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Hansons of St. Helena #2
Breathe
For those of us not ready to give up on fairy tales…
Beth Walker moved to Santa Christa to build a new happily-ever-after and do it all on her own. After having her castle pulled out from under her by her cheating ex-husband, she’s more than wary of anyone else coming into her life. But when she finds herself with a severely sprained ankle and storm clouds on the horizon, it might just be time to accept the help of a knight in shining armor.
Drew Barnes might look like Prince Charming, but he’s better suited to slaying the dragons of Beth’s past. After coming to Beth’s rescue, Drew doesn’t know why Beth went from hot to cold. Even worse, he doesn’t know why he can’t stop thinking about her. But when a chance encounter brings them back together, the more he comes to learn about her past, and the more he realizes he has to prove.
It’s hard for Beth to see past the man who broke her heart. But Drew knows that if she’d only just take the chance, then he’s the one who can heal her.
What people are saying about the Lakeside Vines series...
"It was a beautiful little one-bite story. The simmering tension of their years-long, seemingly unrequited crushes had me breathless. Their love shimmers off the pages!”—USA Today Bestselling Author, Christi Barth
Beth Walker moved to Santa Christa to build a new happily-ever-after and do it all on her own. After having her castle pulled out from under her by her cheating ex-husband, she’s more than wary of anyone else coming into her life. But when she finds herself with a severely sprained ankle and storm clouds on the horizon, it might just be time to accept the help of a knight in shining armor.
Drew Barnes might look like Prince Charming, but he’s better suited to slaying the dragons of Beth’s past. After coming to Beth’s rescue, Drew doesn’t know why Beth went from hot to cold. Even worse, he doesn’t know why he can’t stop thinking about her. But when a chance encounter brings them back together, the more he comes to learn about her past, and the more he realizes he has to prove.
It’s hard for Beth to see past the man who broke her heart. But Drew knows that if she’d only just take the chance, then he’s the one who can heal her.
What people are saying about the Lakeside Vines series...
"It was a beautiful little one-bite story. The simmering tension of their years-long, seemingly unrequited crushes had me breathless. Their love shimmers off the pages!”—USA Today Bestselling Author, Christi Barth
- GenresContemporary
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2017
About the author
Jen Doyle
11 books434 followersA big believer in happily ever afters, Jen Doyle decided it was high time she started creating some. Jen is a member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as a member of the New England Chapter, New Jersey Romance Writers and Music City Romance Writer chapters of RWA. She is represented by Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency.
She has an M.S. in Library and Information Science and, in addition to her work as a librarian, has worked as a conference and events planner as well as a Communications and Enrollment administrator in both preschool and higher education environments (although some might say that there is very little difference between the two; Jen has no comment regarding whether she is one of the "some").
Her first book, CALLING IT, was published by Carina Press in April 2016. It was the winner of The Beacon, the Finish the Damn Book, and the Melody of Love 2014 contests in the Contemporary Romance category, and was also the Contemporary Romance winner as well as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2014 Gateway to the Best contest. Book #2, CALLED UP, will be published on August 29, 2016.
She has an M.S. in Library and Information Science and, in addition to her work as a librarian, has worked as a conference and events planner as well as a Communications and Enrollment administrator in both preschool and higher education environments (although some might say that there is very little difference between the two; Jen has no comment regarding whether she is one of the "some").
Her first book, CALLING IT, was published by Carina Press in April 2016. It was the winner of The Beacon, the Finish the Damn Book, and the Melody of Love 2014 contests in the Contemporary Romance category, and was also the Contemporary Romance winner as well as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2014 Gateway to the Best contest. Book #2, CALLED UP, will be published on August 29, 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 22, 2019
I always love it when a couple meets in an unusual way and that’s the case in Breathe by Jen Doyle. A hiking accident pairs a 39 year old woman whose life has been turned upside down by a divorce with a 35 year old man who just happens to have the same profession as her ex-husband leading her to dismiss him quickly, but circumstances has them seeing each other again leading to a one night stand they both can’t forget.
This story contains two troupes I adore; a couple over the age of 35 and a one night stand that becomes more and I thoroughly enjoyed though at times the heroine, Beth, drove me a wee bit crazy. I did cut Beth some slack as she’d had her life ripped completely apart by her ex-husband and was working three jobs in a new town just to keep her head above water. It was hard not to like Drew despite his playboy tendencies, he seemed like an upstanding guy who had overcome a great deal to get to where he was in life.
