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Just Breathe

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Bailey
I lived through a hell that most wouldn't survive. I managed to escape with my son and take refuge in a town where I thought we wouldn’t be found. Watermount Falls is the perfect town to give us the second chance we need. It gives us a sense of security, a new family, and Gavin. I did everything possible to avoid any type of feelings and attachments toward him, but Gavin is determined to prove not only to me but also to Logan that he wants forever with us and will do whatever it takes to keep us.

Unfortunately, it seems good things aren’t meant for Logan and me. I fear we may not have run far enough to escape the hell I left behind.

There's a saying, the calm before the storm. I can feel it nearing, just waiting to pounce. The only thing is, it's not a storm that's coming. It's a damn tsunami.

Gavin
Every day is the same shit. Wake up and put on an act of being the carefree playboy tattoo artist. Every night, the nightmares threaten to take me into the darkness and never let me go.

Until her, Bailey. She's awakened something within me. Something I never thought I'd feel. She's given me a chance at breathing, at living again, and I intend to keep her. Her and Logan.
Whatever it takes.


Bailey’s past is coming back with a vengeance, threatening to finish what it started.

Will her secrets ruin everything they’ve started to build together?

Or will Bailey and Gavin be able to overcome the hell that finds her, and, in turn, find within themselves what they so desperately need, to just breathe?


For mature audiences only (18 and older)
Contains some subject matter that may be offensive due to violence, language, and sexual situation.
Reader discretion is advised.

302 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2020

20 people are currently reading
1268 people want to read

About the author

Célia Pereira

5 books87 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,282 reviews734 followers
April 6, 2021
4 💖💖💖💖🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️

Bailey left home with her 6 y.o. boy, Logan, due to their father’s abusive behaviour. They settled in a small town where Gavin was a resident and became a regular customer at the diner where Bailey was working!
They met and the attraction between them was amazing!

Gavin was a good hearted character, possessive and handsome. He didn’t rush their relationship but followed the pace Bailey had set. He was amazing towards Logan and his feelings for this wonderful little boy were genuine!
Bailey was a courageous woman who would do anything for the well being of Logan and made sure his smile never left his face!

Their love story was emotional, strong, had depth and i was totally engrossed in it. All characters, main and secondary, were amazing, loveable and easy to connect with.
I still don’t know if Logan or Mr Henderson mostly touched my heart!!

A beautifully written and developed romantic story with all the feels!!!

Célia Pereira, congratulations for this wonderful debut novel ❣️
Profile Image for M.
731 reviews318 followers
November 17, 2021
Sit down and buckle up because you're going to be on an emotional rollercoaster. This authors words will grip you from the first page and hold your heart hostage until the very last.

This story is real and not sugar coated. We see how Bailey has grown up. How she was treated by a person who should have always kept her safe and not brought her harm. She goes through what she does to keep her son, Logan safe. At all costs, that little boy's happiness and safetly will be her guiding light in the darkest of times.

Unable to take anymore, she gathers their belongs and sets off into the night. No destination set, just to get away. A small town will be where they rest for a bit, but she ended up getting more than a nights rest there. She found a place to maybe call home, even for a short time if that's all she could have. True friends, a job she enjoys and even the attention of one of the local heartthrobs. Gavin McKnight... the local tattoo shop owner with eyes that promise so much.

She knows she should keep to herself and not bring anyone into her life, but she has a hard time not wanting more. Gavin makes her want to try, want to trust, want to love.
Our past isn't always so hidden and our real life nightmares are sometimes closer than we think... Can she overcome hers to have a future with the one man who sees her, truly sees her worth and offers himself and his love in return.

This story was filled with moments that will break your heart, take your breath away and make you truly believe in hope and that love can win.... it's sometimes messy and we have to break before we are blessed with the sweetness of it.
Profile Image for Penny.
478 reviews64 followers
August 7, 2022
If I had been a new reader I would have loved this book. Not that it was bad but having read a few books I knew what to expect. That and the fact that imo the writing could be better, made me want to give this three stars.

So why am I still wondering what rating to give it? As usually happens in the books with the single parent trope, Logan made everything better. And Zeus stole my heart (dog lover here 🙋🏻‍♀️). Also, like I said numerous times, I want an epilogue and I was completely satisfied with these cute, fluffy scenes in the end so that's a plus.

I think that some parts could be more well developed, the writing was a bit immature imo and I thought the plot was predictable. Yet, some things here and there made me enjoy this book. I really don't know what rating to give this one. More like 3.5 stars round up to 4 ⭐

Profile Image for Priyanka  Dhingra .
235 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2020
This was the debut novel of the Author Célia Pereira and I can't believe HOW AMAZINGLY SHE HAS WRITTEN THIS BOOK!!

This is the story of Bailey who is running from her past, with a six year child in her arms, Logan. She had run away and started a new life far away from her past, started working, and met a few amazing people but it's still difficult for her to trust them. She still didn't keep her guard down until she met Gavin McKnight and afterwards everything changes.

Gavin McKnight who have enough share of his burden but it's difficult for him as well to let somebody in and Bailey was a whole different story for him. He felt things for him which he never felt for anyone but she's not alone, she has a child.

But it still didn't stop Gavin to approach her and Will Bailey give him the chance with a twisted, dark past?

Things which I really liked in this book is that it starts from the Cliffhanger which ofcourse creates the hyped to read and encourages the readers to keep going with the book. I love how the author has developed the characters throughout the story and How could we forget LOGAN?! I mean that guy is such a cutie pie!! Love him soo much!

This was really an enjoyable read with lots of emotion and BUTTERFLIES! I definitely fall in love with this quote “In this life and the next." Which gives a real meaning of love. Ofcourse let's not forget the steamy scenes which were again BANG ON! I meant they were BANGING ON....I ..meant..I hope you get my point.

Though these are some points that I would like to highlight that there was nothing new in this story plot that I have never read and I personally think that the author could add the a little banter and the comedy scenes between some characters like Hunter and Gavin or maybe Ash and Hunter but there was none to make the story interesting.

There might be some readers who might get bored from all the seriousness from the book and would not read the book till the end. So that would be disappointing for both. And I am, let's say quite not happy with the end it was way too predictable for me. So, for me there was nothing new with the end.

Overall, I would say it was an AMAZING read with lots of emotional roller coaster ride and the steamy scenes which I loved!! So I definitely HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to many other readers.

ARC was generously provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for L.L. Meyer.
Author 10 books340 followers
March 26, 2021
Bring the tissues! Just Breathe was a roller coaster of emotion.

Bailey and Gavin made an unlikely couple; she's a singe mom on the run and he's a serial-one night kind of guy. But there's just something about the other that they can't seem to resist.

There were so many great moments in this one! I loved how the author balanced out all the turmoil of the characters' back stories with sweet snippets that included Logan, the adorable kid, and Zeus, the protective dog.

Can't wait for Hunter and Ash's story next!
Profile Image for Jenifer Briggs.
1,528 reviews192 followers
August 31, 2020
I'm blown away that this is this authors debut novel!! This was so emotional, intense, and sexy -- I couldn't stop reading!

Bailey is on the run from her painful past, all along raising six year old Logan who will forever be one of the cutest kids in existence. She's trying to start her new life, but is always on guard because of her past. That is until she meets the insanely attractive and kind Gavin, that makes her want to let go of all her pain and just be happy.

Gavin is no stranger to pain himself, but he does his best to keep if hidden. From the very moment he saw Bailey he knew he wanted her, and set out to woo her. They have an intense relationship from the start, but it never felt rushed.. It was just right for them. But when Bailey's past tries to derail their future, will their newfound love be able to make it?

This book was incredibly emotional, but it wasn't overly heavy at the same time. The story flowed very naturally, and I was invested the entire time. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Profile Image for Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora).
2,426 reviews302 followers
March 27, 2021
Rate:  4,5/ 5 stars

Just Breathe is Célia Pereira’s debut novel and what a gem it was! I adored all these characters since the very beginning.

Gavin and Bailey’s relationship was so sweet and ugh I loved Logan so much, he was such a cute kid. I loved how he and Gavin just clicked from the very beginning, I think it was mostly because of his dog but immediately became such an amazing friendship!

