Keep Breathing

by Alexia Purdy

‘The past doesn't define me. It's just a place I've been.’

Seth Kingston is back in town with years of regrets. Regrets for the way he left things with Penny, the hurt he caused her, and the future they could have had together. He had his reasons and now all he wants is to make amends and have a second chance at love.

But Penny wants no part of what he’s offering. She’s accepted that life is hard, love is an illusion, and you can’t trust men. Especially men named Seth Kingston. And yet… he’s so tender with her. He’s patient, and caring.

Is it possible that he’s changed? Can they really try again?

The past has a tendency to embed its vicious talons deep into a heart, never to let go again. Penny has enough tragedy to last lifetimes and isn’t willing to let anyone scale her walls.

Can real love survive anything, even an unforgiving past?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, New Adult, Contemporary

208 pages, ebook

First published December 31, 2013

About the author

Alexia currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada–Sin City! She loves to spend every free moment writing or playing with her four rambunctious kids. Writing has always been her dream and she has been writing ever since she can remember. She loves writing paranormal fantasy and poetry and devours books daily. Alexia also enjoys watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car and Italian food.

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Reviews

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite that single star, Keep Breathing isn't all bad. But it is chock full of way too many contradictions, which were extremely distracting. It also has a few Romance tropes that I'm not a fan of. Luckily, it was a quick read. It's been six years since Penny last saw Seth, when he ripped her heart out and embarrassed her in front of a room of people. Now, he wants to make amends and win her back. Initially, Penny is bitter and wants to break his heart the way he broke hers, but that's just not in her, and she falls back into the abyss that is Seth. I generally really enjoy second chance at love stories, but this one just failed.

Keep Breathing started out fine, but quickly spiraled out of control. As soon as Seth explains what happened between him and Penny, I got annoyed. It's one of those break-ups where one person does it for the other person's good, since they're apparently incapable of making their own decisions. His Visa is expiring, so he has to go back to Moldova. Instead of telling Penny this, he claims he's seeing someone else and doesn't love her anymore. He's worried that she'll drop out of college and follow him, and doesn't want that. First of all, that's her decision, not his! Second of all, way to be super full of yourself, assuming that she's so in love she'll make a rash decision. On top of that, Penny supposedly knows him better than he knows himself, so wouldn't she be aware that he's not a citizen and that there's a chance he may have to leave the country? This whole situation made no sense.

My next main problem with Keep Breathing was children and the story of how Seth's son--Cameron--lost his mother. The first time Seth tells the story, Cameron's mother died from breast cancer after refusing treatment. Then somehow Penny forgets that Seth has a child, despite him telling her like the day before, so he tells the story again. This time she died of leukemia after "useless" treatments. Which is it? That seems like a major detail to overlook. I also just couldn't believe that Seth had to tell Penny twice, since how in the world do you forget something like that?

Other than that, I just don't like children in romance. This also added nothing to the story, since this reveal didn't add any drama. In fact, it added even more contradictions as Penny ponders on the possibility of kids. First, she dreamed of falling in love, getting married, and having kids. Then she never thought about kids until meeting Cameron. Then Seth mentions he remembered her wanting a large family. But then Penny doesn't think she'd be a good mother. And then she thought she'd have kids by now. What?! She either wants kids (and thought she'd have one already) or they've never crossed her mind before. You can't have it both ways. Another thing I can't believe was overlooked.

Keep Breathing really needed more editing. It was hard to stay in the story when the story keeps changing. I won't even go into the fact that Seth and Penny reunite on a Ferris wheel despite her being afraid of heights, yet went to ride it alone. Whatever.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC for honest review...
One thing that I love about these types of reads are when I can feel myself relating to the characters and being able to understand the feelings they are going through, this story did just that. I thought it was a beautiful read about
overcoming heartbreak by learning to forgive the one person who hurt you the most ( I have been there). Don't want to give a lot away so I will say it like this: The situation Seth was placed in was a different concept from what I have read, and I liked it. He had to accept the wrongs he did and fix them for a 2nd chance. I'm happy it was a happily ever after but the only thing I wanted was to read Seth's version of it as well as Penny's! I would have loved to read how he felt about making mistakes, accepting them, getting his girl, and having a complete family. :)
GREAT STORY!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really pleased that Alexia decided to do more work on this book. Now don't get me wrong I loved the original version but I loved this one better. But what hasn't changed is my love for Seth, "I never though I'd see you again. But since fate has smashed us together again, which I prayed for actually, I knew I had to take this chance to speak to you." And he has so much love for Penny it's not funny, "yeah, she's worth it. I loved her and I messed up. Got to make it right." I'm hoping Joss gets her story told because I loved her just as much as Penny and Seth.

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this story right from the beginning and found myself awake til the wee hours of the morning addicted to this story. This author has yet to disappoint me and this story is no different. As a matter of fact this is by far my favorite story from this author. I loved the romance, hurt, love, and passion in each word of the story. It captured my heart and soul and left me dreaming and reveling in the the characters and their past, present and future and how everything came together in the end. I could actually feel the passion that built from the characters and felt the detail was remarkably in debt that I had a mental movie in my head. I am just totally speechless at how much in love I am in with this story and the two main characters in this story. Their pure and raw emotions in each and page that I turned. I could actually feel the emotions run strongly through me as I got entangled into this unforgettable story that I will cherish and want to re-read for a lifetime. This story is tastefully written, with no attempt at making this an erotic story, but I will warn you that once you start, you will be unable to stop. I HIGHLY recommend this New Adult Romantic Story to Young Adults and Adults alike who love a great love story that will keep a part of your heart and soul within its pages.

I received an e-ARC copy of this book, directly from the author, in return for an honest review and honestly this is one story I will cherish and treasure for a lifetime. Thank you, Alexia Purdy, for this phenomenal and memorable story. I am extremely excited about what this author will have in store for us in the near future, because in my opinion, this story will be a tough set of shoes to fill.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance! Penny and Seth were perfect together, or so she thought. Then he broke her heart and left her hurting. That was six years ago and now he is back and wants her to give him another chance. Penny doesn't want to even consider taking him back. He shattered her heart and there is no way she could ever trust him again...right? Problem for her is he is the same and yet different. He is strong, sensitive, caring and just the whole package! Can she forgive him enough to see if they have a future together?
I liked how Penny was capable and strong, but she had her flaws. Like most of us, she settled in a job and that was it. She took no risks, hadn't fulfilled her dreams in the least and wasn't dating at all. Seth wants Penny because she was the only one he ever loved. A lot changed and happened in his life but that never has. I loved how persistent he was, even tracking her friend down. Oh and Penny's best friend is wonderful! She is going to do what is best for Penny, regardless of what even Penny says/thinks.
This was a 4/5 for me. I loved the sweet romance.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

**This book contains adult situations/language**

[Tanya Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if the man that crushed your heart years ago suddenly appears in your life and won't leave? Can you forgive him for what he did? or will you turn it around on him and show him what it's like? Penny is going to do just that to Seth even though she has to keep telling herself that this is for the best and those feelings can't happen.

I was pulled into Penny & Seth's story right from the beginning. Seeing how much he still cared for her, I wanted the two of them to get back together although I knew it would be hard for her. I absolutely loved the "chemistry" between the two and the smart ass remarks Penny would say to Seth. I loved that he would do anything to win her heart back but who knew it would only take one little soul to help seal her love for him. The story is well written and flowed perfectly. Alexia is a fantastic author and I can't wait for her next book!

I would definitely recommend adding this to your library!

[Claire Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book immediately. I was only meant to read a couple of chapters but the book had other ideas and I was so gripped that I ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting. It wasn’t just the normal girl meets boy, boy hurts girl, boy wins back girl and they live happily ever after. There was real turmoil and situations that anyone could find themselves in throughout the book. The emotional twists took the book to another level, and I couldn’t help but feel for the characters. I will definitely read this story again and again.

I received an e-Arc of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for romance you should check out this book. Carnivals are magical places rides, cotton candy, corn dogs, and a best friend but when you try riding the Ferris wheel single and they make you ride double’s the one person you never thought you would see walks right into the seat. Penny has been complacent in her life Seth changes everything but will she be able to let him back into her heart after he crushed it and left her. I have read Alexia’s other books and after reading Breathe Me I will definitely keep checking out any books that she has written.

[Myra Espino · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review**

4.5 stars


I loved this book..
The concept and the characters are good..
They are easy to relate with and love.

The characters, they are great. For me, they are just right and I don't have any negative feedback about them. It's just brought them to be more interesting.

What I really liked in this book is that I was easily attached both characters and their story. I love how I learn more of the story, it made me curious and it's interesting.. No dull moment and I sometimes find myself almost cried... gah!! Loved it..

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book by Alexia Purdy! She's done it again. She brings her characters to life with amazing qualities and some very realistic story lines.
After falling in love in college, Seth is about to be deported and makes the huge mistake of breaking Penny's heart instead of being honest. She's broken and not moved on, and though he's managed to make a few changes in his life, he's not forgotten Penny either. A planned chance encounter brings them back into each others' lives, and Penny is left with the decision whether to give him another shot.

[Pauline Creeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read with new adult themes without taking things to an erotic brink. I appreciated the themes of forgiveness, because we all make mistakes. The story is rife with tragedy and heartbreak, but also renewal and hope...and the happily ever after we all desire. I genuinely enjoyed this change in the author's usual paranormal, action-packed genres.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and ARC of this book by NetGalley for a honest review. Alexia Purdy wrote an amazing story that is full of romance and second chances. The characters seem to be believable and real, who have flaws and damage but over come everything that has happened to them. This is a heartwarming romance story with an amazing ending.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc for an honest review
The story is pretty brilliant! Without giving it away, a man sorry for his biggest mistake comes back to make it right with the love of his life. I could barely put this book down, it had me in at the very beginning! Very heart warming and a great read. Alexia Purdy does it again! :)

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read that I could not put down.

It moved along at an amazing pace, from beginning to end, had awesome characters and a great story from beginning to end.

Alexia Purdy is an amazing author whose books take you away to another world.

[Mick C · Rating 4 out of 5]

*********Rcvd an ARC for an honest review******
This was a really good story about finding love again and being strong enough to take the step to gain it back.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a great story with a happy ending and those are my favorite!

[Minnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I like second chance romance and the synopsis to this one really appealed, as it seemed that I was going to get a good heart wrenching story with a Hero dedicated to getting his heroine back. So kudos on the synopsis which was unfortunately the best part of the book.

My first problem was that the author tells us next to nothing about these characters former relationship. We are treated to a vague, random prologue with the the characters frolicking on a beach and a two page introduction scene which is essentially: hi here's your pen. Wanna go out? Oh the romance of it all. I don't expect and don't even want hundreds of pages of their back story, I actually don't like it when authors do that in this sort of book as I always find myself on tenterhooks waiting for the break up, but there needs to be some sort of history, something to let me see and become invested in their relationship but there was literally nothing. Without this completely integral part of the story I just found myself not caring at all about either character. I didn't care about their relationship and the author offers nothing to change this. It seemed that she expected the reader to just accept that these two characters had some great epic love and therefore not question the lack of build up to reconciliation.

The reconciliation, which is of course effectively the story, is also a huge issue for me. Again, no build up, no development. The characters are just introduced and start dating again. Sure, the heroine whines a lot about how heartbroken she was when they split up but it's all tell, no show. She doesn't even hash it out with the Hero, it's just constant internal monologuing.

The characters themselves also left a little something to be desired. They were both fairly two dimensional (supporting characters barely dimensional at all) and what little character I did see in the heroine was down right unlikeable. Part of this again feeds back into the lack of development, I just couldn't care about her devastated broken heart when I was given nothing to substantiate it. But in addition to this she came across as self absorbed, and fairly dull.

