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The Black and White Duet #1
Breathing Black
GRITTY. INTENSE. EMOTIONALLY HONEST.
A stunning debut novel that will leave you breathless.
A desolate childhood; a scarred, jaded, damaged girl. Larkin Grant knew she couldn’t end up like her mother … so she ran. All her belongings packed in the back of a rusted, brown Cadillac, her best friend June in the passenger seat as the co-pilot, she fled Aspen and never looked back.
A new life in a new city, Larkin was finally starting to breathe again, an unfamiliar sense of happiness seeping into her lungs. Landon Black, the boy she loved from afar, came back into her life despite leaving him and her awful memories buried hundreds of miles away. A weakened pulse brought back to life.
He said she was beautiful. She was starting to believe him. He pursued her and changed the course of everyone’s plans. Life had dealt Larkin a cruel hand, but maybe this was it. Maybe the boy that never knew she existed finally saw her and came to free her from the darkness of her past.
But we are never truly free. There are secrets that bind us and lies that unravel from the most beautiful of lips. Blackness that suffocates and makes us question everything we thought we knew. Larkin and Landon are intertwined in ways they never imagined, their future unclear as ghosts come back to haunt them.
Friendship. Revenge. Love. Drugs. Murder. Deceit.
The first in a two-book series, Breathing Black is a mix of suspense and breathless romance. It’s a provocative tale that challenges what one is willing to do to protect the ones they love. An emotional journey where trust isn't an option and falling in love never hurt so bad.
A stunning debut novel that will leave you breathless.
A desolate childhood; a scarred, jaded, damaged girl. Larkin Grant knew she couldn’t end up like her mother … so she ran. All her belongings packed in the back of a rusted, brown Cadillac, her best friend June in the passenger seat as the co-pilot, she fled Aspen and never looked back.
A new life in a new city, Larkin was finally starting to breathe again, an unfamiliar sense of happiness seeping into her lungs. Landon Black, the boy she loved from afar, came back into her life despite leaving him and her awful memories buried hundreds of miles away. A weakened pulse brought back to life.
He said she was beautiful. She was starting to believe him. He pursued her and changed the course of everyone’s plans. Life had dealt Larkin a cruel hand, but maybe this was it. Maybe the boy that never knew she existed finally saw her and came to free her from the darkness of her past.
But we are never truly free. There are secrets that bind us and lies that unravel from the most beautiful of lips. Blackness that suffocates and makes us question everything we thought we knew. Larkin and Landon are intertwined in ways they never imagined, their future unclear as ghosts come back to haunt them.
Friendship. Revenge. Love. Drugs. Murder. Deceit.
The first in a two-book series, Breathing Black is a mix of suspense and breathless romance. It’s a provocative tale that challenges what one is willing to do to protect the ones they love. An emotional journey where trust isn't an option and falling in love never hurt so bad.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
55 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 9, 2014
Review-Jo 4.5 Stars
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Wow! What a brilliant read this was. Although I wasn't initially pulled in by this book, once I'd read the first few chapters I found myself hooked. The story was full of drama and suspense and even though I found myself attempting to second guess what was going to happen, it was impossible to predict. I was kept on my toes every step of the way. And the ending, OMG!! It crippled me!! I need the next book in my life asap.
Larkin had a miserable life, nothing had been easy for her so as soon as she was able to, and with the help of best friend June, they left to make a new life for themselves. What they didn't count on was that Larkin's past was to follow her. So much for a new start!
Landon Black was the boy that Larkin loved throughout most of her school years but unfortunately, it was unrequited love. He was a boy that she thought she would never stand a chance with so when Landon entered her new life and showed an interest, she couldn't believe what was happening. Had fate reunited them? The pair found that they shared a connection and Landon was desperate to get to know Larkin. They began what I thought was a beautiful relationship.
Landon appeared to be a damaged, lost man who came alive when he was with Larkin. It seemed that he could be his true self with her and I found myself falling for that side of him. however, I had a feeling that he wasn't being truthful and I wondered if he was hiding something. There was something about him that I just didn't trust. I couldn't help but be suspicious of him and his intentions.
Despite my uncertainty about Landon I did enjoy the relationship the couple shared. The pair truly clicked and I was rooting for things to work out for them.
I loved the secondary characters in this story, especially June. I loved her friendship with Larkin. They shared such a special bond, connecting through awful circumstances. My heart also went out to June, for the horrific life that she had also experienced. I wanted so much for their new life to be happy and exciting but I will have to wait for the next book to see if they find their much deserved happiness.
"Breathing Black" was brilliantly written and is a story that I truly recommend and as such it gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5 Unpredictable Hearts from me!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHopelessR...
Blog: http://thehopelessromanticsbookblog.b...
Wow! What a brilliant read this was. Although I wasn't initially pulled in by this book, once I'd read the first few chapters I found myself hooked. The story was full of drama and suspense and even though I found myself attempting to second guess what was going to happen, it was impossible to predict. I was kept on my toes every step of the way. And the ending, OMG!! It crippled me!! I need the next book in my life asap.
Larkin had a miserable life, nothing had been easy for her so as soon as she was able to, and with the help of best friend June, they left to make a new life for themselves. What they didn't count on was that Larkin's past was to follow her. So much for a new start!
"How can you learn to live when all you've done your entire life is die?"My heart went out to Larkin. Her life was a tragic one. She deserved some happiness and for a short time I thought she had found it but sadly, her life was once again turning bleak. I felt truly sorry for her.
Landon Black was the boy that Larkin loved throughout most of her school years but unfortunately, it was unrequited love. He was a boy that she thought she would never stand a chance with so when Landon entered her new life and showed an interest, she couldn't believe what was happening. Had fate reunited them? The pair found that they shared a connection and Landon was desperate to get to know Larkin. They began what I thought was a beautiful relationship.
If anyone was going to shred my heart, I might as well let it be Landon Black, the one who started it beating in the first place.
Landon appeared to be a damaged, lost man who came alive when he was with Larkin. It seemed that he could be his true self with her and I found myself falling for that side of him. however, I had a feeling that he wasn't being truthful and I wondered if he was hiding something. There was something about him that I just didn't trust. I couldn't help but be suspicious of him and his intentions.
"Even a monster can mask himself as Prince Charming."
Despite my uncertainty about Landon I did enjoy the relationship the couple shared. The pair truly clicked and I was rooting for things to work out for them.
I loved the secondary characters in this story, especially June. I loved her friendship with Larkin. They shared such a special bond, connecting through awful circumstances. My heart also went out to June, for the horrific life that she had also experienced. I wanted so much for their new life to be happy and exciting but I will have to wait for the next book to see if they find their much deserved happiness.
I was giving him my body right along with my heart and I wondered how painful it would be when he broke it.
"Breathing Black" was brilliantly written and is a story that I truly recommend and as such it gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5 Unpredictable Hearts from me!
December 10, 2014
This review and more at www.tattooedbookreview.com.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
“When I was younger I was never shown what love was. I didn’t even know what it felt like. I could barely remember a time when I was hugged or kissed. I had no physical or emotional connection to the world. The line between love and hate had always been so this for me that sometimes it was hard to decipher the difference.”
Heartbreaking and filled with raw emotion, complicated romance, and thrilling suspense, Breathing Black is a breathless page-turner. Starting as what seems like a second-chance romance for a broken girl and her high-school crush, it quickly becomes obvious that there is way more to this story. Something feels amiss as we weave through flashbacks of Larkin’s dark past and her present relationship with Landon Black. It was impossible to put the book down, never knowing quite what was in store or who could be trusted.
I thoroughly enjoyed the group of characters in this book. Larkin and June with their tragic pasts and the new family that they have made with their close friends. They are a funny and caring group, looking after each other. Larkin and June have made what they could of an awful situation and have moved on, but their past is not completely buried and it’s been there all this time, just lurking in the shadows. I loved how they stick together and support and protect each other, even in a potentially life-threatening situation.
As far as romance, this book has a few surprises. It definitely did not turn out the way I expected and I was very happy about that. I only hope that the exciting romance that seems to be just beginning as the book comes to a close can survive what’s to come.
Larkin’s story is that of a broken girl, struggling just to keep going when her world seems to be spinning out of control. She hopes for love but never believes she deserves it, and that just broke my heart. The author bravely tackles the horrors of substance abuse, sexual abuse, and self-harm with honesty. This gritty, intense, and emotional story is multi-layered, with engaging characters, and a lot of darkness punctuated by tiny pin-points of light. Just maybe, if Larkin and June can finally put their past to rest, they can have the love, peace, and happiness that I wish for them. We won’t find out, however, until the next book is released. If you are not a fan of cliffhangers then I recommend waiting for the second book to be released before reading the series. I am anxiously awaiting the next book and can’t wait to read more!
“I want him because when he touches me it feels honest, when he comforts me I feel a flicker of peace, and when he makes me smile I feel happiness deep in my chest.”
*I received a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
“When I was younger I was never shown what love was. I didn’t even know what it felt like. I could barely remember a time when I was hugged or kissed. I had no physical or emotional connection to the world. The line between love and hate had always been so this for me that sometimes it was hard to decipher the difference.”
Heartbreaking and filled with raw emotion, complicated romance, and thrilling suspense, Breathing Black is a breathless page-turner. Starting as what seems like a second-chance romance for a broken girl and her high-school crush, it quickly becomes obvious that there is way more to this story. Something feels amiss as we weave through flashbacks of Larkin’s dark past and her present relationship with Landon Black. It was impossible to put the book down, never knowing quite what was in store or who could be trusted.
I thoroughly enjoyed the group of characters in this book. Larkin and June with their tragic pasts and the new family that they have made with their close friends. They are a funny and caring group, looking after each other. Larkin and June have made what they could of an awful situation and have moved on, but their past is not completely buried and it’s been there all this time, just lurking in the shadows. I loved how they stick together and support and protect each other, even in a potentially life-threatening situation.
As far as romance, this book has a few surprises. It definitely did not turn out the way I expected and I was very happy about that. I only hope that the exciting romance that seems to be just beginning as the book comes to a close can survive what’s to come.
Larkin’s story is that of a broken girl, struggling just to keep going when her world seems to be spinning out of control. She hopes for love but never believes she deserves it, and that just broke my heart. The author bravely tackles the horrors of substance abuse, sexual abuse, and self-harm with honesty. This gritty, intense, and emotional story is multi-layered, with engaging characters, and a lot of darkness punctuated by tiny pin-points of light. Just maybe, if Larkin and June can finally put their past to rest, they can have the love, peace, and happiness that I wish for them. We won’t find out, however, until the next book is released. If you are not a fan of cliffhangers then I recommend waiting for the second book to be released before reading the series. I am anxiously awaiting the next book and can’t wait to read more!
“I want him because when he touches me it feels honest, when he comforts me I feel a flicker of peace, and when he makes me smile I feel happiness deep in my chest.”
*I received a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of honest review.
December 10, 2014
This was an absolutely brilliant read. I could not put it down & took it everywhere with me.
Larkin and her friend June decide on a fresh start after both having horrid childhoods. This is one of them books where I don't want to say too much about the storyline. I want it to blow you away like it did with me.
This is an emotional captivating story with great twists and turns. I will certainly be re-reading this book. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Larkin and her friend June decide on a fresh start after both having horrid childhoods. This is one of them books where I don't want to say too much about the storyline. I want it to blow you away like it did with me.
This is an emotional captivating story with great twists and turns. I will certainly be re-reading this book. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 9, 2014
What a gripping story! The characters are real and vivid. I laughed, cried and cringed at the brilliant story told by such a talented author. I was hooked from the very beginning. Piper takes the reader on a sad, dark yet tender journey of love, hate, survival and hope. A must read!
July 16, 2015
4.5 STARS
Wow, wow, wow! I really and truly LOVED Breathing Black. I was glued to my Kindle and TOTALLY engrossed from beginning to end. This had a bit of everything. It’s filled with great characters, shocking secrets, broken pasts, and phenomenal writing. It’s a bit of a darker read in the sense that the story is heavy and involves very broken characters with heartbreaking pasts. Breathing Black is a romance set against a suspenseful backdrop of lies and deceit.
Larkin left her past in Aspen when she was 18. She never looked back and swore never to let anyone from her past find her. But the past has a funny way of finding you when you least expect it…. like in the parking lot of the radio station where Larkin works as a DJ. One morning while making her way from her car to the station, Landon Black drenches Larkin in snow and icy slush when he drives into the lot. Looking up from her drenched clothes, Larkin recognizes him immediately, but Landon is unaware of who Larkin is. Despite not recognizing her, Landon is taken with Larkin and sets out to pursue her.
Landon represents a past Larkin closed the door on long ago promising never to unlock it again... EVER. But, the past can be tempting when it comes in the form of the one person you’ve been in love with since high school. Larkin has to decide if it’s safe to let Landon into her new life and go after what she couldn’t have in high school. Giving in to her heart, Larkin takes a chance on Landon. But once Larkin reveals their connection, the “chance” turns out to be more than she expected. Larkin and Landon’s pasts are more twisted together than they ever realized or could ever imagine. When secrets start to unravel and hidden truths emerge, Larkin may have been better to leave her past in the past. She unknowingly breathes new life into a powerful force of deceit and deception that runs deeper than anyone could have fathomed.
Breathing Black is amazingly written. The characters have depth and you feel their every emotion. Breathing Black wasn’t just a book for me. I was so engaged and almost hypnotized that it was an “experience”. The writing is incredible. It feels almost personal – I felt like I was reading Larkin’s journal and not a piece of fiction. And, I absolutely fell in love with Larkin’s “love interest”. He was quite an interesting surprise for me.
It’s hard to believe this is Piper Payne’s debut novel. Piper’s writing style is wonderful. The words flow beautifully. I’ve read a lot of well written books, but Breathing Black is a standout for me with the level of maturity and eloquence of thoughts and interpretation of events from Larkin’s POV. I cannot wait for White Lies to finish the great story started in Breathing Black.
Wow, wow, wow! I really and truly LOVED Breathing Black. I was glued to my Kindle and TOTALLY engrossed from beginning to end. This had a bit of everything. It’s filled with great characters, shocking secrets, broken pasts, and phenomenal writing. It’s a bit of a darker read in the sense that the story is heavy and involves very broken characters with heartbreaking pasts. Breathing Black is a romance set against a suspenseful backdrop of lies and deceit.
Larkin left her past in Aspen when she was 18. She never looked back and swore never to let anyone from her past find her. But the past has a funny way of finding you when you least expect it…. like in the parking lot of the radio station where Larkin works as a DJ. One morning while making her way from her car to the station, Landon Black drenches Larkin in snow and icy slush when he drives into the lot. Looking up from her drenched clothes, Larkin recognizes him immediately, but Landon is unaware of who Larkin is. Despite not recognizing her, Landon is taken with Larkin and sets out to pursue her.
Landon represents a past Larkin closed the door on long ago promising never to unlock it again... EVER. But, the past can be tempting when it comes in the form of the one person you’ve been in love with since high school. Larkin has to decide if it’s safe to let Landon into her new life and go after what she couldn’t have in high school. Giving in to her heart, Larkin takes a chance on Landon. But once Larkin reveals their connection, the “chance” turns out to be more than she expected. Larkin and Landon’s pasts are more twisted together than they ever realized or could ever imagine. When secrets start to unravel and hidden truths emerge, Larkin may have been better to leave her past in the past. She unknowingly breathes new life into a powerful force of deceit and deception that runs deeper than anyone could have fathomed.
Breathing Black is amazingly written. The characters have depth and you feel their every emotion. Breathing Black wasn’t just a book for me. I was so engaged and almost hypnotized that it was an “experience”. The writing is incredible. It feels almost personal – I felt like I was reading Larkin’s journal and not a piece of fiction. And, I absolutely fell in love with Larkin’s “love interest”. He was quite an interesting surprise for me.
It’s hard to believe this is Piper Payne’s debut novel. Piper’s writing style is wonderful. The words flow beautifully. I’ve read a lot of well written books, but Breathing Black is a standout for me with the level of maturity and eloquence of thoughts and interpretation of events from Larkin’s POV. I cannot wait for White Lies to finish the great story started in Breathing Black.
December 31, 2014
I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. I get where the author was trying to go with this book but for me, it fell a bit short.
The synopsis and cover blew me away. The moment I saw it, I fell in love and just knew I had to read this book. Maybe I was expecting something it wasn't but I wasn't expecting how this book turned out to be. For starters, no where in that synopsis do they mention there being a love triangle. I loathe love triangles; they're annoying, unnecessary and just piss me off. And it was the same feeling in this book. Who am I supposed to be cheering for? Who does she want more? Honestly I have no idea; I don't even think Larkin knows what the hell she wants since she's so damn whisy washy the whole time. One minute she loves Landon the next she's falling for some other guy. Though I will admit, I find myself liking the other guy more (who's name I won't say) but at the same time I'm trying to detach myself because I don't want to fall for him and she ends up going back Landon (who I think is a total prick).
I think one of the main problems for me with this book was I had a hard time connecting with not only the characters but the story itself. I didn’t really know what was going on half the time (and not in a good way) and it felt more like a angtsy romance then a adult romantic suspense which is what I thought it was.
This story was supposed to be a romantic suspense and at times it did have me at the edge of my seat, but mostly I was just thinking, "is it really that serious?"
I liked Larkin but at times she kind of annoyed me. She says one thing and then does another. Says no but means yes. June, her best friend was a character I really enjoyed and I really hope to see more of her and Austin in the future.But besides that, most of the time I kind of felt like this was an “average” read.
Will I read the second book? I’m not sure. A part of me is curious to see who she’ll pick but another part of me kind of doesn’t care. Is it bad that I already forgot the ending and what the whole mystery was? I feel terrible that I didn't enjoy this book but perhaps you might. I say give it a chance because it might work for you.
*Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
The synopsis and cover blew me away. The moment I saw it, I fell in love and just knew I had to read this book. Maybe I was expecting something it wasn't but I wasn't expecting how this book turned out to be. For starters, no where in that synopsis do they mention there being a love triangle. I loathe love triangles; they're annoying, unnecessary and just piss me off. And it was the same feeling in this book. Who am I supposed to be cheering for? Who does she want more? Honestly I have no idea; I don't even think Larkin knows what the hell she wants since she's so damn whisy washy the whole time. One minute she loves Landon the next she's falling for some other guy. Though I will admit, I find myself liking the other guy more (who's name I won't say) but at the same time I'm trying to detach myself because I don't want to fall for him and she ends up going back Landon (who I think is a total prick).
I think one of the main problems for me with this book was I had a hard time connecting with not only the characters but the story itself. I didn’t really know what was going on half the time (and not in a good way) and it felt more like a angtsy romance then a adult romantic suspense which is what I thought it was.
This story was supposed to be a romantic suspense and at times it did have me at the edge of my seat, but mostly I was just thinking, "is it really that serious?"
I liked Larkin but at times she kind of annoyed me. She says one thing and then does another. Says no but means yes. June, her best friend was a character I really enjoyed and I really hope to see more of her and Austin in the future.But besides that, most of the time I kind of felt like this was an “average” read.
Will I read the second book? I’m not sure. A part of me is curious to see who she’ll pick but another part of me kind of doesn’t care. Is it bad that I already forgot the ending and what the whole mystery was? I feel terrible that I didn't enjoy this book but perhaps you might. I say give it a chance because it might work for you.
*Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
December 2, 2014
Review Originally Posted Here:
http://www.fangirlavue.blogspot.com
First of all, I want to start off by saying that this book completely exceeded my expectations. What I thought was going to be a simple contemporary, with a little romance and heartache, ended up being much, much, more than that. By the end of the book, my heart was just settling back into it's normal pace after all the suspense and plot twists had me on the edge of my seat . . . well actually my bed lol.
We follow alongside Larkin Grant, as she and her bestfriend June sweep away the ashes of their pasts to start anew. Larkin, having to live with her drug addict and alcoholic mother, she was forced to grow up alot sooner than her peers. Her life was never close to perfect, but when she finds her mother dead in a puddle of her own vomit, Larkin knows she must break free if she wants to save herself . . . and her sanity. June also faced a tough life at home, falling victim to sexual abuse caused by a family member. Both girls made a plan to escape their troubling childhoods back in Aspen to create a new start, in a new town of Salt Lake City.
Question:
What happens when someone from their past, comes in and turns the new life they've struggled to build and protect, upside down?
Answer:
All hell breaks loose.
After taking a bit of time to get on their feet, the girls are finally living what they've silently wished for all these years . . . a normal life. Both June and Larkin have graduated college, and are living together in a small apartment. June is a nurse, and Larkin is a host for a radio station called Joy Media Group. There she met Max and Austin, their beloved male buddies who complete their tight knit circle of friends. On what she believed was going to be a typical day at work, Larkin encounters someone from her past she spent years trying to get over.
" I'd spent years running from my past, and as I walked the empty parking lot toward my office building, I never expected it, or should I say him to plow back into my life . . . "
Meet Landon Black.
Landon Black is the one boy Larkin knew she could never have. He came from a privileged family, was extremely popular in school, and had the blonde haired girl of every guys, and maybe even girl's dreams. He was simply out of her league. Or so she thought.
When she blindfolds Landon on the football field, after June pressures her to finally talk to him, there is no denying the connection these two strangers share. Afraid to show him who she really is, she keeps him blindfolded while they conversate.
" So you're just going to remain some mysterious girl in an emerald coat? If you're so comfortable with your flaws then why are you hiding? Why not let me see you? "
" I unclasped his black sports watch and took it off, pressing down on his pulse feeling it beat faster.
Wild, fearless, and free. To actually live is rare. Your blood can pump, your heart can beat, and your lungs can breathe, but none of it matters if no one cares if all of it stops. "
From that day forth, Landon searched for the mysterious girl in the emerald coat. Even though they went to the same school and shared some of the same classes, Larkin made sure she always remained incognito. She didn't want to be noticed by anyone, especially Landon. So when years later, he runs into her again, his plan is to never let her out of his sight. But are intentions innocent, or does he have an ulterior motive?
There are so many things I loved about this story. First of all, these characters were so well written! They were so real, and complex, making you truly care them. You'll experience so many different emotions just by reading their dialogue. One minute you'll be laughing at how ridiculous but hilarious Max and Alex are, but you'll also yearn to hug or even cry with them, as they take us on the tour of their troubling lives. These could easily be people that you would befriend in real life, and that is what I call a great set of characters.
I found the writing to be my absolutely favorite aspect of Breathing Black. It's so deep and poetic, the words with it's nice flow, were smooth like warm honey. I remember as I was reading, I highlighted about 30+ quotes I wanted to include in my review. Of course all of them won't be showcased, but that's how splendid the writing style is.
The plot will also be something I think you readers will enjoy. It's not something that you would expect, and that alone caught me completely off guard. As I mentioned earlier in this review, I figured this would be a typical contemporary, but was surprised when I found myself on a rollercoaster of emotions, suspense, romance, heartache, and everything in between! The mystery of why Landon is really back into her life, what really happened to her mother, and what boy will eventually steal her heart, is enough to make you dizzy from all the unpredictable twists. Oh, and how can I forget about the gorgeous design of the pages! As you flip your way through the story, you'll come across cute illustrations of some notes, and feathers that are actually a huge part of the story.
Overall Breathing Black deserves far more than 5 stars. I'm itching to continue the story, to re-connect with the characters I've grown to love. I'm so #TeamJesse! If you're looking for a beautifully written, heart-wrenching, yet emotionally captivating story, that includes realistic characters, with real-life issues and believable connections, then this is most certainly the read for you! Whew that was mouthful ! lol
http://www.fangirlavue.blogspot.com
First of all, I want to start off by saying that this book completely exceeded my expectations. What I thought was going to be a simple contemporary, with a little romance and heartache, ended up being much, much, more than that. By the end of the book, my heart was just settling back into it's normal pace after all the suspense and plot twists had me on the edge of my seat . . . well actually my bed lol.
We follow alongside Larkin Grant, as she and her bestfriend June sweep away the ashes of their pasts to start anew. Larkin, having to live with her drug addict and alcoholic mother, she was forced to grow up alot sooner than her peers. Her life was never close to perfect, but when she finds her mother dead in a puddle of her own vomit, Larkin knows she must break free if she wants to save herself . . . and her sanity. June also faced a tough life at home, falling victim to sexual abuse caused by a family member. Both girls made a plan to escape their troubling childhoods back in Aspen to create a new start, in a new town of Salt Lake City.
Question:
What happens when someone from their past, comes in and turns the new life they've struggled to build and protect, upside down?
Answer:
All hell breaks loose.
After taking a bit of time to get on their feet, the girls are finally living what they've silently wished for all these years . . . a normal life. Both June and Larkin have graduated college, and are living together in a small apartment. June is a nurse, and Larkin is a host for a radio station called Joy Media Group. There she met Max and Austin, their beloved male buddies who complete their tight knit circle of friends. On what she believed was going to be a typical day at work, Larkin encounters someone from her past she spent years trying to get over.
" I'd spent years running from my past, and as I walked the empty parking lot toward my office building, I never expected it, or should I say him to plow back into my life . . . "
Meet Landon Black.
Landon Black is the one boy Larkin knew she could never have. He came from a privileged family, was extremely popular in school, and had the blonde haired girl of every guys, and maybe even girl's dreams. He was simply out of her league. Or so she thought.
When she blindfolds Landon on the football field, after June pressures her to finally talk to him, there is no denying the connection these two strangers share. Afraid to show him who she really is, she keeps him blindfolded while they conversate.
" So you're just going to remain some mysterious girl in an emerald coat? If you're so comfortable with your flaws then why are you hiding? Why not let me see you? "
" I unclasped his black sports watch and took it off, pressing down on his pulse feeling it beat faster.
Wild, fearless, and free. To actually live is rare. Your blood can pump, your heart can beat, and your lungs can breathe, but none of it matters if no one cares if all of it stops. "
From that day forth, Landon searched for the mysterious girl in the emerald coat. Even though they went to the same school and shared some of the same classes, Larkin made sure she always remained incognito. She didn't want to be noticed by anyone, especially Landon. So when years later, he runs into her again, his plan is to never let her out of his sight. But are intentions innocent, or does he have an ulterior motive?
There are so many things I loved about this story. First of all, these characters were so well written! They were so real, and complex, making you truly care them. You'll experience so many different emotions just by reading their dialogue. One minute you'll be laughing at how ridiculous but hilarious Max and Alex are, but you'll also yearn to hug or even cry with them, as they take us on the tour of their troubling lives. These could easily be people that you would befriend in real life, and that is what I call a great set of characters.
I found the writing to be my absolutely favorite aspect of Breathing Black. It's so deep and poetic, the words with it's nice flow, were smooth like warm honey. I remember as I was reading, I highlighted about 30+ quotes I wanted to include in my review. Of course all of them won't be showcased, but that's how splendid the writing style is.
The plot will also be something I think you readers will enjoy. It's not something that you would expect, and that alone caught me completely off guard. As I mentioned earlier in this review, I figured this would be a typical contemporary, but was surprised when I found myself on a rollercoaster of emotions, suspense, romance, heartache, and everything in between! The mystery of why Landon is really back into her life, what really happened to her mother, and what boy will eventually steal her heart, is enough to make you dizzy from all the unpredictable twists. Oh, and how can I forget about the gorgeous design of the pages! As you flip your way through the story, you'll come across cute illustrations of some notes, and feathers that are actually a huge part of the story.
Overall Breathing Black deserves far more than 5 stars. I'm itching to continue the story, to re-connect with the characters I've grown to love. I'm so #TeamJesse! If you're looking for a beautifully written, heart-wrenching, yet emotionally captivating story, that includes realistic characters, with real-life issues and believable connections, then this is most certainly the read for you! Whew that was mouthful ! lol
November 24, 2014
There is so much to say about Breathing Black that it is difficult to fully do it justice!
As the characters were introduced, I felt an immediate sense of who they were yet as the story built, I learned that they each had more layers and depth to them. They didn't get trapped into being two-dimensional. Instead, they felt like real people. People I could relate to. In fact, they were so relatable that at times I felt their triumphs & disappointments as my own. When I am able to connect on that level, I know I'm reading something truly special.
One of my favorite things about Breathing Black is the way that Piper Payne so masterfully depicted both the physical environment and emotional tone in every scene. She brought an entire world to life! Her vividly crafted words guided my imagination allowing me to feel like I was actually watching the story unfold rather than reading words on a page.
Breathing Black is a page-turner about the relationships we build not only with others, but with ourselves. It is a book about love, betrayal and taking ownership of one's own life. This book is filled with romance (can you say HOT?), humor and heart-pounding suspense that will keep you wanting more!
Add this book to your watch-list & buy it as soon as you can! You will not be disappointed!
As the characters were introduced, I felt an immediate sense of who they were yet as the story built, I learned that they each had more layers and depth to them. They didn't get trapped into being two-dimensional. Instead, they felt like real people. People I could relate to. In fact, they were so relatable that at times I felt their triumphs & disappointments as my own. When I am able to connect on that level, I know I'm reading something truly special.
One of my favorite things about Breathing Black is the way that Piper Payne so masterfully depicted both the physical environment and emotional tone in every scene. She brought an entire world to life! Her vividly crafted words guided my imagination allowing me to feel like I was actually watching the story unfold rather than reading words on a page.
Breathing Black is a page-turner about the relationships we build not only with others, but with ourselves. It is a book about love, betrayal and taking ownership of one's own life. This book is filled with romance (can you say HOT?), humor and heart-pounding suspense that will keep you wanting more!
Add this book to your watch-list & buy it as soon as you can! You will not be disappointed!
November 29, 2014
Um...I really wanted to love Breathing Black but I just couldn't. The leading character was so frustrating and her idiocy never ends. She also has the tendency to become immature/childish. She fucks a guy then leaves him because she thinks that's the only way she could protect the one she loves. So let me get this straight, you give a man so much hope and then you fuck it all up?!
That's not the worse part, this book could totally fall into the category of instalove. You might not see it because of its gradual pacing but it sure is. Apparently there's some sort of love triangle, it seemed one sided though. The author dragged the book, she stretched it far too much that I didn't get a chance to team up with someone. I found both men unappealing. The 1st guy took up more than half of the book, the other guy took up 3/4 of the book. She admitted in her thoughts that she was in love. I'm admitting that there certainly was a spark but the man hardly new the girl. He let himself take the fall for her!
This book has some "dark" parts as well which was surprising because I found them bland. I was like who cares and so what. None of them were grasping or worth my attention. It really let me down when I got to find out what the whole secret was about. I've been waiting the reveal since forever and that is what I got. Lame.
You can find my other reviews at www.lite-rate-ture.com
That's not the worse part, this book could totally fall into the category of instalove. You might not see it because of its gradual pacing but it sure is. Apparently there's some sort of love triangle, it seemed one sided though. The author dragged the book, she stretched it far too much that I didn't get a chance to team up with someone. I found both men unappealing. The 1st guy took up more than half of the book, the other guy took up 3/4 of the book. She admitted in her thoughts that she was in love. I'm admitting that there certainly was a spark but the man hardly new the girl. He let himself take the fall for her!
This book has some "dark" parts as well which was surprising because I found them bland. I was like who cares and so what. None of them were grasping or worth my attention. It really let me down when I got to find out what the whole secret was about. I've been waiting the reveal since forever and that is what I got. Lame.
You can find my other reviews at www.lite-rate-ture.com
February 11, 2016
I have never written a book review before but I have never been as excited for a new novel as I am this book. I have read over fifty books this year and this was my favorite. It was just what I needed at the time. A wonderful read. You know those books you can't put down and when you finally do you can't stop wondering what is going to happen next? This is one of those greats. It was so well written at times I felt like I was reading poetry. I can't wait to give it to my friends as gifts. It is a great romance, thriller and the way she puts words together is beautiful. I found it relatable and fell in love with the characters. Breathing Black is a rare gem.
November 25, 2014
Breathing Black is captivating, enticing, romantic, emotional and suspenseful. Larkin is a broken soul trying to get rid of her past. Landon is is a follower always doing what is asked of him. The connection between the characters is powerful. The emotions that each character bring makes you feel like you are in the story with them. Through twist and turns Breathing black kept my attention. Your heart will ache with their emotion. But it will also react with each happy emotion as well. I am very excited to see where Piper take her characters next.
November 18, 2014
From the moment I started reading Breathing Black I was hooked!!! I couldn't put it down. I connected to the characters in many ways. It was easy to feel their pain and happiness. The author does a fabulous job a keeping your attention and wanting more. This book has love, betrayal, friendship, suspense and more. This book is fabulous you won't regret reading it!!! This is one that I will read again and again.
January 2, 2015
Loved this book!! You will not be disappointed. It's unpredictable with many good twists and turns. I like the way the author describes everything, making it easy to imagine where they are and what's going on. The characters are likable and relatable often saying what you are thinking. It's an easy and fast read because you will not want to put it down. It left me questioning, guessing, and smiling. I can't wait for the second book to come out!
February 14, 2015
This book did not disappoint!!! It was so good I couldn't put it down because I needed to know what happened next. The only bad thing about this book was to find out the 2nd part is not completed! Can't wait for part 2!!!
May 13, 2018
Couldn't put it down!
I loved it. To me, the words often times were artistic! It was full of emotions both good and bad. I think many people will be able to relate to the characters stories.
I loved it. To me, the words often times were artistic! It was full of emotions both good and bad. I think many people will be able to relate to the characters stories.
November 25, 2014
great story, I felt apart of the book. I loved all characters. I couldn't put it down. I was asked to read for honest review.
November 19, 2016
Amazing! You'll fall in love with the characters and will be addicted from the beginning! Lots of twists and turns and so many unexpecteds! Love it!
October 22, 2018
This story was not what I expected at all but I absolutely loved it! Cant wait to get to the sequal!
Want to read
August 7, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/7/2023)! 🎁
April 3, 2020
Birds of a feather flock together
She was just a girl whose life was changed by little unexpected moments. She stayed busy by hiding to survive in high school. While in high school she remained invisible while secretly pining for the popular rich guy. All she ever wanted was to be seen by Landon, yet he continued to ignore what was right in front of him.
Follow Larkin on her life’s journey of living in the moment. Larkin truly lives life to the fullest with no reservations or guilts. Time should fade the memories, not for Larkin. Time only delayed the inevitable truth.
Overall:
Piper Payne is a name I need to get familiar with. I found her on Amazon roaming around for deals when her black and white feathers drew my attention. I read the synopsis of each book and one-clicked both books. I took a chance which I don’t normally do, but I’m thankful it panned out.
Piper has talent. The story is dialogue driven focusing on the main female character Larkin. Larkin is an unexpected breath of fresh air. She’s survived a crappy childhood, yet she didn’t let it define her. She turned every crappy memory into something positive. This girl is a bright shiny star in the deep dark sky.
I felt the punch of her words. The punch was strong with emotion, desire, and pain. Each word jabbed at my heart. I simply couldn’t get enough. As I poured over the words my mind absorbed each one with pure curiosity. I needed more. Each word struck a cord in me. Piper plucked my strings until the music of her words soared from the deep recesses of my heart.
The chase was exquisite and exciting weaving the past into the present was brilliant.
Piper dug deep with her debut story. She effing tore my heart out. The rollercoaster of emotions was nonstop. What an exhilarating ride.
The suspense was thrilling. I was super excited at the prospect of knowing all these words were created for the sole purpose to entertain the reader. I’m on freakin’ pins and needles waiting for how this plays out. It’s so good. I’m giddy with excitement.
I can’t believe it took me 5 years to discover these books. Where have these books been hiding?
She was just a girl whose life was changed by little unexpected moments. She stayed busy by hiding to survive in high school. While in high school she remained invisible while secretly pining for the popular rich guy. All she ever wanted was to be seen by Landon, yet he continued to ignore what was right in front of him.
Follow Larkin on her life’s journey of living in the moment. Larkin truly lives life to the fullest with no reservations or guilts. Time should fade the memories, not for Larkin. Time only delayed the inevitable truth.
Overall:
Piper Payne is a name I need to get familiar with. I found her on Amazon roaming around for deals when her black and white feathers drew my attention. I read the synopsis of each book and one-clicked both books. I took a chance which I don’t normally do, but I’m thankful it panned out.
Piper has talent. The story is dialogue driven focusing on the main female character Larkin. Larkin is an unexpected breath of fresh air. She’s survived a crappy childhood, yet she didn’t let it define her. She turned every crappy memory into something positive. This girl is a bright shiny star in the deep dark sky.
I felt the punch of her words. The punch was strong with emotion, desire, and pain. Each word jabbed at my heart. I simply couldn’t get enough. As I poured over the words my mind absorbed each one with pure curiosity. I needed more. Each word struck a cord in me. Piper plucked my strings until the music of her words soared from the deep recesses of my heart.
The chase was exquisite and exciting weaving the past into the present was brilliant.
Piper dug deep with her debut story. She effing tore my heart out. The rollercoaster of emotions was nonstop. What an exhilarating ride.
The suspense was thrilling. I was super excited at the prospect of knowing all these words were created for the sole purpose to entertain the reader. I’m on freakin’ pins and needles waiting for how this plays out. It’s so good. I’m giddy with excitement.
I can’t believe it took me 5 years to discover these books. Where have these books been hiding?
March 20, 2017
5 GAZILLION stars.
If this masterpiece was a painting, it would be a Pablo Picasso instead of a Piper Payne.
-----
“Sometimes the only thing that feels right in the world is when everything is comfortably wrong. Sometimes it hurts more trying to be happy than to be comfortable with your self-justified evils.”
“When I look at him he looks back at me. He sees me. Not just the bad but he digs around to see my good.”
“Happiness wasn’t defined in years or in decades. It was defined in those single dwindling moments collected throughout life, when sadness was no longer strong enough to hold weight against your smile.”
“trying to be healthy when you were the poison, the infection, and the cause, was repetitious insanity.”
“Even though I dreamed of a forever type of love, all I’d ever known was love so twisted it rotted the heart.”
“There was serenity in the moment of surrender, a calm in the tidal wave that was about to wreck your soul. What I’d been fighting against didn’t seem to matter much anymore because in the end weren’t those always the moments you wished had always happened.”
Excerpt From: Payne, Piper. “Breathing Black.” Piper Payne, 2014.
If this masterpiece was a painting, it would be a Pablo Picasso instead of a Piper Payne.
-----
“Sometimes the only thing that feels right in the world is when everything is comfortably wrong. Sometimes it hurts more trying to be happy than to be comfortable with your self-justified evils.”
“When I look at him he looks back at me. He sees me. Not just the bad but he digs around to see my good.”
“Happiness wasn’t defined in years or in decades. It was defined in those single dwindling moments collected throughout life, when sadness was no longer strong enough to hold weight against your smile.”
“trying to be healthy when you were the poison, the infection, and the cause, was repetitious insanity.”
“Even though I dreamed of a forever type of love, all I’d ever known was love so twisted it rotted the heart.”
“There was serenity in the moment of surrender, a calm in the tidal wave that was about to wreck your soul. What I’d been fighting against didn’t seem to matter much anymore because in the end weren’t those always the moments you wished had always happened.”
Excerpt From: Payne, Piper. “Breathing Black.” Piper Payne, 2014.
December 4, 2014
Breathing Black is one of the best books I've ever read! I felt so many emotions while ready this novel and 100% connected. Piper takes you on a whirlwind romance thats filled with heart pounding love, the perfect amount of sexual tension, and the type of deceit that you as the reader are so angry at some of the characters. She incorporates just enough twists and turns in the plot that the story keeps you coming back for more. I could hardly put it down and I found myself falling in love with the characters, being so angry with some, and wishing I had a friend in some of the others. Piper does such an amazing job of painting a visual picture in your mind with her writing and I am so excited for part two of this duet.
May 1, 2015
I LOVED this book!!!! I ready it in two days and couldn't stop until I reached the end. I'm so happy my friend let me borrow it. I would definitely recommend it to everyone i know. If you haven't read this please do so, you wont have any regrets. I can honestly say I have never read a book in my entire life that felt like an emotional roller-coaster , that had me feening for more. I took this book with me to the rest-room, clerk conference, on drives to the grocery store everywhere I went, reading and wanting more of it like a drug. I was addicted to it and left me wanting more. Cant wait til part 2 is released. I loved it! Thank you Piper Payne for sharing this part of your life with us.
November 28, 2017
It is difficult for me to believe this is Piper Payne's first. Considering that only makes it a greater novel! Payne reaches an adult audience through modern and genuine prose that makes the reader feel like it's an intimate conversation rehashing the cruel, yet hopeful moments of Larkin's life. Leading lady Larkin faces hardships that break the spirit, however Payne beautifully balances those difficulties with the companionship and trust Larkin attains throughout her journey. It is painful to put this one down and should just be read in one sitting as Payne leaves no heart-string unplucked! Once you catch your breath- grab White Lies!
October 12, 2021
Loved every word
I am so blown away by this author. This book got me out of a book slump and i am so grateful. I read a lot and by a lot i mean a book a day and lately everything i read falls flat and leaves me feeling meh. This book was so different that its has opened up another genre that i never knew i loved. The poetic and haunted lyrical undertones of this work is just amazing. It is so deep that you can feel the writing in your heart and soul. The FMC journey of strength is heartbreakingly beautiful. I cant wait to continue her story in part 2. Oh and the suspense just keeps you flipping those pages. Absolutely loved it ♡♡♡ Highly recommended
I am so blown away by this author. This book got me out of a book slump and i am so grateful. I read a lot and by a lot i mean a book a day and lately everything i read falls flat and leaves me feeling meh. This book was so different that its has opened up another genre that i never knew i loved. The poetic and haunted lyrical undertones of this work is just amazing. It is so deep that you can feel the writing in your heart and soul. The FMC journey of strength is heartbreakingly beautiful. I cant wait to continue her story in part 2. Oh and the suspense just keeps you flipping those pages. Absolutely loved it ♡♡♡ Highly recommended
February 24, 2015
A beautiful story of light and dark, I loved reading every second of it. This book tells a story of pain and darkness and spins it into something so beautiful. Truly a story with so much depth and raw emotion. I fell in love with the main character, Larkin. She is someone real, lovable and most importantly flawed. I felt like I could relate to her in so many ways and levels. One of the best connections I have had with a character from any book I have read. I can not wait for White Lies. I am so anxious and excited for the rest of Larkin's story....
January 12, 2015
In the first chapter I knew instantly that I would not be able to put this book down. The details in the Authors writing are incredible and so realistic, I felt so connected to each character and my imagination went crazy! The romance, betrayal, heartbreak and suspense kept me reading on and on to the end. I can't stop thinking about Landon and Jesse and Keep trying to predict what will come in part 2 (White Lies) my mind is going insane wondering what is going to happen to Larkin and June next! Definitely a MUST read by a fabulous writer!
November 30, 2014
When I first started reading Breathing Black I was immediately captivated by the raw emotions that Piper Payne brought to the characters. I was swept up in a whirlwind of mystery and romance. Breathing Black kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Piper Payne writes with such emotion and realness that you will forget you are reading a piece of fiction and you will believe you are reading a life memoir. I can't wait to see what will happen next.
April 6, 2019
After 2 am and I couldn’t go to bed until I finished it. So glad I have the second book ready to start! Amazing story, amazing characters... I feel like there’s a Larkin in all of us, hiding and protecting our deepest, darkest secrets, whether they be of pain, anger, happiness, sadness, joy or fear. A white feather will always be a symbol of survival, of living, of choosing life and living over surrendering. This book was amazing.
March 5, 2019
Loved, loved, loved this book. Loved Larkin and June 's relationship of protectiveness as best friends an as each other's family and how much stronger they became because of one another.
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