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The Walker Boys #2
As You Breathe Again
She's never had the courage to hold on to anyone. He never learned how to let go of what he wants.
Delaney Shaw isn't looking for anything complicated. After her teaching career is put on hold, she decides to spend the summer in Georgia with her best friend. Lanie lives for the here and now, and she isn't thinking past the end of the summer. She's never had any problem being unattached, because she learned a long time ago that life is safer that way.
Until Reece Walker decides to change her mind.
Almost a year after his ex-wife's death, Reece is still reeling from her passing. He's devoted himself to raising their son and working his family's farm to keep himself grounded. Reece feels like he's lost sight of the man he used to be, and he's not sure how to find his way back.
Everything changes when the woman he's unsuccessfully tried to forget walks back into his life.
Even though she's fighting their sizzling chemistry, Lanie is losing the war. But love isn't always like it is in the movies, and they have real issues. Lanie is terrified Reece's small town won't accept their interracial relationship, and she doesn't know how to let him in.
Lanie has had years to build her defenses, but Reece isn't the sort to give up without a fight. If he can counter Lanie's fears with the future only he can offer her, maybe they can both learn to breathe again.
Note: This is Reece's book, and a companion (not sequel) to AS YOU TURN AWAY. It can be read as a standalone Romance.
Delaney Shaw isn't looking for anything complicated. After her teaching career is put on hold, she decides to spend the summer in Georgia with her best friend. Lanie lives for the here and now, and she isn't thinking past the end of the summer. She's never had any problem being unattached, because she learned a long time ago that life is safer that way.
Until Reece Walker decides to change her mind.
Almost a year after his ex-wife's death, Reece is still reeling from her passing. He's devoted himself to raising their son and working his family's farm to keep himself grounded. Reece feels like he's lost sight of the man he used to be, and he's not sure how to find his way back.
Everything changes when the woman he's unsuccessfully tried to forget walks back into his life.
Even though she's fighting their sizzling chemistry, Lanie is losing the war. But love isn't always like it is in the movies, and they have real issues. Lanie is terrified Reece's small town won't accept their interracial relationship, and she doesn't know how to let him in.
Lanie has had years to build her defenses, but Reece isn't the sort to give up without a fight. If he can counter Lanie's fears with the future only he can offer her, maybe they can both learn to breathe again.
Note: This is Reece's book, and a companion (not sequel) to AS YOU TURN AWAY. It can be read as a standalone Romance.
ebook
First published January 1, 2015
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About the author
Molli Moran
7 books228 followersMolli Moran was born and raised in the South, and brings a love of all things small-town to her romances. She grew up with her nose in a book and her head in the clouds, and not much has changed since then. Molli found her own happily-ever-after on the West Coast. Give her Kay and coffee, and you’ve never seen a happier person. Other things she loves include road trips, the ocean, and Captain America.
You can find Molli on Twitter, where she spends way too much time (@MissMolliWrites). She’s not throwing away her shot.
*Stay in touch with Molli by signing up for her newsletter.*
You can find Molli on Twitter, where she spends way too much time (@MissMolliWrites). She’s not throwing away her shot.
*Stay in touch with Molli by signing up for her newsletter.*
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February 12, 2016Reece and Lanie's story is close to my heart. It almost didn't exist, but I am so happy with it and proud of it, as well as so thankful to everyone who helped me with it. I hope you'll give Reece and Lanie's book a chance. And even if you don't love it, I hope you'll still review it. <3
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Review AS YOU BREATHE AGAIN and at certain increments, you'll get:
* a never-before-seen steamy scene
* the all-new first chapter of AS YOU TURN AWAY
* an AS YOU BREATHE AGAIN epilogue
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Purchase at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
Follow the AS YOU BREATHE AGAIN Pinterest board!
Review AS YOU BREATHE AGAIN and at certain increments, you'll get:
* a never-before-seen steamy scene
* the all-new first chapter of AS YOU TURN AWAY
* an AS YOU BREATHE AGAIN epilogue
* giveaways!
February 12, 2016
3.5 stars
Reece Walker has been drowning himself in alcohol since his ex-wife's death and he doesn't know how to recover from her death and be the father he needs to be for their son. He knows he needs to get his act together, especially after friends and family call him out for his appalling behavior, but it all clicks together when he sees Delaney Shaw again. All the feelings from a year ago come rushing back to him, but he's not sure he can be the man he needs to be for her if he can't even be the man he needs to be for his son.
Delaney Shaw is jobless, disenchanted by city life, and missing her best friend. When Quinn offers her a summer in the small, southern town of Baylor, Lanie can't think of anything better. Seeing Reece brings back a lot of old feelings, but those feelings won't matter if Lanie can't finally face her past and learn to let love in.
I was hesitant about this book, I really enjoy interracial couple novels, but I had a couple friends mention this one was a bit over the top. I found myself enjoying it, despite the fact that I do think Lanie, as a character, was focused on her skin color more than anyone else was. I really liked Lanie and Reece as a couple, especially the city girl country boy trope. They weren't identical characters so their relationship didn't come easy, both definitely had their fair share of personal drama to handle, and then the tie in of small southern town with prevalent racism to deal with. I liked reading Lanie's personal growth the most; I think she had fantastic friends, interesting family dynamics, and had a desired personal goal in mind that played right into this novel. Reece, on the other hand, was the kind of character I couldn't like at first, because I kept thinking of his son. His relationship with his ex-wife proved to be a bit confusing, but was overshadowed quickly by his relationship with his brothers, his father, and the friends he surrounded himself with.
The best part of this book though, hands down, was how the characters owned their flaws, recognized they needed to figure out themselves first, and put a relationship with one another at the very bottom of the list. They worked on their friendships, they worked out family issues, and made themselves independent as people before they finally came together as a couple. There was no insta-love, there was no crazy drama, there was just natural personal development and relationship flow. I cannot tell you how often a romance novel puts me off due to how quick relationships move, so I have to hand it to Molli Moran, Reece and Lanie make for one sweet couple.
There are a few parts of As You Breathe Again that came up flawed for me, however they didn't keep me from enjoying the novel. I didn't understand Delaney's sleeping around or Reece's relationship with his ex-wife, but maybe I missed something. I felt like Delaney never faced her old self directly, and while I am all for one-night stands, she treated it so flippantly, but would act like it was a bad quality later on. Then there's Reece dealing with his loss, and while he admits that he and his ex were friends that easily could have fallen back into a relationship, they remained separated prior to her death. That said, I couldn't understand the two together and I couldn't connect the ex-wife to his life with son. I do think how he finally dealt with the loss was done incredibly well. Finally, there is the interracial relationship. I understand people are unfortunately still racist, especially in certain areas of the US, but I didn't support it being tied almost directly to being Southern. There were also times when Lanie would focus on the black qualities about herself far more than anyone else was, I'm sure this was meant to help us connect to the character, but it actually left me feeling more confused with her desire to move to a community she so closely related to prejudices. The general dynamic of the interracial relationship was handled very well and I could distinctly see both characters, especially when they let their love outshine other character's rude comments.
Overall, As You Breathe Again is a great novel from Molli Moran. While I did not read book one in The Walker Boys series, I do think I'll be going back to read it now, because the characters mentioned in this book are so intriguing to me.
Reece Walker has been drowning himself in alcohol since his ex-wife's death and he doesn't know how to recover from her death and be the father he needs to be for their son. He knows he needs to get his act together, especially after friends and family call him out for his appalling behavior, but it all clicks together when he sees Delaney Shaw again. All the feelings from a year ago come rushing back to him, but he's not sure he can be the man he needs to be for her if he can't even be the man he needs to be for his son.
Delaney Shaw is jobless, disenchanted by city life, and missing her best friend. When Quinn offers her a summer in the small, southern town of Baylor, Lanie can't think of anything better. Seeing Reece brings back a lot of old feelings, but those feelings won't matter if Lanie can't finally face her past and learn to let love in.
I was hesitant about this book, I really enjoy interracial couple novels, but I had a couple friends mention this one was a bit over the top. I found myself enjoying it, despite the fact that I do think Lanie, as a character, was focused on her skin color more than anyone else was. I really liked Lanie and Reece as a couple, especially the city girl country boy trope. They weren't identical characters so their relationship didn't come easy, both definitely had their fair share of personal drama to handle, and then the tie in of small southern town with prevalent racism to deal with. I liked reading Lanie's personal growth the most; I think she had fantastic friends, interesting family dynamics, and had a desired personal goal in mind that played right into this novel. Reece, on the other hand, was the kind of character I couldn't like at first, because I kept thinking of his son. His relationship with his ex-wife proved to be a bit confusing, but was overshadowed quickly by his relationship with his brothers, his father, and the friends he surrounded himself with.
The best part of this book though, hands down, was how the characters owned their flaws, recognized they needed to figure out themselves first, and put a relationship with one another at the very bottom of the list. They worked on their friendships, they worked out family issues, and made themselves independent as people before they finally came together as a couple. There was no insta-love, there was no crazy drama, there was just natural personal development and relationship flow. I cannot tell you how often a romance novel puts me off due to how quick relationships move, so I have to hand it to Molli Moran, Reece and Lanie make for one sweet couple.
There are a few parts of As You Breathe Again that came up flawed for me, however they didn't keep me from enjoying the novel. I didn't understand Delaney's sleeping around or Reece's relationship with his ex-wife, but maybe I missed something. I felt like Delaney never faced her old self directly, and while I am all for one-night stands, she treated it so flippantly, but would act like it was a bad quality later on. Then there's Reece dealing with his loss, and while he admits that he and his ex were friends that easily could have fallen back into a relationship, they remained separated prior to her death. That said, I couldn't understand the two together and I couldn't connect the ex-wife to his life with son. I do think how he finally dealt with the loss was done incredibly well. Finally, there is the interracial relationship. I understand people are unfortunately still racist, especially in certain areas of the US, but I didn't support it being tied almost directly to being Southern. There were also times when Lanie would focus on the black qualities about herself far more than anyone else was, I'm sure this was meant to help us connect to the character, but it actually left me feeling more confused with her desire to move to a community she so closely related to prejudices. The general dynamic of the interracial relationship was handled very well and I could distinctly see both characters, especially when they let their love outshine other character's rude comments.
Overall, As You Breathe Again is a great novel from Molli Moran. While I did not read book one in The Walker Boys series, I do think I'll be going back to read it now, because the characters mentioned in this book are so intriguing to me.
March 29, 2016
Originally Posted: Reader's Anonymous
D+
★ ★
Note: I received this advanced reader’s copy via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This book had loads of potential that was totally wasted. It’s a tragedy that I didn’t enjoy this book because it could’ve been a real contribution to the New Adult genre that also featured a multicultural romance, but the execution wasn’t there. Being part of a series I was skeptical about reading this without reading book one, however the blurb expressed that it could be read as a standalone. I don’t think it should be read without reading book one because I felt disconnected with everything.
I’m guessing there was this foreshadowed romance that developed between Delaney and Reece in book one, however it didn’t translate well. The romance seemed unrealistic and like insta-love, which means it’s cheesy and their connection wasn’t based on anything. Not once did I ever feel like their love wasn’t forced, or like love at all to be quite frank. But this might’ve been because, as I stated previously, I didn’t read book one, or it could be the one-dimensional characters in the book.
Sometime one-dimensional characters hide in the silhouette of complexity. Delaney Shaw was that type of character – I couldn’t relate to her. She’s afraid of commitment because of her past experiences, which she allows define her future. Fun and carefree, no one knows the real Delaney beneath the mask except Reece who has his own demons. These simple truths weren’t the reason I didn’t liker her character, it was the lack of realism. She didn’t feel real to me – her character was supposed to be vibrant and full of life, but she just seemed dull. Again, this could be because I didn’t read book one.
Another issue I had was with the inconsistency. She’s supposed to be this strong woman that’s slowly allowing her weaknesses to show and open-up her heart, but it wasn’t balanced enough. There were times I felt as though I was reading a different character with her mood and attitude changes. After completing this novel I still didn’t understand who she was and what motivated her besides Reece.
Reece wasn’t bad. There’s nothing amazing about him or memorable. Everyone of importance seemed like minor characters and minor characters that don’t add any substance to the book. Let’s just get off the characters.
Plot? Hmm…this book lacked the length needed for a journey of self-discovery, nor was it a straightforward romantic love story. It’s fast-paced and but seemed to drag on FOREVER.
This seemed like the first draft of a really good final product. I’m just saddened by how much I didn’t like it.
D+
★ ★
Note: I received this advanced reader’s copy via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This book had loads of potential that was totally wasted. It’s a tragedy that I didn’t enjoy this book because it could’ve been a real contribution to the New Adult genre that also featured a multicultural romance, but the execution wasn’t there. Being part of a series I was skeptical about reading this without reading book one, however the blurb expressed that it could be read as a standalone. I don’t think it should be read without reading book one because I felt disconnected with everything.
I’m guessing there was this foreshadowed romance that developed between Delaney and Reece in book one, however it didn’t translate well. The romance seemed unrealistic and like insta-love, which means it’s cheesy and their connection wasn’t based on anything. Not once did I ever feel like their love wasn’t forced, or like love at all to be quite frank. But this might’ve been because, as I stated previously, I didn’t read book one, or it could be the one-dimensional characters in the book.
Sometime one-dimensional characters hide in the silhouette of complexity. Delaney Shaw was that type of character – I couldn’t relate to her. She’s afraid of commitment because of her past experiences, which she allows define her future. Fun and carefree, no one knows the real Delaney beneath the mask except Reece who has his own demons. These simple truths weren’t the reason I didn’t liker her character, it was the lack of realism. She didn’t feel real to me – her character was supposed to be vibrant and full of life, but she just seemed dull. Again, this could be because I didn’t read book one.
Another issue I had was with the inconsistency. She’s supposed to be this strong woman that’s slowly allowing her weaknesses to show and open-up her heart, but it wasn’t balanced enough. There were times I felt as though I was reading a different character with her mood and attitude changes. After completing this novel I still didn’t understand who she was and what motivated her besides Reece.
Reece wasn’t bad. There’s nothing amazing about him or memorable. Everyone of importance seemed like minor characters and minor characters that don’t add any substance to the book. Let’s just get off the characters.
Plot? Hmm…this book lacked the length needed for a journey of self-discovery, nor was it a straightforward romantic love story. It’s fast-paced and but seemed to drag on FOREVER.
This seemed like the first draft of a really good final product. I’m just saddened by how much I didn’t like it.
July 3, 2016
This book felt kinda try hard.
I tried hard to make Laney, the heroine, come off as modern and sexy and strong. But it didn't feel authentic.
It tried hard to make Reece, the hero, tortured and complex. But it felt like going through the motions.
It tried hard to create a dialogue around their racial difference. But that came off and awkward in some places downright cringey in others.
And in the end, honestly, I just didn't feel them. and I tried really, really hard.
I tried hard to make Laney, the heroine, come off as modern and sexy and strong. But it didn't feel authentic.
It tried hard to make Reece, the hero, tortured and complex. But it felt like going through the motions.
It tried hard to create a dialogue around their racial difference. But that came off and awkward in some places downright cringey in others.
And in the end, honestly, I just didn't feel them. and I tried really, really hard.
January 24, 2016
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley
I didn't realise this was part of the series but I thought it made a great standalone. There is some really great character development throughout the book and Reese & Delaney have great chemistry which makes the story flow with ease.
I didn't realise this was part of the series but I thought it made a great standalone. There is some really great character development throughout the book and Reese & Delaney have great chemistry which makes the story flow with ease.
September 2, 2019
As you breath again
Another great sweet story full of hope and love. I enjoyed how each of the characters worked on themselves becoming stronger and together were able to overcome their past struggles for a better future.
Another great sweet story full of hope and love. I enjoyed how each of the characters worked on themselves becoming stronger and together were able to overcome their past struggles for a better future.
February 2, 2016
Loved this book. Review to come :)
2.2.10
As I write this review, I kind of am struggling to really put my feelings into words. Bottom line is, I loved it, and sometimes there really is no greater word to describe your feelings toward a book, other than love.
This is the 2nd book in the Walker Boys Series, but can easily be read as a standalone. Having not read book one, I was worried I wouldn't be as connected to these characters, but let me just say how glad I was to be wrong.
This is Reese and Lanie (Delaney's) story. Two people, both a little broken, who come together and find something extraordinary in one another that stems beyond just a-typical love. Reese is still broken over the death of his son's mom (his ex-wife) and doesn't think commitment is really in the cards for him. Until 'the-one-that-got-away-Reese' comes stumbling back into his life. The problem is, Reese isn't looking for relationships, tending to shy away from anything that lasts longer than a night. But through a series of events, (and thanks to the chemistry the two of them have always shared) something more ignites between them and the relationship neither of them wanted, turns into something not one of them can avoid.
This is truly an emotional read, breaking the walls down of my carefully guarded bookish-heart. Anymore, connecting to a story for me is very difficult. But there was something special about this one, I just can't put my finger on what that is exactly. There was diversity (yay) sexy times, (double yay) and some of those, gut wrenching, twist-your-heart-into-pieces-moments (CRIES) that I couldn't help but cling to. I'm a sucker for the emotional books, and Ms. Moran has a gift when it comes to making me weepy. (NOTE: I did that throughout more than I could count.)
So if your looking for a new adult read that crosses more into the adult category (triple yay for me) then this book is probably the perfect one for you. It's filled with the angst of NA but has the heart and emotion of all genres. The characters make mistakes, but they rectify them. They're mature and sensitive and all so well developed that I felt like they were a part of me. I highly recommend this book. It's truly something I won't forget about any time soon.
2.2.10
As I write this review, I kind of am struggling to really put my feelings into words. Bottom line is, I loved it, and sometimes there really is no greater word to describe your feelings toward a book, other than love.
This is the 2nd book in the Walker Boys Series, but can easily be read as a standalone. Having not read book one, I was worried I wouldn't be as connected to these characters, but let me just say how glad I was to be wrong.
This is Reese and Lanie (Delaney's) story. Two people, both a little broken, who come together and find something extraordinary in one another that stems beyond just a-typical love. Reese is still broken over the death of his son's mom (his ex-wife) and doesn't think commitment is really in the cards for him. Until 'the-one-that-got-away-Reese' comes stumbling back into his life. The problem is, Reese isn't looking for relationships, tending to shy away from anything that lasts longer than a night. But through a series of events, (and thanks to the chemistry the two of them have always shared) something more ignites between them and the relationship neither of them wanted, turns into something not one of them can avoid.
This is truly an emotional read, breaking the walls down of my carefully guarded bookish-heart. Anymore, connecting to a story for me is very difficult. But there was something special about this one, I just can't put my finger on what that is exactly. There was diversity (yay) sexy times, (double yay) and some of those, gut wrenching, twist-your-heart-into-pieces-moments (CRIES) that I couldn't help but cling to. I'm a sucker for the emotional books, and Ms. Moran has a gift when it comes to making me weepy. (NOTE: I did that throughout more than I could count.)
So if your looking for a new adult read that crosses more into the adult category (triple yay for me) then this book is probably the perfect one for you. It's filled with the angst of NA but has the heart and emotion of all genres. The characters make mistakes, but they rectify them. They're mature and sensitive and all so well developed that I felt like they were a part of me. I highly recommend this book. It's truly something I won't forget about any time soon.
March 15, 2016
This IR romance was sweet. It brought forward some interesting topics other authors of IR romances often ignore. And that topic is racial intolerance and how it could put a damper on a budding romance. I appreciate that this was explored and well thought out.
I really liked Reese, he was a well rounded hero who had a lot to overcome. However Delaney really did not touch me in a way that made me like her. The first we see her she is trying to have sex with someone where she works. I found it difficult to respect her after that. Then when she goes to see her best friend Quinn and ends up sleeping with Jake, one of Reese's friends.
The biggest issue I has with this book was Delaney the heroine, She just wasn't interesting, or sweet, or witty, or original. I did not like the things that came out of her mouth. While Reese is saying all these wonderful things to her, she just has short, boring retorts that are mildly insulting to the incredibly romantic and sweet things he says to her. I especially didn't like that she called Reese FARM BOY all the time. It made me cringe and I found it hypocritical for her to do that when she knows whats its like to be negatively profiled or to be called names. It wasn't endearing in any way.
We lose the romance when Delaney return to New York to deal with some issues. A huge chunk of the story is about how each character goes about straightening out their lives so that they can be together. And that killed the story for me. It lulled the story into a lot of mind numbing dialogue. I especially didn't like that Delaney had to justify being with Reese to her mother. Her mother was really negative about her being with Reese, even if it was justifiable, and I found Delaney's replies to her were too soft.
By the time the hero and heroine finally are reunited, things are not hot like you would have anticipated. There's a lot of family business and lot of saying goodbye to Reese's dead ex wife. It completely stole the romance out of the ending.
I find that the story could be redeemable if the entire ending was revamped with a healthy does of hot mind numbing sex and a whole lot more romantic moments... And if there was more communication between them during their absence from each other.
I really liked Reese, he was a well rounded hero who had a lot to overcome. However Delaney really did not touch me in a way that made me like her. The first we see her she is trying to have sex with someone where she works. I found it difficult to respect her after that. Then when she goes to see her best friend Quinn and ends up sleeping with Jake, one of Reese's friends.
The biggest issue I has with this book was Delaney the heroine, She just wasn't interesting, or sweet, or witty, or original. I did not like the things that came out of her mouth. While Reese is saying all these wonderful things to her, she just has short, boring retorts that are mildly insulting to the incredibly romantic and sweet things he says to her. I especially didn't like that she called Reese FARM BOY all the time. It made me cringe and I found it hypocritical for her to do that when she knows whats its like to be negatively profiled or to be called names. It wasn't endearing in any way.
We lose the romance when Delaney return to New York to deal with some issues. A huge chunk of the story is about how each character goes about straightening out their lives so that they can be together. And that killed the story for me. It lulled the story into a lot of mind numbing dialogue. I especially didn't like that Delaney had to justify being with Reese to her mother. Her mother was really negative about her being with Reese, even if it was justifiable, and I found Delaney's replies to her were too soft.
By the time the hero and heroine finally are reunited, things are not hot like you would have anticipated. There's a lot of family business and lot of saying goodbye to Reese's dead ex wife. It completely stole the romance out of the ending.
I find that the story could be redeemable if the entire ending was revamped with a healthy does of hot mind numbing sex and a whole lot more romantic moments... And if there was more communication between them during their absence from each other.
January 19, 2017
Lanie (Delaney) never expected that she would be looking for a new job or new direction in life. Deciding to just get away for a while, she goes and visits her best friend. Its been a bit since she was back in Baylor, GA. Its been just a much time since she had seen her friend. Getting back into the swing of things get her off to a rough start but then Reece walks back in. She long for him back then and still sees it as a lost chance. Even with his wife now gone and the door open. Reece has not been on his game since his wife died. With a son to raise and pity not something he wants, his life was not quite right. That was until Lanie.
There was a lot her to consume, drama, race issues, death, coping, life decisions and then some. I enjoyed the book. It gave me something to chew on.
There was a lot her to consume, drama, race issues, death, coping, life decisions and then some. I enjoyed the book. It gave me something to chew on.
September 22, 2019
4.5 stars
January 14, 2016
*I received this book from NetGalley for review*
I've avoided New Adult, because I got a little tired of Young Adult and more interested in reading about characters a little closer to my own age, and New Adult just didn't seem that far removed from Young Adult, and frankly, the phrase “New Adult” just sounded stupid to me. So this is the first book I've read with the New Adult label. And I realize now that I shouldn't look down my nose at a whole category of books just because I haven't deigned to try it. (I'm still not quite prepared to read that fifty shades book, but someday I will. Probably.)
It took me a little while to really get into the story, though I'm not sure why. The writing is smooth, and the characters interesting and likable. We meet Lanie first, on the day she learns she is being let go from her teaching position in New York. Devastated, she decides to visit her best friend, Quinn, in the small town of Baylor, Georgia.
In Baylor we meet Reece. He's a little different than the cowboy heroes I'm used to, with his motorcycle and his eyebrow piercing. He's still mourning the death of his ex-wife, who he had stayed close to and friendly with after their divorce. He lives in an apartment with one of his brothers and his young son, Jamie. There were some times when Reece was out and about or with Lanie and I would wonder where Jamie is and who's taking care of him. I would've liked Jamie to get more page time and be more involved in the story. But the scenes between Reece and Jamie were wonderful. Reece was a very loving father and you could tell Jamie was a huge priority to him, and some of their exchanges were very poignant.
And actually, a lot of the book was poignant. There were so many feels, and I teared up a few times while reading a scene. And there were also many, many scenes that made me grin like an idiot.
For the most part, the book is a light, at times sappy romance, but there's also some seriousness. In addition to Reece coming to terms with the loss of his ex-wife and putting his life back together, and Lanie dealing with trust and commitment issues and bitterness towards a father who left the family when she was young, the characters also deal with racism. Lanie has been surrounded by it all her life, but that doesn't make it any less painful for her. And Reece is appalled when he witnesses it happening to her, and when it's aimed at the two of them as an interracial couple.
A very enjoyable book.
Review first posted on my blog.
I've avoided New Adult, because I got a little tired of Young Adult and more interested in reading about characters a little closer to my own age, and New Adult just didn't seem that far removed from Young Adult, and frankly, the phrase “New Adult” just sounded stupid to me. So this is the first book I've read with the New Adult label. And I realize now that I shouldn't look down my nose at a whole category of books just because I haven't deigned to try it. (I'm still not quite prepared to read that fifty shades book, but someday I will. Probably.)
It took me a little while to really get into the story, though I'm not sure why. The writing is smooth, and the characters interesting and likable. We meet Lanie first, on the day she learns she is being let go from her teaching position in New York. Devastated, she decides to visit her best friend, Quinn, in the small town of Baylor, Georgia.
In Baylor we meet Reece. He's a little different than the cowboy heroes I'm used to, with his motorcycle and his eyebrow piercing. He's still mourning the death of his ex-wife, who he had stayed close to and friendly with after their divorce. He lives in an apartment with one of his brothers and his young son, Jamie. There were some times when Reece was out and about or with Lanie and I would wonder where Jamie is and who's taking care of him. I would've liked Jamie to get more page time and be more involved in the story. But the scenes between Reece and Jamie were wonderful. Reece was a very loving father and you could tell Jamie was a huge priority to him, and some of their exchanges were very poignant.
And actually, a lot of the book was poignant. There were so many feels, and I teared up a few times while reading a scene. And there were also many, many scenes that made me grin like an idiot.
For the most part, the book is a light, at times sappy romance, but there's also some seriousness. In addition to Reece coming to terms with the loss of his ex-wife and putting his life back together, and Lanie dealing with trust and commitment issues and bitterness towards a father who left the family when she was young, the characters also deal with racism. Lanie has been surrounded by it all her life, but that doesn't make it any less painful for her. And Reece is appalled when he witnesses it happening to her, and when it's aimed at the two of them as an interracial couple.
A very enjoyable book.
Review first posted on my blog.
February 10, 2016
As You Breathe Again is Book Two in the Walker Boy Series, however it is the first book I have read by Molli Moran. I saw this book being spoken about on Twitter and after seeing the cover I knew I had to have it. With many threads of diversity running through the story line a contemporary romance novel with depth, heart and soul is the essence of As You Breathe Again.
Molli Moran writes of characters from different worlds, with different experiences and different connections. Delaney is from the City and Reese has Country Boy written all over him. Meeting in Book One (As You Turn Away) Delaney and Reese are reunited in As You breathe Again, determined to keep each other at a distance and squash any feelings that may be pushing to come to the surface. With insecurities threatening to ruin the possibility of something great, readers are privy to the inner monologue of the hurting, the frightened and the hopeful.
As Delaney and Reese battle between what they think people expect and what they really want for themselves, we see Moran often bring to light the fact that their relationship is interracial and the worry of backlash. Intertwined with a romance story filled with swoon, the presence of diversity in As You Breathe Again is positively noted. However being featured more and explored in detail has the potential of benefitting the authenticity of the interracial component of this unfolding romance.
Filled with supportive and interactive secondary characters Book Two of The Walker Boys has you falling in love with the Walker family, their hearts and that warm sense of family they bring to readers. With strong references to loyalty, determination and hope, Molli Moran, Delaney and Reese bring to life a memorable, heart-warming and all-inclusive love story.
Molli Moran writes of characters from different worlds, with different experiences and different connections. Delaney is from the City and Reese has Country Boy written all over him. Meeting in Book One (As You Turn Away) Delaney and Reese are reunited in As You breathe Again, determined to keep each other at a distance and squash any feelings that may be pushing to come to the surface. With insecurities threatening to ruin the possibility of something great, readers are privy to the inner monologue of the hurting, the frightened and the hopeful.
As Delaney and Reese battle between what they think people expect and what they really want for themselves, we see Moran often bring to light the fact that their relationship is interracial and the worry of backlash. Intertwined with a romance story filled with swoon, the presence of diversity in As You Breathe Again is positively noted. However being featured more and explored in detail has the potential of benefitting the authenticity of the interracial component of this unfolding romance.
Filled with supportive and interactive secondary characters Book Two of The Walker Boys has you falling in love with the Walker family, their hearts and that warm sense of family they bring to readers. With strong references to loyalty, determination and hope, Molli Moran, Delaney and Reese bring to life a memorable, heart-warming and all-inclusive love story.
July 4, 2019
Original review
This book was provided by the author through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Molli Moran and Netgalley!
As You Breathe Again is the second book in The Walker Boys series and tells the story of Lanie and Reece. Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
As You Breahte Again is the first book I’ve read by Molli Moran and I really liked it. I really liked the concept of this story as well as the characters.
Lanie is such a strong woman and she defends herself and others, and that’s something I admire. She has a darker skin colour and because of that she gets a lot of remarks from different people, but she keeps on her brave face and tells them it’s not okay. I love that this book talks about racism because it’s an everyday struggle for people who have a darker skin colour or love someone from the same sex, etc.
Reece is your typical well-raised country guy, and he was really cute. I loved that he fought for Lanie and even waited for her to be ready. Lanie and Reece are so cute together and I couldn’t get enough of them!
As You Breahte Again is a beautiful book and I cannot wait to read the first book in the series, As You Turn Away!
This book was provided by the author through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Molli Moran and Netgalley!
As You Breathe Again is the second book in The Walker Boys series and tells the story of Lanie and Reece. Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
As You Breahte Again is the first book I’ve read by Molli Moran and I really liked it. I really liked the concept of this story as well as the characters.
Lanie is such a strong woman and she defends herself and others, and that’s something I admire. She has a darker skin colour and because of that she gets a lot of remarks from different people, but she keeps on her brave face and tells them it’s not okay. I love that this book talks about racism because it’s an everyday struggle for people who have a darker skin colour or love someone from the same sex, etc.
Reece is your typical well-raised country guy, and he was really cute. I loved that he fought for Lanie and even waited for her to be ready. Lanie and Reece are so cute together and I couldn’t get enough of them!
As You Breahte Again is a beautiful book and I cannot wait to read the first book in the series, As You Turn Away!
October 1, 2016
COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY FOR REVIEW
2.5 stars
This book had a lot of potential but it didn't really deliver. Delaney was a strange character. The opening scene was a little bit of a put off. I thought she was trying to have sex with a student. I am still unclear about who he actually was. Once she connects with her friend for the summer, her character starts to improve but its a little shaky a first. Reece is trying to get over the death of his ex wife. He is in a bad place but suddenly pulls himself together. The two of them met last summer and were attracted to each other but her was dealing with personal issues and she was dating his cousin!? This is a small town but her hooking up with the cousin and then best friend didn't go over well for me. I flipped through a lot of the story. It was ok, but could have been so much better. i did like how the author did not gloss over the challenges of being in a interracial relationship. Sometimes its within the relationship and sometimes it the people outside.
2.5 stars
This book had a lot of potential but it didn't really deliver. Delaney was a strange character. The opening scene was a little bit of a put off. I thought she was trying to have sex with a student. I am still unclear about who he actually was. Once she connects with her friend for the summer, her character starts to improve but its a little shaky a first. Reece is trying to get over the death of his ex wife. He is in a bad place but suddenly pulls himself together. The two of them met last summer and were attracted to each other but her was dealing with personal issues and she was dating his cousin!? This is a small town but her hooking up with the cousin and then best friend didn't go over well for me. I flipped through a lot of the story. It was ok, but could have been so much better. i did like how the author did not gloss over the challenges of being in a interracial relationship. Sometimes its within the relationship and sometimes it the people outside.
March 2, 2016
What a wonderful book!
I was so immersed in the story that the time flew by, I really liked the characters and the story dealt with some topics that I had never read about so it was interesting to see how they were handled.
The book is part of a series but it can definitely be read as a standalone, I have a need to go back and read the first book now :) but I'm so happy that I was able to enjoy this one as it is.
The cover is beautiful and what attracted me to this book in the first place, then I saw that it was by Molli Moran and I knew I had to read it.
I was so immersed in the story that the time flew by, I really liked the characters and the story dealt with some topics that I had never read about so it was interesting to see how they were handled.
The book is part of a series but it can definitely be read as a standalone, I have a need to go back and read the first book now :) but I'm so happy that I was able to enjoy this one as it is.
The cover is beautiful and what attracted me to this book in the first place, then I saw that it was by Molli Moran and I knew I had to read it.
August 30, 2019
Reviewed by Shyla
Book provided by NetGalley
Laney Shaw is a spitfire who has no time for emotional attachments. Trying to get her career and her head space together, men are just a means to scratch an itch. When her tenure is denied at the school she’s been teaching at for the past two years, things get tricky. Unsure which direction to take next, she decides to visit her best friend in Baylor, Georgia and clear her head, and think about her options. Reunited with the one person who knows her best, she’s able to breathe. Living in a small country town, her eyes are opened. A city girl born and bred, she begins to understand the beauty that comes with life at a slower pace. She also begins to realize she has a big problem, with one Reece Walker. The man whose gotten past her high walls, and made her long for more in a way she’d never imagined possible.
A newly single father after the untimely death of his ex-wife Reece is just climbing out of the darkness that once consumed. Hard working, mannerly and respectful to women, there was a lot to like about this country boy. His grief, and learning to be a father all on his lonesome made him vulnerable and flawed, like most of us. I appreciated that. Willing to take it slow, he never rushed Laney, but he never hesitated to support, and protect her. His Alpha with heart vibes hit all the right notes for me.
The couple had a lot to work through to find a place to meet in the middle and built a new life together. I found some of their reasons behind their behavior to be a bit flimsy. I thought Ms. Moran needed to take the tragedy further to carry off some of the themes she brought up.
Book provided by NetGalley
Laney Shaw is a spitfire who has no time for emotional attachments. Trying to get her career and her head space together, men are just a means to scratch an itch. When her tenure is denied at the school she’s been teaching at for the past two years, things get tricky. Unsure which direction to take next, she decides to visit her best friend in Baylor, Georgia and clear her head, and think about her options. Reunited with the one person who knows her best, she’s able to breathe. Living in a small country town, her eyes are opened. A city girl born and bred, she begins to understand the beauty that comes with life at a slower pace. She also begins to realize she has a big problem, with one Reece Walker. The man whose gotten past her high walls, and made her long for more in a way she’d never imagined possible.
A newly single father after the untimely death of his ex-wife Reece is just climbing out of the darkness that once consumed. Hard working, mannerly and respectful to women, there was a lot to like about this country boy. His grief, and learning to be a father all on his lonesome made him vulnerable and flawed, like most of us. I appreciated that. Willing to take it slow, he never rushed Laney, but he never hesitated to support, and protect her. His Alpha with heart vibes hit all the right notes for me.
The couple had a lot to work through to find a place to meet in the middle and built a new life together. I found some of their reasons behind their behavior to be a bit flimsy. I thought Ms. Moran needed to take the tragedy further to carry off some of the themes she brought up.
May 19, 2019
This was a very compelling book. It dealt with two different kinds of grief in completely different ways. The primary characters of Delaney and Reece were independently coping with significant losses in their lives. Delaney had developed a significant barrier to letting people get close to her, which she felt was working for her for well over a decade. Reece, on the other hand, was spiraling out of control a year after loosing his ex-wife/best friend/co-parent to cancer. Both of them had to deal with their issues head on if there was any hope for the natural chemistry between them to grow into a relationship. The grief/coping was not the only issue however. Others included problems at the farm, racial tensions, distance, Jamie (Reece's son), trust - to name a few. Exercising demons seemed to flow just a bit too easy, but hey, it's a book and who wants to dwell too much on the negative toght. :) There were a few $€×y scenes that were interesting enough to get ones attention, but not overly graphic.
While this review has a bit of info, there are no give aways. I certainly recommend reading this one for yourself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While this review has a bit of info, there are no give aways. I certainly recommend reading this one for yourself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2019
Reece Walker is trying to get over the death of his ex-wife who was the mother of his son Jamie. Tough they were divorced they were still good friends so he took her death very hard. Drinking, staying out late and getting into fights had become the norm. All that was before the lovely Delaney came to town. Now he had another reason besides his son to straighten up for. But Delaney had her own problems to deal with. Now I liked Delaney but I had to do a double take when she hooked up with Jared who is best friends with Reece, who she had a thing for. Oh and let's not forget that the year before she also had a 'thing' with his other friend Darren, hmm. That aside, Molli Moran a new author for me created a story that held my attention from the start and I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2019
I've been looking forward to this book since I read the first one in the series, and it didn't disappoint. Reece is a mess - he's having trouble overcoming the death of his ex-wife. Lainey is back in Baylor for a visit with Quinn after she's laid off from her teaching job in New York. They're both concerned about what kind of problems could arise being an inter-racial couple in this little Southern town. He finally gets up the nerve to move toward her - "Thing is, I'm not a what-if kind of man" - and my heart just melted when he said that he would wait for her to be ready. Her walls eventually begin to crumble, as she lets Reece into her heart. She in turn makes him want to be the best Reece possible. I'm ready for Ethan's story any time!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2019
It’s very interesting and engaging story.
It’s not simply romance,it’s much more.
It’s very complex journey to find the way of happiness.
Reece and Lanie have their own, messy lives, and the road to togetherness isn’t easy, life hasn’t been kind to them in the past. Reese is mourning death of his son’s mother, his ex-wife. He is single father now.
Lanie is struggling with her own emotional baggage .
A romance – no matter how hot! – is not on the menu.
Lanie and Reece characters are very realistic.
Lanie’s hesitancy in love department, Reece’s overindulged in alcohol they are complex issues.
That Lanie and Reece ultimately find a way to be together is a great culmination to the story!
As You Breathe Again brings a breath of fresh air into the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s not simply romance,it’s much more.
It’s very complex journey to find the way of happiness.
Reece and Lanie have their own, messy lives, and the road to togetherness isn’t easy, life hasn’t been kind to them in the past. Reese is mourning death of his son’s mother, his ex-wife. He is single father now.
Lanie is struggling with her own emotional baggage .
A romance – no matter how hot! – is not on the menu.
Lanie and Reece characters are very realistic.
Lanie’s hesitancy in love department, Reece’s overindulged in alcohol they are complex issues.
That Lanie and Reece ultimately find a way to be together is a great culmination to the story!
As You Breathe Again brings a breath of fresh air into the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2020
I started this book a while after I’d finished the first one. It bugged me because while I really enjoyed the first book, I couldn’t for the life of me get into this one. I did try and I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one on here who felt that the race part of the book was a bit much. Being a minority myself, I know that there is still racism out in the world especially in this political climate buuuuut.. Lainie’s character was SO focused on her race that at times it was like she felt that her race made her less than. She was so sure that the town would hate her because of her race/because she would be dating a white man that she wasn’t actually giving the town the chance to prove her wrong. She judged the town outright and I just couldn’t get through it.
I really hope that the third book turns things around for these characters.
I really hope that the third book turns things around for these characters.
February 16, 2019
It took me a while to finish this book. Maybe I needed to read the previous story to get a better understanding of the characters, but I was bored out of my mind reading this. I detest giving negative reviews but this book was like watching paint dry. The characters didn’t make me fall in love with or root for them. I was just waiting for it to be over. There was no climax it just ended. I like a HEA as much as the next person but I like a little more drama in my romance reads. Also the whole water under the bridge thing with the father was really upsetting. I understand needing to forgive to move past something but that was a bit much for me. All in all I would say pass on this book or at least make sure you read the first one it might help. #netgalley #asyoubreatheagain
May 31, 2019
I can't even put into words...
As read this book I noticed it was first, the second book of the trio. and seeing that I've haven't ever read anything by this author before. I was a little skeptical about not having that opportunity.
However, I continued on to read this book, and I've found out that Lanie and Reece are in a world all their own. Their chemistry is quite contagious and will draw you in and keep you delving deeper into their lives together.
Even though, this was the first book by this author I've read. It most definitely won't be the last.
I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout, and any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review.
As read this book I noticed it was first, the second book of the trio. and seeing that I've haven't ever read anything by this author before. I was a little skeptical about not having that opportunity.
However, I continued on to read this book, and I've found out that Lanie and Reece are in a world all their own. Their chemistry is quite contagious and will draw you in and keep you delving deeper into their lives together.
Even though, this was the first book by this author I've read. It most definitely won't be the last.
I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout, and any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review.
September 4, 2019
What do you do when you lose someone, do you lose yourself to drink , pity, anger or other things? Who can pull you out the spiral that you've falling into? Will love come for you or do you go after it yourself? Two people might have feelings toward each other but who will be stubborn enough to try and fight it, Who will find a way to to bring themselves together even if another isn't sure about it. Molli Moran brings us wonderful characters, who make you want to cry when things aren't going well, laugh when they are going well. When it makes you wonder what is going to happen on the next page or chapter. A book that can do that is worth reading and re-reading. The book ends with (NOPE, NOT GOING TO TELL YOU) I know you'll love this book and the series
January 18, 2021
3.5-3.75
This time around we get Reece And Delaney’s story. Reece is a single Walker dad and Lanie is Quinn’s BFF from AS YOU TURN AWAY. There were things I liked about the book and things I didn’t. I did enjoy the fact that both characters were more than aware they had their own issues to deal with in order to grow as individuals and a couple. Ms. Moran likes to deal with heavy subject matter and tackles small town racism as Lanie & Reece are an interracial couple. I thought the way Reece handled his grief over his ex was heartbreaking. The major thing that bothered me was that there wasn’t enough Jamie or even references to him when he wasn’t with Reece. Overall it was very enjoyable and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This time around we get Reece And Delaney’s story. Reece is a single Walker dad and Lanie is Quinn’s BFF from AS YOU TURN AWAY. There were things I liked about the book and things I didn’t. I did enjoy the fact that both characters were more than aware they had their own issues to deal with in order to grow as individuals and a couple. Ms. Moran likes to deal with heavy subject matter and tackles small town racism as Lanie & Reece are an interracial couple. I thought the way Reece handled his grief over his ex was heartbreaking. The major thing that bothered me was that there wasn’t enough Jamie or even references to him when he wasn’t with Reece. Overall it was very enjoyable and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 2, 2019
Lanie and Reece make an unusual couple, at least in his part of the country where there are not very many interracial couples floating around. It is this sparcity that causes a hesitation on Lanie's side and pushes Reece to force the issue. His family and friends are "all in" with there being a relationship between the pair, even Reece's son Jamie adores her, so really, what IS holding Lanie back? To find out the answer to this, and other questions, one has to read As You Breathe Again. This novel is not just timely, it is extremely romantic, with appealing characters guaranteed to keep readers entertained for hours.
I was given a copy of this novel for an honest and unbiased review.
I was given a copy of this novel for an honest and unbiased review.
April 15, 2019
This book was one I struggled to finish. The writing was clunky and I feel as if the story of their attraction to each other was told in book one of the series (which I did not read) so I was not at all invested in their relationship. Neither character seemed fleshed out. Where this romance could have shined was is its depiction of race and interracial dating but even when mention race was mentioned it was never in a thoughtful or deep way.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review..
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review..
May 30, 2019
While the characters in this book were certainly flawed as we all are, I felt that it went a little too much over the top. Delaney was always afraid of what people would think, yet she slept around a lot. Reese downed a lot of alcohol to get over the death of his ex-wife, but she was his ex and he should have been there more for his son. I am glad they did finally get their heads on straight and had their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2019
I didn’t like Lanie that much at first. I was turned off by her trying to hook up with someone in the closet of the school where she worked. Never mind getting laid off, she would have had that on her record if she had been found out and would have been lucky to get another teaching job. I felt for Reece raising his son alone after his ex wife died of cancer. Lanie moves from one night stand to next and I felt Reece with a child in the picture deserved better than that. Reece makes her want to change her ways and consider staying in Baylor.
June 4, 2019
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Molli Moran; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
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