Breakaway

Beyond the Play, Book 2

By: Grace Reilly

Narrated by: Brian Meslar, Faith Clark

A secret friends-with-benefits arrangement with the coach’s daughter shouldn’t have a shot in the dark of leading to more…

Cooper

As a pro-bound college athlete with a good-time reputation, I usually have my pick of puck bunnies. But lately, I’ve been in a dry spell that feels more like a curse, and the stress is affecting my game–the one thing that can’t happen if I’m going to keep building my case for a future in the NHL, starting with making team captain.

Enter Penny Ryder.

She’s my coach’s daughter, but the moment she pulls me into that ice rink closet and lets me have my way with her, she’s the one thing on my mind besides hockey. She wants me to introduce her to all the things she’s been dying to experience with a guy, and by looking at her list? If I say yes, I’ll be relaxed on the ice again—but if her dad finds out what we’re up to, I’ll be forced to say goodbye to the chance at being captain and finally earning my own father’s approval.

Penny

Thanks to the ex from hell, I’m a long way from being ready for a relationship–but after an unfortunate morning involving my roommate and a flying–ahem–personal toy, it’s clear that it’s finally time to reclaim my agency, one long-sought-after experience in bed at a time.

Enter Cooper Callahan.

He’s the most casual guy I can think to be with–but he just so happens to be my hockey coach dad’s star defenseman.

Yet the longer our connection goes on, the more we trust each other, and the less I want to say goodbye. I know love leads to heartbreak, but what if it can also clear the ice for a breakaway?

©2023 Grace Reilly (P)2023 Spotify Audiobooks

Cute

The main characters were a little too soft for me. Typical daddy issues and compensating with casual sex. But the spice was top notch! Cute story, minimal drama

Sooooo delicious!

Wow wow wow. That was so much fun to read/listen to! All of the spice you could want in a Feel good story! 5 stars from me!

50/50 because of the narrators

I love this series! The story line, romance, smut, is perfect! I have to agree with some of the other reviews on the narrators! They weren’t horrible but close to it. They definitely need more experience in reading romance novels.

Book is great - narration is…odd

Maybe it’s just me, but I couldn’t even listen to 90% of this book. The narrators voices are
Both….odd. The female sounds very childlike/whispery and it gave me the creeps considering what this book is about (mostly smut). The male just doesn’t have that sexy “booktok” voice I like when listening to a romance novel. The story itself was great though and I just read it on my kindle instead.

Favorite of the Series

Cooper & Penny are an incredible pair and tell the sweetest story! The narrators are also very good.

Kind of fast

So, I absolutely LOVED first down and I fell in love with the characters. This book progresses so quickly in the beginning, it’s kind of off putting and made me almost stop listening to the book. Other than that I like it so far.

I Couldn't Put This One Down!!!

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲...

🏫College Romance
🏒Hockey Player + Coach's Daughter
⛸️Former Figure Skater
🤫Friends with Benefits
🐕️Golden Retriever MMC
🌶️Spice Coaching
🖤He Falls First
🎀Good Girl

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:⁠
After finishing the first Beyond the Players series book, I could not wait to read Cooper's story. And just like First Down, this book did not disappoint me. The depth of emotion in this book was fantastic. Penny and Cooper's story drew me in and held me tight throughout the book. Grace Reilly is an amazing author. I genuinely enjoy her writing style and the honesty that she brings to her characters. As I read the book, I became so absorbed in the story. Even the spicy scenes were well-written and realistic. The chemistry between Penny and Cooper was off-the-charts hot! I couldn't get enough of them!! I appreciated the open dialogue between Cooper and Penny about her "list" and desires. And boy, oh boy, could that man talk dirty! Whew!! Cooper is definitely at the top of my book-boyfriend list!

Their love story was an emotional rollercoaster that touched on intense issues, but Grace beautifully handled it. Penny's journey towards reclaiming herself was incredibly inspiring, and I couldn't help but root for her every step of the way. It was heartwarming to see Cooper and Penny navigate her past trauma and their family issues while also trying to find their footing in college life together. I loved their story!

I did a hybrid read/listen, and it was awesome! The narrators, Brian Meslar and Faith Clark were perfect in bringing Cooper and Penny's story to life. The dual narration was well done and added to the overall experience. I highly recommend it!

Cute little rom com

I love books without a third act breakup. This was very cute and I loved these characters. The cocky, nerdy hockey boy is my weakness 🥵 I loved how these two characters really understood each other and were able to support each other. It was cute enough. Great second book!