Breathe (Sea Breeze)

by Abbi Glines

Set in the steamy coastal Alabama town of Sea Breeze, an interconnected group of older teens hook up, break up . . . and much, much more. Sadie White's summer job isn't going to be on the beach life-guarding or working at rental booths like most kids her age. With her single mother's increasing pregnancy and refusal to work, Sadie has to take over her mother's job as a domestic servant for one of the wealthy summer families on a nearby island. When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie hadn't spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house she might have been normal enough to be excited about working for a rock star. Even though Sadie isn't impressed by Jax's fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax but he fights his attraction. Relationship's never work in his world and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. By the end of the summer, Jax discovers he can't breathe without Sadie. But can their love overcome the disparity in their lifestyles? Or will they have to learn how to without each other breathe again?

• ISBN10: 1471117553
• ISBN13: 9781471117558
• Publish Date: 29 August 2013 (first published 1 September 2011)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 352
• Language: English

Reviews

[Sam@WLABB]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Sadie. You could not help but admire how she essentially had the weight of the world on her shoulders, but never let it get her down. Her mom was a mess. A. Mess. Sadie was a survivor and did what she had to do, while avoiding wallowing in self-pity. The friendships she made at the Stone home were priceless. I love the "family" Glines assembled for Sadie. Jax had his moments, but managed to redeem himself in my eyes. And Marcus. Poor Marcus. He really is a great guy and I am excited to read his story next. I was little let down at the end. The ending seemed a little abrupt, but overall, I was entertained and wore a stupid smile at many points during the book

[nitzan_schwarz]

Originally published on my blog. Please consider popping by :)
3.5 stars

I am glad I gave Mrs. Glines a second chance, because I actually really enjoyed this book about a rock star and his maid. I definitely feel that after this, I'll check out her other works. Eventually. 

Let me tell you a short story about Mrs. Glines and I: We first met when I read her book, Existence. I hated that book; it was the first book I ever gave a 1 star rating to. So, naturally, I became wary of the idea of reading other books by her. But I knew that at some point, I should, because one book doesn't mean I'll hate all of her book; and she is such a well known and loved author. So I gave this one a try. 

There were two things that made me like this book, despite it also sharing two of the very worst things about Existence:

A. I liked the characters.
B. I thought the two of them were really cute together.

The book is told from Sadie's point of view, and I really like this girl; She was honest and focused, pretty but unaware of it, mostly due to her mother and her being the adult in the family - she never had time for boys, and dating. She's independent and mature, and she may fall for rock star Jax, but it's not because of his rock star statues.

"She wasn't the best mom in the world, but she did belong to me."

As for Jax, I always love when those stars are nice, and considerate, and just really lonely. Though, honestly, that's about the most I know about this guy, aside for the fact he really cares and loves Sadie. I never felt like we got to know him much, but I liked the bits of him I did see.

Now, to the two issues I had with this book... that weren't all that bad, considering. If you're a long time follower, you know I usually react to them worse because they are some of my ultimate pet peeves. But as I said before, because I actually liked the plotline, the characters and the two of them together, it didn't matter all that much, aside for the occasional eye roll. 

1. Insta Love
Again, I never felt like we got to know Jax all that well; because Sadie never did. She declares to us, in her head, that she knows "Jax" after two conversations, both of which they actually talked about her and not him. By their next meeting, she's fallen in love. And while they do get to know each other a bit better on the following days, it moved way too fast. However, they were  kind of adorable. Very sweet and lovey-dovey. So, in this particular case... whatever. 

2. The Bella Syndrome - The Bella Syndrome is how I call the plot line where the girl completely breaks down after the break up, and starts being catatonic/suicidal/etc. Named after the first character I read of who did it; Bella Swan.
Naturally, from that description, you can guess correctly that Sadie does this. In fact, she goes to a full on no-eating no-drinking depression, dramatically declaring that she has lost her reason for breathing.

Yes, it sounds awful. Luckily for me, she get's back on her feet fairly quickly, even though she's still hurting, and again... characters, plot line and adorableness kept it from making me hate the book due to it

All in all, despite my misgivings about those two things, I really enjoyed this book, to my immense surprise. I admit I wasn't expecting much after Existence.
I recommend! 

P.S - completely unrelated, but... I absolutely adore the UK version of the covers (the one you're seeing here). Some of the models in the US edition look way off and wrong, plus I hate when we have people so distinctively on the cover. This one is gorgeous, mysterious, and I can actually walk outside the house with it and not feel shame!! 

Originally published on my blog. Please consider popping by :)

[leelu92]

I was underwhelmed. Not crazy about the writing style... a little awkward for me. Good story though. I'm hoping for more from the next one.

[Kelly]

I couldn't get past the formal dialogue between the characters and sounded far too proper to be a teen conversation. It's cute and bubbly, but didn't hold any substance for me. Ideal for young teens.

[reveriesociety_]

CHEESY CHEESSY CHESSY

[e_rodz_leb]

Well, the short description is that I loved this book! Loved. It. I am a sucker for romance and Breathe has more than its share in that particular category.

Sadie has been forced to grow up rather quickly and be the responsible person between herself and her mother. Now that her mother is pregnant, she has even more responsibilities and I felt sorry for her and her lack of support before working for Jax Stone. Sadie is a beautiful girl, she is caring, with good work ethics and strong believes between what is right and wrong. Even though she posses all these redeeming qualities, she still fell head-over-heels for the latest heartthrob, Jax Stone. The great thing is that he did too. I loved that he was so caring, and knew exactly what Sadie needed and tried to make life easier for her. The only thing I didn’t like was her reaction after Jax left (never fear, it has a happy ending!), although I do understand it.

I enjoyed all the characters in the book (well, maybe not Jessica: Sadie’s mom), they were well developed and easy to relate to, especially Marcus and Ms. Mary. The story was simple and well developed and the writing was beautiful to read, it reminded me a little of Sarah Dessen’s writing.

I am a new fan of Ms. Glines and I intend to promptly purchase her next books. I know that there is no need for a sequel, but I would love to see what happens with Sadie and Jax next, though I hope the last line is “and they lived happily ever after” :)

About the cover – There are two covers of Breath and I like the one I posted here better. It represents the book so well and it is beautiful.

[lizarodz]

Well, the short description is that I loved this book! Loved. It. I am a sucker for romance and Breathe has more than its share in that particular category.

Sadie has been forced to grow up rather quickly and be the responsible person between herself and her mother. Now that her mother is pregnant, she has even more responsibilities and I felt sorry for her and her lack of support before working for Jax Stone. Sadie is a beautiful girl, she is caring, with good work ethics and strong believes between what is right and wrong. Even though she posses all these redeeming qualities, she still fell head-over-heels for the latest heartthrob, Jax Stone. The great thing is that he did too. I loved that he was so caring, and knew exactly what Sadie needed and tried to make life easier for her. The only thing I didn’t like was her reaction after Jax left (never fear, it has a happy ending!), although I do understand it.

I enjoyed all the characters in the book (well, maybe not Jessica: Sadie’s mom), they were well developed and easy to relate to, especially Marcus and Ms. Mary. The story was simple and well developed and the writing was beautiful to read, it reminded me a little of Sarah Dessen’s writing.

I am a new fan of Ms. Glines and I intend to promptly purchase her next books. I know that there is no need for a sequel, but I would love to see what happens with Sadie and Jax next, though I hope the last line is “and they lived happily ever after” :)

About the cover – There are two covers of Breath and I like the one I posted here better. It represents the book so well and it is beautiful.