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Breathe for Me
Robert Aaron Jaeger no longer has the emotional fight to outlast his grief. Less than a month ago, his wife and four-year-old daughter were in a terrible accident on the downtown streets of Seattle. The four-year-old came away with scratches. His wife, Christina, succumbed to her injuries. Under the disguise of rafting through Glenwood Canyon, Robert sets out to kill himself, but his plan is thwarted when he stumbles upon a woman standing in freezing water aiming to do the same thing.
Lilly Radford has been riddled with guilt since the day her baby died and there’s not been a day she hasn’t beat herself up about it. She finally snaps, takes her rent money, and uses it to keep her tank filled until the money runs out. With her car running on fumes, she’s forced to exit off I-70 in Glenwood Springs at the Grizzly Creek Rest Stop where she gives up and falls in the river.
After Robert rescues Lilly and later steps off the plane in Seattle, Zachary Butler lurks close to his heels, determined to kill Robert for getting him fired. Zachary is much more than a typical killer on the loose. His disorder causes him to converse with the good side of himself to collaborate on a scheme for revenge. To complicate his chaotic existence, his wife, Ethel, threatens to derail his plan.
As danger looms and a loved one becomes a victim, Robert and Lilly let down their guard and wrestle with their physical attraction to each other. Determined to right past wrongs, their self-centered past haunts them, but if they aren’t careful, they could miss the beauty lying just below the surface of their pain ... if the killer has his way.
Anger. Madness. Darkness. Murder. Obsession. Ambition. How will it all end?
Lilly Radford has been riddled with guilt since the day her baby died and there’s not been a day she hasn’t beat herself up about it. She finally snaps, takes her rent money, and uses it to keep her tank filled until the money runs out. With her car running on fumes, she’s forced to exit off I-70 in Glenwood Springs at the Grizzly Creek Rest Stop where she gives up and falls in the river.
After Robert rescues Lilly and later steps off the plane in Seattle, Zachary Butler lurks close to his heels, determined to kill Robert for getting him fired. Zachary is much more than a typical killer on the loose. His disorder causes him to converse with the good side of himself to collaborate on a scheme for revenge. To complicate his chaotic existence, his wife, Ethel, threatens to derail his plan.
As danger looms and a loved one becomes a victim, Robert and Lilly let down their guard and wrestle with their physical attraction to each other. Determined to right past wrongs, their self-centered past haunts them, but if they aren’t careful, they could miss the beauty lying just below the surface of their pain ... if the killer has his way.
Anger. Madness. Darkness. Murder. Obsession. Ambition. How will it all end?
- GenresRomance
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2023
5 people are currently reading
1461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 8, 2024
“Breathe for Me” by Donna B. Comeaux is a compelling novel that masterfully weaves themes of redemption, suspense, and romance into a gripping narrative. The story begins with a dramatic and almost tragic encounter between Robert Jaeger and Lilly Radford at the Colorado River, where both are battling their own demons and regrets. This fateful meeting not only saves their lives but sets them on a path of mutual healing and complex emotional entanglements.
The character development of Robert and Lilly is one of the book’s strong points. Both characters are deeply flawed and haunted by their past actions, which makes their slow journey towards healing and acceptance all the more poignant. Robert, a father who has neglected his young daughter, and Lilly, wrestling with her own past mistakes, find themselves in a reluctant relationship that evolves with genuine emotion and tension.
The narrative cleverly integrates a thriller element that escalates the stakes. The danger posed by Zachary Butler, a menacing figure from Robert’s past, adds a layer of urgency and suspense that keeps the pages turning. The plot thickens when Robert’s daughter goes missing, intertwining the personal redemption arcs with a tense, action-driven storyline.
The novel’s climax resolves with a satisfactory showdown and the subsequent capture of the villain, providing a temporary closure to the immediate threats. However, the epilogue sets the stage for future challenges as Zachary escapes and promises revenge, hinting at a potential sequel that would likely explore these characters and their struggles further.
Comeaux’s writing style is engaging, with a good balance between descriptive passages and dialogue that keeps the narrative lively and visually immersive. The emotional depth explored in Robert and Lilly’s characters allows the reader to empathize with their plights and root for their success.
In summary, “Breathe for Me” is a well-crafted novel that offers readers a mix of emotional introspection and thrilling suspense. It is a story of second chances, the importance of family, and the enduring hope of finding love in unexpected places. The book’s blend of romance and mystery, coupled with its well-fleshed-out characters, makes it a recommended read for those who enjoy complex emotional narratives with a dose of suspense.