Sadly, I actually find myself with more to complain about as once I have exhausted plot and character development I have to address the writing itself. I found that the author had a tendency to throw in some really flowery, overwritten prose, for example, she suggests a panic attack leaves "behind its damage like a funnel tears a scar across the land and leaves piles of rubble in its wake" Overblown. Don't get me wrong I didn't think the writing was terrible, and if the plot had been fleshed out more I probably wouldn't have noticed or minded this sort of thing but it seemed that she was using this sort of vaguely purple prose instead of proper plot development. The best example is when the author describes a look the heroines cousin gives her towards the end of the story: "The look she gave me was all I could ever ask for. It was brilliant, like a sun bursting through the morning dullness, bringing life and light to every living thing which needed it, she was my sunshine" Now, if this had been a description given say, by the Hero about the heroine, following a properly developed romance, I will admit I would have liked it and found it very romantic. But it's a random comment about the heroines cousin who doesn't feature significantly in the plot and up until this point had played the role of annoying, basically featureless BFF, and it felt like the author was trying to suggest she was a more important character than this, but it was too little too late for me.

The bare bones of a good story was there in this book, but the lack of development and bland characters killed it for me. Sadly I can't recommend this book at all.

*given a free copy of book from Netgalley in exchange for honest review*

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just started this new version. I loved the first go around, it made me cry laugh and want to hit some of the characters and love them at the same time.
I can't wait to see where Alexia goes with this version!
I will leave another review when I'm done.

So,I received Keep Reading as an ARC for an honest review.
I just now finished it.I love Alexia Purdy,I think she is a very talented writer, but, I honestly have to say, that if I had come across this version of the book first, I would have not finished it, nor remembered the characters.
The first version Breathe Me,went into detail as to why, the characters behaved the way they did.It was gut wrenching and had all the emotions and nuances that are true to life.It grabbed you and didn't let you go until the ending.The characters had depth and so did the story.Keep Breathing on the otherhand, came across to me as shallow,glossed over, characters as well as story.

This version, seemed to me as though Ms.Purdy felt bad that she wrote in tragedies and pain in the first version,and changed everything to be happiness and roses.Except for the death of her sister,that part was left in,but also not in the detail that it was in the first book.

Everyone loves a happy ending, but that in itself, does not a good book make.I don't understand why Ms.Purdy rewrote Breathe Me.
If it ain't broke,don't fix it. You had a winner the first go around!!!
I loved it! This one? I really, really tried to like it. I just couldn't.

[Venetiaffxi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, I had the privilege to Arc the original book for Alexia. While I thought that the original book was good and reviewed it well, I had been upset over how the book ended. When I heard that it was being redone I was excited to ARC it again for her. This time the story was even better, I loved the characters and how they never truly gave up on each other even after all those years. I was glad that the essence of their personalities didn't change in the redo because I fell in love with them the first time around. Penny's strong nature after Seth broke her heart was a good way to feel connected to her, we all wish sometimes that after our heart is broken that we can see how it will make us stronger. Penny shows us how to do that in this story. Seth was a character that I felt sympathy for, trying to balance duty and what we want is a hard choice sometimes. We all want to to the best thing for everyone involved, but we become tempted by the easier way and trying to convince ourselves it was the best option. But in the end of this story, even through all the heartache and regret these two can seem to find their way back together again.

If you read the first one and liked it, or wished it had turned out different then pick up this book and read it. It is different enough from the first book to make you happy that you did. If you didnt read the original book, then what are you waiting for, go get it!!!

[Jennifer G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book.

I loved the characters, the story, but dis-liked the Epilogue.

I mean I liked the ending, and everything that happened, it was exactly what I was hoping for. But I hated that it was so rushed.
The whole book was perfect, then we get to the epilogue, and I felt like it had to be written within 2 minutes are something, because so much stuff was jammed in it. I think it should of had another chapter at the end for some of that, then the epilogue.

The book was really good, to have it all rushed together in the end.

But other than me being greedy I guess wanting more of Seth and Penny, it was really well written.

I just loved Seth, he had good intentions, and I can't knock him for what he did, in all honestly he was still looking out for Penny.
But he came a long way. He did very well for hisself. And he was a very determined guy, which is awesome. I just love Seth, yes I said that again, he is just that awesome.

Penny does have a few issues, but she is still a good character.

All in all it was a 4 star book for me.

[Resch Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was such a heart-warming read. It was real and relate-able. Most books have trials and tribulations that are unrealistic; however, Keep Breathing was realistic. I could see myself in Penny’s situation where a love walks out of your life and then suddenly reappears years later to try to win you back. Penny is stubborn but accepting, while Seth is the perfect contrast of redemption and determination. It is a light, refreshing read if you are looking for a break from something dark and heavy.

The book expands beyond that of Penny and Seth. You will also fall in love with secondary characters like Joss (Penny’s best friend) and two other people called Leah and Cam. These two little cuties steal the show! Overall, Alexia Purdy is a phenomenal author, whether writing in the Young Adult genre or venturing into New Adult. I could even see this book being expanded into a branch book that would maybe focus on Joss finding love and I could hear more about Seth and Penny? Oh well, a girl can dream.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful emotional story about a love destroyed with the chance to revive what once was will she let him in. Circumstances push them closer and closer but can they let go of the past and move on. An emotional read that draws you in and sets you right down in the midst of every confrontation and wall that crumble slowly opening up to the possibilities. But lies and secrets could be their downfall. Not only to forgive but to open up and chance your heart being broken all over again. But that goes both ways and so does trust.

Ms Purdy does a wonderful job of making you feel each emotion and puts you smack dab in the middle of it all. A touching story of overcoming hurt, pain, lies, deceit, and a broken heart. Great story.

[Lake Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexia Purdy has a wonderful way of writing that just pulls you in. She brings her characters to life and you want to just find out what will happen.

Penny had her heart broken by her first love and after six years is still not over it. When he comes back into her life can she ever forgive him for what he did.

Seth lost the love of his life by his own choice. He wants her back and will do anything to prove it and his lasting love to her.

Will they work it all out and find that their love was never truly lost or not? You will want to read this book and find out how Penny and Seth work out. Six years is a long time and things do change.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling in love for the first time can be an amazing feeling. But what happens if it all comes to a sudden stop? Penny found out the hard way when the love of her life tears her heart out. Seth breaks his own heart by crushing Penny. Six years later, they run into each other again. Can Seth win her heart over again? Will Penny give up her pain and anger to let him in? This amazing story will have you wanting more. Find out what happens.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with Keep Breathing. I love Alexia's writing, but I'm used to paranormal/end of world stories from her. It turned out to be a lovely book, full of real life circumstances; love, fear, stress, heartbreak and doubt. Alexia Purdy did a wonderful job of drawing us into the relationship between the characters in a way we can relate to. I highly recommend it!

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seth and Penny find themselves back in each other's lives 6 years after Seth broke Penny's heart. Alexia Purdy takes us on their journey of trying to get past mistakes and overcoming heartbreak. Seth tries his best to win back Penny's heart and Penny tries her best to hold onto her heartbreak and not allow Seth to win her heart again. It was a pretty good book and a short read.

[Kathryn Adair · Rating 3 out of 5]

i got this book as a freebie.
so i loved the characters and it seemed like a good story line but it seemed lacking to me. some parts are explained too much if that makes sense. it was a good read but it needed more i think.

[Lindy Lu Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story to read it was free and wasn't bad. It was the typical girl in love got hurt and couldn't get over it but then boy came back and she was never going back out with him but I won't ruin the story. It was a good story about forgiveness and letting go of past hurts.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story. It makes you believe that love really can last forever. Nice flow and a very easy read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Lynn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. Penny got on my nerves some. A little on the whiny side. Liked Seth, how he broke up with Penny was kind of harsh. I understood where he was coming from.