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Breaking Routine

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Maybe it’s time for Cait to put her heart at the top of her to-do list.



There goes Harper Grey’s love life, the latest victim of a classic cliché: the office affair.  Now she’s driving through drenching rain, a sad song on the radio, the seat beside her as empty as her new dream house. Without the loving and faithful partner who turned out to be neither.



Still, she’s looking forward to making a fresh start in The Lakes. When she finds the house as cold, drenched, and power-outage dark inside as outside, she makes a tactical retreat to a B&B down the road. And wonders if she’s made a tactical error.



Cait Taylor has poured every ounce of her energy into the guest house she owns with her brother. But lately, everyone seems set on pushing the “town sweetheart” to find a sweetheart of her own. The attraction she feels for Harper goes far beyond mere sympathy for her plight, but it’s clear Harper isn’t ready.



Yet as the two dance around each other, Harper realizes Cait makes her feel the way her ex never did. And she wonders if it’s time to let Cait into her empty heart…and make it home.



Best-selling author Melissa Tereze brings you a brand new fluffy winter age-gap romance to settle in with. Filled with hot chocolate, frosty mornings, and a whole lot of love, what more could you want to kick off 2021?

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

98 people are currently reading
260 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Tereze

40 books750 followers
Melissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.

You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.

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5 stars
214 (44%)
4 stars
148 (30%)
3 stars
91 (18%)
2 stars
21 (4%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for LEAH.
118 reviews26 followers
March 27, 2025
Cali deserves to stub her baby toe on all pieces of furniture in every house she visits, until the end of time. Cool story though.🥹
Profile Image for Lorraine Rusnack.
1,126 reviews32 followers
March 10, 2021

Harper and Cait make a great couple. They have some great friends and family to support them. Harper’s ex really did a number on her. Cait did a wonderful job helping her realize that she wasn’t the problem in her last relationship. They worked together to find a balance between work and life. This is a lovely romance with plenty of heat.
Profile Image for Aunt Missa.
298 reviews29 followers
December 11, 2024
A very slow burn with 2 very insecure MC. The spicy parts were the saving grace of this book, but they were followed by many, many parts of the characters doubting whether or not other person wanted them. That would be fine, in and of itself, but the doubts were same conversations over and over again.
Profile Image for Michelle  Schuler.
922 reviews12 followers
November 16, 2021
Breaking routine

Melissa Tereze is an amazing writer that just puts a smile on my face with every book of hers I devour. This winter themed book will keep you warm while you curl up and read. Strong chemistry and heartfelt warmth will have you tingling. I look forward to more books by Melissa Tereze.
Profile Image for Julie.
198 reviews
January 11, 2021
Firstly, I really loved the cover! I enjoyed this light romance, but I didn't love it like other reviewers seemed to. It was lovely to read a book set in the Lake District, somewhere that I am familiar with, and I could visualise the setting which is a big plus for me, as there aren't a whole heap of lesfic books that is true for.

I liked both of the main characters but I couldn't visualise clearly what they looked like, as although there was some description, it was a little sketchy. They both had baggage, Harper freshly dumped by her cheating fiance, and Cait who was wedded to her work, running a B & B. I didn't however feel their characters were fully rounded, and they both had a lot of indecision and confidence issues, which fluctuated a bit too much for my liking to be totally authentic. I mean I get that emotional scars make people doubt themselves, but this just felt a bit too much, angst for angst's sake.

Of the cast of supporting characters, I hated, I mean really hated Cait's best friend Mandy, who not only set her up on a blind date despite specifically being told by Cait that she wasn't interested, but also suggested she try a date with a man, at 41 years old. Why would you tolerate a friend for that many years who didn't accept you for who you were? Cait's brother Jude also was horrible to Harper in the beginning with no context, then just turned into a nice guy who suddenly supported the relationship and began to pull his weight more at the B & B. His character felt one dimensional with no explanation of why, save for a sentence or two that alluded to him being hurt two years ago.

I don't know, there was a lot to like about the book. It's well written and depicts a 'real' relationship that isn't all hot dates, nights out, constant hot and perfect sex. It's about the small things, walk hand in hand, a snuggle on the sofa, a home cooked meal, a hot chocolate, someone dropping off lunch because they know the other person is too busy to eat. This aspect of the book I liked a lot, but the other stuff took the shine off for me. I suspect that this is just not the book for me, as many other reviewers disagree with my view. It'd be dull if we all liked the same!
58 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2021
A Feel good story!

This is a charming, sweet, fun and steamy read! Both MCs are lovable and perfect for each other! Harper is totally my type but I couldn’t help but fall in love with Cait! I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,307 reviews2,152 followers
August 13, 2022
Abandoned: I enjoyed this quite a bit but put it down a couple months ago and just haven't felt the need to pick it back up. I think that's because the part I cared about, the relationship and the two finding each other, had already happened and the rest was just icing.
Profile Image for Conny B.
324 reviews53 followers
January 3, 2021
Let‘s start with the cover first. It’s a totally untypical one for Melissa, but I totally adore it. It’s just beautiful and suits the story perfectly. Even if I don’t think I have the right words right to describe the beauty of this book, I’m going to try anyway. ☺️
For me it’s the most wonderful feel good romance. I haven’t really realized before I started the book how much I needed exactly this kind of story. It’s funny, romantic and just so beautiful. I already had to laugh out loud in chapter 1, so there is that. ☺️ Both characters are so lovable. Both with their own issues they have to deal with. Personally I was able to relate a bit more to Harper because of her insecurities. There was even a scene I was cheering for her and was so proud how she handled a situation.
On the other hand I definitely would want to date a girl like Cait. She has just everything you want in a woman and most importantly she has such a good heart. You just fall in love with her. And with the time I also saw some parts of myself in her, which made me love her even more. Those two are just made for each other. And I promise the love scenes won’t disappoint you either. Not that Melissa could ever write a boring sex scene. Lol

A sentence from the book that describes the story perfectly is „Sometimes we just know.“. And that’s exactly how it is. And sometimes we just have to risk something, to break our routine.

So if you are a sucker for romance with low angst in it this is THE book for you. It’s a must read I highly recommend.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Joon.
93 reviews6 followers
March 14, 2021
Sweet, lovely slow-burn romance in a picturesque area. Two most captivating topics – infidelity and starting new life.

Firstly, two main characters are luscious like Belgian waffles. I’d like to eat them from the very first page of this book.

Secondly, cheating on a committed partner is pure cruelty and it’s shown very well. With crafty language Melissa Tereze depicted step by step how Harper, due to being cheated on, questions her self-esteem in such crucial moments. I was suffering along with her. Then getting over the fears and limits is also worth following. However, I learned the lesson that the third to the party helps to clarify the situation.

Finally, the location is mind provoking. Strolling down the town and lake shore fired my imagination. In my thoughts I was there at the B&B as well as the “new dream house.”

It is a very good book of the genre. It does what it should do.
Profile Image for Aris Duarte.
288 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2021
A book about new beginnings and overcoming insecurities to have a chance of a lifetime when it comes to that new person that comes to your life without expecting it

Cait, owner of a b&b and Harper, brand new homeowner and out of a 4 years relationship, met by an unexpected accident at Harper's new house and Cait helps her by giving her a room for the night at her B&B and by helping her with a repair guy.

I loved the book, loved Cait and Harpe's story and all the involved.
Profile Image for Clarissa.
87 reviews33 followers
January 13, 2021
3.5

A light and easy romance novel for those looking for basically no conflict and simple plot. Sometimes you just need something like that.
Profile Image for Suzi Vilkman (Hautaniemi).
283 reviews7 followers
March 15, 2021
Never fails

When I want to read good lesbian romance, Melissa Tereze is my go-to author!
This is another perfect example of an amazing story and with hardly any angst, even. A very enjoyable read about what can happen when you have to get out of one relationship and find yourself in another one that feels like it's all you've ever wanted.
Profile Image for Ametheyst.
84 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2023
Overall, it's a cute little romance.

But, ...sigh.
The constant comparison of an ex didn't sit well with me. To me, comparing your current love interest to your previous love interest, (especially to their face) is disrespectful. No matter who comes out 'on top' in the comparisons.
35 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2021
Lovely read

I always enjoy Melissa's work and this does not disappoint. Cait and Harper are fully committed to each other and reading the way their love developed is wonderfully beautiful. Well, worth the read.
Profile Image for Gail.
990 reviews59 followers
January 3, 2021
The beginning set the stage - I knew I was in for an emotion filled book and Ms. Tereze delivered. Harper (self employed graphic designer) and Cait (co-owner of a B & B) slow dance through this romance at times weighed down by past emotional burns. Cait is just what Harper needs and vice verse, if only they knew that. A cleverly written love story with a well fleshed out supporting cast especially Autumn - I wanted to shake some sense into Jude and Mandy - and Callie, well enough said!! I felt Harper's despair and Cait's anxiety both unsure of how to navigate their feelings. There's a touch of humor and bedroom heat that flows well with the plot. The author's descriptions of the lake and environs meshed nicely with touches of individual uncertainty, self doubt, anger and eventual romance. I was pulled deeper and deeper through the night, unable to put this book down until the end.
Highly recommend with 5 glowing stars. A great start to 2021.
Profile Image for Vita L. Licari.
917 reviews46 followers
January 5, 2021
Harper Grey moves to the lakes into her new house. It's a move she needed to make after her bad breakup with her ex Callie. There's a flood in the house, so she stays overnight at the B&B owned by Cait and her brother Jude.
The story between the two flows, where you don't want to put the book down. Its heartwarming with just enough angst to keep you wondering.
As full disclosure I read this as an ARC. Loved the story enough to buy the paperback.
I highly reccomend this book. Melissa doesn't disappoint .
Profile Image for Patricia.
550 reviews12 followers
May 5, 2022
Chapter 3 and Jude gave me whiplash already. Wow.

Had to go see a doctor this morning, I was afraid I became diabetic after so much sappiness. LMAO. JK, they were quite sweet, bordering on too much, but not quite there and I really liked it. REally, at some point I decided to see the percentage thinking I was, maybe, around 50% in, but I was way over 70% with the reading being so light,enjoyable and cosy.

Although I was starting to get frustrated with all the back and forth and need of reassurance from both MC at some point, I can totally understand why they were like that. One is almost a hermit, the other had a Callie doing a number on her... what's not to be insecure? I looooved the lack of heavy drama, though it made me wait for the other shoe to drop during the whole reading, so when the book ended and nothing overly dramatic happened I was a bit lost (my bad haha), but it just made me even more pleased with the story.

Needless to say, anything Melissa writes has a hot take, so should I really take the time to point it out?



Profile Image for Alexa Steli.
613 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2025
2,75/5
I kept forgetting trough this whole book about the fact that our mcs are supposed to be women in their 40' ,mostly beacause of their actions and words.

60% of the book was just Cait jumping to conclusions everytime, it was a headache. I hated her at some parts ,especially when she invited Harper on a date with boats ,are you out of your mind???that girl is scared of water and you know it???it was so weird wth???I literally slapped my forehead, like who thinks that is a good idea.

I couldn't understand why Jude had suddenly out of nowhere a change of character, like he acted like a complete different person from one chapter to the next one.From bad he just suddenly is a good responsible brother ????

I couldn't believe that Harper was actually in love with Cait ,beacuse literally every action that Cait did it just got somehow back to Callie ,always a comparison that it was not needed, Callie was in Harper's mind so much I genuinely don't think it was a good idea about them just jumping into the relationship that I did have any faith in
Profile Image for Jeff.
152 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2021
I did not like this book the way so many others seem to. I have enjoyed other Melissa Tereze romances before, but this one just did not click with me. I was really enjoying the beginning of the novel as Cate and Harper got together, but I found the last third of the book to be repetitive. There are constant communication issues where one character overthinks the heck out of something small, lots of having to reassure the other that they are so happy, repetition of things from the beginning of the story ("I wasn't looking for a relationship when I moved here, etc.). There were times I wanted to shake each one of them to snap out of their past relationships and realize that if they don't then they will lose the perfect person that is right in front of them. I found all of this to be frustrating and not enjoyable.
Profile Image for Devoncatt.
322 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2021
A romantic read

Lots going a cheating ex lover who sort of wants her back an exciting b &b owner who works to muchall occurring in the Lakes district in England ( In thr North).love and hate and attraction all at the same time. Throw in the cheating ex who shiwshuo at the worst time, and you get interesting plot twists and hope the new lovers work out and find real love. But its fun to read when the world seems to be falling apart in the pandemic! Great read takes your mind off the reality!
Profile Image for Lynn.
126 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2021
Beautiful story about a new girl coming to town!

When love didn't work out in the city, Harper decides to move to a gorgeous lake town to start over and work on herself. She didn't plan on Cait stealing her heart along the way!

Cait runs Cait's Rest, a small town B&B with her brother Jude. It is her baby and she is perfectly content until Harper pops up on her doorstep needing a little assistance. A slow-burn, age-gap, lesbian romance sure to heat you up and keep you smiling at how this relationship blossoms!

I loved every page!
865 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2021
It's not too late!

Cait co-owns a B&B with her brother Jude and they have many varied guests come visit.Cait thought that she was okay being alone at 41, until one of their guests reappears by her self. Harper was supposed to moving in down the street with her supposed girlfriend until she discovered said girlfriend in bed with another. Is Caitlyn a rebound? Does she feel like a rebound? Sometimes it is necessary to rethink, am I ok being alone or do I rethink my thoughts? Read and enjoy this thoughtful insightful story ! Enjoy!
143 reviews
January 18, 2021
Bed and Breakfast is sometimes something more

I loved this story of Cait the innkeeper and newcomer Harper. Neither of them were ready for a relationship, but somethings cannot be denied...even if you were destroyed by your Ex-fiancé and her cheating ways. The “will they or won’t they” of this story is not too angst ridden and they are just so sweet together. I was really rooting for them.
22 reviews
September 20, 2023
a slow burn…

This is a true love story. A story of 2 hearts finding each other at just the right time. The story unfolds slowly but it only adds to the intensity of the love between Cait and Harper. It shows the reality of how fast love can grow even with doubts and insecurities. This story shows you really can have it all!
248 reviews
August 24, 2024
Every conversation between the leads feels straight out of a visual novel where one wrong sentence leads to a game over. I couldn't get over how the leads immediately put one foot out the door whenever they spoke to each other. It leads to so much miscommunication. Doesn't help that they have similar doubts and issues. I wish the leads were more different.
Profile Image for Chelles.
653 reviews
June 5, 2025
Breaking Routine

As I read this romance, a few sayings came to mind:

Love comes when you least expect it
Things always happen for a reason
When one door closes, another one opens

Harper and Cait were both in some sort of rut. It took meeting one another to break out of it. And what they discovered was so much more. A sweet love story.
Profile Image for Samantha Brown.
39 reviews
January 6, 2021
Amazing as always

I will always recommend a Melissa Tereza novel. This one, breaking routine; like all her others is brilliant.
A quick read, low angst, age gap , small town romance.
Profile Image for JWG1973UK.
400 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2021
Enjoyable read

I really enjoyed this story. Who wouldn't want someone like Cait? I enjoyed the storyline and loved both Harper and Cait. Cait I would say is my favourite from them both. Great bunch of secondary characters with the exception of Callie.
Profile Image for Sheila.
926 reviews
January 22, 2021
A sweet and lovely romantic novel

I was surprised how much I loved this story. A story of pain, healing, hope and not settling for that perfect love and partner that is meant for you.
618 reviews
February 23, 2021
Sweet

This is a nice and sweet love story. I loved the main characters. Although they didn’t have a lot of confidence in themselves, they finally got their act together. They were great together with nice love scenes and nice ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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