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Cute and laugh out loud funny
So few books in the romance genre make me laugh out loud because the author has written something witty, probably with the exception of Debra Anastasia and Penny Reid. So this book was refreshing. Lane is hilarious and Jared is so adorably flummoxed by him. Definitely worth a read.
So few books in the romance genre make me laugh out loud because the author has written something witty, probably with the exception of Debra Anastasia and Penny Reid. So this book was refreshing. Lane is hilarious and Jared is so adorably flummoxed by him. Definitely worth a read.
4.5 stars, rounded up for being such a pleasant surprise.
This book was just FUN. It features a young, talented Canadian hockey player who personifies honesty, a good heart and no filters. And an older, talented American hockey player with a fading career and a bruised heart. Together, they are silly and warm and sexy and confused and comforting and frustrating. There are several good secondary characters, family issues that are not OTT, some minor hockey action that seems relatively low-key and simple even for non-fans, and some sex that is well done but not extensive or highly erotic.
Some of Lane's innocence and confusion might be a bit unlikely, but I'm related to a bunch of clueless, geeky Canadian men and it worked for me. (Other than the hate for Nickelback, because I like Nickelback LOL.)
I laughed, sighed once or twice, and will definitely buy the next book in the series.
This book was just FUN. It features a young, talented Canadian hockey player who personifies honesty, a good heart and no filters. And an older, talented American hockey player with a fading career and a bruised heart. Together, they are silly and warm and sexy and confused and comforting and frustrating. There are several good secondary characters, family issues that are not OTT, some minor hockey action that seems relatively low-key and simple even for non-fans, and some sex that is well done but not extensive or highly erotic.
Some of Lane's innocence and confusion might be a bit unlikely, but I'm related to a bunch of clueless, geeky Canadian men and it worked for me. (Other than the hate for Nickelback, because I like Nickelback LOL.)
I laughed, sighed once or twice, and will definitely buy the next book in the series.
WHAT A DELIGHT oh my god I loved this. Extremely fun and satisfying and SWEET, I love these idiots SOMUCH.
Listened to the audiobook on my 7 hour drive today and couldn't stop smiling the whole way home. It can be hard to find queer romances with minimal angst and I was so pleasantly surprised by this one!
A 2.5 stars probably. Maybe was reading in a not reading-conducive time or mood but this was a slog for me to get through. Did not connect to Lane or Jared or the side characters and such, did not really feel the chemistry b/wn the couple, skim read a lot. I do like the author's other work tho so IDK, might've been me. Will read others in series.
Cool. Found a new author. And I don't even like hockey.
Gale gets the cuteness factor just right. And she's funny.
Warning: This story takes place in the land of No Homophobia Whatsoever. Sure would like to live there myself (is it really located in Jacksonville, Florida?)
Gale gets the cuteness factor just right. And she's funny.
Warning: This story takes place in the land of No Homophobia Whatsoever. Sure would like to live there myself (is it really located in Jacksonville, Florida?)
Now, this was a perfect choice for what I was looking for: a light read, something fun and fast after a stressful day, something I could finish in one sitting and not think much about it. It was entertaining, it did the job, and I enjoyed reading it. But at the same time, I can't really let the faults of this book pass. The writing was below average, there was an attempt at character development that didn't really convince me, the plot was mediocre, and the moments that were supposed to be emotional ended up falling flat. Again, I didn't hate the book; on the contrary, I had fun. But you shouldn't expect to find anything more than a fun read to pass the time here.
But I will say this: the author clearly knows a lot about hockey, and loves the sport. That was something that really endeared me to the book. Avon Gale knows her hockey, and knows how hockey fans - and players - feel about the sport, especially in non-traditional markets. I could feel the love pouring out of the pages, and if nothing else, I'd have enjoyed this story just for that. Keep fighting the good hockey fight in the south, fellas.
But I will say this: the author clearly knows a lot about hockey, and loves the sport. That was something that really endeared me to the book. Avon Gale knows her hockey, and knows how hockey fans - and players - feel about the sport, especially in non-traditional markets. I could feel the love pouring out of the pages, and if nothing else, I'd have enjoyed this story just for that. Keep fighting the good hockey fight in the south, fellas.
this was definitely cute, but the relationship seemed to go from casual hookup to boyfriends without them literally ever having a conversation about it (and like would use the word boyfriend to each other despite having never discussed it).
This book was an absolute delight. I adored – absolutely ADORED Lane. And Lane and Jared. And Zoe. And Lane and Zoe. Hell, I adored the whole damn lot of them! Honestly, there wasn’t a single thing not to like about Breakaway. The characters are fresh, fun, and hilarious. The dialogue is sharp and just so perfect for all of them. And, the hockey! Gah! Who knew I’d like hockey this much? It’s awesome! It’s fantastic to read about something that is clearly a passion for the author, and Avon Gale definitely knows her stuff.
Lane Courtnall is something else. He’s Canadian, first of all. Which should explain many things about him as far as he’s concerned. He’s bad at feelings and at communication in general. In fact, his poor social skills are what have landed him in trouble starting on page one, and led him to picking a fight with Jared Shore, a rival player in the ECHL. This book has one of the greatest first chapters I’ve read in forever. Gale drops us right into the thick of a game and the mess that is Lane, getting us into his head and setting the tone and pace for the entire novel.
Jared doesn’t know what to do with Lane initially. Or, even later for that matter. I love this quote, which so readily sums up what Jared must be thinking most of the time:
"Lane took a breath, and Jared was charmed, turned on, and slightly shocked that Lane was actually a real person."
That’s how I feel about Lane as well. He is five hundred kinds of awesome, wrapped up in a kind, sexy, quirky package. His unabashed love and respect for the game, as well as his wonder at just, well…everything, will have you falling in love with every Maple-Leaf-loving ounce of him.
I loved Jared a stupid amount, too. His background and connection to hockey was so different from Lane’s; his power on the ice came entirely from within himself. I was rooting for him individually, as well as rooting for him and Lane together. Watching everything unfold for the two of them made me giddy.
Pick this one up, guys. I promise you will laugh, you will swoon, you will learn about hockey, and you will be so glad you read it. Breakaway is the first in Avon Gale’s new Scoring Chances series, and I am all in. I can’t wait to dig right in to Riley and Ethan’s story next! Bring on more hockey boys!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/review-breakaway-by-avon-gale/
Lane Courtnall is something else. He’s Canadian, first of all. Which should explain many things about him as far as he’s concerned. He’s bad at feelings and at communication in general. In fact, his poor social skills are what have landed him in trouble starting on page one, and led him to picking a fight with Jared Shore, a rival player in the ECHL. This book has one of the greatest first chapters I’ve read in forever. Gale drops us right into the thick of a game and the mess that is Lane, getting us into his head and setting the tone and pace for the entire novel.
Jared doesn’t know what to do with Lane initially. Or, even later for that matter. I love this quote, which so readily sums up what Jared must be thinking most of the time:
"Lane took a breath, and Jared was charmed, turned on, and slightly shocked that Lane was actually a real person."
That’s how I feel about Lane as well. He is five hundred kinds of awesome, wrapped up in a kind, sexy, quirky package. His unabashed love and respect for the game, as well as his wonder at just, well…everything, will have you falling in love with every Maple-Leaf-loving ounce of him.
I loved Jared a stupid amount, too. His background and connection to hockey was so different from Lane’s; his power on the ice came entirely from within himself. I was rooting for him individually, as well as rooting for him and Lane together. Watching everything unfold for the two of them made me giddy.
Pick this one up, guys. I promise you will laugh, you will swoon, you will learn about hockey, and you will be so glad you read it. Breakaway is the first in Avon Gale’s new Scoring Chances series, and I am all in. I can’t wait to dig right in to Riley and Ethan’s story next! Bring on more hockey boys!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/review-breakaway-by-avon-gale/