Breaking Away: A Hockey Romance That Hits Home

Today, I’m diving into a delightful world of hockey romance with Breaking Away by Sookh Kaur, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute gem! If you're looking for a story that's packed with emotion, personal growth, and a dash of spice, then buckle up because this one is for you!

Meet Kavi Basar, our curvy and relatable heroine, who finds herself engaged to Tyler, the captain of the Seattle Blades hockey team. But when Tyler's true colors show in the most obnoxious way possible, Kavi decides to break things off and reevaluate her life. Enter Dmitri Lokhov, the hot, tattooed, grumpy defenseman from the rival team, the Vancouver Wings. After a comical twist of fate, Kavi and Dmitri end up fake dating, which spirals into a rollercoaster of self-discovery and unexpected romance.

Let’s talk about family dynamics, shall we? Kavi's father is the first Punjabi head coach in the NHL, which adds a layer of pressure to Kavi's life. She’s basically jobless, floating in the chaos of her relationship, and struggling with feelings of being unmoored. I usually roll my eyes at friendless FMCs, but Kavi’s journey to find herself and build real friendships was so captivating that it kept me glued to the pages!

Sookh Kaur’s writing is absolutely INCREDIBLE. It's like a warm hug and a witty punchline all wrapped into one! I couldn’t help but read “just one more chapter” way past my bedtime! The humor, the banter, and the relationships she crafts are downright heartwarming. Seriously, almost every line had me laughing out loud. Sookh’s humor shines through Kavi’s awkwardness, making her all the more relatable.

The character growth in Breaking Away is off the charts! Kavi and Dmitri start as two lost souls, each grappling with their family baggage and emotional hurdles. Watching them push each other out of their comfort zones was like witnessing the perfect slow-burn romance. Dmitri, with his brooding nature, embodies the ultimate grumpy hockey player stereotype. He’s tough on the outside, but as the story unfolds, we see his soft spot for Kavi and his team. Kavi is hilariously awkward, a total people pleaser, and someone who's never prioritized herself. I found so much of myself in her struggles—whether it was feeling unseen or making choices that don’t reflect my true self. Her journey of self-discovery was so inspiring! And let’s not forget the adorable rescue pup that adds to the sweetness of their growing bond.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the romance! This is a slow burn that packs a punch when it finally heats up. The tension between Kavi and Dmitri is electric, and when the spice finally arrives, it’s simply mouthwatering! I mean, who doesn’t love a tattooed, dirty-talking hockey player? The chemistry was palpable, and I couldn’t help but root for them to find their happy ending.

What truly sets this book apart is its depth. Beyond the romance, it tackles serious topics like toxic relationships, family pressures, and the challenges of being a woman of color in today’s world. Kavi’s experiences reflect the immigrant struggles, perfectionism, and emotional burdens that often come with the territory. Sookh’s portrayal of these themes adds richness to the story, making it resonate on so many levels.

Breaking Away is hands-down one of my favorite reads this year. The characters are relatable, the plot is engaging, and the writing is on point! If I could only read one author for the rest of my life, it would definitely be Sookh Kaur. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series, especially with the delightful setup for Hughes and Sonya’s story!

Overall, this book is a solid 5 stars from me! If you’re a fan of hockey romances that go beyond just love stories, then grab your copy of Breaking Away and get ready for a fun ride! You won’t regret it!