Breakthrough

Nashville Notes #1

by Sarah Stevens

A budding attraction. A sinister stalker. A plot to tear their lives apart.

Mandy

After an ugly break-up, I moved back home to make a better life for my daughter and myself. I thought I landed my dream job as an assistant athletic trainer, until I got a glimpse of the eye-candy I would be working with. The last thing I need is to get mixed up with cocky goalie, Parker Marshal—even if he is painfully attractive. More than ever, I have to stay focused. My ex has sauntered back into my life, and where he goes trouble follows. Callie has to be my primary focus if I hold any hope of keeping her safe from her father’s twisted intentions.

Parker

A different puck bunny every night, and no strings attached. That was the life I thought I wanted... until I met Mandy. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and easily shrugs off my go-to moves that make other women swoon. I’m willing to fight for her to prove myself, and right now she needs an ally. Someone is targeting both of us, hellbent on destroying our careers and lives. Can we stand together against the threatening storm of chaos?

Genres: Romance, Sports, Hockey Romance

Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2020

About the author

Sarah Stevens is a New Adult Romance author.

Sarah started writing her first novel The Night He Saved Me in her free time while being a stay-at-home mom. Then one day, it started to flow, and she was writing "The End" in a matter of two months.

When she isn't writing, she is enjoying the southern life with her husband, three kids, a Saint Bernard—who is still adjusting to the southern summers and Bruno a rescue dog. She can't go a day without her coffee in the morning—and a few more cups during the day and her late nights writing.

She enjoys reading Contemporary or New Adult Romance and going to the pool or beach as much as she can. She loves all things Disney and collects Disney mugs to drink her beloved coffee in.

Follow Sarah on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/SarahStevens...

Twitter
@SarahSauthor

Reviews

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just don't think the writing style in this book was my thing. Not a horrible story but I never connected to it and things moved a little too fast for me. Especially the romance which got lost and pushed into the background at times with everything else going on.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read a sports romance title. I really loved Breakthrough by Sarah Stevens. There was so much going on through the story that it kept you on your toes and wanting more. You can't help but to fall for not only the main characters but the side characters as well. I can't wait to see what's to come next from this series.

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a new reader to Sarah Stevens so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I started Breakthrough but from the very first page I was pulled in to all the drama of Parker and Mandy.

Mandy is a single mom after her baby daddy relinquished all his parental responsibility, after the death of her grandfather he decides she needs to move back home to Nashville to be there for her grandmother.
Parker is the goalie for the Nashville Notes Ice Hockey team, as soon as he sets eyes on Mandy he knows one way or another he will make her his. When Mandy's ex make a reappearance this causes all sorts of drama for both Mandy and Parker will they overcome everything that is thrown at them or are they already over before they even have a chance to begin.

I really enjoyed this story the only thing was I felt that last couple of chapters seemed a little rushed compared to the rest of the story, but I will read more from Sarah Stevens in the future.

[Renée Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Male athletes tend to be fun to read about, especially when they play for professional teams. They are often treated like gods by fans, and especially by girls. So when they finally meet their match, ie: their love interest, it makes for a good read. I was excited to pick up Sarah Stevens' newest book, Breakthrough, precisely for this reason. Breakthrough is book one in her Nashville Notes series - yes, ladies, there will be other hockey players we get to read about.

In Breakthrough we meet Mandy, a young single mom and sports trainer who is looking to return to Nashville after living in Boston for several years. Mandy is looking to start fresh. She is estranged from her daughter's father and she wants to be with her grandmother, who is the only family she has left. Mandy meets Parker, the sexy (and doesn't he just know it) playboy goalie of the Nashville Notes. Parker is used to women falling for him with the littlest effort - a butt wiggle here, a sexy smirk there. When Mandy doesn't seem to be affected by him at all, suddenly she's all he can think about. And isn't that always the way? But there are a lot of obstacles in their path. Mandy has had bad luck with men, and in particular, male athletes and she's not looking to start anything with Parker. He is awfully attractive though. Then, when Mandy's ex starts causing trouble, and an unknown threat starts targeting them, Mandy and Parker need to decide if they should fight to be together or if their feelings are better left buried.

This book was a good romance and it was fun to read. Although I did find it took me a bit to like Parker. He was just so overconfident and arrogant. I definitely took to Mandy right away and was really hoping that she would get her happy ending. I liked the added drama of the person threatening them - I thought it added to the plot and made what could have been a simple romance far more exciting. If you like sports romances with plenty of drama, I really think you'll like this book, which promises to be a good start to a new series. Thank you to Give Me Books PR and to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is my first book by this author and what a whirlwind it was!!! So much happens in Parker and Mandy’s story but it certainly made it a page turner.
The suspense and intrigue was outstanding. At no time could I have guessed who all the players were with what was happening. I honestly have to take my hat off to this author because it definitely was one of the best suspense novels I have read in quite some time.
As this is the first book in the Nashville Notes series, and with how entertaining it was, I am definitely going to read however many books follow this one. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book." ~Sharon


"3.5
There is a lot of push and pull; fighting of the feelings in this romance, especially on Mandy’s side. Both she and Parker try to do the right thing for their crazy situation but can’t help their feelings.
Mandy’s history hasn’t been kind to her so a lot of her actions and decisions ride on it, which I wasn’t a big fan of. I wanted her to give Parker a chance to prove himself that he’d changed the moment he saw her, every page I flipped. This was definitely a slow burn.
I did love how this showed a light on women careers in a mans world and when given the chance they can do just as good or better!
As much as I enjoyed this book, once these two cave to being together, things seemed like a rushed epilogue brushing over their lives together through months of time. It made the connection between character and reader hard to keep for me.
Despite that, I will still read more from this author.

Hockey, Single parent, bad boy, friends to lovers, suspense drama" ~lindsay

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story in this book. It's my first read from this author, and not the last. Her relaxed writing style left me with a book that's easy to read, a story line that's easy to follow. Mandy is a single mom. When the dad doesn't want to be in her baby's life, he signs away his rights, but shows up later with custody demands. She has a chance to go back home, as an athletic trainer for the hometown hockey team that her grandfather coached. Parker is the playboy goalie for the Nashville Notes. Until he meets Mandy, knowing immediately that she's "the one". She fights her feelings toward him, having not so many positive experiences with sports stars. But you've gotta love grandmothers who are't afraid to stick their noses in someone else's business, and give just a little shove. The action and suspense are so well woven into the story - part of the "who" was obvious, but some not so much, and the "why" was a complete shocker. The ending seemed a little rushed, but it was the HEA that this hopeless romantic needs to see. The entire team organization is welcoming to Mandy, and so accommodating of her situation as a single mom. Parker's friends/teammates, Ski, Seb, and especially Cam, have Parker's back always, but also provide a terrific support system for Mandy. I'd love to see a Cam story next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly enjoyable characters! With the first book in her Nashville Notes hockey series Sarah Stevens brings us the story of a single mother and the hockey player who brings her all the feels! This is my first book by this author, and I loved the characterization and the plot development ... I wasn't fond of her way of double writing a scene though. It felt like I was reading the same scene twice in the places where she would write a hockey game from Mandy's point of view and then takes us back to the start of the game in the next chapter for Parker's point of view. Overall, it was a solid read and I loved the characters to pieces I just would have enjoyed it more with a better flow.

Mandy is a strong, career focused woman who finds herself suddenly doing it all alone when the father of her baby hangs them out to dry. She's not going to let that stop her from achieving the career goals she's always dreamed of, she'll just be moving home and doing it with an even better job than she expected.

Parker is a doll. He's a player in a big way until Mandy walks into his sights and steals his breath. He is ready to make her his, but she's not willing to set her career on fire again for another jock!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hockey story with drama and intrigue being a major part of the mix. Great characters!

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Nashville Notes series and I'm already a huge fan of this series. The drama pulls you in to the book and keeps you turning the pages. Parker and Mandy's story hits you hard in the feels. Parker may be a huge player but shows how kind and caring he is and how he's willing to change when the right woman comes along. When he meets Mandy, he finds that she's the one woman he can't seem to get of his mind. He starts trying to be a better man, to prove to Mandy that he's serious and nothing like her ex. Mandy doesn't have great experience when it comes to men. Mandy's dad dumps her on her grandparents to raise so he could keep playing hockey and her ex was more worried about his image as a professional pitcher in baseball to claim his baby when Mandy found out she was pregnant, so he signed away all parental rights. Parker has an uphill battle to fight and Mandy is resisting the whole way. She's found a new job with the Nashville Notes hockey team and doesn't want to press that up, unfortunately her ex is trying to make life miserable for both her and Parker. Can they figure it all over to and will Mandy break down her walls and give Parker a chance? I can't wait for book two. I love Parker's teammates, especially Cam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
There is a lot of push and pull; fighting of the feelings in this romance, especially on Mandy’s side. Both she and Parker try to do the right thing for their crazy situation but can’t help their feelings.
Mandy’s history hasn’t been kind to her so a lot of her actions and decisions ride on it, which I wasn’t a big fan of. I wanted her to give Parker a chance to prove himself that he’d changed the moment he saw her, every page I flipped. This was definitely a slow burn.
I did love how this showed a light on women careers in a mans world and when given the chance they can do just as good or better!

As much as I enjoyed this book, once these two cave to being together, things seemed like a rushed epilogue brushing over their lives together through months of time. It made the connection between character and reader hard to keep for me. This also made my rating for the book go down because it almost seemed unnecessary to stretch an epilogue over a few chapters and still feel rushed.
Despite that, I would still read more from this author.

Hockey, Single parent, bad boy, friends to lovers, suspense drama

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
This is my first book by Sarah Steven's and I was excited to read it as I love a good Ice Hockey romance; and Breakthrough promised to be just that. Add in a single mom and a touch a suspense and I am hooked.

Mandy is from a Hockey family background, her grandad was goalie for the Notes team as was her dad but her life has been as a sports therapist for a Baseball team where her relationship with one of the team ended the moment she found she was pregnant with Callie. When Mandy's grandad dies she knows it is time to take Callie and move home to be with her grandma what she wasn't expecting was her ex of all a sudden to start to be a problem and for her to attracted to the Notes goalie the very published womaniser Parker.

Parker can get any woman but he want's but from the outset Mandy keeps him at a distance it shouldn't bother him but the more time he spends around her and Callie the deeper he falls.

But someone is out to ruin both Parker and Mandy, from leaking videos to making things more dangerous. But who is doing it and why.

My only issue with the story is I think Mandy and Parkers romance got lost in the rest of the story. It was as if I got a flicker of the light going on with their romance and before it could fully light up we were of in another direction. There is a lot going on in the book and the story is solid there just wasn't quite enough of Parker, Mandy and Callie blending for me.

It won't stop me from reading the next book which I hope will be Cam and Angie.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandy is a single parent who has some issues going on which had her moving home with her daughter to start over. She ends up getting a job that has super hot hockey players around her, but it's Parker who catches her eye. Parker has been living his best life with the puck bunnies since there aren't strings attached, but it doesn't take long before it becomes apparent there's actually something better out there, and he believes it's with Mandy. This story was easy to keep reading, but I wasn't a big fan of Mandy, because mama bears are savage when it comes to keeping their cubs safe, and I just didn't see her doing that as much as she should have. I know, I hate being critical of the heroine but this is where we are. I'm all about twists that keep me on the edge of my seat, but when it came to these two dancing around each other?! It slowed the story down a bit for me, (only my opinion of course) so please decide for yourselves by hitting those one click buttons. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a great read. So much occurred in the story that I felt the author did a wonderfully job weaving together a fantastic read. The plot was amazing, with so many different elements thrown in; creating a story where you were never quite sure what was going to happen next. The main characters were great, developing and growing over the course of the story; each overcoming personal struggles. The side characters were fantastic and created a great supporting cast for the main characters. I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to find when I started reading but what I found was different from what I was expecting and that was a good thing.

I give this a five out of five stars. I found this to be wonderfully written with an array of characters that supported the story. I look forward to the next in the series and more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Smashlybookalicousreviewingchicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breakthrough is book one in the Nashville notes series and a great kickoff to a new series. It will hook you from the beginning with a heartbreaking twist that is very real to many in real life than leads us to much suspense and how this will play out. The unthinkable will occur in Mandy's and Parker's life. This story will break your heart, then Breakthrough your mind on who and what is revealed to you. This is action packed and not just from a hockey game action packed, it is full of heartache, love, loss and what to expect when you least expect it. Parker has done a full 360 and you will love it! Mandy is strong and what every woman who is put into this predicament should be. This is a highly recommended story if you love sports, suspense and a HEA. I am hoping that we get a CAM story next with a certain someone. Love seeing alpha men fall when they least expect it and to see how soft they are. 

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandy was working as a trainer for a baseball team when her relationship with one of the players became personal. When she finds out that she is pregnant he wants nothing to do with her or her child so she moves back to Nashville to work for the hockey team and to be close to her family.

Parker is a hockey star who has a reputation for being a player both on and off the ice. From his first meeting with Mandy she inspires feelings in him that he has never felt before and he wants her in his life for more than one night but will her past destroy the future they are trying to build?

After her past Mandy is cautious but Parker is determined and they proved that together they can overcome anything.

[Sharon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and what a whirlwind it was!!! So much happens in Parker and Mandy’s story but it certainly made it a page turner.
The suspense and intrigue was outstanding. At no time could I have guessed who all the players were with what was happening. I honestly have to take my hat off to this author because it definitely was one of the best suspense novels I have read in quite some time.
As this is the first book in the Nashville Notes series, and with how entertaining it was, I am definitely going to read however many books follow this one. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me, but I will certainly be looking her work in the future. Mandy is a single mom who moves back to her hometown to care for her Grandma, as well as for her dream job as an assistant athlete trainer. Parker is a cocky goalie for the ice hockey team, and has a reputation as a ladies man, but from the moment he spots Mandy he is drawn to her, and now he just has to convince her of that as she is not interested. This is a well written story which is filled with drama, suspense, intrigue, and love. I look forward to reading more form this talented author whose work I recommend for all. The only downside for me was this story is a tad rushed in parts.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I LOVED this book! Fast paced romantic suspense at its best. I found myself hooked from the first page and stayed hooked until the last page. This was a fascinating mix of swoon, hockey, suspense, sexy and sweet moments and heartwarming feels. They balanced the contrasting elements brilliantly to create this perfect romance. You get feels. You get intense chemistry. You get ups and downs. You get everything with this one. So make sure you have enough time to read this book in one sitting as you won't be able to put it down. Can’t wait to read the next book by this author. Definitely one to watch. Happy reading everyone!!

[Ann Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is new to me but this will definitely NOT be my last read by her. I really liked Mandy and Parker's story. Mandy is a single mom with not so good luck dating sports stars. Parker is a hockey goalie puck bunny player until he meets Mandy. Their story has everything you need to keep turning the pages. This was a great start to a new promising series. Looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo mmmmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall story was good. Parker loved hockey and his hockey bunnies until he met Callie and her baby girl. The problem is that Callie burned by love and its difficult for her trust in men. I love how Parker fights for her love. How he protected her and her baby no matter what. It was a bit disappointing the frame resolution, but I liked.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Mandy is a single mom to baby Callie. After coming home for her grandfathers funeral, she decided to come home and got hired as the athletic trainer for the team. Tired of her ex’s antics and denial of callie’s existence. Parker is a goalie on the Nashville Notes. There’s a strong connection. He’s so different from her ex. Then her ex shows up and causes troubles. Will they survive?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the start to this new series!

This was my first book by Sarah Stevens, and I must say I was NOT disappointed. I absolutely loved Mandy and Parker! The instant chemistry and watching them grow as a couple had me turning the pages well into the night. I love how determined Parker was to change and prove to Mandy that he could be a better man.
This story sucks you in and is an absolute page turner. Must read!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me Author... I struggled a little at the beginning with connecting but it didn't take long. Parker and Mandy have a drama filled story that will keep you guessing. Mandy has alot going on in her life between her daughter and her ex. Parker has definitely lived up the playboy lifestyle but now he wants Mandy. When her Ex causes waves can Parker protect them or will he walk away? Will definitely check out another read by this author.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved this book!!!

I really enjoyed reading this one! This book has so many heart pounding moments I just couldn't put it down!! Its filled with lots of action, drama, and lots of angst !! I took a chance onthis book, I saw it was a newer release and thank goodness it was ku!! Lol its so well worth the read!! I love hockey books and thus one has plenty of that action too! Definitely don't miss out on this one!!

[One Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favs of 2020❤❤

I love a hockey romance and I found another author stalk when it comes to Hockey romance

Mandy has a daughter called Cassie. Soon she was pregnant Connor who is a famous sport celebrity demand a NDA and denied all knowledge of Cassie. Now he wants Cassie because of his CRAZY ASS mother.

But the thing is he has to go up against a team of big and TOUGH hockey players. Especially Parker a.k.a the Beast. He has a crush on her since he first met and she never left his mind since. Can he convince her to give them a chance. After there first kiss, I would date him right there then!!

REALLY REALLY recommend. Helena Hunting fans will love this

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandy moves back home after a bad break-up to raise her daughter. Parker is used to his playboy life without commitment until he meets Mandy. She knows his reputation and wants nothing to do with him. He has to find a way to prove to her that he has changed. Can he make her see that he wants to leave his past behind and build a future with her?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb of this book was really appealing, so I was really looking forward to reading it.
And even though it did not quite reach my expectations and went too telenovela on me, it was an interesting read. There are a lot of side characters that outshine on occasion the main ones, but I see it as a good thing, the curiosity to want to read the next books in the series. One thing that I did not like though was how baseball was portraited as a bad thing just because of one character and hockey as a better sport. I mean everyone knows that soccer is the best one, hahah!

[Helena Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first story from Sarah Stevens that I have read, it hooked me right from the start. All the drama and emotional roller-coaster that Mandy and Parker love story had me almost unable to put it down. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG sports romances are my favorite and I love a hockey one, so you throw in a single Mom, playboy hockey player and a bit of suspense then you have my full attention. So yes I expected to love this but WOW I am fully and completely in love with this book!! I want more from this author and I plan to re-read this one again.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to this new series. This is a new author for me and I will be looking out for more to read. The story flows well, the characters are likeable and have great chemistry. The story will keep you interested all the way through. Looking forward to see where this series will go.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot cover model!!

Pretty incredible story...a little over the top but interesting. The main characters are likable. An author new to me. It won't be last book I'll read of hers!!