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Save Me #3

Breaking South

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A pop goddess has it all and it’s killing her.
A hockey player lost everything and is desperate to get it back.

Pop icon Genevieve Fox is on top of the world—staring down the cliff of a life she never wanted. The only thing more lonely and terrifying than her current path? Looking into the mirror at a girl she doesn’t know.

Goalie phenom Oliver Levesque was poised for greatness when a vicious ACL tear knocks him out for the season. As he fights through rehab, his physical pain is just the beginning of his excruciating journey back to the ice.

What happens when the girl who has everything falls for the man who lost it all?

Two lives have shattered… but sometimes you have to break something to fix it.

BREAKING SOUTH is an inspirational rockstar romance and sports romance that can be read as a standalone.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2020

70 people are currently reading
292 people want to read

About the author

Alyson Santos

21 books944 followers
I’m a writer, musician, and cat lover. Not always in that order.

I write what needs to come out, whether it’s pain, tears, or laughter. I write people and relationships, about the beauty and horror of what we do to ourselves and each other. I write Love. Vengeance. Compassion. Cruelty. Trust. Betrayal. Forgiveness. Darkness, and the incredible way humans destroy and heal each other.

I like to eradicate barriers, refusing to be confined by the laws of physics or limitations of reality. I will befriend a vast population of possibilities and introduce them in ways that might surprise you.

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5 stars
169 (58%)
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83 (28%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsey  Domokur.
1,926 reviews129 followers
September 23, 2020
HANDS DOWN my favorite Alyson Hero. I'm in love with Oliver and you will be too.
Oliver’s hockey status right now is on the injured reserve, Genevieve’s at that point too, but it isn’t her body that’s the problem. Can two broken people mend each other?
Genevieve is a superstar. The fans love her, her label loves her but no one knows who she is. When she meets Oliver she thinks he’s just another guy who wants her for her persona. Little by little he chips away the exterior of lies she has built around herself so that she can become the person she is on the inside.
Oliver doesn’t have time for fixing a pop star right now. Not when his recovery and his career are on the line. Too bad he’s drawn to her from the moment he sees her and nothing can keep him from making sure the world sees her light.
I’m in love with these two. Every word was more perfect than the next and I sat there holding my kindle for an embarrassing amount of time with tears in my eyes after I was done.
Profile Image for Meredith Wilson.
383 reviews46 followers
September 24, 2020
Breaking South is the third book in the Turner Artist Rocker series by Alyson Santos. This is Genevieve Fox and Oliver Levesque's story, and it was absolutely fantastic. In fact, I think it might just be my new favorite in the series. I just know you are going to fall in love with these two just as I did.

Genevieve is a famous and well loved pop star, but she's unhappy and struggling with her identity. That is until she meets Oliver at a publicity event, and he sees past the whole pop star persona. He sees her for who she really is and helps her to shine and become the person she is on the inside.

Oliver is a hockey player who is on the injured reserved list. With his recovery and career on the line, he really doesn't have the time to be helping a pop princess through her issues. But since the day they met, he can't seem to stop thinking about her. So needless to say, he does indeed do just that.

I absolutely loved these two! The thoughts and emotions that Alyson poured into these characters were powerful and touching. I think this story was beautifully written and truly entertaining. The author really knocked it out of the park with this one. Five stars for Genevieve, Oliver and Breaking South!

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Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,908 reviews2,060 followers
September 21, 2020
description

“I’ll stay and fight forever, the entire damn world, if she wants me to.”

Breaking South is the third book in The Turner Artists Rocker Series by Alyson Santos and all the books can be read as standalone’s. We’ve loved every single book in this series and this latest instalment won our hearts over with its melancholy and sombre undertones. The beauty of the prose, the vivid emotional heartbreak and the inner struggle to find a true self, locked down behind a façade. It felt bleak and dark with sporadic rays of hopeful light-gathering impetus to breakthrough. Oh, how we willed the light of hope to breakthrough. For the storm to be calmed and peace to find its place.

“I don’t know her. I don’t know the girl in the mirror.”
“Then we find her.”


We all wear ‘masks’ at any given time in our lives, whether it’s to fit in, to please others or to hide our inner emotional turmoil. These masks become almost ingrained in our very being and automatically fasten themselves when called upon. Whilst we wear them for self-protection or as a false sense of security they can be detrimental to psychological health and wellbeing. For Genevieve Fox this was her life and having grown up moulded and shaped to be who everyone wanted her to, this mask became the detriment to her emotional wellbeing. When we meet her, Genevieve is standing at the precipice of emotional combustion. We sympathised with her, our hearts broke for her and we held on to the glimmers of hope that she found her inner strength to fight.

‘Oliver Levesque is an enigma, a complex blend of power and grace, brutality and softness, and right now in the chaos of my storm, my desire for him is the only certain thing in my life.’

In many respects, Oliver was the first ray of light which sparked the impending blaze. He saw beyond the façade and questioned Genevieve, willing her to find the pieces of herself locked tight within her persona. All Oliver wants is for Genevieve to find her true self and bring it to the surface. He wants her to be her, not the manufactured façade which is breaking her, crumbling piece by piece. Oliver is not without his own demons, but they say it takes two halves of one soul to heal, and when they find each other the process can begin. That initial spark lights a fire in your soul and sets you on a road of self-discovery, to fight your own fight. When the momentum builds you stare it down and roll up your sleeves. We went through the spectrum of emotions reading Breaking South, from morose, to despondent to hopeful and joyous. Another great story from Alyson Santos!

“You make me want to try things. You make me brave.”

Available to purchase below
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Amazon UK


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Profile Image for Christine (Shh Moms Reading).
1,465 reviews570 followers
September 16, 2020
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would... I cried and my heart soared <3. Alyson has a way with words and pulling out all of the emotions.
Profile Image for M.E. Carter.
Author 48 books1,075 followers
Read
August 31, 2020
Y'all just need to read this. That's all there is to it.
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,094 reviews943 followers
September 20, 2020
description

description

“I’ll stay and fight forever, the entire damn world, if she wants me to.”

Breaking South is the third book in The Turner Artists Rocker Series by Alyson Santos and all the books can be read as standalone’s. We’ve loved every single book in this series and this latest instalment won our hearts over with its melancholy and sombre undertones. The beauty of the prose, the vivid emotional heartbreak and the inner struggle to find a true self, locked down behind a façade. It felt bleak and dark with sporadic rays of hopeful light-gathering impetus to breakthrough. Oh, how we willed the light of hope to breakthrough. For the storm to be calmed and peace to find its place.

“I don’t know her. I don’t know the girl in the mirror.”
“Then we find her.”


We all wear ‘masks’ at any given time in our lives, whether it’s to fit in, to please others or to hide our inner emotional turmoil. These masks become almost ingrained in our very being and automatically fasten themselves when called upon. Whilst we wear them for self-protection or as a false sense of security they can be detrimental to psychological health and wellbeing. For Genevieve Fox this was her life and having grown up moulded and shaped to be who everyone wanted her to, this mask became the detriment to her emotional wellbeing. When we meet her, Genevieve is standing at the precipice of emotional combustion. We sympathised with her, our hearts broke for her and we held on to the glimmers of hope that she found her inner strength to fight.

‘Oliver Levesque is an enigma, a complex blend of power and grace, brutality and softness, and right now in the chaos of my storm, my desire for him is the only certain thing in my life.’

In many respects, Oliver was the first ray of light which sparked the impending blaze. He saw beyond the façade and questioned Genevieve, willing her to find the pieces of herself locked tight within her persona. All Oliver wants is for Genevieve to find her true self and bring it to the surface. He wants her to be her, not the manufactured façade which is breaking her, crumbling piece by piece. Oliver is not without his own demons, but they say it takes two halves of one soul to heal, and when they find each other the process can begin. That initial spark lights a fire in your soul and sets you on a road of self-discovery, to fight your own fight. When the momentum builds you stare it down and roll up your sleeves. We went through the spectrum of emotions reading Breaking South, from morose, to despondent to hopeful and joyous. Another great story from Alyson Santos!

“You make me want to try things. You make me brave.”

Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK


Come and say hi, at:
description
TotallyBookedBlog
TBB on Facebook
TBB on Instagram
TBB on Twitter
TBB on Pinterest
Profile Image for Brenna.
253 reviews8 followers
September 24, 2020
Love, love, love Alyson Santos’ upcoming addition to the Turner Artists series. Everyone is going to fall in love with Oliver Levesque, Genevieve Fox, and their connection 🥰

The whole Turner Artists series has been Alyson at her finest. She just has this amazing way of weaving words into colorful imagery that will leave you thinking for days upon days. I love that she writes REAL, vulnerable people who bring out the best in each other. That is truly Gen and Ollie. They acknowledge each others’ insecurities and flaws, but also pull the strength out of each other. They grow together and, in a sense, “save” each other, too.

I always crave more of Aly’s books, think deeply about them after I read, and message reader friends bursts of emojis and gifs that express my love for this amazingly talented woman’s work.
Profile Image for Donna.
76 reviews
September 23, 2020
Santos...you did it to me AGAIN!! All the emotions. Each book in the series I fall in love. How many book boyfriends is too many? Is there such a thing? Oliver. Enough said.

Genevieve is a pop princess who seems to have it all. Everyone loves her, but is success really enough? Oliver is a hockey superstar in the middle of his own chaos. Injured and trying to focus on his career, the two celebrities are thrust together in a charity engagement and the chemistry begins. Watching these two characters discover themselves and support each other was beautiful and tragic at the same time. I devoured this book. Just when you think this author has written her best book yet, she comes back and knocks it out of the park. Always a one-click author for me!
Profile Image for TeriLyn.
1,386 reviews442 followers
September 23, 2020
**Breaking South generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

5 "Who's the girl in the mirror?" Stars

Another excellent installment in the Turner Artist Rocker series by Alyson Santos. Breaking South comes to us a stand alone in this series of like introducing two new, memorable characters for whom you'll feel connected to and proud to read. Santos' character development in this story delves, once again, deep into the persona's of her characters revealing who they are underneath the facade of what they present to the world and their growth as humans plays into the romance of the story.

The writing of Santos cultivates a story you can relate to while you enjoy. I can't say enough in my reviews of her stories how intimately thoughtful she always writes these characters. They balance on a precarious line between black and white and the shades of gray are really where you find their hearts and true selves. The delicacy with which she handles each characters continually amazes me.

If you like rocker romance. If you like a heroine on a path to self-discovery and freedom. If you like strong hero who knows what he wants. If you like a little sports drama mixed in. If you like good writing. Read Breaking South. It can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading both Turner Artist Rocker stories that precede it.
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
1,045 reviews63 followers
September 18, 2020
This series has been awesome to read and this series is awesome. This book is part of the Turner Artist Series and I recommend that everyone reads all three of these books because each one is amazing. This author has totally knocked it out the park again with this book as usual. This book is a real opposites attract romance book.

Oliver and Genevieve and there story is a fantastic read and the journey that they go on is on a winding road. They have to deal with some bumps in the road but as real as relationships do it isn't easy.
Genevieve is a super star and is not happy at tall and she is going through and has been through a lot and you really cant help but love her and feel for everything that has happened.
Oliver is a man that knows what he wants, he doesn't like to play games and hates distractions. He is very supportive of Genevieve and is there for her like no other. He needs to take a chance on her but will she take a chance on him too? Can these two work together and help each other to put each other back together again?

As usual these characters were written fantastic and I absolutely loved them both. I felt that the reader can really connect with them both and you will, and all the real life struggles that they are going through makes you want to reach in and hug them. This story flows and is written beautifully and this book will really take your emotions up and down on a roller coaster like it did with me. Some parts are very raw and the writing is very powerful and once you start reading this book you cant put it down its a real page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future as she is a fantastic writer and these book in this series are all must read book.