Drew worms his way into Beth’s orbit just because he wants to be around her which leads to them spending a very hot night together, but afterwards she’s kind of a mess mainly because she likes him more than she wants to which leads her to having a bit of a freak-out. Drew doesn’t quite understand why Beth can’t see he is nothing like her ex (and to be honest neither can I) and while he wants to spend more time with her, he knows it is up to her to figure it out.
I was a tad disappointed we didn’t get more time with these two together as a couple, I felt a bit cheated in that respect. While Breathe was entertaining and sexy, I needed an epilogue (or another 5 chapters) to see where they are in their relationship a bit down the road as the story felt unfinished.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
This story contains two troupes I adore; a couple over the age of 35 and a one night stand that becomes more and I thoroughly enjoyed though at times the heroine, Beth, drove me a wee bit crazy. I did cut Beth some slack as she’d had her life ripped completely apart by her ex-husband and was working three jobs in a new town just to keep her head above water. It was hard not to like Drew despite his playboy tendencies, he seemed like an upstanding guy who had overcome a great deal to get to where he was in life.
Drew worms his way into Beth’s orbit just because he wants to be around her which leads to them spending a very hot night together, but afterwards she’s kind of a mess mainly because she likes him more than she wants to which leads her to having a bit of a freak-out. Drew doesn’t quite understand why Beth can’t see he is nothing like her ex (and to be honest neither can I) and while he wants to spend more time with her, he knows it is up to her to figure it out.
I was a tad disappointed we didn’t get more time with these two together as a couple, I felt a bit cheated in that respect. While Breathe was entertaining and sexy, I needed an epilogue (or another 5 chapters) to see where they are in their relationship a bit down the road as the story felt unfinished.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
October 25, 2019
Kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
DNF’d at 27% it had nothing to do with the story. A small personal preference. I’m not a big fan of the older woman, younger man trope. Even though the age gap was only 5 years. Like I mentioned. Not a fan. The writing seemed nice and it was basically a novella. Unfortunately because of my preferences I dropped it.
DNF’d at 27% it had nothing to do with the story. A small personal preference. I’m not a big fan of the older woman, younger man trope. Even though the age gap was only 5 years. Like I mentioned. Not a fan. The writing seemed nice and it was basically a novella. Unfortunately because of my preferences I dropped it.
November 13, 2019
Breathe by Jen Doyle is book two in her Hansons of St. Helena series.
This is an updated version of the novella published in April 2017 of the same name.
Beth Walker is a forty-three year old divorcée. She’s bitter about the way her ex treated her during the divorce and has developed a dislike of lawyers, so of course her rescuer when she falls and injures her ankle would be a lawyer. Drew Barnes is a sexy lawyer with a “love them and leave them” attitude, so he doesn’t know what to do when he finds thoughts of Beth interrupting every aspect of his life. Both are plagued by the question of what to do.
Breathe is a short, easy, humorous read. I enjoyed the romance but felt the ending was too abrupt. I rate this story 3 out 5 stars and recommend it to anyone looking for an easy read romance.
My thanks to INscribe Digital and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
This is an updated version of the novella published in April 2017 of the same name.
Beth Walker is a forty-three year old divorcée. She’s bitter about the way her ex treated her during the divorce and has developed a dislike of lawyers, so of course her rescuer when she falls and injures her ankle would be a lawyer. Drew Barnes is a sexy lawyer with a “love them and leave them” attitude, so he doesn’t know what to do when he finds thoughts of Beth interrupting every aspect of his life. Both are plagued by the question of what to do.
Breathe is a short, easy, humorous read. I enjoyed the romance but felt the ending was too abrupt. I rate this story 3 out 5 stars and recommend it to anyone looking for an easy read romance.
