Breathless (Yoga in the City #1) by Leigh LaValle

Nov 02, 2017 Alice (Married To Books) rated it really liked it

Shelves: alice-reads-adult-fiction, read-in-2017

I don’t know about you but I absolutely love Yoga, I’ve found that it helps me to feel more relaxed and have some sort of control over daily goals I set myself every morning when I wake up. Breathless is the first book in the Yoga in the City series including romance, emotional stories and… Yoga. In this book, we follow main characters Hannah and Jake. After a bad relationship break-up, Hannah arrives in Colorado, USA to set up a Yoga studio called Bloom. However, the studio is losing money fast ...more

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Jul 26, 2017 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-copy, edelweis-netgalley_review, fiction, from-publisher, read-in-2017, romance

I LOVE that the setting of this one was a yoga studio with a heroine who was a yoga teacher but not a 'typical' yoga practitioners. I really liked the characters - both the main characters and the side characters. There was some humor and quirkiness which I always appreciate in a romance. This was a very sweet romance that also had some substance around making a home for yourself and facing things head on. The pacing was great and I didn't want to put it down. I couldn't wait to see where the st ...more

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Jan 21, 2019 Sarah {The Bookish Knitter} rated it liked it

Shelves: 2019, contemporary-romance

I really wanted to like this story. A spicy contemporary romance set in a yoga studio? Yes please, sign me up. I do seem to be in the minority with this one as it has some high ratings on Goodreads, but there were just some things in this book that bothered me. Let’s get to those first, then we can get on to what I did like.

First off, there were the constant mentions right from the beginning how Hannah was a ‘curvy’ girl. In the opening scene when Jake has to carry her out of the woods due to he ...more

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Apr 25, 2019 Coco.V marked it as to-read

Shelves: freebie

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/25/2019)! 🎁

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Mar 27, 2018 tinyteaplots rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star, all-the-feels, lol, zz-2018-read, kindle-unlimited-read, favorites, grief

What a wonderful read! Yet again I was up 'til the wee hours because I had to finish this book before I could put myself to bed. I'm tired today, but it was so very worth it!
I adored quirky Hannah. There was so much about her to relate to. I don't even want to mention those things because I don't want to give away the fun of discovering how she unfolds and grows.
What a swoon-worthy hero we get in Jake. He's got one of those "the harder they fall" things going on. Sweet and tortured is a dangero ...more

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Jun 25, 2017 Kathy rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2017

I was excited for this one because it has a yoga studio for the setting. Ended up skimming/skipping portions because the content is too adult. That makes it hard for me to rate this because I liked the setting and storyline but was turned off by the graphic content and language.

Content: ADULT - multiple uses of the f word and graphic sex, crudeness

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Jul 05, 2017 Maria rated it really liked it

Shelves: humor, sexy-hero, netgalley

"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
This was an enjoyable read with a hero who blends strength and vulnerability, grumpiness and teasing. Jake’s hotness (he’s Hottie McHotterson after all) has a flavor of something stereotyped, but his stoicism and tendency for self-flagellation balance it out.
Like in a romantic comedy there’s lots of banter, humor and too much sex scenes; but also serious issues like grief, veterans PTSD and survivor’s guilt.
I wasn’t expecting to enjo ...more

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Nov 01, 2017 Dani (Dani Reviews Things & Love in a time of Feminism) rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-release, blog-tour, contemporary, romance, grief, kindle-copy, liatof, made-me-cry, mental-health, relatable-mc

Rating: 4.5 stars

My my my. That was sexy. I mean, there was plot and character development and all that, but wooow was the chemistry amazing. Leigh kept me wanting more between the characters while giving up a teeny bit of heat here and there so I could never relax. I craved more and more, so I was definitely on the same page as Jake and Hannah.

I really liked both characters. Jake was completely swoonworthy, and I loved how he had this rawness to him and could be both assertive as well as respec Rating: 4.5 stars

My my my. That was sexy. I mean, there was plot and character development and all that, but wooow was the chemistry amazing. Leigh kept me wanting more between the characters while giving up a teeny bit of heat here and there so I could never relax. I craved more and more, so I was definitely on the same page as Jake and Hannah.

I really liked both characters. Jake was completely swoonworthy, and I loved how he had this rawness to him and could be both assertive as well as respecting Hannah and getting explicit consent. Hannah was super relatable in that while she was a yoga instructor, she defied the stereotype, loving junk food and soda. I could also relate to her need to maintain control over herself and her life. I have the same struggles, especially since my last relationship ended. Also, can I just say I'm not a yoga person, and I would really be into a yoga class for us normal people with chronic joint problems? Please, Hannah, come be my teacher. And the two of them also made me want to go hiking, so there's another health plus.

Even though there was clearly a physical connection between Jake and Hannah from the beginning, what really made this book special was how that slowly grew to something more, even though neither character planned to get emotionally attach, each for their own reason. The way they helped themselves and each other snuck up on us all a little. In fact, the way Hannah grew especially inspired me; she made me feel more empowered and zen-like as she was learning how to be these things herself.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that the rest of the series will follow the romantic pairings of the other girls? While they were introduced and each given a nuanced personality, Hannah still saw them as all super hippy yoga types. I know the stereotype, and I don't know how much I'd be able to relate to them. But then maybe that's the point? A book for each of them could show how they're not stereotypes, really dig into what makes each of them tick. In that case, maybe I should give the next book a try!

Anyway, do yourself a favour and pick up this book if you're looking for something electrifying and emotional (I teared up at the end) and, dare I say it, inspirational!This review was originally posted on Love in a time of Feminism ...more

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Jul 13, 2017 Darlena Falcone rated it it was amazing

***** 5 Stars *****

Breathless by Leigh LaValle is the first book in the Yoga in the City series.

Breathless left me breathless. Leigh LaValle delivered on romance, comedy, hot and steamy scenes, as well as touched on important issues such as PTSD, wounded warriors, survivors and chronic pain sufferers.

Although written in two different points of views, it was easy to follow back and forth. The story flowed from one perspective to the next. I liked that the characters felt down to earth and relat ...more

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Sep 12, 2017 Romance Rehab rated it liked it

All reviews originally posted on the blog: http://www.romancerehab.com/

There’s some good stuff here, and some stuff that irks the bejesus out of me. So, let’s start with the good, shall we?

Here we go:

1. It’s well-written. No annoying bursts of dialogue that don’t feel authentic. No silly typos and grammatical errors to pull me out of the story. The pacing is nice. There’s lots of sexual tension, which is a huge plus in any romance novel.

2. I love that the heroine is a yoga instructor who isn’t a ...more

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Jun 16, 2017 Leigh LaValle added it · (Review from the author)

Thank you for stopping by! I had so much fun writing this book- I love yoga and I love hot guys. Jake, the hero, really stole my heart. I can't wait for you to meet him!

BREATHLESS is now available on Amazon and FREE on Kindle Unlimited
CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON

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Jun 29, 2017 Chantelle Smith rated it really liked it

Shelves: itsy-bitsy-books

Hannah Roberts wants nothing more than to lay her roots down in Colorado. After sinking her savings into a share of a yoga studio, she finally believes she has somewhere that is until the building starts to undergo a noisy and messy renovation so the studio is losing money and fast.
Things are made even harder when the hot carpenter in charge is distracting her and her yoga students in more ways than one. But if Hannah can’t talk this hard-bodied builder away from his tools, then Hannah can kiss Hannah Roberts wants nothing more than to lay her roots down in Colorado. After sinking her savings into a share of a yoga studio, she finally believes she has somewhere that is until the building starts to undergo a noisy and messy renovation so the studio is losing money and fast.
Things are made even harder when the hot carpenter in charge is distracting her and her yoga students in more ways than one. But if Hannah can’t talk this hard-bodied builder away from his tools, then Hannah can kiss her dreams of laying down roots goodbye.
Coming back from Afghanistan Jake Marshall has brought back only bad memories and a painful injured knee. His next plan is get rehab for his knee, complete the renovation project his has devoted time to, and go to Alaska scale the mountain and leave everything else behind. But the sexy yoga teacher should never be a part of his plans. In exchange for some quiet hours in the yoga studio when renovations are going ahead Hannah offers his private sessions to help with his knee, but what Jake never expected was for Hannah to open up his wounds from the past and break open his heart in order for him to find love.

Breathless is book 1 in the Yoga in the City Series, from author Leigh LaValle and my first book from this author, and I cannot wait to see what other great stories I can read from this author, and what else she will bring to this series.

This book was a great read that I was unable to put down. The two characters in this book were captivating to read and I liked everything about them. I’ve been happy, sad, angry all while reading this book. There were times in this book that I couldn’t believe how much Hannah fought the connection that they had with each other, and also how Jake could also give everything up so easily when he left. But I’m glad that over the short time they spent with each other these two trusted each other enough quickly that were able to reveal things about their past to each other, even no matter how hard it was for them, their connection made it too hard to hide it from each other.

I loved the chemistry that these two characters had, yes, they developed a connection really quickly, and it developed into something quicker than either of them thought but they were real. Their relationship was real, their connection was real, their trust was real, and I think that is what both of them needed at that point in their life. They broke down each other walls, especially Hannah breaking down Jake’s and support him most when you could tell that he need it but they also helped build each other up and slowly help piece each other back together. I love reading their developing connection, I liked how each of them tried to keep themselves the same when being around each other, neither of them changed to impress the other which also made what they had so much more real. But what Hannah and Jake wasn’t aware of was how much she was helping repair Jake and get him to understand that she can have it all and accept the past but live for the future.
The humour in this book had me smiling on numerous occasions throughout the book with seeing their connection blossom and change, and how each of them had their quirky ways and witty comments. These two are defiantly an incredible couple as they each balance each other out, heal each other and have an undeniable connection inside and out.

This book also has some great secondary characters that I’d love to read their stories all of Hannah’s yoga friends such as Crystal and Jennifer but also Jake’s Cousin Brian. What are their stories and will they find the romance and happiness they all deserve?

Another great thing with this book, is that its written with Dual POV’S. I love reading the book this way as it really helps you connect with the characters and get their thoughts and feeling from them rather than someone else.

I absolutely loved Hannah’s character, she was witty, funny, down to earth, real and determined. She really captures me the most in this story. Reading her history either with previous men or even her family life I was rooting for her through this book for her to finally find her true happiness and finally settle somewhere where she belonged. She was so realistic and encouraging and not only with her relationship with Jake but also in her friendship with the girls. She has definably made me want to give Yoga a go after this. I loved how she never changed herself to impress Jake and never forced him to face his past, but rather support and hold his pain with him.

Jake was the perfect male characters for this book and for Hannah’s character. Jake was something dreams were made. Coming back from War, Jake changed his ways a lot. Always keeping on the move, scaling mountains to feel the mountains breathe he would always leave his life to do just that. Women have come and gone through his life and he always pre-warned women that it was a casual thing between them but he never expected the feelings that Hannah gave him. She gave him the breath that he gets when he is on top of a mountain peak she gives him the release to breath and be just him. She helps him deal with the pain of losing him comrades and brothers and helps him deal with the pain of his injury. Very quickly Jake feel for Hannah and what he felt was real and life changing and all for the better.

These two make a brilliant couple who I believe will be stronger together! I’m so glad they get a HEA, and I can’t wait to read Book 2 in these series to see if their story continues and who else’s story gets told.
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Dec 02, 2017 Kendra rated it really liked it

Full review appeared on Reader's Edyn on 10/26/17

Hannah Roberts is one hot mess. She tends to get way too attached to guys way too soon and then they find out. Like the time she put money down on a wedding dress after just a couple of dates … yeah. So when a sexy ‘mountain man’ appears out of nowhere on a trail and rescues her, it’s no surprise when she continue to fantasize about him. Fantasy is all it will be though because she doesn’t know how to find him again and she shouldn’t anyway. She’s Full review appeared on Reader's Edyn on 10/26/17

Hannah Roberts is one hot mess. She tends to get way too attached to guys way too soon and then they find out. Like the time she put money down on a wedding dress after just a couple of dates … yeah. So when a sexy ‘mountain man’ appears out of nowhere on a trail and rescues her, it’s no surprise when she continue to fantasize about him. Fantasy is all it will be though because she doesn’t know how to find him again and she shouldn’t anyway. She’s just starting to crawl back from losing everything and she won’t go there again. When she unexpectedly runs in to him, she’s decided to stay away from him. Bad news is all she can get up to with a guy around and that’s what he is. He even steals her news story as soon as they meet – meet for the second time, that is. But Jake has demons of his own and Hannah’s secret recipe of crazy and sexy is exactly the right combination for him.

Jake Marshall accidentally scares Hannah when he finds her injured on a trail. He immediately likes her, but he’s a one-night kind of guy. No future with him as damaged as he is anyway. He came back home a hero, but he doesn’t feel anything like it. Plagued by constant pain following several surgeries to repair his leg from an IED attack, he’s learned to push through it all and throw up his brilliant smile to the world. Walking in to Hannah’s yoga studio and having her temp him to distraction was not part of the plan. She keeps refusing him, but he’s going to make her say yes to a date – and more. Except when she finally relents and things progress – despite their temporary time frame – temporary might not be enough for her. Good luck convincing Jake of that.

This book was a pretty good read. I haven’t read Ms. LaValle before, but I was intrigued by the blurb of this book. I enjoyed the depth of the characters and that each was flawed in their own ways. I wouldn’t say they exactly complimented each other with those flaws, but nether minded the other’s issues and in some instances viewed them as cute or quirky, furthering their attraction. Hannah has a stubborn streak and it ended up being a huge asset both in charming Jake further and pulling him out of his own misery. And while Hannah may seem like a nut to some with her odd --- almost obsessive … stalker in some cases ---- behaviors, Jake just fell for her even harder. Ironically, in the end, their own problems are what help them find themselves and each other.

The secondary characters really didn’t connect in any way until later in the book. Hannah seems like more of a cast out than a business partner initially – and it ultimately ends up being her own fault for not being included. Once she starts to connect with her friends, then the reader does as well. And the situation was almost the same with Jake’s partner/cousin. I kind of didn’t care for him, but once he was explained a bit more, he was an OK guy. I can’t say that I have ever experienced such a 180 with secondary character like that before.

I don’t know crap about Yoga, so please don’t ask me about any of those accuracies. However, the tie between Jake’s injury/recovery and Hannah’s Yoga sessions were a nice way to bring them closer. This book is part of a series entitled Yoga in the City, which I assume involves the other 3 of Hannah’s friends. Having finally found a connection with them, I would likely read the rest of the series. Overall, you can’t help but root for Jake and Hannah. Poor Jake is so lost in his grief and guilt that he almost doesn’t realize what he is doing by taking so many risks, even though he does. Like, he gets why he does it, but he loses sight of what it is and what it could cost him. And Hannah in all her over-the-top, Yoga pants, green smoothie hating, soda pop loving, junk food addict – God love her, you can’t stop yourself from liking her. This is almost a second-chance love story with possibly one of the most opposite couples I have read about – but it is a love story above all. And if love can’t conquer all, then what can? If Hannah and Jake with an HEA sounds like your kind of read, then don’t hesitate. Get your own copy. You won’t regret it. If that isn’t enough, think hot army guy meets cute Yoga girl (who loves junk food) with undeniable sexual magnetism. You’re welcome.

Kindle version provided by XpressoBookTours/Author in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Oct 29, 2017 SUZAN C. rated it it was amazing

I have to begin by saying I haven’t read a really good Contemporary Romance story in a long time and when I read Breathless, I was so glad to be a part of this blog tour. Leigh LaValle’s Breathless is one of those books that leave you with a deliciously warm and happy feeling at the end. Breathless is a sweet, touching, and inspiring book filled with many funny dialogue and moments. The main characters, Hannah and Jake aren’t your traditional couple but their struggle to find themselves and each I have to begin by saying I haven’t read a really good Contemporary Romance story in a long time and when I read Breathless, I was so glad to be a part of this blog tour. Leigh LaValle’s Breathless is one of those books that leave you with a deliciously warm and happy feeling at the end. Breathless is a sweet, touching, and inspiring book filled with many funny dialogue and moments. The main characters, Hannah and Jake aren’t your traditional couple but their struggle to find themselves and each other makes you hope to have a relationship like theirs. Love is never easy especially when you’re trying to avoid it. And with Hannah and Jake, their relationship went from great to rocky to finally an ending that left me completely happy and satisfied. They are the couple that you want things to work out for them because they struggled so much between not wanting to be dependant to needing each other because of their independence.
Hannah Robert’s life wasn’t easy. She was raised by a single mom and left on her own when she was twenty years old. She struggled to live on her own and to essentially learn that she couldn’t depend on anyone else except herself. After failing at several romantic relationships, Hannah swore off men – especially hot and troublesome men like Jake Marshall. Jake was your quintessential golden boy, a man admired by many and adored by women. Hannah tried hard not to fall for his charms and persistence but sometimes love comes when you don’t want to love.
Jake Marshall lived a meaningful life when he was younger. Talented and intelligent, his life literally spiraled out of control when the Afghanistan war left him bitter and scarred. He vowed never to fall short of his promise to his fallen soldiers and thus never letting anyone get too close to his heart. But with Jake, love and acceptance were two of the main things he felt he didn’t deserve yet ultimately found with Hannah.
Breathless was an extremely well-written story that was so easy to read from beginning to end. I felt the struggle with these two characters and I cheered them on when they needed it. Not often do writers have that talent of letting you feel what the characters feel and be a part of their journey throughout the story. In Breathless, I felt like I was there with Hannah and Jake and cried, laughed, and felt the same frustrations as they did. Their journey in life wasn’t easy yet when they both allowed themselves to accept each other, they realized that loving oneself first was the most important path to take.
Breathless was also such a funny read! Ms. LaVelle’s words are comical, endearing, and straight forward. I instantly liked Hannah because of her own self-deprecation. She was a Yoga instructor yet didn’t fall into the typical “yoga instructors” that you might see in Yoga studios and advertisements. She was beautiful inside and out and it was the love and desire from Jake that finally brought her out of her own fears.
And Jake. Sigh…he was described as a total hunk but with a heart of gold. Full of talent and bravery, Jake was every woman’s dream and desire. I loved Jake’s character as well because he was fallible even with his good looks and charming personality. He felt real and genuine and although he didn’t let anyone in close enough to see his true pain and guilt, he didn’t let it hinder him from being a great person.
Breathless will leave you breathless with wonder and fulfillment. You’ll learn a lot of things about Yoga and climbing mountains and architecture. And in the end, you’ll be happy and satisfied that Jake made the right choice and finally dealt through his pain and guilt.
Thank you to Xpresso BookTours and Leigh LaValle for the ARC! ...more

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Jun 18, 2017 Bobbi Wagner rated it really liked it

Breathless (Yoga in the City Book 1) by Leigh LaValle is the first book in her Yoga in the City series. This story is full of emotions that will take you on a roller coaster ride from laughter to sadness. This is my first story by this author and I fully enjoyed this sweet romance. She has great writing skills and the development of her characters are true to life. This story will keep you engaged until the end and leave you wanting more. You will enjoy how this author has created characters tha Breathless (Yoga in the City Book 1) by Leigh LaValle is the first book in her Yoga in the City series. This story is full of emotions that will take you on a roller coaster ride from laughter to sadness. This is my first story by this author and I fully enjoyed this sweet romance. She has great writing skills and the development of her characters are true to life. This story will keep you engaged until the end and leave you wanting more. You will enjoy how this author has created characters that pop right off the page and into your heart. These characters build a slow romance that is about healing, lasting friendship and finding love even if life is trying to take you in two different directions. Find out what happens when these two find themselves in a breathless relationship.

Hannah Roberts has picked up and moved across country to Colorado. She has decided to put all of her savings into shares of a yoga studio. The only problem is that the studio is losing money fast. The building that her yoga business is located in has started renovations and along with those renovations comes the hot carpenter. Will she be able to talk him out of his power tools before she has to kiss her dreams away?

Jake Marshall has come back from Afghanistan with an injured knee and a lot of bad memories. He is focused on finishing this renovation, rehabbing his knee and going to Alaska, leaving all of it behind. She doesn't fit into his plans. What will happen when she offers him private yoga sessions in exchange for some quiet hours? Will he get more then he expected? Will she heal more then just his knee? Will she open up old wounds and how will he deal with it?

Hannah and Jake's relationship is one that they are both attracted to each other. One will jump in with two feet and the other one fights the attraction. He keeps asking her out and she keeps saying no, will she say yes one time? They are the definition of passion, they are sweet and they will make you fall in love with them. These are two strong characters that each have their own pasts and demons that they have to deal with. Hannah is running from a past and bad relationships but I give her a lot of credit for coming as far as she has. She is determined and she just needs to admit that there is an attraction between her and Jake. Jake is the alpha male that is hot and sexy. He is determined to get her to go out with him and he is pretty well be willing to do anything to get her to say yes. Together they really do make the story flow until the end which makes this story easy to read. This story gives hope that there is true love out there if you are willing to compromise when you need to. Will these two learn to compromise so that they can have a chance at a relationship? What will happen to these two when life takes them in two different directions, will they find a way to have a relationship? Find out what happens to these two as they learn to heal from their pasts and learn what compromise means?

This is my first story by Leigh LaValle and I know it won't be the last. I can't wait to see what she will have for us next in this series. Leigh lives with here family in Montana. When she is not busy chasing kids, housework she is trying to steal away time to write. She would rather sleep then sleep and can't imagine what a life would be like without writing. You will enjoy how fast paced this story is. I had a hard time putting this book down. This story will keep you engaged until the end. You will want to see what happens on the next page. I highly recommend this book as I know you will want to see what passion and sweet romance is. ...more

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Jun 29, 2017 Kayla rated it really liked it

I've recently had the chance to read this novel through Netgalley.

Breathless is the first stand-alone novel in Leigh LaValle's series Yoga in the City.
There are so many good things I can say about this book - it was perfect in all the right ways.

Immediately upon starting the book we are sucked in. First we meet Hannah- a twenty-something yoga teacher scorned from a recent failed relationship who just moved to a new city hoping to start fresh and really find herself. Instantly, I was able to re I've recently had the chance to read this novel through Netgalley.

Breathless is the first stand-alone novel in Leigh LaValle's series Yoga in the City.
There are so many good things I can say about this book - it was perfect in all the right ways.

Immediately upon starting the book we are sucked in. First we meet Hannah- a twenty-something yoga teacher scorned from a recent failed relationship who just moved to a new city hoping to start fresh and really find herself. Instantly, I was able to relate to her in many different ways - both clumsy, yoga, hiking, and relationship turmoil. Next, we meet hunky Jake Marshall as he runs in the save the day (literally), but he remains a mystery throughout most of the book. Right off the bat, we (as readers) know the two belong together with sparks flying in all directions. However, still healing from her last relationship and worried about her future, Hannah fights the attraction with all her might.

The first half of the novel Jake makes us all swoon and fall in love with his playful personality, and the second half makes us beg to trade places with Hannah - even just for a day.

LaValle has a way with words that makes us all fall in love, but there were some parts of the book that distracted me. First and foremost, Jake's personality and inner thoughts once he begins to open up can be off-putting. We don't really see his "true self" until about halfway through and then he comes off very crude and sexually driven - but maybe that's what true attraction does to a man. Also, keeping in mind the series is called Yoga in the City, there are some parts that contain strong yoga talk and though I do dabble in the practice myself, I found myself looking up some of the terms and poses so I could truly follow Hannah's thought process. So if LaValle had a hidden agenda to get all of her readers interested in the art of yoga - she has succeeded.

Breathless breaks all the rules of the romance novel stigma by including themes other than just love. The novel talks about the grieving process and dealing with loss. It turns out, Jake Marshall is an American soldier home from Afghanistan after suffering debilitating injuries and witnessing his closest friends pass away. Being there and watching it happen is scarring in and of itself, but being the reason your closest friend has died is heart wrenching and all encompassing. Jake holds the blame and pushes those closest to him, believing it is all his fault. Though time keeps passing, he isn't able to move on and continue living life the way he used to. However, with the help and care from Hannah, he is able to come to turns with everything and look at it in a different way - he will never forget, but he will carry it with him without hindering him.

Ultimately, the novel was able to capture my attention and hold it strong throughout. It took me on an adventure to Boulder and made me fall head over heels with all the characters and not just those in the limelight. It gets a 4.5 rating from me, simply because of the incredible amounts of crude language throughout the second half of the book.
The description and cover drew me in, but the content was able to drive it all home. Leigh LaValle is a new author to me, but because of Breathless I may have to keep an eye open for the rest of her work. ...more

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Jul 10, 2017 Angela rated it it was amazing

5 Stars

Breathless is the first book in the Yoga in the City Series by Leigh LaValle. It is a sexy, sweet, contemporary romance. This is my first book from this author, and I am so excited to have found such a talented author to add to my must read list. I really enjoyed this beautiful story.
Hannah Roberts is a Yoga teacher had been on the move for quite some time, skipping from town to town never staying in one place for very long, trying to escape her memories. But, six months ago she found her 5 Stars

Breathless is the first book in the Yoga in the City Series by Leigh LaValle. It is a sexy, sweet, contemporary romance. This is my first book from this author, and I am so excited to have found such a talented author to add to my must read list. I really enjoyed this beautiful story.
Hannah Roberts is a Yoga teacher had been on the move for quite some time, skipping from town to town never staying in one place for very long, trying to escape her memories. But, six months ago she found herself in Colorado where she has finally decided to put down roots and try to find some stability in her life. She took her life savings and has invested in a part-ownership of Bloom Yoga Studio.
The owner of the complex where their Yoga Studio is located begins an intensive and intrusive renovation of the whole building. The noise from the construction impacts the business quite considerably and it is under threat of failing. Hannah has everything invested in this venture and can’t afford for it to fail. So she decides to confront the owner and try to get him to keep the noise down. She wasn’t expecting the owner to be quite so distractingly gorgeous. He makes her quite breathless.
Jake Marshall is a former soldier, business owner, architect, project manager and adventurer. He’s the town hero, who would rather climb a mountain than have to deal with people. When Hannah approaches him to try and work something out, he can’t help but be drawn to the quirky, funny, beautiful woman. He proposes that they do a trade- he will ensure that the studio has some quiet hours, in exchange for private Yoga lessons from Hannah. Hannah is a little reluctant, she doesn’t trust herself around the sexy man and she really doesn’t want the complications that a tryst or relationship would bring to her life. She really just wants to focus on her career and building her business. But ultimately she really is left with no choice but agree to his terms.
As they spend more time with one another, their feelings develop and they soon find themselves unable to resist their attraction. But Jake is due to leave on a 5 month expedition to Alaska and he never factored a relationship into his plans. But, Hannah may just be the tonic that his body and soul needs to heal. Will he be able to walk away from her when the time comes? Will Hannah find the stability she’s been craving, or will Jake shift her world off its axis?
This really is an incredibly good story that moved me and left me feeling happy. It was quite emotional in places, bringing tears to my eyes on several occasions…. but there were also a lot of funny moments that had me giggling at the antics or banter between the characters. Hannah was a little obsessive and her ‘lists’ really lent some humour to the story, as did her funny ‘inner’ dialogue. Then there was the whole ‘thong-gate’ incident, which gave me a good laugh.
Hannah and Jake are wonderful characters. I loved them right from the beginning. They are well developed, complex, relatable and endearing. Their chemistry was so electric that they steamed up the screen of my kindle.
Book two can’t come quick enough for my liking.

Thank you Ms. LaValle!
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Jun 29, 2017 Chanah Dickson (The Book Whisperer) rated it it was amazing

Breathless

Life has dealt Hannah Roberts some seriously bad times but after her latest disaster she decides to move to Boulder and start a fresh. All she wants is to find some place she can call home, makes friends and enjoy her work as a Yoga instructor, she decides to but all her life savings into Bloom Yoga studio and becomes business partners with 3 other teachers. But trying to make it is seriously bringing her a whole new world of stress. Just as there picking up more students and things ar Breathless

Life has dealt Hannah Roberts some seriously bad times but after her latest disaster she decides to move to Boulder and start a fresh. All she wants is to find some place she can call home, makes friends and enjoy her work as a Yoga instructor, she decides to but all her life savings into Bloom Yoga studio and becomes business partners with 3 other teachers. But trying to make it is seriously bringing her a whole new world of stress. Just as there picking up more students and things are starting to look promising Renovations begin above them and when Hannah goes to confront the builders she quickly realised that the man in charge is the same mountain man that has been in her dreams lately , he saved her when she had an accident in the woods and now her heart is in her mouth she knows there's chemistry but with a history of bad relationships she decided it's best to stay far way from sexy Jake Marshall for the sake of her poor battered heart!

Jake Marshall war veteran,mountain climber and architect all roles up in a very sexy package knew when helped Hannah off the trail that he wanted more from her, even just to see her again would be enough for now but once he realises she's a tenant in his newly purchased building he knows he can't stay away he has to convince her to go on a date with him.
Jakess time is short while preparing for his next expedition to Alaska but with his injury he knows he needs to try something else or the doctor won't sign him off to go so he joins up . Hannah's Yoga class seems the perfect way to start wearing her down for that Date he can't wait to go on. Not only does the yoga help land him the date but he also finds that it helps to heal his blown apart knee which means nothing can hold him back from his Alaskan trek now. Only problem is he didn't realise that spending all this time with Hannah would mean he would get feelings for her, they planned for a little fun before he went away in 5 weeks but none of them bargained in that there hearts would get lost in the process.
Jake and Hannah are fun loving characters who both have hearts of gold but they each have huge loads they carry from the past, if they could only see that letting go of that pain they carry will help them be happy in there future and give there hearts and minds a new lease on life. But as usual people are stubborn so it results two broken hearts that can only heal together!

Leigh Lavalle is a brand new author to me and I really enjoyed her story the book was so well written and all the characters were so easy to relate to it made you feel apart of the small world she had created inside the pages. This story is mainly about finding that one person that loves you for you but I also enjoyed the friendship aspect the author portrayed as Hannah had never really had any girls friends and didn't know what to do with them now but the ladies from Bloom helped her at every turn and showed her what it's like to have some people at your back they built an amazing little circle to support Hannah when she needed them the most and she now has her own little family group that she always wanted . ...more

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Jul 05, 2017 Laura Furuta rated it it was amazing

Breathless (Yoga in the City Book 1)
By: Leigh LaValle
5 out of 5 stars

The story Breathless (Yoga in the City Book 1) by Leigh LaValle is a romantic comedy book. This is a beautiful story about healing and second chances. It is the story of Hannah Roberts and Jake Marshall. I loved how this story started and how Hannah and Jake first meet. It really set the pace for the rest of the book. I found myself quickly getting lost in the story and not being able to put it down for long as I wanted to know Breathless (Yoga in the City Book 1)
By: Leigh LaValle
5 out of 5 stars

The story Breathless (Yoga in the City Book 1) by Leigh LaValle is a romantic comedy book. This is a beautiful story about healing and second chances. It is the story of Hannah Roberts and Jake Marshall. I loved how this story started and how Hannah and Jake first meet. It really set the pace for the rest of the book. I found myself quickly getting lost in the story and not being able to put it down for long as I wanted to know what happens. It is a story that had me laughing and wishing these two would hurry up and realize that they are meant for each other.

Hannah is part owner is the Bloom Yoga Studios. She has put her life savings into the business. Who was to know that a noisy renovation could be a threat to all of her dreams. Hannah is a wonderful character. She writes down lists when she comes up against a situation she needs to figure out and those lists can be quite humorous. She is a wonderful yoga instructor, however, she doesn’t seem to have the confidence that the other instructors and part owners of the studio have. She also has decided that there will be no men in her life because of past relationships. Then she meets Jake. He quickly takes over Hannah’s thoughts. She can’t get away from him as he is in charge of the renovations to the building that the studio is in. What will Hannah do? With her determination wavering will she take a chance on Jake or will her past overshadow any chance these two many have?

Jake is a man that is haunted. He returned from Afghanistan with both physical and emotional scars and when he is overwhelmed he leaves. The pain controls him. Then he meets Hannah. She is someone that he is drawn to like no other woman and finds himself wanting her more and more. She is sassy and independent. Jake agrees to an arrangement with Hannah for quiet time from the renovations in exchange for private yoga sessions to help his knee. Will Jake break down Hannah’s walls around her heart and get her to let him in? Both Jake and Hannah have issues with the past and they let them affect how they see each other and their future. What is in the cards for them? Can they help each other heal and find a future together?

This is the first book I have read by the author and I have found her to be a superb storyteller and I love the characters that she has created. I can’t wait to read more of her books. This story does include adult situations in the way of steamy love scenes. It would be for those 18 years of age or older.
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Jul 04, 2017 Angela Shirley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ibbb-reviews

Breathless is the first book in the Yoga in the city series and follows the story of Hannah and Jake. With his nature to be the adventurer will he take a chance on Hannah, but with her habit of running away will she think she is enough for him.

Hannah has moved around a lot over her life time and she now feels like she has found a home with in Bloom Yoga studio and when the owner decide to go travelling her and the other three teachers clubbed together and brought Sally out.

While she is out hiki Breathless is the first book in the Yoga in the city series and follows the story of Hannah and Jake. With his nature to be the adventurer will he take a chance on Hannah, but with her habit of running away will she think she is enough for him.

Hannah has moved around a lot over her life time and she now feels like she has found a home with in Bloom Yoga studio and when the owner decide to go travelling her and the other three teachers clubbed together and brought Sally out.

While she is out hiking one weekend she trips and is concerned as she tries to make her way down the mountain on her duff ankle but in the distant she spots her saviour, this sexy man helps her down the mountain and tends to her ankle. The chemistry between the two of them is off the chart and she is all ready to get to know this hunk but he then packs her in her car and then vanishes.

Jake is training for his adventure in Alaska, but as he is finishing off his hike and then he spots her struggling along trying to get own the mountain. As Jake approaches her he has an instant attraction but after getting her to safety he leaves her to make her way home. Once he sees her vanish from view he kicks his self that he did not get her number.

So as Hannah returns back to work all of a sudden there is a crash in the studio so as they enter the main hall in the studio there is a piece of scaffold sticking through the main window, all of a sudden in comes the supervisor of the job and Hannah is shocked when in walks Jake.

As the story goes on you get to go inside the head of both of the main characters and understand there different aspects of their life. I loved the character of Hannah who is a strong, independent woman but also has the same insecurities that most people have and she is a little mental as well. Jake’s character also give a vulnerable side to the macho war hero but has the strong alpha male side which we secretly want.

The secondary characters also interest me as the relationship and dynamic between Hannah and the girls was rocky at the beginning but they welcomed her into the fold where Hannah started to feel like she belonged. This is the first book I have read by this author and look forward to reading more of this series in the future.
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Jun 14, 2017 Tracy Wilkin rated it it was amazing

Breathless is book #1 in the Yoga in the City series by Leigh Lavalle. Leigh Lavalle certainly left me breathless after reading this book. What an incredibly enjoyable and well written book. Breathless was my first book by this author, and it is just the beginning. I am a huge fan already, and felt the author engaged me into the story instantly and effortlessly.

