What Are We Reading Now? - Breathe

Breathe
by cocomama101
Review by: MsRobPattzMasen

“Of course I wanted to see Edward again—the thought of not seeing him again was almost too much to bear—but I was afraid . Afraid that I wanted him so much more than I should. Afraid of becoming addicted to the sense of awakening he gave me when it could only become a fleeting reality. The dreams had been safe, controlled. But these feelings were so real and intense that it felt like I was in danger of losing that control. I would be at the mercy of him if I let him anywhere near my heart, and I just couldn't do it. I couldn't tolerate one more ounce of heartache. I could not lose the small semblance of control I had left in my life.”

Edward Cullen’s life is far from perfect—dysfunctional family on a whole new level, messed up friends, and a reputation of shame—but that is all about to change. He’s about to start a whole new life this fall at college in New York. Edward’s counting down the days 'til freedom, when tragedy strikes, turning his whole family’s life upside down. He ends up stuck at UW, just a few hours from home, and is cast into the life he hoped to leave behind.

Bella Swan’s life with her mother and step-father is less than ideal. No child should ever have to live walking on eggshells, but it’s the only life she’s ever known. After years of pain and suffering, it comes to the final head, crashing her world even more than before and sending her to live in Forks with the father she’s never known.

While Edward tries to find a light and a diversion in his life, all Bella wants to do is try and find her "new normal." From the first time they meet, they are both stricken with longing for one another, but Bella’s past makes her keep him at arm’s length.

Cocomama101 –besides having one of the best pennames ever- is an artist at writing angst. Even though I write fluff, my preferred reading comes with a tissue warning, and >Breathe is no disappointment. It has loads of heart clenching moments and how she adds tiny moments of humor I’ll never know, but it just works! I’m a sucker for a good Edward POV, and hers is fantastic. I just want to hug him. He is highly misunderstood by the world around him, making him hide behind a cocky exterior. As an outsider, you might view him as a jerk, but his mind tells a different story of a broken, caring soul.

I know angst is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I am shocked that more people don’t read this story. These characters warm your heart even as it breaks with them.

Will Edward be able to let his cocky wall down long enough to show Bella his true soul? And if he does, will Bella be able to let the past go and give him a chance? I sure hope for both of these things, and I hope you continue with me and this wonderful author as we find out.

P.S. It also has one of the most awesome Alices EVER!