Breaking Out - by Lise Mactague (Paperback)

About the Book

"KJ Stennes has only one thing on her mind: winning the league championship. She certainly doesn't have time for her defense partner to get pregnant, of all things. But breaking in a new partner--even one who shows as much promise as Adrienne--just isn't part of her plan. Adrienne Pierce hopes moving to a new town with her son, Lawrence, will bring some stability to their lives. That the town has a women's recreational hockey team is definitely a bonus. Despite a rocky start with KJ, the team's star player, Adrienne can't deny the attraction building between them. But how can she get involved with someone when she hasn't yet found the stability her family needs? And soon, KJ's budding attraction to Adrienne reminds her that there's more to life than hockey... Maybe it's time for KJ to get a new plan after all."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

KJ Stennes has only one thing on her mind: winning the league championship. She certainly doesn't have time for her defense partner to get pregnant, of all things. But breaking in a new partner--even one who shows as much promise as Adrienne--just isn't part of her plan.

Adrienne Pierce hopes moving to a new town with her son, Lawrence, will bring some stability to their lives. That the town has a women's recreational hockey team is definitely a bonus. Despite a rocky start with KJ, the team's star player, Adrienne can't deny the attraction building between them. But how can she get involved with someone when she hasn't yet found the stability her family needs?

And soon KJ's budding attraction to Adrienne reminds her that there's more to life than hockey... Maybe it's time for KJ to get a new plan after all.

Review Quotes

This was my first time reading MacTague and I have to say I really loved this book. It was the perfect mix of sport and romance for my tastes, and with the intricacies of both main characters it just made for the perfect read.

This isn't a full blown enemies to lovers, but it's definitely reluctant acquaintances to lovers. It's also a great slow burn as they get to know each other first on the ice, then as friends before admitting their attraction to each other.

I particularly enjoyed the slow burn of the romance and the way both characters grew through the narrative, both together and as individuals. KJ coming to terms with her family situation is particularly well done.

Lawrence is a great character. I love the way his relationship develops with KJ, first as a friend and then as his Mom's girlfriend. As to be expected, that's a hard transition for him, but I thought MacTague did a great job of illustrating this and the disappointment all parties feel, and then the joy. I also love his relationship with KJ's dog Chester.

The other secondary characters play their parts. The rest of the hockey team are fun, KJ's family are difficult but redeemed and Adrienne's family are pretty great.

If you like sports in your sapphic books, you'll love this, but even if you aren't a sports fan and like a good romance you should enjoy this one as it has so much going for it. There is some on ice action, but it doesn't take up too much of the book and it's more used to discuss their relationship and feelings, than for the actual action itself.--NetGalley-Skip S.