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Breaking Free: Breaking Free Duet Book #1

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Cole has found himself in many situations he shouldn't have been in. The last one landed him in prison. With his ego, tattoos, and backwards hat, he fits the classic scrub persona. But now that he's back out in the world, he is committed to making something of himself. This is his second chance and he refuses to waste it. Brooke Hartford isn't your typical parole officer. With her attitude, and an endless number of unattractive pantsuits, she comes across as abrasive and unapproachable. Yet, hidden beneath her harsh day-to-day exterior is the body of a goddess and the heart of a woman searching for a good man. As Cole tries to win her over, Brooke attempts to keep their relationship professional, only seeing the ex-con, not the man he has become. She doesn't get involved with her parolees. Ever. No matter how attracted she might be. But Cole is determined to make her see the new and improved him.How can Brooke risk everything on one of her parolees? Could Cole and the possibility of love be worth it?

248 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2019

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37 people want to read

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J.L. Davis

7 books220 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Crystal.
569 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2019
Title: Breaking Free
Author: J. L. Davis
Genre: Contemporary Suspense Romance
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
First let me say this book is book one in a duet and does end in a cliffhanger. Second, be prepared to be bored for a little for a bit. I don't really know exactly how long but almost the first 40% drove me nuts. The writing was just there. No real emotion at all. Cole was released from jail, needed to find a job, get his life in order, he just made a mistake and hated being seen as a felon. He really didn't think about his parole officer as a woman at all until he saw her body in workout clothes and not pantsuits. On the flipside she had the hots for him from the jump but didn't want to endanger her job. Nothing was written with feeling. It was bland and dry. You couldn't sink into the story. When the story finally heats up and things get interesting the book ends.

This could be a great story. There is really a lot of role reversal going on and stereotyping. I really like that and would like to see it explored. The best friend Mya to me is an odd character and is brought forth in such a way that she may play a very important role in the book duet and i would like to know more about her and see how she fits in with all of this.

In the next book I would like to see more depth from the author. As I said right when we get the depth, the emotions, the book ended.

As to heat...it was ok. Nothing to write home about. There is a scene where he brings out a paddle but I didn't read if he ever used it. Boo hoo. Don't tease. Lol. I would like to know what happens in the alleyway.
Profile Image for Becky Dodson.
261 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2019
This is the first time I've read a book involving a love affair between a parole officer and a criminal. Brooke has never crossed the line that gets crossed when she and Cole meet after he's released from prison. They have undeniable chemistry but what will happen if things go further? Ends on a cliffhanger!
2,617 reviews25 followers
May 22, 2019
this book was really great! he has served his time after a mistake landed him in prison. now he has a parole officer who is very hot. she takes her job seriously and has no time for romance. something happens that could change her mind . read to find out what happens.
Profile Image for Crystal.
569 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2019
Title: Breaking Free
Author: J. L. Davis
Genre: Contemporary Suspense Romance
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
First let me say this book is book one in a duet and does end in a cliffhanger. Second, be prepared to be bored for a little for a bit. I don't really know exactly how long but almost the first 40% drove me nuts. The writing was just there. No real emotion at all. Cole was released from jail, needed to find a job, get his life in order, he just made a mistake and hated being seen as a felon. He really didn't think about his parole officer as a woman at all until he saw her body in workout clothes and not pantsuits. On the flipside she had the hots for him from the jump but didn't want to endanger her job. Nothing was written with feeling. It was bland and dry. You couldn't sink into the story. When the story finally heats up and things get interesting the book ends.

This could be a great story. There is really a lot of role reversal going on and stereotyping. I really like that and would like to see it explored. The best friend Mya to me is an odd character and is brought forth in such a way that she may play a very important role in the book duet and i would like to know more about her and see how she fits in with all of this.

In the next book I would like to see more depth from the author. As I said right when we get the depth, the emotions, the book ended.

As to heat...it was ok. Nothing to write home about. There is a scene where he brings out a paddle but I didn't read if he ever used it. Boo hoo. Don't tease. Lol. I would like to know what happens in the alleyway.
Profile Image for Debbie.
482 reviews
May 2, 2019
Brooke is a kickass parole officer, she doesn’t take any nonsense from her parolees, and has a reputation in prison that grown men fear her!

Cole is a parolee who is assigned to Brooke, he served 2 years of his sentence and now has 36 months until he is totally free!

When he arrives at Brooke’s office for his first meeting, there is definitely an attraction, but she won’t act on it due to her job and neither will he for fear of going back inside!
When she does a home visit and catches him with his trousers down - literally - the fight is harder than they both think!

What starts is a forbidden relationship that could have serious consequences for them both, but they decide sneaking around and having weekends away together is worth it!

Brooke realises that she needs to make changes in her life to enable them to be together, she tells her parents about the first change and neither are very happy, but when she takes Cole to meet them a week later, they walk in on part of her past she thought she would never see again - her ex boyfriend!

There’s more to this story but you will have to wait for book 2!

This was a good read and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Profile Image for Debbie.
482 reviews
May 29, 2019
Brooke is a kickass parole officer, she doesn’t take any nonsense from her parolees, and has a reputation in prison that grown men fear her!

Cole is a parolee who is assigned to Brooke, he served 2 years of his sentence and now has 36 months until he is totally free!

When he arrives at Brooke’s office for his first meeting, there is definitely an attraction, but she won’t act on it due to her job and neither will he for fear of going back inside! When she does a home visit and catches him with his trousers down - literally - the fight is harder than they both think!

What starts is a forbidden relationship that could have serious consequences for them both, but they decide sneaking around and having weekends away together is worth it!

Brooke realises that she needs to make changes in her life to enable them to be together, she tells her parents about the first change and neither are very happy, but when she takes Cole to meet them a week later, they walk in on part of her past she thought she would never see again - her ex boyfriend!

There’s more to this story but you will have to wait for book 2!

This was a good read and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next!
338 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2019
Wow what a great story of forbidden love, this book is first in a duet. Ends in CLIFFHANGER

Cole is a hardworking hot man, who made a terrible mistake, and doesn't want it to define him.

Brooke is a kickass parole officer, who is feared by her parolees. Until she meets one who is not the normal parolees she gets through her doors.

Cole is determined to become the man his grandfather wanted him to be, by doing everything his parole officer says, until he sees her in a different light, well out of her pantsuits and in yoga pants.

Brooke doesn't want to jeopardise her career, but she can't get him off her mind.

Will they give into the strong chemistry or keep it professional?

Amazing characters, slow burn chemistry which can be perceived as slow and irrelevant but trust me stick with it you will love it by the end and want to know more. Can't wait for the second book, highly recommend this book and the amazing author.
Profile Image for Missy Brown.
1,752 reviews30 followers
June 4, 2019
Cole Ferguson was given a second chance, after all just getting out of prison can change a man. Especially when he meets his parole officer Brooke Hartford. But how can he convince her to give him a chance? He is a changed man, he knows that she is the one for him. So he will do whatever it takes to make her his. It does not matter how hard she tries to fight it, he will convince her, no matter how long it takes.

Guys this really is a sweet story. Cole will just melt your heart. And Brooke tries so hard to resist him. The chemistry between the two keeps things interesting. She really is a tough nut to crack but he sure is determined. And rightly so, they compliment each other I think. Also, who does not enjoy a forbidden romance? The parole officer falling for the parolee. There is a bit of a cliffhanger, after all this is a duet. I cannot wait to find out what happens from the ending. I have a feeling I am just going to fall for Cole even more.
Thank you for your review.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
May 26, 2019
Forbidden love. He's fresh out of prison and dealing with the newness of life tagged as a felon. Instead of wallowing he immediately sets out to make his deceased grandfather proud. She is his parole officer. Struggling to keep her feelings at bay and keep herself professionally distant and failing miserably. It's an decent read and that's it. There's nothing different or new. It is well written and with this being my first read by this author I found it predictable and while it does end in a cliff hanger I don't think I will continue. It's not that it's bad it's just what started off for me as a pretty good read one with substance changed about half way through and I found myself scheming. I do have to say this is probably not the fault of the author since I am an avid reader and not easily drawn in. Keeping that in mind I say look at the reviews I am seriously alone in my opinion.
2,200 reviews
December 2, 2019
This is book one of the Breaking Free duet. Cole is fresh out of prison after the last situation he finds himself in. He is determined to take his second chance and make something more of himself than just be an ex-con. His parole officer, Brooke definitely makes that an easy decision. Brooke had been attracted to a parolee or two in the past but she has never crossed that professional line. Can Cole convince her to come out of those unflattering pant suits around him? With everything Cole is doing to improve himself will Brooke give Cole a chance? Obviously, we do not see a HEA yet and we need to read book two. However, this was an enjoyable story that glowed well but the characters made it seem real and gave it dimension. It is worth the cliffhanger ending. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,208 reviews39 followers
May 7, 2019
Fair warning cliff hanging ending. I wanted to throw my kindle at that ending.Cole is just out of prison and wanting to start a new life away from the past. He meets his parole officer and finds a reason to be good and not end up back in prison. Brooke is Cole's parole officer. Nothing should happen between them but fate has something else in story for them. But Brooke's past is going to come back to haunt her. I absolutely loved this book. Gripping from beginning to end. Page turning suspense well written. I loved the chemistry between Cole and Brooke. You can definitely see something happening between them right from the start. I am dying to know what happens between them and her past. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Virginia.
747 reviews44 followers
May 27, 2019
Breaking Free was my first read by JL Davis and I really enjoyed it. The writing is good, the characters are loveable, and the plot is creative.

Brooke and Cole meet under less than normal circumstances and really shouldn’t be together- she’s his parole officer. But will that stop them? Both of these characters were great. Cole was swoon worthy and Brooke was a great female lead. They have amazing chemistry and I was rooting for them.

The ending is a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

I found Breaking Free to be a great, quick read and introduction to the author. I will definitely be reading her other books.

Go one click when it’s live in a few days!

An arc was provided for an honest review.
18 reviews
May 31, 2019
Slow start but amazing read once you get into it. Thoroughly enjoyed it once got into it.

Cole, recently released from prison, returns to his grandpa's home where he spent most of his childhood. Cole has issues to resolve. He manages to get a job and attends the gym as well as seeing his parole officer, who has heard stories about.

Brooke, is a parole officer, thinking all her parolees are the all the same, not wanting to better themselves until she meets her latest parolee, Cole.

The heat between the two characters is obvious but not to each other. Will they give into the heat or will they keep the be professional.

Can't wait for more, highly recommend this book and the author.
Profile Image for Jolene Huber.
878 reviews11 followers
June 3, 2019
First Shot At A Second Chance

This book is about Cole. Cole was dealt a rough hand at life. And with that he fell in with the wrong crowd. That landed him in jail for a while. Unlike most that end up that way he learned from it. And decided to go straight and stay away from trouble. He was lucky enough that his grandfather left him his house and truck when he passed away. With his crime he had to do some probation. That is where he meets Brooke. His probation officer. The attraction between the two is off the charts. This is about about second chances in a way. It does end in a cliffhanger. I cant wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews162 followers
May 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Ithought that the plot was quite unique and that really appealed to me. I liked the characters. they were complex and well crafted. Brooke and Cole's relationship is complicated and has a forbidden slant. Ther is a lot of emotional turmoil and soul searching in this book as these two struggle with their attraction, their desires and the possible consequenses of giving in. Prepare for a cliffhanger. This is my frank, freely posted review.
72 reviews
May 21, 2019
This story is about Cole and Brooke, Cole has been in prison and is now in release but need to check in with his parole Brooke. Their attracted to each other right from the start but Brooke is reluctant at first to do anything. Their chemistry is hot and off the scale. This was a enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book to find out what happens. I've voluntarily read and reviewed a advanced copy arc.
Profile Image for Bethany McNease.
365 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2019
This is the first of a Duet about Cole and Brooke. Theirs is a forbidden romance due to him being a parolee and her the parole officer. It took me a while to get into the book but I did start getting involved at about 50% in. I feel since this is a duet that this is only half the book so I don't feel like I'm done with the book yet. I am looking forward to the second book and hopefully an awesome conclusion.
3,241 reviews27 followers
May 29, 2019
This was a great story I really liked Cole and him trying to fix his life and do the right thing but when he meets his parole officer Brooke its instant chemistry but what to do she is not an easy woman to break she is one tough cookie with a lot of walls built and just taking that chance it might just jepordize everything they both have worked for. Great storyline and the characters were very likable and I was cheering them on.
Profile Image for Ramona.
855 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2019
A wonderful book about falling in love and second chances in life. For Cole Ferguson getting out of prison would be the last mistake like that he would ever make. But meeting his parole office Brooke wasn't what he expected. After meeting Cole, Brooke realizes he isn't the "average parole" but can they have what is taboo and not get caught?
It's really a good read and I can't wait until the next book.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
December 3, 2019
Cliffhanger ahead...

Breaking Free is the first book in the Breaking Free Duet. Ex-con Cole and parole officer Brooke are attracted to each other but cannot be together due to their roles as parolee and parole officer. Is there any way that these two could possibly be together? This is a well written and captivating first part of a duet that ended in a cliffhanger. Now for part two...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,929 reviews29 followers
September 23, 2020
This book is about Cole and Brooke. Cole has had a hard life, he fell in with the wrong crowd and landed himself in jail for a while. He was lucky that his grandfather left him a house and vehicle when he passed away. That is where he meets Brooke she is his probation officer. The attraction between the two is off the charts. This is about second chances in a way. It does end in a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am ug a review.
Profile Image for Ashleigh Christou.
223 reviews19 followers
May 17, 2019
“Whoa!” That’s what I said when I finished the book. Totally unexpected and I loved it! What I thought was a simple star crossed lovers/romance book ended up with twists and turns that made me annoyed the book ended when it did! I must know what happens next!!! Will definitely be reading the next one!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
May 18, 2019
Cole is a parolee who is assigned to Brooke who is a no-nonsense parole officer, and the attraction between them is instant but certainly forbidden. No spoilers; this is a must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a well written story which does end with the dreaded cliffy, and I for one cannot wait to read the second book. I recommend this talented author for all readers.
Profile Image for ci.
476 reviews
May 21, 2019
This is a quick, easy read about forbidden love. Cole has paid for his mistake, but still has to see his parole officer, whom, of course, he is attracted too.

What do we do??? Give in or step away....like that's gonna happen!!!! Of course there are always bumps in the road, which is this case leads to a cliff hanger!!!
Profile Image for Amy Jenkins.
24 reviews
May 28, 2019
This book is the epitome of don't judge a book by its cover. Brooke is a parole officer who helps these men get back on their feet after jail. She watches time and time again them going back to their old ways. Then Cole comes along and he changes everything. I absolutely loved this book. I will admit I wanted to throw my kindle at the end but I'm sure all will be well eventually. Lol.
Profile Image for Chasity Williams.
1,438 reviews15 followers
May 29, 2019
Good

Brooke is a parole officer. Cole is fresh out of a 2 year stay in jail, he is now looking to get his life together. They meet when Cole steps into Brooke's office. The attractions is immediate. They can't cross that line. But what happens when they do? Things heat up but what Will happen in the next book?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
Profile Image for Rose Bush.
Author 8 books162 followers
November 2, 2019
Love love loved this book!! This story was different from all the mainstream stories I have read. I loved the parolee falling in love with his parole officer! That cliffhanger has my jaw hitting the floor for sure. Cole is a sexy sweetheart and you can't help but love him!! What I thought was going to happen didn't. Can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,855 reviews112 followers
November 23, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. From the moment that I started reading till the second that I finished the last page, I could not put it down. This story takes you away from your everyday reality to a whole new world. You feel as though you know the characters and want to be there for them. This book needs to be experienced, there, you will not be sorry that you did.
Profile Image for J. B.
253 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2019
4.5 stars. I absolutely loved this book. The only thing I didn’t really like was the cliffhanger. I am not a fan but what made it better is I had the next book so I could continue. This was a different troupe and I loved it. Everything was on point. Looking forward to more.

I voluntarily read this as an advanced readers copy
10.8k reviews125 followers
December 17, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written by JL Davis; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
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