Review: Breathe into Me – Amanda Stone

Eighteen year-old Kelsey Rien is more than ready to leave her past behind her.

Wanting nothing more than to walk into a room without everyone knowing the horrific details of an event that changed her life six years ago, she vows to concentrate on school and make something of herself.

But then she meets Kane Riley – the local bad boy. Kane’s reputation is far from perfect, but is there more to him than what everyone else sees?

Kelsey soon learns that you can’t run from your past, no matter how hard you try. When her nightmares find her once again, Kelsey must find the courage to face the demons that have been haunting her and save the people she loves most.

Series:
Release Date:  April 22, 2013
Publisher:  Amanda Stone
Source:  Amazon, via my own wallet
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Reviewer’s Thoughts

3.5 Stars

With her best friend, Jessi, by her side, Kelsey Rien hopes that by going away to college she can escape the tragic events that have followed her for the past six years. Feeling like she been irreparably broken, she didn’t think she’d find someone who would breathe air back into her life. Never mind that he’s a tattooed and pierced hulk of a guy who should scare her rather than attract her. But Kane Riley knows something about tragedy follow you and finds a kindred soul in Kelsey. But will Kane’s past, along with Kelsey’s and her inexperience be their downfall?

I was with this book right up until the very end. The climax of two parts of the storyline merged together and then were rushed to conclusion. I think that did a huge disservice to the story of Kane and Kelsey. She deserved the closure that ultimately came and probably even the way it happened. However everything with Kane and the expected fallout from what happened truly needed to be included in the story.

Despite the ending, I did enjoy the book up until that point. I enjoyed Kelsey learning how to let go and live, especially in the arms of Kane.