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Breathe Out Slow
When unexpected tragedy strikes, shattering eighteen-year-old Ryan's idyllic life, he does the only thing he can to stay sane… he slaps on a mask, pretends he’s fine, and takes off for college. Week after week, he drifts through school in a bleak half-life. He doesn’t care about anything, or anyone—least of all himself.
Then Liam Doyle hurtles into his life with easy smiles, effortless caring, and those kind hazel eyes that see straight through him. Liam sees him and wants to stick around anyway.
And that… well, that’s terrifying.
Intensely unforgettable, Breathe Out Slow is a heart-rending journey of loss, bittersweet memories, and two incredible love stories.
Then Liam Doyle hurtles into his life with easy smiles, effortless caring, and those kind hazel eyes that see straight through him. Liam sees him and wants to stick around anyway.
And that… well, that’s terrifying.
Intensely unforgettable, Breathe Out Slow is a heart-rending journey of loss, bittersweet memories, and two incredible love stories.
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First published July 6, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 3, 2018
Awwwww.....
***3.5 stars***
I did enjoy this bittersweet story. However, at times the story itself seemed generic. Some of the details are missing from the story. For instance, does Chris have a father? Where in the world is this story taking place and at what university did they go to? At one point I was wondering if Ryan ever visited Chris’ grave and was finally granted that answer around the 70% mark. These are just some of my questions. Overall, it was a good story that kept my attention :)
***3.5 stars***
I did enjoy this bittersweet story. However, at times the story itself seemed generic. Some of the details are missing from the story. For instance, does Chris have a father? Where in the world is this story taking place and at what university did they go to? At one point I was wondering if Ryan ever visited Chris’ grave and was finally granted that answer around the 70% mark. These are just some of my questions. Overall, it was a good story that kept my attention :)
May 19, 2020
This was a way more emotional read than I was expecting, but that also made it a perfect hurt-comfort read. Because of that, I just loved Liam so much! It's a pretty sad book though, as it mainly focuses on losing someone you love and how life goes on without them and you have to learn to keep living too.
Rep: m/m romance
CWs: death of a side character, car accident, cheating, grief, sex, violence, alcohol consumption, involuntary drugging, hospital, homophobia
Rep: m/m romance
CWs: death of a side character, car accident, cheating, grief, sex, violence, alcohol consumption, involuntary drugging, hospital, homophobia
September 7, 2019
Breathe Out Slow was my first book by A.D. Lawless and it was so good. It's a heart wrenching story about love and loss. I really liked the story and the writing.
November 7, 2022
It was quick and easy read. But it was very insta-lovey and the chemistry was alright, but i wish it wasn`t so quick and all. But it was an interesting read.
I got this eARC from Netgally
I got this eARC from Netgally
October 24, 2019
My first reaction when I finished Breathe Out Slow: Stay tuned for my full review as soon as my heart "unbreaks" - *sigh*
I recently read a string of books full of heartbreak and Breathe Out Slow was one of the books that started that streak. It was most definitely not an easy read, but it’s also one of those books that I’m glad I took a chance on.
Teenage love is hard, being “in the closet” and in love is harder, loosing that love tragically is almost too much and that’s exactly what happened to Ryan. He survived, but barely. All but a handful of his friends gave up on him and even though they tried to help and Ryan put up a good front, he was crushed and more than a little broken.
Liam was amazing. It took him a while to break through Ryan’s defenses and Ryan spent a lot of time feeling guilty for what he was feeling for Liam. Liam was so patient with him though and he was just what Ryan needed.
There was so much to love about this book and one of the things that really worked for me was that it slipped from past to present. I know some readers don’t like books that use that format, but it really worked for me in Breathe Out Slow. I don’t think it would have had the same impact if the events would have been written in a normal timeline. There were some really great supporting characters and there were some really awful, hateful characters and there were also characters that redeemed themselves in the end. Basically, it was a great story that dealt with some really tough issues. This is my first book by A.D. Lawless, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last.
I received Breathe Out Slow in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I recently read a string of books full of heartbreak and Breathe Out Slow was one of the books that started that streak. It was most definitely not an easy read, but it’s also one of those books that I’m glad I took a chance on.
Teenage love is hard, being “in the closet” and in love is harder, loosing that love tragically is almost too much and that’s exactly what happened to Ryan. He survived, but barely. All but a handful of his friends gave up on him and even though they tried to help and Ryan put up a good front, he was crushed and more than a little broken.
Liam was amazing. It took him a while to break through Ryan’s defenses and Ryan spent a lot of time feeling guilty for what he was feeling for Liam. Liam was so patient with him though and he was just what Ryan needed.
There was so much to love about this book and one of the things that really worked for me was that it slipped from past to present. I know some readers don’t like books that use that format, but it really worked for me in Breathe Out Slow. I don’t think it would have had the same impact if the events would have been written in a normal timeline. There were some really great supporting characters and there were some really awful, hateful characters and there were also characters that redeemed themselves in the end. Basically, it was a great story that dealt with some really tough issues. This is my first book by A.D. Lawless, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last.
I received Breathe Out Slow in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 6, 2019
This was very sweet, if a bit overly angsty.
Ryan is struggling through grief, no one has really reached out to him until Liam. Liam is just an all round nice guy.
I do wish that we saw their relationship develop more, I sort of felt like it was overshadowed by all the memories with Chris (which were heartbreakingly sweet and I definitely would read a full length novel on that).
I really wish that it could have been longer so we could have seen the characters/relationships depths a bit more.
Overall very sweet.
ARC provided by NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ryan is struggling through grief, no one has really reached out to him until Liam. Liam is just an all round nice guy.
I do wish that we saw their relationship develop more, I sort of felt like it was overshadowed by all the memories with Chris (which were heartbreakingly sweet and I definitely would read a full length novel on that).
I really wish that it could have been longer so we could have seen the characters/relationships depths a bit more.
Overall very sweet.
ARC provided by NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2017
This is a book about how one event in someone's life, one moment in time, can take everything that we once thought and once loved and change it all in a blink of an eye.
That is exactly what happened to one of the main characters. Ryan thought he had it all and he did u too that one moment changed everything for him and he lost not only his best friend but the love of his life in the blink of an eye. After believing that his boyfriend, Chris cheated on him and Ryan left the party they was at, he gets the phone call that will set his life on a whirlwind of guilt, anger, regret, doubt, and a huge downward spiral that Ryan feels like he will never be able to recover or move on from.
When Ryan gets the call that Chris was killed in a car accident Ryan's world is turned upside down and he feels responsible and like he will never be able to move on from it. Ryan goes into a major depression that he tried to hide from everyone around him. He lives through the motions of each day but never fully feels the things happening around him. He is just there and he can't let go.
After another night of drunkness Ryan finds himself in a situation that could potentially kill him if not for someone he has never met before. Liam steps in and saves the man that looks to have so much pain and heartache in his life. Liam wants to wrap this man in his arms and try to make everything better but knows that it is not possible. This is the night that Ryan's life will once again change in the blink of an eye. This is the night that someone, a stranger, steps in and comes to his rescue in more ways then one. This is the night that will set forth events in Ryan's life that will lead him down a path to either continue to self destruct or to a new beginning. Ryan just has to decide which path to take.
This was a heartbreaking read that left emotional scars on the main character in more ways then one. The pain and guilt that Ryan felt was so overwhelming that I was not sure he would be able to recover. A.D. Lawless did an incredible job on this book. It was a book that captures you from beginning to end and leaves the reader feeling every emotion. Amazing read.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
That is exactly what happened to one of the main characters. Ryan thought he had it all and he did u too that one moment changed everything for him and he lost not only his best friend but the love of his life in the blink of an eye. After believing that his boyfriend, Chris cheated on him and Ryan left the party they was at, he gets the phone call that will set his life on a whirlwind of guilt, anger, regret, doubt, and a huge downward spiral that Ryan feels like he will never be able to recover or move on from.
When Ryan gets the call that Chris was killed in a car accident Ryan's world is turned upside down and he feels responsible and like he will never be able to move on from it. Ryan goes into a major depression that he tried to hide from everyone around him. He lives through the motions of each day but never fully feels the things happening around him. He is just there and he can't let go.
After another night of drunkness Ryan finds himself in a situation that could potentially kill him if not for someone he has never met before. Liam steps in and saves the man that looks to have so much pain and heartache in his life. Liam wants to wrap this man in his arms and try to make everything better but knows that it is not possible. This is the night that Ryan's life will once again change in the blink of an eye. This is the night that someone, a stranger, steps in and comes to his rescue in more ways then one. This is the night that will set forth events in Ryan's life that will lead him down a path to either continue to self destruct or to a new beginning. Ryan just has to decide which path to take.
This was a heartbreaking read that left emotional scars on the main character in more ways then one. The pain and guilt that Ryan felt was so overwhelming that I was not sure he would be able to recover. A.D. Lawless did an incredible job on this book. It was a book that captures you from beginning to end and leaves the reader feeling every emotion. Amazing read.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
July 16, 2017
Brilliant
Amazing book full of loveable characters, unforgettable moments, tragic events, and the hope that everything will get better. A book I will definitely recommend.
Amazing book full of loveable characters, unforgettable moments, tragic events, and the hope that everything will get better. A book I will definitely recommend.
April 9, 2018
Intense
So intense that it took my breath away at times! Death plays so much of a game with us in our lives its hard to see when love returns!
So intense that it took my breath away at times! Death plays so much of a game with us in our lives its hard to see when love returns!
Read
July 9, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Homomisia
Cheating
Alcohol consumption
Drugging
Hospital
Car accident
Homomisia
Cheating
Alcohol consumption
Drugging
Hospital
Car accident
February 5, 2020
During Ryan's senior year of high school his boyfriend Chris dies in a tragic accident that Ryan blames himself for. Now in his sophomore year of college he meets Liam whose friendship might just help him finally pull his life back together. This book is probably what would be considered a new adult novel as its characters are mostly in college during the book and it's definitely aimed at a younger audience, but the sex scenes are definitely too graphic for it to be a young adult novel. It was a decent enough book. Liam is probably a little bit too much of an unrealistic knight in shining armor, but I enjoyed their relationship so I'm okay with it.
September 1, 2019
This story is centered on a tragedy that no one would want to live through. Ryan and Chris were involved… best friends to the world around them but lovers when alone. Ryan was okay with that…he thought they had all the time in the world to work things out. Everything changes one night when Ryan stumbles on Chris with a girl in his arms. They fight. It’s ugly and hurtful. Ryan heads home needing time alone.
Chris gets drunk and when he’s trying to drive to Ryan’s house to talk to him… he’s killed in a tragic accident.
Losing that first love is almost unbearable. Lawless has captured the way a young soul can drown in grief. It feels as though you will never emerge from under it, and even when you manage a brief glimpse of happiness…. it feels wrong. Ryan is hurt and broken and he tries to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and playing along with life.
Liam intervenes one night when Ryan is too drunk to realize that he’s been drugged by some asshole in a bar. Liam drives Ryan to the hospital and stays in the waiting room… not even sure why.
Lawless digs pretty deep into Ryan’s grief in the short span of this novella. I wish that it was longer. There were some things missing for me! I feel as though I didn’t know much about Chris in the end… why did he make the decisions he did? What was his family like?
I would read more by this author so this is 3-stars from me!
Chris gets drunk and when he’s trying to drive to Ryan’s house to talk to him… he’s killed in a tragic accident.
Losing that first love is almost unbearable. Lawless has captured the way a young soul can drown in grief. It feels as though you will never emerge from under it, and even when you manage a brief glimpse of happiness…. it feels wrong. Ryan is hurt and broken and he tries to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and playing along with life.
Liam intervenes one night when Ryan is too drunk to realize that he’s been drugged by some asshole in a bar. Liam drives Ryan to the hospital and stays in the waiting room… not even sure why.
Lawless digs pretty deep into Ryan’s grief in the short span of this novella. I wish that it was longer. There were some things missing for me! I feel as though I didn’t know much about Chris in the end… why did he make the decisions he did? What was his family like?
I would read more by this author so this is 3-stars from me!
September 9, 2019
Wow! Breathe Out Slow is an extraordinary novel by AD Lawless. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
It's a tough read from the start, as Ryan deals with betrayal, loss, and despair. He's been secretly dating his boyfriend Chris, and when he loses said boyfriend, he hits rock bottom.
Ryan's experiences left me gutted; my heart absolutely broke for the man. And then it got worse. In college, despite his friend Josh trying to help him, he remains broken and numb.
Then comes Liam, who not only physically saves Ryan, but also emotionally saves him. What follows is a beautiful story of recovery and healing, all through the power of friendship and love. It's an absolutely amazing story, full of emotion, pain, and despair.
Ahhh, Liam. Liam is one of the most thoughtful, caring, compassionate, and loving men ever. He is truly a gift for Ryan.
Through the use of flashbacks, the reader is gifted a look back at the good times for Ryan and his ex, Chris. Ryan's story includes a whole lot of hurt, confusion, loneliness, guilt, and regret.
I absolutely love Breathe Out Slow and can't recommend this AD Lawless book enough. Just wow! I will be re-reading this often. It is more of the most powerful books I've read this year.
August 31, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
So I loved Liam - even though his need to be a hero wasn't fully explained, and I loved Josh, as the relentless best friend character. They both cared so deeply about helping Ryan get through his issues.
My heart broke for Ryan and the guilt he was dealing with, even as I wanted to whack him on the head because it wasn't his fault. Also the drinking - poor guy is going to need a liver transplant before he even reaches the legal age.
I also loved his sister Emma. She's a rockstar and it was awesome how she stood up for him against Allie.
The flashbacks were well done. I was confused at the beginning, and didn't know why I should care about Chris, but the flashbacks filled in the story well and I shed a few tears over Chris by the end.
So I loved Liam - even though his need to be a hero wasn't fully explained, and I loved Josh, as the relentless best friend character. They both cared so deeply about helping Ryan get through his issues.
My heart broke for Ryan and the guilt he was dealing with, even as I wanted to whack him on the head because it wasn't his fault. Also the drinking - poor guy is going to need a liver transplant before he even reaches the legal age.
I also loved his sister Emma. She's a rockstar and it was awesome how she stood up for him against Allie.
The flashbacks were well done. I was confused at the beginning, and didn't know why I should care about Chris, but the flashbacks filled in the story well and I shed a few tears over Chris by the end.
November 17, 2019
This was okay. It seemed a little slow-moving in places, and I felt like (realistic or not) Ryan spent way too much time blaming himself (and it annoyed me to no end that Chris's mom also blamed him -- also could be realistic, but it just irritated me). I also felt like the opening scene was (although possibly realistic) almost a cliche regarding lack of communication. *insert eye roll here*
Still, I thought Liam was a saint, and I appreciated how Ryan eventually worked through his sorrow. Ironically, when I felt he *could* have blamed himself a bit, by then he had let it go (which he should have)...but it felt like his initial reaction was over the top and the latter wasn't quite insightful enough, if that makes sense.
All in all, okay but not outstanding for me.
Still, I thought Liam was a saint, and I appreciated how Ryan eventually worked through his sorrow. Ironically, when I felt he *could* have blamed himself a bit, by then he had let it go (which he should have)...but it felt like his initial reaction was over the top and the latter wasn't quite insightful enough, if that makes sense.
All in all, okay but not outstanding for me.
January 3, 2020
This book is a beautiful exploration of love and loss.
Ryan's boyfriend, Chris, died just before they were meant to go to college and Ryan blames himself. To deal with the grief and guilt, Ryan has turned to alcohol. Liam comes into Ryan's life after he sees someone slip something into his drink one night.
The narrative follows the blossoming of Ryan and Liam's friendship as Ryan slowly learns to live with his grief.
A fantastic book dealing with a multitude of issues that do not get enough representation in novels. Well worth a read!
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Ryan's boyfriend, Chris, died just before they were meant to go to college and Ryan blames himself. To deal with the grief and guilt, Ryan has turned to alcohol. Liam comes into Ryan's life after he sees someone slip something into his drink one night.
The narrative follows the blossoming of Ryan and Liam's friendship as Ryan slowly learns to live with his grief.
A fantastic book dealing with a multitude of issues that do not get enough representation in novels. Well worth a read!
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 16, 2019
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Tw for alcohol abuse, death of a loved one, drugs.
Breathe out slow was an okay book. There were parts I enjoyed and parts I couldn't care less about. For example I didn't care much about the past of Chris and Ryan. I was more stuck on the present. Liam's and Ryan's slow building relationship didn't go deep enough for my liking. I wished there was more to it. It was enjoyable although at the end it didn't manage to hold his grip on me. It felt kind of repetitive, if that makes any sense.
Tw for alcohol abuse, death of a loved one, drugs.
Breathe out slow was an okay book. There were parts I enjoyed and parts I couldn't care less about. For example I didn't care much about the past of Chris and Ryan. I was more stuck on the present. Liam's and Ryan's slow building relationship didn't go deep enough for my liking. I wished there was more to it. It was enjoyable although at the end it didn't manage to hold his grip on me. It felt kind of repetitive, if that makes any sense.
September 6, 2019
This was a m/m romance about Moving on from grief and falling in love again. It was on the short side to me and didn’t delve as much into things as the author could have. Thank you to netgalley for the Arc.
December 16, 2019
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