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Breathe
Sometimes love is fated in the stars. You know you are destined for each other. Your souls entwine and you can’t imagine your life without them.Sometimes it’s found when you’re not looking for it. It peeks around the corner when you least expect it, sweeping you off your feet, carrying you off into the sunset. Sometimes, there are a lucky few who get to experience both. I was one of the lucky ones.
398 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2016
About the author
Amber Lacie
11 books1,231 followersIndie-Award Winning Author Amber Lacie is about all things books, glitter, and shenanigans. Never without a book or caffeinated goodness, she's managed a husband that worships at her alter and two awesome kiddos, all while pumping out tales of love and suspense. Growing up in Chicagoland, she's seen the nitty, and knows the gritty. As for love and home, that landed her in Beverly Shores, Indiana where she dreams up adventures for her characters so that you the reader can explore new bends in the road. Buckle up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
March 21, 2018
4.5 Stars
Whew! This one puts you through an emotional wringer!
It is a story of finding the love of your life. A story of bad decisions, trust and forgiveness. A definite story of second chances.
Carsten is one of those rare individuals who is lucky enough to be loved with utter and complete devotion, but the roads leading to experience that kind of love is really hard fought, and achingly heartbreaking.
Being loved like this is such an amazing feeling. I hope that I never get used to it.
I was completely enthralled walking along side of Carsten on her journey of life beginning at the tender age eighteen and beyond through her years.
”Do you love me? Does the world stop when you think about me? Does your day begin and end with thoughts of me? When you breathe, is it the air from my lungs filling yours? Do you love me so much it consumes you completely, leaving room for nothing else?
I love you, Carsten. I love you like that. I exist to love you. I always have.”
This is my first Amber Lacie read, and I was completely smitten by her writing abilities. She definitely has a new fan! And I’ll admit I did tear up :)
Whew! This one puts you through an emotional wringer!
It is a story of finding the love of your life. A story of bad decisions, trust and forgiveness. A definite story of second chances.
Carsten is one of those rare individuals who is lucky enough to be loved with utter and complete devotion, but the roads leading to experience that kind of love is really hard fought, and achingly heartbreaking.
Being loved like this is such an amazing feeling. I hope that I never get used to it.
I was completely enthralled walking along side of Carsten on her journey of life beginning at the tender age eighteen and beyond through her years.
”Do you love me? Does the world stop when you think about me? Does your day begin and end with thoughts of me? When you breathe, is it the air from my lungs filling yours? Do you love me so much it consumes you completely, leaving room for nothing else?
I love you, Carsten. I love you like that. I exist to love you. I always have.”
This is my first Amber Lacie read, and I was completely smitten by her writing abilities. She definitely has a new fan! And I’ll admit I did tear up :)
October 15, 2020
2.5 ⭐️’s
”Sometimes, you hurt so bad you cannot cry. Your soul is ripped and bleeding. There is nothing left in you to even shed a tear. So, you close your eyes, allowing that piece of you to die. It never truly goes away, it never heals. It doesn’t wither over time. It is a constant ache tucked away in the back of your mind, reminding yourself that you once loved so hard that you forgot to breathe.”
As the opening of this story indicates, this is about loss. And it’s not just one loss, it’s several.
🛑🛑 SPOILER ALERT 🛑 Stop now 🛑
There is no way for me to explain my rating without major spoilers. And, I honestly wouldn’t have read this book if someone had provided these spoilers.
On top of everything else, I felt like there was a lot of filler in this book. I found myself skipping pages as I didn’t really care what someone was wearing or when they were doing hair or makeup as it didn’t enhance the story.
I struggled with my rating. I liked Holden, Carsten was ok and I didn’t really know Owen. There were times when I felt the story jumped to the next thought too quickly, and in the case of Holden, that storyline seemed to end too abruptly for me. Plus, where were the repercussions for Michael?? Argh.
This was not a book that gave me the warm fuzzies and when I closed the book I just felt depressed for everyone. That’s not the feeling I want to have when I close a book.
”Sometimes, you hurt so bad you cannot cry. Your soul is ripped and bleeding. There is nothing left in you to even shed a tear. So, you close your eyes, allowing that piece of you to die. It never truly goes away, it never heals. It doesn’t wither over time. It is a constant ache tucked away in the back of your mind, reminding yourself that you once loved so hard that you forgot to breathe.”
As the opening of this story indicates, this is about loss. And it’s not just one loss, it’s several.
🛑🛑 SPOILER ALERT 🛑 Stop now 🛑
There is no way for me to explain my rating without major spoilers. And, I honestly wouldn’t have read this book if someone had provided these spoilers.
On top of everything else, I felt like there was a lot of filler in this book. I found myself skipping pages as I didn’t really care what someone was wearing or when they were doing hair or makeup as it didn’t enhance the story.
I struggled with my rating. I liked Holden, Carsten was ok and I didn’t really know Owen. There were times when I felt the story jumped to the next thought too quickly, and in the case of Holden, that storyline seemed to end too abruptly for me. Plus, where were the repercussions for Michael?? Argh.
This was not a book that gave me the warm fuzzies and when I closed the book I just felt depressed for everyone. That’s not the feeling I want to have when I close a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2018
BR with my beautiful Sirens-Shanny & Denise
And this is supposed to be an 'ugly cry' book...lol
Ah damn, excuse my sceptical sarcasm...
But my 'people' know that I never cry...*smirks*
So, be it...
Anyway, after finishing this book, all I can really state is 'that's fuckin life for you, darlin'
Cause our heroine in the beginning made a huge mistake, she made a bad decision and she knew it BUT she didn't find the inner strength to own it and change the bad situation she found herself in...
And luckily she had a man, a best friend at that, who 'saved' her and gave her hope and will to make a fresh start, he was her breath and she gasped with full lungs...again.
Until she couldn't gasped no longer.
Cause he was taken away from her...and once more she shattered to pieces...
Until another second chance appeared on the horizont...and another strong person gave her breath to hold on...until it was her time to give it all...
Hmmm....I can't say this was anything but an overwhelming story...and yet it felt like a heightened melodrama with a neverending damsel in distress who needs saving over and over again...and this time I honestly felt for male characters in this story...as they were almost too good to be true even in fiction...which is kinda ironic cause this story actually relates to such a vivid perplexed situation found in real life.
Ah, nevertheless, it's a good story, parts of which are better than others...but I generally had a feeling it was 'rushed' in segments of transition from one moment to another and it just felt less close, for me to relate...but that s my impression and not a general idea...
All in all, 'that s life for you, people! That's life.'
Go, grasp it and dont forget to breathe
p.s. unfortunately, or fortunately LOL
No crying has been induced during or after reading. *wink*
And this is supposed to be an 'ugly cry' book...lol
Ah damn, excuse my sceptical sarcasm...
But my 'people' know that I never cry...*smirks*
So, be it...
Anyway, after finishing this book, all I can really state is 'that's fuckin life for you, darlin'
Cause our heroine in the beginning made a huge mistake, she made a bad decision and she knew it BUT she didn't find the inner strength to own it and change the bad situation she found herself in...
And luckily she had a man, a best friend at that, who 'saved' her and gave her hope and will to make a fresh start, he was her breath and she gasped with full lungs...again.
Until she couldn't gasped no longer.
Cause he was taken away from her...and once more she shattered to pieces...
Until another second chance appeared on the horizont...and another strong person gave her breath to hold on...until it was her time to give it all...
Hmmm....I can't say this was anything but an overwhelming story...and yet it felt like a heightened melodrama with a neverending damsel in distress who needs saving over and over again...and this time I honestly felt for male characters in this story...as they were almost too good to be true even in fiction...which is kinda ironic cause this story actually relates to such a vivid perplexed situation found in real life.
Ah, nevertheless, it's a good story, parts of which are better than others...but I generally had a feeling it was 'rushed' in segments of transition from one moment to another and it just felt less close, for me to relate...but that s my impression and not a general idea...
All in all, 'that s life for you, people! That's life.'
Go, grasp it and dont forget to breathe
p.s. unfortunately, or fortunately LOL
No crying has been induced during or after reading. *wink*
March 17, 2017
This book tore me up. It's been so long since I've cried so hard with a story that just reaches into my heart and squeezes then rips it out, stomps on it then slowly mends it back together. Seriously this book had it all for me. I went through every emotion possible and came out at the end so drained it took me days before I could even read another book.
Amber Lacie is an amazing writer and she knows how to put you through the ringer. If you're looking for a book that you will love for the rest of your life then this is the one.
Amber Lacie is an amazing writer and she knows how to put you through the ringer. If you're looking for a book that you will love for the rest of your life then this is the one.
March 9, 2018
Amber Lacie you are killing me!!
You made me cry ugly tears woman!!
“It’s ok. I got you!” My absolute favourite phrase. So powerful!
I don’t want to go into too much detail, because you have to read this amazing piece of writing for yourself.
However, I will say this; if Michael was real and I ever met him, I would kill him. Holden and his parents are a dream come true. Such genuine characters that fill your heart with love. Holden himself was so yum, I just wanted to devour him. His love for Carsten was mind blowing, (How could you Amber, we will be having words!!).
Owen rocked my world also, but I’m a Holden woman to the end.
Another SPECTACULAR book by Amber. I am in awe of this woman’s work.
You made me cry ugly tears woman!!
“It’s ok. I got you!” My absolute favourite phrase. So powerful!
I don’t want to go into too much detail, because you have to read this amazing piece of writing for yourself.
However, I will say this; if Michael was real and I ever met him, I would kill him. Holden and his parents are a dream come true. Such genuine characters that fill your heart with love. Holden himself was so yum, I just wanted to devour him. His love for Carsten was mind blowing, (How could you Amber, we will be having words!!).
Owen rocked my world also, but I’m a Holden woman to the end.
Another SPECTACULAR book by Amber. I am in awe of this woman’s work.
December 18, 2016
☆☆☆☆☆
~LYNZI~
If I could give this book 100 ☆'s I would. This one gutted me. It takes a lot for me to cry, but this one got me. I wasn't expecting for my heart to be slayed, nor was I expecting this book to be like this.
I can't really write a review like I normally do, because it would give to much away, and giving it away is not something I want to do. Just know this book is absolutely amazing. It has made my heart cry and sing all at once.
We go into it with Carsten writing a book about her life and her love. She states she wants to do it before her husband gets home. We get a glimpse that maybe her life wasn't easy, because she states "He didn't need to watch me fall apart all over again. He has already put me back together once and no one should ever have to do it twice."
From that I thought it would be an interesting ride. A good story. But what I got, had me blown away. This is the first book I read by Amber Lacie, and if she writes all her books like she has written this one, then I need to get to them all, and soon.
I will never adequately be able to express how much I loved it. It has definitely taken a spot on my tops. I have already recommend it to my book club and my friends. I can't wait for others to experience this journey of love, hate, loss, heartache, healing, finding yourself, and surviving. So beautifully written.
~LYNZI~
If I could give this book 100 ☆'s I would. This one gutted me. It takes a lot for me to cry, but this one got me. I wasn't expecting for my heart to be slayed, nor was I expecting this book to be like this.
I can't really write a review like I normally do, because it would give to much away, and giving it away is not something I want to do. Just know this book is absolutely amazing. It has made my heart cry and sing all at once.
We go into it with Carsten writing a book about her life and her love. She states she wants to do it before her husband gets home. We get a glimpse that maybe her life wasn't easy, because she states "He didn't need to watch me fall apart all over again. He has already put me back together once and no one should ever have to do it twice."
From that I thought it would be an interesting ride. A good story. But what I got, had me blown away. This is the first book I read by Amber Lacie, and if she writes all her books like she has written this one, then I need to get to them all, and soon.
I will never adequately be able to express how much I loved it. It has definitely taken a spot on my tops. I have already recommend it to my book club and my friends. I can't wait for others to experience this journey of love, hate, loss, heartache, healing, finding yourself, and surviving. So beautifully written.
Read
January 20, 2021I'm going to DNF this book at 19% - no doubt....I think it could have ended up a fantastic story I probably would have enjoyed by the end. But you know how sometimes the mood is just not right for certain situations? Right now, I just can't.
This book up to 19% was parental abuse, guilt, abuse by the boyfriend, and more guilt. I have a hard time reading through all that when there isn't a great story behind it. I'm also impatient, I need forged connections. And Holden......why do you love her so much??? I needed more than a declaration. Why did anybody in this book love each other and go through all this crap....I just didn't feel all the connections to support the abuse. Also, when I was having my doubts, around 10%, I came and read some reviews and accidentally read a MAJOR spoiler - that ended up being a buzz kill!!! But most everyone ends up loving it!!!!
This book up to 19% was parental abuse, guilt, abuse by the boyfriend, and more guilt. I have a hard time reading through all that when there isn't a great story behind it. I'm also impatient, I need forged connections. And Holden......why do you love her so much??? I needed more than a declaration. Why did anybody in this book love each other and go through all this crap....I just didn't feel all the connections to support the abuse. Also, when I was having my doubts, around 10%, I came and read some reviews and accidentally read a MAJOR spoiler - that ended up being a buzz kill!!! But most everyone ends up loving it!!!!
April 6, 2025
Part of my 2025 year of friend recs
DNF at 17%
It's not bad it's just too triggering for me rn.
DNF at 17%
It's not bad it's just too triggering for me rn.
July 6, 2019
I don’t know where to begin other than I am spent!!! This book was turbulent and emotional. I loved every tearful moment! Read with a box of tissues. Once you pick this book up you won’t put it down!
December 30, 2017
"This book tore me up. It's been so long since I've cried so hard with a story that just reaches into my heart and squeezes then rips it out, stomps on it then slowly mends it back together. Seriously this book had it all for me. I went through every emotion possible and came out at the end so drained it took me days before I could even read another book.
Amber Lacie is an amazing writer and she knows how to put you through the ringer. If you're looking for a book that you will love for the rest of your life then this is the one.
"
Amber Lacie is an amazing writer and she knows how to put you through the ringer. If you're looking for a book that you will love for the rest of your life then this is the one.
"
December 4, 2018
I don’t know where to begin other than I am spent!!! This book was turbulent and emotional. I loved every tearful moment! Read with a box of tissues. Once you pick this book up you won’t put it down!
~A Bibliophile ❤️📚
~A Bibliophile ❤️📚
February 6, 2018
Alright so I saw that this book had a lot of 5 star reviews and that it was really heartbreaking. Perfect for me! Well, I’m beginning to think the jokes on me and somehow I’m not getting the same stories as everyone else. This is like the 3rd book in a row where everyone loved it but me. 😒 Not cool.
Holden is in love with his best friend, Carsten, but she has Michael. Carsten is ready to leave her small town and get away from everything that’s haunting her. Michael is her only way out but he’s not the Prince Charming every girl dreams of. No, he’s far from it and now Carsten is left wondering if she’s just made the biggest mistake of her life. Will Carsten realize everything she left behind is everything she really needs or will she forget about it all and continue to live in hell with Michael?
Holden has been in love with Carsten pretty much his whole life but she won’t admit that she feels more for him than just friendly feelings. Carsten is about to find out that the biggest mistake she’s made, is not following her heart and telling Holden she loved him a lot sooner.
Ok, I immediately felt a connection to Carsten. She’s from Indiana. I was born and raised there. She’d rather wear blue jeans and go four wheeling than dress up. Totally me. Her Mom died and she’s left to take care of her alcoholic Dad. My Mom died and my Dad was an alcoholic who I had to take care of for awhile. All is better now though! 😬 So I related to her on so many levels. I sympathized with her because I knew exactly how she was feeling.
I loved Carsten because I saw little pieces of myself in her but I also hated her. I was so mad at her because she knew what she was getting into before she left with Michael. But she’s so damn likable and I feel so incredibly bad for her because I understand why she did what she did.
Then there’s Holden who is pretty close to perfect. I liked him you guys. I really really did BUT I wish he wasn’t so, oh how do I say this...forward with his feelings towards Carsten. It almost came off as a little desperate to me.
Here I go again with the word filler but the majority of this story felt like a filler. There really wasn’t a point to anything. The first couple of chapters, yes there was a story but then it fell off for me because it was as if nothing was happening. It was just day to day stuff occurring that I wasn’t interested in reading about. I became bored.
Right when I got to 62% in and hadjust put an update on goodreads about how I wasn’t enjoying this....63% in happens and BAM out of nowhere comes the heartache. I’m reading along and all of a sudden everything changed in an instant. I was confused. I was shocked. I was upset. This can’t be real. Why did this happen?
I’ve been waiting for that big shocking moment to happen and then it did but it went too fast. It was like this happened & then that and it’s over. I felt like there was no time really to say goodbye. I was a little upset at that.
I also didn’t believe in the friendships that Carsten had. It didn’t feel real. The friendship between her and Rebecca seemed forced. When they would act silly together one was usually serious in it and it came off weird to me. Like lighten up, it’s a joke, why are you so angry.
I liked the idea of the story but I didn’t quite like how it was executed. Wasn’t terrible. I liked it but didn’t love it.
Holden is in love with his best friend, Carsten, but she has Michael. Carsten is ready to leave her small town and get away from everything that’s haunting her. Michael is her only way out but he’s not the Prince Charming every girl dreams of. No, he’s far from it and now Carsten is left wondering if she’s just made the biggest mistake of her life. Will Carsten realize everything she left behind is everything she really needs or will she forget about it all and continue to live in hell with Michael?
Holden has been in love with Carsten pretty much his whole life but she won’t admit that she feels more for him than just friendly feelings. Carsten is about to find out that the biggest mistake she’s made, is not following her heart and telling Holden she loved him a lot sooner.
Ok, I immediately felt a connection to Carsten. She’s from Indiana. I was born and raised there. She’d rather wear blue jeans and go four wheeling than dress up. Totally me. Her Mom died and she’s left to take care of her alcoholic Dad. My Mom died and my Dad was an alcoholic who I had to take care of for awhile. All is better now though! 😬 So I related to her on so many levels. I sympathized with her because I knew exactly how she was feeling.
I loved Carsten because I saw little pieces of myself in her but I also hated her. I was so mad at her because she knew what she was getting into before she left with Michael. But she’s so damn likable and I feel so incredibly bad for her because I understand why she did what she did.
Then there’s Holden who is pretty close to perfect. I liked him you guys. I really really did BUT I wish he wasn’t so, oh how do I say this...forward with his feelings towards Carsten. It almost came off as a little desperate to me.
Here I go again with the word filler but the majority of this story felt like a filler. There really wasn’t a point to anything. The first couple of chapters, yes there was a story but then it fell off for me because it was as if nothing was happening. It was just day to day stuff occurring that I wasn’t interested in reading about. I became bored.
Right when I got to 62% in and hadjust put an update on goodreads about how I wasn’t enjoying this....63% in happens and BAM out of nowhere comes the heartache. I’m reading along and all of a sudden everything changed in an instant. I was confused. I was shocked. I was upset. This can’t be real. Why did this happen?
I’ve been waiting for that big shocking moment to happen and then it did but it went too fast. It was like this happened & then that and it’s over. I felt like there was no time really to say goodbye. I was a little upset at that.
I also didn’t believe in the friendships that Carsten had. It didn’t feel real. The friendship between her and Rebecca seemed forced. When they would act silly together one was usually serious in it and it came off weird to me. Like lighten up, it’s a joke, why are you so angry.
I liked the idea of the story but I didn’t quite like how it was executed. Wasn’t terrible. I liked it but didn’t love it.
February 22, 2019
I liked this book, I did not love this book. Too cliche for me.
Carsten is with Michael, not a good guy. But Holden her BFF since 5 loves her too. One thing is not like the other. Holden is the perfect guy, where Michael is the opposite. He's just a dick. By the time Carsten figures it out, I'm already annoyed. I get that she is young and had a crappy life, but c'mon, have some self-respect. Say no. I couldn't relate to any of the characters or the situations - thankfully.
Finally, she leaves Michael and jumps to Holden. Things there are strained because he loves her, she loves him, but can't vocalize it. *SIGH* At this point I'm skimming. Again it takes a man, this time Holden to drag her to college, otherwise, she wouldn't do it. She has no thoughts of her own. A man must lead her to water to drink. Holden and Carsten start a relationship, things are going great, until they aren't - yes, at this point I even ugly cry, because I call bullshit.
This time Carsten has to stand on her own two feet, there isn't a man @ to tell her what to do. She struggles with everything but eventually lands on her feet. The last half of the book I enjoyed. Because it showed Carsten growing and changing and becoming independent. I was proud of her. She took leaps and grew.
Overall this was an ok book. The plot is very predictable, you could guess what was going to happen next. I thought maybe I read a different book than everyone else.
Carsten is with Michael, not a good guy. But Holden her BFF since 5 loves her too. One thing is not like the other. Holden is the perfect guy, where Michael is the opposite. He's just a dick. By the time Carsten figures it out, I'm already annoyed. I get that she is young and had a crappy life, but c'mon, have some self-respect. Say no. I couldn't relate to any of the characters or the situations - thankfully.
Finally, she leaves Michael and jumps to Holden. Things there are strained because he loves her, she loves him, but can't vocalize it. *SIGH* At this point I'm skimming. Again it takes a man, this time Holden to drag her to college, otherwise, she wouldn't do it. She has no thoughts of her own. A man must lead her to water to drink. Holden and Carsten start a relationship, things are going great, until they aren't - yes, at this point I even ugly cry, because I call bullshit.
This time Carsten has to stand on her own two feet, there isn't a man @ to tell her what to do. She struggles with everything but eventually lands on her feet. The last half of the book I enjoyed. Because it showed Carsten growing and changing and becoming independent. I was proud of her. She took leaps and grew.
Overall this was an ok book. The plot is very predictable, you could guess what was going to happen next. I thought maybe I read a different book than everyone else.
July 13, 2017
I really liked this story. It was an emotional read and has lots of things happen and it's a wild ride. Hurt, sorrow, regret, laughter, friendship and love. This book seems to have it all.
