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Just One More Breath

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What would you do if you've lost everything? If the reason you woke up in the morning no longer existed? If life dealt you a blow so devastating that something as simple as breathing was just too painful, how would you find the strength to go on?
Nicole Miller was happy, busy with her family and her dream job. Life was perfect. When tragedy struck, she succumbed to her devastating loss and crumbled under the heavy weight of her despair. She didn’t know where to find the strength to keep going.
Divorce Attorney, Shawn Burns had seen too many destroyed marriages to believe that happily ever after actually existed. By avoiding commitment, he remained aloof, and most importantly, unattached. Nicole, Shawn’s old college friend, is the only woman that he would ever be willing to give his heart to, but she was married to someone else…
Some friendships survive under stress. Some do not. Can Shawn, provide the healing balm for his friend’s soul? Will Nicole ever be able to find hope, forgiveness, or love for her desolate heart?

Paperback

First published May 19, 2014

3 people are currently reading
785 people want to read

About the author

Leigha Lewis

1 book40 followers
I'm an wife, mother and avid reader of all things swoon worthy. A little over a year ago I finally found the nerve to start writing. My debut novel "Just One More Breath" will be out on 6/9/2014

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5 stars
75 (42%)
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65 (36%)
3 stars
24 (13%)
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9 (5%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Annie.
26 reviews
May 31, 2015
This book was recommended by a friend. Once I started reading the book I could not put it down. The thinks Nicole lost in her life was so unbelievable but by the grace of God and a wonderful friend she found the strength to go on with her life. The book was so inspiring and encouraging to me. it made me look at life a little different. Read the book you will need some tissue at time, but in the end you will love this book as much as I do.
Profile Image for Layeshia.
379 reviews
January 25, 2015
just one more breath

I loved this story!!!! Nicole's grief was so intense and mournful. Grief is a hell of a thing. But love, friends and faith and yes....just one more breath wins the day!cant wait for Shane's story.
Profile Image for Joy.
384 reviews77 followers
November 8, 2015
Absolutely 4.5 Stars

"I know it's broken, Nicole, but I want to use my love to mend the broken pieces."

Wow! Despite the theme of losing a child I loved this book. Time and time again I felt that Leigha portrayed a grieving Mother in an amazing fashion. Grief is hard enough to go through but to write about it and have it come across the pages with such eloquence was really astounding. I felt such great connections with the characters! I thought the progression of the book and the impending relationship between Nicole and Shawn flowed effortlessly. And Shawn, well that hot, delicious, piece of sexy was PERFECT. He was always there in just the right capacity for Nic. I loved that we never had to endure any over the top alpha male with him. He wasn't overly obsessed with her. When she needed a lawyer, he was her lawyer. When she needed a friend, he was her friend. And he was still getting some action on the side! I LOVED THAT. Guys have needs, I get that and even though it caused some confusion on Nic's part it felt ok. When things changed between them Shawn left his old ways and turned all of his attention to Nicole. I can't say enough about Shawn. And I am truly excited to get his brother Shane's story! Thanks for this touching story about grief, moving forward and learning to love again when you thought all you hade to live for and love was gone.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,023 reviews434 followers
July 19, 2014
Is this really a debut novel? I absolutely loved this beautifully written and emotional story. I'm getting more convinced that an oxygen tank should should come with some books as I could have done with it reading this.

This book had me a near wreck just from chapter one. I seriously contemplated putting it down as I didn't know how much more my heart could take. However I signed up to review for a blog tour and I'm so glad I kept reading.

Nicole my heart bled for you throughout this book. What you went through had me in tears. Shawn your my hero!! When Nicole reached rock bottom you were there for her.

This is a really emotional story. I thought the author did a great job of making the characters and their feelings so real. Although I read a lot this book will stay with me for a while.
Fantastic read.
Profile Image for Patrycja.
639 reviews4,045 followers
June 17, 2014
4.5 stars!

I really liked this one.
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews224 followers
August 12, 2014
What an emotional heartbreaking read this is for the most part, I was crying by the second page of the prologue alone, sobbing within the first few chapters and pretty much through this sad but beautifully and respectfully written book. This book is raw and the author is not afraid to address real issues in a realistic manner rather fluffing over difficult issues and chasing straight to a happy ending.
We meet Nicole in the prologue at the funeral of her 10 year old Son and follow her on the excruiciating journey of coping with the greatest of losses for a Mother. Just as you think Nicole is coping and coming through she crashes and her friend Shawn; a rather jaded divorce lawyer with an equally jaded view of committment and marriage as a result; is there to pick up the pieces and work on pulling Nicole back. Along the way the pair face up to the depths of Nicoles depair and loss together. I love that the the author again pulls no punches in addressing the agony that moving on with life can cause, which has you fighting for these characters all the more to find their happy ever after. But is Shawn the right person to help Nicole through the most difficult time of her life?
While the subject matter is heartbreaking and sometimes proves for difficult reading I really did enjoy this book and couldn't put it down. Leigha has created some great characters that you easily feel an attachment to, even sub characters leave a mark and as such I look forward to reading more books from this series. I defy anyone to not love Mama Burns.
There are a few editing issues through the book but they didn't really distract me from the story and though I would normally mark a book down for this I honestly cannot do with this book as the story is just so good.
Profile Image for Bryanna Nicole.
716 reviews34 followers
May 29, 2014
5 Huge Stars!

This is romance/contemporary at its best and I truly enjoyed it. I did not know what this book was essentially about until I got to that heartbreaking prologue. The last sentences of it had me about to sob. From there it was such a rush of emotion from Nicole that I felt every emotion she was feeling. Then Shawn's POV came into play and I fell in love with him. When he actually took care of Nicole after she couldn't do it herself, I was done for. I loved Shawn's character so much and while his family and Nicole thought of his as this immature playboy, he really stepped up as a man and proved himself. Ugh, the IHOP scene and the flowers. So romantic and endearing. His support really changed Nicole and helped her through such a dark period.

Nicole was a hard character because she touched all of my "make me cry" receptors as her pain was very deep. I was incredibly happy when she was finally healed and whole again although the journey there was bittersweet. The epilogue and HEA was so sweet and deserving.

I've read books with this theme many times over but something about this one in particular was special. I need to read another book from this author now and I'm really looking forward to Zena and Shane's book. Please give this book a read.
Profile Image for Pamela Carrion.
426 reviews49 followers
June 21, 2014
The debut novel, Just One More Breath, from Leigha Lewis was a pleasant surprise. I was asked to read and review this book by a friend and of course I said yes. Upon looking at the cover I thought I was going to get one type of story but let me tell you that I was wrong. What I got was a beautiful story of loss, letting go, strength, forgiveness, and lastly growth.

From page one this story had my stomach in knots, Nicole is suffering the loss of her only child and the road ahead proves anything but easy. Coping with a broken marriage, the gaping hole in her heart which her son once filled, and life on her own, Nicole has found that moving on alone is not an option. Enter Shawn, a deliciously yummy player…maybe? All around good guy absolutely. Their friendship takes on a whole new meaning as Shawn shows Nicole that life is worth the fight.

Leigha Lewis has presented the reader with a solid story that is painful at moments, tender at others, and at the core a learning experience. Appreciating the joys in life through eyes that have seen pain like no other, Nicole’s story becomes relatable. Just One More Breath is well worth the one click.
Profile Image for Rebeka Perales.
533 reviews19 followers
July 26, 2014
Warning... Will make you cry like a baby!!,

So I made the mistake of reading this through voice text while driving my daughter to daycare this morning....
Prologue... CRIED!

The FIRST & SECOND CHAPTER.....UGLY FREAKING CRIED.... I mean SOBBING!

Nicole went through somethig so extreme! life altering and just something you NEVER forget.

Have a child the same age as Nicoles it really gutted me and made me thankful for my kids.

This story was good. The writing was just a little annoying at time. Like the writer didn't remember they were talking as in the first person and would switch it to talking as narrating (third person)

Shawn was an awesome character. He was strong and dependable but still not perfect.

He used the word SWEETIE.... That was a no go for me. ugh! too feminine for my taste.

All in all great story!
Profile Image for Mspraise50.
1,597 reviews65 followers
December 15, 2014
It was well written. My first book by this author.

The story was about grief, loss, betrayal, depression, forgiveness, redemption, hope and new beginnings!
Profile Image for Kelly 'Perusing Princesses blog'.
487 reviews59 followers
August 5, 2016
Read and Reviewed for: Perusing Princesses Blog
Website: www.perusingprincesses.com
Blogger: Perusingprincesses.blogspot.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/perusingprinc...
Twitter: @peruseprincess

Wow! This is one emotional and gripping read. A deeply real, raw and devastating portrayal of loss. The subject matter for many is their worst nightmare realised and yet I can't even begin to tell you that within this tale of grief and heartbreak is a deeply profound message of hope... One that comes in the form of a good friend. A friend that is a successful lawyer, notorious womaniser and renowned bachelor. One that has been hiding in the shadows since college and who, only now, realises the importance of flaying the old ways and following the only truth he has ever known.

Shawn has cared deeply for Nicole since he met her that day, but she was already married with a young child. His advances were fruitless back then, so they remained in a healthy and strict platonic relationship, all they have ever known.

Nicole had it all. A great college education, a husband and a beautiful son, Jax. She may have only been 17 when she fell pregnant but it didn't stop her living her dream. Only, life has a way of turning the tables so when the unfathomable happens, Nicole is left angry, bitter and alone. No-one can break the surface, or bring back the woman they once knew... all but the one deemed least likely.

Shawn Burns will not let Nicole stay lost. He wants to show her a way out and the first point of call is enlisting himself as her divorce lawyer. She trusts a friendly face in her time of need so easily accepts his kind offer.

With the surmounting pressure of getting back to day-to-day living, Nicole hangs on by a thread, until one episode at the A.R.T Centre (a charitable retreat for young and desperate single mothers that Nicole founded with her best friend, Zena) leaves Nicole fighting to breathe. With no reprieve in sight, Nicole sets off to do the unthinkable - the war is lost, the road to recovery a long and arduous journey that Nicole doesn't have the strength for anymore. There is just one thing standing in her way, and her saviour is not taking NO for an answer.

For a debut novel, Leigha Lewis has excelled in her ability to take a heavy subject matter and give it a true sense of justice. This may be an emotional story but it was delivered with sensitivity and a bout of realism that had me reaching for those Kleenex more than once!

But... if you are concerned that this may a little too heavy then think again, because this book really does hold elements of beauty. Take a look at this:

"You brought me back from feeling like I didn't want to live anymore. You literally nursed me back to life. My heart still aches like it has never ached before, but you gave me my will to live. I owe you forever."

*SIGH*

Shawn Burns was a welcome addition to this story and what a truly wonderful character he is. A man worth his weight in gold and I loved everything about him. It's easy to say that I sat here and swooned over a male character, it's the genre I read but in this case, he didn't just melt my heart, he fixed it. Along with Nicole, I felt that darkness fade and that inner light prevail and by the end I wanted to hug my kindle and congratulate Leigha on a job well done!

My only negative is there are errors being a self-published novel and a little confusion with first and third narrative in places, but overall, this was a well thought out and executed story that I just couldn't put down.

Read it but heed my advice... Invest in tissues!!!
Profile Image for Home Is Where the Wine Is Book Blog.
257 reviews49 followers
June 1, 2015

 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

*Bookworm Babes May Book of the Month

What an emotional roller coaster this book was! If you have children this book will make you want to hug those babies!  Debut novel I mean wow. I can't wait to read about the other brothers.


About the book (spoiler free)

Nicole is a recent single mother trying to work fulltime and raise her son, Jax.  After one faithful day tragedy strikes and every mother's greatest fear happens to poor Nicole.  The epilogue and the first couple of chapters had me bawling like a baby.

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Nicole falls deep into depression.  Her only shining light is the support of her friends Zena and Shawn.  But even that can't save her from herself. 

Determined to bring Nicole out of the dark Shawn oversees Nicole's care.  Staying with her constantly, making sure she eats (baths..lol) and doesn't do anything stupid.

Slowly Shawn's kindness pays off and Nicole starts feeling more like herself.  Shawn introduces her to his mother hoping that some female companionship will do her some good.  Nicole instantly falls in love with Mama Burns…ok I admit I feel in love with her too. She tucks Nicole under her wing.  Nicole finds herself falling in love with his family.

Shawn's feelings for Nicole start to become something he is not familiar with.  He has always been the non commitment kind. But just when they realize their feelings for one another the ex pops his head in the picture as well as some "oh shit" moments that you MUST read to find out. 

Totally not the kind of book I was expecting when our book club picked it but was well worth the tears reading it and the ending was so sweet.


Favorite Scene: The dining room table scene…*cough..cough*
Favorite Quote:


"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."

"Anytime you feel like you don't want to breathe remember the promise you made today.  Just one more breath…okay?"

Over the last few months, Shawn had taken my hand to lead me out of the darkness and back into the light saving me.  But tonight, while he touched me, holding me close, he owned my mind, body and soul while dancing me into the darkness.  Only this time, the darkness felt perfect.
Profile Image for Eye Candy Bookstore.
571 reviews123 followers
May 17, 2014
REVIEW FOR LEIGHA LEWIS - 'JUST ONE MORE BREATH'

It is a universal fear that no parent likes to think about even for a moment. What happens if the worst happens.. how can life go on after your child dies? Nicole must face this reality alone with only memories to keep her grounded. But memories fade with time and so does Nicole's strength. Can Shawn help her put the pieces of her life back together? Or will Nicole bring him down with her...

This book is very heavy and heart wrenching. If you are a reader looking for a carefree love story, this is not it for you. Anyone looking for a story about survival, physically and emotionally, then PLEASE READ THIS! As a parent of four small boys, this story dug it's claws into me by the first page. I couldn't put it down. I read in the bathtub, I read during nap time, I read waiting for my son to come out of school... I read it all in one day because I had to know. How does a parent survive something so tragic? I had to know. Nicole became a friend and I wanted to reach through the Kindle and give her a hug. I cried with and for Nicole and Shawn. This author writes so well that the grief of her characters became real. The feelings in the book are so honest and brutally in your face. This author will be on my watch list from now on and I can't wait to hear if Shane might have his own story soon :)

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

Reviewed by Maggie Wadsager
Profile Image for Angie.
1,382 reviews121 followers
November 2, 2014
**Warning!**Tears will be shed before you even finish chapter one.**

"Anytime you feel like you don't want to breathe remember the promise you made today. Just one more breath...okay?" ~Shawn

Wow! I am completely blown away. I am so impressed with Leigha Lewis right now. I will definitely be on the lookout for more work from her.

She ripped out my heart and tore it to pieces from the beginning. She will yours too, but keep reading because she will put it back together for you. I was lucky enough to win Just One More Breath in a giveaway and I dove in without knowing much about it. At first I wasn't sure I could handle it, but I'm so glad I powered through.

I was worried that Lewis might have gone through the same thing as Nicole because Nicole's reactions, grief, depression, guilt, desperation were spot on. It felt real. I kept thinking that's how I would feel if I were in Nicole's shoes. And I think that's why this book was so powerful because Lewis DID put us in Nicole's shoes and that's no place any mother would want to be.

The book ended perfectly, I was made whole again. I'm gonna go and give my son extra hugs for no reason. Do yourself a favor, buy and read this book now! Standing ovation. Bravo!
Profile Image for Perusing Princesses.
529 reviews14 followers
December 6, 2014
Wow this story just left me breathless... It deals with an incredibly sad tragedy, in a beautiful and truly respectful way..

Is is the story of Nicole... She had a beautiful woman with a beautiful life. She has the perfect life as a wife and mother. Then, in a split second, everything is ripped away from her. How can she survive something so devastating??

Shawn is a longtime friend, and a divorce attorney. He is a bit bitter in the love department due to his line of work... but that doesn't make him any less of a true friend.. A friend that Nicole needs badly even if both of them really truly don't understand it at first.

This is a very respectfully heartfelt story. I love sooooo much the Leigha Lewis did not do what most cookie cutter books do now a days... throw them into bed asap, and let the hot sex cure all the pain. She truly took the time to let us feel the heart ache... then rejoice with the healing hearts..

You do need some kleenax... for the sad and the happy tears... so be prepared!

Well done Leigha.. you have a true fan! can't wait for the next!!
363 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2014
Review done for The Hype PR

Review of Just One More Breath by Leigha Lewis

4 ½ out of 5 stars

Just one more breath was a heartbreaking story of a woman named Nicole who has suffered more tragedy than anyone should experience in a lifetime.

First her husband leaves her out of the blue to be single again and then tragedy strikes and she loses her 10 year old son in a tragic accident.

During her time of grief and utter despair, an old friend resurfaces. Shawn Burns is gorgeous ladies man who never wanted to settle down. He has always been attracted to Nicole but when he helps Nicole through her devastation he realizes that love is exactly what he needs and wants.

Nicole struggles with her feelings for Shawn, as she feels unworthy and undeserving because she feels she let her son down.

Together they find the strength and happiness they deserve.

This was a gripping and heartbreaking story. The emotions from these characters were raw and touching at the same time. This story took us through the grief process of losing a child which is truly devastating. The author did an amazing job of telling this story.
Profile Image for Elizabeth (Perusing Princesses).
731 reviews35 followers
May 24, 2014
Wow this story just left me breathless... It deals with an incredibly sad tragedy, in a beautiful and truly respectful way..

Is is the story of Nicole... She had a beautiful woman with a beautiful life. She has the perfect life as a wife and mother. Then, in a split second, everything is ripped away from her. How can she survive something so devastating??

Shawn is a longtime friend, and a divorce attorney. He is a bit bitter in the love department due to his line of work... but that doesn't make him any less of a true friend.. A friend that Nicole needs badly even if both of them really truly don't understand it at first.

This is a very respectfully heartfelt story. I love sooooo much the Leigha Lewis did not do what most cookie cutter books do now a days... throw them into bed asap, and let the hot sex cure all the pain. She truly took the time to let us feel the heart ache... then rejoice with the healing hearts..

You do need some kleenax... for the sad and the happy tears... so be prepared!

Well done Leigha.. you have a true fan! can't wait for the next!!
Profile Image for Rebeka Perales.
533 reviews19 followers
June 16, 2014
Warning... Will make you cry like a baby!!

So I made the mistake of reading this through voice text while driving my daughter to daycare this morning....
Prologue... CRIED!

The FIRST & SECOND CHAPTER.....UGLY FREAKING CRIED.... I mean SOBBING!

Nicole went through some so extreme! like altering and just something you NEVER forget.

Have a child the same age as Nicoles it really gutted me and made me thankful for my kids.

This story was good. The writing was just a little annoying at time. Like the writer didn't remember they were talking as in the first person and would switch it to talking as narrating (third person)

Shawn was an awesome character. He was strong and dependable but still not perfect.

He used the word SWEETIE.... That was a no go for me. ugh! too feminine for my taste.

All in all great story!
Profile Image for Crystal.
266 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2014
I had no idea what I was in for when I signed up to read this ARC. It caught me by surprise and I thought to myself "no way...I can't read this. It's too sad." Then I went a little further and really got into it. It had so much raw emotion; I ended up crying like a freaking baby the first couple of chapters in. Then I wanted to beat the stuffing out of Jaxson myself. I love how the story played out and that Nicole found love and was able to heal. The most incredible part for me was a scene that made my stomach drop. It had so many emotions play out at once I had to stop to catch my breath. Just One More Breath is such an amazing read. I am still feeling the effects of this book. I highly recommend this book to all readers.
Profile Image for Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews.
1,122 reviews215 followers
June 15, 2014
4.5 Stunning Stars!!!

AMAZING DEBUT NOVEL BY LEIGHA LEWIS!


The first half of the story I had tears running down my face. At one point I was crying and didn't realize it until I felt that my cheeks were wet. This was a painful journey for a mother. Written exceptionally well, very realistic, as a mother it hit me hard. A friends to soulmate love. Both characters were written life like, with hilarious side characters. I love Mama Burns!

"Anytime you feel like you don't want to breathe remember the promise you made today. Just one more breath..."

I can't wait to see what's next!
Profile Image for Michelle Kannan.
480 reviews20 followers
May 24, 2014
Leigha Lewis is someone you all need to watch because she has a true talent.

This book is emotional, funny, heartwarming and sexy. IN a word- it is EVERYTHING.

The characters are the perfect blend of strong and somehow needy. The recognize that as people, we can make it through life alone but why do that when you can make it through with someone who can love you?

This story reminds us that life is hard and at times heartbreaking, but we pick ourselves back up and life is always moving and evolving and it always gets better when we let it and we take our chances and put faith in ourselves and in each other.

Well done Mrs. Lewis!!
6 reviews
May 29, 2014
I bought this book to read of the holiday weekend. I wanted to read it all the way through and it drove me nuts to put it down while at a bbq. I had to sneak off into the bathroom so I could get a little reading done. ;)
This was an emotional book. She was much nicer to her ex husband than I would have been. The pain this woman went through was probably spot on. By the grace of God I have not lost a child, but I think if something happened I would have to end my pain too.

It seems there will be more books in the series. The leading man has 3 brothers. And I can't wait to see how they get rid of the Cuban Missle Crisis. lol

A great book
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 22 books141 followers
June 8, 2014
Can you say holy emotions? Leigh brings you to tears right out of the gate with this heart wrenching tale and loss, grief and the will to go on even when Nicole thinks she has nothing left to live for. Shawn, her college friend is the only person that's able to pull her out of a dark place and show her that living and pushing forward is the best way to honor her son Jax's memory. This book really hit home for me in so many ways, so it took me a while to get through it, but it was because it was so real! I absolutely loved it!!!
Profile Image for Genevieve Woods.
Author 12 books54 followers
August 20, 2014
Emotional

thanks l.d.davis for having an excerpt of this book at the end of tethered. Although mitt was shorter than I Luke the story for Nicole a Shawn was complete. I hope there is a future for zena and Shane. I hope that Jax Sr finds redemption. I wanted to give 5 stars but the changes from 1st person to third occurred repeatedly. However I am looking forward to the author's next release.
Profile Image for Olga therebelreader.
894 reviews769 followers
October 15, 2014
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”

This book was powerful and had me captivated from the very beginning. It definitely brought out some tears - both happy and sad. 5 stars aren't enough!!!
Profile Image for Bookjunkie_Anne.
1,206 reviews
May 27, 2014
I tried to contain my emotions but..... Anyway... Hope to read more about Nicole & Shawn, and the rest of the Burns Brothers.
19 reviews
June 30, 2020
Loved it!

The author really made this am interesting and exciting story. I truly enjoyed. My first read by this author can't wait for the next book. Really looking forward to Shane story. I hope it is just as exciting as Shawn and Nicole.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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