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Acadia Prep #1
Barely Breathing
Asha Blake is Hell in pink designer heels, and I’m just the guy she dumped her lunch on.
I hate her. She’s been my tormentor for as long as I can remember. If it’s not her long legs and wicked smile getting me hot and bothered, it’s her bullying and cruel intentions.
When we’re paired on a class project, I swear it’s going to be my worst nightmare.
I’m not wrong.
The Asha Blake I thought I knew is nothing compared to the girl sitting on my bed, divulging secrets so painful and sick, that I find myself fighting for her instead of against her.
But when it comes to the Queen of Mean, once you’re in her inner circle there’s no way out.
I’m in too deep. Graveyard deep. And she’s about to bury me.
Barely Breathing is a dark high school bully romance. Due to mature content, reader discretion is advised.
I hate her. She’s been my tormentor for as long as I can remember. If it’s not her long legs and wicked smile getting me hot and bothered, it’s her bullying and cruel intentions.
When we’re paired on a class project, I swear it’s going to be my worst nightmare.
I’m not wrong.
The Asha Blake I thought I knew is nothing compared to the girl sitting on my bed, divulging secrets so painful and sick, that I find myself fighting for her instead of against her.
But when it comes to the Queen of Mean, once you’re in her inner circle there’s no way out.
I’m in too deep. Graveyard deep. And she’s about to bury me.
Barely Breathing is a dark high school bully romance. Due to mature content, reader discretion is advised.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2021
382 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
About the author
K.G. Reuss
80 books2,656 followersKnown mostly for being strange, USA Today bestselling author K.G. Reuss knows what it takes to wear the crown of town weirdo. A cemetery creeper and ghost enthusiast, K.G. spends most of her time toeing the line between imagination and forced adulthood.
After a stint in college in Iowa, K.G. moved back to her home in Michigan to work in emergency medicine. She's currently raising three small ghouls and is married to a vampire overlord.
K.G. is the author of The Everlasting Chronicles series, Emissary of the Devil series, The Chronicles of Winterset series, The Middle Road (with co-author CM Lally) Black Falls High series, Hard Pass, and Kings of Bolten with a ridiculous amount of other series set to be released.
Sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on all the things happening in her freakishly ghoulish world. You'll also receive episode one of her new short story series, The Blood Legacy Saga, a paranormal romance. https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
Can't get enough? Visit her website at www.kgreuss.com or join her street team at www.facebook.com/groups/streetteamkgr... .
Stay ghoul, fellow weirdos.
After a stint in college in Iowa, K.G. moved back to her home in Michigan to work in emergency medicine. She's currently raising three small ghouls and is married to a vampire overlord.
K.G. is the author of The Everlasting Chronicles series, Emissary of the Devil series, The Chronicles of Winterset series, The Middle Road (with co-author CM Lally) Black Falls High series, Hard Pass, and Kings of Bolten with a ridiculous amount of other series set to be released.
Sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on all the things happening in her freakishly ghoulish world. You'll also receive episode one of her new short story series, The Blood Legacy Saga, a paranormal romance. https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
Can't get enough? Visit her website at www.kgreuss.com or join her street team at www.facebook.com/groups/streetteamkgr... .
Stay ghoul, fellow weirdos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
June 26, 2021
1 Star
Dnf @ 56%
Book is just pissing me off a little too much 😅 the blurb and triggers are MISLEADING btw! Also, neither of the characters are loyal, neither are smart, both are annoying and gross and weak, and I'm so sick of the heroine's pity parties that she throws all the time for herself, basically trynna gain sympathy or something from the reader when the reason shes letting people use her and staying in that situation, is to protect her parents who PUT her in that situation. Why tf would she want to protect them then??? All I wanted was a book where the heroine is ACTUALLY a bully, a total role reversal, but nah, this was just stupid and nothing unique or new and I literally cannot read anymore. And just to be clear, this book is FAR from the type of dark I usually read, so the "darkness level" has no impact on my rating or review, that blame lies solely on the stupid characters and story. It's a shame that the cover is pretty though.
Safety and spoilers:
Multiple detailed scenes of heroine getting assaulted or r*ped or blowing guys or making out with her bf (who she never has sex with btw so of course the one heroine "bully" book the heroine still has a crap sex life, while the hero is thriving, OF COURSE)
Scenes of hero going down on his (girl) friend and kissing and feeling up the heroine's skanky friend and getting turned on from her. Also getting a bj from that friend, and a hand job by one of the guy friends (hero was high and at a sex party cuz hes trying too hard to be cool, and it was in front of the heroine)
Neither are virgins
Not sure if the hero is technically a "manh*) or not, but he sure thinks and acts like a pretty typical one, literally nothing special about him (he also likes to use his friend when he's drunk and h*rny, so he's a douche too)
Rape/assault
They also kiss while shes in a relationship and goes down in her right after the sex party (where she didn't get any🙄) and with the rate the book is going, I'm sure they're still gonna do stuff with other people after that too since they were doing exactly that halfway into the book
Cheating? Didn't get that far into the book to see if there is any but I wouldn't count it out
I'm out✌
Dnf @ 56%
Book is just pissing me off a little too much 😅 the blurb and triggers are MISLEADING btw! Also, neither of the characters are loyal, neither are smart, both are annoying and gross and weak, and I'm so sick of the heroine's pity parties that she throws all the time for herself, basically trynna gain sympathy or something from the reader when the reason shes letting people use her and staying in that situation, is to protect her parents who PUT her in that situation. Why tf would she want to protect them then??? All I wanted was a book where the heroine is ACTUALLY a bully, a total role reversal, but nah, this was just stupid and nothing unique or new and I literally cannot read anymore. And just to be clear, this book is FAR from the type of dark I usually read, so the "darkness level" has no impact on my rating or review, that blame lies solely on the stupid characters and story. It's a shame that the cover is pretty though.
Safety and spoilers:
Multiple detailed scenes of heroine getting assaulted or r*ped or blowing guys or making out with her bf (who she never has sex with btw so of course the one heroine "bully" book the heroine still has a crap sex life, while the hero is thriving, OF COURSE)
Scenes of hero going down on his (girl) friend and kissing and feeling up the heroine's skanky friend and getting turned on from her. Also getting a bj from that friend, and a hand job by one of the guy friends (hero was high and at a sex party cuz hes trying too hard to be cool, and it was in front of the heroine)
Neither are virgins
Not sure if the hero is technically a "manh*) or not, but he sure thinks and acts like a pretty typical one, literally nothing special about him (he also likes to use his friend when he's drunk and h*rny, so he's a douche too)
Rape/assault
They also kiss while shes in a relationship and goes down in her right after the sex party (where she didn't get any🙄) and with the rate the book is going, I'm sure they're still gonna do stuff with other people after that too since they were doing exactly that halfway into the book
Cheating? Didn't get that far into the book to see if there is any but I wouldn't count it out
I'm out✌
June 25, 2021
authors that have the main character rape their love interest in books must be stopped. it's disgusting. you don't need to include that between the mcs just to make your book 'darker'. it added nothing to the story.
November 12, 2022
Ooh, I just loved the angst! This book is dark. Heed the trigger warnings! I just ate up the darkness. It’s a bully romance, but with the heroine being the bully. And once you find out what she’s going through, you forgive her quickly for being so mean, because it’s a mask she has to wear t survive.
This book has mafia elements, angsty bits, and it covers all the bases for a dark romance. I liked the characters and the plot, but it did get a little over the top towards the end. It’s like the author wanted to hit every trope. I still enjoyed it, but I had to suspend my disbelief a bit.
Trigger warnings
HEA?
This book has mafia elements, angsty bits, and it covers all the bases for a dark romance. I liked the characters and the plot, but it did get a little over the top towards the end. It’s like the author wanted to hit every trope. I still enjoyed it, but I had to suspend my disbelief a bit.
Trigger warnings
HEA?
December 18, 2021
BARELY BREATHING by KG Reuss is not a read for those with sensitive triggers. It is a graphic and disturbing story that captured my attention and had my heart breaking for the life Asha is forced to live. She has no control at home, so when at school she grabs onto any bit of control she can have, even if it means hurting others in the process. Liam is captivated by this elite mean girl and once he discovers the horrific secret she is keeping, he sets out to help her find her freedom.
This book shows that you shouldn't judge someone unless you truly know what their life is like. It shows that we all wear different "masks" around different people/situations. You never know what they may be dealing with outside of school/work/home. Maybe the sweet, caring, always smiling guy at home, is hiding the fact he is being harassed and bullied at school. Maybe the mean rich girl who bullies others, is hiding the deep pain and torture she faces at home.
Do not ignore the lengthy author's note at the beginning of the book that specifically spells out that this is an extremely DARK and violent book, and then proceed to leave hateful reviews about how it was too dark. Just because it was too dark for you doesn't mean you should bash the book/author or report it to Amazon. If you focus solely on the darker scenes, you most likely missed the deeper point of the book.
*****************************
A bit of a rant (not only in reference to this book, but from what I have seen repeatedly happen in the book community recently):
This is why I hate star reviews because reading is such a personal preference thing and giving a 1 star review for a well written book simply because you didn't like the dark side of the story should not be ok, especially when the author was very clear that it was a very dark themed book. An author shouldn't have to pull a book from Amazon in fear of losing her rights to continue publishing books with them because people weren't happy about the events that took place in the book. Don't report books to Amazon just because they offended YOU... that would be like someone causing you to potentially lose your job because you offended someone with your opinions!!!
This world has become filled with a sense of entitlement, where people believe and expect everyone to cater to what they want.... if they don't like something they expect it to be banned or canceled. Every book is not going to be enjoyed by every person and that is completely okay, but your review should be clear that it personally wasn't for you, not an attack on the author's work.
Personally I think a 1 star review should be reserved for the books so filled with errors/overly repetitive/major plot holes that majorly affects a reader's ease of reading, a signal to other readers to be prepared for lots of errors/lack of editing if they choose to read it and tells the author that they need to take the editing process more seriously. And if you DNF a book because you don't like the story or characters, then you aren't really rating the book fairly with a 1 star because you don't get to see the full picture the author was trying to paint with their story. Honestly I go read the 1 star reviews first and when I see things like "this was a horrible book/it was too dark/it had too many triggers", I tend to grab the book to read it (found some of my favorite books thanks to 1 star reviews).
