Breaking Free: An Action and Adventure Romance

by Renee Marks

Abigail Landon's boyfriend, Jon, asks her to marry him. She tells him no. When he becomes physical with her, she runs to her best friend’s house in her home town to get away. While there she runs into her childhood crush, Ryder. She’s not sure she wants another relationship, after the horrible one she ran from, but as she spends more time with Ryder her old feelings are awakened.

Ryder has always had feelings for Abigail and now that’s she’s come back home, the feelings are rekindled. Something is bothering her and she has become timid, which is unlike her, but after he discovers the reason why, he is determined to keep her safe and make her his.

Neither are prepared when Jon, her vengeful ex, appears in their quiet town. Jon has his own plans for Abigail and it doesn’t involve her hometown or Ryder.

Publisher’s Note: This contemporary romance is intended for adults only and contains elements of action, adventure, mystery, suspense, danger, possible triggers for some readers and a happily ever after.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2021

Reviews

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

ABBY AND RYDER TOGETHER AGAIN

The story is a contemporary action-adventure second chance romance. The story will begin in Seattle, where Jon and Abby, who have dated for four years, are at dinner, and he proposes, she says no, and flees the restaurant. Jon is angry and takes it out on Abby—where she knows she has to leave to be safe. Calling her childhood friend, Jen, she drives all night to reach the Nickels ranch.

Jon: You are an ungrateful piece of work, you know that? I’ve given you a life of pure luxury, and you repay me by walking out on me?
Abby: Jon, please stop, you’re hurting me. (he slaps her cheek)
Jon: Maybe that’ll give you something to think about before you tell me no again. You get one more chance, but that’s it. Tomorrow, the same place at the same time, and you had better be there and say yes this time. You won’t make a fool out of me again.

Jen: Abby, what’s the matter?
Abby: Jen, I made a stupid mistake. Can I come to stay with you for a little bit?
Jen: Of course! What happened?
Abby: Can I tell you when I get there, please?

The story’s plot will have Abby driving all night and arriving back in Lovell at the Nickel’s ranch to have time to think and decide what she wants to do with her life. She secures two new jobs, one as a teacher and one working in a diner. Ryder Nickels has been away from the ranch, buying new horses, and sending them home—one of his new horses, Slim, will only cooperate for Abby, who works with him. It’s time for Ryder to return home, and when he does, he is impressed with how well Slim and Abby have bonded. When trouble comes calling, Ryder is exceptionally protective of Abby. He is disappointed that she won’t tell him what has happened to cause her to leave Seattle, but they settle in well as friends.

The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. It is a second chance for Ryder and Abby to develop feelings now that they are both mature adults rather than teenagers. I love the chemistry between them, even though there is angst too. When Jon shows up in Lovell, Ryder comes to her rescue, but he also has a ranch to run. The story has moments of danger and suspense, kidnap and rescue and two people there for each other.

“I finally have found my home where I belong.”

The story does contain mildly explicit sex scenes between consenting adults. While this is published with Blushing Books, it does NOT contain power exchange. BUT, it does have an abusive man who slaps Abby in the face multiple times, on different occasions.

The story had great potential but lacked the believability factor I want to see in any story, no matter the genre. Why would an attorney leave his practice and hide out in a small town for revenge? He wouldn’t. Seriously, that both Abby, 30, and Ryder, 33, have remained virgins? And for them to both completely ignore condoms or any birth control? This isn’t the eighteen hundreds. I don’t think anyone is buying that.

[Audrey Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't feeling this book. I stuck with it until the end, hoping it would turn around, but it just didn't check off all the boxes for me and I love these types of tropes. I thought that Jen (Abby's BFF/ Ryder's sister) was not really a good friend to her throughout this book- she wasn't supportive and she literally was so annoying and childish and selfish it really irritated me.

Ryder was much more supportive than I expected based on the thoughts and comments Abby and Jen made throughout the first part of the book. He was level headed and was really sweet.

There were also super random parts that made no sense in this book, and to me seemed like the author tried every single 'action packed/dramatization' in this book (and it was overkill). Like, what was up with Abby's mom? Why did she like the ex so bad if he was such a terrible person? What was the deal with Dylan's character? He was creepy and extremely random. Then the kidnapping scene of Abby by her ex-- like, okay where was he going to take her? And she escaped in such a dramatic way and Ryder just so happened to be driving by? THENNNN they go back home to the ranch and all of a sudden he wants to propose to her and surprise, she's pregnant? Jesus. Like, what didn't happen in this book? Lol.

There were so many holes in this book and random things that happened that weren't cleared up, it bothered me. I wish Abby would have been a little stronger of a character instead of being scared and sad all the time, especially around Ryder and blaming herself for everything.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and while I wish her luck in her writing, the story, the characters, the dialogue and the writing were all "missing" something. This story had wonderful potential and I loved Ryder and the way his character was written. However, Jen, the "supposed best friend" of Abby and Ryder's sister was someone I did not like and wished she had been left out of the story altogether. In my book she was a horrible sister, a terrible "partner" in the ranch both she and Ryder had and if I had a friend that acted like her or treated me like she did Abby, I would drop her and never look back. Tommy, who was supposedly Jen's boyfriend didn't receive much better treatment from her either. Now to Abby, what can I really say about her except for the fact that her character was never really shone in a light where I could get to know and like her better EXCEPT when she was around the horse, Slim. She blossomed when interacting with Slim and seemed to shrink into a "nobody" when interacting with the rest of the characters in the book. The potential for this to be a good book was there but the author just missed the boat in almost every chance she had. That being said, I still finished the book and was glad that throughout all the trials and tribulations Ryder and Abby had, they eventually found their HEA.

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

[CS · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow paced contemporary romance with mild drawn out drama with Abby and her ex-Jon.
Lots of weird dynamics in this storyline with virginal school teacher Abigail breaking up with her lawyer boyfriend after four years of seemingly platonic dating. Oddly, she runs after he proposed to her, then flees when he hurts her in his anger. I couldn’t figure out how she was with Jon for four years without intimacy or realizing what a psycho he was. The fact that her mother wanted them to get married was even weirder.
Luckily, Abby was able to run back to her home town and stay with her bestie Jen ( who happened to be the little sister of Abby’s true love interest, Ryder)
For a best friend, Jen was sorely lacking. Over protective, irritating, judgmental and controlling, she was very unlikeable and was a source of so many issues for Abby.
Abby was also very hard to like with her self deprecating, closed off personality, it was easy to see how everyone felt they knew what was best for her.
My favorite character was Ryder who tried to mitigate the mess and turmoil that seemed to follow Abby around like a dark cloud. He also started out a little rough, but I liked the way he grew as their relationship went on.

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

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry. Wasn't feeling this one. Ryder and Jen kept making references to how Abby used to be. It bothered me that there was no real explanation about WHO Abby used to be, or WHY she was different. I could make assumptions, but you know what they say about assumptions.

I didn't think much of Jen being Abby's BF. I didn't think she was a supportive friend at all. Jen seemed to me to be kind of selfish. She also didn't seem to think Abby was capable of making good decisions. Not to mention that Jen seemed to have a problem with not thinking about what she said before she said it.

What was the deal with Abby's mother? Didn't understand that either.

Ryder was much more supportive than I expected based on the thoughts and comments Abby had and Jen was making. I was surprised that they were still basing expectations about Ryder's behavior on his childhood behavior.

Also, I couldn't figure out what the deal was with Dylan's character. He was creepy. Not sure what purpose he served in the story.

I felt like there were too many holes in this book that left me with questions. It just didn't flow for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best HEA EVER!
by A.K. Shaw

Action, suspense, drama, and romance are abundant in the storyline of Breaking Free. It is an awesomely compelling book that pulls you in from the beginning pages. The characters are believable and realistic. Your heart goes out to Abbey as she continues the good fight, which can be exhausting. Luckily she has Ryder in her corner, as well as her BFF Jen and her man Tommy. They are childhood friends and remind Abbey that she is not alone.

Ryder and Abbey's love story is intense. Taking her abusive ex out of the picture, you have to people do have loved each other since childhood. That element adds a sweetness to it all, along with the fact that they saved themselves. Along with the side story of Slim, this is a delightful love story. I could not stop reading it and finished the book in one sitting.

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

[Ally A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escaping from a violent boyfriend, Abby flees to her best friend’s horse ranch in Wyoming. Jen welcomes Abby with open arms – and so does her brother Ryder. Ryder has long had a crush on Abby and is determined to make the most of this opportunity to win her over. Abby is reluctant to start a new relationship, but Ryder is both kind and patient. As their relationship deepens, Abby’s former boyfriend turns up, endangering her and those she cares about. Renee Marks does a good job developing the relationship between Abby and Ryder – it’s believable and you connect with both characters. Nice HEA as well.

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

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel odd about this story. It felt like the characters should be several years younger or religious. Not just from a purity standpoint, but the way they behaved too. Jen is very immature generally not likeable for a lot of the book—she is pretty dense when it comes to the horses (which she deals with for her living and has most of her life) and with everyone on the ranch. Ryder is the epitome of “nice guy”, but not in the real world a few times with his expectations of others. Abby is more like an older teen to early twenties. The writing itself is done pretty well. I just spent a lot of time shaking my head and feel bad about it.

I received a free copy of this book.

[Kristine L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby breaks up with her boyfriend of 4 years after he asks her to marry him. She doesn't love him. Jonathan finally showed Abby his true characters. She goes to her best friend Jen's ranch to escape Jonathan and her mother. Ryder has loved Abby for a long time. Abby didn't think he liked her because he always picked on her. Abby and Ryder were starting to really connect again but then the ex showed up again. After hitting her again Ryder got rid of him and told him to stay away. There is suspense, drama, kidnapping, abuse, passion and steam. Love the HEA at the end. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book, Abby and Jon have been together for four years, when he asks her to marry him. She panics and runs out of the restaurant, when he shows up at her apartment and gets rough with her she decides to leave town. The only place she can think to get is where she grew up and to the ranch of her best friend., There is only one problem Ryder, how will he react when he comes home from a trip to find her living there?

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

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about Ryder & Abby.
They were childhood friends and she moved away from his town when her parents moved the family.
Abby is now a teacher and after a bad date, she drives back to Ryder's hometown. Jen, her BFF and his sister, allow her to stay on their property as long as she wants. She's building her life while he's looking at horses. When he comes back to town, the sparks that were there half a lifetime ago are back.
There is so much drama and hurt and love in this story.
And you really can't help but fall in love with Ryder. Oh and Slim. :)

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this surprising book. I'm use to Blushing Books Publishing books with a kink or two involved but this was a fairly tame romance with a lot of drama. The characters were realistic in their words and actions within a plotline that entertained. I would recommend to all readers, not just Romance.

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

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one has drama, kidnapping, suspense and HEA. I only had one issue with this story and that was the over use of the endearment "baby" he just used it too much for my taste other than that I enjoyed the book. She runs from her ex and goes to her bestfriend. Ryder has had a thing for her for a long time. Will fate work for these two or will she return home after her ex is stopped.

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

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story wasn’t bad. There was a good amount of action and angst. My main issue was Abby. I like female characters who are strong, personality wise, and Abby just kept apologizing for things that weren’t her fault. Also, I thought Jen was a terrible, judgmental “friend (?)”. Ryder seemed to be a good guy and I liked how he was written.

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

[Mzlegz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby and Ryder shared the spotlight in this story of love with Tommy and Jen. Jen TOTALLY got on my last nerve with the stupid stunts she kept doing around Slim. Jon was a total jerk and I cheered Abby on for her fight but she was too hard on herself for other people's actions. I kept waiting for the 'consequences' to happen but they never showed up!! The colorful language did though!!

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

[ajjmb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail and Ryder have known each other for years and are just now finding each other again. Unfortunately Abigail is running and hiding from an ex that has abused her and Ryder is her shield. I really enjoyed reading this book and the story that went with it. It was a well put together story line.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder and Abigail's story is well written with a very good storyline, I was not putting this book down until I was finished. There is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, a nasty ex, and romance. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SaDonna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby and Ry have known each other since childhood. Abby had to move away with her parents at the age of 16. Abby was in a toxic relationship and ran back to her best friend who is also Ry's sister. Sometimes your dreams can come true.

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

[Patricia Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was filled with action, drama and kept me glued to my seat for the outcome. A great read. I enjoyed it.

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story line is captivating and flawlessly written. The characters were engaging, likeable, and well developed. The story is full of drama, action, romance, and a definite page turner. I highly recommend you read it for yourself you won't regret it!

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jon & Abby had a roller coaster of a read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.