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Reason to Breathe (Breathing #1)

by Rebecca Donovan (Goodreads Author)

4.34 of 5 stars 4.34 · rating details · 28,943 ratings · 2,359 reviews

"No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?"

He knows there’s something more to the girl sitting in the back of the class the moment he sees her. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and athletic – but she slips quietly throug...more

Paperback, 386 pages

Published June 16th 2012 by Wood Street Publishing (first published May 9th 2011)

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Jul 05, 2011 Jenny - totallybookedblog rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First off...this should be 4.5 stars!
I started reading this book and literally could not put it down - I HAD to know how it ended, so I was up until 4am devouring every moment. It was a long book and I've read a couple of the deleted scenes and really wouldn't have minded if it was even longer.
We had a chance to really get to know the characters - minor and major characters - they all worked so well together.
There was a plot about 3/4 in the book that frustrated me (not sure if anyone else felt...more

55 likes · like · see review

Jun 22, 2012 Kindaslick rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: eh

I had problems getting through this book and not because of the subject matter. I really couldn't get behind Emma. This waffling and the whole oh no I can't say anything, yada yada yada bullshit. It just drove me up the wall. Friends that know and don't do anything because Godforbid that a 6 yr old and a 4 yr old aren't living with a psychotic woman.

...

Really?

...

Let me say that again. In this MC's opinion it was a -good- thing that a 6 yr old and a 4 yr old were living with a woman that liked to...more I had problems getting through this book and not because of the subject matter. I really couldn't get behind Emma. This waffling and the whole oh no I can't say anything, yada yada yada bullshit. It just drove me up the wall. Friends that know and don't do anything because Godforbid that a 6 yr old and a 4 yr old aren't living with a psychotic woman.

...

Really?

...

Let me say that again. In this MC's opinion it was a -good- thing that a 6 yr old and a 4 yr old were living with a woman that liked to beat the shit out of kids. *blinks*

Anyways.. I went through it and to be perfectly honest not even halfway through the book it stops being about the home life and abuse there. The book becomes about Emma and Evan and their "relationship" I have never read a MC that lied to themselves or other people more and it annoyed the shit out of me. The flat out stupid choices she would make, the lies, all the drama that -she- brought into her own life that could of ohhhhh so easily been taken care of. And her life is a mess. Well of course it's a fucking mess, you refuse to do anything about what's going on in your life except lie to everyone and yourself, make shitty choices and the dumbasses you've surrounded yourself with have no problem with this. Or if they do have a problem with it then you cut them out of your life.

*Deep calming breath*

Sadly enough the major cliff hanger forced me into the next book, I got around 100 pages in and had to stop because W.T.F. Here she goes again making dumbass decisions and instead of saying hey, this is a stupid decision.. she sticks with it and keeps putting herself through shit, then complaining she's being put through shit. And the relationships. Good. God. Hell, no. Freaky as hell and I'm not reading this. I have laundry to fold, dishes to wash. ANYTHING other then read this. I had to bail. And was happy to do it.

See Emma? This is how you do it. Make a decision (like me deciding to read the second book). Realize that it's a horrible decision (maybe not by beating your head into the wall but the realization comes to you all the same). And you make another decision that will make things better as you are now fully informed. (Oh yeah, I am fully informed and will not be finishing this book. Besides it probably ends with a major cliff hanger too and I'm not doing this again.)
(less)

48 likes · like · see review

Nov 19, 2012 Alyssa rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: abused, high-school

I don't understand why people like this book. It was BAD. The quality of the writing was very poor. It got a bit better later on, but especially in the sample and the first few chapters of the book, it was just really juvenile and seemed like it had never been edited. I have read so many non-published stories that were of much higher quality.

Aside from the writing quality, the plot was really bad too. There just didn't seem to be much direction, and the story was kind of all over the place. Sure...more

36 likes · like · see review

Nov 16, 2011 Eunice rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, damn-gorgeous-males, death-tragedy-suicide, realistic-fiction, struggled, tear-jerking, ya-romance, young-adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 3.75 of 5 stars

I hate and love this book. There were parts that totally got me swooning and there were those that made me wanna throw up the book and curse. So here, I'll just enumerate the things I love and hate about this book.

Love:
1. The plot. It was interesting. With all the struggles, abuse and loss I was curious on how Emma would survive everything.
2. Sara. Emma's best friend. I so love her! Even though she's the most popular girl in school I saw how much she cares and loves Emma. They we...more

22 likes · like · see review

Aug 22, 2012 Alexis ~*Too many books, not enough time*~ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: abuse-abused_abuser, boy_meets_girl_girl_meets_boy, danger, heart_pounding_moments, heartbreaking, jealousy, mar-apr2012, tragedy-tragic, unexpected-twist, ya-romance, emotional-read, all-time-faves, authors_to_lookout_for, kleenex-required

Spoiler Free Review
4STARS
Genre: YA- Romance

- 'In the balance of Love and loss, it was love that made me struggle to... Breathe.
-Book Quote

I am really at a loss for words with this book.... I found myself breathless at certain points in this book finding my own feelings jumbled in a mass of pain held in my chest.
Reason to Breathe is about a young girl named Emily(Emma). She is a good student at Weslyn High earning straight A's,she is the editor for the Weslyn school paper and plays soccer,baske...more

19 likes · like · see review

Jul 15, 2012 Chrystle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ba-author, blew-me-away-awesome, emotional-read, favorites, graphic, indiebookshelf, own-it, ya-romance

"In the balance of Love and Loss, it was Love that made me struggle to... Breathe"

A peak inside my brain while reading...

Hmmm…where’s this going?

What the crap?

Awwww

Expletive, Expletive, Expletive

*swoon*

Noooooo!!! *tears*

*swoon*

Expletive, Expletive

*sob*

Whaaaatt??

*SWOON*

Well, that’s stupid.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! EXPLETIVE!!!!!

Need Barely Breathing! ASAP! Code Red!

The end.

Want a more detailed review? Yeah, I figured as much! Here we go….

Emily (Emma) is a chronic over-achieving high school girl. Havi...more

45 likes · like · see review

May 05, 2013 Akanksha ❤ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series-continuation, favorite, highschool-college-romance

I can't thank the author enough for not going into details with THOSE scenes, Seriously.. if she had.. I would have lost my temper..
The book was AMAZING.. Like seriously crazy and mind boggling but amazing

(view spoiler)...more

8 likes · like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Dd rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh!My!God....I HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE that bitch Carol.I swear I felt like killing her throughout the novel.

And George...Lord I have rarely seen such a weak,lily-livered person.A swift kick would have done the job.

This is what I really want to say to Em's ~~so called~~ MOM---

And EVAN (though he did some really stupid things) was just perfect for Emily.I loved Sara,that is how best friends are supposed to be.I also admired Emily's spirit of survival.

41 likes · like · see review

May 19, 2012 Emily rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: high-school-stories, did-not-finish

This book sat in my recommendations for a long time, so I was looking forward to starting it. Unfortunately, I couldn't get more than 10% through without giving up.

Emma, the main character, is obviously in a very abusive situation at home with her aunt. I don't have Emma's experience exactly, and I would never assume anything about anyone else, but I can't imagine letting an aunt that didn't raise me and I don't care about beat on me for no reason over and over again and just taking it, as a 17...more

33 likes · like · see review

Jun 19, 2012 Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-ya, favorites, first-love-crush, highly-emotional, new-adult-mature-ya, crack-books, must-re-read-again, ultimate-book-boyfriend

4.75 Stars

I am one hot mess right now. One. Hot. Freaking. Mess. I seriously felt like I took a punch in the gut. I was so emotionally absorbed in this story; I barely had enough time to catch my breath when it just abruptly ended. WTF just happened?

I’m not a huge fan of any story that doesn’t have a HEA. I knew going into this, that this was not going to end well, but I decided to pick it up anyway. However, I did purposely wait for Barely Breathing (Book #2) to come out before reading this. Th...more 4.75 Stars

I am one hot mess right now. One. Hot. Freaking. Mess. I seriously felt like I took a punch in the gut. I was so emotionally absorbed in this story; I barely had enough time to catch my breath when it just abruptly ended. WTF just happened?

I’m not a huge fan of any story that doesn’t have a HEA. I knew going into this, that this was not going to end well, but I decided to pick it up anyway. However, I did purposely wait for Barely Breathing (Book #2) to come out before reading this. This put me and my fragile emotions through the wringer. I love stories that evoke all your feelings. This story had my heart aching, had me crying and even had me feeling like I was on cloud nine. Everything that makes us feel alive, this had it. I loved feeling like that and when it abruptly ended, I didn’t care that it didn’t end happy, I just cared that I felt so much. Does that make any sense?

Emma, Emma, Emma. You are one brave girl. Everything that happened to you in this story, I felt it. I felt the fear, the anxiety, the pain, and the heartache. But most of all, I felt your happiness because it didn’t come often. You deserved everything good that came your way. You deserved having an awesome best friend in Sara, and you definitely deserve your happiness with the very sweet, loving, and extremely persistent, Evan.

Evan has now become one of my favorite book boyfriends. I freaking LOVE him. Even after Emma consistently tells him she just wants to be friends, he never gave up just being there for her. Ultimately, he wins the girl. Thank God! It seemed like it took forever, but man, it made it a hundred times sweeter.

Fair warning to those considering reading this: Yes, this story has teenage characters, but it’s far from your usual YA. This book deals with abuse and the author does not hold back any punches. Emma’s aunt is beyond cruel. She’s a terrible person, with serious mental issues, and some of the scenes were extremely disturbing and very cringe-worthy. I couldn’t fathom going through all that. It was insane. The story was achingly good and extremely well written. Highly recommend for those looking for an emotional read. (less)

39 likes · like · see review

Jan 02, 2013 Jessica's Book Review rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite, 5-star

Read more reviews on my blog | Like me on Facebook

What a great book! I love the writing, the characters, the drama. I really fell hard for this book and couldn't put it down. Even when it was 4 am and I had to be up and out of the house by 9 am! I just had to finish this book. Warning to future readers... have book 2 handy for as soon as you finish this book! I bought it within minutes of finishing this book and had to read the first chapter of book 1 because it was such a cliff hanger! Oh man,...more Read more reviews on my blog | Like me on Facebook

What a great book! I love the writing, the characters, the drama. I really fell hard for this book and couldn't put it down. Even when it was 4 am and I had to be up and out of the house by 9 am! I just had to finish this book. Warning to future readers... have book 2 handy for as soon as you finish this book! I bought it within minutes of finishing this book and had to read the first chapter of book 1 because it was such a cliff hanger! Oh man, it was good!

Reason to Breathe is about a 16 year-old high school student Emma who lives with her Aunt & Uncle after her father dying and her mother's drinking problem. She has been living in "hell" as Emma put it for a few years. Her aunt is an awful abusive woman who deserves to rot while the uncle seems to dismiss it and ignore the obvious physical and emotional abuse his wife puts on his niece.

Emma wants nothing more then just to finish high school and go to college. She exceeds at everything she does to accomplish her goals. 4.0 GPA, top rated soccer, basketball and track star! She doesn't let anyone in her life, only Sara. Her best/only friend. Sara suspects what is going on but Emma never admits it.

Emma's world gets off track when she meets new student Evan. The handsome, caring boy instantly falls for Emma. No matter what Emma does to push him away, Evan wants her even more.. Emma can't have a life, let alone a boyfriend.. she can't let anyone in the hell she goes through.

Finally both worlds collide and Emma is either going to lose everything or going to gain everything she ever wanted. The ending is a shocker and you must have book 2 ready or you will go crazy.

REVIEW: This is a beautiful book about child abuse. You do not see this subject written about very much, let alone in a Young Adult novel. It was moving, I cried for Emma throughout the book. I hated Carol (the aunt) with a passion. But at the same time, I couldn't wait to find out what will happen. I was waiting for Emma to have a lose it moment... especially what the aunt did when Emma was suppose to have dinner at Evan's house (I couldn't believe it!)

Evan and Sara are wonderful. I want a rich best friend who would do anything for me, even keeping my secret for the sake of others. Evan is a dream boat! What a wonderful high school boyfriend. He waited and waited for Emma. He wanted to take her away, he would do anything for her and I wanted Emma to say she loves him too so badly. Speaking of that... that is what I found frustrating about Emma. She had this amazing guy who loves her but she broke it off because of her aunt... yet she turns to Drew.. I just did not understand that. She was so careless with Drew as her boyfriend but hid Evan, even from herself.

The ending was amazing and tearful all in one. I consider the first chapter of book 2 to be the real end to the first book just because the cliff hanger in this book. It was perfect! I am half way done with book 2 now and love it, maybe even more!(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Aug 17, 2012 Ruth**Off With Its Head!** rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angst, female-pov

I really enjoyed this book though it was tough to read in parts due to the abuse that Emma suffered at the hands of her Aunt.

I felt that the author dealt with abuse in a fairly realistic way, though thankfully I have never suffered myself I have had friends who did.

I know some people felt that either Emma herself or one of her friends should have said something but it's not that easy.
Her aunt had her believing that she was so worthless & she also loved her cousin's & didn't want them t...more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 23, 2011 Kaitlyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: to-buy, best-books, books-every-teen-needs-to-read, 5-stars, want-to-read, ebook-read

Beautiful, lovely, heart warming, heart wrenching. I hated that she stood by, but understood to a point why she did it. I loved Sara and Evan. I was really sad at the end till I reread the epilogue then I understood and was in a better mood but it still really affected me. I'm glad there is a sequel as long as I understood what happened at the end of RtB. It was a great story. I loved that there was also a normal sense of romance between Evan and Emma. Loved what happened and loved their love an...more

9 likes · like · see review

Sep 25, 2011 Danielle rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

I really didn’t like this book, and I wish I hadn’t bought it. The premise itself I had no problem with – a girl struggling with abuse and falling in love – but everyone was so one-dimensional!

The main character (I don’t even remember her name, she was that uninteresting) was forced to live with her aunt and uncle because her dad had died and her mom was unable to care for her. The entire book focuses on her waffling around about 1-whether or not she should pursue the love interest...more

29 likes · like · see review

Jan 22, 2012 Reem rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

oh my God , im in deep shock , my body is numb and i can put the rights words cuz id ont know what happened , i am confused and flustered more than ever , how could what i think happened possibly happened ? this book was touching to the very buttom of my heart , directing many life lessons that im still trying to put my finger on , it's about living the moment and working hard , it's about learning how to be your best when all odds are agianst you ,it's a life lesson that u dont get to read many...more

16 likes · like · see review

Jan 27, 2013 Rachael rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loved it! Beautifully written, likeable characters, although difficult to get in to at the start, it was impossible to put down by the end! Intense themes but done so well. I have started the second one already!

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 16, 2011 Kristie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

LOVED This book. I laughed, cried, screamed, felt my heart pound I had so many emotions reading this story. I am so happy to hear that there will be a sequel. Emma's story is heartbreaking to say the least but with her friendship to Sara and her relationship with Evan you get so much hope for her. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.

17 likes · like · see review

May 06, 2013 Sampurna Ray rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: guilty-pleasures

I like this book just enough to look for its sequel just to see what happens to the characters. I liked this book for all the obvious reasons. A wonderful book-boyfriend, another high-school romance, cute escapades and all.

What I did not like so much:

1. There was no "why?" to the abuse dished out to the protagonist. For most parts, her excuses for not seeking help annoyed me to no end. Her best friend's father was an influential man, so were her boyfriends parents. Emma is supposed to be intelli...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 02, 2013 SilkeeeeeeReads rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fm-abuse, ya-romance, emotional-fiction, cliffhanger

Let me get the warnings out of the way.
WARNING: This has a heart pounding cliffhanger.
WARNING: This book will make you start searching your mind for ways to help. There is A LOT of physical abuse!

Emma's father died four years ago and her mother is an alcoholic and that puts Emma square in a horrendous situation living with her uncle and aunt. Her aunt is obviously mentally ill and continually finds ways to physically and emotionally abuse Emily. Emily doesn't want to report it because she belie...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 17, 2013 QiJia 치쟈 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: epub, e-books, favorites, favourites-2013, rebecca-donovan, owned, read-in-2013

Just what the hell is wrong with Carol?
It's like having split personality of Mr Hyde whenever Emma's around, but total I-love-you-kids-and-hubby when Emma's not around

What kind of syndrome or sickness is she suffering from?
Or she is just THAT evil?

That's how you take care of your niece who lost her Dad and have an alcoholic Mom?
It's just a bar of biscuit and just a towel! And what makes her think your niece is a slut or whore? What happened to her mom doesn't mean her daughter will be the sam...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 27, 2012 Escape from Reality rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4 Stars

Emily Thomas (known to her friends as Emma) really was dealt the crappy life cards.
After her father passed away and her mother was mentally not able to care for her, she was twelve when she was sent to live with her Uncle and his wife and her two younger cousins.

Turns out that her Aunt Carol didn't care for her and over the years and was emotionally and physically abusive.
Emma puts all her effort into the things that she can control which will ultimately lead to her getting out of the h...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 30, 2011 dontouchmychocolate rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sort-of-read-did-not-complete

"No one tried to get involved with me" was a total exaggeration in this book's synopsis, considering Emma had a best friend who was always looking out for her.
Nevertheless, even with the tragic abuse theme in the story, I found Reason to Breathe completely ridiculous and a bit unrealistic.

Here you have a girl who is 'invisible' and wants to blend in, and perhaps I'm turning her into a stereotype but she's too "well-rounded" for an abusee. 4.0 GPA, editor in the school paper who plays three var...more "No one tried to get involved with me" was a total exaggeration in this book's synopsis, considering Emma had a best friend who was always looking out for her.
Nevertheless, even with the tragic abuse theme in the story, I found Reason to Breathe completely ridiculous and a bit unrealistic.

Here you have a girl who is 'invisible' and wants to blend in, and perhaps I'm turning her into a stereotype but she's too "well-rounded" for an abusee. 4.0 GPA, editor in the school paper who plays three varsity sports, AND has a best friend (who knows what goes on behind closed doors), yet she claims she's all alone. If Emma really was a loner, she shouldn't even have a best bud.

The reaction people have to Emma whenever she speaks up or attends a friggin' party made me roll my eyes because I did not see any 'special' thing about this girl. Schoolmates gasped, gossiped and gaped when she did something as a-m-a-z-i-n-g as look up from her books...it was quite infuriating. I wouldn't have been surprised if they had given her a tiara for breaking wind in public.

Emma was also one of the most frustrating and annoying characters I've ever encountered. An abused girl whose only reason for taking abuse is to protect her abuser's image with her kids? I found that utterly stupid and shady considering the only child old enough to remember what the hell happened to Mommy is not completely clueless about what Mommy does to his cousin. Plus, her abuser almost beat her to death on a regular basis. And for Emma's best friend to not report to the authorities, even when she proclaimed how much she cared about her friend to the point of shedding tears on her behalf? Please. As her BFF, wouldn't you rather she hated you for getting her out of an abusive home rather than "supported" her claims of "I'm fine" when she harbored bruises almost daily?

Emma, had she gone forward sooner with her story, would have had options. One of her friends' father was a judge or something along those lines, and her best friend's parents liked her very much - I'm sure she wouldn't have been dropped off at a group home if she'd spoken up.

At some point, I was convinced that the abuse factor in the book was for exaggerated dramatic effect, for entertainment purposes, rather than to get a message across that domestic abuse is a problem.
If this book was meant to give a real-life abusee hope of getting out of an abusive relationship, the book missed that thoroughly, abuse being tackled poorly and shittily by the author.

Emma was also...too damn unlikeable to even feel sorry for or pledge allegiance to! I'm sorry for her but damn!
I couldn't conjure up an image of this girl, or even create a personality for her...Everyone else around her seemed to have some attributes but her? She was just vacant. Was it that the abuse had turned her into an empty shell of a person, so much so that I couldn't warm to her no matter how hard I tried? I couldn't even understand why Evan was bothering so much with her when she was so snarky and mean all the time. I was just too unsympathetic to her cause, I suppose.

I ended up skipping over the last half of the book, landing on the last page only to discover that Reason to Breathe is part of a series.
Crap.(less)

18 likes · like · see review

Feb 12, 2013 Donna {Book Passion for Life} rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review, from-publishers, ya-contemporary-romance

2.5 stars!

After reading Cindy Bennett's Heart on a Chain a few months ago, I was recommended Rebecca Donovan's Reason to Breathe because of the similarities they have. However, while I loved Heart on a Chain, I'm kind of on the fence with Reason to Breathe.

Reason to Breathe is a heart-wrenching story that deals with abuse in it's worst form. Emma lives with her aunt and uncle and instead of having a loving and caring family, she suffers from daily beating from her aunt - who despises her. We see...more 2.5 stars!

After reading Cindy Bennett's Heart on a Chain a few months ago, I was recommended Rebecca Donovan's Reason to Breathe because of the similarities they have. However, while I loved Heart on a Chain, I'm kind of on the fence with Reason to Breathe.

Reason to Breathe is a heart-wrenching story that deals with abuse in it's worst form. Emma lives with her aunt and uncle and instead of having a loving and caring family, she suffers from daily beating from her aunt - who despises her. We see Emma try to battle between the life she wants and the life she has and honestly, it's very intense at times.

I honestly thought I was going to love this story. Its is heart-breaking and very emotional and while I did like parts of it, I found it hard to connect with the characters. I've never been in an abusive situation so I can't comment on what I would do if I was in that position but what I didn't like about Emma was the fact that this abuse was happening and she just took it and didn't fight back. She had a number of ways out and she didn't take them. Also, her best friend is aware of what's happening and I felt as though she was more distressed about it than Emma. Emma just kind of took everything - but for what? There is no reason! Her aunts abuse is uncalled for and irrational, so there's no reason why she does this to Emma. But what makes it that much worse was that Emma's aunt has kids of her own and she worships them. Emma even tries to protect them from seeing any of the abuse. But surely if a women like that can abuse her niece, what damage could she do to her own children? It's scary! I guess I couldn't work out why the aunt would be so horrid to Emma but not to her own kids and why Emma wouldn't speak up to people even though people were aware of what was happening. Maybe the answers will come with book two and three and I really hope so because so far, I don't understand.

Now what I did like about the story was the romance - of course the romance. I have to say it was one of the things that kept me reading. I was intrigued to see how it works out. Emma has to sneak around to spend time with Evan. I loved how the more time she spent with Evan she became more confident and started enjoying the good parts of her life. I also loved Evan's mother - she's the kind of mother that Emma should have because she offers her so much support in such a short amount of time.

In all, I'm not to sure if I will continue with this series. I guess I'll see at the time if I fancy it and although it's got a promising start, I'm really not sure what could happen next. (less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 22, 2011 Nerd-Light-Books rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: all-time-favorites

Some days Emma is thrilled to be alive. Some days she struggles to find a reason to breathe.

Emma Thomas is every parent’s dream. She’s an excellent student. She does her chores without complaint and helps with the younger kids at home. She’s a star athlete and a talented artist. Her best friend, Sara, is one of the most popular girls in school. So why then does she live her life in a perpetual state of fear? Emma has a dark secret about which no one, not even Sara, knows the truth. Emma is not l...more Some days Emma is thrilled to be alive. Some days she struggles to find a reason to breathe.

Emma Thomas is every parent’s dream. She’s an excellent student. She does her chores without complaint and helps with the younger kids at home. She’s a star athlete and a talented artist. Her best friend, Sara, is one of the most popular girls in school. So why then does she live her life in a perpetual state of fear? Emma has a dark secret about which no one, not even Sara, knows the truth. Emma is not looking for someone to rescue her. She keeps a safe distance from those around her, never wanting anyone to get close enough to discover what she’s hiding. She is barely coping with the terror, but telling someone the truth would have devastating consequences.

Emma’s plan is simple: survive the remainder of high school, go to college and never come back, stay “under the radar” at all costs. Emma lives her life virtually undetected by most of the people around her, or so she thinks until Evan Mathews comes along. Evan not only sees the invisible girl, he boldly pursues her, even though her defenses are numerous and fierce. Emma finds herself inexplicably drawn to him, but letting her guard down could mean losing more than she’s willing to risk. She is faced with a choice between what she wants and what she believes is best. In her mind they are two completely different things. The escalating danger makes it that much harder to decide. Should she risk everything to find the happiness she never expected or stay safe in the stronghold of secrecy she’s been building for so long?

Rebecca Donovan is an enormously talented storyteller, and I’m not just saying that because she let me view this novel in its infancy. When she first asked me to read her work, I was nervous. I’m a fairly critical reader, and I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. But there was absolutely no reason to worry because I was completely engrossed in the story after reading the first few pages.

The story is an intense page turner from start to finish. Reason to Breathe is one of those rare stories where the love story is just as gripping as the danger. The reader wants so badly for Emma to find happiness. She’s been denied any kind of love for so long, and Evan seems like the perfect person to offer that chance. But the reader also wants Emma to survive the story unscathed, and it quickly becomes clear that it will be next to impossible for Emma to have both happiness and safety.

The antagonist in this story is so well written that the reader is put on edge by the malicious character’s mere presence on the page. The main characters (and even some of the minor ones) are so consistent, so well thought out; they feel as if they’re people you know. You could predict what they would do in a given situation. I was particularly drawn to the friendship between Emma and Sara. It feels very real, and it demonstrates the yin and yang connection that so many best friends have. It was very easy to believe in their bond; the two girls complement each other perfectly.

One criticism I often have of teen books written in first person is that they don’t really feel like a teen is the narrator. That is not the case with Reason to Breathe. I felt I was very much inside Emma’s head. She second guesses herself. Sometimes she reads people incorrectly, and she misjudges the situations she’s in fairly often. I could see things coming that she perhaps didn’t understand yet, but every event was explained from Emma’s point of view. Sometimes there was missing information, and it made the narration all the more believable.

There were times when I was so frustrated with Emma. She really has no idea of her worth. And she truly believes her survival /escape plan will work. She is clueless and naïve at times, and anyone who has read my book reviews knows those are character traits that sometimes rub me the wrong way. But Emma is different for two reasons. One, she is a teenager and that naturally puts her in a perpetual swing between self doubt and overconfidence. (Anywhere else those would seem like conflicting ideas but not in world of adolescence.) Two, Emma has a very good reason to have absolutely no self confidence. Her life has been permeated with a steady stream of belittlement and cruelty.

I was hopelessly captivated by the story. It’s the kind of book you can’t put down until you know the final resolution. It’s intense! But equally impressive is the author’s attention to detail. I was in the middle of the book when I started to realize how carefully the groundwork had been laid for the events that were to come. I read this book twice, and when reading the story a second time, I loved discovering the small clues and foreshadowing scattered throughout the book.

I think that teens will absolutely eat this book up. How could they not with such an intoxicating combination of danger and romance? But parents, teachers, and sensitive readers need to know that there is violence at this story’s core. It would be a book I would want to read along with and discuss with my child or students. There are some powerful lessons for teens in this story. Not the least of which is how keeping a secret and thinking you can handle a dangerous situation on your own can lead to horrific results.

Reason to Breathe is one of those teen books that will appeal equally to adult readers. I highly recommend the book to those who love a good tortured romance and aren’t afraid of some pretty dark, disturbing material. It’s completely captivating and original.
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Dec 03, 2012 Zenia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantastic-covers, gimme-gimme, must-read, swoon-worthy-romance, tear-jerker, love-the-title, killer-cliffhanger

Favorite quote: In the balance of love and loss, it was love that made me struggle to breathe.

The quote above made me cry so bad, and do not ask me why! It is just so beautiful .. and a major spoiler if I told you ;-)

I LOVED this book! I have no words for it!

I got an excerpt of this book on my iPhone, and after reading the first three chapters I knew that I HAD to keep on reading, so I bought the entire book on my iPhone.
I was actually kind of shocked by myself because I'm really against readin...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 03, 2012 Candice rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, cliffhanger-galore

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Jun 13, 2012 Stephanie Calleja rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is another un-supernatural book. Honestly, I thought it would have something to do with vampires as the only summary I read for this book stated that the main character Emma has a secret, and the new kid Evan unravels her world in days. So, I thought “Ah yeah, she’s a vampire, he’s the hot newcomer, it’s like Twilight with the roles reversed”. But trust me, it is everything but! This book is so emotional, and deep, and serious, and important! I really don’t know where to begin explaining th...more This is another un-supernatural book. Honestly, I thought it would have something to do with vampires as the only summary I read for this book stated that the main character Emma has a secret, and the new kid Evan unravels her world in days. So, I thought “Ah yeah, she’s a vampire, he’s the hot newcomer, it’s like Twilight with the roles reversed”. But trust me, it is everything but! This book is so emotional, and deep, and serious, and important! I really don’t know where to begin explaining this book! But I’m gonna try.

Emma Thomas has been hiding a secret since she was 12. The only one who knows is her best friend Sara, and although it upsets her, she keeps Emma’s secret to herself. This secret is why Emma tries to fade into the background. To get good grades to keep her aunt and uncle happy, to avoid attention, and by connection, to avoid people. It isn’t until Evan Matthews starts going to Emma’s school and shares several of her classes, that she starts taking control of her life and opening up to someone other than her best friend. But what is her deep, dark secret? And will Evan still be interested in her once he finds out?

So, I cannot possibly explain why I love this book without any spoilers. So just to let you know, you have been warned. So, I need to say this straight off the bat, and I guess the book does right at the start as well. Emma’s secret is that her aunt physically abuses her. Emma’s dad died when she was younger, and her mother became an alcoholic, so living with her aunt and uncle is really her only option to avoid living on the streets. But at what cost? Now, Emma’s uncle really doesn’t have much to do with anything, it’s all her auntie. She gets hit and slapped for tiny things, such as getting home a few minutes later, or not doing the dishes fast enough. She learns how to avoid her auntie as much as she possibly can. And because of all the problems she has at home, Emma pushes people at school away, and no one really wants to be her friend apart from Sara. So one day in class, she and the new guy Evan get into a fight, and their friendship kind of blossoms from there!

Although the story can get a bit slow at some points, for example, when you want Emma and Evan to finally get together as a proper couple, and she denies her feelings, the story overall is beautiful. I know this always happens to me, but I cannot express the way I feel about this book. It’s just… intense. In the parts where Emma is getting abused, all you want to do is jump into the book and give Emma a massive hug. In the parts where Evan is telling Emma how much he loves her and she keeps pushing him away in fear of her auntie finding out and beating her to a pulp, you literally want to slip into Emma’s body, and just give Evan a massive kiss! And honestly, as bad as this may sound, after reading how cruel Emma’s aunt was, and how she hit her, I was actually a little scared of my own parents. It’s like the author was so amazing at describing Emma, that you feel like you become a part of her!

On the romance side of things, things are far from perfect. Evan and Emma belong together, it’s obvious from the very start. But the difficulties they face, such as Emma having to lie about why she can’t date, get in the way. There’s a lot of little things that happen, and halfway through the book, Evan actually moves to San Francisco. It’s all pretty tragic and sad. I think the fact that the book is so sad makes the happy moments even more magical. GRRRRRR I can’t explain things! All I can say is that if you like cute romance stories, and complex characters, this book is absolutely perfect for you. If you don’t like cute romance stories, and complex characters, this book is still absolutely perfect for you! This book is just right in so many ways.

I felt like crying after I read this book. The end is beautiful and sad, and happy in a way. So powerful, so strong. I can honestly say that any books I read after this will probably seem really shitty and poorly written. But yeah, when I’m speechless over a book, you know it’s amazing! Not enough adjectives to describe it. Till next time, stay interesting!(less)

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May 30, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, favorite-authors, romance-erotica-faves

Oh, my god, I am in complete shock right now. My brain is just fried, my heart is in pieces, and my stomach is completely tied up in a million knots!!!! Good lord, this book has put me through hell and back and I'm shaking and tearing up right now I'm so upset!! Rebecca Donovan has absolutely wrecked me with this gut-wrenching, terrifying, horrific story, and I really needed to gather my thoughts before I could wrap my brain around a review.

I went into this book thinking the heroine was going to...more Oh, my god, I am in complete shock right now. My brain is just fried, my heart is in pieces, and my stomach is completely tied up in a million knots!!!! Good lord, this book has put me through hell and back and I'm shaking and tearing up right now I'm so upset!! Rebecca Donovan has absolutely wrecked me with this gut-wrenching, terrifying, horrific story, and I really needed to gather my thoughts before I could wrap my brain around a review.

I went into this book thinking the heroine was going to have some terrible secrets about her life that no one knows, but I was still floored by what Emma has to go through. After her father died and her alcoholic mother left her, Emma was forced to move in with her father's brother and his family. With her aunt, Carol, who hates the very fiber of her existence, and makes sure she knows it mentally and physically on an almost daily basis. Emma's life at home centers around pain and hatred whenever her aunt is alone with her, and she lives in constant fear that she will do something to earn herself further punishment. Her friend Sarah knows about her secret but is sworn to secrecy, and Emma goes to great lengths to keep herself unseen and unknown in the school. Aside from earning a 4.0 and excelling at all of her sports, she makes no effort to stand out or be noticed by her classmates. That is, until the handsome and persistent Evan Mathews decides he wants to get to know her. Suddenly, the world she's created for herself outside of her aunt's home is thrown into chaos, and Emma has to decide if this boy is worth risking her secret; even if it means tearing her heart out if she decides he isn't.

Oh, I don't know where to begin with this book!! God, I mean, I was so uptight, furious, and completely heartbroken as I was reading this story. Every time it seemed like there was a break from the unending pain Emma has to endure, Rebecca Donovan throws something else her way and I was just crushed all over again. Emma's life at her home was so unbelievably terrifying, my stomach twisted in knots every time she had to be in the same room as that witch. It was sickening to read what she had to suffer through, and I wanted to tear Carol's arms off and let her die a slow and painful death. If it weren't for the time Emma has at school and sports, and her time with Sarah, she would surely not have survived as long as she has and I may have had an ulcer by the time the book was done!! I so needed those times where she was just enjoying herself with her friends doing simple teenage stuff, because this story really takes it's toll on the reader. Thank god Emma has Sara, her friend with the silver spoon who tries her best to make her life happy. She is like the best friend we all love to have, supporting her and bringing a sense of normalcy to her otherwise miserable life. I have to admit, I was really pissed at Sara for keeping Emma's secret as the story went on, even with Emma's reason for her secrecy being a constant reminder. I wanted her to just tell Emma to screw her concerns and save herself, but then that would be a really short story and maybe Emma wouldn't have gotten to the point that she did. Emma endures so much, and she has such strength through it all. I love that she is so strong both physically and mentally, it was a nice change to have a heroine that was confident despite everything that could tear that down. She excels at everything, and even though she has family that tries to make her feel worthless, she pushes past all of that to make it for herself. Yeah, some of her decisions were utterly infuriating, but I still loved her!

And Evan, oh sweet Evan...when this boy waltzed into Emma's life I knew it would never be the same!! She is cold to him from the start, knowing that she will push him away just like she does everyone else because she has too much to hide. But he won't back down and eventually worms his way into her life and her heart with his constant presence and patience. He was the breath of fresh air that her life needed, whether she wanted to admit it or not. She may have had a life before Evan, but once he came around she was actually LIVING. I loved every moment they had together, Evan just melted my heart!! Oh, I love this boy!! And when Emma pushed him away to protect her secret, I was so furious and shattered that it was painful to read on. My heart shattered more and more as she opened herself up to someone else, it was just awful. I was so mad at her, mad at Evan for being so stubborn, mad at Sarah for not just grabbing them both and screaming at them for being so stupid!! Ugh, that section of the book took so much out of me!! But I think Emma needed that time to realize what she had with Evan, and to realize he was worth risking it all for.

After all of the torment that this story puts you through, I suppose the ending shouldn't have come as a huge surprise...but it still did for me. My stomach dropped, my heart froze, and tears filled my eyes as I read to the end. That epilogue...god, I'm tearing up again now just thinking of it, I'm just wrecked!! This was not an ending, this was a stab to the chest that left me speechless. At this point, i'm in need of a stiff drink, but one thing is for certain-I'm going to have to start the sequel right away just so I can get my heart beating again!! This was an unforgettable book, and I'm officially a huge fan of Rebecca Donovan after reading this incredibly moving story!!(less)

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Sep 17, 2012 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: abuse-neglect-serious-content

Emma is in her Jr year of high school. She is a 4.0 student. She runs the school paper. She's on the track team, soccer team and basketball team. She makes MVP and rocks at the sports she plays. She's even good in the art department. She has one good friend as her saving grace in life, which would be Sara. Otherwise she is like a shadow in the night when it comes to school and her peers. Enough to do well but not enough to be remembered or stick out too much. She's literally counting the days un...more Emma is in her Jr year of high school. She is a 4.0 student. She runs the school paper. She's on the track team, soccer team and basketball team. She makes MVP and rocks at the sports she plays. She's even good in the art department. She has one good friend as her saving grace in life, which would be Sara. Otherwise she is like a shadow in the night when it comes to school and her peers. Enough to do well but not enough to be remembered or stick out too much. She's literally counting the days until she graduates with hope of a soccer scholarship to a really good school. Then one day Evan walks in to her life and totally sets her plans off course and she learns the meaning of how to live and what it's like to love. He truly gives the meaning, to Emma, of what it's like to actually BREATHE.

I cried with this book, got mad at people in this book and even felt disgust for Aunt Carol. I even felt a bit of disgust for Uncle George and his blind eye. Only once did I slightly feel sad for George when he thought Emma destroyed mementos that carried memories of his brother and her family. There were times I literally had to stop reading and take a small break as I was emotionally invested in this story. With that said, I did find times where I smiled, laughed, and felt happy. I even had swoon worthy moments of happiness with Evan and Emma.

Even due to the serious nature of the content of this book, it was a 5 star read for me. I'm not rating it for the romance or friendships, I'm rating it for how well this story is told and how real it felt to me. Rebecca Donovan pulled me in to Emma's life and captured me from then on. There were times I literally forgot that Emma and her friends were not real. (Although I know that there truly are people out there experiencing abuse of the likes that Emma receives.) Ms Donovan wrote an amazing story that gripped me and tugged at my heart strings. She had strong characters, a very believable story line and she didn't make light of the story with a budding romance, HS parties or friendships. She wrote an amazing story about a girl who is trying to just exist and survive until she can leave her nightmare of a home behind her. When Rebecca introduces Evan it gives Emma hope and helps her to find parts of herself that she has never let out before. Emma also has Sara who is a good friend and her voice of reality, sanity and her strength.

I read there were people upset with the ending, even though we know there is a part 2. I'm not sure what the big deal was on how Rebecca chose to end this chapter of Emma's life. Honestly, the ending worked for me and it's that ending that will save her from her hell and bring her in to the light for book 2. Yes, it's a sad way of going about it...but then again this is close to reality as one can get in a book and very plausible for someones true reality. (less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 13, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Really enjoyed this book. It is a serious subject matter obviously, but I knew that going in so I didn't feel overwhelmed with the sads or anything. Evan is perfect, absolutely my favorite book boyfriend of the moment, and a persistent little bugger. It was well written to where I couldn't put it down but also didn't want to turn the page and find out what happens. There is a cliffhanger at the end so like a wise woman told me make sure you have Barely Breathing ready to go.

3 likes · like · see review

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The Challenge Fac...: May, Bre & Barbara Reading Reason to Breathe	22	7	May 07, 2013 05:48am
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About Rebecca Donovan

Optimism seeps from every pore of my body. I truly believe that what's supposed to happen... will! In that regard, I don't know how to give up; it's not part of my biological make up.

I'm a passionate (and some would say, overly enthusiastic) person. I learn by doing (and have been burned more times that I'd like to admit), but I will always throw my entire self into whatever I do - fail or succeed...more

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Quotes from Reason to Breathe

“I love that picture, he admitted softly. I think it's because I love the girl in that picture.” — 326 people liked it

“Love helped me live life instead of just survive it.” — 190 people liked it

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