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hannahnana73's review
3.0
ok don't get me wrong - super sweet, had some really nice quotes that made me smile... missing the banter tho... to the point where I really had to force myself at points to read this... and had to skip like 100 pages till they acc got together coz I was that close to dnf-ing... Also didn't really like Bree.... tho Mike was sweet yeahh but too sweet at times... like why couldn't he have clarified that thing abt the fundraiser before blindly agreeing to it coz he was head over heel's for her...? why does she have to make a vow to not date hockey guys and feel that compelled to keep it just to prove a point to her brother? I felt like they both lacked personality y'know? or well they had personality but idk humour? wasn't there... like the messages tho + both of their relationships w/ the parents + Brent.
rich2023's review
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
riellareads's review
4.0
Sweet and slightly sporty, The Breakup Project is a lovely Christian romance. As the twin of hockey's hottest forward, romance-loving Bree Karlsson has felt ignored one too many times, leading to New Year's resolution of no athletes. But what if her Mr. Right is her brother’s hockey playing best friend? Mike Vaughan is happy playing in Boston, but he would be even happier if Bree would see him as more than a friend. He agrees to help Bree with a special project, hoping he will see him as something more. But a misunderstanding turned Valentine’s Day disaster, Bree realizes her breakup project may have broken her friendship with Mike. Can she redeem her mistake?
This was a fun book! Overall I enjoyed it and appreciated the Christian elements. Bree was a relatable character and I loved her growth. She was a bit frustrating at times, but it made her feel very real. Although she was thoughtful and willing to help, she could be self-centered and stubborn. Seeing her POV, I understood her and was hoping she would figure things out. I really liked how Bree learned from God's teaching and how other believers spoke into her life. Her family was so fun, even if they were certainly involved! I really felt like they loved one another and wanted the best for each other, although it sometimes manifested itself in gentle meddling!
Mike was a sweetheart! I found him so earnest and I really appreciated how he consistently sought the Lord’s leading throughout the book. His faith impacted his whole life and it was so inspirational to see his ministry! It made me consider my own faith and how I view things like worldwide missions. I liked how they appreciated one another's character and supported each other. It took some time for them to find their way together and it did feel a bit long at times, but I think it was good for their character development and for the readers to understand them.
This is a sweet Christian romance with some sports influence! It has only kissing, but has some innuendo discussions. There are also discussions of poverty, natural disasters, and the effects of both.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
This was a fun book! Overall I enjoyed it and appreciated the Christian elements. Bree was a relatable character and I loved her growth. She was a bit frustrating at times, but it made her feel very real. Although she was thoughtful and willing to help, she could be self-centered and stubborn. Seeing her POV, I understood her and was hoping she would figure things out. I really liked how Bree learned from God's teaching and how other believers spoke into her life. Her family was so fun, even if they were certainly involved! I really felt like they loved one another and wanted the best for each other, although it sometimes manifested itself in gentle meddling!
Mike was a sweetheart! I found him so earnest and I really appreciated how he consistently sought the Lord’s leading throughout the book. His faith impacted his whole life and it was so inspirational to see his ministry! It made me consider my own faith and how I view things like worldwide missions. I liked how they appreciated one another's character and supported each other. It took some time for them to find their way together and it did feel a bit long at times, but I think it was good for their character development and for the readers to understand them.
This is a sweet Christian romance with some sports influence! It has only kissing, but has some innuendo discussions. There are also discussions of poverty, natural disasters, and the effects of both.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
bubblewombat's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"God loves you. Full stop. No matter what you do."
I have no clue what I was looking for when I stumbled upon this series, and I certainly had no idea that Christian sports romances even existed AND YET!!! LOOK!!!
So of course I had to buy the whole series and start reading it, as one does.
I had a strong feeling I'd love it and I really did. It was a very sweet love story that kept me smiling throughout.
Mike is a real sweetheart, and I loooooved his PoVs. The way he'd think about Bree was so cute and innocent in a way, which is such a nice change from non-Christian contemporary romances with male PoVs. If you know, you know.
Bree's PoVs on the other hand...don't get me wrong, I loved her too, but she was so judgemental at the start. She was aware of it too, but didn't do much to change her ways.
She judged her brother's girlfriend Chloe, just because Chloe was dressed in a revealing way. The fact that Chloe later turned out to be a not-so-good person doesn't change the fact that Bree already decided she was a bad influence and planned to break up their relationship after talking to Chloe ONCE. And it wasn't even a real conversation, basically just introductions.
By the way, I think Jersey cows are adorable. Yes, I had to go there, I'm sorry.
She also kinda judged her work friend Sylvie who's a goth, but in a more subtle way. And listen, I will defend Sylvie from any and all judgement okay, SHE'S MY GIRL!! I don't think she gets a book of her own, but I'm hoping she'll keep showing up as the series goes on.
