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Bite & Release #2
The Reason I Breathe
**Strong Language**Explicit Sex**Intense situations
*This is Shea's POV. CANNOT BE READ AS A STAND-ALONE!
I waited my entire life for one singular moment.
Everything I had endured—all the pain and suffering—I would go through it all again,
if I knew she was waiting for me.
Ryan Chase was the only woman I ever loved.
My obsession. My desire.
When she came home . . . loving her hadn't been easy.
The road to our particular happiness was paved with boulders.
I became who she needed me to be. Who she wanted.
Marriage and children— they were a dream we both shared.
Until a nightmare threatened to take it all away.
Is love supposed to be this hard?
How long before the person I'm pretending to be begins to crack?
I'm a liar. A fraud.
He is surfacing.
She's the only reason I survived. I lived.
She is the reason I breathe.
Now, when she needs me the most—I'm transforming into the person
I thought I'd buried years before.
I can't be without her. She gives me purpose and makes me whole.
Nevertheless, the universe chose a different route. God had a different plan.
And right now, I'm pissed at them both
*This is Shea's POV. CANNOT BE READ AS A STAND-ALONE!
I waited my entire life for one singular moment.
Everything I had endured—all the pain and suffering—I would go through it all again,
if I knew she was waiting for me.
Ryan Chase was the only woman I ever loved.
My obsession. My desire.
When she came home . . . loving her hadn't been easy.
The road to our particular happiness was paved with boulders.
I became who she needed me to be. Who she wanted.
Marriage and children— they were a dream we both shared.
Until a nightmare threatened to take it all away.
Is love supposed to be this hard?
How long before the person I'm pretending to be begins to crack?
I'm a liar. A fraud.
He is surfacing.
She's the only reason I survived. I lived.
She is the reason I breathe.
Now, when she needs me the most—I'm transforming into the person
I thought I'd buried years before.
I can't be without her. She gives me purpose and makes me whole.
Nevertheless, the universe chose a different route. God had a different plan.
And right now, I'm pissed at them both
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2015
37 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 23, 2015
I absolutely loved Bite &Release when I read it last year. Shea was a wonderful, devoted and sexy man so I was all in, and when the author announced that there was gonna be a sequel from his POV I wanted it like crazy.
So I hate giving this book a low rating but it was horrible. I don't know what the author was thinking writing this. I would be perfectly content with the ending in 'Bite & Release' than reading this one.
It ruined Shea and everything I loved about him in just a few pages.
**The conclusion**
Ryan is BADASS. #girlpower
And Shea lets just say he is a whiny lil bitch and his alter ego is Bella Swan after Edward left her.
So I hate giving this book a low rating but it was horrible. I don't know what the author was thinking writing this. I would be perfectly content with the ending in 'Bite & Release' than reading this one.
It ruined Shea and everything I loved about him in just a few pages.
**The conclusion**
Ryan is BADASS. #girlpower
And Shea lets just say he is a whiny lil bitch and his alter ego is Bella Swan after Edward left her.
July 26, 2015
I was soooo anticipating reading what I thought was the continuation of Shea and Ryan's story, but I was sorely disappointed. The Reason I Breathe is basically Bite and Release, but with Shea's point of view on how much he loves Ryan. And how he isn't complete without her, and that taking her on the couch, floor, wall, bed, table, etc is his Reason for Breathing.
This book started out with Ryan in a two month long coma after being hit head on by a drunk driver. Shea, in an effort to keep her with him, tells her their story from his point of view. But his point of view only proves that he is basically still a child fixated on screwing her in every possible way, and cannot live without her if she dies. Despite having two children together. Shea realizes that without Ryan, he cannot be a father. When things start looking even bleaker for Ryan, Shea makes a decision about his children that later bites him in the ass.
The tagline is that you need to read Bite and Release first, and while you get more in depth with that book on what was truly going on, this book glosses over the story and cuts right to the sex, which was the main point of the first book. Unfortunately, the author again sabotaged her main characters and while she did give them the HEA all readers expect, it wasn't as truly happy as I would have thought.
Another thing that bothered me was the lack of an editor. Despite their being one, who was profusely thanked, it was clear that the editor fell asleep on the job. There were words missing, periods where there should have been commas and vice versa, and sentences that made little sense due to words that didn't belong (like an extra the).
Ms. Cyr is an erotic romance writer, but there was no eroticism in this book whatsoever. There was a lot of tell and absolutely no show.
Disappointing.
This book started out with Ryan in a two month long coma after being hit head on by a drunk driver. Shea, in an effort to keep her with him, tells her their story from his point of view. But his point of view only proves that he is basically still a child fixated on screwing her in every possible way, and cannot live without her if she dies. Despite having two children together. Shea realizes that without Ryan, he cannot be a father. When things start looking even bleaker for Ryan, Shea makes a decision about his children that later bites him in the ass.
The tagline is that you need to read Bite and Release first, and while you get more in depth with that book on what was truly going on, this book glosses over the story and cuts right to the sex, which was the main point of the first book. Unfortunately, the author again sabotaged her main characters and while she did give them the HEA all readers expect, it wasn't as truly happy as I would have thought.
Another thing that bothered me was the lack of an editor. Despite their being one, who was profusely thanked, it was clear that the editor fell asleep on the job. There were words missing, periods where there should have been commas and vice versa, and sentences that made little sense due to words that didn't belong (like an extra the).
Ms. Cyr is an erotic romance writer, but there was no eroticism in this book whatsoever. There was a lot of tell and absolutely no show.
Disappointing.
Read
February 15, 2024NTS: Reminds me of After Forever except Shea doesn’t cheat on his wife. Kinda wish he did, he suffers way too much and she’s just irritating
July 25, 2015
Bite & Release is one of my favorite books, and Shea Michaels is one of my top three book boyfriends, ever...he's in my bbf Hall of Fame. When Cory Cyr said she was going to write a book in Shea's pov I couldn't have been happier, although I was slightly anxious as well. Some books I love so much that I don't really need, nor want, more...and that was how I felt about Bite & Release. I adored Shea and Ryan's story, I was happpy with how the book ended, I could let myself imagine what they were doing in the future. But who was I to say no to more Shea?!?
The Reason I Breathe is told from Shea's point of view, but it's not a retelling of Bite & Release, although you do need to read it beforehand to appreciate TRIB fully. This is such a unique story, not at all like what you'd expect from an alternate pov book. I went into it not really knowing what I was in for, not really knowing what the storyline was about, but that made no difference to me...we were getting more Shea and that's all that really mattered. But oh how I was hoping I wasn't in for heartbreak!
With The Reason I Breathe we get to see inside Shea's head- we see what he was thinking when he and Ryan reconnected years after being separated, we see the turmoil he went through during the tough times between them, and we see just how deeply he loves Ryan. And God, God, the love he has for her- it's passionate, it's consuming, it's intense. We get a look into his past, learning more about his childhood, about his family dynamic, about his manwhorish ways.
This book is heartbreaking, it's emotional, it's real. Everything Shea goes through we go through with him...the pain, the joy, the uncertainties. Shea is not a perfect man, by any means, but he's a man who loves his woman and the life they share fiercely, and he will do whatever necessary to be the man his family needs.
If you are a fan of Bite & Release this is a definite must-read. If you love Shea you will only fall more in love with him. The Reason I Breathe is one of the most original alternate point of view books I have had the pleasure of reading. It put me through a roller coaster of emotions, but I was left with such a feeling of contentment when I finished. My heart will always belong to Shea.
The Reason I Breathe is told from Shea's point of view, but it's not a retelling of Bite & Release, although you do need to read it beforehand to appreciate TRIB fully. This is such a unique story, not at all like what you'd expect from an alternate pov book. I went into it not really knowing what I was in for, not really knowing what the storyline was about, but that made no difference to me...we were getting more Shea and that's all that really mattered. But oh how I was hoping I wasn't in for heartbreak!
With The Reason I Breathe we get to see inside Shea's head- we see what he was thinking when he and Ryan reconnected years after being separated, we see the turmoil he went through during the tough times between them, and we see just how deeply he loves Ryan. And God, God, the love he has for her- it's passionate, it's consuming, it's intense. We get a look into his past, learning more about his childhood, about his family dynamic, about his manwhorish ways.
This book is heartbreaking, it's emotional, it's real. Everything Shea goes through we go through with him...the pain, the joy, the uncertainties. Shea is not a perfect man, by any means, but he's a man who loves his woman and the life they share fiercely, and he will do whatever necessary to be the man his family needs.
If you are a fan of Bite & Release this is a definite must-read. If you love Shea you will only fall more in love with him. The Reason I Breathe is one of the most original alternate point of view books I have had the pleasure of reading. It put me through a roller coaster of emotions, but I was left with such a feeling of contentment when I finished. My heart will always belong to Shea.
August 22, 2015
DNF @ 50%
I hate to give up on a book, so after struggling through the first few chapters and wanting to stop reading, I forced myself to keep going and reassess my feelings at the halfway point. Unfortunately things only got worse, and I felt no desire to keep reading.
The entire first half of this book - save for a few pages - was just sex. And not even good sex, but boring descriptions of feelings during sex. Why would the author bother writing this when the sole focus was the sex?!?! I suppose I was supposed to be feeling sad or some sense of doom due to the circumstances with Ryan, but I simply did not care. Because all her precious Shea could recall about their relationship in his stories, was the great sex. B.O.R.I.N.G.
To be fair, it's not like I loved the first book out of these two. I think I rated it 3 Stars. But as I kept reading, the story was coming back to me. What this book did do was make me want to go back and re-read Bite & Release just to see if it was any better than I can remember - though I doubt it.
Perhaps one day I'll come back and read the second half of this book, but it literally bored me to sleep so I'm in no rush. There's too many other potentially awesome books out there to bother wasting my time on this.
I hate to give up on a book, so after struggling through the first few chapters and wanting to stop reading, I forced myself to keep going and reassess my feelings at the halfway point. Unfortunately things only got worse, and I felt no desire to keep reading.
The entire first half of this book - save for a few pages - was just sex. And not even good sex, but boring descriptions of feelings during sex. Why would the author bother writing this when the sole focus was the sex?!?! I suppose I was supposed to be feeling sad or some sense of doom due to the circumstances with Ryan, but I simply did not care. Because all her precious Shea could recall about their relationship in his stories, was the great sex. B.O.R.I.N.G.
To be fair, it's not like I loved the first book out of these two. I think I rated it 3 Stars. But as I kept reading, the story was coming back to me. What this book did do was make me want to go back and re-read Bite & Release just to see if it was any better than I can remember - though I doubt it.
Perhaps one day I'll come back and read the second half of this book, but it literally bored me to sleep so I'm in no rush. There's too many other potentially awesome books out there to bother wasting my time on this.
July 26, 2015
3.5-4 stars. I really loved Bite & Release, Shea Michaels and Ryan Chase had an uphill battle to overcome before they became a couple, and age wasn't the only reason. In The Reason I Breathe, Shea's POV takes place as he reminisces about the early days with Ryan when she returned to Alaska for her father's funeral and their adult relationship begins. Shea has always loved Ryan, since he was 8 years old and while it might have seemed like a young boy infatuated with his babysitter, to Shea is was always so much more than that. Ryan was his everything starting from an early age and someone he never forgot and prayed to have. I loved Shea, he was more than 100% devoted to Ryan in a way that is rare to find because without her in his life, he would be empty and unhappy. This story tests that theory as to how Shea would survive without Ryan in it and it takes Shea to a dark place. I could feel his pain and desolation. Any woman would be lucky to have the kind of love that Shea has for Ryan. The battle for their HEA is not over and this time, Shea has to really push himself to be the man he wants to be to deserve the life that he's worked so hard for. Definitely read Bite & Release before reading this book.
July 22, 2015
I am so glad Cory decided to write a book chronicling Shea's point of view. I loved being inside of his head while caring for Ryan. I felt as if I was "coming home" while reading this. It solidified my love for Andrew Seamus Michaels. Does he have flaws? Oh yes, absolutely he has flaws as you will see, major flaws indeed. That did not stop me from loving him even more. I loved seeing his sensitive side because let's be honest, he was kind of a douche in his past. The Reason I Breathe is like comfort food, a warm, fuzzy blanket. I felt oddly comforted by the story. I could not put it down, read it in a day. The ending was perfect for me. Thank you again Cory Cyr for writing this for your major Shea fans!!!
August 15, 2015
Highly recommended read. Must read book one to fully appreciate book two. This one is told by Shea's POV. Can Shea and Ryan ever catch a break? These two are always fighting against the odds. It's full of angst and tender-hearted moments. It's about a troubled boy who becomes a trouble young man and wants to do the right thing for Ryan, but he can't move forward without her. Will he finally be the man he wants to be not only for himself but for his family? Find out and read this series. The only problem I had was the time-lapse.
July 26, 2015
I loved the first book Bite & Release. So I had huge expectations to this sequel. Even though I enjoyed it, I have to say I'm a little disappointed. I expected something different. I love that it's Shea's POV. I think I fell even more in love with him. Man, he loves with everything he got. And that's the reason why you should read this book. Because of Shea.
Want to read
August 2, 2015WELL IF THIS ISN'T A SURPRISE!
There wasn't anything to indicate there would be more! Yay, I love Shae! Seems forever ago I read Bite and Release, I think it was!
There wasn't anything to indicate there would be more! Yay, I love Shae! Seems forever ago I read Bite and Release, I think it was!
October 23, 2017
Wow! Even better than the first book!
Trials and tribulations. Every relationship goes through them. This couple endured so much heartache and grief. It's truly amazing they made it through and showed so much passion. However, I was so upset with Ryan. How could she doubt She and his love for their family. He was in a different state of mind and nothing can prepare you for what happens when someone is in a comatose state. He was at least thinking rationally about Hus feelings for his kids and I commend him for that. At least everything worked out even with a large amount of frustration.
Trials and tribulations. Every relationship goes through them. This couple endured so much heartache and grief. It's truly amazing they made it through and showed so much passion. However, I was so upset with Ryan. How could she doubt She and his love for their family. He was in a different state of mind and nothing can prepare you for what happens when someone is in a comatose state. He was at least thinking rationally about Hus feelings for his kids and I commend him for that. At least everything worked out even with a large amount of frustration.
May 28, 2017
The feels
This is a telling of Bite and Release from Shea's pov and a continuation of their story. The love that Shea has for Ryan is amazing and so heartbreaking. You feel his pain at the thought of losing her and his fear of becoming his father.
Read this story, you won't be sorry. Bring the tissues.
This is a telling of Bite and Release from Shea's pov and a continuation of their story. The love that Shea has for Ryan is amazing and so heartbreaking. You feel his pain at the thought of losing her and his fear of becoming his father.
Read this story, you won't be sorry. Bring the tissues.
September 27, 2017
Finally
At the end of book one, Ryan and Shea had finally got married. Ryan found out she was pregnant, so Shea became a husband and soon to be dad. Fast forward to a few years later. Ryan gets hurt in a car wreck. Shea is losing his grip on everything and blames himself for the accident even though he was at home with their daughter. Another great read Cory. Thank you
At the end of book one, Ryan and Shea had finally got married. Ryan found out she was pregnant, so Shea became a husband and soon to be dad. Fast forward to a few years later. Ryan gets hurt in a car wreck. Shea is losing his grip on everything and blames himself for the accident even though he was at home with their daughter. Another great read Cory. Thank you
April 7, 2019
Not impressed.
I was looking forward to reading this book.I really loved Bite a d Release.
But, that's really all this book was, just rehashing the first one. Oh, and sex. 90 % of it was sex.
One more thing.....very disappointed in the ending. Rushed and vague, and made Ryan seem like a real bitch .
I was looking forward to reading this book.I really loved Bite a d Release.
But, that's really all this book was, just rehashing the first one. Oh, and sex. 90 % of it was sex.
One more thing.....very disappointed in the ending. Rushed and vague, and made Ryan seem like a real bitch .
March 16, 2020
Better than the “main book” in H’s POV, until the screaming. That’s compassionate? I guess what he went through meant Jack. What a let down. Have rewritten in your head to be a discussion between two adults, and H still makes decision to face past with help.
Unique followup, didn’t mind that at all. His focus on sex understandable x in character and he is a guy.
Unique followup, didn’t mind that at all. His focus on sex understandable x in character and he is a guy.
May 24, 2017
Great book!
This was such a good book! Sometimes heartbreaking! Shea's love for her is so strong he can't live without her. It's a gripping story I couldn't stop reading!
This was such a good book! Sometimes heartbreaking! Shea's love for her is so strong he can't live without her. It's a gripping story I couldn't stop reading!
July 15, 2017
not a good book, it was mostly a recap of the first one and some really sad chapters. don't recommend it.
July 7, 2018
OMG ..... this book is so friggin hot ..... I couldn't put it down ❤️❤️❤️
December 13, 2018
lovely story loved the characters, what could one ask for more
October 28, 2020
Man who**, disgusting. No doubt everyone complains about this book
August 4, 2015
I am a huge Cory Cyr fan. She is one of my auto one click authors. I love her writing style and the way that she weaves stories with angst and true love.
But unfortunately this book was not for me. This book is not a standalone. It is the alternate version of Bite & Release from Shea's POV, with the focus on parts of their relationship that Shea found pivotal.
What didn't work for me in this book was the nature of the recounting of this story. I like my books to be filled with snappy interactions between the two main characters that make you want to know what happens next. And while there was an element of wanting to know how things were going to work out (sorry for being vague but you get the gist of this in the first couple of pages), much of the story is focused in the past.
I really wanted to feel something for Shea and what he was going through but for a lot of the book I felt that he was not the man that we were introduced to in book 1. I came out of this book thinking the complete opposite of him. I am a big fan of men showing their vulnerabilities in a story but for me this was a bit too extreme. I also felt that at times he was too selfish and many thoughts only revolved around sex. I couldn't get a feel of any depth to their relationship through his POV.
And then when everything came to a head at the end, I felt that there was not enough time to do it justice. The very last chapters in particular felt rushed to me and I had to stop my head from spinning.
And when Ryan did come into the story I didn't think that her actions were true to her character. She was a bit too harsh and abrupt in her words and actions, without any consideration.
Please don't get me wrong, Cory delivered a well executed story that was exceptionally written - I would never expect anything less. There was steamy parts that she is well known for and these did demonstrate the chemistry between Ryan and Shea. They were hot and true to Cory's style.
I suppose I missed the tension and angst that I find typical of Cory's stories - especially around the age issue.
I can say without a doubt that Cory will remain on my auto one click list, as this was NOT poorly written, it just wasn't the story for me.
If you are a fan and want more insight to Bite & Release from Shea's POV, then this is the book for you. I can't wait to read Cory's next read.
I purchased a copy of this book.
You can check out more reviews at RedHot Romance
But unfortunately this book was not for me. This book is not a standalone. It is the alternate version of Bite & Release from Shea's POV, with the focus on parts of their relationship that Shea found pivotal.
What didn't work for me in this book was the nature of the recounting of this story. I like my books to be filled with snappy interactions between the two main characters that make you want to know what happens next. And while there was an element of wanting to know how things were going to work out (sorry for being vague but you get the gist of this in the first couple of pages), much of the story is focused in the past.
I really wanted to feel something for Shea and what he was going through but for a lot of the book I felt that he was not the man that we were introduced to in book 1. I came out of this book thinking the complete opposite of him. I am a big fan of men showing their vulnerabilities in a story but for me this was a bit too extreme. I also felt that at times he was too selfish and many thoughts only revolved around sex. I couldn't get a feel of any depth to their relationship through his POV.
And then when everything came to a head at the end, I felt that there was not enough time to do it justice. The very last chapters in particular felt rushed to me and I had to stop my head from spinning.
And when Ryan did come into the story I didn't think that her actions were true to her character. She was a bit too harsh and abrupt in her words and actions, without any consideration.
Please don't get me wrong, Cory delivered a well executed story that was exceptionally written - I would never expect anything less. There was steamy parts that she is well known for and these did demonstrate the chemistry between Ryan and Shea. They were hot and true to Cory's style.
I suppose I missed the tension and angst that I find typical of Cory's stories - especially around the age issue.
I can say without a doubt that Cory will remain on my auto one click list, as this was NOT poorly written, it just wasn't the story for me.
If you are a fan and want more insight to Bite & Release from Shea's POV, then this is the book for you. I can't wait to read Cory's next read.
I purchased a copy of this book.
You can check out more reviews at RedHot Romance
October 20, 2015
If you don't have tissues, can I suggest you buy some before you open this book? You could possibly read this book without having read 'Bite & Release' (but I recommend you read them in order), because you are fed enough information to paint a picture of what has come before, but unlike many other reverse point of view books, this one actually contains a story of it's own. I know that a lot of people hate books that are written from the other main characters point of view. I suppose they see them as a rewrite of the same story and thus a waste of money ... That is not this story.
Ryan and Shea's love story was already filled with hurdles. Anything that is worth anything is worth fighting for... Right? They had a lot to overcome in order to get the point they are at when we meet them again in 'The Reason I Breathe'. Unfortunately we find them at the beginning of a new disaster. Ryan has been involved in a car accident and is currently in a coma. Shea is by her bedside experiencing a total emotional crisis. He is terrified that he will lose the love of his life and that if that happens, he will come completely undone. He tries to get to Ryan by telling her about his feelings for her up to this point. He reminds her of how they came together and all of his feelings of love and all of his insecurities. He opens his heart to her in ways that he has never done before. All his faults and failings are laid bare. It is so soul crushing to see him, metaphorically, bleeding all over the place. You actually see him dying a little more, day after day while he tries to hang onto what ever hope he can cling to, that life as he has come to know it, isn't really over.
I don't want to spoil anything for you, so I won't tell you what happens .... Suffice it say ... Things really don't go according to plan. If you feel you need a little cry-fest, and let's face it, sometimes we do ...
I highly recommend The Reason I Breathe as a must read.
Ryan and Shea's love story was already filled with hurdles. Anything that is worth anything is worth fighting for... Right? They had a lot to overcome in order to get the point they are at when we meet them again in 'The Reason I Breathe'. Unfortunately we find them at the beginning of a new disaster. Ryan has been involved in a car accident and is currently in a coma. Shea is by her bedside experiencing a total emotional crisis. He is terrified that he will lose the love of his life and that if that happens, he will come completely undone. He tries to get to Ryan by telling her about his feelings for her up to this point. He reminds her of how they came together and all of his feelings of love and all of his insecurities. He opens his heart to her in ways that he has never done before. All his faults and failings are laid bare. It is so soul crushing to see him, metaphorically, bleeding all over the place. You actually see him dying a little more, day after day while he tries to hang onto what ever hope he can cling to, that life as he has come to know it, isn't really over.
I don't want to spoil anything for you, so I won't tell you what happens .... Suffice it say ... Things really don't go according to plan. If you feel you need a little cry-fest, and let's face it, sometimes we do ...
I highly recommend The Reason I Breathe as a must read.
July 28, 2015
Holy cow!! Where do I start? First, I loved Bite and Release and you definitely need to read it before reading The Reason I Breathe. It was a wonderful love story between two people who had many obstacles to overcome. It was a complete story with a HEA which ended up being a HFN once The Reason I Breathe came out. Thank goodness I bought them both together and was able to jump right into The Reason I Breathe. It is Ryan and Shea's story from Shea's POV and was done brilliantly. At no point did I feel like I was just rereading the first book. It is Shea's side of the big events from the first book but also a continuation of their story. I will be honest, the first chapter of this book rips your guts out. It's such an emotional journey that keeps you wondering how/if they'll get their HEA. It's a story from a guys POV on how much he loves his wife and how destroyed and desperate he is when their life together is threatened. Yes some of his thoughts and actions were selfish and immature but I feel that they would be honest feelings and thoughts anyone (no matter their age) would have in the same situation no matter how awful they are. If the worst happens... How will I go on living? Will I be a good enough father? What will happen to my kids if I give into the despair? Honestly I didn't understand Ryan's reaction to the final hurdle of the book. Yes, I get the first knee jerk reaction but felt once she calmed down and really looked at the situation she should have understood where Shea was at and why he did what he did. Shea's absolute love and devotion for Ryan is what every girl/woman dreams of. How she couldn't see it I don't know and to be honest she was being just as immature as she was accusing Shea of being. Grab the box of tissues and go to your secret hiding place away from the hubby and kids because you are going to want to devour this book with no distractions.
August 20, 2015
☆♡☆♡☆♡♡☆♡☆♡☆ 5 STAR REVIEW ☆♡☆♡☆♡♡☆♡☆♡☆
Ryan Chase has always owned his heart. Andrew 'Shea' Michaels has been in love with one girl since the age of 8. The only problem, is the girl is 13 years older than him, and his babysitter, Ryan Chase. What happens between the ages of 8 and late 20's are told in the book Bite and Release. The Reason I Breathe picks up where its predecessor leaves off. Ryan has been involved in an auto accident while pregnant with her and Andrew's 2nd child. She has been in a coma for weeks, after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Andrew's life comes to a complete stop as he holds vigil at Ryan’s side.
The Reason I Breathe is a compilation of Andrew's stories about his and Ryan's life together and apart. What he went through to become a man she could be proud of, and the horror stories of his childhood, living with an abusive father. The story telling is both heart-breaking and loving. You see a side of Andrew that he can only allow his comatose wife to see, a vulnerability that men just don't show.
This is the first book of Cory Cyr's that I have read, and I will definitely be reading more. The way she tells a story is phenomenal, I don't believe I've ever felt more part of a story, like I actually lived and breathed it. I ugly cried reading this, the book is so emotional, and we really never see men breaking down the way Andrew does in this book. It is clear to me that Cory Cyr is doing exactly what she is meant to do in life! You can't teach story telling like this, it is something that comes from the heart!
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Ryan Chase has always owned his heart. Andrew 'Shea' Michaels has been in love with one girl since the age of 8. The only problem, is the girl is 13 years older than him, and his babysitter, Ryan Chase. What happens between the ages of 8 and late 20's are told in the book Bite and Release. The Reason I Breathe picks up where its predecessor leaves off. Ryan has been involved in an auto accident while pregnant with her and Andrew's 2nd child. She has been in a coma for weeks, after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Andrew's life comes to a complete stop as he holds vigil at Ryan’s side.
The Reason I Breathe is a compilation of Andrew's stories about his and Ryan's life together and apart. What he went through to become a man she could be proud of, and the horror stories of his childhood, living with an abusive father. The story telling is both heart-breaking and loving. You see a side of Andrew that he can only allow his comatose wife to see, a vulnerability that men just don't show.
This is the first book of Cory Cyr's that I have read, and I will definitely be reading more. The way she tells a story is phenomenal, I don't believe I've ever felt more part of a story, like I actually lived and breathed it. I ugly cried reading this, the book is so emotional, and we really never see men breaking down the way Andrew does in this book. It is clear to me that Cory Cyr is doing exactly what she is meant to do in life! You can't teach story telling like this, it is something that comes from the heart!
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November 23, 2015
First, I was NOT provided an ARC in return for my honest review. I, along with others, were given an opportunity to purchase this book prior to release day. I devoured it in one afternoon and then when I finished it, I needed a glass or bottle of wine. I actually told Cory that too…lol… My response to her after reading it was, “The emotions I went through, holy crap! The story, the love and the heart break and of course, the ending I was not expecting – best.point.of.view.ever!!!”
This will probably be one of the hardest reviews that I have to write. Not because I disliked it but because I don’t think I’ll be able to find the right words to do this book any justice. If you have NOT read Bite & Release, you must do so first or you’ll be completely lost. This is a POV book but not like any POV book you’ll ever read. I don’t normally read POV books because they just seem to repeat everything I’ve already read but this one is completely refreshing. I won’t lie and say that there is nothing from the first book included but the way it’s included is on a different level you’ll feel like you’re learning about Shea & Ryan all over again.
Shea and Ryan have overcome so many things in life but their story isn’t over. This is Shea’s POV but with a twist. You will laugh, be turned on, cry – have the tissues on hand – and be prepared to fall in love all over again with Shea & Ryan. This story just goes to show you how deep love can be.
This will probably be one of the hardest reviews that I have to write. Not because I disliked it but because I don’t think I’ll be able to find the right words to do this book any justice. If you have NOT read Bite & Release, you must do so first or you’ll be completely lost. This is a POV book but not like any POV book you’ll ever read. I don’t normally read POV books because they just seem to repeat everything I’ve already read but this one is completely refreshing. I won’t lie and say that there is nothing from the first book included but the way it’s included is on a different level you’ll feel like you’re learning about Shea & Ryan all over again.
Shea and Ryan have overcome so many things in life but their story isn’t over. This is Shea’s POV but with a twist. You will laugh, be turned on, cry – have the tissues on hand – and be prepared to fall in love all over again with Shea & Ryan. This story just goes to show you how deep love can be.
July 31, 2015
The Reason I Breathe
by Cory Cyr might be better thought of as an extended epilogue mixed with an intense, unique character POV.
After reading Bite & Release I knew waiting for The Reason I Breathe to be available would be torture! The reward for my patience was worth it. Cory Cyr has this way about her writing that just reaches into the very depths of your "feely zone" and takes root for the entire story.
After waiting for so many years to finally be with Ryan, Shea struggles with what his life could possibly be without her. Can he be strong enough without her to even continue on living? He believes in his heart of hearts that he is truly nothing without her. That he has no value or purpose to be around without her.
Shea really battles with some serious mental demons in this story and as he recalls where and who he was during his childhood up to the point that Ryan comes back to Alaska, he starts seriously loosing grip.
This story has it's HEA and leaves no cliffhanger. You MUST read Bite & Release before reading this book or it will be a waste.
After reading Bite & Release I knew waiting for The Reason I Breathe to be available would be torture! The reward for my patience was worth it. Cory Cyr has this way about her writing that just reaches into the very depths of your "feely zone" and takes root for the entire story.
After waiting for so many years to finally be with Ryan, Shea struggles with what his life could possibly be without her. Can he be strong enough without her to even continue on living? He believes in his heart of hearts that he is truly nothing without her. That he has no value or purpose to be around without her.
Shea really battles with some serious mental demons in this story and as he recalls where and who he was during his childhood up to the point that Ryan comes back to Alaska, he starts seriously loosing grip.
This story has it's HEA and leaves no cliffhanger. You MUST read Bite & Release before reading this book or it will be a waste.
July 31, 2015
This review is from: The Reason I Breathe (Bite & Release Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
I was excited to read this book because I love different POV's. I enjoyed the first book. I liked the character of Shea the best as well. What started off so good, so emotional and so different ended up being so much of the first book. Yes, it was from his point of view but it was still very much the same. I understand a love like he has for Ryan. Where I thought he was mature in the first book, when he retold his version of the stories it really showed his age and immaturity. It took away a bit of the love I had for his character. I guess I was hoping for different story. I was expecting (hoping for) scenes that we didn't read about in the first book or even more scenes from their wedding, honeymoon or anytime after their marriage. The ending, well, I was a bit disappointed. I think Ryan was so harsh, especially for the time frame that was given. I can't write much more without giving pieces of the story away.
Overall, I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either.
I was excited to read this book because I love different POV's. I enjoyed the first book. I liked the character of Shea the best as well. What started off so good, so emotional and so different ended up being so much of the first book. Yes, it was from his point of view but it was still very much the same. I understand a love like he has for Ryan. Where I thought he was mature in the first book, when he retold his version of the stories it really showed his age and immaturity. It took away a bit of the love I had for his character. I guess I was hoping for different story. I was expecting (hoping for) scenes that we didn't read about in the first book or even more scenes from their wedding, honeymoon or anytime after their marriage. The ending, well, I was a bit disappointed. I think Ryan was so harsh, especially for the time frame that was given. I can't write much more without giving pieces of the story away.
Overall, I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either.
July 26, 2015
In this book we see the return of all of the characters from the first Bite and Release book. In the beginning of this book we find that Ryan has been in an accident and is in a coma. Shea is keeping a vigil by her bedside. During this time we hear from Shea about many of sit major parts of the first book but from his point of view. Things he felt, how he reacted, and what he saw happening to them in the future. We also find out a little more about how Shea felt about his past.
There are some real surprises in this book that I wish I could tell you about but as a reader I want you to find them out for yourself. This book is amazing thought and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. There are some very graphic descriptions of their love life. So if this is offensive to you be forewarned, if not make sure you get your copy today.
There are some real surprises in this book that I wish I could tell you about but as a reader I want you to find them out for yourself. This book is amazing thought and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. There are some very graphic descriptions of their love life. So if this is offensive to you be forewarned, if not make sure you get your copy today.
October 20, 2015
There is a lot of sex but it his Shea's way of remembering his past as well as his and his wife's past. This story takes place 3 years after Bite & Release and Ryan is in a come and pregnant with their second child, but she was in a head on collision a drunk driver hit her truck. Now Shea is about to give up live he got he children secured with his sister and now will spend every second with Ryan and tell her everything that he was to scared to tell her to her face. I mean everything but mostly the sex is his was of keeping him self from breaking down more then he already has. I would suggest reading Bite and Release first then this one to go by the same events and trails they both went through including the dreaded will starting Shea was Ryan's brother and even the night he beat the shell out of Ryan's soon to be ex husband.
July 27, 2015
Disappointed. I loved the way in which this book was written; in a story telling fashion, but I was extremely let down by the ending. As a fan of Cory Cyr's writing, this one missed the mark for me. Readers are taken on a journey through the relationship between Shea and Ryan through his eyes. It's present time and Ryan has suffered a terrible accident leaving Shea devastated. As he wills his wife back to him through his stories of their relationship, Shea suffers through the possibility of a life without Ryan. It's the ending that threw me for a loop. Ryan was portrayed as cold and heartless and in my opinion, very cruel. I felt her behavior was very out of character and she, as the older, more mature one in the marriage, actually acted very immature. She ran.....again. 160 pages of being apart--3 pages of being together. Like I said, disappointing.
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