Breakaway (Berkley Sensation)
Rory callously broke his long-standing engagement to Erin after becoming celebrated as the first Irish professional hockey player in the American leagues, with its accompanying groupies and fast life. It took two years to realize he’d erred, and when he returns to Ballycraig to make amends to his best friend, Jake, and reclaim Erin, he is shocked at the changes in her. Erin, after a year mourning the loss of her dream, has moved on, taking online courses as part of her plan to escape her manipulative mother’s ever-increasing claims on her time. Now the townsfolk—including the pub’s owners and customers; Erin’s cousin Liam and his wife, Aislinn; and Erin’s best friend, Sandra, who is caught in an unhappy marriage of her own—are very protective of her. Martin’s talent for characterization and setting shines in this fast-paced, engaging contemporary romance set in a small Irish town and celebrating loyal friendships. A fine addition to the New York Blade series, following Icebreaker (2010). --Lynne Welch