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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I often wonder how undercover agents cope because in essence you’re playing a role and at times for long periods of time , surely you start adopting some of the traits of your “alter ego “ and parts of the real you “die” I do t think it’s way at all , so shout out and respect to these men and women that are so very brave ….

Damien and Evelyn as youngsters shared a spark but before anything could come of it Evelyn’s dad interferes and I really don’t like him he’s really not a pleasant kind of man in any case his folks also suddenly up and leave and poor Evelyn is left nursing a broken heart 💔

Years later their paths cross when Damian is sent to Dallas , Texas to work undercover with the mob and my heart is nearly beating out of my chest because if rumours are true the Sicilian mafia has started business with Mexico and Damien is entering dangerous ground ….

After Damien left Evelyn put everything into her studies and became a teacher against her father’s wishes but she’s a born teacher so good on you girl !

Soon enough Evelyn has more than Max her cat for company and things between her and Damien are rather eventful , nerve racking , hot , edgy , steamy , thrilling and suspense filled 🔥

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Skylar Daniels

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read from this author and I was not disappointed. I fell in love with this book from the very beginning and wasn’t able to put the book down until I had finished it. The authors writing is very unique and she has a way of bringing her world to life.
She’s living in the shadows.
Evelyn:
Long ago, I had given my heart to someone who callously threw it away, but I put my past behind me until the hurt and betrayal no longer consumed me.
I hid my secret from the world and the monster I knew was in it.
I had a She’s living in the shadows. great job, wonderful friends, and my parents…well, sadly, I wasn’t able to choose my parents.
Then one day, I see him again.
The man who stole my heart all those years ago.
He’s living in the dark.
Damian:
I never wanted this life.
I thought I had been meant for something greater, but a few wrong turns have led me down this twisted path to here.
Now my life is not my own.
My name, my past, none of it is real.
As an undercover agent in the Sicilian Mafia, I live each day as if it is my last, because I know that it could be.
And then she finds me.
When Evelyn comes back into my life, I try my best to hold her at arm’s length.
No one can hide forever, though.
If I’m not careful, my enemies will find me and try to destroy me.
I’d do anything to keep her, but my time is running out.
In a world of lies, one truth will remain.
When I was left to drown underwater, you were the air that kept me breathing.
I’m excited to read more of the authors work in the coming future

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & amp; Taylor L. Ray – Review by Ana Evelyn

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A feisty dark romance! Also warning this one has some dark triggers scenes. I love that Evelyn is courageous, bad, feisty, and stubborn! Damian is calculated, mysterious, and misunderstood. They experience a traumatic moment as kids, but years later reunite and sparks and chaos fly. Lots of ups and downs. With everything from the past and new threats coming to light can they make it work? Or will they again fall for the lies and manipulations from people around them?Whirlwind of a roller coaster novel that you won’t regret!

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Steph Cavanagh

This book was a fantastic read, it had so much thrill, spice and all things nice!

Evelyn and Damien met in school she was tutoring him until her dad put a stop to it because he didn’t like Damien.

Years later Evelyn meets sees someone running past her house, she likes the eye candy and starts leaving treats out for him, until one day he comes knocking!

He is now in the FBI and he’s undercover working in the mafia, his role has even included killing and bullying property off people. He’s a mafia dons son so it’s crucial his cover is kept secret till he brings him down.

The heat of the relationship is too much for either of them too bare and they become lovers but Damien can’t get close he knows because the secret he keeps he keeps pushing her away so she stays safe will keep it be kept quiet or will the truth come out?

Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Jenni Bishop

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Breathe Underwater is the collaboration of two well established and liked authors Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray. I love Anise’s stories and Taylor is a new author to me. The story is a complex second chance Mafia romance with dark elements and some deliciously hot sexy scenes that jump off the pages (insert fanning face here). The intense road to love is fraught with suspense, secrets, lies, angst and struggles. Emotions run rampant in this push pull relationship where the past of two broken souls is never far away.

Just like the road to love the story did not always flow seamlessly there were ebbs and flows and there is a lot of information in places and not in others. There are some questions I hope are answered in other books as the series progresses. This does not mean I didn’t enjoy the story because I did. I love that the story is told in duel POV, it’s my favourite part of reading.

The plots and the twists are well done and I fell in love with the characters. He is dark and moody and she is full of sass and fire and together they sizzle. But can he keep her safe?

I look forward to seeing where this duo takes us next.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Carisa Saenz-Videtto

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this. Goes into Damian’s story right off the bat. It’s a page-turner. I am a sucker for second chances when it comes to relationships. Mending lost hope when it comes to relationships. This is the book!

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Heather Goodman

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book keeps you all in your feels throughout the whole book. There is a lot of descriptive romance in it. It has such a great story line and it makes you feel like you are on a rollercoaster. It keeps you guessing until the very end. Definitely worth every minute.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a really good one. This author is one of those ones that I never hesitate to pick up because I have every book I have read by them. Their writing style is good and it was well written and the main characters were awesome! Two very different people in two very different worlds but I was rooting for their happily ever after the whole time!
I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Happy Reading!

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by M Policicchio

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are not reading these authors, I don’t know how to help you. This book just goes to show the continued brilliance of the authors. The drama, the characters, the intensity, the story….there isn’t much about this book not to like. Okay, so there were a few minor things, IMO. I like more dialogue between characters, but not distracting. The other thing was the way things ended with Gio. No spoilers here….just a little anticlimactic for me. I can see all kinds of reasons to do it that way, such as showing that Damian wasn’t like Gio, such as saving Damian’s soul. I totally get it.

FYI, totally love “Hus-Ben”!!!!!! That is the cutest, bestest nickname ever!!

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Breathe Underwater is a mafia romance. At the beginning of this story, you learn about a mismatched companionship between Evelyn and Damian. Evelyn is tutoring Damian and the two build a young kinship of “romance” but it is quickly put out due to Evelyn’s controlling father. Her father convinces Damian to leave and never look back. Unfortunately due to the father’s weight within Texas, he is left with no choice. However, each one is left a little brokenhearted, not really understanding what has taken place. 13 years later, Evelyn is a professor and living an independent life, and Damian is moving back to Texas, the state that haunts his past. Damian is coming back, but as a different person with a new last name because he is working undercover as a mafia son. When the two of them finally meet again after so long, there is a lot of misunderstanding and confusion. Evelyn wants answers to why she was left so brokenhearted. She follows him to Italy, while he is there on business. She begins to learn that he is not the same person she once knew, but she still has a connection to him that she can’t let go of. They both know that this relationship can’t be more because of the position Damian is in. They are connecting in a web of so many lies, but can’t seem to resist the pull to each other. Can they find a way to have what they want without anyone getting hurt, or worse killed?

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm and Taylor L. Ray-Review by Amanda Kimble

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray

This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the authors. Breathe Underwater is a great read and I loved every minute of it. Everything was great about this book.

Damian goes undercover with the mob and there his life changes. Dallas is the last place he wants to be. The he remembers Evie. Can he let her go? The quote I chose for Damian is: “I can barely wait another second to get you into bed, baby. Once we get upstairs, I’m going to f*** all this restless energy out of me. Be ready because I can’t promise I will be gentle.”

Evelyn is missing Damian. Then she cleans out his parents house and has to go see him. When she gets there things change for the both them. The quote I chose for Evelyn is: “Hi. Um, I was cleaning the picture frames from your parents’ house and I found something. There was a small key taped to one of the frames. I’ve never seen one like this. I obviously don’t need it, so…”

Highly recommended for Dark Erotica lovers.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Michelle Collier

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am definitely a fan of this author. I was captivated immediately. Damien and Evie are two lost souls that meet for a second chance. Two different worlds collide for this action packed story. Undercover he doesn’t want to risk her safety. Stubborn she won’t give up. Who will win the battle?

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

This book is amazing!!!! I was just blown away with how there is a mystery to Damien as he comes back into Evelyn’s life after just up and leaving while in high school. There also something going on with Evelyn but is she willing to open up or does she stay closed off. That’s what I like about this story, the authors really found a way to relate to everyone in this book. I really hope that there is more stories like this one from Anise and Taylor.

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing!!!! I was just blown away with how there is a mystery to Damien as he comes back into Evelyn’s life after just up and leaving while in high school. There also something going on with Evelyn but is she willing to open up or does she stay closed off. That’s what I like about this story, the authors really found a way to relate to everyone in this book. I really hope that there is more stories like this one from Anise and Taylor.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Candida Hopper

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is full of emotion, action, danger, betrayals, steamy moments, and great characters. Once I picked up this book I had a hard time putting it down. Damian and Evelyn have been through so much in their past and it has affected their decisions and where their life has led them. The chemistry between these two is off the charts but there are some obstacles in their way. This is an intriguing and entertaining story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Kerry Carr

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this romance story. It had everything I look for in a romance, there was danger and passion, miscommunication and questions that need answers but underneath it all is a love that burns so strong.
I love how the characters had back stories and its only by delving deeper into the book and learning the characters stories that you fully understand why Evelynn and Damien separated to begin with.
When they reconnect the feelings are still there but Damien is now part of a dangerous world and its one he wants to protect Evelynn from at all costs.
Everytime Evelynn tries to pull him closer he keeps trying to force her away to protect her and to protect himself. The people he deals with are bad people who will use any weakness against him.

Will Evelynn and Damien finally get the chance of happiness this time around or will their be forces against them that will make an impossible thing to hope for

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58306460-breathe-underwater” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Breathe Underwater” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1661984216l/58306460._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58306460-breathe-underwater”>Breathe Underwater</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14696494.Anise_Storm”>Anise Storm</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5057310684″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
If life was fair maybe Evelyn and Damien would have had a happy ever after from the beginning<br />Except when Evelyn’s father steps in and bribes the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and his parents to leave the area, and his daughter alone: Damien has the a rough transition, juvenile detention and then a job that entails him to live the life of another. Secrets follow both of them as they become totally different people.<br />Believed to be dead Damien lives the life that he never wanted to bring Evelyn into, but he can’t help himself as she literally tags along (to begin with). How can he keep her safe while filling both their dreams, whilst battling their pasts that can drown them both?<br />Can Damien keep her safe, can she live with is lies?<br />I found this book to be consuming and the characters grow and you follow then hoping that they finally get their happy ever after. The storyline evolves and has many twists and turns. If you like second chance romance, with a hint of dark, mafia and some erotic themes then this is certainly the story for you. <br />
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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Michelle Austin

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read. I was pulled into this great mafia read right from the start.
Evelyn and Damien have a history. And of course Damien broke Evelyn’s heart.
When they see each other again the sparks fly, Damien tries to keep his distance but the attraction is just too hard to fight. Will he be able to protect her from his dangerous world?

Overall I really enjoyed this read. We get action, steaminess, and so much more is this read.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well, they added a great element to the story. If you like Second chance, Mafia reads that will have you on the edge of your seat this is the one for you. The author does a great job with her writing and I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Katie Kearney

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Books that immediately pull me in are always ones I remember most. This did exactly that from start to finish I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Evie and Damian were characters that you want only happiness for like you root for them the entire story. Each one having a different story to tell while also having their story to tell. Each character was well developed and easy to connect with. While the storyline kept getting better with each page. I’m so glad I found this book and definitely will be Adding it to my read again list. Five stars all the way and highly recommended!

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Trish Ann

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am not a fan of mafia romance but I enjoyed this. There were great scenes (especially the staircase) as well as a good flow. The characters were well developed. I am glad that I picked this up. I really like this author a lot and look forward to reading more.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Bethany Leigh Rucker

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evelyn Sheridan has finally found the boy of her dreams. Damian Barrett is the boy she is tutoring, but these two are also secretly falling for each other. However, in the darkness of night, something happens and Damian and his family leave town to never before be seen again. However, more than a decade later, Damian shows back up in Evelyn’s hometown of Dallas with a new identity. When these two reunite what will happen? What about all the secrecy that the both have been keeping? Where has Damian been for the last 13 years? This is one story you will want to read to find out.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Ashly Renner

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love a good enemies to lovers story, and this one is no exception! I love every book I’ve read by Anise Storm and cannot wait to read the rest of this series! Damian and Evie were so well written, I couldn’t put this book down. These two definitely have a captivating and intense love story.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by April McCoy

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I couldn’t get enough of this book or the characters. It invoked all the feels, and had me literally yearning for a happy ending! I was hooked and read the whole thing in one sitting. The authors took second chance romance and reinvented it. It was devastatingly beautiful and so well written. The characters became real and the story was full of hope and hurt. Couldn’t reccommend enough!

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Diane Sennett

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evelyn Sheridan was happy to tutor Damien Barrett in high school. She wanted nothing more than to be with Damien. Without warning Damien is whisked out of her life without; leaving her broken-hearted, and Damien hurt and angry.
Years later, Damien Barrett, now Damien Solito has something to finish. His undercover life in the mafia is turned upside down when a chance encounter puts Evelyn back into his life. Damien knows rejecting her would be for the best. Evelyn who’s stubbornness could bring her more harm than good, knows that she belongs to Damien at any cost.
This book is about second chances. It’s full of action and suspense, as well as steamy romance and love.
The question is: will they reunite or go their own ways?

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Ashley Mertz

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Read this if you:
*Enjoy steamy second chance mafia romance
*Believe in living each day as if its your last
*Adore a journey of finding happiness between two broken souls

Meet the Authors: Anise Storm is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and dark romance. She is married with children, has a love for football, shoes, and tall dark heroes. When not spending time with family or traveling, she can be found either curled up with a good book or writing.
Taylor Ray writes funny, flirty, and moderate dirty romances, ranging from dark romance to contemporary. She earned her Bachelor’s in Radio/TV/Film and held down three jobs before becoming a single parent. She currently resides in Dallas where she enjoys patio dining, live music, and being ruled by a feline overlord.

Synopsis: “In a world of lies, one truth will remain. When I was left to drown underwater, you were the air that kept me breathing.” 17 year old Evelyn has no idea her father has paid Damian to go far far away and stay away from his daughter. Tutoring Damian had turned into so much more. When he left, Evelyn thought she did something wrong, she was heartbroken. 13 years later, Damien sneaks back into her life when he is given a work assignment in Texas. Can they pick up where they left off? Or are there too many secrets standing in the way?

Reader’s Thoughts: Breathe Underwater was full of angst, suspense, pain, healing, and love. The obstacles and challenges Evelyn and Damian experience in this novel are so down to earth and open your eyes to true struggles. I thoroughly enjoyed Evelyn’s character, she was so stubborn and brave but reckless at times. Damian was courageous in his want to guard Evelyn. It drove me crazy that he kept pushing her away but he felt this was the only way he knew how to protect her. If I could change anything about this novel it would be the length and streamlining the plot throughout. I felt at times some scenes were very drawn out with word and information overload whereas other parts were rushed, lacked detail and left you with many questions. Overall this novel had amazing character development. The chemistry between the two main characters was intriguing and the push and pull of the two really added to the story line. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to a friend!

Trigger Warnings: This book contains scenes of dark subject matter including flashbacks of abuse. It also contains graphic violence-both sexual and physical.

Available now in Paperback and eBook.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Kiana Corley

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was a fantastic read with great characters. You will fall in love and hate some of the characters. Was hard to put this book down once I started into it.

This book follows the story of Damien and Evelyn. Damien was the bad boy in high school. In contrast, Evelyn was an intelligent good girl from a good family. Damien left the city and Evelyn many years ago but work brings him back into her life. They both changed a lot in their years apart but what happens when you run into someone from your past?

Can past misunderstandings and mistakes be worked out? Do you ever truly forget your first crush? How long can a secret remain a secret? Read this amazing book to find out.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Stephanie Robb

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another amazing read from Anise Storm! I have never read anything by Taylor L Ray but I thought the writing styles seamlessly blended together. I love the second chance romance troupe and was routing for Evelyn and Damian from the first page. I loved the fast-paced and steam. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Monique Espitia

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has all the tropes I love. Mafia, undercover agents, long lost love, and second chances. Damian and Evie’s story starts off when they are 17 years old. Young love in these stories can often be cringey. But I found Evie and Damian super adorable. When her father threatens him and his family, he leaves abruptly. Leaving Evie broken hearted and confused. Damian returns 13 years later, but he isn’t the same boy she fell in love with. Evie isn’t one to take “no” for an answer. There were times when I was left scratching my head because Damian was acting like a DB and Evie just kept coming back. Things are definitely NOT any easier now that they are adults. Many challenges come their way. I was overall happy with the story and the characters you meet within it.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Heidi Schoolman

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is 503 pages long and follows Evelyn and Damian. They have a past together. Evelyn worked hard to move on. Damian did also. Until one day she comes back into his life. The problem is, he is with the mafia and if he is not careful, he could end up dead and so could she. Can they stay apart and live with that decision or can they come together and be safe at the same time?

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The back and forth between Damien and Evelyn was interesting. Some parts had me scratching my head and other parts made me feel bad for the characters. At first I felt like Evelyn was a little sheltered in way, but as the book progressed she began to blossom into a strong character that I enjoyed reading about. Then in comes Damien. At first I thought he was your typical bad boy, who thought he was all that, then things took an interesting turn that had me questioning everything that I thought I knew. Lie after Lie Damien struggles to keep things straight. You kind of feel bad for the guy almost. There was a lot of memorable scenes in this book that I loved.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Kerry Baker

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a well written and fast paced second chance romance that really pulls you in. For me this book is all about the characters and the connection they share. Although they don’t see each other for a number of years the connection is instant when the meet again. I really felt like I engaged with them and really wanted them to work things out.
I thought the story was good. At times it felt like a bit more detail could have been included but overall it was enjoyable. It was a book that I found easy to read because it was easy to get into. This is a great story by an author I have really come to enjoy.

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