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Breakin' in the 80s #3
Breaking the Cycle: A Coming of Age Romance
"Swann’s elegant prose evokes poignant emotions as she delves deeper into the complex dynamics of a family suffering domestic violence.... With its swift narrative, in-depth characterization, and tight plotting, the novel makes for a fine YA contemporary." — The Prairies Book Review "Her characters are authentic and true-to-life, making it easy to care about them... Breaking the Cycle is most highly recommended." — Readers' Favorite Some chains need to be broken.
Andrea has one life goal—to NOT be like her mom. She won’t be knocked up at eighteen, strung-out, and living in a trailer park forever. She’s not a fan of school but in 1987, going to college is the only path out of her dysfunctional world and nothing will get in her way. Not even a chance at a full scholarship to her boss’s beauty school—a job she’d totally rock but one that keeps her trapped in small-town-Hell.
Then along comes Gio. Suave, confident, on a private school track and sure of his future, he sends Andrea’s plans into a tailspin—along with her heart. He longs for trade school and a simpler life, dangerously close to what she’s trying to avoid. Still, his critical attitude toward the necessity of a college education makes her question if it’s what she really wants.
Their relationship flourishes until their opposite worlds collide. His affluent peers create doubt while her enemies drag her past into the present, forcing her to confront her biggest fears and jeopardizing her plans for her future.
…An overdose …An unintended pregnancy …And one potentially deadly choice .
Read this culmination of the Breakin’ in the 80s series and dive one final time into the past, where the human condition remains unchanged, but redemption is within reach!
Andrea has one life goal—to NOT be like her mom. She won’t be knocked up at eighteen, strung-out, and living in a trailer park forever. She’s not a fan of school but in 1987, going to college is the only path out of her dysfunctional world and nothing will get in her way. Not even a chance at a full scholarship to her boss’s beauty school—a job she’d totally rock but one that keeps her trapped in small-town-Hell.
Then along comes Gio. Suave, confident, on a private school track and sure of his future, he sends Andrea’s plans into a tailspin—along with her heart. He longs for trade school and a simpler life, dangerously close to what she’s trying to avoid. Still, his critical attitude toward the necessity of a college education makes her question if it’s what she really wants.
Their relationship flourishes until their opposite worlds collide. His affluent peers create doubt while her enemies drag her past into the present, forcing her to confront her biggest fears and jeopardizing her plans for her future.
…An overdose …An unintended pregnancy …And one potentially deadly choice .
Read this culmination of the Breakin’ in the 80s series and dive one final time into the past, where the human condition remains unchanged, but redemption is within reach!
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
B.B. Swann
14 books59 followersB.B. Swann is a mother of three young adults, a wife (of another big kid but don’t tell him she said that), and a 25+ year veteran teacher of little firsties. She has all the age groups covered and draws on their influence when writing her books. Picture book, young adult, new adult, and beyond, they all have one thing in common—life experiences, both the good and the challenging.
She graduated from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL with her Bachelor’s of Ed. in Early Childhood Education, then left the corn capital to receive her Masters of Ed. in Language and Literacy from National Louis University, in Chicago.
Originally from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois (go ahead, look it up, it’s a real place) she now resides in an Illinois suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Go Cards! is her new chant, but Bear Down will always rule her heart. She loves to run, binge watch Netflix health documentaries, and talk to her three kids when they have a minute to spare.
Most nights you can find her reading or writing into the wee hours. She believes in the almighty power of caffeine and battling old age with purple hair and lots of sarcasm.
She graduated from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL with her Bachelor’s of Ed. in Early Childhood Education, then left the corn capital to receive her Masters of Ed. in Language and Literacy from National Louis University, in Chicago.
Originally from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois (go ahead, look it up, it’s a real place) she now resides in an Illinois suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Go Cards! is her new chant, but Bear Down will always rule her heart. She loves to run, binge watch Netflix health documentaries, and talk to her three kids when they have a minute to spare.
Most nights you can find her reading or writing into the wee hours. She believes in the almighty power of caffeine and battling old age with purple hair and lots of sarcasm.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 22, 2020
Andrea Jones has one life goal—to NOT be like her mom.
Does she succeed? You'll have to read the book to find out.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I was impressed. S/he has a good writing voice, and there were very few errors....always a bonus nowadays with ebooks.
Oh, except for the three chapters that literally have one word—the day of the week. Weird.
Moving on, the story is told completely from Andrea's point-of-view. She's a likable and sympathetic character. For most of this book, I thought this would be a solid 4-5 star read for me. Then around the time the weird chapter thing happened, the book takes a turn.
By the end of the book, her life could go in one of three directions. I was NOT happy with the one it went in. It wasn't predictable because, well....I can't say without spoilers.
Decision made, it ends—abruptly ends. No consequences for the violence or Andrea's situation? How did her boyfriends parents take the news? So many unanswered questions.
On another note, I picked this book up based on the 80s tag. There are some mentions of the era but nothing that made it stand as at a book set in those times.
Trigger warming - Family violence.
Does she succeed? You'll have to read the book to find out.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I was impressed. S/he has a good writing voice, and there were very few errors....always a bonus nowadays with ebooks.
Oh, except for the three chapters that literally have one word—the day of the week. Weird.
Moving on, the story is told completely from Andrea's point-of-view. She's a likable and sympathetic character. For most of this book, I thought this would be a solid 4-5 star read for me. Then around the time the weird chapter thing happened, the book takes a turn.
By the end of the book, her life could go in one of three directions. I was NOT happy with the one it went in. It wasn't predictable because, well....I can't say without spoilers.
Decision made, it ends—abruptly ends. No consequences for the violence or Andrea's situation? How did her boyfriends parents take the news? So many unanswered questions.
On another note, I picked this book up based on the 80s tag. There are some mentions of the era but nothing that made it stand as at a book set in those times.
Trigger warming - Family violence.
August 20, 2020
ACR from Net Gallery.
This book is the purest form of young adult Oscar bait I've ever seen. It tries so hard and just fails so miserbly.
Andrea wants to go to college real bad, but a, doesn’t have any idea what she wants to do, and b, doesn’t know what a FAFSA is and didn’t fill one out, so the only way she can get into the college is through a sports scholarship. All that changes when the handsome Gio enters her life. Gio goes to a private school, which the book treats as being evidence that he’s rich and an absolute genius when most of the time the difference between a public and private school is that private ones are religious and have classes on religion.
Andrea is meek and sad and always on the verge of tears. There’s absolutely nothing good about her life before a boy comes and changes everything. Gio peppers his language with Spanish and Andrea refers to him as a cliche Latin lover at a point, so that'll probably bother some. He doesn't really have much character beyond "perfect boyfriend all her friends are warning her about, but it doesn't matter because she's the first one he's ever truly cared about!"
The book ends with Honestly, going off of that- I think this book just had too many elements to it. A couple chapters before the last one were missing from the ACR, so maybe that would help some things, but we have shitty parents, wanting to get into college, falling in love, and I'm also not a big fan of plots where everything changes because of a boy. In real life there's no Prince Charming and it just gives girls bad expectations.
Maybe if you have more tolerance for mediocre problem YA read this, but eh. You can do better.
This book is the purest form of young adult Oscar bait I've ever seen. It tries so hard and just fails so miserbly.
Andrea wants to go to college real bad, but a, doesn’t have any idea what she wants to do, and b, doesn’t know what a FAFSA is and didn’t fill one out, so the only way she can get into the college is through a sports scholarship. All that changes when the handsome Gio enters her life. Gio goes to a private school, which the book treats as being evidence that he’s rich and an absolute genius when most of the time the difference between a public and private school is that private ones are religious and have classes on religion.
Andrea is meek and sad and always on the verge of tears. There’s absolutely nothing good about her life before a boy comes and changes everything. Gio peppers his language with Spanish and Andrea refers to him as a cliche Latin lover at a point, so that'll probably bother some. He doesn't really have much character beyond "perfect boyfriend all her friends are warning her about, but it doesn't matter because she's the first one he's ever truly cared about!"
The book ends with Honestly, going off of that- I think this book just had too many elements to it. A couple chapters before the last one were missing from the ACR, so maybe that would help some things, but we have shitty parents, wanting to get into college, falling in love, and I'm also not a big fan of plots where everything changes because of a boy. In real life there's no Prince Charming and it just gives girls bad expectations.
Maybe if you have more tolerance for mediocre problem YA read this, but eh. You can do better.
August 30, 2020
This story follows Andrea. She’s trying to do everything that she can to not end up like her parents. Her dad is an abusing drunkard and her mom ran away with her drug dealer. Then she meets Gio. A great guy with an amazing family and Andrea doesn’t think she fits in. Gio somehow breaks down Andrea’s guard and gets her to go with him. But she still has her doubts.
I loved the emotion and pain in this book. Gio helps Andrea figure out what she wants in life. Before him, she only wanted to find some way out of her life. After him, she realizes that she has to make her life better. I loved the sarcastic way Andrea talked and how she wasn’t afraid to defend herself or speak her mind. The book is surprising and every move that anybody makes is unexpected. It’s an amazing inspirational novel that I would recommend to anyone. One more thing I liked was that it is completely clean. No mature scenes or dirty language.
If you liked this book, you will also like Sarah Dessen, Simone Elkeles, and Kasie West.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
I loved the emotion and pain in this book. Gio helps Andrea figure out what she wants in life. Before him, she only wanted to find some way out of her life. After him, she realizes that she has to make her life better. I loved the sarcastic way Andrea talked and how she wasn’t afraid to defend herself or speak her mind. The book is surprising and every move that anybody makes is unexpected. It’s an amazing inspirational novel that I would recommend to anyone. One more thing I liked was that it is completely clean. No mature scenes or dirty language.
If you liked this book, you will also like Sarah Dessen, Simone Elkeles, and Kasie West.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
August 27, 2020
Swann continues her Breakin' in the 80s series with this poignant third installment, tackling the hot-button subject of family violence, adolescent abuse, and teen pregnancy.
At the center of her finely written, engrossing tale is sensible and smart 18-year-old Andrea Jones, who is determined to go to college, leaving the life of abuse and poverty behind. The handsome, suave Gio Ruiz arrives in Andrea’s life, bringing the promise of love and hope, but an unexpected incident leaves Andrea with new, life-altering challenge.
Swann’s elegant prose evokes poignant emotions as she delves deeper into the complex dynamics of a family suffering domestic violence. She skillfully builds Andrea’s life on the trailer park, illuminating layers of personal conflict and teenager dilemmas as the latter craves financial independence and comes to terms with the fact that a soft landing in life is never guaranteed.
With its swift narrative, in-depth characterization, and tight plotting, the novel makes for a fine YA contemporary.
At the center of her finely written, engrossing tale is sensible and smart 18-year-old Andrea Jones, who is determined to go to college, leaving the life of abuse and poverty behind. The handsome, suave Gio Ruiz arrives in Andrea’s life, bringing the promise of love and hope, but an unexpected incident leaves Andrea with new, life-altering challenge.
Swann’s elegant prose evokes poignant emotions as she delves deeper into the complex dynamics of a family suffering domestic violence. She skillfully builds Andrea’s life on the trailer park, illuminating layers of personal conflict and teenager dilemmas as the latter craves financial independence and comes to terms with the fact that a soft landing in life is never guaranteed.
With its swift narrative, in-depth characterization, and tight plotting, the novel makes for a fine YA contemporary.
October 13, 2020
Breaking the Cycle (Breakin' in the 80s #3)
by B.B. Swann
Its a great young adult book for this generation. Growing up in the 80's and 90's I found this book demonstrating phenomenal reality for the time it was set in. It reminds me of many books that read at that time. I like the forward thinking idea that trade school is a option even in the 80's. Something the youth of today need to see as viable. College is not the only option. I wish we could push that in education.
by B.B. Swann
Its a great young adult book for this generation. Growing up in the 80's and 90's I found this book demonstrating phenomenal reality for the time it was set in. It reminds me of many books that read at that time. I like the forward thinking idea that trade school is a option even in the 80's. Something the youth of today need to see as viable. College is not the only option. I wish we could push that in education.
September 4, 2020
The 80's are back! The 80's are back! Time to tease my hair and see what this story has for us.
This book is book 3 of the Breakin in the 80's series. While there are characters that are from the first 2 books, and a backstory, you can read this one without reading the first two. I did purchase the first 2 to read at a later date!
I don't know why, but I always feel like books that take place in the 80's are going to be a gleeful reminder of what life used to be. While this book does have traces of nostalgia (going to a bookstore in the mall?! I miss you!) it reminded me that there were hardships back then that you may not have been aware of with the lack of social media. Andrea's story was one of living in a trailer with her abusive dad, a mom who abandoned the family, and her focus to break the cycle of abuse. She wanted out of her life and saw the only way out was to get a scholarship to attend college. Meanwhile, she was working in a salon at the mall. This is where she met Gio.
Even with the heavy subject matter, I enjoyed reading this book. There were many layers to Andrea, as we got to see the different relationships she juggled, with her dad, mom, Gio, and her ex-best friend who has come back into her life. Even though Andrea had one goal in mind, the world showed her that sometimes there are other choices out there. I found myself rooting for her and Gio, and hoping that she would get her happily ever after!
One thing to note: I have seen in other reviews people saying that there were chapters with only one word. I think this was intentional to show the passage of time where Andrea did nothing. It made sense to me (I don't want to say too much more as it's one of those moments where you should read it first and then you'll understand what I mean!)
I feel like this is such a cliche to say, but the ending made me scratch my head. I'm going to try and navigate this thought without spoiling anything.
This book really took us on Andrea's journey. Highs. Lows. Goals. Fears. The good. The bad. The ugly. And the moments of fun she never thought she could have. As we got closer and closer to the end, I couldn't wait to see all of the decisions she would make. I know that some books won't jump into the future to see what became of the choices she made, but I thought we would see more than we did. Is this something that will be shown in another book? Did I really take this crazy journey only to see half of the choices she made? I was left wanting a little bit more.
I still enjoyed reading this one. Has anyone tried the first 2 books of the series?
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is book 3 of the Breakin in the 80's series. While there are characters that are from the first 2 books, and a backstory, you can read this one without reading the first two. I did purchase the first 2 to read at a later date!
I don't know why, but I always feel like books that take place in the 80's are going to be a gleeful reminder of what life used to be. While this book does have traces of nostalgia (going to a bookstore in the mall?! I miss you!) it reminded me that there were hardships back then that you may not have been aware of with the lack of social media. Andrea's story was one of living in a trailer with her abusive dad, a mom who abandoned the family, and her focus to break the cycle of abuse. She wanted out of her life and saw the only way out was to get a scholarship to attend college. Meanwhile, she was working in a salon at the mall. This is where she met Gio.
Even with the heavy subject matter, I enjoyed reading this book. There were many layers to Andrea, as we got to see the different relationships she juggled, with her dad, mom, Gio, and her ex-best friend who has come back into her life. Even though Andrea had one goal in mind, the world showed her that sometimes there are other choices out there. I found myself rooting for her and Gio, and hoping that she would get her happily ever after!
One thing to note: I have seen in other reviews people saying that there were chapters with only one word. I think this was intentional to show the passage of time where Andrea did nothing. It made sense to me (I don't want to say too much more as it's one of those moments where you should read it first and then you'll understand what I mean!)
I feel like this is such a cliche to say, but the ending made me scratch my head. I'm going to try and navigate this thought without spoiling anything.
This book really took us on Andrea's journey. Highs. Lows. Goals. Fears. The good. The bad. The ugly. And the moments of fun she never thought she could have. As we got closer and closer to the end, I couldn't wait to see all of the decisions she would make. I know that some books won't jump into the future to see what became of the choices she made, but I thought we would see more than we did. Is this something that will be shown in another book? Did I really take this crazy journey only to see half of the choices she made? I was left wanting a little bit more.
I still enjoyed reading this one. Has anyone tried the first 2 books of the series?
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2020
If ever there were a character that deserved a redemption story, it is Andrea Jones. I knew the moment she was introduced in Breaking the Bro Code that she had a story to tell and I’m so glad that Swann gave her an opportunity.
Andrea’s story runs deep. She is a survivor, strong, and determined. She did get a little blinded by her goals but I understood that she needed to do this even if it meant sacrifices needed to be made. She lives a hard life and is struggling to break free from it. In a world where she has to fend for herself, she also feels alone and left behind. Her mom left, her brother joined the military, even most of her friends have graduated and gone off to college. Until she meets Gio. Gio and his family, Judy, Molly, Cindy and even Jenny...those are the lifelines that she desperately needed. All I can say is Gio is the stuff dreams are made of and solidifies the fact book boyfriends will always leave me with high expectations. He’s gorgeous, has a bit of a bad boy edge, but is the sweetest and most down to earth gentleman. Yes, girl! Talk about swoon worthy. Andrea deserves the love of a man utterly, totally, and deeply devoted to her. They both needed each other.
It is indeed a very powerful book. I can see how it can trigger some people. Not gonna lie it got a little tough for me to read toward the end there as it hit on some personal experiences for me. This book just hit different on a whole other level. While I love them all, I think this one was my favorite. I just knew it would be worth it. I’m so happy she gave her the best HEA. So thank you SO much for this read. It was everything I had hoped for and more!
Andrea’s story runs deep. She is a survivor, strong, and determined. She did get a little blinded by her goals but I understood that she needed to do this even if it meant sacrifices needed to be made. She lives a hard life and is struggling to break free from it. In a world where she has to fend for herself, she also feels alone and left behind. Her mom left, her brother joined the military, even most of her friends have graduated and gone off to college. Until she meets Gio. Gio and his family, Judy, Molly, Cindy and even Jenny...those are the lifelines that she desperately needed. All I can say is Gio is the stuff dreams are made of and solidifies the fact book boyfriends will always leave me with high expectations. He’s gorgeous, has a bit of a bad boy edge, but is the sweetest and most down to earth gentleman. Yes, girl! Talk about swoon worthy. Andrea deserves the love of a man utterly, totally, and deeply devoted to her. They both needed each other.
It is indeed a very powerful book. I can see how it can trigger some people. Not gonna lie it got a little tough for me to read toward the end there as it hit on some personal experiences for me. This book just hit different on a whole other level. While I love them all, I think this one was my favorite. I just knew it would be worth it. I’m so happy she gave her the best HEA. So thank you SO much for this read. It was everything I had hoped for and more!
September 14, 2020
"Maybe what you want is closer then you think."
I loved how this book shows the growth of Andrea, from being a girl who just wants to escape her life to finding out that escaping may not be the option that will make her happy.
Andrea has spent her life not wanting to end up like her mom. She was hurt by her best friend when her life was at a low point and still has not fully recovered from the pain. She tries her best and still always comes in 2nd place. Even though she hates school she wants to go to college because she believes it is the only way to get away from the life she has.
She works at a hair salon as a shampoo girl to save money for college and she runs track in hopes of getting a scholarship for college. She meets Gio when she goes to pick up her boss's lunch and he ends up getting mayo all over her. After that he works hard to be able to spend time with her. She doesn't believe he could be interested in her and has no confidence for herself because she feels like everyone judges her for where she lives.
