Just Breaking the Rules is book 1 in the brand new Hockey Ever After seriCoes. We finally get Corbin and Mabel’s story, chock full of baking mishaps and love letters from the past.
About Just Breaking the Rules
Corbin has grown up in Cozy Valley. He still lives there with his daughter, Charlotte. He commutes in to San Francisco in order to play hockey, where his best friend, Theo, is currently the acting General Manager for the team. Because of his daughter, he does not get involved with women.
Mabel also grew up in Cozy Valley, but escaped as soon as she could. She has a reputation there that she is fleeing from . She is out to prove to everyone that she can be a successful baker. Her brother Theo is her biggest ally. Her last relationship was a disaster. And to make matters worse, he is on a new bachelor show and disparaging her at every chance.
Mabel was left in charge of her grandmother’s estate. As the lawyer was closing it down, he found one last item left for her. After two devastating events in her life, she does not know what to make of this new windfall.
Corbin is setting himself up to eventually start a bakery. He and his mother used to bake together all the time, but she was never able to open her own bakery before she passed away. So he wants to make her dreams come true.
When Mabel’s brother, Theo, acts as intermediary to bring them together, both Mabel and Corbin see both of their dreams coming true. She will be the baker and active owner. She is the one who owns the building. He will be the money man, as well as the inventory manager. And his daughter, Charlotte, will act as the project manager to make sure there are no delays on opening day.
Corbin and Mabel have been dancing around each other for years. He is off limits to her since he is her brother’s best friend. She is off limits to her since she is his best friend’s sister and his best friend is also the acting General Manager for his team. Talk about conflict of interest.
But the heart, and body, wants what it wants. It was only a one time lack of judgement. It can never happen again. But circumstances keep throwing them together and it is just a matter of time before once becomes more.
Impressions
There are so many funny escapades in this book. The smash cake fiasco. The pickleball training. The bakery opening. So many opportunities to laugh out loud.
Let me just say that Charlotte is the absolute best kid ever. She is obscenely organized. She is a taskmaster who does not take any excuses. And she is creative in finding new solutions to problems that do not seem to be working out as expected. Here is to hoping, one day, we get her story. I can’t wait to see who she falls in love with.
Theo, Mabel’s brother, is an interesting person. He is the only one who has supported her throughout her life. He knows she can do what she sets her mind to, she just needs a little help every now and then. But if Corbin breaks her heart, look out. He is her big brother and he will make sure to get justice for her.
I found this to be a cutesy read, but with some deep down inadequacies that the main characters feel. By bringing in the comedy, it removed some of the heavy drama.
Narration
Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor have been in my ears a lot lately. And man am I enjoying them. Sometimes together. Sometimes with other narrators. Both are easy to listen to and bring their stories to life.
Availability
Just Breaking the Rules is currently available to read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited and for purchase in all formats on Amazon.
Series Listing
- Just Breaking the Rules (Hockey Ever After Book 1)
- Just Playing For Keeps (Hockey Ever After Book 2)
About Lauren Blakely
A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s cute but spicy. Lauren likes dogs, cake, and show tunes and is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
Connect w/ Lauren:
Website: laurenblakely.com
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