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Just Breathe Trilogy #2
Barely Breathing
Ever Harding used to believe in love. That is until she was left heartbroken by the only person she ever really loved, Jack, the mysterious boy from her history class. Little did she know he was born of the sea, on land to watch over her. But was he really? She made the ultimate sacrifice, to live in the sea as a mermaid, for Jack and for love. But she found that in the end, that love wasn't enough.
Now she finds herself alone, having to make a huge choice. She must decide whether to defend others against the choices she has made or fight for the freedoms of a population, she has just become a part of.
Ever's brother James, became a part of the sea not by any choice of his own, but he is willing to embrace it as long as a certain long legged, beauty is by his side. But as his sister found, things are not always as they seem.
In the end what they feared the most comes to reality, the battle, waged between staying true to life in the sea or changing a race of people to become more powerful and diverse. Will Ever and James survive the lines drawn in the sand or will they have to battle each other for what they believe?
Little do they know the battle in the end, will be something entirely different than what they were ready for.
Now she finds herself alone, having to make a huge choice. She must decide whether to defend others against the choices she has made or fight for the freedoms of a population, she has just become a part of.
Ever's brother James, became a part of the sea not by any choice of his own, but he is willing to embrace it as long as a certain long legged, beauty is by his side. But as his sister found, things are not always as they seem.
In the end what they feared the most comes to reality, the battle, waged between staying true to life in the sea or changing a race of people to become more powerful and diverse. Will Ever and James survive the lines drawn in the sand or will they have to battle each other for what they believe?
Little do they know the battle in the end, will be something entirely different than what they were ready for.
276 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2013
17 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Heather Allen
10 books190 followersHeather Allen is the author of The Just Breathe Trilogy, Feeling This, The Sound of Shooting Stars, Storm of Ekkos and The No Regrets Series. Heather realized her dream of becoming an author with her mermaid trilogy. She savors every moment on her author journey and the wonderful friends she has met along the way. She has many more books planned. More ideas pop up than she has time to write about.
Heather currently resides in the scorching hot state of Florida. She holds degrees in education. She is a hopeless romantic who loves to read just about anything. When she isn’t teaching, writing or reading, Heather can be found at the beach or out on the water paddle boarding.
Heather currently resides in the scorching hot state of Florida. She holds degrees in education. She is a hopeless romantic who loves to read just about anything. When she isn’t teaching, writing or reading, Heather can be found at the beach or out on the water paddle boarding.
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April 25, 2013
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3.5 out of 5 stars
Barely Breathing is the second book from Heather Allen and continues the story of Ever Harding. We first met Ever in ‘Just Breathe’ where she discovered her mermaid history and made a choice that would change not only her life, but the lives of the Lior and the Erebus (the two mermaid clans). In Just Breathe, Ever lost her heart to Jack, but having sacrificed everything for him things didn’t go quite as she would have hoped.
Ever is struggling to recover from the heart break and living in the sea without him is not what she had envisaged for her future. While his sister Amber is a supportive and caring friend, she is also a constant reminder that Jack is not there.
Barely Breathing is told from alternating points of view – Ever’s and her brother James’. It’s an approach that I really like as it gives you two perspectives, generally providing a fuller picture to the story. James has come to terms with his mer-man life and is training for the impending battle. Sara is sent as James’ guardian and James is struck by her beauty. For the first time, he finds himself falling hard for a girl. Sara works with James to develop his fighting skills and the more time James spends with Sara, the stronger his feelings for her become. James is unwittingly aligned with the Erebus clan and is confident that if Sara is by his side, he can do anything.
We met Alex towards the end of Just Breathe and despite her sadness over Jack, Ever was a little intrigued by him. He is gorgeous, friendly, supportive and unless Ever is mistaken he has more than a friendly interest in her.
Alex helps Ever with her training and she quickly develops an affinity for the bow and arrow. She also further develops her "will’s" and it is soon very clear that she is an incredibly powerful mermaid. Her role in settling the future of the Lior clan is unavoidable, and as she comes to grips with this, she must also determine whether choices she has made in the past have been the right ones – including choices made with her heart. As if that’s not enough of a burden to bear, Ever and James must also come to terms with the fact that despite being brother and sister, they are on opposite sides in the impending war.
I’ll be honest, I found Ever to be a bit insipid in Barely Breathing. Constantly avoiding issues and never really dealing with the situations she found herself in decisively was very frustrating for me. Having said that, she was often described as ‘running away’ or not dealing with her problems – so she was consistent with her character, I just don’t really warm to characters like her. In her defence, her heartbreak over Jack caused her much distress, the confusion over exactly which side of the battle she should be on and whether she was developing feelings for Alex all would have made making decisions a significant challenge for Ever.
Barely Breathing is well written and definitely wraps up a whole lot of things left hanging from Just Breathe. I was quite frustrated with how Just Breathe concluded, so did get the closure I was looking for. There are some twists in the story that you don’t expect: the Ever/Alex/Jack triangle is resolved and there’s a twist that impacts James and Sara that I never saw coming.
The story is set to be a trilogy when finished. Rest assured though, the promise of the third book doesn’t mean a cliff hanger this time. There is a nice finish to the story in Barely Breathing, with enough options for the third book to deliver complete closure for all the characters. If you’ve read Just Breathe, you should definitely pick up Barely Breathing.
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3.5 out of 5 stars
Barely Breathing is the second book from Heather Allen and continues the story of Ever Harding. We first met Ever in ‘Just Breathe’ where she discovered her mermaid history and made a choice that would change not only her life, but the lives of the Lior and the Erebus (the two mermaid clans). In Just Breathe, Ever lost her heart to Jack, but having sacrificed everything for him things didn’t go quite as she would have hoped.
Ever is struggling to recover from the heart break and living in the sea without him is not what she had envisaged for her future. While his sister Amber is a supportive and caring friend, she is also a constant reminder that Jack is not there.
Barely Breathing is told from alternating points of view – Ever’s and her brother James’. It’s an approach that I really like as it gives you two perspectives, generally providing a fuller picture to the story. James has come to terms with his mer-man life and is training for the impending battle. Sara is sent as James’ guardian and James is struck by her beauty. For the first time, he finds himself falling hard for a girl. Sara works with James to develop his fighting skills and the more time James spends with Sara, the stronger his feelings for her become. James is unwittingly aligned with the Erebus clan and is confident that if Sara is by his side, he can do anything.
We met Alex towards the end of Just Breathe and despite her sadness over Jack, Ever was a little intrigued by him. He is gorgeous, friendly, supportive and unless Ever is mistaken he has more than a friendly interest in her.
Alex helps Ever with her training and she quickly develops an affinity for the bow and arrow. She also further develops her "will’s" and it is soon very clear that she is an incredibly powerful mermaid. Her role in settling the future of the Lior clan is unavoidable, and as she comes to grips with this, she must also determine whether choices she has made in the past have been the right ones – including choices made with her heart. As if that’s not enough of a burden to bear, Ever and James must also come to terms with the fact that despite being brother and sister, they are on opposite sides in the impending war.
I’ll be honest, I found Ever to be a bit insipid in Barely Breathing. Constantly avoiding issues and never really dealing with the situations she found herself in decisively was very frustrating for me. Having said that, she was often described as ‘running away’ or not dealing with her problems – so she was consistent with her character, I just don’t really warm to characters like her. In her defence, her heartbreak over Jack caused her much distress, the confusion over exactly which side of the battle she should be on and whether she was developing feelings for Alex all would have made making decisions a significant challenge for Ever.
Barely Breathing is well written and definitely wraps up a whole lot of things left hanging from Just Breathe. I was quite frustrated with how Just Breathe concluded, so did get the closure I was looking for. There are some twists in the story that you don’t expect: the Ever/Alex/Jack triangle is resolved and there’s a twist that impacts James and Sara that I never saw coming.
The story is set to be a trilogy when finished. Rest assured though, the promise of the third book doesn’t mean a cliff hanger this time. There is a nice finish to the story in Barely Breathing, with enough options for the third book to deliver complete closure for all the characters. If you’ve read Just Breathe, you should definitely pick up Barely Breathing.
July 10, 2013
As usually happens with follow up books, I preferred the first installment in this series. It was still a really good book and it played the story out very well. It was well-written and engaging, but I couldn't help but feel the ending was a bit hectic, and I would have liked it better if there was less of a cliff hanger and more of a wrap up. That's just my personal preference, of course, and I do have to say that if nothing else the ending makes me desperately want to grab hold of the third (and unfortunately, last) book in this series! I simply have to know how everything pans out for the characters, and I must know what happens after..well, I can't say after what, but those of you have read this story know! All in all, it was a very good read, and I can't wait for the next one. I would highly recommend this book who enjoys a good paranormal romance or a cliff hanger ending!
April 16, 2013
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Heather Allen does it again!I often worry with a trilogy that the story will drag on and I will lose interest, I can definitely attest to the fact that you will not find that the case in this series! I was yet again enthralled with the mermaid world the author created. The different view points enhanced the story and made me fall in love with the characters even more. I can not wait to find out what happens next! If you do not read this series you are missing out! Do yourself a favour and check it out!
Heather Allen does it again!I often worry with a trilogy that the story will drag on and I will lose interest, I can definitely attest to the fact that you will not find that the case in this series! I was yet again enthralled with the mermaid world the author created. The different view points enhanced the story and made me fall in love with the characters even more. I can not wait to find out what happens next! If you do not read this series you are missing out! Do yourself a favour and check it out!
December 30, 2013
The fairly interesting plot kept me into the book enough to see it through to the end. Unfortunately, the problems that plagued the previous book did not improve in this one.
There were a few spelling errors, grammatical errors, missing quotation marks, unnecessary paragraph indentations that lead to confusion over who was actually speaking and punctuation errors.
The biggest problem is the lack of proper usage of commas. Either the author puts way too many in one sentence, often incorrectly, or she completely leaves them out of a sentence, making it too difficult to read.
There are a lot of references to underage/teenage drinking, especially by Ever and James. At Gabbi and Ever’s graduation party (that was held at Gabbi’s house and was thrown by both sets of parents), there are multi references the children drinking alcohol and doing shots. Getting tipsy, passing out and hangovers are also featured in the story.
The “smirking” continues in Barely Breathing. Now it’s really starting to get to me. There were 21 instances that made me wonder why all these characters were acting so smug.
Strangely, Ever continues to “lose energy” for ridiculous reasons:
Loc. 130 – “I’ve lost my energy to give her complete sentences anymore.”
Loc. 605 – “By the time we decide to finish I am completely out of energy.”
Loc. 707 – “A small voice calls my name, ‘Ever…then louder, Ever…Swim…Ever”… the last word is choked, ‘Swim.’ But I can’t, I have no energy.
Loc. 1174 – Ever just kissed Alex. “I look away and sink to the ground. My energy is now gone, one class…I made it to one class and already, I’ve lost it.”
Loc. 1278 – Before I can wake up enough and gather enough energy, my cell rings.”
Loc. 1579 – Julia just told Ever that she moves from one guy to another very quickly this year (Michael, then Jack and then Alex) and then Ever gets all emotional because Julia happens to say Jack’s name (oh, grow up already, Ever!). She runs out of the bar and then stands in the parking lot, sobbing and freezing. Then, she feels a hand on her arm and turns around. “My eyes meet intense green and Alex catches my hand. All of my energy seems to drain from me and I can barely hold myself up. He notices my knees about to give out and leads me over to his truck.”
Loc. 2751 – Ever and Alex are standing before Seamus and Ever discovers that she was gone for two days. ‘“I was there… two days! But how?’ Suddenly I’m defeated and exhausted again.”
Loc. 2781 – “But before I can strike, my eyes meet the unmistakable eyes of Alex. I lose the dagger again and collapse.”
Then, we have many instances of Ever fainting:
Loc. 323 – “My eyes meet his, I am terrified and if I don’t calm down we all know about my frequency of fainting.”
Loc. 2369 – Suddenly my breathing starts coming in gasps. I’m trying to breath (it’s supposed to be ‘breathe’) but I can’t seem to get any air. The tingle spreads this time reaching my arms and my head. I can feel my grasp is going, then my eyes slowly close and darkness.”
Loc. 2470 – “Now my brain is screaming at me not to go in there. Luckily though, the tingle comes up through my fin and overtakes the rest of me fast. I embrace it and darkness.”
Loc. 2651 – “My heart starts beating fast and I feel a tingle rise up again. Oh no, Ever get it together. He didn’t actually say that they are going to kill me, just if I don’t join them. Oh god, I’m going to faint again. Going for a record here… Darkness overtakes me again this time completely from fear…”
Loc. 2961 – Ever sighs and sinks to the ground. I rush to her side and realize she didn’t faint, she slid to the ground on purpose.”
Loc. 644 – “I let my head fall into my arms, now I wish for a fainting spell, anything to just take me away from this, for a few minutes, this closing in on me [supposed to be ‘my’] reality. Of course, it doesn’t come. Instead I feel tears brimming out of both of my eyes.”
Loc. 1030 – James keeps rubbing my back and checking on me. I am starting to feel the tingle. It’s starting from my back where he’s rubbing. I can feel it spreading and I’m ready to welcome it. It radiates through me and my breathing becomes shallow…if ever there was an out of body experience, this could be classifies as one. It reaches my head bringing dizziness and then darkness.
As I completed this book, I was suddenly reminded of Bella, Jacob and Edward. Ever totally reminded me of Bella (whiney, self-absorbed, pining over a boy who left her, running to the next boy that was there and “leading him on but still keeping him in the friend category in case the prior love of her life comes back, and we keep hearing how broken she is). Alex was Jacob (the friend who really, really liked the girl and wanted to take care of her and make her better). Ever has initiated so many kisses with Alex and then wonders why he can’t help but want something more from her. (Loc. 1174 and Loc. 1579). Jack was Edward (who seems to be like the girl’s true love, leaves the girl, makes the girl question his actions, and when he returns, the girl is all over him again like nothing ever happened).
For some reason, I am not convinced that Ever and Jack should be together. I don’t get that “romantic vibe” from them that convinces me that they are truly a couple. However, I do get that feeling with Ever and Alex. The author has a way of making me feel Alex’s longing for Ever where she lacks the same ability with Jack.
This book needed help, just like the first one and I was surprised that an editor did not take a crack at this. The author acknowledges a family member for the multiple edits and I imagine that this is why the book still lacks in the grammar (etc.) department.
I give this book 2.5 stars but for some strange reason, I am feeling generous again. I will give it a reluctant 3 stars.
There were a few spelling errors, grammatical errors, missing quotation marks, unnecessary paragraph indentations that lead to confusion over who was actually speaking and punctuation errors.
The biggest problem is the lack of proper usage of commas. Either the author puts way too many in one sentence, often incorrectly, or she completely leaves them out of a sentence, making it too difficult to read.
There are a lot of references to underage/teenage drinking, especially by Ever and James. At Gabbi and Ever’s graduation party (that was held at Gabbi’s house and was thrown by both sets of parents), there are multi references the children drinking alcohol and doing shots. Getting tipsy, passing out and hangovers are also featured in the story.
The “smirking” continues in Barely Breathing. Now it’s really starting to get to me. There were 21 instances that made me wonder why all these characters were acting so smug.
Strangely, Ever continues to “lose energy” for ridiculous reasons:
Loc. 130 – “I’ve lost my energy to give her complete sentences anymore.”
Loc. 605 – “By the time we decide to finish I am completely out of energy.”
Loc. 707 – “A small voice calls my name, ‘Ever…then louder, Ever…Swim…Ever”… the last word is choked, ‘Swim.’ But I can’t, I have no energy.
Loc. 1174 – Ever just kissed Alex. “I look away and sink to the ground. My energy is now gone, one class…I made it to one class and already, I’ve lost it.”
Loc. 1278 – Before I can wake up enough and gather enough energy, my cell rings.”
Loc. 1579 – Julia just told Ever that she moves from one guy to another very quickly this year (Michael, then Jack and then Alex) and then Ever gets all emotional because Julia happens to say Jack’s name (oh, grow up already, Ever!). She runs out of the bar and then stands in the parking lot, sobbing and freezing. Then, she feels a hand on her arm and turns around. “My eyes meet intense green and Alex catches my hand. All of my energy seems to drain from me and I can barely hold myself up. He notices my knees about to give out and leads me over to his truck.”
Loc. 2751 – Ever and Alex are standing before Seamus and Ever discovers that she was gone for two days. ‘“I was there… two days! But how?’ Suddenly I’m defeated and exhausted again.”
Loc. 2781 – “But before I can strike, my eyes meet the unmistakable eyes of Alex. I lose the dagger again and collapse.”
Then, we have many instances of Ever fainting:
Loc. 323 – “My eyes meet his, I am terrified and if I don’t calm down we all know about my frequency of fainting.”
Loc. 2369 – Suddenly my breathing starts coming in gasps. I’m trying to breath (it’s supposed to be ‘breathe’) but I can’t seem to get any air. The tingle spreads this time reaching my arms and my head. I can feel my grasp is going, then my eyes slowly close and darkness.”
Loc. 2470 – “Now my brain is screaming at me not to go in there. Luckily though, the tingle comes up through my fin and overtakes the rest of me fast. I embrace it and darkness.”
Loc. 2651 – “My heart starts beating fast and I feel a tingle rise up again. Oh no, Ever get it together. He didn’t actually say that they are going to kill me, just if I don’t join them. Oh god, I’m going to faint again. Going for a record here… Darkness overtakes me again this time completely from fear…”
Loc. 2961 – Ever sighs and sinks to the ground. I rush to her side and realize she didn’t faint, she slid to the ground on purpose.”
Loc. 644 – “I let my head fall into my arms, now I wish for a fainting spell, anything to just take me away from this, for a few minutes, this closing in on me [supposed to be ‘my’] reality. Of course, it doesn’t come. Instead I feel tears brimming out of both of my eyes.”
Loc. 1030 – James keeps rubbing my back and checking on me. I am starting to feel the tingle. It’s starting from my back where he’s rubbing. I can feel it spreading and I’m ready to welcome it. It radiates through me and my breathing becomes shallow…if ever there was an out of body experience, this could be classifies as one. It reaches my head bringing dizziness and then darkness.
As I completed this book, I was suddenly reminded of Bella, Jacob and Edward. Ever totally reminded me of Bella (whiney, self-absorbed, pining over a boy who left her, running to the next boy that was there and “leading him on but still keeping him in the friend category in case the prior love of her life comes back, and we keep hearing how broken she is). Alex was Jacob (the friend who really, really liked the girl and wanted to take care of her and make her better). Ever has initiated so many kisses with Alex and then wonders why he can’t help but want something more from her. (Loc. 1174 and Loc. 1579). Jack was Edward (who seems to be like the girl’s true love, leaves the girl, makes the girl question his actions, and when he returns, the girl is all over him again like nothing ever happened).
For some reason, I am not convinced that Ever and Jack should be together. I don’t get that “romantic vibe” from them that convinces me that they are truly a couple. However, I do get that feeling with Ever and Alex. The author has a way of making me feel Alex’s longing for Ever where she lacks the same ability with Jack.
This book needed help, just like the first one and I was surprised that an editor did not take a crack at this. The author acknowledges a family member for the multiple edits and I imagine that this is why the book still lacks in the grammar (etc.) department.
I give this book 2.5 stars but for some strange reason, I am feeling generous again. I will give it a reluctant 3 stars.
September 6, 2025
Continuing this series, we see a lot of choices being made and battles fought. I was surprised about one of the characters and her role in things that transpired. I love mermaids and the world that's been created here. I think lovers of fantasy and mermaids will enjoy this series.
May 14, 2013
Would probably rate 3.5 stars...but I always round up when leaving my review on other sites.
Ever has learned that Jack has betrayed her and it seems that her decision to live in the sea has been for nothing. Now she has to learn to fight her brother in an impending war that really isn’t her battle to win. But since she made the choice to live in the sea and become a mermaid, she has to stick by her decision and help lead her people to victory. But is Ever making the right choice? Is her dreams telling her something bad is going to happen? And will she ever be able to pick up the pieces of her broken heart that Jack destroyed?
Ok gonna break it down about what I liked and disliked. Lets go with dislike first. I disliked that the first half of the book had hardly anything going on. There was some training, some bonding, and some new relationships. But that about sums it up. There really wasn't anything paramount that went on. Sure there was some small talk about the upcoming battle and how Ever can't stand even the mention of Jack's name, but really nothing big happens. So altogether the first half of the book was slow, kind of too slow.
One other thing I sort of disliked was the fact that the parents were a little too oblivious to what their children are up to. At least they took the initiative, kind of, this time around with James and acted like parents. But they seem a little off to me. I guess that is the mom in me talking.
Now, for the things I liked (and loved). I liked Alex but never got that feeling that he was truly meant for Ever. And I hated that I couldn't feel that way. But you can see that they obviously care for one another. He is such a great guy and has so much to offer her. Ever is just going to have to decide whether she wants to live with a broken heart or move on and learn to find love again. And it is not decision she will make lightly. She will tear herself up trying to decide what she wants and what she needs in her life.
James. Yes, I absolutely loved that he was such a big addition to the story. At first I wasn't crazy about him, but he grew on me and I enjoyed his scenes and POV. I enjoyed the relationship that him and Ever developed throughout the book and hated it too. Because in the end...there will be a battle and they will be fighting against each other. And it broke my heart to see them getting along so well knowing that the end inevitable.
The end is a whopper of cliff hanger. It definitely has you eager for the last book in the series, FOREVER BREATHING. And boy do I look forward to it and to finally see how the series will conclude. BARELY BREATHING was a good book, I just wasn't gaga over it. But I do recommend it to those who have read the first one. You will want to continue on and see how it all develops.
Ever has learned that Jack has betrayed her and it seems that her decision to live in the sea has been for nothing. Now she has to learn to fight her brother in an impending war that really isn’t her battle to win. But since she made the choice to live in the sea and become a mermaid, she has to stick by her decision and help lead her people to victory. But is Ever making the right choice? Is her dreams telling her something bad is going to happen? And will she ever be able to pick up the pieces of her broken heart that Jack destroyed?
Ok gonna break it down about what I liked and disliked. Lets go with dislike first. I disliked that the first half of the book had hardly anything going on. There was some training, some bonding, and some new relationships. But that about sums it up. There really wasn't anything paramount that went on. Sure there was some small talk about the upcoming battle and how Ever can't stand even the mention of Jack's name, but really nothing big happens. So altogether the first half of the book was slow, kind of too slow.
One other thing I sort of disliked was the fact that the parents were a little too oblivious to what their children are up to. At least they took the initiative, kind of, this time around with James and acted like parents. But they seem a little off to me. I guess that is the mom in me talking.
Now, for the things I liked (and loved). I liked Alex but never got that feeling that he was truly meant for Ever. And I hated that I couldn't feel that way. But you can see that they obviously care for one another. He is such a great guy and has so much to offer her. Ever is just going to have to decide whether she wants to live with a broken heart or move on and learn to find love again. And it is not decision she will make lightly. She will tear herself up trying to decide what she wants and what she needs in her life.
James. Yes, I absolutely loved that he was such a big addition to the story. At first I wasn't crazy about him, but he grew on me and I enjoyed his scenes and POV. I enjoyed the relationship that him and Ever developed throughout the book and hated it too. Because in the end...there will be a battle and they will be fighting against each other. And it broke my heart to see them getting along so well knowing that the end inevitable.
The end is a whopper of cliff hanger. It definitely has you eager for the last book in the series, FOREVER BREATHING. And boy do I look forward to it and to finally see how the series will conclude. BARELY BREATHING was a good book, I just wasn't gaga over it. But I do recommend it to those who have read the first one. You will want to continue on and see how it all develops.
March 18, 2014
Barely Breathing is the second book to the trilogy by Heather Allen, and is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. Once you start reading I guarantee you will not be able to stop! In the second book 18 year old Ever Harding continues to be faced with decisions she has to make that can change everything. Without spoiling it one thing I liked most about the second book is the suspense that leads up to the very big battle that the sea people are all dreading. Ever and her brother James are both given the decision of which sea clan to side on for the battle, the Erebus or the Lior. The worst part is Ever and James side on opposite sides, meaning both sister and brother will be battling each other. I also liked about the second book is how the love story between Ever and Jack continues, but this time relationship is very shaky. After living in the sea for a while now, Ever soon starts to question about how much she really knows about Jack, and if giving up everything for him was the right thing to do. Ever’s love for Jack is tested when merman Alex arrives during the time of a downfall in Jack and Ever’s relationship, letting Alex be the distraction Ever needs to get her mind off things. I liked these parts most throughout the book because it gives a little romance, mystery, suspense, and drama which are my favorite type of genres.
I would say this book would interest most those who are into the genre’s I previously mentioned whether it is in movies T.V shows, or books. For instance those interested in books and movies such as Twilight and the Hunger Games will definitely find this book interesting. This book has both romance and drama in it for example, when Ever’s relationship with Jack is very shaky Alex another merman is there for Ever constantly checking up on her to see if she is ok. The drama comes in with the battle the sea people are all preparing for to happen, meanwhile Ever and James are both put in training in preparation for battle. Although, Ever and James are still not sure if they are siding on the right side. Both siblings have a problem with fighting each other, because as brother and sister they do not want each other to get hurt and surely never wanted it to come to this.
I would say this book would interest most those who are into the genre’s I previously mentioned whether it is in movies T.V shows, or books. For instance those interested in books and movies such as Twilight and the Hunger Games will definitely find this book interesting. This book has both romance and drama in it for example, when Ever’s relationship with Jack is very shaky Alex another merman is there for Ever constantly checking up on her to see if she is ok. The drama comes in with the battle the sea people are all preparing for to happen, meanwhile Ever and James are both put in training in preparation for battle. Although, Ever and James are still not sure if they are siding on the right side. Both siblings have a problem with fighting each other, because as brother and sister they do not want each other to get hurt and surely never wanted it to come to this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2013
Cute story - I enjoyed reading both of these.
In the first book, things didn't go that well for Ever - now she's stuck in the Sea without Jack and she's miserable. She wants to go home, but most of all, she wants Jack. he still has her heart .
But when Alex shows up to help with her training, she can see his interest in her, but she tries to keep him in a friend category.
Training starts to go well, until she starts to miss her Grand-mw too much and accidentally leaves the Sea.
James - I love reading about teenage guys in their POV :)
He is a typical 17 year old guy. Trying to do what's right, but screwing everything up.
Add in being forced to live in the Sea - on the Dark side to boot - But James can see the good in things - and he is actually enjoying his time in the sea - until he wakes up one morning in his bed at home...
James ends up being grounded, but he's home, and that's ok with him. He didn't realize how much he missed it until he was back.
At school, he meets Sara - Now Sara is his guardian from the Sea - she is there to make sure he trains and is safe. But she knows who Ever is, and she doesn't want these two to get too close.
Ever and James haven't really gotten along in their lives, but when they finally piece together their problems, the upcoming battle , and they're going to fight each other, they start to plot - they don't want to fight each other... but the're not going to switch sides either.
So what are they going to do??
Prom comes and goes, and finally school is out - Back to the Sea they go where things really start to get good :)
This was a cute story - I will be recommending it to my girls (ages 12 and 14) because I think it will be something they'd like to read :)
In the first book, things didn't go that well for Ever - now she's stuck in the Sea without Jack and she's miserable. She wants to go home, but most of all, she wants Jack. he still has her heart .
But when Alex shows up to help with her training, she can see his interest in her, but she tries to keep him in a friend category.
Training starts to go well, until she starts to miss her Grand-mw too much and accidentally leaves the Sea.
James - I love reading about teenage guys in their POV :)
He is a typical 17 year old guy. Trying to do what's right, but screwing everything up.
Add in being forced to live in the Sea - on the Dark side to boot - But James can see the good in things - and he is actually enjoying his time in the sea - until he wakes up one morning in his bed at home...
James ends up being grounded, but he's home, and that's ok with him. He didn't realize how much he missed it until he was back.
At school, he meets Sara - Now Sara is his guardian from the Sea - she is there to make sure he trains and is safe. But she knows who Ever is, and she doesn't want these two to get too close.
Ever and James haven't really gotten along in their lives, but when they finally piece together their problems, the upcoming battle , and they're going to fight each other, they start to plot - they don't want to fight each other... but the're not going to switch sides either.
So what are they going to do??
Prom comes and goes, and finally school is out - Back to the Sea they go where things really start to get good :)
This was a cute story - I will be recommending it to my girls (ages 12 and 14) because I think it will be something they'd like to read :)
December 5, 2015
******Contains Some Spoilers*******
Barely Breathing is the second book in the Just Breathe Trilogy. It picks up right where Just Breathe left off. We find Ever heartbroken and confused about what side Jack really is on. Ever is still struggling with having to make her decision and is trying to move on with her life without Jack.
Things become even more complicated because now Ever's brother James is involved. He seems to be willing to embrace the decision he must make. It doesn't hurt that he has fallen for Sara and she is part of what is helping him make this decision. But, James will ultimately come to the same conclusion, that things are not always as they seem.
I loved that we got Ever and James' Pov in this book. It was great to see them experience the same things and get each of their takes on it. We also get to meet some new characters in this book,and see the different sides of the mermaid feud. Sara and Alex are some great new additions. There is a little bit of a romance between Ever and Alex, but Ever realizes that she still isn't over Jack, no matter how much she wants to be. So, the Alex/Ever/Jack situation does get resolved and secrets are finally out in the open.
This book had some great twists that I wasn't expecting and of course, ended with another cliffhanger ending! I'm looking forward to the last book and seeing how everything gets resolved.
Barely Breathing is the second book in the Just Breathe Trilogy. It picks up right where Just Breathe left off. We find Ever heartbroken and confused about what side Jack really is on. Ever is still struggling with having to make her decision and is trying to move on with her life without Jack.
Things become even more complicated because now Ever's brother James is involved. He seems to be willing to embrace the decision he must make. It doesn't hurt that he has fallen for Sara and she is part of what is helping him make this decision. But, James will ultimately come to the same conclusion, that things are not always as they seem.
I loved that we got Ever and James' Pov in this book. It was great to see them experience the same things and get each of their takes on it. We also get to meet some new characters in this book,and see the different sides of the mermaid feud. Sara and Alex are some great new additions. There is a little bit of a romance between Ever and Alex, but Ever realizes that she still isn't over Jack, no matter how much she wants to be. So, the Alex/Ever/Jack situation does get resolved and secrets are finally out in the open.
This book had some great twists that I wasn't expecting and of course, ended with another cliffhanger ending! I'm looking forward to the last book and seeing how everything gets resolved.
March 4, 2019
At first I was a little confused when I first started reading this book and then I realized it was from James point of view and then it switched to Ever. I think I enjoyed reading, it kept me reading and I enjoyed swing both views from Ever and her brother and his thoughts on the situations. I was very pleased with the second book and enjoyed it a little more than the first. It had a great plot with a twist I wasn't expecting. Overall it was a great read
July 21, 2013
I enjoyed this next installment in the trilogy and can't wait to find out what is going to happen with Ever and Jack and what the outcome of the war between the Lior and Erebus will be! Editing can still use a little work (there are again commas in weird places they shouldn't be), which is the reason for the 4 star rating, but otherwise, this is a great series for young adult readers. :)
January 19, 2014
I really loved the whole plot..... I don't feel it was really told very well. Lots of loose ends. Things like in the first book Jack traveled. In the last book, he depended on Ever and James for traveling, all in all it was disappointment.
April 30, 2015
I love James!! I was so glad his story was included and expanded upon in Barely Breathing. This is a great follow up and kept my interest through the whole story wanting to know what happens next. Love it!
August 23, 2013
Really great writing. An intense book at times. Kinda drawn out though. I didn't really know what was going to happen...not predictable like most books. I have to say I was rooting for Alex.
October 29, 2013
Lovin the series! Unexpected twists & a major cliffy
November 6, 2013
I love this series....I was leaning toward Alex but I am glad that Jack is back in the picture...
April 23, 2014
Somewhat better than the first book. But still a major letdown.
August 7, 2015
Greaeaeaeaeaeawaeaeaeaeaeat Book
Lol I know the great is pong but this books is awesome. I've finally read the second one I cannot wait to read the third yay!!!
Lol I know the great is pong but this books is awesome. I've finally read the second one I cannot wait to read the third yay!!!
August 22, 2013
3.5 stars
August 27, 2013
Another great book. I'm really loving this series. Now, onto book 3. Bring on the mer people.
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