Breathe Me In

by J.L. Drake

In this heart-pounding suspense, a private investigator is drawn back to her small town to investigate a series of strange deaths and confront the haunting past she can no longer outrun.

As teenagers, Bree Jaminson and Brad Stone shared everything: dreams, secrets…and one terrifying brush with death they’ll never forget. After witnessing a murderer disposing of two bodies, Bree fled from her hometown, the boy who knew her best, and the terror of a killer still at large, and never looked back.

Thirteen years later, a new string of mysterious deaths brings Bree back to town to assist with the investigation and face the man she never thought she’d see again. Now a local detective, Brad is wary of working alongside Bree, and her return cracks open everything he’s tried to bury: The memories. The spark. The pull that never really faded.

As new bodies begin to surface and the web of suspects grows, Bree and Brad must navigate the thin line between justice and obsession. But despite the looming danger, this could be the push they needed back to each other—if they live long enough to claim their second chance.

Genres: Suspense

303 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 30, 2026

About the author

International best selling author J. L. Drake was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California where she lives with her husband and two children.

Be sure to check out her bestselling trilogy, Broken!

All of her books link in someway, here is her
"Suggested Reading Order."


BROKEN
SHATTERED
MENDED

HONOR
ESCAPE

TRIGGER
DEMONS
UNLEASHED

FREEDOM
OMERTA - Short story (Mafia)
COURAGE

DARKNESS LURKS
DARKNESS FOLLOWS
DARKNESS FALLS

BEHIND MY WORDS
CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN - Short Story

ALL IN

QUIET WEALTH
QUIET SECRETS
QUIET POWER
QUIET EMPIRE

SHADOWS
WHISKEY
ALPHA
TANGO

GRIM
HAVOC
SINS

EXTRACTION
EMBEDDED
BREACHED

Other places to find her:,

Facebook ⭐️ https://bit.ly/3bRG7Vp
Instagram ⭐️ https://bit.ly/341eEh8
TikTok⭐️ https://bit.ly/3wZGSck
Reader Group ⭐️https://bit.ly/3TOBIJ0
Email ⭐️ JLDrake@AuthorJLDrake.com
Newsletter ⭐️ http://bit.ly/2QZZEut
Website ⭐️ https://bit.ly/34b4OcN

Reviews

[Bookishness]

~pre-read, received an ARC, looks like a fun A thriller mystery romance about a series of strange deaths.. Looked interesting, will give a try when I need a palate cleanser..

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really had the potential to be a 5⭐ read for me… BUT , oh well...

The story opens in the past, giving us a glimpse into Bree and Brad’s history and the moment that changed everything for them. From there, we jump to the present where Bree returns to town to help investigate a new series of deaths, and of course, reconnects with Brad, now a detective.

Up to that point, I was really into it. The setting, the shared past, the tension between them… it all felt like a great setup.

The investigation side was good and kept me interested. I liked the mystery and how things were unfolding.

But the romance… oh well... that’s where things got a bit (A LOT) frustrating for me.

Brad, my guy… make up your mind. The whole situation with his ex, the back and forth, the mixed signals… it just felt messy and honestly a bit cringe at times. Even Bree seemed to get tired of it at some point and I was right there with her.

The ex (Sherry) didn’t help either… let’s just say she was not my favorite person. (See you in a ditch, b*ch! *cough* ...sorry, not sorry!)

That said, I don’t think this is a bad start to the series. It had a really good foundation, and what really got me excited was the ending. Now I’m definitely curious to see what happens next.

⭐ 3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC.

[Amanda Mohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in from the very first word. The story is layered with so many different twists and turns, a big web of suspense. What I loved most about it is you get ideas but not enough to actually figure it out, you're trying to untangle something but it's just right there out of your reach. Way to go JL Drake you absolutely slayed it with this book, I can't wait for the next one.

[Teran · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one pulled me in immediately. From the very first chapters, I was completely locked in and ready to see where the story was going. There was a strong sense of tension right off the bat, and I went in expecting a gripping mix of suspense and solid investigative work.

Unfortunately, the middle is where things started to fall apart for me.

The pacing really slowed down, and instead of building on the intensity from the beginning, it kind of stalled out. I found myself waiting for something bigger to happen…especially when it came to the police procedural elements, which were honestly what I was most excited for. The detective work felt a little underdeveloped and glossed over, lacking the depth and detail that would’ve made it feel more realistic and engaging.

That said, I can’t deny that the ending did its job. It definitely picked the pace back up and brought back that sense of urgency I was missing. And now I’m sitting here with a ton of unanswered questions...

I’m intrigued enough to keep going with the series because I need to know how everything plays out. I just wish the middle had delivered the same level of intensity and detail as the beginning and end.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hooked by the premise of a romance detective story and decided to give this one a shot. Bree and Brad certainly had a long and kind of traumatic history. When they’re forced to work together again, the plot became a slow, slow, and even more slow burn. I also couldn’t stand Sherry for the life of me and I have never heard of two people sharing custody of a dog.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly this one pulls you in and holds onto you in the best way. I Couldn’t stop reading. It keeps you guessing has characters you love ( Bree and Brad are literally perfect)and of course all of J.l. Drakes classic touches that we all love. I can’t wait for the next book to see where the story goes. I need book two like yesterday 🤭.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC!

I’m already a huge fan of J.L. Drake, but honestly, what first grabbed my attention about Breathe Me In was the marketing on social media. The premise immediately hooked me, and I rushed over to NetGalley hoping it was available to request. Thankfully it was — and even better, I got approved.

This ended up being exactly the kind of addictive escape read I was in the mood for.

Breathe Me In blends romantic suspense, small-town mystery, emotional trauma, and second-chance tension into a story that is incredibly easy to binge. Bree and Brad share a traumatic history after witnessing a serial killer as teenagers, and that shared past adds so much weight to their reunion years later when new murders start pulling them back together.

The chemistry between them worked really well for me. I especially love stories where the main characters have known each other forever, where feelings never fully disappeared even after years apart. Their dynamic had that perfect mix of tension, banter, frustration, and unresolved emotion that keeps you flipping pages. I also really enjoyed the strong family presence throughout the story — Bree’s family added warmth and grounding amid all the chaos and danger.

The mystery itself kept me hooked. I liked the slow drip of clues and the constant feeling that something bigger was happening underneath the surface. Did every investigative detail feel perfectly realistic? Not necessarily. There are definitely moments where entertainment takes priority over procedural accuracy. But honestly, I didn’t mind much because the book reads very much like the beginning of a larger series with a broader story still unfolding.

And that ending? I should have expected it, but I’m still annoyed in the best possible way because now I desperately need the next book immediately.

If you enjoy romantic suspense with childhood connections, unresolved trauma, murder investigations, small-town secrets, and a strong dose of emotional tension, this is such a fun, bingeable read.

Another entertaining and addictive read from J.L. Drake.

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This romantic suspense/thriller starts in the past, where we meet Bree and Brad as kids. The two accidentally stumble upon the dump site of a killer and ends up in his sights. They get away, but so does the killer. He’s named The Barbed Wire Killer and Bree and Brad deal with the trauma in different ways. Brad sticks close to home and tries to forget. Bree runs and ends up living away from home and family. But 13 years later, a new case with new victims brings Bree back. She ends up working with Brad to try to solve this new case and they both realize they have unresolved feelings for each other.

Plot wise, this seems right up my alley. I love romantic suspense stories where the pair team up to solve a mystery. And while this was filled with action, adventure, danger, and twists and turns, it didn’t quite hit the mark of what I was expecting. For one thing, I never really could understand what exactly was going on between Bree and Brad at any time. Their romance seemed very chaotic and disorganized. Their banter at times was cute and witty, but other times hard to understand what they were trying to say to each other. It’s like the author could see the scenario being played out, but it all didn’t translate into words on the page. The reveal of the killer was a bit anti-climactic because I flat out didn’t remember who they were. And the case was worked with a very loose interpretation of police procedure. The police seemed to do whatever was convenient to the story rather what would actually happen in real life. And I get that this is fiction, but that was a little distracting.

Overall, I had a good time reading this for the most part. It had a good start, a slow middle, and an explosive ending, that includes an intriguing cliffhanger. This part of the story is over, but there’s clearly more left to tell. There seemed to be a lot of questions and loose ends left that I imagine will be addressed in the next book.

[Sneha Jha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulled me in right from the first few pages with its perfect mix of suspense, second-chance romance, and emotional tension. Breathe Me In follows Bree and Brad—two people bound by a terrifying event from their past. As teenagers, they witnessed something they were never supposed to see, and it changed everything. Years later, Bree returns to her hometown as a private investigator when mysterious deaths start happening, forcing her to work alongside Brad, now a detective—and the unresolved feelings between them. 

What I loved most was the atmosphere. The small-town setting with a lurking killer created constant tension, and the slow unraveling of secrets kept me hooked. The story balances romance and suspense really well—just when emotions deepen, the danger intensates, making it impossible to stop reading.

Bree is strong yet vulnerable, carrying guilt and fear from the past. Brad, on the other hand, brings that protective, slightly guarded energy that makes the second-chance romance even more compelling. Their chemistry feels natural, layered with history, trust issues, and lingering attraction.

The plot itself is twisty and unpredictable. Every new clue adds another layer, and you keep questioning who to trust. It’s not just a romance—it’s also a gripping investigation that keeps you guessing until the end.

[Wine + Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great read! It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book where I couldn’t guess the ending—and wow, that ending! I definitely didn’t see it coming!

The story does an amazing job of weaving all the pieces together. It didn’t feel like a typical episode of Law & Order or CSI where everything wraps up neatly. Instead, it felt more like a binge-worthy drama series, with a suspenseful storyline layered alongside a love story that keeps things interesting (not super spicy though).

I really liked Bree as a main character—she’s smart and powerful in a way that makes you root for her. Brad, on the other hand, felt a bit like the typical flawed male lead. He’s the lead detective and not always the sharpest for his love life, but since Bree likes him… I guess we roll with it.

That cliffhanger though—now I need to know who the killer is! Is this part of a series? Because I will absolutely be reading the next one.
I really hope there’s more to come!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate when you read a book, from your favorite author, only to have it end, with a cliffhanger, no less.
Happens every time.
Add in the cast of characters, friends, family and the dog and pig - entertaining.

This book finds small town friends, thrown back together, because of their careers - Brad is a Detective, and Bree is a PI (with FBI training). They have history - all small town friends generally do - but this was more than friendship - when they were teens, they went through something horrific, it brought them together, and ultimately tore them apart.

Bree had left town years ago, Brad moved on with his life - married the town bully, but never really got over his feelings for Bree.

Currently, Bree is brought back to town to help the local police department solve a couple of murders, the PD is floundering, they need her - with Bree's training, and connection to the locals - she comes home. Her fresh pair of eyes is just what they need - only what they uncover is twisted.

[✨ Flor ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reseña de la copia anticipada recibida de NetGalley

Es la primera vez que leo a esta autora y la verdad me gustó bastante.
El libro se lee rapidísimo y por lo menos a mi me enganchó desde el primer momento. Con la cantidad de giros inesperados que tiene definitivamente querés seguir leyendo hasta saber quien es el culpable!
Lo único que me faltó fue poder conectar un poco más con los personajes, pero sacando eso el libro me gustó mucho. Definitivamente voy a buscar mas libros de la autora para leer!

-------------------------------------------------------
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

This is the first time I've read this author, and I really enjoyed it.
The book is a very quick read, and it hooked me from the very first page. With so many unexpected twists, you'll definitely want to keep reading until you find out who the culprit is!
The only thing I felt was missing was connecting a little more with the characters, but other than that, I really liked the book. I'm definitely going to look for more books by this author to read!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Breathe Me In, the first book of a new series P.L. Drake introduces Brad and Bree. In high school they shared a traumatic experience,seeing a murder at the hands of the Barbed Wire Killer. In the aftermath Bree fled their home town and later became a P.I. while Brad stayed, joined the police force, married and divorced. Never has the killer been found! Now as adults they are brought together to investigate strange deaths occurring in the town. As they search for answers, being together keeps forcing them to look back at their past, the trauma and their original attraction to each other. With suspense of the investigation, the constant element of the Barbed Wire Killer, the personal connection between the two main characters, the story of their past and present, and the romantic link that could be, a good story develops that draws you until the surprising plot twist at the end. This is the first book I’ve read by the author, and not my last! Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC.

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathe Me In is an intense, heart-pounding, spine-tingling, psychological thriller, steal your breath mystery whodunit. Hooking me from the start and filled with romantic angst, the story follows two friends who bond after witnessing a tragedy that traumatizes them for life, each taking a different path to cope with the fallout. Bree and Brad's chemistry is off the charts as they work together to solve a rash of crimes in their small town, using police procedures and some not-so-on-board solutions to restore safety for the population. As they face off against the antagonist and dangerous situations, Breathe Me In will keep you on the edge of your seat with its many twists and turns. There is a secondary story woven in behind that remains unsolved, teasing and tantalizing you further. Even though there is a conclusion to Breathe Me In, there is still more to Brad and Bree's overall story, and I am beyond ready for more.

[Rachel Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathe Me In grabbed me and held me in captive suspense from the very beginning. The trauma bond shared by Bree and Brad pulled them together while also acting like a magnet and pushed them away from each other for a long period of time. Their reintroduction was brilliantly set up to continue their story, building suspense and strengthening their work relationship. The plot is tense with twists and an enthralling storyline, making it difficult to put this one down. The high stakes of their investigation's success allow their history to shine with their prior familiarity. You can feel their pull through the pages, and I want to follow Bree and Brad to the ends of the earth. The perfect balance of ongoing suspense, mystery, and reconnection in this gripping novel….. I desperately want another!

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathe Me In is a dark suspense that has you reeling. Brad and Bree are childhood friends with undeniable chemistry and a killer lingering between them. One keeps making bad choices, while the other runs.

When present-day murders pull them back together, that chemistry is still burning hot, with sass and banter adding moments of lightness. Do they frustrate you as much as they make you laugh? Absolutely.

Both of their families bring warmth and support, grounding the chaos around them. Meanwhile, the investigation has you running in circles, completely flabbergasted as the pieces slowly begin to fall into place.

There are still so many unanswered questions as they try to sort out both their feelings and the murder ending in a frustrating cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.

[Laila LoCascio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The beginning hooked me fast, and I loved the tense atmosphere right away. It definitely had me wanting to know what was going to happen next.
For me, the story lost a little momentum in the middle. Some parts felt drawn out. The romance also didn’t fully work for me all the time, though there were still a few moments between the characters that I liked.
The ending was probably my favorite part. Everything really started coming together, the pacing picked back up, and now I’m left needing answers after that cliffhanger!
Overall, this was an entertaining read with a strong setup and an ending that makes me curious enough to continue the series.

[Mary Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very different from JL Drake’s usual style. Lots of mystery and twists and turns keeps you on the edge of your seat. Guessing what will happen next. I love that the story has romance but fades to black as I like to make those my own. I highly recommend this small town mystery and I’m already invested in the family and that crazy pig. And don’t get me started on that gorgeous golden, Ginger.
I like the fact that the story begins and ends in the one book, but I can’t wait to find out who the barbed wire killer mastermind is, and I love that he has his own perspective at the end of it.

[Kc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathe Me In, Wow! J.L. Drake absolutely delivers the suspense in this twisted romance story between Bree Jaminson, a private investigator, and Brad Stone, a detective. Our two main characters shared a traumatic encounter in their past, each dealt with the trauma differently causing them to go their separate directions and now years later they are working together. Will they solve the cases from current day? Will they decide to act on their attraction for one another? Will their past haunt them forever? Who is he? So many questions and just when you think you’ve got it figured out…

This story grabs you and doesn’t let go!

[Sonica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romantic suspense novel delivers tension, danger and a second chance at love.

The story pulls you in from the very first page, where you get a glimpse of Bree's past, a traumatic experience that changes everything. The mystery around the murders is unpredictable, with enough twists to keep you guessing. Bree is strong and driven, but tries to outrun the trauma she experienced, whereas Brad is guarded, but still has lingering affection towards Bree. The stakes are high and the danger builds as the investigation of the murders unfold. This novel is worth the read, if you enjoy a suspenseful romance with a mystery involved.

[Ammarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very different from what I usually read, but the book had me hooked from the beginning. A murder mystery with a romance subplot!

It kept me guessing what was happening and who the killer was, I never would have guessed it at all. But it was so interesting, reading it and being at the same pace as the characters.

I loved Bree, how feisty she could be and her relationship with Brad. I liked the scenes between her and her family it felt wholesome.

I didn't even realise I got to the end of the book until I got to the acknowledgements page, considering how the ending panned out. It was a really good cliffhanger!

[KDRBCK]

Breathe Me In by new to me author J.L. Drake published by Montlake is the first book in the Wired to Kill Series.
As teens Bree and Brad became witnesses to a serial crime and that changed their whole lives. 13 years later they're assigned to a new case Bree comes back to her hometown while Brad never left.
They're not friends anymore but still they have to work together.
The story was intriguing at first, then drawn out while their chemistry is pretty high.
A good story, well written, 4 stars.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts out a little slow and at times feels bumpy but I was intrigued right from the start. Bree is such a strong FMC with an amazing family dynamic a lot of us wish we had. Brad is just delicious, masculine but soft where it’s needed. The twists and turns kept me on my toes the entire time. My head is still reeling and I cannot wait to read the sequel to wrap up all the loose threads and overall story arc.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m torn on this one, but I think ultimately I will give it 3 stars. It’s absolutely addictive and made my heart pound but it also has a weird kinda misogynistic tone? I can’t really explain it, but I was surprised it was written by a woman. The world “females” was used so many times and there were endless comments about women’s bodies/what they were wearing.

That said, even though the ending was pretty abrupt I do look forward to reading the second book in this series.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A romantic thriller where a PI is called back to her hometown to assist the police solve a murder case. The detective working the case? The same guy who she experienced a traumatic event with thirteen years prior. The beginning is a little slow, after that the pacing picks up though. Unfortunately, the plot and characters never fully clicked for me. 2.5 ⭐️

I got to read this one as an ARC, thank you to Montlake and NetGalley!

[Fernplant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mix of romance and murder mystery. The story kept me hooked, with just the right balance between suspense and the relationship between the main characters.
The chemistry felt natural, and the plot had me guessing right up until the end—especially with that twist, which I didn’t see coming at all.
A really enjoyable read and definitely worth picking up if you like a bit of romance with your mystery.

[Kara B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathe Me In completely pulled me in from the very beginning. This is exactly the kind of thriller I love..one that has you questioning everyone and everything right from the start.
The suspense builds steadily throughout, with twists and turns that kept me on edge the entire time. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story shifted again. And that ending?! I never expected the killer, and the final chapter absolutely got me.
If you’re looking for a thriller packed with tension, surprises, and nonstop intrigue, this one delivers. Definitely a gripping read that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

Pre-read ARC from Netgalley

[Anita Rae Rotteglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in absolute awe with the Author's writing! This story is so up my alley in terms of genre! I NEEEEEEEED more! The cliffhanger killed me. When I started this book, I was slightly apprehensive, but now that I finished it, I'm so impressed, the character development is phenomenal and the suspense is absolutely insane! This is definitely one of my favourite reads.

Will be recommending this to all my reader friends!

[Romance Reader Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a Mind Bender!!!
Holy Cow, I feel like I was on an adrenaline rush the entire time working my way through a CSI episode. This was Absolute Perfection and Addicting. The chemistry between Bree and Brad is off the Charts HOT.
J.L. Drake wins again with putting my mind to work, keeping me on the edge of my seat trying to figure it all out. Like I said PERFECTION!!!!

[Emma F · Rating 4 out of 5]

13 years ago teen friends Bree and Brad were seen by a killer dumping his victims. It was one of the events that led to Bree leaving her hometown. Now she’s being called back to help investigate some new murders. She’ll have to work with Brad, now a detective. But those unsolved murders and the killer still play on her mind.

I was hooked from the first chapter. I liked both main characters. Bree is a strong woman struggling with ghosts from her past. Her dynamic with her family and Brad were well written. The murder mystery was good, but with the slow drip of information keeping me reading.
It is left with some threads hanging, and I will be definitely be reading the sequel.