Once again, Rochelle Alers returns to her Hideaway Series with Breakaway. This time, Dr. Celia Cole-Thomas shows how a person's past doesn’t have to determine a future.
Summary
Dr. Celia Cole-Thomas flees to her North Carolina home after witnessing a killing spree in the hospital emergency room, including the death of her fiancée. Only, she can’t put aside her past when she’s the star witness that will help bring the killers to justice. FBI Agent, Gavin Faulkner wants to leave the high risk field and settle for a stable position on the force. Taking on his last undercover mission, he’s given the opportunity to take down a high profile criminal, which happens to be his own brother.
While undercover, Gavin meets Celia and an immediate attraction sweeps them together. As Gavin gets to know Celia, he realizes that her life is in danger since she has to testify against criminals who will do anything to get rid of any witnesses. When Gavin steps in as Celia’s protector, he must find the balance between defending her and finding his brother, a hefty weight that Gavin isn’t willing to give up, even if it costs him his own life.
Key Points
Celia is a woman who has lost the love of her life, or so she thinks. After surviving a deadly ordeal, she is the prime witness to bring justice for the deceased. Until the trial takes place, Celia believes going away is the best thing to clear her head without her loved ones nearby. She’s a woman who needs closure, but really hasn’t gotten it because of the other forces around her.
Meanwhile, Gavin Faulkner is ready to move on with his life and take on more stability. So, when he gets this opportunity, he’s willing to do it. His interaction with Celia is believable and there’s no doubt that he develops feelings for her because he means what he says, and says what he means. Galvin is appealing, enjoyable, and takes his work seriously. Their relationship revolves around feistiness, pleasure, and physical attraction, which eventually develops into romance. Their quirky banter is interesting, allowing both characters to bring out more of their personalities.
One thing that’s noticeable about Gavin is that he does have issues with Celia not allowing him to be a "man." It isn’t that Gavin is threatened by her financially or professionally, but he wants her to know that he can handle things even though she’s an independent person. He wants to be the man, not in an arrogant way, but to ensure he can protect her and treat her as a woman should be treated. This is something many women can understand when their significant other feels that his manhood is undermined.
It has its Faults
One disappointing factor is that Celia and Gavin’s conclusion occurs too fast. The action appears earlier in the story and is rather told than shown, which prevents their relationship from having a grander ending.
It’s also surprising that the reader never gets to see Gavin’s brother, who is mentioned throughout and is the primary driving force for Gavin in North Carolina. Considering the attention placed on this plot element, it’s disappointing that more isn’t shown. Not even a confrontation between the two is given, rather the viewer is told through the narrative.
Misses that Special Something
From the start, Breakaway grabs your attention, but slows down two-thirds of the way through the book. The plot is fitting, and the conclusion is satisfying for both characters, but it still lacks energy that makes Alers’ work thrilling. It just feels like something’s missing. Still, it maintains the romance and sexual desire Alers loves to create. This isn’t a favorite of mine, but enough to be entertained for a while.
Book Rating: 8/10
Source:
- Alers, Rochelle. Breakaway. Kimani Press/Arabesque, 2010.
Tunisia Gibbs - Tunisia graduated with a degree in Film & Video from the City College of New York. She enjoys reading, writing, and anything involving ...
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