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Breathe (Breathe #1)

by Sloan Parker (Goodreads Author)

4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 · rating details · 1,038 ratings · 176 reviews

Read chapters 1 & 2 from the author's website: (PDF)

Lincoln McCaw lost everything — his home, his job, his partner — after he caused a fatal accident. A year later, he's drowning the guilt and despair in whiskey, but he needs to move on. His sister and her kids are counting on him. Then he meets a man who ignites a passion Lincoln thought he'd never find. Too bad one n...more

ebook, 1st Edtion, 254 pages

Published November 16th 2010 by Loose Id, LLC

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Oct 10, 2012 Baba ♥♥♥ Marcus, Tyler, Tate, Dan, Ty, & Hunter rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

REVIEW EDITED/COMPLETED JULY 14, 2012

"Breathe," Lyncoln said in a low whisper to the hair above Jay's ear. "Just breathe ."

Breathe is a well-written story about forgiveness and redemption. It's thoughtful. It's sad. Yet very hopeful.

Dear Lyncoln,

I know you are a good guy, Lync. You have a kind and generous heart. What happened destroyed you as much as it did Jay, his family and Katie's family. It is reasonable that you feel ashamed, and it's good to recognize what wrong you did. However, it w...more

28 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2013 Vio rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: tragic, tears-and-despair, really-really-good, angst, melodrama-galore, emotional, i-likey-a-lot

Loved it, though it might be hard to believe that these two guys would hook up in normal circumstances, not that there is anything normal about their situation. Did I mention the angst, drama and heartbreak? There's plenty of it going around, it's emotionally draining, so pace yourself and suck it up, its worth it.

Jay and Lincoln have no idea what they are both about to unleash when they meet, the past is about to blow up in their faces. After finding out who Linc really is, Jay has a lot to th...more

32 likes · like · see review

May 04, 2013 Mark rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gay-fiction, crime-and-thrillers

Fact is stranger than fiction. This story touched based for me and dealt with some very emotional aspects. I felt drawn into their world from the very beginning and the author's style felt comfortable and smooth making it a compelling, non-stop read. The plot development and many threads was well handled and left me wanting more at the end.

So, now to the story. Jay and Lincoln, two guys on opposite ends but joined together by a common person who although in death brings them together. Jay suffer...more Fact is stranger than fiction. This story touched based for me and dealt with some very emotional aspects. I felt drawn into their world from the very beginning and the author's style felt comfortable and smooth making it a compelling, non-stop read. The plot development and many threads was well handled and left me wanting more at the end.

So, now to the story. Jay and Lincoln, two guys on opposite ends but joined together by a common person who although in death brings them together. Jay suffering from grief and loss. Lincoln suffering from guilt and blame. Two sides of an emotional coin. This immense suffering brings them together and a relationship evolves where they find the answer to their suffering in each others arms. Jay finding love and happiness once more. Lincoln finding forgiveness and absolution. This makes for an intense love story with all the trials and tribulations.

Running parallel to their relationship is the thriller part of the story which also builds in intensity at the same rate as their relationship, lots of red herrings and had me guessing right to the end. The end was exciting and harrowing but left me also happy that after all these guys had weathered together, there's not much left that will now tear them apart.

If I felt inclined to half stars, I would give 4.5 due to one little thing. I was never really convinced that when they first got together they didn't realise who they were. After the fatal accident of Katie couldn't quite believe that Jay had never seen a picture of Lincoln in the media even if had never gone to the trial. Found this a little unbelievable. However, the story and powerful writing clinched the deal and that's why I'm rounding up to five.

I loved this book on a level that it is also a lesson for life. Accidents happen and they're never intentional, no matter how bad, nobody is ever really to blame. Forgiveness is important as is not always having to find a scape goat. A lot of strength can be drawn from this. We can't change the past, so it's not productive to dwell on these things but it is sometimes more important to move on, think ahead and try to be positive.

Another great buddy read with Tina, Gina, Macky and Bev.(less)

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May 02, 2013 Macky rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who loves angst and drama

Recommended to Macky by: Bev, mark, Tina, Gina.

Shelves: buddy-read, emotional-wringers, drama, keeper, m-m, palpable-emotion, palpable-sexual-tension, twists-and-turns, sensitive-subject, horrible-families, accidental-death, relationship-that-shouldn-t-happen

So another successful buddy read with my great friends Mark, Tina, Gina and Bev and another 5 star rating from me.
My first thoughts before reading was how can someone make a romance between a man whose wife is killed in a in a dreadful car accident fall in love with the man who was the cause of that accident? I couldn't see how it could work at all but I hold my hands up because Sloan Parker took a sensitive subject that could have been a complete mess and made it meld so well that by the finis...more So another successful buddy read with my great friends Mark, Tina, Gina and Bev and another 5 star rating from me.
My first thoughts before reading was how can someone make a romance between a man whose wife is killed in a in a dreadful car accident fall in love with the man who was the cause of that accident? I couldn't see how it could work at all but I hold my hands up because Sloan Parker took a sensitive subject that could have been a complete mess and made it meld so well that by the finish I couldn't imagine these two damaged men never having been a couple.

