Before You Break

Between Breaths #2

by Christina Lee

A sexy, emotional New Adult romance about a bad boy on the edge and a good girl about to lose control…

The star catcher of the college baseball team isn't supposed to have skeletons in his closet. But Daniel Quinn is hiding a guilty past so dark he refuses to let anyone get close. Except there’s something about gorgeous, studious Ella Abrams that goes beyond the electric attraction between them—something that makes him want to open up.

Ella has suffered enough heartache and guilt to fill one of her psychology textbooks, but she keeps that part of herself hidden behind a bubbly exterior. Until she receives an anonymous call while working the suicide helpline and the voice on the other end touches something inside of her that she can’t ignore.

Soon Ella and Quinn’s physical connection heats up, even as their deep and revealing hotline talks intensify. But by the time Ella realizes that her seductive jock and her sensitive caller are the same guy, it might be too late to save him—or to stop herself from falling too far.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, College, Contemporary Romance, Sports, College Romance

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2014

About the author

Christina writes romance in different sub-genres, mostly with LGBTQ characters, not only because she's part of the community, but because representation matters, and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after. 


You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.

Reviews

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

+5 BEAUTIFUL STARS

"Guilt and regret are powerful things.But they can destroy your life.
Somehow you have to learn to forgive yourself so you can move on."

OMG This book was so beautiful!!You will fall in love with this story!I loved it more than the first book!!It was powerful and left me breathless !

Ella is Avery’s best friend and she is tired of her boyfriend.They don’t communicate on the same level anymore!While she was visiting him in the fraternity house she will meet Quinn.Who is sexy and popular in women but he keeps himself away from them..There is something between them..But at the beginning they fought their feelings for each other..Ella and Quinn both have to deal with a lost from their past.. Ella has to deal with her brother's loss while Quinn is dealing with the loss of a friend...

Are they able to begin to move on and live in the present instead of the past??


I loved both characters!!Ella was sweet and smart.And Quinn mmm *sigh*
He was swoony,sexy and really care about the others.The two of them were powerful together!I loved the way the author managed to make me to connect with both of them and feel the things and the lost they were feeling!

Ella and Quinn had something real together.I like watching how their relationship developed!Both had been through so much pain in their pasts both they felt guilt for things that were truly out of their control.. Their relationship developed slowly and felt realistic.They had intense chemistry!

"I'm not going to kiss you,Ella.Not tonight."
"Kissing you would be too easy,..and you're not a girl I want to be easy with."

"You're so damn sexy, Ella" "You make me want to do naughty things to you."



Before You Break is an amazing book.It's emotional,sexy,sweet,fun, and simply beautiful!I'm so in love with this series!!I can't wait for the next book!! <3

[Patrycja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Before You Break
Series: Between Breaths #2
Author: Christina Lee
Release Date: 18th February, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes.




Before You Break was very compelling novel and never once did the pace seem to slow down. Yes, it was a little predictable, and yes it was very new adult-ish but I didn’t mind in the slightest. From time to time a story like this is exactly what I need.

As the blurb tells us, Before You Break is about Avery’s friend – Ella. I can’t say I remembered much about her. I knew who she was, but other than that she wasn’t exactly memorable in All of You. I was very surprised to learn that she came from family with polish roots as I am from Poland myself and lived there all my life.

Anyway, Ella’s younger brother committed a suicide a few years back. It was hard for her and her very close family. Every member of it took his dead as a serious punch in the gut. Especially Ella. Why didn’t she see any sights? Why didn’t she help her brother? Was she really this blind? She wonders.

Now, in college Ella still is full of regret and psychical pain. That’s the main reason why she’s studying psychology and volunteers in suicide prevention line. She’s hoping to help someone that needs it, just like her brother did.



When one day she picks up the phone and hears a desperate voice her world suddenly change.

Quinn is baseball player. Popular. Handsome. Smart. Most of people would say he lives the life in its finest. Almost no one knows how guilty and broken he feels. While he hides his secret and pretends to enjoy being a jock and fraternity member he meets sweet, beautiful Ella and nothing is the same again.

Well, it’s safe to say that I absolutely adored this sweet, heart galloping romance – I devoured it in one sitting, not even pausing to make sure the world is still going. I totally dashed through this story. Why? It was easy to connect with characters. Written in dual point of view, Before You Break made it hard not to feel related to Ella and Quinn. I also couldn’t help by feel my heart clenching repeatedly for both of them.

Quinn and Ella made a great couple. They were so right for each other. Seeing them together brought hundreds of butterflies to my stomach. Sexy kisses, yummy tension and sweet, adorable confessions of love mixed with some drama were a hit for me.



Although, the story is kind of predictable and reader can clearly see what is going on almost from the beginning, I wasn’t bored. The lack of roller coaster’s twist and turns didn’t bother me much. I was enjoying myself too much to realized it. More needing reader can have a problem, though.

I also wanted to say that the author mentioned Ella’s polish family quite few times. I can’t stop myself from commenting how was it done. It didn’t influence my rating or the level of my enjoyment but it left an aftertaste I can’t seem to shake off.

I cringed every time a word in polish was used and it was grammatically incorrect or just didn’t seem like something I would say. For example, my father would never ever say to me ‘córka’ (daughter) at the end of the sentence. In English saying something like ‘Don’t do it, Son’ or ‘Can you tell me, Son’ sounds okay but in polish it’s… weird. The same goes with saying to my mother ‘matka’. Yes, of course you can say that, but it’s very official and doesn’t hold any warm feelings. When using polish you also have to remember to alternate the verb to every case. So you can have ‘córka, córki, córce, córką’ and so on. It wasn’t done in the book.

When Christina Lee mentioned Easter’s meals we eat in polish I only sighed heavily. I can’t remember if I ever had pierogi on Easter.

Sorry, for this ‘lesson’. I tend to be very critical when someone is talking about my country’s traditions and doesn’t get them right. Readers who don’t know anything about polish culture won’t even pay attention to this details.




Overall, Christina Lee delivered what I hoped she would - romance that made me sweat, enough drama to satisfy but not overwhelm and so much aww moments to fill a bucket or two.

*ARC provided by Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for honest review*

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a companion novel to ALL OF YOU. It is also a standalone, so you don't have to read All of You first. But your understanding of the characters might be enhanced if you did. ;-)

Here's a teaser:

I'm very excited to share Ella and Quinn's journey with you. (FYI: Avery and Bennett make an appearance, too.)

You can check out my Before You Break inspiration board, here: http://pinterest.com/christinalee04/b...

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before You Break was a touching of story of loss, grief, and guilt weaved in with a swoony romance.

Both Ella and Quinn have been marked by death and sorrow. Ella has essentially come to terms with her pain and channeled it into something meaningful by choosing a career path that will help others: getting a psychology degree.

Quinn has not begun the healing process, and self-loathing and guilt cast a dark shadow over his life. That is until he’s desperate enough to call into a suicide prevention hotline and connects with Ella who volunteers there. Not realizing they actually know each other Quinn bares his soul to Ella, one phone call at a time, feeling a for once that he has an understanding ear. Ella is deeply affected by Quinn’s pain, and she wants to help. She lost her brother, Christopher when he committed suicide, and Ella’s experienced some of the same feelings of guilt and helplessness that Quinn’s dealing with.

Ella’s personal life isn’t quite as healthy. She’s remained in a relationship with her boyfriend, Joel, even though the spark has long since gone and she suspects he’s not entirely faithful. But because he knew her brother Christopher, she can’t help but hold on. Meanwhile, Quinn, who is a student in Joel’s frat house, captures her attention with his quite seriousness, not to mention his smoking hot good looks. During their interactions, Ella feels a deep connection, and attraction to Quinn, but she also senses sadness in him as well.

Quinn sees the way Joel treats Ella and it ticks him off. Ella is sweet, gorgeous, and fun with a personality that just sucks him in. A smoldering attraction forces their situation to a head, but the big question is whether Quinn can forgive himself enough to allow for happiness with Ella.

Quinn and Ella have a powerful draw and chemistry, but beyond that they have a deep sense of connection because they unknowingly share similar pain. Ella shares openly with Quinn and this along with his phone calls to “Gabriella”, gives him the courage to open up and start healing. Their romance was HOT even though they tried to take things slow. When you’re attracted by more than just the physical person, the bond is usually more intense. Lots of steamy scenes sure to get your heart racing!

This was my first time reading Christina Lee, but it won’t be the last. She wrote an emotionally charged romance that enthralled me from the first page. I can’t wait for the next story which centers on Rachel: Whisper to Me.

A copy was provided by Penguin/Intermix in exchange for a honest review. Thank you!

[✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before You Break was depressing in the beginning, and it picked up to become sweet, and it ended fairly well.
A story about a young man struggling to battle his past and guilt. He has been thinking about the worse measure to keep him free of those nightmares.
That young man is Quinn.





Enters Ella, the girl who has the mysterious and quiet Quinn's attention. And she has her side of story that she holding on too but she is strong.





How will they overcome their past together?






"I guess this means you're all mine"
"For as long as you'll have me"
"Forever works for me"

Happy reading

D xo

**ARC provided for honest review**

[Kelli C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those reads that comes along and is not the least bit what you expect, yet it works in more ways than one!

Before You Break is a sweet love story filled with sadness, survival, and redemption. Most importantly it is emotionally charged and just the right amount of intimacy that makes it realistic and touching.

This is the story of Gabriella/Ella and Quinn...two different people from different worlds, yet so similar with past tragedies that bond them without even knowing it. Ella is living everyday coping with the loss of her brother from his suicide. Quinn is hiding everyday from the loss of his best friend...going thru the motions of what everyone wants him to be.

Circumstances have them interacting everyday in each other's lives...creating a pull toward one another that is palpable. Their sadness and heartbreak is soothed when they are together. Just one touch, one kiss and they find a need so raw that it is almost painful to be without.

If only they could give each other everything. Quinn will have do the unthinkable, he will have to face his past and open himself up to the one person who sees the real him!


Together Ella and Quinn discover who they really, what they really need, and what survival, forgiveness, and true love feels like. They discover safety in each other's arms that keeps both from falling over the edge!

[Monica Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Sweet and sexy and sad and full of hope. Love Quinn and Ella together.

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I'm considering the whole of Christina Lee's "Before You Break" - I would say it's a decent narrative for the idea/grounds behind the story. This is also a story with enough realistic tangibility to where I could get behind it for the aim, at the very least.

But for the longest time, I couldn't figure out what was bugging me about the story/narrative in general. I kept trying to get into Ella and Quinn's respective perspectives (this is told in dual narrative), but I kept feeling like there was a block between me identifying with the characters and their respective circumstances. There's a huge emotional distance in the narrative that I couldn't connect to, not to mention there were several plot points/realizations that were rehashed and made the narrative feel longer than it should've been.

Quinn's grieving over his responsibility in a friend's death and his respective depression, while Ella's working a suicide hotline and recalling memories of her own brother, who committed suicide. She's also recovering from being in a relationship with a guy who didn't love her, but her parents approved of. Quinn and Elle don't know it, but aside from meeting each other through the similar circle of friends/university frat relations, they know each other through the suicide hotline. Quinn identifies as Daniel, and Elle identifies as Gabby. "Daniel" confides his situation with "Gabby," while teetering on the edge of losing himself to his grief.

It's really only a matter of time before they both figure the truth and when it happens, it may threaten their relationship.

I wish I could've liked this more. I really wish I could've, but the more I read into it for the longest time, between a plethora of sensuous scenes, repetitious bits (the fact that Ella's old boyfriend was bad for her, Quinn kind of going in circles with his arousal around Elle and bitterness against his respective pains) and points where the narrative plodded along - I had such a hard time with the connection that was supposed to be there. The details made it seem like the narrative had depth, but the emotional distance and build-up that felt too long coming really shortchanged the story.

I did appreciate seeing some of the previous characters from "All of You" in here, but I didn't feel like they really amounted to much more in development for the sake of the narrative. They didn't engage me or connect as well as I was hoping.

I don't know, I guess I expected much more from this narrative than it provided in addition to having trouble with its respective delivery. I'm willing to read the next book from Lee, but I'm kind of hoping the emotional connection's a little better and more consistent. It was plodding along for a while in this narrative - so when the ending hit, it felt like being hit in the back of the head all of a sudden with an emotion influx. Some of it was fine, especially with the consequences it lent, but I would've appreciated more character depth and emotional consistency than the attention to the sensuous scenes or the repetitious bits.

Overall score: 1.5/5 stars

Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Intermix.

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Healing Wounds Stars

Quinn and Ella are both dealing with grief. Both Quinn and Ella lost a loved one. Quinn is coping differently than Ella. Ella has been through counseling and is moving forward with her life. Quinn is battling with his guilt and trying to stay alive.

I’m always a little nervous when I read a book that touches suicide, it’s such a serious matter and I hate reading it when it’s mentioned lightly. I understand Quinn’s pain. He feels responsible for his best friend’s death. At first you may not know the full events, but as things are discovered, you sort of grasp what he’s dealing with.

I liked Quinn, but I wasn’t swooning over him. He’s nice and very athletic. I guess the whole suicide thing kind of threw me off a bit. Depression is not really attractive, I guess I like self-destruction more.

Ella is currently dating a jerk and he happens to live with Quinn. The beginning is a bit intense with the love triangle, you know me, and it’s something that crawls under my skin. I was begging for both parties not to do something stupid. I know some people like this kind of story line.

The main point of the book is two people having the same tragic past, but they both are coping differently. Quinn shuts Ella out a lot because he’s scared that once he tells her his secret she may bail. Little does Quinn know that Ella works at a suicide hot light and does judge.

There isn’t much steam, but there are plenty of steamy situations, if you know what I mean. The story is more focused on past pains, than sex. Before You Break are very dramatic, deals with some sad issues and kind of gets to you emotionally.

REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON

[Vickie***]

after a certain book *ahem* the perfect game *cough* *choke*

I find myself even more insecure with baseball players. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY, I SWEAR. that book (as mentioned above) scarred me scarred me

[Jaime Arkin]

I am not rating this because I didn't finish. I gave it the old high school try and I know people love this author and the first book, but I just didn't click with anything. That said, my TBR pile is waaaaay too big to spend time torturing myself to get through something that isn't working for me.

[Katerina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: Daniel "Quinn" calls a suicide hotline one night, after struggling with his suicidal thoughts. The guilt and responsibility he holds in his best friend, Sebastian's death plays havoc on his heart. Gabriella "Ella", coaches him, the two building a rapport following several conversations. Both have no clue that she is his frat brother's girlfriend, who he better recognises as Ella. Though both of them recognise one another on the periphery of their outside lives, a mutual physical attraction existing, but they've never truly interacted. When Ella's relationship falls through the cracks, and Quinn is there, they begin to realises perhaps they know each other much better than they think they do.

Worst line: Quinn looked stunning in relaxed jeans, a black fitted T-shirt, and canvas flip-flops. I could even see the manly hair on his toes.

I cringed hard: manly toe hair. 🤢

Steam/ Drama: Really kind sex scenes, if that makes sense? It had a very teenagery first love feel to it, with the "cherish" aspect. I wouldn't say there's other people drama per se - but definitely coming to terms with significant others of the past - nothing major.

[Just a person · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read Before you break because I loved Avery and Bennett's story in . I would have wanted to read it anyways because of the synopsis. Suicide is a issue dear to my heart because of my dad, and reading about it, especially about a suicide prevention hotline gets my attention immediately. I know that if it is written well, then I will identify with the characters because they are someone who is depressed and thought about it like me, or they have lost someone close to them and have to deal with the guilt, loss, pain, being misunderstood, and that gaping hole the person left.
Before You Break was well written in that aspect. Ella lost her brother Christopher and felt a lot of guilt about if she could have done something differently, and what would have happened if he got more help, felt more loved, and a number of other things. But she has turned the tragedy into her life passion, she took the steps she needed to deal with her grief and found a way to channel it by studying to become a psychologist and volunteering at the suicide prevention hotline.
The story with the anonymous caller (and you will figure out things before they do, but it actually works out very well and I like how that story line turned out) really touched something with Ella. She felt like she was hearing things that Christopher would have said or done, and she just wanted him to know that he was a good person, and it is amazing how he touched her and how she was able to help him.
Quinn is amazing. I was drawn to him because of the respect he had, and the control. That he didn't seem to fit right in and that was a good thing. The proper way that he treated Ella when Joel was nothing but a douche that needed to be smacked. I know that he was dealing with a lot from his past, also guilt and pain but blaming himself and thinking he was a terrible person and didn't deserve to be happy. His story is so sad as well and I couldn't imagine carrying the burden that he did. And oh his parents, they really got under my skin. They needed to step up and quit worrying about politics and their public image and see how ostracized and how much their son was hurting, they were letting him slip away. I am so glad that he had that sliver of hope though, and that he found Ella and through her the beginning of healing.
They had some undeniable chemistry, and I loved how it was taking it slow. Also that they had an emotional connection and could easily talk to each other. They also had things in common, like video games, something besides making out (although I love those types of scenes, for it to be realistic you need some other common interests besides the physical attraction). They saw something in the other person that made them feel more comfortable and brought out the best in them, but also that they could bring whatever to the table and they would still be accepted and loved.
This book has a somewhat high level of profanity if that isn't your thing. GD is thrown around some as well as Avery and Ella's style of talking to each other which you know already if you read the first book. That aside I love how real their friendship is. That they know each other and aren't afraid to speak the truth in order to help the other have what they deserve and see things more clearly.
So, my dear friends who are burnt out on NA, while this does have some unique aspects (the hotline, the anonymous caller) while I loved this story hard core, it may not be your cup of tea because there are the two that are from a darker past who find healing in the other and the good in themselves, and of course the sexual progression is much the same--although hot, steamy and amazing for me. Just the disclaimer.
I think that the ending was realistic and hopeful and it gave me the answers that I wanted and things wrapped up. Although I'd love more time in their heads and I can't wait to see how they are doing along with Avery and Bennett through the eyes of Rachel in the next book.

Bottom Line: Sexy story of a couple in different stages of healing from their pasts as they fall hard for each other.

[Megan Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Lee's sophomore showing in her Between Breaths series is a beautiful, emotional story of grief, love, hope and absolution.

And I loved it.

This is the story of Quinn, a college baseball player living someone else's life because he's unable to get over the death and guilt of losing his best friend in high school. And Ella is a sweet, smart, caring heroine who shows him he's worth living for himself -- and sees her worth in the process.

Their journey was real and powerful. Christina Lee managed to make me come apart at the seams at their first kiss because of how important it was for both of them. I love how both of these characters are so unique in the crowded pool of New Adult love interests.

I liked ALL OF YOU, her debut. But BEFORE YOU BREAK? I absolutely loved it on soul-deep, all-the-feels level. So the scariest part is - Christina Lee is getting even better folks. Can't WAIT for the next in her series.

*I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I was completely wrapped up in both Ella and Quinn's story. I loved every minute of reading this book and the only thing I hated about it is that Holly read this book first. Christina Lee did a fantastic job of making both Ella and Quinn's characters come to life. They were completely real to me and I loved the heck out of both of them. This is a book that I will re-read over the years. It was another winner from Lee. I definitely recommend.

4.5 out of 5

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

It wasn't Before You Break, it was me. I couldn't get my head into it.

[Alicia Garnier · Rating 3 out of 5]

[CHRONIQUE] Une romance très sympa !

==> http://moody-takeabook.com/2016/02/22...

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start this review?! Christina has provided us with another swoon-worthy, compelling romance that had me engaged from start to finish! I read All of You last year and absolutely fell in love with Avery and Bennett, as well as Christina's writing style! Being her debut novel, she definitely knocked it out of the park! While I loved Avery and Bennett, I absolutely fell so hard for Quinn and Ella. They are such beautifully written characters and watching them form a relationship with one another was my favorite part. Disclaimer: Christina is the Queen of Sexual Tension. Yes, really. I have dubbed her as this on Twitter so it's official. She literally had my stomach in knots when it came to these two, and it's amazing how incredibly sensual a simple touch and a gaze can be.

There is a very serious undertone to this book and I felt Christina did a good job of incorporating that into the novel as a whole. Having lost her brother to suicide, Ella now works at the campus suicide hotline, offering advice and an ear to those who need someone to talk to. While Ella has come to terms with her brother's suicide, she still misses him every day and wishes there was something she could have done to prevent it. Upon receiving a call from a boy named Daniel, she is haunted by how broken he sounds and tries to offer him solace and encouragement to open up. Ella has no idea Daniel is really Quinn and he has no idea the Gabriella (Gabby) he is talking to is really her. I liked that Quinn finally opened up to someone about his guilt and shame of his past, but I also dreaded the moment the two found out they were talking to each other, as their relationship is so fragile and new.

I really liked Ella's character. She is sweet, almost shy, and really a good girl. Her boyfriend Joel is a jerk and I hated the way she let him treat her, even when she was starting to have doubts about their relationship. I am really glad Lee didn't drag this out or make Ella one of those co-dependent girls. Joel presents familiarity and comfort and also a link to her brother. That is what makes Ella hesitate in her decision to break up with him, even though their relationship hasn't been the same for awhile. She knows it's wrong to date Joel and have such intense feelings for Quinn, so I'm glad Ella made the right call.

Quinn. I don't even know where to start. He is such a beautifully broken boy that I just wanted to sweep into my arms and never stop hugging. He isn't like his frat 'brother' Joel who, while having a girlfriend, is constantly on the prowl and even dishonoring that relationship. He hates how Joel treats Ella, and after taking care of her one night almost mentions that if she were his, he'd never treat her the same way. Quinn hasn't really dated anyone, only the casual hookups, but with girls outside of school. The guys give him flack for this, but Quinn hasn't found someone he wants to step into that world with- until he meets and gets to know Ella. Yet, Quinn doesn't feel he can offer her what she needs. His guilt and shame weigh him down and he believes Ella deserves so much more. Even after she opens up to him about her past, he is terrified to open up to her as he knows she won't stick around, especially with someone as awful as him. His relationship with his parents is strained, as they don't give a shit about him- they only care about keeping up appearances as his father is a politician. After the accident, Quinn had not gotten the support and love that he needed, and therefore doesn't feel he is deserving of it now.

Quinn and Ella have sizzling sexual tension, but there are so many sweet moments between the two of them and watching them essentially heal one another is one of my favorite parts of the novel. Ella is the one who shows him compassion and provides him with hope- something he hasn't had in a long time. In exchange, he is the one who shows her how a woman should be treated, respected, and revered. No one has called her beautiful or made her feel the way Quinn does before. As I said, Ella is almost shy when it comes to Quinn and her appearance. While her ex-boyfriend had no problem with their sexual relationship, she is still self-conscious, as she is curvier than her friends and other girls. Quinn erases that self-doubt and he had my heart skipping beats over how tender he was with her.

The one qualm that bothered me was the way Ella would interact with Avery. Hearing her call her friend 'bitch' and other names like that (in fun, mind you) just seemed a bit out of character for the sweet girl. Ella can hold her own with the frat guys, as she grew up with brothers and video games, but it just seemed strange hearing her refer to Avery that way. Avery, on the other hand, I can totally see referring to her friends like that and even Rachel, but from Ella it didn't work for me.

Even then, that didn't really bother me because I loved this book so stinking much. After I finished, I instantly wanted to go back and reread it. Seeing how easily Quinn and Ella accept one another- faults, baggage, and all was really inspiring and seeing them both open up about a very painful, very real issue is pivotal to the development of this novel. I like that Quinn and Ella's relationship developed slowly as Quinn needed to get to a place where he no longer felt the crushing burden of his guilt and shame. Lee has written a beautiful story of redemption, love, and hope and I cannot wait to read Rachel's story next!

*Received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review!*

[caren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Abrams’ world spun out of control after her older brother, Christopher, committed suicide. Now in college, Ella still struggles with the grief of that devastating loss. She works nights at a suicide hotline, a job that unfortunately brings her into the worlds of other men and women who’ve been at the same lows she knows her brother once faced. When she receives a call from Daniel, a boy whose call ends too soon, she’s left wondering if she’ll ever hear from him again…

Daniel isn’t sure why he made the call, all he knows is that he feels like the girl on the other end of the line, Gabriella—or as he calls her, Gabby—might be able to help him out with all the guilt he’s holding inside.

What Ella and Daniel don’t realize is that they aren’t exactly strangers. Ella’s boyfriend, Joel, just so happens to be a member of the same fraternity as hotshot baseball player, Daniel Quinn. And Quinn knows Ella’s boyfriend is a douche.

After a night of too much alcohol, he gets closer to Ella than he’d planned…and she gets inside his head. A place he doesn’t believe he deserves to have anyone, let alone a girl like her. Lucky for him, it’s not long before Ella begins to see the error of her ways in choosing Joel as a companion.

In person and on the phone, these two college kids begin building two different and meaningful relationships. But when their worlds collide…will Ella be able to save him?

Let me just say this, ya’ll…one thing I’ve learned reading Christina Lee’s books? SHE GIVES GOOD SWOON. I mean seriously. First Bennett rocked my world in all his tattooed virginy glory. And then she gives me Quinn. A sweet, tender, baseball playing CAR GUY. I mean, talk about weaknesses!!! I can’t resist a guy with a passion for cars who’s sexy, sweet and unnnfffffffffff. Example?

“Kissing you would be too easy,” I whispered in her ear. “And you’re not a girl I want to be easy with.”

CLEAN UP ON AISLE FIVE.

Another example?

“My mom likes you,” I said, biting my lip. “I can tell.”

“Yeah?” He turned to face me, his voice softening. “You think she can tell I like her daughter?”

I MEAN SERIOUSLY.

I absolutely loved the two sides of this story, how Ella and Quinn were not only getting to know each other in person, but also sharing secrets on a deeper level without actually knowing it. It made their connection just tug at all my heartstrings and I wanted them to be together so badly. The push and pull and the tension—which was also unbelievable in All of You—was just gah, so freaking good. And man, can girlfriend write a first kiss…

“I don’t know what the hell this is or what the hell might happen,” he said, rubbing his finger along the edge of my earlobe. “But I do know one thing.”

Still, I couldn’t move or even speak. I was motionless—hypnotized by his eyes, his lips, his words. Finally, my hands unstuck and I slid them up his chest to his shoulders as he shuddered against my touch.

“I know I need to put my mouth on those pretty lips and kiss you,” he said with so much conviction, it felt like a swarm of butterflies had been let loose in my stomach. “Do you know that, too?”

His eyes held me prisoner and all I could do was mouth the word Yes.

*flailyhands*

If you have yet to experience Christina's words (poor you) and her boys (no really, poor you!!) and her lovely stories, what the heck are you waiting for? If you like your romance with fresh plots, complex characters and seriously good love, you're missing out if you aren't reading her yet. Go grab yourself a copy of All of You and devour it, and then when Before You Break hits shelves next week, grab it immediately!!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would really love to spill my guts about all the things I loved about this book, but if I did, it would contain spoilers and well… I can’t exactly ruin it for you!

After going through the pain of her brother committing suicide and the heartache and guilt of not seeing the signs or being able to help him, Ella is now trying to help others by working at a suicide hotline. This is where she meets Daniel.

Dealing with his own painful past filled with regret and guilt, Quinn is consumed with it and it’s preventing him from living as he should, loving others like he wants, and feeling worthy of being loved in return. Then he then turns to a stranger, Gabby, the girl that will save him from the demons in his head.

Now here’s the thing, Daniel knows Gabby from the hotline and Quinn knows Ella because she is dating one of his frat brothers. The only thing is they are both unaware that they share more than one simple connection. Make sense? Ella is Gabby and Quinn is Daniel, once that realization comes to light it may just be the thing that breaks them apart.

I love how Quinn is protective of Ella because he knows her boyfriend Joel is using her while “using” other girls at the same time. But Ella is also using Joel, but only for an emotional connection that ties to her past. Once she realizes what’s going on around her and in her head, she decides to move on, and the connection she feels towards Quinn starts to grow. The sweetness of Quinn and all of his swoony words and gentleness with her would melt any girl’s heart.

Quinn isn’t quite ready to move forward with Ella until he is sure she won’t hate him for his past mistakes. Ella is strong and patient with Quinn, she knows he will come around at his own pace. She just hope’s that it won’t take forever for him to be able to trust her.

When Quinn finally feels brave enough to open up completely to Ella, it all goes terribly wrong. Once she realizes that Quinn is Daniel from the hotline, her reaction and shock sets in and Quinn mistakes it for disgust and hate. He saw it in her eyes, but his faith and hopefulness that he entrusted her with turned into fear and sent him running away from her. If only she had opened her mouth sooner and explained. Once she realized what she had done, and what Quinn must have thought, it sends her running to him fearful of the outcome of her actions… “I need to get to you Quinn. Before you break”. And that’s exactly the moment where I broke out the box of tissues and had a book meltdown until I hit “the end”.

Christina wrote a beautiful story that gave me chills and made me feel for her characters so much that it made me cry… a lot. And it had the most perfect first kiss ever! I loved it all.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are very few YA/NA books and series out there that I like this series is one of them. Before you break deserves 4 baseball and dragonflies!

Please read the first book:



This book has depth and a lot of it.... Suicide is a topic that is often ignored or swept under the carpet but it doesn't need to be. We've all been in a situation where we thought that there was no escape but there is. Christina Lee describes these feelings and emotions in a tasteful manner filled with emotions, sympathy and understanding.

Ella lost her brother and her whole family was devastated.... She managed to pick up the pieces to her life and move on. Ella is studying pysch. and dating her boyfriend Joel her last remaining connection with her brother. Joel is a douchebag (and that's me being nice)

Quinn hasn't been living on existing with all the guilt that he has been carrying around with him. He has his demons and gets help the one thing that really miffed me about this is that surely if you talk to someone often enough you start to recognise their voice.

Ella splits up with Joel as she is attracted to Quinn and vice versa. Quinn feels as if he isn't worthy but with Ella and Gabby's help he starts to heal. The ending of the book kind of left me hanging so that was a disappointment. Great book and I can't wait for Rachel's story although I don't do the whole band thing. So, we'll see...............

[Farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely sweet, emotional, lovely romance, Before You Break was a fantastic read. I loved this book. It was truly enjoyable and just perfect. From the romance, to the secrets, this book was brilliant.

Ella was a lovely heroine. She was very real and easy to like. After her brother's death, she had to deal with guilt and grief, but she pulled herself together and made something good come out of it. She was strong, likable, and I thought she was great.

Quinn was also wonderful. This man was so sweet. He had so much guilt from his best friend's death building up but, even though he thought himself a monster, it was obvious that he had a truly good heart. He was so nice and sweet and utterly adorable. If you can't already tell, I totally loved him. He was perfect.

The romance was lovely. I love how Ella and Quinn fell for each other both on the phone and in real life. I thought that was really sweet. They were a perfect match. And, the chemistry between them was hot. Even before they went all the way, the sparks were flying. I thought these two were perfect together.

The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. All the drama of Quinn's past continuing to haunt him kept things interesting and I was completely riveted. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.

Before You Break was a brilliant New Adult romance. I absolutely loved this book. It was emotional, romantic, and really enjoyable. Romance lovers, this book is a must read.

*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 1 out of 5]

02/22/2012 --

Okay, I guess I've just expanded my New Year's resolution .. I'm going to be more forthright when I really don't like something.

Here goes ...
So, I don't like a lack of originality in some of the books I've been reading lately. This book is a perfect example of nothing new to offer. It has a great cover and saying this, will probably have many people flocking to it to read and enjoy. However, a word to the wise, this one is just like so many mediocre books you've read. That's right .. Mediocre. Nothing original. And, if it was the first time you were reading this storyline, you wouldn't find it stellar. Just nothing stands out. So, save your time and either re-read something you've read before and have purchased already or just don't and move to something else. Your time will be better spent.

Get me?


If you do decide to read this one, I hope you find/found something I missed and it KNOCKS YOUR SOCKS OFF. I don't think you will, but hope you do.

Happy Reading!!

ARC provided by the author and PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Bookish Temptations · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I loved All of You which is the first book in the series with it’s super yummy Bennett, I loved Before You Break even more. For me, Quinn rocked my world even harder.
You can read the rest of my review here: http://bookishtemptations.com/2014/02...

[Midwest Galley Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

 





It's bold to set a novel around the topic of suicide. If a tale is typically set around suicide, it's a mystery. Sometimes it's a maudlin survivor's tale. Occasionally it's about the people left to pick up the pieces as they stumble through their grief.

BEFORE YOU BREAK avoids all of these cliches and instead offers new perspectives. It's every inch New Adult, centered around two conflicted college students. One contemplating suicide. One recovering from her brother's suicide. Author Christina Lee manages to deftly elevate a Nice Guy to a place of vulnerability that doesn't translate to weakness.

Quinn and Ella meet twice. Once in person and once over the phone. Unaware of this duality, the story unfolds from both points of view. The reader knows more than the characters do, but forgone conclusions don't steal anything from the story. I always appreciate stories told from multiple points of view because inner dialogue is what drives empathy for a character. Empathy abounds, dear reader. I was so in love with Quinn and Ella right from the start.

Unlike companion novel ALL OF YOU, Quinn and Ella aren't coming to terms with childhoods dominated by poverty and broken families. Quinn's a man living a life of quiet atonement. His childhood of WASP privilege wasn't as easy as it appears. Ella's extended Polish family, by contrast, is full of love and support and pirogies.

I adore that Ella is curvy and acknowledges how different she feels compared to her skinny girlfriends in a way that doesn't paint her as desperate to change. There's no great weight loss or exercise victory storyline. In fact, Ella's a gamer who can hold her own with the boys. The fraternity house scenes took me back to my college days hanging around my husband's house like it was yesterday (it SOOO wasn't). I love how honestly Ella's relationship with her girlfriends is represented, foul names ('dill weed' is a favorite) and all. Christina Lee's former life as a social worker is indelibly marked on each page, with characters who are heartbreakingly human. Despite a multitude of unfairness being heaped at their feet, Ella and Quinn never drift into victimhood.

I love all of the resolutions, which start rolling strongly at the 80% mark. I so desperately want to know what happens next. BEFORE YOU BREAK is a standalone, but another companion novel, WHISPER TO ME, is set to release in May. Perhaps a glimpse at Ella and Quinn's future isn't too much to hope for after all.

5 stars

[Michel Reinhard (Saucy Southern Readers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the Publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Before You Break by Christina Lee was one of the most heart felt reads I have had the pleasure of reading. I was expecting the typical new adult drama and angst. While this book had these elements, it had so much more. It was emotional, heartbreaking, but at the same time both the leading characters were very admirable. The reader not only sympathized with them, we respected and admired their strengths, flaws, and the paths they chose for healing.

Ella is a psychology major and volunteers at the suicide hotline. She chose this major because she wanted to help people. She wanted to reach out and hopefully save lives. She knows from experience that emotional devastation and inner demons can torment a soul enough that it will drive them to desperate measures. She didn’t recognize the signs in her own family until it was too late. She is determined to help others so that their families won’t experience what her family did. She wants to make a difference in someone’s life so that they know their life is worth something.

Ella works hard at school, at her volunteer job, she is dedicated to her family, and loyal to those she loves. In fact at times she is too loyal. She tends to overlook peoples faults and just accepts them, including her selfish boyfriend. He tends to overlook her as a person. His needs and desires are more important than Ella. He would rather party with his frat brothers than give Ella some exclusive attention. We wants to be a player when Ella is not around.

Daniel Quinn is a star baseball player and seems to have it all. The girls want him, the frat brothers want to be him, and he has the world at his feet. Instead of embracing all the attention, he choses to keep to himself, keep a low profile in the frat house, and only occasionally dates girls that are not involved with the college or fraternity. He hates the way Ella’s boyfriend treats her and can’t understand what she sees in him. After Ella has a drunken night at the frat house, he is the one to help her. This begins a friendship that leads to some very real feelings. Both are drawn to one another for more than just sexual attraction. They seem to soothe each others inner souls. But Quinn has a secret. It is a secret that may drive Ella away. But what he doesn’t realize is that Ella is much more stronger, dedicated, and understanding. She sees past his faults, sees past his supposed perfection, and sees his inner soul. She likes what she sees and she will fight to save him from himself.

I just loved this book! It was well written, very sympathetic, and developed a beautiful love story that went way beyond chemistry, sexual attraction, and romantic gestures. It is a story of learning to love oneself as well as your soulmate.

This book 2 in the Between Breaths series but can be read as a stand alone book.

I highly recommend this book.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in Christina Lee's outstanding new adult Between Breaths series, Before You Break, will be out in paperback format on October 7, 2014. If you haven't had the chance to pick it up when it was only out in digital format, your chance is coming up again, and I would definitely not pass it up.

Quinn is a shell of who he once was, especially since, for the past few years, he's been living someone else's life out of a sense of guilt and self-loathing. Ella is the first person who makes him feel more like himself, but she's dating someone else. One night, in his despair, Quinn calls the suicide prevention hotline and talks to Gabby, not realizing it's Ella. Ella as well doesn't realize he's Quinn, and as Gabby starts helping assuage his guilt, Ella starts showing him how to live his own life again.

I really love books that feature cases of mistaken identity (Easy by Tammara Webber, anyone??). It feels like you hold your breath through the whole book, waiting for that moment when both parties' lightbulbs go on and they realize who the other person is. You just KNOW that moment will be there somewhere, and it seems like all events and moments lead up to that one. And, then all you can do is grab the popcorn and sit back and see what happens.

But, I think the best part about those types of books is that the reader gets to see both sides of these people up front - the public side and the private side. Before You Break was like that. In person, Quinn was a star baseball player, a loyal member of a campus fraternity and the loving son of a politician. Ella was sweet and bubby, dating class-A asshat Joel, and apparently, pretty dense since she continues to put up with Joel's womanizing ways.

But, when Quinn and Ella are on the phone with each other as Daniel and Gabby, pretenses are dropped, at least on Quinn's part, and he's finally able to unload all the guilt and sadness he still carries around from his best friend's death. Although the guilt-from-a-best-friend's-death story line has been done numerous times, I really enjoyed the slightly different take on this one. The discussion of suicide took the story in a bit of a darker, more serious, direction, but it was handled with care. It didn't take over the story, as these deep elements sometimes seem to do.

The connection and passion between Ella and Quinn helped alleviate some of that seriousness, I think. Books that delve into deep and sensitive subject matter sometimes have this dark pall over them, and even with an HEA, you sometimes just feel sapped of all energy when you reach the end. I didn't feel that way with Before You Break. When Ella and Quinn were together, the tone was lighter. And their sexy times were VERY sexy. I loved every minute of it. So, at the end, I didn't feel like I needed to go drown my sorrows in a tub of Ben & Jerry's. I was happy and satisfied - all good things.

Before You Break is told in dual POV, with Ella and Quinn switching off chapters. We see plenty of Avery and Bennett from book 1 in this series, which is always something I love. I am very much looking forward to following both these couples now through the rest of the series.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella lost her brother to suicide. Because of that she wants to be a psychologist and works at a suicide hotline. One night she gets a call from a guy who clearly needs someone to talk to. After a few phone calls of talking to each other on the hotline she soon finds herself thinking about him and his situation. Wondering if there is anyway she can get through to him and save his life. She has no idea that the Daniel that is calling the hotline is in fact Quinn and Quinn has no idea that the girl who's voice allows him to open up about the darkness inside of him is the girl he's currently pursuing.

This is a great story. I haven't read the first book in the series but that's okay. I didn't feel left out of anything. The story revolves around Quinn and Ella. These two don't really know each other at first other than the fact that Quinn is Ella's boyfriend's frat brother. He's very quiet and keeps to himself the majority of the time. However, one night after heavily drinking because of her uncaring boyfriend, Ella finds herself face first in the toilet with Quinn holding her hair back. Her boyfriend couldn't careless about here, and here was someone who didn't know her at all who was taking care of her. That's when Quinn and Ella start to form a bond.

There is no insta-love in this story. Sure they are attracted to each other but at first Ella is dating Quinn's frat brother. So they start out as friends, then later move on to that in between stage after she breaks up with her boyfriend. I liked that there was no drama or crazy love story. Plus, I liked that the author didn't just write about her characters having guilt over the death of a loved one but she made it so much deeper with adding the suicide hotline. She shined light on something that affects a lot of people.

I may be new to the author's work but I will definitely be reading more of her novels. I will have to go back and read the first book in the series. I feel like Ella may have been a secondary character in it.

[Michelle Tikal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Lee has done it again. She has made me fall head over heels for Before You Break. If I were being completely honest here, in comparison to All Of You, the first book in the series, Bennett and Avery still very much have my heart. Ella and Quinn did not go down without a fight though, and captured a piece for themselves as well. Their story is much more complex and intensely emotional than the first, a stunningly beautiful and powerful story of guilt, grief, and absolution that is absolutely mesmerizing.

Christina Lee has attraction and longing down to a tee. Ella has a boyfriend, he may not treat her very well, but her loyalty still lies with him. Quinn swears he will never go there again but just can’t seem to stay away from the sexy siren. Once again Ms. Lee creates an atmosphere that is all about the buildup where every near miss, close contact, and moment of yearning is heavenly yet deliciously sinful. The chemistry between these two is palpable and the off the charts sexual tension permeates every interaction and leaves you breathless.

This story is forceful and emotive and much heavier than the first with tragedy and anguish in both characters’ pasts making for a stirring, tear-jerking ride. Turns out these two have much more in common than either anticipated and while Ella is in the position to help Quinn deal with his suffering she herself finds hope and healing in working out her own feelings of culpability and loss. The pain is so potent it sits like a weight in the middle of your chest until it is finally heaved aside by the culmination of a passionate magnetism, an undeniable connection, an unfortunate history that makes it all too easy to empathize with one another, and an unparalleled reverence and adoration of each other.

Christina Lee certainly knows what she is doing. Before You Break is another compelling, strikingly beautiful love story and a definite home run.

[CeCe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Overall it was an interesting story. I love how these two individuals talk on the suicide hotline and have no idea that they are the two people who have been attracted to one another.
However, I had a hard time staying connecting to these characters. I initially connected, but then lost the connection.

I am not sure where it happened. This story is told in first person dual POVs by Ella and Quinn. I think the switch in POVs happened too quickly. By the time I was used to one POV, there was a switch. Also, I think the switch in POVs hurt the suspense of the story. It would have been better just to leave the story in one person’s POV. If the author wanted to switch, maybe do a chapter or two from Quinn’s POV.

I really liked Quinn’s character. He is just a nice and good person. It killed me that he carried a lot of guilt from an accident that happened earlier. Quinn meets Ella when he calls the suicide helpline and she is the person who answers.
I am not sure how I felt about Ella’s character. I am not sure what it was about her that made me not feel that she was the best choice for Quinn. Ella was a nice person, but the way she hung out at the fraternity. It seemed like she was one of those girls that did not get the “hint” that she was not wanted. She had a boyfriend who later she found out cheated on her, but I felt even when she was given information about this ex-boyfriend, she still wanted to “stick around.” I like the heroines to be smarter. To have a clue.

Even though you know how the story is going to come together, I still wanted to finish it. It was not a bad read; I just did not feel a strong connection between the characters.

A copy was provided by PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.