My thanks to INscribe Digital and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
November 11, 2019
Breath by Jen Doyle is the 2nd book in the Hansons of St. Helena series, and my first book by this author. Beth Walker moved to Santa Christa to start over, and get away from her ex-husband. While hiking, she takes a wrong step and sprains her ankle. With a storm coming, she starts to panic, when strong arms pick her up and carry her to safety. The strong arms belong to Drew Barns, and sparks fly when they meet. After Beth finds out Drew is an attorney like her ex-husband, she wants nothing to do with him. This book is a cute romantic comedy that I really enjoyed. I recommend this book for a romantic fun escape.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
October 16, 2017
Beth needs a change and St. Helena is the place where she hopes to be happy again. When during a walk she twists her ankle Drew comes to her rescue. They seem to be getting along, but after telling Beth who he is and what he does she suddenly gives him the cold shoulder. Why is Beth treating him this way and will she eventually be willing to give him a chance?
Beth has been hurt very much in the past and my heart ached for what she had to go through. Drew has a reputation, he's supposed to be the town's bad boy, but he's tried hard to do good work and make a name for himself. Beth and Drew are incredibly sweet together. Beth wants to stay away from him at first, but that isn't a good decision at all. They show each other their vulnerabilities, but the past keeps getting in their way. I kept hoping Drew would be able to break down Beth's walls, they're such a good match and they both deserve a chance at happiness after everything that happened to them.
Breathe is a wonderful romantic story. I loved the connection between Beth and Drew and liked the way Jen Doyle describes their emotions a lot. The story isn't long, but it still has a good amount of depth. The setting is stunning and it was fun to read about the St. Helena Vineyards again. It's a fabulous place for stories about true love. Breathe is an amazing story and I really enjoyed reading it.
Beth has been hurt very much in the past and my heart ached for what she had to go through. Drew has a reputation, he's supposed to be the town's bad boy, but he's tried hard to do good work and make a name for himself. Beth and Drew are incredibly sweet together. Beth wants to stay away from him at first, but that isn't a good decision at all. They show each other their vulnerabilities, but the past keeps getting in their way. I kept hoping Drew would be able to break down Beth's walls, they're such a good match and they both deserve a chance at happiness after everything that happened to them.
Breathe is a wonderful romantic story. I loved the connection between Beth and Drew and liked the way Jen Doyle describes their emotions a lot. The story isn't long, but it still has a good amount of depth. The setting is stunning and it was fun to read about the St. Helena Vineyards again. It's a fabulous place for stories about true love. Breathe is an amazing story and I really enjoyed reading it.
April 1, 2020
Beth Walker moved to Santa Christa to build a new happily-ever-after and do it all on her own. After having her castle pulled out from under her by her cheating ex-husband, she’s more than wary of anyone else coming into her life. But when she finds herself with a severely sprained ankle and storm clouds on the horizon, it might just be time to accept the help of a knight in shining armor. Drew Barnes might look like Prince Charming, but he’s better suited to slaying the dragons of Beth’s past. After coming to Beth’s rescue, Drew doesn’t know why Beth went from hot to cold. Even worse, he doesn’t know why he can’t stop thinking about her. But when a chance encounter brings them back together, the more he comes to learn about her past, and the more he realizes he has to prove.
This was a quick read. I liked it for the most part. Since Beth is in the same age range as me, I was totally on board for the older woman, younger man trope! My only issue was the abrupt ending, but then again with many short stories and novellas things tend to get left off. I look forward to reading a full book from this author. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This was a quick read. I liked it for the most part. Since Beth is in the same age range as me, I was totally on board for the older woman, younger man trope! My only issue was the abrupt ending, but then again with many short stories and novellas things tend to get left off. I look forward to reading a full book from this author. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
November 23, 2019
With her characteristic wickedly smart, and often with laugh out loud humor, Jen Doyle has created another story rife with sexual tension that takes your breath taken away (no pun intended) with the complexity of emotions that the story brings out.
BREATH is the second novella in the Lakeside Vines series, its length just long enough to capture your heart and fall in love with its characters. Ms Doyle has the unique ability to create such diversely dimensional characters in who you find that they could easily live outside the pages in the story. She does so consistently in each of her stories...thus keeping at the top of my “go to” authors’ list.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
BREATH is the second novella in the Lakeside Vines series, its length just long enough to capture your heart and fall in love with its characters. Ms Doyle has the unique ability to create such diversely dimensional characters in who you find that they could easily live outside the pages in the story. She does so consistently in each of her stories...thus keeping at the top of my “go to” authors’ list.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
November 26, 2017
Beth and Drew
Badly burned by her ex husband, Beth moved to St. Helena to start over. She's not interested in a relationship, especially with a good looking lawyer. She does everything to avoid Drew but he just won't give up.
Drew is amazing! He faces everyone of Beth's fears and tries to ease them. I just wish this book had been longer! I want more Drew!!
Badly burned by her ex husband, Beth moved to St. Helena to start over. She's not interested in a relationship, especially with a good looking lawyer. She does everything to avoid Drew but he just won't give up.
Drew is amazing! He faces everyone of Beth's fears and tries to ease them. I just wish this book had been longer! I want more Drew!!
October 27, 2019
3.5 stars
I’m mostly giving it this rating since I felt the author got sick of writing and just ended the story. What happens next??? There should be at least one more chapter or maybe a epilogue. But nope - not this story.
The story itself was promising. I loved Drew. He was a great character. Beth was just okay to me.
Overall a decent story.
I’m mostly giving it this rating since I felt the author got sick of writing and just ended the story. What happens next??? There should be at least one more chapter or maybe a epilogue. But nope - not this story.
The story itself was promising. I loved Drew. He was a great character. Beth was just okay to me.
Overall a decent story.
August 19, 2020
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a cute little read. I appreciate Doyle's effort to make us connect to Beth and Drew and her willingness to explore their tough histories. That said, it's a very quick read. A perfect little taste of romance.
This was a cute little read. I appreciate Doyle's effort to make us connect to Beth and Drew and her willingness to explore their tough histories. That said, it's a very quick read. A perfect little taste of romance.
October 28, 2019
A great short read.
Looking forward to more from this author..
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
Looking forward to more from this author..
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
October 29, 2019
No! no! No! I’m not ready for it to end! Please tell me there’s going to be an epilogue book! Swooney hero and a heroine who deserves one! Looking forward to the next one.
November 13, 2019
ARC courtesy of Netgalley
2.5
I was looking forward to a romance with older characters, and because I love Jen Doyle's full-length baseball romances, I thought I'd be jazzed by this story. And, plus, a woman with an English PhD?? And a quilter, to boot?? Sign me up!
But I didn't realize when I requested Breathe from Netgalley that it was 1) a reissue of a previously published title; 2) part of someone else's Kindle Worlds universe, not Jen Doyle's creation; and 3) a novella. The first isn't a big stumbling block, but the 2nd & 3rd proved to be so, at least for me.
Forty-three year-old white Beth Walker is struggling after her ex manipulated her into a financially unfair divorce settlement, one that took everything that she'd worked for as a stay-at-home wife away from her. Now working three jobs in a new town just to make ends meet, Beth is taking time-out from her stressful life by hiking a local mountain trail when she tumbles and hurts her ankle. To the rescue comes local lawyer Drew Barnes (thirty-eight, white), who is tempted by the idea of getting to know his damsel-in-distress better. But because Beth has a major antipathy toward lawyers (see bad divorce/ex above), she refuses all his advances. After he signs up to take the 4-week quilting class she is teaching at the local community college, though, Beth decides its time to try sex with someone else besides her husband. Burning up the sheets with Drew frightens Beth, and she pulls away. But Drew, who has had to overcome some adversity of his own, doesn't give up without a fight...
The first section of the story feels really rushed; it's mostly Beth telling how horrid her ex was (which made this reader wonder why she married the guy in the first place, if he was such a jerk). Without having the space to show Drew initially winning Beth over through his charm, or to show Beth being more than a downtrodden worrier, Beth's about-face feels abrupt and confusing. After their initial sexual encounter, the story slows down a bit, giving both characters a bit more space to unpack how their pasts have led them to this point, and to one another.
The gender politics of this Kindle World are pretty conservative, at least based on this one novella—Beth comes across as an inept damsel in need of saving at the story's beginning, while we get endless comments about how surprising/amazing ex-football player Drew is for taking a quilting class (which is, you know, for GIRLS) later in the novel. Drew also does a bit more grabbing of Beth's arms/wrists to stop her from leaving than I was comfortable with. Beth's "should I/shouldn't I" over sex dithering feels very old fashioned to me, too.
I think it's clear that I am not the target audience for this series...
2.5
I was looking forward to a romance with older characters, and because I love Jen Doyle's full-length baseball romances, I thought I'd be jazzed by this story. And, plus, a woman with an English PhD?? And a quilter, to boot?? Sign me up!
But I didn't realize when I requested Breathe from Netgalley that it was 1) a reissue of a previously published title; 2) part of someone else's Kindle Worlds universe, not Jen Doyle's creation; and 3) a novella. The first isn't a big stumbling block, but the 2nd & 3rd proved to be so, at least for me.
Forty-three year-old white Beth Walker is struggling after her ex manipulated her into a financially unfair divorce settlement, one that took everything that she'd worked for as a stay-at-home wife away from her. Now working three jobs in a new town just to make ends meet, Beth is taking time-out from her stressful life by hiking a local mountain trail when she tumbles and hurts her ankle. To the rescue comes local lawyer Drew Barnes (thirty-eight, white), who is tempted by the idea of getting to know his damsel-in-distress better. But because Beth has a major antipathy toward lawyers (see bad divorce/ex above), she refuses all his advances. After he signs up to take the 4-week quilting class she is teaching at the local community college, though, Beth decides its time to try sex with someone else besides her husband. Burning up the sheets with Drew frightens Beth, and she pulls away. But Drew, who has had to overcome some adversity of his own, doesn't give up without a fight...
The first section of the story feels really rushed; it's mostly Beth telling how horrid her ex was (which made this reader wonder why she married the guy in the first place, if he was such a jerk). Without having the space to show Drew initially winning Beth over through his charm, or to show Beth being more than a downtrodden worrier, Beth's about-face feels abrupt and confusing. After their initial sexual encounter, the story slows down a bit, giving both characters a bit more space to unpack how their pasts have led them to this point, and to one another.
The gender politics of this Kindle World are pretty conservative, at least based on this one novella—Beth comes across as an inept damsel in need of saving at the story's beginning, while we get endless comments about how surprising/amazing ex-football player Drew is for taking a quilting class (which is, you know, for GIRLS) later in the novel. Drew also does a bit more grabbing of Beth's arms/wrists to stop her from leaving than I was comfortable with. Beth's "should I/shouldn't I" over sex dithering feels very old fashioned to me, too.
I think it's clear that I am not the target audience for this series...
November 30, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
BREATHE is a short romance, novella length, that is full of emotions and life changes badly needed by both our hero and heroine. Beth has been done real dirty and completely unfairly by her ex-husband, the lawyer who made certain to not only financially humiliate her but to also leave her trust for any man, especially lawyers, as nonexistent as it’s possible to be. So who comes to her rescue after a hiking accident right before a storm hits? Yep, one handsome devil of a lawyer with his own commitment issues about women. Life gets messy when you’re attracted to the last possible person you think you should be – or when they get under your skin and make you feel things you never thought you could again.
I enjoyed BREATHE. It’s an updated version of a title that originally came out in 2017. There were moments when I really wanted to set both Drew and Beth down for a very stern talking to – there was a frustration level with this couple on my side of the page. Watching them work through the issues standing in their way was entertaining, emotional and in the end, satisfying.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
BREATHE is a short romance, novella length, that is full of emotions and life changes badly needed by both our hero and heroine. Beth has been done real dirty and completely unfairly by her ex-husband, the lawyer who made certain to not only financially humiliate her but to also leave her trust for any man, especially lawyers, as nonexistent as it’s possible to be. So who comes to her rescue after a hiking accident right before a storm hits? Yep, one handsome devil of a lawyer with his own commitment issues about women. Life gets messy when you’re attracted to the last possible person you think you should be – or when they get under your skin and make you feel things you never thought you could again.
I enjoyed BREATHE. It’s an updated version of a title that originally came out in 2017. There were moments when I really wanted to set both Drew and Beth down for a very stern talking to – there was a frustration level with this couple on my side of the page. Watching them work through the issues standing in their way was entertaining, emotional and in the end, satisfying.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
November 2, 2019
4 1/2 Stars!
To get away from her cheating ex-husband, Beth moves to a small town where nobody knows her and she can start over. The only problem is she misses her old home and garden because now she has to work 3 jobs to make ends meat. Her ex was a lawyer and he made sure she got as little as possible in the divorce. And then she meets Drew and he turns her life upside down. But she can't have feelings for him, because he's a lawyer ... just like her ex. Drew only does one-night stands but he sure finds the hot red-head he rescues on the hiking trail interesting. Now all he has to do is convince her that he's nothing like her ex.
This is a quick, funny, steamy romance! I just loved Beth ... how she would go into her head and forget what she's doing and end up in trouble. Then there's Drew ... he had no idea what Beth was doing to his life, he just knew he wanted her. There was only one thing wrong with this book ... it was too short! I really enjoyed the banter between the characters. A quick read that shouldn't be missed.
I received an early copy courtesy of INscribe Digital through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
To get away from her cheating ex-husband, Beth moves to a small town where nobody knows her and she can start over. The only problem is she misses her old home and garden because now she has to work 3 jobs to make ends meat. Her ex was a lawyer and he made sure she got as little as possible in the divorce. And then she meets Drew and he turns her life upside down. But she can't have feelings for him, because he's a lawyer ... just like her ex. Drew only does one-night stands but he sure finds the hot red-head he rescues on the hiking trail interesting. Now all he has to do is convince her that he's nothing like her ex.
This is a quick, funny, steamy romance! I just loved Beth ... how she would go into her head and forget what she's doing and end up in trouble. Then there's Drew ... he had no idea what Beth was doing to his life, he just knew he wanted her. There was only one thing wrong with this book ... it was too short! I really enjoyed the banter between the characters. A quick read that shouldn't be missed.
I received an early copy courtesy of INscribe Digital through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
November 22, 2019
So, I’m a big fan of Jen Doyle’s writing. And I’m a fan of novella length stories, as well. While I liked Beth, loved Drew and was really into their story, the ending was a bit abrupt. In fact, I deleted them downloaded the file again, thinking there was a glitch in my ebook! Nope!
As a woman over 40, I appreciated the fact that our couple weren’t 20-somethings. Not that I don’t read a gamut of romance books about couples of all ages, but sometimes it’s harder to find a more mature (age-wise) couple. That was a plus for me. Beth was a bit of a whiner, past the normal whining of a woman who was blindsided by divorce. Drew made the match more interesting for me.
Overall, I’d give this book a 3.5 star. The dialogue, storytelling and basic premise were top notch. While I recommend this quick read, I would also recommend Doyle’s baseball series, starting with Calling It...full length with a bit more “meat” to the story.
As a woman over 40, I appreciated the fact that our couple weren’t 20-somethings. Not that I don’t read a gamut of romance books about couples of all ages, but sometimes it’s harder to find a more mature (age-wise) couple. That was a plus for me. Beth was a bit of a whiner, past the normal whining of a woman who was blindsided by divorce. Drew made the match more interesting for me.
Overall, I’d give this book a 3.5 star. The dialogue, storytelling and basic premise were top notch. While I recommend this quick read, I would also recommend Doyle’s baseball series, starting with Calling It...full length with a bit more “meat” to the story.
November 26, 2019
Breathe is a book that I really did enjoy reading. I loved the fact that our leading characters met in a very unique way and I really enjoyed Beth as our leading lady.
I ended up giving this book a 3 star instead of a 4 star just because there were bit of the story that became too much for me. Some moments that our couple shared were just a little too unrealistic and Beth's counting was something that over the course of the story got a bit tiresome.
Overall, this was a story that was quick and fun to read.
I ended up giving this book a 3 star instead of a 4 star just because there were bit of the story that became too much for me. Some moments that our couple shared were just a little too unrealistic and Beth's counting was something that over the course of the story got a bit tiresome.
Overall, this was a story that was quick and fun to read.
April 23, 2020
Juste Breathe
Oh my goodness..Beth's whole life changed when her she found out about her husband and all his cheating...She did not trust..Drew happened upon this muddy'd women yelling and screaming..he wanted to help her and leave but she drew him in....
He proves that he isn't like her ex..he cares and proves it in every way..
Beth must remind herself to breathe....and to take another chance!
Oh my goodness..Beth's whole life changed when her she found out about her husband and all his cheating...She did not trust..Drew happened upon this muddy'd women yelling and screaming..he wanted to help her and leave but she drew him in....
He proves that he isn't like her ex..he cares and proves it in every way..
Beth must remind herself to breathe....and to take another chance!
October 30, 2019
Could you fall for a lawyer when your ex (a lawyer) screwed you over? Beth thinks not. Drew however is a master arguer, and makes it impossible for Beth to stay away. Sweet, sexy novella.
April 14, 2017
Technical stuff: Breathe by Jennifer Doyle is her second in the St. Helena Vineyard Kindle Worlds. While Drew does appear in Crush, her first (and extremely excellent) novella in this world, this one completely stands alone and you do not have to read that one to enjoy this one. This novella does have both on-screen sex scenes, and cursing. The cover for this novella is absolutely gorgeous and fits this story perfectly. The title also fits the book perfectly, and I found myself smiling when I realized just why it was titled Breathe.
I SO enjoyed this story. It takes real writing talent to pen a novella and make it read like a full length novel, but Ms. Doyle makes it look so easy. The story is not only great, but the pace of this book is spot on. Oftentimes novellas feel rushed or jumbled in the attempt to make everything that needs to happen do so on a shorter word count, but that didn't happen here at all. The story flowed beautifully from start to finish. There was also a quality to the character development in this story that is often missing in novellas. Both Drew and Beth have interesting back stories which we got to know - something that I very much appreciate. As I read, I had a good sense of why these two felt the way that they felt, and found that I really liked both characters. I was definitely rooting for them to get their happily ever after!
Beth and Drew's meet cute was adorable, especially since it didn't result in an insta-love situation, but lead to an unorthodox “courtship” of sorts. I am trying to be very vague here so as not to spoil the story, but I absolutely LOVED the situation that lead to them getting to know each other a little more. I laughed at “Penny” and found myself wishing that the book was longer not because things were missing from the story, but because I would happily have read a full-length book that included scenes at night school. *slight spoiler to end of paragraph* I will also admit that even as I felt bad for her, I chuckled at poor Beth's reaction to her decisions following their (smoking hot) night together. Beth was such a hot mess that I couldn't help but identify with her, and that made me adore her as a character.
And of course, because this is set in St. Helena, there were cameos from a couple of beloved St. Helena residents who added to, but did not overwhelm, the story. Again, this shines a light on Ms. Doyle's writing ability.
I would highly recommend Breathe to anyone who has read and enjoyed the original St. Helena books, but also to anyone who just enjoys a good (and hot) story about two people who don't want to fall in love but are completely helpless to stop it. Do not let the length of this story scare you off because it is a wonderful read.
I SO enjoyed this story. It takes real writing talent to pen a novella and make it read like a full length novel, but Ms. Doyle makes it look so easy. The story is not only great, but the pace of this book is spot on. Oftentimes novellas feel rushed or jumbled in the attempt to make everything that needs to happen do so on a shorter word count, but that didn't happen here at all. The story flowed beautifully from start to finish. There was also a quality to the character development in this story that is often missing in novellas. Both Drew and Beth have interesting back stories which we got to know - something that I very much appreciate. As I read, I had a good sense of why these two felt the way that they felt, and found that I really liked both characters. I was definitely rooting for them to get their happily ever after!
Beth and Drew's meet cute was adorable, especially since it didn't result in an insta-love situation, but lead to an unorthodox “courtship” of sorts. I am trying to be very vague here so as not to spoil the story, but I absolutely LOVED the situation that lead to them getting to know each other a little more. I laughed at “Penny” and found myself wishing that the book was longer not because things were missing from the story, but because I would happily have read a full-length book that included scenes at night school. *slight spoiler to end of paragraph* I will also admit that even as I felt bad for her, I chuckled at poor Beth's reaction to her decisions following their (smoking hot) night together. Beth was such a hot mess that I couldn't help but identify with her, and that made me adore her as a character.
And of course, because this is set in St. Helena, there were cameos from a couple of beloved St. Helena residents who added to, but did not overwhelm, the story. Again, this shines a light on Ms. Doyle's writing ability.
I would highly recommend Breathe to anyone who has read and enjoyed the original St. Helena books, but also to anyone who just enjoys a good (and hot) story about two people who don't want to fall in love but are completely helpless to stop it. Do not let the length of this story scare you off because it is a wonderful read.
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