This book shows that you shouldn't judge someone unless you truly know what their life is like. It shows that we all wear different "masks" around different people/situations. You never know what they may be dealing with outside of school/work/home. Maybe the sweet, caring, always smiling guy at home, is hiding the fact he is being harassed and bullied at school. Maybe the mean rich girl who bullies others, is hiding the deep pain and torture she faces at home.
Do not ignore the lengthy author's note at the beginning of the book that specifically spells out that this is an extremely DARK and violent book, and then proceed to leave hateful reviews about how it was too dark. Just because it was too dark for you doesn't mean you should bash the book/author or report it to Amazon. If you focus solely on the darker scenes, you most likely missed the deeper point of the book.
*****************************
A bit of a rant (not only in reference to this book, but from what I have seen repeatedly happen in the book community recently):
This is why I hate star reviews because reading is such a personal preference thing and giving a 1 star review for a well written book simply because you didn't like the dark side of the story should not be ok, especially when the author was very clear that it was a very dark themed book. An author shouldn't have to pull a book from Amazon in fear of losing her rights to continue publishing books with them because people weren't happy about the events that took place in the book. Don't report books to Amazon just because they offended YOU... that would be like someone causing you to potentially lose your job because you offended someone with your opinions!!!
This world has become filled with a sense of entitlement, where people believe and expect everyone to cater to what they want.... if they don't like something they expect it to be banned or canceled. Every book is not going to be enjoyed by every person and that is completely okay, but your review should be clear that it personally wasn't for you, not an attack on the author's work.
Personally I think a 1 star review should be reserved for the books so filled with errors/overly repetitive/major plot holes that majorly affects a reader's ease of reading, a signal to other readers to be prepared for lots of errors/lack of editing if they choose to read it and tells the author that they need to take the editing process more seriously. And if you DNF a book because you don't like the story or characters, then you aren't really rating the book fairly with a 1 star because you don't get to see the full picture the author was trying to paint with their story. Honestly I go read the 1 star reviews first and when I see things like "this was a horrible book/it was too dark/it had too many triggers", I tend to grab the book to read it (found some of my favorite books thanks to 1 star reviews).
July 3, 2021
Barely Breathing is a standalone dark high school bully romance
by K.G. Reuss, this narrative also serves as my first read by her.
Oh man, this book is fucking dark, for real and I don't say
it lightly. The book opens with heavy trigger warnings, left and right.
That's all I'm gonna say...
Also what enthralled me to read this is the fact that our heroine is the BULLY to our hero and I find it very intriguing cuz I think I only read 1 or 2 books that it's the other way round is the one doing the bullying.
This book tho is jam-packed with drama and shit. Despite me thinking that everything is over the top juvenile, I can't deny that I thoroughly enjoy reading Barely Breathing. It's one of those books that you can't seem to put down no matter how over the top and drama-llama the narrative is.
Therefore I highly suggest for you pick and read this up. Only if you are in the business of high school drama and bullshits.
by K.G. Reuss, this narrative also serves as my first read by her.
Oh man, this book is fucking dark, for real and I don't say
it lightly. The book opens with heavy trigger warnings, left and right.
That's all I'm gonna say...
Also what enthralled me to read this is the fact that our heroine is the BULLY to our hero and I find it very intriguing cuz I think I only read 1 or 2 books that it's the other way round is the one doing the bullying.
This book tho is jam-packed with drama and shit. Despite me thinking that everything is over the top juvenile, I can't deny that I thoroughly enjoy reading Barely Breathing. It's one of those books that you can't seem to put down no matter how over the top and drama-llama the narrative is.
Therefore I highly suggest for you pick and read this up. Only if you are in the business of high school drama and bullshits.
August 10, 2021
Dnf. I didn't like that the h was basically a forced prostitute. I didn't like that the H was a simp who had instalove for the h simply because she was beautiful. She had no redeeming qualities when the H fell head over heels and basically wanted to give her the world, unreservedly. The H was shallow, simping for the h when he had a deserving girl at his fingertips but decided she wasn't beautiful or cool enough. It was just too frustrating to continue. DNF.
June 23, 2021
Asha Morgan Blake is the Queen B*tch of Acadia Academy, ruling the school with her Elite friends. She has it all Beauty, Money, Popularity and a good looking boyfriend Lucas who happens to be the QB of the football team. However outside of school her life is anything but perfect, with leading a double life that no one knows about that she hates.
Liam Hastings is trying to get through school with his small group of friends unnoticed, but with being on a scholarship it has made him a target for the Elite. When a school project leads him to be paired up with Asha his Bully tormentor, he slowly starts to learn not everything is all that it seems when it comes to Asha. And that he may have judged a book by its cover, considering the more time they spend together on their project. The more he learns there is much more to Asha than what she shows to the outside world.
But falling for your bully can’t lead to anything good right?
Asha and Liam’s story was definitely different from all the typical Bully Romance stories out there. The fact that the FMC is the Bully instead of the Hero was definitely one of the many biggest twists incorporated in the overall narrative. Ultimately leading to an absolutely mesmerising and beautiful story of Enemies to Lovers through a whirlwind of a rollercoaster ride that is filled to the brim with emotional angst, drama, dark and twisted suspenseful scenes captured within shocking moments.
K.G. Reuss did a phenomenal job with bringing Asha and Liam’s story to life. Through the bumps, hurdles and some strongly dark twists and turns that lead to every page spilling out raw, intense, deeply emotional pain and torment. You could tell K.G. poured her heart and soul into making sure to breathe life into every page within Barely Breathing. Ensuring that Asha and Liam’s story was done justice with an authentic feel, considering all the fighting and hardships that they both endure throughout separately and together. Seeing as there were quite a few moments that were hard to take in, considering how dreadfully dark, twisted and depraved they were. To the point of where I couldn’t help but get choked up, close to the brink of tears from the sympathy I felt towards Asha throughout.
Right from the start until the very end, there was so much to take in giving everything that was happening. And for that I absolutely loved it, never a dull moment. Always keeping you on your toes in anticipation of what’s to come/happen next.
If there was ever a Enemies to Lovers, Bully Romance story to read Barely Breathing is it! It was everything and much more. K.G. Reuss absolutely kicked ass with doing a Freakin’ Incredible job and for that I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking it out!
It is a MUST READ if there ever was one!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Liam Hastings is trying to get through school with his small group of friends unnoticed, but with being on a scholarship it has made him a target for the Elite. When a school project leads him to be paired up with Asha his Bully tormentor, he slowly starts to learn not everything is all that it seems when it comes to Asha. And that he may have judged a book by its cover, considering the more time they spend together on their project. The more he learns there is much more to Asha than what she shows to the outside world.
But falling for your bully can’t lead to anything good right?
Asha and Liam’s story was definitely different from all the typical Bully Romance stories out there. The fact that the FMC is the Bully instead of the Hero was definitely one of the many biggest twists incorporated in the overall narrative. Ultimately leading to an absolutely mesmerising and beautiful story of Enemies to Lovers through a whirlwind of a rollercoaster ride that is filled to the brim with emotional angst, drama, dark and twisted suspenseful scenes captured within shocking moments.
K.G. Reuss did a phenomenal job with bringing Asha and Liam’s story to life. Through the bumps, hurdles and some strongly dark twists and turns that lead to every page spilling out raw, intense, deeply emotional pain and torment. You could tell K.G. poured her heart and soul into making sure to breathe life into every page within Barely Breathing. Ensuring that Asha and Liam’s story was done justice with an authentic feel, considering all the fighting and hardships that they both endure throughout separately and together. Seeing as there were quite a few moments that were hard to take in, considering how dreadfully dark, twisted and depraved they were. To the point of where I couldn’t help but get choked up, close to the brink of tears from the sympathy I felt towards Asha throughout.
Right from the start until the very end, there was so much to take in giving everything that was happening. And for that I absolutely loved it, never a dull moment. Always keeping you on your toes in anticipation of what’s to come/happen next.
If there was ever a Enemies to Lovers, Bully Romance story to read Barely Breathing is it! It was everything and much more. K.G. Reuss absolutely kicked ass with doing a Freakin’ Incredible job and for that I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking it out!
It is a MUST READ if there ever was one!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2024
Eh.
It was pretty cringe. The author tried way too hard to make this dark, meanwhile the cheesiness and predictability made it very Wattpad-esque.
Idk.
I def see why people don’t like this. It has so much graphic SA scenes that were very unnecessary.
Not that it triggered me at all though. I think it’s because the characters and plot were so one dimensional and unbelievable I felt basically no emotional connection to these characters.
Therefore I did not buy into the ‘darkness’ and shit.
Also why was Liam a regular Joe meanwhile our h, Asha, is a rich-girl-mobster’s-daughter-and-stepdaughter-sex-slave-high-school-Queen-B-mean-girl?????
Make it make sense?? The realism was OUT THE DOOR with this one.
Tbh if the author had tried to make it slightly plausible I might’ve actually felt something. That’s a big deal breaker for me.
If I you can’t make me believe what you are writing, I won’t care.
Somehow this came off as a fluff read because it was so unbelievable.
Idk, maybe I’m messed up for saying that but I just did not care.
Anyway I enjoyed some of it, it was easy to read (prob cuz I didn’t care). Wouldn’t recommend though…
✌️
AHH PLZ I ALMOST FORGOT.
Wtf was that with regular Liam becoming a mafia hit man out of nowhere?????? 😂😂😂😂
GFTO 😭
It was pretty cringe. The author tried way too hard to make this dark, meanwhile the cheesiness and predictability made it very Wattpad-esque.
Idk.
I def see why people don’t like this. It has so much graphic SA scenes that were very unnecessary.
Not that it triggered me at all though. I think it’s because the characters and plot were so one dimensional and unbelievable I felt basically no emotional connection to these characters.
Therefore I did not buy into the ‘darkness’ and shit.
Also why was Liam a regular Joe meanwhile our h, Asha, is a rich-girl-mobster’s-daughter-and-stepdaughter-sex-slave-high-school-Queen-B-mean-girl?????
Make it make sense?? The realism was OUT THE DOOR with this one.
Tbh if the author had tried to make it slightly plausible I might’ve actually felt something. That’s a big deal breaker for me.