I also really adored most of the side characters. Everyone was so welcoming and amazing. I just really adored this small town and its people! And gosh ever since it was first hinted at, I’ve been so curious about Ashton and Hunter! I can’t wait to read their book. It’s either coming soon or already out so yay!

Just Breathe is an amazing small town romance about a tattoo artist and a waitress who just moved to town with her son. It’s emotional, super sweet and a bit suspenseful! I adored it and very much recommend it!

➳ Physical copy provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.

➳ It’s currently on sale for only 0,99$!! Order at: Amazon US

➳ Follow me on: InstagramFacebook Twitter
Profile Image for Jessica  MedicoTrongeau .
71 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2020
Just Breathe by Célia Pereira

“I will love you in this life and the next.”

This was a debut novel from Célia Pereira and it was an absolutely beautifully written and emotional experience. I devoured this story in a matter of hours and felt EVERYTHING!

Bailey is a beautiful young woman who was dealt a wrong hand with her family. After a tragic accident with her mother, Bailey was left with her father and her little boy, Logan. With an abusive past Bailey decides to move on to a new town in search of a better life for her little boy. In this new town she meets a handsome tattoo artist by the name of Gavin and his adorable dog, Zeus. Gavin immediately is drawn to his beautiful new neighbor and her amazing little boy.
Gavin and Bailey begin a beautiful love story. Just when things start to be too good to be true, her past comes back to haunt her in the most tragic of ways.
Will Bailey and Gavin’s relationship survive the shocking turn of events? Will love and hope be enough?

It is refreshing to read a book like this... with the real life events that happen every day in people's lives. This book was an eye-opener, a heartbreaker and a tearjerker all in one. It gave me feelings of hope and compassion. You read this and just want it all to work out for Bailey, Gavin, Logan and even Zeus.

Sometimes you read a book and you just stop and think “wow.” I thought this love story was amazing. Such a powerful experience to read Bailey and Gavin’s story. I felt every emotion this couple went through. My tears of fear and happiness. My sighs of fear and romance. This was so amazing!! I can’t wait for Célia Periera’s next book. Hopefully Ash and Hunter’s story! I would love to know their story.

Profile Image for Me_myself_and_romance_ Books.
492 reviews
August 19, 2020
This is the debut book for celia and I was so excited to get my hands on it. This is an insta love story of the quiet girl next door and the bad boy tattoo artist or so you think. You meet Bailey who is a waitress and mother of Logan who keeps to herself but is loved by all. She catches the eye of the sexy tattoo artist/ shop owner Gavin. From the day he lays eyes on her, he continues to visit her every morning at her workplace. Not only does he visit her every morning they are neighbours and her son loves to play with his dog Zeus.

I love how i opposite they are but compliment each other. This booked had me hooked wanting to know more about Bailey’s and Gavins past. They both hold secrets close to their hearts but when the truth comes out, will what they have make them stronger or break them. There are so many twists and turns you feel every sort emotion poured out throughout the book. You go on an emotional roller coaster full of sweetness, love, spice, pain and happiness. By the end of the book i was content with a huge smile on my face. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews135 followers
Want to read
October 16, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/16/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Lucy Joyeux (Gazikova).
192 reviews51 followers
March 6, 2021
I’ve got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If I’m not mistaken this is the first book by Célia and let me tell you she crushed it! If in the future I’ll be lucky enough to review any other books by Célia, I’ll dive straight in!

Since the first page and first few words I was IN. The author really does know how to pull you in!

I felt a connection with Bailey (one of the main characters) since the beginning, luckily not all literally. She is an amazing person. She cares deeply about Logan and whether he’s happy, healthy and himself more than she does about herself. Which in her situation we’d all be the same. I gotta admin that not even once did I feel like she’s being stupid or stubborn for certain emotions or things she should do or didn’t do. I honestly loved Bailey.

Gavin. Well he’s different. He stuck with me too. He truly is an amazing person too. Yes, sometimes he does something he shouldn’t, but we all do that. He’s just a human being after all. I loved how he embraced and accepted Bailey and mostly Logan, since they’re one package! He was able to show his love for the people he cares about and not caring who sees.

Logan, he’s the cutest little nugget ever! He’s happy, himself and extremely caring. He loves Bailey more than anything in this world and if he could he’d do anything for her.

There are more amazing characters, but since these three are the main, I had to write something about them.

Now you see, in the book you get a POV of Bailey and Gavin. Once I got it from Logan’s and I cried. Once was all it took to make me cry and feel really protective of him. I love that kid! He’s the bestest thing in the world!

This book was something different. It was heavy, but at the same time easy. I laughed, I cried, I panicked, I had all the feels with this book!
In most books I’m looking for love, danger, courage and a few more things and here I got it all. Célia literally crushed this book and my heart along with it!

I recommend this book to anyone! It was fast paced, but not too fast as when you couldn’t really tell what happened or when. The writing style was beyond perfect!
Profile Image for Frankie Page.
Author 14 books295 followers
February 23, 2021
One sit read

I came across Just Breathe as part of a book club. I was immediately drawn to the summary. I love a good romance heavy with suspense. Bailey and Gavin did not disappoint.
Profile Image for Michelle Mastandrea.
370 reviews11 followers
August 26, 2020
Just Breathe....
A truly beautifully written story that will leave you breathless. It is a story of new beginnings and hope. From it's dramatic prologue, this story will keep you inthraled till it's wonderful end.
Bailey is hoping to make a fresh start in a new town for herself and son Logan, leaving behind her traumatic past.
Gavin is the sexy tattoo artist who lives across the hall from Bailey. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he was capitaved, knowing that she was different than any other woman. The kind of woman you fight for and keep forever.
Bailey decides to take a chance on Gavin and thus begins their beautiful story. Of course just when this look to good to be true, Bailey's past comes crashing back in tragic ways. Will their love in each other be enough to overcome the secrets and events that transpire?
This book broke my heart with it's raw emotions! It was told in a wonderfully realistic way that you felt so connected with it's characters. The secondary characters of Logan, Mr. Henderson, Mamma B, Ash, and Hunter were truly a complement to the overall story! Let's not forget Zeus Gavin's adorable dog!
Such a emotional ride from tragic beginnings to true happiness you'll be left with a deep sensation of hope and love!
I enjoyed every page of Gavin and Bailey's story and hope to see a possible future book featuring Ash and Hunter! A simply fantastic debut novel!

*I received a copy of this book by the author for an honest review *
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,073 reviews23 followers
February 27, 2021
Bailey is on the run with her son when she stops in Watermount Falls she finds there statuary.

Gavin has lived there all his life. He owns the ratio shop in town.

To be able to share my talent permanently on someone’s skin is an honor. When someone comes to me with their pain or joy and asks me to express it on their body, it’s a feeling that I have yet to find the right words to describe.”

This stunning debut novel is a roller coaster of emotions so superbly written you would never know it was her first.

“In this life and the next, beautiful. I love you forever.”

Logan and Zeus are adorable. Hunter and Ash are next and I can’t wait to read there story.
Profile Image for Anita Edwards.
48 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2021
After the run of bad luck I've had with the books I've read recently, Just Breathe restored my faith in reading. What a wonderful story, and so well written and engaging throughout.

Literally the only constructive feedback I have is that at times the words the characters said read more like exposition that belonged in prose rather than speech.

Otherwise, reading this was like a warm hug. Gavin is a book boyfriend for the ages, and I love how he fell in love with Bailey AND opened his heart in a fatherly way to Logan. Swoon.

I have added this book to my list of favourites, and can't wait for the next book. Ashton is going to make for a compelling heroine.
2 reviews
November 11, 2020
Reading this novel Gave me ALL THE FEELS. I just couldn’t put it down. Its An extremely powerful story of a young woman trying to pick up the pieces of her life. There was one event a few chapters in, where I could feel myself in the room. I was so immersed in the moment.
Its hard not to fall in love with characters right from the beginning. I love that the chapters were in both characters prospective. Gave such great insight to their inner thoughts.
The story warmed my heart. It was just beautiful.
Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,312 reviews46 followers
March 14, 2021
Just Breathe – by Célia Pereira

**this story does contain descriptions of physical abuse**

For a first book, Célia Pereira, in my mind has done a bang up job.

Bailey and her (son) Logan have run from their living situation. They end up in the town of Watermount Falls, where they settle in, Bailey getting a job and six year old Logan going to school. They are just trying to have a normal life and stay under the radar just in case the person they have run from tries to find them.

Across the hall, Gavin McKinight, a bad boy, sexy neighbor has taken a shine to Bailey and is breakfast stocking her, ok he goes to the diner where she works, sits in her section while he tries to convince her she should go out with him. Not only is Gavin good looking and as Bailey’s friend Ash is want to say, sex on legs but also he has a dog Zeus who Logan has developed a crush on.

Pereira story was a joy to read. The two main characters each were dealing with personal trauma, Bailey her abuser and Gavin dealing with the loss of not just his brother who died on a tour of duty but also from the loss of his parents in his life because his father blamed him for his brother enlisting.

Six year old Logan and his buddy Zeus bring all the smiles and aww’s to the table. Pereira was spot on with six-year-old talk!

Pereira has given the reader a wonderful group of secondary characters in this story and I am taking a guess there is a good chance, two of these characters, Ash and Hunter will get their own story. When you add in Mr. Henderson and her boss Mamma B, I hope this cast appears in another novel.

Congratulations to a fellow Torontonian on a job well done. I enjoyed every minute of this read and I’m hoping to see more from you.

I was given an ARC copy of this book in return for a review.
Profile Image for Madalina.
330 reviews8 followers
August 29, 2020
Just Breathe was the book that I was in a mood for and I am really happy that I waited a little bit to read it. There is a great mom, a child, a hot guy with a dog, insta-love and the past colliding with the present.

Bailey is a single mom with a complicated life. She escapes that life and arrives in Watermount Falls, where she is met with open arms by the residents, and also by Gavin the hot tattoo artist and her neighbor, who also has some old wounds.
After some stalkerish activities from Gavin’s side, they start to explore their feelings, but Bailey has a hard time opening up about her past, so when the past collides with the present, they face some hard times. With the help of the new family and friends, everything sorts out, and they have their happily ever after.

I enjoyed the story very much; it was sweet and easy to read. I loved that there was more interaction with Bailey’s child, Logan, and it was really nice to read about Logan and Gavin’s relationship. I also liked that there were not so many sex scenes, I felt that this story was more about feelings, friendship and family.

I loved how the book was structured. Like we got too see more about the main characters how their relationship developed, after the incident, I liked that so, so much.

I would have liked to read more about the first encounter between Bailey and Gavin, how they met and what they felt in that moment.

I recommend this book if you want to read a sweet love story.

I look forward to read more books by Celia Pereira.

*I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.*
Profile Image for Anna Valsa.
324 reviews
April 5, 2021
3 🌟🌟🌟
I liked at first. But something didn't make sense. Why someone loved so much his wife became this terrible ,crazy person? I didn't buy it.
The rest of the story it was good!
Thank you my friend Dora 😙
Profile Image for Elle.
7 reviews
August 31, 2020
ARC edition provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Bailey Peterson moves with her six-year-old son to Watermount Falls to escape her past and her abusive life in her hometown. Arriving in the small town they are welcomed with open arms from the citizens and especially Bailey’s neighbor, Gavin, is doing everything to make her see him as he sees her.
Gavin McKnight owns a Tattoo shop in Watermount Falls. When Bailey and her cute, little son Logan move into the apartment next to him, he immediately knows that they are something special. Will Gavin get the girl he wants? And will Bailey be save in little Watermount Falls?

To find answers to these questions you have to read Just Breathe by Célia Pereira but I can say that it’s not a waste of time. The book made me feel different kind of emotions. It makes you smile or even laughing out loud. It can make you cry but also angry. It really covered every emotion you could feel.

One of my favorite characters was Bailey’s best friend Ash. She is a friend everyone should have, she protected Bailey and Logan, she was just there for them. I also want to mention their adorable dog Zeus! If you love dogs read about him because he is really such a great fictional dog.
The characters in general are real and I could relate to them during some parts of the book. Especially Bailey’s shyness is something I can relate very well to and I think others can do too.
Bailey has done a very good character development from being shy and not trustful to being able to trust the loving people around her. She is still shy with some very confident parts but don’t think a character has to turn 180 degree. It’s just important that there is some kind of development and that was given.
I don’t see a big development in Gavin as well because he was sweet from the beginning but I think the character learned something during their journey. He learned how to trust someone with his burdens. I guess you could say that is one of the major topic in this book.

The setting was described very detailed but not so much that I couldn’t let my imagination run free. It was the right amount of description between knowing how everything should look like and imagine some minor details on my own.

What I enjoyed in general was the two perspectives the book was written in because that is personally my favorite. It made you understand both characters so much better and gave you an enlarged understanding on why Bailey and Gavin handled things the way they did.
There is only one minor thing I am not entirely fond of. I personally think that the beginning of the book was too quick for my liking. I read the first six chapters and almost immediately Gavin and Bailey started dating. I know that some people are big fans of insta love but I am just a bigger fan of a slower development.
Besides this one minor detail the book gripped me and I did not want to stop reading, especially at around sixty percent.

Over all the book was extremely captivating and emotional. The characters were written very well and i could relate to them immediately! The message the author shared with us, the way I see it, was that you are never alone and that you can learn how to trust someone again. I am a big fan of this!

I look forward to read more from Célia Pereira, maybe even more of other characters from Just Breathe!
Profile Image for Books Over Flowers .
17 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2020
Equally heartwarming and heartbreaking, this is a lovely book. Starting with a window to Bailey’s dark past really incites the reader to commit themselves to this journey of a book.
Bailey is looking for a safe haven to raise her beautiful boy, Logan, and to start anew. She finds herself in the little but quaint town, where everyone seems more than ready to be the helping hand, specially her fiercely attractive neighbour who seems to be determined to win her over.

“He is beyond handsome, the perfect mix of sexy and bad boy charm. He just has to smile, and girls throw their panties at him, I’m sure. But he's not for me, or should I say, I'm definitely not for him. I have way too much baggage for a man like Gavin to even spare me a second glance. Plus, there's also Logan, we're a combo.”

At first glance, Gavin is the womaniser of the town. No woman can resist him, all except her. He cannot help but be drawn to her beauty and allusiveness. He wants to break her walls, to know every detail. Not to mention her little guy, Logan, who wins his heart without even trying.

“She's reserved, quiet, but has a fight in her you don’t see in everybody. A survivor. Bailey is the type of woman that you would move mountains to be worthy of.”

It is quite a realistic portrayal (if not what would be the best way forward) of dating when here are children involved in the mix.

Personally, I loved the fact that, even though both M.C.s are deeply attracted to each other, it is mostly shown through Gavin and not Bailey. Also, the flirting and bickering back and forwards between the pair makes the sexual tension unbelievable.

For a debut novel, it is a great beginning. The character development could do with a bit of polishing but it is really good nonetheless. I cannot wait for what is next to come form Célia Pereira.
Profile Image for Jesse Adler-Wheeler.
358 reviews11 followers
September 2, 2020
Celia, you did not disappoint. I fell head over heels for Gavin and Baileys story. This was such a captivating story from start to ending. This story had me wondering and guessing from the first few pages. You made this love story so unique and one of a kind. You added so many elements to it. Mystery, angst, curiosity, love, and my favorite essays that family is not always blood.

The story starts off with Bailey. You’re not completely sure what her background is but you get small enough glimpses. She moves to a new town trying to start her life over with Logan. She meets some incredible people who basically adopt her as their own. Then there’s Gavin. A burley tatted up beautiful specimen who owns a tattoo parlor and has a tragic past of his own. They cross paths. But there comes a point where their paths make it difficult to continue. Gavin and Bailey’s characters are so vulnerable and real. It draws you to their appeal. The emotions they have to go through to handle their pasts and their future. Amazing. You can feel their emotions in the pages.

I’m still processing that story. I am so in awe but in a good way. This story gets you in all the feelings. Be ready. I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I’m always a fan of dual point of view stories because it really helps develop the main characters perspectives and gives you better glimpses in their heads. But I highly recommend this stand alone book. And Celia, you now have me as a hooked reader! I can not wait to see what else you come up with!
Profile Image for Megan Judd .
90 reviews19 followers
October 1, 2020
4 Stars

Gavin and Bailey were just everything. The emotions and feels for these two are just unreal. Bailey and Logan are quite the pair. They are mother and son, but also so much more. With one comes the other. So when Gavin comes into the picture, he knows that he wants to be with a woman who has a kid and he definitely wins some brownie points because he has zero problems with it.

Gavin doesn't come without his own demons but him and his dog, Zeus (that's my huskies name by the way, so instant love there) fall for Bailey and Logan. The way this man wants to work for Bailey and take things slow with her is just something else. Definitely swoon-worthy. I love a leading man like Gavin for many reasons but his patience, and knowing what he wants just did everything for me.

This book is dual POV, which I absolutely love. We get to know Gavin's demons, along with Baileys. Together they can move forward from their pasts together. Other than this iconic couple, I loved all the secondary characters. Logan was the cutest 6 year old, ever! Ash and Hunter.. color me curious but I hope they definitely get their own book. I loved the darkness, the humor, the love and friendship. It was an amazing read and definitely won't be the last time I've read from this author.

I received this arc for an honest review
Profile Image for Mich.
21 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2020
I don’t even know where to begin with this review!
I loved this book from start to finish. Some reviews I’ve read say that they’d like to see when Gavin & Bailey met as the book starts a little while after they’ve met, I disagree I think it was perfect as Bailey would never have been quick to jump into anything so soon after leaving her life the way she did, I think this was very well thought out. I don’t know who I loved most (Gavin, Bailey, Ash, Hunter, Logan, Mr Henderson lol or Zeus?) I’m a sucker for dogs or any animals in books and loved how super protective Zeus was so special shout out there. I liked Bailey a lot she wasn’t annoying like some main characters can be, her struggles were real (I won’t sugar coat it some of it was hard to read) the romance was slow but just on point. Gavin was really sweet & knew what he wanted, I like that in my leading man. He was just the right kind of alpha male and super duper yummy, the romance was hot (could have been more love scenes I wouldn’t say no) and even the sub characters I loved too (yes Hunter & Ash are we going to hear from you soon?) I certainly hope so. I love a funny best friend and Ash was hilarious. 5 stars from me. I’ll be adding to my personal collection. It’s mind boggling this is the first book from this author. And I love a HEA cos sometimes you just wanna feel good about the world :))
54 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2020
The two greatest things in the world is to love and to be loved. While Bailey thought that she would never be loved and that she would have to be a single mom her whole life with no one to pick her up when she was feeling blue, Gavin was of the opinion that he could never love anyone wholeheartedly and care for someone more than he did for himself.
With their pasts haunting them, being in a committed relationship seemed unlikely at first however after Gavin’s persistence, Bailey gave him a chance. Her son, Logan, loved Gavin’s dog and soon after, they established a relationship which became a pattern however they weren’t lucky enough to escape their past completely and soon enough, it catches up with Bailey. Having not opened up to Gavin, a lot transpires but eventually love wins.
I’m the kind of person who focuses more on the characters rather than the story line and I must say that this book made me fall in love with the characters and had a thrilling story line. Throughout the book, there were innumerable parts where I had a smile plastered on my face and I hope everyone gives Just Breathe by Celia Pereira a read.
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29 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2020
Emotional Cyclone Celia, inflicting irreparable damage to my heart, emotions, soul and standards since 217 pages ago! I laughed, I cried, I held my breath, I smiled until my cheeks felt like they were going to fall off, I panicked and most of all, I fell in love! 🥰

Just breathe had me hooked before the prologue was even finished and is all-consuming thanks to the flawless writing style of Celia and perfect blend of angst, romance, humour, steam and drama!
Oh, and did I mention that the male lead is smoking hot?! 🥰 Dear God, it should be illegal to be that sexy, sweet, facade free and all alpha-male! 😍
Oh and by the way, Just Breathe was a total breath of fresh air with no senseless mind games or emotional torture standing in the way of love but still contained a complicated enough back story to keep things interesting! 😬

The emotional rollercoaster ride and book hangover are real as hell with this one and Just Breathe may or may not have just ruined me for all future books! 🤩

Thank you so much to Celia for the opportunity to read and review Just Breathe, it has been an amazing experience and I plan on re-reading it many times in the future! 😍🥰
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725 reviews24 followers
August 18, 2020
Trigger warning: If you are sensitive to acts of abuse or mentions of it, then please think carefully before reading.
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Célia Pereira is a new to me author and I thought this was a good read. A sensitive yet real and relatable plot that we can connect to. I would have liked more details in regards to the characters themselves. It felt like an age gap story but at the same time didn’t so that was really unclear for me.
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The characters are great. Not much in the way of growth in most of the book but still good to follow. Even with the dark undertone of what Bailey suffered this is a sweet and heart warming romance. I typically like mine with a bit more angst and drama but this was a great read nonetheless.
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There really isn’t anything out of this world about the book. The writing was great, the pace was good. I would have liked that one issue to have been dragged out to add suspense and drama, instead of over in a blink.
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So if you have a hankering for a mild angst, fluffy heartwarming read this is for you.
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1,491 reviews69 followers
September 25, 2020
5 stars for Just Breathe by Celia Pereira. This may be my first book from this author but it won’t be my last. “You can’t change how your future plays out.” I want a man like Gavin, better yet just give me Gavin. LOL. Bailey has lived threw hell and has finally got her and Logan away from it all. Gavin is attracted to Bailey from the start. He wants more from her than he ever has any other woman. Gavin has a rough past that still haunts him. These two develop an intense relationship, but its also a deep and take relationship. These two are amazing and take us on an emotional journey. Just when everything is going good, Bailey’s past comes back with a punch. I had tears in my eyes multiple times while reading. I loved the way this story captivated me. Oh, Logan broke my heart. That boy and Bailey deserve so much love. I honestly can not believe this is Celia’s debut novel. It was utterly fantastic. The best part for me was how the prologue had a cliffhanger. You couldn’t help but be drawn in. I read it in one sitting. I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.
Profile Image for Morgan.
253 reviews
September 25, 2020
Just Breathe

“I love you, in this life and the next”

I really enjoyed this book!

I wish we would’ve been able to read when Bailey and Gavin met. I love reading when the people in the book first see each other. This book, they had already known each other for 6 weeks but we didn’t get to read about how it was when they first met.

I also really wanted to hear the backstory with Hunter & Ash! I felt like the whole time they kept talking about it and we never got an answer.

Other than that, I loved everything about this book. There was some deep shit that made me cry a lot. I even laughed a couple of times. All of the characters were relatable and likable (except for Baileys POS dad).

I love that Bailey and Logan were welcomed with open arms into the town. I love Baileys relationship with Mr. Henderson. What I loved the most was when Gavin was explaining what he likes about Bailey the most, he said the biggest thing was that she has an amazing son. That right there is what won my heart over ❤️
Profile Image for RomanceReader1.
808 reviews
August 19, 2020
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and true review of Just Breathe by Célia Pereira.

What a story!!!!
My heart ache for Bailey and Logan.
Gavin was exactly what they needed it!
I fell for Zeus too!!! 😍

Bailey and Gavin are giving a chance to the feelings they have. But when Bailey’s past caught up to her, Gavin doubts her and that breaks her heart!!!!!
“You don’t deserve shit, Gavin. You already made up your mind about me when you decided to believe that damn piece of paper instead of hearing me out first.”- Just Breathe ~ Célia Pereira ahh!!! This scene had me in tears 😭😭
She’s left alone to defend for Logan and herself!
Gavin founds out the truth but it might be a little too late!!!

This story grips your heart from the start and it doesn’t let go till the end. Be prepare to shed some tears.
The author took my heart on chapter 31 and just squeezed a bit tighter.
Amazing characters, even Zeus 😍
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