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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Sophia writes with so much emotion you can feel it as you read. I loved the story and gobbled it up. The characters were quirky and love able. It wasn’t a quick romance with Ryan and Luke . It took time for them to build their relationship. You feel what they feel as you read . I would highly recommend this book !
Whole star added for the dysfunctional chaotic nuclear sibling family dynamic for a 2.5⭐️
Soo…. Uhh… what?
This is one of those times I question whether I read a different book than everyone else bc there’s no way the book I read has almost 5 stars?? The writing was terrible. One day these two guys were strangers and one MC is pinning after his newly split up Ex bf and is annoyed by the other MC… Literally the next page they’re “best friends” as said by dialogue, not a single feeling or thought. Then almost the same day without a single date or kiss or any form or form of endearment or tenderness - they’re boyfriends. What?
Could not have been the same book.
Soo…. Uhh… what?
This is one of those times I question whether I read a different book than everyone else bc there’s no way the book I read has almost 5 stars?? The writing was terrible. One day these two guys were strangers and one MC is pinning after his newly split up Ex bf and is annoyed by the other MC… Literally the next page they’re “best friends” as said by dialogue, not a single feeling or thought. Then almost the same day without a single date or kiss or any form or form of endearment or tenderness - they’re boyfriends. What?
Could not have been the same book.
This felt very Hollyoaks set in London, but in a good way! Both MCs are in their early twenties but they already have the life experience of people much older and it's almost like they don't know how to just be now that they have that option.
I loved Ryan and Luke and their relationship really did feel like two awkward turtles trying to figure out where their lives are going after massive upheavals. They were just the cutest! Ryan's trauma and feeling helpless about the whole situation felt believable, and his struggles with social media addiction and seeking validation from anyone who will give it was interesting, especially because for me social media had only just come into being when I was their age really, so it's never been something I feel is a necessary part of life! Luke has the whole world on his shoulders and you can feel it. As the story progresses you can feel that pressure get heavier, almost suffocating, but then there's a turning point and you can also feel the relief that comes with it. I felt so attached to these two so quickly!
The wider family of Luke were all entertaining to read, and Ryan's mum was so funny - I loved how they had zero boundaries on personal space and information
I loved Ryan and Luke and their relationship really did feel like two awkward turtles trying to figure out where their lives are going after massive upheavals. They were just the cutest! Ryan's trauma and feeling helpless about the whole situation felt believable, and his struggles with social media addiction and seeking validation from anyone who will give it was interesting, especially because for me social media had only just come into being when I was their age really, so it's never been something I feel is a necessary part of life! Luke has the whole world on his shoulders and you can feel it. As the story progresses you can feel that pressure get heavier, almost suffocating, but then there's a turning point and you can also feel the relief that comes with it. I felt so attached to these two so quickly!
The wider family of Luke were all entertaining to read, and Ryan's mum was so funny - I loved how they had zero boundaries on personal space and information
Got 22% in and still didn’t know wtf was going on … too many names and all
4.5 stars
I love Sophia Soames' stories, her characters are never perfect, they have all kind of issues and I love them all.
Ryan and Luke are both trying to rebuild their life from scratch. they both feel very lonely and hey don't know how to navigate a health relationship.
And despite all their flaws they are so adorable and lovely, their sex scenes are so full of tenderness.
I truly adored them and their huge messy family.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
There's a trigger warning listed as "brief description" of a sexual assault: it was brief, yes, but it was also quite detailed and it hit me hard.
And, moreover, the MC didn't get justice for it and that's a big no for me: I'm perfectly aware that it doesn't work like that in real life, not everyone gets justice, but when I read romance I need that kind of ending.
I still recommend this, though, it's a very beautiful story and I'll surely keep reading the series.
I love Sophia Soames' stories, her characters are never perfect, they have all kind of issues and I love them all.
Ryan and Luke are both trying to rebuild their life from scratch. they both feel very lonely and hey don't know how to navigate a health relationship.
And despite all their flaws they are so adorable and lovely, their sex scenes are so full of tenderness.
I truly adored them and their huge messy family.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
There's a trigger warning listed as "brief description" of a sexual assault: it was brief, yes, but it was also quite detailed and it hit me hard.
And, moreover, the MC didn't get justice for it and that's a big no for me: I'm perfectly aware that it doesn't work like that in real life, not everyone gets justice, but when I read romance I need that kind of ending.
I still recommend this, though, it's a very beautiful story and I'll surely keep reading the series.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely enjoyed this story. I stayed up all night reading it until I finished it. I loved how realistic felt. Each and every character was flawed in some way.
And I loved how Luke wasn't the typical attractive male lead but Ryan loved him anyway. I loved how naturally their relationship progressed from a mutual dislike of each other to love and how nothing felt rushed between them. Especially after what happened to Ryan. I feel that whole situation was handled fantastically.
I also loved the cast of side characters. Olive such a cutie and I hate what has had to deal with at her age. I also loved the rest of Luke's family. I love how close they all are while due to their parents actions, it was sweet reading about such close siblings who take care of each other.
I also loved the representation of a healthy amicable divorce between Ryan's parents and how close they are even after being married to different people. I really enjoyed the fact that they were so close and got along with each other's partners.
Everything about this book was great. I would absolutely recommend.
And I loved how Luke wasn't the typical attractive male lead but Ryan loved him anyway. I loved how naturally their relationship progressed from a mutual dislike of each other to love and how nothing felt rushed between them. Especially after what happened to Ryan. I feel that whole situation was handled fantastically.
I also loved the cast of side characters. Olive such a cutie and I hate what has had to deal with at her age. I also loved the rest of Luke's family. I love how close they all are while due to their parents actions, it was sweet reading about such close siblings who take care of each other.
I also loved the representation of a healthy amicable divorce between Ryan's parents and how close they are even after being married to different people. I really enjoyed the fact that they were so close and got along with each other's partners.
Everything about this book was great. I would absolutely recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Medical content
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Gambling addiction(mentioned), child neglect(mentioned)
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn’t know what to expect going into this. I’ve been on a run of lighthearted fun romance reads and in comparison this is so serious. I didn’t know if I’d enjoy it but I’m glad I persevered as I ended up loving all the characters and I really liked their story. They were well padded out and realistic and there was no unnecessary drama.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Breathe by Sophia Soames is one of those books where you have to put the pieces back together first to fully enjoy and understand the story.
Ryan and Luke are both big wrecks with even messier lives. How they end up like this? You meed to read through the pages to fully understand.
🕳️ Ryan is also known as Joey Hole, a former successful adult entertainer. It was an act, a fake person made to please people and a way to make quick money.
Ultimately, being a bottom ruined his career, his lovee life and also his mental stability and body acceptance. Moreover, he gained a train of hate on social media, thanks to spiteful comments and secret spilling from the job. (This parts were so hard to read, social media can be so toxic in more than one way 🤮)
💪Luke aka the former rich guy, lost everything because of his parent's frauds and jail time. But he gained something: guardianship of his adorable minor siblings, and a house full of banter, and love, even if the money is tight day in, day out. Still, the responsibility of his new role, his neverending struggles to reach end of month, dealing with work and university is taking it's toll.
From desping each other at school, to meet again after being ghosted, to step over their stubborn selves to understand their feelings - also through some burdensome confessions from the past - these two finally start the path towards a healthy relationship. A whirlwind of emotions, high and lows - you feel with them while reading this book.
This is the strong point of this book. I fully enjoyed their messy, still respectful taking- it- slow ride towards contentment and acceptance. And a nurturing, healthy relationship ❤️.
The pages are filled with heartwarming family moments, scorching hot scenes, laughters, finding roots, tears, laughter and a purple door that means the world to me. ❤️🔥
Ryan and Luke are both big wrecks with even messier lives. How they end up like this? You meed to read through the pages to fully understand.
🕳️ Ryan is also known as Joey Hole, a former successful adult entertainer. It was an act, a fake person made to please people and a way to make quick money.
Ultimately, being a bottom ruined his career, his lovee life and also his mental stability and body acceptance. Moreover, he gained a train of hate on social media, thanks to spiteful comments and secret spilling from the job. (This parts were so hard to read, social media can be so toxic in more than one way 🤮)
💪Luke aka the former rich guy, lost everything because of his parent's frauds and jail time. But he gained something: guardianship of his adorable minor siblings, and a house full of banter, and love, even if the money is tight day in, day out. Still, the responsibility of his new role, his neverending struggles to reach end of month, dealing with work and university is taking it's toll.
From desping each other at school, to meet again after being ghosted, to step over their stubborn selves to understand their feelings - also through some burdensome confessions from the past - these two finally start the path towards a healthy relationship. A whirlwind of emotions, high and lows - you feel with them while reading this book.
This is the strong point of this book. I fully enjoyed their messy, still respectful taking- it- slow ride towards contentment and acceptance. And a nurturing, healthy relationship ❤️.
The pages are filled with heartwarming family moments, scorching hot scenes, laughters, finding roots, tears, laughter and a purple door that means the world to me. ❤️🔥
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Mental illness, Physical abuse
This is the first story I’ve read by this author but if this is her normal, I’ll definitely have her on my watch list. There is so much emotion. The characters are so real. The secondary characters add so much to this reality. The flow of the story seems perfect. The story was hard to set down. I now have to check out her previous stories.