If I you can’t make me believe what you are writing, I won’t care.
Somehow this came off as a fluff read because it was so unbelievable.
Idk, maybe I’m messed up for saying that but I just did not care.
Anyway I enjoyed some of it, it was easy to read (prob cuz I didn’t care). Wouldn’t recommend though…
✌️
AHH PLZ I ALMOST FORGOT.
Wtf was that with regular Liam becoming a mafia hit man out of nowhere?????? 😂😂😂😂
GFTO 😭
October 2, 2022
~2.5
I just didn’t really find either Asha or Liam to be particularly likable characters, so it was hard to care about their romance. This one also felt a bit rushed and surface level.
I just didn’t really find either Asha or Liam to be particularly likable characters, so it was hard to care about their romance. This one also felt a bit rushed and surface level.
February 28, 2023
ooof thought this was gonna be a fun bad girl good boy book but ended up being a 2012 Wattpad cringe-fest.
June 25, 2021
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: Barely Breathing
GENRE: Dark Romance
AUTHOR: K.G. Reuss
TROPE: contemporary romance, bully romance, dark romance, high school
TYPE: Standalone
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: 5.0 Stars
Asha is a rich girl who torments kids at her prep school by day and is forced to work in her step fathers sex club at night. Liam is a scholarship student at the same prep school that Asha attends. He thinks she’s beyond beautiful but has an evil heart. When they’re forced to work together on a class assignment, things between them begin to change.
I’ve read quite a few books by K.G. Reuss. If you’re a fan of dark romance that carefully toes the line between acceptable and obscene amounts of violence, then you’re going to enjoy this book. There are a number of trigger warnings in this book. Nevertheless, the book manages to depict what a real female bully is like. More often than not, bully romances are depicted with the victim being female. To have a bully romance told in the opposite way was refreshing. Liam knows that he doesn’t fit in with the popular kids and he doesn’t try to. I like that there is some history already established between these two characters. Neither of them are written is as “new in town” or anything like that. There is an insane amount of sexual chemistry between Liam and Asha. The smut scenes in the book are A+. I loved how the book concluded and we get to see the path that Liam chooses for his life.
This book is a must read for dark romance lovers. You will not be disappointed.
I was provided an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
GENRE: Dark Romance
AUTHOR: K.G. Reuss
TROPE: contemporary romance, bully romance, dark romance, high school
TYPE: Standalone
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: 5.0 Stars
Asha is a rich girl who torments kids at her prep school by day and is forced to work in her step fathers sex club at night. Liam is a scholarship student at the same prep school that Asha attends. He thinks she’s beyond beautiful but has an evil heart. When they’re forced to work together on a class assignment, things between them begin to change.
I’ve read quite a few books by K.G. Reuss. If you’re a fan of dark romance that carefully toes the line between acceptable and obscene amounts of violence, then you’re going to enjoy this book. There are a number of trigger warnings in this book. Nevertheless, the book manages to depict what a real female bully is like. More often than not, bully romances are depicted with the victim being female. To have a bully romance told in the opposite way was refreshing. Liam knows that he doesn’t fit in with the popular kids and he doesn’t try to. I like that there is some history already established between these two characters. Neither of them are written is as “new in town” or anything like that. There is an insane amount of sexual chemistry between Liam and Asha. The smut scenes in the book are A+. I loved how the book concluded and we get to see the path that Liam chooses for his life.
This book is a must read for dark romance lovers. You will not be disappointed.
I was provided an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2021
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
*
REVIEW COMING SOON!
REVIEW COMING SOON!
September 9, 2022
K.G. Reuss does it again! I loved Asha and Liam's story. I couldn't put it down. I can’t wait to read the next book!!!
December 22, 2023
3.5 lucas and hudson🤞 i wish there were more books in this series
February 4, 2024
absolutely loved this book. I love the relationship that built up with Asha and Liam, I didn’t like how forgiving he was for the messy and hurtful things Asha said…
August 10, 2025
Honestly dont waste your time with this book... I don't normal write reviews but this book is just so rubbish, its only 31 chapter long which is usually so easy for me to read but it's dragging I've not even finished it.
Both characters are annoying f is supposed to be a bully but is just a bitch which is understandable because of what her stepfather makes her do... Its goes into a lot go detail at the start but then just dies off and he's hardly in the picture but we still hate him...
M character is supposed to be a nerd but just isn't and is still a dick at times it's hardly rare for me to hate both characters but this story just doesn't work and it's so far fetched... I've heard how it ends and it's still quite shit.
There's rape and abuse in this book which is supposed to make it dark but again there isn't any detail about it towards the end it's like the author herself couldn't bring herself to write about it but don't do a dark book then?
The bullying/ bitching from the kids... Is crap its like it was written by a child... I tried to give this book ago finshed on 71% but just couldn't do anymore just giving people a heads up before they waste their time on it.
Both characters are annoying f is supposed to be a bully but is just a bitch which is understandable because of what her stepfather makes her do... Its goes into a lot go detail at the start but then just dies off and he's hardly in the picture but we still hate him...
M character is supposed to be a nerd but just isn't and is still a dick at times it's hardly rare for me to hate both characters but this story just doesn't work and it's so far fetched... I've heard how it ends and it's still quite shit.
There's rape and abuse in this book which is supposed to make it dark but again there isn't any detail about it towards the end it's like the author herself couldn't bring herself to write about it but don't do a dark book then?
The bullying/ bitching from the kids... Is crap its like it was written by a child... I tried to give this book ago finshed on 71% but just couldn't do anymore just giving people a heads up before they waste their time on it.
January 10, 2023
I will warn readers that if you are sensitive to very dark content then you won't want to read this book. Asha is what I would say a princess in high school part of an elite group that bully people, but we quickly discover the darkness this poor girl deals with at home.
Liam and his friends are what is considered a scholarship kid, an outsider. Asha has been bullying him for quite some time. When these two are paired together for a class project things get very interesting. Liam needs a good grade to keep the scholarship so he has to push Asha to actually be a part of it. As things move forward things take some interesting twists and turns. I had a love/hate relationship myself with Asha, I would hate the things she did but yet you could also feel her pain. And Liam, this poor boys head was spinning for sure. I really loved him and he grew much stronger as the story progressed as well. There is so much going on I couldn't put the book down. I can't wait to read more from this series and author.
Liam and his friends are what is considered a scholarship kid, an outsider. Asha has been bullying him for quite some time. When these two are paired together for a class project things get very interesting. Liam needs a good grade to keep the scholarship so he has to push Asha to actually be a part of it. As things move forward things take some interesting twists and turns. I had a love/hate relationship myself with Asha, I would hate the things she did but yet you could also feel her pain. And Liam, this poor boys head was spinning for sure. I really loved him and he grew much stronger as the story progressed as well. There is so much going on I couldn't put the book down. I can't wait to read more from this series and author.
January 28, 2025
This book was incredibly dark and depressing.
I'm glad I read this book out of order because I'm not sure I would've found Liam so interesting if I didn't already know who he would become. He was just so ordinary in this book. Until he wasn't.
Asha was...difficult for me to like. While I could empathize with the amount of physical, sexual, and emotional trauma she had to endure on a daily basis, for years on end, I couldn't get over the fact that she was too prideful to turn to her ruthless mafia don father for help. Even if she did feel abandoned by him, the worst that could happen would be him ignoring her pleas for help and nothing changing. At least she would know that she'd done everything she could.
I just can't help thinking of all the trafficked women and children who have absolutely nobody to turn to, and here this girl is, with only her daddy issues keeping her caged.
I'm glad I read this book out of order because I'm not sure I would've found Liam so interesting if I didn't already know who he would become. He was just so ordinary in this book. Until he wasn't.
Asha was...difficult for me to like. While I could empathize with the amount of physical, sexual, and emotional trauma she had to endure on a daily basis, for years on end, I couldn't get over the fact that she was too prideful to turn to her ruthless mafia don father for help. Even if she did feel abandoned by him, the worst that could happen would be him ignoring her pleas for help and nothing changing. At least she would know that she'd done everything she could.
I just can't help thinking of all the trafficked women and children who have absolutely nobody to turn to, and here this girl is, with only her daddy issues keeping her caged.
June 28, 2021
Just no, DNF.
Some stuff is not necessary to write about. I thought this would be a normal dark bully romance. It’s not. If anything. Asha is being bullied. Her step father yuck, Lucas, her boyfriend. There is no female bully. Liam was not a doormat and Asha’s crew tried to do more bullying than her. This book is misleading and way too much raping. The heroine is 17 being raped on a regular. Disgusting story line.
Some stuff is not necessary to write about. I thought this would be a normal dark bully romance. It’s not. If anything. Asha is being bullied. Her step father yuck, Lucas, her boyfriend. There is no female bully. Liam was not a doormat and Asha’s crew tried to do more bullying than her. This book is misleading and way too much raping. The heroine is 17 being raped on a regular. Disgusting story line.
March 23, 2023
The FMC is the worst. Personality and everything else about her. The MMC is okay. The stepdad and how he makes the FMC strip and prostitute is probably a shit idea for a book when the characters aren’t even legal and out of high school yet. It just makes me think it’s a book about grooming. I think the author was trying to get some sort of shock value out of this. IDK. But apart from all that sordid business- I just couldn’t stand the FMC.
January 18, 2025
I don’t understand the good reviews for this book. I do not consider myself to be a harsh book reviewer, but this book made me mad. The majority of the book was fine and includes some topics that may be sensitive for some readers. My issue is with the ending of the book. It’s like the author just decided it was time to wrap up the book and put no effort into a good ending. It was not what you would expect from a good mafia romance book.
May 12, 2023
I want to give this a 2 because there is so much sexual violence and random plot points that I just don't like it. It seemed rushed and the motivations were all kind of shallow. Her other series are better, i would skip this.
June 26, 2021
Graphic r*pe and assault, heroine sexually assaults hero, just so much gratuitous sexual violence
November 15, 2024
Not a fan of them with other people in the book…
July 10, 2023
I made it to 82% but DNF. It just wasn’t for me.
November 11, 2024
It was just ok until around 75%. Tried to finish but the ending was so corny and rushed that I stopped at 97%.
May 7, 2025
this book felt like it was written by a 15 year old. I wish I could go back in time to before I read it.
August 28, 2022
I’m slightly speechless or should I type, wordless! From the very first page, you was like what the fluck was I reading?! Like this cannot be real!? Lol but sure af, it was worth reading. I don’t know how Asha is able to keep it together after everything she is being out through. She is one strong person and I admire that she kept pushing…..
Liam….🤤
That man is an aphrodisiac that I would love to devour lol! I know I always say that some of these men in these books I read have my black heart and soul….BUT this one right here takes the cake (for now at least). 🖤 I fell for this man just like Asha did!
A lot happens in this book and lets just say that I did not expect the direction the book went at the end.
The spice in this book was soooooo goooood! There are parts that were cringe…and not spicy but heart breaking. I think you know what I am getting at and if not…then let me just say that remember, this book is dark. So yeah, those times were not good or spicy to me! I have to put that out there because I don’t want y’all thinking I like that shiii! NOOOO!!! But the rest, fluck yes! The way Asha described Liam’s……well it got me thinking lol. 😈😜
I hope we end up seeing a glimpse of these characters again because this book was amazing! This book was more then chef’s kiss! This book was like me licking a plate of dessert after it is finished and wishing that there was more. K.G. Reuss is an amazing flucken author who just keeps knocking these books out the park! I HAVE to mention that this book is dark AF! If you know me, then you know I love dark shiiii. And Barely Breathing was definitely up my alley! Please do not go reading this book if you think or might have triggers. There is a warning at the beginning of the book that I encourage you to read. It will give you pause and make you rethink about reading this book. Like I said, It is dark but so flucken good!!! 🖤 This is you trigger warning!! If you do decide to continue reading, 😈 well then I hope you buckle up! This book will take you for a ride that you wish you could never get off of. I sure af wished that it continues. But alll good things must come to an end…..so they say lol. I really enjoyed this book beyond what you can imagine! I hope you enjoy it just as much! 🖤
Happy Reading! 😈
🖤Christian O.🖤
STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE 💦💦💦💦💦
Liam….🤤
That man is an aphrodisiac that I would love to devour lol! I know I always say that some of these men in these books I read have my black heart and soul….BUT this one right here takes the cake (for now at least). 🖤 I fell for this man just like Asha did!
A lot happens in this book and lets just say that I did not expect the direction the book went at the end.
The spice in this book was soooooo goooood! There are parts that were cringe…and not spicy but heart breaking. I think you know what I am getting at and if not…then let me just say that remember, this book is dark. So yeah, those times were not good or spicy to me! I have to put that out there because I don’t want y’all thinking I like that shiii! NOOOO!!! But the rest, fluck yes! The way Asha described Liam’s……well it got me thinking lol. 😈😜
I hope we end up seeing a glimpse of these characters again because this book was amazing! This book was more then chef’s kiss! This book was like me licking a plate of dessert after it is finished and wishing that there was more. K.G. Reuss is an amazing flucken author who just keeps knocking these books out the park! I HAVE to mention that this book is dark AF! If you know me, then you know I love dark shiiii. And Barely Breathing was definitely up my alley! Please do not go reading this book if you think or might have triggers. There is a warning at the beginning of the book that I encourage you to read. It will give you pause and make you rethink about reading this book. Like I said, It is dark but so flucken good!!! 🖤 This is you trigger warning!! If you do decide to continue reading, 😈 well then I hope you buckle up! This book will take you for a ride that you wish you could never get off of. I sure af wished that it continues. But alll good things must come to an end…..so they say lol. I really enjoyed this book beyond what you can imagine! I hope you enjoy it just as much! 🖤
Happy Reading! 😈
🖤Christian O.🖤
STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE 💦💦💦💦💦
August 23, 2024
I was tired of showing her kindness when all she showed me was malice.
This Series is part of the CHAOS UNIVERSE.
Reading Order Is Listed at THE BOTTOM of THIS REVIEW
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pacing: Fast-Burn
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Character Development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
K.G. Reuss’s Barely Breathing is a striking exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the pain that often lurks beneath the surface. This compelling narrative follows Asha Blake and Liam Hastings and skillfully delves into the age-old adage, "Don’t judge a book by its cover." Through their tumultuous journey, Reuss challenges readers to look beyond the personas we present to the world, exposing the hidden struggles and vulnerabilities that shape our identities.
What sets "Barely Breathing" apart from the typical Bully Romance genre is its audacious twist—the female protagonist is the bully. This clever inversion of roles adds depth and freshness to the narrative, compelling readers to reconsider the motivations behind seemingly cruel actions.
The intricacies of Asha and Liam’s relationship are akin to navigating a minefield of emotions; filled with angst and suspense, their “enemies to lovers” arc is both tumultuous and alluring.
Reuss masterfully crafts a world where every character wears a mask, hiding their true struggles. This nuanced portrayal of their lives fosters empathy, forcing the audience to confront the complexities of bullying and the stories behind those who inflict pain, as well as those who endure it. The gripping plot is laden with shocking moments that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the emotional depth reaches heights that resonate long after the last page is turned.
"Barely Breathing" is more than just a love story; it's a poignant reminder of the fragility of the human experience and the need for understanding amidst chaos. If you're looking for a book that beautifully balances heart-stopping drama with profound insight, grab your copy of "Barely Breathing" now.
This Series is part of the CHAOS UNIVERSE.
Reading Order Is Listed at THE BOTTOM of THIS REVIEW
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pacing: Fast-Burn
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Character Development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
K.G. Reuss’s Barely Breathing is a striking exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the pain that often lurks beneath the surface. This compelling narrative follows Asha Blake and Liam Hastings and skillfully delves into the age-old adage, "Don’t judge a book by its cover." Through their tumultuous journey, Reuss challenges readers to look beyond the personas we present to the world, exposing the hidden struggles and vulnerabilities that shape our identities.
What sets "Barely Breathing" apart from the typical Bully Romance genre is its audacious twist—the female protagonist is the bully. This clever inversion of roles adds depth and freshness to the narrative, compelling readers to reconsider the motivations behind seemingly cruel actions.
The intricacies of Asha and Liam’s relationship are akin to navigating a minefield of emotions; filled with angst and suspense, their “enemies to lovers” arc is both tumultuous and alluring.
Reuss masterfully crafts a world where every character wears a mask, hiding their true struggles. This nuanced portrayal of their lives fosters empathy, forcing the audience to confront the complexities of bullying and the stories behind those who inflict pain, as well as those who endure it. The gripping plot is laden with shocking moments that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the emotional depth reaches heights that resonate long after the last page is turned.
"Barely Breathing" is more than just a love story; it's a poignant reminder of the fragility of the human experience and the need for understanding amidst chaos. If you're looking for a book that beautifully balances heart-stopping drama with profound insight, grab your copy of "Barely Breathing" now.
July 16, 2022
5 stars for our hellcat and her savior
I always was planning to read something on the theme where the female happens to be the Bully. But, till now I came across with none that was gritty, dark and intense to the core. Being an avid reader got me to various FB book groups specially in the dark and taboo romances one, so while I was scrolling through one of these groups. Some people posted about recommendations for books when people suggested the ones which matched to those recommendations. That is when K.G.Reuss 's Barely Breathing caught my attention and I couldn't stop myself from reading. It's one of those reads that I enjoyed throughout and I was so happy to the well deserved happy ending.
Liam Hastings is a scholarship guy who got through an elite school. The entire school was ruled by a team of elites and their leader happens to be Asha who is the Queen Bee . Asha was the daughter to a notorious crime Lord but soon after her mother got hitched to the rival leader, and that is when Asha's life started to crumble. Been stuck in a golden cage, she was made to such downgraded stuffs that no man would want out of their enemy. The days were the only sunshine to her daily chores, but as soon as the darkness crumbled out of the shadows that is when she felt like sinking herself to the deepest corner of the house where she would be safely hidden from the evil eyes of her step father. The entire book gives you the creeps and at some point the author takes out your heart and slits it into millions of pieces. I really felt heavy and at some point horrible for Asha to the way she had to sacrifice a sacred part of herself to save her parents. Liam, was really a great caring and an amazing hero. Just like the victorious knight in his shining armor who has come to slay Asha's demons. I felt their love story to be very cute, lovely and the one that makes you smile. Liam is one of those man that you dream to marry and want to feel safe within his strong arms. A small school assessment not just bought them together, but changed the dynamics of their relationship which had been crackling way before they actually sat together.
I loved this story. It was beautiful and dark for sure. Go for it, if you are looking for ying and yang together in a story.
I always was planning to read something on the theme where the female happens to be the Bully. But, till now I came across with none that was gritty, dark and intense to the core. Being an avid reader got me to various FB book groups specially in the dark and taboo romances one, so while I was scrolling through one of these groups. Some people posted about recommendations for books when people suggested the ones which matched to those recommendations. That is when K.G.Reuss 's Barely Breathing caught my attention and I couldn't stop myself from reading. It's one of those reads that I enjoyed throughout and I was so happy to the well deserved happy ending.
Liam Hastings is a scholarship guy who got through an elite school. The entire school was ruled by a team of elites and their leader happens to be Asha who is the Queen Bee . Asha was the daughter to a notorious crime Lord but soon after her mother got hitched to the rival leader, and that is when Asha's life started to crumble. Been stuck in a golden cage, she was made to such downgraded stuffs that no man would want out of their enemy. The days were the only sunshine to her daily chores, but as soon as the darkness crumbled out of the shadows that is when she felt like sinking herself to the deepest corner of the house where she would be safely hidden from the evil eyes of her step father. The entire book gives you the creeps and at some point the author takes out your heart and slits it into millions of pieces. I really felt heavy and at some point horrible for Asha to the way she had to sacrifice a sacred part of herself to save her parents. Liam, was really a great caring and an amazing hero. Just like the victorious knight in his shining armor who has come to slay Asha's demons. I felt their love story to be very cute, lovely and the one that makes you smile. Liam is one of those man that you dream to marry and want to feel safe within his strong arms. A small school assessment not just bought them together, but changed the dynamics of their relationship which had been crackling way before they actually sat together.
I loved this story. It was beautiful and dark for sure. Go for it, if you are looking for ying and yang together in a story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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