Just Breathe

Just Breathe #3

by Kendall Grey

“Kendall Grey has taken my breath away once again … Just Breathe surpassed my expectations with its brutal harshness and beautiful passion rolled into a story of love, magic, and whales.” —Annie, Booked and Loaded

After betrayal rocks the foundation of their relationship, Australian Sentinel Gavin Cassidy and whale biologist Zoe Morgan call it quits. Gavin can’t forgive himself for shattering her trust, and being with the sexy rock star is killing Zoe. Literally.

But there’s no time to talk it out. Gavin and the other Sentinels must find the door into the Dreaming and defeat the supernatural Fire Elementals—starting with Scarlet, the woman who set fire to his relationship with Zoe—before millions of humans are killed. Meanwhile Zoe, hoping to take her mind off her heartbreak, tries to focus on work, only to discover that her whales know more than she expected.

Love and duty are powerful motivators, and alliances are formed in the most unlikely places in this final installment of the Just Breathe trilogy.

“Just Breathe leaves you absolutely breathless!” - Grace, MyBookSnack

Book 3 in Kendall Grey’s Just Breathe paranormal romance series

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Adult, Supernatural

Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2013

About the author

Calm like an F-bomb*, Kendall Grey writes books about fierce women rockers who have a hard time keeping their clothes on, gender-swapped Norse gods who don't understand modern idioms, middle-aged hemophobic Bloodwitches, and the occasional murderer. Her aliases include K.G. Green (ASK THE BLOOD series), Kendall Day (FALLING FOR MR. SLATER), Seven Slade (COMING OUT), and she is 1/5 of Thor Cox (GRAFFITI CITY series).

Kendall owns Thunderfoot Studio, a small but mighty independent digital art studio. She lives near Athens, Georgia with her dashing geek husband, a one-eyed dachshund that thinks she's a cat, and an incorrigible yet adorable mutt whose ice-blue eyes will steal your heart and hold it for ransom.

* Detonation manual not included.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inhale... Exhale... Just breathe.

A great ending to a fantastic trilogy!

GR Synopsis:
He made a deal with the devil to save the woman he loves…

After tragedy rocks the foundation of their relationship, Australian Sentinel Gavin Cassidy and whale biologist Zoe Morgan call it quits. Gavin can’t forgive himself for shattering her trust, and being with the sexy rock star is killing Zoe. Literally.

But love—and duty—are powerful motivators, and alliances are forged in the most unlikely places. With the key to salvation locked inside the mind of an unconscious child, Gavin must find another way to snuff out the Fyre Elementals before millions of humans die, or make good on his deal with the devil and lose the one he loves. Again.

Now my take... My favorite of the series! Gavin and Zoe’s relationship was a roller-coaster ride- It had it’s ups and downs, but I still love them both! Zoe is fearless, strong, independent and just a badass... one of my favorite heroines. And Gavin... Mr. Perfect! Still absolutely adore him, but I wanted to scream at him a few times in this one. I can honestly say I never thought I would be happy my hot rockstar had a case of e.d. ;-)
It was awesome to see all the characters from the Ephemera’s, especially Sinnder. I know he is technically a bad guy, but I still love him. Especially since I’ve read Stifle. Kendall if you are reading this review- PLEASE tell me that Sinnder is not really gone- and that he is getting his own story?!?!? I will be first in line to read that!!! I was also glad to see more of Jack- he is one of my favorites. Now on to Scarlet. I’m only going to say one thing about her... That bitch got what she deserved!

I love the cover of this book. I am normally not an Urban Fantasy reader, but I love these books! Kendall Grey is a seriously talented writer. You will feel a strong connection to all her characters, even the ones you don't like. This story is creative, sexy, unique, action packed, and just fantastic! Perfect ending to a kick ass series! If you haven’t read these books... Get to it! You’re missing out :D

[GraceMyBookSnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Breathtaking, Heart-pounding, Brilliant Stars!!!

Inhale hooks you in. Exhale makes you want more. Just Breathe leaves you absolutely breathless!

Kendall Grey completely rocks it providing her fans an exhilarating and stunning conclusion to the Just Breathe trilogy. If you've been following this series, then you know that there has been a build up of something huge happening. Well, what happens in Just Breathe is pretty darn EPIC!!!

There are several things going on as Zoe, Gavin, Jack, and his renegade Librus Group work together to save humanity from the Fyres. The door to The Dreaming must be found. A new Wӕter Archelemental arises. Gavin has to search for a traitor AND fend off Scarlet. Good lord! All the while, Zoe and Gavin sort out their feelings about the “incident” that happened and attempt to forge ahead with their relationship.

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of this series. I was excitedly anticipating this book from the day I finished reading Inhale. I'm pretty sure the reason why is that Kendall Grey can tell a story like it's no one's business. Simply put, her writing is amazing! She writes vivid scenes and combine words that flow together like water. The characters that she writes have become real to me. Lily, the star humpback whale of the series has given me new appreciation for these mammals. Jack, Jet, Vexx and Byrn all enriched the storyline so perfectly with their colorful personalities and quirks. Vexx and Bryn are so cute and funny. Really, they are a delight to get to know. All along Sinnder has been seductive and quiet about his agenda, but not anymore! Then there is Scarlet. To say she is evil is putting it mildly. She is the antagonist that I love because she is so well written. She's getting desperate now, so she steps up her game by being more conniving, manipulative, and wicked than ever! Will someone put out the Fyre already, please!

“I can't have you, yet I'm lost without you, Zed. Being apart is driving me f*cking mad. I need you.” --Gavin Cassidy

Of course, I can't talk about Just Breathe without mentioning my favorite couple, Gavin and Zoe. Throughout the series we not only see them struggle and learn how to be together, but also as individuals the way they grow and draw strength from each other was so ethereal and beautiful to witness. Their love story is way more than that of a scientist and a rock star. It's the way they were written into an impossible corner where one has to wonder how the heck are they ever going overcome it all. Of the three books, Just Breathe is the one where Grey gave them their most intimate and special moments together, and...Holy-dooly, hot fudge sundae...were those moments steamy, tender and extremely playful!

For anyone interested in this series, please start at the beginning with Inhale. Then read all the Ephemera shorts, since they compliment these stories so well. To all fellow Wyldlings everywhere...happy dreaming! To Kendall Grey...THANK YOU for the fantastic journey in this trilogy. It was a pleasure to read. I have become forever a fan of your stories. You are truly one kick-ass, passionate writer, and you better believe it! :)

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inhale...Exhale...Just Breathe...


Look. I'm not even going to pretend that Just Breathe is just any other book. Or that I don't have seriously strong feelings about each book, the series as a whole, as well as author Kendall Grey. The Just Breathe Series is one that I've become deeply invested in, beginning nearly two years ago when Grey first started telling me about the concept. I'm not going to pretend that I didn't go into this book whole-hearted and expecting epicness. Of all the books that are coming out in 2013, Just Breathe is the book that sat atop my most-wanted list. After reading, Just Breathe sits at the top of my "Favorite Books Ever"list; followed closely by Inhale and Exhale. So just know right now, I'm going to be gushing and dramatic throughout this review.

Just Breathe is a huge story. After the hellaciously shocking ending of Exhale, I was geared up for a fight. I almost felt as if I had to go into this ready for battle. The Dreaming, Australia, even the world, was at stake. And so was Gavin and Zoe's relationship. So I hardened my heart (what a joke!) and girded my loins (heh) and settled in. Bring it.

What Grey delivered was fantastic. Gavin and Zoe are in a bad spot, with the situation in The Dreaming, and with each other. There were feelings of betrayal, anguish, self-loathing, anger, and most importantly true love, that were swirling through their atmosphere. Could Zoe ever truly get past what happened? Could Gavin ever forgive himself? Would their fragile, new relationship survive? Would they even live to see it through? Because not only do they need to sort things out with each other, they need to save the world. And that duty to what's right is what comes first for the pair. It was a beautiful thing to see Gavin come from that very first scene of Inhale, all the way to becoming the honorable man I always knew he could be. To embrace the warrior within the man. And not only does Gavin reach his potential, but so does Zoe. She started the series as a determined, yet haunted woman, full of self-doubt and guilt. Throughout the series she evolves and moves toward her true self. She may be human, albeit with an extra ability, but she has the power to create miracles. Destiny brought them together.

Though the series has centered around Gavin and Zoe, there is a wealth of secondary characters in the series. Jack, Zoe's father, was brilliant. He's smart, a smartass, a good father and a good friend. The man is like a sensei. One of my favorite characters. Jet, Vexx, and Byrne were new characters in Just Breathe (though the are introduced in the Ephemera stories) and they each made a nice impact in the story. Scarlet...I can't even type that name without snarling. Seriously one of the most vile, horrific, yet alluring characters I have ever met. (Voldemort who?) I hated, hated, HATED her and wanted her to die a watery death. And Sinnder. Sinnder is complex. He started the series as a bad guy, and slowly revealed glimpses of a pained man behind the Fyre. Though it wasn't always apparent, I had faith in him.

To say that I was happy with Just Breathe would be a massive understatement. I was overwhelmed by such intense emotions. As I read, I alternated between smiling, swooning (hot fudge!), sobbing, gasping, shaking, and laughing. Just Breathe was the ultimate package of awesome. I absolutely swear,it was perfect.

Just Breathe is a series that lives. The characters, the emotions and reactions they evoke, have become a part of my life. The amount of love, thought, time, and tears Kendall Grey has put into this world is apparent to those who read it. I said before that the Just Breathe Series is art, pure and simple. Art is not only something we can see and touch, but also something that inspires, causes intense feeling, thought, and discussion. By my simple terms, no books fit that definition better than Inhale...Exhale...Just Breathe.

Thank you, Kendall Grey. I will never forget Zoe, Gavin, Jack, Yileen, Lily, Sinnder, Adriene, Jet, Byrne, Vexx and the rest of the characters (yes, even that miserable bitch Scarlet.) You've given me more than I could have ever dreamed of. It has been a real privilege to fall in love with your books.

[Ashley Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Breath was an amazing final to the series. A series that was a complete joy to read. I loved the ongoing adventure and the smexy scenes! The series in a whole is everything you could want, it is swoonworhty, angsty, aggrivating, sexy, passionate, and funny. Gavin Cassidy happens to be in my Top Five Book Boyfriends list. I love the setting and the fact that the proceeds go to whales.

Cover/writing style
I love the cover.. it brings Zoe and Gavin together. I love Kendall's writing style, and have. Her erotic scenes are HOT. She never overdoes anything, she's funny and snarky.

Main character
I love Zoe and can relate to her. I work with rescued animals and can relate to her strength when it comes to saving them. I also think she's grown in this series, not necessairly up.. but more like expanded her heart and way of thinking. She accepts the responsibility of communicating to the whales. She even knows when she has to let Gavin go for the better good of the planet. Zoe is very determined and I like that too.

Swoonworthy scale: 8
As I said above, Kendall does a fabulous job of making you love Gavin. There are situations in which Zoe has to question whether she should be with him and those totally pull at your heart strings. Gavin TOTALLY loves her and would give up ANYTHING to be with her. And WOOHOO are there some hawt scenes too!! The following gif is a perfect tease for one scene:

This was my process of emotions while reading Just Breathe:

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Now that it's over I feel like this:

This series is totally worth it. A must read if you love elementals with a lot of spice and a bit of heat!!

[Stephanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Just Breathe?" What? No. You can't possibly expect me to be able to breathe after a series like this! You know that feeling you get when you buy the last book in a series you love? That moment of sweetness balanced out by the bitterness of an end? Yep, Kendall Grey took it there. After the cliff-hanger ending in Exhale, I couldn't WAIT to get my hands onto Just Breathe but once I got it I thought, "Awe man. This is- this is the end!" I can honestly say that this series was so good that I didn't want it to end... although that didn't stop me from tearing into it like a mad woman.

The world building in the series was fascinating and kept my attention through the entire series. That's not an easy feat for a writer, but Grey managed it flawlessly. Every time I begin reading about a new fantasy world, it takes some getting used to -the new terms and such. The glossary of terms provided was great; I enjoyed flipping to it, unlike other stories it didn't take away from any moments of excitement. And the world built in this series just got more and more interesting as the series progressed! Everything was great- the story took a TON of awesome twists and turns, the characters were well developed.

These are the eight stages of reading the Just Breath series:
1. This is pretty cool.
2. Oh snap!
3. HOT!
4. That... did NOT just happen!
5. Oh my god, I can't believe that just happened!
6. What is this foreign moisture collecting under my eyes?
7. I'm not crying!
8. Shoot... I need some tissue.

Great ending to the story, but I'm sad that this series has come to a close ... or has it?

[Annie Slasher (Booked & Loaded) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an original review from http://bookedandloaded.com

Just Breathe is the 3rd book in the Just Breathe Trilogy.

Kendall Grey has taken my breath away once again. Just Breathe was a truly epic ending to the Just Breathe Trilogy Kendall knows how to pull you into the story and makes you feel the characters emotions. Everything from hate, grief, and love through every single page. Just Breathe was an unpredictable roller coaster that me up late and reading every single spare moment of free time. Sometimes…it wasn’t even supposed to be free time! Zoe and Gavin are fighting to save the feelings for one another and the lives they cherish through a build up to war. Zoe is fantastic as always. Her character has grown and bloomed into a stronger version of herself and it was beautiful to read about. Gavin, the imperfect kind of perfection I have grown to love, has got himself in one shitty ass situation and I wasn’t sure how he was going to pull himself out of it. Just Breathe surpassed my expectations with its brutal harshness and beautiful passion rolled into a story of love, magic, and whales. It is a story I will not soon forget.

I rate Just Breathe, 5 out of 5 Bullets!

**This was book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. I received NO compensation for this review

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read more reviews like this at The Book Asylum.

Just Breathe is the final book in Kendall Grey’s Just Breathe series. In the first two books, Inhale and Exhale, we got to know Zoe Morgan, whale biologist and translator, and Gavin Cassidy, rock star and Sentinel tasked with protecting humans (Wyldlings). We also immersed ourselves in the vivid urban fantasy world that Grey has done such a great job of creating. After the devastating conclusion of Exhale, Just Breathe finds Gavin and Zoe trying to pick up the pieces of their hearts while doing their best to make sure the Fyre Elementals don’t take over the Dreaming and Realis.

“I feel like I’m breaking apart.” Gavin crushed her to his chest, enfolded her in his lightly glowing arms, and kissed her wrinkled brow. “Then let me hold you together.”

What I loved most about Gavin and Zoe was their strength. They were just as strong together as they were apart. Each character accepted their responsibilities and made choices reflective of who they are as people. They were self-sacrificing and made choices for the greater good, even in the face of personal loss and heartbreak. You can’t get any more honorable than that, can you? I also appreciated the time and energy Grey put into developing some of the other characters in the series. Jack Weaver, Zoe’s dad, is a favorite of mine and his team of Elementals were awesome! We get to see a lot more of Scarlet, the witch, and Synnder who, despite his questionable actions somehow always seems to make me smile.

From start to finish, Just Breathe was nonstop action. The plot was complex with many moving parts, so it would have been easy to understand if Grey got derailed with this story. Tying up all the loose ends while giving each character time to shine was a massive task, but despite this challenge, Grey executed Just Breathe flawlessly. She did an amazing job with pace, character arcs, and plot development ultimately displaying her growth as a writer page by page. The story progressed at a good pace, with excellent transitions, tons of juicy conflict, and lots of love and sexual tension.

Reading this story, watching the evolution of these characters, and now saying goodbye to them has been a wonderful journey for me. The world that Grey created is so unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s a breath of fresh air in an urban fantasy world filled with the same old, same old. I would happily recommend the Just Breathe series to readers that love romance, mythology, and fast-paced action with a dash of smoking hot sexy times sprinkled throughout. In addition to the three novels in the Just Breathe series, make sure you check out the Just Breathe Ephemera's Kendall’s written. Some give insight into the history between characters, while others showcase the sexual fantasies of your favorite Fyres. All add to the allure of the Just Breathe world. Congratulations on finishing this amazing journey, Kendall! Can’t wait to see what you have planned next!

I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Delphina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not read the first two books in this series, do your self a favor and go do so now. It is amazing and book one is currently (as of 2/10/2013) free on Amazon. If you have read the first two books in this series, my guess is you are not even reading this review because you are currently snuggled up with your own copy of this read. I do not know about you, but I could not wait to get my hands on this puppy after I finished book two. Thank goodness she released her Just Breathe Trilogy based shorts in between so I did not go into withdrawals. It was bad. I was FB stalking Kendall's fan page for release info. True Story.
Here are some of the things I love about this book:

*It was clear that the author knew where this story was going from the very beginning of this series. Everything fell into place and the ending was perfect. Not that everything was happy, perfect, and joyful, but the ending was everything I hoped it would be and more.
*This book is for certain sure, unputdownable. I worked really hard at only reading a few chapters a day because I knew it was the last book in the trilogy, but I never was able to stop where I promised myself I would. It was such a relief when I found out that Kendall is writing more from this world. I was not willing to let it go.
*It was hot. Yes, steaming, boiling, hot fudge ;) hot!
*As bad as things got near the end of book two, they got worse before they got better in book three. Yes, I loved the fact that book three was not draped in sunshine and roses.
*The whales. They were amazing and played a larger role in this book. They were always a huge part of the story, but we got to know more of their individual personalities in this book. I may not be making sense, but it made me happy to read.
*I love the characters Both the primary and the secondary characters. Even the ones I hate. And boy did I hate one of them in particular.

There are really so many amazing things about this book, but it would take pages and pages to write them all down. If you liked books one and two, you will love this book. If you have not read them, this book will really be mostly word salad. If you love romance, suspense, Australian rockers, super hot scenes, unique paranormal lore, characters you feel you know, hot fudge and helping whales, this book is probably for you!

[Autumn Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, here we are at the end of the series. I'm sad, yet very happy with the way the series has ended. BUT, I know I'll get to see these characters again, so like I said, I'm happy too.

At the end of Exhale, I was devastated, heartbroken, and a bit sick to my stomach. I wasn't sure that Gavin and Zoe could make it through together. Yes, Gavin has made some truly grave mistakes and Zoe needs time to heal. But, the thing is...this couple was destined to be together. I won't lie and say I wasn't nervous. I was asking a friend for reassurance, because I just love this couple so much. In the end, I was thrilled with the way things turned out. Was it easy getting there? No, but if it had been, we wouldn't have gotten the great story.

The Just Breathe series is more than just a love story though. There is lots of action too. The Elementals are guides/guardians of the human realis world. Not only did I fall in love with Gavin and Zoe, but the entire cast of characters has been woven into my heart. This series is truly one of a kind. Yes, I've read about elemental types of stories before, but none like Kendall Grey's genius.

I can not stress enough how special this series is. From the moment I met these characters in Inhale, I was spellbound. I've always been consumed by the story, the characters, and the books made me feel. I've been angry, sad, turned on, happy, and finally...elated with these books. So, I say to you...if you are craving something outside the norm, definitely check this series out. You will find it uniquely satisfying. Even if you aren't a big fan of Urban Fantasy, you will enjoy this series.

Quotes:
~"You had shit to work through. I get it. Gavin's been the same, wringing his hands like and old woman, crying over Hallmark commercials, forgetting his hair gel. You whipped him pretty good. I almost feel sorry for him,"-Loc 1174

~"What are we looking for? Lake of the Lake type? A winged angel playing a harp? A dominatrix with machine guns?"-Loc 1227

~"Behold the cock that launched a thousand screams. And that was just last night."-Loc 1891

~With unconditional acceptance, she deepened the kiss and staked her claim on his physical and emotional real estate. Sold. Body, mind, and soul. She owned him.-Loc 2361

[Danielle Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this the third and final installment in the Just Breathe series, my first reaction was Holy Freaking Hotness!!!

Desperate and willing to do anything to stop the Fyre's Gavin make's the ultimate deal with the devil, and it absolutely killed me. I remember whispering the words no as Gavin met with the devil to discuss the details and when the deed was actually done I actually held my breath, hoping, praying that he wouldn't go through with it. But he did, because finally Gavin accepted the fact that he was the leader of the Sentinel's and as much as he fought against being a Sentinel and being their leader, he realized that sometimes being a leader involved sacrifices. Over the span of this series Gavin has solidified his place among my favorite all time characters!

Again I was blown away by Kendall Grey's amazing ability to build a world where I felt like I had been, bringing up very vivid pictures in my mind. And I loved the way she described the use of elemental magic, the way it felt from within, from how to use the power, to how the power made the characters feel. Never before would I have equated water with love, but now I don't see it any other way.

Just Breathe is one of those novels that gives you everything you have ever wanted from a book. Fabulous characters, action, mystery, suspense, magic, love; while also managing to give you those things that you never knew you wanted, like steamy hotness. And Kendall Grey manages to combine them all in a way that only adds to the incredible story of a young Sentinel struggling to save the dreaming, the world and the one he loves.

I am sad to see this series end as I have truly come to love the characters in this series, especially Gavin, but hopefully it won't be the last time I see some of these characters! Kendall Grey delivered what I would say is the perfect ending to a completely breathtaking story!!

[Pam Asberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendall Grey has done it again. With the release of "Just Breathe," she has brought her paranormal trilogy to its exhilarating conclusion. Here is the back cover blurb:

"He made a deal with the devil to save the woman he loves...After a terrible accident rocks the foundation of their relationship, Australian Sentinel Gavin Cassidy and whale biologist Zoe Morgan call it quits. Gavin can't forgive himself for shattering her trust, and being with the sexy rock star is killing Zoe. Literally. But love--and duty--are powerful motivators, and alliances are forged in the most unlikely places. With the key to salvation locked inside the mind of an unconscious child, Gavin must find another way to snuff out the Fyre Elementals before millions of humans die, or make good on his deal with the devil and lose the one he loves. Again."

I can't say enough good things about this series. From the very beginning of "Inhale", I was completely sucked into this meticulously crafted paranormal world; the cliffhanger at the end of "Exhale" left me waiting impatiently for the rest of the story. But when I finished the last page of "Just Breathe," I wasn't ready to say goodbye.

These books have it all: well-drawn, believable characters and plots and subplots with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. But the love stories woven throughout the pages are what give the series its real heart: the love Zoe has for the whales; the love between parent and child; the love between friends--and, of course, the passionate, abiding love between Zoe and Gavin.

Five stars! Highly recommended!

[H.K. Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad to see this series end but I don't think I could have taken much more. This series is one of my favorites of all time. Not only is it urban fantasy, it's a totally fresh premise. I loved it for its originality, the complexities of the characters (not just the good ones either), and the plot. Kendall Grey makes the A list with this amazing series.
As much as I loved this, I don't know if I could have survived another book. Grey got me invested in the characters like few authors can. Then, she put my heart through the wringer. Our dear Zoe and Gavin fought against so many external as well as internal forces that made their relationship impossible at times as well as the fate of the world and us humans. It's a good thing Zoe is no Bella Swan. She is a strong woman with a smart career and aspirations to be at the top of her field. She can't just drop everything for a guy, especially when he can be more than a little challenging. Still, our heroes were amazing. They persevered through situations that would have made most people I know go fetal and cry.
If you're looking for one great read this year, Get. This. Series.

[Noelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this book for what seems like AGES! Grey doesn't disappoint. What a fantastic ending for a trilogy that stole my breath with creativity and unique plotting. The characters all had a full arc over the three books, and with such an epic story, it's hard to pull off a truly great climactic ending--and Grey absolutely did it. I only had one beef with Grey's choice for one of the characters (not going to mention it because of spoilers), but I grudgingly understand why she did it. If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend all of the books in the trilogy. They're not like any other paranormal/urban fantasy books I've read and it's well worth trying.

[Lynn Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing end to a great trilogy. These books were intense. Not for the faint of heart that's fore sure. Grey does a fantastic job creating an unique and engaging world. And her characters...Oh my. My heart went out for each of them...heck, I even loved the bad guys. LOL!

Nicely done, Kendall Grey.

[Rachel Firasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I knew it would be--a triple slice of awesome pie! Gavin made this book complete and Zoe gave it the reality stamp! I adored the characters, the nature, and the beautiful heat throughout! Kendall, thank you for taking it THERE!

If you haven't read this series, definitely start with the beginning, but for sure don't miss this ending! Loved!

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I wasn't happy in the beginning but now I am head over heels in love with this book. Gavin and Zoe stole my heart fully. Love it and will be rereading in soon. Thank you for another great book. Sad to see it end.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely fantastic. so worth the wait. cant wait to see more from kendall grey.

[Amber Wilburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left me hanging

Good story, but a lot of loose ends. Especially, with a certain group there at the end. That seemed to hint at more to come or even a spin off. I'd give 5 stars if I knew what happened to that piece of the story.

[Kimberley-May McGurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEA

A happy ever after for Zoe and Gavin!
I loved this series, easy to read and a gripping ride.
From start to finish, I loved every bit

[Sonia Fogal · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that I wasn't crazy about, things I could nitpick about. But I'm not going to do that because this book deserves better than that.

First, the characters. I will go on and on about Zoe and Gavin shortly but we cannot overlook Sinnder and Scarlet. I love Scarlet. She is beautiful, oozes sexiness and is the embodiment of evil. What's not to love? She's fun in her own devilish way. Lust pours out of her. She knows what she wants and heaven help the person who gets in her way!

And then there is Sinnder - sort of a male version of Scarlet but with some morals. He fills women with desire and knows it. He literally can get them in bed, give them the most amazing night of their life, and have them wondering how the heck they ended up with him the next morning. They don't care how though, they just want more. He has a conscience though and, unlike Scarlet, he knows when he should dial it back. He also hates Scarlet. We find out why at the end of "Just Breathe".

Zoe and Gavin - {deep, audible sigh}. What can I say? They're beautiful - inside and out. Meant to be together (literally - there's a charming story about this). They save each other from themselves. They show each other real love. They hurt each other. They forgive. They go on and love each other even more. And then there is the sex. (Noticing a pattern here?)

The sex between Zoe and Gavin is a whole different ball game than what we associate with Scarlet or Sinnder. It is physically amazing but it's way beyond physical. It's heart and soul and body and mind. The sex is amazing because of all of the non-sexual parts of their relationship. It's on a whole new level because their love for each other is on a whole new level.

I could go on about Zoe and Gavin but I'll shut up because I want to talk about the main message of "Just Breathe". There are many purely fantasy things about "Just Breathe" - battling elementals, talking whales, and the Dreaming to name a few. But the lesson it illustrates is very real.

"Just Breathe" is about real love - between lover, friends or family - and love vs sex. It's about the unselfish nature of real love. Gavin is tempted by the undeniable sexual magnetism of Scarlet. Even Zoe is tempted by the fire of Sinnder that fills her head with ecstasy-filled images. Neither of them even briefly considers that they love these people. I won't say anything to spoil the plot but suffice it to say that they both know that their love for each other vastly surpasses any fleeting thoughts of sexual encounters with anyone else.

"Just Breathe" is also about the unselfish nature of real love. Real love is not "what's in it for me". Real love is me wanting the best for the other person, whether I gain from it or not.

I'll quit gushing now. I'm a big fan of Zoe and Gavin and the more I read the deeper I fell for them. Get the book. Read it. Laugh, cry, roll your eyes, fight the internal battle between loving some of the things Scarlet says and does and hating her evilness. Bet you'll want some vanilla ice cream with hot fudge sauce when you're done. (Read the book, you'll understand. ;) )

[Ginny Lurcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really do not want to review Just Breathe. Not because the book wasn���t good��� but because if I write a review it means that it���s over. But I had this blog tour, and Kendall totally deserves the review, so I put aside my own insane delusions and���

Well kind of slapped something together haphazardly.

Listen, I���m willing to write the review and admit the series is over, but I���m going to do it quickly without looking at it too deeply so I can pretend it���s not.

(and luckily, there���s a new book in the works featuring some of my favorite outcasts)

First- and yes I���m still calling it first, even with all that junk up there- if you doubt for a minute the motivations of any characters, or think they���re behaving in a rather��� err��� mentally handicapped way, wait five pages. No seriously. Every time I was like ���why the effe did they do that?��� within pages I had an ���ohh��� now it makes sense��� moment. I mean, it was brilliant.

Or maybe it was so that every 5 pages I could send Kendall a new update with a line in all caps calling either Zoe or Gavin a fucking idiot while threatening to shake them until their brains dribbled out of their ears. I don���t know, I���m not a Kendallologist. Either way, it was the shit.

Also, you should probably have a support group going into the book.

Just a warning.

Aside from the whole Gavin/Zoe drama (which I will not touch with a ten foot fucking pole��� hey that would be an awesome name for a band���) you have this whole other set of complex characters and drama and emotion and just win. I will talk about that. Ad nauseam.

Jack ��� Both Gavin���s mentor and Zoe���s long lost dad, Jack just keeps getting more and more epic. The man would walk up to Obi-Wan and slap him in the face with his dick, all while eating an apple.

Jet ��� I am not going to lie to you folks, Jet is my favorite character in Just Breathe. She���s a turbo badass, epic healer, and wears glasses. I have a thing for girls with glasses. Plus I really want her to heal Sinnder���s broken heart. GO JINNDER!

Turns out ad nauseam translates to ���my two favorites��� in Ginny speak, because outside of Jet and Jack I can���t write a damn thing without crying like a big ole sissy or swearing for a page and a half. And then just letting out a torrent of spoilers.

5 Stars. For the book, the series, and Ms. Grey in general. If you want a paranormal series about elementals and whales that���s quirky and smart and funny and just plain old badass, this is it. Just Breathe is just the perfect icing on the delicious cake that was a wholly satisfying reading experience.

Plus the proceeds benefit whales. How can you not love that?

Now if you���ll excuse me, I���m going to reread my old reviews, and my Hump Day Harlots featuring Scarlet while crying and listening to soppy music and telling myself it���s not really over.

[Amy Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I am going to try to do this as eloquently as I can. Who am I kidding? I am a total flailing Kendall Grey fan girl! I have loved this series so much since the first book, and my love has just grown with each installment. The world, the characters, the smexy! Everything! Kendall is fantastic at pulling you into this world and not letting you out. The visual imagery and the emotions of this series, and this book are just amazing! I can honestly say I have become fully invested in the story, and the characters feel like my friends. They don't feel like characters in the pages of a book. I feel for them, I ache for them, I want to know what they are doing. They feel real to me!! I am sad to let them go, but I loved how this book ended.

Zoe has always been an amazing character to me, but with all that she has been through and all that she is facing in this book, she really finds a place in my heart. She is so strong, but broken. Hurt and betrayed feeling, but still forgiving and trusting. And on top of all that, she is completely dedicated to her mission and no matter what will not let anything or anyone get in the way of completing it! What I love the most about her, is the realness of her personality. She is totally someone that I could relate to and someone I would love to be friends with. I admire her strength and her selflessness.

Gavin broke my heart in this one. He is so torn up over the events that happened and he is starting to spiral down into a dark place. I was so afraid he would let it take over him and he would lose himself, the caring and amazing Gavin that Zoe brings out. He makes a lot of really stupid decisions, but it's not really the choices he makes that are bad, it's the way he goes about it that is. He is shutting everyone out, but still trying to keep Zoe while not being totally straightforward with her. He is afraid of hurting her more, so he keeps her in the dark about some things instead of trusting that she would understand. It was tearing me apart to see how much it was all hurting him, but I also loved the inner strength he had because of how much he cares about Zoe.

I don't want to go into any details since this is spoiler free, but this book was just so amazing!! It made me feel EVERYTHING!! I mean it. I went from smiling like a goof, to tense beyond belief, to absolute rage (Yes, that is most definitely brought on by none other than Scarlet), to wanting to bawl my eyes out. The feels that I got from this book is only a small part of why I loved it so much though. This book has everything that is necessary for me to love a book. Humor, suspense, action, tension, romance, and most importantly, a fantastic ending that was satisfying and awesome!! I can't wait to see what else Kendall Grey has in store for us in the future, but whatever it is, I know it will be just as amazing as she is!

[Jenn Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just tried to upload this review to B&N where it was taken off of public view as the "moderators" deemed some language in it violated their "terms of service". Please do let me know if anyone else finds it offensive :-/


As with the other 2 books in this series, I had to take some time and process the story before I could write my review. First and foremost, though - if you're not over 18 you have no business picking up this book. It has extremely graphic sexual content and adult issues that younger teens should probably steer clear from.

Kendall Grey has the ability to breathe life into characters to the point where they become real people. I found myself worrying about the characters in all 3 of her books because they were so very HUMAN even though some of them aren't human at all. The world-making and storytelling in her trilogy are tremendous and you will not find anything like it anywhere else. And you will also learn about humpback whales in this trilogy (which since I'm a Nature Diva, was a huge WIN when I discovered the series.)

Beyond this line lies SPOILERS...you have been warned!

The first 1/3 of the book was maddeningly sad! I wanted to shake both Zoe and Gavin out of their collective funk, but both characters had been through HELL the last book so it made sense for them to be so unlike themselves. The first truly sweet scene between the two happened at Gavin's house and involved shitty frozen pizza & hot fudge sundaes (trust me it's worth the read.) Thankfully they worked out their issues and became the characters we readers know and love again by the end of the book.

<3 Jack Weaver in this. He provides some much needed levity during the darker parts of the book and provides this cool Dad vibe for Zoe as well as his Librus group. Speaking of....OMG your heart will just BREAK for Vexx. If you haven't already read the short stories that go with this series you are severely missing out. There is so much to learn of the characters in the shorts, and poor Vexx just suffers in Just Breathe. Kendall posted in her forums at Amazon that she intends to write more about the Librus characters, and I'm so hoping there's more happy in Vexx's future than there was here.

This ending of the trilogy will blow your mind. It has everything truly great trilogies have and will have you at times, laughing, crying, and urging the characters on in their respective battles. Well done, Kendall Grey. Can't wait to see what you're going to write in the future ;-)

[Alysses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on RUMOR HAS IT! Check me out!

Inhale… Exhale… Just Breathe…

Inhale… Exhale… Just Breathe…

My mantra as I gently pick up my jaw off the floor. My mantra as I try to sort out my feelings that seem to be a mixture of excitement, sadness, awe, surprise, love, hate… more love than hate… but yeah, I think you get the picture.

Honestly though…That was completely awesome!!

Kendall Grey delivers another work of art.

Just Breathe is:
* Packed to the rim with action
* Intense
* Intriguing
* HOT… like jump in some type of cold body of water hot.
* Intelligent
* Sweet yet raunchy

All of the above was awesome but I think what I was most impressed with was the fact that I never knew where this story was going to go. As soon as I thought the story would go one way it totally went a different direction. I had to give myself a pep talk and mentally talk myself down to a point where I wouldn't expect anything. I had to just let it flow without expectations because I was driving myself nuts.

This read earned itself a very strong five stars.

I can’t rave enough about this series. It has absolutely everything one could want from a paranormal romance/ urban fantasy and more. The romance is absolutely wonderful but there is so much more to this series than that. There is an actual story with amazing but flawed characters you will love to love and love to hate with an amazingly unique but realistic world.

I’m extremely sad to say goodbye to the Just Breathe saga but extremely excited about what Kendall Grey has yet to write. These characters will forever live in my heart and will never be forgotten.

I’m extremely proud of Kendall Grey who will forever have my support and admiration. I will forever read anything Kendall Grey because through her writing you feel her passion and understand immediately how serious her art is to her. This chick is just awesome on so many levels.

Thank you, Kendall Grey for transporting me into such a unique world that was full of surprises, that had my emotions on overload and made me wish I was really there beside all these wonderful characters fighting the good fight.

ARC was provided by author for an honest review and tour purposes.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if I'm able to write a review that just is about this one book. Feels like a revew should be done about the series as a whole. Since I read them all back to back this week, I might have some trouble separating what happened in each book. But I'll try.

So in this book Gavin and Zoe are struggling with trust and forgiveness after Scarlet's latest attack on them in the previous book. I ached for them and found myself yelling at my kindle. Gavin must make a decision that could save The Dreaming and those he was sworn to protect, but inturn could destroy Zoe and his source of love and water as a result. The Fyres are destroying The Dreaming and killing off Wyldings by the hundreds each night. The Waters are still without leadership. With the spring equinox fast approaching, war is imminent.

This book is not just some kick back and feel good book. For some, there is no happily ever after. The language in which this book was written, you have to think about and visualize everything that is going on in this book. She didn't dumb anything down for us! I was impressed with how fawlessly she was able to transition character speaking when you have some using Aussie terms and accents. The author obviously did her research with so much more than the obvious Triple X Syndrome and humpback whales.

Of the three books, this one had to be my favorite. At this point in the story, so many questions needed to be answered. It just felt like everything fell into place. I had many moments where I had to do a double take while thinking "Wait, WTF?" From the previous books, Zoe and Gavin's characters were already well developed. However in Just Breathe they are taken to a new level - how both can be so giving and so selfless. Both willing to make sacrafic for those they love and protect. And Scarlet! Oh how I hated that bitch! With so many romance books out there, it was easy to fall in love with Gavin & Zoe. But for a book to make me really HATE a character, well then the author obviously did a great job.

This series was so different from anything I've ever read. It really was the perfect balance of paranormal romance and suspence, sprinkled with some yummy love scenes.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
“Just Breathe” by Kendall Grey is the exciting conclusion to the ‘Just Breathe’ trilogy that includes “Inhale” and “Exhale”. The conflict between the Elementals is approaching a frightening climax, destined to culminate on equinox and there is a problem with choosing the Waeters’ Archelemental. Researcher Zoe Morgan and Gavin Cassidy’s relationship may be damaged beyond any repair after the machinations of the Fyre Scarlet and Zoe’s work as the translator between the whales and the other Waeter elementals is compromised by physical proximity to Gavin even as he exhausts himself trying to perform his duties as head of the Sentinel Council. The mythical Dreamweaver may be their last hope, if only they can find such an entity.

This lovely paranormal fantasy provides a wonderful conclusion to a beautifully creative trilogy. The striking imagery of a world in which whales play a pivotal role is vividly portrayed and the vicious struggle between those who blithely destroy life and those who seek to protect it is starkly portrayed. There are a few unexpected developments and it is strongly recommended that one start with the first novel in the series (“Inhale”) in order to truly appreciate the breadth of the story. I definitely enjoyed the flavor of Australia and its beauty both on land and sea and could practically feel the wind and water as Zoe pursues her dual goals. The pathos provided by the orphan calf as well as Lily’s injured calf reminds us that all of life is in a fragile balance which requires the efforts of many to maintain. It is gratifying that the author is so passionate about educating the world about those wonderful creatures classified as cetaceans that she is donating her profits toward ensuring that we humans are better educated about them. This was an entertaining and educational read.


submitted to Night Owl Reviews

a copy of this title was provided in exchange for an honest review

[Laura *Little Read Riding Hood* · Rating 5 out of 5]

***This review will contain spoilers for Inhale and Exhale. I find it impossible to review without discussing things that happened in the previous books.***

What the f**k just happened? We start not long after Gavin does what he did with Scarlet to Zoe. I mean ... BITCH. Seriously, can I kill Scarlet myself? I don't think I have ever hated a bad guy as much as I hate her. I was shaking with rage every time she made an appearance. At the same time, my heart was shattered for Zoe & Gavin. They have been through so much and deserved to be happy, but it just wasn't in the cards for them at this point. Maybe in the future? But with things going the way they were, I wasn't holding my breath.

Both Zoe & Gavin make some hard choices. Choices I myself, in the same situation, would not be able to make. Hence why I will never be the "hero" of anyone's story. You should be grateful the fate of the world is not in my hands.

Without giving anything away ... a lot happens in this book. Good thing it is the last in the trilogy, because I don't think I could have taken much more of the emotions I felt. It seemed like time after time someone was making what they thought to be the most noble decision, and they didn't listen to ANY of my advice. If they would have listened to me, things would have resolved much earlier. But then the book would have been way too short. Hmm ...

In the end ... well, I am not going to tell you what happens in the end. :-) I will say that Gavin will forever be in my list of fictional characters I would leave my husband for if they ever became real. And Zoe is my hero. I kind of want her job life. Should you read this series? YES. It is good. Great. Amazing. Heart-wrenching. It is all the things a good trilogy should be.

[Sweeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final book drove me crazy.
Gavin was just downright stupid in his decision making at times. I almost threw my freakin Kindle across the room! Okay, I'm not gonna lie...I did throw a few tantrums. My 3-year-old asked me to calm down if that relays any information about my headspace at the time. When the hopelessness and despair got to be too much, I actually had to stop reading and step away. I mean Kendall Grey can drag out some gut wrenching angst like no other! I mean page after page of WHAT THE HELL!!!!! Seriously, I was hoping that the good guys got ahead sooner than they did because I wanted the love between Zoe and Gav to take a front seat. I mean, I literally was pouting, "I don't wanna fight anymore!" SOMEHOW, their love grew and really was prominent throughout the story so I did get what I wanted, kind of. ***WORLD'S SMALLEST SPOILER*** The only complaint I have is that I wanted Scarlett to suffer, suffer, and suffer some more. I wanted gruesome gore and dismemberment in life like detail!!! Like why couldn't she get hit by a MAC truck, somehow still be coherent and then get relentlessly dragged until her dying breath, and then have a cargo trailer like fall on top of her while she watched in slow motion completely helpless? Just saying!!!!
Okay, alright, In the end, I got my fill and then some. I don't know what kinda magic is going on with Kendall Grey, but she's got my attention. I am satisfied with the ending of this series....BUT I do have some lingering questions about Jet and Sinnder, and where the hell Jack and crew were in such a hurry to get to? I'm truly going to miss reading about Zoe, Gav, Jack, Yileen, Adriane, and Sinnder. Wonderful writing.

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely rounded and engaging ending to the trilogy. I think it was also the best of the bunch. I liked that the author left an opening for a continuation of the story for some of the secondary characters, in fact some of their questions were left unanswered and serve as well done hooks, but I don't feel like I got hit with a cliff hanger. If Ms. Grey doesn't write another one then I'll hold the unanswered questions inside and wonder fondly, but the primary protagonists definitely got their well wrapped ending after a lot of action and a few unexpected twists.

If I had a negative it would be that a lot of the plot pacing was dependent on the "keeping secrets" trope and that is a difficult trope for me to have empathy with, it always leaves me feeling like the people doing it just aren't adult enough to be in a relationship if they can't find the nuts to be open with each other.

Still, other than a couple of fleeting bumps and this one particular trope I'd say that the story matured as we move through the three books as did the characters.

I also like that the world is a bit different than your average supernatural stuff, but not so different that you just can't get your head around it.

It was good, I'm glad I read it and give a shout out to my friend Cristy Cundiff for calling it to my attention back in the beginning of the series.

I hope the author decides to write about the Librus Group, and comes back to tell us what actually happened with Sinnder.

[Erin Danzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure EPICNESS!

That's really the only way to describe the thrilling, enchanting ending to the Just Breathe trilogy. Once again, Kendall Grey sweeps us into the world of Realis and Dreaming as the Sentinels, alongside Zoe and her whales, prepare to battle for the well-being of themselves and Wyldings everywhere (that's humans for those who aren't in the know).

There are too many things to name that I loved about this book. Kendall is an amazing wordsmith, weaving a beautiful story full of life, death, and everything in between. And hot sex. ;) I feel like I have to read her books twice to get everything she puts into them, all the nuances that come with every new idea shared. The events leading up to the finale tore at my heart, made me laugh at times, and surprised me. The epic ending was more than I thought possible. And once it was all said and done, even more surprises lay in store before THE END showed up on the page. I will never be able to think about cinnamon or hot fudge ever the same. Hot fudge with a side of Gavin? Yes, please!

I feel like words can't do this book, or this series justice. You need to read it for yourself. Let me try that again, you NEED to read these books. If you don't mind graphic sex (definitely for the 18+ crowd!), hot Aussie rock stars, whales, love, adventure, and so many twists and turns your head will spin with them all, then these are the books for you. If not, then I feel you are truly missing out on something phenomenal!