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Genesis - Savage Warriors #1
Breathe
Breathe with Intention, Love without hesitation
Azrael –
He knows what he wants.
The one thing he’s never questioned was the fact that he loves Real.
But, Real thinks it’s hero worship on his part, but he is so very wrong.
Azreal can’t breathe when Real’s next to him and he can’t breathe when they are apart…for two very different reasons. It’s love without a shadow of doubt, and somehow Azrael needs to find a way to get Real to give them a chance.
But as time goes by, Real isn’t budging and Azrael is losing hope.
Real –
He saved Azrael from the streets of San Bernadino. He gave the young assassin a sounding board to vent.
Real helped mold Azrael into the young assassin he is today.
So now, Azrael looks up to him.
And there’s no way in hell Real would take advantage of that.
The only thing he can do is make sure Azrael is safe.
If he can watch Azrael from afar, then maybe just maybe he can breathe.
*Breathe is loosely connected to my Erebus Assassins series.
🔥Assassin / Assassin
🔥Unrequited love
🔥First Love
🔥Dark Secrets
🔥Emotional scars
🔥Revenge
Azrael –
He knows what he wants.
The one thing he’s never questioned was the fact that he loves Real.
But, Real thinks it’s hero worship on his part, but he is so very wrong.
Azreal can’t breathe when Real’s next to him and he can’t breathe when they are apart…for two very different reasons. It’s love without a shadow of doubt, and somehow Azrael needs to find a way to get Real to give them a chance.
But as time goes by, Real isn’t budging and Azrael is losing hope.
Real –
He saved Azrael from the streets of San Bernadino. He gave the young assassin a sounding board to vent.
Real helped mold Azrael into the young assassin he is today.
So now, Azrael looks up to him.
And there’s no way in hell Real would take advantage of that.
The only thing he can do is make sure Azrael is safe.
If he can watch Azrael from afar, then maybe just maybe he can breathe.
*Breathe is loosely connected to my Erebus Assassins series.
🔥Assassin / Assassin
🔥Unrequited love
🔥First Love
🔥Dark Secrets
🔥Emotional scars
🔥Revenge
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
202 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Reese Knightley
58 books596 followersReese Knightley spends her time creating stories from the characters rattling around in her head. Her love of reading mystery, action and adventure, and fantasy books led to her love of writing. Reese works as a full time writer. She loves to hear from her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 17, 2025
Good lawd another secret group arises
Sometimes I wonder - just how many secret black ops groups with seemingly unlimited money and resources who willy nilly kill anything - does one Secretary of Defense need.
And then along comes not one, but two more! Now, not only does Azrael have his secret Young Assassins (yes that's really what they call themselves) but we end up with Aries, tied in to an MF romance series with a bloke who happened to be a second cousin of said DefSec.
I mean, at some point it has to stop right?
We've got two definite books coming off of this one, the pre-orders are already up, but I'm calling ot now that Viper's getting one and it's likely to be the "bad guy" who's head we hopped into towards the end of this book. Possibly bonus with the currently underage but soon to be old enough former teenage assassin Freedom.
Plot wise here, it was muddy, the head hopping went beyond the ridiculous in just one paragraph, and Az & Real's epic "will they/won't they" didn't deliver.
Theirs ended up as a failure to communicate with very little on page steam and a proposal in the Epilogue.
Still, as I've said before, there's something skirting the bounds of an addiction that keeps me reading, and I'm absolutely down for it.
Dave and Stone are up next in this series, Owen & J in the parallel one. I'm crossing everything that these deliver.
Sometimes I wonder - just how many secret black ops groups with seemingly unlimited money and resources who willy nilly kill anything - does one Secretary of Defense need.
And then along comes not one, but two more! Now, not only does Azrael have his secret Young Assassins (yes that's really what they call themselves) but we end up with Aries, tied in to an MF romance series with a bloke who happened to be a second cousin of said DefSec.
I mean, at some point it has to stop right?
We've got two definite books coming off of this one, the pre-orders are already up, but I'm calling ot now that Viper's getting one and it's likely to be the "bad guy" who's head we hopped into towards the end of this book. Possibly bonus with the currently underage but soon to be old enough former teenage assassin Freedom.
Plot wise here, it was muddy, the head hopping went beyond the ridiculous in just one paragraph, and Az & Real's epic "will they/won't they" didn't deliver.
Theirs ended up as a failure to communicate with very little on page steam and a proposal in the Epilogue.
Still, as I've said before, there's something skirting the bounds of an addiction that keeps me reading, and I'm absolutely down for it.
Dave and Stone are up next in this series, Owen & J in the parallel one. I'm crossing everything that these deliver.
July 17, 2025
I really didn't like this one and I usually love all of Reese's books. This one has way too many characters in it to the point where even I, a person who's read every book before this, had NO IDEA WHAT WAS HAPPENING!!
This book was truly all over the place and didn't make sense. The author lost the plot with this one.
I see that she needed to bring in all of these new young characters to begin the new series "Genesis" , however; this was not a love story between 2 individuals.
It was a long dragged out book that really bored me. I almost DNF'd it.
This book was truly all over the place and didn't make sense. The author lost the plot with this one.
I see that she needed to bring in all of these new young characters to begin the new series "Genesis" , however; this was not a love story between 2 individuals.
It was a long dragged out book that really bored me. I almost DNF'd it.
June 14, 2025
This story follows the emotionally charged dynamic between Azrael and Real. Azrael is deeply in love with Real, but Real dismisses his feelings as mere hero worship. Azrael struggles to breathe both in Real’s presence and absence, consumed by his unwavering love. Meanwhile, Real, who once saved Azrael and guided him into becoming a skilled assassin, believes it's his responsibility to protect him, not to pursue a romantic relationship. His self-imposed distance is meant to keep Azrael safe, but it also leaves them both aching for something neither is willing to admit. As time passes, Azrael’s hope fades, while Real battles the tension between his protective instincts and his suppressed feelings.
I loved this story, which explored themes of love, trust, and emotional restraint. In return, it delivered a high-stakes, passionate journey between two strong-willed men. There were moments of danger and drama, during which they also experienced a range of strong feelings and emotions. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story, which explored themes of love, trust, and emotional restraint. In return, it delivered a high-stakes, passionate journey between two strong-willed men. There were moments of danger and drama, during which they also experienced a range of strong feelings and emotions. This was an MM story with mature content.
June 13, 2025
Another wonderful book from Reese Knightley! Love Azrael and how much he loves Real and I wanted to slap Real for being so dumb!!! Even when they got together Real then left him and then was hurt when Azrael was enraged and ignored him. I was glad that Real finally came to his senses and it was so hot when they did admit how much they meant to each to other.
Micky was a very scary dude and I was so glad that they dealt with him. One scene amused me when Viper was telling the women that they would deal with the kids that they would be rescuing and one woman objected to that since Azrael and the other YA assassins were the best. And I sadly wished that the real Sec of Defense was like Caldwell in this story. Looking forward to more stories.
Micky was a very scary dude and I was so glad that they dealt with him. One scene amused me when Viper was telling the women that they would deal with the kids that they would be rescuing and one woman objected to that since Azrael and the other YA assassins were the best. And I sadly wished that the real Sec of Defense was like Caldwell in this story. Looking forward to more stories.
June 13, 2025
Breathe
I really enjoyed this book. It took Real longer than I expected to realize that he loved Azrael. There was the surprise news that Tanis was a triplet, as well as the shooting of Apollo. There was a lot of action. I’m just afraid that we are closing in on the end. Hopefully, YA will let us continue to have many more hours of reading enjoyment. Good job on this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It took Real longer than I expected to realize that he loved Azrael. There was the surprise news that Tanis was a triplet, as well as the shooting of Apollo. There was a lot of action. I’m just afraid that we are closing in on the end. Hopefully, YA will let us continue to have many more hours of reading enjoyment. Good job on this book.
June 8, 2025
These two knuckleheads will take you for a ride. Azrael and Real have been teased for a while…but Azrael had to come of age. The two will drive you crazy but you root for them to work things out. There has been chemistry between them from the very first. Their story is a winding journey that’s worth the long ride. There is plenty of misunderstanding and angst until they finally get it together. They function best as a team and not individual assassins. Together they take down more of Soloman’s demonic co-conspirators. There is plenty of edge of your seat action. But there’s also steam and building a lifetime of love. New characters are introduced and there are plenty of cameo appearances by old favorites from the previous series. Enjoy the ride, and don’t forget to breathe.
June 12, 2025
Return to the roots
This story for some reason seems a return to the writing style that brought me to Knightley series. They story line and plot were good. The main character's main problem was communication. But it also dealing with an age gap and of course bad guys. I enjoyed the story.
This story for some reason seems a return to the writing style that brought me to Knightley series. They story line and plot were good. The main character's main problem was communication. But it also dealing with an age gap and of course bad guys. I enjoyed the story.
June 3, 2025
Azreal was one of the lost boys that was tortured and then turned into an assassin by Solomon. Real was the agent that found him and rescued him. Real feels like Azreal feelings for him are due to hero worship and he refuses to give in to his attraction to Azreal. When tragedy strikes Azreal brother real was there for him and they finally give in to their attraction. Unfortunately Real runs away and Azreal is heart broken. Will they ever work through their issues and finally get their happy ending?
This story is full of twist and turns. It has heart break and happiness. Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see what comes next from Reese Knightley.
This story is full of twist and turns. It has heart break and happiness. Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see what comes next from Reese Knightley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
Wow another amazing book from Reese and each one surpasses the previous one which isn't an easy task. This is Real and Isreals book and it didn't disappoint
I love how the other assassin's all join in at some stage it is always great to catch up with them.
I highly recommend any of Reese's books.
I love how the other assassin's all join in at some stage it is always great to catch up with them.
I highly recommend any of Reese's books.
September 15, 2025
I love Reese Knightley characters and storylines. I love the found family in the books. I love this book so much.I recommend this book to read. I am so ready for the next book.
September 25, 2025
I had mixed feelings before reading this book.
In the other series, I was not a big fan of the younger assassins, they were totally annoying for me. But I loved them here! Finally, I saw some character and well-played cheekiness in them.
I knew that Azrael and Real's book would be one of the two scenarios:
1. It would be a total disaster and land on a DNF.
2. It would be explosive and awesome.
Fortunately, it was the latter. What a book it was!! Their relationship was smoking hot even with some bumps along the way (which were even greater seeing the outcome lol). They had some heated words, some sheets were burned up, and I was definitely not bored. I loved them and the ending... I totally did a little "Aww...". I took great pleasure in reading it, and liked it a lot, definitely more than I thought I would, because honestly I was skeptical beforehand, wondering if I should or shouldn't read it. But it was totally worth it.
The action was packed, and the ending reminded me a bit of Phoenix's books (which I loved btw).
I can't wait to get my hands on Dave and Stone's book (Finally! I was disappointed when I found out there was no book abt them, but when I started re-reading all the books their book magically appeared as "Coming soon".)
What I would like more... More Azrael in action! In the previous books (as in the Erebus Assassins series, not this one because obviously it's the 1st book of the series) he definitely was shown as more of a cold-blooded, wild and almost unworldly like assassin. He did have nice scenes in here, but I was missing something.
Also we get to know 'in person' the characters from the other mysterious SecDef group, being Aries which was mentioned once or twice in the previous books but never had on-screen time (although from what I read a book about one of them is MF and probably there won't be a series dedicated specifically to them).
Pairing ranking:
1. Azrael & Real
In the other series, I was not a big fan of the younger assassins, they were totally annoying for me. But I loved them here! Finally, I saw some character and well-played cheekiness in them.
I knew that Azrael and Real's book would be one of the two scenarios:
1. It would be a total disaster and land on a DNF.
2. It would be explosive and awesome.
Fortunately, it was the latter. What a book it was!! Their relationship was smoking hot even with some bumps along the way (which were even greater seeing the outcome lol). They had some heated words, some sheets were burned up, and I was definitely not bored. I loved them and the ending... I totally did a little "Aww...". I took great pleasure in reading it, and liked it a lot, definitely more than I thought I would, because honestly I was skeptical beforehand, wondering if I should or shouldn't read it. But it was totally worth it.
The action was packed, and the ending reminded me a bit of Phoenix's books (which I loved btw).
I can't wait to get my hands on Dave and Stone's book (Finally! I was disappointed when I found out there was no book abt them, but when I started re-reading all the books their book magically appeared as "Coming soon".)
What I would like more... More Azrael in action! In the previous books (as in the Erebus Assassins series, not this one because obviously it's the 1st book of the series) he definitely was shown as more of a cold-blooded, wild and almost unworldly like assassin. He did have nice scenes in here, but I was missing something.
Also we get to know 'in person' the characters from the other mysterious SecDef group, being Aries which was mentioned once or twice in the previous books but never had on-screen time (although from what I read a book about one of them is MF and probably there won't be a series dedicated specifically to them).
Pairing ranking:
1. Azrael & Real
June 8, 2025
When Dave was Secretary of Defense, he ran a number of off the books programs for the President. Erebus was a group of former military turned assassins, going in where the law couldn’t reach. Behind Dave’s back, the man he put in charge, Soloman, was also running a secret group of assassins, young boys he had kidnapped off the streets and taught to kill using beatings and torture and sexual slavery. When Soloman was found out and a group of his former men rushed to his office to grab him, they found one of those kids, Azrael, taking out the man up close and personal. Dave moved four of those boys into his sprawling home to watch over them and provide better opportunities while Real and his colleagues went after the other tormentors.
Trying to change an 18 year old who had already been an assassin for years wasn’t working, so the two older boys when to work for Erebus. Azreal had it bad for Real though but could not seem to make any headway with the man. Real was sure Azreal had hero worship and so the two kept butting heads
While this is Azrael and Real’s story, it is the beginning of the Genesis series, the military arm of the assassins group being run by the new SecDef. And this time the groups rally at the training ranch Dave built in Colorado to take out the man who those kids had been sold to and abused by.
Breathe is peopled with a lot of our favorites as usual with a Reese novel.
Trying to change an 18 year old who had already been an assassin for years wasn’t working, so the two older boys when to work for Erebus. Azreal had it bad for Real though but could not seem to make any headway with the man. Real was sure Azreal had hero worship and so the two kept butting heads
While this is Azrael and Real’s story, it is the beginning of the Genesis series, the military arm of the assassins group being run by the new SecDef. And this time the groups rally at the training ranch Dave built in Colorado to take out the man who those kids had been sold to and abused by.
Breathe is peopled with a lot of our favorites as usual with a Reese novel.
December 2, 2025
Another great story of hot possessive and tough guys who fall in love but loves saving children from attackers.
I like Reese Knightley books because she open up stories of men and women who fight human trafficking. The men in her stories are strong, possessive, and tough who have fought and served their country. But now combat counterterrorism and human trafficking. Her stories also show these men finds the love of their lives and her stories are beautiful and have happy endings. She makes their adventures worth reading about. This is Real and Azrael’s story. Real rescued Azrael at seventeen from a human trafficking who made kids do unimaginable things. Real always felt he was supposed to protect the sassy talking young man. Their friendship grew from protecting to love when Azrael became an adult. I recommend reading their story and all her books if you want to read and believe that there are truly people in this world who dedicate their lives to finding and rescuing children, you should read all her books.
I like Reese Knightley books because she open up stories of men and women who fight human trafficking. The men in her stories are strong, possessive, and tough who have fought and served their country. But now combat counterterrorism and human trafficking. Her stories also show these men finds the love of their lives and her stories are beautiful and have happy endings. She makes their adventures worth reading about. This is Real and Azrael’s story. Real rescued Azrael at seventeen from a human trafficking who made kids do unimaginable things. Real always felt he was supposed to protect the sassy talking young man. Their friendship grew from protecting to love when Azrael became an adult. I recommend reading their story and all her books if you want to read and believe that there are truly people in this world who dedicate their lives to finding and rescuing children, you should read all her books.
July 13, 2025
This series is deeply interconnected with other groups run by former and current SecNav operatives, and it’ll pull you right down into the trenches.
I'm so happy that Azreal is finally getting a taste of happiness — especially after everything he’s been through. Having his emotions stripped away and carrying the weight of so much pain, it’s powerful to see him start healing.
When he and the other boys formed their own group to search for the missing kids kidnapped and turned into soldier-assassins, you could feel the strength of their bond. Real has always felt a pull toward Azreal since helping rescue him, but he’s kept walls up between them… walls he didn’t dare cross.
But now — after going to hell (literally!) — he’s forced to reevaluate Azreal not just as a comrade, but as a man.
I can’t wait to see what’s coming next in this series!
I'm so happy that Azreal is finally getting a taste of happiness — especially after everything he’s been through. Having his emotions stripped away and carrying the weight of so much pain, it’s powerful to see him start healing.
When he and the other boys formed their own group to search for the missing kids kidnapped and turned into soldier-assassins, you could feel the strength of their bond. Real has always felt a pull toward Azreal since helping rescue him, but he’s kept walls up between them… walls he didn’t dare cross.
But now — after going to hell (literally!) — he’s forced to reevaluate Azreal not just as a comrade, but as a man.
I can’t wait to see what’s coming next in this series!
August 16, 2025
I can't believe that it was a little over 2 weeks ago that I started my adventure with Reese Knightley's multiple series of books! Now, 36 books later... I have to wait until December to read the next book... grrr 🤣
As this was a NEW author for me, I wasn't sure how this was going to play out, or if I was going to read a couple of books and call it quits... but, the stories were intriguing and the characters touched my heart. This was quite the adventure, and I can honestly say that I have NO regrets!
As this was a NEW author for me, I wasn't sure how this was going to play out, or if I was going to read a couple of books and call it quits... but, the stories were intriguing and the characters touched my heart. This was quite the adventure, and I can honestly say that I have NO regrets!
June 7, 2025
Breathe is the first book in the new Genesis - Savage Warriors series by Reese Knightley and for anyone following Reese's books it's the long awaited story of Real and Azrael.
Halfway through the book I really wanted to smack Real upside the head. Like really smack him. He's so in his head about Azrael's feelings towards him being hero worship that he really hurt his feelings so many times.
But as with all of Reese's book there is a happily ever after and the two of them find their way eventually.
Halfway through the book I really wanted to smack Real upside the head. Like really smack him. He's so in his head about Azrael's feelings towards him being hero worship that he really hurt his feelings so many times.
But as with all of Reese's book there is a happily ever after and the two of them find their way eventually.
June 15, 2025
3-1/2 stars
The story was interesting, with a good plot and decent sexiness (not super spicy, but there was some steam). But holy hell, the head hopping between characters. It's one thing to hop from one character's head to another in separate chapters or even section breaks, but there was paragraph to paragraph head hopping. The blurb also said this was loosely tied to another series, but I am going to go ahead and say it's more than loosely tied and you need to read that series first, because I was missing a lot of information.
The story was interesting, with a good plot and decent sexiness (not super spicy, but there was some steam). But holy hell, the head hopping between characters. It's one thing to hop from one character's head to another in separate chapters or even section breaks, but there was paragraph to paragraph head hopping. The blurb also said this was loosely tied to another series, but I am going to go ahead and say it's more than loosely tied and you need to read that series first, because I was missing a lot of information.
February 1, 2026
Great Suspense Plot
Azrael & Real have been dancing around each other for a few books. The thing that disappointed was we still don’t know anything more about Real or Azrael. The underlying plot of repercussions of taking down Solomon and Tanis is a slight cliffhanger. And I fear slow grind of Stone & Dave is going be a let down after the forever build up, unlike Rossi & Stefan they appear to have not acted on their mutual attraction, which is a shame by now they should know you really have to every minute count
Azrael & Real have been dancing around each other for a few books. The thing that disappointed was we still don’t know anything more about Real or Azrael. The underlying plot of repercussions of taking down Solomon and Tanis is a slight cliffhanger. And I fear slow grind of Stone & Dave is going be a let down after the forever build up, unlike Rossi & Stefan they appear to have not acted on their mutual attraction, which is a shame by now they should know you really have to every minute count
June 12, 2025
Breathe is the first book in the new Genesis Savage Warriors series, even though not needed, I suggest reading all the past books from this universe you really get a feel for everything. This is an angsty, steamy read about Real and Azrael, these two have a lot of work to get to their HEA. I loved this book, just like all of Reese Knightly books, and can't wait for the next in the series.
June 16, 2025
great new series
I really enjoyed the first book of the series and the mentions of other operatives from other series. Az being 19 threw me off but I pretended he was older in my head. I don’t know why MCs are getting so young. Still a great book, looking forward to Dave and Stone.
I really enjoyed the first book of the series and the mentions of other operatives from other series. Az being 19 threw me off but I pretended he was older in my head. I don’t know why MCs are getting so young. Still a great book, looking forward to Dave and Stone.
June 10, 2025
The chemistry those two have is off the charts! I lvoed the backstory of both MCs and how the author built up the tension, making them wait for the right moment. Both have big personalities and it was a lot of fun to see them clash in the best way.
July 16, 2025
3.5
I will start by saying i very much enjoyed reading these books. However, this is not a series you can stand alone read and there is ALOT of intertwining of the authors other characters from other series. That being said it makes it feel a little overloaded in some places.
I will start by saying i very much enjoyed reading these books. However, this is not a series you can stand alone read and there is ALOT of intertwining of the authors other characters from other series. That being said it makes it feel a little overloaded in some places.
June 17, 2025
an exciting book
June 19, 2025
Another one!
I love these boys and all the different groups they belong to. They are so protective of each other and I love it.
I love these boys and all the different groups they belong to. They are so protective of each other and I love it.
July 17, 2025
❤️❤️❤️
August 25, 2025
these books make me happy
Love this series, just keeps getting better and bigger as we go. Looking forward to the next book.😁 love action love and steamy sex
Love this series, just keeps getting better and bigger as we go. Looking forward to the next book.😁 love action love and steamy sex
December 21, 2025
😍😍😍😍
These stories are my favorite trope!!! I love military stories so much! Can't wait to read the next one!! Love this author!!
These stories are my favorite trope!!! I love military stories so much! Can't wait to read the next one!! Love this author!!
July 8, 2025
Amazing!
I really loved this book! Thank you Reese for another great book! I love all the assassin books the most. I can’t wait for the next book. I all ready preordered the next book. Amazing as usual!
I really loved this book! Thank you Reese for another great book! I love all the assassin books the most. I can’t wait for the next book. I all ready preordered the next book. Amazing as usual!
April 26, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews