What do you think?
Rate this book
Off the Pitch #1
Breakaway
When your life revolves around a single goal, is there room for love?
Christian King is a rising star in English football. He’s talented, devoted, and on the road to glory. He’s following the path that’s been laid out for him since he was four, and he has no plans to deviate from it. Christian’s life revolves around a single goal—to be the best… until he runs into his first love and former best friend, David.
David Cade is just trying to survive the final year of his PhD intact, while battling long hours, unmotivated students, and the idea that academia might not be for him. But a chance encounter with his first love’s twin sister changes everything, and suddenly David is faced with the realisation that he can’t leave the past behind.
When David and Christian are drawn back together, sparks fly. Soon, Christian is forced to confront his deepest insecurities. Can they break away from their fears for a second chance at true love?
Breakaway is a 79,000 word contemporary gay romance featuring light angst, glittery bath bombs, a ginger-haired roommate/pet, shared Star Wars love, and a meddling twin sister.
It is book one in the Off the Pitch series and can be read as a stand alone.
Christian King is a rising star in English football. He’s talented, devoted, and on the road to glory. He’s following the path that’s been laid out for him since he was four, and he has no plans to deviate from it. Christian’s life revolves around a single goal—to be the best… until he runs into his first love and former best friend, David.
David Cade is just trying to survive the final year of his PhD intact, while battling long hours, unmotivated students, and the idea that academia might not be for him. But a chance encounter with his first love’s twin sister changes everything, and suddenly David is faced with the realisation that he can’t leave the past behind.
When David and Christian are drawn back together, sparks fly. Soon, Christian is forced to confront his deepest insecurities. Can they break away from their fears for a second chance at true love?
Breakaway is a 79,000 word contemporary gay romance featuring light angst, glittery bath bombs, a ginger-haired roommate/pet, shared Star Wars love, and a meddling twin sister.
It is book one in the Off the Pitch series and can be read as a stand alone.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2019
77 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Novak
57 books584 followersCharlie lives in England with her husband and a dachshund named Biscuit. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 25, 2019
For a debut book, this is impressive. There's a well-crafted story which looks at professional football (the round ball variety 😉) and the pressures which come from being gay and playing in that world.
I still find it absolutely astonishing that Justin Fashanu remains the only top-flight British footballer to come out as gay while he was still playing and his tragic death only emphasises the hyper-masculinity which is, unfortunately, a feature of the so-called beautiful game
There are a few out players in lower leagues and in overseas leagues but of the 20 teams in the Premiership, I find it incredibly difficult to believe there are no players who identify other than heterosexual.
But, back to the book. As I said, a well-crafted look at the inherent fears involved in playing for a top club, especially when you're only 23 with all your career ahead of you. I felt so badly for Christian and his anxiety and issues were relatable.
David was a sweetheart and he put up with a lot because he completely understood what it was like having himself once been on track for a professional career.
Their second chance romance was wonderfully sweet, it's a bit slow burn, a little bit exploratory as Christian is still inexperienced and hasn't had anal sex (which he considers to be an important element to his relationship with David).
There're some strong secondary characters, Christian's twin sister Lily is wonderful, David's best friend Kit is hilarious, both mums appear in the background as strong women who have raised their sons to be fine young men, Christian's three footballing colleagues Liam, Jordan and Hugo, are excellent supports for him as well.
I suspect Jordan's story may be coming next, or possibly Hugo, who identifies as pansexual and I'll definitely keep an eye out for more from this author.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
I still find it absolutely astonishing that Justin Fashanu remains the only top-flight British footballer to come out as gay while he was still playing and his tragic death only emphasises the hyper-masculinity which is, unfortunately, a feature of the so-called beautiful game
There are a few out players in lower leagues and in overseas leagues but of the 20 teams in the Premiership, I find it incredibly difficult to believe there are no players who identify other than heterosexual.
But, back to the book. As I said, a well-crafted look at the inherent fears involved in playing for a top club, especially when you're only 23 with all your career ahead of you. I felt so badly for Christian and his anxiety and issues were relatable.
David was a sweetheart and he put up with a lot because he completely understood what it was like having himself once been on track for a professional career.
Their second chance romance was wonderfully sweet, it's a bit slow burn, a little bit exploratory as Christian is still inexperienced and hasn't had anal sex (which he considers to be an important element to his relationship with David).
There're some strong secondary characters, Christian's twin sister Lily is wonderful, David's best friend Kit is hilarious, both mums appear in the background as strong women who have raised their sons to be fine young men, Christian's three footballing colleagues Liam, Jordan and Hugo, are excellent supports for him as well.
I suspect Jordan's story may be coming next, or possibly Hugo, who identifies as pansexual and I'll definitely keep an eye out for more from this author.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
July 30, 2019
And given you're the most bisexual person to ever bisexual, that's saying something."
98% of gay men are in a same-sex relationship.
9% of bisexuals are in a same-sex relationship.
Why does MM romance feature bisexual men in virtually every novel the genre produces? What is "that saying?" I fear the answer to that question isn't a comfortable one for most authors and readers of MM romance to answer, but my gay ass has a damn good idea what that answer is.
dnf
April 19, 2020DNF 36%
Too many things grating on my nerves.
Too many things grating on my nerves.
August 1, 2020
So well. This was something. First I'm going to rant, then I'm going to review. Okay? I'll put the rant as a spoiler so you can skip ahead to the review if you want to.
Okay so, rant over.
I started out really enjoying this book. Both Christian and David was great characters. Sure flawed. But great. They were best friends as kids, turned boyfriends, turned exes and then got reunited. I loved reading about them getting back together because it was so obvious how good they were for each other.
Then things changed. Christian became this insecure guy that really didn't fit the way he was acting in the beginning of the book. He was acting like a kid when it came to sexual relationships. It was really off putting.
After the 50% mark the book got rushed. What started out as great got all about telling instead of showing. Slowly you got less and less of the important stuff and more of rushed scenes and extremely long sex scenes that didn't add much to the story. I would have needed much more depth. I won't go into any details because I can't think of how to say things without spoiling, but the last say four chapters would have needed a lot more details. A little more details about what mattered and a little less details about how they got off.
Okay so, rant over.
I started out really enjoying this book. Both Christian and David was great characters. Sure flawed. But great. They were best friends as kids, turned boyfriends, turned exes and then got reunited. I loved reading about them getting back together because it was so obvious how good they were for each other.
Then things changed. Christian became this insecure guy that really didn't fit the way he was acting in the beginning of the book. He was acting like a kid when it came to sexual relationships. It was really off putting.
After the 50% mark the book got rushed. What started out as great got all about telling instead of showing. Slowly you got less and less of the important stuff and more of rushed scenes and extremely long sex scenes that didn't add much to the story. I would have needed much more depth. I won't go into any details because I can't think of how to say things without spoiling, but the last say four chapters would have needed a lot more details. A little more details about what mattered and a little less details about how they got off.
October 17, 2019
Sports romance + best friends to lovers + second chance = yes, please
Charlie Novak is a new to me author that I tried because of all the above reasons.
It's the story of two young men, David and Christian, who were in love and lost touch when Christian's football (<--the real football, lol, soccer in the U.S.) career started to take off. Years pass, but the feelings are still there, because who forgets their first love?
Highlights:
-Dual POVs
-David and Christian were great main characters.
-Angst, not too heavy, though.
-Sexual exploration.
-Strong secondary cast
-Chemistry
-Nice, easy pace
-Super sweet epilogue.
My only niggle would be that David forgave Christian too quickly. I would've been seriously hurt. I mean, he just dropped him. David was his best friend and boyfriend. Some groveling needed to have taken place, IMO. That's just me, though.
All in all, Breakaway is a nice debut for Charlie Novak. I'm hoping Hugo and Jordan will be getting their own stories soon! I'll certainly be on the lookout.
4 Stars
Charlie Novak is a new to me author that I tried because of all the above reasons.
It's the story of two young men, David and Christian, who were in love and lost touch when Christian's football (<--the real football, lol, soccer in the U.S.) career started to take off. Years pass, but the feelings are still there, because who forgets their first love?
Highlights:
-Dual POVs
-David and Christian were great main characters.
-Angst, not too heavy, though.
-Sexual exploration.
-Strong secondary cast
-Chemistry
-Nice, easy pace
-Super sweet epilogue.
My only niggle would be that David forgave Christian too quickly. I would've been seriously hurt. I mean, he just dropped him. David was his best friend and boyfriend. Some groveling needed to have taken place, IMO. That's just me, though.
All in all, Breakaway is a nice debut for Charlie Novak. I'm hoping Hugo and Jordan will be getting their own stories soon! I'll certainly be on the lookout.
4 Stars
October 9, 2021
Football romance
If only this could happen. I suppose the world is changing and with acceptance of whether we are all different or not football is a hard place to come out as gay. Christian king plays as a high paid football star for Greenwich (I know wishful thinking right?haha) he loves to play football but has a secret ,the fact is he's gay. He rekindled his love affair with David who were inseparable as teenagers before Christian departed with a heavy heart for a loan move to germany.He didn't see David for six years but remained a virgin,still in love with david. A chance encounter brings the two back to a passionate relationship. But would his career as a high profile footballer spoil their chance at love?could Christian have both?in this sweet tale we experience the highs and lows of football life,the rollercoaster ride of a loving gay relationship and many funny episodes. I liked the story and wonder if any high profile footballer will come out in the UK and beyond?it's currently going through a lot of identity issues with race and religion etc. There hasn't been many footballers come out as gay but I do hope that one day we will see that. A non judgemental world in peace and harmony regardless of who you are. I'll read more from Charlie Novak in extra time. Great book.🙂
If only this could happen. I suppose the world is changing and with acceptance of whether we are all different or not football is a hard place to come out as gay. Christian king plays as a high paid football star for Greenwich (I know wishful thinking right?haha) he loves to play football but has a secret ,the fact is he's gay. He rekindled his love affair with David who were inseparable as teenagers before Christian departed with a heavy heart for a loan move to germany.He didn't see David for six years but remained a virgin,still in love with david. A chance encounter brings the two back to a passionate relationship. But would his career as a high profile footballer spoil their chance at love?could Christian have both?in this sweet tale we experience the highs and lows of football life,the rollercoaster ride of a loving gay relationship and many funny episodes. I liked the story and wonder if any high profile footballer will come out in the UK and beyond?it's currently going through a lot of identity issues with race and religion etc. There hasn't been many footballers come out as gay but I do hope that one day we will see that. A non judgemental world in peace and harmony regardless of who you are. I'll read more from Charlie Novak in extra time. Great book.🙂
July 31, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I’m a sucker for the second chance romance, and that’s what really drew me to this book. I was really intrigued by two boys who were best friends and tentative lovers, who had to separate when life took them in different directions and now reconnect as men. And while this book started on a high note for me, I have to admit that as the story continued, it didn’t live up to the beginning.
I really enjoyed the characters here. Novak does a great job of really fleshing out both MCs, and it helps that it’s in alternating third person, so we really get to know them both well and see what’s going on in their heads. I liked watching the growth as they struggled with their issues and moved forward. Yes, things were more intense for Christian, who had a lot more to work through, but David had his moments to shine and show the reader his journey as well. Add to that the merry band of secondary characters and some good romantic chemistry, and it did a lot to smooth out this book for me.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I’m a sucker for the second chance romance, and that’s what really drew me to this book. I was really intrigued by two boys who were best friends and tentative lovers, who had to separate when life took them in different directions and now reconnect as men. And while this book started on a high note for me, I have to admit that as the story continued, it didn’t live up to the beginning.
I really enjoyed the characters here. Novak does a great job of really fleshing out both MCs, and it helps that it’s in alternating third person, so we really get to know them both well and see what’s going on in their heads. I liked watching the growth as they struggled with their issues and moved forward. Yes, things were more intense for Christian, who had a lot more to work through, but David had his moments to shine and show the reader his journey as well. Add to that the merry band of secondary characters and some good romantic chemistry, and it did a lot to smooth out this book for me.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
February 27, 2020
I absolutely adore this book.
Christian and David are incredibly sweet. I could feel their chemistry and connection. Christian's struggle about coming out to the world broke my heart. David trying to be patient and going back into the closet for him broke my heart even more. 😭
I loved the ending and the way they found their way back to one another.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, because I already love Kit and Hugo.
“You. You’re what I look for, Christian.”
“You… you’re everything I look for too.”
Christian and David are incredibly sweet. I could feel their chemistry and connection. Christian's struggle about coming out to the world broke my heart. David trying to be patient and going back into the closet for him broke my heart even more. 😭
I loved the ending and the way they found their way back to one another.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, because I already love Kit and Hugo.
“You. You’re what I look for, Christian.”
“You… you’re everything I look for too.”
April 18, 2020
En general todo es sumamente soso, la historia la desarrolla sin chispa alguna y todos son TAN majos....
La única novedad es que por fin un libro en el que cuando hablan de deporte entiendo de qué hablan (Viva el Fútbol !!). Sólo por eso y porque la escritora es nobel lo doy 3 estrellas
La única novedad es que por fin un libro en el que cuando hablan de deporte entiendo de qué hablan (Viva el Fútbol !!). Sólo por eso y porque la escritora es nobel lo doy 3 estrellas
April 5, 2020
New to me author. This is a mm contemporary story set in the UK in the world of Football or Soccer. Second chance love for footballer Christian and History Professor David. Christian has a hard time communicating and coming to terms that he can be himself. I’ll read this author again.
July 24, 2019
I can't wait for the next book
Christian and David grew up playing football together, realizing what they truly meant to one another when David injured his knee as a teenager and had to stop playing. But Christian was scouted and signed to a pro team, and when he was loaned to a team in Germany, he and David split as a couple - and fell completely out of touch as friends. Years later, Christian is back in London playing for Greenwich, which had always been his dream - well, his father's dream for him. But that's the same thing, right? Running into David again leads to a rekindled friendship, like 6 lost years never happened... and more, when they both realize there has never really been anyone else. But Christian is a high profile footballer, both for his Greenwich squad and the England team, and no active Premier League player had ever come out. How could Christian? I loved this book, I ached for both David and Christian for the choices they felt they had to make - both in the past, and the present - and I can't wait for the next book. (Please be Jordan's?!) I read an advanced copy for review purposes; there were a handful of minor errors I trust will be corrected in the final editing process.
Christian and David grew up playing football together, realizing what they truly meant to one another when David injured his knee as a teenager and had to stop playing. But Christian was scouted and signed to a pro team, and when he was loaned to a team in Germany, he and David split as a couple - and fell completely out of touch as friends. Years later, Christian is back in London playing for Greenwich, which had always been his dream - well, his father's dream for him. But that's the same thing, right? Running into David again leads to a rekindled friendship, like 6 lost years never happened... and more, when they both realize there has never really been anyone else. But Christian is a high profile footballer, both for his Greenwich squad and the England team, and no active Premier League player had ever come out. How could Christian? I loved this book, I ached for both David and Christian for the choices they felt they had to make - both in the past, and the present - and I can't wait for the next book. (Please be Jordan's?!) I read an advanced copy for review purposes; there were a handful of minor errors I trust will be corrected in the final editing process.
July 1, 2019
3.5/5⭐
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Breakaway is the debut novel of author Charlie Novak. I didn't find out it was her debut till after I started my writing up my review and I have to say for a debut novel it is great. Not at any point did this feel like a first novel. Charlie Novak is a talented writer, and I am really looking forward to reading future books by her.
My final thoughts after finishing Breakaway was that it was really sweet second chance romance. All the characters, both main and supporting, were likable. Christian was overly insecure but he was kind to those close to him. David was a sweetheart, adorable and supportive. They worked as friends and when they moved into the bedroom the interactions were passionate and steamy. However, I was a little underwhelmed by the story as a whole. I can't pin point anything I specifically disliked but I just wanted something more.
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Breakaway is the debut novel of author Charlie Novak. I didn't find out it was her debut till after I started my writing up my review and I have to say for a debut novel it is great. Not at any point did this feel like a first novel. Charlie Novak is a talented writer, and I am really looking forward to reading future books by her.
My final thoughts after finishing Breakaway was that it was really sweet second chance romance. All the characters, both main and supporting, were likable. Christian was overly insecure but he was kind to those close to him. David was a sweetheart, adorable and supportive. They worked as friends and when they moved into the bedroom the interactions were passionate and steamy. However, I was a little underwhelmed by the story as a whole. I can't pin point anything I specifically disliked but I just wanted something more.
July 24, 2019
Breakaway, an Excellent Breakout Novel!💋
Captain, My Captain! ⚽👬⚽
Breakaway, was an excellent breakout novel. This MM Romance but on a few tropes/ themes including: second chances, first loves, virgin romance, and sports romance.
The main characters were friends as children who then fell in love as teens. They were forced to separate when one was picked up for football and the other went on to pursue higher education.
They meet again as young adults, both realizing the love is still there. The only problem, David, the academic is out and proud, while the semi-famous footballer, Christian, is hidden away deep in the closet.
The Story was well written (minor editing issues) with excellent characters, both main and secondary. It had drama, low angst, a little comedy, and lots of sMMexy goodness. Lots of fun to read. 💖
4 second-chance-stars ✨✨✨✨
I received a free copy of this book via LesCourt and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.💋
Captain, My Captain! ⚽👬⚽
Breakaway, was an excellent breakout novel. This MM Romance but on a few tropes/ themes including: second chances, first loves, virgin romance, and sports romance.
The main characters were friends as children who then fell in love as teens. They were forced to separate when one was picked up for football and the other went on to pursue higher education.
They meet again as young adults, both realizing the love is still there. The only problem, David, the academic is out and proud, while the semi-famous footballer, Christian, is hidden away deep in the closet.
The Story was well written (minor editing issues) with excellent characters, both main and secondary. It had drama, low angst, a little comedy, and lots of sMMexy goodness. Lots of fun to read. 💖
4 second-chance-stars ✨✨✨✨
I received a free copy of this book via LesCourt and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.💋
July 21, 2019
Breakaway by Charlie Novak is the first in a new series, Off The Pitch. It is contemporary m/m sports romance with a sweet second chance feel. David and Christian are great characters who were sweet, likeable, caring and relateable... even when there were a few moments of frustration when certain characters made terrible decisions. There were insecurities, fears, mistakes, passion, connection.... I loved reading how the relationship evolved again from getting to know each other again, to finding out what true love is about. The supporting characters were interesting and fun. Overall the story was fun and sweet.. I am excited for more books in this series and from this new author.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
December 12, 2019
I loved it so so much!!! It was sweet and cute and well written and the main characters had great chemistry and were adorable together!
February 10, 2024
4,5⭐️
I love second-chance romance and seeing first-love reunited was just beautiful and amazing.
After six years apart, David discovers that his ex-boyfriend's twin sister took his class, what a reunion and what a meddling sister she is 😆
It’s time for Christian and David to face each other again and to put the past behind them - the easiness, the feelings are still there, and it’s just so sweet.
Christian is awfully stressed about his career as a professional football player (soccer for US readers) and the possibility of being outed and what it might entail for his career, this added to the strong pressure he puts on himself - let’s say that all of this can cause lots of anxiety and fears that impact his life and his relationship. David is overwhelmed by his thesis, and being again with Christian is everything he wants, but just being his “football friend” has a toll on him even if he understands Christian’s fear. He wants to support him and be here for him, even if it’s hard.
This story is full of cute and sweet moments, but also bumpy rides while two people try to create a life together 🥰
I loved that book and just got into it right from the beginning. Also, I love Kit and I’m so excited to read his book.
I love second-chance romance and seeing first-love reunited was just beautiful and amazing.
After six years apart, David discovers that his ex-boyfriend's twin sister took his class, what a reunion and what a meddling sister she is 😆
It’s time for Christian and David to face each other again and to put the past behind them - the easiness, the feelings are still there, and it’s just so sweet.
Christian is awfully stressed about his career as a professional football player (soccer for US readers) and the possibility of being outed and what it might entail for his career, this added to the strong pressure he puts on himself - let’s say that all of this can cause lots of anxiety and fears that impact his life and his relationship. David is overwhelmed by his thesis, and being again with Christian is everything he wants, but just being his “football friend” has a toll on him even if he understands Christian’s fear. He wants to support him and be here for him, even if it’s hard.
This story is full of cute and sweet moments, but also bumpy rides while two people try to create a life together 🥰
I loved that book and just got into it right from the beginning. Also, I love Kit and I’m so excited to read his book.
May 12, 2020
3.5 rounded up
Pretty solid read! I believe this is the author's first novel, and I do think it shows--the pacing was a little slow, could have use an editor to cut the filler scenes that didn't add much to the plot, too many exclamation points, IDK what the deal was with the random headline things at the start of the chapters but they didn't work. But overall the story was enjoyable with minimal angst and some lovely characters with a sweet connection. Definitely planning to read more from this author.
Pretty solid read! I believe this is the author's first novel, and I do think it shows--the pacing was a little slow, could have use an editor to cut the filler scenes that didn't add much to the plot, too many exclamation points, IDK what the deal was with the random headline things at the start of the chapters but they didn't work. But overall the story was enjoyable with minimal angst and some lovely characters with a sweet connection. Definitely planning to read more from this author.
March 24, 2021
Breakaway is the first book in the Off the Pitch serie by Charlie Novak. This book is about Christian and David. Christian is a English football player, David his first love and former best friend. David is trying to survive his final year of his PhD. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy and well written.
March 27, 2021
sweet intro to the series
childhood friends to lovers to second chance
tons and tons of consent
childhood friends to lovers to second chance
tons and tons of consent
February 1, 2020
A slow burn second chance sports romance. I think if I hadn’t read the second book of the series first, the slow burn might have been a bit much for me, but I knew what I was getting into. Novak is an incredible writer, I would have never guessed this was their debut novel. It’s not very action filled, and is definitely more character driven, but it’s filled with emotion and a very sweet romance.
July 29, 2019
3.75 Stars!
One of the things I was more impressed about this book was that the author did her research about football (or soccer for the Americans), the English Premier League and the European Champions League. Really, if you're going to write a book that focuses on a certain sport, I, as a reader, appreciate that the info given is as accurate as possible. So, yeah, whether she relied only on her hubby for his football knowledge or from other sources, she did well.
The main and secondary characters were likable and the story was engaging. Christian and David were lovely together and had a lot of chemistry. Christian's twin sister, Lily, was a force to be reckoned with and their friends were a hoot. Frankly, if it wasn't that the story lagged a bit in certain parts, my rating would've been higher.
All in all, this second-chance, slow burn, sport romance was a surprisingly good read and seeing that Breakaway is Charlie Novak's debut novel, I'm already looking forward to reading more books by her as she hones her craft. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
One of the things I was more impressed about this book was that the author did her research about football (or soccer for the Americans), the English Premier League and the European Champions League. Really, if you're going to write a book that focuses on a certain sport, I, as a reader, appreciate that the info given is as accurate as possible. So, yeah, whether she relied only on her hubby for his football knowledge or from other sources, she did well.
The main and secondary characters were likable and the story was engaging. Christian and David were lovely together and had a lot of chemistry. Christian's twin sister, Lily, was a force to be reckoned with and their friends were a hoot. Frankly, if it wasn't that the story lagged a bit in certain parts, my rating would've been higher.
All in all, this second-chance, slow burn, sport romance was a surprisingly good read and seeing that Breakaway is Charlie Novak's debut novel, I'm already looking forward to reading more books by her as she hones her craft. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
October 11, 2019
I adore a good friends-to-lovers tale story and Christian and David's journey was one of the best I've had the privilege to read. When successful young football player, Christian reunites with his childhood friend and first love, David, a PhD student, we get to see from both POV's what life was like between them when they were young; how joined at the hip they were and how they only had eyes for each other until that fateful day when they had to part because of Christian's career. The deep feelings they had were carried on into adulthood and it was so beautiful to see them recognise and accept each other again as they spend more time with each other. The way their relationship evolved from here on out felt so organic and real; both struggling with issues that could promise to blow their new found happiness to smithereens. Can they get through it and find their HEA? You need to read this fantastic story to find out! The supporting cast were so good, we have Christian's take charge and take-no-bullshit sister, Lily, and David's roommate Kit, both unique, rich and funny as hell characters. I loved this start to the new series and I'm chomping at the bit for more!
July 23, 2019
This is a debut novel for Charlie and I enjoyed this second chance romance
Christian plays football and very much in the closet. He has so much fear about coming out and he feels pressure to be the best and doesn’t want to let anyone down. He fears that his sexuality will make people hate him and lose his status/role in football.
David lost Christian 6 years ago to football. He is working.m on his phd when he has an unexpected reunion with Christian.
I loved David and his patience with the rising Christian but I so could see his side about being kept as a secret. I wouldn’t like that either.
Their rediscovery of who each other now as adults was fun and they are so sweet together. I loved all of the secondary characters
Overall a great start for this new author and series I hope we see more of these guys in the future
Christian plays football and very much in the closet. He has so much fear about coming out and he feels pressure to be the best and doesn’t want to let anyone down. He fears that his sexuality will make people hate him and lose his status/role in football.
David lost Christian 6 years ago to football. He is working.m on his phd when he has an unexpected reunion with Christian.
I loved David and his patience with the rising Christian but I so could see his side about being kept as a secret. I wouldn’t like that either.
Their rediscovery of who each other now as adults was fun and they are so sweet together. I loved all of the secondary characters
Overall a great start for this new author and series I hope we see more of these guys in the future
March 21, 2021
Oh my gosh; Christian broke my heart. He was such a great character with so many pressures on his head. As a famous footballer, he struggled with what he thought his career path should be since he was groomed that way, how to balance love with football, and lots of anxiety of not being good enough. David was a perfect match for him. Calm, collected, and madly in love with him, they were great together. There were some ups and downs, but in the end, Christian was able to see that he had a true support system and that He did deserve the love David offered him. I was so glad they were able to reconnect and find love with each other. I loved all of the secondary characters also. I’m looking forward to the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
March 27, 2021
A decent story which follows a well worn path, gay closeted footballer, feels he has to choose between being a top rated footballer and out of the closet. However, the author really does capture the problem of homophobia in football, and I can imagine the fear of discovery is very real.
I really liked the character of David, while Christian did seem a little naiive, considering his status as one of the rising stars of premiership footy. Christian needs to make a decision which will affect both his and David's lives.The book was full of emotion, also with some reference to emotional abuse to a younger Christian.
I liked the secondary characters. They fitted into the story well. Looks like this is going to be the start of a new series, will definitely read the next one.
I really liked the character of David, while Christian did seem a little naiive, considering his status as one of the rising stars of premiership footy. Christian needs to make a decision which will affect both his and David's lives.The book was full of emotion, also with some reference to emotional abuse to a younger Christian.
I liked the secondary characters. They fitted into the story well. Looks like this is going to be the start of a new series, will definitely read the next one.
July 28, 2019
This was a surprising second-chance romance. The secondary characters, especially Christian's sister and David's best friend are wonderfully supportive. But as David comes back into Christian's life as he's balancing his professional football career that he's been working on for what seems his entire life and hiding who he truly is.
As he rekindles his romance with David, there's a push and pull as Christian's insecurities sometimes overwhelm him. David is a patient man and thinks Christian is worth it, but there is a bit of frustration whenever Christian pushes him away.
A great read about second chances and I loved how Christian came to realize that he had to move past his experiences and accept that David loves him. A lovely read!!
As he rekindles his romance with David, there's a push and pull as Christian's insecurities sometimes overwhelm him. David is a patient man and thinks Christian is worth it, but there is a bit of frustration whenever Christian pushes him away.
A great read about second chances and I loved how Christian came to realize that he had to move past his experiences and accept that David loves him. A lovely read!!
February 3, 2021
It was just ok. Found myself skimming through a lot of parts for no reason other than I was bored.
May 9, 2022
My Recommendation: An enjoyable, relatively low angst read from Novak. This was totally different from her Kiss Me series (
Strawberry Kisses
,
Summer Kisses
, and
Spiced Kisses
), but still very enjoyable. I really hope Christian and DAvid make appearances in the next two books, because their story clearly isn't done.
My Response: I threw this on my Kindle from Kindle Unlimited at some point in the last two years because I've enjoyed most of Novak's works and love a good MM Sports Romance. It was the oldest KU book on my list so I figured why not cross it off.
Breakway is the story of childhood friends Christian and David, who drifted apart when Christian went off to play for the pros in Germany, but the never gave up the torch for each other.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com
My Response: I threw this on my Kindle from Kindle Unlimited at some point in the last two years because I've enjoyed most of Novak's works and love a good MM Sports Romance. It was the oldest KU book on my list so I figured why not cross it off.
Breakway is the story of childhood friends Christian and David, who drifted apart when Christian went off to play for the pros in Germany, but the never gave up the torch for each other.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com
October 19, 2020
I read book two in this series before I realized it was a series so I had to go back and read David and Christian’s story! I love second chance romances and the sports aspect is always a nice trope. No matter how much it’s said it will be accepted, there’s always a scary part of coming out while still playing professional sports. I loved how real the story was too. Too often these days the characters who’s being put in the closet or hidden is too perfect about it and too supportive so it was nice to see a real reaction and someone cracking. I don’t think I’d be able to handle it that well if I was being hidden that long or denied to my partner’s closest friends. I love these characters and this series so far!
April 11, 2020
Great start to the series!
This is a new author for me and I loved her writing! This was such a nice story about 2 men who fell in love as teenagers and reconnect again 6 years later to realize they have always loved each other. Christian is a famous sports star and deeply in the closet, David has always loved Christian and he is there for him as he figures out what is important in life and how to be who he really is and share that with the world. The story was sweet, romantic, steamy and really well done. There is a glorious cast of side characters, some who are getting their own story, and I loved being a part of their world. On to the next in the series!
This is a new author for me and I loved her writing! This was such a nice story about 2 men who fell in love as teenagers and reconnect again 6 years later to realize they have always loved each other. Christian is a famous sports star and deeply in the closet, David has always loved Christian and he is there for him as he figures out what is important in life and how to be who he really is and share that with the world. The story was sweet, romantic, steamy and really well done. There is a glorious cast of side characters, some who are getting their own story, and I loved being a part of their world. On to the next in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews