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Taking Breath
I'm on the run.
They are the predators, and I am the prey, like the race of elementals I belong to. And even if we rise up, we're taken. Just as I'm taken now.
I'm in a cage, everything stripped from me. My freedom. My fight.
My dignity.
Until three men arrive. Not in shining armour, but brandishing fire and death just the same. They took me from this prison and claimed me as their own.
And I shouldn’t be addicted to them, but I am.
Monk rushed to fight for me, Krii so sweet and kind, while Declan…is dominating and dangerous.
But there’s only one rule they agree on. For me to remember my place under their control.
I hate those words, the constant reminder I’m theirs. But I crave one thing above all: Freedom.
I have a secret they’ll kill for, and I will too...for I have everything to lose.
Author’s Note: Taking Breath includes spanking. This book contains some triggers.
Dark Romance.
They are the predators, and I am the prey, like the race of elementals I belong to. And even if we rise up, we're taken. Just as I'm taken now.
I'm in a cage, everything stripped from me. My freedom. My fight.
My dignity.
Until three men arrive. Not in shining armour, but brandishing fire and death just the same. They took me from this prison and claimed me as their own.
And I shouldn’t be addicted to them, but I am.
Monk rushed to fight for me, Krii so sweet and kind, while Declan…is dominating and dangerous.
But there’s only one rule they agree on. For me to remember my place under their control.
I hate those words, the constant reminder I’m theirs. But I crave one thing above all: Freedom.
I have a secret they’ll kill for, and I will too...for I have everything to lose.
Author’s Note: Taking Breath includes spanking. This book contains some triggers.
Dark Romance.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2019
117 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Mila Young
155 books2,102 followersMila Young tackles everything with the zeal and bravado of the fairytale heroes she grew up reading about. She slays monsters, real and imaginary, like there's no tomorrow. By day she rocks a keyboard as a marketing extraordinaire. At night she battles with her mighty pen-sword, creating fairytale retellings, and sexy ever after tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 24, 2019
I must warn people up front that this book is a darker book (caution to those who may have triggers) than the author generally writes. However, it still has great writing, wonderful characters, and hot, sexy times we have come to expect from this talented author. With this darker, dystopian landscape, readers are taken on a dark, wild ride where lawless is the way of the land, and men have taken women as their prisoners. I enjoyed this RH romance and can’t wait to read the next one. I do recommend this book to those who really enjoy RH!
March 29, 2019
Taking Breath follows Caeli and her survival after The Cleansing. In a world where the remaining population have gained mutated abilities and the men out number the woman, Caeli has nothing left but hope and her own elemental magic.
There’s some beautiful moments throughout the book, as well as adventure and trying times. Each of the Phoenix brothers are easily differentiated from each other - there’s no cross over of character personalities.
Overall Mila Young’s Taking Breath is an enjoyable take on a dark dystopian reverse harem story, which I recommend. I can’t wait to read the following books in The Captive Series.
There’s some beautiful moments throughout the book, as well as adventure and trying times. Each of the Phoenix brothers are easily differentiated from each other - there’s no cross over of character personalities.
Overall Mila Young’s Taking Breath is an enjoyable take on a dark dystopian reverse harem story, which I recommend. I can’t wait to read the following books in The Captive Series.
March 25, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What an intriguing new world Mila has created this time. A virus has taken out a large chunk of the world leaving behind survivors that develop powers. Woman are tools to be used as the men can feed off of their power making them stronger and more powerful. This is a dark RH romance novel that introduces us to Caeli just as she gets taken first by bad men and then rescued by a group of three that may end up not being as bad. Lots of danger, intrigue, and surprise mixed into each page that will keep you reading until you essentially run out of book. Great start to a new series. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
What an intriguing new world Mila has created this time. A virus has taken out a large chunk of the world leaving behind survivors that develop powers. Woman are tools to be used as the men can feed off of their power making them stronger and more powerful. This is a dark RH romance novel that introduces us to Caeli just as she gets taken first by bad men and then rescued by a group of three that may end up not being as bad. Lots of danger, intrigue, and surprise mixed into each page that will keep you reading until you essentially run out of book. Great start to a new series. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
March 26, 2019
*** Read in Kindle Unlimited ***
I must say this since most refuse to read the entire blurb written by authors, this book does contain some triggers. While this book is darker than most the books the author writes I need to say she did a excellent job. The world building and characters were great and there is plenty of emotions that hit you throughout this dark, dystopian landscape. I can not wait to read the next book in this series to see how things go with Caeli and her guys.
I must say this since most refuse to read the entire blurb written by authors, this book does contain some triggers. While this book is darker than most the books the author writes I need to say she did a excellent job. The world building and characters were great and there is plenty of emotions that hit you throughout this dark, dystopian landscape. I can not wait to read the next book in this series to see how things go with Caeli and her guys.
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March 18, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/18/2020)! 🎁
April 1, 2019
Ok, but the “dark” element is the end for me
July 14, 2019
A Fantastic Dark Paranormal Adventure!
Wow! 💜 I initially read a sample of this book about 2 months ago! The sample was the first chapter, I believe. I was intrigued enough to finally read it, and I don't regret it one bit! This story takes place on Earth 🌎, but a couple of things have changed both men and women as we know them. The FMC, Caeli, has survived longer than a lot of women have in this new hard cruel dystopian world, but she is more than simply " human"
Her life changes completely when she goes to a bar at night to buy some meds for a sick friend who has an infection from a wound she sustained during a hunting trip got food.From then on, the story grows into an a crazy series of events that will have you flipping through the pages wondering what will happen next. Definitely for adults only, this dark paranormal reverse harem book moved a little bit too slowly for me In a few of the beginning chapters, but eventually took off with the speed of a spreading wild fire 🔥🔥🔥 (pun intended) and I became entranced in the this engaging reverse harem. I do not leave spoilers, so you will have to read this book to find out more, and trust me, you will want to know more. Triggers are possible, as this world is definitely cruel and callous, so expect violence towards both men and women, death, and yes, there is explicit sex. This book definitely has a beginning reverse harem set up, with a hesitant building of trust and grudging respect between the FMC and her harem. No Insta love here, but it matches the plotline set in to play early in the book, and you will understand what I mean if you get on board this rollercoaster. I look forward to what's coming in the next book, as the characters continue to grow and find hope and trust in a broken world where both of those things are often found in short supply. I give Taking Breath 4.3 burnt to a crisp stars in this broken post apocalyptic type survival story. My main complaint was that this book was so rushed at times, it seemed like details were left out while at other times, especially in the beginning, the book moved way to slow and gave you way too much unnecessary info.This was of course, only my opinion, so I based this rating on my own personal experience and feelings during the course of the book. Even so, I believe this book has not been advertised enough or something, because it really is quite a unique gem in the trope of dark paranormal reverse harem books out there, especially explaining how the various supernatural types of creatures came to exist upon Earth. Congrats to Mila Young on an outstanding job of writing a story that stands on its own merits in a trope where literally thousands of books exist! 💨🌪🌬🔥😈👹
Wow! 💜 I initially read a sample of this book about 2 months ago! The sample was the first chapter, I believe. I was intrigued enough to finally read it, and I don't regret it one bit! This story takes place on Earth 🌎, but a couple of things have changed both men and women as we know them. The FMC, Caeli, has survived longer than a lot of women have in this new hard cruel dystopian world, but she is more than simply " human"
Her life changes completely when she goes to a bar at night to buy some meds for a sick friend who has an infection from a wound she sustained during a hunting trip got food.From then on, the story grows into an a crazy series of events that will have you flipping through the pages wondering what will happen next. Definitely for adults only, this dark paranormal reverse harem book moved a little bit too slowly for me In a few of the beginning chapters, but eventually took off with the speed of a spreading wild fire 🔥🔥🔥 (pun intended) and I became entranced in the this engaging reverse harem. I do not leave spoilers, so you will have to read this book to find out more, and trust me, you will want to know more. Triggers are possible, as this world is definitely cruel and callous, so expect violence towards both men and women, death, and yes, there is explicit sex. This book definitely has a beginning reverse harem set up, with a hesitant building of trust and grudging respect between the FMC and her harem. No Insta love here, but it matches the plotline set in to play early in the book, and you will understand what I mean if you get on board this rollercoaster. I look forward to what's coming in the next book, as the characters continue to grow and find hope and trust in a broken world where both of those things are often found in short supply. I give Taking Breath 4.3 burnt to a crisp stars in this broken post apocalyptic type survival story. My main complaint was that this book was so rushed at times, it seemed like details were left out while at other times, especially in the beginning, the book moved way to slow and gave you way too much unnecessary info.This was of course, only my opinion, so I based this rating on my own personal experience and feelings during the course of the book. Even so, I believe this book has not been advertised enough or something, because it really is quite a unique gem in the trope of dark paranormal reverse harem books out there, especially explaining how the various supernatural types of creatures came to exist upon Earth. Congrats to Mila Young on an outstanding job of writing a story that stands on its own merits in a trope where literally thousands of books exist! 💨🌪🌬🔥😈👹
March 29, 2019
First off, the blurb intrigued me. You know how you read a blurb and it's like oh this is going to be so good. But when you read it, it almost feels lacking, like it did not measure up to the awesome blurb? Not here. Mila Young did an amazing job of creating a world, and characters that totally drew me in. Second, I finished this in one sitting. I just could not put this down.
Taking Breath we have our main female lead ,Caeli, who is living in a world where a virus has taken out a huge chunk of the population. What is left, are left with powers. Worse yet, women are tools to be used by men who feed off of their powers to make them stronger. When she is captured trying to get medicine for a friend, she is struggling with trying to escape. When she is rescued by three strangers with fire in their eyes. She traded one master for three others. What happens next will keep you just as intrigued as I was. Watch as she comes to terms with whose side she will be on, that maybe she needs these three men, just as much as they need her. Trust me, it is well worth the read.
Taking Breath we have our main female lead ,Caeli, who is living in a world where a virus has taken out a huge chunk of the population. What is left, are left with powers. Worse yet, women are tools to be used by men who feed off of their powers to make them stronger. When she is captured trying to get medicine for a friend, she is struggling with trying to escape. When she is rescued by three strangers with fire in their eyes. She traded one master for three others. What happens next will keep you just as intrigued as I was. Watch as she comes to terms with whose side she will be on, that maybe she needs these three men, just as much as they need her. Trust me, it is well worth the read.
May 8, 2019
Caeli lives in a world where she's lost her family and must hide in the woods with her friend. Women are few and men rule with a cruel hand, forcibly taking power from females for their own gain. She's saved from a cage by three mysterious men who are on the run themselves. They keep her locked up in hiding with them, but all Caeli wants is her freedom even when she feels she is falling for them. Will those emotions even matter when a vicious slaver comes hunting her?
I was immediately drawn into this dark post-apocalyptic world. It's a cruel world, especially for women, and my heart went out to Caeli. How she manages to hold on to hope through it all amazes me. It's her strength of heart. There is some magnificent world-building and an elemental magic system that I really like. The three men are each intriguing and sexy! It's a reverse harem book, so be prepared for some steamy moments. Mila Young never fails to deliver the hot goods. And with these guys, I mean that literally!
I was immediately drawn into this dark post-apocalyptic world. It's a cruel world, especially for women, and my heart went out to Caeli. How she manages to hold on to hope through it all amazes me. It's her strength of heart. There is some magnificent world-building and an elemental magic system that I really like. The three men are each intriguing and sexy! It's a reverse harem book, so be prepared for some steamy moments. Mila Young never fails to deliver the hot goods. And with these guys, I mean that literally!
March 24, 2019
OMG Mila Young has written an exciting start to this series. This is darker read to her other books but as soon as I started reading I was completely invested in the story and the characters! The characters are all intense, tormented, vulnerable and emotionally connected. I can’t wait to get to know all of them more as the story continues...the guys are all dark and unsympathetic but there is hope for them, hope for them to love Caeli and to care for her instead of using her...but Monk, oh wow, my favourite and the one who is frustrating to me!! Mila Young has written a fantastic start to what I can see is going to be an intriguing series! Highly recommended.
March 23, 2019
Taking Breath is a much darker book than Mila Young's other books. She has done an amazing job. A dystopian landscape introduces us to a nasty side of humans and the way in which they treat women. The heroine is a fighter and although not blessed with stature or strength to overpower men, after being captured by 3 Phoenix's she uncovers more strength than she knew she had. This book captured me from the first page. I was really annoyed when stupid things like sleep and parenting kept getting in the way. Fast burn, steamy and dark, I loved it.
March 23, 2019
Wow! What a rollercoaster of a book! A heroine who is trying to help her friend ends up getting caught, imprisoned, beaten harshly, then all of a sudden while another prisoner is being rescued, he rescues her. But is it really a rescue or another type of imprisonment? Phoenix brothers Arii, Monk and Declan are running from their alpha, plus others who want to kill them. They can gain power through their captive, but who will end up being captive? Totally dark, well written book that I enjoyed immensely!
March 23, 2019
This story kept me on high alert trough all of it. While I tried to put my brain into understanding this new and dangerous world created by one of my favorite authors, Caeli did fight and fight, and never loosing hope while dangers and enemies crashed on her. I can’t wait to see how she will grow in powers, how she will help those three sexy phoenixes to battle theirs own battles and how theirs unexpected relationship will grow.
March 27, 2019
Exciting start to a new series
An exciting start to a new series, Taking Breath, is truly unlike anything I’ve ever read! A virus has killed a large portion of the world population, and those that are left have been changed. Women are nothing more than property to be used as a boost of power for those that are in control. Caeli finds herself caught, and it changes the course of her life completely. Absolutely couldn’t put it down!! I look forward to reading more!!
An exciting start to a new series, Taking Breath, is truly unlike anything I’ve ever read! A virus has killed a large portion of the world population, and those that are left have been changed. Women are nothing more than property to be used as a boost of power for those that are in control. Caeli finds herself caught, and it changes the course of her life completely. Absolutely couldn’t put it down!! I look forward to reading more!!
July 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I had previously read the book after this one, so of course had to go back and read this one. I hope there are some books before this one that sort of leads to how these four main characters got where they are in the world they are living. I am hoping there is a book after the second one is this series, it seems there should be. But it could be just wishful thinking on my part.
December 9, 2020
Caged
In search for medicine, she was captured, caged, beaten, and rescued only to become someone else’s prisoner! This unforgiving world had it in for women the men took and took till nothing was left! Everyone was the enemy, no one helped anyone unless they got something out of it! Who were these men? Why rescue her just to keep her a prisoner too? What did they want from her?
In search for medicine, she was captured, caged, beaten, and rescued only to become someone else’s prisoner! This unforgiving world had it in for women the men took and took till nothing was left! Everyone was the enemy, no one helped anyone unless they got something out of it! Who were these men? Why rescue her just to keep her a prisoner too? What did they want from her?
March 27, 2019
I admit I usually don't read dark, but the way this one is written just draws you in. It's an interesting idea about what happens when a virus takes over the world and what people do to survive, and how some people change.
I like the story and the characters, they draw you in and make you want to learn more about them
I like the story and the characters, they draw you in and make you want to learn more about them
March 31, 2019
Being a Harpy isn't all it's cracked up to be… Caeli is rescued from a cage only to be imprisoned by her rescuers. Luckily they treat her completely different than her other jailer would have. Once the Golem come searching for her, all kinds of chaos ensues. Steam 9/10 * Sweet 7/10 * 1st POV * RH * Cliffhanger
April 3, 2019
dnf at 25% I didn't realize this was a after the apocalypse style book where there are more men then women. If she isnt going to be some magnificent powerful women who can beat anyone and triumphs when men try to take her down,just not for me. I don't want to read about men who beat and rape women and who have taken over basically.
February 2, 2022
Different
This authors take on a new world beginning after a “Cleansing “ was different. The characters are described well and the idea that men need women sexually to grow powerful is interesting. But when the main character realizes what she can take from men to become even more that was the game changer.
I’m excited to see where this story goes.
This authors take on a new world beginning after a “Cleansing “ was different. The characters are described well and the idea that men need women sexually to grow powerful is interesting. But when the main character realizes what she can take from men to become even more that was the game changer.
I’m excited to see where this story goes.
March 30, 2019
This went beyond my expectations. Mila has written characters that and beautiful, strong and flawed; the world they live in is corrupt and twisted but it has hope that there can be lightness and something better and that not everyone is a monster.
Wow was this gritty, angsty with some dark elements but omg was it hot and steamy, there was plenty of action and and some violence and if you haven’t started this yet you definitely should.
Wow was this gritty, angsty with some dark elements but omg was it hot and steamy, there was plenty of action and and some violence and if you haven’t started this yet you definitely should.
March 29, 2019
Taking Breath
This is about one way that could happen to everyone. All the older people die and the younger generation turn into different species. I like how the girl is a harpy and is rare and the 3 guys are phoenix'.
This is about one way that could happen to everyone. All the older people die and the younger generation turn into different species. I like how the girl is a harpy and is rare and the 3 guys are phoenix'.
March 29, 2019
Enjoyed book 1
This was a good quick read. Caeli and her Phoenixes are interesting characters. I'm very interested to see how Caeli develops and what other secrets are going to be revealed. All in all a good start to the series.
This was a good quick read. Caeli and her Phoenixes are interesting characters. I'm very interested to see how Caeli develops and what other secrets are going to be revealed. All in all a good start to the series.
April 11, 2019
Absolutely loved this book!!
Twists and turns, scary sexy men, and powerful women are just what I wanted and was not disappointed!! Thank you for taking me on this ride can’t wait for the next book!!
Twists and turns, scary sexy men, and powerful women are just what I wanted and was not disappointed!! Thank you for taking me on this ride can’t wait for the next book!!
April 21, 2019
Not a bad beginning
Needs better editing, but overall it is a good story. Although the characters aren't very deep, they are somewhat interesting. I'm hoping book 2 a little better.
Needs better editing, but overall it is a good story. Although the characters aren't very deep, they are somewhat interesting. I'm hoping book 2 a little better.
April 26, 2019
Loved it
Can’t wait for second book. Though I do wonder if she’ll actually grow so wings. It was an awesome story, though dark at the beginning. I’m glad it lightened up near the end. Although the ending was dark too.
Can’t wait for second book. Though I do wonder if she’ll actually grow so wings. It was an awesome story, though dark at the beginning. I’m glad it lightened up near the end. Although the ending was dark too.
September 4, 2020
A little different
I think I’ve read just about everything Mila Young has out. This is a little darker than the rest. It starts kind of slow with a lot of inner dialog from the MC. About the time I was ready to put it down it picked up. So I’m on to the second book.....
I think I’ve read just about everything Mila Young has out. This is a little darker than the rest. It starts kind of slow with a lot of inner dialog from the MC. About the time I was ready to put it down it picked up. So I’m on to the second book.....
March 23, 2019
Dark, dangerous, exciting, nerve wracking and sexy
March 24, 2019
Wonderful story
Wow I truly wasn't expecting this story when I first started reading this book! I loved this story in glad the next one is already out for pre order.
Wow I truly wasn't expecting this story when I first started reading this book! I loved this story in glad the next one is already out for pre order.
March 24, 2019
Excellent
Great world building and a blend of apocalyptic and fantasy for a seriously good read. Strong female character and dominant males make it hot.
Great world building and a blend of apocalyptic and fantasy for a seriously good read. Strong female character and dominant males make it hot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews