All my life I’ve been curious. Unfortunately, the first time I succumbed to those desires, the guy I was with blackmailed me. Which is how I ended up in Edinburgh, hanging out in Lachlan MacLeod’s restaurant, salivating over more than what’s on the menu. His whiskey-colored eyes, the colorful ink lining his forearms, and his calm intelligence drive me wild. I want him. But more than that, I trust … that, I trust him.
Unfortunately, he wants a relationship, and I’m deep in the closet. So even though I’ve never felt better than I do when I’m with him, for the sake of my career, I just might have to break both our hearts.
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I’d like to thank Rebecca Norinne and Forever Valentine PR for sending me an e-arc of this book it is very much appreciated. This is the 4th book in the Dublin Rugby series it can be read as a standalone, but if like me you like to read them in order: Trying Sophie, Ruck Me, Scrumptious and then finally Break Down. I have loved each and every one of them and had high expectations for this 4th book and no surprise Rebecca Norinne exceeded them!
To start with it was an M/M if that isn’t your thing I don’t advise reading it, but if you’ve never read one then I would definitely say that you should give this book a chance. I felt like the representation was pretty much spot on in the Rugby setting.
I loved Liam, he made me laugh so much and I loved his personality, I did think at times he could be a little cocky and self-centred which as always comes back to bite him in the ass. It was part of his charm and I loved it. I really liked Lachlan, I loved how he spoke about food and how confident he was in the kitchen and with cooking. I really liked the scenes where they were at the restaurant.
Lachlan refused to go back into the closet and I really loved that about him, that he was willing to lose somebody he loved just so he could be happy with himself. I was really glad that he wasn’t willing to go back into the closet just to make Liam feel more comfortable with hiding his sexuality from people.
That being when it came to Liam dealing with his sexuality Rebecca Norinne it showed the confusion for what he felt and it was showed amazing! I felt she represented it correctly and right that when you are in that situation it is the things that are thought about. Lachlan does really well on trying to be supportive whilst Liam figures things out.
I loved seeing Declan in this story, as well as some of the other boys from the other novels. In the other books, we had the team aspect where they all knew each other where in this story Liam is getting used to a new team and at first he feels very uncomfortable and thinks they have a problem with him, although that’s just a misunderstanding. It was nice to see them come together as a team and even accept him for being gay.
What I thought was great about this novel was the fact that the discussion of gay rugby men, especially because there have been so many cases where people have been in the news saying that they didn’t feel comfortable enough to come out and that they have been maybe ostracised from the team because of their sexual orientation. Although as of recent years it has become more accepted and embraced but that doesn’t mean it made it any easier for Liam to accept it into his life. The book manages to perfectly represent the kind of confusion that Liam went for in terms of accepting his sexuality and how that would impact his life.
Rebecca Norinne’s writing was flawless, it made me feel their pain and heartbreak and happiness all at the same time. Her writing just makes me feel things and it was amazing.
This was such a great book. The struggle that Liam and Lachlain go through will tug at your heart strings. There is soo much emotion in this book and I could not put it down.
Even if you do not generally read M/M romance you will enjoy this book. I do not generally read M/M romance unless it’s part of a series I’m invested in or from an author I love and this book fit both criteria. It was so well crafted it and so well written I really enjoyed it and could put myself in their shoes even without any real life experiences even close to theirs.
When Liam Donnelly had a new chance on a new team he never expected Lachlan Macleod. As much as they fight it they can’t fight the pull they have for each other but what happens when love isn’t enough? Will they fight for each other or allow their love to break down? Good story and I was so close to giving it four stars but it just didn’t feel quite enough for me. Although it is a good story with hot characters. I give this book 3.5 Stars.
Liam Donnelly is in a sport where age really does seem to matter. There are also other things that seem to matter. He shows something very rare, or at least rarely seen, and that’s a sense of vulnerability. It’s something that we usually see in women and I think this shows how we’re different – men seem to try and hide that part. Lachlan MacLeod has a crush that makes him a little unsure of himself. But he shows that he’s willing to take a chance.
This takes a look at a subject that people don’t really talk about. When I was growing up most people would be in a closet with the door closed tight in fear of what the ramifications would be should they speak out. But I am glad to see that things are slowly starting to change. But our two characters still have that feeling of awkwardness but maybe not for the same reason.
I took on an author I had never read before as well as a series I had never heard of. And I say to both “where have you been?” “Why have I not heard of you before?” But now that I’ve found them I plan to keep checking both out. Now if you are in the position I was in, than you need to decide if you like reading a story that’s told in the first person. Are you up to reading a book that explores a relationship between two men? Do you like to read an ending that will put a little crooked smile on your face?
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review- Megan/Scandalous Book Blog***
“Lets just say you still heard faggot jokes in the locker room sometimes. Hell, I’d laughed at a few of them over the years myself. But now? Well, things had changed. I’d changed”
When your unsure of who you are as a person; how can you ever truly live your best life? This is Liam’s and Lachlan’s story.
This one gets you in literally all the feels; you cannot help but fall in love with Liam and his vulnerability as he finds his way. “Yes, I’m bi, that became my truth”. As Liam goes on his journey of self discovery, falling in love & coming out; Lachlan is on his own journey as well. While Liam is experiencing everything for the first time, Lachlan is forced to really look in the mirror and acknowledge what he will and won’t accept for himself and in his relationships. Can these two find their way to a happily ever after? Or will their love stay in the closet?
Breakdown was everything and more; all of Rebecca Norinne’s words are so beautifully and tastefully written you will not be disappointed with this book. This was my first MM Romance so I wasn’t so sure of what to expect but I can honestly say that I truly loved this story; Liam & Lachlan’s story. It was amazing! Rebecca Norinne popped this book genre cherry for me and I was not disappointed and you won’t be either! Do yourself a favor and read this book! I promise you’ll love it.
A very heartfelt touching storyline with a splash of humor and of course romance. The author has written a wonderful book with character that will charm the pants off anyone (especially each other).
Liam is a Dublin Rugby player that is getting older and coming off an injury season and his contract is due. His agent gets him a better deal with the Edinburgh team in Scotland. Liam is torn, he really doesn’t want to leave his home and his buddies he’s played with for year but….
You see, while Liam loves women, he has struggled for years with his hidden attraction to men. He’s always suppressed those feelings until one drunken night. A night that was wonderful but turned into a nightmare for Liam the next day. So Liam grabs the chance to leave town, play rugby for Edinburgh and put that night behind him. One in Edinburgh, Liam is convinced that night was a one time weakness, that is until he meets Lachlan, the very successful, sexy, openly gay chef at CAMP Restaurant. Lachlan is instantly attracted to Liam and the two hit it off, becoming friends. The story takes off from here. Liam struggles with his attraction to Lachlan and he tries to fight it for fear of what his rugby teammates would say. As for Lachlan he has made a promise to himself to not be in a closeted gay relationship again for anyone. He has lived that life and it’s not for him. Lachlan is looking for an open honest relationship, something Liam can’t give him.
This is an amazing story of a man coming to grips with himself as well as those around him. Learning to trust, to accept and live his own life as he sees fit. The trouble is, as Lachlan knows first hand, to accept oneself and to become accepted as an open gay man, takes time. Often years. If Liam decides to take that leap, can Lachlan live in a closeted relationship, which is all Liam can give him?
2 Thumbs up for a wonderful book that I highly recommend. It’s a great addition to the series as well as a phenomenal story about learning to love, accept oneself and trust those closest to you. Kudos to Ms. Norinne for a job very well done. I can happily give Break Down a Very Hearty 5 Stars!
Liam always wondered what being with another man would be like. One night he took a chance and got blackmailed for it. His rugby career stalled because of an injury he’s not sure what’s next for him. A chance to play for another team in another country seems to be the answer to his problem. A start over and a way to leave his blackmailer behind.
Lachlan, chef and owner of a very in demand restaurant, is out and proud of his life. The night Liam walks in and sets down at his bar, his life changes forever.
They both know right away that each wants the other. But Liam won’t admit he might be bi and Lachlan has vowed to never get involved with a closeted man again. Can they make it work?
This story is smoking hot, these guys are perfect together. Chemistry between the characters is excellent. The good writing make this a must read. There are 3 prior books in the series but this can be read as a standalone.