(The Breathing Series #1)
I need a huge band-aid to hold my heart together after reading this wonderful, wonderful book. I’m DYING to start book two, in this three book series. In fact, I’m forcing myself to finish this review before I’m allowing myself to continue because I know if I don’t, you won’t see me for the next few days while I’m consumed with Emma and Evan’s world. Be prepared… the unspeakable cruelty, endearing friendships, and young love captured in this novel are going to leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what could possibly happen next. You’re going to flinch, you’re going to cry, and you’ll definitely smile. The cruelty and abuse in this book is shocking, disturbing and probably all too common an occurrence in the real world, which just makes me so damn sad. I give huge thumbs up to the author for taking on such an emotional subject and really doing it justice. Everything about this book feels like a work of art masterfully created to give you the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
I felt connected to Emma Thomas from page one. Emma isn’t your typical good girl, perfect student, and star athlete. She has secrets, huge secrets. The kind of secrets that leave physical and emotional wounds that may heal but will never go away. Her closed off personality leaves her with one red-headed best friend, Sara, who is amazing at helping her through her difficult life. Emma doesn’t socialize, keeps her head down and just wants to make it through high school with some kind of soccer scholarship so she can finally live a life that’s her own. Emma is a warrior. Emma lives with her Aunt Carol and Uncle George because her father has passed away and her mother is a drunk. Auntie Carol deserves to rot in a cell. And that’s me putting it nicely. Uncle George needs to be stripped of his manhood because he doesn’t deserve to be called a man after letting Carol do the things she does. I have serious deep-seated contempt for these two sub-humans. Now you may think I have just spoiled what Emma’s secret is, and I may have a little bit, but trust me when I say that this bit of a spoiler will not prepare you for what happens to Emma. It’s beyond words and leaves you with a sick feeling in your gut.
Enter the amazingly patient Evan. Evan is a breathe of fresh air in the world of hero’s. He is patient, kind and so devoted to Emma that it makes me tear up. He knows something isn’t right with Emma’s home life but she won’t open up to him. So he stays patient, never giving up, and remains just her friend. It was hard to see Emma push Evan away and then pull him back in, repeatedly. I felt bad for him. Emma just wanted to keep herself safe and that was what she thought was best but it really hurts Evan. I do have an issue with Evan and Sara’s choices in some parts of this book. In order not to spoil the ending, I won’t be specific about which choices they made that frustrated me but I’m sure after you’ve read it, you’ll be able to figure it out.
Thank goodness I have books two and three on my Kindle ready to go, because this book ending comes out of left field and socks you in the gut. I seriously wasn’t expecting it and it left me with my jaw on the floor and goosebumps covering my body. I can’t wait to dive in to Barely Breathing and hopefully my fears will be calmed. Something tells me I might be shedding some more tears before this is all over. I know the subject matter isn’t going to be for everyone but this is seriously one of the best books I’ve read in a while and I hope you give it a chance!
My rating: 4.5 heartbreaking stars!
You can find out all about Rebecca Donovan and purchase her books here:
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About the Author:
Jen loves to read. She can’t stop herself. It’s become an obsession. She is in love with her husband, kids, iced coffee and books. Jen lives in beautiful Colorado but is originally from the West Coast.
This sounds like a good read. I’ve been on the hunt for a new book lately, too! Thanks for the good review.
I haven’t read anything yet by Rebecca Donovan, but it looks like I might need to start reading her books.
I don’t know about you, but I love it when a book can make me laugh and cry. Sounds like this series was written for me! Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like an amazing book. I love when a book draws you in so that you’re dying for the author to finish her 2nd book. This might go on my Kindle. Thanks for the review.
I l9ve stories that have strong relationships. Thanks for the intro
Books that make you feel strong emotions like that are awesome – and exhausting!! Thanks for the referral, I’ll add this to my must read list!
I really want to read this book now, but I have several in line waiting! It’s going on the list though, so thank you for the great review!
This looks like a great book, so many great book reviews lately my wish list is over flowing
That looks like a great book but I don’t have much time to read anymore!
This sounds like a must read!
It’s nice when a book takes you by surprise, isn’t it??? Happy to hear it for this one. 🙂
Sounds like a really great book, I may have to read it! Thanks for sharing!
this sounds like my kind of book. I have been looking for some new authors to check out
I love books that are page turners. This one sounds wonderful! I am going to add the books to my list. Thanks for sharing!
Not familiar with this author. A heart breaking book you say? Not for me, life is heart breaking enough, especially this year.
Sounds like a very interesting read – I’m going to have to check it out!
I seriously love your book reviews! I need to check this book out.
Your review of this book has pulled me in – gotta read this. I haven’t had a chance to just sit and read for a while but this sounds like a good one to get started with.
When I read series like this I always have to make sure I have them all at the same time so I can just go, go, go one after the other!
Wow. Sounds like a book that would capture my picky heart! Great!
Sounds like there are nice characters in the book that will give ideas on how to be brave even you have deep scars from the past. Thanks for the review.
This book sounds interesting. My book hit list is on end so it might be a good suggestion for me 🙂
Sounds like a good one! I don’t know if I could handle all the sadness if it doesn’t have a really good conclusion where everyone gets what’s coming to them in the end!
Now it sounds a real and authentic book . It feels a touching story to me as these circumstances are REAL.
This book sounds so appealing and real . The pattern and story + your ratings are wanting me to read it.
Another great review Jen, makes one want to keep reading. Thanks!
Another fabulous review! As a stay-at-home mum, I do find less and less time to read 🙁 but must make more effort, especially for a poignant book like this! Thank you
I love a book that makes you FEEL. And, yeah, it’s always nice to have the whole series on hand when you start because if it’s that good you don’t want to have to wait.
I finished the entire series. All I can say is it’s well worth it to read all 3 back-to-back. There are some really, REALLY dark moments and some really happy ones too.
I’m not going to review the 2nd and 3rd books because I don’t want to give anything away with spoilers. I hate spoilers and in order to do the books justice, spoilers would be included.
Book 2 is another 4.5 stars and book 3, my favorite and probably the most difficult to read, gets a full 5 stars. Amazing series!
Darn you jen! Adding this to my ever growing list of TBR thanks to all your boom suggestions! Knock it off! Lol
Sounds amazing!!! Adding to my TBR now! Love reading your reviews (:
A friend has highly recommended this series, just after the opening lines in your review, it has moved to the top of my TBR list!! Thanks!