
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review


Atonement. The reparation for one's sins and wrongs. For Matthew Kane, forgiving oneself is one of the hardest things to do when your past mistakes and demons can haunt you. Trying to start over is one way Kane knew he could atone for his mistakes but along in the process of moving forward, he never thought he would meet someone to see past his sins, strong personality, and tattoos that is until he meets Vivian Marceau, who will show him what it means to truly breathe.
"There was nothing but us. Our bodies molded together, fitting perfectly. My cheek was pressed to his chest, and I heard the faint beat of his heart. Even when I was exhausted, Kane made me feel utterly rejuvenated."
Kane has never thought of himself as prince-charming or the hero. He was an ex-convict who is trying to make an honest living out of his life. So when he finds himself rescuing a young woman from an attack, he never thought Vivian would be the returning the favor by breathing life and love into his empty heart. So can a man who has lived his life closed off get his second chance at life? To start all over with a clean new slate with the woman he loves? Or will his stubbornness and fear be his downfall?

Barely Breathing was one of those quick reads that will leave you yearning for more Kane and Viv. I loved that Brenda Rothert was able to showcase an intense tangible, palpable, and steamy connection with beautiful undertones of second chances, hope, love, and balance. Though this book, may have that insta-love/inst-lust aspect, it worked for this couple and their strong personalities. Kane was lost in the dark and Viv was someone who radiates light into his monotonous existence. Together, they find a happy balance and medium. Though they may be complete opposites in every sense, their undying love and devotion for one another is the same. So if you are looking for a book that emphasizes that love heals all wounds, then Barely Breathing is the book for you. Prepare to fall in love with Matthew Kane as he realizes that he was barely breathing until he met a love that was worth breathing and fighting for.

Brenda Rothert
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