Heather’s Bookshelf: Breath to Bear
Author: Paula Dombrowiak
Released: 11/30/21
Genre: Contemporary Romance
“The song ends, breaking the spell, and I realize I’m still rooted to the same spot as when I entered. Applause startles me as it spreads among the crowd, and a few people stand, showing their appreciation for his talent. Jack dips his neck as he pulls the guitar strap over his head. The sweat flies from the messy strands of his hair hanging in his face, and it’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. Almost as if he finally realizes there are other people in the room, his troubled eyes look out into the crowd with hesitation. When they land on me, there’s a flicker of something visceral and dangerous in his gaze. I didn’t know dangerous could look so beautiful. I forget why I came here as the butterflies flutter against the inside of my stomach.”
“Breath to Bear” is the sequel to “Blood & Bone”- the original book’s review can be found here and can be found here for FREE download!!! Don’t read on if you don’t want spoilers for the original! “Breath to Bear” picks up shortly after “Blood and Bone” with Jack O’Donnell still dealing with the repercussions of his previous life choices while trying to move on with Erin.
The story is told from two perspectives: Jack’s and Erin’s. Jack’s released a book with Erin as his secret ghost writer. While promoting the book, old feelings keep creeping back up and interfering with his budding relationship. He’s reminded of his time with his band, Mogo, and his bandmates, Cash and Wade. But mostly he’s reminded of Mia. Jack’s also been working on an album with songs he wrote with Mia before she died. He’s way overdue to release it and getting pressure from his producers to do so. Meanwhile, his daughter ***’s all grown up and starting out with her own music career.
Erin’s dealing with the complications of dating the ever-complex Jack and Mia’s ghost. Her career in writing is taking off, but she doesn’t want to be known just for writing someone else’s story. A chance encounter finds her a friend, Sasha, who inspires her to stand up for herself and what she needs.
Trigger Warning: adult language, sexual situations, addiction
Overall, I enjoyed this continued tale about Erin and Jack. It picks up with the same raw emotion and angst as the first. The author also does a great job in carrying over some of the more poignant themes and events from the first book without making it obvious. I love that she doesn’t dumb down the story with a lot of flashbacks but still references things that happened in a way that felt natural. The ancillary characters from the first book are all back and their lives have continued on while Jack continues to tread water. Again, the author does a great job in addressing these changes along with their repercussions on Jack. Half way through, I wished Erin’s character had a little something extra that came to light during the tale—-and then it did! The first book was so revealing about Jack, I think more about her past helped me to understand her decisions a bit more. The ending is super fitting and feels complete in a great way. (Side note: I love that the book comes with a recommended playlist at the start of the story.)
OVERALL REVIEW:
A sequel that doesn’t disappoint: filled with sex, love, and rock & roll.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Paula Dombrowiak
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