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Breaking the Bro Code
Off limits...and oh-so-tempting!
Elise Johnson has more important things to concentrate on than men...saving her struggling ballet studio for starters! So when gorgeous Col Hillam--her brother's best friend--saunters back into her life, she's none too keen. He might be proposing a purely professional arrangement, but the last time they got carried away by their crazy attraction it ended in disaster!
Col knows Elise is off-limits, but it only makes her more tempting.... With chemistry this hot, surely that bro code is now null and void...?
Elise Johnson has more important things to concentrate on than men...saving her struggling ballet studio for starters! So when gorgeous Col Hillam--her brother's best friend--saunters back into her life, she's none too keen. He might be proposing a purely professional arrangement, but the last time they got carried away by their crazy attraction it ended in disaster!
Col knows Elise is off-limits, but it only makes her more tempting.... With chemistry this hot, surely that bro code is now null and void...?
- GenresContemporary Romance
ebook
First published January 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Stefanie London
121 books978 followersStefanie London is a multi-award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies.
Stefanie’s books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT magazine. Her stories have won multiple industry awards, including the HOLT Medallion and OKRWA National Reader's Choice Award, and she has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award.
Originally from Australia, Stefanie lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and anything zombie-related.
Stefanie’s books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT magazine. Her stories have won multiple industry awards, including the HOLT Medallion and OKRWA National Reader's Choice Award, and she has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award.
Originally from Australia, Stefanie lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and anything zombie-related.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 23, 2018
Dibilang suka ya nggak, dibilang nggak suka juga nggak. Biasa saja. Nggak ada kesan mendalam seperti saat kubaca buku sebelum ini. Actual rating 2,5.
September 22, 2014
There are countless tales of woman who find themselves in love with their brother's best friend, of course it almost always involves a lot of sneaking around and learning things about each other you never noticed before.
But sadly it always involves a brother that might or might not break someone's knee caps, and that someone is always the poor hero in the story. It also involves discovering that it 's all a big misunderstanding of lust and no love, a friendship damaged and a large dose of uncomfortably.
In the second read from the very talented Stefanie London we meet Ellie Johnson, she has a lot of important things to think about and men ain't one of them.
But when gorgeous Col Hillam, her brother's best friend saunters back into her life, she's none too keen but he proposes a purely professional arrangement to help her safe her ballet studio but the last time they got within kissing distance from each other they got carried away, really carried away and it ended in disaster!
Col knows Elise is off limits but it only makes her more tempting and with chemistry this hot it surely means the bro code is null and void right? But will Elise want to play with fire again and more importantly will she put her heart on the line or simply let Col walk away and remember him as just another one of her brothers friends?
I adored this read so very much , it had sweet passion, intrigue and such a lovely combination of sweet and sexy meets lust and passion , that it just popped from the pages and I certainly did not want the story to end.
Elise and Col were both written really well and with loads of brilliant intensity and vibrancy , it simply seemed as if they were coming alive with each word and I can honestly say the more I read the more I expected them to leap from the pages any second.
The character of Col was very intense and very yummylicious! I liked that he wants to remain a private person at all times yet tries very hard to come around to that suave and all too smooth kind of hero that can let just about any woman's clothes drop with a simple hi. I adored him for trying yet I also wanted him to retain his privateness simply because it made him so much more mysterious, which I totally loved. I loved how the author eventually takes the two and combines it into the perfect guy.
Elise was really neat , I really liked her being so independent and always trying to think on a crystal basis, but it was so delicious seeing her crystal cool and calm thinking plunder to the ground when Col is near, simply sizzling entertainment!
I am taking away a message of leaving memories in the past is sometimes a good thing, but when it gets too much too handle it starts ruining your life and leaves you feeling drained. There is always someone you can talk to, as a friend or as something more, not matter someone is there waiting in the wings to help you through it. See them for who they are and grab hold with hands!
I recommend this read for fans of romance with sweet and sexy characters , a unique plot and a larege dose of bubbling hot passion !
5/5 star review
" Bro code or no code, this attraction is about to go up in flames of desire"
But sadly it always involves a brother that might or might not break someone's knee caps, and that someone is always the poor hero in the story. It also involves discovering that it 's all a big misunderstanding of lust and no love, a friendship damaged and a large dose of uncomfortably.
In the second read from the very talented Stefanie London we meet Ellie Johnson, she has a lot of important things to think about and men ain't one of them.
But when gorgeous Col Hillam, her brother's best friend saunters back into her life, she's none too keen but he proposes a purely professional arrangement to help her safe her ballet studio but the last time they got within kissing distance from each other they got carried away, really carried away and it ended in disaster!
