Penny’s journey is central to the book, focusing on her reclaiming her body and confidence after a betrayal that ended her figure skating career.
by Grace Reilly is a contemporary, "steamy" college hockey romance that serves as the second installment in the Beyond the Play series . Released in early 2023, the novel has gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok for its blend of "spice," emotional depth, and popular sports romance tropes. Core Premise & Plot Breakaway by Grace Reilly
The story follows , the daughter of a high-profile hockey coach, and Cooper Callahan , the team’s star defenseman. Penny’s journey is central to the book, focusing
Their arrangement must remain a secret to protect Cooper’s chance at becoming team captain and to avoid betraying Penny’s father's trust. Core Premise & Plot The story follows ,
As they work through the list, the purely physical connection deepens into genuine trust and emotional intimacy. Themes & Character Development
Cooper is initially portrayed with a "player" persona but is revealed to be a "golden retriever" type—supportive, caring, and struggling with his own pressures for achievement.
Seeking to reclaim her agency and move past a traumatic experience with an ex-boyfriend, Penny creates a "sexual bucket list". She strikes a secret "friends-with-benefits" deal with Cooper: he helps her work through her list, and she helps him release frustration during a dry spell that is affecting his performance on the ice.