When Jenny, the friend who had really hurt her, tries to apologize, Andrea thinks it is a joke and doesn't trust her. With time and her boss's intervention, she finally gives Gio a chance to get to know her. Andrea also enters a stylist contest just to prove she can do better then the other shampoo girl who has always acted like a snob to her and Jenny volunteers to be her model.
This book shows that no matter how hard life can be there is always a choice to make things better. I definitely suggest reading it to know if she gets the scholarship, if she wins the stylist contest and what all obstacles she has to overcome to change her life.
I loved how this book shows the growth of Andrea, from being a girl who just wants to escape her life to finding out that escaping may not be the option that will make her happy.
Andrea has spent her life not wanting to end up like her mom. She was hurt by her best friend when her life was at a low point and still has not fully recovered from the pain. She tries her best and still always comes in 2nd place. Even though she hates school she wants to go to college because she believes it is the only way to get away from the life she has.
She works at a hair salon as a shampoo girl to save money for college and she runs track in hopes of getting a scholarship for college. She meets Gio when she goes to pick up her boss's lunch and he ends up getting mayo all over her. After that he works hard to be able to spend time with her. She doesn't believe he could be interested in her and has no confidence for herself because she feels like everyone judges her for where she lives.
When Jenny, the friend who had really hurt her, tries to apologize, Andrea thinks it is a joke and doesn't trust her. With time and her boss's intervention, she finally gives Gio a chance to get to know her. Andrea also enters a stylist contest just to prove she can do better then the other shampoo girl who has always acted like a snob to her and Jenny volunteers to be her model.
This book shows that no matter how hard life can be there is always a choice to make things better. I definitely suggest reading it to know if she gets the scholarship, if she wins the stylist contest and what all obstacles she has to overcome to change her life.
September 1, 2020
Breaking the Cycle was an interesting story of abuse and getting away from it. Andrea may not know what she wants to do after high school, but she knows one thing for certain, she does not want to stay under the same roof as her abusive father. She believes her best option is to get an athletic scholarship to college and leave her father and the trailer park far behind. Andrea has a part time job at a hair salon at the mall. One day she meets Gio, who also works at the mall, and they start dating. Andrea has a hard time because she has bought into the idea that she is not good enough because she lives in the trailer park. With the help of her boss, Judy, and her friends, Andrea begins to see possibilities in her life. The romance between Gio and Andrea is very sweet and Andrea's relationship with her boss, Judy, is very supportive. I was quickly drawn into this story, set in the 1980s, and I really enjoyed the writing style as well. I would definitely recommend this book to my older students, as there are some detailed scenes of abuse.
September 8, 2020
Breaking the Cycle follows Andrea as she tries not to become her mother. Trying to get a scholarship, working, putting up with the worst parents ever she is doing everything she can to get out of town after high school. Then in walks Gio. This was a sweet young love story that deal with some heavy topics. Good read!
August 28, 2020
Heartfelt romance with real life problems
September 20, 2020
Not my style of story, I have to say. I stopped reading after about one third of the novel - because virtually nothing happens. Andrea (18) lives in a trailer park with her heavily drinking father, her mom - a drug addict - left a while ago. For money she works in Judy’s hairdresser’s salon, where she meets Gio, apparently the most charming, handsome, and cute Latino boy in the world. Gio likes Andrea, but Andrea - behaving more like a 14-year-old kid - hesitates... She endlessly doubts whether he could love her, after all she is only „white trash“, and he is so handsome, and she is just a shampoo girl... And nothing happens. I‘m pretty sure that this novel ends happily ever after. Or has an open end, because Andrea doesn’t find a way to get out of her mess. However, I stopped being interested. I was bored. By the dialogs (to many words, not enough atmo), and by the plot. I‘ll pass on that one.
December 20, 2020
Another great storyline from B.B. Swann. Her character are so real and relatable whether you were in high school 30 years ago or last week. If you're a child of the 80s like I am, these books will take you right back there!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews