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The After Another Series #2
One Breath After Another
They say you can’t go back but … Penny Dunsworth was broken. Before she became the white ghost, she was already unrecognizable. A troubled teenage girl with monsters that couldn’t be slain, and an irrational crush on the only man she considered a friend. Her one crime was daring to think she might finally be free. Luca Puzza was only trying to figure things out. His days are balanced between his duty and worth. He can’t seem to make it all work, but that doesn’t stop him from trying. Somethings are just more important—like the girl with the haunted eyes who seems to trust him. He only ever wanted to help. The past never stays where it belongs—why would it? It’s the only thing left to warn about the future. * One Breath After Another is book 2 in the After Another trilogy. It follows the same couple – Luca and Penny – from present to past, and back again. The books must be read in order. Be warned, the trilogy discusses a subject that may be triggering.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2020
42 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Bethany-Kris
108 books4,257 followersThe author of too many novels to count, Bethany-Kris is a Canadian, lover of much, and mother to four sons, a glaring of cats, and a pack of dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, a snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a spouse calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something ... when she can find the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 5, 2020
Book 2 in this trilogy was amazing. It brought the bones of the story front and center. It answered all of Penny’s disappearance questions.....the how she, the why she, and who helped her.
I loved how the author’s storytelling of the past with the present was so poignant. We got to see the apprehensive and vulnerable Penny in this story and how and why she ended up at The League. Penny’s relationship with Naz and Roz and Luca was filled with unconditional love and support that Penny had never had in her entire life. The growth that Penny made from the time she came to live with Naz and Roz till the time she left was hopeful and promising until her past made an ugly call. And because she loved, she only had one option. It made the story much more emotional because of the time that Penny missed with those that loved her and that she had learned to love back. I will also say that the determination of Luca in finding Penny made so much more sense after this book and it sealed their connection.
This trilogy so far really tugs at your heartstrings because of the sensitivity of the abuse and it’s effects. It’s melancholy, it’s tender, it’s gripping and it’s hopeful. Penny deserves love and happiness and I can’t wait to see it all plays out in the last book.
I would like to add that I absolutely adored how a certain 5 year old held Penny to task and could possibly be the link to Penny finally coming home. Those scenes with him and Penny, pure gold💛.
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
I loved how the author’s storytelling of the past with the present was so poignant. We got to see the apprehensive and vulnerable Penny in this story and how and why she ended up at The League. Penny’s relationship with Naz and Roz and Luca was filled with unconditional love and support that Penny had never had in her entire life. The growth that Penny made from the time she came to live with Naz and Roz till the time she left was hopeful and promising until her past made an ugly call. And because she loved, she only had one option. It made the story much more emotional because of the time that Penny missed with those that loved her and that she had learned to love back. I will also say that the determination of Luca in finding Penny made so much more sense after this book and it sealed their connection.
This trilogy so far really tugs at your heartstrings because of the sensitivity of the abuse and it’s effects. It’s melancholy, it’s tender, it’s gripping and it’s hopeful. Penny deserves love and happiness and I can’t wait to see it all plays out in the last book.
I would like to add that I absolutely adored how a certain 5 year old held Penny to task and could possibly be the link to Penny finally coming home. Those scenes with him and Penny, pure gold💛.
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
May 6, 2022
2.5 stars
Review for all 3 books:
1st book is set in the present and let’s us meet the hero and heroine.
2nd book is all about the past (meh)
3rd book is about resolving the conflict so they can have the HEA
And all 3 books were equally boring with the 2nd being the hardest to care for.
Not my usual response to a BK book, but I was bored. The story didn’t captivate me and the hero and heroine didn’t either.
The heroine’s background should have made me empathetic towards her life choices and her as a person who has overcome a lot, but I just didn’t like the plot and most importantly I couldn’t connect with her or the hero.
They were both very bland. I didn’t feel like they had chemistry and their relationship development also didn’t convince me they were in love.
The plot also had a lot of holes and some things were beyond the realm of possibility.
Overall, this was one of the worst books I’ve read by BK.
Review for all 3 books:
1st book is set in the present and let’s us meet the hero and heroine.
2nd book is all about the past (meh)
3rd book is about resolving the conflict so they can have the HEA
And all 3 books were equally boring with the 2nd being the hardest to care for.
Not my usual response to a BK book, but I was bored. The story didn’t captivate me and the hero and heroine didn’t either.
The heroine’s background should have made me empathetic towards her life choices and her as a person who has overcome a lot, but I just didn’t like the plot and most importantly I couldn’t connect with her or the hero.
They were both very bland. I didn’t feel like they had chemistry and their relationship development also didn’t convince me they were in love.
The plot also had a lot of holes and some things were beyond the realm of possibility.
Overall, this was one of the worst books I’ve read by BK.
October 10, 2020
Okay, listen, I’m the worst blogger/reviewer ever because I honestly do not want to review this book. Not even today, 5 days after release, but I must because you deserve something, it’s just *sigh* I want to burn the world down for this chic. There’s a moment in this past part of the trilogy that shook me to my core. I cried for a very long time. I’m not going to tell you what but I’ll tell you it was at 79% and right now, right this minute, it is the only thing on a loop in my head. So yeah, I’ll repeat what I said in the first book … these types of trilogies are impossible to review sometimes and when the story sucks your soul out then it’s just a nightmare. But this is the past and we already know the present so I know there’s hope.
I don’t want to scare anyone into not reading this story because it is beautifully written and so far, the vile dark aspect of Penny’s journey is not actually on the page, yet. This part of the trilogy gave us the foundation of the overall story arc. Imagine, if you will, the building of a house. First you have the plans or schematics, then the foundation/structure is built, then the inside is finished and decorated. That’s the crude basics. Those crude basics are exactly the way this story is being told, imo that is. No two people read the same book as they say, so your experience with this story may be completely different but facts are facts. The real story of Penny is now going to begin. We now know the bones of the why, some of the who, enough of the what as far as I’m concerned but there is a lot more coming I am sure, and we know there is hope and trust and triumph and love in the future. I know it. I feel it. And I cannot wait to read about it!
Sidebar: Baby Cross ... gaaaaaaaaaawd :) ILY
AVAILABLE NOW!! (Don't read this unless you've read One Step After Another, obvs)
Amazon: https://geni.us/OneBreath
iTunes: https://apple.co/2Y7njwM
Kobo: https://bit.ly/346K2N6
Nook: https://bit.ly/3h4aZoz
I don’t want to scare anyone into not reading this story because it is beautifully written and so far, the vile dark aspect of Penny’s journey is not actually on the page, yet. This part of the trilogy gave us the foundation of the overall story arc. Imagine, if you will, the building of a house. First you have the plans or schematics, then the foundation/structure is built, then the inside is finished and decorated. That’s the crude basics. Those crude basics are exactly the way this story is being told, imo that is. No two people read the same book as they say, so your experience with this story may be completely different but facts are facts. The real story of Penny is now going to begin. We now know the bones of the why, some of the who, enough of the what as far as I’m concerned but there is a lot more coming I am sure, and we know there is hope and trust and triumph and love in the future. I know it. I feel it. And I cannot wait to read about it!
Sidebar: Baby Cross ... gaaaaaaaaaawd :) ILY
AVAILABLE NOW!! (Don't read this unless you've read One Step After Another, obvs)
Amazon: https://geni.us/OneBreath
iTunes: https://apple.co/2Y7njwM
Kobo: https://bit.ly/346K2N6
Nook: https://bit.ly/3h4aZoz
October 9, 2020
I really enjoy this story because we finally know the backstory. Penny is one strong ass survivor and she amazes me. I like Luca too but I hope in the next book that Luca find himself cause these past two books my man been struggling. I also got to see one of my favorite book hero, Cross Donati and he didn’t disappoint I knew he was involve in Penny disappearance and Baby cross omg. I want to see more baby cross, he was definitely a scene stealer.
August 24, 2022
Picking up where we left off, the story started out with a bang, the search was over, or was it?
We loved this second installment just as much or more this time around. I loved getting to know these characters even more. We loved getting to know what drove Luca to do the things he did and the decisions he was making when it came to his life and how it must have been very difficult being caught between two worlds but, along the way, he did find something that he was passionate about and very good at.
Penny, we got more of a glimpse into her past with both what happened to her as a child with the abuse she endured with being sold into sexual slavery and her present and the things that she had to endure to become the woman we see today.
Penny was known as the white ghost with no history of past or present, and that is the way she wanted it for reasons of her own and also for protecting the ones she has come to love.
Things started to heat up between Luca and Penny, something that's been a long time coming. The couple's chemistry was hotter than all get out, but, they were also each other's match in every way. We loved seeing the stronger and more confident women that Penny has become but, beware, she has become as dangerous as the criminals she hunts.
The story was just as emotional this time around as it was the last time, especially after learning the extent of Penny's abusive past, it was enough to break one's heart all over again.
This story does give the reader the fees and one that plays on the reader's emotions, as I can attest mine were all over the place. We are finally getting some answers to her abrupt departure from all of their lives 5 years ago, and it is all not pretty but, she has made great strides in bringing justice to herself and those like her.
Overall, we loved the story and the continuing plot. The story had tons of suspense and a ton of mystery. The plot thickens as these predators who hid behind the dark web with their power and money and their sick desires are about to get their just deserts. The danger escalates and lives are on the line but, for Penny, giving up her life would be her willing sacrifice in order to bring the downfall of The Elite and to free and or prevent even one child from having endured what she did.
The story drew me right into from the beginning and kept us glued to the pages to the bitter end. We are hoping for a happily ever after for this couple but, time will tell as it seems the stakes are stack against them but, knowing Luca, he will go to the ends of the earth and that of beyond to protect the woman he has come to love.
We loved this second installment just as much or more this time around. I loved getting to know these characters even more. We loved getting to know what drove Luca to do the things he did and the decisions he was making when it came to his life and how it must have been very difficult being caught between two worlds but, along the way, he did find something that he was passionate about and very good at.
Penny, we got more of a glimpse into her past with both what happened to her as a child with the abuse she endured with being sold into sexual slavery and her present and the things that she had to endure to become the woman we see today.
Penny was known as the white ghost with no history of past or present, and that is the way she wanted it for reasons of her own and also for protecting the ones she has come to love.
Things started to heat up between Luca and Penny, something that's been a long time coming. The couple's chemistry was hotter than all get out, but, they were also each other's match in every way. We loved seeing the stronger and more confident women that Penny has become but, beware, she has become as dangerous as the criminals she hunts.
The story was just as emotional this time around as it was the last time, especially after learning the extent of Penny's abusive past, it was enough to break one's heart all over again.
This story does give the reader the fees and one that plays on the reader's emotions, as I can attest mine were all over the place. We are finally getting some answers to her abrupt departure from all of their lives 5 years ago, and it is all not pretty but, she has made great strides in bringing justice to herself and those like her.
Overall, we loved the story and the continuing plot. The story had tons of suspense and a ton of mystery. The plot thickens as these predators who hid behind the dark web with their power and money and their sick desires are about to get their just deserts. The danger escalates and lives are on the line but, for Penny, giving up her life would be her willing sacrifice in order to bring the downfall of The Elite and to free and or prevent even one child from having endured what she did.
The story drew me right into from the beginning and kept us glued to the pages to the bitter end. We are hoping for a happily ever after for this couple but, time will tell as it seems the stakes are stack against them but, knowing Luca, he will go to the ends of the earth and that of beyond to protect the woman he has come to love.
October 3, 2020
***5 “What lies behind the mask you wear?” Stars***
I think it’s impossible to review without giving away too many spoilers which no reader should know before embarking on this book. I want you to go in blind, the way I did – I want you to feel what I did. I lost many sleeps over this series, I never knew what was coming next. Bethany-Kris has the ability to constantly surprise her readers with the weapon she wields. As always its an incredibly well crafted story with layers constantly peeling back to reveal shocking truths.
“Penny needed to start over first. Go back to the beginning and remember. To know that for a time, before all of this happened, she was happy.”
If One Breath After Another was all about actions and consequences, then One Step After Another is all about the truth that paved the way to those actions. In fact, its all about separating the lies and deceptions from the truth. Penny Dunsworth thought the impossible, that she could break free from the invisible chains of her past. She could almost taste freedom on the tip of her tongue but the rug is swept right underneath her that lands her trapped in a blinding abyss of torment, pain and longing for one man who saw behind the mask she wore. . . Luca Puzza.
Healing. Coming to terms with who you are and what you are capable of. Both Penny and Luca have to do this. Luca is strong, resilient and devoted to Penny through and through. I will admit that I shed a few tears for Penny and what she had to endure. Being in that situation would destroy any normal person, but Penny never gave up. With open arms she embraced who she was and was finally able to see that the past doesn’t define who she is, but made her stronger.
As a reader, I felt I was constantly teetered on the edge of an abyss of madness, obsession, hidden identities and vengeance. Even after so many truths were revealed, It was a compelling mastering I couldn’t unravel. I am thrilled that there will be a third book to finally wrap up all the loose ends once and for all and finally explain who exactly did what and why they did it. I loved the writing, the dark and gritty story line, and the deliciousness and sexiness of Penny & Luca together and the internal struggles they both face. You are your own worst enemy.
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
I think it’s impossible to review without giving away too many spoilers which no reader should know before embarking on this book. I want you to go in blind, the way I did – I want you to feel what I did. I lost many sleeps over this series, I never knew what was coming next. Bethany-Kris has the ability to constantly surprise her readers with the weapon she wields. As always its an incredibly well crafted story with layers constantly peeling back to reveal shocking truths.
“Penny needed to start over first. Go back to the beginning and remember. To know that for a time, before all of this happened, she was happy.”
If One Breath After Another was all about actions and consequences, then One Step After Another is all about the truth that paved the way to those actions. In fact, its all about separating the lies and deceptions from the truth. Penny Dunsworth thought the impossible, that she could break free from the invisible chains of her past. She could almost taste freedom on the tip of her tongue but the rug is swept right underneath her that lands her trapped in a blinding abyss of torment, pain and longing for one man who saw behind the mask she wore. . . Luca Puzza.
Healing. Coming to terms with who you are and what you are capable of. Both Penny and Luca have to do this. Luca is strong, resilient and devoted to Penny through and through. I will admit that I shed a few tears for Penny and what she had to endure. Being in that situation would destroy any normal person, but Penny never gave up. With open arms she embraced who she was and was finally able to see that the past doesn’t define who she is, but made her stronger.
As a reader, I felt I was constantly teetered on the edge of an abyss of madness, obsession, hidden identities and vengeance. Even after so many truths were revealed, It was a compelling mastering I couldn’t unravel. I am thrilled that there will be a third book to finally wrap up all the loose ends once and for all and finally explain who exactly did what and why they did it. I loved the writing, the dark and gritty story line, and the deliciousness and sexiness of Penny & Luca together and the internal struggles they both face. You are your own worst enemy.
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
January 11, 2022
4,5🌟
Eu amei ver o passado dos personagens, e ter algumas das minhas dúvidas respondidas. Terminei com várias outras perguntas, mas faz parte kkk.
Eu me envolvi muito mais emocionalmente nesse segundo volume, até com assuntos que eu não esperava que fossem abordados. O final me deixou ansiosa para saber se o circo vai pegar fogo em relação às atitudes de um personagem X.
Foi doloroso ler sobre muito do que a Penny passou, mas eu consegui me conectar muito mais com os dilemas do Luca (o que eu não esperava). Alguns dessas questões foram: o fato dele mal conseguir equilibrar as áreas da vida dele, além de estar passando pela crise dos 20 e poucos anos, onde vê as pessoas com um futuro bem planejado enquanto ele nem sabe o que quer ou como conciliar o que já faz; e a dificuldade de lidar com as expectativas dos outros sobre ele, mas principalmente a dele próprio. Achei sensacional a Bethany colocando um personagem, e um masculino ainda por cima, passando por esse tipo de coisa, já que normalmente os caras são os fodões que conseguem lidar com tudo.
Falei demais, mas é isso! Estou ansiosa para saber como essa estória vai acabar.
GATILHOS: depressão, ideação suicida, autolesão, abuso sexual.
Eu amei ver o passado dos personagens, e ter algumas das minhas dúvidas respondidas. Terminei com várias outras perguntas, mas faz parte kkk.
Eu me envolvi muito mais emocionalmente nesse segundo volume, até com assuntos que eu não esperava que fossem abordados. O final me deixou ansiosa para saber se o circo vai pegar fogo em relação às atitudes de um personagem X.
Foi doloroso ler sobre muito do que a Penny passou, mas eu consegui me conectar muito mais com os dilemas do Luca (o que eu não esperava). Alguns dessas questões foram: o fato dele mal conseguir equilibrar as áreas da vida dele, além de estar passando pela crise dos 20 e poucos anos, onde vê as pessoas com um futuro bem planejado enquanto ele nem sabe o que quer ou como conciliar o que já faz; e a dificuldade de lidar com as expectativas dos outros sobre ele, mas principalmente a dele próprio. Achei sensacional a Bethany colocando um personagem, e um masculino ainda por cima, passando por esse tipo de coisa, já que normalmente os caras são os fodões que conseguem lidar com tudo.
Falei demais, mas é isso! Estou ansiosa para saber como essa estória vai acabar.
GATILHOS: depressão, ideação suicida, autolesão, abuso sexual.
October 10, 2020
With every new detail that we learn about Penny’s past it is both inspiring and devastating. She has lived a life that no should have to as she learned the painful truth that believing the wrong person can have a catastrophic outcome. It has left her jaded and believing that everyone has a personal agenda and just when she thinks she has found a home she realizes how fragile it really is.
Luca shows the man he truly is and that he has always been her champion as he tries to balance being there for her with everything else in his life. The effect she had on his life was profound as it not only affects the past but the present as well.
The characters draw you in and learning about the motivations behind their actions only make them that much more compelling and wanting to know what the future holds in the final book of this series.
Luca shows the man he truly is and that he has always been her champion as he tries to balance being there for her with everything else in his life. The effect she had on his life was profound as it not only affects the past but the present as well.
The characters draw you in and learning about the motivations behind their actions only make them that much more compelling and wanting to know what the future holds in the final book of this series.
November 11, 2020
One Breath After Another by Bethany-Kris is a romantic suspense. This is the second book in The After Another Trilogy.
The book does come with a caution "The book discusses triggering topics that may be uncomfortable for some. Please be advised and read at your own discretion."
I absolutely love Bethany’s books! This series just keeps getting better and better. I loved that in this book we got Penny’s past and the decisions that made her join the League. I am hooked and can’t wait to dive into the final book in the series One Second After Another.
I would recommend this book if you like romantic suspense.
The book does come with a caution "The book discusses triggering topics that may be uncomfortable for some. Please be advised and read at your own discretion."
I absolutely love Bethany’s books! This series just keeps getting better and better. I loved that in this book we got Penny’s past and the decisions that made her join the League. I am hooked and can’t wait to dive into the final book in the series One Second After Another.
I would recommend this book if you like romantic suspense.
November 3, 2020
4 estrelas
Esse livro é tão bom como o primeiro , aqui conseguimos algumas respostas e outras não. Curiosa para saber o desfecho dessa história.
Esse livro é tão bom como o primeiro , aqui conseguimos algumas respostas e outras não. Curiosa para saber o desfecho dessa história.
October 5, 2020
I can't really say much without giving things away. Know that you have to read the first before reading this one and go in with a blank slate and mind and feel. My emotions were all over the place with this one but I couldn't stop reading. My heart exploded, shattered, and then was put back together and I know it's still not whole because we need the last one before I can let Luca and Penny go.
October 5, 2020
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 STARS
All I can say is that I am eagerly awaiting the next and final instalment of The After Another Trilogy. We read about their past, and their present, now the future is all we need. And I so need to know what happens to Penny and Luca! One Breath After Another by Bethany-Kris is an EPIC romantic suspense that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
All I can say is that I am eagerly awaiting the next and final instalment of The After Another Trilogy. We read about their past, and their present, now the future is all we need. And I so need to know what happens to Penny and Luca! One Breath After Another by Bethany-Kris is an EPIC romantic suspense that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
October 6, 2020
My heart melted when Penny had her first encounter with her past in the present. Seeing both her and Luca’s story unfold the way the author wrote it was eye-opening. I loved seeing their journey separately. I cannot wait for the final book in this trilogy. I want to see Penny get the closure she needs and to see her get her HEA. This is an unputdownable book and read it in one sitting. 5 stars to this epic read!
October 10, 2020
Where it all began…
This second in the trilogy was about going back to when it all began for them. Penny and Luca’s past laid out in its stark simplicity. Penny’s life with Luca’s sister, Luca’s tentative friendship with her. How it came to be, what it was. The beginning…
This author knows how to understate and imply and this instalment was all about that. Penny’s mindset, her feelings for the family who took her in. For Luca. For the past that didn’t let her go. Luca’s smile set the tone of their relationship and its quiet beginnings…
Filling in the blanks, adding more context to what shaped the characters, this was about going back to the (almost) beginning… I always struggle with a story that jumps back and forth on the timeline yet the emotions and struggles were heart-tuggingly real, no matter when they happened… Can’t wait for the final read to bring the past and present back together again…
October 8, 2020
I gave this book 4.5 stars
The things I like:
-I liked Penny even more in this book even tho she had a lot of things going on. I felt more connected to her in this book, and I got to understand her better.
-I loved Luca in this book, ngl I usually don't like the nice type of guys, but Luca is everything he is perfect, the way he treated Penny, and how he supported her like can someone please give this man everything he wants.
-I like the slow burn.
-I loved the relationship Naz and Roz had with Penny, they were so cute even tho I haven't read Naz and Roz book I like them.
The things I don't like:
-I wish there were more scenes between Penny and Luca.
-I was hoping for some interaction between Penny and Roz, but in the present time.
I Love this book, and I just want to be clear this is my real opinion.
The things I like:
-I liked Penny even more in this book even tho she had a lot of things going on. I felt more connected to her in this book, and I got to understand her better.
-I loved Luca in this book, ngl I usually don't like the nice type of guys, but Luca is everything he is perfect, the way he treated Penny, and how he supported her like can someone please give this man everything he wants.
-I like the slow burn.
-I loved the relationship Naz and Roz had with Penny, they were so cute even tho I haven't read Naz and Roz book I like them.
The things I don't like:
-I wish there were more scenes between Penny and Luca.
-I was hoping for some interaction between Penny and Roz, but in the present time.
I Love this book, and I just want to be clear this is my real opinion.
September 19, 2021
This is the second book from The After Another Trilogy by Bethany-Kris that brings Penny and Luca's past.
This book shows us Penny has a teenager. She's living with Naz and Roz and they are helping her to overcome her past. It's a hard journey for her and a painful one. She also has the help of Luca.
But her past doesn't want to let go of her. It's haunting her. It's threating her loves ones. And she has to do everything to protect them.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. Penny's feelings were so strong, so powerful that you could feel with her. In this book we can see how broken Penny was and we can see how strong she became. Luca was there for her. He helped her. He was her friend. He brought her safety. This book was amazing and I can't wait for the next one.
This book shows us Penny has a teenager. She's living with Naz and Roz and they are helping her to overcome her past. It's a hard journey for her and a painful one. She also has the help of Luca.
But her past doesn't want to let go of her. It's haunting her. It's threating her loves ones. And she has to do everything to protect them.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. Penny's feelings were so strong, so powerful that you could feel with her. In this book we can see how broken Penny was and we can see how strong she became. Luca was there for her. He helped her. He was her friend. He brought her safety. This book was amazing and I can't wait for the next one.
September 25, 2020
“𝒪𝓃𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓅 𝒶𝓉 𝒶 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒. 𝒪𝓃𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝒶𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇. 𝐸𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉’𝓈 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒹𝑜, 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝓉.”
It’s been a while since a book has really just pulled so deeply at my heart. As I was trying to come up with the right words to describe how this book made me feel, I kept coming back to the fact that Penny’s experience with abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking is a very real and terrible reality for so many women. Many people who experience sexual abuse often have it done by the hands of people they thought they could trust, that they should have been able to trust. The resulting trauma can be incredibly destructive to a persons mental, emotional, and physical health. If you or someone you know needs helps please reach out to some of the resources that are available like the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673).
“𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝓌𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓃 𝓂𝑜𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈 𝒹𝑜 𝑒𝓍𝒾𝓈𝓉, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝑒𝓃 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅 𝓊𝓈 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝒾𝓈 𝑜𝓃𝑒.”
I loved that we get so much background information about Penny and her time with Roz, Naz, and Luca, all who I absolutely adored, before she went to the League. We got a glimpse of how important Penny was to them in the first book but the amount of love they hold for her was was so apparent as I kept reading the second and it made me feel so much happiness. Bethany did not shy away from writing about the pain and trauma that comes from having to experience what Penny did and I think that’s one of the things that made this book so amazing was because it was an honest and emotional journey that opened you up to the possibility of finding people who love and care about you and will do anything to keep you safe. The quote above rings so true because you get to witness the development of the relationship between Naz and Penny, the love, kindness, and understanding he shows to her as her guardian, that both Roz and Naz willingly gave.
“𝐵𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒—𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝒾𝒹—𝓃𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒾𝓉 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓊𝓃𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒.”
Luca and Penny, I loved their moments together because they were so heartwarming and demonstrated the absolute trust and understanding that they had for each other. I’m so eager to see how their relationships develops in the last book of this series because they’re definitely one of my favourite OTP’s.
I can’t wait to read the next one because I have a feeling it will undoubtedly get me in all the feels. If you haven’t already I would definitely recommend this series.
I was kindly provided an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ★★★★★
It’s been a while since a book has really just pulled so deeply at my heart. As I was trying to come up with the right words to describe how this book made me feel, I kept coming back to the fact that Penny’s experience with abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking is a very real and terrible reality for so many women. Many people who experience sexual abuse often have it done by the hands of people they thought they could trust, that they should have been able to trust. The resulting trauma can be incredibly destructive to a persons mental, emotional, and physical health. If you or someone you know needs helps please reach out to some of the resources that are available like the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673).
“𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝓌𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓃 𝓂𝑜𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈 𝒹𝑜 𝑒𝓍𝒾𝓈𝓉, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝑒𝓃 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅 𝓊𝓈 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝒾𝓈 𝑜𝓃𝑒.”
I loved that we get so much background information about Penny and her time with Roz, Naz, and Luca, all who I absolutely adored, before she went to the League. We got a glimpse of how important Penny was to them in the first book but the amount of love they hold for her was was so apparent as I kept reading the second and it made me feel so much happiness. Bethany did not shy away from writing about the pain and trauma that comes from having to experience what Penny did and I think that’s one of the things that made this book so amazing was because it was an honest and emotional journey that opened you up to the possibility of finding people who love and care about you and will do anything to keep you safe. The quote above rings so true because you get to witness the development of the relationship between Naz and Penny, the love, kindness, and understanding he shows to her as her guardian, that both Roz and Naz willingly gave.
“𝐵𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒—𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝒾𝒹—𝓃𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒾𝓉 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓊𝓃𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒.”
Luca and Penny, I loved their moments together because they were so heartwarming and demonstrated the absolute trust and understanding that they had for each other. I’m so eager to see how their relationships develops in the last book of this series because they’re definitely one of my favourite OTP’s.
I can’t wait to read the next one because I have a feeling it will undoubtedly get me in all the feels. If you haven’t already I would definitely recommend this series.
I was kindly provided an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ★★★★★
November 10, 2020
In this second part of the trilogy we return to the past. From the moment when Penny is adopted by Roz and Naz right after she tried to commit suicide. Penny knows Roz bc they are both piano prodigies and share the same tutor.
Penny is severely depressed, cuts herself often, and hardly wants to leave the house. Her caseworker sends her to get psychological help and although at first she doesn’t speak much, little by little she opens up. High school is not for her, she has no great interest in socializing with her peers, and she often skip classes. Roz and Naz gives her enough freebies to make feel comfortable, the only thing they ask of her is that she not lie to them.
Luca, Roz’s brother and Naz’s best friend, becomes her best friend, he always knows what to do and say to make her feel better.
The arrival of baby Cross Donati is a great joy for her, she takes great care of the baby.
But the day she turns 18 and has to go to sign her inheritance, she meets with one of the demons of her past, her mother Allegra, who takes the opportunity to threaten her and the Donatis, if she dares to go after her the same way she did to her father. This threat makes Penny trusts Cross Donati who is ultimately the one who puts her in contact with the League.
On the other hand, we can also see what Luca’s life was like before he starts his search for the white ghost. His life is split between law school and helping Naz with mafia jobs. Her mother wants him to focus on his studies, while his father to focus in la Famiglia, and he’s a mess, he doesn’t know what to do.but he doesn’t hesitate to be the shoulder that Penny lean on when she needs help, but as time goes by, he realizes that the crush she feels for him continues to grow every day, and even though he tells her that nothing will ever happen between them, on Penny’s 18th birthday party, he agrees to give her a kiss as a birthday present, without knowing that this would the last time he was going to see her for a long time.
There are a couple of chapters where we jump to the present where Penny has a chat with Cross Jr. who is 5 1/2 years old. This kid shows a great intelligence for his age.
In the third book, the final battle between Allegra and Penny awaits us, plus what happens with the League now that Penny has gone rogue.
Penny is severely depressed, cuts herself often, and hardly wants to leave the house. Her caseworker sends her to get psychological help and although at first she doesn’t speak much, little by little she opens up. High school is not for her, she has no great interest in socializing with her peers, and she often skip classes. Roz and Naz gives her enough freebies to make feel comfortable, the only thing they ask of her is that she not lie to them.
Luca, Roz’s brother and Naz’s best friend, becomes her best friend, he always knows what to do and say to make her feel better.
The arrival of baby Cross Donati is a great joy for her, she takes great care of the baby.
But the day she turns 18 and has to go to sign her inheritance, she meets with one of the demons of her past, her mother Allegra, who takes the opportunity to threaten her and the Donatis, if she dares to go after her the same way she did to her father. This threat makes Penny trusts Cross Donati who is ultimately the one who puts her in contact with the League.
On the other hand, we can also see what Luca’s life was like before he starts his search for the white ghost. His life is split between law school and helping Naz with mafia jobs. Her mother wants him to focus on his studies, while his father to focus in la Famiglia, and he’s a mess, he doesn’t know what to do.but he doesn’t hesitate to be the shoulder that Penny lean on when she needs help, but as time goes by, he realizes that the crush she feels for him continues to grow every day, and even though he tells her that nothing will ever happen between them, on Penny’s 18th birthday party, he agrees to give her a kiss as a birthday present, without knowing that this would the last time he was going to see her for a long time.
There are a couple of chapters where we jump to the present where Penny has a chat with Cross Jr. who is 5 1/2 years old. This kid shows a great intelligence for his age.
In the third book, the final battle between Allegra and Penny awaits us, plus what happens with the League now that Penny has gone rogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2020
Rating: 2.5 stars
Those who want or need a slow paced, leisurely, but painful backward stroll in time to witness firsthand Penny’s high school struggles after being rescued from horrific childhood abuse will likely appreciate this addition to the series. It does give you a perspective of life through her teenage struggles and eyes and how those around her cared for her and wanted to help her move on. You just gotta love the Donati family, folks! You also get to see her early connection to Luca and why he became obsessed with the task of finding her. How she came to join The League is, of course, revealed here, as well.
For me, backtracking is just that. I really didn’t need this filler material, including all the trips to the principal office and therapist visits. It doesn’t take much to get me up to speed. Most of the content here could have likely been summarized in a few chapters, and I’d be fine with that. Not to knock the intent, of course, which was to capture the emotional despair, desperation to now feel normal, and set the future stage to make those pay who hurt innocent victims.
It’s all good. I just in particular am looking forward to the third and last book to move this story line along to its romantic, explosive conclusion. What can I say? I prefer to see and think of Penny as a warrior and crusader for justice, not a broken, skittish teenager. I tend to find series such as this better to be scripted in one complete novel than split up in under 200 page, separate sequels. That’s just a personal preference, folks.
Title: One Breath After Another, Series: The After Another series (Book 2), Author: Bethany-Kris, Pages: 187, to be continued, not a stand-alone, must read book 1 first, read books in order, mostly the high school years.
Book 1 - One Step After Another
Book 2 - One Breath After Another
Book 3 - One Second After Another
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or any PR firm.)
Those who want or need a slow paced, leisurely, but painful backward stroll in time to witness firsthand Penny’s high school struggles after being rescued from horrific childhood abuse will likely appreciate this addition to the series. It does give you a perspective of life through her teenage struggles and eyes and how those around her cared for her and wanted to help her move on. You just gotta love the Donati family, folks! You also get to see her early connection to Luca and why he became obsessed with the task of finding her. How she came to join The League is, of course, revealed here, as well.
For me, backtracking is just that. I really didn’t need this filler material, including all the trips to the principal office and therapist visits. It doesn’t take much to get me up to speed. Most of the content here could have likely been summarized in a few chapters, and I’d be fine with that. Not to knock the intent, of course, which was to capture the emotional despair, desperation to now feel normal, and set the future stage to make those pay who hurt innocent victims.
It’s all good. I just in particular am looking forward to the third and last book to move this story line along to its romantic, explosive conclusion. What can I say? I prefer to see and think of Penny as a warrior and crusader for justice, not a broken, skittish teenager. I tend to find series such as this better to be scripted in one complete novel than split up in under 200 page, separate sequels. That’s just a personal preference, folks.
Title: One Breath After Another, Series: The After Another series (Book 2), Author: Bethany-Kris, Pages: 187, to be continued, not a stand-alone, must read book 1 first, read books in order, mostly the high school years.
Book 1 - One Step After Another
Book 2 - One Breath After Another
Book 3 - One Second After Another
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or any PR firm.)
October 6, 2020
This next installment in The After Another series gives us a glimpse into Penny’s young mind and what led her to joining The League and becoming an assassin. We find out more about Penny and her past here, and you begin to see how she is piecing her life back together.
This book really shows the power of how our decisions shape the people we become. Though Penny might not have a traditional family, she has chosen a family that loves and cares for her unconditionally and she reciprocates those feelings through the sacrifices she makes for them. Because so many choices were taken from her when she was young, her desire to live, love, and defend the people she cares about is even more impactful and a sign of her growth. She chooses not to stay a victim to her past, but takes control of her life and works to free others in circumstances like her own.
“There are men in the world that teach women monsters do exist, but then there are other men who help us learn that not every man is one.”
It was interesting to see that the attraction is not just on Penny’s side here. I like Luca more with each book; he struggles with finding out who he is and the person he should be, but he easily accepts Penny and is just there for her. He doesn’t judge, doesn’t push, doesn’t demand. From the beginning, he has listened, supported, and empathized with Penny, and this devotion is what Penny needs and deserves.
“Nobody gets to change the past—we can only change the future.”
Bethany Kris proves she is a master at developing characters that are flawed and multi-faceted, yet resilient and worthy of respect. Though this book can be emotionally chilling at some parts due to Penny’s past, the storytelling is set up beautifully to show case Penny’s arc from victim/survivor to avenger.
This book really shows the power of how our decisions shape the people we become. Though Penny might not have a traditional family, she has chosen a family that loves and cares for her unconditionally and she reciprocates those feelings through the sacrifices she makes for them. Because so many choices were taken from her when she was young, her desire to live, love, and defend the people she cares about is even more impactful and a sign of her growth. She chooses not to stay a victim to her past, but takes control of her life and works to free others in circumstances like her own.
“There are men in the world that teach women monsters do exist, but then there are other men who help us learn that not every man is one.”
It was interesting to see that the attraction is not just on Penny’s side here. I like Luca more with each book; he struggles with finding out who he is and the person he should be, but he easily accepts Penny and is just there for her. He doesn’t judge, doesn’t push, doesn’t demand. From the beginning, he has listened, supported, and empathized with Penny, and this devotion is what Penny needs and deserves.
“Nobody gets to change the past—we can only change the future.”
Bethany Kris proves she is a master at developing characters that are flawed and multi-faceted, yet resilient and worthy of respect. Though this book can be emotionally chilling at some parts due to Penny’s past, the storytelling is set up beautifully to show case Penny’s arc from victim/survivor to avenger.
September 25, 2020
The structure of this installment is totally different from what I was expecting. It starts with what happened in the past and leads to where the first part ends. The interludes in between is a nice touch. It stars an adorable character!
Penny is the young disturbed teenager who has been through more than anyone can endure. When she comes to the end of her tether, Naz and Roz step in, but trusting anyone doesn't come easy. She has been lied to for as long as she can remember. Why should this be different?
It's a hard and depressing journey for her. She is angry about what her life has meant to those who should have counted. Naz and Roz are a tower of strength as is Luca. With all the support and understanding, she starts to look to the future instead of always dwelling on the past. Just when she thinks that she is getting somewhere, her worse nightmare rears its ugly head. Now that she feels trapped, where does she go from here? Is there anyone who can get her out of this horrible situation?
This story has a myriad of different feelings. It pulls at the heartstrings. The cruelty is inhumane. There are some happy moments, but they are outweighed by what's gone before and what might happen next. I am loving Lucas, Naz and Roz. Little Cross is a mini replica of Cross senior and I would love to see him grow up and get a story of his own.
As heartbreaking as this is, it's also captivating. It shows how little understanding there is about the delicate topics involved. The conclusion can't come soon enough.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Penny is the young disturbed teenager who has been through more than anyone can endure. When she comes to the end of her tether, Naz and Roz step in, but trusting anyone doesn't come easy. She has been lied to for as long as she can remember. Why should this be different?
It's a hard and depressing journey for her. She is angry about what her life has meant to those who should have counted. Naz and Roz are a tower of strength as is Luca. With all the support and understanding, she starts to look to the future instead of always dwelling on the past. Just when she thinks that she is getting somewhere, her worse nightmare rears its ugly head. Now that she feels trapped, where does she go from here? Is there anyone who can get her out of this horrible situation?
This story has a myriad of different feelings. It pulls at the heartstrings. The cruelty is inhumane. There are some happy moments, but they are outweighed by what's gone before and what might happen next. I am loving Lucas, Naz and Roz. Little Cross is a mini replica of Cross senior and I would love to see him grow up and get a story of his own.
As heartbreaking as this is, it's also captivating. It shows how little understanding there is about the delicate topics involved. The conclusion can't come soon enough.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
April 24, 2021
My review applies to all three parts of the trilogy. This story probably features the most beta hero I've ever come upon in a Bethany-Kris novel. The plot line held a lot of potential but overall the trilogy just left me completely dissatisfied. The best part is the second instalment that goes back to the time when Penny, the heroine, comes into Naz' and Roz' family.
The ending is so open, there's no real closure after all the hoopla that went on. They never truly had a chance to settle down as a couple after all the action which is why a good closure in a fast paced book is so vital to me, the reader, being satisfied.
I also didn't like that there's no real solution to the hero's situation with the mafia and his studies. His father is dissatisfied because he never became a made man, his mother because he never finished his studies as a lawyer. It is said he has a successful career but there's not a lot of talk about it as he's solely preoccupied with finding Penny. Nevertheless he's still his best friend Naz', the future don of the Donati family, right hand man, even though he's not made.
A lot of things don't add up. Since this author's work is no longer available through KU (with the exception for #1 and #3 of this trilogy) I have become reluctant to shell out money for her works. So far her more recent work mostly left me dissatisfied, hence my unwillingness to shell out 4-5€ per book.... which I wouldn't mind would her work still deliver as it did in the past.
D+ for first and third instalment, B for the second one, it's by far the most gripping and interesting part of the trilogy.
The ending is so open, there's no real closure after all the hoopla that went on. They never truly had a chance to settle down as a couple after all the action which is why a good closure in a fast paced book is so vital to me, the reader, being satisfied.
I also didn't like that there's no real solution to the hero's situation with the mafia and his studies. His father is dissatisfied because he never became a made man, his mother because he never finished his studies as a lawyer. It is said he has a successful career but there's not a lot of talk about it as he's solely preoccupied with finding Penny. Nevertheless he's still his best friend Naz', the future don of the Donati family, right hand man, even though he's not made.
A lot of things don't add up. Since this author's work is no longer available through KU (with the exception for #1 and #3 of this trilogy) I have become reluctant to shell out money for her works. So far her more recent work mostly left me dissatisfied, hence my unwillingness to shell out 4-5€ per book.... which I wouldn't mind would her work still deliver as it did in the past.
D+ for first and third instalment, B for the second one, it's by far the most gripping and interesting part of the trilogy.
September 26, 2020
Wow!!!
Recieved an ARC and finished the book 2 hours back!!!
Book basically includes the timeline she spent with Roz and Naz after she was rescued.This was soft, touching phase in Penny's life.
One thing was clear blood is not everything. The love she shared with Donati and Puzza families is special. After a long time in her life she sensed something close to being safe, being loved by them. It was a new, nonetheless beautiful experience in her live. She learned to live not just to merely exist.
Now the most special part of the book for me was Little Cross and Senior Cross. There little interactions with Penny hold a lot of importance. If you are fans of Cross Donati senior then you will adore the Little Cross.
Luca can be seen at his adulthood, juggling in between helping Naz with business and his own Law studies. A lot goes in to helping Penny to deal with her past.
In first installment we saw the made version of her by the League. We get to see the timid vulnerable Penny in this, and the circumstances that led her to reach The League.
I loved this book and I didn't expect it to be this. This is beautiful ❤️.
Congratulations @bethany.kris
Book is awesome. All the best for the release.
#bethanykris #OneBreathAfterAnother #OneBreathAA #AATrilogy #TheAfterAnotherTrilogy #BookTwo #OneBreathAA #OneStepAfterAnother #OneSecondAfterAnother #OneSecondAA #ComingSoon #LucaPenny #RomanticSuspense #CrimeThriller #MafiaRomance #BK #arcreview #bookreviews #bookstagrammer
October 11, 2020
One Breath After Another is the second book in this trilogy. This is about Penny and the atrocities she suffered as a child. Her biological family may embody privilege but they are rotten, cruel and unbelievably inhuman.
This book answered questions. How did Penny end up at The League trained as a ghost to bring down the Elite? The person that organised this was not a shocking reveal. It actually made sense but their action and secrecy caused so much pain.
The PTSD that cripples Penny is not surprising. Has being an operative with the League helped? Perhaps with her suicide ideation not so much with her emotional development.
The emotional journey Penny is on whilst living with Nas and Roz is written with so much insight. She finally finds love and safety. The threat that it might be torn away is heart breaking.
It is understandable she thinks she has no other option but to disappear, become a ghost. Nothing is resolved the pain and confusion of Nas, Roz and Luca is palpable. Meeting little Cross wise head on such young shoulders, so many years missed.
I really want the final book of this trilogy to bring about an appropriately vengeful conclusion and for Penny to finally have peace.
Well written, well researched blending fact with fiction giving an insight into the dark depraved world of child sexual exploitation and the devastating harm those involved cause.
This book answered questions. How did Penny end up at The League trained as a ghost to bring down the Elite? The person that organised this was not a shocking reveal. It actually made sense but their action and secrecy caused so much pain.
The PTSD that cripples Penny is not surprising. Has being an operative with the League helped? Perhaps with her suicide ideation not so much with her emotional development.
The emotional journey Penny is on whilst living with Nas and Roz is written with so much insight. She finally finds love and safety. The threat that it might be torn away is heart breaking.
It is understandable she thinks she has no other option but to disappear, become a ghost. Nothing is resolved the pain and confusion of Nas, Roz and Luca is palpable. Meeting little Cross wise head on such young shoulders, so many years missed.
I really want the final book of this trilogy to bring about an appropriately vengeful conclusion and for Penny to finally have peace.
Well written, well researched blending fact with fiction giving an insight into the dark depraved world of child sexual exploitation and the devastating harm those involved cause.
October 10, 2020
Penny and Luca's story just keeps getting better and better. This is the second book of the trilogy. And I must say that it really ties the story really well. The flashbacks and the retelling of the past were so intricately woven in the plot that it will make you love all these characters even more.
I also loved those little snippets of Penny and Little Cross moments! Auntie Penny really kills it here. Well, not literally though. Because with her line of work, she could really be a totally badass killer. In fact, she is!
There's so much to love about this book and so much to unpack. While it may leave you wanting a little more until you count the days for the next release, I loved how the second book really puts Penny and Luca's story into context.
The whole trilogy used in medias res as an exposition device. There are cases when a romance series that uses this plot device may leave you exasperated. But this one is not like that at all. There was a really poignant way that the author narrated the past. And the way Bethany-Kris so artfully shifted between the present and the flashbacks were really great!
Overall, this book will really leave you wanting more but this one will also make you feel quite satisfied at the same time.
I also loved those little snippets of Penny and Little Cross moments! Auntie Penny really kills it here. Well, not literally though. Because with her line of work, she could really be a totally badass killer. In fact, she is!
There's so much to love about this book and so much to unpack. While it may leave you wanting a little more until you count the days for the next release, I loved how the second book really puts Penny and Luca's story into context.
The whole trilogy used in medias res as an exposition device. There are cases when a romance series that uses this plot device may leave you exasperated. But this one is not like that at all. There was a really poignant way that the author narrated the past. And the way Bethany-Kris so artfully shifted between the present and the flashbacks were really great!
Overall, this book will really leave you wanting more but this one will also make you feel quite satisfied at the same time.
October 10, 2020
I'm going to start out by saying that the title states this is The After Another Trilogy, and One Breath After Another is the second book in this Trilogy, so that means that YOU MUST READ One Step After Another (Book 1) FIRST! Bethany-Kris leveled up with One Breath After Another, as she weaved the past & present so seamlessly together that it was perfect in my opinion. This is where we get a ton of detail about Penny's dark past which shows us why she became like she has, and it was so emotional for me because of how brilliant this author is. I really don't want to get into detail since this is the second book, and maybe some of you haven't read Book 1 (WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!), as it may or may not provide spoilers for that book. Please take heed of the warning about triggers because they're there in spades because Penny's past was very traumatic, it made me want to hug her 100% of the time. This girl is truly a bada** and she's at the top of my list for awesome heroines, so I CANNOT WAIT for the conclusion because I have no doubt that it will be explosive! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 5, 2020
5 stars
One word... exceptional!
BK managed to make us hopeful and heartbroken, while still giving us heartwarming moments in just a few pages. I loved everything on this one.
In the last book I was left not feeling sad (which was surprising) but vengeful so, for this one I was expecting something very hard to read but instead I got more; we got the background story, the aftermath of Penny finally getting out of hell. We got to meet her in some of her weakest moments but also her strongest. It was absolutely beautiful see her realize that she was ,that even after the hell she went through, she was still worth of being loved and cared about. I teared up more than once. And don't get me start with Little Cross... my poor heart can't handle his precious soul.
This was truly the interlude of the story, now we'll get to see the beginning of the vengeance and all I can't say is... i can't wait for Penny to Make Them Pay!
One word... exceptional!
BK managed to make us hopeful and heartbroken, while still giving us heartwarming moments in just a few pages. I loved everything on this one.
In the last book I was left not feeling sad (which was surprising) but vengeful so, for this one I was expecting something very hard to read but instead I got more; we got the background story, the aftermath of Penny finally getting out of hell. We got to meet her in some of her weakest moments but also her strongest. It was absolutely beautiful see her realize that she was ,that even after the hell she went through, she was still worth of being loved and cared about. I teared up more than once. And don't get me start with Little Cross... my poor heart can't handle his precious soul.
This was truly the interlude of the story, now we'll get to see the beginning of the vengeance and all I can't say is... i can't wait for Penny to Make Them Pay!
November 1, 2020
Your taken back to Penny’s beginnings, learning about her past and her life with Luca’s sister and husband the Donate family.
Penny struggles with not only what happened to her but also with how to move on and the teenage struggles she faces. Luca is the one Penny decides to talk to, her therapist telling her that she needs to start talking to people and there was something about Luca that made her want to.
All Luca sees is a girl he wants to help, he knows she’s too young for him but they have a connection that he can’t explain, which allows you to see why Luca was so determined to find her and help bring her back.
Penny learns to love her new family and everything she does is to protect them. But when something happens that could put them at risk, Penny decides that best thing to do is to protect them is to leave and you learn how she joined the league, and she becomes the white ghost.
Penny struggles with not only what happened to her but also with how to move on and the teenage struggles she faces. Luca is the one Penny decides to talk to, her therapist telling her that she needs to start talking to people and there was something about Luca that made her want to.
All Luca sees is a girl he wants to help, he knows she’s too young for him but they have a connection that he can’t explain, which allows you to see why Luca was so determined to find her and help bring her back.
Penny learns to love her new family and everything she does is to protect them. But when something happens that could put them at risk, Penny decides that best thing to do is to protect them is to leave and you learn how she joined the league, and she becomes the white ghost.
September 30, 2020
The feels. The feels. THE FEELS. This book made me cry, made me smile, made me want to wring more than a few necks. The emotions Penny was feeling throughout the story were so relatable to me. The depression, the anxiety, finding more strength inside of you than you thought you possessed, and also finding that life has a way of reminding you that the past hardly ever stays where it belongs.
This book only made me love Luca more. For his understanding, for the safety he gave to Penny in so many ways, for being exactly what she needed when she needed it.
When things started becoming more clear towards the end, my eyes were definitely open with surprise and satisfaction. Things tying together from book 1, but still leaving me salivating for more.
Cannot wait for the next part of this story.
This book only made me love Luca more. For his understanding, for the safety he gave to Penny in so many ways, for being exactly what she needed when she needed it.
When things started becoming more clear towards the end, my eyes were definitely open with surprise and satisfaction. Things tying together from book 1, but still leaving me salivating for more.
Cannot wait for the next part of this story.
October 5, 2020
Ok, this book... In my review of the first book I started with a whole paragraph about trigger warnings cuz this book is good but its got some DARK corners it hides out in. Same goes for this book as its a continuation of the first one but it goes into why Penny left in the first place and it kind of gives her and Luca's backstory in the cutest way!!
The more and more I go into this series the more I fall for them, I always love when a hero goes into that "I will stop at nothing to find her" mode. It's very yummy.
I finished this book and immediately felt like I had been pulled out of a world I wasn't ready to leave...I wanted more...I need more... It was just getting good!!! More please!!
The more and more I go into this series the more I fall for them, I always love when a hero goes into that "I will stop at nothing to find her" mode. It's very yummy.
I finished this book and immediately felt like I had been pulled out of a world I wasn't ready to leave...I wanted more...I need more... It was just getting good!!! More please!!
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