Jillian had a celebrate the end of her first year of college with an amazing summer full of beaches, barbeques, and bonfires. When her mom insists she needs a summer job, and her boyfriend spends more time with his band than with her, Jillian’s plans go down the drain. Grant had a finish his Masters, get a great job at Google, and get the hell out of Georgia. He might be giving up some of the fun of his youth, but he knows his all work and no play method would be worth it when his dreams came true. But things never go according to plan. When temptation brings them together and tragedy tears them apart, Jillian and Grant will be forced to fight for their dreams, or fight for each other.
Sarah started her obsession with reading at an early age, often sneaking BabySitter Club and Nancy Drew books into math class. She would read any book she could get her hands on. Her love of reading quickly evolved into a love of writing and stories began to pour out of her.
She grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English, and taught eighth graders to love reading as much as she does for several years. She currently resides in Pittsburgh with her husband and daughter.
Sarah's debut novel, AWAKEN, released in January, 2012. Other novels include AVENGE, ATONE, ECHO OF AN EARTH ANGEL, INHALE EXHALE, THE SECRET CRUSH, and NEVER GONNA TELL.
Was it the greatest book I ever read? NO! Did I read it straight through? YES! Did the hero and heroine get on my last nerve? NO! Was it full of grammatical errors? NO! Did it have some hot sex? YES! Was I entertained? YES!
Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!!!
Now for the story....
Inhale, Exhale was the story of Jillian and Grant! Jillian is home on summer break from college. Jillian has been dating Christian since she was in high school (so for 4 years). Her mom gets her a job at a company in town answering the phones. Guess who also works there?? Yup--Grant!
Jillian is of course beautiful and doesn't know it (not original, I know) and all of the guys at the company want her. Grant is focused on school and completing his Masters and doesn't have time for a relationship. But when he meets Jillian he's captivated....
Enter the love triangle....
Jillian and Grant try to deny their feelings for each other but ultimately can't. Jillian also discovers some truths about Christian that changes their relationship. There was a bit of cheating....but it didn't bother me. And it's not a back and forth love triangle.
This book had a little bit of everything. An immediate attraction leading in to some sexual tension, resulting in some hot sex, followed by some drama and angst, ending with a HEA! This was a quick, short read that was entertaining enough.
So... This wasn't the greatest story ever and I wasn't blown away but at the same time this book was really sweet.
Jillian is a girl who comes home from summer break from college. She's dating Christian- her high school boyfriend of 4 years... He doesn't study nor work- lives with his parents in their basement and is a musician who 'wants to make it'
She has a dream about a boy, a boy she doesn't know, cannot put a face to but has this crazy intense feeling for. Thinking its crazy she forgets it. Her mom gets her a temp job answering phones at a company.
When she gets there she is less than thrilled.
Grant- He had a plan- study like crazy, gets his masters- and NOT fall in LOVE.EVER! He never wanted to love a woman so much that it could consume him. After the death of his mother his father lost a part of himself too.
When Jillian and Grant meet, its like an instant connection.
But they don't get together- he doesn't want a woman and she has a boyfriend.
Problem:
They can't stop thinking about each other. Grant is HOT (Obviously) and Jillian is STUNNING (obviously) But that's not it.. Its something else... Something neither can explain..
Bigger Problem:
Jillian had a boyfriend. She loves him, right? She sees herself with him forever, isn't it?
Wrong! Feelings she didn't know or want to feel start for Grant and vice versa.
"I’m falling, Jillian. Falling for a girl who I can’t have but want more than the air I breathe.”
Grant is with Jillian during hard family times...
"Grant had just given me a ray of sunshine on this dark and cloudy day."
"I’m pretty sure I’m falling hard for you, Cupcake. And I will make you mine."
Love Triangle... Guilt... Hot steamy Sex..
"I stopped clenching my muscles, not wanting this to end. Instead I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled myself even closer. Our bodies were slick with sweat, and we slid together easily, increasing the tempo. He groaned in my ear as he thrust over and over. Faster. Harder. Deeper"
And Finally Truth...
"For years, I thought his love for my mom was what crippled him. That it was a hindrance and made him less of a person. But I’m starting to see now just how wrong I was. His love for her didn’t make him less, it made him more.”
"When I was a kid and my mom was still alive, my dad use to say to me, ‘Son, when you find something worth holdin’ on for, your grip will become more solid than cement"
"As long as Grant was by my side, it didn’t matter where we went. He was my home."
Loved this story. Loved the characters. Loved everything about it. Ross has a special place in my heart when it comes to her books; I have loved them all. But this one....this one is by far my favorite. Such a winner with this read.
Jillian is a smart girl and she is well on her way to acquiring her dream. She wants to work as a translator for the UN. After completing her first year of college, her hope is to spend time at the beach with her friends this summer and catch up on some much needed alone time with her longtime boyfriend. But mommy dearest has other plans. She thinks that Jillian needs to work the summer away for a family friend. This summer is so gonna suck.
But wait. Working isn’t so bad when you get to work with the likes of Grant, hottie IT guy. Even though Jillian loves her boyfriend, she can't deny the intense feelings she has for Grant. And these intense feelings has her doing things she never would have thought about doing before. Now she is questioning her relationship with Christian, wondering if what they share is real and lasting. Maybe it is time to move on.
“I’m falling, Jillian. Falling for a girl who I can’t have but want more than the air I breathe.” {Grant}
Grant also has dreams. He wants to work for Google one day and having a girlfriend is not part of the deal. A girlfriend will only get in the way of his plans leave this small town in Georgia. A girlfriend would only make you care for her and then one day be ripped away. Just like his mother was ripped away from his life. But all that changes the day he runs into Jillian. She is different than any girl he has ever known. She is beautiful and smart and someone he actually wants a relationship with. Funny how all it takes is one person to change your plans. Plans to get you out of this town and into the world.
I was like a moth being drawn toward a flame. This was definitely not in The Plan. {Grant}
But what happens if the one person who erupted your world like a raging volcano, is suddenly and tragically yanked from your life? Will Grant fight to keep her in his life or will his dreams of the future take him in another direction?
It made it that much harder to forget about her. And I wanted to forget about her. I tried to forget about her. {Grant}
Man o' Man, this book was so awesomely excellent. That sounds good right? Not sure how else to explain it. I loved the intensity it poured out. I adored the emotions it unearthed. I bathed in the heat it radiated. Yes, the steamy scenes were beyond steamy. I just cannot get over the emotional impact this book brought on. It was all so perfect.
Grant..sweet, sweet Grant! I loved this guy. So, so much. I adore everything about his little nerdy self. Yes, I said nerd. But think Hot Nerd. Really, really Hot Nerd. The kind that once was a geek in high school and finally grew into his own later. Yeah, I may have went to school with one or two of those types of guys. Anyhow, back to Grant. I loved how all it took was one look at Jillian and he begins questioning everything about The Plan. No longer striving to get as far away as possible...little thoughts start seeping in about sticking around and being with her. Ah! He really likes this girl. And the fact that he will do anything to make her his tugged at my heart.
As you can see I focused a lot on Grant in my review. I just loved him so much and really enjoyed his POV throughout the story. But I did adore Jillian just as much. She is a great character and even though I wasn't thrilled with some of her actions in the book...I understood where she was coming from. If it was me, ol' boyfriend would have been gone the second Grant showed interest. There would have been no second guessing on my part. But her second guessing was perfect for the book and in the end I was so very happy.
Ross delivers a masterpiece in the form of an amazing NA book. Readers will fall for the characters and find that they stick around long after the book is over. Definitely putting this is the Must Reread pile.
Omg omg omg. Best book ever. I received this ARC for an honest review and here it is. This book is definitely NA for a more mature audience. I was pink in the face at some of the sensual scenes between Jillian and Grant. Wow we're they hot. I'm still a little flustered now. :)
I seriously loved Grant, I mean who wouldn't. He was sexy, built, and Amarth. A totally lethal combination. An an eyebrow ring. Omfg. An eyebrow ring! Ok so the book yes the book... It was hot and sexy yes but there was so much more going on.
Jillian was a smart girl all on her own. She was studying to be in linguistics to some day work at the UN. On summer break from college she wanted nothing more than to relax, spend time with her two best friends Ava and Trish and get in some much needed alone time with her boyfriend Christian. Her plans were kind of thrown for a loop when her mom got her a summer job instead.
It was there she met Grant the hot IT guy. He was totally sexy and every time he was around her he made her feel things she shouldn't be feeling for any other guy besides her boyfriend. The more she got to know Grant the more she wanted him. Jillian tried hard to ignore her feelings for Grant but with Christian and her growing farther and farther apart holding back her feelings for Grant was no longer that big of an issue. He made her feel beautiful and special. He understood her better than anyone ever did but she loved Christian Right? She couldn't do this to him.
When Jillian's grandmother ended up in the hospital who do you think was there for her? Holding her hand and staying all night in a hospital waiting room. Grant was just what she needed but when Christian finally came back in the picture things started to get confusing for Jillian all over again. Did she stay with Christian because he's safe and comfortable or does she let him go and be with Grant the man who's there for her even though she's not exactly sure where things will lead.
This is seriously one of the greatest books I've read in a long time. Sarah hit the ball out of the park with this one. She really made me feel the love and sadness that Jillian and Grant felt throughout their times together. I can't rave about this book any more. It was so great and I'm a bit sad that its over. Loved it...
Wow, Inhale, Exhale completely blew me away. I'm not even sure what the last book was that I gave 5 gavels(stars), but Inhale, Exhale earned every one of those 5 gavels! It is a standalone contemporary romance and holy cow it was so good! The plot, the characters, the romance- I just couldn't get enough.
Jillian and Grant make the most awesome couple. And Grant is the perfect book boyfriend. He is a great mix of smart, sweet, manly, and just the right hint of possessiveness that I like in my book guys. I loved how focused he was on his career, but as soon as he got to know Jillian, even as work driven as he was he just couldn't get her out of his head. It was beyond adorable watching him think about her all the time. Inhale, Exhale is a split point of view book, which I love, so it alternated between Jillian and Grant's point of view. I kind of wish we got to read a few more chapters from Grant's voice, but that is just because I am a sucker for great guy point of view.
Jillian was so interesting to me. As soon as she said she wanted to work in linguistics, I was pretty much hooked. This girl and I could be friends for sure. That is such a unique career choice and major choice. You can just tell that Jillian is the kind of girl that thinks about things. She has a great sense of humor and I loved that Jillian and Grant would stay up all night talking. Their conversations were Grants favorite thing! How awesome is that?
Sarah Ross' writing is flawless. I was immediately engaged in the story. I wasn't bored at all, there were no lulls or slow parts. The plot was so great. There were sub plots woven into the overall story of Jillian and Grant, including Jillian's deadbeat boyfriend, Christian. Man, I hated that guy! I just wanted him out of the picture ASAP. Especially after certain "developments" in the story.
If you are looking for a great new adult romance, this is it! It is steamy and sweet all at once. I loved Inhale, Exhale so much. Probably one of my favorite new adults books that I have read to date!
This is the first book I have read by Sarah Ross and I have to say I was thoroughly impressed. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I am a little surprised that I enjoyed this so much because there were aspects to the story that I normally don't like to read about. I think that the aspects that I don't normally tolerate worked in this book because it showed how even though you think the direction of your life should go one way....things change and people change and mature, so that leads you into a different direction. I really liked the pace of this book...it wasn't to slow and long but it also wasn't one that you read and was over in a blink of an eye. I felt that there was just the right amount of information given so that the story was complete.
This is a book i would definitely recommend to everyone. It is a book I am sure I will read again in the future. I also look forward to reading more books by this author.
5 stars!! Things I loved: ~ NO CLIFFHANGER whether there's ever a second book or not Jillian and Grant had their HEA... Major plus, not because I dislike cliffhangers but they're just so many out right now so it was refreshing to not have that in this book!
~I love that Jillian was a strong female and didn't let bad things get her down. Did I feel she was making wrong decisions at times? Yes, but really, who doesn't?
~Grant is that geek turned Greek god, which is hot. I mean who doesn't want brawn and brains hmm? He's considerate yet very male... There's one part in the beginning I didn't like that he did but I shall not name. I don't feel it fit his character but hey, that could just be me...
Overall I loved this book and it will sit in my favs list for a long time...
Review to come May 7/13. But what I can say it was a sweet story and I am glad that I got the chance to read it. :) And Grant is awesome and so book Bf worthy.
Can I just say that I am speechless after reading this book. I have never had so many emotions flying through me. I mean I was reading minding my own business when Grant and Jillian invaded my heart! Who does that?????? Well Sarah Ross does that because she captured my heart with this book. I have never read a story where I am so caught up my eyes are blurry from reading. My adrenaline was pumping something fierce for Jillian as she had to make some seriously tough choices but in the end she got there and the decisions she made where the right ones for her.
Jillian is just finishing up her freshmen year at college and oh what a great year she has had. She plans on going home and hanging out with her two best friends and boyfriend. She is planning on going to the beach and partying it but what she gets when she gets home is anything but that. First her mother who I will call a control freak gets her a summer job and she starts like right away and then her boyfriend Christian is acting like a jerk towards by hanging out with his band instead of being with her. As all this is going on Jillian is wondering if she is in a dream because she loves Christian but she knows there is something different about him and when she starts her new job she meets Grant the hot as hell IT guy.
Things get a little complicated for Jillian because she is starting to develop feelings for Grant and she is not sure how or why because she knows she loves Christian and wants to be with him. But Grant is there and he is different with her. Grant is this IT guy who has his life mapped out and he has set goals and he is going to pursue his goals and dreams at any cost. Grant is finishing up his Masters and his plan is to go on and intern at Google in there IT department. Grant is focused but one moment with Jillian and all that goes out the window. Grant knows he never wanted a girl or love to come between his dreams but Jillian came in like a storm and is staying as long as she likes.
Just when things start to look clear to Jillian and Grant tragedy strikes not once but twice for Jillian and what she will have to chose will either make her or break her. She is vulnerable and Grant and her best friends are there for her. As far as Christian goes he get what he deserves because he is a scum bag and when he realizes that he may have lost Jillian for good he wants to do whatever it takes to keep her.
What will Jillian chose? Her heart or her familiars? Will Grant be able to get past his crazy all or nothing plan? Will Grant and Jillian become a couple? This is a MUST READ story that will rock your world and make you INHALE and then EXHALE to stop from crying!
Wow just when I thought Sarah Ross's books couldn't get any better she goes and blows my mind. Inhale Exhale is phenomenal!! Once I started, I was kept in a trance that I couldn't resist. The drama kept me wanting to know more, wanting to know what the next page would lead to. The characters created were amazing. I laughed at how caught up Grant was in Jillian, I got angry with Jillian and her current boyfriend, and I cried to see how crushed and emotional Grant became. If you want a book that will pull on your emotions and have your heart racing this is definitely one for you.
Jillian is a college student, has amazing friends and one hot rockin boyfriend. However, something is missing, and some things are not as they seem. With Summer here and a new job while on break, Jillian finds the one thing she least expects from one of her new co workers.
Grant is working on his plan, he has high expectations of himself and plans to intern for one of the biggest companies. Girlfriends do not fit in his plan, not yet. The last thing he wants is to be ruined by love at such a young age, it's just not part of the plan. So, when Jillian shows up at his work as a new employee, it takes him by surprise by how much he wants her, wants to claim her as his own but she has a boyfriend and besides she doesn't fit in his plans.
So this book was sweet. Nothing too special or swoon worthy. Basically Jillian is a 19 year old college student. She's dated her boyfriend Christian for the last 4 years. Hes kind of a deadbeat and shes in college. She gets a summer job and meets Grant. Chemistry galore. Now, he is all obsessed about not settling down because he so driven by his "plan". Get his Masters, secure a great job, then find girl. But, he just cant help liking Jillian. Liked the bowling and beach scenes. Grant is actually a good guy and Christian is an obvious douche to everyone but Jillian. There's some cheating, some abuse(not bad), drugs and a bad accident that finally gets Jillian to see the light of day! I do love Grants description with muscle arms, abs galore ( he rows for his college team) eyebrow piercing and sandy blonde hair. And he's a nice guy! So ya I liked him. This is not really a love triangle with the angsty back and forth. I liked it.
I loved this story. I loved that it was a quick read, and did not slow down at all.
Ms. Ross pulls you in from the very first page. She has created a cast of vivid and amazing characters. The tension is amazing, and wonderfully swoon worthy.
Grant. What can I say about Grant? If he worked in my IT department. yes, I would be one of those women breaking my computer on purpose. No questions asked. He is a mouthwatering, sculpted, and scrumptious specimen of a man.
Jillian. Love her. She's sweet, and committed. (even if it is to the total wrong guy)...
Friends and Cast of Characters. Love them all. Even if you don't like someone ::coughchristiancough:: you like them by the end.
I have read all of Sarah's books and Inhale, Exhale is by far my favorite book!! I loved Jillian and Grants relationship from the start. It was easy for them to get along and as the relationship progressed they laughed and flirted and had some hot steamy scenes. I loved Jillian's bestfriends Ava and Trish. They stuck by her side through thick and thin and the part involving golf balls had me laughing so hard I cried. There was some nail biting moments and I caught myself yelling at my nook like Jillian could hear me lol. My heart broke for Jillian more then once and I could have hit Christian myself. This is a fantastic read. Good job Sarah!
This book was amazing!!!! I have read every single book by Sarah Ross and loved them all, but this one takes the cake, or "cupcake" I might say. :) I would have to say this is my all out favorite of Ross' books, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I can't wait to read more!!
When I first saw the book cover for this story, I was really attracted to it, and the blurb really caught my attention! I have been in a New Adult stage for quite a while, and I can't seem to read enough New Adult Contemporary Romances. For that reason, I feel that I am becoming more observant of trends, cliches, similarities, and differences, in this genre. There were elements I really enjoyed in Inhale, Exhale, and there were other elements that I felt could be improved upon.
This story is told in dual narration from the perspectives of 19 year old Jillian, and 22 year old Grant. Jillian is a college student spending the summer in Georgia at her childhood home. Her mother gets her a temporary job answering phones at a large company for the summer, so she can earn some money. She has been in a 4 year relationship with her high school sweetheart Christian, and is stuck in a bit of a rut. Christian still lives at home with his parents, doesn't have much ambition, and is both lazy and apathetic in his life, and relationship. The only thing that seems to matter to him is his band. The two struggle to spend time with one another, and don't really appear to be trying too hard to make their relationship work. Jillian and Christian just seem comfortable, and with each other more out of habit. Grant is in charge of technical support at Jillian's new job. His mother died when he was young, and his father has been heart broken ever since. Grant has been responsible since a young age, checks in on his father frequently, and has been taking care of his father's responsibilities since his mother died. Grant is intelligent, ambitious, hardworking, and has a "plan" for his life. His plan doesn't involve a committed relationship, because he doesn't want to become like his father, and fall apart because he falls for a woman. He is described as cute, muscular (he's a rower,) and good-looking, but in a nerdy way. He is really good with computers, and women are always throwing themselves at him, but he doesn't really have more of an interest than a one night stand here and there. Grant is dedicated to his plan, which consists of finishing up his master's degree, and one day getting hired by Google. However, when Jillian and Grant meet, they share an intense attraction, chemistry from one another, and no matter how hard they try to stay away from each other, they just can't seem to help themselves.
What I enjoyed was that the characters were not cliche, this was a fast-paced, light, and easy read that wasn't laden with drama, and there was suspense, and action that kept the story moving. What I didn't feel worked in the story was there was insta-love without the two main character's building the relationship slowly, the story felt like it was being "told,"and I prefer when a story is "shown," and I felt like some of the dialogue was a bit cheesy for my tastes. Also, Jillian didn't really have any qualms or guilt about cheating on her boyfriend. I would have liked more background information on Grant, and Jillian. I didn't connect to the characters as much as I would have liked to, and didn't really feel like I knew them beyond a superficial level.
I had high expectations and hopes for Inhale, Exhale. I saw a lot of potential in the storyline, and characters. I just think it could have been developed more. I did enjoy the love scenes immensely. They were really hot, and Ms. Ross did a great job with the details, and descriptions of these scenes. I just felt I needed more of a storyline.
My Rating:
I give Inhale, Exhale by Sarah Rose 3 Fast-Paced, Fun, and Passionate Stars! If you are looking for a light quick read, then this book is it. It isn't filled with a bunch of angst, tension, or drama! Also, the romance scenes are pretty hot, and steamy! Grant was a great character, and you will be swooning over his fun, and flirty ways. If you are looking for a unique male lead, Grant is it! He is intelligent, nerdy, in a cute way, and a really good guy! This isn't your typical bad boy meets good girl type of story. For those readers out there that love New Adult Contemporary Romances, this is a unique take on the main characters, and is a fun, light read!
My Favorite Quotes:
"When I was a kid and my mom was still alive, my dad use to say to me, 'Son, when you find something worth holdin' on for, your grip will become more solid than cement.' For years, I thought his love for my mom was what crippled him. That it was a hindrance and made him less of a person. But I'm starting to see now just how wrong I was. His love for her didn't make him less, it made him more." ~Grant (EARC Page 163)
"No, you will always be Cupcake because it describes you perfectly: You're the thing I crave, the thing I push myself to earn, and the thing that no matter how satisfied I am, I will always want more of you." ~Grant (EARC Page 169)
"Each touch, each brush of his lips, kindled my hunger for him until it consumed me. I no longer felt any pain, just pleasure. And I wanted more." ~Jillian (EARC Page 174)
Source: Kelly Simmon Format: Kindle; PDF Rating: 4.2 Reviewer: Chyna
My thoughts...
This was a lovely romantic tale about choices. I couldn't help, but reminisce about Golden by Jessi Kirby. Inhale, Exhale is a beautiful story and it was also beautifully written. The writer has an amazing style creating sexy characters and an awesome premises. I swooned for for Grant and died when he acts untouchable. Nothing is more delicious than a guy who focuses more on his own career than his love life, it brings a challenge in me. This playful story was simple and elegant. Enough to make me love it.
Jillian has been on the safe zone for her whole life. She has been dating Hot God, Christian for 4 years. She knows he's for her and she intends to say "I do" when it's time. But that red string is about to fall off. She's unsure if Christian is actually "The one" for her. Why is she suddenly unsure? Lemme tell you...Jillian had a recent dream about a life she could have had. A road she should not have taken or a road she avoided or a road not taken...just forgotten. She was with another man...not Christian. It felt more than just a dream, it felt like another Jillian. She wanted it so much to be real, but she woke up. Now she tells her story about how her perfect romance comes to an end when she meets a new road, a road straight to Grant. I swoon.
Grant is untouchable, he doesn't date...he doesn't like girls nor does he want one. But Jillian is the only exception. Jillian is one of those hot girls who has the ass. Not just an ass, but "The ass" She can make the boys drool by flipping her golden locks. She's the envy all of beauties, but Jillian has no idea she was that gorgeous. Too bad she's unavailable for Grant, but that didn't stop him from falling for her. Jill knows it's wrong to flirt with other guys when she has Christian. I think it's possible to fall in love again, but still be in love with the other guy. Falling in love and being in love are different. It's a matter of choice not cheating. Am I being too deep? I flatter myself. Just kidding.
Knowing Jillian had a safe and comfortable life, I understood why she hesitated in taking Grant's hand. In her heart she knows Christian is the one for her, but Grant makes her forget all about him. I really swooned and giggled just by the mention of his name. Grant is the guy you'd actually fall for. The bad thing about him is that his jealousy gets the best of him. I hated how he acts towards Christian, and his confidence about his feelings for Jill. He has no rights to judge someone he hardly knows especially Jillian. This story was written in double POVs so I know how Grant's mind works. He's a bit selfish in his thoughts and quite cocky. A bully in short. And also I want to complain how the author created a new romance, but it was too fast. I do not believe in love at first sight. Though, the book felt faultless as I read. I slightly cringed when Grant was only looking at Jill physically at first. He wasn't swoon worthy at the beginning, but once you get to know him, you won't be able to take your eyes off this character.
Sarah Ross is great writer, her style and french were presented with elegance in the story. I wouldn't have written the story any better. The secondary characters weren't neglected unlike some books. She created a magnificent balance among her fictional characters and showed us a new lesson is the story which I won't be mentioning. This is a spoiler free review. If you'd like to know more about Jillian and Grant's forbidden love, I suggest you read this now. I couldn't stop gasping and I even shed some hot tears. Seriously.
***I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
Jillian’s plan was to spend her summer break with her boyfriend, and hanging out with her two best friends having lots fun, and not the summer job that her mum got her job answering phones. Grant’s plan was to focus on his career, it may be all work and no play, but he wants to finish his master and get a great job. He was not looking to fall in love. However when Jillian meets Grant the attraction is instant and they soon discover things never go according to plan.
“There was something about him that drew me in, and I could pinpoint what it was”
“My mind wanted to hate her, but my body had other plans, I was drawn to her. I wanted to know more about her”
I like the storyline and the fact that there is a love triangle as Jillian has a boyfriend, didn’t bother me as, but I don’t mind them, and it’s not long before I had workout whose team I was on. Told from Jillian and Grant’s POV loved being in their heads. I could see that they were trying to fight their attraction/ feelings to each other.
“This was more that static electricity that passed between us. It was exhilarating”
They know the reason as for why they shouldn’t be together, they try to be friends, but there is something there that they both can explain, and they can’t stop thinking about each other wanting more.
“I’m falling, Jillian. Falling for a girl who I can’t have but want more that the air I breathe”
“I know I have a boyfriend, so I shouldn’t feel anything for him. But my body is betraying my mind.
I really like Jillian and Grant. Jillian was intelligent, funny and sweet. I did question some of Jillian's choices, but I did feel for her especially when she sees Christian’s true colours and puts her in danger. Loved Grant he was a smart loyal, patient, and down to earth guy. He’s had heartbreak of his own, and it one of the reasons why he is so forces on his career. Loved the way her was with Jillian so romantic, and he was always there when she needed him.
“When the choice is between sting next to you, and seeing your beautiful face or being anywhere else, there is no choice”
Overall I enjoy this Inhale, Exhale it was a quick easy entertaining read with that soul mate feeling that I love. It had a mixture of suspense, drama, angst, cute romantic scene, sexual tension, passion, and hot sexy steam. Great secondary characters, such as Grant's best friend TJ he was funny. Jillian’s best friends are the one’s that you always want to have, always honest with her even when she doesn’t want to hear it. No cliffhanger ending, just a lovely epilogue that put a smile on my face.
It was the first book I have read by Sarah Ross and one that I would recommend. It was well written and I like her writing style very engaging. I will definitely add her other books to my TBR list.
Jillian is a nineteen year old college student who is working a summer job to cover some of her college expenses. She has a boyfriend who's name is Christian they have been together since high school and she has been content in the relationship. He spends a lot of time with his band which puts a little bit of a strain on their relationship. While working she meets Grant the IT guy who has been helping her out when she needs it. They both have an instant connection. She is a very intelligent women who knows what she wants out of life. Grant has plans for his future and his feelings for Jillian are not what he planned on. They start a friendship that ends up blossoming into something beautiful. Although she loves Christian she can't deny what Grant has become to her. He is there for her when she needs him the most and there is no denying that her feelings for him have grown stronger then friendship. The question is will she decide that Grant is her better option? Or will her first love win in the end?
First off I loved reading the story from multiple points of view. I felt like I got a glimpse into what exactly was going on in their heads. I also loved how intelligent they both seemed to be. They were both educated and had a bright future a head of them. JIllian was so smart, sweet, and witty. Definitely was easy to fall in love with. I could see exactly what Grant saw in her. Grant was so loving and patient. He was set on showing Jillian that he was the man she deserved. When she needed him he was there for her in a heartbeat. Grant's life hasn't been perfect. He lost someone close to him and he is very driven because of that. There are also a ton of passionate moments and the things said between these two will melt your heart.
Honestly I was sad that this was a stand alone book. I wanted more story from them. The book is wrapped up no cliffhanger or anything. It has a perfect beginning, middle, and ending. The in between will keep you wanting more. A must read for any book lover.
This book was awesome!! It had a slow start but then all of a sudden all these things made my emotions go like crazy. In all of the New Adult books I have read this is definitely a book to pick up! I loved everything about the book, including Grant who is sexy, and is super smart. The storyline was good because the book was addicting and need more! Sarah M. Ross is one author to look out for in this new adult world, her novel will blow you away!! The different Point of Views where great, and seeing them through both Jillian and Grants were another things I liked.
Jillian is our main character who I thought was smart, is studying to become a translator for languages and work for the UN in the future. On summer vacation, her mom got her a job at a telephone service. There she meets Grant who is the IT guy. He is definitely a great guy all around with a good personality. The more Jillian gets to know Grant the more she wants to know him, and she tries to ignore her feelings but the more the book went on, the attraction was beginning to develop. Jillian's boyfriend Christian is a douche who is showing that he cares more about himself and as their relationships starts to grow further and further apart. Grant made her feel wanted and understood.
I did not like Christian from the beginning and while he did show up every so often, he was not safe to be around, and Jillian does make the right decision in the end about him. When Jillian's grandmother was in the hospital, Grant was with her the entire time, and during this period a change is going on with Jillian to choose who she wants to be with.
This is definitely a book that must be read for those who love New Adult novels, and Sarah did just that. She really made me feel the sadness when it happen, the shock, and love. It will keep you in a transition of continuing to read more of it. I did laugh at lots of the parts. Looking for a great read, this is the one for you!
This is the first book I've read from our dear author Sarah M. Ross and I have to admit this won't be last. I devoured this story from the 1st page 'til the last. OHMYGOD! Grant is my new book boyfriend...hahaha. He is absolutely perfect - ambitious, driven, with his tanned and gorgeous bod and damn, he is intellectually smart. In short, he is one HOT NERD! I.LOVE.HIM.PERIOD...
This is a short romantic story about Jillian - a college student who worked in Allegro Corp for the summer. That's where she met Grant, who's working in the I.T. Dept. Grant has a plan, to finish his Master's degree then finally work in Google. It's his ultimate dream and that means, serious relationship is a big "NO" for him. Until he laid his eyes on Jillian, the new girl in the company where every guys' eyes are into. When he saw her, he knew his plan will be derailed. The only problem is, she has a boyfriend.
Jillian has a boyfriend for 4 years - Christian. He is her comfort zone, the only guy she sees her future with. If only she knew the whole truth about him. With all the secrets and lies hounding their relationship, Jillian found herself falling with Grant. She tried her best to ignore her attraction towards him because she's with Christian and she doesn't want to cheat on him. Question is, can she ignore her true feelings towards Grant that long? Or would she give in?
I loved how the author narrated the story thru alternating POVs between Jillian and Grant. I loved both characters and their story is one of those stories that will forever be stored in my memory. It has unearthed every emotions in me. I was so immersed into their story that I couldn't put it down. Gosh, they are so perfect for each other. Their chemistry is palpable that when they are together, you can't help but feel the tension and heat radiating around them.
This definitely earns 5 stars from me. A story that would definitely be in my re-read list.
This book was a fun read! I really enjoyed this book from the beginning. Jillian and Grant had such great chemistry I couldn’t help but love them both.
Jillian is a young girl on break for the summer from college just looking for a relaxing summer with her friends and boyfriend. Grant is a young IT guy with a master plan for life that doesn’t include parties, hanging out with friends or girls for that matter. But, as we all know, life doesn’t always go as planned.
Jillian gets a summer job where she meets Grant and there’s an immediate connection between the two and they become quick friends. Their banter is always fun and clever and both soon realize they are feeling things for each other they hadn’t planned on. Jillian finds herself thinking things about the sexy IT guy that make her feel guilty since she doesn’t really think them about her boyfriend, Christian while Grant is starting to re-think his no-girl plans.
During some trying times in her life Jillian finds that Grant is the one there to support her, not Christian. Those are the moments when I found myself falling for Grant and really disliking Christian. I was definitely all about Grant!
Jillian must sort through her feelings and decide on following her heart or staying with what she’s always known and thinks is safe. Grant also has to sort out what he thinks he wants for the future and whether one girl is worth re-evaluating his set goals. These two know they feel something for each other, something special, but both have to figure out if it’s something worth risking it all for.
I enjoyed the journey with these characters; I laughed with them and definitely felt for them during their struggles. This was a fun and I really liked the end, I was all kinds of happy when I finished their story.
I received an ARC copy of this book to review for SMIBookClub
This story not only entertained but held some real life truth within it’s pages. So often we become so comfortable within our lives that we make excuses and write off things that seem out of place because we don’t want to rock the boat. In this case, Jillian’s life had a plan…she was going to continue to enjoy her friends and her boyfriend and move forward with her life uninterrupted this summer. Turns out that life had another road for her to take. Grant also had a plan and no desire to change it…until Jillian entered his life.
Now, you might be saying to yourself “been there, read that”. But, don’t think that way just yet. This book was a little bit different. Yes, there was the romance and the chemistry, but it was also a story that challenged the characters to think outside their preconceived notions about what would happen next in their lives. It allowed them to understand that maybe what they’d settled for wasn’t necessarily in their best interest. And it made a point that none of us should be blind to the possibilities that exist just outside our comfort zone.
I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with each other. I must admit that I didn’t always agree with the decisions Jillian made and at times wanted to tell her to get a move on, that the obvious choice was right in front of her. But at the same time, I appreciated the fact that she didn’t just jump. Grant was definitely a swoonworthy character…caring and genuine, while still sexy and smart. And, I have to say that I loved getting this story from both of the POV’s. It was great to understand what was happening to both of them.
Overall, this was a quick read that was not only enjoyable but that had a good life lesson in my opinion. Never shut yourself off from the possibilities that life throws at you…they may be the ones worth living for.
This is my first book by Sarah M. Ross, but it won't be my last. I used to read nothing but popular book until the day I got my Kindle. Now I am getting introduced to all of these amazing authors, like Ross. The description of this book does not give it justice. Jillian is a girl who has been with the same boyfriend for years, until she meets Grant. Grant is the smart IT guy who continually fixes Jillian's problems with her computer. He is hot and smart, what more can a girl want? To be single. Now you see the problem. Well much flirting and hot encounters everyone is faced with a life alternating problem. Ross was able to create very real characters and very real circumstances. Read this book, you won't be sorry.
So if this didn't give you enough of a pull to buy this book, read some of my favorite quotes:
He reached out to shake my hand, and my breath hitched a little. While not Damon Salvatore or Eric Northman hot, he was certainly attractive.
It went against every instinct, telling me to scream MINE and pee in a circle around her cubicle so everyone knew it, too.
I didn't need a destination, just a journey.
Life wasn't guaranteed, so come what may.
I wanted to puff up my cheat and scream it to the rooftops, "Screw you Christian. She's picking me!"
I squared my shoulders and made a decision. It was time to pull on my big girl panties and do what every mature woman in my situation would do: cry to my best friends while I spilled my guts about what I did over several pints of Ben and Jerry's.
DNF - the book started out great - the prologue was really intense and I couldnt wait to get into it. Unfortunately after that I could not connect with the book and I tried across 4 days to only make it to 43%. Jillian was very immature and I didnt like her character at all. I liked Grant in the beginning and he seemed relatable - grew up fast because mom passed away and dad became severely depressed. He was afraid to get too close to someone because of death and loss. Its understandable but he's also 23 years old. All of this changes when he sees Jillian. How is that possible? That after one meeting, something special happens and you totally change your way of thinking? Grant likes Jillian because of her intelligence and beauty but he seemed condesending to me. I didnt feel any real connection to the characters nor did I feel a connection between them besides the words the author uses to describe their attraction to each other. Where I left off, Grant seemed totally obsessed with her and I just wasnt interested to finish to see how if they would work out. I feel terrible because it had a great storyline and i am sad not to finish but I cant after trying over 4 days and not getting further through the book. I appreciate the arc I received from the author for this book and wish her best of luck!
Jillian is in a long term relationship with Christian. So when her mother pulls some strings to get Jillian a job for the summer this is where she meets Grant. Grant and Jillian have an instant connection and as much as she tries to stay away from him they can't resist each other. Things aren't so good with Christian, he spends most of his time practicing with the band he is in.
From the very start the prologue captivated my interest and had me hooked.
I loved it and felt really good reading it, I think this was because it is such a romantic read. I also thought it was really witty and had me laughing out loud on a few occasions this was mostly due to Grant's friend JT being a funny guy.
I really did not like Christian very much and found I disliked him even more as the book went on. I did really like Grant he is lovely guy and quite romantic and I also love the way he is so protective of Jillian. Jillian is also a really likeable girl but just a little naive but weren't we all at that age?! She also has really great friends.
This is a really well written book that is really romantic with good sex scenes and with no cliffhanger ending either.
A fantastic read
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jillian she was seriously funny, "you're here so we can hook up? I mean, um, hook up the computer?" HAHA seriously that was too funny! I found Grant's honesty refreshing even though he was talking to his friend about it and not Jillian, "no, sorry. And yeah, she mentioned she had a boyfriend. I don't even want to be with her, except, I do. This is drivin' me nuts. I never loose my s*** over girls." Being inside Grant's head was so much fun, "I am a pansy (there was a naughtier word but Amazon is anal). I have officially handed over my boys and slapped on a va****. My manhood card was traded in for aching ovaries and an incessant need to spit on my thumb and rub dirt off of other people's faces." Sweet baby Jesus, Grant is a looker, "in nothing but his black boxer briefs, his swelling erection blatantly obvious, I found myself frozen in place." Don't worry Jillian ole' girl I would be too. Grant is also a possessive sort, "she was mine everywhere that mattered. But I needed to make her mine, on every level. That effin' loser boyfriend needed to go. Now." He's also protective and he's really sexy when he's pissed off, "that god-damned piece-of-s*** mothereffer." I seriously enjoyed this book so much and I hope Sarah writes more like this!
Inhale, Exhale, Inhale, Exhale…. that is exactly what I did throughout this entire book! It is full of ups, down, raw emotions, decisions that need to be made, drama at every corner, and a whole lotta love!
I am so happy to be able to give my honest review about the soon to be released novel! I sat down to start reading it last night… yeah, I know, I promised a review for today, but it was Mother’s Day weekend! I honestly expected myself to be reading well past midnight, but instead… I was finished by 11:23pm! I had time to spare! I say this only because I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! From chapter 1 you are pulled in… what is it that Jillian really likes about Christian? (POS in my personal opinion) A boy from your dreams… now this could get interesting!
Throughout this book, there is so many events that occur, each and everyone of them cause Jillian to have to make hard choices. I have to give her credit, she’s a girl that might make a mistake once.. but one time only! I <3 that about her!
So if you are looking for a book that will keep you on your toes, outta breath for more than one reason, and a love story that will have you breathless… this is it! 1-click it right now!!!
I don't write spoilers so I will try to write without spoilers. This book by Sarah M Ross is different thing anything she has written in the past. I have read all of her books, and loved them all. This book took her writing to a new level, and I thought it was really good. It's about a woman named Jillian who is going through some things that I can see actually happening in real life, but when she meets a man named Grant her life is turned upside down (in a good way). I loved her other series, and when I heard she had a new book coming out that was a NA Contemporary novel I wasn't sure if I would like it because that's not something I would normally read. But I really loved it, and this is so well written I would definitely read more like this from her is she wrote more. I can't wait to see what else Sarah Has in store for us, and look forward to reading more of her books. So I loved it, and thought it was well written and really enjoyed it. I was bummed a little when I finished this book, but all good things come to an end at some point.
I was really debating between and a 3/4 stars on this one... let's go with 3.5. It was a eh kind of book for me. I really have nothing bad to say about it or good. It served its purpose as a book it entertained me for a while or as some else put it in their review "glad it didn't suck" ! The Geist of the story is jillian is made to take a job from her moms friend before she heads to college. She has this boyfriend that's she has been with forever but no longer feels that he is the one for her any more. She meets Grant at work which he is the hot nerdy IT guy. They become friends. He knows she has a boyfriend but starts to fall for her until he founds out who the boyfriend is and tells her what he know but she doesn't believe him. and that's when the story of the loser comes in the play which brings drama. Than somehow everything shifts and the story continues. Like I said... The book for me just entertained me for the afternoon because I hadn't found anything else. But who knows you might fall in love it.