Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Collier Pack #1

Breathe Again

Rate this book
Cole Anderson has always known who his one true mate is, but the rejection he suffered at her hands was too much to bear. Still, it helped shape him into the man he is today. He swore he'd never return to Collier Pack, but under his Alpha's orders, he has no choice but to go for the celebration ceremony as Thomas and Lily step up as the new Alpha and Pack Mother. He knows he'll have to face her. But will his heart survive it? Fifteen years ago Elizabeth Collier was little more than a child. She had always had a strong sense of duty to her Pack and at the time thought she was doing the right thing by rejecting her one true mate and taking a compatible one instead. She had not been able to go through with it, and the bond between her and Cole had never been severed. Now he's back and she's ready to risk everything to prove to him they are meant to be together. They've each endured years of irrevocable torment with a bond stuck in limbo. Now they must come face to face again. Cole wants to break the bond. But will that end his pain? Elizabeth's ready to fight for them. But can they truly resolve the pain of their pasts and come together at last? Or has too much time past and their chance at love lost? Cole and Elizabeth have been given a second chance at love. Sparks will fly and tempers will flair. But can the love between true mates conquer all?

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2018

1111 people are currently reading
473 people want to read

About the author

Julie Trettel

77 books860 followers
Julie Trettel is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Paranormal Romance. She comes from a long line of story tellers. Writing has always been a stress reliever and escape for her to manage the crazy demands of juggling time and schedules between work and an active family of six. In her “free time,” she enjoys traveling, reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
782 (43%)
4 stars
579 (32%)
3 stars
328 (18%)
2 stars
87 (4%)
1 star
23 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
Profile Image for SC.
810 reviews26 followers
August 26, 2020
Repetitive

Not sure how I made it through this book to be honest. I cannot count how many times their whole sad little storyline repeated. It was truly a book of "I don't want to talk about it, it's supposed to be a secret, but ok I'll tell you the whole thing anyways" sort of a book. And then someone else asked, and so we we got to hear it again. Absolutely pointless. I disliked Lizzy. I thought she got off easy considering what her mate went through, not sure why it was so unbalanced. I didn't like that Cole forgave her so easily, as in a day goes by and oh look, all is well and fine now.

Another thing I truly disliked was a 16 yr old being intimate with an 18 yr old in public. Where I live that's statutory rape. The sex scenes thereafter where basically non existent. The conflict was under developed. I disliked that in spite it being the first book in a series, it doesn't quite read that way. There was just too many characters and drama from other books in it, enough to make you feel like you're missing things. I honestly can not find a single thing I liked about this book, or this writing style.
Profile Image for Sammy Loves Books.
1,137 reviews1,681 followers
May 26, 2022
When Cole was 18 years old, recognized his true mate in the 16 year old daughter of the pack alpha he was visiting. They were young and fell in love. But he moved back home at the end of the summer. They vowed to keep in touch but she eventually went off to college.

When they meet up years later, she's in a committed relationship with another male and refuses to acknowledge Cole as her mate. Leaving him in a painful limbo for over 10 years.


I'm not a fan of unnecessary angst. This book had a little more of that than I prefer. It also had a couple that didn't communicate very well. Fortunately it was a short read, so I didn't have to suffer to long. I'm glad these two finally resolved their issues and got their Happy Ever After.
Profile Image for Blue.
546 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2018
I can't wait for the next book!!!

I love the whole series an how it's now going to have spin-off's it's all epic! I only know a few shifter series that did this but I really love this one!!! It was almost a emotional rollercoaster an that ending omigod I seriously thought they were going to die!!!!!! Near heart attack moment right there but I'm so glad there was a epilogue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,681 reviews112 followers
April 25, 2022
The couple: Cole and Elizabeth

Romance genre: shifter; second chance
Series: Collier Pack
Length: 209 pages

Plot: Cole met his mate Elizabeth when they were teenagers; she wasn't old enough to recognize a mate, but nevertheless, they knew they were meant for each other. But when Cole went home after the summer, they slowly lost touch with one another, and the next time that they saw each other, Elizabeth had made the decision to mate with another. It's been fifteen years now, and they're still linked together; with a second chance on the horizon, will they be able to get past the hurt of their past?

Commentary: I thought this was a sweet, low-angst story. I did feel the pain that both of them had suffered; this was an unusual romance story in that the separation was really due to the heroine rather than the hero, so the second chance required the heroine to grovel a little. I thought it was interesting that when it came down to it and Elizabeth did grovel, it didn't make Cole feel as good as he thought it would. Her pain didn't make his go away, and in fact, made it worse. I liked that getting back together didn't take too long, and after that, there weren't a lot of recriminations (but there were a couple of moments of sadness in remembering the ways they were separated, and that seems natural and realistic).

Next book in the series: Run Free
Profile Image for Katie.
337 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2024
Because I suffered, you don't have to. You're welcome. This book is presumptuous with the history of wolf shifters walking among humans, with packs and alphas as well as divisions that don't make much sense without a history lesson. Here's a lesson - don't read this book.
74 reviews
September 10, 2019
I don’t like writing reviews like this, but I didn’t finish the book, or get past the first three chapters. I think the writing has potential, but I would prefer the author pay for professional editing, or even just run the book through www.prowritingaid.com - it would greatly benefit the story.

The first two chapters were backstory. The third chapter kept the same tone. It felt like someone was telling a story rather than the story was happening on the page.

I can’t write anything else, or anything positive, sorry, because I didn’t read anymore.
Profile Image for Cat.
2,182 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2024
I was excited to listen to this book,because I was really intrigued by Cole Anderson and his story.
He has been a mystery to me,a tattooed playboy with a broken heart.
Yes Cole had his heart broken in the past,he found his true mate at the tender age of 18,but she rejected him and ignored the connection they had.
This devestated Cole and he was never the same because the bond was always there and was never broken so he was left in this state of limbo,and could never move on and have any relationship with anyone else.
Elizabeth Collier was basically a loner she had many regrets in her life the biggest one was letting her true mate go,Cole Anderson...But at the time she was a naive 16 year old and she had made some terrible descions after she pushed him away.
Now she just kept to herself,and she heard Cole was back,as a part of the Westin pack he was coming to celebrate Lily and Thomas's new roles as Alpha and pack mother to the Colliers. A huge party celebration was being thrown and she would now see him for the first time in 10 years.
This is a second chance ROMANCE and it is clear that as soon as Cole and Elizabeth meet again the bond and attraction had never gone away.But Cole had been so hurt by Elizabeth and even after her apology he struggled to trust her...That is until he thinks Elizabeth is in danger and his wolf instincts kick in and alls he want to do is Love and protect her.
This is such a great passionate story and I am so glad Cole got his closure and became whole again,Elizabeth too as she had lived a tortured life because she was lost without Cole.
Narrated by Carly Robins and Joe Hempel who captivate me with their perfect storytelling voices..I always enjoy listening to them.
This is going to be an Amazing spin off series from Julie Trettel I love the Westins and the Colliers and I love the way they are both interlaced through true mates and friendships.
I am excited to listen to all the other books in this series.
Excellent.
5 Stars
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
December 11, 2021
Westin’s Cole Anderson knew Collier’s Elizabeth Collier was his true mate shortly after losing his parents and years before she got her wolf. But when Lizzie did get her wolf, life and people including Lizzie kept them apart with her choices. But now they’re together for a Westin-Collier mating ceremony and Lizzie’s now ready for her mate to claim her.

After bouts of shuffling and scuffling and a bit of trouble, Cole and Lizzie surprise quite a few people by being united. As the ceremony is about to get underway the envious Larken pack sees another opportunity to go after what they want or at least to stir trouble. Luckily Lizzie’s old schoolmate, Luke, has good memories of her and is able to help out in a pinch or two.

Had I not met these characters and liked them fine prior to this read, I probably wouldn’t have finished for given it such a relatively ‘high’ rating. Overall, to my taste, this read feels quite disjointed with plenty of filler pieces and the characters, especially the females, were all airheads and seemed to forget something they knew pages before!
Rating: 3stars
Profile Image for Indira Wolf .
797 reviews92 followers
April 27, 2024
Yes, its me, hi, I am continuing this series into the new pack because i am lowkey obsessed and like this authors easy and chill books even though they arent jaw dropping. But I really do like just this authors easy going writing and storyline. it is almost the perfect just sit back, relax and chill stories. Cozy, easy stories. And her writing is good, its just not all that twisty/turning or high powered.

That being said, I did like COle and his story but I honestly wished he had gotten with Lily. I thought they were cute together. But I guess his mate in this story was alright. Eh, they werent my favorite couple, but I might be biased. And I thought this book seemed rushed. Like, I needed a bit more healing in this book. it seemed very rushed. Or maybe it just seemed that way to me because I kept falling asleep and having to repeat chapters until i just didnt care anymore.

But I guess it was a nice story. Everything healed up, as usual. Again, I just wish there had been...more. It seemed a little...just oh they find each other again and make up. Like naw, I need more angst son.
Profile Image for Hulda.
229 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, except the ending left something missing, the way way things were executed. I can't go into details without spoiling it, but it's like there's a big party and everybody's having fun and it's getting towards the end of the night, but then somebody turns the music off and tells you it's over. You tell people goodbye and tell yourself at least it ended when things were fun, but it's kind of not the same when the fire is snuffed out as when things get to finish when everybody has done what they were going to do and are ready to leave. So it wasn't bad. It just wasn't as satisfactory as it led up to be. Other than that, I liked the romance. It didn't feel like insta-love at all. There was stuff they had to resolve when they were good and ready and there wasn't any silly miscommunication. I liked the reversed trope, that he was the rejected one and a beta wolf and she an alfa's daughter, so it wasn't the same thing that's already been written a hundred times already. I'll definitely try the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Deb.
1,094 reviews
September 6, 2018
Another 6 star page-turner IMHO ;) “Breathe Again” is the first new book in the Collier Pack world, which is a spin-off from the phenomenal world of Westin Pack! The books are connected, but do not have to be read in order, tho I'm glad I did, coz I love the recurring characters of families & friends that practically jump off the pages :D ... I never write spoilers or recap blurbs, but I guarantee these fantastic stories are some of the best PNR I’ve ever read! I am so addicted that I hate waiting between book releases and always volunteer to read them as soon as I’m allowed ;) But these are my honest feelings without any outside influences and I’ve bought many kindle books by this author in the past when I could. So yes, I do highly recommend this and all of these romantic suspense contemporary must reads to adult fans of fiction!
Profile Image for Courtney (Bookish Blonde Barista).
621 reviews
October 26, 2018
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

This was the first book I have read by Julie Trettel and it was amazing! I enjoyed this book and it was exactly what I have been looking for. After a while of reviewing, books can blend together if they are too similar and I needed something different. Believe it or not, I haven't read a book about wolves in quite some time. So this was perfect!

Cole and Lizzy are perfect together but so stubborn to admit it to the other. Each of them has had so much happen in their lives to tear them from each other. Yet, after all this time, they are still drawn to the other and so perfect together. 

I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series! If you have not grabbed your copy, I suggest you go get it now! Such an amazing shifter read!
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
June 25, 2019
Will Love Conquer All?

Cole Anderson tough tattoo artist, beta to the Westin Pack and man whore, but no one knows the truth behind the bad boy persona he has made for himself. Only Cole knows and his tats tell the story of the heartache he has been living for the past 13 years, but he puts up a really good front. Until he sees his true mate again that is, will he be able to forgive all the years of heartbreak he has had to endure because of her?

Elizabeth Collier made a huge mistake 13 years ago when she told her true mate she didn't love him and was mating another. She has lived all those years bitter and yearning for the only man she has ever loved. Will she be able to get him back now that he's in her territory, or will the scars he bears from her be so deep he will never forgive her?

It is so awesome to finally learn the reason behind Cole Anderson's persona.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,289 reviews10 followers
December 3, 2023
A difficult road for Elizabeth Collier

This is Collier Pack book one and it packed a doozy of a story. Elizabeth is the eldest daughter of the Collier Alpha Zach. Remember that there are seven Collier children, six female and the youngest Thomas a male. Elizabeth is strong, sassy, and stubborn. She found her true mate in a visitor named Cole Anderson when she was still in high school. Cole is from Westin and was assigned to shadow the Collier Alpha (her father) for a summer. These two were both very young. Cole was ready to accept their bond but Elizabeth was not. She was pushed him away thinking that would be all that was needed. Unfortunately, both Cole and Elizabeth found out that was not how true bonds work especially after intimacy. This was a difficult road to their finally fulfilling their mating. Read On!
Profile Image for Flo Brown.
48 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2024
This started out interesting slowing building 2 plots up to then take a hard turn became super boring and then it was "Epiloge" and I was completely confused. I listened to it on audible and yuck! The male voice is so soft and placid with no inflection I laughed whenever "he growled". She's being chased and her tone is the same as when she's talking to her mate during spicy bits. I can't. I will not continue reading this series it was really bad and I'm not sure how it has so many 5 star reviews. Also, this is supposedly the first book in thos series however it references couples from what I assume is a series about another pack. it was confusing. I'm giving 2 stars cuz I finished it and it was free so... you get what you pay for I guess.
Profile Image for Tina.
343 reviews19 followers
Read
August 30, 2019
I have been waiting for Cole's story since I first met his character in The Westin Pack Series. I knew he would be an interesting character with a background that would squeeze my heart. Ms. Trettel did not disappoint. I love this man and his one true mate had to have been crazy to walk away from him. I thought for sure I would not like her, but again the author pulled me into the complexity of their relationship, showing me that his heartache was not the only side. Breathe Again is a great start to the Collier Pack Series and just another example of why I love this author! On to book 2!
341 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2024
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Narration Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🎤 Joe Hempel & Carly Robins
📚 dual POV, 1st person
Series: Wolves of Collier Pack, book 1
Do I recommend this book: 👍
Will I read the next book in the series: 🤷‍♀️👍

♥️ Wolf shifter
♥️ Fated Mates

This quick read is like a refreshing palate cleanser, blending romance with shifter wolves. While the story isn’t packed with surprises or groundbreaking twists, it’s an enjoyable escape that’s perfect for a laid-back reading/listening session.
Profile Image for Tasha M..
36 reviews
August 23, 2025
As a big fan of second-chance romances, I had high hopes - but this book didn’t deliver.

The story lacks depth, key scenes were glossed over, and the overload of characters made it confusing. Elizabeth and Cole’s 15 years of pain were brushed aside too quickly, with no real depth or flashbacks to give their history weight.

The ending was also disappointing: the final scene was rushed, cut short to make room for an epilogue that fell flat. Add in the confusing telepathic conversations, and overall it was a frustrating read.
I won’t be continuing the series.
Profile Image for Tina.
960 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2019
Wow what a read, this book has an amazing story and it’s all about Cole and Lizzie. He do you resolve a decade of missing your true mate? By finally taking what you should have had before. I loved this read, great story, plot, background and the characters are amazing. Loved the angst, and the love scenes but I absolutely love is all my favourite characters come back together to make an amazing read. Highly recommend
Profile Image for Evelyn.
362 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2020
I barely finished and skipped quite a many pages truth be told...
The chemistry simply was not there and years or emotional baggage and mistrust was swept away with a shrug... I found it somewhat disbelieving...

And... the ending was strange????? It was extremly rushed, uncohesive, difficult to grasp and suddenly ended in an almost cliffhanger? I am still confused.

Will not reach for other books in this series unfortunately.
Profile Image for Tehya Green.
30 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2020
This was the worst 'true mates' book I've ever come across. Cole forgiving Lizzie at all is pathetic and makes him look like a limp lettuce, he didn't even put up a fight about it. TBH I wanted him to tell her to 'Sod off', and find a second chance mate who would treat him right from the outset. Lizzie didn't deserve him, she made her bed and should have been made to lie in it, without Cole. I won't be taking any more of the series, not with characters this weak.
1,551 reviews4 followers
January 1, 2022
Good story

I thought this was a good story. I like the characters. The build up for the alpha ceremony was so much and then had no real play in the story. Seemed like a lot of work and info then a let down For the ceremony. Also the security is horribly lacking for the pack. Cole was saint like having to deal with all that drama AND pain his whole life because she was an idiot and then she should have gone after him and didn't. Not the sharpest wolf!
Profile Image for Kimberly #Audiofile.
2,563 reviews29 followers
December 30, 2022
Not bad this is about a pack that is off the outskirts of western force pack that I’ve also listened to from this author.
I found this like a typical story you’d expect from this type of story.
Second chance love
No real world building or background about how this pack was made apart from it being a founding family with a rival on the edge of the territory. I’m sure further along there will be a book on one of those wolves too.
Profile Image for Brittany Duszczyszyn.
1,117 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2023
I kinda had high hopes for this book as we met his character before in multiple other books, this big tattooed lady’s man.

We had heard he had a fated mate that married someone else years ago. Yet it didn’t really happen, and for 13 years you think he would have found out the truth especially with how close the two packs are…

I was sadly let down with this book, it was very generic and simply written overall kinda boring not much spice to even make up for it.
Profile Image for Rachel Smart.
603 reviews8 followers
November 16, 2018
Great book!

This is a excellent book to begin a series!! I loved the Weston series and this series looks just as promising. Cole and Elizabeth story is a second chance love story. I can't wait for the next book! This book does have steamy sex scenes and a Happy ending. It could be read as a standalone but is richer is read after the Weston series. I loved it!!!
275 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2019
Breathe Again

I have read all of the Wiesten Pack and have now started on the Collier Pack I love, love, love these books it's great how they all work together. You did a wonderful job making the characters come to life. They became friends as I read the books I only wish the last book Audible was on Audible Escape as well as the rest of the Collier Pack
Profile Image for Sheri.
112 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2020
My oh my!

Cole, the ultimate bad boy, but with a genuinely amazing heart. After hearing what happened to him in Lily's book, I am so glad I read this. There was a finality to reading this book and it was very steamy and dreamy! This one was the most adult of all the books so far and quite possibly the best! I just wish i could read further into their lives!
Profile Image for Kelly Fountain.
996 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2021
Finally! Cole’s story. I’m so glad this one was first. I had no clue that his true mate was as close as the Collier pack. I finally understood what had happened once we got several chapters in. How heartbreaking and excruciating. This story had a happy ending though, they were always meant to. But not without a little excitement along the way. A great read and start to this series!
1,063 reviews
February 18, 2022
Good book

I enjoyed this book. I was happy that Elizabeth & Cole didn’t drag out their issue for too long and was able to overcome it sooner than later so that I can enjoy watching their relationship grow from their difficult past. I liked this book and can see me reading it again.
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,705 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2022
Breathe Again (Collier Pack Book 1)

The love story of Cole and Elizabeth. Unknown to Cole and Elizabeth, they started their bond fifteen years ago. She wanted to save the Collier Pack by mating with a very wealthy South American future alpha but she learn that pack were drugs dealer, it did not work out. Now Cole is back will the mating bond be complete it? Great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.