Aside from that, Bree was cool. She did frustrate me with her new years resolution though, which I know had to be included for some angst. But you have MIKE standing there, looking at you like you're the centre of his universe and you're still like "but resolution". BREE, COME ON NOW. AGH.
But the wait was worth it, to finally see them get together. I also recommend checking out the extended epilogue, for both the bachelor and bachelorette parties as well as the wedding, AND Holly x Brent crumbs.
Even if Christian romances aren't really your thing, I think you could still read this. They do mention God, and pray a lot, but it's not something that distracts from the story, it goes very well with it. But I am a Christian, so obviously I'm a bit biased.
The next thing is hockey, similarly it's included, but not in a way that will have you going "okay enough hockey, now back to the romance". Some games are described, there's talk of transfers and different teams, but otherwise it's in the background.
One more thing before I wrap this up, Vladimir Josic. I know that statistically my fellow Slavic people are bound to turn up in any sport, but I don't actually expect them to be included in a book, if that makes sense.
Every time I read a book and find a Slavic character inside I get so happy. We get so few mentions and rep that's actually good and not "baaaah evil Slav", so I appreciate that Vlad was included.
I do have one complaint however. He's Slovakian...with a name like Vladimir Josic. That's a Balkan name through and through. So in my mind he's an ex-Yugo.
I'd also love to see him get a book, I don't think he does, but maybe in the future he could. Fingers crossed.
I have no clue what I was looking for when I stumbled upon this series, and I certainly had no idea that Christian sports romances even existed AND YET!!! LOOK!!!
So of course I had to buy the whole series and start reading it, as one does.
I had a strong feeling I'd love it and I really did. It was a very sweet love story that kept me smiling throughout.
Mike is a real sweetheart, and I loooooved his PoVs. The way he'd think about Bree was so cute and innocent in a way, which is such a nice change from non-Christian contemporary romances with male PoVs. If you know, you know.
Bree's PoVs on the other hand...don't get me wrong, I loved her too, but she was so judgemental at the start. She was aware of it too, but didn't do much to change her ways.
She judged her brother's girlfriend Chloe, just because Chloe was dressed in a revealing way. The fact that Chloe later turned out to be a not-so-good person doesn't change the fact that Bree already decided she was a bad influence and planned to break up their relationship after talking to Chloe ONCE. And it wasn't even a real conversation, basically just introductions.
By the way, I think Jersey cows are adorable. Yes, I had to go there, I'm sorry.
She also kinda judged her work friend Sylvie who's a goth, but in a more subtle way. And listen, I will defend Sylvie from any and all judgement okay, SHE'S MY GIRL!! I don't think she gets a book of her own, but I'm hoping she'll keep showing up as the series goes on.
Aside from that, Bree was cool. She did frustrate me with her new years resolution though, which I know had to be included for some angst. But you have MIKE standing there, looking at you like you're the centre of his universe and you're still like "but resolution". BREE, COME ON NOW. AGH.
But the wait was worth it, to finally see them get together. I also recommend checking out the extended epilogue, for both the bachelor and bachelorette parties as well as the wedding, AND Holly x Brent crumbs.
Even if Christian romances aren't really your thing, I think you could still read this. They do mention God, and pray a lot, but it's not something that distracts from the story, it goes very well with it. But I am a Christian, so obviously I'm a bit biased.
The next thing is hockey, similarly it's included, but not in a way that will have you going "okay enough hockey, now back to the romance". Some games are described, there's talk of transfers and different teams, but otherwise it's in the background.
One more thing before I wrap this up, Vladimir Josic. I know that statistically my fellow Slavic people are bound to turn up in any sport, but I don't actually expect them to be included in a book, if that makes sense.
Every time I read a book and find a Slavic character inside I get so happy. We get so few mentions and rep that's actually good and not "baaaah evil Slav", so I appreciate that Vlad was included.
I do have one complaint however. He's Slovakian...with a name like Vladimir Josic. That's a Balkan name through and through. So in my mind he's an ex-Yugo.
I'd also love to see him get a book, I don't think he does, but maybe in the future he could. Fingers crossed.
meezcarrie's review
4.0
I am not a hockey fan. I’m not really a sports fan at all, though I do enjoy watching a good game of football (either American or European) on occasion. I am however a Carolyn Miller fan, so this contemporary romance series was of course on the top of my TBR list. And rest assured that you don’t need to be a sports fan to enjoy these books! I’ve also had the privilege of already reading (and loving) the final book in the series – Muskoka Blue – so it was really fun to jump in at the beginning and see glimpses of that book’s hero show up in this one as a minor character.
But, in the meantime, just wait until you meet the hero of The Breakup Project! Mike is an all-around good guy. He’s a great friend, a supportive teammate, and a solid Christian who is honest about his shortcomings and his struggles. He also happens to be in love with his best friend’s sister, Bree, and the patience he exhibits as he tentatively begins to pursue her, even when she unintentionally hurts him, is especially swoonworthy. The Bible study he’s in with other hockey players around the world was a great way for the author to introduce us to several of the series’s future heroes, too. I really loved him as a character in general and as a romantic hero, too. And I so appreciated the author’s depiction of his faith and its importance to his life & the decisions he makes (like his sponsorship for a ministry in the Philippines). He has just enough layers to be interesting and multi-dimensional, but it’s Bree who takes home the layers trophy so to speak lol.
It took me longer to warm up to Bree than it did to Mike, but only because our personalities are so different. And yet, once I did get to know Bree more, under the author’s masterful pen, I realized how much we actually have in common. She may be much more bubbly and impulsive than I am (and yeah I may take a step back when i first meet her haha) but at our core we’re really a lot alike. We fiercely love our families and our friends and Jesus, and we have certain standards we won’t compromise on… and we fell in love with a friend. I enjoyed the sort-of juxtaposition between her wanting to be seen for herself (and not her relationship with her star hockey player twin brother) and the fact that she doesn’t really see herself or her own value & contribution to the world.
And y’all… the romance … once it really gets going … whew. There are some yummy, emotion-filled, spark-zinging kisses involved too. I think this quote pretty well sums up how I felt about this swoonilicious romance:
Oh, this was perfection. This was romance. This was Mr. Darcy kissing Elizabeth, this was Gilbert kissing Anne, this was heart-whirling, toe-curling sensation, and she needed – Air. She needed air.
All the heart-eyed emojis for this love story!
Bottom Line: Carolyn Miller is highly talented at creating characters you fall in love with at first sight (Mike) as well as characters you grow to love as the story unfolds (for me, that was Bree). She’s an author you can trust implicitly with where the characters and story are going, and she’s proved that yet again with The Breakup Project! The faith thread, the romance, the hockey angle, and the family vibes (Granny V!) all weave together into one engaging story that will leave you with a smile on your face & in your heart. So happy that Brent’s story is next – I can’t wait to see how that plays out!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
But, in the meantime, just wait until you meet the hero of The Breakup Project! Mike is an all-around good guy. He’s a great friend, a supportive teammate, and a solid Christian who is honest about his shortcomings and his struggles. He also happens to be in love with his best friend’s sister, Bree, and the patience he exhibits as he tentatively begins to pursue her, even when she unintentionally hurts him, is especially swoonworthy. The Bible study he’s in with other hockey players around the world was a great way for the author to introduce us to several of the series’s future heroes, too. I really loved him as a character in general and as a romantic hero, too. And I so appreciated the author’s depiction of his faith and its importance to his life & the decisions he makes (like his sponsorship for a ministry in the Philippines). He has just enough layers to be interesting and multi-dimensional, but it’s Bree who takes home the layers trophy so to speak lol.
It took me longer to warm up to Bree than it did to Mike, but only because our personalities are so different. And yet, once I did get to know Bree more, under the author’s masterful pen, I realized how much we actually have in common. She may be much more bubbly and impulsive than I am (and yeah I may take a step back when i first meet her haha) but at our core we’re really a lot alike. We fiercely love our families and our friends and Jesus, and we have certain standards we won’t compromise on… and we fell in love with a friend. I enjoyed the sort-of juxtaposition between her wanting to be seen for herself (and not her relationship with her star hockey player twin brother) and the fact that she doesn’t really see herself or her own value & contribution to the world.
And y’all… the romance … once it really gets going … whew. There are some yummy, emotion-filled, spark-zinging kisses involved too. I think this quote pretty well sums up how I felt about this swoonilicious romance:
Oh, this was perfection. This was romance. This was Mr. Darcy kissing Elizabeth, this was Gilbert kissing Anne, this was heart-whirling, toe-curling sensation, and she needed – Air. She needed air.
All the heart-eyed emojis for this love story!
Bottom Line: Carolyn Miller is highly talented at creating characters you fall in love with at first sight (Mike) as well as characters you grow to love as the story unfolds (for me, that was Bree). She’s an author you can trust implicitly with where the characters and story are going, and she’s proved that yet again with The Breakup Project! The faith thread, the romance, the hockey angle, and the family vibes (Granny V!) all weave together into one engaging story that will leave you with a smile on your face & in your heart. So happy that Brent’s story is next – I can’t wait to see how that plays out!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
betherin02's review
5.0
Wonderfully swoony and packed with sincere depth, these delightful characters made me smile, cry, and laugh! Miller kept me eagerly turning pages with a clever and thoughtful plot saturated with genuine faith and friendship. Fortunately, sports knowledge is not required to enjoy this story because I have very little. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the remaining installments of this series!
mcz's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
cbear550's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0