Release Review: A Breath Apart: Christina Lee
A Breath Apart
Christina Lee
Christina Lee
Release date July 3, 2019
The Fischers are the only family Brennan has ever known, and when they adopt him, he has no plans on doing anything to jeopardize that. Even if it means pretending Josh Daly doesn’t make his heart pound every time their eyes meet.
The tension eases once Josh heads off to a Christian University on a baseball scholarship. Brennan stays put in Elm Grove to work at his family’s drive-in movie theater and take classes at the local community college.
But when Josh comes home for summer break, the feeling not only returns, it transforms into a loud and commanding drumbeat he struggles to tune out.
Finally admitting who he is feels overwhelming. There’s a reason Brennan remains a virgin and when he realizes Josh might be one too, the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore. Except acting on his attraction throws everything Josh has been raised to believe out the window.
Plagued by fear and self-doubt, they finally surrender, placing their trust in each other and their undeniable connection. But facing the world together takes the sort of faith that will either strengthen their bond…or shatter its very foundation.
This is a heartfelt and engaging coming of age, M/M love story. Brennan Fischer survived the foster care system and was adopted but still harbors some self-worth and abandonment issues. He is quiet, shy, kind, and responsible.
Josh Daly comes from a strict religious family with pressure to follow the rules and excel in sports. He has been away at a Christian college that continues to enforce religion and morality, so he is constantly scrutinized and is becoming more and more conflicted about himself, religious beliefs, and his future.
They shared a moment six years ago at camp that neither of them forgot. Now Josh is home for the summer and they are drawn to each other again. Both have harbored secret crushes for years, but had no idea if it would be reciprocated. They both feel alone, afraid of losing those they care about or being shunned. They bottle up their pain and are afraid to be who they really are. But now they are spending more time together. There is a gradual unraveling of hope, understanding, acceptance, lust, and feelings. But they are two young men whose sexuality could rock both of their worlds, and they live in fear of what it would mean to be outed.
I got totally sucked into this one. It is a story of self-discovery and acceptance, and a super slow-burn, forbidden romance. It was so honest, raw, and real. Their trust in each other and willingness to be vulnerable and a safe place for the other was beautiful. Both are inexperienced and just figuring out what they want and need. I just loved both of these guys and seeing them experience so many firsts. They were so sweet, caring, loving, and had so much to deal with. They had so much internal conflict, external pressure, and fear of discovery. But together they were adorable and so full of wonder.
Brennan narrates the story, but Josh's voice is also heard loud and clear through personal diary entries. The characters and their relationship were well developed. The side characters and at times toxic environment added to the depth and conflict. I felt everything these guys felt. I just wanted to hug them and tell them it would all be okay. I hated that they had to worry so much about acceptance and loss. And I was full of tension waiting for the inevitable black moment that would test them both and force them to face their worst fears.
On a personal note, as I was reading this book, my daughter texted me to thank me for being supportive and accepting of who she is. Apparently, one of her friends is currently not having that same experience at home and is struggling. And it just hit home to me how true this fear and anxiety about coming out still is for these young people. And this book really illustrated that point. So even though we live in a world that is much more accepting and tolerant than when I was younger, there is still a lot of room for improvement. But as a parent, I just want my child to be herself, happy, and loved. The world would be a better place if everyone could do that and support love in any form.
Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys. She’s addicted to lip balm, coffee, and kissing. Because everything is better with kissing.
She writes mostly MM Contemporary as well as Adult and New Adult Romance. She believes in happily-ever-afters for all, so reading and writing romance for everybody under the rainbow helps quench her soul.
If you’d like to keep up with her on a daily basis, join her reader group on Facebook called The Swoon Room. Or join her newsletter to be notified of sales and/or new releases.
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