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Inhaled
In this romantic thriller where sex is used both as a weapon and a cure, Nathalie Guilbeault exposes with great lucidity, the dangers of becoming entangled with a person whose character is poisoned by narcissistic and sociopathic traits. With her marriage failing, Isabelle Duval meets a Nicaraguan man online. Silencing her own intuition, she falls into the arms of hope, weaving for herself a new reality, one that puts her life and that of her daughter’s at risk. Set primarily in New England, this is the story of a woman’s struggle to seek stability where none can be found. It is the story of a woman’s desperate need to surrender and escape, whatever the price.
454 pages, ebook
First published September 13, 2018
12 people are currently reading
4380 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 6, 2019
I HATED this book. I almost put it down several times. I even told my boyfriend how much I hated it.
It's not poorly written. In fact, it's very well written. I simply wanted to wring Isabelle's neck from the beginning and lock Patrick under the jail. See, I'm a police officer/crisis advocate/domestic violence and sexual assault survivor. These two characters are text book with what I've dealt with in both my personal life and in the field. To put it mildly.... this book triggered me. That's hard to do.
Duval pinpointed the narcissistic behavior, the abusive selfishness perfectly. My ex is even a suspected serial killer so that isn't as far fetched as many would like to think. Isabelle's leaving only to go back is all too common. Though there was no "physical" abuse in this book, the psychological and sexual abuse was explicit. The compromises made were real.
I'm not sure if Duval did as I did in my first book and changed just enough to keep her ex from suing her over the book of if this is completely fiction. Regardless, it's a good glimpse into victimology. I have a few officers, advocates, lawyers, victims etc that I will be recommending this book.
Congrats Ms. Duval. You've triggered a cop for the first time in 20 years. That means you've written some powerful words.
It's not poorly written. In fact, it's very well written. I simply wanted to wring Isabelle's neck from the beginning and lock Patrick under the jail. See, I'm a police officer/crisis advocate/domestic violence and sexual assault survivor. These two characters are text book with what I've dealt with in both my personal life and in the field. To put it mildly.... this book triggered me. That's hard to do.
Duval pinpointed the narcissistic behavior, the abusive selfishness perfectly. My ex is even a suspected serial killer so that isn't as far fetched as many would like to think. Isabelle's leaving only to go back is all too common. Though there was no "physical" abuse in this book, the psychological and sexual abuse was explicit. The compromises made were real.
I'm not sure if Duval did as I did in my first book and changed just enough to keep her ex from suing her over the book of if this is completely fiction. Regardless, it's a good glimpse into victimology. I have a few officers, advocates, lawyers, victims etc that I will be recommending this book.
Congrats Ms. Duval. You've triggered a cop for the first time in 20 years. That means you've written some powerful words.
July 14, 2022
If we look into it, we will realise that there are endless number of reasons why romance genre is so popular in literature as they have the ability to make us feel exhilaration and elation.
However, this is something that has been overdone so many times that often readers are left reeling in search of something that is over and beyond the formulaic structure of romance, which may get tiresome after a certain point of time.
Sometimes, all we need is just a little suspense or thrill to keep us on our toes and this is where the book, ‘Inhaled’ by Nathalie Guilbeault comes in, that holds just the right amount of allure to make us feel the butterflies in our stomach, but at the same time, sends shivers down our spine.
First published under her pen name, Isabelle Duval, the novel depicts the true story of author and is not only something to read and forget but rather a journey that will truly be of value to the readers.
The story shows us how all Isabelle ever wanted was a stable life and she thought she might get that when she got married, but things were not as they seemed and it could be said that it was a starting point for all of her subsequent tumbling into the darkness.
As it has been rightly said, the scars which we cannot see are the ones that are hardest to heal, and these invisible scars are even worse than physical, because those visible can be treated, but which remain unseen cannot be.
Very much aptly titled, I applaud the author for taking this brave step into bringing out the story that will absolutely prove to be of great help to the readers, hence I am going to give this book FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
However, this is something that has been overdone so many times that often readers are left reeling in search of something that is over and beyond the formulaic structure of romance, which may get tiresome after a certain point of time.
Sometimes, all we need is just a little suspense or thrill to keep us on our toes and this is where the book, ‘Inhaled’ by Nathalie Guilbeault comes in, that holds just the right amount of allure to make us feel the butterflies in our stomach, but at the same time, sends shivers down our spine.
First published under her pen name, Isabelle Duval, the novel depicts the true story of author and is not only something to read and forget but rather a journey that will truly be of value to the readers.
The story shows us how all Isabelle ever wanted was a stable life and she thought she might get that when she got married, but things were not as they seemed and it could be said that it was a starting point for all of her subsequent tumbling into the darkness.
As it has been rightly said, the scars which we cannot see are the ones that are hardest to heal, and these invisible scars are even worse than physical, because those visible can be treated, but which remain unseen cannot be.
Very much aptly titled, I applaud the author for taking this brave step into bringing out the story that will absolutely prove to be of great help to the readers, hence I am going to give this book FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 14, 2022
I just finished reading this book and can't stop thinking about it. This is the first book I'm reading from the author and I've only one word to describe this book- amazing '! The cover grabbed my attention, so I instantly ordered it and started reading.
The author wrote the book based on her true story and gave it a fine fictional touch. The story is stretched into around 450 pages and the content is divided into five parts. I finished reading the whole book in 2 weeks.
The story is about a woman who is deceived in love, and she gets into a relationship to take revenge on her husband but this all turns out to be toxic for her and her little girl. To know what happened next you must buy and read the story.
The story is elegantly written. What I liked most about this book is, that it's brutally honest. The author used many wonderful quotes now and then, which increased my interest in the story. I'm impressed by how the author made the story look so real and the characters alive. Each major and minor incident is described finely. The author used simple language, so beginners can also give it a try. It's amazing and so is the title. Waiting for more such stories of ...
The author wrote the book based on her true story and gave it a fine fictional touch. The story is stretched into around 450 pages and the content is divided into five parts. I finished reading the whole book in 2 weeks.
The story is about a woman who is deceived in love, and she gets into a relationship to take revenge on her husband but this all turns out to be toxic for her and her little girl. To know what happened next you must buy and read the story.
The story is elegantly written. What I liked most about this book is, that it's brutally honest. The author used many wonderful quotes now and then, which increased my interest in the story. I'm impressed by how the author made the story look so real and the characters alive. Each major and minor incident is described finely. The author used simple language, so beginners can also give it a try. It's amazing and so is the title. Waiting for more such stories of ...
January 15, 2019
Intriguing dark story
Duval's Inhaled is the first I've read from this author. I found the story both dark and tantalizing. There is eroticism within the story and a lot of this story revolves around sex, mostly the power of it. Isabelle is the main character and she is one who doubts her own intuitions and puts herself in danger. Isabelle is both a likeable and yet, gullible at times. And I mean gullible in the sense that she doesn't listen to herself. I think Isabelle is partially desperate, desperate for something she desires, but even she doesn't quite know what it was. The story had a lot of dark aspects and is one worth the read. Duval writes well, and it shows in how the author tells this story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Duval's Inhaled is the first I've read from this author. I found the story both dark and tantalizing. There is eroticism within the story and a lot of this story revolves around sex, mostly the power of it. Isabelle is the main character and she is one who doubts her own intuitions and puts herself in danger. Isabelle is both a likeable and yet, gullible at times. And I mean gullible in the sense that she doesn't listen to herself. I think Isabelle is partially desperate, desperate for something she desires, but even she doesn't quite know what it was. The story had a lot of dark aspects and is one worth the read. Duval writes well, and it shows in how the author tells this story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
February 1, 2019
Loved reading the engaging and captivating story. When Isabel finds out her husband, John, cheated on her and has been having an ongoing affair, she has to do something to get over this feeling of betrayal and falls into the arms of a mysterious, latino man, Patrick. Patrick continues to see other women, lies about it, shows love to her, and treats her like trash, but Isabel is addicted to the intimacy she has with Patrick and each time she tries to let go of him, she goes back to him. Read the highly recommended and riveting story of a woman trying to get out of an emotional and abusive relationship.
I reviewed a copy of the book won through Goodreads.
I reviewed a copy of the book won through Goodreads.
February 11, 2025
Inhaled is a transgressive novel that delves into the tender subject of abuse.
I wrote this book to shed light on narcissistic abuse/sociopathic abuse and expose the psychological mechanisms that keep victims unable to escape a dangerous situation.
For a mature audience. For victims. For survivors.
I wrote this book to shed light on narcissistic abuse/sociopathic abuse and expose the psychological mechanisms that keep victims unable to escape a dangerous situation.
For a mature audience. For victims. For survivors.
February 21, 2019
I must admit I hated this book because it brought me back years. I processed the paperwork for restraining orders in a court. It averaged 1500 to 1800 every year, This book reminded me of all those women who went through the court. This book is all to true. Sadly, all too true. The author has written a most interesting story and I do recommend reading it. Read it and learn.
May 18, 2021
She Swiped Right and Hit ... Sociopath, Somatic Narcissist
Looking back at the events of our lives, fictionalized, or not, in an attempt to find some form of truth, or, meaningfulness, in who we are--or were, or can become, is no easy matter. It requires of us, a large degree of honesty and courage, not to mention, an unbiased self-directedness in this quest. With Inhaled, Isabelle Duval has done this. Perhaps, just as importantly, in looking at these events, she examines the impulses and choices she made, such that the story takes on a universal appeal. We stop reading, asking--but for a simple twist of fate, could this be me? In doing this, Duval has shed a very important, and necessary light, on the dangers, and ease, one can become trapped in a relationship with a sociopath, somatic narcissist. Thank you, Isabelle Duvall, for having the courage to write this book.
Looking back at the events of our lives, fictionalized, or not, in an attempt to find some form of truth, or, meaningfulness, in who we are--or were, or can become, is no easy matter. It requires of us, a large degree of honesty and courage, not to mention, an unbiased self-directedness in this quest. With Inhaled, Isabelle Duval has done this. Perhaps, just as importantly, in looking at these events, she examines the impulses and choices she made, such that the story takes on a universal appeal. We stop reading, asking--but for a simple twist of fate, could this be me? In doing this, Duval has shed a very important, and necessary light, on the dangers, and ease, one can become trapped in a relationship with a sociopath, somatic narcissist. Thank you, Isabelle Duvall, for having the courage to write this book.
November 17, 2018
"Inhaled" is a raw and honest story. Isabelle Duval is a compelling storyteller who effectively pulls her readers into her turmoil and transfixes us with her emotional upheaval. Duval successfully paints a canvas of disturbing images, thoughts and patterns of behavior that make us think deeply about the human condition and its survival. This is a story of guts, strength, passion, and fearlessness that takes you out of the darkness and into a reawakening. "Inhaled" is a mesmerizing rollercoaster of emotion; a must-read as Duval claws her way back to humanity.
September 26, 2018
Compelling and raw, this book takes you on a disturbing journey into depravity and the hold that some men can have over us, no matter how strong of character we may be. This is about a wronged woman trying to heal who instead chooses poorly, and through her story makes you realise that this could happen to any one of us. I couldn't put it down!
July 3, 2022
Inhaled is a heartbreaking tale of a woman struggling in a toxic relationship, she decides to take revenge on her husband after she finds out he has been cheating on her. She decides to heal herself by numbing her senses. She constantly keeps seeking pain in new relationship with one stranger failing to realize the mistake she has made by choosing this way of living.
The book is engaging to read and writing style is lucid and straightforward. It shows changing dimensions of family ties, marital relationship and how one can push oneself into greater misery by making wrong decisions. It also shows what toxic relationships look like and why one chooses to stay in it and what it takes to break the cycle.
The book is beautiful and poignant in its own way. It is quite long, so it requires patience on the part of the reader. The emotions involved can be felt by the reader making the book effective. The title is aptly chosen and reflects the idea of book appropriately. The book can be trigging to read for someone who has faced similar situations in the past but still it is a powerful and impactful read, which is closer to reality than fiction.
The book is engaging to read and writing style is lucid and straightforward. It shows changing dimensions of family ties, marital relationship and how one can push oneself into greater misery by making wrong decisions. It also shows what toxic relationships look like and why one chooses to stay in it and what it takes to break the cycle.
