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Breakaway
College hockey player, Carter Haynes is a nineteen-year-old attending Coronado State University. According to his teammates, he’s the most talented player any of them have ever seen and someone who has a future playing at the professional level. Hockey has always been Carter’s passion and nothing else has ever been more important to him. That is until he meets fellow student, Mark Olsen.
Mark Olsen is a sexy, sweet and compassionate man who has an added undercurrent of danger surrounding him. After a chance encounter, Carter finds himself attracted to Mark and just can’t help but fall for him.
As their relationship blossoms, Carter suddenly finds a reason to stay at Coronado State. However, he must keep his personal life a secret. He doesn’t want to get outed to his teammates and ruin his potential career before it even gets started. Carter also doesn’t want to seem like some flaky, hockey-obsessed robot to Mark.
Carter is about to learn the hard way that it's not easy living a double life and that his actions can have heartbreaking consequences. Will Carter finally learn that there’s more to life than just hockey? Will his love for hockey overshadow his love for Mark? Can Mark accept Carter’s double life, or will his secret tear their relationship apart?
Please Note: This book contains adult language & steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approx. 60,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger." Keywords: Hockey, college, sports, comedy, coming out, interracial
Mark Olsen is a sexy, sweet and compassionate man who has an added undercurrent of danger surrounding him. After a chance encounter, Carter finds himself attracted to Mark and just can’t help but fall for him.
As their relationship blossoms, Carter suddenly finds a reason to stay at Coronado State. However, he must keep his personal life a secret. He doesn’t want to get outed to his teammates and ruin his potential career before it even gets started. Carter also doesn’t want to seem like some flaky, hockey-obsessed robot to Mark.
Carter is about to learn the hard way that it's not easy living a double life and that his actions can have heartbreaking consequences. Will Carter finally learn that there’s more to life than just hockey? Will his love for hockey overshadow his love for Mark? Can Mark accept Carter’s double life, or will his secret tear their relationship apart?
Please Note: This book contains adult language & steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approx. 60,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger." Keywords: Hockey, college, sports, comedy, coming out, interracial
254 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
42 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Max Hudson
112 books88 followersMax Hudson is a young man who enjoys writing steamy m/m romance novels. Join his insiders club here to get updates about his new releases:
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 2, 2018
***Breakaway and do the right thing***.
Carter is 19, a hunky, gifted, black Hockey player/student for an Arizona university.
We see play-by-play accounts of exciting games, a unique bunch of players and a championship at stake. Carter is in the closet, meets smaller man Mark, 21,
who is in school to be a drug counselor.
Mark helps Carter who got drunk at a party. Their feelings are intense and exciting as they move forward, plus all of the descriptions in the book are vivid and well done.
Carter likes that Mark likes him for himself, not because he's a up coming hockey star. So, for awhile Carter keeps his hockey a secret from Mark. They date, have dinners, tell each other everything, beginning a slow burn, true romance.
But, Carter never finds a good time to tell Mark, and it gets out of control. Carter learns a good lesson about secrets.
He's outed to the team, but doesn't want to be public as the first gay hockey player. It hurts Mark when he finds out about the sport secret.
These guys eventually have super sexy times, and we want them together.
Our epilogue is wonderful.
ENJOY !
======
Thank you sweet Darlene for the rec !
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Carter is 19, a hunky, gifted, black Hockey player/student for an Arizona university.
We see play-by-play accounts of exciting games, a unique bunch of players and a championship at stake. Carter is in the closet, meets smaller man Mark, 21,
who is in school to be a drug counselor.
Mark helps Carter who got drunk at a party. Their feelings are intense and exciting as they move forward, plus all of the descriptions in the book are vivid and well done.
Carter likes that Mark likes him for himself, not because he's a up coming hockey star. So, for awhile Carter keeps his hockey a secret from Mark. They date, have dinners, tell each other everything, beginning a slow burn, true romance.
But, Carter never finds a good time to tell Mark, and it gets out of control. Carter learns a good lesson about secrets.
He's outed to the team, but doesn't want to be public as the first gay hockey player. It hurts Mark when he finds out about the sport secret.
These guys eventually have super sexy times, and we want them together.
Our epilogue is wonderful.
ENJOY !
======
Thank you sweet Darlene for the rec !
======
May 14, 2018
After some hectic weeks reading slow-burn romances, I was very happy to read this novel. Max Hudson wrote an enjoyable fast hockey romance read that was heavy on the hockey (YUM) and adorable in the romance. This was a lovely break from my long-read romances and made for a lovely evening’s reading.
This story was about Carter, a young up and coming hockey prodigy who is closeted for fear of the repercussions his sexuality might have on his future hockey career. Enter the bad-boy looking but a sweetheart in leather jackets and guitar solos, Mark Olsen. Soon Carter can’t balance his blossoming romance with Mark and his rising success in his hockey team. Will he be forced to choose between the two?
The characters of Carter and Mark were so well suited for each other. I love how Carter develops from being this self-proclaimed hockey robot to someone who starts putting his own happiness before hockey sometimes. And how Mark is shown as this perfect boyfriend, who has some not-so-perfect flaws of his own. Their relationship was adorable, and although it started up fast and was more of an instant-love relationship, I liked how it played out.
The plot was nothing special, but nonetheless, it was still enjoyable. I liked how the story was fast-paced and that there were very little stagnant parts to the story progression. The writing was also nothing majorly amazing, (at least in comparison to other books I have read these past few weeks), but it made for a fast and pleasurable evening of reading. Sometimes I just want that easy book to read, and this honestly fit that mold so well.
The few things I didn’t like too much was that the characters could have been more fleshed out. I would’ve liked to learn more about Mark, especially after he fell off the wagon. One thing about fast reads is that sometimes parts aren’t explained appropriately or even concluded very well, and I found this to happen sometimes during this read. But these were easy enough to overlook.
Final thoughts were that I enjoyed this book and might be looking towards reading other books by the author. I liked the characters and the plot, though not original, was fun nonetheless. I especially loved that the main character was a person of color, so instant love right there!
This story was about Carter, a young up and coming hockey prodigy who is closeted for fear of the repercussions his sexuality might have on his future hockey career. Enter the bad-boy looking but a sweetheart in leather jackets and guitar solos, Mark Olsen. Soon Carter can’t balance his blossoming romance with Mark and his rising success in his hockey team. Will he be forced to choose between the two?
The characters of Carter and Mark were so well suited for each other. I love how Carter develops from being this self-proclaimed hockey robot to someone who starts putting his own happiness before hockey sometimes. And how Mark is shown as this perfect boyfriend, who has some not-so-perfect flaws of his own. Their relationship was adorable, and although it started up fast and was more of an instant-love relationship, I liked how it played out.
The plot was nothing special, but nonetheless, it was still enjoyable. I liked how the story was fast-paced and that there were very little stagnant parts to the story progression. The writing was also nothing majorly amazing, (at least in comparison to other books I have read these past few weeks), but it made for a fast and pleasurable evening of reading. Sometimes I just want that easy book to read, and this honestly fit that mold so well.
The few things I didn’t like too much was that the characters could have been more fleshed out. I would’ve liked to learn more about Mark, especially after he fell off the wagon. One thing about fast reads is that sometimes parts aren’t explained appropriately or even concluded very well, and I found this to happen sometimes during this read. But these were easy enough to overlook.
Final thoughts were that I enjoyed this book and might be looking towards reading other books by the author. I liked the characters and the plot, though not original, was fun nonetheless. I especially loved that the main character was a person of color, so instant love right there!
