Review by jamieb_19 - Breakaway

jamieb_19 's review for:

Breakaway by Taylor McNiff

4.5

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

He’s going to be the thing that takes me down. He’s going to be the one to figure out my secret. I can feel it.

What a fantastic book! I loved everything about it, even the hard parts. Ethan and Hayden were so wonderful together, and whenever I reluctantly had to set it down, I was always thinking about when I’d be able to get back to it. This was my first book from this author, and I had never heard of this series before, but saw the book recommended somewhere and thought I’d give it a try. I’m so glad I did because it was just so wonderfully written and pulled so many emotions out of me. It was heartbreaking at times, but it was also sweet, funny, and had amazing spice. I’d love to see this book get on more people’s radar!

He makes me laugh. The kind of laugh that makes my cheeks hurt and my stomach sore and my chest light. Not a lot does that these days. Ice baths and cherry juice are worth that.

Athletic trainer, Hayden Wallace, has moved to Upper Michigan as a favor for his friend, Ian, to be the AT for a year for the minor league hockey team that Ian coaches. It’s here he meets Ethan Pope, a young hockey phenom who was supposed to be playing in the major league until a mysterious incident at training camp blew it all up. Ethan is a little cagey and full of secrets, but Hayden can’t stop trying to figure him out, and he also can’t stop the growing attraction. Especially as a friendship forms between them, and he learns the attraction he feels isn’t one-sided. Ethan’s determined to keep his secrets, though, but Hayden may be the one person to get through to him and show him that he’s got a team of people behind him who love him and want to help.

"I was drowning and then I looked up and you were there and now I can breathe again.”
“Anytime you need a shot of oxygen, I’m here, baby.” He smiles, lifting a hand to wipe my tears away. “I’ll always be right here.”

I loved the slow burn in this one. Ethan was very skittish at first, understandably, given everything he’s dealing with and given how desperately he’s trying to keep his secrets. The way Hayden saw through a lot of his defenses would be unsettling for anyone. But I’m glad he couldn’t stay away. The friendship they formed was the sweetest, such great banter, and I loved the mutual pining (even if Ethan wasn’t fully aware it was pining at the time). Ethan’s awakening was done really well, too. He was a little unsure but all-in and very eager. It was adorable, and the chemistry these two had was incredible. I loved the light D/s thing they had going on, too. The spice was both endearing and scorching hot.

This book also dealt with some heavy topics. Ethan had spent many years and a lot of effort hiding away his mental illness. I understood his motivations, but it was heartbreaking. The chapters from his POV where he was trying to hold it all together, but oftentimes struggling to do so, were so sad. The scenes toward the end, where he finally comes clean absolutely broke my heart. You’ll want to keep some tissues handy. They were so well written, they were raw and completely realistic. Seeing the way everyone rallied around him, though, was just beautiful. He had so many people who loved him: Hayden, his parents, and his teammates. I’m getting a little misty-eyed now just thinking back on those chapters.

There were a lot of great secondary characters in this book, too. Special shout out to Jules, though, he was the best friend and teammate, and was pivotal in getting Ethan to finally let people in and help. I’m so glad Ethan found him, and I loved the way Hayden and Jules teamed up to support Ethan in his journey. And, just saying, I wouldn’t be opposed to Jules getting his own book someday. He was a great character!

I hope more people discover this book because I really do feel like it deserves more hype. I’m glad I came across it and won’t soon forget it!

"It’s all skates on ice and wind on my face, just you and me, the world falling away.” He tilts his head down, forehead pressing to mine. “You’re my breakaway, Hayden Wallace.”

Content Warnings