The book is beautiful and poignant in its own way. It is quite long, so it requires patience on the part of the reader. The emotions involved can be felt by the reader making the book effective. The title is aptly chosen and reflects the idea of book appropriately. The book can be trigging to read for someone who has faced similar situations in the past but still it is a powerful and impactful read, which is closer to reality than fiction.
May 7, 2025
This book quite possibly single handedly brought me back to life after a similar harrowing experience. I could not put it down. Monsters exist. Sometimes they are charming. Oh how my heart ached while reading this.
September 6, 2019
There are books that come along and are at once like watching a train wreck and also a cautionary tale. For me, Inhale, by Isabelle Duval is very much this type of book.
If you have ever had the misfortune of choosing a manipulative and dangerous partner, you will be reminded that you are not alone. That in fact, be careful what you ask for, because often high drama and intensity in relationships is often a symptom of the drama cycle we can get swept away with.
I never experienced this level of physical violence, but I certainly can appreciate the level of emotion violence and drama. And, the complexities of adrenaline addiction to include the difficulty in leaving something that has been so intense... Regardless that it was a shit show of an experience.
I always appreciate people who will share this sort of experience, in part because it gives you an up close and personal view of the up and down nature of the healing process. And, as a cautionary tale of just how badly you can lose yourself in a dysfunctional relationship. The aftermath fallout as the drama impacts all the relationships around you and even more importantly, your relationship with yourself. And that, after all is said and done, may be the hardest relationship to heal of all.
If you have ever had the misfortune of choosing a manipulative and dangerous partner, you will be reminded that you are not alone. That in fact, be careful what you ask for, because often high drama and intensity in relationships is often a symptom of the drama cycle we can get swept away with.
I never experienced this level of physical violence, but I certainly can appreciate the level of emotion violence and drama. And, the complexities of adrenaline addiction to include the difficulty in leaving something that has been so intense... Regardless that it was a shit show of an experience.
I always appreciate people who will share this sort of experience, in part because it gives you an up close and personal view of the up and down nature of the healing process. And, as a cautionary tale of just how badly you can lose yourself in a dysfunctional relationship. The aftermath fallout as the drama impacts all the relationships around you and even more importantly, your relationship with yourself. And that, after all is said and done, may be the hardest relationship to heal of all.
July 8, 2022
Inhaled is an unputdownable contemporary fiction based on author's real life story. It is a fascinating story of how a woman gets caught in the myriad of abusive and toxic relationships marked by lust and dependency due to her distorted views on revenge and healing.
It is a lengthy book but is definitely worth your time and money if you like reading intense stories exploring ugly truths of life and showing the dark effects of wrong decisions and getting stuck in undesirable relationships. As lust is one of the core concepts of the plot, the book is quite steamy. Mental health is also another issue that underlies the story.
I enjoyed reading the book and finished it in less time than expected. This book made me ponder on multiple issues and things. It is well written and well structured (divided into different parts). The best thing about this book is how raw and real it is, which is rare to find. It is the kind of book that makes one reflect on life in general and relationships in particular. Overall, it was a great read, it was intense and I really enjoyed reading this book.
It is a lengthy book but is definitely worth your time and money if you like reading intense stories exploring ugly truths of life and showing the dark effects of wrong decisions and getting stuck in undesirable relationships. As lust is one of the core concepts of the plot, the book is quite steamy. Mental health is also another issue that underlies the story.
I enjoyed reading the book and finished it in less time than expected. This book made me ponder on multiple issues and things. It is well written and well structured (divided into different parts). The best thing about this book is how raw and real it is, which is rare to find. It is the kind of book that makes one reflect on life in general and relationships in particular. Overall, it was a great read, it was intense and I really enjoyed reading this book.
October 1, 2022
It takes courage to write truth, particularly personal truth, to admit to the struggle, and to share it intimately. “I needed to finally breathe properly… and not be inhaled, any longer, by ways I did not understand then, any may never fully, yet,” Isabelle declares. We live with Isabelle; we enter her mind and her heart. Nathalie Guilbeault writes from inside experience and writes well. Incident by incident, moment by moment, emotion by emotion, with honesty and objectivity, she tells the story of a journey to the depths and back. And perhaps, more than one person who needs to break free will recognize themselves and begin to rewrite their own story.
Cultural-economic struggle is real, but it does not justify abuse. Breaking free of abuse should be a simple walk, but it the journey of a lifetime. Read with eyes and mind open; there are lessons here, important life lessons. This psychological thriller is effective because it is so true to life. I highly recommend Inhaled, and as I read the conclusion, I am anticipating the sequel Mad Honey
August 19, 2023
2.5 stars, but it feels weird to rate someone’s memoir.
Respect to this woman for sharing her story so candidly. I’m sure there are (unfortunately) many people that can relate to the emotional and sexual abuse she went through, and I could imagine this story being validating to their experiences. I think it was brave and honest for her to share the explicit sex, her many mistakes, and the cycle of abuse she found herself rotating through again and again.
Overall this book just wasn’t really for me. From the beginning, I struggled to navigate the two timelines and first to third person narration shifts. The blatant racism and classism without any conversation around it was jarring. Pacing was off for me; sometimes we jumped days and other times months or years. I found the ending to be so abrupt. Since this is a fictionalized memoir, I wish the story set us up a bit better for the shocking end (ex she tells the reader she found the necklace earlier in the book). This was not my favorite memoir of the year, but it was certainly memorable and I’m appreciative that she shared.
January 25, 2024
She Swiped Right and Hit ... Sociopath, Somatic Narcissist
Looking back at the events of our lives, fictionalized, or not, in an attempt to find some form of truth, or, meaningfulness, in who we are--or were, or can become, is no easy matter. It requires of us, a large degree of honesty and courage, not to mention, an unbiased self-directedness in this quest. With Inhaled, Isabelle Duval has done this. Perhaps, just as importantly, in looking at these events, she examines the impulses and choices she made, such that the story takes on a universal appeal. We stop reading, asking--but for a simple twist of fate, could this be me? In doing this, Duval has shed a very important, and necessary light, on the dangers, and ease, one can become trapped in a relationship with a sociopath, somatic narcissist. Thank you, Isabelle Duvall, for having the courage to write this book.
Looking back at the events of our lives, fictionalized, or not, in an attempt to find some form of truth, or, meaningfulness, in who we are--or were, or can become, is no easy matter. It requires of us, a large degree of honesty and courage, not to mention, an unbiased self-directedness in this quest. With Inhaled, Isabelle Duval has done this. Perhaps, just as importantly, in looking at these events, she examines the impulses and choices she made, such that the story takes on a universal appeal. We stop reading, asking--but for a simple twist of fate, could this be me? In doing this, Duval has shed a very important, and necessary light, on the dangers, and ease, one can become trapped in a relationship with a sociopath, somatic narcissist. Thank you, Isabelle Duvall, for having the courage to write this book.
July 29, 2023
Inhaled is a transgressive novel that delves into the tender subject of abuse.
I escaped the claws of a sociopath. Inhaled is inspired by parts of my story.
This book is an honest and raw account about deception and the dangers of not trusting oneself. Sociopaths, I will show you, corrupt our sense of integrity one lie and one manipulation at a time. When confusion follows and sets in, wisdom is kept at bay and escaping becomes almost impossible. Almost.
I wrote Inhaled to shed light on narcissistic abuse/sociopathic abuse and expose the psychological mechanisms that keep victims unable to escape a dangerous situation.
For a mature audience. For victims. For survivors.
I escaped the claws of a sociopath. Inhaled is inspired by parts of my story.
This book is an honest and raw account about deception and the dangers of not trusting oneself. Sociopaths, I will show you, corrupt our sense of integrity one lie and one manipulation at a time. When confusion follows and sets in, wisdom is kept at bay and escaping becomes almost impossible. Almost.
I wrote Inhaled to shed light on narcissistic abuse/sociopathic abuse and expose the psychological mechanisms that keep victims unable to escape a dangerous situation.
For a mature audience. For victims. For survivors.
March 23, 2020
When I started this book I was not sure what to expect but certainly, I did not expect to be so intrigued by the story. The author magisterially transports you in her world describing feelings, needs and happenings so vividly that you feel them like your own. Inhaled is a gripping memoir, is a hot romance, and is a thriller with an unexpected final twist.
August 9, 2020
Inhaled is what I did when I finished this book. In this semi-autobiographic novel, the author takes us on a dizzying ride through a brief and addictive relationship. An intense tale where you are left wondering how can you fall in love with someone who loves themself more then anything else.
Would love to answer this question in the next chapter of Isabelle Duval’s journey.
Would love to answer this question in the next chapter of Isabelle Duval’s journey.
June 18, 2019
This was a very disturbing book, but I was glad I read it. And even more glad that the main character was finally able to find herself again.
June 23, 2019
Grande sincérité. Déstabilisant de par la souffrance
exprimée. Pour public averti. Un de mes meilleurs livre à vie.
exprimée. Pour public averti. Un de mes meilleurs livre à vie.
July 11, 2022
It took me some time to gather my thoughts after reading this book. It shook me and impacted me in ways I hadn't expected. Inhaled is a one of a kind story, it is a novel based on true story of the author. Abuse, is easily seen when it's physical but when it's emotional, psychological and mental it isn't readily noticed. Moreover, the one who is suffering is caught in a vicious cycle that is hard to break.
Inhaled is a beautifully written novel about a women's story and her relationships - her relationship with her daughters and husband and her relationships that she seeks out outside her family after a heartbreaking betrayal by her husband. What do these relationships stand for? Are they happy and healthy? Is she really staying in them for her happiness?
Inhaled is a nicely written contemporary fictional novel based on a true story. It is a thought provoking and emotional tale with many twists and turns. The story is dark, intense and insightful. It is the kind of story that you don't get to read every now and then. It is different and realistic with real characters (some of whom you want to punch for their acts).
The novel is truly captivating and at certain points it is the writing style that makes you appreciate the novel more than the story. The writing style is fluid and effortlessly beautiful with a sense of honesty. I am sure I won't forget this book for quite some time.
Inhaled is a beautifully written novel about a women's story and her relationships - her relationship with her daughters and husband and her relationships that she seeks out outside her family after a heartbreaking betrayal by her husband. What do these relationships stand for? Are they happy and healthy? Is she really staying in them for her happiness?
Inhaled is a nicely written contemporary fictional novel based on a true story. It is a thought provoking and emotional tale with many twists and turns. The story is dark, intense and insightful. It is the kind of story that you don't get to read every now and then. It is different and realistic with real characters (some of whom you want to punch for their acts).
The novel is truly captivating and at certain points it is the writing style that makes you appreciate the novel more than the story. The writing style is fluid and effortlessly beautiful with a sense of honesty. I am sure I won't forget this book for quite some time.
July 23, 2022
This book, Inhaled authored by Nathalie Guilbeault focuses mainly on the female protagonist who makes a poor choice and gets into trouble. Through this story, the author put forth a strong message in front of the readers ! Many people are usually into toxic relationships without even realising it. This book gives an idea about the consequences of getting trapped in such relationships. This story is really very necessary wherein both physical and mental abuse against women is prevalent.
Isabelle leads her life happily with her kid and husband. Until one day when she decides to seek a relationship outside of her marriage life just because of the reason that her husband had cheated on her. Whether the relationship she seeks outside her family is worthy ? Or it is going to take a toll on her life ? To know more grab the book !
The story was perfectly narrated with a number of twists and turns. The author has a very strong message to convey to the readers through the protagonist's life. There were certain parts of the story where I got very emotional. This story is actually written based on some true incidents. I really felt bad that someone hailing from some part of this same world where I live has to go through so much trauma in her life.
The story was fast paced. Though it is quite a lengthy read, the author has not failed to keep the readers engaged through her extraordinary writing skills ! Most recommended fictional read !
Isabelle leads her life happily with her kid and husband. Until one day when she decides to seek a relationship outside of her marriage life just because of the reason that her husband had cheated on her. Whether the relationship she seeks outside her family is worthy ? Or it is going to take a toll on her life ? To know more grab the book !
The story was perfectly narrated with a number of twists and turns. The author has a very strong message to convey to the readers through the protagonist's life. There were certain parts of the story where I got very emotional. This story is actually written based on some true incidents. I really felt bad that someone hailing from some part of this same world where I live has to go through so much trauma in her life.
The story was fast paced. Though it is quite a lengthy read, the author has not failed to keep the readers engaged through her extraordinary writing skills ! Most recommended fictional read !
January 28, 2019
This is read as a dark tale of desperation. A tale of what happens when we ignore our own voices and allow others to lead us blindly ignoring the warning signs right in front of us. The lead character, Isabelle, was not the strongest heroine, but this worked in the authors favor to show the reader how flawed and raw life can be in similar circumstances. She, as many of us do, waffled between action and inaction constantly. The desperation for intimacy led her down an unsafe path with a truly dangerous man. The author uses very descriptive , often times wordy, passages to pull the reader into the moment. For me, this was the reason I could not connect with any of the characters or specifically the plight of our heroine. I was distracted by unnecessary details and confusing transitions. The action got lost in a flourish of adjectives. In between the flow of beautiful words a vital piece of information would be offered to us as if we were already aware i.e. Catherine's mental illness, the heroines medical issues and multiple moves and I often felt I missed something. I wished there could have been more action, more focus on the motivations of the characters, the action in the scene and less introspection offered by Isabelle. All in all, I think the story with its honest and raw delivery will serve as a cautionary tale and would recommend it.
#justmytwocents
#justmytwocents
August 13, 2019
This book had a powerful message. First off, it is so raw and sexual, you cannot help visualizing the intimate moments and feeling invested in the relationship, however, you also cannot help feeling disgusted by the continuous lack of respect Isabelle shows for herself as well as the despicable behavior by “Patrick,” a man she meets as she’s separating from her husband John for his infidelity. The book demonstrates how powerful attraction can be, especially the sexual attraction when one of the parties who’s codependent enables the sociopathic traits of another to continue unabated. Isabelle gives every appearance of being a strong, confident woman with the world at her fingertips, however, she meets Patrick for a sexual liaison that morphs into a bastardization of love. Despite all signs pointing for her to leave, she has an addiction to this man and the feelings he instills in her. While all of this is realistic, it’s difficult to stomach and I found myself cursing her behavior as I would that of any addict going down a self-destructive path. Not only that, she also causes her daughters to suffer along with her. Based on this novel / memoir, I warrant Isabelle truly understands the nature of a narcissist / sociopath first-hand. Certainly a stunning story of deception, loss, and near total collapse that’s not to be missed.
July 22, 2022
- The blurp alone got me intrigued to buy this book. There are many forms of weapons, but the most fatal ones are those based on trust and intimacy against a person. A physical wound heals, but the one aimed at the heart leaves unseen scars behind. This book brings out the facts on what dark and toxic relationships can do to people.
- The story is based on Isabelle who gets betrayed in the worst way possible by none other than her husband. Things take a nasty turn hereon when she decides to have her revenge. It is a tale of betrayal, lust, love, and hate. Hate and love - both are all-consuming emotions.
- It is a contemporary-fiction novel that is based on a true story. It saddens me that there are people out there who go through such dark days in their lives. It is an insightful read that sheds light on how to not complex relationships. It perfectly portrays that psychological abuse is often overlooked by our society. Even the victim at times realizes late that he/she is going through it.
- It is a well-written book. It is paced right, with successive twists and turns that leave the reader wanting for more. There is definitely a small element of suspense that the author has created with his detailed writing style.
- The story is based on Isabelle who gets betrayed in the worst way possible by none other than her husband. Things take a nasty turn hereon when she decides to have her revenge. It is a tale of betrayal, lust, love, and hate. Hate and love - both are all-consuming emotions.
- It is a contemporary-fiction novel that is based on a true story. It saddens me that there are people out there who go through such dark days in their lives. It is an insightful read that sheds light on how to not complex relationships. It perfectly portrays that psychological abuse is often overlooked by our society. Even the victim at times realizes late that he/she is going through it.
- It is a well-written book. It is paced right, with successive twists and turns that leave the reader wanting for more. There is definitely a small element of suspense that the author has created with his detailed writing style.
July 14, 2022
Inhaled by Natalie Guilbeault
Set primarily in New England, this is the story of a woman’s struggle to seek stability where none can be found. It is the story of a woman’s desperate need to surrender and escape, whatever the price.
It's a journey of a woman amidst tragedy, complications and struggles. What starts out as a cute beautiful online romance after a failed marriage, as love hits hard and fast for Isabelle , but adding to the momentum is a grim destiny that thrust her lives into fear because of her entanglement with a narcissistic man.
I liked how the author did not rush anything between them, everything felt right and real. It was exceptionally well paced
The book was heartbreaking at the same time eye opener, it was surreal experience to read about the trauma and tragedies that come with falling for the wrong guy.
At times jarring and scary i found the whole book to a good read. The narration was so good.
That's what's distinguished this book from other stories books that I read, a beautiful turmoil and chaos of human life is captured by the author, and I just loved it and couldn't get enough of it.
It left me wanting more.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Set primarily in New England, this is the story of a woman’s struggle to seek stability where none can be found. It is the story of a woman’s desperate need to surrender and escape, whatever the price.
It's a journey of a woman amidst tragedy, complications and struggles. What starts out as a cute beautiful online romance after a failed marriage, as love hits hard and fast for Isabelle , but adding to the momentum is a grim destiny that thrust her lives into fear because of her entanglement with a narcissistic man.
I liked how the author did not rush anything between them, everything felt right and real. It was exceptionally well paced
The book was heartbreaking at the same time eye opener, it was surreal experience to read about the trauma and tragedies that come with falling for the wrong guy.
At times jarring and scary i found the whole book to a good read. The narration was so good.
That's what's distinguished this book from other stories books that I read, a beautiful turmoil and chaos of human life is captured by the author, and I just loved it and couldn't get enough of it.
It left me wanting more.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 8, 2022
Inhaled is an unputdownable contemporary fiction based on author's real life story. It is a fascinating story of how a woman gets caught in the myriad of abusive and toxic relationships marked by lust and dependency due to her distorted views on revenge and healing.
It is a lengthy book but is definitely worth your time and money if you like reading intense stories exploring ugly truths of life and showing the dark effects of wrong decisions and getting stuck in undesirable relationships. As lust is one of the core concepts of the plot, the book is quite steamy. Mental health is also another issue that underlies the story.
I enjoyed reading the book and finished it in less time than expected. This book made me ponder on multiple issues and things. It is well written and well structured (divided into different parts). The best thing about this book is how raw and real it is, which is rare to find. It is the kind of book that makes one reflect on life in general and relationships in particular. Overall, it was a great read, it was intense and I really enjoyed reading this book.
It is a lengthy book but is definitely worth your time and money if you like reading intense stories exploring ugly truths of life and showing the dark effects of wrong decisions and getting stuck in undesirable relationships. As lust is one of the core concepts of the plot, the book is quite steamy. Mental health is also another issue that underlies the story.
I enjoyed reading the book and finished it in less time than expected. This book made me ponder on multiple issues and things. It is well written and well structured (divided into different parts). The best thing about this book is how raw and real it is, which is rare to find. It is the kind of book that makes one reflect on life in general and relationships in particular. Overall, it was a great read, it was intense and I really enjoyed reading this book.
September 24, 2022
It takes courage to write truth, particularly personal truth, to admit to the struggle, and to share it intimately. “I needed to finally breathe properly… and not be inhaled, any longer, by ways I did not understand then, any may never fully, yet,” Isabelle declares. We live with Isabelle; we enter her mind and her heart. Nathalie Guilbeault writes from inside experience and writes well. Incident by incident, moment by moment, emotion by emotion, with honesty and objectivity, she tells the story of a journey to the depths and back. And perhaps, more than one person who needs to break free will recognize themselves and begin to rewrite their own story.
Cultural-economic struggle is real, but it does not justify abuse. Breaking free of abuse should be a simple walk, but it the journey of a lifetime. Read with eyes and mind open; there are lessons here, important life lessons. This psychological thriller is effective because it is so true to life. I highly recommend Inhaled, and as I read the conclusion, I am anticipating the sequel Mad Honey.
Cultural-economic struggle is real, but it does not justify abuse. Breaking free of abuse should be a simple walk, but it the journey of a lifetime. Read with eyes and mind open; there are lessons here, important life lessons. This psychological thriller is effective because it is so true to life. I highly recommend Inhaled, and as I read the conclusion, I am anticipating the sequel Mad Honey.
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