May 5, 2018
Carter is a dedicated hockey player. Heading to a college in the dessert, the game is not popular, but he feels he has a chance to help the game get on it's feet. He's not there for romance and being gay, he is in the closet.and knows he has to stay there. Meeting Mark Olson in his room after he punches Steve in the face, he is attracted by the fellow student. Things get complicated as the year progresses and Carter has a lot on his plate to deal with. Not enough players on his team make it hard, but the guys are finally on his side and things look pretty good. His playing is attracting the right kind of attention in the professional league and his future is looking bright. Except for one thing. He is torn between his love for Mark and getting his education or accepting a contract with the pros that has been his lifelong dream. An excellent story full of angst, emotional turmoil, love, new friends and being true to yourself. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book
October 16, 2023
3.5 stars
May 5, 2018
Max Hudson writes a wonderful hockey romance that I highly recommend. Carter Haynes meets Mark when he comes to Carter’s dorm room in college to find Steve whose Carter’s roommate. When Steve shows up Mark punches Steve in the face, apologizes to Carter and leaves. Steve’s been banging Mark’s kid sister.
Marks look like a “bad boy” movie star but he’s anything but a bad boy and Carter has the chance to find that out for himself. Mark is everything and more as the gentle, romantic, kind boyfriend. The one mistake Carter makes is not telling Mark that he plays hockey and is a super star player. For once he was liked by a man that saw Carter without all the glory of a hockey star.
Carter doesn’t tell Mark because he keeps his sexual preference under wraps or he’ll never make the draft to be chosen for the MLH. It’s a brutal world as an out and pride gay man in the hockey world. Carter’s lies about where he goes and Mark continues to keep his secret; but that all comes to an end when Mark finds out the truth.
It’s better if you read it for yourself but I can tell you this book is worth reading. I loved both Mark and Carter, though at times I wished Carter would have come clean. Carter learns a valuable lesson about the love of your teammates and to trust the man you love most in the world. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced read copy of this book.
Marks look like a “bad boy” movie star but he’s anything but a bad boy and Carter has the chance to find that out for himself. Mark is everything and more as the gentle, romantic, kind boyfriend. The one mistake Carter makes is not telling Mark that he plays hockey and is a super star player. For once he was liked by a man that saw Carter without all the glory of a hockey star.
Carter doesn’t tell Mark because he keeps his sexual preference under wraps or he’ll never make the draft to be chosen for the MLH. It’s a brutal world as an out and pride gay man in the hockey world. Carter’s lies about where he goes and Mark continues to keep his secret; but that all comes to an end when Mark finds out the truth.
It’s better if you read it for yourself but I can tell you this book is worth reading. I loved both Mark and Carter, though at times I wished Carter would have come clean. Carter learns a valuable lesson about the love of your teammates and to trust the man you love most in the world. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced read copy of this book.
June 11, 2018
When they say this is a hockey story, it is for sure mostly hockey with a little romance. The majority of the story in the romance department happens off screen. It's merely mentioned. I read it for the romance. There was a ton of hockey talk and games in this book. Tons. If you love hockey then this is right up your alley. If you want something hot. Don't read this. If you want something that is mostly romance/relationship based, then don't read this.
I thought the writing was done well.
The plot was decent.
Overall, it was about a guy who loves hockey, wants this one guy, and is afraid to out himself due to the nature of the league.
That's about it.
Nothing too deep.
3.5 Stars.
I thought the writing was done well.
The plot was decent.
Overall, it was about a guy who loves hockey, wants this one guy, and is afraid to out himself due to the nature of the league.
That's about it.
Nothing too deep.
3.5 Stars.
March 3, 2023
One perk of KU is that my commentary can be visible to all (or most?) But suffice to say, this book is garbage. It’s not well researched. The author seems to not know the difference between UNIVERSITY and BOARDING SCHOOL. Nothing makes sense about this situation at all.
While the writing itself is technically fine, it’s whatever the fuck this plot is supposed to be that has me aggravated and bored out of my skull. I’m DNFing after 11% because LITERALLY NOTHING HAD HAPPENED that has furthered this story or made any actual real sense.
Do better.
Also, stop putting “m/m gay romance” on your covers, Max. It’s an immediate sign of an immature author. You’re not writing fucking fan fiction over here. Do better.
While the writing itself is technically fine, it’s whatever the fuck this plot is supposed to be that has me aggravated and bored out of my skull. I’m DNFing after 11% because LITERALLY NOTHING HAD HAPPENED that has furthered this story or made any actual real sense.
Do better.
Also, stop putting “m/m gay romance” on your covers, Max. It’s an immediate sign of an immature author. You’re not writing fucking fan fiction over here. Do better.
January 22, 2020
I think I've found my favorite niche in the vast world of M/M-ROM books- HOCKEY! I liked the angst of the MC; how he never had a real reason to come out- that is until he found the person he was willing to risk it all for. The character had a previous hook-up who, like him, was a closeted hockey player. I was glad the MC ended things with him, even though he was afraid to never have anyone else. He tried and failed at keeping his professional life and romantic life separate, and nearly lost his heart in the process. This book was well written and enjoyable for a fan like me. It will definitely go onto the REREAD list.
May 7, 2018
I loved Carter. He was an interesting character. He is college hockey player and I have wanted to read more hockey stories so the story hooked me. I found Mark also an interesting person. They have a lot of chemistry. Carter thinks that Mark is very hot. I liked how the author described Mark and Carter's attraction to him. I liked the scene description and the dialogue. I think that this was a nice escape from reality.
May 24, 2018
Max Hudson’s “BREAKAWAY”
Even for the reader unfamiliar with the competitive American ice hockey scene the excitement is compellingly maintained throughout.
This equally competitive tension between two highly unlikely young guys is convincingly built on from both human and romantic levels, making this an “I don’t want to put this book down!” read!
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily Lea you an honest and unbiased view.
Even for the reader unfamiliar with the competitive American ice hockey scene the excitement is compellingly maintained throughout.
This equally competitive tension between two highly unlikely young guys is convincingly built on from both human and romantic levels, making this an “I don’t want to put this book down!” read!
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily Lea you an honest and unbiased view.
June 20, 2021
A slow burn
I love hockey romance so I couldn't wait to read this. In saying that this book is heavy on the hockey so be warned. This was also a slow burn and for a while at the start o got a bit restless and just wanted things to get moving but when they did I wasn't disappointed. I think if you love hockey then give this book a go and stick it with it past a bit of a slow start and you will be rewarded with a really beautiful love story.
I love hockey romance so I couldn't wait to read this. In saying that this book is heavy on the hockey so be warned. This was also a slow burn and for a while at the start o got a bit restless and just wanted things to get moving but when they did I wasn't disappointed. I think if you love hockey then give this book a go and stick it with it past a bit of a slow start and you will be rewarded with a really beautiful love story.
July 4, 2018
Another good sport Romance book from this author, closeted college hockey player falls for guy, he has to choose between the sport he loves and the man he's fallen in love with will they both get there happy ever after... you'll have to read and see.."I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review."
May 7, 2018
Great book
I liked this book. I have read similar hockey stories but this one was a little different. My favorite scene was after Carter first saw Mark sitting outside his dormroom and let him in to wait for Steve. Great book.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I liked this book. I have read similar hockey stories but this one was a little different. My favorite scene was after Carter first saw Mark sitting outside his dormroom and let him in to wait for Steve. Great book.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
May 23, 2018
Carter and Mark have to keep their new relationship quiet for Carter's hockey career, but living hiding in the closet is not easy for Mark after he has been out of that closet for a while. Stories where characters hide who they are completely breaks my heart, but I love it when they break free and show the world who they really are.
May 28, 2018
Poor writing and character development. So much telling that the story became passive and boring. The behaviors of the characters were all somewhat off and abnormal. Carter's hookup with his fuck buddy Peter had plot holes and came across too weird. The sex scenes were meh.
Carter thought Mark's knuckles in is small hands were "boyish" looking.
Carter thought Mark's knuckles in is small hands were "boyish" looking.
June 24, 2018
A nice sweet romance. This isn't a hot and heavy ready, rather is a slow burn between two young adults who can't help but be drawn to each other. The hockey was a nice background and I enjoyed the team's contribution to the dynamics.
July 5, 2022
Spoiler Alert
Great hockey passages. I could visualize the moves and game.
The biggest concern I have with this book, is the lack of condoms in the sex scenes. Especially when Carter has sex with his on and off sex partner after no contact for a year. Extremely risky behavior!
Minor issue with Carter having sex with Mark after the Championship without a shower, first...have you smelled an adult hockey player after a game? Their pads smell horrific. And "hockey hands," smell horrible from sweating inside their gloves. Sometimes it takes several hand washes until it's tolerable.
Great hockey passages. I could visualize the moves and game.
The biggest concern I have with this book, is the lack of condoms in the sex scenes. Especially when Carter has sex with his on and off sex partner after no contact for a year. Extremely risky behavior!
Minor issue with Carter having sex with Mark after the Championship without a shower, first...have you smelled an adult hockey player after a game? Their pads smell horrific. And "hockey hands," smell horrible from sweating inside their gloves. Sometimes it takes several hand washes until it's tolerable.
May 5, 2018
Loved reading this book
May 27, 2019
Shed a lot of happy tears for this. I always love an emotional, feel-good hockey romance ❤️
June 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! The main character Carter was *perfection*. I love an awkward dingdong of an MC in love with his bf.
SPOILERS
I understood why Carter keeping his hockey life from Mark hurt Mark so badly, I found that really compelling. What was a little dissonant for me was how Carter being outed *because* Mark told Shannon and Steve was sort of glossed over. I did like how later during their reconciliation Mark talked about how he'd looked into homophobia and other problems in hockey in order to understand Carter better because yeah, being black and gay in professional hockey is not going to be easy and yes, being out could definitely hurt his career prospects. And if his team knows then the public will eventually know if he goes pro.
This is not to say I didn't want Carter to come out in the story, I definitely did. I just wanted it to be on his terms or, if he was outed because of Mark and Steve's loose lips, then I wanted to see Mark own that. Carter being outed by Steve if Mark told Shannon was literally exactly what Carter was worried about when Mark asked to tell Shannon, so given that Carter's prediction completely came true I definitely wanted to see that addressed by Mark. It was bad enough that Mark told someone without asking Carter, but to have it blow up in exactly the way Carter feared definitely warranted a huge apology.
I was really glad they worked it out in the end, however, and it was very sweet to see them reconciled.
SPOILERS
I understood why Carter keeping his hockey life from Mark hurt Mark so badly, I found that really compelling. What was a little dissonant for me was how Carter being outed *because* Mark told Shannon and Steve was sort of glossed over. I did like how later during their reconciliation Mark talked about how he'd looked into homophobia and other problems in hockey in order to understand Carter better because yeah, being black and gay in professional hockey is not going to be easy and yes, being out could definitely hurt his career prospects. And if his team knows then the public will eventually know if he goes pro.
This is not to say I didn't want Carter to come out in the story, I definitely did. I just wanted it to be on his terms or, if he was outed because of Mark and Steve's loose lips, then I wanted to see Mark own that. Carter being outed by Steve if Mark told Shannon was literally exactly what Carter was worried about when Mark asked to tell Shannon, so given that Carter's prediction completely came true I definitely wanted to see that addressed by Mark. It was bad enough that Mark told someone without asking Carter, but to have it blow up in exactly the way Carter feared definitely warranted a huge apology.
I was really glad they worked it out in the end, however, and it was very sweet to see them reconciled.
April 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Max Hudson has written a story with a good three-dimensional character who deals with real issues and placed Carter in a well defined world. I like the interaction between the characters, specifically between Carter and Mark, Steve, and, Sal. The hockey games are fun to read as well.
There are a few moments that seem a bit out of character, however they work to keep the plot going and are easily forgiven. The only thing keeping this from being five stars is I am a voracious reader and save higher ratings for more literary books. This is a wonderful afternoon or late evening indulgence.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
There are a few moments that seem a bit out of character, however they work to keep the plot going and are easily forgiven. The only thing keeping this from being five stars is I am a voracious reader and save higher ratings for more literary books. This is a wonderful afternoon or late evening indulgence.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews