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Breathe #1
Just Breathe
For Savannah Rae, living life without her parents was unimaginable. But being blamed for her first love’s suicide? That destroyed every part of who she was.
Gone were the days of innocence, happiness, and dreams. Now her days simply meant attempting to survive. In her mind, her only means for that was replacing her grief with men, booze and the fast life. And for five years, it worked.
When an opportunity to leave the nightmares of her past in Australia opens up, she takes it. Los Angeles beckons - with hopes of late nights, new beginnings, and the promise of a string of endless men to distract her, she can’t wait to dive in.
One thing she didn’t count on was meeting her match.
In the eyes of outsiders, Tate Connors has it all; the ultimate LA bachelor who is content with his lifestyle of wild nights, women and one night stands. He's Mr. Unpredictable with looks that could destroy any woman with one glance.
The craziness of Los Angeles throws them into the chaotic path of each other. Savannah becomes the perfect game, and Tate becomes the ultimate prey. Lines are crossed, emotions are smashed, and the idea of who they truly are begins to be tangled.
However, one thing will become clear.
They are more alike than either one could ever have imagined.
Gone were the days of innocence, happiness, and dreams. Now her days simply meant attempting to survive. In her mind, her only means for that was replacing her grief with men, booze and the fast life. And for five years, it worked.
When an opportunity to leave the nightmares of her past in Australia opens up, she takes it. Los Angeles beckons - with hopes of late nights, new beginnings, and the promise of a string of endless men to distract her, she can’t wait to dive in.
One thing she didn’t count on was meeting her match.
In the eyes of outsiders, Tate Connors has it all; the ultimate LA bachelor who is content with his lifestyle of wild nights, women and one night stands. He's Mr. Unpredictable with looks that could destroy any woman with one glance.
The craziness of Los Angeles throws them into the chaotic path of each other. Savannah becomes the perfect game, and Tate becomes the ultimate prey. Lines are crossed, emotions are smashed, and the idea of who they truly are begins to be tangled.
However, one thing will become clear.
They are more alike than either one could ever have imagined.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2013
140 people are currently reading
2769 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Brookes
22 books1,332 followersRachel Brookes is from the east coast of Australia and writes angst ridden love stories with a pinch of craziness, a dash of drama, a cup of romance, and a bucketload of sexiness. With five novels currently published, she is constantly writing and getting ready to release her next hero and heroine into the world. An avid reader, Rachel can often be found with her kindle in her hand, and getting lost in a happily ever after. She has an unhealthy obsession with The Walking Dead, and social media, and loves hearing from readers at rachelbrookeswrites@gmail.com
You can find me online here:
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Email - rachelbrookeswrites@gmail.com
You can find me online here:
Facebook -www.facebook.com/AuthorRachelBrookes
Twitter - www.twitter.com/rachelbrookes_
Instagram - www.instagram.com/AuthorRachelBrookes
Email - rachelbrookeswrites@gmail.com
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July 12, 2013
"No matter what life you are handed, whatever you are dealt, whatever struggles you may face, please remember to just breathe"
Savannah leave Australia to move to LA for a second chance. A new beginning.
Away from the monsters of her past, the loss of her parents and the hurt of her ex boyfriends parents blaming her for suicide of their son. All Savannah has are her memories and her fathers words..
Savannah has no one, no family, no one who loves her except Mr Davenport, a family friend of her fathers and her boss.
The man who stood by her through everything.
Determined to live her life emotionless, Savannah doesn't do relationships.
She doesn't want to love someone enough for them to hurt her like her ex did when he cheated on her with her best friend.
Savannah has rules: Never sleep with the same guy twice, never let anyone into her heart and no one sleeps in her bed- EVER
That's her motto and she's sticking to it.
That's until she lays her eyes on Tate- Mr Perfection
"He was what I liked to call my perfect prey, and he ticked all the right boxes: dark brown, scruffy just-had-a-wild-time-in-bed hair—check; piercing blue eyes—check; eyelashes that lasted for days—check; and a set of lips that were begging to be bitten—check. He was a true example of absolute perfection"
She had no clue who he is but is instantly mesmerised.
Sav makes friends with Tanzi. She works with Savannah and lives in the same complex.
Tanzi has a twin brother and he is non other than Mr Perfection himself.
He is the perfect combination of sexy, funny and is dashingly cocky!
When a casual hook up with Mr Perfection- Tate isn't an option Savannah decides to do what she does best- partying, drinking and
Casual hook ups with random ppl.
Emotionless sex.
Tate is as affected with Savannah as she is with him. But they will never admit it.
He is a playboy, a ladies man.
Woman flock around him like bees around honey!
Tate and Savannah infuriate each other like crazy! Their crazy banter is so cute!
They so hot for each other but it will go against all the rules they set up for themselves.
Until they cannot resist each other.
"I wanted him to want me as much as I wanted him. I wasn’t looking at him like prey anymore. I had pure unadulterated want for him. The thought of his body pressed against mine was causing every inch of me to ignite."
It seems that both Tate and Savannah have secrets and hurtful pasts and only each other can break down those walls.
"I see it in the way you try so hard to pretend you’re always happy, and I saw it tonight, Sav, at your place. I’ve never seen anyone so scared. I want to be the one to put you back together, you’ve just got to let me.”
When those walls are broken down and hearts are opened, Tate has a problem with trust...
"I want to be able to come over after work and hang out. I want to take you out for ice cream and to the movies. I want to hold your hand whenever I want. I want to be able to tell my mom that I’ve finally opened my heart again. I want to be able to kiss you without being afraid that it will be the last time you ever let me kiss you.”
"I’m scared of you, but sometimes being scared is the best thing that can happen.
This is a beautifully broken man! Underneath that sexy strong exterior is a kind sweet soul who suffers such loss and the pain haunts him everyday.
"I wanted him to help me but more than anything I wanted us to help each other. We were so similar—we were broken, but mostly we were scared. Scared to love, scared to be loved, scared to move on from the past and afraid of the future."
After a miscommunication and lack of trust a situation turns really bad leaving both Tate and Savannah even more broken up then they began.
When feelings are so real its such a waste to let it go and its worth fighting for and they find that they are more alike than they ever knew.
"I know that you are overtaking my mind. I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone before, and I can’t get enough of you and that to me is perfect. You are perfect.”
A shocker of an ending but not to worry! There is NO real Cliffy and the story does continue...
I loved every character in this book and the fact that for once the heroine was not a weakling!!!
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next instalment of this series. I hope to God that all goes well but I have an unsettling feeling that there is more drama to follow!
Savannah leave Australia to move to LA for a second chance. A new beginning.
Away from the monsters of her past, the loss of her parents and the hurt of her ex boyfriends parents blaming her for suicide of their son. All Savannah has are her memories and her fathers words..
Savannah has no one, no family, no one who loves her except Mr Davenport, a family friend of her fathers and her boss.
The man who stood by her through everything.
Determined to live her life emotionless, Savannah doesn't do relationships.
She doesn't want to love someone enough for them to hurt her like her ex did when he cheated on her with her best friend.
Savannah has rules: Never sleep with the same guy twice, never let anyone into her heart and no one sleeps in her bed- EVER
That's her motto and she's sticking to it.
That's until she lays her eyes on Tate- Mr Perfection
"He was what I liked to call my perfect prey, and he ticked all the right boxes: dark brown, scruffy just-had-a-wild-time-in-bed hair—check; piercing blue eyes—check; eyelashes that lasted for days—check; and a set of lips that were begging to be bitten—check. He was a true example of absolute perfection"
She had no clue who he is but is instantly mesmerised.
Sav makes friends with Tanzi. She works with Savannah and lives in the same complex.
Tanzi has a twin brother and he is non other than Mr Perfection himself.
He is the perfect combination of sexy, funny and is dashingly cocky!
When a casual hook up with Mr Perfection- Tate isn't an option Savannah decides to do what she does best- partying, drinking and
Casual hook ups with random ppl.
Emotionless sex.
Tate is as affected with Savannah as she is with him. But they will never admit it.
He is a playboy, a ladies man.
Woman flock around him like bees around honey!
Tate and Savannah infuriate each other like crazy! Their crazy banter is so cute!
They so hot for each other but it will go against all the rules they set up for themselves.
Until they cannot resist each other.
"I wanted him to want me as much as I wanted him. I wasn’t looking at him like prey anymore. I had pure unadulterated want for him. The thought of his body pressed against mine was causing every inch of me to ignite."
It seems that both Tate and Savannah have secrets and hurtful pasts and only each other can break down those walls.
"I see it in the way you try so hard to pretend you’re always happy, and I saw it tonight, Sav, at your place. I’ve never seen anyone so scared. I want to be the one to put you back together, you’ve just got to let me.”
When those walls are broken down and hearts are opened, Tate has a problem with trust...
"I want to be able to come over after work and hang out. I want to take you out for ice cream and to the movies. I want to hold your hand whenever I want. I want to be able to tell my mom that I’ve finally opened my heart again. I want to be able to kiss you without being afraid that it will be the last time you ever let me kiss you.”
"I’m scared of you, but sometimes being scared is the best thing that can happen.
This is a beautifully broken man! Underneath that sexy strong exterior is a kind sweet soul who suffers such loss and the pain haunts him everyday.
"I wanted him to help me but more than anything I wanted us to help each other. We were so similar—we were broken, but mostly we were scared. Scared to love, scared to be loved, scared to move on from the past and afraid of the future."
After a miscommunication and lack of trust a situation turns really bad leaving both Tate and Savannah even more broken up then they began.
When feelings are so real its such a waste to let it go and its worth fighting for and they find that they are more alike than they ever knew.
"I know that you are overtaking my mind. I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone before, and I can’t get enough of you and that to me is perfect. You are perfect.”
A shocker of an ending but not to worry! There is NO real Cliffy and the story does continue...
I loved every character in this book and the fact that for once the heroine was not a weakling!!!
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next instalment of this series. I hope to God that all goes well but I have an unsettling feeling that there is more drama to follow!
August 31, 2013
I'm going to make mine short and sweet. To put it simply I adored this book! Savannah is my favorite type of female character. She's independent, kickass, sarcastic, and feisty as hell! I want her to be my bff so hard. She's not afraid to tell it like it is, and if you mess with her, you're gonna get your ass kicked. At the same time she's also damaged, broken, and is definitely not looking for love.
Enter Tate Connors. Ladies, dust off that book boyfriend shelf. There's a new addition that you simply cannot miss. Tate is a sinfully sexy, brooding bad boy who can, and does, have his pick of women. Tate and Sav fall into insta-lust which they artfully master with a sarcastic, witty, faux hate relationship, and I couldn't get enough of it!
You frustrate me, Sav, you infuriate me, you make me angry, fuck, you make me throw glasses at the fucking wall, but I wouldn't have it any other way. You may have started as a game to me but then you became my challenge.- Tate Connors
One thing that is a MUST for me in a good romance is the relationship development, and in Just Breathe, Rachel Brookes definitely delivers! Watching Sav and Tate move from each stage in their relationship was fun, sweet, and amazingly hot! These two frustrated me, infuriated me, made me laugh, made me swoon, and I admit, I even cried a little. I cannot wait for book 2!!
The secondary characters are incredible. I want to move into this condo building so I can surround myself with such awesome characters. Tanzi is crazy and I love her, Jack is hilarious as hell, and Mr. Davenport is such a good protector.
There you have it. Just Breathe is one of the best books of this summer, and Tate Connors will go down as one of my favorite book boyfriends.
June 28, 2013
I love a heroine who isn't afraid to speak her mind and Savannah is exactly that! She's fierce and fun and, yeah, damaged, but I still love her. Tate is everything you ever wanted in a book boyfriend -- hot, brooding, protective. You won't be disappointed by these two and their fireworks!
Miss Brookes did a terrific job and this is just her debut! Can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve! :-)
Miss Brookes did a terrific job and this is just her debut! Can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve! :-)
June 24, 2013
I feel so conflicted, one minute I want to smack Tate and the next I could runaway with him. Rachel Brookes has written a fantastic story. I don't want to post spoilers. So I will say that I loved the dynamic between the group of friends. I am curious to see what will take place in the next book. I feel like I am left at the calm before the storm. I loved that Sav stayed true to her Aussie roots in her dialect. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 10, 2013
So let me just start off by saying how incredibly pissed I am that this book left me with a sense of unease, uncertainty and annoyance!!! I knew before going in that this novel had a part 2, but due to the ending and situations surrounding her departure, I must say I will be royally pissed if this novel starts back and things have gone south and her heart is broken again, because she doesn't deserve it and it's not fair! Why couldn't Ms. Brookes just choose a different character for book 2 ... say Lucas and Ali -_-
Still, if not for this unease I am currently feeling and a need to tear down the internet to get to book 2, I probably wouldn't have read another book in this series, as I didn't like the writing style or dialogues at all!!
It had a bad sequence, bad conversations, bad personalities, just plain BAD! My book OCD once again got hold of me and wouldn't let go, because as much as I wanted to put down this book, I kept hoping for more and wanting the answers from both their past.
To my surprise, the unease that she felt is what got my attention as opposed to their past that I must admit I thought was more dramatic!
We spent most of the book in the mind of Savannah and when we did come out to have a conversation it was mostly awfully worded or delivered. I was uncertain of which was the lesser evils.
These two behaved like two children throughout most of the novel and their make ups are just plain sad. I didn't feel their connection at all and it was neither here or there if they were together but once again, I found it imperative that they remain together at the end of the novel.
If this book return and they are not together for whatever reason, I will be pissed and it will only add to the unfairness and unrelenting monotony of this story, as he went away for three weeks with no hitch on her side, and she is going away for 4 weeks with so much questions in the air ... totally not fair!
I loved that some Australian culture and lifestyle was adopted within the novel, as it had a more realistic feel to the main character heritage. Aussie jokes and slang was also interesting to learn and laugh at.
She had a great group of friends and they are the saving grace of this novel, as it was the times spent with them that were most enjoyable.
Otherwise, I believe the settings for important reveals and conversations were either bad or borderline cheesy. This girl had a complete break down and confession in the middle of a club with a drink in her hand. C'mon!! Can u say unrealistic? And I swear Tate has something in his eyes, he winks too much for it to
be anything else.
I however loved the interactive moments with Jack and Tanzie, as their subtlety or lack there of was hilarious and added to the few laid back laughable moments that we got from this novel.
Simon/Mr. Davenport role in this novel was small but sometimes bordered on annoying and unnecessary, not to mention the over dramatic flair that he sometimes possessed that have me believing that he might be gay.
Drinking, fighting and unimaginative sex, along with uninspiring conversations and a weak delivery were considerable points in this novel for me. I expected and wanted more and if I wasn't left with a queasy feeling at the end of this novel, this would be it for me. But seeing as I am the most curious cat ever, I shall be waiting on the arrival of book 2 ... who knows, maybe it will be better!
Still, if not for this unease I am currently feeling and a need to tear down the internet to get to book 2, I probably wouldn't have read another book in this series, as I didn't like the writing style or dialogues at all!!
It had a bad sequence, bad conversations, bad personalities, just plain BAD! My book OCD once again got hold of me and wouldn't let go, because as much as I wanted to put down this book, I kept hoping for more and wanting the answers from both their past.
To my surprise, the unease that she felt is what got my attention as opposed to their past that I must admit I thought was more dramatic!
We spent most of the book in the mind of Savannah and when we did come out to have a conversation it was mostly awfully worded or delivered. I was uncertain of which was the lesser evils.
These two behaved like two children throughout most of the novel and their make ups are just plain sad. I didn't feel their connection at all and it was neither here or there if they were together but once again, I found it imperative that they remain together at the end of the novel.
If this book return and they are not together for whatever reason, I will be pissed and it will only add to the unfairness and unrelenting monotony of this story, as he went away for three weeks with no hitch on her side, and she is going away for 4 weeks with so much questions in the air ... totally not fair!
I loved that some Australian culture and lifestyle was adopted within the novel, as it had a more realistic feel to the main character heritage. Aussie jokes and slang was also interesting to learn and laugh at.
She had a great group of friends and they are the saving grace of this novel, as it was the times spent with them that were most enjoyable.
Otherwise, I believe the settings for important reveals and conversations were either bad or borderline cheesy. This girl had a complete break down and confession in the middle of a club with a drink in her hand. C'mon!! Can u say unrealistic? And I swear Tate has something in his eyes, he winks too much for it to
be anything else.
I however loved the interactive moments with Jack and Tanzie, as their subtlety or lack there of was hilarious and added to the few laid back laughable moments that we got from this novel.
Simon/Mr. Davenport role in this novel was small but sometimes bordered on annoying and unnecessary, not to mention the over dramatic flair that he sometimes possessed that have me believing that he might be gay.
Drinking, fighting and unimaginative sex, along with uninspiring conversations and a weak delivery were considerable points in this novel for me. I expected and wanted more and if I wasn't left with a queasy feeling at the end of this novel, this would be it for me. But seeing as I am the most curious cat ever, I shall be waiting on the arrival of book 2 ... who knows, maybe it will be better!
December 5, 2013
Just Breathe tells the story of 22 year-old Savannah. Savannah has been through a lot. She lost her loving parents when she was 10 years-old in a car accident, her high school sweetheart cheated on her and then committed suicide blaming her for his actions. Since then Savannah is afraid to get close to anyone, she justifies her past with sleeping around from guy to guy not doing the “relationship thing”.
Savannah moves from Australia to Los Angeles where no one knows her as the “slut” or the girl who lost her parents and her boyfriend. She’s just a regular girl. This is where she meets him…. She meets Tate. Tate is just like Savannah. He has been hurt and has emotional baggage and sleeps with any woman in L.A. who looks his way. Once these two meet things will never be the same; they break all their rules and start to feel again.
I really liked all the characters in the book, from Savannah to Tate and all the minor characters. Tanzi is Tate’s twin sister and becomes Savannah best friend. She is totally hilarious; I would love her as my friend! I also really liked that both the two main characters were ho-bags… usually the guy is the “ho” who sleeps around and the girl changes him but this time they both needed help and pulled away from each other. It was a lot of back and forth since they both had fears but I liked that it was different.
The first 50% of the book I really enjoyed like a lot. It was a good mix of emotional, fun, and steamy all in one. Tate is super sexy and I was totally diggin’ him. Savannah and Tate hook up rather quickly and I do wish there was more of a build up to them hooking up but I was still enjoying the story. About half way in I started feeling like everything was being repetitive. The two went get close, Savannah or Tate would push the other one away, and they would apologize and say how they never felt this way before and get back together only to repeat it all over again. Tate turned into this psycho jealous guy and it turned me off.
Towards the very end the book started to pick up again and leaves on a cliffhanger. Nothing major that wanted me to throw my kindle across the room but enough of a cliffhanger I want the next book.
I give Just Breathe (Breathe #3) 3.5 Stars
Book provided by the author in return for an honest review.
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Savannah moves from Australia to Los Angeles where no one knows her as the “slut” or the girl who lost her parents and her boyfriend. She’s just a regular girl. This is where she meets him…. She meets Tate. Tate is just like Savannah. He has been hurt and has emotional baggage and sleeps with any woman in L.A. who looks his way. Once these two meet things will never be the same; they break all their rules and start to feel again.
I really liked all the characters in the book, from Savannah to Tate and all the minor characters. Tanzi is Tate’s twin sister and becomes Savannah best friend. She is totally hilarious; I would love her as my friend! I also really liked that both the two main characters were ho-bags… usually the guy is the “ho” who sleeps around and the girl changes him but this time they both needed help and pulled away from each other. It was a lot of back and forth since they both had fears but I liked that it was different.
The first 50% of the book I really enjoyed like a lot. It was a good mix of emotional, fun, and steamy all in one. Tate is super sexy and I was totally diggin’ him. Savannah and Tate hook up rather quickly and I do wish there was more of a build up to them hooking up but I was still enjoying the story. About half way in I started feeling like everything was being repetitive. The two went get close, Savannah or Tate would push the other one away, and they would apologize and say how they never felt this way before and get back together only to repeat it all over again. Tate turned into this psycho jealous guy and it turned me off.
Towards the very end the book started to pick up again and leaves on a cliffhanger. Nothing major that wanted me to throw my kindle across the room but enough of a cliffhanger I want the next book.
I give Just Breathe (Breathe #3) 3.5 Stars
Book provided by the author in return for an honest review.
Stay connected with my reviews, book news and more:
Blog- Jessica’s Book Review | Facebook | Twitter
July 4, 2013
********ARC received in exchange for an honest review********
Life is going to be tough, my beautiful girl. Life will throw you curveballs. Life may try and destroy you, but what matters most is that life will also be beautiful, astonishing, overwhelming and adventurous. It's yours to live.
Where to start with this book?? How about... Oh my freakin' God, I am completely and abso-friggin-lutely, 100% totally and utterly in love with Tate Connors!!! Seriously, he barged his way in to my heart and he is refusing to move. This book had it all for me and I am now in desperate need of my next dose of my new favourite Book Boyfriend.
"Everything changed for me the moment you arrived."
The prologue was the cutest, most precious and special thing I think I've ever read. It turned me in to a pile of mush and I lost count of the amount of times I said "Awwwwwwwwwww." The rest of the story was just WOW! I didn't want to put it down, and when I HAD to I was constantly thinking about it and needing to get back to Tate and Sav. Savannah lost her parents at a young age and her Dad's best friend Simon (Mr. Davenport) has always been there for her. I LOVED him!! I want to find myself a sugar daddy just like Mr. Davenport ;) He had me swooning, he was caring, sexy, and funny. What's not to want?
"For the last fucking time, please call me Simon. You make me sound like some kind of pimp when you call me Mr. Davenport."
All of the secondary characters were great. They were a really close group of friends and they were real! They did and said things exactly as a group of friends in their early twenties would and they were so likeable and believable, Rachel Brookes really brought them all to life. Jack made me laugh with just about everything he said, Lucas was very protective and caring, and Tanzi (Tate's twin sister and Sav's BFF) was my favourite! I loved how close she was to her brother and how she made Sav a part of their family straight away and I thought she was the kind of best friend that every girl should have.
"Seriously, the things I would do to that man," Tanzi said the moment she got to my desk as her eyes lingered on Mr. Davenport's office door.
"Tanzi, you are a sick kitten. He is practically like a second dad to me."
Her eyes twinkled. "I could be your stepmom."
Sav and Tate, they were a mess, I'm not going to lie. They had me on the edge of my seat practically the whole way through the book but I just couldn't get enough! Whenever things started looking up for them, one of them did something to mess it all up!! It was frustrating and fantastic! Sav was a fireball. She was really feisty and - though she had her demons - seemingly strong, and I couldn't help but love her. For me she was the perfect female main character, and then put her together with the incredibly sexy, and equally broken Tate and there were fireworks!
So Mom, we're going to head out. Sav wants to ravish my body because it's my birthday...or something like that." Tate said with a confidence only he could pull off.
I got angry, I got frustrated, I cried, I laughed, and I loved. Just Breathe isn't a Happily Ever After. It's a Happily For Now. And I am left desperate for book #2 in this series so I can see where Rachel Brookes takes Sav and Tate next. This is a book and an author you should definitely look out for.
Life is going to be tough, my beautiful girl. Life will throw you curveballs. Life may try and destroy you, but what matters most is that life will also be beautiful, astonishing, overwhelming and adventurous. It's yours to live.
Where to start with this book?? How about... Oh my freakin' God, I am completely and abso-friggin-lutely, 100% totally and utterly in love with Tate Connors!!! Seriously, he barged his way in to my heart and he is refusing to move. This book had it all for me and I am now in desperate need of my next dose of my new favourite Book Boyfriend.
"Everything changed for me the moment you arrived."
The prologue was the cutest, most precious and special thing I think I've ever read. It turned me in to a pile of mush and I lost count of the amount of times I said "Awwwwwwwwwww." The rest of the story was just WOW! I didn't want to put it down, and when I HAD to I was constantly thinking about it and needing to get back to Tate and Sav. Savannah lost her parents at a young age and her Dad's best friend Simon (Mr. Davenport) has always been there for her. I LOVED him!! I want to find myself a sugar daddy just like Mr. Davenport ;) He had me swooning, he was caring, sexy, and funny. What's not to want?
"For the last fucking time, please call me Simon. You make me sound like some kind of pimp when you call me Mr. Davenport."
All of the secondary characters were great. They were a really close group of friends and they were real! They did and said things exactly as a group of friends in their early twenties would and they were so likeable and believable, Rachel Brookes really brought them all to life. Jack made me laugh with just about everything he said, Lucas was very protective and caring, and Tanzi (Tate's twin sister and Sav's BFF) was my favourite! I loved how close she was to her brother and how she made Sav a part of their family straight away and I thought she was the kind of best friend that every girl should have.
"Seriously, the things I would do to that man," Tanzi said the moment she got to my desk as her eyes lingered on Mr. Davenport's office door.
"Tanzi, you are a sick kitten. He is practically like a second dad to me."
Her eyes twinkled. "I could be your stepmom."
Sav and Tate, they were a mess, I'm not going to lie. They had me on the edge of my seat practically the whole way through the book but I just couldn't get enough! Whenever things started looking up for them, one of them did something to mess it all up!! It was frustrating and fantastic! Sav was a fireball. She was really feisty and - though she had her demons - seemingly strong, and I couldn't help but love her. For me she was the perfect female main character, and then put her together with the incredibly sexy, and equally broken Tate and there were fireworks!
So Mom, we're going to head out. Sav wants to ravish my body because it's my birthday...or something like that." Tate said with a confidence only he could pull off.
I got angry, I got frustrated, I cried, I laughed, and I loved. Just Breathe isn't a Happily Ever After. It's a Happily For Now. And I am left desperate for book #2 in this series so I can see where Rachel Brookes takes Sav and Tate next. This is a book and an author you should definitely look out for.
June 1, 2013
Just Breathe..
Well what can I say? What a story! I've had the chance to Beta this, and i'm so happy Rachel wanted me to! Tate and Savannah. Well hello new book boyfriend ;) Mr Tate Connors is such a (place word here) to begin with, but reading deeper into this story we find a lust that needed to be discovered. I fell into this story pretty fast, me and Rachel spoke over twitter for a little while before I even discovered she was writing a story. When I could out I was like WHAT? WHY YOU NOT TELL ME LADY? But, saying that, I did have the BETA chance ;)
So Savannah leaves Austraila to pursue her career with Mr Davenport and ends up In Los Angeles living the high life. She also has a friend called Tanzi who lives in the same apartment building as her. They become best friends almost instantly and something interesting comes from her too….
I fell in love with Savannah, all her problems she had to deal with in earlier life, the guilt that she wore upon her shoulders. They meet quite by accident but pursued by the inevitable that chased them. I can't give Rachel anymore than 5 stars can I? Damn. :)
Rachel. five stars lady, The ending was amazing, and TBC? OMFG. Gimmie!
Well what can I say? What a story! I've had the chance to Beta this, and i'm so happy Rachel wanted me to! Tate and Savannah. Well hello new book boyfriend ;) Mr Tate Connors is such a (place word here) to begin with, but reading deeper into this story we find a lust that needed to be discovered. I fell into this story pretty fast, me and Rachel spoke over twitter for a little while before I even discovered she was writing a story. When I could out I was like WHAT? WHY YOU NOT TELL ME LADY? But, saying that, I did have the BETA chance ;)
So Savannah leaves Austraila to pursue her career with Mr Davenport and ends up In Los Angeles living the high life. She also has a friend called Tanzi who lives in the same apartment building as her. They become best friends almost instantly and something interesting comes from her too….
I fell in love with Savannah, all her problems she had to deal with in earlier life, the guilt that she wore upon her shoulders. They meet quite by accident but pursued by the inevitable that chased them. I can't give Rachel anymore than 5 stars can I? Damn. :)
Rachel. five stars lady, The ending was amazing, and TBC? OMFG. Gimmie!
May 30, 2013
From The moment I started this book I couldn't put it down, I was engrossed, consumed by the story of Sav and Tate (would like it to be noted that there is a new book boyfriend around - Tate Connors OMG!).
The story captures you from the first sentence, and holds you there for the rest if the book. Written with a certain pazazz, the author has created a family of wonderful characters, that will make you laugh, cry and want to punch your pillow!
If you like angsty, modern, emotion charged romances, JUST BREATHE is a MUST read.
The story captures you from the first sentence, and holds you there for the rest if the book. Written with a certain pazazz, the author has created a family of wonderful characters, that will make you laugh, cry and want to punch your pillow!
If you like angsty, modern, emotion charged romances, JUST BREATHE is a MUST read.
March 10, 2017
The book was good, until it became way too cliche.. It's pretty sad, because i really wanted to love this book. The characters were so enjoyable in the beginning and then it became all sobby and they became weak, in a way. I think this book had too much.. love, for my liking. I'm not sure if i will continue with this series, or if i'll just read the spoilers :P
Rate: 3/2 stars.
Rate: 3/2 stars.
November 27, 2013
*Copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See future reviews for Breathless Blog Tour coming up in December 2013.*
Savannah Rae… The person character with witty humor, don’t –give-a-fk attitude and super sexy body. After losing her parents at early age and getting blamed for her boyfriend’s suicide, she has been damaged. The only thing that could dull the pain would be non-stop partying, drinking, and having sex with random guys.
Moving to Los Angeles was supposed to be the change that she needed where nobody knows her or her past. But when she meets Tate, she knows that she’s in trouble. In every prospect, he is exactly like her – attractive, flirty, and beautifully broken.
This was definitely an awesome read! I loved Savannah and her Australian accent! I could tell from writing by the way she said “arsehole” instead of asshole and “thongs” instead of flip flops. She was fun, broken, and I loved her in every sense. Tate was also something else. They could not have been more perfect for each other. What really made me love this character is that Rachel Brookes captured him as having flaws in the way which made it almost embarrassing but adorable as hell. Alpha male scared of heights? Yes please! That is definitely new for me.
Now.. the reason for my 4-star rating… I was almost going to mark this book as my All-Time-Favorites but the last 50 pages just really bugged me. They were beautifully written with interesting story ending but the way it made me feel is that the ending was just dragging on. Reading about them telling each other “I love you” over and over and talking about how perfect they are gets tiring. Overall I loved that book and personally think that it doesn’t deserve anything less than 4 stars. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of author’s works.
”Life is going to be tough, my beautiful girl. Life will throw you curveballs. Life may try and destroy you, but what matters most is that life will also be beautiful, astonishing, overwhelming, and adventurous. It’s yours to live.”
Savannah Rae… The person character with witty humor, don’t –give-a-fk attitude and super sexy body. After losing her parents at early age and getting blamed for her boyfriend’s suicide, she has been damaged. The only thing that could dull the pain would be non-stop partying, drinking, and having sex with random guys.
Moving to Los Angeles was supposed to be the change that she needed where nobody knows her or her past. But when she meets Tate, she knows that she’s in trouble. In every prospect, he is exactly like her – attractive, flirty, and beautifully broken.
…………………………………………………………………
This was definitely an awesome read! I loved Savannah and her Australian accent! I could tell from writing by the way she said “arsehole” instead of asshole and “thongs” instead of flip flops. She was fun, broken, and I loved her in every sense. Tate was also something else. They could not have been more perfect for each other. What really made me love this character is that Rachel Brookes captured him as having flaws in the way which made it almost embarrassing but adorable as hell. Alpha male scared of heights? Yes please! That is definitely new for me.
Now.. the reason for my 4-star rating… I was almost going to mark this book as my All-Time-Favorites but the last 50 pages just really bugged me. They were beautifully written with interesting story ending but the way it made me feel is that the ending was just dragging on. Reading about them telling each other “I love you” over and over and talking about how perfect they are gets tiring. Overall I loved that book and personally think that it doesn’t deserve anything less than 4 stars. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of author’s works.
August 30, 2016
***ARC received for an honest review***
A very worthy 5 stars for Rachel Brookes' debut novel, Just Breathe.
You know how everyone has their favourite character in "Friends" but you still have a soft spot for them all? Well, that's how I felt about the characters in Just Breathe.
I fell in love with them all but my favourite has to be Savannah Rae's hot and sexy guardian, Mr. Davenport!!
Tate Connors - I really didn't want to like him as he was such an a**e to Sav quite a lot, but as I continued reading and learned more about him and his past, I found myself liking him more and more. I succumbed to the "Tate Connors Effect", who wouldn't with his killer looks, sexiness and tatts?
Savannah Rae (Sav) - my heart went out to her so many times throughout the book especially when Tate came back from NY (no spoilers).
At times I found myself shouting with frustration at Tate and Sav, can they not see what they're doing?
To put it in their words, they're "beautifully broken".
I adored the interaction between Sav & Tate's respective family and friends, they had me laughing out loud so many times.
Jack - he is hilarious with the outrageous things he says.
Tanzi - Jack's girlfriend and Tate's twin sister, is the best friend we all should have. She says whatever is in her head at the time but she always has Sav's back. I want to go clubbing with her and join her for tequila shots!
Lucas - well...no spoilers ;-)
4 hours after reading Just Breathe, I'm still missing Sav and Tate! I loved everything about this book, the humour, the emotional turmoil, the sexiness...EVERYTHING and can't wait to find out what happens next.
Go 1-click buy, you won't regret it, I'll definitely be recommending it to my friends.
***Tip** Don't listen to power ballads whilst reading Just Breathe. I did...BIG mistake. Every song played seemed relevant to each scene I was reading and by the end I was in a serious emotional funk!
A very worthy 5 stars for Rachel Brookes' debut novel, Just Breathe.
You know how everyone has their favourite character in "Friends" but you still have a soft spot for them all? Well, that's how I felt about the characters in Just Breathe.
I fell in love with them all but my favourite has to be Savannah Rae's hot and sexy guardian, Mr. Davenport!!
Tate Connors - I really didn't want to like him as he was such an a**e to Sav quite a lot, but as I continued reading and learned more about him and his past, I found myself liking him more and more. I succumbed to the "Tate Connors Effect", who wouldn't with his killer looks, sexiness and tatts?
Savannah Rae (Sav) - my heart went out to her so many times throughout the book especially when Tate came back from NY (no spoilers).
At times I found myself shouting with frustration at Tate and Sav, can they not see what they're doing?
To put it in their words, they're "beautifully broken".
I adored the interaction between Sav & Tate's respective family and friends, they had me laughing out loud so many times.
Jack - he is hilarious with the outrageous things he says.
Tanzi - Jack's girlfriend and Tate's twin sister, is the best friend we all should have. She says whatever is in her head at the time but she always has Sav's back. I want to go clubbing with her and join her for tequila shots!
Lucas - well...no spoilers ;-)
4 hours after reading Just Breathe, I'm still missing Sav and Tate! I loved everything about this book, the humour, the emotional turmoil, the sexiness...EVERYTHING and can't wait to find out what happens next.
Go 1-click buy, you won't regret it, I'll definitely be recommending it to my friends.
***Tip** Don't listen to power ballads whilst reading Just Breathe. I did...BIG mistake. Every song played seemed relevant to each scene I was reading and by the end I was in a serious emotional funk!
September 29, 2013
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Really.
That's all there is to it.
Loved it.
Tate and Sav... *sigh* *swoon*
I love that this book was NOT about a flawless romance with a perfect knight in shining armor guy and whiny virgin. Tate and Sav are flawed, they are both broken. Together, they seem to piece themselves slowly back together.
Not only did I fall in love with Tate and Sav, but with all the supporting characters as well. I felt like I was there with all of them through the whole story.
Oh and did I mention that this book is HOT HOT HOT! I will forever live with the Tate Connors Effect after reading this book. I am so ready to see what the future has in store for Tate and Sav.
Rachel Brookes writes sexy angst perfectly. She is brilliant. :)
Really.
That's all there is to it.
Loved it.
Tate and Sav... *sigh* *swoon*
I love that this book was NOT about a flawless romance with a perfect knight in shining armor guy and whiny virgin. Tate and Sav are flawed, they are both broken. Together, they seem to piece themselves slowly back together.
Not only did I fall in love with Tate and Sav, but with all the supporting characters as well. I felt like I was there with all of them through the whole story.
Oh and did I mention that this book is HOT HOT HOT! I will forever live with the Tate Connors Effect after reading this book. I am so ready to see what the future has in store for Tate and Sav.
Rachel Brookes writes sexy angst perfectly. She is brilliant. :)
July 3, 2013
I certainly fell for the 'Connor Tate Effect' this book kicks ass!! I'm not going to say too much accept buy this book it's awesome... Savannah is one sassy chick who isn't afraid too speak her mind...
Tate... He is lickable ;)
Catch my full review on the blog website next week, in the mine time go along and like our Facebook page. For book recs, cover reveals, and give aways. http://facebook.com/MakeMyDayBookclub
Tate... He is lickable ;)
Catch my full review on the blog website next week, in the mine time go along and like our Facebook page. For book recs, cover reveals, and give aways. http://facebook.com/MakeMyDayBookclub
September 29, 2015
Absolutely amazing. I loved every page. Tate and Savannah are now two of my favorite couples. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter and sexier book!! Can't wait to start the next book!! More Tate the better! (;
July 14, 2013
4 - 4.5 really liked this one but really want book 2 now
September 23, 2013
Amazing!!! Simply amazing!! I absolutely loved this story!! Rachel seems so sweet and is so interactive with her fan girls :) I just love that and this story of Sav and Tate. Highly recommend.
July 18, 2014
“Yes, I don’t own you, Savannah, but you know what? You fucking own me. You have since the first time I met you…”
I’ve known Rachel for a few months now, and I have been utterly peeing my pants over wanting to read Just Breathe, I even made her send me small teasers – okay, that’s a lie, she voluntarily sent me teasers in a DM during the countdown to me getting an ARC of Just Breathe. I’m such a lucky girly! I got more Tate ;)
I’m not sure if I should be telling you this but blah…a few days before I got my ARC, Rachel sent me the prologue and chapter 1 and 2 to tide me over until I got the little gem in my inbox. LIKE WHATTTT, I need more. But I didn’t get anything more. I was and still am under the Tate Connors effect and dear god, all you will too when you read Just Breathe. It’s hard to resist.
As a debut novel, Ms. Brookes has written a cracker of a book. Seriously, it is amazing, and if you haven’t yet downloaded it, I’d get right on it!! From the prologue you will become hooked. You may cry – I sure as hell did and you will swoon because the prologue is just so sweet. It pours with love and Rachel does a brilliant job of making you feel the emotions of the characters involved, especially Sav and Tate.
Rachel’s writing flows, the plot flows and once you start, you will neeeeed to get to the end, to see what happens. If there is a cliff-hanger or if it ends perfectly so book two will carry off from there? If you follow me on twitter, you will know from my posts how much I was loving this book, how much I was loving the characters and how every time I was reading in public, it was like Rachel knew I was surrounded by people so a sex scene had to come alone and get me all hot and bothered.
But because I love Rachel, I could let that go and just focus on the beauty of all the characters, the way they all love each other and of course, the love between Tate and Sav.
Savannah ‘Sav’ Rae hasn’t had the best life; it’s been hard to say the least. Losing her parents at a young age, and then being blamed for the suicide of her ex-boyfriend can turn anyone’s life upside down and so because of this tragedy so doesn’t want to give her heart away again, so she rebels, she becomes a player, she drinks away the pain and uses guys. That’s who Sav is now and it’s how she copes. But when an opportunity to leave Australia and start afresh in LA calls, she jumps at the chance to leave everything behind.
Tate Connors is the ultimate playboy. The ultimate bachelor who is completely content with his ways; booze, girls and wild nights. With one glance of those blue eyes and he can have girls dropping their panties in an instant. Then one spot of Sav and he knows shes a challenge. He wants her and it seems that from the looks of things, she wants him too.
But there’s more to them than meets the eye. What started as a challenge has turned into more, for both of them and with emotions and lines being crossed and tangled, one this is clear, they are more alike than either of them imagined.
Uhh Tate. The blue eyed sex-on-a-plate guy, who you would literally just want to devour, even if it was just for one night. You would definitely get a fix of him and one look and you will be under the Tate Connor’s effect and drop your panties and mumble incoherent words while he smoulders you with his eyes. NO, I am not overreacting, just you wait and see. Tate will surprise you throughout the book. He surprised me a hell of a lot and I loved that about him. He really is unpredictable. One minute hes douche then the next hes all lovely. Much like Sav, hes a broken man, his past still haunts him but he drinks and sleeps around as a persona, to hide away the pain. That is until Sav walks into his life. Once a to him, she switches him upside down until he doesn’t know what the hell he is doing, apart from wanting to be with Sav.
Despite his playboy nature at the beginning, you really do see Tate blossom. You see his protective side, his possessive side, his sweet side, his sexy side but also his vulnerable side, a painful side where we learn about his past too. We see him journey, from playboy to falling in love and it was so nice to see Tate find someone he could love so much and who reciprocated the feelings. He is a jealous boy and at times I wanted to smack him around the head because he was being a silly fool but he got there in the end and you just fall in love with him. Here is to book two and seeing how he and Sav progress with their relationship. DO NOT hurt my boy Rachel, or I will hunt you down in Aussieland and force you to change the book…but you already know this as I have told you I will do this!
Sav is such an awesome character too. Despite her past and her pain, she is strong. She has to be, she can’t let it get to her, so the drink and the partying and the guys become the norm for her.
She is the female equivalent of Tate and when she spots him, she notices all the moves he does, because she does them too. She sleeps with guys then leaves but something about Tate makes her insides fuzzy and she feels. She doesn’t want to though and not feeling helps her with to not deal with her past and the pain.
Despite her being a strong, independent character, you slowly watch Sav break – in a good way – and watch her develop feelings – for her best friends and for Tate. They scare her as she has never really had a girlfriend before and she doesn’t want to love after being told shes the reason her ex killed himself. But it was refreshing to see this side to her. The side where she was vulnerable to love and how her strong persona cracked a bit when a certain event happen on a day where it was such a big night for her.
Despite all this, Sav can really hold her own against everyone, especially Tate and I loved their bickering and banter and their fights. It all added into the sexual tension and the need for one another when they were resisting. But of course, with two gorgeous people wanting to jump one another, it was inevitable that it was going to happen sooner or later.
Tate and Sav have this connection. Like this super sexy and magnetic connection. It’s instant, the moment their eyes meet and you can see they are both affected by one another. Their sexual tension was just holy hell. Their chemistry was electric and you could literally feel it when you read about the two of them together. The banter they gave each other was hysterical, the cute moments were adorable and they were both just made for one another. They had both been dealt the same shitty cards in their life that together, they knew what the other was going through and could begin to help one another out. I loved Sav and Tate together.
I absolutely adore all the secondary characters. Seriously they are the bomb. The bond they have is just unbreakable. They are there for each other; they love one another unconditionally and have each other’s backs. I love friendship groups like this, who can just relax and make fun of each other and banter like hell. Tanzi, Jack, Lucas are just all brilliant and they welcome Sav with open arms.
Now, I can’t forget my love – Mr Davenport. He is swoon worthy and had me from the get go. I went a bit mad to Rachel over him when I first read him because he is bleeding awesome. This line from him just confirmed how bloody brilliant he is and I knew that my love for him would jus grow throughout the book and it did. Simon Baker is my Mr. Davenport.
“For the last fucking time, please call me Simon. You make me sound like some kind of pimp when you call me Mr. Davenport”
Can you see how much I love this guy?! Just remember, I have dibs on him. Yupp, I really do.
Now, after my swooooooning, I have to talk about the sex. C’mon, would you expect anything less from me? No? That’s better. You all know I love sex in books, and by god, Rachel got me all hot and bothered with the sex scenes between Tate and Sav. There a quite a lot and by god, you literally lap them up. Rachel knows how to write a sex scene that is intense and steamy and wants you just want to fan yourself and then search for your own Tate to jump on. They sizzle, burn, pop and where they have sex is just another thing. I love water hahaahha ;)
As I’ve said, Just Breathe is an amazing book. Its full of banter and angst and heartache but its filled with love and friendship and it was a great book to snuggle up in bed with and read on the way to work…baring in mind most of the sex scenes occurred on the way to work.
I would highly recommend Rachel’s book to you lovely lot, you will not be disappointed. I just wish book two was out now so I can carry on Tate and Sav’s journey.
Hurry up Aussie ;)
I’ve known Rachel for a few months now, and I have been utterly peeing my pants over wanting to read Just Breathe, I even made her send me small teasers – okay, that’s a lie, she voluntarily sent me teasers in a DM during the countdown to me getting an ARC of Just Breathe. I’m such a lucky girly! I got more Tate ;)
I’m not sure if I should be telling you this but blah…a few days before I got my ARC, Rachel sent me the prologue and chapter 1 and 2 to tide me over until I got the little gem in my inbox. LIKE WHATTTT, I need more. But I didn’t get anything more. I was and still am under the Tate Connors effect and dear god, all you will too when you read Just Breathe. It’s hard to resist.
As a debut novel, Ms. Brookes has written a cracker of a book. Seriously, it is amazing, and if you haven’t yet downloaded it, I’d get right on it!! From the prologue you will become hooked. You may cry – I sure as hell did and you will swoon because the prologue is just so sweet. It pours with love and Rachel does a brilliant job of making you feel the emotions of the characters involved, especially Sav and Tate.
Rachel’s writing flows, the plot flows and once you start, you will neeeeed to get to the end, to see what happens. If there is a cliff-hanger or if it ends perfectly so book two will carry off from there? If you follow me on twitter, you will know from my posts how much I was loving this book, how much I was loving the characters and how every time I was reading in public, it was like Rachel knew I was surrounded by people so a sex scene had to come alone and get me all hot and bothered.
But because I love Rachel, I could let that go and just focus on the beauty of all the characters, the way they all love each other and of course, the love between Tate and Sav.
Savannah ‘Sav’ Rae hasn’t had the best life; it’s been hard to say the least. Losing her parents at a young age, and then being blamed for the suicide of her ex-boyfriend can turn anyone’s life upside down and so because of this tragedy so doesn’t want to give her heart away again, so she rebels, she becomes a player, she drinks away the pain and uses guys. That’s who Sav is now and it’s how she copes. But when an opportunity to leave Australia and start afresh in LA calls, she jumps at the chance to leave everything behind.
Tate Connors is the ultimate playboy. The ultimate bachelor who is completely content with his ways; booze, girls and wild nights. With one glance of those blue eyes and he can have girls dropping their panties in an instant. Then one spot of Sav and he knows shes a challenge. He wants her and it seems that from the looks of things, she wants him too.
But there’s more to them than meets the eye. What started as a challenge has turned into more, for both of them and with emotions and lines being crossed and tangled, one this is clear, they are more alike than either of them imagined.
Uhh Tate. The blue eyed sex-on-a-plate guy, who you would literally just want to devour, even if it was just for one night. You would definitely get a fix of him and one look and you will be under the Tate Connor’s effect and drop your panties and mumble incoherent words while he smoulders you with his eyes. NO, I am not overreacting, just you wait and see. Tate will surprise you throughout the book. He surprised me a hell of a lot and I loved that about him. He really is unpredictable. One minute hes douche then the next hes all lovely. Much like Sav, hes a broken man, his past still haunts him but he drinks and sleeps around as a persona, to hide away the pain. That is until Sav walks into his life. Once a to him, she switches him upside down until he doesn’t know what the hell he is doing, apart from wanting to be with Sav.
Despite his playboy nature at the beginning, you really do see Tate blossom. You see his protective side, his possessive side, his sweet side, his sexy side but also his vulnerable side, a painful side where we learn about his past too. We see him journey, from playboy to falling in love and it was so nice to see Tate find someone he could love so much and who reciprocated the feelings. He is a jealous boy and at times I wanted to smack him around the head because he was being a silly fool but he got there in the end and you just fall in love with him. Here is to book two and seeing how he and Sav progress with their relationship. DO NOT hurt my boy Rachel, or I will hunt you down in Aussieland and force you to change the book…but you already know this as I have told you I will do this!
Sav is such an awesome character too. Despite her past and her pain, she is strong. She has to be, she can’t let it get to her, so the drink and the partying and the guys become the norm for her.
She is the female equivalent of Tate and when she spots him, she notices all the moves he does, because she does them too. She sleeps with guys then leaves but something about Tate makes her insides fuzzy and she feels. She doesn’t want to though and not feeling helps her with to not deal with her past and the pain.
Despite her being a strong, independent character, you slowly watch Sav break – in a good way – and watch her develop feelings – for her best friends and for Tate. They scare her as she has never really had a girlfriend before and she doesn’t want to love after being told shes the reason her ex killed himself. But it was refreshing to see this side to her. The side where she was vulnerable to love and how her strong persona cracked a bit when a certain event happen on a day where it was such a big night for her.
Despite all this, Sav can really hold her own against everyone, especially Tate and I loved their bickering and banter and their fights. It all added into the sexual tension and the need for one another when they were resisting. But of course, with two gorgeous people wanting to jump one another, it was inevitable that it was going to happen sooner or later.
Tate and Sav have this connection. Like this super sexy and magnetic connection. It’s instant, the moment their eyes meet and you can see they are both affected by one another. Their sexual tension was just holy hell. Their chemistry was electric and you could literally feel it when you read about the two of them together. The banter they gave each other was hysterical, the cute moments were adorable and they were both just made for one another. They had both been dealt the same shitty cards in their life that together, they knew what the other was going through and could begin to help one another out. I loved Sav and Tate together.
I absolutely adore all the secondary characters. Seriously they are the bomb. The bond they have is just unbreakable. They are there for each other; they love one another unconditionally and have each other’s backs. I love friendship groups like this, who can just relax and make fun of each other and banter like hell. Tanzi, Jack, Lucas are just all brilliant and they welcome Sav with open arms.
Now, I can’t forget my love – Mr Davenport. He is swoon worthy and had me from the get go. I went a bit mad to Rachel over him when I first read him because he is bleeding awesome. This line from him just confirmed how bloody brilliant he is and I knew that my love for him would jus grow throughout the book and it did. Simon Baker is my Mr. Davenport.
“For the last fucking time, please call me Simon. You make me sound like some kind of pimp when you call me Mr. Davenport”
Can you see how much I love this guy?! Just remember, I have dibs on him. Yupp, I really do.
Now, after my swooooooning, I have to talk about the sex. C’mon, would you expect anything less from me? No? That’s better. You all know I love sex in books, and by god, Rachel got me all hot and bothered with the sex scenes between Tate and Sav. There a quite a lot and by god, you literally lap them up. Rachel knows how to write a sex scene that is intense and steamy and wants you just want to fan yourself and then search for your own Tate to jump on. They sizzle, burn, pop and where they have sex is just another thing. I love water hahaahha ;)
As I’ve said, Just Breathe is an amazing book. Its full of banter and angst and heartache but its filled with love and friendship and it was a great book to snuggle up in bed with and read on the way to work…baring in mind most of the sex scenes occurred on the way to work.
I would highly recommend Rachel’s book to you lovely lot, you will not be disappointed. I just wish book two was out now so I can carry on Tate and Sav’s journey.
Hurry up Aussie ;)
July 9, 2013
This review was taken from our book blog
The Three Bookateers
Just Breathe follows along the journey of a smart, sarcastic and sassy Australian, Savannah Rae and the cocky, yet devastatingly handsome infamous playboy American hunk, Tate Connors.
First off, I will openly admit that, I think I am a hilarious human being, I see everything in GIFS and as soon as I read the moment that Savannah and Tate locked eyes, I legitimately pictured something like this happening:
It was a holy-shit-my-life-just-changed-and-flashed-before-my-eyes kind of look. I mean come on, read this excerpt: (keeping in mind the above GIF :P)
Holy shit! My body felt like it had been hit by a freight train, and my breath escaped my chest when my eyes first landed on him. Standing by the lifts was Mr. Sex on Legs. He held himself with a confidence that would make any woman squirm. He was perfection, the ultimate panty dropper. I watched from afar in pure amusement as his hands lingered on the hips of a giggling young woman, who was wearing a skirt that left nothing to the imagination. He whispered in her ear, softly kissing her neck while she continued giggling. He had no regard for where he was or who could be watching. I smirked to myself as I watched him; I could pick a player from a mile away because it was like I was watching myself. He was using all of my favorite moves.
The sight of him made my breath catch and caused my body to react in all the right places. My brow furrowed as I drank in his delights, I was desperate to memorize every inch of him. He was what I liked to call my perfect prey, and he ticked all the right boxes:
Dark brown, scruffy just-had-a-wild-time-in-bed hair -- check
Piercing blue eyes -- check
Eyelashes that lasted for days -- check
and a Set of lips that were begging to be bitten -- check.
He was a true example of absolute perfection and I was like a stalking lioness admiring from afar, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. Regretfully, I broke my heated gaze from him and wheeled my suitcase to the reception desk. Every inch of my body was begging to turn around. I wanted to ogle him, stare at him, drink in his good looks and soak in his sexiness. The feeling of being watched washed over me and the feeling of eyes burning deep into my back excited me. I couldn't do anything to stop myself from turning around. My green eyes locked with his deep blues across the foyer and I gave him my famous seductive smirk. I had to be on game; I had to pull him in.
I hate to say I told you so..... LOL joke, I TOLD YOU ;) That moment truly was the very beginning of a moment that changed both their lives. BOOM! KAPOW! (insert other life changing sounds)
So pretty much, you can pick that Savannah and Tate are both A* Grade Players. They are both at the top of the game and they know exactly how to play it. Savannah and Tate know how to capture, command and hold the attention of every being around them. They are both extremely alike, both incredibly personable, and both knowing exactly what to say to get their way, it doesn't help that they are both just out of this world good looking either ;) However, at first glance Savannah and Tate seem look like the kind of people that seem to have it all, but looks can be deceiving. Inside they both are characters that put up a very good front to hide the pain and memories of their past. Savannah and Tate, have skeletons in their closets and are both secretly afraid to let anyone in.
Rachel has written Just Breathe in an extremely likable way, and you can tell in the way she has formed her characters. Although this book is all about the love between Miss Sassy-Savannah-Rae and Mr Dream-God-can-I-please-have-one-of-a-Hunk-Tate-Connors, I have to say that I absolutely fell head over heels in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE with all of the supporting characters. So, now I will introduce you to Tanzi Connors and her boyfriend Jack, Jack's good friend Lucas and Mr-although-you-may-be-too-old-for-me-there-is-something-enticing-and-intriguing-about-you Davenport.
Tanzi is Tates *gasp*, equally incredibly good looking twin, who instantly becomes best friends with Savannah. Her boyfriend Jack, is close to Tate and also becomes quite good friends with Savannah. Then there is Lucas who is also quite good looking - (side bar: every character in this book is HOT, just saying :P) who becomes Savannah's boy best friend. Last but not least, Mr. Davenport. Now Mr. Davenport, is pretty much the closest thing to family that Savannah has. He is the father figure in her life and he cares extremely for her. He set her up with a job and moved her to Los Angeles where she meets Tanzi, Tate, Jack and Lucas. SEE, that explains how this sassy Australian meets these beautiful Americans.
Anyway, I love love loved Tanzi and Jacks relationship, and their own individual personalities. I loved how in love they were and how they interacted with each other. The relationship that Tanzi and Jack had depicted the kind of relationship I would want, all fun, loved up, full of humour and just plain sweetness, not to mention that Jack is 1000% HILARIOUS. Anyway, moving on, Savannah and Tate's relationship was full of passion, just hot sexual chemistry that could pretty much boil water in a kettle. Seriously, that's how HOT the chemistry between them is. The dialogue between these two was full of wit, sarcasm and just good humour. Seriously, the stuff that Rachel came up with, CRACKED ME UP.
All in all, all of the characters in Just Breathe were extremely LOVABLE, I haven't read a book in so long where I instantly warmed to and loved all of the characters. I seriously wanted to line up Savannah, Tate, Tanzi, Jack, Lucas and Mr. Davenport and do this to them:
But I wont do that, that would be classified as creepy and strange.... HAHAHAHAHA, I make myself laugh :P (hopefully you did too ;))
Moving on, there is many parts in the book where Savannah vows to stay away from Tate. I couldn't help but feel like this:
First of all, I tried to hold back my laughter, as from my perspective I knew it would have been an impossible feat. Reading about their pent-up-sexual -attraction-and-chemistry towards one another and the fact that Savannah was going to try and stay away from Tate made me want to roll over in a fit of laughter. I mentally smacked myself and couldn't hold in my laughter and giddiness cause it seemed like Savannah was trying to delay the inevitable. Reading from when they first met, you know these two are meant for each other. No matter what happens, they'll end up together. No use in denying the inevitable. It was bound to happen, and if you read Just Breathe you will see!
I only have good things to say about Just Breathe, but the only constructive criticism I have to say would be in regards to the events that happen in the ending of the book. I felt like all of a sudden the book was moving at an even faster pace, which I personally, think should have been made into the beginning of the second book, as the second chapter to Savannah and Tate's journey.
Just to wrap up my review:
After reading Just Breathe and all of the cute romances and relationships I just felt my own depression grow. I mean, the relationships between each character made me feel so happy for them, both Tanzi and Savannah had found their Mr. Right and I'm just like:
Oh dear god. The depression you've evoked in me Rachel! I seriously will end up as a crazy and lonesome cat lady, I'm feeling 10000% more lonely after Just Breathe. But it is a good thing HAHAHAHA, it means that Just Breathe got to me! It made me feel and for all you out there who haven't read it yet, I'm telling you now that Ms. Brookes has written a damn funny debut novel filled with relationships that make you so damn envious - which explains my GIF up there ^. If you like hot steamy, passionate filled romances, with brilliantly lovable supporting characters, and you enjoy humour, sarcastic remarks and witty banter than Just Breathe is the book for you!
P.S I would greatly appreciate it, if you all commented me and let me know what you think of my review! I would love to hear some feedback!
Just Breathe follows along the journey of a smart, sarcastic and sassy Australian, Savannah Rae and the cocky, yet devastatingly handsome infamous playboy American hunk, Tate Connors.
First off, I will openly admit that, I think I am a hilarious human being, I see everything in GIFS and as soon as I read the moment that Savannah and Tate locked eyes, I legitimately pictured something like this happening:
It was a holy-shit-my-life-just-changed-and-flashed-before-my-eyes kind of look. I mean come on, read this excerpt: (keeping in mind the above GIF :P)
Holy shit! My body felt like it had been hit by a freight train, and my breath escaped my chest when my eyes first landed on him. Standing by the lifts was Mr. Sex on Legs. He held himself with a confidence that would make any woman squirm. He was perfection, the ultimate panty dropper. I watched from afar in pure amusement as his hands lingered on the hips of a giggling young woman, who was wearing a skirt that left nothing to the imagination. He whispered in her ear, softly kissing her neck while she continued giggling. He had no regard for where he was or who could be watching. I smirked to myself as I watched him; I could pick a player from a mile away because it was like I was watching myself. He was using all of my favorite moves.
The sight of him made my breath catch and caused my body to react in all the right places. My brow furrowed as I drank in his delights, I was desperate to memorize every inch of him. He was what I liked to call my perfect prey, and he ticked all the right boxes:
Dark brown, scruffy just-had-a-wild-time-in-bed hair -- check
Piercing blue eyes -- check
Eyelashes that lasted for days -- check
and a Set of lips that were begging to be bitten -- check.
He was a true example of absolute perfection and I was like a stalking lioness admiring from afar, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. Regretfully, I broke my heated gaze from him and wheeled my suitcase to the reception desk. Every inch of my body was begging to turn around. I wanted to ogle him, stare at him, drink in his good looks and soak in his sexiness. The feeling of being watched washed over me and the feeling of eyes burning deep into my back excited me. I couldn't do anything to stop myself from turning around. My green eyes locked with his deep blues across the foyer and I gave him my famous seductive smirk. I had to be on game; I had to pull him in.
I hate to say I told you so..... LOL joke, I TOLD YOU ;) That moment truly was the very beginning of a moment that changed both their lives. BOOM! KAPOW! (insert other life changing sounds)
So pretty much, you can pick that Savannah and Tate are both A* Grade Players. They are both at the top of the game and they know exactly how to play it. Savannah and Tate know how to capture, command and hold the attention of every being around them. They are both extremely alike, both incredibly personable, and both knowing exactly what to say to get their way, it doesn't help that they are both just out of this world good looking either ;) However, at first glance Savannah and Tate seem look like the kind of people that seem to have it all, but looks can be deceiving. Inside they both are characters that put up a very good front to hide the pain and memories of their past. Savannah and Tate, have skeletons in their closets and are both secretly afraid to let anyone in.
Rachel has written Just Breathe in an extremely likable way, and you can tell in the way she has formed her characters. Although this book is all about the love between Miss Sassy-Savannah-Rae and Mr Dream-God-can-I-please-have-one-of-a-Hunk-Tate-Connors, I have to say that I absolutely fell head over heels in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE with all of the supporting characters. So, now I will introduce you to Tanzi Connors and her boyfriend Jack, Jack's good friend Lucas and Mr-although-you-may-be-too-old-for-me-there-is-something-enticing-and-intriguing-about-you Davenport.
Tanzi is Tates *gasp*, equally incredibly good looking twin, who instantly becomes best friends with Savannah. Her boyfriend Jack, is close to Tate and also becomes quite good friends with Savannah. Then there is Lucas who is also quite good looking - (side bar: every character in this book is HOT, just saying :P) who becomes Savannah's boy best friend. Last but not least, Mr. Davenport. Now Mr. Davenport, is pretty much the closest thing to family that Savannah has. He is the father figure in her life and he cares extremely for her. He set her up with a job and moved her to Los Angeles where she meets Tanzi, Tate, Jack and Lucas. SEE, that explains how this sassy Australian meets these beautiful Americans.
Anyway, I love love loved Tanzi and Jacks relationship, and their own individual personalities. I loved how in love they were and how they interacted with each other. The relationship that Tanzi and Jack had depicted the kind of relationship I would want, all fun, loved up, full of humour and just plain sweetness, not to mention that Jack is 1000% HILARIOUS. Anyway, moving on, Savannah and Tate's relationship was full of passion, just hot sexual chemistry that could pretty much boil water in a kettle. Seriously, that's how HOT the chemistry between them is. The dialogue between these two was full of wit, sarcasm and just good humour. Seriously, the stuff that Rachel came up with, CRACKED ME UP.
All in all, all of the characters in Just Breathe were extremely LOVABLE, I haven't read a book in so long where I instantly warmed to and loved all of the characters. I seriously wanted to line up Savannah, Tate, Tanzi, Jack, Lucas and Mr. Davenport and do this to them:
But I wont do that, that would be classified as creepy and strange.... HAHAHAHAHA, I make myself laugh :P (hopefully you did too ;))
Moving on, there is many parts in the book where Savannah vows to stay away from Tate. I couldn't help but feel like this:
First of all, I tried to hold back my laughter, as from my perspective I knew it would have been an impossible feat. Reading about their pent-up-sexual -attraction-and-chemistry towards one another and the fact that Savannah was going to try and stay away from Tate made me want to roll over in a fit of laughter. I mentally smacked myself and couldn't hold in my laughter and giddiness cause it seemed like Savannah was trying to delay the inevitable. Reading from when they first met, you know these two are meant for each other. No matter what happens, they'll end up together. No use in denying the inevitable. It was bound to happen, and if you read Just Breathe you will see!
I only have good things to say about Just Breathe, but the only constructive criticism I have to say would be in regards to the events that happen in the ending of the book. I felt like all of a sudden the book was moving at an even faster pace, which I personally, think should have been made into the beginning of the second book, as the second chapter to Savannah and Tate's journey.
Just to wrap up my review:
After reading Just Breathe and all of the cute romances and relationships I just felt my own depression grow. I mean, the relationships between each character made me feel so happy for them, both Tanzi and Savannah had found their Mr. Right and I'm just like:
Oh dear god. The depression you've evoked in me Rachel! I seriously will end up as a crazy and lonesome cat lady, I'm feeling 10000% more lonely after Just Breathe. But it is a good thing HAHAHAHA, it means that Just Breathe got to me! It made me feel and for all you out there who haven't read it yet, I'm telling you now that Ms. Brookes has written a damn funny debut novel filled with relationships that make you so damn envious - which explains my GIF up there ^. If you like hot steamy, passionate filled romances, with brilliantly lovable supporting characters, and you enjoy humour, sarcastic remarks and witty banter than Just Breathe is the book for you!
P.S I would greatly appreciate it, if you all commented me and let me know what you think of my review! I would love to hear some feedback!
July 10, 2013
FOR MORE REVIEWS LIKE THIS ONE, CHECK OUT MY BLOG ~ BLAME IT ON THE RAIN REVIEWS
IT’S OFFICIAL! This book is now on my list of all time favourites!
With amazing characters, envy inducing relationships, an addictive storyline, and, well…Tate Connors! This book had absolutely everything that I wanted! The angst, the romance, the drama, the bonds between the characters. It was a complete whirlwind that I loved every second of, I never knew what was coming next and loved everything about it! Rachel Brookes, I love you for writing this book and you are now one of my new favourite authors!
Savannah was an amazing character and someone I would love to be friends with. Extremely broken from the death of her parents, and the suicide of her ex-boyfriend who blamed her for his death, she uses guys as a form of relief, helping her forget all the bad memories, and guilt of her past, even if just for a little while. Although appearing strong and happy, underneath Savannah was an extremely vulnerable character who struggled to trust and open up to others in fear that they would leave her.
When it comes to Tate, although in the beginning she sees him as a new conquest who she can’t have, as the story goes on and he begins to show her more of himself, she slowly starts to let down her walls and open up to him, wanting him to be the one for her. Trustting Tate takes some time for Savannah and I was so frustrated, desperately wanting her to see how much he loved her.
I was breaking ever rule with him. I was feeling things that I had tried to lock away for so many years. I was thinking about him like I shouldn’t. I was shattering every protection that I had put around me. How could someone like Tate Connors make me consider breaking all of the promises I had made to myself?
Tate Connors…*sigh* I am officially in love with him! As book boyfriends go, he is one of the best! Reminding me a little bit of Aidan Fitzgerald from THE PROPOSITION series by Katie Ashley, he was everything I wanted in a man! Sexy, confident, funny, and adorable, if I was told tomorrow that I could pick a book boyfriend to come to life and be mine, I would choose Tate!
Having had a difficult past, and having been hurt be those he trusted, Tate, much like Savannah uses one night stands as a way to stay in control, not wanting to get to close to anyone and get hurt again. Although in the beginning he see’s Savannah as a game and a challenge that he needed to conquer his need to have her and move on, very quickly disappears as her begins to fall for her. Although in the beginning he comes across as very cocky and arrogant, he also has an extremely vulnerable side, which as he began to let Savannah in, we got to see more and more…which only made me love him more and more!
“…It’s not that I want you; it’s that I need you. It’s as simple as that.”
I loved the relationship between Savannah and Tate, and loved the way in which it progressed. Slow burning, although you could tell from the beginning that they wanted each other, a crazy amount of angst builds before anything actually happens, and continues to go on throughout the book. Constantly arguing back and fourth, the pair would start arguments when they were jealous of the other possibly being with someone else, and couldn’t seem to just be on the same page and be together. It drove me crazy how although Tate, from quite early on becomes forthcoming with his feelings and tells Savannah how much he wants her, and needs her, due to the things she has been through in her past it takes her a little longer to open up and take a chance!
“I’m scared of you, but sometimes being scared is the best thing that can happen.”
However when she does thats when I really really loved this book, as a couple the pair were just so amazing together that it made me swoon. Tate always felt the need to be near Savannah and tell her how much he loved her, although he made some mistakes, there was never a doubt in my mind how he felt about her.
Much more than just a angsty romance, this book was also about bonds, and the supporting characters in this book were amazing, and really made this book what it was! Tanzi, Jack, Lucas and Ali were the best friends I always wanted, after having just met Savannah, they welcome her with open arms and treat her like she has always been there. They all had the kind of friendship that you knew without a doubt that each would do anything for any of the others, and it often felt more like family than just friendship (which essentially it was as Tanzi who was Tate’s twin was with Jack, Tate was with Savannah and Tanzi and Tate’s cousin Ali was with Lucas). All through reading this book I wished more than anything that these characters were real as I felt the bonds between them more than I have with any other book, they were so close, telling each other everything, spending all their time together and just being there when someone needed it! I wanted to be in the story so that I could have them as my friends!
I finally had a group of people who loved me for all of my baggage and my craziness and provided me with love that I had so desperately been missing over the years. And they were mine. They were mine. They were the ones who made me feel alive, but more importantly they were the ones who allowed me to breathe again.
The ending of this book left the story wide open for book too, and it has also made me crazy anxious for the story to continue. Although the ending was happy in some sense, it also opened the story up for conflict and change and it’s driving me crazy not being able to read on. I have a feeling that the next book is gonna be angsty and is gonna have me on the edge of my seat. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!
This book made me feel every emotion, and had me fidgeting and tapping my toes from time to time as something unexpected or intense would happen, it really had everything I wanted in a book, and I can guarantee it will have everything you want too! I cannot recommend this book enough, I was seriously blown away by it, and I am desperate to read book 2!
6 AMAZING stars!
IT’S OFFICIAL! This book is now on my list of all time favourites!
With amazing characters, envy inducing relationships, an addictive storyline, and, well…Tate Connors! This book had absolutely everything that I wanted! The angst, the romance, the drama, the bonds between the characters. It was a complete whirlwind that I loved every second of, I never knew what was coming next and loved everything about it! Rachel Brookes, I love you for writing this book and you are now one of my new favourite authors!
Savannah was an amazing character and someone I would love to be friends with. Extremely broken from the death of her parents, and the suicide of her ex-boyfriend who blamed her for his death, she uses guys as a form of relief, helping her forget all the bad memories, and guilt of her past, even if just for a little while. Although appearing strong and happy, underneath Savannah was an extremely vulnerable character who struggled to trust and open up to others in fear that they would leave her.
When it comes to Tate, although in the beginning she sees him as a new conquest who she can’t have, as the story goes on and he begins to show her more of himself, she slowly starts to let down her walls and open up to him, wanting him to be the one for her. Trustting Tate takes some time for Savannah and I was so frustrated, desperately wanting her to see how much he loved her.
I was breaking ever rule with him. I was feeling things that I had tried to lock away for so many years. I was thinking about him like I shouldn’t. I was shattering every protection that I had put around me. How could someone like Tate Connors make me consider breaking all of the promises I had made to myself?
Tate Connors…*sigh* I am officially in love with him! As book boyfriends go, he is one of the best! Reminding me a little bit of Aidan Fitzgerald from THE PROPOSITION series by Katie Ashley, he was everything I wanted in a man! Sexy, confident, funny, and adorable, if I was told tomorrow that I could pick a book boyfriend to come to life and be mine, I would choose Tate!
Having had a difficult past, and having been hurt be those he trusted, Tate, much like Savannah uses one night stands as a way to stay in control, not wanting to get to close to anyone and get hurt again. Although in the beginning he see’s Savannah as a game and a challenge that he needed to conquer his need to have her and move on, very quickly disappears as her begins to fall for her. Although in the beginning he comes across as very cocky and arrogant, he also has an extremely vulnerable side, which as he began to let Savannah in, we got to see more and more…which only made me love him more and more!
“…It’s not that I want you; it’s that I need you. It’s as simple as that.”
I loved the relationship between Savannah and Tate, and loved the way in which it progressed. Slow burning, although you could tell from the beginning that they wanted each other, a crazy amount of angst builds before anything actually happens, and continues to go on throughout the book. Constantly arguing back and fourth, the pair would start arguments when they were jealous of the other possibly being with someone else, and couldn’t seem to just be on the same page and be together. It drove me crazy how although Tate, from quite early on becomes forthcoming with his feelings and tells Savannah how much he wants her, and needs her, due to the things she has been through in her past it takes her a little longer to open up and take a chance!
“I’m scared of you, but sometimes being scared is the best thing that can happen.”
However when she does thats when I really really loved this book, as a couple the pair were just so amazing together that it made me swoon. Tate always felt the need to be near Savannah and tell her how much he loved her, although he made some mistakes, there was never a doubt in my mind how he felt about her.
Much more than just a angsty romance, this book was also about bonds, and the supporting characters in this book were amazing, and really made this book what it was! Tanzi, Jack, Lucas and Ali were the best friends I always wanted, after having just met Savannah, they welcome her with open arms and treat her like she has always been there. They all had the kind of friendship that you knew without a doubt that each would do anything for any of the others, and it often felt more like family than just friendship (which essentially it was as Tanzi who was Tate’s twin was with Jack, Tate was with Savannah and Tanzi and Tate’s cousin Ali was with Lucas). All through reading this book I wished more than anything that these characters were real as I felt the bonds between them more than I have with any other book, they were so close, telling each other everything, spending all their time together and just being there when someone needed it! I wanted to be in the story so that I could have them as my friends!
I finally had a group of people who loved me for all of my baggage and my craziness and provided me with love that I had so desperately been missing over the years. And they were mine. They were mine. They were the ones who made me feel alive, but more importantly they were the ones who allowed me to breathe again.
The ending of this book left the story wide open for book too, and it has also made me crazy anxious for the story to continue. Although the ending was happy in some sense, it also opened the story up for conflict and change and it’s driving me crazy not being able to read on. I have a feeling that the next book is gonna be angsty and is gonna have me on the edge of my seat. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!
This book made me feel every emotion, and had me fidgeting and tapping my toes from time to time as something unexpected or intense would happen, it really had everything I wanted in a book, and I can guarantee it will have everything you want too! I cannot recommend this book enough, I was seriously blown away by it, and I am desperate to read book 2!
6 AMAZING stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2017
Re reviewing after re reading!!!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING IN EVERYWAY!!!
Now where do I start with my updated review.....god I love this book, this book touches you so much and just from the prologue you know how much you are going to love it.....
Oh my word Tate Connors....what I wouldn't give to be affected by the Tate Connors affect.....he is without a doubt heartbreakingly Hot, gorgeous, bossy, arrogant and just damm right beautiful.....Savannah is a sassy Australian who is about to knock Tate's world upside down when she arrives in Los Angeles.....
Both Tate and Sav have pasts that haunt them terribly.....what they don't realise is that there pasts are what could be the key to them both finding happiness in each other.....but it's also what could break them both apart.....I honestly can't say how much I love this book.....I love everything about this book from the first word to the last word....the prologue captures you from the start and makes you feel the words.....my heart broke at times but I also found myself just simply smiling at it.....every time I read this book I find more things that I love about it....
This is definitely a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book....actually no it deserves 10 ⭐️'s.......one of the best books around from one of my absolute favourite authors.....
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING IN EVERYWAY!!!
Now where do I start with my updated review.....god I love this book, this book touches you so much and just from the prologue you know how much you are going to love it.....
Oh my word Tate Connors....what I wouldn't give to be affected by the Tate Connors affect.....he is without a doubt heartbreakingly Hot, gorgeous, bossy, arrogant and just damm right beautiful.....Savannah is a sassy Australian who is about to knock Tate's world upside down when she arrives in Los Angeles.....
Both Tate and Sav have pasts that haunt them terribly.....what they don't realise is that there pasts are what could be the key to them both finding happiness in each other.....but it's also what could break them both apart.....I honestly can't say how much I love this book.....I love everything about this book from the first word to the last word....the prologue captures you from the start and makes you feel the words.....my heart broke at times but I also found myself just simply smiling at it.....every time I read this book I find more things that I love about it....
This is definitely a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book....actually no it deserves 10 ⭐️'s.......one of the best books around from one of my absolute favourite authors.....
August 5, 2013
Read this review on Seeking Book Boyfriends
Review written by Sylvia
Book Description:
This is a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel recommended for readers over the age of 17 due to strong language and sexual themes.
For Savannah Rae, living life without her parents was unimaginable. But being blamed for her first love’s suicide? That destroyed every part of who she was.
Gone were the days of innocence, happiness, and dreams. Now her days simply meant attempting to survive. In her mind, her only means for that was replacing her grief with men, booze and the fast life. And for five years, it worked.
When an opportunity to leave the nightmares of her past in Australia opens up, she takes it. Los Angeles beckons - with hopes of late nights, new beginnings, and the promise of a string of endless men to distract her, she can’t wait to dive in.
One thing she didn’t count on was meeting her match.
In the eyes of outsiders, Tate Connors has it all; the ultimate LA bachelor who is content with his lifestyle of wild nights, women and one night stands. He's Mr. Unpredictable with looks that could destroy any woman with one glance.
The craziness of Los Angeles throws them into the chaotic path of each other. Savannah becomes the perfect game, and Tate becomes the ultimate prey. Lines are crossed, emotions are smashed, and the idea of who they truly are begins to be tangled.
However, one thing will become clear.
They are more alike than either one could ever have imagined.
Summary:
When I first saw the synopsis of this book and that not only was author a fellow Aussie, but that the LEAD character was also an Aussie, i jumped at the chance to read and review this book. And lord, Rachel Brookes did not disappoint.
Savannah has a heartbreaking past and moves across the pacific to start a brand new life, following her boss/mentor/father figure to LA. Sav was the typical party girl who surrounded herself with cocktails and men and it seemed LA was just the thing she needed to pluck her out of old habits.
But as they say, old habits die hard. And she died... very hard once she laid eyes on the hottie in her apartment lobby. This was her game and she was in control. But little did she know that the beautiful man would end up being closely connected to her only friend in LA, Tanzi.
So a very sexy game of cat and mouse begins and it seems Sav has met her match in Mr Tate Connors. Much drama and fun times ensue and eventually things seems to work out. But looks can be deceiving and as Sav discovers, Tate has his own demons he’s still trying to deal with.
Overall, Rachel did a great job with her debut novel. The crux of the story uses the tried and true formula of bad boy meets girl and said girl helps fix the boy. But there are certainly elements in here that make it fresh and an exciting read.
I was definitely under the “Tate Connors Effect” and I’m sure many readers will succumb to his charms.
Fabulous effort from a very promising newbie author. Can’t wait to read more of the Breathe series.
Tate Connors:
Holy moly! Where do i start. He’s not a player, he just f$%ks a lot. Actually that’s a lie - Tateis both those things.
He’s a hottie with a body and an attitude to match. We learn that Tate has some pretty major issues from his past and he has a hard time dealing with them. He tries to keep this from Sav, but when he eventually opens up and let’s her in, she discovers that this man is just as broken as she is.
Fighting his demons gets Tate in trouble... a LOT! His over protective nature and short fuse are a recipe for disaster, but when you peel back those layers, Tate is just a man who still carries a lot of hurt and guilt and he’s learning to move past it.
He is cocky and crass at times, but his humor and kind heart totally win you over. Can’t wait to get reacquainted with Tate in book two.
"I've never seen anyone so scared. I want to be the one to put you back together, you've just got to let me."
"Did you think about what i said? I want to be with you, fuck. I will keep playing these games with you if you want, but i won't stop."
Savannah Rae:
I adored Sav. She was an awesome female lead. She was smart, sassy and witty and didn’t take shit from anyone. She lived her life to the fullest, albeit booze and boys played a major role in that, but hey, she’s 22 and it was refreshing to see a character embracing her sexuality in a book rather than being the shy virgin.
I felt like Sav and Tate were equals here; they were the male and female version of one another. Even though that seemed to infuriate Tate (umm can someone say double standards?) he eventually trusted Sav enough to open up to her and once he did... *swoon*
LOVED that Sav was a true blue Aussie girl and i adored all the Australian references, especially Tim Tams because they are the bomb!
"I looked at him and sighed. I give up. I can't fight him anymore. I can't fight whatever the hell was going on in my head. I can't fight the urge to break promises made to myself.
Sylvia’s Rating: 4/5
Blush Rating: 3(/5)
Find more Reviews at Seeking Book Boyfriends
Review written by Sylvia
Book Description:
This is a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel recommended for readers over the age of 17 due to strong language and sexual themes.
For Savannah Rae, living life without her parents was unimaginable. But being blamed for her first love’s suicide? That destroyed every part of who she was.
Gone were the days of innocence, happiness, and dreams. Now her days simply meant attempting to survive. In her mind, her only means for that was replacing her grief with men, booze and the fast life. And for five years, it worked.
When an opportunity to leave the nightmares of her past in Australia opens up, she takes it. Los Angeles beckons - with hopes of late nights, new beginnings, and the promise of a string of endless men to distract her, she can’t wait to dive in.
One thing she didn’t count on was meeting her match.
In the eyes of outsiders, Tate Connors has it all; the ultimate LA bachelor who is content with his lifestyle of wild nights, women and one night stands. He's Mr. Unpredictable with looks that could destroy any woman with one glance.
The craziness of Los Angeles throws them into the chaotic path of each other. Savannah becomes the perfect game, and Tate becomes the ultimate prey. Lines are crossed, emotions are smashed, and the idea of who they truly are begins to be tangled.
However, one thing will become clear.
They are more alike than either one could ever have imagined.
Summary:
When I first saw the synopsis of this book and that not only was author a fellow Aussie, but that the LEAD character was also an Aussie, i jumped at the chance to read and review this book. And lord, Rachel Brookes did not disappoint.
Savannah has a heartbreaking past and moves across the pacific to start a brand new life, following her boss/mentor/father figure to LA. Sav was the typical party girl who surrounded herself with cocktails and men and it seemed LA was just the thing she needed to pluck her out of old habits.
But as they say, old habits die hard. And she died... very hard once she laid eyes on the hottie in her apartment lobby. This was her game and she was in control. But little did she know that the beautiful man would end up being closely connected to her only friend in LA, Tanzi.
So a very sexy game of cat and mouse begins and it seems Sav has met her match in Mr Tate Connors. Much drama and fun times ensue and eventually things seems to work out. But looks can be deceiving and as Sav discovers, Tate has his own demons he’s still trying to deal with.
Overall, Rachel did a great job with her debut novel. The crux of the story uses the tried and true formula of bad boy meets girl and said girl helps fix the boy. But there are certainly elements in here that make it fresh and an exciting read.
I was definitely under the “Tate Connors Effect” and I’m sure many readers will succumb to his charms.
Fabulous effort from a very promising newbie author. Can’t wait to read more of the Breathe series.
Tate Connors:
Holy moly! Where do i start. He’s not a player, he just f$%ks a lot. Actually that’s a lie - Tateis both those things.
He’s a hottie with a body and an attitude to match. We learn that Tate has some pretty major issues from his past and he has a hard time dealing with them. He tries to keep this from Sav, but when he eventually opens up and let’s her in, she discovers that this man is just as broken as she is.
Fighting his demons gets Tate in trouble... a LOT! His over protective nature and short fuse are a recipe for disaster, but when you peel back those layers, Tate is just a man who still carries a lot of hurt and guilt and he’s learning to move past it.
He is cocky and crass at times, but his humor and kind heart totally win you over. Can’t wait to get reacquainted with Tate in book two.
"I've never seen anyone so scared. I want to be the one to put you back together, you've just got to let me."
"Did you think about what i said? I want to be with you, fuck. I will keep playing these games with you if you want, but i won't stop."
Savannah Rae:
I adored Sav. She was an awesome female lead. She was smart, sassy and witty and didn’t take shit from anyone. She lived her life to the fullest, albeit booze and boys played a major role in that, but hey, she’s 22 and it was refreshing to see a character embracing her sexuality in a book rather than being the shy virgin.
I felt like Sav and Tate were equals here; they were the male and female version of one another. Even though that seemed to infuriate Tate (umm can someone say double standards?) he eventually trusted Sav enough to open up to her and once he did... *swoon*
LOVED that Sav was a true blue Aussie girl and i adored all the Australian references, especially Tim Tams because they are the bomb!
"I looked at him and sighed. I give up. I can't fight him anymore. I can't fight whatever the hell was going on in my head. I can't fight the urge to break promises made to myself.
Sylvia’s Rating: 4/5
Blush Rating: 3(/5)
Find more Reviews at Seeking Book Boyfriends
July 11, 2013
Review and rating to come...I need to think about what I just read before I give it any ratings...
Okay, after letting it marinate some, I am going with 3.5 stars.
For a début novel, this book was very well done. The dialogue in the middle of the book was a little too feminine and really could have used some help from a masculine viewpoint, but overall pretty solid still. I must admit, that as a hero, I did not love Tate. He was too whiny and too alpha in the wrong ways. He was extremely immature for a man who is supposedly so successful and confident. No matter the cheating in the past, a man who is as confident and self-assured as Tate was said to be, would not have flipped so totally over a well known man answering a phone. Had it been some random guy, or someone from her office, then I might have understood his point a little more, but to completely ignore her for two days because of Lucas...no. That's just complete immaturity.
While talking about successful characters, here was one of my biggest issues with the story by far...this was a group of completely childish "corporate" employees! They went out and got trashed almost every night...I'm not talking a couple of drinks, I'm talking massive hangovers every morning. If they only did it on weekends, then the weekends in this book last for four or five days the way it was written. I don't care that she has the job because of someone who is like family to her. Tate is the only one I believe in the drinking aspect that could have still been successful based on his career. You can write it in the book as many times as you want that Sav was great at her job, I didn't believe a word of it based on her actions. She was not classy at her events or when people she worked with were around (take the pool party for example), and there is no way that anyone can do a solid job everyday when you come in hungover from too much tequila the night before. Tanzi too, seeing as how she also worked for the same company.
And one of the issues I struggled with the most was trying to understand why Sav blamed herself for her parents' death. That was clearly mentioned time and time again about how she shouldn't, but why shouldn't she? All we are ever given is they died when she was ten in a car accident. Were they on their way to some function of hers? Were they doing something for her? How did the car accident become her fault, to a point where she needs to stop blaming herself for it? It made NO sense in that regard. Also, on the family topic...the grandmother thing...that confused me too. If Sav looked that much like her mother, why wouldn't that make her grandmother more protective rather than hostile? And is her grandmother still alive? Dead? What the heck??
So those are my reasons for docking this book. It really was very well written, edited, and a creative story for a début novel. I absolutely give Rachel props for being able to given us something new and it feel as if she actually, took her time with it rather than simply throwing words on a page as fast as possible. I did like Sav's ability to speak her mind for the most part. I liked Jack and Tanzi. I found myself laughing with them on occasion, and the writing just felt genuine. I didn't feel like I was stuck reading a book by a foreign author when it's meant to be based in the states. Rachel did a fabulous job of keeping the dialects and cultural differences with the right characters. The Americans called her 'mom' and Sav still said 'mum.' As silly as it sounds, that is extremely well done in my opinion. It shows a knowledge of your readers and really tries to make these characters as real as possible.
Overall, this book had it's flaws, and could have used a little help here and there, but the main flaws were simple beginners issues I think. I foresee the second book really outshining this one, because the potential is absolutely there. I am very curious to see where this story goes in book two, because I was left very curious about the future of Tate and Sav. I also want more information on how Simon and Tate know each other. Hopefully that will come in book two as well. Basically, even with the flaws and issues I had with this book, I really am looking forward to reading more.
Okay, after letting it marinate some, I am going with 3.5 stars.
For a début novel, this book was very well done. The dialogue in the middle of the book was a little too feminine and really could have used some help from a masculine viewpoint, but overall pretty solid still. I must admit, that as a hero, I did not love Tate. He was too whiny and too alpha in the wrong ways. He was extremely immature for a man who is supposedly so successful and confident. No matter the cheating in the past, a man who is as confident and self-assured as Tate was said to be, would not have flipped so totally over a well known man answering a phone. Had it been some random guy, or someone from her office, then I might have understood his point a little more, but to completely ignore her for two days because of Lucas...no. That's just complete immaturity.
While talking about successful characters, here was one of my biggest issues with the story by far...this was a group of completely childish "corporate" employees! They went out and got trashed almost every night...I'm not talking a couple of drinks, I'm talking massive hangovers every morning. If they only did it on weekends, then the weekends in this book last for four or five days the way it was written. I don't care that she has the job because of someone who is like family to her. Tate is the only one I believe in the drinking aspect that could have still been successful based on his career. You can write it in the book as many times as you want that Sav was great at her job, I didn't believe a word of it based on her actions. She was not classy at her events or when people she worked with were around (take the pool party for example), and there is no way that anyone can do a solid job everyday when you come in hungover from too much tequila the night before. Tanzi too, seeing as how she also worked for the same company.
And one of the issues I struggled with the most was trying to understand why Sav blamed herself for her parents' death. That was clearly mentioned time and time again about how she shouldn't, but why shouldn't she? All we are ever given is they died when she was ten in a car accident. Were they on their way to some function of hers? Were they doing something for her? How did the car accident become her fault, to a point where she needs to stop blaming herself for it? It made NO sense in that regard. Also, on the family topic...the grandmother thing...that confused me too. If Sav looked that much like her mother, why wouldn't that make her grandmother more protective rather than hostile? And is her grandmother still alive? Dead? What the heck??
So those are my reasons for docking this book. It really was very well written, edited, and a creative story for a début novel. I absolutely give Rachel props for being able to given us something new and it feel as if she actually, took her time with it rather than simply throwing words on a page as fast as possible. I did like Sav's ability to speak her mind for the most part. I liked Jack and Tanzi. I found myself laughing with them on occasion, and the writing just felt genuine. I didn't feel like I was stuck reading a book by a foreign author when it's meant to be based in the states. Rachel did a fabulous job of keeping the dialects and cultural differences with the right characters. The Americans called her 'mom' and Sav still said 'mum.' As silly as it sounds, that is extremely well done in my opinion. It shows a knowledge of your readers and really tries to make these characters as real as possible.
Overall, this book had it's flaws, and could have used a little help here and there, but the main flaws were simple beginners issues I think. I foresee the second book really outshining this one, because the potential is absolutely there. I am very curious to see where this story goes in book two, because I was left very curious about the future of Tate and Sav. I also want more information on how Simon and Tate know each other. Hopefully that will come in book two as well. Basically, even with the flaws and issues I had with this book, I really am looking forward to reading more.
July 21, 2013
****I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
4.5 stars
“No matter what life you are handed, whatever you are dealt, whatever struggles you may face, please remember to just breathe. Just breathe Savannah, because that's all you need.” ~ Prologue ~ Savannah’s Dad
Savannah Rae has had some tragedies in her lifetime and has built up walls to protect herself so that she doesn't get emotionally hurt again. As a result, Sav doesn’t do relationship; she likes to party, drink and has meaningless one-night stands as a way of making sure no one gets close and to forget her pain. I loved Sav she is unquestionably a strong character she was feisty, sassy and funny but had a vulnerable side too.
I promised myself I would never allow another man to own or conquer my heart, and I would never love again. In the darkest depths of my mind I was scared I wouldn’t survive another heartbreak.” ~ Savannah
Tate Connors I want just one like him. Tate is a player; he is arrogant but also charming, hot, sexy and looks good in a suit. He was just like Sav he too has built up walls due to his past. He doesn’t do relationships, he’s broken, has his demons and was using, drinking and one nightstands to mask his pain, and he is just as vulnerable and has a sweet, soft and caring side that I loved.
You’ve got to realize I have a lot of skeletons in my closets. I have demons I fight everyday ~ Tate
These two are hot for each other from the very first time they see each other. I love the love hate relationship they had at the start, and the banter between them me laugh so many times. Sav and Tate acted like they don’t like each other, but whenever they are together sparks fly. You can feel the sexual chemistry, and I was just waiting for them to get together and when they did I shouted ‘about bloody time’. What started out as a challenge turns into so much more for the both of them.
Let me help you, Sav. I need you to help. I’m desperate for you to help me. “ ~ Tate
“I wanted him to help me but more than anything I wanted us to help each other. We were so similar, we were broken, but mostly we were scared. Scared to be loved and scared to move on from the past and afraid of the future.” ~Savannah
I loved the storyline, and I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that when they do get together Sav and Tate's relationship isn’t smooth sailing their ups and downs, there are some miscommunications, jealousy and some trust issue Their relationship was a roller coaster, and I felt that I was on it with them.
is what you and Tate do. You get close but then one of you tries to f*** it up. You fight you make up, you fight you make up. You two crack me up ~Tanzi
I loved all the secondary characters, the scenes when they are together reminding me an episode of friends there was such a connection between them all. Tate’s twin sister Tanzi was one of those girls that you want as your best friend. Jack, Lucas, Mr. Davenport and Ali are all great additions to the story.
Rachel Brookes definitely kept me on the edge of my seat with this one, the angst, the drama, the sexiness, my emotions were all over the place, when they cried, I cried, when they laugh I laugh; when they were frustrated I was frustrated. There were many times when I was saying to myself ‘just breathe just breathe’.
I was getting extremely anxious at the last 90% of the book, as I was worried about where I thought the story was heading. I knew it had no epilogue I was worried it was going to end on a big cliff-hanger, and there was not going to be the HEA that I love in a book. So how did it end?? Well there is no cliffhanger, but I’m still anxious as you are left with a ‘To Be Continue’, suggesting that Sav and Tate have a few more issues to work out before they get their HEA. I can wait to read the next book to see what happens with these two. I’m sure Rachel is planning to take me an another emotional roller-coaster ride and I can't wait.
Well what can I say but Wow!! I loved this book; I couldn’t put it down and strongly recommend you read it. A great debut novel from Rachel Brooks, I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.
Just Breathe gets 4.5 stars from me
4.5 stars
“No matter what life you are handed, whatever you are dealt, whatever struggles you may face, please remember to just breathe. Just breathe Savannah, because that's all you need.” ~ Prologue ~ Savannah’s Dad
Savannah Rae has had some tragedies in her lifetime and has built up walls to protect herself so that she doesn't get emotionally hurt again. As a result, Sav doesn’t do relationship; she likes to party, drink and has meaningless one-night stands as a way of making sure no one gets close and to forget her pain. I loved Sav she is unquestionably a strong character she was feisty, sassy and funny but had a vulnerable side too.
I promised myself I would never allow another man to own or conquer my heart, and I would never love again. In the darkest depths of my mind I was scared I wouldn’t survive another heartbreak.” ~ Savannah
Tate Connors I want just one like him. Tate is a player; he is arrogant but also charming, hot, sexy and looks good in a suit. He was just like Sav he too has built up walls due to his past. He doesn’t do relationships, he’s broken, has his demons and was using, drinking and one nightstands to mask his pain, and he is just as vulnerable and has a sweet, soft and caring side that I loved.
You’ve got to realize I have a lot of skeletons in my closets. I have demons I fight everyday ~ Tate
These two are hot for each other from the very first time they see each other. I love the love hate relationship they had at the start, and the banter between them me laugh so many times. Sav and Tate acted like they don’t like each other, but whenever they are together sparks fly. You can feel the sexual chemistry, and I was just waiting for them to get together and when they did I shouted ‘about bloody time’. What started out as a challenge turns into so much more for the both of them.
Let me help you, Sav. I need you to help. I’m desperate for you to help me. “ ~ Tate
“I wanted him to help me but more than anything I wanted us to help each other. We were so similar, we were broken, but mostly we were scared. Scared to be loved and scared to move on from the past and afraid of the future.” ~Savannah
I loved the storyline, and I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that when they do get together Sav and Tate's relationship isn’t smooth sailing their ups and downs, there are some miscommunications, jealousy and some trust issue Their relationship was a roller coaster, and I felt that I was on it with them.
is what you and Tate do. You get close but then one of you tries to f*** it up. You fight you make up, you fight you make up. You two crack me up ~Tanzi
I loved all the secondary characters, the scenes when they are together reminding me an episode of friends there was such a connection between them all. Tate’s twin sister Tanzi was one of those girls that you want as your best friend. Jack, Lucas, Mr. Davenport and Ali are all great additions to the story.
Rachel Brookes definitely kept me on the edge of my seat with this one, the angst, the drama, the sexiness, my emotions were all over the place, when they cried, I cried, when they laugh I laugh; when they were frustrated I was frustrated. There were many times when I was saying to myself ‘just breathe just breathe’.
I was getting extremely anxious at the last 90% of the book, as I was worried about where I thought the story was heading. I knew it had no epilogue I was worried it was going to end on a big cliff-hanger, and there was not going to be the HEA that I love in a book. So how did it end?? Well there is no cliffhanger, but I’m still anxious as you are left with a ‘To Be Continue’, suggesting that Sav and Tate have a few more issues to work out before they get their HEA. I can wait to read the next book to see what happens with these two. I’m sure Rachel is planning to take me an another emotional roller-coaster ride and I can't wait.
Well what can I say but Wow!! I loved this book; I couldn’t put it down and strongly recommend you read it. A great debut novel from Rachel Brooks, I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.
Just Breathe gets 4.5 stars from me
August 4, 2013
3.5 Stars
**ARC received for an honest review**
Let's start by saying how freaking adorable this prologue is. Without evening knowing who Savannah is you have so much love and hope for her. You just know that she is going to be a remarkable because of the love and admiration her Father writes about in his letter. I was SO excited to meet Savannah Rae....
"Life is going to be tough, my beautiful girl. Life will throw you curveballs. Life may try and destroy you, but what matters most is that life will also be beautiful, astonishing, overwhelming and adventurous. It's yours to live."
I had heard quite a bit about this "Tate Connors Effect". Young entrepreneur, bad boy with tattoos, sexier than sin?? Come on people, you know you had me at "tattoos". I had to see if he lived up to all the hype...
"He was a true example of perfection and I was like a stalking lioness admiring from afar, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce."
I'm not going to lie, it took me a while to see what was so great about him besides his physical attributes. In fact I pretty much hated the guy for the first quarter of the book! A quote from our Goodreads status while at 21%: "At what point am I going to like Tate? Right now I fucking hate him!". I have to hand it to Brookes though because once this so called "Tate Connors Effect" took place, I was hooked and under the effect FULL FORCE.
"Tequila, bags and men were my weakness...throw tattoos in the mix and I was anyone's."
Savannah was a feisty little Aussie minx and I loved her! She was a sexy man eater with great style and a weakness for tequila and guys with baby blue eyes- what's not to love? She is everything we want to see if our leading lady. She's a hard worker, so NOT afraid to speak her mind and stick up for herself, and she's totally comfortable with her sexuality. Let's be honest, there are only so many virgins we can read about. It was refreshing to see a female character on the prowl and not ashamed of it!
"You frustrate the fuck out of me"
There was SO much angst and build up between Savannah and Tate. From the moment they meet the sexual tension between these two was overwhelming. I was dying for them to finally hook up. And when they did, IT WAS HOT! I just couldn't help but feel that when they finally did make that leap, their relationship progressed at lightening speed. I'm not saying it was necessarily a bad thing because I loved every steamy second of it. But I could always use a little more wining and dining, and hearts and flowers in book relationships.
"I'm into this, Sav. I am into you and this isn't just a weekend fling to me. You are my girl and now that I've got you, I'm certainly not letting you go."
The secondary characters in this book are amazing! Tanzi, Jack, Lucas, Ali and even Mr. Davenport were highly entertaining additions to the story. I really want to hang out and do tequila shots with this entire LA crew! Savannah really hit the jackpot when she stumbled into this makeshift, incredibly good looking family.
"It's not that I want you; it's that I need you. It's as simple as that."
At times the writing did get little redundant. There are only so many times I read about a gorgeous girl's confidence level. I've never understood why it's always the most beautiful people in books that are the most insecure and need the most reassurance. Look in the mirror people! But otherwise this is an absolute fantastic debut novel from Brookes.
"I'm always going to run to you; if you run from me I will stalk you."
Just Breathe is book one of a series and the ending does leave the story unresolved. But unlike so many "throw your kindle out the window" cliffhangers, the story ended on a good note. I felt very content with the ending, but I'm still really excited to see what is next for Savannah and Tate. There is still a TON left to their story and I just know Rachel Brookes is gonna deliver!
Reviewed by Abby for www.fictionandfashion.com
**ARC received for an honest review**
Let's start by saying how freaking adorable this prologue is. Without evening knowing who Savannah is you have so much love and hope for her. You just know that she is going to be a remarkable because of the love and admiration her Father writes about in his letter. I was SO excited to meet Savannah Rae....
"Life is going to be tough, my beautiful girl. Life will throw you curveballs. Life may try and destroy you, but what matters most is that life will also be beautiful, astonishing, overwhelming and adventurous. It's yours to live."
I had heard quite a bit about this "Tate Connors Effect". Young entrepreneur, bad boy with tattoos, sexier than sin?? Come on people, you know you had me at "tattoos". I had to see if he lived up to all the hype...
"He was a true example of perfection and I was like a stalking lioness admiring from afar, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce."
I'm not going to lie, it took me a while to see what was so great about him besides his physical attributes. In fact I pretty much hated the guy for the first quarter of the book! A quote from our Goodreads status while at 21%: "At what point am I going to like Tate? Right now I fucking hate him!". I have to hand it to Brookes though because once this so called "Tate Connors Effect" took place, I was hooked and under the effect FULL FORCE.
"Tequila, bags and men were my weakness...throw tattoos in the mix and I was anyone's."
Savannah was a feisty little Aussie minx and I loved her! She was a sexy man eater with great style and a weakness for tequila and guys with baby blue eyes- what's not to love? She is everything we want to see if our leading lady. She's a hard worker, so NOT afraid to speak her mind and stick up for herself, and she's totally comfortable with her sexuality. Let's be honest, there are only so many virgins we can read about. It was refreshing to see a female character on the prowl and not ashamed of it!
"You frustrate the fuck out of me"
There was SO much angst and build up between Savannah and Tate. From the moment they meet the sexual tension between these two was overwhelming. I was dying for them to finally hook up. And when they did, IT WAS HOT! I just couldn't help but feel that when they finally did make that leap, their relationship progressed at lightening speed. I'm not saying it was necessarily a bad thing because I loved every steamy second of it. But I could always use a little more wining and dining, and hearts and flowers in book relationships.
"I'm into this, Sav. I am into you and this isn't just a weekend fling to me. You are my girl and now that I've got you, I'm certainly not letting you go."
The secondary characters in this book are amazing! Tanzi, Jack, Lucas, Ali and even Mr. Davenport were highly entertaining additions to the story. I really want to hang out and do tequila shots with this entire LA crew! Savannah really hit the jackpot when she stumbled into this makeshift, incredibly good looking family.
"It's not that I want you; it's that I need you. It's as simple as that."
At times the writing did get little redundant. There are only so many times I read about a gorgeous girl's confidence level. I've never understood why it's always the most beautiful people in books that are the most insecure and need the most reassurance. Look in the mirror people! But otherwise this is an absolute fantastic debut novel from Brookes.
"I'm always going to run to you; if you run from me I will stalk you."
Just Breathe is book one of a series and the ending does leave the story unresolved. But unlike so many "throw your kindle out the window" cliffhangers, the story ended on a good note. I felt very content with the ending, but I'm still really excited to see what is next for Savannah and Tate. There is still a TON left to their story and I just know Rachel Brookes is gonna deliver!
Reviewed by Abby for www.fictionandfashion.com
August 2, 2014
*I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dear God...this book. Besides being a freaking whirlwind it was so much fun! God, I love Savannah with all my heart. She is definitely my ideal main character. She's smart, sassy, and stubborn as all hell. Honestly, I think I love her so much because her and I are so much alike. Savannah is a girl who speaks her mind and goes after what she wants. Even though her past often threatens to consume her, she was never overly self-depreciating. I never felt annoyed or burdened by her troubles, either, which was refreshing for this genre. Savannah is someone I can't wait to see grow more as a character. I also just LOVE when she calls Tate and "arsehole"!
Speaking of Tate...he was one of the MOST frustrating male MC's I have ever come across in my reading life. There were times I wanted to haul off and punch him and other times I wanted to cuddle him to death. The things that came out of that boy's mouth...my goodness. I needed a fan to deal with my mounting anger and attraction. Tate said some pretty asinine things but he always seemed to redeem himself. He truly seems like a guy that is willing and trying to turn himself into a man deserving of someone like Savannah. Truly, I find myself annoyed by most NA male MC's. They're generally controlling assholes but Tate was different. He had his jealous and mean streaks but he didn't boss Savannah around or totally treat her like dirt all the time.
Anyways, one thing I truly loved about this book was the secondary characters. Mr. Davenport (I love that Savannah NEVER calls him Simon despite his protests), Savannah's (Sav) father-figure, Tanzi, Sav's best friend and Tate's Twin, Lucas, and Jack had me in stitches throughout the whole book. I truly felt like I was a fly on the wall in their little gang! They were HILARIOUS. i am truly cracking up writing this review thinking about them! The way Rachel develops her secondary characters truly shows her talent and I'm so glad to have gotten to "know" them!
I loved this story. At times it was frustrating as hell and at other times it pulled at all the right heartstrings. There were a few WTF moments where my mouth literally hung open and I either had to promptly shut it as to not have a fly move in OR wipe the drool from my chin during Tate's more sexy moments. I also loved that it immediately sucked me in and kept me on the edge of my seat virtually flipping pages as quickly as my little eyes could scan them. I cannot WAIT to see what's in store for this crazy gang! I also cannot wait to see more of Tanzi and Jack's antics. I just can't get enough of them! Jack had me busting out laughing on numerous occasions!
I really recommend this to someone who enjoys NA, sexy MC's (on all accounts), and not your virginal, perfect female MC with the right amount of sassy attitude.
Dear God...this book. Besides being a freaking whirlwind it was so much fun! God, I love Savannah with all my heart. She is definitely my ideal main character. She's smart, sassy, and stubborn as all hell. Honestly, I think I love her so much because her and I are so much alike. Savannah is a girl who speaks her mind and goes after what she wants. Even though her past often threatens to consume her, she was never overly self-depreciating. I never felt annoyed or burdened by her troubles, either, which was refreshing for this genre. Savannah is someone I can't wait to see grow more as a character. I also just LOVE when she calls Tate and "arsehole"!
Speaking of Tate...he was one of the MOST frustrating male MC's I have ever come across in my reading life. There were times I wanted to haul off and punch him and other times I wanted to cuddle him to death. The things that came out of that boy's mouth...my goodness. I needed a fan to deal with my mounting anger and attraction. Tate said some pretty asinine things but he always seemed to redeem himself. He truly seems like a guy that is willing and trying to turn himself into a man deserving of someone like Savannah. Truly, I find myself annoyed by most NA male MC's. They're generally controlling assholes but Tate was different. He had his jealous and mean streaks but he didn't boss Savannah around or totally treat her like dirt all the time.
Anyways, one thing I truly loved about this book was the secondary characters. Mr. Davenport (I love that Savannah NEVER calls him Simon despite his protests), Savannah's (Sav) father-figure, Tanzi, Sav's best friend and Tate's Twin, Lucas, and Jack had me in stitches throughout the whole book. I truly felt like I was a fly on the wall in their little gang! They were HILARIOUS. i am truly cracking up writing this review thinking about them! The way Rachel develops her secondary characters truly shows her talent and I'm so glad to have gotten to "know" them!
I loved this story. At times it was frustrating as hell and at other times it pulled at all the right heartstrings. There were a few WTF moments where my mouth literally hung open and I either had to promptly shut it as to not have a fly move in OR wipe the drool from my chin during Tate's more sexy moments. I also loved that it immediately sucked me in and kept me on the edge of my seat virtually flipping pages as quickly as my little eyes could scan them. I cannot WAIT to see what's in store for this crazy gang! I also cannot wait to see more of Tanzi and Jack's antics. I just can't get enough of them! Jack had me busting out laughing on numerous occasions!
I really recommend this to someone who enjoys NA, sexy MC's (on all accounts), and not your virginal, perfect female MC with the right amount of sassy attitude.
July 11, 2013
Just Breathe by Rachel Brookes is my absolute favorite book I have read so far this month. Maybe even all of last month too. No I take that back it is up there on my list of favorite books this year. Not only could I not put it down I also couldn't get enough of the amazing characters. I'm pretty sure that Tate has filled the position for my next book boyfriend. He has the exact qualities I am looking for a tortured soul looking to break free from his past. I loved him more than I could ever put into words. Also Savannah was a strong women, one who isn't you average women . She is a bit wild, and crazy, with a lot of sass. She is smart with her words and she is quick to not let anyone walk over her. She is quite awesome. I kinda wish I could hang out with her and pick her brain, or at the least listen to that fabulous Australian accent I've heard so much about.
Let me give you a short little peak into this book without giving too much away. Savannah moves from Australia to Los Angeles for her job. She isn't you typical sweet girl. Savannah doesn't do relationships. It isn't for her or that's just what she tells herself. Immediately after moving like her very first day she meets Tate and he is exactly like her but insanely attractive and well her new best friends brother. She is determined to change her lifestyle and stay away from the likes of Tate. Well guess what? He won't let her. He is determined to have her. Will she fall for his charms? Or will he fall for hers?
So yes I'm a tad bit in love with this story. Not only will Tate and Savannah learn one another secrets but that just may seal the deal. Well unless one of one screws it up. I have to tell you they have some fantastic chemistry. It is well worth the read for that. I mean they are super hot together. I have to applaud Rachel because I felt their passion to my core. She is quite talented and I'm sold on anything and everything she decides to write. So back to my gushing about my new favorite book. Why can't I stop thinking of Tate? Oh I know because he is pretty terrific and a little bit damaged. Obviously that's how I like my men. Savannah you are one lucky women. This book made me feel all kinds of different emotions. In all honesty I had to hold back some tears in some parts. Then in some parts it made me laugh. The main characters had this witty banter that was quite endearing. They really got one another. I believe that it is so important to see and feel a connection with a books characters. I want to feel what they feell. I want to understand what is going on in their heads. This book just did that for me and so much more.
Last but not least is to take the time to dive right into this book head first and to never put it down. It will clearly take your breath away but all you have to remember is to Just Breathe.
January 14, 2014
This was the first book I read from this genre! Since then.....there has been no going back!
So for this Rachel.... I give you my heart ❤️
This book did something to me deep inside and captured so many emotions! I fell in love with Rachel's style of writing! The characters are the kind that will always stay in your head and its a plot that you always will remember!
Savannah is the sexy, sassy, Australian siren who has more sass than the highest pair of Christian Louboutins! Seriously, this girl is the perfect female book lead! She was dealt a really awful hand of cards and has been through so much sadness for someone so young, but she doesn't let that stop her! From the moment she lands in L.A with Mr Davenport she want to make that city her bitch! From her past of sleeping around and not letting anybody LOVE her and NOT EVER FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN what will L.A bring to her?????
I love her friendship with Tanzi! Tanzi is the best friend every girl in the world wants! She is absolutely hilarious and her one liners are just so funny I nearly peed my pants! She takes Sav under her wing and and they just connect! They have so much in common and have a beautiful friendship! Tanzi has a boyfriend called Jack and he is so goddamn funny, such a genuine guy who just beams out goodtimes and goodvibes to everyone! Him and Tanzi are PERFECT for each other and I loved then both BIG MUCH!!
Then there is Tate!
OH MY MARY MOTHER OF JESUS!
Tate-God-Dayumm-Freaking-Holy-Hottness-Swoonmypantsoff-Take me Now-Connors!
Ok, I have contained myself! Tate Connors screams SEX! He is the godlike twin of Tanzi, lady magnet, manager of Red Velvet and can call me ANYTIME!
When Sav and Tate meet, I swear the world stops moving!! The sexual tension in that elevator is so HOT I had to take timeout! They connect with their eyes and it just does something to you deep inside!
When Sav goes to meet Tanzi at her apartment and in strolls ELEVATOR BOY! Wohoooo you just know fireworks are about to go off all over the world!
I don't want to put to any spoilers in this review because people need to read it for themselves but you all really should give this book a well deserved chance!
Rachel has been blessed with an amazing talent and wants to share this with the world and you cannot help fall in love with her and her writing! She has become so much more than an author to me and you can feel the love she has for writing! She pours her heart and soul into her words and it captures every fibre of your being!
Sav and Tate will take you on a journey that makes your heart melt, your breath hitch and open up emotions you didn't even know existed!
Well Done to you Rachel! FIVE GIGANTIC DROP MY PANTIES STARS from me!! ❤️❤️❤️
So for this Rachel.... I give you my heart ❤️
This book did something to me deep inside and captured so many emotions! I fell in love with Rachel's style of writing! The characters are the kind that will always stay in your head and its a plot that you always will remember!
Savannah is the sexy, sassy, Australian siren who has more sass than the highest pair of Christian Louboutins! Seriously, this girl is the perfect female book lead! She was dealt a really awful hand of cards and has been through so much sadness for someone so young, but she doesn't let that stop her! From the moment she lands in L.A with Mr Davenport she want to make that city her bitch! From her past of sleeping around and not letting anybody LOVE her and NOT EVER FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN what will L.A bring to her?????
I love her friendship with Tanzi! Tanzi is the best friend every girl in the world wants! She is absolutely hilarious and her one liners are just so funny I nearly peed my pants! She takes Sav under her wing and and they just connect! They have so much in common and have a beautiful friendship! Tanzi has a boyfriend called Jack and he is so goddamn funny, such a genuine guy who just beams out goodtimes and goodvibes to everyone! Him and Tanzi are PERFECT for each other and I loved then both BIG MUCH!!
Then there is Tate!
OH MY MARY MOTHER OF JESUS!
Tate-God-Dayumm-Freaking-Holy-Hottness-Swoonmypantsoff-Take me Now-Connors!
Ok, I have contained myself! Tate Connors screams SEX! He is the godlike twin of Tanzi, lady magnet, manager of Red Velvet and can call me ANYTIME!
When Sav and Tate meet, I swear the world stops moving!! The sexual tension in that elevator is so HOT I had to take timeout! They connect with their eyes and it just does something to you deep inside!
When Sav goes to meet Tanzi at her apartment and in strolls ELEVATOR BOY! Wohoooo you just know fireworks are about to go off all over the world!
I don't want to put to any spoilers in this review because people need to read it for themselves but you all really should give this book a well deserved chance!
Rachel has been blessed with an amazing talent and wants to share this with the world and you cannot help fall in love with her and her writing! She has become so much more than an author to me and you can feel the love she has for writing! She pours her heart and soul into her words and it captures every fibre of your being!
Sav and Tate will take you on a journey that makes your heart melt, your breath hitch and open up emotions you didn't even know existed!
Well Done to you Rachel! FIVE GIGANTIC DROP MY PANTIES STARS from me!! ❤️❤️❤️
July 10, 2013
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
What a stunning debut from Rachel Brookes, she must of gotten the memo because she got the formula so right! I'm just preparing you ladies, this book comes with the 'Tate Connors Effect' and it's mind blowing.
Taking a seat on the floor in front of me, Tate looked up at me with eyes of unadulterated intention and it was then that I was able to see just how truly and devastatingly beautiful his eyes were. Eyes that were the bluest of blues were watching me. They were the kind of eyes that would make you forget about everything around you, the type of eyes that you would get lost in, the type of eyes that would make you do anything and everything without any thought of inhibition or consequence. They were the dangerous type of eyes.
Savannah Rae has made the big move from Australia to Los Angeles, leaving all her hurt and heartache behind. No more meaningless one night stands, she is turning over a new leaf. Savannah has a gorgeous new apartment, along with a new best friend Tanzi, and the help of Mr Davenport, the one man that has stood by her from the beginning. Then she lays eyes on Tate Connors, and all coherent thoughts go out the window. This is a man that has all the moves and he knows how to use them. Tate is gorgeous (like seriously), charming, arrogant, cocky, oh and did I mention gorgeous? He and Savannah clash from the beginning, pushing each others buttons like no other. You all know what this means? Yup, An Epic Love Story.
You frustrate me, Sav, you infuriate me, you make me angry, f*$k, you make me throw glasses at the f#&king wall, but I wouldn't have it any other way. You may have started as a game to me but then you became my challenge.
I love Savannah. She's strong, feisty and stubborn, the kind of heroine I love reading about. After life dealt her a few shit cards, she decided that nights fuelled with alcohol and meaningless one night stands would help her forget her pain. Once she moves to L.A she makes a promise to Mr Davenport, her father's oldest friend, and Sav's 'substitute' father, that she would stop her partying ways and turn over a new leaf. Then she meets Tate, he throws her world into a spin. Sav doesn't want to get involved with her new best friends brother, but their pull towards one another is undenaible. As their walls come tumbling down, Savannah starts breaking all her rules, the rules she puts in place to protect her already shattered heart.
see the full review at http://www.martinitimes.com/1/post/20...
What a stunning debut from Rachel Brookes, she must of gotten the memo because she got the formula so right! I'm just preparing you ladies, this book comes with the 'Tate Connors Effect' and it's mind blowing.
Taking a seat on the floor in front of me, Tate looked up at me with eyes of unadulterated intention and it was then that I was able to see just how truly and devastatingly beautiful his eyes were. Eyes that were the bluest of blues were watching me. They were the kind of eyes that would make you forget about everything around you, the type of eyes that you would get lost in, the type of eyes that would make you do anything and everything without any thought of inhibition or consequence. They were the dangerous type of eyes.
Savannah Rae has made the big move from Australia to Los Angeles, leaving all her hurt and heartache behind. No more meaningless one night stands, she is turning over a new leaf. Savannah has a gorgeous new apartment, along with a new best friend Tanzi, and the help of Mr Davenport, the one man that has stood by her from the beginning. Then she lays eyes on Tate Connors, and all coherent thoughts go out the window. This is a man that has all the moves and he knows how to use them. Tate is gorgeous (like seriously), charming, arrogant, cocky, oh and did I mention gorgeous? He and Savannah clash from the beginning, pushing each others buttons like no other. You all know what this means? Yup, An Epic Love Story.
You frustrate me, Sav, you infuriate me, you make me angry, f*$k, you make me throw glasses at the f#&king wall, but I wouldn't have it any other way. You may have started as a game to me but then you became my challenge.
I love Savannah. She's strong, feisty and stubborn, the kind of heroine I love reading about. After life dealt her a few shit cards, she decided that nights fuelled with alcohol and meaningless one night stands would help her forget her pain. Once she moves to L.A she makes a promise to Mr Davenport, her father's oldest friend, and Sav's 'substitute' father, that she would stop her partying ways and turn over a new leaf. Then she meets Tate, he throws her world into a spin. Sav doesn't want to get involved with her new best friends brother, but their pull towards one another is undenaible. As their walls come tumbling down, Savannah starts breaking all her rules, the rules she puts in place to protect her already shattered heart.
see the full review at http://www.martinitimes.com/1/post/20...
July 4, 2013
What happens when the bad boy/player meets his match? Tate Connors finds out when Savannah Rae moves from Australia to Los Angeles. Can they put aside their love'em and leave'em ways or are some habits just too hard to break?
I enjoyed reading about a female character that wasn't pure, virginal or self-conscious; Savannah is a naughty girl and she embraces her assets to get what she wants. Rachel Brookes does a good job with the slow build up of tension between Tate and Savannah, you get to see them circling each other and gauging just how far they are willing to take their flirtation.
The dialogue was fun and flirty in the beginning, Savannah being Australian was very entertaining, making for some comical moments with her word choices. As the book wore on I was left wanting more dialogue between Tate and Savannah, I really felt disconnected and lost interest during the last half of the book. The back and forth in their "relationship" and blow-ups just took over and left me frustrated and more interested in the cast of secondary characters. I would have liked to get to know Mr. Davenport, Tanzi and Jack a better, I found myself wanting to read more about them than Tate. Tate Connors was too angst filled for my liking, he came off as a childish and immature and just rubbed me the wrong way.
I love a drama, dark and angst filled read, but this almost too much. I felt they were making a bigger deal out of stuff than they needed too. The back and forth and fighting in this story was too much for me and the ending didn't make sense to me (this is a first book in a series so there is a mild cliffhanger). I just wanted more from Just Breathe, I wanted a reason to root for Savannah and Tate as a couple and I really didn't understand what they saw in each other.
To be fair New Adult is always an iffy genre for me, being in my thirties I sometimes expect the characters to act more grown up than what a typical 20-something may act, so that is my hang-up. No two people read the same book so definitely read the prologue and first chapter I have linked to see if this is something you would enjoy. Even though this story wasn't my cup of tea, Rachel Brookes is an author I will keep my eye on, I am curious what she will come up with next.
I enjoyed reading about a female character that wasn't pure, virginal or self-conscious; Savannah is a naughty girl and she embraces her assets to get what she wants. Rachel Brookes does a good job with the slow build up of tension between Tate and Savannah, you get to see them circling each other and gauging just how far they are willing to take their flirtation.
The dialogue was fun and flirty in the beginning, Savannah being Australian was very entertaining, making for some comical moments with her word choices. As the book wore on I was left wanting more dialogue between Tate and Savannah, I really felt disconnected and lost interest during the last half of the book. The back and forth in their "relationship" and blow-ups just took over and left me frustrated and more interested in the cast of secondary characters. I would have liked to get to know Mr. Davenport, Tanzi and Jack a better, I found myself wanting to read more about them than Tate. Tate Connors was too angst filled for my liking, he came off as a childish and immature and just rubbed me the wrong way.
I love a drama, dark and angst filled read, but this almost too much. I felt they were making a bigger deal out of stuff than they needed too. The back and forth and fighting in this story was too much for me and the ending didn't make sense to me (this is a first book in a series so there is a mild cliffhanger). I just wanted more from Just Breathe, I wanted a reason to root for Savannah and Tate as a couple and I really didn't understand what they saw in each other.
To be fair New Adult is always an iffy genre for me, being in my thirties I sometimes expect the characters to act more grown up than what a typical 20-something may act, so that is my hang-up. No two people read the same book so definitely read the prologue and first chapter I have linked to see if this is something you would enjoy. Even though this story wasn't my cup of tea, Rachel Brookes is an author I will keep my eye on, I am curious what she will come up with next.
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