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Love is a Song #1
Every Breath
Pretending to be a couple is easy. Keeping their hearts in check is the hard part.
Where’s Dylan Kennedy supposed to get twenty-five grand? She desperately wants to buy back her dead father’s truck and the memories that go with it. When her best friend proposes a solution, Dylan agrees, even if it means being a celebrity’s girlfriend on national TV. But to get the money she needs, they have to make it to the finals.
Country star Aiden Miller signed a contract to go on the reality TV show, Couple’s Cruise. But that was before. Before his breakup, and before his writing slump. Now, his album release is looming, and he’s got nothing. He’d give this cruise a week, two at most, then he was gone.
As the two compete to be America's sweethearts, things start falling into place. But secrets from their past resurface, forcing them to face demons they'd thought long buried. When they realize they can't outrun them, they must decide whether their fake relationship can survive reality.
Where’s Dylan Kennedy supposed to get twenty-five grand? She desperately wants to buy back her dead father’s truck and the memories that go with it. When her best friend proposes a solution, Dylan agrees, even if it means being a celebrity’s girlfriend on national TV. But to get the money she needs, they have to make it to the finals.
Country star Aiden Miller signed a contract to go on the reality TV show, Couple’s Cruise. But that was before. Before his breakup, and before his writing slump. Now, his album release is looming, and he’s got nothing. He’d give this cruise a week, two at most, then he was gone.
As the two compete to be America's sweethearts, things start falling into place. But secrets from their past resurface, forcing them to face demons they'd thought long buried. When they realize they can't outrun them, they must decide whether their fake relationship can survive reality.
- GenresFake Dating
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2021
21 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Sally O'Keef
2 books12 followersSally O'Keef was born in Canada, but moved to the US when she was a wee babe.
She's been married to the love of her life for fifteen years, and has six wonderful children and a huge dog who snores in the background as she writes.
When she's not writing, she loves reading, volleyball, and watching her children achieve their dreams.
She's been married to the love of her life for fifteen years, and has six wonderful children and a huge dog who snores in the background as she writes.
When she's not writing, she loves reading, volleyball, and watching her children achieve their dreams.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 9, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book. I loved the characters, loved the adventures, the romance, the sad, the happy. It was just what I needed to read. If you want a sweet romcom read it!
April 19, 2022
As a reader who steers away from reality TV programs, Every Breath is a lovely sweet romance. I love reading stories about singer-song writers, their process, and their angst along the way to stardom. I was surprised to find myself immersed in the plot, wondering what adventure was in store for the protagonists and how they would accomplish their goals.
Speaking of the main characters, it was a breath of fresh air to read about a heroine with virtuous resolve, leading her love connection to follow her wishes. They were relatable and fun loving, both having depth and struggles with the challenges of “real life” set before them.
Three-fourths of the way through the story, Sally O’Keef’s plot-twist caught me completely off-guard. And Wow! That twist … was emotionally charged until the end.
Overall, this book club read was a captivating story. However, because the book is written in two first-person perspectives, each time I started a new chapter, even though they were clearly marked, I couldn’t discern which protagonist was narrating the story.
Speaking of the main characters, it was a breath of fresh air to read about a heroine with virtuous resolve, leading her love connection to follow her wishes. They were relatable and fun loving, both having depth and struggles with the challenges of “real life” set before them.
Three-fourths of the way through the story, Sally O’Keef’s plot-twist caught me completely off-guard. And Wow! That twist … was emotionally charged until the end.
Overall, this book club read was a captivating story. However, because the book is written in two first-person perspectives, each time I started a new chapter, even though they were clearly marked, I couldn’t discern which protagonist was narrating the story.
September 1, 2022
Great surprises in this story! It was so entertaining and had a few twists that I just didn’t see coming. I loved the music angle. I loved the reality tv show (and I’m not a reality tv fan. It just was so well written). I actually loved the drama and literally cried twice. Once sad tears and second time happy tears. It just is that good. One of those stories you feel in your bones and stays with you after you have finished.
I’m totally addicted to the series and can’t wait to read the next book!
Rating: PG/PG-13, clean, no sex on or off page, encouraged good morals and showed consequences of bad morals, had an instance of light language, has some characters briefly overindulging in alcohol but displayed in a negative light.
I’m totally addicted to the series and can’t wait to read the next book!
Rating: PG/PG-13, clean, no sex on or off page, encouraged good morals and showed consequences of bad morals, had an instance of light language, has some characters briefly overindulging in alcohol but displayed in a negative light.
January 4, 2022
Wonderful
This story was absolutely wonderful! It grabbed me from the moment that Dylan and Aiden met all the way to the very end. There was a good sense of humor in the book but there were times where I'd cringe rather than laugh. Overall, it fun watching Dylan and Aiden fall in love while overcoming the obstacles of life. I'm looking forward to a book on Jen & Evan's relationship! Hoping we get it soon!🤞
This story was absolutely wonderful! It grabbed me from the moment that Dylan and Aiden met all the way to the very end. There was a good sense of humor in the book but there were times where I'd cringe rather than laugh. Overall, it fun watching Dylan and Aiden fall in love while overcoming the obstacles of life. I'm looking forward to a book on Jen & Evan's relationship! Hoping we get it soon!🤞
April 25, 2022
A wonderful romantic novel with memorable, relatable characters and a 'twist' that reminds me of some great movies (books, too) like 'An Affair to Remember' and even a bit of 'Me Before You'. This book was a page turner - fun to read with great drama. I recommend this if you're in the mood for a romance backed by the powerful emotions that can be evoked from of song/lyrics, and characters with real determination, who act with honesty and integrity, and a story with an ending you won't forget.
October 11, 2021
Not A cliche rockstar romance
When I started reading this, I was worried it was the same cliche storyline from 1000 other famous musician romances. I am gappybto say (with tears in my eyes) it is absolutely not. It was a sweet story with creative twists, and gut wrenching moments that made me tear up.
When I started reading this, I was worried it was the same cliche storyline from 1000 other famous musician romances. I am gappybto say (with tears in my eyes) it is absolutely not. It was a sweet story with creative twists, and gut wrenching moments that made me tear up.
September 14, 2021
Fantastic read!
This is a fantastic read! A multifaceted storyline, filled with fun, in depth characters that will keep you turning pages and wanting more! O' Keef is a rising star in the romance business, and definitely one to keep your eye on!
This is a fantastic read! A multifaceted storyline, filled with fun, in depth characters that will keep you turning pages and wanting more! O' Keef is a rising star in the romance business, and definitely one to keep your eye on!
September 22, 2021
Love songs are the best songs!
I have now officially read this story twice. It was even better the second time. There is so much to love about Dylan and Aiden I don't even know where to start. Sally O'Keefe has created a work of art and you'll enjoy every word.
I have now officially read this story twice. It was even better the second time. There is so much to love about Dylan and Aiden I don't even know where to start. Sally O'Keefe has created a work of art and you'll enjoy every word.
October 26, 2021
perfect
Oh my gosh. This is one of the sweetest stories I’ve read this year! Dylan snd Aiden are the perfect couple. It was so easy to connect to their characters. I couldn’t put the book day. Read it in a day!
Oh my gosh. This is one of the sweetest stories I’ve read this year! Dylan snd Aiden are the perfect couple. It was so easy to connect to their characters. I couldn’t put the book day. Read it in a day!
September 13, 2021
Easy to pick up and Hard to put down
The story sucked me in and I totally fell in love with the characters.
What a great read! I can't wait for book 2.
The story sucked me in and I totally fell in love with the characters.
What a great read! I can't wait for book 2.
September 12, 2021
Such a sweet love story!
I read this book in a single day. I couldn’t help myself! I fell in love with the characters and the sweet idiosyncrasies that made them come to life. I can hardly wait for the next one to come out!
I read this book in a single day. I couldn’t help myself! I fell in love with the characters and the sweet idiosyncrasies that made them come to life. I can hardly wait for the next one to come out!
September 16, 2021
Sweet page turner!
To start with let's just put out there that im a sucker for a good love story, and this was a good one! I started reading it yesterday evening, and would have gladly finished it last night if I wasn't trying to be a responsible adult that feeds and clothes people, and, you know, sleeps and such.. Dylan and Aiden are such likeable characters and now I'm dying to get the rest of the story on Jenny! Happy reading!
To start with let's just put out there that im a sucker for a good love story, and this was a good one! I started reading it yesterday evening, and would have gladly finished it last night if I wasn't trying to be a responsible adult that feeds and clothes people, and, you know, sleeps and such.. Dylan and Aiden are such likeable characters and now I'm dying to get the rest of the story on Jenny! Happy reading!
October 20, 2021
It has everything
I want to thank the author for posting her book in the book hangout on FB and challenging others to read self published books. This romance book has it all. My eyes even got watery a few times. Looking forward to reading more.
I want to thank the author for posting her book in the book hangout on FB and challenging others to read self published books. This romance book has it all. My eyes even got watery a few times. Looking forward to reading more.
November 7, 2021
Amazing and wholesome
I read a lot of books and I like a lot of books. This is the most wholesome feel good movie I've read in a long time. There was no sex and no swearing and I didn't miss it. I highly recommend this to everyone! I'll definitely reread this one!
I read a lot of books and I like a lot of books. This is the most wholesome feel good movie I've read in a long time. There was no sex and no swearing and I didn't miss it. I highly recommend this to everyone! I'll definitely reread this one!
May 30, 2022
A romance story that pulls at your heart
This story is amazing. Well written romance the author pulls you in from page 1. Gives you a rollercoaster of emotions. You know the type of books where when you get to the end and you are gutted there's no more? This is that kind of book. Wonderful characters and a storyline that keeps you reading. I loved the mc Dylan and her personality, my heart broke for her at times. Give this book a go you won't be disappointed. Read as part of a book club.
This story is amazing. Well written romance the author pulls you in from page 1. Gives you a rollercoaster of emotions. You know the type of books where when you get to the end and you are gutted there's no more? This is that kind of book. Wonderful characters and a storyline that keeps you reading. I loved the mc Dylan and her personality, my heart broke for her at times. Give this book a go you won't be disappointed. Read as part of a book club.
January 27, 2023
Read #2:
This book will probably never NOT be a 5 ⭐️ read for me. It’s one of only 3 books that I’ve reread in my whole life! I love the characters, the emotion, and how the author ties it all together. Just perfect!
Whoa. 10/5 stars. Definitely recommend.
This book ran me right through the emotional wringer. And I loved every single second. (Well except that one part but I’m stronger having made it out the other side) 😉
I got attached *instantly* to these characters! I thought about them, even when I wasn’t reading it. And when I wasn’t reading it I wanted to be. If you’re in the mood for a romcom, seriously give this one a shot. I give it all the stars!
And do we have a release date for the second book? And possibly Aiden’s music? 😍
This book will probably never NOT be a 5 ⭐️ read for me. It’s one of only 3 books that I’ve reread in my whole life! I love the characters, the emotion, and how the author ties it all together. Just perfect!
Whoa. 10/5 stars. Definitely recommend.
This book ran me right through the emotional wringer. And I loved every single second. (Well except that one part but I’m stronger having made it out the other side) 😉
I got attached *instantly* to these characters! I thought about them, even when I wasn’t reading it. And when I wasn’t reading it I wanted to be. If you’re in the mood for a romcom, seriously give this one a shot. I give it all the stars!
And do we have a release date for the second book? And possibly Aiden’s music? 😍
February 28, 2022
A good light read with adorable characters.
January 25, 2023
I loved the story. So many good things to like. The adventures. The cruise. And the people.
Currently reading
October 29, 2021Every Breath started with a first line challenge. Authors are taught the first line is everything. If you don't have an engaging first line, then you're sunk. People will put your book down and won't pick it back up. (That's the fear, anyway.)
The first line that I wrote for Every Breath actually didn't make it past revisions, but I fell in love with it. "If anyone had told me yesterday I'd be sitting in a portable salon on the beach having my lady bits waxed in preparation to be a contestant on the reality TV show, Couple's Cruise, I would've laughed in their face." I loved it. And I killed it, because after getting to know Dylan and Aiden and their story, it no longer fit. There is a watered-down and edited version of it in the book, but that's the line that made me fall in love with Dylan and her quirky personality.
Aiden started as an enigma. I knew what he wanted. I knew what he feared. And I knew what his life experiences were prior to going on Couple's Cruise, but figuring out his WHY for the cruise, that was what had me floundering.
What I loved the most about writing this book was experiencing the story. A lot of authors have an outline. A plan. They know what's going to happen and when. I am not one of those authors. When I found myself typing certain things, I had no idea where they were going (I won't mention what they are, because: spoilers.) But there were times I would write a scene and I had no idea how it was going to be relevant. Aiden or Dylan always brought it back and always made sure I did what they wanted me to do. It really was like they were telling me their story and I was simply the person who could put the words on paper.
My biggest worry about this book was the start. The last half, I knew was good. As I sat at my computer ugly-crying as I typed, I knew the emotion that touched my heart would be conveyed to the reader. But if readers thought the story was just another one dimensional beach-read, they might not make it to the end.
Overall, this book wrecked me emotionally. The research that went into it was both fun and grueling. I loved it, and I hated it. :P If you want to know what I mean, you'll just have to read it to find out!
The first line that I wrote for Every Breath actually didn't make it past revisions, but I fell in love with it. "If anyone had told me yesterday I'd be sitting in a portable salon on the beach having my lady bits waxed in preparation to be a contestant on the reality TV show, Couple's Cruise, I would've laughed in their face." I loved it. And I killed it, because after getting to know Dylan and Aiden and their story, it no longer fit. There is a watered-down and edited version of it in the book, but that's the line that made me fall in love with Dylan and her quirky personality.
Aiden started as an enigma. I knew what he wanted. I knew what he feared. And I knew what his life experiences were prior to going on Couple's Cruise, but figuring out his WHY for the cruise, that was what had me floundering.
What I loved the most about writing this book was experiencing the story. A lot of authors have an outline. A plan. They know what's going to happen and when. I am not one of those authors. When I found myself typing certain things, I had no idea where they were going (I won't mention what they are, because: spoilers.) But there were times I would write a scene and I had no idea how it was going to be relevant. Aiden or Dylan always brought it back and always made sure I did what they wanted me to do. It really was like they were telling me their story and I was simply the person who could put the words on paper.
My biggest worry about this book was the start. The last half, I knew was good. As I sat at my computer ugly-crying as I typed, I knew the emotion that touched my heart would be conveyed to the reader. But if readers thought the story was just another one dimensional beach-read, they might not make it to the end.
Overall, this book wrecked me emotionally. The research that went into it was both fun and grueling. I loved it, and I hated it. :P If you want to know what I mean, you'll just have to read it to find out!
April 26, 2022
I grew up reading Lurlene McDaniel books. I loved the sickly sweet, wholesome romance that came with being a middle school girl digging through the school's library. But, if you know anything about McDaniel's books, you know there was ALWAYS some element of sadness. Something thrown in that made you absolutely SOB.
I haven't cried reading a book since Ruta Sepetys' Between Shades of Gray, but let me tell you, this book TORE ME UP. It chewed me up and spit me out and made me squeal and scream and... I was stuck in a roller coaster of emotions. It was rough.
What we have on the surface is a cute, wholesome romance. A girl with a happy, carefree personality takes the burden upon herself to save her family. She meets the handsome, gentlemanly Aiden Miller, a famous country music star. Their relationship is adorable in all the best ways. The two of them perfectly complete one another. They aren't flawless, of course, but that's what makes it so real.
This book is so well-disguised as a fast-paced romance novel that you really don't see the last 20% coming. But man, when it comes, it takes your breath away. Now, this is not to say that it wasn't hinted at, but you had to be a detective to see it. I was able to figure it out, but only because, like I said, I'm a huge Lurlene McDaniel fan. In an effort to avoid spoilers, I won't say what the end brings to the story, other than it was immaculately done, and you'll find no complaints from me.
Just a fantastic read all the way around! I'll be recommending this to everyone I know.
Final Ratings
Overall Rating: 5/5
Pacing: Fast, fast. It was a three day read for me because I couldn't put it down.
Intended Audience: Romance fans of any age. It's clean and wholesome.
Content Warnings: Um... Minor heavy topic towards the end.
I haven't cried reading a book since Ruta Sepetys' Between Shades of Gray, but let me tell you, this book TORE ME UP. It chewed me up and spit me out and made me squeal and scream and... I was stuck in a roller coaster of emotions. It was rough.
What we have on the surface is a cute, wholesome romance. A girl with a happy, carefree personality takes the burden upon herself to save her family. She meets the handsome, gentlemanly Aiden Miller, a famous country music star. Their relationship is adorable in all the best ways. The two of them perfectly complete one another. They aren't flawless, of course, but that's what makes it so real.
This book is so well-disguised as a fast-paced romance novel that you really don't see the last 20% coming. But man, when it comes, it takes your breath away. Now, this is not to say that it wasn't hinted at, but you had to be a detective to see it. I was able to figure it out, but only because, like I said, I'm a huge Lurlene McDaniel fan. In an effort to avoid spoilers, I won't say what the end brings to the story, other than it was immaculately done, and you'll find no complaints from me.
Just a fantastic read all the way around! I'll be recommending this to everyone I know.
Final Ratings
Overall Rating: 5/5
Pacing: Fast, fast. It was a three day read for me because I couldn't put it down.
Intended Audience: Romance fans of any age. It's clean and wholesome.
Content Warnings: Um... Minor heavy topic towards the end.
December 13, 2021
I loved reading this book! It was a perfect holiday/cruise/relaxing read, so I highly suggest gifting it to anyone you know who loves to curl up with a good book! I thought the idea of a celebrity cruise dating show was so fun, and it felt kind of like being on the Bachelor but a better version of it. :) I like how competitive Dylan is and how she is not afraid to really get into the challenges that they are given.
I usually can predict how a book will flow and what things are going to happen, but this one took me by surprise toward the end. I definitely did not see one thing coming, and it brought such depth to the story and made it so much better. I cried and couldn't put the book down. I loved the ending as well, it was so satisfying.
I also can't wait to find out what happens with Jenny! Excited to read her story next. :)
I usually can predict how a book will flow and what things are going to happen, but this one took me by surprise toward the end. I definitely did not see one thing coming, and it brought such depth to the story and made it so much better. I cried and couldn't put the book down. I loved the ending as well, it was so satisfying.
I also can't wait to find out what happens with Jenny! Excited to read her story next. :)
May 3, 2022
The famous country recording artist, Aiden Miller, winds up with Dylan, a blind date for a celebrity cruise show. Dylan is a girl looking to win enough money to buy back her father’s classic auto that her mother sold. Aiden needs to revitalize his recording career. This clean romantic novel has the two sharing a room but not a bed as Dylan wants to keep her virtue. Aiden tries to respect her wishes but finds it hard. Their platonic relationship is only intimate and affectionate in front of the camera, but their true feelings are hidden behind the scenes.
Each night a couple is voted off the ship by the TV audience, but as Dylan and Aiden continue, you will find yourself rooting for them as the dramas enfold. A great read, read in my book club.
Each night a couple is voted off the ship by the TV audience, but as Dylan and Aiden continue, you will find yourself rooting for them as the dramas enfold. A great read, read in my book club.
April 21, 2022
Heartbreaking, love story that really pulls at the heart strings.
This is a beautifully written love story full of painful surprises, wonderful moments of shared friendship endless touching surprises, and so much fun. The balance really works. The couple are like two magnets.
A girl who has a hopeless crush and a singer who falls in love at first site, confused by a genuinely unpretentious lady who is his true soul mate in so many ways .
Spoiler
Heart wrenching at times due to its subject matter. The writer takes you through so many heart wrenching painful emotions. Don't read on n a sensitive day. Keep a big box of extra soft Kleenex close at hand. You'll need them.
This is a beautifully written love story full of painful surprises, wonderful moments of shared friendship endless touching surprises, and so much fun. The balance really works. The couple are like two magnets.
A girl who has a hopeless crush and a singer who falls in love at first site, confused by a genuinely unpretentious lady who is his true soul mate in so many ways .
Spoiler
Heart wrenching at times due to its subject matter. The writer takes you through so many heart wrenching painful emotions. Don't read on n a sensitive day. Keep a big box of extra soft Kleenex close at hand. You'll need them.
April 25, 2022
This was quite an emotional read, which I hadn't expected as it started as a lighthearted cute romance story. All credit to O'Keef to cleverly lull you into an easy read romance sense of feeling, and then hits you with a completely unexpected turn of events, making the story have real depth. I enjoyed it immensely, and I had to read some parts at extreme speed to find out what happened next to the characters, to save my heart from pounding too much for too long. I read this as part of a book club, and will heartily recommend it to anyone in need of a well-written, funny, and deeply emotional romance.
October 24, 2021
This was a surprisingly fun read, outside of my typical preferred genres, and I enjoyed it until I got to the main conflict, which I will refrain from describing to avoid spoilers.
However, I understand that romance stories are built this way. So if you are a romance reader, I expect that you will love this story, which otherwise had relatable characters, a well-paced plot, and an exotic setting.
However, I understand that romance stories are built this way. So if you are a romance reader, I expect that you will love this story, which otherwise had relatable characters, a well-paced plot, and an exotic setting.
April 30, 2022
The story caught me from the start, and although I don't like or watch reality shows, the story is wonderfully written. The twists and turns in the MC's relationship are expected, yet it didn't feel like any other rom-com I read. It was sweet but not cheesy; it was over the top in places but in the right amount. The story has depth, and the characters develop and grow with the story. Get your box of tissues for this one, it's a rollercoaster, and I can't wait for the next in the series.
April 22, 2022
A Nice Read
I don't often read romantic comedies, because they are usually syrupy sweet and predictable. But my book club chose this, so I acquiesced. I really enjoyed it. The author did a good job with the storyline and character development. Dylan and Aiden seemed like real people, and the story flowed well. A nice surprise!
I don't often read romantic comedies, because they are usually syrupy sweet and predictable. But my book club chose this, so I acquiesced. I really enjoyed it. The author did a good job with the storyline and character development. Dylan and Aiden seemed like real people, and the story flowed well. A nice surprise!
April 23, 2022
A stegosaurus romance
This amazing, cheesy clean romance will have you laughing, crying and hoping for a sweet ending.
The book is full of laughter including lots of "pet" names for each other.The writing sucks you in with ease and leaves you wanting more.Would highly recommend.
Read as part of a book club.
This amazing, cheesy clean romance will have you laughing, crying and hoping for a sweet ending.
The book is full of laughter including lots of "pet" names for each other.The writing sucks you in with ease and leaves you wanting more.Would highly recommend.
Read as part of a book club.
April 17, 2022
A cute romantic treat
A quiet charming read. With a lot of romance, and drama that is so real just drew me in and I thought I couldn't decide who l liked more... Dylan or Aiden? Just one lovely treat for all the romance readers with a beautiful ending.
A quiet charming read. With a lot of romance, and drama that is so real just drew me in and I thought I couldn't decide who l liked more... Dylan or Aiden? Just one lovely treat for all the romance readers with a beautiful ending.
July 30, 2024
Perfect
This book was the right mixture of sentiment and intrigue. It is a book my teenage daughter and my mother can enjoy.
I appreciated the nod to modern culture, which helped me connect with the characters.
This book was the right mixture of sentiment and intrigue. It is a book my teenage daughter and my mother can enjoy.
I appreciated the nod to modern culture, which helped me connect with the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews