On this page you will find:
A short review on Just Breath
A short review on Breathless
A full length review of Breathe Again
And finally a Author Interview.
For Savannah Rae, living life without her parents was unimaginable. But being blamed for her first love’s suicide? That destroyed every part of who she was.
Gone were the days of innocence, happiness, and dreams. Now her days simply meant attempting to survive. In her mind, her only means for that was replacing her grief with men, booze and the fast life. And for five years, it worked.
When an opportunity to leave the nightmares of her past in Australia opens up, she takes it. Los Angeles beckons - with hopes of late nights, new beginnings, and the promise of a string of endless men to distract her, she can’t wait to dive in.
One thing she didn’t count on was meeting her match.
In the eyes of outsiders, Tate Connors has it all; the ultimate LA bachelor who is content with his lifestyle of wild nights, women and one night stands. He's Mr. Unpredictable with looks that could destroy any woman with one glance.
The craziness of Los Angeles throws them into the chaotic path of each other. Savannah becomes the perfect game, and Tate becomes the ultimate prey. Lines are crossed, emotions are smashed, and the idea of who they truly are begins to be tangled.
However, one thing will become clear.
They are more alike than either one could ever have imagined.
Just Breathe Synopsis.
SJ's Review.
I just want to say I have so much love for this series and this author. Rachel is a great writer and this series shows her talent.
Tate Connors is the definition os sexy. He had me under the Tate Connors effect right from the elevator/lobby scene. He has it all the sex appeal, swoon worthy charm and a flithy dirty mouth to go with it all. If you haven't read Just Breath or Breathless, please scroll to the bottom of tem review and click on the amazon purchase link. Once you have had a taste of Tate you wont look back. Tate is one of my top three book boyfriends ;)
Just Breathe saw Tate & Sav meeting for the first time and trying the hardest they could to resist eachother. One thing stood between them jumping into bed with eachother.... Tanzi. Tanzi is Sav's best friend and Tate's sister. Who can say awkward? Resisting temptation prove difficult for these two and the sexual tension is so thick I'm surprised they can breathe. Fast forward a few weeks and you see these two are not going to have it easy in life or love. Have these two said goodbye to there series of one night stands? Are they truely comitted to eachother? Or are they destined to the single life and one night stands?
Once I read Just Breathe I turnt author stalker. Unluckily for Rachel she was my new author to stalk. This book got me. It gave you a little of everything you want a book to keep you gripped for the next book.
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DO NOT read past this point if you have not read Just Breathe.
Breathless Synopsis.
One look from Savannah Rae was all it took for Tate Connors to fall.
From the first moment he laid eyes on her, his world was irrevocably shaken. He’s willing to accept that his life will never be the same again, but when she has to leave for New York the distance becomes more than either of them expected.
Tate is left alone with not only an empty bed but also a thousand thoughts running through his head. Insecurities soar as he wonders if he could ever really be the kind of man Savannah deserves.
When the demons of his past continue to threaten the future he so desperately craves, Tate knows he has to make the ultimate choice. Risk destroying his relationship and his family with one life changing decision, or gamble on fate and hope the past stays exactly that…the past.
SJ's Review.
Breathless had me in pieces... absoulute pieces!! So at the end of Just Breathe you saw a pregnant Sav in the back on a cab on the way to the airport to jet off to New York for work. When in New York Sav gets a surprise visit from in the shape of three of her favourite people. Tanzi, Jack and Tate. Let's just say whenever these guys are happy there is always a storm brewing just around the corner. This storm comes in the shape of Chelsea. Is it possible she can keep her claws and lies again? Or will chelsea and the guys who will not be named ruin the happiness Tate & Sav have finally found. This is Chelsea afterall. Spiteful Selfish, Jealous Chelsea.
This book is a short read but it left me hurting more than either of the other books. I was so upset when I finished the book. I had tears streaming down my face. I think Rachel even woke up with a message from me stating that I hated her.... Yup thats right it was that bad that Rachel was the worst person in the world! I didn't read for a further 4 days after reading this short heart breaking book! Luckily for you, you don't have to wait for Breathe Again because it's already out!
Go on you know you want to read this fabulous series!
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DO NOT read past this point if you have not read Breathless.
Breathe Again.
Synopsis.
For Savannah Rae, the thought of living in her picture-perfect world was almost too much tocomprehend. With her dream job, a family she could finally call her own, and the beginnings of the bestchapter of her life, she still couldn't shake the unnerving feeling that it was all too good to be true.
The thought of a life without Savannah was incomprehensible to Tate Connors. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would find his girl in the form of a sassy, stubborn, beautiful Australian. Finally he had the girl and life he so desperately wanted, but he still couldn't ignore the fear that it would crash around him.
When Tate’s past becomes his present and Savannah’s present becomes her past, the possibility of a future together collides head-on with reality.
In her darkest days, the words Just Breathe provided a peaceful comfort to Savannah from the heavens above. Now as she and Tate go down the path of new beginnings, brutal endings, and the constantcraving of a happily ever after, they are anxious to learn how to Breathe Again.
SJ's Review.
Right let's do this.
Breathe Again... Ahhh after how breathless ended this book could not have come quick enough. Fortunately I had the chance to beta read this book and let me just say "shut the front door, she did it again" that was my reaction when I finished the book! Absoulutely awesome.
So the end of breathless had me completely heartbroken... then after a while I was so angry with Sav. She didn't even give Tate the chance to explain. Arggghhhh.. Chelsea is a bitch. I do get why Sav reacted the way she did, I think i'd be the same. You act first, think later. Breathe Again skips a few months and Sav is returning home having not spoken to Tate since she kicked him out of her hotel room back in New York.
When Tate & Sav set eyes on in eachother for the first time in Mr D's office. It was damn emotional for me as a reader let alone for these two guys. Mr D is talking to Tate and he let's drop to Tate that Baby Connors has started kicking. Tate has not been told this by his Baby's Momma, he seems hurt by this. I know Sav has had alot to think about, and she's hurting from what Chelsea has done but Tate is still jellybean's dad he deserves to know what has been going on.
I'm not saying Sav should just firgive Tate but she needs to talk to him, she needs to hear what he has to say about the video. These guys & the sexual tension gets to much for everyone. Well come on we are used to these guys eye fucking all over the place. These guys have never had a smooth ride andit has always been trouble after trouble. When they finally get their act together and kiss & make up I was sitting there thinking 'Thank god, about time. Maybe they can get the happy ever after they deserve.' then..... I thought Chelsea. She HAS got to make a reappearance, this is Chelsea we are talking about. Plus Sav needs to give her a tongue lashing, or maybe a slap. I'd be happy with that.
Blake was there for Sav when Tate left New York, but what is he up to? The words 'Sorry Bro' kept replying in my head because why would he call Tate 'bro' when they hated eachother? Hmmmmmm did Blake slip up or is there more to this small statement?
Tate trys to make amends with this dad thinking it would make him feel more like he was capable of becoming a father himself, since Tate found out Sav was pregnant he has convinced himself he is set to fail because that's what his dad did. All he wants to know is why his dad left when they were young. Could this help Tate or make matters worse? As we have learnt nothing is ever perfect for these two and Tate finds out exactly what he wants plus a little bit more, stuff he didnt bargin for. He definately didn't see this coming. What's his dad been hiding all this time? Will it effect Tate & Sav? Tate & Tanzi?
Queue the arrival of baby Tate. No spoilers. Sex and name will remain a mystery so I will continue to call it Jellybean. Lots of emotional scenes within the hospital, I may have even cried a little... just a little... okay, maybe alot. The love between Tate & Sav just shines through like crazy within this scene! Beautiful.
You may or may not have heard but Breathe Again is split into two parts. Part one ends in the hospital after Jellybean is born. Part two starts with Jellybean as a toddler.
Part two see's devasting news for Sav which causes her & Jellybean to jet off to her homeland. Australia.
After a few long months for Tate. Only comunicating via text, email and Skype, Sav returns. Tate hasn't seen his child or his girl in months. Months is a long time when you have a young child They grow up so quickly. It comes as a massive shock when Sav returns. Little Jellybean has grown up so much & Tate has missed so much. So Sav thought being home with bring her and Tate closer together, but its obviously from the get go that something is seriously wrong with Tate. What's up with him? What's he done? Let's just hope these two can sort their shit out once and for all, it's not just them anymore. They have Jellybean to think about also.
Breathe Again is full of angst, anger, emotional turmoil, harsh words and filthy whores that we thought we had seen the back of. No prizes for guesses who I'm talking about ;) A father who has had his nose put out of joint also makes an appearance. Will he cause anymore trouble? Or is he here to make amends?
So for anyone who has read the Breathe series they will probably tell you Tate holds thier heart... and lets just say, Tate Connors is my dream bloke... well I thought he was until Blake Ryan came along and dragged Tate out of my bed and jumped right on in ;) Yes Blake Ryan features largely in Breathe Again well the second part mainly.
In book one he struck me as a prick (excuse my language) but he did. He slept with Sav just because he could tell Tate wanted her. See prick.
Anyway he made an appearance in Breathless also but on the arm of Chelsea. At first I thought he was trying to help her ruin Tate & Sav but he wasn't he was keeping her close so he could see what she was up to and planning. He did try and warn Tate but Tate didn't want to give him the time of day. Not that I blame him. Anyway in Breathless Blake started to grow on me, I forgave him for how he acted in Just Breathe. If only Tate could do the same.
Blake in Breathe Again.... Swooonnn... He stole my heart. (Sorry Tate.) Anyway enough of my fan girling.
Blake is there for Sav in New York when she needs him and Tate well Tate doesn't like it that Blake was the one to comfort Sav when she was upset. After Tate get a reveletion of his own it is all starting to slot into place and make sense why Blake changed his attitude towards Tate. He wants to make amends but will Tate accept Blakes apology?
One of my favourite scenes in Just Breathe was when Tate and Blake have a chat at the hospital and Tate finally accepts Blake will be in this and Sav's life. He actually forgives and understand Blake. This part actually brought a tear of my eye. It takes a bigger man to forgive someone who hurt you multiple times. As you'll see Rachel is planning a Blake Ryan book and I for one CANNOT wait for a little taste of Blake Ryan.
Rachel has done an outstanding job on the conclusion in the Breathe Series. My favourite was the return to the place of the first date. I may have cried. Again.... Posbbily! Rachel I'm sending you my tissue bill!
Rachel is a smashing author. I for one cannot wait to see Rachel's other work. From the release of book one I have followed this crazy lady and you can see such an improvment in her writing and how she drags you in with her words. This was an epic conclusion to the already awesome story of Tate & Sav. Rachel has always said to me she hoped she would do Tate & Sav justice, and she did! Life is never plain sailing, you always find it is always one problem after another, you will never get your happy ending as smoothly as you hope you will. This series showed this she gave Tate & Sav the best possible ending. Rachel went above and beyond to create the story her characters deserved.
This series is a breath of fresh air. Just the right amount of each ingrediant you want to find in a book. I am pleased for Rachel and I'm happy to call her a friend. Within the first 24 hours of Breathe Again being released it hit the top 1000 in US Amazon. Top 100 on UK Amazon and Top 50 on the Aus Amazon. Be proud lady, be proud.
PS. I wish you all the luck with your future work, lots of well wishes from the Rainy UK.
PPS. I'm Nervous! I'm Rambling! I hope I have done Tate, Sav and your writing Justice.
Author Interview.
So I was luck enough to sit down with the lovely Rachel Brookes and ask her a few questions.
You'll find me in Red.
Rachel in Green.
Afternoon lovely.. Or should I say evening. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit with me
Not a problem at all, happy to be here.
So let's talk Tate. I know it's one of your favourite subjects. Tate where did the idea come from?
Yes he is definitely one of my favourite subjects. Savannah was the first character that came to me when i first developed Just Breathe. She was strong, sassy yet broken. I needed someone who could stand against her and stand with her. Someone who had their own problems but who was strong enough to handle hers. Tate developed slowly which i am happy that he did because it enabled me to make the strongest character i could.
I'm sure I'm speaking on behalf of all of your readers when I say we love Tate! But we also love Sav! So tell me. Are these guys based on anyone?
I adore Sav.
There are definitely characteristics that come from people in my real life. Tate's tattoo down his side is based on someone i know. Jellybean is based on someone in my life and the banter between Tanzi and Sav is very much reflected in my relationship with my bestie.
Tanzi and jack are another two characters I love and lets not forget Blake. *happy sigh* I love Blake!!
You will be seeing plenty more of Blake
Will Blake be getting his own book? *crossing fingers & toes*
I can officially announce that Blake Ryan WILL be getting his own book. I have a book i need to write first but Blake is definitely in my mind..... constantly.
Eeekkkkkkkk!!
Sorry excuse my fan girl moment but I think Blake had an effect on me! I loved Tate but Blake Blake was just ahhhhh!!! Ok I'm composed! Lets say I hadn't heard your new book... Tell me what your working on?
I am working on my next novel which is called Be My December. Brand new characters, brand new setting, brand new story. These characters have been lodged in my mind for a while now so im happy to be finally able to start their story.
Oohhh sounds like a Christmas story? What can we expect? Can we have sneak peek at characters name?
Its definitely not a Christmas story. The meaning behind the name will all be revealed. Hmm sneak peak of the names.... surnames are Crawford and Rivers.
Hmmmm so as people may or may not know.. The breath series is complete. How did you feel when you hit publish on Tate's last book as a leading character?
It was mixed emotions. These two had been my life for a year, i spent hours with them every day. I needed to finish their story the way they deserved. I am happy with how it finished but still sad that i don't get to spend my days with them anymore. However saying that, they will be appearing in Blake's book.
I can not wait for Blake's book. Will it be set in present following on from just breathe or will it be set in the future when Jelly bean is a little older?
To let you in on a little secret, it actually started in Breathe Again. It will continue on from Breathe Again and will focus entirely on Blake and his craziness as a rock star. Now that he has his family back, they will focus. I already have a scene with Blake and Jellybean in mind. Lots of swoon.
Aww! He was great with jellybean, hopefully maybe he will meet a girl and have a jellybean of his own? Maybe he will meet a girl called SJ
Haha, you just never know.
A girl can dream Will jack and tanzi get a story? I loved the relationship between jack and sav. He was like an awesome big brother!!
I've been asked this a lot. Possibly. I have a bunch of stories already in my head but i do have an idea for Tanzi and Jack but will just have to wait and see. I love those two though
I've completely over looked another great character. Mr D? Will he appear much in Blake's story?
Ahh Mr D! SO many people has asked for a book from him. He will appear, not as much as he did in the Breathe Series but he will definitely be there
Will he get his own story or at least a HEA? With a women who will care for him like he cares for everyone else?
His story will definitely be shown in a future release.... lets just say that.
You tease!! So just quickly who was your muse for Blake and for Tate? Who do you picture playing these two in a film?
Oh this is a hard one
Tate was always Matt Lanter
and Blake.... hhmmmm ill have to think of that one
Ok get back to me on that one, When your not writing what do you do with your time?
I spend a lot of time with my family, I take a lot of photos, going for mini road trips and i love to make crazy cupcake inventions when i get a chance
Yes iv seen some of your crazy cupcake inventions. Can anyone say chocolate penis?
haha! Everyone loved those chocolate penis'
Who could honestly turn down a chocolate penis
haha! Very true
Going back to breathe series again.... What are the soundtracks that first come to mind when you first thing of each book? (Three different sound tracks)
Just Breathe: Only One by Yellowcard
Breathless: I miss you by Incubus
Breathe Again: The Special Two – Missy Higgins
I had so many favourite scenes in the final book, one of them being the birth of jellybean and of course the Chelsea & Sav scene! This scene rocked!!! Which scene was your favourite? Tough question I know!
My favourite scene was when they both realized what they meant to each other. The moment when Taterealized in the hotel room and then Sav realized in the pool. Those were the moments that stick with me. They went through hell individually and as a couple to get to those moments. I loved writing them and even thinking about them I choke up.
Everyone hates Chelsea for obvious reason please tell me she is based on someone lol?
Haha, no Chelsea isn’t based on someone I know. She was created and written as the girl no one wants to know andthe girl everyone would hate.
Also do you have any random celebrity crushes? ... Aside from Henry Caville! I know you went like crazy stalker on his arse ;) I'm thinking more of a guilty pleasure type crush?
I love Henry haha. Um random celebrity crushes…. I find Tobey McGuire attractive.
Favourite book you've read?
Oh this is a tough one. I have so many. I love the Rosemary Beach series by Abbi Glines but I can’t pick one. Team Woods!
Which author first inspired you to start writing?
I remember reading Taking Chances by Molly McAdams and it definitely inspired me to write truth. That book was brutal and Molly took a risk and that’s what I love about books. I remember finishing that book, completely in tears, but thinking to myself ‘it’s ok to push the envelop’, ‘its ok to make characters go through the worst possible circumstances’ because that’s life. I will always respect and admire Molly because she took that chance.
First book you ever read?
I’m one of those authors that bloomed late when it came to reading. I remember going to Mums house and she handed me this book and said I’d like it. It was Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. That was the book that set me on the path of obsessive reader and then I got a kindle for Christmas a few years back and my world completely changed. So thank you Ms Mcguire.
Anyway as people may or may not know me and you are actually married so I'm going to do a little quick fire round so people can get to know what you like a little better ;)
Tea or coffee? Tea
Morning or night? Night
Sun or rain? Rain
Hot or cold? Cold
Bad boy or good guy? Bad Boy
Motorbike or car? (For said guy) Car
Chocolate or cake? Chocolate
Shower or bath? Bath
Coke or Pepsi? Coke
Peanut butter or vegemite? (Do people actually eat that stuff?) VEGEMITE
Charlie Hunnam or Ian Somerholder? Ian Somerholder
Sons of Anarchy or Vampire Diaries? Sons of Anarchy
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
Writing or reading? Reading
Tate or Blake? Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Ok Tate had my heart first
Rockband or Business owner? Rock band
Pizza or burger? Pizza… always Pizza
Sunrise walks or midnight strolls? Midnight strolls
Beach or city? Beach
Flip flops or thongs ;) THONGS!!! haha
Boat or plane? Plane
Cat or dog? Dog
About the Author.
Rachel Brookes is from a coastal town on the east coast of Australia where beaches, kangaroos and surfers roam free. She writes angsty love stories with a pinch of craziness, a dash of drama, a cup of romance and a spoonful of sexiness… oh and the main ingredient hot guys.
Rachel sometimes forgets to eat, sometimes forgets to sleep and sometimes can’t remember the last time she cleaned her apartment but that’s because she is in a long term relationship with her laptop and is constantly writing.
When she does step away from her laptop she can be found taking too many photos, making scrumptious cocktails, laughing at Adam Sandler movies and spending her time with her amazing family and friends.
With her first novel, Just Breathe, due to be released in July 2013, her dream of releasing a book will become reality. With another three books already taking up her mind, she cannot wait to start this crazy ride.
Author Links
Website
http://www.rachelbrookeswrites.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRachelBrookes
https://twitter.com/RachelBrookes_
Goodreads