Bar Down Book 1: Rule Breaker by Ava Olsen

 

Bar Down Book 1

Maddox Hockey is the only thing I care about. College? Hell no. And the last thing I need is Kayden, a golden retriever teammate who thinks I’m gonna drop my surly attitude and become his BFF. I know from painful experience to never to let my guard down and the only rule I follow is my own. But unlike everyone else, Kayden doesn’t sprint away from me. Instead, he’s skating too close. And we’re set to collide.

Kayden I love college. My hockey team, the parties, the people. Classes, not so much. Especially when I get paired with Maddox, a goalie who offers nothing but snarky comments and snide looks. He’s brilliant and beautiful, and I’m the jock on an athletic scholarship. He hates me but so what? We’re stuck together at away games. His anger sparks a reckless want I’ve never felt before. And I always follow the rules. So why does Maddox make me want to break every one?

Rule Breaker is a double queer awakening, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, college hockey MM romance. Expect broken boys, bruised hearts, and an HEA neither saw coming. Themes of mental health, learning disorder, and first times.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215509397-rule-breaker

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Maddox has learned his lesson in keeping his guard up. Keep it up, and no one can hurt you. There is one thing he cares about and it is hockey. So he is gonna do what he can to be successful for that and that doesn’t include making friends with teammates. But Kayden doesn’t get that message. No matter how many times Maddox tells him to get lost. And bit by bit, Maddox starts to expect Kayden to try. To talk to him and get to know him. And Maddox is surprised at himself for actually wanting Kayden to keep coming back. Kayden loves hockey and his friends but school not so much. It’s a struggle for him. And even when the new guy Maddox keeps hating on him, he can’t help but try and continue to reach out. He can’t see past the wall Maddox has built. And he knows deep down that he can’t give up just yet. We have a nice grumpy and sunshine dynamic going on for sure. And it becomes sweeter when these two begin to realize that they are attracted to one another. And it’s only a matter of time until these two snap and act on their feelings. I really enjoyed this story! I loved how Kayden was patient with Maddox and began to get to know him and read him. He respected when Maddox needed space and knew when to push. And I loved how he never truly gave up on being Maddox’s friend. And I loved how Maddox slowly began to let his wall down around Kayden. He deserves to have good people in his life and be supported. Great first book in this series and I am looking forward to more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.