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Inhale Exhale
According to 24 year old Kardea (Kar-DEE-AYE) Gaines, her life is akin to being in a whirlpool. For every day that she feels she’s finally made it above water, there’s another one that sucks her back under. Her inner child is broken and harboring secrets. Her teenage self is full of resentment and hatred. Her current self is weighed down by the past and present drama. Still she inhales, exhales, puts her best foot forward, and keeps it moving. Her life does have its bright spots; her friends and the discovery of a love unlike any other she has ever experienced. The only thing is, they don’t know the half, and she prefers to keep it that way. But what happens when life throws her a curve ball, and she’s forced to address her past and be completely honest with those around her?
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 4, 2023
When you're surrounded by thorough friends......
This is my first time reading a book by De'Andrea, and it won't be my last. Inhale Exhale is a mixture of laughs, drama, dark moments, vulnerability, and lots of love. Kardea is a young woman who went through a lot as a kid and teen, but she has managed to still be a good person. She keeps her trauma from her man and friends who care deeply about her. Once her man betrays her in the worst way he leaves the door open for King to step in, and boy does King STEP! He is the ultimate soulmate in book form. Kardea's crazy supportive besties who are twin sisters had me laughing throughout the book! Along with the men who end up in their lives. This friend group shows up and shows out for one another in every situation, and it is something to truly be admired and mimicked in real life. It kind of gives me Living Single vibes. I don't want to give away too much so I'll end with this: Kaedea's healing is tough but admirable, and please brace yourself for the intimate scenes because babbbbyyyyyyyy it gets HOT! I can't wait to read more about each and every character.
This is my first time reading a book by De'Andrea, and it won't be my last. Inhale Exhale is a mixture of laughs, drama, dark moments, vulnerability, and lots of love. Kardea is a young woman who went through a lot as a kid and teen, but she has managed to still be a good person. She keeps her trauma from her man and friends who care deeply about her. Once her man betrays her in the worst way he leaves the door open for King to step in, and boy does King STEP! He is the ultimate soulmate in book form. Kardea's crazy supportive besties who are twin sisters had me laughing throughout the book! Along with the men who end up in their lives. This friend group shows up and shows out for one another in every situation, and it is something to truly be admired and mimicked in real life. It kind of gives me Living Single vibes. I don't want to give away too much so I'll end with this: Kaedea's healing is tough but admirable, and please brace yourself for the intimate scenes because babbbbyyyyyyyy it gets HOT! I can't wait to read more about each and every character.
September 1, 2023
I need friends like the twins, they support their friend, and uplift her. And King is the man 😊😊😊. I laughed so hard and cried but the ending was beautiful. This is my first read from this author and she didn’t disappoint.
November 9, 2023
Great read!
When I say this book had me all over the place. I experienced several emotions while reading it. It was a beautiful story of trauma and healing. I laughed, cried and got angry while reading and I loved every bit of it
When I say this book had me all over the place. I experienced several emotions while reading it. It was a beautiful story of trauma and healing. I laughed, cried and got angry while reading and I loved every bit of it
June 20, 2023
Mental Health matters
This was my first book by the author and I loved every bit of it. It was relatable while still telling a love story. It’s a must read.
This was my first book by the author and I loved every bit of it. It was relatable while still telling a love story. It’s a must read.
April 18, 2025
Omgosh, this is hands down one of the most emotional reads of 2025 for me… whew
First time reading De’Andrea, but baby, it won’t be my last! Kardea’s story? Wow. This book hit me in all the feels. It was raw, real, and had me going through a full range of emotions. Seriously, check those triggers before diving in! I laughed, I cried, I felt heartbreak, horror, grief, and by the end, pure happiness. The bonds in this book? Straight fire.
King’s love for Kardea? Next level. From the friendship stage to her healing journey, he was there and didn’t play about her—not even a little. Baby, his loyalty and love had me swooning.
Deonte’ definitely got what was coming to him, and I’m here for it.
Tahiri, Tatyana, and Delilah? Top tier. They showed up and showed out like the sisters they are supposed to be, always having each other’s backs. That’s what real sisterhood looks like.
I’m giving this 10 out of 10, and you bet I’ll be leaving 5-star reviews all day. Highly recommend this one if you’re ready for an emotional rollercoaster and some solid love, loyalty, and drama.
First time reading De’Andrea, but baby, it won’t be my last! Kardea’s story? Wow. This book hit me in all the feels. It was raw, real, and had me going through a full range of emotions. Seriously, check those triggers before diving in! I laughed, I cried, I felt heartbreak, horror, grief, and by the end, pure happiness. The bonds in this book? Straight fire.
King’s love for Kardea? Next level. From the friendship stage to her healing journey, he was there and didn’t play about her—not even a little. Baby, his loyalty and love had me swooning.
Deonte’ definitely got what was coming to him, and I’m here for it.
Tahiri, Tatyana, and Delilah? Top tier. They showed up and showed out like the sisters they are supposed to be, always having each other’s backs. That’s what real sisterhood looks like.
I’m giving this 10 out of 10, and you bet I’ll be leaving 5-star reviews all day. Highly recommend this one if you’re ready for an emotional rollercoaster and some solid love, loyalty, and drama.
June 16, 2023
❤️❤️❤️
Superb read I laughed until I cried, cried until I laughed throughout this entire book. The twins are absolutely hilarious 😂. My heart broke for the young Kardi but it rejoiced when she was able to heal and move on to form an healthy relationship with her mom. Definitely a good read.
Superb read I laughed until I cried, cried until I laughed throughout this entire book. The twins are absolutely hilarious 😂. My heart broke for the young Kardi but it rejoiced when she was able to heal and move on to form an healthy relationship with her mom. Definitely a good read.
August 27, 2023
OMG 😍😍
This book was so good! I'm so happy for Kardi and king! Really, the whole crew. Thus was such a good book. I love the growth from. Kardi, her being g able to open up about her trauma. Also can we talk about this friend group! Their friendships in this book were so refreshing! I just loved how they were there for one another. Them twins keep me laughing!!
This book was so good! I'm so happy for Kardi and king! Really, the whole crew. Thus was such a good book. I love the growth from. Kardi, her being g able to open up about her trauma. Also can we talk about this friend group! Their friendships in this book were so refreshing! I just loved how they were there for one another. Them twins keep me laughing!!
July 25, 2023
This book was everything!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love this book, I went thru so many emotions reading this but then 4 girls is the true and I love a happy ending
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love this book, I went thru so many emotions reading this but then 4 girls is the true and I love a happy ending
August 18, 2023
Inhale
This was my first read by this author and I was not disappointed. The raw emotions and love is beautiful. True friendship is one of my favorite elements in this book. Oh and it's funny. Great read.
This was my first read by this author and I was not disappointed. The raw emotions and love is beautiful. True friendship is one of my favorite elements in this book. Oh and it's funny. Great read.
September 27, 2023
It was so good, y'all!!!!
King!!!!! Baby, the way that man loved that woman was everything.
Kardea went through hell growing up. I cried, and I laughed reading this story. It was so good, go read it now.
King!!!!! Baby, the way that man loved that woman was everything.
Kardea went through hell growing up. I cried, and I laughed reading this story. It was so good, go read it now.
July 6, 2023
funny
This book was definitely a 5 star read. I was laughing the whole way through. Loved this and will definitely read more from this author. Great job.
This book was definitely a 5 star read. I was laughing the whole way through. Loved this and will definitely read more from this author. Great job.
July 6, 2023
This was a great book. I was hollering the entire book. My favorite character was Kingston. Loved his personality. Loved the vibes of the book and recommend this 10x.
August 28, 2023
love it
This book is a must read from the beginning to end . It have laughter, love but most importantly shows that you can be healed !!!
This book is a must read from the beginning to end . It have laughter, love but most importantly shows that you can be healed !!!
November 9, 2023
good read
It was a good read! It really took you through the motions and could make you cry. I don’t know if I would’ve forgiven my mom after all of that.
It was a good read! It really took you through the motions and could make you cry. I don’t know if I would’ve forgiven my mom after all of that.
June 7, 2023
what a great read!!!
I couldn't put this book down! De'Andrea did it yet again. I didn't want the book to end. Mental health is something we should make a priority to take care of. I highly recommend this book!
I couldn't put this book down! De'Andrea did it yet again. I didn't want the book to end. Mental health is something we should make a priority to take care of. I highly recommend this book!
June 22, 2023
De"Andrea Hughes Congratulations on bringing another great book to your readers. I didn't know what type of characters you were going to bring to the page with this one after having read those crazy winter sisters, and then you gave us A Real One, Too Good to let it go, and Unwrapping You, which I recommend everyone should check it out. Now you give us Kardea and Kingston, and let's not forget the twins and Kingston's family members as well. You gave us a book that was so relatable because it had a family good and bad, and friendship because the bond between the Kardea, Hiri, and Taty was priceless. I need best friends like them who really understood sisterhood. Kingston was always a part of her life but when he stepped out of the friendzone and became her man he showed her exactly how it is supposed to be and there was nothing anyone could do about it. I love the ending and how they all came together as one big family. I would love to see this in a movie
June 13, 2023
INHALE/EXHALE 💜
This read was very refreshing and touching with down-to-earth characters and everyday phrases. From the beginning, I was swept up in their world. Kardea had been through a lot, her abusive past was a relatable situation to many young women in this world. I'm so glad she wrote about it. It was the ending that really had me in tears. The epilogue, Kardea thoughts, her healing, it was everything. I'm so glad she got a happy ending in every part of her life. This was such a great read and I highly recommend it. #mentalhealth #breakingbarriers #breakinggenerationalcurses #healinghearts #healing
This read was very refreshing and touching with down-to-earth characters and everyday phrases. From the beginning, I was swept up in their world. Kardea had been through a lot, her abusive past was a relatable situation to many young women in this world. I'm so glad she wrote about it. It was the ending that really had me in tears. The epilogue, Kardea thoughts, her healing, it was everything. I'm so glad she got a happy ending in every part of her life. This was such a great read and I highly recommend it. #mentalhealth #breakingbarriers #breakinggenerationalcurses #healinghearts #healing
January 13, 2024
Nice
This was a very nice read, though a bit too lengthy. I was intrigued at the beginning and throughout, but towards the end, it felt as though it became longer and longer. The healing and emphasis on mental health care is a great attribution. Though there was trauma etched throughout, I loved the little hearts that prepared you for the readings as well as the meetings with the psychologist. In addition, positive friendships and relationships made it all worthwhile.
This was a very nice read, though a bit too lengthy. I was intrigued at the beginning and throughout, but towards the end, it felt as though it became longer and longer. The healing and emphasis on mental health care is a great attribution. Though there was trauma etched throughout, I loved the little hearts that prepared you for the readings as well as the meetings with the psychologist. In addition, positive friendships and relationships made it all worthwhile.
March 19, 2025
Beautiful Story!
This was my first time reading this author, and it won't be my last. This was a beautiful story packed with so many emotions!!!! The friendships, the healing journey, and the love!!!! Every emotion was touched. I was mad, I cried, and I laughed. I definitely recommend!!!!
This was my first time reading this author, and it won't be my last. This was a beautiful story packed with so many emotions!!!! The friendships, the healing journey, and the love!!!! Every emotion was touched. I was mad, I cried, and I laughed. I definitely recommend!!!!
June 25, 2025
Two words… Inhale, Exhale!
I loved this book. It was funny, emotional, relatable, and overall beautiful. The friendship dynamic was something I think all women should be able to experience. Let’s not forget King. He’s definitely in my hall of fame for book baes. As previously stated, De’ Andrea does not disappoint, and that still stands true. Well done.
I loved this book. It was funny, emotional, relatable, and overall beautiful. The friendship dynamic was something I think all women should be able to experience. Let’s not forget King. He’s definitely in my hall of fame for book baes. As previously stated, De’ Andrea does not disappoint, and that still stands true. Well done.
July 6, 2023
This was my first read from this author and it won’t be my last! This book was a trigger for me but I loved it! I loved that Kardi had such a loving support system that she was able to heal and that she got her happy ending.
March 19, 2025
Beautiful
Wow! I’m speechless. This book was amazing, sad but beautiful . Well written & carefully thought out. This was my first book by this author and I’m now in love with her!!
Wow! I’m speechless. This book was amazing, sad but beautiful . Well written & carefully thought out. This was my first book by this author and I’m now in love with her!!
July 6, 2025
healing
Kardi was a survivor and she was surrounded by people that truly loved and had her back. Kingston was so assuring and there for her. I love T n T them sisters are something else. Delilah found herself again as well. Second chances can happen Great story, excellent!
Kardi was a survivor and she was surrounded by people that truly loved and had her back. Kingston was so assuring and there for her. I love T n T them sisters are something else. Delilah found herself again as well. Second chances can happen Great story, excellent!
July 20, 2023
Love!!!
This book was everything. The twins kept you laughing and Kardea kept you crying. Whew that darn King was the man. De’Andre did a wonderful job writing this book.
This book was everything. The twins kept you laughing and Kardea kept you crying. Whew that darn King was the man. De’Andre did a wonderful job writing this book.
June 30, 2025
This was one the best books ive read in a whileeee. It was the funniest, loveliest, realest, most tear jerking book ever! I loved reading every word, every second. Thank you for this!!!!
July 4, 2025
Sooo good
This was a great , funny and healing book i was soo happy she had great friends and tae got wat he deserved
This was a great , funny and healing book i was soo happy she had great friends and tae got wat he deserved
February 19, 2025
Ms. DeAndre. I love the storyline skills. I will be checking out more of your work ASAP
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews