Breathe 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.
Breathe 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.
Breathe 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.
Breathe 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!
Breathe 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?
Breathe 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.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️
Breathe 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.
Breathe 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.
Breathe 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.
Breathe 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?
Breathe 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.
Breathe 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.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is all about second chances. It was a good read!!
Damian is an undercover FBI agent in the mafia. Damian no longer exists, on paper anyways. That’s never really bothered him even though he loses a little of his soul every time he has to do any job he has no choice but to do. Damian ends up in Texas for another job and runs into the last person he expected to see after so long. Evelyn pushed passed all the hurt and betrayal to move on with her life. Damian left her and that was all there was to it. These two have had their own struggles. Will they be able to reconnect and move past the hurt? Or is there too much history and now too much danger for these two to make it work?
There is a lot of chemistry between these two and you can’t help but root for them. There were so many emotions evoked with this book. I couldn’t put it down!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Evelyn fell for the class clown during her senior year when she was asked to tutor him. Damian fell for her as well but disappeared leaving Evie heartbroken. Many years later, Damian is an FBI agent working undercover and planted into a mob. This job makes him relocate, where he runs into the girl he never could get out of his head. Evie wants to know more about the man who makes her heart race. Will the mafia and secrets get in the way or will they finally get their second chance?
This book was amazing. This was a dark romance with action and steam. The characters were wonderful. I couldn’t stop reading until I finished the book!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a steamy and dark tale about a love that never was and a couple trying to recapture what could’ve been. Lots of push and pull, some twists and turns, and internal struggle of fighting reality vs desire. Damian isn’t really able to go full in with Evelyn, and he continues to push her away while simultaneously fighting his pull to be with her. Evelyn is strong willed, though, and keeps pursuing Damian despite his attempts to keep her at arm’s length, unwittingly putting herself into deadly situations in the process. Convinced there’s no way out of his present circumstances except by death, Damian knows he needs to give up on any future with Evelyn. Can he finally convince her to stay away?
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love a good second chance romance. After being apart for years Damien and Evelyn are brought back together. Broken hearts and feelings are still there when they come face to face again after all that time. Their story is emotional and stressful. This story is dark twisted and good.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When the FBI asked me to do this undercover job, I never thought I would be lost in a sea of darkness, I have been in this world for so long that it may consume the last bit of humanity out of my soul but having to do this job he has sacrificed so much and so many people will he be able to love again.
I have my world on track, everything is going brilliantly until I see the person who broke my heart all those years ago, but he still has the draw he used to have, but I don’t know him anymore he lives in the shadows. Can I put myself those the torment again to have the only man I only ever really loved.
I have to say I have read a few books by this author and this book does not disappoint, the chemistry between these two characters jumps off the page and I was drawn into their world. The characters compliment each other brilliantly with the sass and fire from Evelynn and the dark moody side of Damian this just adds another depth and element to the story.
From the start my heart had a little space for Damian, as a child being dragged around state to state by his father just wanting to stay in one place long enough to make some friends was hard to read, but through the book you saw snippets of light when he meets back up with Evelynn was just a joy. I hope that some of the mini plots come off as books as I would love to see conclusions to some of these stories. As always can not wait to read more.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gut wrenching and tears is a good way to describe this book but it’s also so very funny and full of love. There are plot twists at every turn and it’s just a great store. I love anise storms stories. Damian and Evie, at first I thought she was crazy, like stalker crazy but in the end I get it and it’s just what Damian needed. Damian so smart and sexy fell for Evie long ago but his current situation isn’t best for her. It’s a whirlwind of back and forth. Great read though!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Emily Nolden
5 out of 5 stars
The story of a second chance.
Have you ever read a book where you crave to be the main character? Despite all the hardships, and every mountain that character climbs?
That is this book for me! Hands down, so amazing! I’m writing a review, yet I cannot put to words how much I absolutely LOVE this book!
Thank you Anise Storm and Taylor L. Ray for writing such an amazing book, that I read through the night!
“Evelyn, when I was left to drown underwater, you were the air that kept me breathing. It has always been you, and it will only ever be you.”
Who doesn’t want to be told this? To have this kind of love, compassion, and unending protection!
Let’s not forget about the steam! My oh my, did Storm and Ray know how to write these scenes! Warning: do not read in extreme heat or around other people, haha.
Overall such a great book, and I can’t wait to read more of these authors books!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Action, romance, danger, second chances, chemistry, heat, lots and lots of info to take in – I do feel like several aspects of the story were rushed to stay on the main story of the “go away, no come back” aspect of this book. There are certain points where you just feel embarrassed for Evelyn not taking no for an answer, or plain angry at Damian for being so dang mean to her to try to push her away and keep her safe. It is troublesome when the relationship ended and no one talked about what really happened or that Damian is looking at some form of relationship with Evie and can’t even tell her about his real life or potential dangers.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the main basis of the story and the passion involved between Damian and Evie – that staircase scene, though! Hot hot hot. I enjoy second chance romances where you see the characters evolve but know they missed something – coming back together as adults with life experience, memories, passion…I love it. There were some really great background characters I’d love to see more of in future novels, if that happens. I enjoy Anise Storm books and her writing, the other author is new for me and I am not 100% on which is which. I do feel making this book more than 1 in a series with some extra fleshing out of background plots or characters taking more of the focus, but I enjoyed the book and will read another if they continue with it.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I first saw the cover to this book I knew right away that I had to read it. I discovered this author about a year ago and ever since then I have devoured every book of hers that I could possibly find. This book is packed with action, steam, second chance love and so much more that I simply couldn’t put it down. The plot was amazing, the characters were well developed and storyline was well put together and amazing. While I have read several books by this author in the last year I think this one has personally become one of my favorites.
<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/5032609602″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I felt like this was a good middle.of the road book. Who says you can’t find some sort of happiness always being surrounded by darkness? That is exactly what happened when Damian. He is an undercover FBI agent involved with the Mafia. Evelyn was his one bright light, however with all the danger that follows him due to his many enemies he has to let her go. Was it fate when they met up again? Now they have a second chance to make a relationship work but Damian still has to keep his secrets. Are they doomed to be star-crossed lovers or is there a happy ending?
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Probably one of the longest mafia romance books I’ve read. I enjoyed it though. Evelyn is a bit stalkerish but I won’t judge you girl lol. Her and Damien had a thing as teenagers and he ends up leaving. 13 years later and they’re reunited. There’s angst. Drama. Spice. The drama can be a bit much and some things were over the top, but if a book can bring out all kinds of emotion for a reader, I’m here for it. Damien is a bit of a dick but Evelyn loves him. It’s entertaining and emotional and If you love a good push and pull romance, this is for you.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I think this title of this story pretty much sums up how I feel about this book – I honestly felt like I was trying to breathe underwater whilst reading it. The two authors did a great job with this story, the transition between the two writers was seamless and it was hard to tell that it was not written by just one person, their writing styles gelled really well and the story was really easy to read. I’ll admit at times there was a lot of story going on and I skimmed over a few parts but I still really enjoyed what I read. The characters Damian and Evelyn were great to read about and I am a sucker for a second chance romance and actually what I got was so much more than that. The authors threw in some great twists and turns which meant my interest was kept from beginning to end.
Overall a great read and one that I would highly recommend.
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a second chance Dark Romance about Evelyn and Damien. Before you dive into this and read it in about a day like I did, PLEASE check the trigger warnings. There are some dark topics touched on and talked about in this book.
That being said I absolutely loved this. The passion, the lust, the angst and just the overall emotion tied to it. Even, if there is a judgemental cat named Max judging us at every possible moment, this story is well put together. After years of thinking the other couldn’t stand each other they’re face to face once again. And from there the rest is a passion and lust filled emotional ride. I cannot wait to physically own this so I can annotate in it and take down the quotes not just on my kindle.
If you are debating picking this up, don’t! Just pick it up is so worth it.
Review by @michellerenee6590
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this romance story. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I know what kind of story that I am in for. One that is hard to put down and will heat up the pages. This book is no different. It is a well written story that has characters that made me feel as if I was part of the story. I had no problem relating to them. They pulled me into the story with ease and had me coming back for more. This is a fast paced story where Damien and Evelyn had a past and now there is a chance that they just might be their present. They have great growth and chemistry. They made the story for me and were my favorite characters. I really enjoyed reading this story which I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Evie and Damian are wonderful characters who have a deeper connection than you first expect, combine that with an enthralling storyline where something is always happening and some great steamy moments and in my opinion you definitely have a great book! To put it simply, this wonderful author just never disappoints so do yourself a favour and start reading today!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read many books by Anise Storm and when I saw that this was her next book that was coming out, it was a no brainer that I would want to read this book. I was NOT disappointed it! This book had me on the edge of my seat from the first sentence to the very last. The book revolves around Evelyn, a girl who in her teens was tutoring a troubled teen and in the course of that fell in love with him and when he left was severely heartbroken. It also revolves around a Damian, who has grown up on the wrong sides of the tracks, who has had a severely troubled life who cannot seem to get Evelyn out of his head. When these two reconnect, there are sparks flying! I was reading so fast as I needed to know what happened next! If you want/need a great mafia, dark romance then this is the story for you!!
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm and Taylor L. Ray packs quite an emotional punch. It is an intriguing second chance romantic suspense- a mafia romance with a bit of a twist and plenty of danger, mystery, suspense, action, chemistry, red-hot sizzle, push-pull, angst, and a complex, layered storyline.
I don’t want to go into this story too much, as I don’t want to spoil it for you. I’ll just say that not everything is as it seems, and there’s more going on than first appears. I loved the ‘twist’ to the story- I though that was a great touch and added an extra element of interest to the whole thing, for me. The character’s past history added some angst and emotion to the story as well. And I also loved that there was more than one source of danger- which kept the tension dialed up to high.
I hope that the authors are setting things up for a series… hint, hint. As I felt there was ‘room’ here to add more instalments. We will have to wait and see.
There was a lot going on here though, with a lot of information being delivered, so at times I did feel like the story bogged down with the ‘info dumps’. Then at other times, the story seemed to be rushed, and skate over things that I though needed more attention. But these issues weren’t enough to detract to much from the story and I look forward to seeing if this is just the groundwork for a new series.
Happy Reading,
Thank you, Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! Just Wow! Despite the darkness in Breathe Underwater, I absolutely loved it! The authors put together a wonderfully written meaty story that keeps on enraptured till the end. I’m familiar with the one author which is what drew me to this book in the first place. I thoroughly enjoy their work. However the combination of unfamiliar author and familiar was pleasantly surprising.
This book has some dark trigger warning themes. Has a brave/strong female lead character.
It also has a male lead who is so ingrained in what he’s doing that lines start to cross.
So what happens when those two characters were sweet on each other as teens and now 13 years later are back in each other’s lives?
Evelyn and Damian were the two that never should fit, but they did and it was a perfect match. Till Evelyn’s dad got involved and upended their lives. Telling lies on both accounts, each thinking they were abandoned by the other.
13 years later they are now forbidden fruit. They know they shouldn’t but can’t resist. Damian tries to warn Evelyn away but she doesn listen. Evelyn knows better but keeps following her heart.
Do they stay apart or make it work?
Does Damian’s shady/secretive lifestyle get in the way?
What about Evelyn’s dad?
Trust me when I say if you like either of these authors you are going to want to read this book. If you are not familiar with them, now is your time to discover why they will be your new favorites!
