Breaking Away by Sookh Kaur Book Review: A Grumpy-Sunshine Hockey Romance That Scores Big
- Joao Nsita
- 7 days ago
- 8 min read
Introduction: What Happens When Revenge Turns Into Romance?
Ever wondered what it’d be like to fake-date your teenage crush just to spite your ex? In Breaking Away, Sookh Kaur spins a contemporary romance that’s as icy as a hockey rink and as warm as a stolen kiss. Meet Kavi, the coach’s curvy daughter, and Dmitri Lokhov, the tattooed, grumpy defenseman who’s more likely to scowl than smile. What starts as a revenge plot after Kavi ditches her cheating fiancé blossoms into a slow-burn love story that’ll keep you glued to the page. Sookh Kaur, a maestro of steamy, diverse romance, delivers a tale brimming with heart, humor, and hockey. This isn’t just a book—it’s a front-row seat to a love story that defies the odds.
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Book Summary: A Rink-Side Romance With a Twist
Breaking Away kicks off with a bang—or rather, a punch. Kavi, a sassy photographer and daughter of a hockey coach, is reeling from her fiancé’s betrayal. Enter Dmitri Lokhov, the brooding rival defenseman who flattens her ex on the ice after a cruel comment about her. Fueled by liquid courage, Kavi storms Dmitri’s hotel suite to confront him, only to uncover his long-buried crush on her from their high school days. What follows is a delicious fake-dating scheme to get revenge, complete with two rules: no feelings, no falling into bed. Spoiler-free hint: rules are made to be broken. Their journey weaves through team dynamics, family pressures, and self-discovery, making this hockey romance a standout with its multicultural flair and steamy tension.
Author’s Style and Craft: A Playbook of Passion and Precision
Sookh Kaur’s writing is a power play—sharp, dynamic, and effortlessly engaging. Her dual-POV narrative lets us skate inside Kavi’s vibrant mind and Dmitri’s guarded heart, balancing witty banter with raw emotion. The pacing is a slow-burn masterpiece, mirroring a hockey game’s buildup to a thrilling third period. Dialogue crackles with authenticity, like when Kavi teases, “I’m not sure if you’re brooding or just allergic to happiness,” capturing their grumpy-sunshine dynamic. Kaur’s character development is top-tier—Kavi sheds her imposter syndrome, while Dmitri’s icy exterior melts into something tender. Her prose blends humor, heat, and cultural nuance, crafting a romance novel that feels both fresh and familiar.
Themes and Deeper Meaning: Love Beyond the Ice
Breaking Away isn’t just about slapshots and steamy nights—it’s a meditation on trust, identity, and breaking free from expectations. Kavi’s South Asian heritage adds depth, symbolizing the clash between familial duty and personal freedom, a nod to immigrant experiences. Dmitri’s grumpiness masks vulnerability, reflecting the pressure of masculinity in sports. Their fake relationship becomes a mirror for self-worth, asking: can love heal old wounds? Themes of revenge morph into redemption, tying into broader human struggles like body image and belonging. Kaur scores big by grounding this romance in real-world resonance.
Strengths: A Hat Trick of Heart and Heat
This book shines brighter than a rink spotlight. The grumpy-sunshine trope is executed flawlessly—Dmitri’s protective streak, like when he knits stress away, pairs perfectly with Kavi’s fiery spirit. Their chemistry sizzles, especially in quiet moments, like Dmitri adjusting Kavi’s camera strap with care. Kaur’s multicultural lens elevates the story, weaving Punjabi traditions into a hockey romance with seamless grace. The slow-burn tension keeps you flipping pages, and the spice—when it hits—is just right, balancing open-door intimacy with emotional depth. These strengths make Breaking Away an addictive, heartwarming escape.
Areas for Improvement: Minor Penalties on the Play
Even a winning game has its flaws. Breaking Away stumbles slightly with its secondary characters—Kavi’s teammates and family feel like benchwarmers, underdeveloped beside the main duo. The middle lags at times, with pacing that might test readers craving faster action. Dmitri’s backstory, while compelling, could use more depth to fully explain his brooding nature. These aren’t deal-breakers, but a tighter focus on supporting cast dynamics or a quicker tempo could sharpen the edge. Still, for most romance fans, the core love story overshadows these minor hiccups.
Comparative Analysis: A Fresh Face-Off in Romance
Breaking Away skates alongside genre gems like Tessa Bailey’s Hook, Line, and Sinker (Amazon link), sharing its witty banter but adding a sports twist. Compared to Elle Kennedy’s The Deal (Amazon link), it swaps college hockey for pro stakes, with a grumpier hero. Unlike Kaur’s own The Fake Dating War (Amazon link), this leans harder into cultural identity. It challenges romance conventions with diverse leads and a revenge-to-love arc, cementing its place as a 2025 must-read.
Target Audience: Who’s Cheering in the Stands?
This book is tailor-made for romance readers who crave steamy sports novels with emotional depth—think women aged 20-40 who adore slow-burn love stories and strong heroines. Hockey fans will geek out over the rink details, while multicultural readers will connect with Kavi’s journey. It’s perfect for book clubs craving fresh tropes like fake dating and grumpy-sunshine. Content warnings: mild spice, alcoholism mentions, and cheating (off-page). If you love witty banter and heartfelt growth, this one’s your MVP.
Personal Impact: A Goal That Stays With You
Breaking Away hit me like a puck to the chest—in the best way. Kavi’s fight against self-doubt echoed my own, while Dmitri’s quiet loyalty stirred hope. I laughed, swooned, and teared up, finishing with a grin that wouldn’t fade. It’s a reminder that love can bloom from chaos, and I’m itching to reread it. You need this story for its raw, radiant joy.
Conclusion: A Romance That Wins Overtime
Breaking Away is a triumph—a steamy, soulful hockey romance that blends grumpy-sunshine charm with cultural richness. Sookh Kaur crafts a love story that’s impossible to put down, perfect for anyone craving passion with purpose.
Grab it on Amazon and let Kavi and Dmitri steal your heart.
In a world of fleeting flings, this book proves love can be the ultimate power play.
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About the Author: Sookh Kaur
Sookh Kaur is a Canadian author redefining romance with her diverse, steamy tales. Known for centering complex Punjabi heroines, she blends humor, heat, and cultural nuance into her work. A Lord of the Rings fan turned writer, Kaur’s books—like Breaking Away and The Fake Dating War—champion women breaking free from societal molds. When not crafting swoon-worthy stories, she’s diving into fanfiction or connecting with readers. Explore her world at her website, Goodreads, and Instagram.
FAQ Section: Your Burning Questions Answered
What’s Breaking Away about?
A fake-dating hockey romance where Kavi and grumpy Dmitri turn revenge into real love.
Is it a slow-burn romance?
Yes, it builds delicious tension over time, perfect for slow-burn fans.
How’s the hockey element?
Vivid and authentic—great for sports romance lovers.
Who’s the target audience?
Romance readers who love steamy tropes and diverse leads.
Any content warnings?
Mild spice, mentions of alcoholism, and off-page cheating.
How spicy is it?
A balanced mix of open-door and emotional intimacy.
What’s Sookh Kaur’s style like?
Witty, warm, and culturally rich with sharp dialogue.
Does it explore family dynamics?
Yes, Kavi’s South Asian roots add depth to the story.
How does it compare to her other books?
It’s sportier than The Fake Dating War but equally heartfelt.
Why read it in 2025?
It’s a fresh, empowering romance hitting all the right trends.
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Romance Community Resources
For more romance novel reviews, discussions, and recommendations, check out these fantastic resources:
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