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Thompson Sisters #3

by Charles Sheehan-Miles, Pedro Solano (Translator)

La vida de Alex Thompson sigue el guión. Es una estudiante de derecho de la Universidad de Columbia, centrada en sus notas, su vida y su futuro. Lo último que necesita es volver a contactar con el chico que le rompió el corazón.

Dylan Paris vuelve a casa desde Afganistán gravemente herido y sabe que lo único que no puede hacer es arrastrar a Alex al desastre en que ha convertido su vida.

Cuando asignan a Dylan y Alex en el mismo programa de estudios y se ven obligados a trabajar codo con codo, tienen que establecer unas nuevas reglas para evitar matarse el uno a la otra.

El único problema es que no paran de romperlas.

La primera regla es nunca, jamás hablar de cómo se enamoraron.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, College, Young Adult

326 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Charles Sheehan-Miles has been a soldier, computer programmer, short-order cook and non-profit executive, and is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books, including the indie bestsellers Just Remember to Breathe and Republic: A Novel of America's Future. Charles and his wife Andrea Randall live and write together in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Find out more at http://www.sheehanmiles.com

You're also invited to join the Remember to Breathe Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/remem...

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 second chance stars



Just Remember to Breathe is a stunning and heartwarming story about getting a second chance with your first love. I devoured it. Another amazing addition to the Thompson Sisters series.

Alex Thompson and Dylan Paris couldn’t come from a more different background, but that didn’t stop them from falling for one another. On a high school trip out of the country, they met. They live in different parts of the US, they both knew it would be near impossible to sustain a relationship after their trip, but they couldn’t fight the feelings they were developing for one another. Their connection was too strong.

Life took these two in different directions. They kept in contact and stayed as ‘together’ as they could with the distance for sometime. Dylan was in Afghanistan, Alex at college. Their off and on relationship became completely off after a misunderstanding caused Dylan to cut off all ties with Alex while he was over seas. Now he’s back. In the US. At the same college as Alex. And they both get assigned to the same work study program.

Alex remembers how much she fell for Dylan and still cares. I can tell you the moment I first fell in love with Dylan Paris.

“You still smell like strawberries, and it’s breaking my heart.”

Being around each other isn’t an easy thing. Alex is determined to be a friend to Dylan. But she needs to know. What happened to them? Why did he cut her off? Even though Dylan is upset for what he thinks happened while he was away, he can’t control how he feels about Alex. How he’s always felt.



They decide to be friends again. Ask questions, learn about each other and what they missed while they were apart.

“There’s a side benefit to this. We get to learn about each other, get to know each other, all over again.” His voice dropped to a husky near whisper, and he leaned close and said next to my ear, “We get to fall in love all over again, for the second time. How cool is that?”

Watching Alex and Dylan reconnect was the most beautiful thing. Dylan has been through a lot. He suffers from PTSD, healing from his injuries etc, but Alex doesn’t care about any of that. She jogs with him, wants him to let her in. He is hesitant. He’s not the same guy he was before he went off to war. Alex doesn’t care. She wants to be there for him and with him. She lost him once, she won’t do it again. She doesn’t want a future without him.

“You don't get to decide what's to big a risk for me. You don't decide what's good for me and what isn't. That's my decision, Dylan. If you care about me so much, then how dare you do this all by yourself? I choose not to destroy my present because of the risk of a future that might or might not happen.You should think about that.”

How can Dylan resist the one person who’s made him a better man, who makes him come to life?



I fell in love with this story and the characters. Dylan had his struggles, but Alex was the strength he needed to get through. There were so many memorable and meaningful words that made think.

How do you say the words ‘I’m sorry’ and have them mean something?

The dual point of view was nice. I especially loved getting inside Dylan’s head and seeing where he was at, what he was going through. As much as I loved Dylan, Alex was an amazing heroine. Her strength, supportiveness and willingness to forgive and love astounded me. This is a couple you will root for.



Charles Sheehan-Miles is a very talented author. Each book I read of his, I highlight endlessly. There are so many beautiful and moving lines, I just can’t help myself. I get sucked into the lives of these amazing characters. If you haven’t read this series, I can’t recommend it enough. I want to jump into the third book right away (Sherman and Carrie- can’t wait to read about them!) but I might wait a few weeks, drag it out. I don’t want these Thompson sister’s books to end!

“I'd rather have a lifetime of heartache, from you breaking my heart, than even imagine my life without you at all. Because a life without you wouldn't be a life at all.”

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

My casting:



Holy WOW!! I absolutely LOVED this and I'm kicking myself for not having read it sooner!!

I feel like I owe this book a huge apology because I'd had it on my reading list for ages but just hadn't gotten around to it yet -- big mistake on my part!!

Just Remember To Breathe was a heartwarming and emotional second chance romance standalone. The writing was truly breathtaking!!! Beautifully detailed and kept me right in the story. I loved every word and felt fully connected to the characters. If you haven't read this book yet, you are missing out!

Prior to starting this, I was in a little bit of a book funk - I'd started a few books but none of them were fully grabbing me but I read the first few pages of this one and just knew it was a winner! It immediately stood out. I was smiling to myself, and my heart just felt happy. You know that feeling you get when you start reading and everything just clicks into place? Yeah, I got that here. This book was a joy to read!

The story deals with some heavier themes -- a returned Marine dealing with PTSD -- as well as an emotional second chance romance and I really just found myself drawn right into these characters' lives.

The story follows Dylan and Alex. They'd come from two completely different world but met on a school trip to the Middle East where they connected deeply -- each one knowing in their heart how special what they had was. But their lives were just so different and they were separated when they returned home. They continued an on-again-off-again relationship for several years until one day, during a time when he was deployed in Afghanistan, Dylan apparently cut off all communication effectively shutting Alex out of his life. Even though it crushed her, after several months of no contact, her hurt eventually turned to anger and she gave up and moved on with her life -- never knowing what it was that made him leave.

But when they end up not only in the same university, but actually as assignment partners, they are forced back into each other's lives. However, given all the hurt and miscommunications of their past, neither of them is too thrilled about this prospect. But underneath it all, their feelings for each other have never gone away... and even though it's unexpected, what this gives them is a second chance at their forever.

The story is told in alternating POV's and mostly takes place in present day although we do get to see some of their memories of when they first met. I loved seeing them 'before' -- so innocently, happily and adorably falling in love. However, the present day wasn't quite so easy. Their hurt was strong and even though they tried to ignore everything at first, there was too much between them to be able to shut it away.

"I don't know if I can do this…"
"Why not?"
"Because… because, well, sometimes it hurts, Alex. A little. A lot. Jesus Christ."
She looked away…
"If we're going to get through this year, I think we have to move past that…"
"Yeah."
"It'll be like we're strangers."
"Okay." Like that could happen.

Ahhh I can't even tell you how much certain lines from this book just grabbed at my heart!!

"You still smell like strawberries, and it's breaking my heart."

*sniff* ♥

I had this constant smile on my face while they were reconnecting -- watching their back-and-forth banter as they tried to keep their feelings for each other under wraps (and failed miserably, much to my extreme delight).

"What are you doing?"
I shook my head, embarrassed. "Sorry," I said.
"You were looking at me."
Now I looked up at her eyes, then away. "Well, shoot me, then."

I loved watching them slowly open up to each other. They always had been drawn to each other but now, they just had a world of issues to work through especially given that the time Dylan had spent in the army had understandably changed him and was a new element for them to have deal with.

"Listen, whatever you do, don't ever give me pity. I don't want to see that expression on your face, all right? I walked out of there alive. That makes me a fucking lottery winner, okay?"

I have to say that I fell completely in love with Dylan. This guy was dealing with a broken heart, the aftermaths of war, an injured leg and PTSD but he didn't let that stop him from living each day. It broke my heart to see him struggling but I admired the way to which he didn't let anything bring him down. He was a badass guy with a soft, romantic heart of gold and it. just. melted. me!!

"Listen… whatever out history is, doesn't change the way I feel about you. The way I've always felt about you."

"Dylan… do you ever think…" I couldn't finish the question.
He kept looking at the table, and then replied, so quietly I almost couldn't hear him. "Always," he said.

I'm honestly just smiling from ear to ear as I write this because of how much I just loved everything about these characters and their story. I swear it was like the book was written for me. It just hit all the right check marks for everything that I absolutely love in a book.

I mean, I have to even give this book extra props because due to some things that came up in my personal life, I actually had to put it down for a whole week in the middle of reading (gah! Just the thought of that makes me shudder!) but when I picked it back up again, I just instantly reconnected and slipped right back into the story as though I'd never left. Now that is the sign of some damn good writing!!

My only tiiiiiny complaint was the the ending felt just a wee bit rushed. I found myself glancing at the percentages at the end worried that there wouldn't be enough time for everything to happen. So, if it's any reassurance, you can know that yes, everything that needs to happen does happen. This is a standalone and does not leave you hanging and it had one of the most beautiful reunion scenes ever -- I will always remember the index cards!!! ♥

If you're one of those readers who, like me, for whatever reason have still not read this book, do yourself a favor and bump it up your reading list. It's a beautiful written second-chance romance that kept me connected from start to finish.

Highly recommended!!

*** REGARDING THE READING ORDER ***

The release order of the Thompson Sisters series was:
1) Just Remember To Breathe
2) A Song For Julia
3) The Last Hour

However... Julia chronologically comes before Breathe so you can read either one first. I started with Breathe because I chose to read them in the release order but either way is okay :)

****************************

For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
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[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Not too late Stars



Alex Thompson comes from a wealthy family. Dylan Paris is a disabled veteran from a broken home. From two different worlds, these two meet while in high school with on a trip to the Middle East. They form a bond while on their trip, but know it can’t go any further: they are both dating other people, live 4,000 miles apart, and were raised completely different.

Despite their plans to move on, neither of them can let go and start a long distance relationship. The book starts with Alex and Dylan meeting up again while they are both attending Columbia. The story is told with flashbacks, telling the story of their difficult relationship and break up.

I loved watching Alex and Dylan reconnect.



No matter how much time has passed the connection is still there, but neither are ready to forgive and move on. Both feel they were wronged by the other one. After developing some ground rules, they decide to be friends because avoiding each other is too hard. The two of them spend time getting to know each other again, catching up on the past. They have to learn trust each other again. I really enjoyed this part of the story.



These two have been through so much. Since they were last together Dylan has been injured in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan. Now he is suffering from lots of different physical conditions and PTSD. Both Alex and Dylan are different people, but that doesn’t stop them from reconnecting.



I truly enjoyed this story, a lot of times miscommunication can ruin things for me and drive me to insanity, but this one flew by and didn’t interfere with the current story.

The story is told through Dylan and Alex’s point of view. I love seeing both POV’s and knowing their thoughts behind their actions. Sheehan-Miles is an excellent writer and tells beautiful stories. I loved this one, it is a great addition to the Thompson Sisters Series.

“When I’m ninety, I want you to tell em that it’s my turn to ask you a question, and if that miracle happens, then my question is going to be, ‘Do you still love me?’ and I hope that answer will still be yes.”

[Maja (The Nocturnal Library) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’d like to be able to say that Just Remember to Breathe was a complete waste of my time, but it wasn’t. Yes, most of it was downright horrible, the writing isn’t even worth thinking about, it needs hours and hours with a decent editor and the author should never, under any circumstances, write from a female perspective again. But underneath the cheesy love story was a whole different story that was touching, genuine and honest. That story, the story of a young soldier, badly wounded in Afghanistan, who just wants to find a way to get rid of the pain and the guilt and live his life as normally as possible, is a story that should have been the main focus of this book. That’s the story I wanted to read.

But I’m getting ahead of myself again.

Just Remember to Breathe is the first book in a series called Thompson sisters. From what I understand (and I did some research for the good of mankind), each sister will get her book (Julia already has hers), Nora Roberts/Danielle Steel style. I have no idea what made Charles Sheehan-Miles, an ex soldier who currently works with disabled veterans, think that he can write a New Adult love story, and in alternating points of view at that, but Danielle Steel he’s not. He has no understanding of his female characters, which was more than obvious from Alex’s point of view. It made me cringe at times, that’s how bad it was, and Alex herself was as plastic as they come.

About Alex and Dylan’s relationship, I’ll say this (and try not to grit my teeth in the process): they met as teens on a trip to Israel and stayed more or less together for years, even with four thousand miles between them. Then, while he was in Afghanistan, they broke up over a misunderstanding and he was wounded a few days later. Alex didn’t hear from him again until he showed up at Columbia and they were forced to do research together. The entire thing was blatantly unbelievable and cheesy, to the point of being laugh out loud funny on several occasions, and not at all touching like it was meant to be.

While in college, Alex was sexually assaulted twice by the same guy, a family friend her parents wholeheartedly approved of. This is the part that truly made me angry because it was handled superficially with absolutely no understanding for the women that go through such a thing. It was all a huge cliché and the author insisted on using those empty phrases you can read in cheap self-help articles, probably because he didn’t know any better. The rapist was just as bad, poorly written, made to be either incredibly stupid or just begging to be caught. The entire thing was thrown in just to create an extra obstacle for Alex and Dylan and I resented that.

There were two significant relationships in this book, and while Alex and Dylan’s oftentimes wandered into ridiculous(ly unbelievable) territory, the relationship between Dylan and his fellow soldier and friend Sherman was simply wonderful. Those few brief conversations between them, their loyalty and friendship, the genuine emotions I felt, the understanding, all of it made this book worth reading, despite so many unforgivable problems.

I think Charles Sheehan-Miles should have just written what I suspect he really wanted to write, even though it probably wouldn’t sell as well. If he ever decides to write a story about a young man struggling with PTSD, war injuries, brain damage and guilt, I’ll be glad to read it. But more if this? No, thank you.

Honestly, I hate doing this to a self-published author, I do, but honesty above all, right? You won’t have any trouble finding many four and five star reviews, so please read some of those too before making your decision. My opinion is just one of many.

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great second chance romance... or was it a third, forth, etc. chance romance?!

"I choose not to destroy my present because of the risk of a future that might or might not happen."

Just Remember to Breathe is a love story about a disabled veteran with severe injuries and a college student. But their story really begins when they meet in highschool on a school trip.

PET PEEVE: Miscommunication. When the reason behind why the couple is NOT together is because of miscommunication it frustrates me. I want to grab the characters and sit them in a room together and MAKE them talk about what went wrong and how they interpreted the situation be it the right or wrong way. Alex and Dylan have a major miscommunication that leads to a domino effect that forever changes the courses of many people's lives.

I've heard that The Last Hour is the rip out your heart and leave you bleeding book. An unforgettable tale about Alex's sister, Carrie.
"They've [parents] accepted a punk rocker and a former soldier. Who knows who might be next?" -Carrie (in reference to what kind of guy Carrie will end up with because her sisters got their parents to accept guys who didn't fit their model)
I'm looking forward to her book and seeing why it is touted the best book in the series.

SERIES:

Can be read as standalones or as a series. If you want to read in chronological order follow the order above.

[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. It wasn't a love but still a great love story!

Dylan and Alex have a history. A history dating back to a trip overseas for a school trip. Sparks flew, feelings grew....and then life happened. Dylan joined the Army, Alex went away to school..and the time apart was not good for them. Misunderstandings occurred and their relationship ended abruptly.

Fast forward...

When Alex looked up and saw Dylan sitting in that hallway at Columbia University, apparently her work study partner, she thought she was dreaming...or is it a nightmare. How is Dylan here? He was in the Army in Afghanistan last she spoke to him...when he cut off all ties to her. Nothing.

When Dylan and Alex are forced to spend time together during work study for school, lines of communication gradually open. They have rules...no talk of the past, of their relationship...but it's not easy. Alex can see Dylan was severely injured in the war, his leg almost useless. Then his therapist recommends that he start running to rebuild the leg strength but with a chaperone for safety reasons in case he falls. He asks Alex...

This is a book about destiny. About two people who, from day one, clicked. Life happens and they get separated but the love persists. It sheds light to the struggles post war veterans endure. Dylan has physical injuries and some mental issues that haunt him. He may be home but he still fights both physically and mentally everyday with the scars from war. Can these two put the past hurts behind and rebuild their relationship?

A true love story. At times I was a tad bored but we needed that day to day rebuilding of their trust to appreciate how far they've come. There is almost zero stream factor if that is your cuppa. But still a very enjoyable read!

[Tough Critic Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book guaranteed to cure sexism...

I have to admit that when it comes to books...I'm a sexist. I can count on one hand the male authors that have been able to deliver something that fits my needs. But if I'm going to be honest...it's because I rarely give them a chance. I unfairly assume that women do romance better. I'm a skeptic...a sexist. Just Remember to Breathe was the fire extinguisher for my burning bra. Charles Sheehan-Miles can write romance...and I liked it.

It was a unique story that stepped away from your typical romance. I loved the army aspect of the plot and it was obvious the author wrote with heart and accuracy. Even though the initial relationship was insta-love, we get to meet Dylan and Alex years later when everything is bathed in tension. I. Love. Tension. It slowed down the relationship and aloud it to build.

I usually don't jump into bed with the secondary characters. Yes, they are vital to any story, but I tend to put all my interest and emotion into the primarys. I'm kind of a character snob. There have been very few, some, but few characters that have been able to pull me away. Sherman definitely pulled me away. I love me some secondary Sherman and found myself wanting, needing more!

This book was good and I enjoyed reading it, but its pace was a little slower than I tend to like. It had it's emotional peaks and drama, but sometimes I wished those peaks would have been just a little higher. I loved the build up and could see the incline of an awaited climax (and no I'm not talking sexually...for once) which is what kept me hooked to the story, but those moments fell a little short on intensity. However, I'm a fast paced emotional roller coaster devour in one bite give me more show me the drama reader. But there's a huge audience out there that love to slow down, and savor. They don't want a roller coaster, but a beautiful story that they connect with and enjoy. This is that book.

Charles Sheehan-Miles paved my road for future male authors. It may not have been exactly my kind of book, but he captivated me enough with his talent that once I finished, I immediately picked up A Song for Julia. He definitely has his own unique way of telling a story. A way that has me feeling a little indifferent, but guarantees that I will follow him in the future! READ ON!

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is one of the easiest I've been able to write lately, because quite simply it was a brilliant, brilliant book.

Once I started it I couldn't, and didn't want to stop.
I completely 100% understood every feeling and response each of the characters had and couldn't blame them in the slightest for choices they made, even if at times it was so frustrating to read about.
Right from the very beginning you could see how much Alex and Dylan loved and needed each other and I was more than happy to witness them make that journey to finally move on from their past and be together. At about 30% I remember thinking, "well great they're together now, where else can this story possibly go?" But, boy did it go! And it really didn't stop until right at the very last page. My heart kept on pounding throughout the last few chapters and I was pretty terrified for the ending, but I got the one I wanted and it was worth all the tears and the angst.
It was all very interesting to read a book where PTSD is included, especially when it's after being at war. I've not read a book that focuses on those issues before and although at times it was pretty heart breaking to read, it was also pretty insightful to see how one person deals with it and how it effects him, and the people around him.

I am so glad to hear there is going to be another book in the series, about a different couple. I'd gladly read more and more books by this author.

My only negative is the grammar and few spelling mistakes but it was very easy to look past that because the story was so brilliant.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love meant a lot. It meant everything, and it meant nothing.

Just Remember to Breathe is a sweet, cute and meaningful story with substance, but relatively little angst. It's one of the most heartwarming second-chance stories I have ever read. It's part of the Thompson Sisters series, but can be read as a standalone. I read it after finishing the third book in the series, because I just couldn't get enough of the characters and their world.

This is the story of Alexandra and Dylan.

We met almost three years ago: my senior year in high school and her junior year. And to be blunt: it changed my life, in ways I can’t really measure.

They fall in love when they're only teenagers during a summer in Israel. Alexandra is the daughter of an ambassador and Dylan is the son of a drunk. He used to be homeless for a while, but eventually worked his way back to school as one of the smartest students.

It’s not about who your parents are, or how much money you have. It’s about what you do with who you are.”

A year after their puppy-love filled summer, Dylan enlists in the US Army. He gets sent to Afghanistan and is hit by a roadside bomb. He nearly loses his leg, but hey, he can't complain because that same bomb killed his best friend. It breaks my heart to see how much damage war causes and how it ruins the lives of the men who leave behind all they have to be used as pawns for the political games our governments play.

Dylan comes back from the war as a shattered man. His leg isn't fully recovered and he has some serious brain damage that causes him to randomly forget simple words and sentences. When the book starts, Alex and Dylan haven't spoken for six whole months and they're starting at the same college. Coincidence has it that they're also both assigned to the same work-study assignment. On their first day of their mutual work-study assignment, they see each other again for the first time in two years.

Through flashbacks, told from both Dylan's and Alexandra's point of view, we slowly get the whole picture of what happened with their relationship after Israel and why there is so much heartache right now.

There were too many paths that could have been taken, and no way to know what would have led here and now.

I never imagined the twists and turns that my life would take.

They're faced with an impossible and awkward situation. How do they deal with each other without opening old wounds and hurting each other all over again? They set up rules. Never talk about the past.

It was too late for Alex and I as a couple, but I’d damned sure be her friend as long as she would have me. I’d be whatever she wanted.

But rules are meant to be broken. It's obvious they both still love each other, but too much has happened between them by now. It's three years post-Israel and both have gone through some huge changes.

It was difficult to match up the reality with the boy I’d known and fallen in love with. The Dylan I’d fallen in love with was gentle, and kind. Thoughtful. Funny. He was still all of those things but had an edge to him that was new and, to be honest, frightening. This was a guy who’d carried weapons in a war for most of last year. This was a man who had killed, who had seen his friends killed in battle. There were depths to him that were all new, and scary as hell.

This sets the stage for a beautiful story about...

Forgiveness...

How do you say the words, “I’m sorry,” and have them mean something?

Love...

You don’t just complete me. You make me a better person. (...) You make me feel alive, Alex. We fit together in ways that I didn’t imagine were possible.

Sometimes when he was close to me I couldn’t even breathe.

Hope...

For the first time since that hideous week when Kowalski and Roberts died, for the first time since I landed in the hospital, I began to feel some hope. Hope, because of the woman curled up against my side. And that was something worth fighting for.

Second-chances...

“I’d say you’re worth falling in love with twice.”

Dealing with the aftermaths of war...

Killing was easy. Living with it was difficult.

Letting go of your fears and fighting for the ones you love...

How did I dare to chase after the rich daughter of an ambassador with a five-story house in the heart of the most expensive city in America? I was nuts. 
Not nuts enough, not then. I’d let her life, her father, my past, all of it, intimidate me.

Dylan has a hard time dealing with what he's been through (before, during and after war). His life has never been easy and he's never felt like he was good enough for Alex. This book shows his struggle to find himself (his self-worth, his confidence, his faith, his hope), open up and face his fears. He has always been the kind of person who ran when shit got hard to handle, but some things are worth staying for. Some things are worth fighting for. Some things are worth letting in. Love is one of those things.

If I had to live without her, I didn’t want to live at all.

There's a lot of guilt and regret he lives with and it takes a strong man to rise above it and realize that he is good enough for the only girl he has ever loved. With the love and support from Alex, Ray and Carrie, Dylan found what meant most to him in the world.

When I’m ninety, I want you to tell me that it’s my turn to ask you a question, and if that miracle happens, then my question is going to be, ‘Do you still love me?’ and I hope the answer will still be yes.

My song for how Dylan feels about Alex.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. A beautiful and emotional story of a second chance romance.

Dylan and Alex met as teenagers and fell in love. They were both travelling away from home at the time, and as they lived on opposite sides of the country, once they got home, distance and other factors took their toll and things got messy. Dylan ended up enlisting in the Army and was sent to Afghanistan, where things just got messier. Without being all spoilery, there is a devastating break up, and shortly after Dylan gets injured and is sent home, and the two of them end up at the same College, working in the same study program (quite the coincidence, huh!).

Told in both POVs, we get to see just what an impact seeing each other again has on both of them, and it’s obvious that neither of them have gotten over their break up, and both still love each other deeply.

“You still smell like strawberries, and it’s breaking my heart.”

So there is flirting and banter until the incredibly intense scene pretty early on in the book where they finally realise what happened to tear their relationship apart, and they finally confess their feelings.

“I never stopped loving you … Not even for a second. Even when I hated you.”

SWOON!!!

But neither of them are the same kids that fell in love years ago. Dylan, in particular, has changed, suffering from PTSD as well as some pretty significant physical disabilities, and they both recognise that, despite their still-strong feelings, they have a lot to learn about each other.

“There’s a side benefit to this. We get to learn about each other, get to know each other, all over again.” His voice dropped to a husky near whisper, and he leaned close and said next to my ear, “We get to fall in love all over again, for the second time. How cool is that?”

Gotta love him, right? But it’s not all rainbows and lollipops. There are some pretty big issues that come up on their way to a HEA as Dylan struggles to deal with all he has been through and what that means for his future, and potentially Alex’s. His backstory, and the way that it has impacted on him is absolutely devastating, and my heart broke for both of them as he tried so hard to do the right thing.

“Could love heal the fucked up state of my heart and mind and soul?
Yeah, right. Not likely.”

The author did a fantastic job at getting us inside of Dylan’s head, and really bringing his emotions out, he’s such a fantastically complex character! My emotions were running high through pretty much the whole book as we watch Dylan and Alex’s struggles.

But helping them along the way is a fantastic cast of characters! I really liked Alex’s sisters – all very likeable and interesting characters, and each seemingly the subject of their own book to come (nice!). Dylan’s friend from the Army, Sherman, was hilarious and a brilliant support to both Dylan and Alex, and I look forward to more of him in future books *wink*. And Alex’s friends Kelly and Joel added some great humour.

“You never mangled your hand for me. What kind of boyfriend were you anyway?”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Joel answered.
“I’m just saying. I don’t think you’re really serious. If you were, you’d find a way to show it. Like completely fucking up your hand or something.”

I really enjoyed this book! A beautiful love story with plenty of angst and a cliffhanger-free HEA. Yes, the ending is a bit cheesy, but honestly, with all that Dylan and Alex had been through, I was ready for some cheese and I totally lapped it up. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

A solid 4 stars.

[cEe beE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Remember to Breathe was an enjoyable read! I love Alex and Dylan, a young couple who first meet during a high school trip to Israel. They have a long distance relationship, then Dylan joins the army and goes to Afghanistan while Alex goes to college. For reasons unknown to Alex, they break up.

Dylan is badly wounded, then suffers from PTSD. Back in the US, he goes to Columbia where he meets Alex again at a work study program. They try to work through their differences and rebuild their relationship.

The author did a great job of portraying Dylan's PTSD, and his injuries. I could FEEL his frustration and helplessness as his body slowly healed itself. But the best thing I liked in this book was the intelligent way this couple dealt with their issues and learned from their mistakes.

Great Job CSM! I will definitely read more of your work!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted at Hesperia Loves Books

I was utterly and completely blown away by this book. I had to remember to breathe, when I finished reading, because it was just that damn good! This is one of the most beautiful, powerful, emotional & heart-wrenching stories that I’ve read all year and it deserves it’s place on my 2012 Favorites list.

Alternating Points of View & Timeline
This book alternates between the two main characters, Dylan & Alex, points of view in the past and present. I LOVED this aspect and it really helped me to understand, identify, empathize with & love each of them. I truly don’t think the book would have been the same without both sides of their story being told, in the past & present. You see firsthand their feelings of love, heartache, frustration and despair - which made for a much more powerful and poignant story.

Second Chance Romance
I love, love, love an exceptional second chance romance story and, Just Remember To Breathe is definitely that. Dylan & Alex meet, while on an Ambassador Exchange trip to Israel, when they are both in high school. When they return home, the relationship continues even though they live on opposite coasts, but it’s very difficult. After a huge fight & break-up, Dylan decides to join the Army. From there, the relationship continues to deteriorate until it becomes irreparable - or so they think. Several years later, they find themselves in the same work study program at school. Hurt, anger and confusion cloud their interactions with each other. Their road back to each other is not easy, and it shouldn’t be. The issues they face are serious and very real. There were times when I wondered if they should even be together. However, Mr. Sheehan-Miles, did an amazing job of showing me just how wrong I was.

Dylan’s PTSD
One of my favorite types of hero is the man in uniform. I love all aspects of their personality - strength, protectiveness, pride, love of country, fierceness, etc. Most romances, that have this type of hero, play up the positive sides of living that life. And while that’s great, it was really refreshing to see the other side. The harsh reality that our soldiers live everyday while on the frontlines of war is unimaginable to me - until I read Dylan’s story. The overwhelming stress, anxiety and pain they are immersed in after returning home, often with survivor’s guilt, is unimaginable to me - until I read Dylan’s story. I’ve never been in the military, I’ve never known anyone who has served in war and returned home. But with Dylan’s story, my eyes were opened and they bled with tears of sorrow because now I know.

Secondary Characters
After reading this book, I can honestly say that, I want a book for just about every secondary character in it. Even though they were secondary, they all played a major role in Dylan & Alex’s story. They were fabulous & extremely well written and gave the book a more polished and well-rounded appeal.

This was an unforgettable read for me and, one that I’ll end up re-reading many, many times. I just wish that we had been given an Epilogue. I became so invested in, and fell so hard for these characters, that I would have loved to have a glimpse into their future. This is a must read for anyone who loves a powerful story full of love & triumph, and doesn’t mind the bumps that it takes to get there.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

[Rosalinda *KRASNORADA* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Alex & Dylan...



They are two young people very screwed up, specially Dylan. They met 3 years ago in a trip to Tel Aviv and they fell in love. They kept having a relationship in the distance but let's say things didn't work out.

Dylan decides to go to the Army and after a huge misunderstanding he disappears from Alex life for a long time.He gets injured and after a few months he decides to go to college.What he is NOT expecting is seeing Alex there and having to work in the same study program.

They set up some rules to avoid uncomfortable conversations but they cannot keep each other apart for a long time as they still love each other. A lot.

They are really young and I can understand he is been having a very hard life but he keeps torturing himself and feeling guilty for things he didn't do but I guess you need to go to the Army and live those things to judge so I am not gonna do it. It's a hard story, I am not gonna lie, you need to be in the mood to read it as some parts are really hard. Dylan didn't have an easy life and you feel completely sorry for him all the time.

My favorite part? The index cards. I wasn't sure how to rate the book (I was between a 3 and a 4 but the index cards made me decide)



What I really didn't understand was Why did he ask her to marry him before even having sex? Ok, now ladies I know you want to kill me but that does not happen in Spain (maybe it does in America, so sorry about that) but I still don't get it.

My favorite quotes/parts of the book:

"My side of the room is mostly stacked in books. The truth is, I'm sort of a geek, and proud of it". I loved Alex after this :)

"She had a Mike back home. I had a Hailey back home. And this trip was only two months anyway. My brain was telling me, Stay the hell away, Dylan!. But let be honest. I've never been that smart anyway."

"You still smell like strawberries, and it's breaking my heart"

"Does it bother you that I'm on birth control pills?"

"I choose not to destroy my present because of the risk of a future that might or might not happen". I really agree with that, the only thing that exist is the PRESENT, the rest, it doesn't exist.

"Point is... people who love each other don't always stay that way. Sometimes they hurt each other, too"

*I loved Carrie and Sherman's story :)

"So, you know her better than I do. What's a good gift to take?"
"Condoms"

"I get it. I was a soldier. Mistakes happen. " Yeah, Dylan, about damn time!

“If you send me on my way today," I whispered "If you tell me to get the hell out of your life and never come back...I'll accept it. But it will be the one and only permanent regret of my life: that we never made love.That we lost our future together.”

"I'd rather take the risk and lose her forever than not say it at all"

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read the book and I can't help my self to write my thoughts....

I have already fallen for the two of them...its about love at second chance...written beautifully in 2 different side, Alex and Dylan...

I think the two of them always forgot to breath when they're together...that was sweet...you know, when you're in love with someone and STILL in love with him/her after a broke up...you still forget to breath sometime when they close to you, right?

This is a story of 2 young people...different back ground, they were separated after being together, Dylan disappeared just like that...Alex, had a broken heart...
It was all begun when they went to Israel for student exchange or something...got to know each other and felt in love....
It was love at first sight...

Dylan was just recovered from drugs and alcohol addiction,he's a smart student at once.

Until one day, by faith (I guess), they met, and at the same job assignment for a writer,as his assistants...it was absolute awkward situation after the broke up...Dylan also stole my heart, he was just almost lost his leg from a street bomb when he was in Afghanistan , got PTSD, and seeing him its like seeing reality...

They're making a deal not to talk about the past...but the funny thing is, Alex was the one who broke the rules...and when the awkward moment passed, Dylan told Alex to change a different shampoo..because... "You still smell like strawberries and its breaking my heart" he said...
THAT WAS SWEET ... :)

They came to be friends after all and still cannot put their eyes off of each other...ahem....
Until one day, Dylan asked Alex to have a morning run with him, and Alex said yes...its an overwhelming feeling when they're finally open up to each other...

It was the party that opened everything...when they went to the party and Dylan saw Joel , a man whom in Alex skype the day they broke up, he blown up...Alex explain everything,that Joel was just a friend of her and madly in love with her best friend Kelly, that time Dylan regrets everything, regrets the time he disappeared from Alex life, because of misunderstanding...and punched the wall until he broke his hand....
Alex told him she love him, and finally Dylan realized what he's missing....the love of his life...from that night, they're never separated....*yet still not doing "THAT" even they sleep together almost every night*

Until one thing happened, Randy tried to rape Alex at the party....and Dylan protected her, but got into jail for hurting Randy...it was a sad moment though......

They finally separated just because Dylan felt that he didn't deserves Alex, it broke my heart they broke up again...but Alex had her own way to stay close to Dylan, and Dylan cannot avoid her even he wanted to.

Until one day, Dylan asked her to get back together again , and Alex said NO, unless Dylan would committed to her...
So there they are.....trying to figured out what they want in their lives...will they live without each other? Or.....fight for their happy ending?


And its caught my heart reading their conversation...
“Do you love me? Really? Still?”I pulled her closer, and said, quietly, “More than life itself.



”When I’m ninety, I want you to tell me that it’s my turn to ask you a question, and if that miracle happens, then my question is going to be, ‘Do you still love me?’ and I hope the answer will still be yes"



“Alex, I don’t need to keep myself safe from you. I don’t want to keep myself safe from you. You mean too much to me. I’drather have a lifetime of heartache, from you breaking my heart, than even imagine my life without you at all. Because a life without you wouldn’t be a life at all.I took a deep breath, then whispered,

“Alex, I don’t want to date you. I don’t want you to be my girlfriend. I don’t want us to be together for just a little while. I want you forever. I want us to look at each other, and say we love each other, and decide to be together forever. Alex…. I want to spend our lives together. If we ever decided we want to have kids, I want it to be me and you



This book is absolutely worth reading....gorgeous...I felt in love with both of them already in some firs chapters...

Thank you Dhini for pushing me read and thank you Charles for writing such a wonderful story... LOVE IT ! LOVE IT !

[Imy♥♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay Just Remember to Breathe wasn't the worst book I've read, but it's up in my top 5. To be blunt, I really gave the extra star because I'm too bloody soft, which is absolutely rubbish.

Though I did finish it this time round after having it on pause, so I guess you could add that to my list of reasons for that extra rating.

Just Remember to Breathe was a jumbled, cheesy, sook fest. There wasn't one character that I connected with, on ANY level.
At times I somewhat enjoyed Dylan's POV's - emphasize on the 'somewhat.'

Alex. Where do I start. She drove me up the wall. Her crying, her gushing. To be completely honest, there were times I skipped her thinking POV and eventually stopped when someone started talking.

The relationship was broken and clichéd. Like a lot of others, there was a huge lack of communication.

We also were never given the chance to see how they fell in love. We were told how they met. This happened, that happened, but never got to experience what it was like watching them 'fall in love'. Maybe to an extent we were shown bits and pieces, but mostly just told.
So in return we were just supposed to believe and accept this loved up relationship, without witnessing it for ourselves. WTF!

Little things here and there drove me wild, they probably seem real insignificant now, but at the time i wanted to puke.
For example:

"My turn to freak. Because the thought of her, and strawberry lip gloss, was too much to contemplate."



Are you insane? really. Why? I don't understand.

That's one of many, but as soon as I saw this written, I thought 'god I have to highlight this awful, awful disaster.'



You cant love every book you read, and unfortunately this is one of those times.

Moving on.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been hearing about JRTB for a while through a few different circles but after downloading it a month or so ago I never got around to reading it as soon as I would have liked. I'm so sorry I put it off because now that I have finally read it I can tell you it's a beautifully written story about guilt, regret, life changing situations, and trying to work through all of that for the sake of love and happy endings.

The plot also covers the subjects of post traumatic stress disorder, class divide, childhood abuse and rape. You would think that with subject matters such as those that it would be a dreary read that would pull you down with it, but that is so not the case. It let me feeling uplifted and hopeful and so glad that I'd finally read it.
JRTB has Dylan as the male main character. He's 20 years old and is already a disabled war veteran after facing combat in Afghanistan. He's seen and experienced some things he wouldn't wish on anyone.

Alex(andra) is a girl from Dylan’s past, someone he knew before his war days. Things didn’t end well between them and she’s been trying to get over him ever since.

Dylan and Alex run in to each other when Dylan begins attending Alex’s college. It’s a huge shock for both of them but then they settle on a truce, albeit an uneasy one. They just need to remember not to talk about the past. But it’s easier said than done.

There’s so much that happens in JRTB, it’s intense, well paced and kept me hooked and wanting to find out more.

My heart broke for Dylan and what he’d been through and it just kept going around and around in my mind that there are so many other people who share the same nightmarish experiences as he had. JRTB wasn’t just a fluffy love story - don’t get me wrong, I love reading those too – it had so much more depth to it because of what we learned about Dylan and his time at war.

I liked Alex, even if she was full of doubt most of the time. I don’t know what I would have done in her situation so I shouldn’t really judge but it seems like she made things out to be bigger obstacles than they were. I guess since she’d already had her heart broken by Dylan once already she was scared, and I can understand that.

I liked most of the cast of supporting characters, especially Carrie and Ray. I love Carrie so much, she’s definitely someone I’d love to have as my own sister. She’s always there for her sisters, ready to help them out without judgement. I disliked Mrs Thompson a lot, and now I HATE her since I’ve read A Song for Julia! Ugh, what an awful, awful woman!

The ending of JRTB was just perfect. I won’t say any more than that since I’d hate spoil it before you read it. I can definitely count Charles Sheehan-Miles as one of my new favourite authors and I look forward to his next book, The Last Hour, which is Carrie’s story, coming in May.

[J.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hard review to write, not because the book was bad (it was NOT) but because it made me feel a certain way that I'm not sure I can verbalize. I've only read one other book that felt like this and that was Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. It gave me the sense that I was there as a friend to the characters, experiencing everything that was going on with them. It was also incredibly believable. There was nothing in this story that was a stretch. Everything in the book happens in real life; nothing out there or over the top. About halfway through the book, I thought the main climax of the book had already passed and I was like, "hmmm.... what is left?" That kept me intrigued to know that there was more and I wasn't sure what it was (I can usually predict what's going to happen in a book so it's nice when I'm not sure where the story is headed)! Each time something major happened, you were always brought back before gasping out loud or wanting to throw the book against the wall (i.e., it wasn't too dramatic). There isn't anything super major or big in the story that will make you go, "No way!" but instead, you get a nice flowing story about two people simply trying to find their way back to one another. It was sweet, tender, and it makes you want to be there as a friend to help the main characters out.

Other thoughts:

I'm usually not a fan of alternating perspectives but this was done well in the book. Each alternative view also starts with a header or quote from the section and I love those.

I got this book as an ARC and that's pretty awesome (through Goodreads First reads; thank you!).

Some of the other reviews mention grammatical errors. There were a few but as someone who reads about a book a day, I can honestly say that there were maybe 4-5 errors that I really noticed and there are plenty of other books out there that are waaaaaay worse. Those small errors do not take away from the story at all.

I didn't give it 5 stars because I felt like a few small things were missing like a little more background on Dylan's injuries (i.e., what type of traumatic brain injury) and more 'umph' with the emotions or connections between the characters (it was strong but it didn't always make me swoon; I guess that's the best way to describe it...).

Overall, this is a good book and I would recommend it!

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

FREE TODAY ON AMAZON.... amazing bargain.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Sheehan-Miles has once again blown me away - more so this time. Now and then it hits me that I read very few male authors - and yet this one has impressed me twice with his ability to create strong, layered characters and solid relationships, snatching me from my real life bedroom and dunking me into the worlds he creates, worlds where I have to periodically remind myself are not real even if they are contemporary, refusing to let me go until the very last sentence. Even then, I am never truly allowed to leave. If there is one thing you are not able to do upon finishing a Sheehan-Miles books, it's forget his characters.

Alex is at Columbia University, following the path that her parents have set for her. She keeps herself focused on her grades, not really interested in guys and the more social side of things. One guy already broke her heart, and she's trying to forget about him. Dylan is at Columbia University, an unexpected turn of events since he was in Afghanistan and came home severely injured. He's determined to work his hardest and try to forget about the girl who broke his heart. Not to mention the fact that she was out of his league, anyway. The last thing either of them want is to see each other again...and yet they end up at the same university, on the same work study assignment. Unable to do anything about it, they realise they need to come up with a way for them to work together in a manner more civil than hostile, one where they'll at least be able to look at each other without glaring. The solution they come up with is to establish some ground rules. Only trouble is, they keep breaking them...

Like A Song for Julia, this is told in dual POV. Unlike A Song for Julia, I was very happy with the way these were done. I could tell easily who was speaking and when, and I loved reading from both their perspectives. Sheehan-Miles has a truly captivating writing style. Through reading these alternate perspectives, I was made to feel. A lot. There are so many emotions in this book, and I had no control over what was happening to my heart. Authors seem to have this expectation that whatever their books put us through, we'll recover. How do they know that? Maybe we're fine now, but how do they know that one day they won't eventually push us over the edge? For me, not only was it painful having to read parts of this story, but it was also painful to finish it, to realise that my time with Alex and Dylan was up, and that the only way I'd get to spend a little more time with them would be to re-read it. And make no mistake, that's exactly what I will be doing. But this was beautiful and sad and tragic and hopeful and funny and light and serious and I didn't want to let go.

'When he finally got himself standing, he leaned close and said, "I think we need one more rule."
"Yeah?"
He took a deep breath through his nose, and said, "Yeah. Um, yeah...you need to get different shampoo."
What. The. Hell?
"What are you talking about?" I asked, suddenly very uncomfortable.
"You still smell like strawberries, and it's breaking my heart," he said with a low growl. With that, he turned, slung his bag over his impossible broad shoulder, and began to walk away.'

That last line from Dylan hit me hard when I was reading this. Really hard. Maybe it'll make more sense when you're actually reading it, but what he said there completely broke my own heart. The thing is, Alex and Dylan on their own? Amazing. Both of them are these broken yet strong people, and they struggle to work through an undoubtedly difficult situation. They both have their own insecurities - especially Dylan. Unsurprisingly, his time in Afghanistan was hell, and he's working through that on top of their relationship issues. But as a couple? These two are just...incredible. They really fit together. I loved seeing them try to be friends again and then watching with a smile when they broke their own rules. I loved learning how they met; I thought it was different compared to the start of so many other romances that I've read. I loved how when things suddenly veered off course again, Alex especially remained strong and did what she had to. And I loved that ending. Sweet, unique, breathtaking...perfect. These two belong together, and to see them fighting the pain and the memories that their relationship has brought them thus far is really sad. By not being together, each of them is completely destroying the other.

And then of course, my heart somehow found room to love some of the secondary characters and their own relationships. Out of those, the relationship between Carrie and Sherman definitely trumped. Carrie is an amazing supportive sister, and I'm really looking forward to reading her own story. Sherman is a fantastic friend to Dylan, and he brought in some humour. But it was easy to appreciate Kelly and Joel as well - and Joel isn't even present a lot of the time. My only issues lay with the parents. The blindness of some people will never cease to amaze me.

I kind of feel like this review is not as structured as I'd like it to be, and I'm really sorry about that. Usually I try to keep from rambling and just writing down disconnected thoughts and sentences that maybe don't make sense, but it seems like at the moment, that's the best I can do. Just Remember to Breathe was a truly stunning read and if you're a contemporary fan, Charles Sheehan-Miles is most definitely an author to check out.

This review is also posted on my blog.

[Cristina Buzoianu · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was... intense. And that's putting it mildly! This it totally on my "Favorites" shelf.

UPDATE REVIEW officially posted on my blog, Bibliophile Mystery
http://bibliophilemystery.blogspot.ro/

I really have to start with an exclamation mark! I’ve never read a story like this before! It literally kept me attached to my Kindle from the beginning to the end, no bathroom, eating, feeding the cat breaks, nothing, and it also made me sad for not having the actual book, so I could sleep with it under my pillow – or rock in a corner with it.

And what happened to the male authors lately? A month ago I was only reading books written by female authors, and then I got my hands on Gabriel’s Inferno by Sylvain Reynard - which I totally loved and praised daily for the past month – and now is Charles Sheehan-Miles.

His story is… pure awesomeness! The writing style actually engraves the scenes into your mind. Magnificent, intense, full of emotion scenes that will haunt your dreams as if you’ve seen them for real! I’ve never experienced something so powerful while reading a book before! Maybe it’s the story, or the characters…I don’t know, but it’s amazing none the less!

"How do you say the words, "I'm sorry," and have them mean something? You hear that crap all the time, but it's not sufficient when it comes to heartbreak."

Alex and Dylan were always on different sides of the world, except for the two months they spent in Israel. That’s how they met: a trip to yet another corner of the world that brought them together. They never actually say it in the story, but I know it was love at first sight. It must have been, even if Dylan knows from the first moment that she’s way out of his league.

A tear ran down her face, and she said, “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

I gave her a half smile and said, “You’ve got that backwards, Alex. I’m the one who … who is undeserving.”

“Don’t ever say that,” she said.

“Why not? It’s the truth.”

She shook her head. “You’re wrong, Dylan Paris. About this, you are so wrong. We were made for each other.”

But those two months were short, and soon the both of them had to return back down to the earth with a bang. To say that they had a rough relationship after that, it’s putting it mildly.

Years later, they meet again and all the pain, the anger, the full realization of who and what they are, and especially of what they’ve done to each other and to the rest of the world hit them hard.

You’ll love the characters, all of them. Alex and Dylan complete each other. He fights to overcome his own personal Hell for her, and she’s always there to lift him up when he’s falling, even if he doesn’t want her to be. Nevertheless, they both have amazing friends who help them make the right decisions.

"Dylan," I whispered. "Stop."

He didn't even hear me. So I did the only thing I could think of. I put my arms around him, right around his chest, and buried my face against his back, and I cried out, as loud as I could, "Dylan, please stop! Please don't hurt yourself! I love you!"

“Why? Why in God’s name do you care?”

“Because we’re brothers, man. We’ve been through shit no one else knows about. We’ve been through shit they don’t want to know about. And I don’t want to see you f*ck your life up. And, I care about Alex and her sister.

This novel is what I call a perfect book! Any tiny issues I must have had with the characters or the dialogues while reading it are long gone from my mind. And I finished it a couple of days ago, so I guess I forgot them instantly, or never had them, to begin with.

“Just Remember to Breathe” is a story about true love that can survive any storm, about what family does to you sometimes, about blame and forgiveness. Choosing to read and review it was one of the best decisions I’ve made lately!

“When I'm ninety, I want you to tell me that it's my turn to ask you a question, and if that miracle happens, then my question is going to be, 'Do you still love me?' and I hope that

answer will still be yes.”

I’m reading “A Song for Julia” right now, but even if Crank and Julia are really great, all I can think about are Dylan and Alex, and how I may get another glimpse of them in “The Last Hour”, Carrie and Ray’s story. So I’m going to pray to somehow get an ARC of it, because the middle of May seems ages away.

“I’d say you’re worth falling in love with twice.”

Happy reading!

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniella's reivew posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 Stars

Yes, it is a romance. Yes, it is a romance written by a man. While a man writing a book is not rare or odd, a man writing a romance novel is rare and makes you think he is odd until you begin to read it. It makes you stop and look at it and wonder can he really do as good a job as a female writer.
When it comes to Charles Sheehan-Miles writing Just Remember to Breathe; yes, he can and very well.

I was a little leery about a man writing any type of romance novel (yes, went right into that stereotype). Even though he was hesitant at some of the nuances that a female writer would bring to the book, I understood where he was going and really enjoyed reading it. It was fun to read first person female written by a man and after a while I forgot that it was a man who wrote it and just enjoyed reading.

Alex and Jordan were interesting characters and the way they played off of each other was incredible. While I wanted to smack each upside their heads at times I also loved them for their little ways and the incredible love that they had for each other as the story unfolded. They were lost souls, Jordan, being an injured combat vet and Alex, being his ex-girlfriend and thrust back into his life without any warning. They had to re-introduce themselves to each other and without wanting to admit it; they begin to fall back in love with each other, being “older and wiser” this time around. It’s all about that wish of what if you get a second chance.

One of my great joys with reading is when I can get involved in a book. When I can “float” above everyone in the book and be a part of their world as the story unfolds. This is exactly what this book did for me. I will happily read another book by Charles Sheehan-Miles.

Sometimes, reading from a different perspective is a good thing.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing love story. The journey of Dylan and Alex was a wonderful one. They faced many struggles but in the end love does conquer all. I really don't have the words to express what a wonderful book this is. I just have to say it is a MUST READ!!!!!! There was something about this story that just grabbed onto my heart strings and wouldn't let go throughout the whole book. I thoroughly enjoyed it from the first page to the last.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more reviews like this, check out The Book Asylum.

3.5 stars

I was lucky enough to win Just Remember to Breathe through a facebook giveaway held by the author and Bookaholics Anonymous. I read the synopsis and it sounded great, so I bumped it right to the top of my reading list.

The story is told from the alternating perspectives of the two main characters – Alex and Dylan. I really enjoyed this choice because it gave the reader a complete picture of what was going on inside each character’s head – many times with the same situation. Alex Thompson is a pre-law college student at Columbia trying to recover from a broken heart and the emotional damage of a physical and almost sexual assault that occurred last spring… right after Dylan suddenly cut contact, breaking off their relationship and severing all ties to her. Dylan is an Afghanistan war veteran fraught with guilt and full of self-doubt. He’s battling mental and physical issues after living through a terrible explosion while on duty... an explosion that killed his best friend. When they find themselves together again at Columbia for a work study position, they have to learn to navigate around their pasts and each other.

As you can imagine, this love story is full of angst and emotion. The initial (re)meeting between Alex and Dylan and several interactions thereafter were so tense it made me physically uncomfortable (in the way only a well-written story can make you). Throughout the book, it was oh so clear that their love for each other runs deep, is very sweet, and very pure. For me, that was never really in question. What was in question was whether or not they would get out of their own way and allow themselves to love and be loved. Through exposition, we learn how they began their relationship under extraordinary and unique circumstances while on a high school trip. That turned into an intense long-distance relationship. Now, anyone who has ever been in a long-distance relationship knows how hard it is. You know the doubt, anxiety, and longing that comes with being far away from the person you love so much. Add in familial pressure and huge life changes like going to high school, graduating, and trying figuring out what’s next for you (and your significant other) and it can be downright terrifying. This was exactly the case with Alex and Dylan.

What I liked about Alex and Dylan was the fact that they were easy to understand, easy to empathize with, and easy to relate to although their circumstances and histories were very different. Both were intelligent, determined, and perseverant – all traits which I admire greatly. The writing was straightforward and worked well with a plot that moved right along. The little twists and turns along the way coupled with specific details like ‘the rules’, ‘strawberry shampoo’, and ‘index cards?’ helped me to melt with them, smile & laugh with them, and definitely hurt with them. It’s those little details that add depth to a story because in real life, relationships are filled with special inside moments just like those. Plus, every time Dylan forgot a word or doubted himself my heart broke a little for him. It was all very real and it’s obvious that Charles Sheehan-Miles put a lot of thought into these characters and their relationship dynamics.

My rating could have easily been four stars were it not for a few issues that took away from the story for me. For example, in the beginning of the book Kelly (Alex’s best friend) starts talking about her boyfriend, Josh. Later in the book, his name changes to Joel. There are also some grammatical and spelling errors throughout that I caught. Nothing major, but they’re there. Finally, and this was the biggest detriment to the story for me, some characters seemed to pop up quickly with very little back-story. I loved Sherman, for example, but we only knew a teeny bit about him before he came on the scene full force. Within pages it seemed like he had a strong, comfortable relationship with Alex. It just felt very rushed to me, as did the easy connection between him and Carrie. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED Sherman and Carrie and was happy with their roles once they entered the story, but I didn’t quite buy their abrupt introduction.

I would recommend this book for Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult readers with a soft spot for love stories with lots of turmoil. From what I understand, Charles is now working on another book with Julia, Alex’s sister, and Crank, Julia’s hot rocker husband, both of whom we met in ‘Just Remember to Breathe’. I cannot wait to see what he has planned for them and am hoping he continues on after that with Sherman and Carrie’s story!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Alex discovers her ex-boyfriend, Dylan, is back from serving in Afghanistan and attending her university, she’s horrified. What’s worse is they’ve been assigned to the same work study program and have to spend a lot of time with each other. Dylan isn’t too happy about it either. This is the girl that broke his heart – the girl he’s been trying to forget. In order to not let their personal issues interfere with work, Alex and Dylan set boundaries. But soon it becomes clear that neither of them have let go of the past.

Just Remember to Breathe is a new adult novel told from the alternating POVs of college students Alex and Dylan. I liked Dylan straight away. He still had a sense of humour and a relatively positive attitude despite the crappy things that had happened to him. Not only did he come back injured from Afghanistan, but he also lost his best friend over there and now struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. In his bio, Charles Sheehan-Miles says he was a soldier and now works with disabled veterans – and this shows in the novel. The details of Dylan’s injuries and recovery felt authentic, and I appreciated that. Dylan was the strongest character in this story and I wouldn’t have minded if the entire book was told solely from his perspective.
 
On the other hand, by the end of the story, I didn’t feel like I knew Alex at all. At times it seemed as if her whole life revolved around a boy. And she cried way too much. Her character didn’t begin to develop until the midway point, when we learn about her family life and the pressure she’s under from her father. But it just felt like too little, too late.

At first, I enjoyed the romance. I loved the tension when they went running together, hearing about their past relationship and seeing they still had feelings for each other. But, the thing is, their past was talked about so much that I started to feel like the most interesting story had happened before the first page of Just Remember to Breathe. And there was far too much angst. I got so sick of them going back and forth – we’re together, oh now we’re not together, and so on – that I lost interest. Their relationship became melodramatic and unhealthy. Towards the end, I wanted Alex and Dylan to break up because they were just so bad for each other.
 
I also didn’t like that the book was filled with typos. It seemed as if it hadn’t been proofread at all before it was published. I think I could’ve overcome those mistakes but, ultimately, the story as a whole fell short in the end. I didn’t believe the ending at all; it felt forced.
 
So, if you’re looking for a novel with substance that explores post-traumatic stress disorder and has a good dose of romance, I recommend picking up Trish Doller’s Something Like Normal instead.

This review and other fun things can be found at Daisy Chain Book Reviews.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, covers PTSD and TBI in a respectful and informative way, whilst being a gorgeous love story.

[Funzee Shu · Rating 5 out of 5]

DONE !!!!
Finally !!!

“I never stopped loving you,” he whispered. “Not even for a second. Even when I hated you.” - Dylan

“I’d say you’re worth falling in love with twice.” - Alex

I leaned over and kissed him on his eyelid. “Dylan, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than here with you.” – Alex

“Sometimes when he was close to me I couldn’t even breathe….” – Alex

“Alex, I don’t want to date you. I don’t want you to be my girlfriend. I don’t want us to be together for just a little while. I want you forever. I want us to look at each other, and say we love each other, and decide to be together forever. Alex…. I want to spend our lives together. If we ever decided we want to have kids, I want it to be me and you.” - Dylan


Very good book .....
Beautifully written ....

I do not believe that this beautiful book written by a man!
Very romantic ...
Apparently, men more romantic when writing romance stories, indeed!

Frankly, this is a new genre that I read, that elevates the story of a war veteran. in this case the war in Afghanistan.

I just know at a glance through the news on the tv, where a lot of very young soldiers who died there.

War is cruel, and I really do not like it!
War took so many lives, leaving deep wounds to those involved and to the family that left behind.
Even if it had survived, there remains a trauma that haunted their days.

Physical injuries are still visible, but the psychic wounds?
Would either be eliminated or not .....

In many cases, many of them were not able to moved their life and survive from PTSD caused by war..
Slumped even end up with pathetic life ....

Lucky here, Dylan Paris - has someone in his life who was able to accompany him through the tough times post-war.
Someone who loves him unconditionally.
Helped him get through the toughest times in his life, and gave him a second chance, cheer him endlessly ....

This story is so amazing, so close, so real ....
Stories that will make you smile, laugh, angry and crying at the same time.

Thanks to Mr. Miles who has written such a beautiful story, and I feel very fortunate to be able to read it.

In some parts, I felt "closeness" between Dylan with the author.
It makes me imagine the author as Dylan in the real world.
I'm sorry to be so dissolved in your write .....
It was all because I feel the "Deja Vu" in some parts .....
well, maybe I am too biased .... but that's how I feel when finished reading this story.

Stories that touch your heart ....
I recommend this wonderful book to all my books club friends.....


Itu tadi curahan perasaan gw ttg ni buku, dan berikut adalah ripiu lengkapnya…

Menyalahkan dirinya sendiri akan apa yang terjadi pada rekan-rekan his di afghanistan,membuat Dylan merasa dirinya tak layak mendapatkan kesempatan kedua, menjalani hidup, sementara teman karibnya meregang nyawa di hadapannya.

Kalau saja hari itu dia tidak melakukan kesalahan yang menyebabkan grup nya harus melakukan patroli, maka....mereka semua idak akan terkena ledakan bom.

Penyesalan pun menghantuinya, Dylan menghukum dirinya sendiri untuk kesalahan yang sebenarnya bukan sepenuhnya di akibatkan oleh dia.

Terluka dan nyaris kehilangan salah satu kakinya,Dylan harus menjalani rehabilitasi dan memulai kembali hidupnya.

Takdir membawanya bertemu kembali dengan wanita yang di cintainya dengan sepenuh jiwa, Alex.
Wanita yang ia benci dan sekaligus masih ia cintai….

Keadaan membuat keduanya harus berkerja sama meski perasaan terluka masih menorah hati keduanya.

Kesalah pahaman….

Semua akibat kesalah pahaman di masa lalu yang menyebabkan keduanya harus terpisah.

Alex menangisi Dylan yang tiba-tiba menghilang dari kehidupanya, sementara Dylan….tenggelam dalam kepedihan akan “penghianatan” alex yang sangat dicintanya.

Ketika keduanya kembali di hadapkan pada fakta bahwa segala hal yang menyakitkan yang terjadi di antara mereka selama ini hanyalah sebuah kesalah pahaman, akankah cinta keduanya kembali bersatu ?

Akankah Alex sanggup meyakinkan Dylan untuk tetap bersamanya sementara Dylan tetap merasa dirinya tak layak untuk mendapatkan Alex ?

Sebuah kisah cinta yang begitu meremas hati….

Sebuah kisah sederhana yang mengajarkan kita untuk mencintai dengan sepenuh hati tanpa syarat…..
Tentang pengharapan…..pengampunan……dan cinta tiada akhir….

Well, gw akhiri ripiu gw kali ini dengan sebuah lirik lagu berikut ini….

“I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
Thats why I need you to hear

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is You

and the reason is You [x3]

I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you”

- The Reason by Hoobastank


Dylan…Oh, Dylan...
Maybe you are not perfect, but you worthy enough to be loved, TWICE !!


Ini beberapa scene yang gw suka……

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. And traumatic brain injury. Got my brainpan rattled when the bomb went off, you know? It’s all labels, anyway.”

“What do you mean?”

I frowned. “I’m just… I’m not exactly the guy you knew, Alex. Sometimes things here… they don’t seem as … as real. As it was over there. Maybe I’ve become an adrenaline junkie. Reality just isn’t colorful enough for me.”

--------------------------------------------------------------

I said, “What was the best thing you saw in Afghanistan? I know there was horror, and war. But were there moments of … I don’t know… grace?”

He swallowed, and nodded once. I was astonished to see his eyes start to water.

“It’s okay.” He took a deep breath, then said, “Okay. So, we’re out there in the boonies. And I mean… way out there. Little village in the middle of nowhere called Dega Payan. It’s way up in the mountains, and until a couple years ago, there wasn’t even much of a road to connect them to anything. It was like a five hour drive to get anywhere.”

“So, one day we’re there. Helping distribute food, there’s UN workers, and we’re trying to make a nice impression and all that. And there’s this little girl, standing there watching us. I guess she was … about twelve maybe? I could picture her in middle school, if they allowed her to go to school, which they probably don’t. Anyway, she was smiling, and joking around. Kowalski… he was from Nevada. Also from the middle of nowhere, go figure. Kowalski gives her a candy bar, and she hugs him. And then he turns to come back to us, and we hear a clink sound. Everybody panics, and I look down, and see the grenade. Someone threw it from the crowd, and it landed right at the little girl’s feet.”

“So, anyway, Kowalski… he threw himself on the grenade. He hugged it, with his back to the little girl. And it went off, and … he was just … shredded. Killed instantly. And you know… that little girl… she didn’t get touched. Not even a drop of blood. He saw that little girl, and just … threw his life away to save her.”

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “I’m sorry I asked. I’m so sorry that happened.”

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “Don’t be. Don’t you get it? Can you imagine the … the heroism? That’s what grace is all about. He didn’t even think for one second about himself. All he thought about was that little girl, and saving her life.” – Dylan
==> Part yg bikin gw nangis bombay pertama kalinya !!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

“Why didn’t you contact me? After you were injured?”

I didn’t like the expression on her face, which was full of … grief? Longing? Sadness?

I couldn’t answer that question out loud. Because you ripped my heart out, I wanted to say. Because I couldn’t talk to you without hating you.

Because I loved you too much to put you through my bitterness and rage. Because I didn’t deserve to have you.

---------------------------------------------------

“Alex, I don’t need to keep myself safe from you. I don’t want to keep myself safe from you. You mean too much to me. I’d rather have a lifetime of heartache, from you breaking my heart, than even imagine my life without you at all. Because a life without you wouldn’t be a life at all.” - Dylan

[Awilk -never sleeps- · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review will probably make no sense. I can't think of the words to tell how much I loved this book. It was not the style of book I normally read. I like plenty of steam in my books. I read to escape how crappy the real world is. This book should not have had me hidden away so that I didn't have to stop. BUT IT DID. I LOVE THIS BOOK.

The main reason is simple.

I'm Dylan, and I have lousy social skills. I'd like to get to know you by asking stupid questions.

Please ask me, Dylan. I think I am in love, or he is bringing out my maternal instincts and I want to grab him and keep away anything that could cause him pain.

Dylan has had some serious pain in his life. His parents were both drunks when he was young. His mother sorted herself out and then when Dylan was causing trouble with drink and drugs she kicked him out of home. He turned his life around and finished up his high school education. He met a very special girl. Alex was way out of his league in his eyes, but he fell for her anyway. Teenagers in love, and living so far apart isn't easy. When Dylan finished school he joined the Army. He went to war. He came back home injured and damaged.

Alex had her own problems. She came from a family full of over achievers. Her father had planned out her life for her. Dylan was not part of his plans. Dylan was not good enough for her.

The story itself starts when these two come together again at college. Alex can see how damaged Dylan is, but she still loves him. Dylan knows he isn't good enough for Alex, but he still loves her.

The two of them grow and learn so much through this story. We learn about them a bit at a time. We learn about there pasts slowly, with each new horror that is Dylan's past, my heart broke a little more for him. Alex was the perfect girl for him. She was strong, but also so loving and compassionate. Reading about the two of them has been my pleasure. I never wanted this story to stop.

Charles Sheehan-Miles, you have a new fan in me, and I will be reading more of your books as soon as I can get them.

If you haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and put this book on the top of your TBR.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tragedy of his childhood and the devastation of serving in Afghanistan has scarred Dylan Paris to the hilt. Not only was he seriously injured while serving, he also lost his best friend to enemy fire; most likely due to his idiotic behavior. Dylan's only glimmer of happiness is due to his very patient girlfriend, Alex; though even her saint-like patience is wearing thin with his constant indecisiveness and self loathing. When Alex is nearly raped by a young man her family has known and respected for years, it will unwittingly bring her and Dylan back from a point, (they thought) of no return. Although, they often wonder, "is loving each other, enough?"

Sheehan-Miles brings to life the ugliness of war and how it can affect so many people's lives and their perspectives; and unless you live it yourself, that view is gut wrenchingly horrific, at best. This story was surprisingly full of heart, however and beautifully revealed how two people who begin to rely on one another, also realized that growing up is the first step in finding more than just the love they share. I enjoyed being the proverbial fly on the wall and yes, the conversations got a tad cliche' and the language could have been toned down, but for the most part, this book surprised me. I enjoyed the insights this author wanted the reader to fully grasp.

Mr. Sheehan-Miles' story is masterfully told and if you want to read a book on war, grab a text book. If you want to read a book about how war can devastate a man into a mental cocoon; only to reveal the beauty that war can bring to life, read this book.

[Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is about Alex and Dylan. They have history together that ended with a fight via Skype whilst Dylan was serving in Afghanistan and Alex was at college in New York. After the fight Dylan deleted his social network and Skype accounts and disappeared from Alex's life. 6 months later after leaving the army due to injury Dylan ends up at college in, you guessed it, New York. They end up in the same place at the say time and The story is about them connecting again whilst dealing with the heart break from before and Dylan's problems surrounding his injury.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Once I started reading I didn't want to put it down. The author did a very good job of getting you to see how much they were still in love and the heartbreak between them. I loved the fact for the first part of the book you were left wondering what the argument could have been about and why Dylan acted like that, but are slowly fed this information, building a bit at a time. The book is told in both perspectives, which is great because you get both sides of what happened in the past and what they are going through now. Dylan's story was different and it was interesting to see how this had shaped him. I liked both characters a lot (usually one of the characters in a book will irritate me!) and the road is not an easy one.

Really enjoyed it 5*s

[Stephenie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to pick up this book and not be able to put it down. I fell in love with this book from the first page. The characters will make you fall in love with them, the plot is superbly done and the story line is amazing. Charles Sheehan-Miles has created a beautiful love story with the backdrop of war that is just so much more! Just Remember to Breathe is a must read for so many reasons.

I loved the characters in Just Remember to Breathe, especially Alex, his flaws and all. He comes back from Afghanistan and he's a broken man. I found myself in tears at how messed up he was and how he believed he didn't deserve happiness, he absolutely broke my heart. Alex was flawed as well, she was the girlfriend of a soldier and so doubtful of their relationship. His characters with all of their flaws I felt a connection to and I loved each one of them.

I've never read a book that talked about war and PTSD but it needs to be talked about. We have so many men and women returning home from war that I am so proud of Charles Sheehan-Miles for having the guts to write this. If you love an amazing book with wonderful characters and a great storyline then you should grab this. You won't regret it.