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Breathless Duet #2
Don't Hold Your Breath
Cat
All I’ve known my entire life is how to mask the pain. The pain of my abuse. The self-hatred that followed.
I was drowning in it until I learned how good it could feel to be in control.
Controlling calories, emotions, even the marks on my body. If I can just keep an iron grip on everything and everyone around me- and never let anyone get too close- everything will be just fine. Everything.
For years, my father had complete control over me, but now its my turn.
At least, that’s what I thought… because then came Tommy Easton.
Larger than life and sexier than sin, this man has set his sights on me.
I think I might love him. If only he felt the same.
Tommy
My heart was hijacked the very first time I heard her voice, and I’ve been fixated ever since.
Cat Baker. The fiercest little thing I’ve ever seen - at least until you manage to get her walls down. I’ve fought so hard to earn a place in her life. Sometimes in her bed.
If I could just get her to see that we are meant to be together. She’s so focused on the secrets she keeps - and hating that I know them - that she just can’t see the big picture.
The big picture being me and her.
What You Can
- He Falls First
- Friends-with-benefits to Lovers
- Fast Burn
- Kink Exploration
- Breath Play
- Pet Play
- Dark/Angst Filled Romance
- H.E.A.
- Dual P.O.V.
- Eating Disorder
- Detailed Self Harm & Attempted Suicide
- Struggles with Mental Health
- Alcohol Dependence
- Attempted SA
- Parental Harassment
- Mentions of childhood SA (Not graphic)
If you have any concerns about triggers please email me at taylorhauthor@outlook dot com.
All I’ve known my entire life is how to mask the pain. The pain of my abuse. The self-hatred that followed.
I was drowning in it until I learned how good it could feel to be in control.
Controlling calories, emotions, even the marks on my body. If I can just keep an iron grip on everything and everyone around me- and never let anyone get too close- everything will be just fine. Everything.
For years, my father had complete control over me, but now its my turn.
At least, that’s what I thought… because then came Tommy Easton.
Larger than life and sexier than sin, this man has set his sights on me.
I think I might love him. If only he felt the same.
Tommy
My heart was hijacked the very first time I heard her voice, and I’ve been fixated ever since.
Cat Baker. The fiercest little thing I’ve ever seen - at least until you manage to get her walls down. I’ve fought so hard to earn a place in her life. Sometimes in her bed.
If I could just get her to see that we are meant to be together. She’s so focused on the secrets she keeps - and hating that I know them - that she just can’t see the big picture.
The big picture being me and her.
What You Can
- He Falls First
- Friends-with-benefits to Lovers
- Fast Burn
- Kink Exploration
- Breath Play
- Pet Play
- Dark/Angst Filled Romance
- H.E.A.
- Dual P.O.V.
- Eating Disorder
- Detailed Self Harm & Attempted Suicide
- Struggles with Mental Health
- Alcohol Dependence
- Attempted SA
- Parental Harassment
- Mentions of childhood SA (Not graphic)
If you have any concerns about triggers please email me at taylorhauthor@outlook dot com.
- GenresDark
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2025
26 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 2, 2025
***ARC Review***
This book ripped me open. These characters were raw raw raw and I LIVED.
This story slammed me with feels in the most literal sense. I saw myself in this book. I was living the experiences alongside the characters and my heart bled. I laughed and I sobbed. The ending here was one of the most satisfying HEAs I've ever read.
The spice, my word. L. Taylor really outdid herself. Take the spice of book one and at minimum, triple it. The bathtub scene in Ch. 6 had me clutching my pearls. Once again, gentlemen everywhere, TAKE FREAKING NOTES. Actually, everyone should just read this book because Tommy is PRIME BOOK BOYFRIEND MATERIAL.
10/10, this duet is a must have for any dark romance bookshelf. 110% will re read.
This book ripped me open. These characters were raw raw raw and I LIVED.
This story slammed me with feels in the most literal sense. I saw myself in this book. I was living the experiences alongside the characters and my heart bled. I laughed and I sobbed. The ending here was one of the most satisfying HEAs I've ever read.
The spice, my word. L. Taylor really outdid herself. Take the spice of book one and at minimum, triple it. The bathtub scene in Ch. 6 had me clutching my pearls. Once again, gentlemen everywhere, TAKE FREAKING NOTES. Actually, everyone should just read this book because Tommy is PRIME BOOK BOYFRIEND MATERIAL.
10/10, this duet is a must have for any dark romance bookshelf. 110% will re read.
March 2, 2025
I very much enjoyed this story. I love that this wasn’t a case of “insta-love”, these characters had much more of a journey. The pacing was good, and I’m glad this second installment was longer. It set the stage for solid relationship development, including conflict. The author did a great job addressing some pretty serious mental health topics, including eating disorders, SA, bipolar disorder, and child abuse. I appreciated her attention to detail when it came to describing mental health and survivor experiences, and the importance of a strong support system.
Review from ARC reader.
Review from ARC reader.
February 10, 2025
Alpha Reader review: As an alpha reader of this book, I got to see it in its rawest form and the story hit home in ways I can’t describe with the justice they deserve. The characters are perfectly flawed in ways that made me feel from them from the start. The situations, while sensitive, were handled in a way that I cannot describe. The spicy scenes gave me everything I needed them too. This author knows how to hit a chord both emotionally and mentally in her handling of complex situations. I don’t cry when reading and part of this book left me a puddle. (Will update in full read after edits too)
March 7, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I was really excited to read Cat and Tommy’s story after reading the end of Take a Deep Breath but I was not prepared for how this book would wreck me. These characters were written with so much dimension, not only showing how great they were when they were at a good point but also highlighting their outward struggles and issues within themselves. The story did not shy away from the ugly truth of severe mental health issues and overall it makes the reader’s connection to the characters that much stronger. You care about what they are going through, you care about how it affects those around them, and you care about what’s going to happen to them next. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book I was able to walk away from with a clear message in mind, and the message is that no matter your struggles, your feelings are valid and it’s ALWAYS ok to ask for help. I will recommend this book as much as possible in the hopes that someone may read this while they are dealing with their own mental health struggle and understand that asking for and needing help is not shameful, that there are people who care, and that they are strong enough to make it through, to survive.
Thank you to L. Taylor for writing such a profound story about a topic that is a reality for so many people, this one will stick with me for a while. And thank again for allowing me to be a part of your arc team this time around. I look forward to what’s next.
I was really excited to read Cat and Tommy’s story after reading the end of Take a Deep Breath but I was not prepared for how this book would wreck me. These characters were written with so much dimension, not only showing how great they were when they were at a good point but also highlighting their outward struggles and issues within themselves. The story did not shy away from the ugly truth of severe mental health issues and overall it makes the reader’s connection to the characters that much stronger. You care about what they are going through, you care about how it affects those around them, and you care about what’s going to happen to them next. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book I was able to walk away from with a clear message in mind, and the message is that no matter your struggles, your feelings are valid and it’s ALWAYS ok to ask for help. I will recommend this book as much as possible in the hopes that someone may read this while they are dealing with their own mental health struggle and understand that asking for and needing help is not shameful, that there are people who care, and that they are strong enough to make it through, to survive.
Thank you to L. Taylor for writing such a profound story about a topic that is a reality for so many people, this one will stick with me for a while. And thank again for allowing me to be a part of your arc team this time around. I look forward to what’s next.
March 23, 2025
*arc review*
this two amazing characters that i’m in love, Cat and Tommy, they’re both broken.
Her safe place is with Rain and her family.
His safe place is her.
some parts of the book just makes me want to jump in there and hug them or just want to be there for Cat because nobody deserve to suffer like that..
there’s a lot of TW in there and it’s amazing to see that we can cure ourselves with adequate help.. (or with some naughty boy as Tommy 🤭)
everyone should read this book. and understand the Tommy’s point of view when he tried to “save her” in his own way, but it was not safe for her.. and, in the real world, that’s so important, to be aware of the other person wants and needs.. ❤️🩹
thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
_________________________
About “Don’t Hold Your Breath”
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
💫💫💫💫/5
🖤 He falls first
🖤 Pet play / Breath play
🖤 Fast burn
🖤 Kink exploration
(please read the TW)
this two amazing characters that i’m in love, Cat and Tommy, they’re both broken.
Her safe place is with Rain and her family.
His safe place is her.
some parts of the book just makes me want to jump in there and hug them or just want to be there for Cat because nobody deserve to suffer like that..
there’s a lot of TW in there and it’s amazing to see that we can cure ourselves with adequate help.. (or with some naughty boy as Tommy 🤭)
everyone should read this book. and understand the Tommy’s point of view when he tried to “save her” in his own way, but it was not safe for her.. and, in the real world, that’s so important, to be aware of the other person wants and needs.. ❤️🩹
thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
_________________________
About “Don’t Hold Your Breath”
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
💫💫💫💫/5
🖤 He falls first
🖤 Pet play / Breath play
🖤 Fast burn
🖤 Kink exploration
(please read the TW)
March 8, 2025
***ARC Review ***
Cat and Tommy’s story is one that is so beautiful and so raw. They had me smiling, blushing and kicking my feet one minute and then sobbing the next. Tommy is definitely top tier book boyfriend material. 🥵
These are two flawed characters both dealing with their own trauma and battles with mental health. To witness the journey they each take to navigate their own struggles in order to become the best versions of themselves was a masterpiece to behold.
Definitely check your triggers as this deals with some pretty heavy topics, but is done really well in my opinion.
Overall, this was a 5 ⭐️read and a wonderful conclusion to this duet.
Cat and Tommy’s story is one that is so beautiful and so raw. They had me smiling, blushing and kicking my feet one minute and then sobbing the next. Tommy is definitely top tier book boyfriend material. 🥵
These are two flawed characters both dealing with their own trauma and battles with mental health. To witness the journey they each take to navigate their own struggles in order to become the best versions of themselves was a masterpiece to behold.
Definitely check your triggers as this deals with some pretty heavy topics, but is done really well in my opinion.
Overall, this was a 5 ⭐️read and a wonderful conclusion to this duet.
March 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
L. Taylor did it again with book 2 of the breathless duet, Dont Hold Your Breath. I loved Cat and Tommy’s story- it will hit you right in the feelers and make you experience all of the emotions. Tommy is Cat’s rock whether she wants to admit that fully or not.
The two of them have a lot of things to work out both in their relationship and with their mental health.
as always check your triggers because there are things in here than can be triggering by L. Taylor did a great job in writing them. Couldn’t put this one down and thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read for you! 🖤
L. Taylor did it again with book 2 of the breathless duet, Dont Hold Your Breath. I loved Cat and Tommy’s story- it will hit you right in the feelers and make you experience all of the emotions. Tommy is Cat’s rock whether she wants to admit that fully or not.
The two of them have a lot of things to work out both in their relationship and with their mental health.
as always check your triggers because there are things in here than can be triggering by L. Taylor did a great job in writing them. Couldn’t put this one down and thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read for you! 🖤
March 25, 2025
We love a man who loves a pillow princess 😮💨
But on a more serious note, this book had me feeling so many emotions. It put me through the wringer. The way Taylor tackles all the mental health reps in this book is just flawless. Cat and Tommy have stolen my heart and I love the relationship they have, the growth they went through as a couple and as individuals. I love their story and you will too, i very much recommend this book!
Please please check your triggers!
But on a more serious note, this book had me feeling so many emotions. It put me through the wringer. The way Taylor tackles all the mental health reps in this book is just flawless. Cat and Tommy have stolen my heart and I love the relationship they have, the growth they went through as a couple and as individuals. I love their story and you will too, i very much recommend this book!
Please please check your triggers!
March 15, 2025
This was a very quick read for me since I loved it so much! I literally devoured it! I really enjoyed the first book in this duet but loved this one so much more and it quickly became my favorite!
I highly suggest that the first book be read prior to this one so that you have a better understanding of the background of certain situations.
This book starts off with a bang with a more in-depth scene from the end of book one. It then flashes forward to a year later. This book is Tommy & Cat's story. I adored them in the first book, they brought humor to a tragic story. The second book was so much more of an emotional read for me and I wasn't expecting it. This book was a darker read for me due to the fact that we have two characters dealing with mental health issues. Tommy is struggling with his depression while still trying to be strong enough to hold Cat up. Cat attempts to hide her struggles but keeps digging herself into a bigger hole. A few scenes did bring me to tears.
I really enjoyed this duet and am sad to see these characters be completed but will definitely be following L. Taylor into her next adventure!
Please read the trigger warnings on this one, it is much darker than the first.
I highly suggest that the first book be read prior to this one so that you have a better understanding of the background of certain situations.
This book starts off with a bang with a more in-depth scene from the end of book one. It then flashes forward to a year later. This book is Tommy & Cat's story. I adored them in the first book, they brought humor to a tragic story. The second book was so much more of an emotional read for me and I wasn't expecting it. This book was a darker read for me due to the fact that we have two characters dealing with mental health issues. Tommy is struggling with his depression while still trying to be strong enough to hold Cat up. Cat attempts to hide her struggles but keeps digging herself into a bigger hole. A few scenes did bring me to tears.
I really enjoyed this duet and am sad to see these characters be completed but will definitely be following L. Taylor into her next adventure!
Please read the trigger warnings on this one, it is much darker than the first.
March 26, 2025
AMAZING READ
I got this as an ARC read and let me tell you i 1000/10 recommend.
There is some touchy subjects in this book so please read the trigger warnings first.
I fell in love with tommy in the first book so getting to see him grow even more in this book is a awesome.
I love how strong cat is and even though shes going through somethings and has some down moments she is just unapologetically Cat.
I got this as an ARC read and let me tell you i 1000/10 recommend.
There is some touchy subjects in this book so please read the trigger warnings first.
I fell in love with tommy in the first book so getting to see him grow even more in this book is a awesome.
I love how strong cat is and even though shes going through somethings and has some down moments she is just unapologetically Cat.
March 4, 2025
•Dark Romance
•Friends to Lovers
•Breath Play
•Pet Play
•He Falls First
•Protective MMC
•🌶🌶🌶🌶
♡ARC Review♡
This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions. Cat and Tommy's love story is raw and beautiful! I felt this story deep in my soul. They both deal with mental health issues, and Tommy just always wants to help and protect Cat, but in doing so, he risks his own mental health.
This MAN, though.. made me meltttttt! Take the spice from the first book and add another pepper. The PRAISE, the filthy mouth, stoooooppppp. I'm just such a sucker for it. Tommy has made his way onto the book boyfriend list. If you want to read a beautiful and raw love story with angst, you seriously need to give this duet a try. It's just so worth it! You out did yourself L. Taylor!
•Friends to Lovers
•Breath Play
•Pet Play
•He Falls First
•Protective MMC
•🌶🌶🌶🌶
♡ARC Review♡
This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions. Cat and Tommy's love story is raw and beautiful! I felt this story deep in my soul. They both deal with mental health issues, and Tommy just always wants to help and protect Cat, but in doing so, he risks his own mental health.
This MAN, though.. made me meltttttt! Take the spice from the first book and add another pepper. The PRAISE, the filthy mouth, stoooooppppp. I'm just such a sucker for it. Tommy has made his way onto the book boyfriend list. If you want to read a beautiful and raw love story with angst, you seriously need to give this duet a try. It's just so worth it! You out did yourself L. Taylor!
March 8, 2025
This book was a wild ride! The FMC and MMC go through so much trauma together and apart. Yet, they are both able grow and learn how to overcome these trials. The dark themes this book entails are tragic at best. Trigger warnings should be read because you are taken into some very dark places. That being said, this book is very well written. The author brings this book to life. Highly recommend.
March 3, 2025
Well she has done it again. I loved the first book and the second did not disappoint! The way she makes you fall for the characters and feel what they do. I just can’t say enough about her work! You’re missing out if you sleep on this!
I can’t wait to read more from her, and see what she comes up with next!
I can’t wait to read more from her, and see what she comes up with next!
March 2, 2025
5 out of 5 stars for this beautiful, chaotic, emotional story.
The characters, Cat and Tommy are lovable and flawed in ways that make you as a reader slowly love them.
Cat is filled anger, hurt, and unresolved trauma.
Tommy is well.... Cat describes him as a German Shepherd, I however see him more as a Doberman.
Either way? Together they make a story that will be unforgettable.🔥❤️💯
The characters, Cat and Tommy are lovable and flawed in ways that make you as a reader slowly love them.
Cat is filled anger, hurt, and unresolved trauma.
Tommy is well.... Cat describes him as a German Shepherd, I however see him more as a Doberman.
Either way? Together they make a story that will be unforgettable.🔥❤️💯
March 27, 2025
L. Taylor has done it again! Don’t Hold Your Breath was a captivating story of finding love in the throws of mental illness. Cat and Tommy are two characters that will forever be imprinted in my brain. Cat having experienced so much trauma, fighting every day to pretend she’s okay, and Tommy just trying to fix her with love. The dynamic between these two is beautiful, spicy, heartbreaking, and of course, healing. I can’t recommend the Breathless Duet enough to my dark romance lovers.
March 15, 2025
What a beautifully written story of Cat and Tommy. L. Taylor takes such care and consideration in the writing of such a serious and sensitive topic. I was grateful to be an arc reader for this book and I am leaving this review at my own will. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves to read about healing and romance. I had many eye opening moments while reading about the effects trauma has on someone and the different aspects of healing. I chuckled, gasped and cried and sometimes all at once. I truly loved this book.
October 3, 2025
I need more stars to give this book, because this was 7/5⭐ for me!!!
Just finished the ARC, and OMG!!!
If I ever thought Casey was the guy, Lyndsay proved me wrong, because TOMMY???!!
It's like every next MMC she writes needs to be better than the previous one, and I'm not complaining 🤭💜
I NEED TOMMY IN MY LIFE!!
The way he was with Cat, either as fuck buddy, or a friend, or a man..
He was perfect in every.single.cathegory..
And THIS is why we like our fictional men..
Because they always say the right shit. Because they care. Because they love us just as we are. Because they don't pretend. Because they can communicate. Because they're just freaking perfect 🖤🤌
Cat.. oh jesus, sweet Cat.. I wasn't really a fan of her behavior for a certain part but.. all I want to do after a certain chapter is to hold her for a long time, wipe her tears away, and tell her she'll be okay.
this book made me cry, laugh, and feel for both characters as deeply as they were my real life friends.
The topics in it were so very well, and carefully written 🖤 (SA, eating disorder, child abuse, drug/alcohol use, attempted self-unaliving..) Please make sure to check the list of TWs before reading 🖤
Even though I love the first book Take a Deep Breath with my whole heart, the author's writing style grew A LOT compared to it, and that's absolutely normal! We grow and learn new things every day. And I'm so so so happy to see her growing, because this books is fucking phenomenal!!!
Please, for the love of god READ IT!!!
7⭐
4🌶️
1000000❤️<--- yes, I'm rating the amount of love in this book, because.. just read it to find out 🤭💜
Just finished the ARC, and OMG!!!
If I ever thought Casey was the guy, Lyndsay proved me wrong, because TOMMY???!!
It's like every next MMC she writes needs to be better than the previous one, and I'm not complaining 🤭💜
I NEED TOMMY IN MY LIFE!!
The way he was with Cat, either as fuck buddy, or a friend, or a man..
He was perfect in every.single.cathegory..
And THIS is why we like our fictional men..
Because they always say the right shit. Because they care. Because they love us just as we are. Because they don't pretend. Because they can communicate. Because they're just freaking perfect 🖤🤌
Cat.. oh jesus, sweet Cat.. I wasn't really a fan of her behavior for a certain part but.. all I want to do after a certain chapter is to hold her for a long time, wipe her tears away, and tell her she'll be okay.
this book made me cry, laugh, and feel for both characters as deeply as they were my real life friends.
The topics in it were so very well, and carefully written 🖤 (SA, eating disorder, child abuse, drug/alcohol use, attempted self-unaliving..) Please make sure to check the list of TWs before reading 🖤
Even though I love the first book Take a Deep Breath with my whole heart, the author's writing style grew A LOT compared to it, and that's absolutely normal! We grow and learn new things every day. And I'm so so so happy to see her growing, because this books is fucking phenomenal!!!
Please, for the love of god READ IT!!!
7⭐
4🌶️
1000000❤️<--- yes, I'm rating the amount of love in this book, because.. just read it to find out 🤭💜
March 10, 2025
(Possible Spoilers)
Wow, this book is quite the rollercoaster but in such a great way. It deals with very real issues that so many people struggle with; eating disorders, self harm, alcohol abuse; yet the way it is written feels like it’s shedding a light on someone’s very real thoughts while going through this, it’s not glorifying it in anyway and I think it was beautifully written. Now, the love that Tommy and Cat have for each other can be quite toxic at times, and I was aggravated more than once with Cat, I think that’s just makes the book ten times better because in the end I was still rooting for their happy ending. I love that Tommy and Cat were able to come together in the end and ultimately be exactly what each other needed after getting help from professionals and not to mention their spicy scenes, those were always 10 out of 10 HOT 🥵
Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the ARC team for this book, it has truly been an amazing rollercoaster of emotions.
Release date March 28th!!
Wow, this book is quite the rollercoaster but in such a great way. It deals with very real issues that so many people struggle with; eating disorders, self harm, alcohol abuse; yet the way it is written feels like it’s shedding a light on someone’s very real thoughts while going through this, it’s not glorifying it in anyway and I think it was beautifully written. Now, the love that Tommy and Cat have for each other can be quite toxic at times, and I was aggravated more than once with Cat, I think that’s just makes the book ten times better because in the end I was still rooting for their happy ending. I love that Tommy and Cat were able to come together in the end and ultimately be exactly what each other needed after getting help from professionals and not to mention their spicy scenes, those were always 10 out of 10 HOT 🥵
Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the ARC team for this book, it has truly been an amazing rollercoaster of emotions.
Release date March 28th!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
L. Taylor has done it again!! When I found out this book was about Cat and Tommy, I squealed with delight and had to be involved .
The way I was sobbing in my bed last night while I was binge reading the majority of this book was kinda unhinged! I’m obsessed with Cat and Tommy and I think every woman needs a Tommy in their life 😮💨 that man is pure hard bodied filth and delicious sweetness all wrapped up into one delectable dessert 🧁
My favourite thing about this is the way mental illness and trauma was written with such care. This was detailed with compassion and dignity.
It’s not often that a book can make me cry, no, SOB. Don’t Hold Your Breath is one of them.
The growth we witnessed for both of the main characters was wonderful, it was a real journey and one I’m glad I got to be part of. These characters helped each other through some really rough things and it was beautiful to see how they supported each other with so much love and tenderness.
The content is heavy and I advise checking the content warnings to protect your own mental health. That being said, the heavy content was written in such a beautiful way that I don’t find it traumatising, I just found it to be written with acceptance and in a way that made you feel for these characters.
I am so keen to keep reading the work of this author and I am so glad I stumbled across her! This book is up there with my top 5 books ever!
The way I was sobbing in my bed last night while I was binge reading the majority of this book was kinda unhinged! I’m obsessed with Cat and Tommy and I think every woman needs a Tommy in their life 😮💨 that man is pure hard bodied filth and delicious sweetness all wrapped up into one delectable dessert 🧁
My favourite thing about this is the way mental illness and trauma was written with such care. This was detailed with compassion and dignity.
It’s not often that a book can make me cry, no, SOB. Don’t Hold Your Breath is one of them.
The growth we witnessed for both of the main characters was wonderful, it was a real journey and one I’m glad I got to be part of. These characters helped each other through some really rough things and it was beautiful to see how they supported each other with so much love and tenderness.
The content is heavy and I advise checking the content warnings to protect your own mental health. That being said, the heavy content was written in such a beautiful way that I don’t find it traumatising, I just found it to be written with acceptance and in a way that made you feel for these characters.
I am so keen to keep reading the work of this author and I am so glad I stumbled across her! This book is up there with my top 5 books ever!
March 27, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book just like I did book 1. This is the second book in the duology so you really need to read take a deep breath first. But you won’t regret picking up this duology
I absolutely love Cat and Tommy and how their relationship grows all whilst Cat is dealing with mental health and trauma issues from a previous relationship.
I will not stop recommending this duology as the writing is fantastic and so is the storyline. It is done in a very empathetic way around some difficult topics.
I absolutely love Cat and Tommy and how their relationship grows all whilst Cat is dealing with mental health and trauma issues from a previous relationship.
I will not stop recommending this duology as the writing is fantastic and so is the storyline. It is done in a very empathetic way around some difficult topics.
April 8, 2025
4 Stars
4 Spice
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS
This is one hell of an emotional ride! There's a lot of talk regarding trauma, childhood traumas and a vast variety of mental health concerns. It's really emotional, and really spicy with still enough snark and sarcasm that I laughed out loud more than once. This is not for the faint of heart, and it will definitely rip at your heart strings. I loved the chemistry between Kat and Tommy and how they both want so much to be there for each other, while trying to fix themselves in the process.
4 Spice
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS
This is one hell of an emotional ride! There's a lot of talk regarding trauma, childhood traumas and a vast variety of mental health concerns. It's really emotional, and really spicy with still enough snark and sarcasm that I laughed out loud more than once. This is not for the faint of heart, and it will definitely rip at your heart strings. I loved the chemistry between Kat and Tommy and how they both want so much to be there for each other, while trying to fix themselves in the process.
March 13, 2025
Loved this book so much. This was a great finish to these siblings story. I road an emotional roller coaster of feelings as these characters work through, trauma, pain, and guilt. I loved every second and am so very happy to have been blessed to read this duo of books.
March 16, 2025
ARC REVIEW: Book 2 in the Breathless Duet. Tommy and Cat's story. We have childhood trauma survivor, mental health representation, eating disorder representation, friends with benefits, friends to lovers, touch her and d!e, push and pull romance. I didn't think I could love the second as much or more than book 1, but boy was a wrong. This biology is amazing. The complexity of the characters and how they have to navigate their relationships and internal struggles
was so well written. If you are looking to FEEL something, this is the book to read. This brought me in such an emotional journey, I complete rollercoaster and I was so invested and rooting for them the whole time. I haven't had an emotional connection to characters like this in a long time.
was so well written. If you are looking to FEEL something, this is the book to read. This brought me in such an emotional journey, I complete rollercoaster and I was so invested and rooting for them the whole time. I haven't had an emotional connection to characters like this in a long time.
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March 16, 2025ARC Review-
“Don’t Hold Your Breath” is the second book in the Breathless Duet series, a dark romance novel, which this time follows Cat and Tommy. This story focuses on their two broken souls, each fighting their own demons from the past and present. When they begin to lean on each other only time will tell what will happen. I loved book two, “Don’t Hold Your Breath” because it really gets down to the nitty gritty of why taking care of your mental health is so important. Also, I really felt a kindred connection with the characters, especially Cat, who won my heart in the first book. This was not just a very spicy read, but it exemplified situations that do take place in the real world with real people who have real problems. This was an ace for me, love it and would recommend to anyone who loves dark romance.
“Don’t Hold Your Breath” is the second book in the Breathless Duet series, a dark romance novel, which this time follows Cat and Tommy. This story focuses on their two broken souls, each fighting their own demons from the past and present. When they begin to lean on each other only time will tell what will happen. I loved book two, “Don’t Hold Your Breath” because it really gets down to the nitty gritty of why taking care of your mental health is so important. Also, I really felt a kindred connection with the characters, especially Cat, who won my heart in the first book. This was not just a very spicy read, but it exemplified situations that do take place in the real world with real people who have real problems. This was an ace for me, love it and would recommend to anyone who loves dark romance.
March 14, 2025
Put this on your kindle unlimited list. Do read trigger warnings prior if you’re sensitive to self harm, child abuse, sa. Doesn’t go into detail but does speak of it. This is part of a duet. Do suggest reading the first one prior to. But this book was phenomenal. The growth between the two main characters ( Tommy and Cat) is indescribable. Is not extremely dark but it has its moments and the spicy is a level 5/5. She did amazing. It goes live on kindle march 28th!!
March 11, 2025
I had such an incredible time following the journey of Cat and Tommy. They each had such incredible stories, and their traumas were felt so deeply throughout the pages. Cat was such a complex character - I really felt her pain and began tearing up a few too many times. We love a book that rips up our souls - and Don't Hold Your Breath does just that.
-Arc Reader Review
-Arc Reader Review
March 29, 2025
The reality of relationships in which both partners struggle and the truth behind thinking we can fix each other. I truly enjoyed this book.
April 16, 2025
This book will stay with you! It made me cry and made me laugh. And the spotlight on mental health and especially men’s mental health is something I love to see!!! Please pay attention to the trigger warnings and keep your mental health safe!
Tommy is a hilariously sweet unpredictable Viking! He is Cats ride or die and does anything and everything for his girl! But having such a mentally aware MMC is addicting.
Poor Cat really goes through it! There’s no easy way of putting it. She struggles A LOT and I feel for her so much! She tried what she thought was her best.
When these two finally got the help they both needed and came together it was absolutely amazing to see or read I should say lol L. Taylor really knows how to tug at all your heartstrings and I can’t wait to see what she gives us next!!
Tommy is a hilariously sweet unpredictable Viking! He is Cats ride or die and does anything and everything for his girl! But having such a mentally aware MMC is addicting.
Poor Cat really goes through it! There’s no easy way of putting it. She struggles A LOT and I feel for her so much! She tried what she thought was her best.
When these two finally got the help they both needed and came together it was absolutely amazing to see or read I should say lol L. Taylor really knows how to tug at all your heartstrings and I can’t wait to see what she gives us next!!
May 9, 2025
**Arc Review** Where do I start? First of all, I thought I loved book one Take a Deep Breath, but what L.Taylor did the with the main characters and the story in Don’t Hold Your Breath was literally “breathtaking”. From the beginning…this story had me hooked. It left off where book one ended but from an alternate character POV. The emotional roller coaster this story took me on is one I’ll think about for a long time to come. The author was able to capture every detail including very well written spicy scenes which complemented every aspect of the plot. Without giving too much detail I encourage those that love a “trauma bond” love story with an ultra sexy passionate MMC to definitely read this book! It’s recommended to read book one of the Breathless Duet prior.
May 6, 2025
My heart.... what an emotional story. This was such a beautiful continued story into Tommy and Cat from the first book. The two siblings of our former leads, Casey and Annie. And much like the first book, this story kept the intensity in its plot, its emotions, its pain, its trauma, its SPICE!!!! Tommy and Cat are both such strong minded characters, and reading their story was so emotionally beautiful. It is a story of true healing and support through the love of another soul. I am gut wrenchingly addicted!!!
Much like his older brother, Tommy is a protector. How fitting Annie's own little sister caught his attention. His character is so light-hearted and fun that you truly forget he is a man who navigates keeping his demons at bay daily. When he got involved in the depths of the evil from Cat and Annie's father in the first book, it truly put a riff in his mental health. Falling for Cat was unstoppable, but the trauma she was navigating seemed impossible, and he is a problem solver, a communicator, and all while still trying to keep his own head above water. His character is so selfless in his love for her and how he is so willing to be anything and anywhere she will allow him in her life to make sure she knows how amazing she is and how much he wants to take care of her. He's such an adorable golden retriever type guy, just like his brother, but the edge that he carries, and when it comes out in his dominant moments, its as addicting as his brothers in book one, and the mouth on this man, is as mouth wateringly feral and delicious.... believe that.
Cat is such a complex and damaged character at the beginning, and my gosh, the pain she is navigating justifies the wrecked soul we watch, stumbling through these pages, trying to survive. She so desperately wants to fall into Tommy, but the absolute devastation of her situation that is now so public is eating away at the only control she has left. This was gut-wrenching to read at times. The intensity in the pain shared in this story and its process is so guttural. L.Taylor did not take this lightly, and Cats' character goes through so much. Her beautiful, sassy personality starts to slip into a mist of forgotten existence, and you truly are gasping by the end of this book. She is such a strong character in all of her facets, and you want so badly to see her rise above and get the beauty of life she deserves after everything she has been through.
This was such a wild story of healing and not only being aware of the depths of despair those around you are in, but also remembering that sometimes the ones who offer the most support, need a lifeline to grab, on their hard days too. It was a painful journey that depicted a lot of serious tones and situations that many will find hard to read, but it was so beautifully done.
The spice hit in this book yet again! L.Taylor knows how to write spicy dialog, my GAWD! The scenes are so good and so well placed while bringing in the same tone of how some people heal through intimacy and how having the right partner and intimacy can be healing. Especially in SA situations. Tommy, much like his brother, knows exactly what to say, when to say it. how to say it!! These sweet men that turn into feral obsessed dripping at the mouth dogs for these girls is no joke! There are so many amazing scenes mixed in with such a great plot! The banter and conversations are entertaining, the pace through they story keeps it all moving, packing in so much in such few pages, and the overall conclusion to this series was so satisfying.
10/10 for me with this series, and I can not wait to read more titles by this amazing author. Thank you for such amazing stories, L.Taylor!!
Much like his older brother, Tommy is a protector. How fitting Annie's own little sister caught his attention. His character is so light-hearted and fun that you truly forget he is a man who navigates keeping his demons at bay daily. When he got involved in the depths of the evil from Cat and Annie's father in the first book, it truly put a riff in his mental health. Falling for Cat was unstoppable, but the trauma she was navigating seemed impossible, and he is a problem solver, a communicator, and all while still trying to keep his own head above water. His character is so selfless in his love for her and how he is so willing to be anything and anywhere she will allow him in her life to make sure she knows how amazing she is and how much he wants to take care of her. He's such an adorable golden retriever type guy, just like his brother, but the edge that he carries, and when it comes out in his dominant moments, its as addicting as his brothers in book one, and the mouth on this man, is as mouth wateringly feral and delicious.... believe that.
Cat is such a complex and damaged character at the beginning, and my gosh, the pain she is navigating justifies the wrecked soul we watch, stumbling through these pages, trying to survive. She so desperately wants to fall into Tommy, but the absolute devastation of her situation that is now so public is eating away at the only control she has left. This was gut-wrenching to read at times. The intensity in the pain shared in this story and its process is so guttural. L.Taylor did not take this lightly, and Cats' character goes through so much. Her beautiful, sassy personality starts to slip into a mist of forgotten existence, and you truly are gasping by the end of this book. She is such a strong character in all of her facets, and you want so badly to see her rise above and get the beauty of life she deserves after everything she has been through.
This was such a wild story of healing and not only being aware of the depths of despair those around you are in, but also remembering that sometimes the ones who offer the most support, need a lifeline to grab, on their hard days too. It was a painful journey that depicted a lot of serious tones and situations that many will find hard to read, but it was so beautifully done.
The spice hit in this book yet again! L.Taylor knows how to write spicy dialog, my GAWD! The scenes are so good and so well placed while bringing in the same tone of how some people heal through intimacy and how having the right partner and intimacy can be healing. Especially in SA situations. Tommy, much like his brother, knows exactly what to say, when to say it. how to say it!! These sweet men that turn into feral obsessed dripping at the mouth dogs for these girls is no joke! There are so many amazing scenes mixed in with such a great plot! The banter and conversations are entertaining, the pace through they story keeps it all moving, packing in so much in such few pages, and the overall conclusion to this series was so satisfying.
10/10 for me with this series, and I can not wait to read more titles by this amazing author. Thank you for such amazing stories, L.Taylor!!
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