Hannah shares ownership of Bloom Yoga Studio, which is the building being renovated by Jake and his firm. It’s a fresh start for Hannah Breathless is book #1 in the Yoga in the City series by Leigh Lavalle. Leigh Lavalle certainly left me breathless after reading this book. What an incredibly enjoyable and well written book. Breathless was my first book by this author, and it is just the beginning. I am a huge fan already, and felt the author engaged me into the story instantly and effortlessly.

Hannah shares ownership of Bloom Yoga Studio, which is the building being renovated by Jake and his firm. It’s a fresh start for Hannah, and she has everything invested in the business, so failure is not an option. She approaches Jake to try to come up with a solution that suits both parties. Win win, right? Hannah wants Jake but won’t allow herself to take the last step and give into the all consuming attraction they share. Jake is very persistent, and doesn’t let up until she caves and agrees to a date.

Jake’s passionate reaction to Hannah only increases when he begins private Yoga lessons for the knee he injured while on a mission. In a constant state of arousal, he is not above begging for her company. But the tables turn and soon Hannah will agree to do just about anything to spend time with Jake.

Breathless was a slow building drama of a romance that increased in intensity, passion and action. It is a story about the struggles of returning home from conflict, of building lasting friendships, of finding love even though life was taking them in different directions. It is also was a beautiful example of how love is sometimes mightier than we think, and the realisation that, with a little compromise, you really can have it all.

Leigh Lavalle created the perfect setting for a magical story. I was instantly addicted and read until the words blurred. Then at the first opportunity, I was back into reading all about Hannah and Jake. I quite happily escaped into Breathless and did not want it to end. I am desperate for the next book in the series to be released. There i just something about Yoga and the sensual way Leigh Lavalle describes it that just added to the appeal. I was sold on this book just from reading the blurb. Breathless is a top quality 5 star read. ...more

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Jul 14, 2017 Lisette Gonzalez rated it it was amazing

Breathless (Yoga in the City Book 1)
By Leigh LaValle
5 Stars

Breathless by Leigh LaValle is the first book is Yoga in the City series. It is a romantic comedy about Hannah Roberts and Jake Marshall, and how they both overcame pain to finally fall in love.

Hannah Roberts is part owner and a Yoga instructor at Bloom Yoga in Boulder, Colorado. this sassy an independent yogi is tired of running from her past. She invests all her savings on Bloom Yoga, in hopes of moving forward. While on a day hike an Breathless (Yoga in the City Book 1)
By Leigh LaValle
5 Stars

Breathless by Leigh LaValle is the first book is Yoga in the City series. It is a romantic comedy about Hannah Roberts and Jake Marshall, and how they both overcame pain to finally fall in love.

Hannah Roberts is part owner and a Yoga instructor at Bloom Yoga in Boulder, Colorado. this sassy an independent yogi is tired of running from her past. She invests all her savings on Bloom Yoga, in hopes of moving forward. While on a day hike and a twisted ankle later, Jake (known as her Mountain Man to her friends) saves her and helps her out of the mountain to safety. It was an instant attraction, but Jake is one of the type of guys Hannah has to avoid falling in love with, as per her list of do’s and don’ts.

Jake Marshall is a former soldier, architect, and the town hero. During a military stint in Afghanistan, a horrible IED attack killed his best friend while trying to save Jake. This has caused Jake a lot of emotional and physical scars and stress, which he tends to run from by taking adventurous, near death trips away from everyone. As part owner of an architecture firm, which has purchased the building where Bloom Yoga is located, is in a middle of a huge renovation that affects Bloom Yoga. When Hannah and her business partners can’t deal with the noise and dwindling business caused by the renovation, she is forced to take matters into her own hands and face the owner of the company that is handing the renovation. In comes Jake, who is supervising the renovation and seeing Hannah again sparks an interest he usually doesn't get with others girls he dates. Will Hannah open up to Jake and allow her heart soften for her Mountain Man? Will Jake stop running away from his past and allow Hannah to be the “one?”

This is the first book I have read by Leigh LaValle and I enjoyed every moment of the story. I love practicing yoga, so this book was right up my alley. The book was hard to put down and I enjoyed the banter between Hannah and Jake. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Yoga in the City series. ...more

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Jul 01, 2017 Kaitlynn Taylor rated it really liked it

Breathless- Leigh LaValle

4 Stars Review

Breathless by Leigh LaValle is book 1 in her Yoga in the City series. This book is absolutely hands down a fun easy read. There isn’t too much drama but there’s certainly enough going on to leave you intrigued. It’s very well written with a storyline that flows perfectly. Hannah was very relatable and I felt like I really knew her as I was reading. This story had me wanting to return to my own yoga practice, which was definitely an added bonus.

Book 1 follo Breathless- Leigh LaValle

4 Stars Review

Breathless by Leigh LaValle is book 1 in her Yoga in the City series. This book is absolutely hands down a fun easy read. There isn’t too much drama but there’s certainly enough going on to leave you intrigued. It’s very well written with a storyline that flows perfectly. Hannah was very relatable and I felt like I really knew her as I was reading. This story had me wanting to return to my own yoga practice, which was definitely an added bonus.

Book 1 follows Hannah and Jake; Hannah is a yoga teacher at Bloom Yoga Studio, which she co-owns with three other women. She’s funny and sarcastic, at times a little frazzled and with obsessive tendencies. Jake is a man’s man with good looks; he’s intelligent and strong. He’s a thrill seeker, sometimes making choices that aren’t always his desires. The two meet while out on a hike where they share a brief encounter. Hannah finds herself fantasizing about him all the time; he’s everything she would want in a man. He openly shows his interest in her after walking into the studio, yet she isn’t quite reacting the way he wanted. She’s holding back, Hannah has been hurt one too many times in the past, which has left her a bit guarded when it comes to men. Besides she’s trying to focus on her career and trying to find herself. Will she let go of her reservations about a relationship as he persists or will she remain strong and focus on her future?

I really enjoyed this book; both Hannah and Jake intrigued me, as they seemed to have deeper issues. Hannah was incredibly relatable; even with her career lined up she was still lost and unsure of herself. She’s been single for a long time yet she still hasn’t found who she really is and she can sometimes be borderline obsessed when it comes to men. Plus I loved that even though she was a yoga teacher she still knew how to indulge in the finer things in life. I look forward to reading Reckless, Book 2 in the series; hopefully we’ll see more of Hannah and Jake in the future.
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Jul 07, 2017 Mom's Guilty Pleasure rated it it was amazing

Breathless: Yoga in the City
Series book one written by Leigh LaValle
5 stars

This book hit many emotions and was well written. I don't feel the story was rushed nor did it drag on. It kept you hanging on and wanting more with a perfect balance. I didn't want it to end. There is humor, healing, heartbreak, friendship, self discovery, passion, hope and second chances. You may need a few tissues...I did!

Hannah is a stage five clinger when she gets into relationships. She recognizes it, but she can't Breathless: Yoga in the City
Series book one written by Leigh LaValle
5 stars

This book hit many emotions and was well written. I don't feel the story was rushed nor did it drag on. It kept you hanging on and wanting more with a perfect balance. I didn't want it to end. There is humor, healing, heartbreak, friendship, self discovery, passion, hope and second chances. You may need a few tissues...I did!

Hannah is a stage five clinger when she gets into relationships. She recognizes it, but she can't stop herself from it. She is alone and starting off in a new city. She is coming off another breakup and has sunk her life savings into a new business venture. She is part owner of Bloom Yoga Studio and determined to stand on her own and not let a man have control over her financially or emotionally again.

Jake returned to Boulder and is a silent partner in his cousins architecture business. He hasn't put down permanent roots since his last tour in Afghanistan. He loves to get lost hiking in the mountains, but his injured knee has been holding him back from his plans in the Alaskan Range. Jake stumbles upon a quirky, humorous, kind hearted yoga instructor who is willing to trade lessons to rehab his injuries for quiet construction hours for the remodel on her building. Jake is easy on the eyes, but always leaves the women broken-hearted when he takes off on his expeditions. They know the score going in...he doesn't do permanent...he doesn't feel worthy of love...he holds a lot of guilt from his last tour and doesn't feel he deserves happiness or forgiveness.

Will the two heal one another? Will Hannah and Jake finally fill the empty holes in their heart? They both have set off alone across the country on their own journeys to heal and accomplish goals yet they both still feel alone. When will the guilt, heartache and emptiness end?

Reckless is Book 2 in the Yoga in the City series and can't release soon enough. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for many of these characters.
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Jun 14, 2017 Sarahe32 rated it it was amazing

Breathless is book one in the Yoga in The City series by Leigh LaValle

Hannah Roberts has moved across the country again running from her past, finally finding somewhere she wants to put down her roots, get a job, find a home, be happy. Wanting something to fulfil her life she helps save a yoga studio called Bloom Yoga Studio, she ends up sinking he life savings in it, her time and her effort, and she prays that this pays off. Everything is going well until the whole building undergoes renovation ...more

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Jul 11, 2017 LJT rated it really liked it

4.5 Stars!

Lots of hiking, yoga, and renovating occur in the picturesque city of Boulder. There is newly discovered love, wonderful friends, and loyalty. So you may want to free up some time and pick-up up a copy of Breathless, the first book from Leigh LaValle's contemporary new series, Yoga In The City. The outstanding prologue is just the beginning of this harmonious novel.

Hannah Roberts is not your typical yoga instructor. She enjoys Doritos, Coke and even Oreos, in addition to a good workout ...more

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Jun 14, 2017 Lynn Jones rated it it was amazing

Breathless (Book One Yoga in the City)
by: Leigh Lavalle
5 Stars
Hannah Roberts moved across country to Boulder, Colorado. Running from her past she finds a place to put down roots and be happy. She helps save Bloom Yoga Studio sinking her l ok 've savings into it. Everything is going well untill she finds herself with a sprained ankle and cut hand lying in the snow from her trek up the mountain. Jake Marshall just happens to be near her when he hears her cries. He comes to her rescue and carries h ...more

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Jun 27, 2017 B. rated it it was amazing

I absolutely loved this book. I started reading it one evening and then couldn’t put it down until after midnight. What made it was that the characters, Jake and Hannah, just came across as decent, good people with their own insecurities who couldn’t resist falling for each other.

Hannah is a yoga teacher, but feels like a fraud because she doesn’t embrace all the woo-woo talk of many yoga enthusiasts or doesn’t enjoy drinking a lot of green smoothies. She has suffered in her life and been hurt ...more

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Jul 14, 2017 Jes Bruno rated it really liked it

Shelves: ibbb, reviewed

**YOGA is not about SELF-IMPROVEMENT, it’s about SELF-ACCEPTANCE. – Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa**

Breathless by Leigh LaValle is the first book in the Yoga in the City series. This is a sexy Rom-Com of Hannah and Jake’s journey of accepting what life gives you and how to work thru the past to make a happy future.
Hannah Roberts is co-owner of Bloom Yoga Studio with three other women. Hannah is not your typical yoga teacher/owner; she not into the healthy part of yoga life. Hannah is a clinger when it come ...more

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Jun 14, 2017 Maura rated it it was amazing

Breathless – Yoga in the City Book 1 by Leigh LaValle – 5 stars

This is one of those romances that had it all for me. I didn’t want to have to put it down while I was reading it and found myself yearning to take a break from work so I could read a “few more pages”. This is the first book I’ve read by Leigh LaValle and I look forward to reading many more in this series. In the “background” of this book is a yoga practice at a studio called Bloom Yoga. “Yoga is based on Ayurveda, the oldest medical ...more

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