Rule Breaker

Las Vegas Vipers #3

by Stacey Lynn

Spending the night in jail isn’t exactly how I planned to spend Christmas, but I’ve had worse holidays…

Now that I’m out, it’s time to accept my real punishment. Coaching ten-year-old terrors on the ice, in my non-existent free time. My Coach thinks it’d be good for me. Remind me where I came from. He should know I’ve tried every day of my life for the last ten years to forget.

The youth hockey league is a hell I didn’t plan on and the worst penalty possible…
Until the day a sweet, single mom cracks a joke about her kid, and then all bets are off.

I’m the best defenseman in professional hockey, but I didn’t see her coming… now what in the hell do I do? I’m not equipped for a relationship. I’m definitely not ready to have a kid depending on me, but I can’t deny she makes me feel things— want things I never imagined I could have.

I should save us both the trouble and stay far away from her. But rules were made to be broken, and I was never good at following them anyway.

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey, Romance, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2022

About the author

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Reviews

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey Lynn has a gift of writing stories that will rip your heart in two but by the end of the book it’s whole again, Dominick and Holly’s story was what I’ve come to expect from her…a perfect five star read.

Dominick Masters hasn't always had it rough, but that was before his father passed away while he was in college then his life changed and he did everything he possibly could to help the one person he loved most, his sister Lucy. If you read the previous book in this series you'll recall Dominick getting arrested and that is where this story picks up, you do not have to read the previous book but I loved it so I would recommend it but this can be read as a standalone. Dominick doesn't get jail time because charges were dropped but he does have to do community service and pay a large fine. His community service is to coach a kids Hockey Team, not too much of a hardship for the Hockey God but he's not one for kids so he's not too happy about it either.

Holly is a divorced single mom trying her best to give her son, Ben, the best life she can. Ben plays hockey because his father wants him to, he likes it but he's not really good at it but the kid has heart and determination. Ben for me was a stellar character, I loved the way he was with his mom and how stood up to his dad when the time came.

I loved how Dominick started opening up with his teammates in this book, and the way he was with Holly and Ben was amazing. The chemistry and connection that Holly and Dominick have was HOT and what most people strive for.

There is a lot going on in this story and it touches on a topic that I personally feel should have a content warning about. I don't necessarily think a trigger warning is necessary since it happens off page and is mentioned but it is a topic I wish I had known about going in because I wasn't prepared for it when it was first mentioned. If you would like to know more about this topic feel free to contact me through any of my social media accounts.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Steamy Contemporary Romances, Hockey Romances, or Single Mom Romances.

Happy Reading!!!

Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewRB



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story that not only took us on a romance journey but also a growth journey for our characters! Stacey Lynn just does not disappoint, ya’ll! I’ve pretty much read every word this woman has ever written, and I honestly can’t even remember the last time I did not have a good reading experience!

Reading Dominick’s and Holly’s and little Ben’s overall development and growth in this story tugged at my heart and just made me so darn happy. I loved how the *fates* put exactly what each one of them needed in front of the other to form a perfect link of puzzle pieces. Dominick’s *penance* is the first domino in this trio that put in motion a beautiful cause and effect that just tumbled thru the pages to develop a really great *happy sigh* storyline. Ridiculous chemistry in and out of the bedroom made for a very entertaining read within all the plot points.

GAH, I just love this woman and her stories! GO DO THE THING!

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!
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[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominick is a professional hockey player who is dealing with some tumultuous issues off the ice. After an altercation that has him on the wrong side of the law he finds himself coaching a children’s hockey team however he is about to find out that something he didn’t want to do might just be the best thing that ever happened to him when it brings Holly and Ben into his life.

After a devastating marriage all Holly wants is to support her son Ben any way that she can. Her life is challenging and what she and her son don’t need is a sexy hockey player but she is about to find out that she couldn’t be more wrong.

Both Dominick and Holly’s pasts have put them through the wringer which has made them cautious. As they allow the other to break through their walls they find the love and support that not only do they need but Ben as well and the outcome is everything you could want and more.

[Rosanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man do I live to read this woman’s novels. All about sexy hockey men! Sexy and so down to earth if that’s possible.
Dominick is the dark broody, doesn’t talk much hockey player for the Vipers. He has a reputation that isn’t too great. He, in the last book got into a fight saving his sister from her pimp. His sister has had it rough because of their mother and Dominick puts it on himself to save the day, week, month, year…
After said run in with the pimp Dominick gets community service and no jail time.
This community service has him all out of sorts. He doesn’t know how to deal with kids. And the judge decided to put him with a bunch of preteen boys of a hockey team to manage.
He learns and gets attached to one in particular and his mom too and Dominick becomes another person. Yes the right person can do that for you!
Loved this book and all the books I’ve read so far.
This woman is a great author!

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominick and Holly were a cute couple. I loved their interactions and for me it was a insta-love romance.

Dominick has been through a lot in his life, protecting his loved ones and he couldn't believe at first that he can find happiness...happiness in the face of Holly. From the first moment he met her he felt the attraction between them and it was anticipating seeing her every time she came to her son's practice.

For me Holly was a beautiful, strong heroine. She also felt the sparks between her and Dominick. At the beginning she was a bit cautious towards Dominick, because all the thing she was facing from her ex-husband. The moment she got to know Dominick much better she let go and started believing that she can be happy and in love again.

P. S. I really, really hate her ex-husband. He was a piece of s*it for me.

***ARC was provided for my honest opinion by Valentine PR.***

[READ ME ROMANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule Breaker, book three of the Las Vegas Vipers series by Stacey Lynn, is one of her most angsty yet. It’s filled with so much heart and promise, and will have you turning the pages and routing for our hero and heroine the entire time. The message in Rule Breaker confirms what I try to practice in my own life–that you never know what someone is going through, so be gracious and give them the benefit of the doubt until you do.

Although an exceptional pro-hockey player, Dominick has little else going on for him. He’s a loner who never cultivated any friendships, doesn’t talk about his family, and was not known as having a friendly demeanor. I knew from the previous books that this loveable grump had a story to tell, and it was not what I expected–it was so much more.

After an assault charge, his community service was to coach a youth hockey team, and what was once deemed as a punishment, wound up saving him. It is there he met Holly, a recently divorced, single mom of a ten-year-old who played for his team. Ben was adorable and wanted so much to do well and gain the approval of his father, Evan, who was the exact opposite of what a dad should be. It didn’t take long for Dominick to catch on and he took Ben under his wings, encouraging him the entire time.

Holly held her head high and was resilient. She was hurting inside, but strong for her son, and a wonderful mother always putting his needs first. I really admired how she valued her self-worth and wouldn’t settle for less, all while remaining classy.

Holly was cautious and I am so glad she trusted her instincts and took a chance getting to know Dominick. She was obviously attracted to him, but was she willing to risk her heart again for the wrong man? The past ten years have been hell for our hero, and once you learn of his secrets, you will understand what a man of character he really was.

I so admired how he loved and protected his sister as well as Holly, and how day-by-day, he let Holly in, as well as his teammates who were becoming friends. When Holly became his confident as well as his lover, and he became a changed man. The author has a beautiful way of describing their every emotion and you will want to just jump in the story and give them both a giant hug, especially after Dominick bared his soul to the entire world. This act ultimately freed him and let him know without a doubt that others had been in his corner this entire time, including his coach. Queue the tears!

Dominick was filled with so much guilt and felt helpless about his family, and Holly was filled with so many emotions regarding her ex-husband and former best friend. It wasn’t easy, but these two truly healed each other and are the perfect match. There was so much character growth, and I loved how they both were able to move on and put the past behind them. Even Ben, her son, was happier and more confident, and the ending put a big old smile on my face.

Looking forward to more Vipers. Bring it on Max!

[MNHockeymomreads (Heather) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hockey bad boy and single mom with a douche bag ex. Sign this girl up. Romance readers know those bad boys FALL hard and FAST. And friends. Dominic Masters fell hard. He did not know what hit him when Holly and Ben walked into his life. The man literally thought he was ill. Oh this sweet sweet man. Dominic might be one of the most closed off characters I have read in a long time. It took me a minute to warm up to him, because I really didn’t get him. But once he let us see the real him. I was ALL IN. Dominic was awarded community service for a mystery arrest on Christmas Day no less. And his community service coaching a Squirt hockey team. And that is where Holly and Ben come in. Ben is a 10 year old boy that is just darling. Dominic is working through some serious family trauma. Stacey Lynn did an amazing job of depicting the struggles that families go through when someone is dealing with addiction. The addiction was never taken lightly. Dominic has always been a lone wolf so to speak, but when a teammate's wife pulls him in and he starts coaching this man blossoms. Reading Dom come out of himself and embrace the man that he wasn’t sure he could be was so satisfying. He is such a good guy with a giant heart and a protective soul.
Holly, a recently single mom has been burned and she can’t imagine a man like Dominic would be interested in someone like her but she is just a GEM. She is such an emotionally strong and compassionate characters in this series. She works so hard to be positive for her son, and supports his love of hockey. How she handles her ex is so bad ass. She had some serious mic drop comments that had me standing and clapping for her! She handles her ex with grace and never waivers on what is best for her son. She is a total badass.
The connection that Dom and Holly had felt very natural and the relationship flowed from friendship to more. They were extremely supportive of each other in a way that they each knew the other had their back. And the chemistry was perfect. I would consider this a slow burn, but it is well worth the wait. Stacey Lynn has quickly created one of my favorite sets of hockey players and WAGS. I love the support system and friend group that she has created. I cannot wait for what is next for this series!

[Julie Booklover]

Book Three of the Las Vegas Vipers, and we pick up on a situation that developed at the end of Dream Maker. Both books stand alone, though. As a consequence of this situation, Dominick is now coaching a youth hockey team for his community service. As a hockey player, he has a reputation as a grumpy playboy. Not many know him, including his teammates, and he has just recently begun to open up to them.

Holly is a single mom of a remarkable 10-year-old boy. Holly and Dom meet when he steps in to coach her son’s youth hockey team. She is immediately on his radar when she inquires about her son.

This book is a journey for both characters, rebuilding, trust, and growth. I had a hard time putting it down and almost finished it in one sitting.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rule Breaker is book 3 in the Las Vegas Vipers series which is a sports romance / hockey romance series.

In Rule Breaker, we meet our MCS - Holly - a single mom to Ben and Dominick - our hockey player. In book two, Dominick is arrested, and that's where this story picks up. While he doesn't get jail time, he does have to do some community service in the way of coaching a kid's hockey team. As you may guess, that's where he meets Holly. Holly's son Ben is playing hockey because his dad wants him to. He tries his best, but he's not exactly, the best on the team. He has heart though.

The author did a great job at character development in this book, just like she did with the rest of the series. I loved the main characters and the side ones too!

The chemistry between Holly and Dominick is fantastic. The spice is there for sure.

Well worth the read.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what have I just read??? If you've read the first 2 books (if you didn't YOU NEED TO ASAP) you know Dom is not the most likeable guy on the Vipers team. But I just knew there was more to him that meets the eye and boy oh boy what a story he's turned out to be.
I absolutely loved how his character developed. Holly and
Ben
played a huge part of that and they helped him see that he doesn't have to fight the world on his own. They showed him what unconditional love looks like and the way he embraced them made my little heart so happy. They made perfect sense and I'm so happy I got to read this story and trust me when I say you need this series and these men and women in your life STAT!!!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy! This book was truly amazing! Stacey Lynn keeps making these bad boy hockey players into the best men ever, once I started this book it was really hard to put it down. Dom was the bad boy loaner of the team, Holly was the sassy sweet girl next door, getting over a heartbreak. As soon as these two neg sparks flew. He needed her to ground him and learn being alone is not always best, and how to open up and learn to trust again. He gave her everything she didn't know she needed. Absolutely loved this book, didn't think Dom would be the swooniest character but holy was I wrong.

[Lymari Yenderrozos · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Dom is the perfectly surly hockey bad boy, and I am here for it. The chemistry and connection between him and Holly is amazing, I adored them together. Love, love, loved the character growth and how quickly Dom took to Ben. Steam was off the charts and the ending was so sweet. Such a fun, sexy read! *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The grumpy hockey player Dominick has been arrested at Christmas time. Dominick is worried that the Vipers coaches are going to trade him after they find out what happened. Dominick gets surprised that his punishment is community service to coach one of the junior hockey league teams. At first he doesn’t want to be around the kids and the parents but he also knows he needs this.

One of the kids on his new team is Ben. Ben isn’t a good skater. He falls down most of the practice. But Ben has heart he wants to play hockey and he wants to learn. Ben’s mom is Holly, who is recently divorced. Her ex lives right next door and still controlling most of their life. Holly wants to move but knows she can’t afford it.

Dominick starts helping Ben more with his skating and his shots. Ben starts skating up right and less time on his rump on the ice. Dominick also sees Holly and wants to spend time with her but being around Ben and her ex he isn’t sure when they would have time together.

Will Holly be able to get away from her ex? Will Holly and Dominick be able to spend anytime alone?

[Rhianon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominick's life has not been easy. The crap his mother is putting him and especially his sister through is horrendous. No wonder he seems like a grouchy a**hole all the time. I would be too.

Holly's Ex is a piece of work and I wish he got more of what's coming to him, but I'm reasonably happy with how his story ends. I loved her friend Karly. Coming over with a voodoo doll after your friend finds her husband cheating on her with another friend is my kind of bestie material.

I liked Dom and Holly together. They were cute and the way the respected and supported each other was lovely to see.

[Danielle Cordsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule Breaker (Las Vegas Vipers Book 4)
By: Stacey Lynn

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Heartbroken from the beginning!

Oh my this book broke my heart from almost the beginning to end in the most beautiful and heart wrenching way. Two soles have been broken down and they just might be the solution to each other’s look at true happiness in a long time. But so many barriers need broken down. A emotional narcissist ex husband who’s also a tyrant to his young son over hockey and Holly needs confidence in herself and her ability to break the cycle to feel free from her ex. Dominic has spent years protecting his secrets but when the past comes to the surface can he finally let Holly and his team in to be the emotional support he never knew he truly needed. The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: Spending the night in jail isn’t exactly how I planned to spend Christmas, but I’ve had worse holidays…

Now that I’m out, it’s time to accept my real punishment. Coaching ten-year-old terrors on the ice, in my non-existent free time. My Coach thinks it’d be good for me. Remind me where I came from. He should know I’ve tried every day of my life for the last ten years to forget.

The youth hockey league is a hell I didn’t plan on and the worst penalty possible…
Until the day a sweet, single mom cracks a joke about her kid, and then all bets are off.

I’m the best defenseman in professional hockey, but I didn’t see her coming… now what in the hell do I do? I’m not equipped for a relationship. I’m definitely not ready to have a kid depending on me, but I can’t deny she makes me feel things— want things I never imagined I could have.

I should save us both the trouble and stay far away from her. But rules were made to be broken, and I was never good at following them anyway.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey Lynn writes books filled with all the feels. Her characters run the gamut of change and growth while still maintaining that underlying romance that I crave to give me all the warm fuzzies, but the depth she brings out of her hero/heroines is truly stunning. I'm always shocked on where her stories take me and I can never guess how it will play out. They are a true emotional delight to read.

In the beginning Dominick only sees himself as this one dimensional person. A screwed up hockey player with anger issues. He purposely keeps everyone he knows at arms length allowing them to believe that shallow characterization, but Dominick actually has layers, lots of beautiful layers.

He's kind, caring, compassionate, patient, and even sweet, I know, a far cry from that one dimensional person he projects, but he hides it under years of pain and loneliness. Trauma caused by those who should have loved and protected him, but instead used him which didn't help to break the cycle. Dom just needed the right person to help him see his potential, fulfill something outside of that circle of destruction, to begin uncovering those layers. A divorced mom and her son was someone he never would have placed his money on to pull him from his own darkness. But welcome to coaching junior hockey.

Holly is a single mother with the sweetest ten year old son, Ben. He's in a junior hockey league and guess who his new coach is? Yeah, I'm sure you know. Ben is not the best player in his young division, but he has a ton of heart and Dominick sees his overflowing well of heart and spirit. He also doesn't mind how Ben's mom looks sitting in the stands, but Dominick isn't coaching looking for a hookup, it's part of his community service, but that's part of the story you need to read for yourself. 

Holly's ex is a problem. One of those dads who seems to know better than a professional hockey player, total jerk, but luckily Dominick is patient with both Ben and Holly. He makes both of their lives easier and at the same time a bit more complicated, but once again you need to meet the ex and call him names just like I did. Feelings bloom between Holly and Dom in the most organic and thus begins a slow burn that made this story fun to read.

I honestly loved reading how much these characters grew and changed from the beginning all the way to the end, Witnessing Dominick become a better version of himself made the slow burn of their romance all worth it in the long run.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include:
drug use, child sex trafficking, child neglect, rehab

Now THAT’S a way to start a book. I made sure to make note of that! We dive right into Dominick and the heavy weight on his shoulders. I instantly wanted to hug him and protect him. In swoops Holly, ready to do just that for me! And I definitely trusted her to do that for Dominick. She came with her own mess, but that never stopped her from being the best person to stand by Dom’s side. Thanks to the way the cookie crumbles, Dominick is tasked with coaching Holly’s son’s hockey team. So he’s the hot hockey player AND the hot hockey coach! But Dom is absolutely more than just hockey! I loved how instantly Dom and Holly wanted to protect each other, even without truly knowing the extent of the circumstances. Everything involving Dom and Ben had me swooning! Their bond did a number on my heart! Dominick went from “don’t breathe in my vicinity” to “I really wanna spend time with kids” SO quick! But also, not quick enough! And then, he starts opening up with his teammates, forming friendships that he truly deserved. Few things are more attractive than when a man, seemingly a stranger, stands up for a single mom to her POS ex. And Dominick does it perfectly, flawlessly, and without hesitation. He didn’t want Holly to think he was a monster (not that he ever was). He wanted her goodness, but was so terrified of dimming her light. Nothing ripped them apart, everything only made them stronger. Together, and for each other.

My Favorite Quotes:
• “That second goal was for you.”
• “Then get your ass over here and do it.”
• “We need to finish our meals, Before I throw you on this table.”
• “I don’t want any background noise for what I’m about to do to you. I only want to hear the sounds you’re about to make.”
• “I’ll teach you everything I like.”
• “I’m not leaving here without hearing you shatter.”
• “Hold on, honey.”
• “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better view, in my entire life, until I walked in and saw you right here.”

7/10 Dirty Birdy
8/10 Single Parent
7/10 Sports Romance
8/10 Series

This is my review for Goal Chaser
This is my review for Secret Keeper

[Daisy Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

Dominick and Holly are everything. This is one of those stories that’s so good, I couldn’t read another book for days because it wouldn’t be fair to the next book. Even a lovely story would pale in comparison. Dominick Masters is my favorite of the Vipers and while I always love the characters in this series, I can’t imagine anyone could knock him out of the top spot. I’ll know for sure once Max’s book comes out, but I highly doubt it’s possible, so we’ll see.

This story pulled me in from the first page. Dominick’s life has been tougher than most and it never seems to get better for him. Even being a NHL star doesn’t solve his problems or relieve his burdens. He’s the consummate loner even with his teammates and doesn’t share his story with anyone. Enter Holly and Ben. Holly’s jerk ex cheated with her best friend then left her for his mistress and they live right next door. He treats his son even worse than he treats his ex-wife and makes everyone’s life miserable. Dominick takes a special interest in Ben because he sees the damage Ben’s father is doing to him and wants to make things better for the kid, any way he can. Along the way, he’s shocked to find himself caring about this kid, asking his teammates for help and finally opening up to the people who want to get to know him, including Holly. And he takes it all in stride, just embracing the changes in himself and in his life without question. There’s no angst or attempts to avoid it or running away, he just accepts that it's time to open up and let people in, no matter how intimidating the prospect may be.

Their story is sweet and funny with a great balance of suspense and romance, plus a whole lot of heat. I loved everything about this book and will definitely read it again.

[Vanessa (bookfairy.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Why the heck did I wait so long to finally read this book??? It was so good!!!😍😍

I usually like reading about the single dad trope more than I like reading about the single mom trope. Not sure why, I guess its simply preference and loving hot single dads.😂
#RuleBreaker was refreshing in that aspect, what was the same though was seeing this total bad boy alpha ice hockey player melt for this 10-year old bundle of energy!🥺
Seeing Dominick interact with Ben made my heart skip a beat more than once - these two were absolutely adorable together.😩 No wonder Holly couldn't help, but fall for him.

And not only that, but Dominick was just... perfect in his own way. Sure, he has many flaws, he's a little grumpy at times, doesn't smile very often and isn't really into socialising with anyone. (Well, except Holly I guess.😝)

But all of that is not because he's a bad person. It's because he's cautious. And no wonder with a past and family situation like this.😥

And Holly? I loved her. She is so strong and resilient and she has to live with SUCH a tough situation, too... I know I wouldn't be able to put up with all that, so that woman has all my respect (even if she's just a character on paper😢). I just wanted to hug her and tell her she's doing her very best!

Together these two were simply wonderful and all that was going on in this novel, was so well planned and well thought through, it was so much fun seeing all these things from the past slowly unravel and make sense.

I do have to deduct 0.5 stars from my rating, because the what's-the-f***er-husbands-name-again-🤮 situation was cleared up a little too fast. I wanted there to be a bit more guessing and reasoning, other than he is just a giant a**hat, but I guess that is just what he is. Other than that this book was perfect.🥰

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. They are truly standalones as it makes sense if you haven't read the previous books, but I loved catching glimpses of past characters in the stories. I really have to say that Dom is totally swoon-worthy. Though he has a tough outer shell, he is such a deep and caring individual albeit with a lot of issues. Holly is a sweetheart and I so feel for her with her totally crappy ex, though I do believe things happen for a reason. The mix of both characters along with Holly's son makes for such a fun read, though there are some very emotional parts with Dom's sister Lucy. This novel really kept me turning the pages as I couldn't wait to see what happens next, and resulted in me staying up until 3am! I cannot wait to read about Max in the next installment!

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Becca Stanfield Vernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a single mom romance & this one pulled me in from the beginning. Dominick comes off as more of a jerk than he really is, but the more this story goes even more likable he becomes. Dominick is a bad boy, yet his observant nature has him paying close attention to a sweet sexy single mom. Holly has been hurt & her ex his a piece of work!! The push & pull between these two just add to the chemistry. This series is so enjoyable to read & each $exy hockey player is more entertaining than the next.
I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Dominick and Holly's story. We kind of get how Dominick portrays himself in the previous book. But there's more to him than the grumpy, angry and a loner hockey player. He keeps to himself so that people don't know about his family's situation. But getting to know Holly and her son, Ben, makes him want to break his own rule. I loved the start of their relationship and how it developed. And of course, how he is with Ben. I'm so glad that Ben has him as a role model. Then he slowly lets his teammates in and trusts them to have his back. This is a heartwarming and sweet story.

[Amy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly & Dom

This is a single mom romance. Holly is a great woman and mom, who happens to be saddled with a jerk of an ex. However, she does not back down from him and his jerky ways.
Dom has had a rough life. He is very big on protecting the ones he loves.
I loved this story and how Dom takes care of his sister and then Holly.
These two were just so perfect together. They both needed someone good in their life and they finally found that.

Such an amazing well written story with some pretty amazing characters!

[Hetvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea why it took me this long to read this book. I loved all the characters in this book.

Dominick and Holly are made for one another, and Ben was just the icing on the cake. I loved how there wasn’t any are we bf/gf drama that we most often than not see in sports romances. They knew what they wanted and they went for it. I loved Bens relationship with Dominick and how he treated him to ‘special’ practices to the team. I feel like they have the cutest love story and what else do I expect from a romance book? It was just perfect.

[bookjunkiejane · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are no negative ratings so I had to go with 1 star.. Seriously, I couldn't even read this shit, let alone finish it.. And so much shit.... I dont even want to elaborate on the nuances of this book...

[Nisha Bahadure · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rule-breaking Las Vegas Vipers is the incredible conclusion to the series. And here's why it leaves such an impression:

• Dom and Holly come from very different backgrounds. But their chemistry is undeniable.
Their relationship feels genuine and rooted in mutual respect. Which makes their relationship even more interesting.

• Dom quickly became a favorite. His unwavering support for Holly and encouragement to be a better person for Ben is heartwarming and shows the depth of his character.
The fact that he stood by Holly in her struggles made me love him even more.

• Holly is a strong and loving mother. And Dom realizes and appreciates that. Her dedication to her son is truly inspiring. It makes her character even more relatable and admirable.

• The book's ending is a happy and satisfying ending that ties up all the loose ends, a story full of love, support, and growth.

• From beginning to end I love every line of this story. It is the perfect combination of romance. personal growth and emotional depth

Final thoughts:
Rule Breaker is an outstanding addition to the series. With Dom and Holly's journey being the most poignant and heartfelt, Stacey Lynn created the perfect conclusion to the series. Makes it a must-read for anyone who loves an emotional sports romance with great character development.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominick is a professional hockey player and hasn’t been that social with his teammates. We did see that start to change when Gabby came into his life in Dream Maker. Dominick tends to keep to himself because his personal life is a mess, and he doesn’t want his teammates or the public to know. When he is arrested at the end of the previous book, the media of course got it all wrong, and he was sentenced to community service and coaching a kids hockey league. He figured he was going to hate it, but he met a sweet 10-year-old boy who was constantly put down by his father and his sweet mother Holly.

Holly and Dominick are great together and have chemistry that is constantly growing as they get to know each other. I loved how Holly helped to heal Dominick and help him to become closer to his teammates. Rule Breaker is a great fast read, with emotional topics that may require some tissues, and I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review from Stacey Lynn and Valentine PR.

[OutsideOfTheTrack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of an ARC for the Las Vegas Vipers series, and I know I said this about the last one, but this one is definitely my favorite so far! Dom was the perfect MMC—grumpy to everyone but her, broody, protective, and full of secrets. I devoured every bit of it! Holly as the “older” FMC was such a refreshing change, too; she felt like a real adult woman making real choices, which is rare in a lot of romance books I’ve come across lately.

Dom’s mom? Absolute psycho! And the storyline with his sister was a bit over the top at times, but honestly, that’s my only complaint. I loved that this book had no third-act breakup or unnecessary miscommunication. No jumping to wild conclusions because of an unanswered text—it just let the characters have a real, genuine relationship without the typical drama, which was exactly what I needed. I couldn’t put it down!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 🌶️🌶️.5

[Imogen Dior · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the plot and main and secondary characters. I really liked Dominick, i’d honestly been super intrigued since he was mentioned in Game Changer. Dominick’s pain and trauma was so well explained and how he reacted to that by shutting people out and thinking that he didn’t have people who’d have his back. Dominick was such a protective hero of those he cared about. His and Lucy’s story was heartbreaking but it showed he was willing to do anything for those he loved. Holly was such a joyous person who loved with everything she was and you could tell she just wanted to be there for Dominick. They both adored Ben and you could see how good a relationship he had with the both of them. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single parent trope, oh yes! Grumpy/Sunshine, cool kid, sister getting a second chance, bad guys getting what was coming to them... exactly what I needed. Loved everything about this one. Bit of a slow burn and lower on the spice, but loved the story. Dom's journey to where he ended up broke my heart, but it was so beautiful.

Low angst across all the books which was a really nice palette cleanser. Loved the writing style and cannot wait to read the rest of the series and find out what happens to all these characters I've fallen in love with.

Highly recommend this series. One of my 5 star reads for 2024.