is filled with so much heart and character it’s so easy to read and draws you into her world of love and lust right from the start. I found these characters so dynamic and real, I just wanted to hug them!! Travis is confident in what he wants and how his life (goals) will turn out, but Connor throws him off his game. Connor is adorable, quirky and deep and his smiles and laughter was a treasure to read. He battles his OCD and anxiety daily and Erin’s writing was so true and compassionate to these conditions and she wrote with such care I could feel Connor’s troubles as well as his progress and healing.

Travis and Connor will hold a place in my heart for a while and I loved reading such a meaningful book with such depth and passion. I loved it!!

Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚

[Carol (bookish_notes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted on my blog.

It really shouldn't be any surprise that I just absolutely love Erin McLellan's books? There's a common theme in that they're so heartfelt and there's something about the characters that always makes you fall in love with them almost the instant you meet them. Travis and Connor in Clean Break are no different. This is a New Adult novel that takes place in college.

I've loved Travis since Controlled Burn. Travis is Black, wears glasses, and loves getting spanked. Connor looks like a sterotypical cowboy, but is actually a very anxious bisexual with OCD and finds Travis very attractive. And now that I think about it Connor is very much a disaster bi.

My day had been going exactly as planned. I’d walked to all of my classrooms yesterday, so I knew the most efficient route to each. I’d woken up with enough time to iron my shirt and still get to my first class early. And I’d remembered quarters, so I could get a snack before said class started.

Travis and Connor have met before, but had gotten off on the wrong foot. Which leaves Travis disliking and assuming terrible things about Connor, and leaves Connor very flustered. When they meet again in an entomology class and paired off as partners, it leads to some very interesting developments between the two. (And by interesting, I mean a LOT of hot make-out sessions in the closet). Also, I really love how Erin McLellan writes CONSENT into her stories and it's so effortless and SEXY.

I find Connor a bit of a contradiction. He's shy about a lot of things. But when it comes to Travis, he's not afraid of letting go his daily anxieties, taking authority, and doing what he wants. I love that he takes Travis by surprise a lot. THEY'RE JUST REALLY ADORABLE.

The biggest kink (HA!) in their relationship is that Connor's prospects after college is to take over his parent's farm. It's not something he wants to do, but feels that he must. That means that he's never leaving town, while Travis has big plans for the future. He wants to go to law school out-of-state and go do his dream job. There's just something to real about their conflicts. It's not the end of the world, but something close to it. Everyone is on a different path out of college, and some friends you never see or hear from again. And developing a relationship with all the feelings attached in your last semester of your senior year? A recipe for disaster when Travis and Connor's paths are so different.

"I want to be in his orbit for as long as possible before his life takes him somewhere awesome and exciting."

I love Travis and Connor and this book just hit me in the feels. Admittedly, I could’ve done without the pet cockroach assignment even though nothing BAD happens. I was worried that one was going to escape from its confines while Travis and Connor were having sex, but thankfully that does NOT happen. But I do wondering what DOES the professor do with all of them at the end of the semester when the students turn them back in? A NIGHTMARE SCENARIO. I did like the names Travis came up with, because YAY, Shakespeare.

It was really lovely seeing Joel and Paulie again and meeting lovely families who are just incredibly supportive of their queer sons and so kind. <3 This book made me cry. It's not even particularly super angsty or anything, but the potential heartbreak got me really sad and that just did me in. And then I went from crying because everything was sad and bleak to crying happy tears because OF COURSE everything turns out okay and Travis and Connor get their HEA. But really, I was a blubbering mess at the end. I highly recommend this book. <3

***Thanks to the A Novel Take PR for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review***

[Erica Chilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

4 Stars

Clean Break is the second installment in the Farm College series, and can easily be read independently as a standalone with little to no confusion. However, there is a crossover from the first novel, where the reader gets to enjoy seeing more of Joel and Paulie. This won't be confusing to new readers, but will be an added bonus for returning ones.

What I want to applaud Erin McLellan over is the balance. Opposites attract, playing to their strengths and weaknesses, and I don't just mean in relationships. I felt the author worked hard to balance all the plot points and character traits, to create a story that balanced into something believable.

I'd list this as new-adult, since Connor and Travis are college seniors. Even though they are already adults, they're about to leave the protective nest of college. In a way, there are coming-of-age aspects, as they struggle with what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Connor was conflicted about the future, while Travis welcomed it with open arms. What I adore about reading a novel on the cusp of change is that we've all been there, able to understand and empathize, because change can be as thrilling as it is terrifying.

Clean break pulled the emotions out of me, which isn't something easy to do. I 'felt' the characters to the point they resonated with me, which had me reading the novel as quickly as possible to see where it would all lead. Connor especially, because of his anxiety.

Banter and slow-burn are two of my favorite yummy plot devices, but added to that was the off-the-charts steam, as power-exchange was explored. This wasn't a large portion of the novel, but I appreciated how the author didn't muck it up, allowing it to feel natural instead of tossed in for titillation factor.

Trying to avoid spoilers... I adored Controlled Burn (the first in the series), easily passing out a rare 5-star rating. Even though I was entertained by Clean Break, and fell hard for Connor and Travis, I'm not much on unnecessary drama, so that took a bit of the entertainment factor away from the story for me.

Highly recommend this series to MM Romance fans, and am definitely looking forward to more in the future.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is a sexy - and very angsty new adult romance. College seniors Connor and Travis know their lives will take them in very different directions after graduation but neither is able to resist the attraction that pulls them together.

I love both the men in this story. Farm boy Connor is awkward, anxious and he struggles with OCD. He’s also struggling with the future that has been set out for him from birth and the weight of his family responsibilities. Travis is passionate, driven and funny. Where Connor is anxious about life after graduation, Travis can’t wait to start the next chapter in his life. The tension between Travis and Connor as they try to resist a relationship that can’t possibly have a future is wonderful. They’re an odd match but their friendship is wonderful and the sexual connection between them is crazy hot.

This is a steamy, playfully kinky read. It’s also a story about adulting and the existential angst that comes with it. The author balances the two sides to this story well. I personally preferred the lighter moments where Travis and Connor enjoy their friends, build a beautiful friendship and explore their sexuality. I love that this book avoids BDSM cliches while allowing Travis and Connor to explore their kinks in a natural way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to more books about the kids at Farm College.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Travis and Connor are opposites. Travis is creative and outgoing, Connor is reserved and exacting. After a false start Travis and Connor keep ending up kissing in a school closet. Being in senior year and with them both going in different directions after graduation, Travis insists that they not be boyfriends or get emotionally involved. Travis’ mind, however, does not agree with either of their hearts.

This story starts out as a college romance which is fun, playful and sexy and over time becomes so much more. Through the discovery that Travis and Connor are perfectly compatible in the bedroom to cuddles and stories, the emotions build up bit by bit until they are totally overwhelming. The further into the story I got the more it pulled at my heart strings and I found myself reading on the train on my trip to work, tears in my eyes, struggling to hold back sobs.

Clean Break is fabulous love story. Sometimes new adult stories miss the mark for me but this was spot on. It captured the fun of being young and discovering the world and love, of having everything exciting ahead of you, or in Connor’s case the weight of others expectations pressing down on you, the way that every decision seems so big and where you worry a mis-step is the end of the world. The author got this story just right and it was an absolute pleasure to read.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the second book in the series, and although we get to see more of Joel and Paulie’s relationship from book 1, you could read this and have a really good read as a stand-alone.

Connor and Travis have a past … a brief, painful encounter due to a badly phrased comment by Connor. However, the attraction has not passed, and both of them are counting down the months, and days to college ending and their unexpectedly seeing each other being over. Of course that would make for a very short story … so instead they are in a class together and due to their surnames both beginning with B, they are now partners.

I love this start to the book, and the tension which is raised every time they interact. We just know that this is going to be explosive when they finally give in – but just how they are going to overcome obstacle upon obstacle is something that is revealed in a deliciously slow and slightly tortuous fashion. I enjoyed the class they had together, and it was a very clever way of getting them to spend time together when they got a different insight into how each of them ticked. They certainly had very polarised views, but at the same time were prepared to compromise to be together – even whilst fighting the very idea!

Thank you Erin McLellan for a very good read.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads

This book can be read as a stand alone, however we do see characters from the previous book in the series. Connor and Travis have that sizzling off the chart chemistry. The slow burn was just right, it wasn't too slow that made you scream hurry up already!!! The back and forth banter was great, it made me really fall in love with this two, it made the relationship seem like something you'd see in real life. We have all had a to-do list at one point and we all know that sometimes what is on list isn't always what happens and sometimes that is a-ok. Great addition to the series.

[Paula´s Brief Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

La historia me gustó mas que la del primer libro, pero los MC menos. Otra lectura fácil para cuando no tienes ganas de pensar mucho.

[Kobie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Feels boring and kissing in the closet more than once is just weird.

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 shiny stars from me 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Another well-written story from Erin. Loved Connor...Travis I alternately wanted to strangle and then hug. By the time he'd worked out that he wanted more [much more] from Connor with his OCD and quirks, he'd already broken poor Connor's heart. And then when Connor forced his hand, he couldn't back down on his decision to run to Oklahoma City and become a lawyer at a non-profit, believing that Connor would be stuck running his family's farm operation in Elkville 🚜. Well, sometimes things don't always work out like you want them to....

Nice catching up with Joel and Paulie from Controlled Burn, and I'd love a story about Lena [Connor's sister].

[Kendra T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really affected me. My heart felt so much for Connor while I read this. I liked Travis also, but watching Connor struggle and work though his feelings and OCD really hurt my heart. I never full out sobbed, but I had a solid amount of time with tears just swimming in my eyes threatening to fall.

Travis and Connor fell for each other in their senior year of college while knowing they each had different future plans. There was a fair bit of angst in this while they figured things out, but it was so beautiful when they finally got things figured out.

I really loved this.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services

[Robin Barletta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t feel quite as strongly for this book as I did for the first book. I liked snarky Travis and the details around Connor’s OCD worked well. They had a strong connection and fun banter. But the angst in this didn’t feel earned. Eventually it just felt like Travis was reaching too hard for a reason that their relationship wouldn’t work after they graduated college, making assumptions about Connor’s future employment plans instead of just talking to him. Sometimes it’s understandable why a character wouldn’t want to have a vulnerable conversation but in this case it seemed like their obvious feelings for each other would outweigh that.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the first Farm College book (although now it's moved to the top of my to-reads), but Clean Break is so easy to sink into without prior knowledge of the universe. Usually in a standard dual-POV romance, I end up preferring one perspective over the other, but I loved being in both Travis and Connor's heads so much. Slight edge to Connor because his anxiety and mental space resonated with my own experiences so much, but Travis's snark and English-major jokes were great to read too. A sweet, funny, sexy college story.

[Xan]

DNF at 8% because I cannot root for this pair given the cause of their Big Misunderstanding leading to the enemies part of the enemies to lovers trope at the center of the book. It seems that one of the MCs was trying out new consent and sexual negotiation skills during a sexual encounter and said no to a kiss with perhaps less than perfect grace, leading the other MC to conclude he was closeted and self hating and create enmity forever. And the way he tries to clear this misunderstanding up is of course by kissing him, the very thing he said no to earlier on.