The character development of Robert and Lilly is one of the book’s strong points. Both characters are deeply flawed and haunted by their past actions, which makes their slow journey towards healing and acceptance all the more poignant. Robert, a father who has neglected his young daughter, and Lilly, wrestling with her own past mistakes, find themselves in a reluctant relationship that evolves with genuine emotion and tension.
The narrative cleverly integrates a thriller element that escalates the stakes. The danger posed by Zachary Butler, a menacing figure from Robert’s past, adds a layer of urgency and suspense that keeps the pages turning. The plot thickens when Robert’s daughter goes missing, intertwining the personal redemption arcs with a tense, action-driven storyline.
The novel’s climax resolves with a satisfactory showdown and the subsequent capture of the villain, providing a temporary closure to the immediate threats. However, the epilogue sets the stage for future challenges as Zachary escapes and promises revenge, hinting at a potential sequel that would likely explore these characters and their struggles further.
Comeaux’s writing style is engaging, with a good balance between descriptive passages and dialogue that keeps the narrative lively and visually immersive. The emotional depth explored in Robert and Lilly’s characters allows the reader to empathize with their plights and root for their success.
In summary, “Breathe for Me” is a well-crafted novel that offers readers a mix of emotional introspection and thrilling suspense. It is a story of second chances, the importance of family, and the enduring hope of finding love in unexpected places. The book’s blend of romance and mystery, coupled with its well-fleshed-out characters, makes it a recommended read for those who enjoy complex emotional narratives with a dose of suspense.
January 8, 2024
It’s fate when two grieving people from Seattle meet at Glenwood Canyon in Colorado, where they both intend to end their lives. Lilly has lost her only child and Robert, his wife. Robert saves Lilly from drowning before he has a chance to carry out his own suicidal plan. Robert is a self-made billionaire from Italy with a four-year-old, Mary Elizabeth, at home, suffering from the loss of her mother and the neglect of her father, and Lilly, who was on her way to success just shy of a Ph.D., had lost everything after losing her daughter in a fatal car accident. Nor does she have anyone to turn to having been disowned by her parents. With nowhere else to go, Robert takes Lilly to his house and hires a full-time nurse for her until she recovers. This act brings a lot of speculation, considering Robert’s high profile. On top of everything else, unbeknownst to Robert, a madman named Zac is out for revenge.
The story is intricate, with numerous characters, the side characters of Carl, the ever-watchful chauffeur, and the housekeeper, Sarah, being my favorites. It was actually much easier for me to get into these minor characters, even Mary Elizabeth, the child, than the main characters. It was almost as if the aloof nature of the characters of Robert and Lilly were fused into their thoughts and actions, which made it hard for me to penetrate their souls. But then, people have complicated natures, especially having suffered tragedy.
The descriptions were good, and the plot, although complex, was well thought out. I felt an abundance of synchronicity, which in my mind was guided by Christina, Robert’s dead wife. I would recommend it to readers of murder, crime, or romance novels.
The story is intricate, with numerous characters, the side characters of Carl, the ever-watchful chauffeur, and the housekeeper, Sarah, being my favorites. It was actually much easier for me to get into these minor characters, even Mary Elizabeth, the child, than the main characters. It was almost as if the aloof nature of the characters of Robert and Lilly were fused into their thoughts and actions, which made it hard for me to penetrate their souls. But then, people have complicated natures, especially having suffered tragedy.
The descriptions were good, and the plot, although complex, was well thought out. I felt an abundance of synchronicity, which in my mind was guided by Christina, Robert’s dead wife. I would recommend it to readers of murder, crime, or romance novels.
August 7, 2024
Donna Comeaux takes readers on a thrilling ride with this fun read! From the opening pages I knew that this one was different, and the more I read, the more I found myself drawn into the story and the character’s lives! So good!
From the start it’s clear we are about to enter into an interesting mystery read, and it’s that, but it also turned out to be one of the best romantic suspense reads I’ve found in a while! Donna B. Comeaux has such a gift for writing, and I loved getting to enjoy that in this exciting story. Lilly and Robert are so real and raw, and I found their story to be just as delightful as I’d hoped!
This twisty story is sure to please, and offers a good balance of mystery, romance, suspenseful dangers, and unexpected surprises! And that ending! You won’t be able to put this one down! Mary Elizabeth was precious, and as with many of the characters in this one I enjoyed getting to see her character being revealed as I read and seeing her interact with the other characters was a real treat! I also really enjoyed Sarah and was surprised at how much I enjoyed another character (who will remain nameless) and their relationship with Lilly! That was a wonderful surprise, and I did not see it coming, but so wholesome!
This whole story was a delight to read, but does deal with some tougher topics, so might not be for everyone. Death, some violence, and mental illness are a few of the issues addressed in the story, all of which are handled gracefully, but are still heavy topics that need to be cautioned about in case it might not be a good fit for some readers. If it’s a story you think you’d enjoy though, I do recommend this one!
From the start it’s clear we are about to enter into an interesting mystery read, and it’s that, but it also turned out to be one of the best romantic suspense reads I’ve found in a while! Donna B. Comeaux has such a gift for writing, and I loved getting to enjoy that in this exciting story. Lilly and Robert are so real and raw, and I found their story to be just as delightful as I’d hoped!
This twisty story is sure to please, and offers a good balance of mystery, romance, suspenseful dangers, and unexpected surprises! And that ending! You won’t be able to put this one down! Mary Elizabeth was precious, and as with many of the characters in this one I enjoyed getting to see her character being revealed as I read and seeing her interact with the other characters was a real treat! I also really enjoyed Sarah and was surprised at how much I enjoyed another character (who will remain nameless) and their relationship with Lilly! That was a wonderful surprise, and I did not see it coming, but so wholesome!
This whole story was a delight to read, but does deal with some tougher topics, so might not be for everyone. Death, some violence, and mental illness are a few of the issues addressed in the story, all of which are handled gracefully, but are still heavy topics that need to be cautioned about in case it might not be a good fit for some readers. If it’s a story you think you’d enjoy though, I do recommend this one!
January 27, 2024
I love a book that makes me smile, cry, and shiver with suspense. “Breathe for Me” by Donna B. Comeaux has all of that, plus a beautiful romance.
After only reading the prologue and the first two chapters. I had tears running down my face. I don’t want to give away the story, so I will just say that this is the point at which the protagonist sees deep inside himself and begins to change his life by rescuing another floundering soul. This act causes both characters to reassess their actions, goals, and purpose in life. The surprise plot twists and mounting suspense kept me engrossed and eager to read more.
The characters are complex and well developed, each exuding strong and distinct personalities, so I came to know their strengths and weaknesses. They are called upon to make difficult and heartbreaking decisions. These decisions leave the reader wondering whether their relationships will disintegrate or survive.
I recommend “Breathe for Me” by Donna B. Comeaux and look forward to reading her next book. --Pat Spencer, author of Story of a Stolen Girl and Golden Boxty in the Frypan
After only reading the prologue and the first two chapters. I had tears running down my face. I don’t want to give away the story, so I will just say that this is the point at which the protagonist sees deep inside himself and begins to change his life by rescuing another floundering soul. This act causes both characters to reassess their actions, goals, and purpose in life. The surprise plot twists and mounting suspense kept me engrossed and eager to read more.
The characters are complex and well developed, each exuding strong and distinct personalities, so I came to know their strengths and weaknesses. They are called upon to make difficult and heartbreaking decisions. These decisions leave the reader wondering whether their relationships will disintegrate or survive.
I recommend “Breathe for Me” by Donna B. Comeaux and look forward to reading her next book. --Pat Spencer, author of Story of a Stolen Girl and Golden Boxty in the Frypan
January 6, 2024
I really like this story. The author is very good at painting pictures with words. The descriptive language sets the mood. I also like the main characters and the buildup of the story. There are no loose ends, except for the surprise at the end of the story. Otherwise, the content is summarized in a good way, letting the reader know what happened and what will happen to the characters.
The descriptive language made me envision the places where the story is happening. I have never been to a house like the one Robert lives in, but I could envision the house and the area, and I could also envision the people from the descriptions.
I would like to thank Donna for letting me read this story before it was published. I really enjoyed it. She manages to build up the excitement and add a lot of surprises on the way. I found no inconsistencies in the story.
The story is good, and I didn’t skip any parts of the book (which I do if I get bored with a book.) And I love the fact that I couldn’t predict the end. The last-minute twist came as a total surprise!
The descriptive language made me envision the places where the story is happening. I have never been to a house like the one Robert lives in, but I could envision the house and the area, and I could also envision the people from the descriptions.
I would like to thank Donna for letting me read this story before it was published. I really enjoyed it. She manages to build up the excitement and add a lot of surprises on the way. I found no inconsistencies in the story.
The story is good, and I didn’t skip any parts of the book (which I do if I get bored with a book.) And I love the fact that I couldn’t predict the end. The last-minute twist came as a total surprise!
April 16, 2024
Robert is depressed. Having lost his wife and almost his 6 year old daughter, he sets out to end his life by going in the rough waters of a river. Hoping to be dragged under in the storm.
But up ahead he sees something. Something that looks like a girl. In a last ditch effort he attempts to rescue her. But because of the current and temperature, the water is violent and deadly.
Bur no one knows what happened to Lilly in the water or what happened to take her to the river.
Now because of who Robert is- he designs and builds jets and planes intended for military use- the media is involved.
His quick thinking is heroic in the eyes of the press and world.
Little do they know that he was out in that river to end his own life.
Will the two of them form a bond? Will the man who was going to murder Robert succeed?
Or will Lilly die from the wound in her side, sepsis?
Only one way to find out..
Definitely recommend!
But up ahead he sees something. Something that looks like a girl. In a last ditch effort he attempts to rescue her. But because of the current and temperature, the water is violent and deadly.
Bur no one knows what happened to Lilly in the water or what happened to take her to the river.
Now because of who Robert is- he designs and builds jets and planes intended for military use- the media is involved.
His quick thinking is heroic in the eyes of the press and world.
Little do they know that he was out in that river to end his own life.
Will the two of them form a bond? Will the man who was going to murder Robert succeed?
Or will Lilly die from the wound in her side, sepsis?
Only one way to find out..
Definitely recommend!
May 31, 2024
*I received a copy from the author. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*
I started this one nearly going in 'blind'. I knew only the blurb, and that it was listed as a 'Christian' mystery/romance story. It's really more Catholic than a 'Christian Contemporary' story, since I know some readers (myself included) like knowing that before picking up a book. This one also doesn't have much actual faith elements, or 'big God moments', and read more as a Romantic Suspense with light faith elements including a few mentions of church, prayer, and forgiveness, but all are brief and light.
The mystery and suspense side was part of the reason I picked this one up, and offered a unique and interesting read, but I was surprised to find the romance and day-to-day scenes actually ended up winning me over! While this starts out as a fun read, as events unfold I grew to love these characters, and loved getting to see their story play out.
I started this one nearly going in 'blind'. I knew only the blurb, and that it was listed as a 'Christian' mystery/romance story. It's really more Catholic than a 'Christian Contemporary' story, since I know some readers (myself included) like knowing that before picking up a book. This one also doesn't have much actual faith elements, or 'big God moments', and read more as a Romantic Suspense with light faith elements including a few mentions of church, prayer, and forgiveness, but all are brief and light.
The mystery and suspense side was part of the reason I picked this one up, and offered a unique and interesting read, but I was surprised to find the romance and day-to-day scenes actually ended up winning me over! While this starts out as a fun read, as events unfold I grew to love these characters, and loved getting to see their story play out.
January 12, 2024
This is the very best book I have read in a long time. I am not the typical reader of romance novels and tend to avoid such. I appreciate a good psychological thriller, murder, mystery horror, and anything dark. These are my genres of choice.
The author dispelled my hesitancy to read romance novels by successfully pulling me into the storyline and hooking me from the first page to the last. The twists and turns connected and interconnected to Zach, Robert, and Lilly in unanticipated ways was genius. Detailed character development allowed me to visualize and experience each through my own lens.
Most often, I am typically able to predict story lines and endings, however, not in this case. How refreshing! I was actually sad for the story to end, but excited about the next book, which is a perfect ending for a well-written novel.
Robbie J. Steward
The author dispelled my hesitancy to read romance novels by successfully pulling me into the storyline and hooking me from the first page to the last. The twists and turns connected and interconnected to Zach, Robert, and Lilly in unanticipated ways was genius. Detailed character development allowed me to visualize and experience each through my own lens.
Most often, I am typically able to predict story lines and endings, however, not in this case. How refreshing! I was actually sad for the story to end, but excited about the next book, which is a perfect ending for a well-written novel.
Robbie J. Steward
January 1, 2024
This novel is a beautiful and realistic tale about two people struggling with grief, running into each other under difficult circumstances, and learning to forgive themselves and move on with their lives. The characterization of the main characters is excellent—each person is unique and well-fleshed out. A lot of work has also been given to the supporting characters.
What impresses me the most is the story's main antagonist. He's a conflicted person with a lot of depth. He's not the typical villain and this is refreshing. There are also plenty of unexpected twists in this story.
Overall, this novel is smoothly written, with a nice amount of descriptive "gems." I enjoyed reading it and I think other fans of suspense and romance will like it too.
What impresses me the most is the story's main antagonist. He's a conflicted person with a lot of depth. He's not the typical villain and this is refreshing. There are also plenty of unexpected twists in this story.
Overall, this novel is smoothly written, with a nice amount of descriptive "gems." I enjoyed reading it and I think other fans of suspense and romance will like it too.
July 31, 2024
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
Robert’s wife is killed in a car accident leaving him with a four year old daughter. He feels like life is over and standing by the river ready to end it all when he sees a woman fall in the river. He rushes to save her and for some reason feels the need to check on her in the hospital, and bring her home to heal. Unknown to him someone is looking to kill him. How will it end?
You will love this book the beautiful developing relationship between Robert and the woman from the water. Also the relationships with the beautiful four year old child. You won’t want to miss this book!
Robert’s wife is killed in a car accident leaving him with a four year old daughter. He feels like life is over and standing by the river ready to end it all when he sees a woman fall in the river. He rushes to save her and for some reason feels the need to check on her in the hospital, and bring her home to heal. Unknown to him someone is looking to kill him. How will it end?
You will love this book the beautiful developing relationship between Robert and the woman from the water. Also the relationships with the beautiful four year old child. You won’t want to miss this book!
April 22, 2024
Quite the story. Two people from Seattle are thrown together over a thousand miles away in Colorado. Each of them grieving the loss of a loved one. In Seattle aa disgruntled employee and unhappy husband with a split personality has decided THEY need to pay. Grief, trauma, mystery, happiness, love, and self reflection show up a lot in this story. I enjoyed how each life and person intertwined with the others. A very good story.
March 10, 2025
Just finished 'Breathe for Me'. Oh my goodness. It was unputdownable! Not just a good read ..an excellent read!!
Zac/Zachary drew me in from the start. ....and they were still there at the end.
Thoroughly enjoyed the plot, twists, characters and the pace of the novel.
I read it in two settings. I wasn't going to quit until I finished!! It was just that amazing.
Excited to read more from Donna B. Comeaux!!
Zac/Zachary drew me in from the start. ....and they were still there at the end.
Thoroughly enjoyed the plot, twists, characters and the pace of the novel.
I read it in two settings. I wasn't going to quit until I finished!! It was just that amazing.
Excited to read more from Donna B. Comeaux!!
July 11, 2024
The book was overall decent, but I just didn’t think it was anything spectacular. The love story was sub par, and the big ending didn’t really shock me very much. I think the b most interesting parts of the book involved the character different from dissociative personality.
July 16, 2024
This was different from my normal read, but I still liked it. The suspense aspect of this novel was my favorite and I enjoyed seeing Robert and Lilly develop as characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Donna B. Comeaux for the opportunity to read this arc.
Thank you NetGalley and Donna B. Comeaux for the opportunity to read this arc.
March 10, 2024
Held my attention throughout
March 18, 2024
Good read even for a male who does not regularly read romance. Keeps you engaged until the end!
April 30, 2024
I won this Kindle edition book in a Goodreads
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
Very well written.
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
Very well written.
May 7, 2024
I won this book (kindle edition) through goodreads. This book was good, it had a lot of twists & turns I did not expect.
June 14, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are complex, and I love how they intertwine. This is the first book I read by this author and will be reading more of her stories.
August 3, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Goodreads and the Author for the advanced copy.
A good story of second chances and adjusting to a new normal
Thank you to Goodreads and the Author for the advanced copy.
A good story of second chances and adjusting to a new normal
February 8, 2025
A very completing read. At the beginning I was a little confused by the bad and the good character. But I got with it later on and quite enjoyed the book.
September 23, 2024
Complex characters, lots of twists and turns and edge of your seat suspense. And I appreciated that the sensitive topics tackled in this novel were handled respectfully. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews