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Rule Breakers
Troy Frisk was already a baseball legend when he was my age.
Now, he’s Philly’s toughest sports agent. A famous grump, founder of the best agency in town, and my new representation.
Oh, and he’s also the stranger I accidentally picked up the other night, turns out.
I’m a soccer star at the start of my career.
I already have a reputation for acting impulsively, and my team is not impressed by the antics.
Hooking up again with my older, famous agent is a recipe for disaster, totally forbidden.
He’s straight anyway, and I’m not out of the closet.
So I will not tempt fate while my team is on a winning streak.
No matter how many times Troy Frisk and I find ourselves alone at the office or the gym.
Even if it turns out the old jock is weirdly, totally lovable.
And kind of perfect for me.
Rule Breakers is a standalone M/M romance with an age gap, forbidden shenanigans, and two jocks who can’t help but fall for each other. It’s an easy read with lots of steam and a touch of angst. Enjoy!
Now, he’s Philly’s toughest sports agent. A famous grump, founder of the best agency in town, and my new representation.
Oh, and he’s also the stranger I accidentally picked up the other night, turns out.
I’m a soccer star at the start of my career.
I already have a reputation for acting impulsively, and my team is not impressed by the antics.
Hooking up again with my older, famous agent is a recipe for disaster, totally forbidden.
He’s straight anyway, and I’m not out of the closet.
So I will not tempt fate while my team is on a winning streak.
No matter how many times Troy Frisk and I find ourselves alone at the office or the gym.
Even if it turns out the old jock is weirdly, totally lovable.
And kind of perfect for me.
Rule Breakers is a standalone M/M romance with an age gap, forbidden shenanigans, and two jocks who can’t help but fall for each other. It’s an easy read with lots of steam and a touch of angst. Enjoy!
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2023
40 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
R. Cayden
38 books308 followersR. Cayden writes steamy M/M romance and sweet, easy reads.
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You can also send along an email. I love hearing from readers, and knowing what you think of the stories!
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Thanks for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 10, 2023
When a book starts with a BJ, it kinda sets the expectation of how the sex will go. This had lots of potential but fizzled for me. Lots of storyline focus on careers and really glossed over important moments. Lots of off page discussions that should have been on page. Lots of build up with no delivery until the absolute very last page.
You have to suspend disbelief a BUNCH in this book! If you are going to write a book about athlete you definitely should know sports. Like baseball will NEVER have a perfect season. There’s 162 games
😳😳😳. There was a bunch more too it was super odd.
Troy was a grumpy MC to Orlando’s sunshine. Their chemistry was good but the relationship was not so believable. The gay for you trope does that though. I wanted more development there but the personal details were left off. These characters were basically pod people with no history and stunted emotions. Their needed to be more backstory.
I’ve read this author before and they are very hit or miss. This book could have been so much better but unfortunately this was a miss. 😏😏
You have to suspend disbelief a BUNCH in this book! If you are going to write a book about athlete you definitely should know sports. Like baseball will NEVER have a perfect season. There’s 162 games
😳😳😳. There was a bunch more too it was super odd.
Troy was a grumpy MC to Orlando’s sunshine. Their chemistry was good but the relationship was not so believable. The gay for you trope does that though. I wanted more development there but the personal details were left off. These characters were basically pod people with no history and stunted emotions. Their needed to be more backstory.
I’ve read this author before and they are very hit or miss. This book could have been so much better but unfortunately this was a miss. 😏😏
October 3, 2023
Troy and Orlando ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️
✅Grumpy/Sunshine
✅Age Gap
✅Agent/Client
✅Bi-Awakening
I feel like I haven't read a book by R Cayden in forever and I am so stoked about this new series. Just as I expected, this story was such a great read. The relationship between these two was not only a gruff meets sassy opposites vibe and spicy as hell, it was so freaking sweet. This was an accidental hook up that turned into something so unexpected especially for prickly Troy. It was so much fun watching Orlando tear his walls down brick by brick to get to his squishy center ❤️ This story was great, characters were great, and the bumpy road to their HEA...perfect! I would definitely recommend this read. I'm excited for the next one!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
✅Grumpy/Sunshine
✅Age Gap
✅Agent/Client
✅Bi-Awakening
I feel like I haven't read a book by R Cayden in forever and I am so stoked about this new series. Just as I expected, this story was such a great read. The relationship between these two was not only a gruff meets sassy opposites vibe and spicy as hell, it was so freaking sweet. This was an accidental hook up that turned into something so unexpected especially for prickly Troy. It was so much fun watching Orlando tear his walls down brick by brick to get to his squishy center ❤️ This story was great, characters were great, and the bumpy road to their HEA...perfect! I would definitely recommend this read. I'm excited for the next one!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
September 30, 2023
Orlando & Troy
I enjoyed reading this story. I appreciated how things developed during their story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I enjoyed reading this story. I appreciated how things developed during their story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
October 9, 2023
So, as usual, I have some thoughts…
I am a massive R Cayden fan. I love pretty much everything I can get my hands on that he writes. Even with mild relationship angst here and there and some plot stress, his books are low on the angst scale and carry a sweetness and realism that just does it for me. The characters are always top notch, the story is always a good time, and I love own-voice writing because it stays truer to how things are in the real world. (Looking at y’all, straight ladies that think queer romance needs to feel like cishet romance. Queer relationships shouldn’t be treated like fetish material for y’all. Stop being nasty and show some respect.)
With that being said—it was important and I needed to go there so stop rolling those eyeballs at me—I feel like I need to point out that this book had substantial issues. It’s actually physically painful to write that, so do with that information what you will.
Okay. I’ve pulled out my soap box. Let’s begin.
From developmental editing to that one last proofread, I don’t see where anyone worked on this book. The mistakes are glaring, there’s so much repetition it’s concerning and feels like someone adding things to get an essay to the right word count, and the vibe is decidedly *off*. I mean, we’re talking missing and misused words, choppy sentences, incorrect punctuation… Than/then confusion is almost as bad as your/you’re getting mixed up, and you can’t tell me that I’m wrong.
In this book, however, it’s the repetition that’s choking the life out of the story. So many phrases, points, thoughts, and descriptions that just needed some good developmental editing came off as page filler. It created a confusing and jumbled aura, making the characters seem almost juvenile and incapable of rational, competent lives. It made the whole thing feel like a bad fanfic or like the whole relationship was just the setup for a bad practical joke. Again, a good editor works with the author and helps them polish their MS until these issues aren’t issues anymore.
I’m also sad that in 2023, books aren’t shining any light on all of the good stuff that’s out there for the rainbow community. Coming out is still hard, but why can’t we shine that spotlight on the progress that’s been made over the past several years? Why does it always have to feel like the characters are waiting on a stay of execution? I read to escape the horrors of reality, and I’d love to read a book that shows folx that coming out can be beautiful and give peace and strength, not just pain and destruction. I want to see positivity, and it feels like contemporary m/m romance just isn’t having any of it.
I liked Troy and Orlando, but there was just too much missing in the details to wrap myself in the story and feel it to my bones like I typically do when this author tells one. I want to love this book, but it needs a good copy edit session to get it where it’s supposed to be. Basically, right now, it’s just a sweet idea with good bones that needs some love and elbow grease.
3/5. Even with all that I just said, I still liked it. I’m gonna have to hold off on the love part, though, and that breaks my heart.
I am a massive R Cayden fan. I love pretty much everything I can get my hands on that he writes. Even with mild relationship angst here and there and some plot stress, his books are low on the angst scale and carry a sweetness and realism that just does it for me. The characters are always top notch, the story is always a good time, and I love own-voice writing because it stays truer to how things are in the real world. (Looking at y’all, straight ladies that think queer romance needs to feel like cishet romance. Queer relationships shouldn’t be treated like fetish material for y’all. Stop being nasty and show some respect.)
With that being said—it was important and I needed to go there so stop rolling those eyeballs at me—I feel like I need to point out that this book had substantial issues. It’s actually physically painful to write that, so do with that information what you will.
Okay. I’ve pulled out my soap box. Let’s begin.
From developmental editing to that one last proofread, I don’t see where anyone worked on this book. The mistakes are glaring, there’s so much repetition it’s concerning and feels like someone adding things to get an essay to the right word count, and the vibe is decidedly *off*. I mean, we’re talking missing and misused words, choppy sentences, incorrect punctuation… Than/then confusion is almost as bad as your/you’re getting mixed up, and you can’t tell me that I’m wrong.
In this book, however, it’s the repetition that’s choking the life out of the story. So many phrases, points, thoughts, and descriptions that just needed some good developmental editing came off as page filler. It created a confusing and jumbled aura, making the characters seem almost juvenile and incapable of rational, competent lives. It made the whole thing feel like a bad fanfic or like the whole relationship was just the setup for a bad practical joke. Again, a good editor works with the author and helps them polish their MS until these issues aren’t issues anymore.
I’m also sad that in 2023, books aren’t shining any light on all of the good stuff that’s out there for the rainbow community. Coming out is still hard, but why can’t we shine that spotlight on the progress that’s been made over the past several years? Why does it always have to feel like the characters are waiting on a stay of execution? I read to escape the horrors of reality, and I’d love to read a book that shows folx that coming out can be beautiful and give peace and strength, not just pain and destruction. I want to see positivity, and it feels like contemporary m/m romance just isn’t having any of it.
I liked Troy and Orlando, but there was just too much missing in the details to wrap myself in the story and feel it to my bones like I typically do when this author tells one. I want to love this book, but it needs a good copy edit session to get it where it’s supposed to be. Basically, right now, it’s just a sweet idea with good bones that needs some love and elbow grease.
3/5. Even with all that I just said, I still liked it. I’m gonna have to hold off on the love part, though, and that breaks my heart.
October 4, 2023
So many tropes, such a great romance
I've read the author's Geek Ink series and really enjoyed it but this was even better. Orlando is young, outgoing, an extremely talented footballer (soccer player) who's kept quiet about being bi and is totally inexperienced with men. Troy is older, gruff and growly, a renowned sports agent who is half respected, half feared and is straight.
Their meet-cute was actually a meet-hot, where Orlando approached Troy in a bar, having mistaken him for someone else. One unexpected encounter later, Orlando is extremely happy and Troy's world has been turned upside-down.
Troy and Orlando were total opposites and I loved watching Orlando prod and poke at Troy to get a reaction. Orlando genuinely likes Troy and sees the real him under his impenetrable mask. Considering that most people approach him with caution, Troy finds Orlando an infuriating breath of fresh air that he can't help look at with fondness (and maybe a lot more) every time he sees him.
Secret relationships aren't always well-written but here, I could feel the longing between them, the desperation to see the other again, the invisible thread that connects them at all times. Being together has all kinds of problems but being apart is unthinkable.
Although Troy and Orlando took centre stage, there was a very decent supporting cast. Troy's business partner and Orlando's two closest friends at his club and his team captain played their parts well.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series after this very confident beginning.
I've read the author's Geek Ink series and really enjoyed it but this was even better. Orlando is young, outgoing, an extremely talented footballer (soccer player) who's kept quiet about being bi and is totally inexperienced with men. Troy is older, gruff and growly, a renowned sports agent who is half respected, half feared and is straight.
Their meet-cute was actually a meet-hot, where Orlando approached Troy in a bar, having mistaken him for someone else. One unexpected encounter later, Orlando is extremely happy and Troy's world has been turned upside-down.
Troy and Orlando were total opposites and I loved watching Orlando prod and poke at Troy to get a reaction. Orlando genuinely likes Troy and sees the real him under his impenetrable mask. Considering that most people approach him with caution, Troy finds Orlando an infuriating breath of fresh air that he can't help look at with fondness (and maybe a lot more) every time he sees him.
Secret relationships aren't always well-written but here, I could feel the longing between them, the desperation to see the other again, the invisible thread that connects them at all times. Being together has all kinds of problems but being apart is unthinkable.
Although Troy and Orlando took centre stage, there was a very decent supporting cast. Troy's business partner and Orlando's two closest friends at his club and his team captain played their parts well.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series after this very confident beginning.
October 2, 2023
First let me say I got this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I have got to say I really enjoyed the storyline in this book. Troy is a famous agent who works with sports men and women. He was once a rising star in baseball but sadly an injury stole him of the career he loved. When his business partner tells him to live a little he ends up in a bathroom in a bar with a man who rocks his world. He had never been with a man before but there was something cocky about Orlando.
Orlando is a up and coming football player who has always been a bit reckless. The other night in the bar with the older guy had really made him feel alive but it was just a one time thing but he couldn’t get him off his mind so imagine Orlando’s surprise when he sees him again when the football captains arranges for him and a team mate to met his sport agent. None other than Troy Fisk!!! The man from the bar
But what will happen now these two need to work together????????
Oh lala I do love Orlando he is just this cheeky chappy that really knows how to tease Troy it was so much fun to read. I was so happy with this book. I will say I don’t think it needed to be so long at times I did want to rush a few pages but I’m so glad with the ending of this book made me so happpy
Can’t wait for more books from this series .
I have got to say I really enjoyed the storyline in this book. Troy is a famous agent who works with sports men and women. He was once a rising star in baseball but sadly an injury stole him of the career he loved. When his business partner tells him to live a little he ends up in a bathroom in a bar with a man who rocks his world. He had never been with a man before but there was something cocky about Orlando.
Orlando is a up and coming football player who has always been a bit reckless. The other night in the bar with the older guy had really made him feel alive but it was just a one time thing but he couldn’t get him off his mind so imagine Orlando’s surprise when he sees him again when the football captains arranges for him and a team mate to met his sport agent. None other than Troy Fisk!!! The man from the bar
But what will happen now these two need to work together????????
Oh lala I do love Orlando he is just this cheeky chappy that really knows how to tease Troy it was so much fun to read. I was so happy with this book. I will say I don’t think it needed to be so long at times I did want to rush a few pages but I’m so glad with the ending of this book made me so happpy
Can’t wait for more books from this series .
October 2, 2023
A GRUMPY/SUNSHINE ACCIDENTAL HOOKUP LEADS TO SO MUCH MORE!
A meet cute in a bar changes two men’s perspective on themselves- one straight and the other bi-curious- this is their sweet, but poignant journey to finding their perfect person and accepting their true self…
I loved their dynamic after the second meet up that lead to their steamy hookup arrangement but with all casual relations feelings do develop…
“I have now confirmed that I love eating hot dogs,”
I loved the soccer player Orlando Onassis character growth with the help of his agent Troy Frisk.
He needed the guidance and confidence that Troy an older man gave him to make him a strong player on the field.
“he acted the way I’d want my man to act. He took care of me and encouraged me and challenged me to be my best, and he did it all with his unique style of grumpy affection.”
Although both men are in the closet and hide their arrangement from everyone, this story showcases teamwork and team support regarding sexual orientation and how they braved all odds to be together with the help of their teammates and friends!
A new to me author thanks to GRR!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
A meet cute in a bar changes two men’s perspective on themselves- one straight and the other bi-curious- this is their sweet, but poignant journey to finding their perfect person and accepting their true self…
I loved their dynamic after the second meet up that lead to their steamy hookup arrangement but with all casual relations feelings do develop…
“I have now confirmed that I love eating hot dogs,”
I loved the soccer player Orlando Onassis character growth with the help of his agent Troy Frisk.
He needed the guidance and confidence that Troy an older man gave him to make him a strong player on the field.
“he acted the way I’d want my man to act. He took care of me and encouraged me and challenged me to be my best, and he did it all with his unique style of grumpy affection.”
Although both men are in the closet and hide their arrangement from everyone, this story showcases teamwork and team support regarding sexual orientation and how they braved all odds to be together with the help of their teammates and friends!
A new to me author thanks to GRR!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
September 24, 2023
This book ticks quite a lot of my boxes, sport romance, age gap, grumpy/sunshine and coming out.
I just found it hard to connect with the characters and especially their relationship.
Orlando is in a way your typical jock, has talent but can‘t shake the playing and scandals so his learning curve is quite good to read, it‘s his personal development I really like and while he still tries his best to seduce Troy and has a charming personality, he feels more grown up at the end.
Troy is the ultimate grumpy guy, focused on his agency but not on his personal life. His encounter with Orlando shakes him but for me it just didn‘t feel natural. It seems that he tries on one hand to ignore it and on the other to embrace it.
For me their relationship was quite without any chemistry. While both are getting their physical needs met, there is nothing more. It felt like a scheduled meet up and then bang, both are head over heels without any real development or natural progress. The way Troy behaves in the end feels like a business transaction, not an emotional or - god forbid - a romantic one.
I just found it hard to connect with the characters and especially their relationship.
Orlando is in a way your typical jock, has talent but can‘t shake the playing and scandals so his learning curve is quite good to read, it‘s his personal development I really like and while he still tries his best to seduce Troy and has a charming personality, he feels more grown up at the end.
Troy is the ultimate grumpy guy, focused on his agency but not on his personal life. His encounter with Orlando shakes him but for me it just didn‘t feel natural. It seems that he tries on one hand to ignore it and on the other to embrace it.
For me their relationship was quite without any chemistry. While both are getting their physical needs met, there is nothing more. It felt like a scheduled meet up and then bang, both are head over heels without any real development or natural progress. The way Troy behaves in the end feels like a business transaction, not an emotional or - god forbid - a romantic one.
October 2, 2023
Humorous, steamy M/M age-gap romance where grumpy meets sunshine
If you like longing looks coupled with two men who take unnecessary chances, push envelopes and break many rules, you will love Troy Frisk and his younger accomplice Orlando Onassis. While Troy is “barely 40” and Orlando is “mid 20’s” they seem to feel an attraction, which neither can forget or ignore. Troy is the well-established sports talent agent and attorney. His back story is tragic but made him the man he is today. He’s asked by one of his current talents to tame the off-field antics of two new soccer players. Both are superlative players but their foolishness causes the whole team grief. Being one of these two, Orlando is immediately attracted to Troy even though there is a 15-year age gap. Orlando is beginning to explore his own sexuality and Troy is straight. Or is he?
Truly enjoyable book. Loved Troy and Orlando but there were some interesting secondary characters too. I wonder if any of them will become the next “Frisky Jock”? I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
If you like longing looks coupled with two men who take unnecessary chances, push envelopes and break many rules, you will love Troy Frisk and his younger accomplice Orlando Onassis. While Troy is “barely 40” and Orlando is “mid 20’s” they seem to feel an attraction, which neither can forget or ignore. Troy is the well-established sports talent agent and attorney. His back story is tragic but made him the man he is today. He’s asked by one of his current talents to tame the off-field antics of two new soccer players. Both are superlative players but their foolishness causes the whole team grief. Being one of these two, Orlando is immediately attracted to Troy even though there is a 15-year age gap. Orlando is beginning to explore his own sexuality and Troy is straight. Or is he?
Truly enjoyable book. Loved Troy and Orlando but there were some interesting secondary characters too. I wonder if any of them will become the next “Frisky Jock”? I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
September 29, 2023
Meeting up with the wrong stranger leads to a bathroom BJ and strangers part... until Orlando walks into Troy's office and the end up working together.... and both men have a reason to hide their relationship...
Orlando has a history of drama, but wants to prove himself as a diligent pro soccer player. Troy is still building his sports management business and wants to put out fires, not create them... plus, Troy has always thought he was straight....
This book was well paced, with a grumpy/sunshine theme and the hidden/forbidden relationship, always looking over their shoulders... I really appreciated how the story crisis was handled and how they took charge of their own destiny. I truly appreciated Mel, Troy's business partner and the other side characters!
I am intrigued to see where this series goes and can't wait to see more of Troy and Orlando as their relationship blossoms and more shenanigans ensue at Frisk Sports Management...
Orlando has a history of drama, but wants to prove himself as a diligent pro soccer player. Troy is still building his sports management business and wants to put out fires, not create them... plus, Troy has always thought he was straight....
This book was well paced, with a grumpy/sunshine theme and the hidden/forbidden relationship, always looking over their shoulders... I really appreciated how the story crisis was handled and how they took charge of their own destiny. I truly appreciated Mel, Troy's business partner and the other side characters!
I am intrigued to see where this series goes and can't wait to see more of Troy and Orlando as their relationship blossoms and more shenanigans ensue at Frisk Sports Management...
September 23, 2023
This was a good enough read, I flew through it but I didn't enjoy it as much as I have previous R Cayden books.
This is a cute age gap, new soccer star & sports agent, with secret hook-ups, some public activities, some pining. No third act break up, because they aren't together until the very end, but there is "relationship" drama.
I didn't get their relationship at all, it just didn't click for me and I don't know why, it is definitely me!
There's usually a few terms in R Caydens books that I don't like (just ick words or terms, a lot of "semen") but I ignore them or just giggle because I love the characters separately and together, but this all felt just a bit too surface level for me.
Will definitely read more by R Cayden though, their writing is always easy to ready with silly & OTT vibes (in a good way)
~ARC received from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion~
This is a cute age gap, new soccer star & sports agent, with secret hook-ups, some public activities, some pining. No third act break up, because they aren't together until the very end, but there is "relationship" drama.
I didn't get their relationship at all, it just didn't click for me and I don't know why, it is definitely me!
There's usually a few terms in R Caydens books that I don't like (just ick words or terms, a lot of "semen") but I ignore them or just giggle because I love the characters separately and together, but this all felt just a bit too surface level for me.
Will definitely read more by R Cayden though, their writing is always easy to ready with silly & OTT vibes (in a good way)
~ARC received from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2023
This was so so good, I loved this couple, it’s an excellent low angst and steamy sports romance. Troy and Orlando have such a fun meeting. They share some flirty banter in a bar, and a memorable encounter in the men’s room, then go their separate ways. That’s all it’s meant to be, a one time thing. Thankfully they are brought together again when an important client asks Troy to represent his two young teammates. Troy is the perfect person to keep two young soccer stars in line. I absolutely loved their tension filled encounters. Troy’s determined to keep things professional, but Orlando becomes very hard to resist. I loved how inevitable these two felt, their connection and chemistry was irresistible. Great characters, the sports side is well done, and Troy and Orlando have a lovely happy ending.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 1, 2023
Great take on the agent/athlete dynamic in sports mm trope mixed in with my love of grumpy/sunshine. The chemistry of these two is undeniable and enjoyed their interactions with one another. Troy is a great agent for all his clients to ensure they will be taken care of better than he was as a player. Orlando is a fun-loving soccer player who has a tendency to toe the media spectacle line.
I appreciated how the concerns of the men were understandable and legitimate, where you can see these being real life issues. But with these real-life issues, at times, i just felt a misstep between them that made me fall out of the moment. But with any good writer, R. Cayden draws you back in. Once they get on the same page its magical. Great overall read, and I will check out more from this author in the future.
I appreciated how the concerns of the men were understandable and legitimate, where you can see these being real life issues. But with these real-life issues, at times, i just felt a misstep between them that made me fall out of the moment. But with any good writer, R. Cayden draws you back in. Once they get on the same page its magical. Great overall read, and I will check out more from this author in the future.
October 1, 2023
***3.5 stars***
If you like your grumpy in grumpy/sunshine to be SUPER GRUMPY, Rule Breakers is for you.
This is a grumpy/sunshine, age-gap story of a hot shot soccer player who falls for his hard-assed agent. Forbidden romance, bi-awakening and coming out shenanigans ensue.
Which is all up my alley! I love a Grumpy McGrumperson! But Troy, said grump, is kind of a dick. Not in a bad way, just in such a way I couldn’t buy the extreme attraction and eventual love between him and Orlando that would have them both risk their careers.
I enjoyed the story (and fans of R Cayden will love it,) but this one didn’t stick with me after that last page. But it’s definitely worth a read if you are the fan of any of the above-mentioned tropes!
***I received this as an ARC and this has been my honest review.***
If you like your grumpy in grumpy/sunshine to be SUPER GRUMPY, Rule Breakers is for you.
This is a grumpy/sunshine, age-gap story of a hot shot soccer player who falls for his hard-assed agent. Forbidden romance, bi-awakening and coming out shenanigans ensue.
Which is all up my alley! I love a Grumpy McGrumperson! But Troy, said grump, is kind of a dick. Not in a bad way, just in such a way I couldn’t buy the extreme attraction and eventual love between him and Orlando that would have them both risk their careers.
I enjoyed the story (and fans of R Cayden will love it,) but this one didn’t stick with me after that last page. But it’s definitely worth a read if you are the fan of any of the above-mentioned tropes!
***I received this as an ARC and this has been my honest review.***
October 2, 2023
Rule Breakers was such a fun book to read. It ticked all the boxes for me - age gap, grumpy/sunshine, sports romance and it was low angst, but still had a great plot that kept me interested throughout the book.
Troy was an almost 40 year old former baseball player turned power agent who was completely focused on work and building his business. Orlando was a 20 something closeted up and coming soccer player who was determined to have an experience with a man. The meet-cute between Troy and Orlando had me laughing out loud and I loved that Troy just went along with everything.
Of course their paths meet again and the men begin having a weekly tryst in a motel room. As they get to know each other better, feelings develop which lead to the perfect ending.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Troy was an almost 40 year old former baseball player turned power agent who was completely focused on work and building his business. Orlando was a 20 something closeted up and coming soccer player who was determined to have an experience with a man. The meet-cute between Troy and Orlando had me laughing out loud and I loved that Troy just went along with everything.
Of course their paths meet again and the men begin having a weekly tryst in a motel room. As they get to know each other better, feelings develop which lead to the perfect ending.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2023
~ARC review~
This is my ever first read from R. Cayden but I can say it won’t be the last.
Orlando Onassis is up and coming soccer player, Troy Frisk a grumpy ex-baseball player and sports agent. Troy is also straight. But when Orlando picks him up in a bar, that is going to change.
There is spice from the beginning, these two can’t seem to stay away from each other – especially once they become client and agent. Even if they have an agreement to keep this as a NSA situation, we all know how the strings always get attached.
So they just need to get their acts together, which they will in a heart-warming way.
You can expect grumpy/sunshine, age gap, sports talk and a lovely HEA from this book.
~Received as ARC, opinions are my own~
This is my ever first read from R. Cayden but I can say it won’t be the last.
Orlando Onassis is up and coming soccer player, Troy Frisk a grumpy ex-baseball player and sports agent. Troy is also straight. But when Orlando picks him up in a bar, that is going to change.
There is spice from the beginning, these two can’t seem to stay away from each other – especially once they become client and agent. Even if they have an agreement to keep this as a NSA situation, we all know how the strings always get attached.
So they just need to get their acts together, which they will in a heart-warming way.
You can expect grumpy/sunshine, age gap, sports talk and a lovely HEA from this book.
~Received as ARC, opinions are my own~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2023
The grumpy/sunshine trope, but add in sports, and you’ve got your basis for this story. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would at first.
Orlando, at first, came off as a bit too cheeky, a bit too cocky, but beneath that he was insecure, and Troy saw that and helped him gain the confidence and maturity he really needed.
Troy, having lost his career in his rookie season, needed someone like Orlando to push his limits, and test his boundaries, and help him explore who he was outside of sports and being an agent.
Rule breakers went deeper than the title would have you believe, and while there were some definite hilarious moments… “You look at him like you look at a chili dog. I knew something like this was coming.” It was overall an emotional read.
Orlando, at first, came off as a bit too cheeky, a bit too cocky, but beneath that he was insecure, and Troy saw that and helped him gain the confidence and maturity he really needed.
Troy, having lost his career in his rookie season, needed someone like Orlando to push his limits, and test his boundaries, and help him explore who he was outside of sports and being an agent.
Rule breakers went deeper than the title would have you believe, and while there were some definite hilarious moments… “You look at him like you look at a chili dog. I knew something like this was coming.” It was overall an emotional read.
September 27, 2023
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review. The agent/player trope is one of my favorite in MM sports romances and Cayden did a good job of setting up the premise for how their hook ups started and why they continued. I enjoyed watching Troy and Orlando go from hooking up to having feelings for each and their struggles with what it meant for their careers. Troy had to deal with the ethical concerns and Orlando had to worry about it being a distraction to his game. Not to mention, they both were closeted. However, Cayden did a good job balancing all those concerns, even if peoples were more accommodating to both Troy dating a client and Orlando coming out than would be the case in real life.
October 1, 2023
I love a great sports romance, but love even more a great sports forbidden romance. The premise of this book had me laughing..a hook up between out of control soccer player, Orlando, and straight sports agent Troy who have one great night hookup but suddenly find themselves working together. And of course while both try to respect professional boundaries and ethics, the chemistry and the heart make staying apart very hard. I loved both men. A sweet read with no only great main characters but some awesome supporting ones that I hope get their own book later. And the fact that Troy last name is Frisk (like Frisky) did not go unnoticed by me. A great balance of heart, angst and steam. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
September 21, 2023
This story starts off with a miscommunication which changes everything. We navigate both Troy and Orlando getting to know each other and trying to kid themselves that this can continue as a casual arrangement. Troy is a grump, but has a big heart and as a professional agent he is torn between his heart and his career. Orlando is amazing when he comes out. This is a fluffy story, very little angst and low steam. The intimate scenes are around second base and don't further develop until later in the story. The epilogue was sweet and presented a HEA. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2023
Orlando had a hook up with an older guy he thought he met on Grindr. Troy is straight but wins a bet for action in the bar bathroom, a one time thing with Orlando. Only Troy is a sports agent and finds out he is going to sign Orlando, a rising soccer star afterwards. This was a great story about two sports figures figuring out a way to have a relationship in straight dominated fields. Orlando is young and can be reckless. Try is older, grumpy and very conscious of appearances. I felt it was realistic and heartfelt with an enjoyable age gap. Pretty hot, too! I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
September 29, 2023
This story takes some familiar tropes: an age gap, a backdrop of sports, a grumpy/sunshine pairing, a coming out story, and weaves them into a well polished narrative shot through with some angst and some credible chemistry. Orlando is cocky, Troy is grumpy, and while their physical connection is off the hook from the start, fitting into each other's lives and finding their way as a pairing takes a bit more work. I liked both characters: although neither is perfect and both have their moments, both are ultimately interesting and likable, and overall found this to be an enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 26, 2023
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
I haven't read anything by this author till now but I gotta say that after this I guess I'll just have to. The agent/player trope is one of my favourites and I think the author did it well.
I loved seeing the growth and development of their relationship and their feelings for each other, how it grew from hookups to something real. Troy and Orlando were such a joy to read about.
Also, I never really expect a book to make me laugh but boy when it does... Laughed way more than I thought I would while reading this book and I'm so glad I read it.
Can't wait to read more by this author!
I haven't read anything by this author till now but I gotta say that after this I guess I'll just have to. The agent/player trope is one of my favourites and I think the author did it well.
I loved seeing the growth and development of their relationship and their feelings for each other, how it grew from hookups to something real. Troy and Orlando were such a joy to read about.
Also, I never really expect a book to make me laugh but boy when it does... Laughed way more than I thought I would while reading this book and I'm so glad I read it.
Can't wait to read more by this author!
September 30, 2023
Cute sports read
When a Grindr hookup goes wrong... Troy doesn't know what to think when a young hits on him in bar. He certainly doesn't expect his world to turn upside down.
It was a cute read about a sports agent & his newest client. Orlando keeps Troy on his toes, & Troy grounds Orlando in a way that helps him be a better athlete, wanting only the best possible future for each other.
Doesn't hurt that Orlando secretly loves the grumpy, gruff side of Troy.
I'm interested to see who's up next in the Frisky Jocks.
When a Grindr hookup goes wrong... Troy doesn't know what to think when a young hits on him in bar. He certainly doesn't expect his world to turn upside down.
It was a cute read about a sports agent & his newest client. Orlando keeps Troy on his toes, & Troy grounds Orlando in a way that helps him be a better athlete, wanting only the best possible future for each other.
Doesn't hurt that Orlando secretly loves the grumpy, gruff side of Troy.
I'm interested to see who's up next in the Frisky Jocks.
October 1, 2023
This book has some pretty great tropes: grumpy/sunshine, sports agent/athlete and age gap, to name a few.
Orlando Onassis is up and coming soccer player, Troy Frisk a grumpy ex-baseball player and sports agent. When a one time anonymous hookup turns into working together things get complicated.
I enjoyed the chemistry between Orlando and Troy. They balanced each other perfectly.
You root for their happiness from the beginning. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
Orlando Onassis is up and coming soccer player, Troy Frisk a grumpy ex-baseball player and sports agent. When a one time anonymous hookup turns into working together things get complicated.
I enjoyed the chemistry between Orlando and Troy. They balanced each other perfectly.
You root for their happiness from the beginning. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
October 3, 2023
So many great aspects to this one. Age gap, grumpy/sunshine, one ex-jock now an agent working non-stop to stay on top, one new soccer star still in the closet and a team that isn't prepared to put up with any shenanigans from him. That makes it really complicated when agent Troy and player Orlando have what starts as a one time thing that quickly becomes regular and then opens up those pesky deeper feelings in both. These two are great together and deserve their HEA.
April 29, 2024
There's nothing wrong with this book but it never fully clicked for me. I just never felt the connection between the two main characters and the end seemed anti-climatic. Lots of buildup over the course of the book about how coming out will ruin their careers and then a couple phone calls and one question at a press conference and it was over. No drama. And maybe that was intentional by the author but if so, it wasn't explored enough.
September 27, 2023
This book has some pretty great tropes: grumpy/sunshine, sports agent/athlete and age gap, to name a few. Orlando and Troy have some amazing chemistry but because of their professional relationship, they shouldn’t act on it. As they spend more time together it gets harder and harder to resist the pull to be together. And when they finally give in, it’s very satisfying.
September 29, 2023
This was such a great start for a new series by R. Cayden. I love the tropes in this book, the forbiddingness of client/agent, grumpy/sunshine, age gap, and bi-awakening. This book has a little of everything, with no third act breakup. I just can't wait to see what happens in this series if everyone else is as good together as Troy and Orlando.
October 1, 2023
Hidden romance, some drama and first times, if that entices you prepare to be enticed. These characters play the story very well. You root for their happiness from the beginning. The story is good and reading it is very easy. Lots of good characters, actually, tell this story in a great way. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
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