The story was one of moving forward and overcoming things that happen. Carsten was strong but at times she came across as weak. This was her story, so I'm not going to talk about other characters but I liked the direction that it too. It's not an easy book to read. There are triggers in this book but I feel that the ride was one of beauty and hope. I can't review this very well because of twists and things that happen. 4 stars #2OCCJD
The story was one of moving forward and overcoming things that happen. Carsten was strong but at times she came across as weak. This was her story, so I'm not going to talk about other characters but I liked the direction that it too. It's not an easy book to read. There are triggers in this book but I feel that the ride was one of beauty and hope. I can't review this very well because of twists and things that happen. 4 stars #2OCCJD
April 29, 2018
Beautifully written
Amber Lacie has written a beautiful tale of a good soul Carsten. Through her life, Carsten has lost a parent, found what she thought was her true love, and was abused. Holden, a childhood friend falls for Carsten at age 5 and never stops loving her. Life tragedies get in the way, and Carsten has to find a way to 'Breathe' to tolerate what life has dealt her.
Owen and Carsten meet at dinner get together. Sparks fly between the two, but is Carsten ready to give life a chance?
Have your tissues ready. I was truly touched by this read.
Amber Lacie has written a beautiful tale of a good soul Carsten. Through her life, Carsten has lost a parent, found what she thought was her true love, and was abused. Holden, a childhood friend falls for Carsten at age 5 and never stops loving her. Life tragedies get in the way, and Carsten has to find a way to 'Breathe' to tolerate what life has dealt her.
Owen and Carsten meet at dinner get together. Sparks fly between the two, but is Carsten ready to give life a chance?
Have your tissues ready. I was truly touched by this read.
September 8, 2025
This book is an entire journey of love, the toxic, the fated, and the unexpected. Carsten has made a terrible mistake, knowing so she reaches out for help from her childhood best friend. Unfortunately, her heart is shattered again. But her love story isn’t over and she’s able to breathe again🩵
Overall, I think this book was pretty good but there was a lot of plot. It could be seen as overwhelming at some points. I think it’s a book you have to read to the end to end up completely liking it. Which is ironic from readers because typically we want to dnf something we aren’t very interested in. That being said, I’m glad I held onto this one. It deserves to be read til the end.
Overall, I think this book was pretty good but there was a lot of plot. It could be seen as overwhelming at some points. I think it’s a book you have to read to the end to end up completely liking it. Which is ironic from readers because typically we want to dnf something we aren’t very interested in. That being said, I’m glad I held onto this one. It deserves to be read til the end.
August 30, 2024
I was in such a reading slump when I picked up this book I felt like I kept reading the same things over and over! Breathe did not disappoint, it was the first book in a long time that I didn’t want to put down. This book was so beautifully heartbreaking, and the characters felt very realistic.
I would highly recommend!
I would highly recommend!
December 18, 2018
It’s ok. I got you. You will fall head over heels for Holden.Carsden is trying to get out of the town where her mother died and her father is in continuous mourning.But,what price she will pay to leave everything and everyone behind?
Michael is her ticket out and he says that he will take care of her
Michael is her ticket out and he says that he will take care of her
December 17, 2018
You know it was good. Sad and sadder and drama Made me think a lot about someone!
I am glad I a read it. I like this author a lot and can’t wait to read more from her.
I am glad I a read it. I like this author a lot and can’t wait to read more from her.
Want to Read
October 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/14/2020)! 🎁
February 10, 2020
If you want a good cry, then this is the book for you.
November 14, 2016
Title: Breathe
Author: Amber Lacie
" You don't scare me. Bring it on"
" That's my girl." My breath stops for a second, my stomach twists into tiny summersaults.
Breathe. I can't remember the number of times that the simple word was repeated like a mantra and it's become one of the most used ones since the very first chapter. Amber Lacie has really done it this time - the number of times I've needed to stop and reflect on the pasage I had just read were so many that I didn't know what to make of it. Let me make it clear, the only reason these breaks were needed was from the overwhelming emotions that assaulted me. Breathe. The story of one woman's journey between the men that had the biggest impact in her life was just the type of novel to make every single man, woman and hopeful realize that love isn't always easy, pretty, or heck, without its bumps and bruises.
" Why can't you see him like I do? He's not good for you Carsten."
" And what way is that?"
"He doesn't look at you the way I do. Like this."
I've read more sexually explicit novels before picking up Amber Lacie's book, but just the story itself more than made up for it. Remember: Breathe. I can't tell you just how many times I picked up a new box of Kleenex or hid my face from everyone around me as the tears streamed down my face, but my best advice - invest. Invest your time in savouring Breathe. Invest in oodles of boxes of Kleenex because you'll need it as you follow Carsten's relationships and how she survived. Invest in your love - the love you had for your first true love and the love you feel for the unexpected man who came in your life when you thought you'd drown. But most of all, invest in living each emotion that rolls through your body and sould as you cry, laugh, love and hate every single character and situation.
" I got you." Everything is perfect with his arms around me.
Breathe. You'll remember how it feels to fall in love again, how to hate someone so much you'd wish he was in front of you to do something about it, but you'll also remember just how vital your soul mate is for your survival. So many times I've had to learn how to breathe again and I realized that Amber Lacie wrote a book that nails it like nobody's business and hits it out of the ball park. For all the books I've read so far, Breathe is the one that gave me the biggest soul wrenching chill, and one that I'll recommend and read over and over again.
" Why can't you see him like I do? He's not good for you Carsten."
" And what way is that?"
"I'ts more like we need each other. Without you my light goes out."
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Crazy Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
Author: Amber Lacie
" You don't scare me. Bring it on"
" That's my girl." My breath stops for a second, my stomach twists into tiny summersaults.
Breathe. I can't remember the number of times that the simple word was repeated like a mantra and it's become one of the most used ones since the very first chapter. Amber Lacie has really done it this time - the number of times I've needed to stop and reflect on the pasage I had just read were so many that I didn't know what to make of it. Let me make it clear, the only reason these breaks were needed was from the overwhelming emotions that assaulted me. Breathe. The story of one woman's journey between the men that had the biggest impact in her life was just the type of novel to make every single man, woman and hopeful realize that love isn't always easy, pretty, or heck, without its bumps and bruises.
" Why can't you see him like I do? He's not good for you Carsten."
" And what way is that?"
"He doesn't look at you the way I do. Like this."
I've read more sexually explicit novels before picking up Amber Lacie's book, but just the story itself more than made up for it. Remember: Breathe. I can't tell you just how many times I picked up a new box of Kleenex or hid my face from everyone around me as the tears streamed down my face, but my best advice - invest. Invest your time in savouring Breathe. Invest in oodles of boxes of Kleenex because you'll need it as you follow Carsten's relationships and how she survived. Invest in your love - the love you had for your first true love and the love you feel for the unexpected man who came in your life when you thought you'd drown. But most of all, invest in living each emotion that rolls through your body and sould as you cry, laugh, love and hate every single character and situation.
" I got you." Everything is perfect with his arms around me.
Breathe. You'll remember how it feels to fall in love again, how to hate someone so much you'd wish he was in front of you to do something about it, but you'll also remember just how vital your soul mate is for your survival. So many times I've had to learn how to breathe again and I realized that Amber Lacie wrote a book that nails it like nobody's business and hits it out of the ball park. For all the books I've read so far, Breathe is the one that gave me the biggest soul wrenching chill, and one that I'll recommend and read over and over again.
" Why can't you see him like I do? He's not good for you Carsten."
" And what way is that?"
"I'ts more like we need each other. Without you my light goes out."
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Crazy Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
June 10, 2019
My Review May Contain Spoilers!
This review is a tough one for me to write.
This book has it moments and its ups and downs. I honestly broke this book down into three parts. I wasnt emotionally invested in it until what I call the third part.
I totally wasnt a fan of the first part. The emotional and physical abuse that Michael puts Carsten through is truly heartbreaking, but the beginning felt repetitive. For me there was just too much filler, making Carstens abuse seem endless. Yes it went on for years, yes she endured it.
The second part for me was worse. I wasnt a fan of Holden. I understand and sympathize with him, but he just didnt draw me in. I was honestly happy that he died. I know that is a horrible thing to say, but to me he dodnt belong with Carsten in the long run. I felt he pushed her to be with him to hard. The pace of the story once he saves her from Michael was all over the place. I honestly has moments where I didnt know wth was happening, and it completely didnt make sense to me.
The third part, the part with Owen is the part that I liked most about this book. Owens ability to come into Carstens life and immediately bring out the woman she is supposed to be warmed my heart. His love for her, his wanting to make her laugh everyday, his protectiveness is just heartwarming. I wish there would have been more of Owen, and less of Holden.
This review is a tough one for me to write.
This book has it moments and its ups and downs. I honestly broke this book down into three parts. I wasnt emotionally invested in it until what I call the third part.
I totally wasnt a fan of the first part. The emotional and physical abuse that Michael puts Carsten through is truly heartbreaking, but the beginning felt repetitive. For me there was just too much filler, making Carstens abuse seem endless. Yes it went on for years, yes she endured it.
The second part for me was worse. I wasnt a fan of Holden. I understand and sympathize with him, but he just didnt draw me in. I was honestly happy that he died. I know that is a horrible thing to say, but to me he dodnt belong with Carsten in the long run. I felt he pushed her to be with him to hard. The pace of the story once he saves her from Michael was all over the place. I honestly has moments where I didnt know wth was happening, and it completely didnt make sense to me.
The third part, the part with Owen is the part that I liked most about this book. Owens ability to come into Carstens life and immediately bring out the woman she is supposed to be warmed my heart. His love for her, his wanting to make her laugh everyday, his protectiveness is just heartwarming. I wish there would have been more of Owen, and less of Holden.
December 15, 2016
I was unsure whether to rate this a 4 or a 5 like I'm unsure whether to love or hate this author and I think it's a bit of both. I am convinced Amber Is a sadist ...she made me cry, with her words Wah :'(
Ok joking aside I love this author she made me care so deeply for her characters.
Poor Carsten I just wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe and I couldn't
I'm surprised this isn't based on a true story, the realism of thought and emotion had me convinced that the author at the least has experienced some of what poor Carsten goes through.
I'm reluctant to put anything about the plot here because I went into this book not knowing anything apart from the name and I preferred that. After reading as much as I do you become cynical and I thought i had the plot Sussed and the author seemed to go out of her way to prove me wrong and threw curveball after curveball. The plot ensures you go on an emotional rollercoaster that you won't easily forget.
Onto the characters, who once again make this book come to life. Carsten is so realistic and so relatable that it's hard to think of her as a fictional character. I absolutely adore Holden and desperately want to kick Micheal .., very hard... in the shins ... and then run away.
Carsten is such a strong, amazing and beautifully flawed women that comes to life on the pages and makes sure you are invested in her story.
So with all this amazing points, why 4 stars you may ask. Well, the story isn't perfect, it does get ploddy in the middle and too mushy at parts for me personally. At points I was rolling my eyes screaming "something happen" and I guess in real life it isn't all action and gripping storylines but I was starting to get bored at parts. I understand why it was like that but it still felt slow to read at times. The transitions between recap of past (it jumps forward in time and recaps the missing time slots) and back to the present could have been smoother and felt like a car that suddenly speeds up to 100mph and then slams the brakes on so I did get a bit of whiplash at times which took a few pages to reorientate myself. Some phrases are overused, yes yes she can't say no to Holden ... I get it .. no seriously, I get it. This made those points sound more forced and disingenuous. Also the story could finish 3 chapters earlier than it did and by carrying it on it took away from the story overall and felt like the author was struggling to let go of the story.
Even with all these I still had to give this book 5 stars in the end because the range of emotions she managed to dredge from my cold black dying heart was impressive. I take my hat off to you Amber for writing a truly amazing story that I don't think I will ever forget...thank you
Ok joking aside I love this author she made me care so deeply for her characters.
Poor Carsten I just wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe and I couldn't
I'm surprised this isn't based on a true story, the realism of thought and emotion had me convinced that the author at the least has experienced some of what poor Carsten goes through.
I'm reluctant to put anything about the plot here because I went into this book not knowing anything apart from the name and I preferred that. After reading as much as I do you become cynical and I thought i had the plot Sussed and the author seemed to go out of her way to prove me wrong and threw curveball after curveball. The plot ensures you go on an emotional rollercoaster that you won't easily forget.
Onto the characters, who once again make this book come to life. Carsten is so realistic and so relatable that it's hard to think of her as a fictional character. I absolutely adore Holden and desperately want to kick Micheal .., very hard... in the shins ... and then run away.
Carsten is such a strong, amazing and beautifully flawed women that comes to life on the pages and makes sure you are invested in her story.
So with all this amazing points, why 4 stars you may ask. Well, the story isn't perfect, it does get ploddy in the middle and too mushy at parts for me personally. At points I was rolling my eyes screaming "something happen" and I guess in real life it isn't all action and gripping storylines but I was starting to get bored at parts. I understand why it was like that but it still felt slow to read at times. The transitions between recap of past (it jumps forward in time and recaps the missing time slots) and back to the present could have been smoother and felt like a car that suddenly speeds up to 100mph and then slams the brakes on so I did get a bit of whiplash at times which took a few pages to reorientate myself. Some phrases are overused, yes yes she can't say no to Holden ... I get it .. no seriously, I get it. This made those points sound more forced and disingenuous. Also the story could finish 3 chapters earlier than it did and by carrying it on it took away from the story overall and felt like the author was struggling to let go of the story.
Even with all these I still had to give this book 5 stars in the end because the range of emotions she managed to dredge from my cold black dying heart was impressive. I take my hat off to you Amber for writing a truly amazing story that I don't think I will ever forget...thank you
December 14, 2016
I was provided a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.
Wow just wow I cant breath I'm still drying my eyes out, I really don't know how to write this review without giving to much away but ill tried. This is the first book that I read from this author and let me just say that this book has me on an emotional roller coaster.
At the beginning of the book I was angry at the main character I kept thinking what the hell is she doing. But the more I read into it the more I end up loving it until I started crying like a baby but I love every single minute of it. Love the characters and love how the book turn out to be.
Carsten lost her mom when she was in high school after that her life started to change, then she met Michael who promise her the world and said all the right things. After her friends worn her about her boyfriend she just wouldn't listen so she decide to move in with him after graduation leaving behind Holden the boy that has love her since he was five. After one year later Carsten was not recognizing what her life has become to but the day that she finally decided to leave Michael her world turn up side down.
But than Holden show up to save her she knew that she was broken and she couldn't promise anything to him. But Holden took it one day at a time and told her and show her how much he love her no matter what, everything started to look good her dream of becoming an Arties and owning her own art gallery become real with Holden by her side. But fate had something different in mind for her and made her world turn up side down once again. Will she ever get to experience real love again or will she stay true to herself and art?
I really love and enjoy reading this book, love the way how Holden and Carsten where with each other and love it the love that they had for each other shine through every thing.
Author Amber Lacie THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome characters and this amazing book love it.
Wow just wow I cant breath I'm still drying my eyes out, I really don't know how to write this review without giving to much away but ill tried. This is the first book that I read from this author and let me just say that this book has me on an emotional roller coaster.
At the beginning of the book I was angry at the main character I kept thinking what the hell is she doing. But the more I read into it the more I end up loving it until I started crying like a baby but I love every single minute of it. Love the characters and love how the book turn out to be.
Carsten lost her mom when she was in high school after that her life started to change, then she met Michael who promise her the world and said all the right things. After her friends worn her about her boyfriend she just wouldn't listen so she decide to move in with him after graduation leaving behind Holden the boy that has love her since he was five. After one year later Carsten was not recognizing what her life has become to but the day that she finally decided to leave Michael her world turn up side down.
But than Holden show up to save her she knew that she was broken and she couldn't promise anything to him. But Holden took it one day at a time and told her and show her how much he love her no matter what, everything started to look good her dream of becoming an Arties and owning her own art gallery become real with Holden by her side. But fate had something different in mind for her and made her world turn up side down once again. Will she ever get to experience real love again or will she stay true to herself and art?
I really love and enjoy reading this book, love the way how Holden and Carsten where with each other and love it the love that they had for each other shine through every thing.
Author Amber Lacie THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome characters and this amazing book love it.
December 7, 2016
Contains Spoilers
This one slayed me! I love Ms. Lacie's writing so much! She pours so much into her characters that I forget they are fictional. Carsten is a beautiful soul that has so much happen to her In a short amount of time. She looses her mother while in high school, her father can't cope with his loss and gets lost in a bottle, and the boy she feels a connection with becomes very possessive. She stays with him way beyond what she should and I feel the emotions of why with every word that she writes.
Her childhood friends never give up on her and try to talk sense into her. Things have to go to the extreme before she does. Holden is the one to come and get her. Holden has loved her since they were 5. He never gives up hope that she'll come back to him.
They finally get to a point where they are ready to move on together and I knew it was coming but that didn't keep the tears away. Holden is such a beautiful soul and I was devastated.
Carsten finds the strength from somewhere to go on breathing. I love the way Holden comes back to her through her dreams or by a whiff of a scent. He never leaves her for very long.
She eventually meets a man who says the magic words to her and brings her back to being able to breathe again. She is lucky to have two great loves in her life.
Then Ms. Lacie does it again and devastates me all over again. Both times are foreshadowed in the beginning but it still hurts all the same. Would I read it again if someone told me how it all would end? Without a doubt, absolutely.
This one slayed me! I love Ms. Lacie's writing so much! She pours so much into her characters that I forget they are fictional. Carsten is a beautiful soul that has so much happen to her In a short amount of time. She looses her mother while in high school, her father can't cope with his loss and gets lost in a bottle, and the boy she feels a connection with becomes very possessive. She stays with him way beyond what she should and I feel the emotions of why with every word that she writes.
Her childhood friends never give up on her and try to talk sense into her. Things have to go to the extreme before she does. Holden is the one to come and get her. Holden has loved her since they were 5. He never gives up hope that she'll come back to him.
They finally get to a point where they are ready to move on together and I knew it was coming but that didn't keep the tears away. Holden is such a beautiful soul and I was devastated.
Carsten finds the strength from somewhere to go on breathing. I love the way Holden comes back to her through her dreams or by a whiff of a scent. He never leaves her for very long.
She eventually meets a man who says the magic words to her and brings her back to being able to breathe again. She is lucky to have two great loves in her life.
Then Ms. Lacie does it again and devastates me all over again. Both times are foreshadowed in the beginning but it still hurts all the same. Would I read it again if someone told me how it all would end? Without a doubt, absolutely.
July 12, 2019
A Soulfully Deep Read
Some stories touch you so deeply in a way that will stick with you for a very long time. It may be the fact that the author that wrote it put their own emotions into it, or it may be that they wrote it where the characters emotions seep into your soul.
BREATHE is a raw and poignant tale filled with so much heartache, beauty, pain and lots of love. It's a story that may not be relatable to everyone, but anyone that reads it will feel each and every emotion that pours out from between these pages.
Carsten's story has touched me deeply. The emotions from her pain was so real and raw, and very much felt. I was hooked and addicted as I flipped the pages, sucked into her life, living it with her. After it ended, I truely understood why it's called BREATHE. I took a deep cleansing breath for the first time in hours.
Amber Laci's work is simply phenomenal. The tears, the feels, the raw emotions I felt while reading this book proves that this author has incredible talent.
I have to thank my friend for making me read this book. Because like her, it's now a new favorite, and I'll be shouting about it from the rooftops and back just so other readers can experience what I did. They need to feel Carsten's journey too.
Some stories touch you so deeply in a way that will stick with you for a very long time. It may be the fact that the author that wrote it put their own emotions into it, or it may be that they wrote it where the characters emotions seep into your soul.
BREATHE is a raw and poignant tale filled with so much heartache, beauty, pain and lots of love. It's a story that may not be relatable to everyone, but anyone that reads it will feel each and every emotion that pours out from between these pages.
Carsten's story has touched me deeply. The emotions from her pain was so real and raw, and very much felt. I was hooked and addicted as I flipped the pages, sucked into her life, living it with her. After it ended, I truely understood why it's called BREATHE. I took a deep cleansing breath for the first time in hours.
Amber Laci's work is simply phenomenal. The tears, the feels, the raw emotions I felt while reading this book proves that this author has incredible talent.
I have to thank my friend for making me read this book. Because like her, it's now a new favorite, and I'll be shouting about it from the rooftops and back just so other readers can experience what I did. They need to feel Carsten's journey too.
December 13, 2016
Wow! This one has me crying as I am writing this. I love this authors writing as she pulls you in with these amazing characters that capture your heart and soul. This is a beautifully written & developed novel with no plot holes. This book will have you on an emotional roller-coaster ride so get your tissues ready. We meet Carsten who is a beautiful young women who has had her heart broken, mended, shattered again, then broken into pieces & put back together. As with all of this authors novels there are some twist and turns that you won't see coming. I was captivated right from the beginning till the end. I highly recommend reading book as its is remarkable & totally worth the read as all of this authors books are as I am a huge fan of this author. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reading copy of this book.
February 6, 2017
I loved this story ! It's raw and intense and packed with emotion. A young woman makes poor decisions, consequences ensue, life is good and bad and good again...I won't spoil anything for anyone and other readers left beautiful reviews about the impact of the story line and love of the characters. I agree with every 5 star review on the beauty of this story.
So, it's sound like I'm qualifying something here...I am. I have one complaint and I only point it out because for me this affects the readability of the story. There just weren't any contractions:
no I've, no I'm, no I'll, no he's, no it's, etc. It made it feel clunky and the dialogue wooden. Not all, but some, just enough that it stood out
I do recommend this read. It is angsty and maddening and I loved the way my heart pounded out of control, anticipating heartbreak and the joy of recognizing and falling in love.
So, it's sound like I'm qualifying something here...I am. I have one complaint and I only point it out because for me this affects the readability of the story. There just weren't any contractions:
no I've, no I'm, no I'll, no he's, no it's, etc. It made it feel clunky and the dialogue wooden. Not all, but some, just enough that it stood out
I do recommend this read. It is angsty and maddening and I loved the way my heart pounded out of control, anticipating heartbreak and the joy of recognizing and falling in love.
February 20, 2017
Personally I had a really hard time reading this story. The writing style was good, very few editing errors. It just didn't grab my interest. The characters were unlikable for me. Carsten was so fragile, she NEEDED a man in order to live, I didn't like that. The thing with Micheal was hard, I understand how that could effect someone. However, Holden, I didn't like him....... at all. He was borderline creepy stalker =/ Owen however was amazing. He put the pieces back together and made her want to help herself. He didn't try to cover it up or hide the issue, he helped her fix it. Self confidence is a bugger, I loved Owen for what he did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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