For more information on this book and loads more, please visit me at

Vick's Magical Book Blog.
https://www.facebook.com/VickisMagica...
Profile Image for Pamela Lilley.
2,243 reviews39 followers
September 18, 2020
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - Alyson Santos writes THE best rocker stories, and Breaking South solidifies that assumption even more. With book 3 in the Turner Artist Rocker series (all standalones), she adds in another one of my most favourite tropes, sports romance, and not just any sport, HOCKEY! Oh my, I was in heaven. Genevieve Fox is not a happy pop princess, she’s being manipulated by her family and marketing team, and her wants and needs are not being met, until......Oliver Levesque, hot hockey player, a goalie no less. He’s on the injured list, so is spending his time at the training rink with his coach. During a publicity event the two meet, and astonishingly Oliver actually sees Genevieve, not her pop princess persona, but the real Genevieve. I absolutely adored Oliver, he was a wonderful person inside and out, a true protector, and the perfect match for Genevieve, who, even though she didn’t think it, was beautiful, again, inside and out. The story was oh so believable, I was immersed from the get-go, the characters, the writing and the emotions. A wonderful read that I could not put down. I love Alyson Santos’ unique style of writing, she definitely has a way with words. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,267 reviews220 followers
September 16, 2020
5 Star Review of Breaking South (A Turner Artist Rocker #3) by Alyson Santos

I have a new book boyfriend in Oliver Levesque, I fell hard and fast for him and Genevieve Fox. Whenever I read a book from Alyson Santos I know that it will be well written with character driven story lines that you cannot help but become invested in.
This was an emotional roller coaster of a read that got to me on numerous levels. The story was emotional and at times brought me to tears and real. I loved how supportive Oliver was of Genevieve and it was wonderful to watch their relationship progress to love.
From start to finish, Breaking South ticked all the boxes for me and I cannot wait to see what Ms.Santos has on store for us.

 
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,297 reviews154 followers
September 23, 2020

Breaking South was a very good read.
It was Alyson Santos first attempt to write a music star X hockey player and I can assure you that while reading this novel you don't notice it. She is a faboulous author and I always appreciate her writing, the emotional depth of her characters, the plot never boring.

Genevieve is a pop star, she is famous, she has millions of fan but she feels like a fraud because she always fakes that she loves herself and her life.
Oliver is an amazing hockey player, the rising star of his team, but he had to take a step back after a bad injury that will keep him far from the ice for months.
They meet at a charity event and they connect instantly. Oliver is the first and only person who can see the real Genevieve and he tries to convinve her to do what makes her happy.
Will Genevieve Fox take the jump of her life leaving her career or will she keep live hiding behind her fame?

I highly recommend to read this story and I'm looking forward to grab next book in the series.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Stephanie.
894 reviews5 followers
September 20, 2020
Breaking South is book #3 in the Turner Rocker Artist series. Like its predecessors Rising West and Falling North, it had everything I love and more! Chemistry, drama, romance, angst and a sports twist!

Genevieve Fox is the pop princess. Molded and created from the youngest age to be a superstar, but at what price? Who is she…really? Genevieve is looking for her identity. Not the one that she was created for her. The one that the whole world looks to and admires. She feels lost and empty.

My entire existence is a long-running performance fashioned solely for the consumption of others.

A charity meet and greet pairs her with hockey hero Olivier Levesque. A connection is made. I have so much to say about this pairing! First off, the emotional connection between the two is intense! Oliver’s compassion and ability to understand Genevieve is amazing and has a lot to do with his family life. Growing up with sisters and brothers leaves him with an immense amount of understanding and compassion. He knows how he would want his sisters to feel and be treated.

Breaking South is a beautiful, emotional tale. Two people who look like opposites on the outside but have so much in common on the inside. There are so many tender moments and beautiful lyrics to consume. Special mentions and visits from Turner Rock Artists complete this story!

Alyson Santos writes beautiful Rock Star romances. Her love of music shines through each story, each paragraph and down to each description. The details, the details. As with Rising West and Falling North she has pulled me in and won’t let go! Who is next???

4.5 stars

#AuthorAlysonSantos #RockStarRomance #Hot&Steamy # GenevieveAndOlivier #BreakingSouth #RisingWest #FallingNorth #Love #HotAndSexy
Profile Image for Nancy Reads.
926 reviews17 followers
September 17, 2020
BREAKING SOUTH is a standalone Book 3 in the Turner Artist Rocker Series. This is Genevieve Fox (A Pop Princess) and Oliver Levesque (Hockey Player) their love story. Opposites do attract! They meet at a promo event involving children. He is the injured goalie of the L.A. Trojans. She is a famous pop singer on the edge of a breakdown. At first sight Genevieve couldn't take her eyes off Oliver. He was rumored to be out this entire season with a vicious ACL tear. He was still a big name with the savior-of-the-franchise phenom status bestowed upon him in his rookie year. It was her that made the 1st move because she couldn't resist him.

Genevieve is a complex girl. She was living the life of a super star, but far from happy. Oliver sweeps in and is the perfect boyfriend. She suddenly has never been this happy. To her he is a perfect ten. It takes only a hand to hold to know a hero. He finds the girl in the mirror. In some ways he saved her life. Oliver Levesque is a swoon worthy true hero.

There are outside forces that are not happy with this perfect couple. Her own mother is a real selfish piece of work. She is surrounded by people she can't be sure of, and she'd spent her entire life unsure who she really was. He changed her life. She just wanted him to know, he was not just an injured hockey player. He was her hero. I really did enjoy this book, as well as the last in the series: FALLING NORTH, and look forward to the next book: FINDING EAST when it is released.
Profile Image for Cathy.
977 reviews6 followers
September 23, 2020
I love the way Alyson Santos writes about music, you can feel her passion for the subject whilst delving into the emotions of life. My heart aches for Genevieve, so controlled and used all her life that she has no idea who she really is. Her inner turmoil is heartbreaking.

Oliver is the hero of the story, such a beautiful soul he helps her find herself and her inner strength, sometimes all you need is someone who has your back! He is strong, kind and generous, and has wonderful friends and family who he would do anything for. What more could you want?!

An emotional read about finding yourself, being brave and making the right choices for you.

I absolutely love this series and a whole host of characters that promise future stories. I can't wait!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,959 reviews213 followers
September 24, 2020


Amazon



Genevieve has lost herself in her pop princess persona. It's not until she meets a sweet, sexy hockey player who gives her the support she needs that she starts to take back her life. But Oliver is rehabbing after an injury so that he can get back to the ice, that's always been his passion in life. Can he have love in his life AND focus on getting back to his hockey career?



Breaking South packed a punch emotionally. Genevieve went on such a journey in this story, going from lost popstar with no control of her life to a strong, independent woman fully in charge of herself and in love with an amazing man who supports her 200%. And speaking of that man, he's just as awesome as Genevieve. I am so in love with an athlete with a sweet personality, so often in romance, athletes are portrayed as arrogant dicks who have to be taken down a notch. Not that I don't enjoy that trope, because I do, but I love it when a hero is portrayed as sweet and strong, not arrogant and cocky. If all the Turner Artist Rocker series is as good as this one, I will definitely be reading!

ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,732 reviews141 followers
September 19, 2020
Wow..... this book is a very special read and it will stay with you long after the final line has been read, Ms Santos is fast becoming the queen of rock star romances and I urge you to one click this series.
Breaking South is book 3 in the Turner Artist Rocker Series and it’s Oliver Levesque and Genevieve Fox’s story. I fell hard, fast and very quick for Oliver and It wasn’t very far into the story when I found myself swooning over this strong hot hockey player with a heart of gold. Genevieve is not the type of girl you would expect a confident athlete to be attracted to, she may be the pop princess everyone wants a piece off but behind closed doors she struggles to understand who she is and why people like her, so will the man with a heart of gold show the girl just how to overcome her self-doubt and will he save her from herself......
An injured hockey player and an pop princess stole my heart and I’m not sure I will ever get it back, this book touched me on so many levels, I loved the story, the characters and I was left wanting more. This is book 3 in the series but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone, It’s a beautifully written romance and I guess all that’s left for me to say is please one click this gem of a read, you won’t be disappointed in this very special love story and I’m sure like me days later you will still be thinking about a hockey player who gets your heart beating faster that it should be.
Profile Image for Kyre Davidson .
229 reviews
September 16, 2020
I’ll start off by saying this isn’t the first Alyson Santos book I’ve read, and I know that it won’t be the last!
Such an original and attention grabbing story, I read the entire thing in one sitting! As always Alyson brought us a story that the reader just can’t put down once it’s started. The characters are very well developed, the storyline is easy to follow and the way she writes/depicts each character and each scene is superb. Her writing style truly makes it easy to become engrossed in the story. Also, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a sweet spot for both rockstar and sports related romance novels. This story is technically both! You can’t get better than that. 👌🏻
Genevieve and Oliver are both such amazing characters. I don’t want to say anything too in depth, because you need to read this story for yourself, I don’t want to give spoilers. Just know, you will absolutely fall in love with these characters! Plus, come on! Hockey players and pop princesses!? Sign me up for that story!
I don’t want to give any story spoilers away, but I’ll tell you these characters are incredible and so emotionally relatable to read. Really fantastic characters/character development here!
This was a great book and I would highly recommend this story to anyone that asks. While you’re at it, go check out the other “Turner Artist Rocker” stories because this isn’t the only masterpiece she has written! This story gets 5 stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Johnaka- Amity Book Blog.
1,158 reviews16 followers
September 15, 2020
Breaking South by Alyson Santos
“Unexpected love, 5 stars”

Holy cow, did Santos go in for the kill with Breaking South. Genevieve was a child star whos fame has only grown with time. Her entire life she’s been acting, being what everyone around her wants. She’s tired, but most of all she has no idea who she is as a person, on a real level. Until she meets Oliver. Will her act push him away or will she be forced to look at the woman in the mirror?
Oliver doesn’t have time for games. He loves his job and takes it seriously. He doesn’t have time for distractions, and there is no denying that Genevieve is one. But sometimes you have to take a risk. Will being with Genevieve be worth it or will she be his demise.
I absolutely loved Breaking South. It made me think about all those childhood stars I grew up watching who then had “breakdowns.” One thing is for sure, I was sucked in from the get go and didn’t put it down until the very end.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
Profile Image for Jennifer.
940 reviews27 followers
September 29, 2020
Book three in Alyson Santos' Turner Artist series, Breaking South, shows not everything is as it appears on the surface but taking chances and the time to look beyond the obvious is worth the risk of what you might find!

Alyson Santos' characters are so much larger than the stories they reside in. Her portrayals speak to a part of human nature her readers would be hard pressed to not be able to relate to personally either directly and indirectly. What made Oliver stand out was not how extraordinary he was but the ordinary things that he retained that kept him from letting his fame and talent go to his head. His kindness and lack of pretense stayed true to his core goodness. Genevieve like Oliver shared these attributes but unlike him was caught in an emotional net of manipulation by those with the power to influence her. Oliver was her chance to break free from emotional captivity both forced and self imposed. Confronting hard truths this couple found not only love with each other but what they needed individually. As this pair struggled with major personal issues and obstacles their genuine caring and support was moving.

Ms. Santos' merging of introspective lyrics and profound intimate reflection take her stories to a whole new level of intensity. Her sensitivity, scrutiny and direct approach to her character's mental states speaks volumes to her commitment to seeing them through their best and worst experiences. Candid and smart dialog are done well by this author. Breaking South brings another great Alyson Santos couple for readers to love and a story that resonates with this author's talent!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
Profile Image for Marina Skinner.
1,664 reviews48 followers
September 17, 2020
This is the first book in this series I have read and it definitely can be read as a standalone.
Im honestly blown away with all the feels this story drew out of me. I could sense the way the characters were feeling and really just wanted to give them both a big hug.
I thought Genevieve was quite the popstar, that she has to put on this persona for those that admire her. Who does she really see in herself?
When she meets Oliver, this hockey player, needless to say he sees her for who she really is. They both have their own particular struggles and need someone to trust that they can lean on. Can they be that for each other? In all the ways that count? Doesn’t everyone deserve that special person? Absolutely!
In certain parts I was on tender hooks, hoping, anticipating and chomping at the bit at a positive outcome. I was hooked!
Ms Santos has woven a beautiful but also poignant tale where the characters have real life struggles. The inspirational words written and the way the storyline goes is nothing short of wonderful.
Breaking South is a definite must read!
Profile Image for Sophie Randall.
403 reviews24 followers
September 10, 2020
Arc in exchange for an honest review.
WOW. This book. This book! I was not prepared for the amount of emotions I would feel whilst reading this book, it so makes me want to dive into the rest of the series and into any other of Alyson's books!

What starts out as a celebrity romance almost, turns into something so raw and real it's hard not to get teary eyed whilst reading this book. It shows that life isn't all sunshines and roses, that there are struggles and things don't always end up how we want it. The important thing is to keep trying and never give up on your dreams and being you.

Genevieve was such an important character, her development across the book was so beautiful and the fact that Oliver was always there to help her become the real her was amazing. Oliver was a great character, definitely one of the favourite hero's I've read. I love how emotional he would be and be unashamed of his feelings. He was a great character. Their relationship was beautiful and being able to witness their HEA in the end felt like such an accomplishment!

You don't want to miss this book when it comes out September 24th!
Profile Image for Jenny Hobson.
743 reviews25 followers
October 5, 2020
4.5🌟
Omg this book! Rockstar romances (or any music star related book) are my ultimate favourite and I don't think I've ever read one that felt as real and raw as this one.
I'm getting hugely into sports romances so mixing to 2 was an instant winner for me.
Gen is a pop princess and has been since she was little. Thrust into the limelight by her parents at such a small age, between them and her label she's only ever been a manufactured version of what everyone thinks she should be in order to make money.
Oliver is a young hot hockey star who is suffering with a leg injury that has out him out of action. He lives his life the complete opposite to Gen and when the 2 of them meet he gets a glimpse of the girl behind the facade. He pushes her to break free of her binds and live the life she wants not what is expected of her.
I don't know why but I got huge Taylor Swift vibes from Gen. I felt her character was so real and the emotion and characterization of her was amazing. This wasn't a typical love story I could totally imagine that this is the life that some of our music stars live. It's books like this that make me fall in love with the Rockstar trope all over again. It was beautifully written. I loved the poetry/lyrical start to every chapter and watching Gen evolve through the story was breathtaking. Definitely going back to read the previous 2 of the series. This was my first taste of Alyson's work and it blew my mind
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,070 reviews31 followers
September 21, 2020
Omg this was the best book that Miss Santos has ever written, I adored this couple, I wanted to jump into the story and hug them! I couldn't put it down, it was breathtaking!
51 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2020
Loved this book! Genevieve had such raw and broken moments and Oliver was there to put her back together along with some healing for himself. I really felt for Genevieve when she would have so much doubt for herself. I'm so glad Oliver could show her that she was worth it all and to really become herself. Oliver, well, wow! Thanks to Alyson's writing, you get first hand experience to what these two are going through. Loved the characters and their story!
Profile Image for Emily Bierman.
1,126 reviews19 followers
September 13, 2020
Oh My Heart!! How many of us feel alone in a crowded room? Or know that when people look at you, they don’t SEE you? How much time has gone by until you realize this is not the life you want? Breaking South completely shattered my heart into pieces and then gently mended it back together. Alyson’s books are so raw & relatable. Her words, her lyrics, make you feel every emotion.

Genevieve & Oliver are your new favorite couple! Trust me! They will you show you just what it takes to find yourself again.
Profile Image for Jody.
2,091 reviews61 followers
September 23, 2020
It's another winner from Ms. Santos in this series that has introduced me to some delicious heroes through the previous books, ones with big hearts who are sexy and supportive. This new release gives readers another drool-worthy hero, one who's there for the heroine when she most needs support while dealing with his own issues. Together, theirs is a journey full of finding yourself and embracing all your inner facets no matter how vulnerable they make you look in the eyes of the world. It's a lyrical tale that pulled at my heartstrings while putting the main couple through the wringer in a story that ultimately felt empowering.

Genevieve Fox is at the top of the rockstar world, beloved by all in a life that seems perfect. From a young age she's been molded into the perfect artist...at least that's how things look from the outside. For Genevieve, life is anything but perfect as she's constantly manipulated by management and her family to be who she doesn't want to be. She's reached a turning point though, one where she no longer wants to keep up the facade. My heart broke for Genevieve over the unhappiness and loneliness she feels, the frustration she experienced over the lies she keeps living, which is why meeting Oliver was such an unforgettable moment. Oliver Levesque is at the top of the hockey world...at least until he gets a serious injury that might affect his career. Until that injury his life seemed set too as his talent assured him a place in the pros and his rookie season labeled him as the savior of his team. He's beloved by fans and desired by the puck bunnies but behind that cocky image is a man with vulnerabilities of his own, a man worried that he might never come back healthy. The moment he meets Genevieve though is the moment everything changes for both of them...and it's where I fell for him. Oliver's a wonderful hero who's immediately drawn to her, drawn to every side of her...even the ones she keeps hidden. He embraces her wholeheartedly and encourages her to love herself just as much as he loves her in a romance that warmed my heart. Throughout their emotional journey Oliver was the quintessential book boyfriend, always making Genevieve feel like she's the most important thing in his world and it endeared him to me.

From the first page to the last this is a tale of not feeling good enough, not feeling fulfilled, and leery of the uncertainty of fate. It's a powerful journey this couple takes, one that pulled me in every step of the way as I rooted for them to reach their HEA. Oliver was the highlight of this story for me, showing himself to be more than just a sexy athlete, as he proved himself to be a caring man with a heart of gold. Genevieve showed that all that glitters isn't gold as she struggled with fame and the obligations others demanded of her. The struggles she went through were realistically depicted, had me aching for her, and made her time with Oliver all the more important as he was a bright bit of sun in her bleakest moments. By the turn of the final page I felt a bit emotionally drained but immensely satisfied with this loving and well-crafted tale full of heart and soul.
Profile Image for Erin Shara.
3 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2020
I read an early complimentary version of this book
5 Holy Hot Hockey Player Stars
Ok, So I have a confession I fangirl over Alyson Santos books just a little bit,( sorry, I confess, I fangirl over her alot).
She is one of my go to, 1 click authors for so many reasons but I won't list them here.
I just discovered her wonderful stories in the last year or so.( I know ,I must have been living in a cave)
If this swoony cover does not suck you right in then the storyline sure will.
Sports tropes were never ever my thing until I really gave them a try and this story is not strictly speaking a sports romance.
Alyson's latest installment of the Turner Artist Series is unique in that we have a Pop Icon Genevieve Fox as our heroine and Oliver Levesque- Injured goalie for the LA Trojans Hockey team as our hero.
Both these elite personalities meet and are drawn to each other via an undeniable connection that both need for very different reasons.
Our heroine is struggling, and our hero is fighting his own battle 's.
Their love story has all the swoony emotional feels, steadfast love, heartbreak and family drama, you come to expect from Alyson's novels.
Music is always the muse drawing all the elements together. I adore her poetry and how her musical characters speak with that voice.
Breaking South does disappoint. If you have read the 1st two in the series, this is a stand alone but just as beautifully crafted as the other two in the series. You will fall for these characters, hard.
Oliver is literally perfect, a dreamboat heartthrob book boyfriend and Genevieve is so broken, but
she is such a fighter for her truth. You will be cheering them on throughout the whole story..Just a beautiful couple that grow as people together and for each other and really isn't that what true love is about.
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,412 reviews24 followers
September 23, 2020
The Tuner Artist Rocker Series is one that I LOVE! I think the author does a great job on the blurbs and I love how it introduces the characters and stories while not telling you everything and these books will hit you right in the gut with how much they make you feel. My heart BLEED for Genevieve and then SOARED when she meet Oliver... y'all I liked the other books in the series but this one is absolutely amazing.

I don't want to give any details or spoilers so this review is going to light on the details, but know that your emotions will be in a tailspin with how much this book makes you feel. It is extremely emotional and just saw RAW and absolutely wonderful. Last thing to say is that I highly recommend you reading it ASAP if you are looking for a book that will make you feel- 5 HUGE STARS FROM ME.

Words cannot express the emotions that ran through me while reading Breaking South.

PS: Thank you to Alyson Santos and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read.
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