Feel the Love: Does ‘Breathing You In’ Belongs on Your Shelf?
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Imagine going through a traumatic experience that almost changes your whole life. That’s exactly why Winter tries to live every day by tucking secrets away. However, her abusive, alcoholic father likes to remind her daily how much of a screw-up she is when all she wants to do is forget about the past and live like a normal twenty-one-year-old. Then one day she walks into a bar, and everything changes. Locking eyes with Carsten Hatcher, and forgetting how to breathe. Everyone seems to have their opinions of him, but he’s different around Winter. Making Winter feel loved for who she is. Saving her from her life and herself.
Though not from my usual vain of dark romance, from the very first page, Christina Maria’s “Breathing You In” immerses you in this whirlwind of emotion. Winter and Carsten have an instant attraction. Something neither of them expect. Especially Carsten. He has it in his mind that he will never settle down. That is until Winter shows up at his bar. But beyond the sweet romance, the story fell flat for me.
“oh yeah, I’m definitely in the beginning stages of claiming you but after a few weeks, you won’t have to ask that. You’ll just know that you’re mine and I’ll be protecting what’s mine.”
While I remained engaged throughout the story the plot and general storyline felt rushed. Now this isn’t a short book (354 pages on Kindle) but it could have done more with another 50 pages. Or just better execution in general. We didn’t get much of Carsten’s back story. In fact, we are dropped right in the middle of Carsten hooking up with Brynn (that girl is cray cray). And then he meets Winter. This sudden crash of Winter and Carsten meeting and being together, gave the impression that he was obsessed with her from the beginning, and that’s a little too insta-lovey for me. This is a shame because a little more backstory and relationship development would have added some depth to the romance.
Title: Breathing You In (The Courtlynd series, 1)
Author: Christina Maria
Genre: Dark Romance
Star Rating: 3 stars
Spice Rating: 2 chili peppers
More than anything you can tell that it is a debut novel. I often don’t like to put too much stock into typing errors (I’m often reading uncorrected proofs) but Breathing You In could have done with another round of edits. This is a spicy novel. And, the spice while oftentimes spicing felt repetitive as if it was vanilla (there’s nothing wrong with vanilla) it could have done with some shaking up.
“Mmm.. Oh my god is right baby girl, you taste fucking incredible.”
The best part of Breathing You IN was Winter choosing her and leaving her abusive father to fend for himself. Finally making him do what he needs to do by getting help. If you noticed I mentioned that this isn’t my usual vain of dark romance. While it is categorized as such I don’t think that Breathing You In is in fact a dark romance. Are there themes that one would consider dark? No, not really (this is my personal opinion). Aside from her abusive father the romance itself is quite sweet. Carsten knows from day one what he has in Winter and even when he unintentionally screws it up he tries his damnedest to correct his actions. The romance itself is actually quite sweet, and again no real dark themes are happening (no mafia murders, no degradation, the characters aren’t morally grey (or black).
In fact, Carsten and Winter’s story is a profound exploration of human connection and the power of vulnerability. If you’re searching for a book that will make you feel deeply, look no further. But does “Breathing You In” truly deserve a spot on your treasured bookshelf? Let me know in the comments.
Check out Breathing You In on Kindle Unlimited now.
Check Out These Posts:
Twilight of Embers: Love, Magic, and Dragons!
In Love with the Fae Devils: ‘Castle of Nevers and Nightmares’
In the Pages of My April Reading Wrap-UP: An Epic Recap
