Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Before You Break (Between Breaths #2) by Christina Lee


The star catcher of the college baseball team isn't supposed to have skeletons in his closet. But Daniel Quinn is hiding a guilty past so dark he refuses to let anyone get close. Except there’s something about gorgeous, studious Ella Abrams that goes beyond the electric attraction between them—something that makes him want to open up.

Ella has suffered enough heartache and guilt to fill one of her psychology textbooks, but she keeps that part of herself hidden behind a bubbly exterior. Until she receives an anonymous call while working the suicide helpline and the voice on the other end touches something inside of her that she can’t ignore.

Soon Ella and Quinn’s physical connection heats up, even as their deep and revealing hotline talks intensify. But by the time Ella realizes that her seductive jock and her sensitive caller are the same guy, it might be too late to save him—or to stop herself from falling too far.

Type: New Adult
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Whew! Before You Break was quite the read. It's not all smiles and roses but a powerful journey of two individuals whose lives were shattered by loss and are trying to come to grips with it. With the guilt, fear and heartache that's been a constant companion. And with finding a bit of peace, light and hope with someone they never expected.


The quick of it is that what you see or what people want you to see can sometimes be devastatingly far from the truth. Much is the case with Ella and Quinn who have both had their lives touched by suicide. Ella's when her brother took his life and Quinn's with his struggle to keep going and face another day after a horrible event. There's an interesting double story that happens. Quinn--the star baseball player-- and Ella--vivacious 'girl next door' getting to know each other in "real life" where sports, fun and Greek life rule everything they do and then meeting each other via an anonymous suicide hotline--where Ella volunteers-- as Gabby and Daniel. The two relationships both growing but them never making that connection that it's them.

Quinn was a fabulous hero. He's sweet and caring and has such a good heart even if he's struggling with his self worth. It was interesting seeing the two sides of him. The strong male who looked like he had it all together--even if he didn't quite fit into his world--and the tortured young man who was walking the fine edge of depression and ending everything.

And Ella was just a lovely heroine. Strong, thoughtful, determined to make a difference. She's still hurting from her brother taking his own life but she's gone through grief counseling, is putting her life towards helping others and is just someone you can look up to.

I really enjoyed these two. They both really struggle with facing their inner demons but they're good people and fun to be around as well. The two complimented each other without a doubt. With sweet moments, some very poignant and some flaming hot. Oh yes. The two had some lust worthy chemistry happening. Lordy! There's a lot of lead up to the 'big event' and it was all nicely done and suited them perfectly.
“Don’t misunderstand, Ella. I want you. So fucking bad.” I gathered her face in my hands. “The day I can finally bury myself inside of you is the day I know for sure that you’re mine. All mine. Only mine. And anything other than that isn’t good enough.” 
While Before You Break wasn't at all the read I was expecting--yes, yes I am a non-blurb reader--it was one that took me by surprise in a good way. One that felt real and meaningful. One that will open eyes and touch hearts and leave you thinking about it for days after turning the last page. It wasn't an easy subject matter but Lee handled it incredibly well and will hopefully shed some light into a topic that's so often brushed under the rug and hidden. Amazing job!

Have you read Lee? Have a favorite?
Do you enjoy reads that deal with real life issues or prefer lighter reads?
Have you read one on suicide that really touched you?

More Lee on herding cats!


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