Col knows Elise is off limits but it only makes her more tempting and with chemistry this hot it surely means the bro code is null and void right? But will Elise want to play with fire again and more importantly will she put her heart on the line or simply let Col walk away and remember him as just another one of her brothers friends?
I adored this read so very much , it had sweet passion, intrigue and such a lovely combination of sweet and sexy meets lust and passion , that it just popped from the pages and I certainly did not want the story to end.
Elise and Col were both written really well and with loads of brilliant intensity and vibrancy , it simply seemed as if they were coming alive with each word and I can honestly say the more I read the more I expected them to leap from the pages any second.
The character of Col was very intense and very yummylicious! I liked that he wants to remain a private person at all times yet tries very hard to come around to that suave and all too smooth kind of hero that can let just about any woman's clothes drop with a simple hi. I adored him for trying yet I also wanted him to retain his privateness simply because it made him so much more mysterious, which I totally loved. I loved how the author eventually takes the two and combines it into the perfect guy.
Elise was really neat , I really liked her being so independent and always trying to think on a crystal basis, but it was so delicious seeing her crystal cool and calm thinking plunder to the ground when Col is near, simply sizzling entertainment!
I am taking away a message of leaving memories in the past is sometimes a good thing, but when it gets too much too handle it starts ruining your life and leaves you feeling drained. There is always someone you can talk to, as a friend or as something more, not matter someone is there waiting in the wings to help you through it. See them for who they are and grab hold with hands!
I recommend this read for fans of romance with sweet and sexy characters , a unique plot and a larege dose of bubbling hot passion !
5/5 star review
" Bro code or no code, this attraction is about to go up in flames of desire"
March 5, 2015
Stephanie London is a new to me author and I was blown away with how engaging and captivating Elise and Col are in Breaking the Bro Code.
Elise is a breathe of fresh air as the heroine. So often it is the male protagonist that has commitment issues but in this case, Elise finds it difficult to discuss her feelings and issues with Col, even though he is desperate to reconnect with her after spending time in New York establishing his enormously successful business after a misunderstanding between them.
I loved their background history – Elise was always there for Col when his father was abusive and Col spent his free time ferrying Elise around to all of her ballet classes as repayment in her quest to be a professional ballerina. They had always been there for each other and I am so glad that they finally get a chance to be together.
Breaking the Bro Code was a lot deeper and complex than I thought it would be. There is a reason why Elise is having financial difficulties in keeping her ballet studio open and Col does have even darker secrets in his past. Stephanie London is a master at getting you emotionally invested with Elise and Col. They are interesting, layered, multifaceted people who you want to know more about the further into the book you get.
I adored reading Breaking the Bro Code. Elise and Col’s story left me feeling warm and happy and I highly recommend this as a great read for any romance reader!
Elise is a breathe of fresh air as the heroine. So often it is the male protagonist that has commitment issues but in this case, Elise finds it difficult to discuss her feelings and issues with Col, even though he is desperate to reconnect with her after spending time in New York establishing his enormously successful business after a misunderstanding between them.
I loved their background history – Elise was always there for Col when his father was abusive and Col spent his free time ferrying Elise around to all of her ballet classes as repayment in her quest to be a professional ballerina. They had always been there for each other and I am so glad that they finally get a chance to be together.
Breaking the Bro Code was a lot deeper and complex than I thought it would be. There is a reason why Elise is having financial difficulties in keeping her ballet studio open and Col does have even darker secrets in his past. Stephanie London is a master at getting you emotionally invested with Elise and Col. They are interesting, layered, multifaceted people who you want to know more about the further into the book you get.
I adored reading Breaking the Bro Code. Elise and Col’s story left me feeling warm and happy and I highly recommend this as a great read for any romance reader!
October 30, 2014
I fell in love with Elise Johnson in Stefanie’s first book, Only The Brave Try Ballet, so I was absolutely thrilled when she was given a story of her own.
There are so many different elements to this story that I adore. The hero and heroine share a past but have been separated from one another for a long time. The heroine is not what I usually expect. In a twist, Elise is the one having the issues opening up. She can be very closed off to her own emotions and struggles to put her feelings out there. It’s hard for her to be vulnerable.
That leads us to Col, the gorgeous hero, who is macho enough to be the hero, but also struggling with his high profile status and being in the spotlight. He needs Elise’s help with overcoming his fears and in return he’s the one to coax Elise’s feelings to the surface. In other words, they’re perfect for each other *insert happy sigh*.
Their emotional journeys, which deal with some complex issues, are perfectly complemented by their playfulness and strong physical attraction. The interaction between Elise and Col is so vibrant and alive that the words almost jump off the page. Their dialogue sparkles and the chemistry is off the charts. Stefanie London knows how to write some damn hot sexy-times!
The journey for Col and Elise isn't easy, but that’s what makes this book so fulfilling. I loved every moment of their ups and downs which helped them grow as individuals and as a couple.
There are so many different elements to this story that I adore. The hero and heroine share a past but have been separated from one another for a long time. The heroine is not what I usually expect. In a twist, Elise is the one having the issues opening up. She can be very closed off to her own emotions and struggles to put her feelings out there. It’s hard for her to be vulnerable.
That leads us to Col, the gorgeous hero, who is macho enough to be the hero, but also struggling with his high profile status and being in the spotlight. He needs Elise’s help with overcoming his fears and in return he’s the one to coax Elise’s feelings to the surface. In other words, they’re perfect for each other *insert happy sigh*.
Their emotional journeys, which deal with some complex issues, are perfectly complemented by their playfulness and strong physical attraction. The interaction between Elise and Col is so vibrant and alive that the words almost jump off the page. Their dialogue sparkles and the chemistry is off the charts. Stefanie London knows how to write some damn hot sexy-times!
The journey for Col and Elise isn't easy, but that’s what makes this book so fulfilling. I loved every moment of their ups and downs which helped them grow as individuals and as a couple.
October 13, 2014
Elise is struggling to keep her dance studio afloat. At this point she needs a miracle to keep things going. She just wasn't expecting a miracle in the shape of Col Hillam. The same Col, who used to be part of her family and the same person who dumped her like a hot potato many years ago.
Col still struggles with the neglect and abuse he suffered as a child. He is home to bury the person who will always be at the root of his fears and problems. One of those fears is something he needs to overcome quick snap, which is why he has returned to ask Elise for help.
The two of them have to overcome a mountain of obstacles to rekindle their fledgling romance, including clearing up the real reason Col left in the first place. The secret he kept from Elise because he didn't want to break her heart and destroy the relationship between her and someone close to both of them.
This romance is about trust, family and coming back home to the one person, who makes you feel safe and complete.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and Mills & Boon.
Col still struggles with the neglect and abuse he suffered as a child. He is home to bury the person who will always be at the root of his fears and problems. One of those fears is something he needs to overcome quick snap, which is why he has returned to ask Elise for help.
The two of them have to overcome a mountain of obstacles to rekindle their fledgling romance, including clearing up the real reason Col left in the first place. The secret he kept from Elise because he didn't want to break her heart and destroy the relationship between her and someone close to both of them.
This romance is about trust, family and coming back home to the one person, who makes you feel safe and complete.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and Mills & Boon.
December 17, 2014
Stefanie London does it again with Breaking the Bro Code. I've really come to enjoy reading about these bun head ballerinas and the men who love them. This time, ballet studio owner Elise Johnson must help her former close friend and one time lover to earn money to save the studio. Col Hilliam is the last person she wants to help--he left her after the most amazing night of her life and hasn't contacted her in five years. They agree to keep things strictly business, but soon discover the spark between them hasn't diminished with the time and distance. Unfortunately, the issues that drove them apart haven't diminished either. Can they work last their personal flaws to finally capture the love they could have together?
October 24, 2014
“You’re impossible.” He brought his mouth down to hers, hot and forceful. “You’re maddening and frustrating and …”
“And?”
“Insanely hot.”
Breaking the Bro Code is a romance that flirts with some darker issues but ultimately is a heartwarming look at two people who are perfect for each other.
Not only is this a second chance romance, but this is also about a young woman who fell for her brother’s best friend, making things much more complicated. I liked that Elise was the only one who could calm Col down both as a kid when he was running from his abusive dad, and as an adult when he came to her for help. They had a very strong connection with lots of yummy sparks.
Read More
“And?”
“Insanely hot.”
Breaking the Bro Code is a romance that flirts with some darker issues but ultimately is a heartwarming look at two people who are perfect for each other.
Not only is this a second chance romance, but this is also about a young woman who fell for her brother’s best friend, making things much more complicated. I liked that Elise was the only one who could calm Col down both as a kid when he was running from his abusive dad, and as an adult when he came to her for help. They had a very strong connection with lots of yummy sparks.
Read More
October 15, 2014
I really loved this story. It was funny, heartfelt, sweet and sexy.
The chemistry between Col and Elise crackles from the page and is given depth by their shared pasts and traumas.
Col returns to Melbourne a successful business man, but he is still haunted by the past and the unresolved feelings he has for his best friend’s sister Elise.
Elise has family dramas of her own and her ballet studio is in financial ruin. She agrees to a business partnership with Col in order to save her studio, but soon she finds herself in deep with an undeniable attraction to Col despite the years that have passed.
Seeing Col and Ellie work out their feelings for each other and their other issues is a heap of fun. An emotionally satisfying and sexy read.
The chemistry between Col and Elise crackles from the page and is given depth by their shared pasts and traumas.
Col returns to Melbourne a successful business man, but he is still haunted by the past and the unresolved feelings he has for his best friend’s sister Elise.
Elise has family dramas of her own and her ballet studio is in financial ruin. She agrees to a business partnership with Col in order to save her studio, but soon she finds herself in deep with an undeniable attraction to Col despite the years that have passed.
Seeing Col and Ellie work out their feelings for each other and their other issues is a heap of fun. An emotionally satisfying and sexy read.
May 21, 2017
Many favourite moments in this book but I think the most memorable is when Elaine refers to Col having the musicality of a stuffed llama.
A tricky book to say anything else about since I don't like spoiling stories for others.
A tricky book to say anything else about since I don't like spoiling stories for others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2014
4.5 stars! Really enjoyed this! Especially the llama reference ;)
July 23, 2015
Excellent story and well written !
November 21, 2019
Terjemahannya cukup enak dibaca
Tapiii, dari segi ceritanya masih kurang kuat :(
Padahal berharap bakal mengeksplor dunia baletnya (ketipu sama cover 😅)
Atau konflik sama kakaknya Elise ada gtu, ini sih kebanyakan flashback dan gitu2 doang
Tapiii, dari segi ceritanya masih kurang kuat :(
Padahal berharap bakal mengeksplor dunia baletnya (ketipu sama cover 😅)
Atau konflik sama kakaknya Elise ada gtu, ini sih kebanyakan flashback dan gitu2 doang
April 11, 2021
Nope. Nah. I can't do it. I've tried going back to this but I just can't. Col is such an arsehole, and Elise is a doormat. Boring and frustrating to read.
October 19, 2014
A repressed ballerina confronts a past with a guy who supposedly ran out on her 5 years ago. Now he's back with an unusual proposal that could save her ballet studio from tanking.
For a story with a title like 'Breaking the Bro Code', I'd have expected that the brother in question to have more than a peripheral presence in the book or at least the close friendship between 2 guys would have been more in the spotlight as the relationship between Elise and Col is straightened out.
The premise for Col's asking for help is somewhat flimsy and while that impetus to reconnect wasn't too convincing, I still enjoyed the unusual dynamics between a girl who can't trust what she feels and a guy who puts himself out there for her.
For a story with a title like 'Breaking the Bro Code', I'd have expected that the brother in question to have more than a peripheral presence in the book or at least the close friendship between 2 guys would have been more in the spotlight as the relationship between Elise and Col is straightened out.
The premise for Col's asking for help is somewhat flimsy and while that impetus to reconnect wasn't too convincing, I still enjoyed the unusual dynamics between a girl who can't trust what she feels and a guy who puts himself out there for her.
April 4, 2016
The title doesn't seem to have anything to do with the story, although the hero was once best friends with the heroine's brother. They had a fling back when and the next day, he skipped out of Australia altogether. Her dad died shortly afterwards and her brother left town not long after that, leaving the heroine to deal with their crumbling mother and the demise of her own ballet dreams. Now the hero's drunk, abusive father has died and he's come back to town to deal with that and while he's in town, give a speech at a big-deal tech con. He hires the heroine to help him prepare for the speech as an excuse to get back into her life. It's a nice story with some nice angst. I liked it.
March 1, 2015
Col has been in love with Elise for a lot of years. When his father dies, he returns to Australia to clear things up. While he's there, he hires Elise to help him gain confidence in public speaking since he's agreed to speak at a conference.
Col's father was abusive and Col had moved in with his best friends family. But his friend warned him off his sister. But eventually, Col had blown it and when Elise couldn't admit to any feelings for him, he's left.
It takes some doing, but eventually Elise is able to realize a few things about herself, including that she loves Col in return.
Col's father was abusive and Col had moved in with his best friends family. But his friend warned him off his sister. But eventually, Col had blown it and when Elise couldn't admit to any feelings for him, he's left.
It takes some doing, but eventually Elise is able to realize a few things about herself, including that she loves Col in return.
March 19, 2023
Cole and Elise both attracted to each other and have physical chemistry but express their feelings differently due to the emotional scars from their parents actions growing up. Elise suppresses her emotions and finds it near impossible to talk about them. Cole limits his alcohol on bad days so not to repeat his father's actions but isolates to protect himself as an introvert. Elise's friends and Cole are the only people that challenge her but she continues to protect herself. This story took a bit to get into but it intrigued me to continue reading.
Want to read
September 19, 2014review copy via author.
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