What do you think?
Rate this book
Hideaway Legacy #13
Breakaway
When E.R. doctor Celia Cole-Thomas is wounded and her fiancé killed in a shootout at the hospital, the only way she can heal her body and her heart is to spend time at her mountain retreat. In her remote cabin on the Tennessee border, she isolates herself from the world—until Gavin Faulkner moves into a nearby lodge. And as hard as Celia tries to stay away, Gavin's friendship and sensuality are slowly bringing her back to life.
An FBI special agent, Gavin has been ordered to apprehend a fugitive in the area. The moment he meets Celia, he knows he can't pass up the chance to show this vibrant woman all the passion she's been missing. But his dangerous assignment could shatter the fragile trust they've built, unless he can convince her that love's rewards are worth the risks….
An FBI special agent, Gavin has been ordered to apprehend a fugitive in the area. The moment he meets Celia, he knows he can't pass up the chance to show this vibrant woman all the passion she's been missing. But his dangerous assignment could shatter the fragile trust they've built, unless he can convince her that love's rewards are worth the risks….
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 21, 2010
18 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Alers
220 books1,051 followersRochelle Alers was born in Manhattan, New York, USA, where she raised. She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology, before started to work. She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to countries in North, Central and South America, and Europe. She is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 10, 2010
Confession time: I am a black woman who doesn't read a lot of romance novels featuring black heros and heroines. Yes, I read them but not a lot. I can probably count on my hands the number of romance novels that I've read by black authors in the last six months. It's not that it's something that I've consciously done. But it's very hard to decipher the good from the bad. There seems to be an unwritten rule in the black community that you don't trash your brother or sisters efforts. It seems that if you go on Amazon or Shelfari or any sites like that and look up books by black authors everyone LOVED the book. I've gotten burned many times by buying books because of rave reviews, cracking the book open, and being like 'really.' So since I'm careful on what I spend my money on, it's very rare that I buy black romance. Though I do pick it up when I see them at my library.
So, I'm very hesitant to comment on black romance. One, I have diarrhea of the mouth; and two, I feel that I'll be bashed horribly for daring to say what I really thought. LOL.
Oh well . . . I had a good life.
I so wanted to love this book, but I couldn't and here are the reasons why:
• Too much narrative: I felt like as if Breakaway was narrated to me instead of being shown a story. The narration confused me. There were times when the Celia and Gavin's thought processes didn't fit the words that came out of their mouths. I was pulled out of the story a lot and had to flip back so that I could try to keep up what was going on. I also had the strange feeling that I was being talked down to which is a weird thing to say. I apologize, I can't pinpoint a specific moment just an overwhelming feeling I had.
• Too much description. Pages and pages of description that took away from the plot and the Celia and Gavin's developing relationship. When I say description, I really mean description from the big to the large. Pages and pages of back story telling the history of Celia's family, while interesting had nothing to do with the plot. There was also paragraphs and paragraphs of description of what exactly Gavin and Celia were eating, wearing, lived. I know some people like those things, but I wish it was sprinkled in instead of just dumped there. I wanted to learn more about Celia and Gavin from their interactions not from large info dumps.
• Characters: I didn't believe in Celia and Gavin's relationship. I found it hard that they had respect for each other. They spent so much time battling for the upper hand in the relationship, that I lost interest in them and the chemistry for each other.
I don't know what else to say other than this book wasn't for me. I know that this author has an extensive fan base, but Breakaway just wasn't my thing.
So, I'm very hesitant to comment on black romance. One, I have diarrhea of the mouth; and two, I feel that I'll be bashed horribly for daring to say what I really thought. LOL.
Oh well . . . I had a good life.
I so wanted to love this book, but I couldn't and here are the reasons why:
• Too much narrative: I felt like as if Breakaway was narrated to me instead of being shown a story. The narration confused me. There were times when the Celia and Gavin's thought processes didn't fit the words that came out of their mouths. I was pulled out of the story a lot and had to flip back so that I could try to keep up what was going on. I also had the strange feeling that I was being talked down to which is a weird thing to say. I apologize, I can't pinpoint a specific moment just an overwhelming feeling I had.
• Too much description. Pages and pages of description that took away from the plot and the Celia and Gavin's developing relationship. When I say description, I really mean description from the big to the large. Pages and pages of back story telling the history of Celia's family, while interesting had nothing to do with the plot. There was also paragraphs and paragraphs of description of what exactly Gavin and Celia were eating, wearing, lived. I know some people like those things, but I wish it was sprinkled in instead of just dumped there. I wanted to learn more about Celia and Gavin from their interactions not from large info dumps.
• Characters: I didn't believe in Celia and Gavin's relationship. I found it hard that they had respect for each other. They spent so much time battling for the upper hand in the relationship, that I lost interest in them and the chemistry for each other.
I don't know what else to say other than this book wasn't for me. I know that this author has an extensive fan base, but Breakaway just wasn't my thing.
May 5, 2010
Rochelle Alers is back with a new story from her popular Hideaway series. Fans of her long time work are reunited with the Cole family. It’s like visiting old friends.
Celia Cole-Thomas is a Miami E.R. doctor who is running from a traumatic experience. After being shot by a ruthless gang member during her shift one night, Celia is shaken to the core. She had to endure the trauma of watching her fiancé (another E.R. doctor) and several colleagues die. A year later she is still having nightmares of the fatal night. Determined to move on from her past and maintain her sanity, she packs up to take a vacation in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. While enjoying her must needed R& R, she meets Gavin Faulkner and all of the emotions that she thought were long buried resurface.
Gavin Faulkner is a hot undercover FBI agent. He’s on the fast track in the bureau, making his way as one of the top field agents ever. The thing is that he no longer wants that lifestyle, in fact, after his current assignment he plans to take a desk job and settle down. Sent to the mountains of North Carolina to bring in another undercover agent, who is so much more to Gavin than just that, Gavin never expected to have such a strong attraction with Celia in the local grocery store.
While driving home from their initial encounter, Gavin rescues a hurt puppy. Celia spots him on the road and immediately jumps in to help him. Together they repair the dog until they can get him to the vet and slowly learn more about each other. I thought it was real cute that they both were invested emotionally in “Terry” the dog. As Gavin and Celia settle into their roles as lovers, danger is never far away and Gavin makes a promise to Celia to protect her from any gang members who might still be out to hurt her before she testifies later that summer. But Gavin has more to deal with when he learns that his assignment might be linked to Celia and her case.
There were several things that took away from this book in my opinion. The first being that Celia was suppose to be this hard shelled woman with a soft inside but I felt she was hard all of the time. The only time I got to really see her let loose was during the love scenes, which was hot. She was not relatable enough for me and she did not gel as well with Gavin’s down to earth personality as I would have liked. Second, there was no action in the story. Sure the readers know that danger is lurking. There’s a robbery and other small mentions of something happening but there was no drama. Last I did not like that their relationship progressed so fast towards the end and the only excuse was this is for the case which did not tie neatly into the story.
Even with those details, I still manage to enjoy Breakaway. There were several other characters introduced from her hideaway series and even her Blackstone series. Of course, being a fan my self of Rochelle Alers, I do look forward to other stories in her Hideaway series.
Celia Cole-Thomas is a Miami E.R. doctor who is running from a traumatic experience. After being shot by a ruthless gang member during her shift one night, Celia is shaken to the core. She had to endure the trauma of watching her fiancé (another E.R. doctor) and several colleagues die. A year later she is still having nightmares of the fatal night. Determined to move on from her past and maintain her sanity, she packs up to take a vacation in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. While enjoying her must needed R& R, she meets Gavin Faulkner and all of the emotions that she thought were long buried resurface.
Gavin Faulkner is a hot undercover FBI agent. He’s on the fast track in the bureau, making his way as one of the top field agents ever. The thing is that he no longer wants that lifestyle, in fact, after his current assignment he plans to take a desk job and settle down. Sent to the mountains of North Carolina to bring in another undercover agent, who is so much more to Gavin than just that, Gavin never expected to have such a strong attraction with Celia in the local grocery store.
While driving home from their initial encounter, Gavin rescues a hurt puppy. Celia spots him on the road and immediately jumps in to help him. Together they repair the dog until they can get him to the vet and slowly learn more about each other. I thought it was real cute that they both were invested emotionally in “Terry” the dog. As Gavin and Celia settle into their roles as lovers, danger is never far away and Gavin makes a promise to Celia to protect her from any gang members who might still be out to hurt her before she testifies later that summer. But Gavin has more to deal with when he learns that his assignment might be linked to Celia and her case.
There were several things that took away from this book in my opinion. The first being that Celia was suppose to be this hard shelled woman with a soft inside but I felt she was hard all of the time. The only time I got to really see her let loose was during the love scenes, which was hot. She was not relatable enough for me and she did not gel as well with Gavin’s down to earth personality as I would have liked. Second, there was no action in the story. Sure the readers know that danger is lurking. There’s a robbery and other small mentions of something happening but there was no drama. Last I did not like that their relationship progressed so fast towards the end and the only excuse was this is for the case which did not tie neatly into the story.
Even with those details, I still manage to enjoy Breakaway. There were several other characters introduced from her hideaway series and even her Blackstone series. Of course, being a fan my self of Rochelle Alers, I do look forward to other stories in her Hideaway series.
February 5, 2025
I LOVED THIS STORY
I loved and enjoyed reading Gavin and Celia's story,the only thing I missed was not seeing Gavin in action. I was expecting someone to either try to break in Celia's home or try finding her. That said I would absolutely recommend reading this book I don't think you'll regret it. Great job Ms. Alers as usual, and thank you.
I loved and enjoyed reading Gavin and Celia's story,the only thing I missed was not seeing Gavin in action. I was expecting someone to either try to break in Celia's home or try finding her. That said I would absolutely recommend reading this book I don't think you'll regret it. Great job Ms. Alers as usual, and thank you.
March 9, 2018
Too yummy for words
This book followed in a tradition that Ms. Alers has established , it was a damned good book. I was sorry when it ended but look forward to reading more from her works.
This book followed in a tradition that Ms. Alers has established , it was a damned good book. I was sorry when it ended but look forward to reading more from her works.
June 28, 2018
Brilliant and Romantic
This book by one of my fave authors was brilliant and romantic as all her others. Ms. Alers never disappoints me and I'm always able to get lost in her characters. They make me believe in true love!
This book by one of my fave authors was brilliant and romantic as all her others. Ms. Alers never disappoints me and I'm always able to get lost in her characters. They make me believe in true love!
Read
October 19, 2021Break Away
Clean breakaway from the past , with a beautiful, loving and hopeful future in store for two of Rochelle's lovable characters in this special Hideaway Legacy series! Two thumbs up!😊
Clean breakaway from the past , with a beautiful, loving and hopeful future in store for two of Rochelle's lovable characters in this special Hideaway Legacy series! Two thumbs up!😊
December 30, 2021
Romantic💕💕
This book is characteristic of the author's writing. She has formulated another story and family to entice me to read. BTW, did anyone realize the new family connection?
This book is characteristic of the author's writing. She has formulated another story and family to entice me to read. BTW, did anyone realize the new family connection?
September 25, 2020
Really awesome book
Because I really like this book and I would recommend this book to all the women in my family members
Because I really like this book and I would recommend this book to all the women in my family members
May 11, 2010
Breakaway is the latest in the books about the Cole-Thomas family. Celia Cole-Thomas is on extended leave from her job as a doctor in a Florida hospital. She was hit during a shoot out in the emergency room and her fiance, a doctor as well, was killed as a result of the incident. The trial for the assailant is coming up soon and in an effort to prepare for it her she travels to her home in the North Carolina mountains for some peace and quiet and to regroup. Also in the area to look for his brother as part of an undercover operation is FBI agent Gavin Faulkner. As part of his cover, he must blend in to the community and befriending Celia is the best way to do that. Once Gavin finds out Celia's story, his professional and personal need to protect her kick in.
I always enjoy the Hideaway series and the Cole-Thomas'. The initial meeting(s) of Celia and Gavin was cute and I especially enjoyed the side trip to Staunton, Virginia, my mother's hometown. While there wasn't a lot of action and I felt that the storyline surrounding Gavin's brother wrapped up a little too quickly, this was still a great read.
I always enjoy the Hideaway series and the Cole-Thomas'. The initial meeting(s) of Celia and Gavin was cute and I especially enjoyed the side trip to Staunton, Virginia, my mother's hometown. While there wasn't a lot of action and I felt that the storyline surrounding Gavin's brother wrapped up a little too quickly, this was still a great read.
June 8, 2010
I loved it! I felt like I'd been starving for stories of the Cole family once I'd picked up the book! "Breakaway" defines contemporary romance. The dialogue, scenes, and language was brazen and fresh. Celia and Gavin's chemistry heated up each pages while, their banter made you laugh. Anyone who's followed the Hideaway series know that the Cole's, and Kirkland's can be a bit intimidating, but Gavin Faulkner held his own. This book is now my favorite in the Cole family romances. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fresh bold new romance to read.
November 27, 2013
With an undercover FBI agent and a doctor hiding out before testifying at a high profile trial, I thought this was going to be a romantic suspense. It's not. This is number 14 in Alers Hideaway Novels. Haven't read the others so I don't know how this compares. I had trouble buying into Celia's previous relationship, and some of Gavin's hot buttons seemed pretty neurotic. I can see how romance readers might get hooked on all the interconnected family stories in this series.
September 28, 2013
Book was ok. Took me a long time to get through it because it just didn't hold my attention. It was a combination love story/crime drama except the object of the story premise never makes an appearance (reference would be more accurate ) until you're 97% done with the book. I can't recommend this book.
January 15, 2014
Good read, expected more action.
I love Rochelle Alers and how she connects the books that involve the families. However I was a little disappointed that this story didn't have more action. Good read, but not one of my favorites.
I love Rochelle Alers and how she connects the books that involve the families. However I was a little disappointed that this story didn't have more action. Good read, but not one of my favorites.
July 6, 2010
You otta love, a happy ending.
March 1, 2016
I loved this story from beginning to ending. Good read.
June 19, 2015
Loved it!
Another winning book for me. It fell right in line with all of the previous stories. I am on to the next now.
Another winning book for me. It fell right in line with all of the previous stories. I am on to the next now.
March 18, 2016
I loved the book. Rochelle did not disappoint. I can't wait to read about Nicholas.
December 21, 2016
Wow
Breakaway was breathtaking.. Celia was fiesty and Gavin gave it right back to her. The storyline was great. Then ending was perfect....
Breakaway was breathtaking.. Celia was fiesty and Gavin gave it right back to her. The storyline was great. Then ending was perfect....
Read
August 8, 2016very good read, couldn'T put it down.
July 7, 2011
this book was soooooooooooo amazing i couldnt put it down that's how the book for me
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews