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Hard Drive #1
Breaking the Cycle
Max sacrifices everything to find an answer to Chloe’s illness. But is it enough to save their relationship – and save her?
Max is excited when Chloe, a girl that works for the same gym he does, agrees to go on a date with him. He is disturbed, though, when she becomes violently ill after he kisses her. Max can’t shake how he feels about her. He sacrifices his job and does everything he can to find an answer to her illness. But is it enough to save their relationship – and save her?
Chloe can’t believe Max Thomas, the hottest guy at Roadie’s Gym, wants to go out with her. When their date is a disaster, she thinks she’ll never see him again. She is stunned when he reappears in her life and tries to find the answer behind whatever has made her sick since she was a child. However, will he stick around or abandon her like her father did? Can she trust him enough to let him into her heart?
**Proceeds from Breaking the Cycle are going to the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association towards research for a cure.**
Max is excited when Chloe, a girl that works for the same gym he does, agrees to go on a date with him. He is disturbed, though, when she becomes violently ill after he kisses her. Max can’t shake how he feels about her. He sacrifices his job and does everything he can to find an answer to her illness. But is it enough to save their relationship – and save her?
Chloe can’t believe Max Thomas, the hottest guy at Roadie’s Gym, wants to go out with her. When their date is a disaster, she thinks she’ll never see him again. She is stunned when he reappears in her life and tries to find the answer behind whatever has made her sick since she was a child. However, will he stick around or abandon her like her father did? Can she trust him enough to let him into her heart?
**Proceeds from Breaking the Cycle are going to the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association towards research for a cure.**
Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2014
6 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Andersen
64 books51 followersTricia Andersen lives in Iowa with her husband and her three children. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations.
For the past five years, Tricia has been a member of Hard Drive Performance Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, an affiliate of Roufusport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has experience in kickboxing and currently trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Even though she has never competed in an MMA cage, she’s witnessed and been a part of a fighter’s journey from fight camp to their walk to the cage. She also has competed in jiu jitsu.
For the past five years, Tricia has been a member of Hard Drive Performance Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, an affiliate of Roufusport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has experience in kickboxing and currently trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Even though she has never competed in an MMA cage, she’s witnessed and been a part of a fighter’s journey from fight camp to their walk to the cage. She also has competed in jiu jitsu.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 12, 2014
Breaking the Cycle is a sweet romance that shines a light on a disease I personally had never heard of, without beating you over the head with facts or clinical information. In fact, I would have like a bit more information about Cyclic Vomiting disorder.
Chloe and Max are wonderful characters. I had immediate empathy for Chloe and her struggles. Max, well Max was almost too good to be true, and I'd say that was his only fault. I found his character a little hard to accept because her was sooo wonderful, so accepting, so supportive and never failing, but.. hey it's fiction. Why not draw a hero that's the man we all dream about? And Max is definitely that.
I loved the Hard Drive gang, Mark, Dan and Rico. I hope Tricia plans to continue this as a series and give these sweet "bad" boys some heroines of their own, because they deserve them! The brief look into the MMA fighting arena was interesting and exciting. Once again, I would have liked to have seen a bit more of it.
I thought Liz, Chloe's mother was great. As the mother of a special needs child myself, I understand completely the need to protect our children to the point of almost isolation. Because loneliness is better then pain. Liz has a strength that shines through ans I loved getting to see her heart finally open up.
Breaking the Cycle was an uplifting read that made me cry happy tears and left me with that warn fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Don't you just love that? This was the firt book I've read by Ms Anderson, but it definitely won't be the last.
Chloe and Max are wonderful characters. I had immediate empathy for Chloe and her struggles. Max, well Max was almost too good to be true, and I'd say that was his only fault. I found his character a little hard to accept because her was sooo wonderful, so accepting, so supportive and never failing, but.. hey it's fiction. Why not draw a hero that's the man we all dream about? And Max is definitely that.
I loved the Hard Drive gang, Mark, Dan and Rico. I hope Tricia plans to continue this as a series and give these sweet "bad" boys some heroines of their own, because they deserve them! The brief look into the MMA fighting arena was interesting and exciting. Once again, I would have liked to have seen a bit more of it.
I thought Liz, Chloe's mother was great. As the mother of a special needs child myself, I understand completely the need to protect our children to the point of almost isolation. Because loneliness is better then pain. Liz has a strength that shines through ans I loved getting to see her heart finally open up.
