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The summer after graduation, Lexa falls for Gabe, but can she trust her new love with the secret of a lifetime?

Secrets rule Lexa's life. After her move to Texas for college, she develops feelings for her life-long friend. But Gabe’s gone emotionally bi-polar, ice cold one minute, nuclear the next, and Lexa’s not even sure he's her friend anymore. As she struggles to regain control over her shaken life, Lexa wakes one morning with wings. Panic sets in and she keeps her discovery to herself. Everyone has secrets anyway, and revealing hers could land her on a lab table. That’s not where she wants to spend Freshman year.

When Gabe learns he’s an alien-hybrid, it changes his life. Now he's rethinking his entire existence. After a he lays a mind-melting kiss on her, Lexa wants to ditch their platonic status, but Gabe’s certain a move like that will ruin their relationship. However, resisting her is almost impossible. Can he figure out how to keep his secret and his best friend?

Lexa and Gabe are certain things can't get worse.

They're wrong.

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2015

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About the author

Kelley Harvey

10 books384 followers
Kelley is a bestselling author of mega-steamy, panty-melting romances that feature passionate heroines, sexy heroes, and all the adorable, sexy, and clumsy misadventures that lead to love. While some stories may have darker threads, hope always prevails.

Kelley is also the mother of two beautiful girls. She lives in North Central Texas with her youngest. Her eldest lives nearby, and recently had her first child. Kelley lovingly calls her beautiful granddaughter Cupcake. Kelley enjoys reading YA and NA, although on occasion she gets caught reading other genres. Writing is her full time career. Though it’s hard work, it’s also a dream come true. Her characters knock on the door of her heart and constantly poke their heads out the windows of her imagination. She hopes you connect with them as deeply as she does.

If you want to keep up with Kelley's new releases, contests, and other fun stuff, please go sign up for her newsletter. She will NOT spam your inbox with daily emails. http://eepurl.com/-VNdT

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5 stars
50 (67%)
4 stars
13 (17%)
3 stars
9 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for L.L. Reynolds.
Author 2 books108 followers
January 18, 2015
This is the first sci-fi romance book I have ever read, and I tell you honestly, I'm not usually a fan of steamy romance novels, but I'm making an exception for this book! (I realize many people enjoy having their knickers set on fire on a regular basis, but I'm just not that kind of girl.) That being said, I love anything to do with sci-fi or fantasy and anything to do with wings, so I began the read last night. (I don't think it will spoil the story to tell you that Lexa, Gabe and Nate discover they are alien hybrids with wings.) From the first page, the author pulled me right into the story, and kept me turning page after page. I finished the whole thing in a few hours! Yes, I said a few hours. It really held my interest.

The story alternates between Lexa and Gabe's point of view and I LOVED the voice the author uses for these characters. I also enjoyed the love triangle being set up. (Will I be Team Gabe or Team Nate?) The book was a little light on world-building and exploration regarding the alien/sci-fi aspects, but I'm hoping there will be more of that in the second book.

The author was a tad bit naughty and left the book on a real cliff-hanger. A real OH-NO-YOU-DIDN'T-JUST-STOP-THE-BOOK-THERE, HOW-COULD-YOU-MESS-ME-AROUND-LIKE-THAT? cliff-hanger, however I heard the next book is due out end of January so I'm going to okay if I just BREATHE. Ahem...you see what I did there, people?

3 reviews
January 8, 2015
First off, this book AMAZED me and honestly this isn't my normal type of book solely based on length. I am a very emotional reader and it normally takes me at least 250+ pages to get an emotional attachment to characters, with this being slightly shorter I was not expecting the emotional connection so early on but GEEZE....I was hooked!

Kelley does a wonderful job of creating history, attachment and support between the characters that is both believable and endearing without being overly pushed onto the reader. The emotional stability of both Gabe and Lexa are highlighted by their lighthearted and natural interactions as they deal with the loss of family members and new feeling for each other. When a new character is added, my first instinct is GGRRRR, DO NOT mess with these two but Kelley is quickly able to somehow make you like him and (as of now) somehow root for him as well, all in a short first installement…go figure!

The struggles as they come to terms with who they are will be interesting to see in the next book. I hate cliffhangers but this one was at the perfect moment! Good thing she isn’t making us wait a year for it to be out!

Great job Kelley!!!
Profile Image for Kelly Haas Shackelford.
Author 8 books7 followers
January 19, 2015
My type of kick-butt, smart -mouthed, smart female character! If you like reading about a barbie-wanna-be...this book is not for you. If you want a deep character that can think for herself, makes mistakes, and loves and is hurt deeply....well then Breathe is your next can't-put-down read!
Profile Image for B.A. Malisch.
2,487 reviews278 followers
February 27, 2017
I enjoyed this story and will definitely be reading the next one. In fact, the longer I read, the more addicted I became.

The writing style is unique in a way that had me initially analyzing every sentence and paragraph, but I will confess that as I writer, I sometimes do that. I always wanted to keep reading forward, but I probably read about 10-15% before I let all the overthinking fall away and just buried myself in the story. If I hadn't started it after midnight, I would have read it straight through, but instead it took 2 sittings.

There’s a lot of voice, and the style is almost sparse but still vivid and emotional. The characters are adorable in a badass sort of way that I find very charming and lovable, and there’s a ton of chemistry. It’s labeled as Sci-Fi Romance, but it’s not a techie sort of Sci-i. At least, this first episode isn't. People who like Urban Fantasy would get into this. It’s not set in a city, but it has all the other elements that contribute to a good urban fantasy.

I’m not going to comment on the storyline, because I hate spoilers (and you can pull up a summary or book blurb from Goodreads). It does end on a cliffhanger, but for people who get stressed about that, no worries. The 2nd book is already out, and I hear the 3rd will be soon. It’s shorter than other novels in this genre, but I kind of liked that.
Profile Image for Karla Pierce.
2 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2015
Breathe, is a must read, especially since Break will release soon. There is heartache, mystery, love, fear, suspense, action, and some VERY well written for adults only content. Kelley, does a fabulous job in book 1 of building our connections to the characters in a way that they quickly seam like family or friends we've known forever. It was easy to imagine being in the story with them, being one of them. Lexa is the strong-willed young lady in all of us. Gabe is the protective guy who makes us feel safe in his arms. Nathaniel, well he's the playful tempting wildcard.

The Devastation series and author Kelley Harvey are destined for great things. Kelley's writing style is refreshingly different/non-traditional. Having a his/her POV makes this book suitable for both men and women.

Guys...read it with your lady or your girl in the friend zone. She might see that spark in you...plus I here there are even more great sci-fi action/adventure scenes coming.

Gals (& guys)...just look at that tempting cover. It has to be printed in HARDBACK because "I need him/it on my nightstand". Seriously, the graphics are amazing on there own. Then you factor in that there are elements/clues in the background, not just a smoking hot guy standing there.
Profile Image for Terri Sullivan.
165 reviews11 followers
January 18, 2015
I really wish there were more stars than just 5 to choose from. BREATHE: Episode 1 of The Devastation Series was worthy of many more stars. Kelley Harvey did an incredible job bringing her characters to life. It wasn't like there were just words on a page, but I was actually part of the story myself.

You meet Gabe and Lexa, who have been friends since they were young children. Planning on going to college and rooming together, they are very excited for the future. Then tragedy strikes. Secrets begin to reveal themselves. Kelley Harvey writes this book from the POV of both Gabe and Lexa which gives more depth into the characters and their feelings.

Now I am going to absolutely honest with you here and will tell you, I was a little skeptical at first. I had never read a Sci Fi Romance before and really didn't think that I would like it. Wow, I am absolutely hooked. Once I picked this book up, it was so difficult to put down. This book isn't going to leave you with a HEA, peaches and cream feeling. You are left with cliffhanger that will leave you stalking the author until the next book is released. Wait, is that just me that does that?

BREATHE was incredible, but I need BREAK!
Profile Image for Laura Maisano.
Author 8 books46 followers
January 8, 2015
Breathe is the story of Lexa and Gabe, childhood friends who come back together to see they've grown up, though not apart. I loved, LOVED, the friends turned lovers dynamic of their story. They had realistic fears of losing their friendship which made the tension a delight to read. The interesting twist on their fate, is that they're half-alien hybrids with huge bird/angel wings. The backstory about their alien heritage and how they got there is a quick explanation, not very deep world-building, but with this kind of fast-paced romance, it's the level it needs.

Now I haven't read a "real" romance before, not the kind you'd pick up on that shelf in the store anyway. So, while there's some heat, it's not too much for an intro reader like me. It's like Goldilocks finding those bowls of porridge...just right.

The book ends on a cliffhanger. No, not the "we'll see you in the fall" kind of cliffhanger they have in a season finale, but like a woah...you just ended it there? Good thing the author plans to release the following book in a few weeks, otherwise I'd be a little miffed. Fair warning though. You want to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Kris Mehigan.
305 reviews31 followers
January 18, 2015
Harvey writes electric scenes. They are vivid in their imagery, with characters who jump off the page (pun intended)and tension that just doesn't quit.

Take a trio of 18-year old human-angels (my term, not Harvey's) who each suffered the recent loss of their dads before they could learn about their other-worldly origin. Add a mysterious hunter, a SERIOUS dose of raging hormones, and sprinkle liberally with angst and teen drama. Mix and simmer in a sizzling hot Texas summer and you've got the makings of THE DEVASTATION SERIES.

Profile Image for Jennifer Jura.
15 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2015
Ok. Going to be honest here. I was very Leary of reading this book. Not my cuppa tea at all. Not into the "sci-fi" or "fantasy" books but thought WTH?!?

This blew my expectations out of the water! I never expected to get so wrapped up into the story! I loved the fact the author added the fantasy element but also kept it very real. There is such a beautiful relationship between them! There is a tension that is unbelievable. Sexual tension, tension of secrets being hid. I am left wanting more!!

This is my first time reading Kelley Harvey but it won't be my last!!!
Profile Image for Leoma Retan.
15 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2015
As a long-time reader science fiction/fantasy and an occasional romance reader, I found this mostly a very sweet romance with just a touch of science fiction.

Told in dual, alternating points of view, I fell in love with both Lexa and Gabe. The two of them are so sweet and so confused that I couldn't help sympathizing with their plight. Then Nathaniel entered the picture. Once I started, it was all but impossible for me to stop.

The ending is a cliffhanger but the sequel, BREAK, is already out. You can read my review of it here on Goodreads.
Profile Image for DeMichelle Marburger.
2 reviews
January 30, 2015
I was not expecting this book to suck me in so quickly. I intended to enjoy 30 minutes of leisurely reading and then get on with my day fitting some reading time in over the next few weeks when I could. Did not happen. I could not put it down. The author uses the perspective of the two main characters to take you through the story, connect you to the characters, and make you feel. I was beyond upset when it ended but the cliff hanger the story ends on is absolutely nerve racking.
1 review1 follower
January 3, 2015
Excellent read, could hardly put it down. The only bad thing about this book is having to wait on the next episode. Kelly Harvey sucks you into the pages and her characters lives and doesn't let you go until the very end. What's going to happen to Lexa, Gabe and Nathaniel? I guess I'll have to wait until episode 2. I highly recommend this must read book.
2 reviews
January 2, 2015
I absolutely LOVED Breathe!! It is a Sci-Fi romance that sucks you in from the beginning and makes you want to know more about Lexa, Gabe and Nate. It took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I know I will be the first in line to purchase the next book!!
1 review
January 3, 2015
I loved this book!! I read it in one night. I did not want to put it down . As soon as I started reading it I got sucked into it. I am not a fan of alien books usually but this is defiantly an exception! I cannot wait to see what Kelley Harvey has in store for us next!
Profile Image for Deseree.
45 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2015
LOVE IT!!! This is amazing. Hybrid Aliens, love triangles, sexy men, oh my! It ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger but episode 2 is supposed to be out at the end of the month. Hopefully, we get some answers to the questions left over as well.
Profile Image for Christina.
7 reviews
January 12, 2015
Just finished reading this book, and I loved it. So excited to get my hands on the next one! :)
Profile Image for Arcoma Gonzalez Lambert.
173 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2015
Very compelling

I loved the story and now I need more and more. Thankfully I have the series to keep learning about these characters.
2 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2015
love the book. Kept my attention did not want to put down.
Profile Image for Andrea Heltsley.
Author 15 books325 followers
August 1, 2015
This was a really fun read! I loved the concept, it was unexpected.

The story revolves around Gabe, Lexa, and Nate. There are plenty of surprises in the plot. Once I started reading it, I found it hard to put down. Yep, it was really good.

I like how there is a really great love story, with another guy trying to weasel his way in. What I liked about this, was the other guy, Nate, was a good guy too.

There is a mystery surrounding a series of events that has yet to be explained. Then, that ending! Bam! Just like that, it's over! Now I'm going to have to one-click the sequel ASAP!

I'm giving this book five glittery stars, because I truly enjoyed this science fiction book. The author did a great job creating it. I'm looking forward to the next book in the trilogy!

Profile Image for Sylve.
45 reviews4 followers
July 28, 2015
This is the first book i have read for this author. After reading this i would say that i am a HUGE fan already! I am a lover of romance and scifi and this had the perfect combination of both! I would/will recommend this to anyone who has a love for both genres. It was both an emotional and compelling story that i could not stop reading. I love that this series has the point of view of both main characters, Gabe and Lexa. I was hooked right from the start and finished the book in a day and a half. Fair warning there is a big cliffhanger at the end that will make you want to grab the second book right away to find out what happens!!
Profile Image for Mindy.
900 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2015
I really loved this book,

Its hard being a teenager and dealing with those normal circumstances but add being a human/alien with wings on top of it all that comes with that. It makes for a wonderful story.
The characters emotions, feelings, struggles, love, happiness they all jump off the pages and leave you wanting to know more about them and delve deeper into their lives.
This book is not a stand alone and it will leave you wanting to read the next book!!!!!!!!
1 review
February 17, 2024
Awesome read!

I'm not much on sci-fi, but this!! Just enough romance, but not too much. Very intriguing and left me wanting to read sequel!
Profile Image for Stephanie- The Boyfriend Bookmark.
487 reviews342 followers
March 1, 2015
They have been friends since diapers. They have know each other even longer. But now that they are older and coming into their own as adults, feelings shift, they are growing. But the attraction is there and it is real. But both have secrets that the other doesn’t know. Gabe doesn’t know how to tell Lexa, Lexa doesn’t know how to tell anyone.

Both born from the same kind of people, everything will change. But most of all the undeniable chemistry is hard to avoid and even harder to let go of. Gabe doesn’t want to ruin their friendship and he knows it is his job to protect Lexa from the dangers of the outside world.

I loved the bond that these two characters showed in this book. You could tell that they had known one another forever and fighting the chemistry just made things awkward, I remember being that age and wondering how friendships can possibly survive attraction. But more than that, I loved Gabe’s protectiveness. I loved that he wanted to make Lexa’s new house a home before they arrived. I loved that he cared so deeply about making this a smooth transition. I loved that he wanted to protect her and I loved that he was willing to fight his feelings to make sure she knew that she was safe.

I loved Lexa as well, she just had a way of endearing herself. She didn’t know how to accept who she was with all that she feared. She didn’t know how to transition from one thing to another and she had a hard time with the attraction she was feeling toward Gabe.

Of course, with everything else they are keeping hidden inside, this was just a rollercoaster of emotions. Throw in a mini love triangle and everything that is weird is now just off the charts.

I think what captured me the most about it was how they each reacted to their circumstances. Gabe’s brother, their mothers, even the new stranger added to the mix. They all had this strange bond that couldn’t be explained to the outside world.

The danger lurking in the trees, the strangeness of who they became and the turmoil that they were each struggling through everything, but they were doing it together as a team, the way it should be. Kelley Harvey has written an wonderful story here that is a cross of several genres but no so much that it is confusing, but so much that it is captivating. I adored the writing, the dialogue and the characters.

Though this book brought up a lot of questions for me, it also made me intrigued to read more and more. I cannot wait to break into the next book in the series and see how it unfolds.
Profile Image for Sara Smolarek.
28 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2015
Lexa and Gabe have known each other their entire lives, having parents that were best friends. One day both their fathers leave for an annual week-long fishing trip, and disappear off the face of the earth. The summer before Lexa and Gabe leave for college, she and her mom move cross-country to live next door to Gabe, his mom, and little brother, Carson.

As often happens to young adults in real life, that first summer of real adulthood brings surprises, trials and tribulations, and new friends and challenges, and crippling old fears. Some of those surprises are out of this world and there’s more than meets the eye with a new friend. Can the families resolve their issues? What happened to the dads? Who will win Lexa’s heart? And who – or what - is watching them and making that strange noise in the darkness outside?
I guess you’ll have to read Breathe, by Kelley Harvey, to find out!

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
That said, you should know I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, and this certainly is one. I probably would not have chosen it on my own because of that fact. But, the Ms. Harvey offered up a copy so I thought “What the heck?” Well let me tell you, I am sincerely glad she did, and that I took her up on the offer because this is a GOOD read. It is definitely not your average young adult story with steamy bits thrown in. It has a completely unexpected aspect to it, which I won’t spill the beans about and spoil it for you.

Completely aside from the excellent, unique storyline, the technical aspects – grammar, punctuation, etc., are also well-done. I can be somewhat distracted by poor writing and non-existent proofreading, but noticed few errors.

So, will I buy the next in the series, knowing there is a possibility that it is also a cliffhanger? Never a doubt in my mind. This series is worth it, and I’ve already one-clicked.
113 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2015
As a first time sci-fi reader I have to say that I am pretty impressed with this book. I was hesitant at first but went on and read it. I am glad that I did.
The storyline was impressive about 2 teenage kids, Gabe and Lexa, growing up together their whole lives and having secrets held back about what their true heritage was. They also started having feelings for each other after Lexa and her mom decided to move from Kentucky to Texas to be with Gabes family. They move to Texas because a group of men went on a boat trip, 2 of them were their dads, and this accident brought their families together. In this time Lexa finds out she has this ability and thinks shes a freak and keeps it to herself. A kid named Nathanial comes to the house and is immediately accepted because he is just like them. Gabe ups his game trying to make Lexa his when Nathanial tells him he is going to fight for her too after they find out her dad was just like their fathers. One weekend Gabe, Lexa and Nathanial decide to take a camping trip when things go wrong.
This book does end with a cliffhanger and I am excited to read what happens next
Profile Image for Danyca.
97 reviews7 followers
April 16, 2015
Can I just start off saying WOW this book is unbelievable. The characters are so life like and have personalities that I love, it was like meeting new friends. My heart breaks for Lexa, Gabe and Nathaniel for what they had to go through but I smile at the new relationships that blossom. The story is fast paced and I had a very hard time putting it down. I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for what next monumental thing to occur. The author writes with such amazing talent I am blown away. This is one of the best books I have read this year and can’t wait to jump into the next one. The cliff hanger at the end was done artfully and leaves one wanting more and I love cliff hangers. The romance is innocent and sweet. The author has done a fabulous job of building up anticipation and everyone that reads this book and enjoys it will want the next one. I recommend this book for all it has a little of everything in it tied into one heart stopping, beautiful and entertaining story.
Profile Image for Kat Loves.
223 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2015
My heart is still pounds as I write this review. This book is just so amazing and breath taking! This is the 2nd book of Kelley's I've read and now I'm on a mission to read everything she has done.

This is not your normal romance book. It's a paranormal romance series about 3 teens who are all the same. They all discover their abilities within months of each other and all of them have lost their fathers at sea in the same boat.

Lexa is the youngest and the only girl in the group. Her and Gabe have been best friends since they can remember but things have started to change and both of them find themselves with feelings they weren't aware they had. Nathaniel is the outsider but due to his specialness, Gabe's mum takes him into their home.

I strongly recommend you start the journey with these 3 as they discover who they really are.
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews20 followers
October 14, 2015
Finding out your different from everything and person around you know. Cab really put a damper on your self esteem. No matter if your a boy or girl.
That is how Lex feels when she discovers she is quite different and feels like a freak because of what she has. Not to mention some weird monster outside her window....unknown to her, on Earth she is not the only one.
Gabe her childhood friend, has been waiting to tell her his secret for sometime now. Never knowing when's a good to do so. Until Twister his cat gives him a little nudge. And a little competition from Nathaniel another boy that is just like him.
Will Gabe be able to tell her the truth? Will Lex let him into her heart and know her secret too?
Profile Image for Reva Coomer.
2,097 reviews
May 30, 2015
New to me...

I was not much on Sci-Fi....didn't really get it. But I love to read and will read just about anything. I read another book by this author and was hooked so I knew I was going to read this series. I still wasn't sure how I was going to like it...but by 6% in....I was a goner. Now with that out of the way....WOW! A must read. The characters are great and the story is out of this world!
Profile Image for Ruby's Java Corner.
227 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2015
This is reviewed by Ruby's Java Corner. I gave this book a ☕☕☕☕☕ steamy javas! I was enthralled throughout the entire book. I love the story line. Her book really threw me a surprise!! I love the kind of paranormal she chose for this book and I CANNOT wait to get to her book 2, Break! You really should take interest in this book! You won't be able to put it down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews