Review ~ Inhale

Inhale

(Just Breath #1)

By Kendall Grey

4 of 5 STARS

Strangers in reality, inseparable in dreams…

After years of suffocating under her boss’s scrutiny, whale biologist Zoe Morgan finally lands a job as director of a tagging project in Hervey Bay, Australia. Success Down Under all but guarantees her the promotion of a lifetime, and Zoe won’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way. Not the whale voices she suddenly hears in her head, not the ex who won’t take no for an answer, and especially not the gorgeous figment of her imagination who keeps saving her from the fiery hell of her dreams.

Gavin Cassidy hasn’t been called to help a human Wyldling in over a year, which is fine by him. Still blaming himself for the death of his partner, he keeps the guilt at bay by indulging in every excess his rock star persona affords. That is, until he’s summoned to protect Zoe from hungry Fyre Elementals and learns his new charge is the key to restoring order in the dying Dreaming. He never expects to fall for the feisty Dr. Morgan…nor does he realize he may have to sacrifice the woman he loves to save an entire country.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and some violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

**The author will donate all profits from the sale of the JUST BREATHE trilogy to programs that educate people about whales and the challenges they face.


I was recommended this from Karina Halle and what a great recommendation it was!  The world Kendall Grey has created contains Elementals, Wyldlings (normal people), Sentinels and goes back and forth between the Dreaming and Realis.  Though the first part is really bogged down with descriptions, the last part of the book was amazing.

First we have Dr. Zoe Morgan.  She's headed to Australia to lead  the current project for Cetacean Research Network.  Zoe loves whales.  Hardcore.  But before she even gets to Australia, she has a situation and is saved by a mystery man.


 Enter Mr. Perfect aka Gavin Cassidy.  Boy oh boy is he hot stuff.  He's a Sentinel and is charged with watching over Zoe.

Soon they are seeing each other in Zoe's Dreaming often.  Thinking it's all a dream, Zoe gets pretty bold and makes the moves on Gavin.  They have definite sparks between each other but Gavin tries to keep it professional.  He's still trying to figure out how Zoe plays into the current drama.

Current drama you ask?  Well the Sentinels are charged with protecting the Dreaming and Wyldings.  They keep balance between all the elements.  The Fyre Elementals have invaded the Dreaming and are torturing and killing Wyldlings.  No Elementals should be in the Dreaming.  Only Wylding and Sentinels should have access.

Slowly the plot is revealed and we see the bigger picture.  Balance has to be maintained or the shit will hit the fan.  There is a prophecy involved, and with all prophecies, it's a riddle that needs to be figured out in due time.

Zoe and Gavin are wonderful together.  It's hot, it's sweet, it's all kinds of things as they learn to work with each other in Dreaming, and eventually Realis.

“I love the way you smile at me.” He started to touch her arm, but thought the better of it. “Knocks me on my arse.”

 Uh, did I mention that Gavin is a rockstar in Realis?  No?  How silly of me.  HE'S A SEXY ASS ROCKSTAR WITH TATTOOS AND A LIP RING!  He's the singer, songwriter, guitarist for the band Just Breathe.  Ok, now you know. ;)  That floats my boat in more ways than one.

Perfect was real. He was real.

“Did you see him looking at you? Like he wanted to devour you? That boy is hungry, and you’re a fuck sandwich with a side of chips.” Adriene’s grin grew so wide, it almost ate her face. Armpits resting on foam pads, she clapped her hands twice. “We’re gonna stick around after the show and meet him.”

Adriene is a great side character, she's Zoe's BF and the other captain of the boat for CRT.  She's really supportive, funny and has great page time.  Gavin's mentor Yileen is another great side character, so much more to him than meets the eye.

Overall thought:  There is so much world building that it took me a while to wrap my head around it all.  I immediately liked the characters, it just took a while for me to understand where the plot was going.  But once I did, I really loved this story.  It's so unique.  I haven't mentioned much about the whales.  There are a lot of whales.  They are a huge part of the story and it's great to see them in such a mystical and significant light.  The author is donating all proceeds for the Just Breathe trilogy to whales and whale awareness. Pretty cool if you ask me.  Just another reason to take the plunge and give it a try!

And now I know that you’re the one I’ve waited my whole life for
You’re the budding leaves turning green in spring
You’re the fresh breath of air that summer brings
You’re the autumn sky painted in rainbow hues
You’re the wintry ocean dancing in shimmering blues
 You’re the air I breathe
You’re the water I drink
You’re the fire inside me
The earth under my feet
You’re the one