Breaking the Cycle was an uplifting read that made me cry happy tears and left me with that warn fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Don't you just love that? This was the firt book I've read by Ms Anderson, but it definitely won't be the last.
August 1, 2016
4 Stars:
Among some of my favorites. Outstanding literary work. The characters are well developed, interesting. The liked characters are likable and the hated are unlikable. The writing is captivating enough to keep you interested until the end and leave you wanting more. It has a fairly original or uniquely well-developed plot. The pretense and romance was well balanced and done with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and chemistry. Not so much predictable if at all. Overall, loved it, I recommend reading!!
Among some of my favorites. Outstanding literary work. The characters are well developed, interesting. The liked characters are likable and the hated are unlikable. The writing is captivating enough to keep you interested until the end and leave you wanting more. It has a fairly original or uniquely well-developed plot. The pretense and romance was well balanced and done with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and chemistry. Not so much predictable if at all. Overall, loved it, I recommend reading!!
January 13, 2014
Be prepared for a heart breaking story of undying love and faith set against the backdrop of MMA training and fight.
“She was the reason he breathed. She was the reason his heart beat.”
Max, a fighter with such love and patience in his heart and soul for Chloe. He will and does do anything to be with her. As a reader, you find yourself cheering for him to reach through Chloe’s defenses.
Chloe suffers from Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, a very real and scary disorder that Max is determined to help her through. If like me, you wanted to know more start here http://cvsaonline.org/ . However, her disorder is not the only obstacle facing Max’s love for her. Chloe, as so many people do, has built so many walls to protect herself from being hurt and abandoned again.
“She could hear forever in his voice. He forgets I’m damaged.”
Max and Chloe slowly build a friendship that continues to grow and flourish with the support of great friends from their gym.
Max showed reminded me that there are still good guys, willing to fight for those they love. His resolve, patience and creativity brought many tears to my eyes. Never wanting to misinterpret any signals from Chloe he gives her a bag containing lip balm, a teddy bear, gloves, a candle and a box of condoms. Proving that she has complete control of the speed and direction of their relationship.
“If I grow old with you and we are never intimate, I will die the happiest man alive just because I have you.”
“She was the reason he breathed. She was the reason his heart beat.”
Max, a fighter with such love and patience in his heart and soul for Chloe. He will and does do anything to be with her. As a reader, you find yourself cheering for him to reach through Chloe’s defenses.
Chloe suffers from Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, a very real and scary disorder that Max is determined to help her through. If like me, you wanted to know more start here http://cvsaonline.org/ . However, her disorder is not the only obstacle facing Max’s love for her. Chloe, as so many people do, has built so many walls to protect herself from being hurt and abandoned again.
“She could hear forever in his voice. He forgets I’m damaged.”
Max and Chloe slowly build a friendship that continues to grow and flourish with the support of great friends from their gym.
Max showed reminded me that there are still good guys, willing to fight for those they love. His resolve, patience and creativity brought many tears to my eyes. Never wanting to misinterpret any signals from Chloe he gives her a bag containing lip balm, a teddy bear, gloves, a candle and a box of condoms. Proving that she has complete control of the speed and direction of their relationship.
“If I grow old with you and we are never intimate, I will die the happiest man alive just because I have you.”
February 3, 2014
Be prepared for a heart breaking story of undying love and faith set against the backdrop of MMA training and fight.
“She was the reason he breathed. She was the reason his heart beat.”
Max, a fighter with such love and patience in his heart and soul for Chloe. He will and does do anything to be with her. As a reader, you find yourself cheering for him to reach through Chloe’s defenses.
Chloe suffers from Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, a very real and scary disorder that Max is determined to help her through. If like me, you wanted to know more start here: http://cvsaonline.org/ . However, her disorder is not the only obstacle facing Max’s love for her. Chloe, as so many people do, has built so many walls to protect herself from being hurt and abandoned again.
“She could hear forever in his voice. He forgets I’m damaged.”
Max and Chloe slowly build a friendship that continues to grow and flourish with the support of great friends from their gym.
Read the rest of Lisa's review
“She was the reason he breathed. She was the reason his heart beat.”
Max, a fighter with such love and patience in his heart and soul for Chloe. He will and does do anything to be with her. As a reader, you find yourself cheering for him to reach through Chloe’s defenses.
Chloe suffers from Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, a very real and scary disorder that Max is determined to help her through. If like me, you wanted to know more start here: http://cvsaonline.org/ . However, her disorder is not the only obstacle facing Max’s love for her. Chloe, as so many people do, has built so many walls to protect herself from being hurt and abandoned again.
“She could hear forever in his voice. He forgets I’m damaged.”
Max and Chloe slowly build a friendship that continues to grow and flourish with the support of great friends from their gym.
Read the rest of Lisa's review
June 29, 2016
As to where I like the characters of Chloe and Max....and the syndrome she faces is very real, this book just didn't do it for me.
Things between them progressed too fast... from wanting to date her..taking her on a date to being her knight in shining armor in an all too short amount of time. I liked the fact that when she was ill, he took care of her and was there for every episode she had... that was heart warming. But without truly knowing her, he changed jobs, got her a job with him making sure she had her certain days off, gave up his apartment to move in with her and her mother, and devoted a good portion of his life to take care of her. This within a short span of time.
This story had great possibilities, but just wasn't executed as well as I would have liked.
Things between them progressed too fast... from wanting to date her..taking her on a date to being her knight in shining armor in an all too short amount of time. I liked the fact that when she was ill, he took care of her and was there for every episode she had... that was heart warming. But without truly knowing her, he changed jobs, got her a job with him making sure she had her certain days off, gave up his apartment to move in with her and her mother, and devoted a good portion of his life to take care of her. This within a short span of time.
This story had great possibilities, but just wasn't executed as well as I would have liked.
April 22, 2014
4.5/5.0
This unique tale touches upon CVS, a rare disorder that is not widely known and often misdiagnosed.
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
This unique tale touches upon CVS, a rare disorder that is not widely known and often misdiagnosed.
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
December 12, 2019
I read this book because I heard the heroine of the story has the same rare disease that I have. Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, or CVS. The author of the book is the mother of a child with CVS. I'm so grateful she wrote a book where the main character is ill and they are trying to find out what she has, because this is very relatable to me and everyone I know who lives with CVS.
I will say however that as the author is a caretaker to a child of CVS, and though she consulted with an adult with CVS, there are a couple of things with the female protagonist Chloe, that aren't typical for adults with CVS. For instance while some adults can have a 24 hour episode, most adults have 4-7 day episodes or episodes even longer. My longest episode lasted 10 days. I also experience full body tremors the first couple of days. Also, the ability to bounce back and eat pizza the next day seems to be solely a thing only children with CVS can do. Since I got CVS as an adult, I asked many friends of mine who have had CVS their entire lives and they said while they could bounce back and eat whatever they wanted after an episode as a child, as an adult, they usually have to wait 24 hours after the end of an episode before attempting to eat toast. On the whole, Chloe's episodes are on the least severe end of episodes for any adult I've met with CVS. In fact, I kept finding myself wishing my episodes were like Chloe's. However, the most important thing about this book is that CVS was featured.
CVS is a mitochondrial disease and migraine variant, so many of us also experience intense abdominal pain during our episodes, as we are also having abdominal migraines. In the book Chloe is able to get on a medicine that is able to control her episodes. For some of us, being put on Amitryptiline or Nortryptiline can be enough to control the main episodes and then it's up to us to avoid all our triggers. Some of us (like me) need a few more meds, like the "Mitochondria Cocktail" which is a few supplements in addition to Amitryptiline, to minimize the frequency of our episodes.
As in the book, when Chloe was under extreme stress but after she was on the meds, she was still able to go into an episode and that's how it is for us with CVS. Even on meds, we can still be triggered into an episode. Our triggers could be anxiety, stress, not getting enough sleep, eating a certain food, heat, and even good excitement about an upcoming event can send us into an episode.
I like how it showed the relationship Chloe had with her mom Liz, as Liz was the caretaker, something the author knows a lot about. Also the author showed Chloe being in what's called a "Conscious Coma" and that's a thing many CVS sufferers do have. I personally don't, but like most of us, I find it very difficult to talk when I'm in an episode. I whisper and use as few words as I can. I also can't handle light or sound when I'm in an episode.
Overall, the most important part of this book is that the author chose to highlight Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in her book and I applaud her for that, because this is a horrible disease that needs more awareness, so maybe one day we can get a cure.
If you're reading this and you think you have CVS or you've just been diagnosed with CVS and want to know more or need a friend, don't hesitate to drop me a line. I'll get you into some great support groups and help share some great resources with you and make sure you're getting the right treatment you need. If you'd like to read more about CVS, go to cvsaonline.org
A special thank you to the author Tricia Andersen for writing this book about CVS!