From the first time they spy each other outside the bar to the first sexual liaison outside of it before they know who each other are, through to the brilliant ending I was totally immersed in every aspect of the story. When Lincoln and Jay were together the sexual tension they created was combustible and the love scenes incendiary. To team them up to find out who was targeting Lincoln and his family was a perfect ruse to allow them to get closer and you could see over time that in a way, only the two of them could truly ease each others pain, despite the reactions of others outside their relationship. All the supporting characters added an extra depth to the story even though some of them had me gnashing my teeth.

The actual mystery of who it is threatening their relationship is extremely skilfully done, loads of angry family members who are suitably nasty enough to draw you to them as the culprit and tons of red herrings that completely turn all your preconceptions upside down, then theres the OMG moments that hook you in and keep you on the edge of your seat till the nail biting conclusion. I absolutely loved every moment of it and pretty much devoured it in a couple of sittings. There were a few questions but I let those go and didn't let them interfere because I got lost in the book and to be honest in all stories its easy to pick holes. Sometimes its worth invoking poetic licence and just letting the story flow. This did and its now a do not delete for fear of death story on my trusty kindle! Lincoln and Jay you are now in my most favourite m/m couples lists and I'll definitely be reading this again. Totally and utterly satisfied! (less)

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May 16, 2013 Heather K (dentist in my spare time) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, favorites-2013, full-of-angst, great-chemistry, hot-hot-hot, m-m, loved-it, romance

**4.5 stars**

"Breathe" was an amazing read for me! Very nicely done Sloan Parker!

"Breathe" is about two men and their experiences following a horrific tragedy and their individual journeys towards forgiveness. Surprisingly, I read a M/F book with a very similar premise only a few months ago. I'll put the other book's name in spoiler tags because the fact that the guy was involved in the girl's accident is a huge plot twist (view spoiler). However, this book blow...more

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May 03, 2013 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: buddy-reads, mm-romance

Buddy read with Bev, Gina, Macky and Mark. :)

Breathe isn't a pretty romance. It's quite dark, has some plot twists and some angst and suspense.

After a fatal accident Linc has lost his home, his job and his partner. A year later he realizes he needs to move on. He meets a man who arouses a passion he thought he'd never find. But someone decides Lincoln needs to suffer more than he already has...

Jay is surrounded by grief and misery until he finally gives in to his sexual fantasies about being wit...more

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Jan 12, 2011 Shell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I was up into the wee hours of the night a few nights ago finishing this book. I tried to go to sleep, really, I did, but Jake and Linc wouldn't let me!

Jacob Miller is 22 years old and a widower. Lincoln McCaw has been recently released from the county jail after spending six months locked away for vehicular manslaughter. They're a very unlikely pair. Jacob loved his wife, Katie, and Lincoln is responsible for her death. It was an accident, sure, but that doesn't change the fact that he's the re...more

12 likes · like · see review

Mar 18, 2011 BarkLessWagMore rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, romance

OMG the angst. I'm an angst loving girl but there is a limit and this book reached it.

"I love you, I need you but I will ruin your life and I don't deserve a man as kind as you. I must push you away and then a moment later, pull you back in. I can't resist. Your touches make me feel again but I don't deserve them. I deserve to wallow in a pool of self-pity and drink myself to death. I must leave you alone. You're better off that way. Wait, I need you back. Get those hot lips over here!"

Arrrrggh...more

14 likes · like · see review

Jan 07, 2013 Heather C rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, pdoc, enemies-to-lovers, contemporary-romance, gfy-ofy, tattoos, m-m

This book was all kinds of awesome!

Yeah, there was tons of angst, angst and more angst. But not the bad kind. No cheating! This was all about guilt and grief and forgiveness and moving forward. Most importantly it was about getting a second chance at life and love.

From the outside, Jay and Lincoln were absolutely wrong for each other. But in truth, they were right. Absolutely right for each other. It was the only way either of them would ever heal.

Their passion was intense and the sex was some...more

8 likes · like · see review

Jul 31, 2012 Paisley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Paisley by: Cheryl

Shelves: mm-stories, gangbang-q3-selected, omg-my-first-time, pov-first-person, lendable-kindle

Well, I know this book is loved by many people but I ain't one of them.

I did like it (barely - lol) and found it was very entertaining in a morbid sort of way. I also appreciated the fact that it held my attention (i.e., hard to put down). The author did a good job with the writing and the flow.

It is heavy on the angst - but that's not what I found annoying (I can do angst) I just did not like the characters much (although I did like Lincoln). I could now discuss my lack of respect for most of...more

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Nov 23, 2010 Betryal rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was really able to connect with this story. It's like my life right now: A car crash that's happening and there's no turning back. It's like your life as it was flashing before your eyes, everything going wrong and you can't turn time to change it and it will haunt you for the rest of your life, till the end of your days almost to the extent of the way it did for these two men in this book. Never done a thing in your life and WHAM in one instant it's all over and done with.

Maybe it's the timi...more

7 likes · like · see review

Apr 10, 2013 Jaden rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, erotica, romance, mm

Can you fall in love after the death of your wife? And what if the one happens to be the man responsible for her death?

Jay's life has collapsed after his wife's car accident, that resulted to her death. In the blink of an eye he lost it all; love, family, comfort. He tries to live life day by day, hoping that some day he might be able to move forward.
Lincoln leaves jail after being charged with vehicular homicide. He'll never forget he was responsible for taking a life, destroying others in th...more

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Jan 13, 2013 France-Andrée rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contains-hot-sex, m-m-romance

I don't often get swayed by a book's high rating, but I got interested in this one because of it. I thought it would be kind of weird, I mean a widower falling for the man who caused his wife's death? Come on, that couldn't be that good? Well, I did give it a five and I did read it in one sitting so I guess we can say I loved it. I loved the characters, the writing was really good. There's only a couple of things I really got 'uh' about. In a small town everybody would know who either of the guy...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Saridout rated it 4 of 5 stars

A solid 4 stars, maybe closer to 4.5. It was a wild ride that I couldn't put down. I read it all the way through until 6am this morning. Intriguing story idea and nice execution. The buildup of connection and intimacy between the characters was very believable. The supporting characters were nicely fleshed out but unobtrusive. The pacing at which information is revealed about the accident was great, and kept me turning the pages. All in all I highly recommend it.

Now, I do have some beefs with it...more A solid 4 stars, maybe closer to 4.5. It was a wild ride that I couldn't put down. I read it all the way through until 6am this morning. Intriguing story idea and nice execution. The buildup of connection and intimacy between the characters was very believable. The supporting characters were nicely fleshed out but unobtrusive. The pacing at which information is revealed about the accident was great, and kept me turning the pages. All in all I highly recommend it.

Now, I do have some beefs with it that kept me from loving it wholeheartedly. The author resorted to one of my worst pet peeves when writing the scenes between Jay and Linc: referring to the second person as "the man," or "the other man," which is so common in m/m fiction, especially sex scenes. As in "Jay pulled the other man to him." Here, it got excessive. I saw this used in three sentences in a row at one point. Very distracting. It's ok to use the characters' names, truly. Or to not use a subject at all.

I'm not one to shy away from a lengthy read, but I do wish this had been a little bit shorter, especially the first act. The first act was basically a lot of setup and character establishment that could have been interspersed more evenly throughout the story.

Finally, the ending was my biggest problem with the book. Up to the final act, the author had managed to avoid melodrama, which isn't easy to do with such a romantic storyline. (view spoiler)

Issues aside, it's a great book overall, and you should read it right away.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jun 01, 2012 Ayu Puspita Sari rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, drama, fiction, glbt-lit, mystery, romance

Lincon was just free from his six month jail sentence for the accident he caused a year ago. Back home, he quickly attracted to a young man named Jacob Miller, who he later knew as the husband of the woman he killed in the same accident that sent him to jail. Both Lincon and Jay was overwhelmed in their own guilt--one to attracted to the person he'd hurt the most, and one to betray his late wife with an affair with the same person who killed his wife. But both of them also can't deny the growing...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Elisa Ramblings added it

Breathe is not a “pretty” romance, on the contrary, for being a contemporary setting, it’s quite dark, almost gothic, with some oppressive feelings supported not only by the story, but even by the setting, it seemed like there was always a cloudy day or a dark night, like the sun was never able to break through.

Jay’s wife died in a stupid accident; it was not Lincoln’s fault, who was driven the other vehicle, and neither that of Jay, who allowed his wife to be out at night for nothing really imp...more Breathe is not a “pretty” romance, on the contrary, for being a contemporary setting, it’s quite dark, almost gothic, with some oppressive feelings supported not only by the story, but even by the setting, it seemed like there was always a cloudy day or a dark night, like the sun was never able to break through.

Jay’s wife died in a stupid accident; it was not Lincoln’s fault, who was driven the other vehicle, and neither that of Jay, who allowed his wife to be out at night for nothing really important. Sure Lincoln was worried for his sister, and he was driving towards her home, and maybe he was distracted, but for sure he didn’t want to kill a young woman and he paid for it; not only with money, but also with his own life: 6 months in jail were not enough for him and he decided to destroy what remained of his life, breaking with the man he loved, and loved him back. One year after the accident, Lincoln is still punishing himself, avoiding like hell to try to have a better life, only surviving that little enough that was necessary to help his sister and her little kids.

On the other side Jay is doing pretty much the same: he dropped from college, he is drinking too much and he is denying who he really is and what he really wants. Jay was pretty much always aware that he liked men, and being Katie, his wife, his best friend since they were 7, she did know too. And she approved. I think she knew Jay loved her and there was nothing wrong in allowing him his fantasies, since they were only that, fantasies. Maybe in time, they would have acted on those fantasies, maybe they would have reconsidered their relationship, but for now they were barely 21 years old and with still the world in front of them. Katie was not expecting to leave his husband so soon, and Jay was not expecting to be faced with his hidden desires so soon after the marriage.

But now Jay is alone, and he meets Lincoln in a pub. At first they don’t know who the other is, allowing them only to recognize each other loneliness. When they discover the truth it’s too late to deny those other feelings, and Jay is too eager to know more about his desires and himself. In this Jay really proves his young age; he is like a kid with a new, dangerous toy, despite the warnings he is not able to let it go.

I don’t know but I think that Lincoln, unconsciously, was paying his debt to Jay letting him play with him and his life; even in their first sexual encounters, with Lincoln mostly playing the submissive role, I saw like an attempt of Lincoln to give something back to Jay, something that for sure was not enough to compensate the loss of his wife, but at least was something more tangible of the money that Jay didn’t want to touch. Sure that impression was only at the beginning and their relationship moved on from that, but still, it niggled me like that.

The story was good and the characters quite complex, maybe I had only 1 complaint, everyone seemed so nice, even the villain in the end was a good person. But it’s really a minor complaint and I appreciated how the author chose to make her characters not hero material but more faulted men, like I liked how she decided not to downplay Jay and Katie’s relationship, it was a good marriage, sure they were working on it, finding their balance, but they were still so young, I bet they would have a chance if life didn’t decide differently.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ISLQCG/?...(less)

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Apr 18, 2011 Crys Harris rated it 3 of 5 stars

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

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Feb 15, 2011 Librarian Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars

I got a chance to read Breathe when I won a copy in a Goodreads contest; I was a bit concerned about the "Angst Factor"...I'm not a big fan of uber-angsty stories; I just don't enjoy watching characters go through tons of awfulness. Sloan was completely gracious about my concerns, and even offered another book if I didn't like it!

But I really enjoyed Breathe - yes, there is sadness and pain, and an evil somebody who keeps threatening Lincoln, and his sister's family. But the story is really abo...more

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Feb 02, 2011 Kassa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Breathe is a complex romance filled with difficult men, angst, betrayal, fear, and enough grief to drown in. Those readers that love meaty dramatic romances with the entire cast as suspect and love as redemption are likely to eat this up. It definitely has its strengths and the overall arc is good. I think the story and characters go too far into melodrama for my tastes and this not only pulled me from the engaging story but made me totally disconnect. However this will vary reader to reader and...more Breathe is a complex romance filled with difficult men, angst, betrayal, fear, and enough grief to drown in. Those readers that love meaty dramatic romances with the entire cast as suspect and love as redemption are likely to eat this up. It definitely has its strengths and the overall arc is good. I think the story and characters go too far into melodrama for my tastes and this not only pulled me from the engaging story but made me totally disconnect. However this will vary reader to reader and I think those that enjoy very dramatic, angst filled romances may like this.

Lincoln McGraw is just released from jail after serving six months for vehicular manslaughter. A tragic accident combined with a race car past left Lincoln a broken man. He’s not the only one suffering though as Jay Miller attempts to survive the loss of his wife exactly one year ago. Lincoln’s car may have killed Katie but both Jay and Katie’s families are determined to keep their grief alive and present. When threatening notes and actions start to become dangerous for Lincoln and his family, there is no end to suspects. Yet Jay and Lincoln, hurt most by this tragedy, attempt to find solace and comfort together though the price may be too high.

The story starts very engagingly as Lincoln and Jay meet without being aware of who each other is. This is a bit of a stretch as I imagine they would both know but with only a slight suspension of disbelief you can buy into the story. Plus this makes for a really great first meeting filled with emotion, angst, sexual chemistry, fear, confusion, drama, and tension. The beginning is the best part of the book for me as Lincoln and Jay circle around each other and deal with their opposing emotions. There is each man’s guilt over the accident and the parts they played. Moving on from Katie’s death is not something either man is doing well nor are they even putting any effort into either.

The spark between them is what wakes both men up to really see the accident for what it was, what it means for them and how they want to live their life. I liked that the story showed different ways of coping with the grief and how the anger and sorrow can consume people. Katie is a huge character in the story, although dead, as everyone wrongly attributes thoughts, desires, actions, and needs to her. Even Jay and Lincoln, who are no better than the grief stricken parents, use the death as an excuse to avoid life. This gradual process of forgiveness and realization makes for a heavy emotional story.

Not an easy one though as Jay and Lincoln are frequently doing the wrong things. They are the characters who break up because it’s good for the other person. Or they lie since they can’t face the truth. They ignore the problems since they don’t want to deal with the consequences. These are broken men filled with flaws, mistakes, overwhelming egos since everything is always about them, but they are redeemed with their honest actions. Both men genuinely want to move on by the end of the story and so no matter what they do wrong – and boy do they mess up a lot – they are given a happy ending you can believe in.

I do wish the story hadn’t added in the twist at the end regarding Nancy’s ex-husband as that is just over the top and one more detail that didn’t have to happen. There was more than enough going on without adding that. Additionally while the story is romantic and a true roller coaster to forgiveness and redemption, I think the success for the reader relies on wanting these men to succeed despite themselves. Several times I got frustrated with their overwhelming grief and refusal to really do anything about their circumstances. I understood their motivations and the characters are wonderfully complex and messy but I didn’t always like them. I couldn’t buy into the super evil villain at the end as their identity is obvious early on and just feels forced and manipulative.

However for these flaws I think readers will appreciate heroes that aren’t always perfect. In fact these two are almost too imperfect, too flawed. Yet I’ll take a too flawed character over a perfect one anytime. This isn’t a slam dunk for me but it’s a nice romance with a satisfying ending. I think there’s no doubt these will make it, though it will be anything but easy.
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Jan 08, 2011 Blackraven's Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kathy’s Review:

Breathe by Sloan Parker is a complicated yet powerful novel that teaches a valuable lesson about forgiveness.

When Linc McCaw and Jay Miller meet in a local bar, they find an instant connection when each man sees the guilt and sorrow they are carrying reflected on the other’s face. Following their passionate encounter in the bar’s parking lot, they are devastated when they discover one another’s identity. As the two men team up to discover who is behind the threats Linc is receivin...more Kathy’s Review:

Breathe by Sloan Parker is a complicated yet powerful novel that teaches a valuable lesson about forgiveness.

When Linc McCaw and Jay Miller meet in a local bar, they find an instant connection when each man sees the guilt and sorrow they are carrying reflected on the other’s face. Following their passionate encounter in the bar’s parking lot, they are devastated when they discover one another’s identity. As the two men team up to discover who is behind the threats Linc is receiving, they find they are unable to fight the powerful attraction between them but will it be possible for them to overcome their traumatic past?

Breathe has an exceptional cast of characters, and they are exceedingly well-developed and breathtakingly three dimensional. The pain that Jay’s family and in laws experiences is agonizing as they continue to grieve Katie’s loss with numerous trips to her grave and their continual reviewing of the videotapes containing the news coverage surrounding Linc’s trial. Although Jay finds it easy to forgive Linc for his role in the accident, he is unable to forgive himself or relinquish the guilt he carries over Katie’s death. Of course, the most profound guilt and sorrow is experienced by Linc as he struggles to pick up the tattered pieces of his life and begin life anew. Linc’s sister Nancy offers him a home with her and her three children, and Linc provides monetary and emotional support in return.

Linc and Jay’s relationship is not an easy one, and their families’ reaction to it is easy to predict. What is surprising is who recognizes the positive effects it has on Linc and Jay, and who offers them their support.

Interspersed in the middle of the emotional aspects of the novel is the subplot with the threats that Linc is receiving. Ms. Parker provides many possible suspects, but it was easy for me to deduce who was behind it. But there is a surprising plot twist that definitely caught me by surprise.

Breathe by Sloan Parker is an emotional journey that has many twists and turns. The story slowly reveals that Katie’s death truly was an unfortunate accident, and while forgiveness of oneself and others is not always easy, it is an integral part of moving on. Although there are a couple of over the top moments and a few unbelievable events, they in no way detract from this compelling novel.

Rated 4 Ravens by Kathy!(less)

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Jun 28, 2012 Kaje Harper rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lincoln went to jail for his role in a car crash that killed a young, married woman. In his guilt, self-loathing and the mechanics of the trial, he's lost his race-car job to the driving restriction, his money to a civil settlement, his lover to his mix of depression and self-flagellation, and a year of his life to jail. His sister has been at the mercy of an abusive husband, and her kids are doing without because money is tight. Lincoln should leave town, but he won't leave them. So somehow he...more Lincoln went to jail for his role in a car crash that killed a young, married woman. In his guilt, self-loathing and the mechanics of the trial, he's lost his race-car job to the driving restriction, his money to a civil settlement, his lover to his mix of depression and self-flagellation, and a year of his life to jail. His sister has been at the mercy of an abusive husband, and her kids are doing without because money is tight. Lincoln should leave town, but he won't leave them. So somehow he has to start over.

Jay has spent a year grieving for his wife Katie, killed in that crash. Around him, the members of his family and hers seem to have rapidly gone from grief to a vicious, unending anger at Lincoln for his culpability, but Jay is trying to figure out what his own emotions are. Katie was his confidant, his friend and the one person who knew all of him, including the fact that he is bi. He doesn't know how to move on, but he needs to. The sight of a man with sad, dark eyes suggests a new way to do that. Perhaps he has an unspoken thought that it is less like cheating on his dead wife to be with a man than to date another woman. Perhaps it's just Jay grasping for something he never had with Katie, but he makes a move toward that man and they have an intense sexual encounter.

It is not until their next meeting that Jay and Lincoln each figure out who the man they have been dreaming about a rematch with actually is.

This book has the potential to be a major emotional overload, and for some readers it may feel that way. To me it seemed more like a thriller. The writing is smooth for the most part, and the pacing is good. There are enough suspects to keep some aspects of the plot a puzzle until nearly the end. The guys' relationship begins as primarily sex but moves forward quickly (almost by necessity otherwise there is more to drive these two apart than keep them together.)

I am not someone who should really talk about an OTT plot, since my first book pretty much pegged the meter on that aspect. But I did feel that this book had almost too many major plot twists, which were not exploited to their full romantic/emotional potential. (view spoiler) This book has all the ingredients to satisfy most readers who like a thriller plot, two against-the-odds lovers and family drama.(less)

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Dec 04, 2011 Raji rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was drawn in to the psyche and the reactions of the people after Jay's wife's accidental death. It was interesting how everyone had their ideas and ways of grieving without even thinking about Jay. Everything about Jay pulled me in - his grief, his love for his wife and the horror that people, his own people didn't let him remember her the way he wanted her to be remembered (It also reminded me of another book - Faith and Fidelity by Tere Michaels - which I have to re-read and review).

Lincoln...more I was drawn in to the psyche and the reactions of the people after Jay's wife's accidental death. It was interesting how everyone had their ideas and ways of grieving without even thinking about Jay. Everything about Jay pulled me in - his grief, his love for his wife and the horror that people, his own people didn't let him remember her the way he wanted her to be remembered (It also reminded me of another book - Faith and Fidelity by Tere Michaels - which I have to re-read and review).

Lincoln MaCaw was one tortured soul. Not only he has lost everything he ever had - his career, his house, his lover - but he has to live with the guilt that he was the cause of death of a person. His guilt was not misplaced and even though he has been the cause of a death, you want him to forgive himself. He doesn't make any excuses for the accident, he doesn't try to justify why that happened and he is not bitter. He is just not able to forget and move on and accept the fact he is the cause of a life that had been cut short.

The moment that Linc and Jay met was very believable and it showed that Jay was a gay-virgin *grin*. Yes, he definitely had fantasies but that was the extent of it. Loved it when Jay can't help it but go back to Linc. The pain they share is so similar that no one else but each other know about it and understand it. I liked the way the author portrayed the handling of the grief of the family members. Many a times people, in their grief forget the reason why they are sad and that gives rise to anger. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't disturbed by the vehemence of the emotions.

One thing that I didn't like was Jay's passiveness with regards to his mom. If he was that brave to fall in love with the guy who was the reason for his wife's death, then he should have had the balls to stand up to him mom. Plus I have no idea why he never went to the Police. Yes, I can get why Linc never wanted to go to police but after Jay realized his mom might be guilty of something, he should've gone to the authority.

Plus he never wanted to confront his family members. Again, I can understand the need to be alone and to handle the grief in his own way - but that dude never even opened his mouth to tell his preference. He never even told them that he wants to move on and not hold on to the grief. Grrrrr! That irritates me. I am touchy when it comes to families bullying the younger ones. May be because I was a rebel and may be because I have seen too many instances of emotional blackmail and people confusing their own need to get revenge with the righteous anger of grief. Yeah... so that was the point of irritation.

Cover Opinion : I loved the cover. For me the guy wearing the black is Jay and the guy wearing the white is Linc. Even though the color suggests the opposite - guilt and innocence, I feel the expressions matter. The guy in black looks at peace with himself and the guy in white looks as if he is at war with himself.(less)

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Jan 02, 2011 D.H. Starr rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. As I have been reading lately, I have been categorizing books as action driven plots or character driven plots. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but typically, a book uses one device to move the story forward. If they use both, one tends to be handled significantly better than the other.

Breathe by Sloan Parker throws that theory to the wind. The plot contains both character and action development that propel the story forward. From the very start, Ms. Sloan has present an impossible sit...more As I have been reading lately, I have been categorizing books as action driven plots or character driven plots. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but typically, a book uses one device to move the story forward. If they use both, one tends to be handled significantly better than the other.

Breathe by Sloan Parker throws that theory to the wind. The plot contains both character and action development that propel the story forward. From the very start, Ms. Sloan has present an impossible situation. Lincoln McCaw is getting out of jail for vehicular manslaughter, an accident that took the life of Katie, the wife of the other main character Jay (Jacob) Miller.

From the moment the two see each other across a parking lot to the local bar in their small hometown of Edgefield, I thought to myself, how in the hell can a reader find that pairing sympathetic. How is this author going to make the pairing believable and desirable. Needless to say, I was skeptical that such a thing could be achieved believably…and I was so completely wrong.

While Jay is grieving, he is not a mean-spirited man. Broken, yes, but vindictive and revengeful, definitely not. We learn early on that he has always been attracted to men, and that his late wife Katie even knew about it and supported him, not in having affairs with men, but in understanding him and loving him nonetheless. Lincoln on the other hand, has always been openly gay, but when his life took that fateful turn on the evening when he caused the accident that killed Katie, he pushed the one man who had loved him from his life, believing he didn’t deserve love and didn’t want to drag anyone else into the turmoil of what his life had become.

When the two meet at Sonny’s and go out back, hooking up, I was thinking, “wait, they haven’t even asked each other their names yet!” It fueled my thoughts that the pairing would not be believable, but after a steamy session, Lincoln does ask Jay’s name and then tells Jay his. The realization of what the two had just done was as powerful, awkward, and painful as I would have imagined both characters would feel. And it set the tone for what I came to count on throughout the entire novel. As a question arose in my mind, the story answered it within a few pages.

Having that kind of insight and planning when constructing a story, thinking of the reader and what kinds of questions and doubts the reader might have, is a natural talent. To deliver, providing the reasons and background information needed at just the right moment is a skill. Ms. Parker is one of the most naturally talented and skillful authors I have had the pleasure of reading in quite some time.

As if making the pairing of two people whose connection is founded on a tragedy of the worst kind, Breathe also contained a stimulating and riveting action plotline. From the start, Lincoln was receiving threatening letters sent anonymously to his sister’s home where he was living. These letters not only warned him of personal harm and suffering, but also threatened his family. Each letter received increases in intensity and the things that happen become more and more scary and dangerous. Lincoln and Jay embark on a joint investigation to figure out who is sending these letters. There is no question in either of their minds that it must be someone from either his or Katie’s family, but who?

These two inter-twined story lines, the development of Lincoln and Jay’s love as well as the unraveling of the mystery behind the letters escalates continuously throughout the novel, increasing in intensity with each passing chapter. In fact, I read the last 80 pages of the book in record time simply because I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen that I couldn’t put my eReader down. I have to admit it annoyed my family a bit since my niece and nephew wanted to play and I simply couldn’t stop reading.

As an erotic romance, I would be remiss not to describe the sex scenes. When I read and write love scenes, there are two things I look for. First, does the sex combine physical lust and emotional feelings. Second, do the love scenes move the story forward or are they just thrown in because that’s what is expected. Ms. Parker delivered on both counts. The sex was scorching hot, frequent, and purposeful. Not only did I enjoy the exploration of the two men, but I also felt their longing, desires, and insecurities as they continued to draw closer and closer together.

What I loved most about the story is how true the characters were. That is the single most important factor that I consider when I finish a book. Was the story real. Of course, characters are larger than life. The drama is a bit outrageous. Stories have to be that way to be entertaining and to underline the message the author is trying to convey. With that being said, we readers are shrewd and can see through forced and false behavior and actions. Breathe was both believable and authentic. The characters, their issues, and the action was organic, flowing beautifully from one scene to the next. The fact Ms. Parker has managed this with a large cast of characters and fast-paced movement is nothing short of masterful writing.

Breathe is a must read. There is nothing about this story that will disappoint. I, for one, intend on reading whatever Ms. Parker writes.
(less)

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Nov 23, 2010 Ami rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance-or-erotica

I have always been a fan of love story that is slightly complicated -- because it provides good drama and can make readers emotionally involved. This story provides a very good start to that theme.

The circumstance that brings Lincoln and Jay together is a tragedy -- one that takes one life. Here we have two guys, who might never cross path if not for the accident; but now after they do, both recognize each other's soul. Lincoln and Jay have their own version of grief ... and it's beautiful to r...more

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May 03, 2013 Bev rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hot-and-steamy, in-the-closet, gfy, m-m, buddy-read

Buddy Read with Gina, Tina, Mark and Macky....thank you. 4 stars for this from me

Well, there were things that I loved about this book, and then there were things that I couldn't quite understand (view spoiler), but as others have done long reviews, this will be a shortie.

The two MC's Lincoln and Jay were extremely hot together...spontaneous combustion-type heat between the two, and I have to say the sex scenes (...more

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Feb 26, 2011 Caroline The HEA Lover rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, e-book, m-m, romance, contemp, for-bli-review

(This was originally posted on Book Lovers Inc)

Breathe is the first book I've read from this author, and it won't be the last (I do end up saying that a lot these days!). What a roller-coaster of emotions I had in this book. Let's be honest, I cried like a freaking baby at least 3 times in less than 300 pages! I usually just get tears in my eyes, but not this time, I was crying like when I first got dumped (rings a bell? lol). Breathe is such a wonderful book, I fell in love with the 2 heroes. T...more (This was originally posted on Book Lovers Inc)

Breathe is the first book I've read from this author, and it won't be the last (I do end up saying that a lot these days!). What a roller-coaster of emotions I had in this book. Let's be honest, I cried like a freaking baby at least 3 times in less than 300 pages! I usually just get tears in my eyes, but not this time, I was crying like when I first got dumped (rings a bell? lol). Breathe is such a wonderful book, I fell in love with the 2 heroes. They both need to learn how to go on with their life, and the first step...is to breathe.

When I first read the blurb, I was afraid the guilt and misery part would be too much for me (I'm such a baby lol). So when I started reading I was lulled in a false hope that it wouldn't be that bad, right? It can only get better, right? Right? Ah! Well of course there wouldn't be much story if there weren't a few bumps in the road. My heart was crushed a few times and I couldn't read fast enough to get my reward. The HEA!

Lincoln's life ended the day he accidentally killed a woman. He lost everything that day, job, partner, car, home. He can't forgive himself for what he did and he thinks he deserves to suffer. After spending his time in jail, he's back in town and he wants to help his sister and her kids. He doesn't want much from life, only to help and protect them. He had to abandon his passion and anything he enjoyed. He can never forget, and someone has been sending him threats ever since the accident so that he doesn't forget. How I love Lincoln, he's a freaking hero and doesn't know it. He's such a wonderful man.

Jay's life changed forever the day his wife was killed. He's still mourning her and he doesn't know how to live without her. Jay married his best friend when they were only 19. Now he's a widow at 23. Jay is very different from Lincoln, well for once, he was married to a woman. Being with a man has always been his fantasy. When he meets a seductive stranger in a bar, he would have never imagined it's the same man who killed his wife.

They both went through something horrible and they are both trying to cope in a different way. When they meet they don't know anything about each other. Jay has never been with a man and Lincoln is openly gay. There's a spark from the start. They were both lost and needing sex. It's by chance that they meet. Of course soon enough they realize who the other really is. How can they be together, how could their family accept that Jay is gay and is attracted to the man who killed his wife. My heart was bleeding for them. Their impossible love made it so hard not to cry.

Jay and Lincoln together are very very hot. Oh my! I have to say I'm very picky on the M/M I read (I'm still a shy M/M reader), or more precisely about the M/M smex! There's PLENTY of smexing in this book, and I adored every page of it. *sits on ice* Jay's experiencing sex with a man for the first time, and everything's new for him but he's not a helpless man. Oh boy he knows how to be daring. I loved how he became comfortable with his sexuality and how he started to take the reins back. Love was bleeding from every scene between those two. I either wanted to Awwww, smile or cry.

The intrigue of the book is centered around the threats Lincoln has been receiving, some kind of 'whodunit'. When the threats start being very real for Linc's family they start searching for who's sending them. I was on the edge of my seat from start to end. There are a lot of twists and lots of drama (probably too much for my poor little heart). I also loved Lincoln's family, his sister and the kids were adorable and I loved the scenes with them.

It's a beautiful love story that will make you tear-up (*snort* more like cry like a baby) and smile and wish it would just never end. You can't help but fall in love with Linc and Jay. I can't recommend it enough. I can't wait to read more books by this author.

I give Breathe 5 Bookies(less)

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Feb 02, 2013 Qwurty rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: not-bad

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

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Jan 29, 2013 Elena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, mm-angst

It's full 4 stars and some additional pints. Not perfect 5, but really has some potential. Angst is not my fave, but I like how it was presented here.

Twice or thrice I put the book off, just to take a deep breathe (Breathe...), ant it took me longer to finish it than I expected.

It's not an easy read, definitely not. It has some plot twists, good hot sex scenes, and very valid background. But I cut some point off after so much Past Perfect and Subjunctive Mood, and some sentences suddenly dropped...more

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May 03, 2013 Gina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

really loved the idea of this story, and i loved the MC’s Jay and Lincoln. Both suffering unbelievable pain and circumstances. Jay’s wife died in a car accident that involved Lincoln. Jay is suffering from his own grief and he has to deal with his family that is dwelling on the anger and not moving on past that part of their grief. Lincoln who at the start of this story is just getting released from jail and riddled with guilt and despair. And Lincoln is getting threatening notes sent to him fr...more

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Aug 05, 2011 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance

This had been on my tbr shelf for ages because I was too chicken to start reading it. It was such a well-told story. I loved Jay and Linc and they were beautiful together. It wasn't at all what I expected. I thought I was going to be a sobbing mess in the corner, but it was more about Linc and Jay finding a path to their love. *Happy sigh*

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About Sloan Parker

Sloan Parker writes passionate, dramatic stories about two men (or more) falling in love. Sloan enjoys exploring the lives of people who are growing as individuals while falling in love.

Her novels MORE and BREATHE are winners of the Rainbow Award for Best Gay Contemporary Romance. MORE is also the 2011 EPIC eBook Award Winner for Mystery, Suspense, and/or Adventure Erotic Romance.

Sloan enjoys writ...more

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Quotes from Breathe

“Jay advanced. For the second time in his life, he didn’t give a shit what anyone else said about his choice in a lover. He seized Lincoln by the waist and crushed his mouth to the other man’s. Lincoln spread his lips and grabbed hold of Jay. No hesitation. No delay. Everything faded but the strength of that kiss, the power, the depth, the drive of man against man.” — 5 people liked it

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