I will say however that as the author is a caretaker to a child of CVS, and though she consulted with an adult with CVS, there are a couple of things with the female protagonist Chloe, that aren't typical for adults with CVS. For instance while some adults can have a 24 hour episode, most adults have 4-7 day episodes or episodes even longer. My longest episode lasted 10 days. I also experience full body tremors the first couple of days. Also, the ability to bounce back and eat pizza the next day seems to be solely a thing only children with CVS can do. Since I got CVS as an adult, I asked many friends of mine who have had CVS their entire lives and they said while they could bounce back and eat whatever they wanted after an episode as a child, as an adult, they usually have to wait 24 hours after the end of an episode before attempting to eat toast. On the whole, Chloe's episodes are on the least severe end of episodes for any adult I've met with CVS. In fact, I kept finding myself wishing my episodes were like Chloe's. However, the most important thing about this book is that CVS was featured.
CVS is a mitochondrial disease and migraine variant, so many of us also experience intense abdominal pain during our episodes, as we are also having abdominal migraines. In the book Chloe is able to get on a medicine that is able to control her episodes. For some of us, being put on Amitryptiline or Nortryptiline can be enough to control the main episodes and then it's up to us to avoid all our triggers. Some of us (like me) need a few more meds, like the "Mitochondria Cocktail" which is a few supplements in addition to Amitryptiline, to minimize the frequency of our episodes.
As in the book, when Chloe was under extreme stress but after she was on the meds, she was still able to go into an episode and that's how it is for us with CVS. Even on meds, we can still be triggered into an episode. Our triggers could be anxiety, stress, not getting enough sleep, eating a certain food, heat, and even good excitement about an upcoming event can send us into an episode.
I like how it showed the relationship Chloe had with her mom Liz, as Liz was the caretaker, something the author knows a lot about. Also the author showed Chloe being in what's called a "Conscious Coma" and that's a thing many CVS sufferers do have. I personally don't, but like most of us, I find it very difficult to talk when I'm in an episode. I whisper and use as few words as I can. I also can't handle light or sound when I'm in an episode.
Overall, the most important part of this book is that the author chose to highlight Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in her book and I applaud her for that, because this is a horrible disease that needs more awareness, so maybe one day we can get a cure.
If you're reading this and you think you have CVS or you've just been diagnosed with CVS and want to know more or need a friend, don't hesitate to drop me a line. I'll get you into some great support groups and help share some great resources with you and make sure you're getting the right treatment you need. If you'd like to read more about CVS, go to cvsaonline.org
A special thank you to the author Tricia Andersen for writing this book about CVS!
August 6, 2019
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Breaking the Cycle, Hard Drive Series book 1 by Tricia Andersen
I received this book from the author for an honest opinion/Review.
I love this author as I have stressed many times before. When she gave me a copy to read, I jumped.
This book has a character with a medical condition I had never heard of or knew existed. After reading what a person with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome deals with, my heart hurts for them. Knowing how Chloe has too guard herself off from people because the stress of hurt, fear, anxiety, and or abandonment triggers an attack. I can’t imagine how lonely they must feel other then what our main character goes through. She has been through this monthly cycle since she was 5. Along with the lonely feeling in the cycle, she has the deal with the guilt of her parent’s divorce and other stressors that affect her in her adult life. Chloe has been through some stuff.
Max is a real gentleman. We meet him in Hard Drive an you have no choice but to fall in love with him. He is a romantic art heart. When he meets Chloe, he is so excited when they go out but once they kiss it triggers her syndrome.
The entire book is Max helping Chloe get over her trauma and get healthy. It’s an amazing story of support and caring while learning to help the one you love with you whole heart to be better. Seeing Chloe get stronger and more confident was amazing. Seeing Max built her trust and respect made him such a swoon worthy male.
I loved all the side characters especially Rico. He is such a player I can’t wait t see him fall hard in book 2.
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
www.Twitter.com/Twinsietalk
www.Tsu.co/Twinsietalk
www.instagram.com/twinsietalk
Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/brwkPv
Breaking the Cycle, Hard Drive Series book 1 by Tricia Andersen
I received this book from the author for an honest opinion/Review.
I love this author as I have stressed many times before. When she gave me a copy to read, I jumped.
This book has a character with a medical condition I had never heard of or knew existed. After reading what a person with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome deals with, my heart hurts for them. Knowing how Chloe has too guard herself off from people because the stress of hurt, fear, anxiety, and or abandonment triggers an attack. I can’t imagine how lonely they must feel other then what our main character goes through. She has been through this monthly cycle since she was 5. Along with the lonely feeling in the cycle, she has the deal with the guilt of her parent’s divorce and other stressors that affect her in her adult life. Chloe has been through some stuff.
Max is a real gentleman. We meet him in Hard Drive an you have no choice but to fall in love with him. He is a romantic art heart. When he meets Chloe, he is so excited when they go out but once they kiss it triggers her syndrome.
The entire book is Max helping Chloe get over her trauma and get healthy. It’s an amazing story of support and caring while learning to help the one you love with you whole heart to be better. Seeing Chloe get stronger and more confident was amazing. Seeing Max built her trust and respect made him such a swoon worthy male.
I loved all the side characters especially Rico. He is such a player I can’t wait t see him fall hard in book 2.
June 17, 2017
Really like the concept (especially as someone with a chronic illness) and the characters but it could've been executed better. That said, still going to read the second one!
April 4, 2014
I loved this book! It was so easy to fall in love with the characters both the lead and secondary characters.
Max is my ultimate dream guy. He looks rough on the outside and can kick some major butt, but inside he is a big softy with a heart of gold. He would do anything for the people he loves. He is a natural protector.
Chloe is amazingly strong to deal with everything that has and is happening to her. She wants to be independent and not depend on anyone, but she soon realizes that needing someone is not a bad thing.
Rico is another of my favorite characters in the book, and although he is not a lead he still plays a crucial part.
Tricia Andersen did a wonderful job when writing this. Max and Chloe's relationship is a slow build because of Chloe's past but I think that it made the story different from books that I have read recently. You get to really see how they slowly become closer and how their relationship build just like a relationship would in real life. While I enjoy reading steamy scenes this book did not have any but I was okay with that because it didn't fit the character's personalities. With this book I felt like I was actually with the character's watching their lives happen. I would recommend this book to everyone!
Max is my ultimate dream guy. He looks rough on the outside and can kick some major butt, but inside he is a big softy with a heart of gold. He would do anything for the people he loves. He is a natural protector.
Chloe is amazingly strong to deal with everything that has and is happening to her. She wants to be independent and not depend on anyone, but she soon realizes that needing someone is not a bad thing.
Rico is another of my favorite characters in the book, and although he is not a lead he still plays a crucial part.
Tricia Andersen did a wonderful job when writing this. Max and Chloe's relationship is a slow build because of Chloe's past but I think that it made the story different from books that I have read recently. You get to really see how they slowly become closer and how their relationship build just like a relationship would in real life. While I enjoy reading steamy scenes this book did not have any but I was okay with that because it didn't fit the character's personalities. With this book I felt like I was actually with the character's watching their lives happen. I would recommend this book to everyone!
February 10, 2014
Tricia Andersen does it again!!!!! This story is so thought out, it writes itself. Max's heart and soul is what is missing in books today. His love for Chloe is timeless and Tricia wraps every emotion around this love story. She takes the good, the bad, and the ugly about CVS and proves to her readers that there is love out there for anyone and everyone. Keep the coming Tricia!!!!!!
Merged review:
Tricia Andersen does it again!!!!! This story is so thought out, it writes itself. Max's heart and soul is what is missing in books today. His love for Chloe is timeless and Tricia wraps every emotion around this love story. She takes the good, the bad, and the ugly about CVS and proves to her readers that there is love out there for anyone and everyone. Keep the coming Tricia!!!!!!
Merged review:
Tricia Andersen does it again!!!!! This story is so thought out, it writes itself. Max's heart and soul is what is missing in books today. His love for Chloe is timeless and Tricia wraps every emotion around this love story. She takes the good, the bad, and the ugly about CVS and proves to her readers that there is love out there for anyone and everyone. Keep the coming Tricia!!!!!!
July 15, 2014
This is a lovely, sweet romance that centers around an MMA fighter, and his lady love, who suffers from CVS (Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome)a disease that I had never heard of before.
Both characters are warm, easy to love, and appealing. The story moves along nicely, never dragging, and gives us a tender, happy ending.
For fans of sweet romance, this book will delight!
Both characters are warm, easy to love, and appealing. The story moves along nicely, never dragging, and gives us a tender, happy ending.
For fans of sweet romance, this book will delight!
June 12, 2014
4 1/2 Stars
Read the review at InD'tale Magazine
http://indtale.com/reviews/contempora...
June 9, 2016
Let's just say that this book is one of my Top 5 Favourite books, and is currently my number 1 fav book.
No more words are needed...
No more words are needed...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews