Thursday, July 5, 2012

Review ~ Exhale

Exhale

(Just Breathe #2)

By Kendall Grey

5 of 5 STARS




Her dreams brought them together, but reality could tear them apart…

The man of Zoe Morgan’s dreams isn’t only real, he’s interested. In her. But her boss wants her too, and is leveraging his unsolicited advances with the threat of blocking the huge promotion she's after. When he places a spy on her research team, the intense stranger discovers more than he should, and Zoe fears hiding a relationship with Gavin Cassidy from her boss is the least of her worries. The whale she must protect has been marked for death, and Zoe's old enemy Scarlet is eager to deliver the killing blow. To both of them.

Australia’s Sentinels must find and lock the door into the Dreaming before Fyre Elementals launch another attack on innocent dreamers. But corruption and distrust abound, and Gavin believes someone on the Sentinel council is in league with the Fyres. As he reluctantly embraces his new role as council leader, Gavin must not only keep Zoe safe from Scarlet's vengeful clutches, but organize a Sentinel defense strong enough to prevent a full-blown Elemental war—with a traitor fighting by his side.

*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.

After finishing book 1, Inhale, I had to rush to start this one.  This book is even better than the first.  I am still kind of reeling with how amazing this was.  Lots of things happen.  Good things, bad things, sad things...

In this book we have Gavin and Zoe spending more time together in the real world AKA Realis.  Their relationship doesn't move nearly as fast as it did in the Dreaming, back when Zoe didn't realize what she did in dreams was real, just in a different realm.  Gavin is all for giving a real relationship a go but Zoe is hard to convince.  The chemistry they shared in Dreaming carries over into Realis but they have obstacles ahead of them.

The Fyre Elementals are still attacking Wyldings in the Dreaming.  As personal vendettas are made clearer, attacks carry over into Realis as well.  The Fyres are trying to throw the balance of power to take control, the Wæters  are looking for a new leader, Gavin has a new "mentor" and responsibilities.  The villain is a bitch of epic proportions.  Seriously.  I don't think I have ever hated a villain as much as I hate her.

Zoe and Gavin are great to read about.  Zoe has a lot going on with her boss/ex on the scene to help out CRN.  While trying to balance her career, she's also coming to terms with what her role is in this Elemental battle and learning what a threat she has become to certain parties.  Gavin has so much on his plate, at times it feels like he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.  He's sweet, sexy, playful and head over heels for Zoe.
“You’re wicked beautiful, but don’t you dare try to kiss me,” he whispered, his lips bumping hers so lightly he wasn't sure they actually had. “I can’t be held responsible for any damages that might be incurred.”

She's reluctant but falling nonetheless.  The playful banter between these two is great.

“When you’re playing guitar, does your hand ever get tired of going up and down like that?” She made a wanking motion. 
He glanced at his right hand and laughed. The smart arse in her topped up the desire in the pit of his stomach. “Believe me, this thing’s been getting plenty of exercise since I met you. A simple ‘yes’ would make both of our lives a lot easier.” 
A grin spread slowly across her lips. “I’m gonna stick with my original answer.”


But we can't talk about Gavin without mentioning his other career.  Hello rock star?  Massive sex appeal.  Oh boy.
Wearing torn and faded jeans and a black button-down shirt with sleeves rolled up, Gavin stood center stage on the JumboTron. One combat-booted foot balanced on a speaker monitor as he slashed out guitar chords. With wild black hair sprouting every which-way, tattoos slithering down his forearms to the wrists, and silver glinting from both ears and his bottom lip, he was a rock god.

Seriously,  the boy is smooth.

Thumbs wriggled through the belt loops on either side of her hips and pushed her flush against the door. One black boot appeared between her feet. The other planted itself in the carpet to the left of her right shoe. She looked up to protest. His lips landed on hers, gentle as a falling feather. Breath shuddered out through her nose, and her eyes drifted closed as he staked his claim on her mouth. 
Umm…sold.

Besides all the quotes that clearly show my love for Gavin, this book was the definition of a roller coaster of emotions.  Just when you get used to a situation, something crazy happens.  The ending was just crazy and I CANNOT WAIT to read Just Breathe due to release August 7th.

To quote my own tweet to Kendall:
 @kendallgrey1 Just finished ‪#EXHALE‬.Wow, just wow. INTENSE. Holy shit. Oh my god. What the fuck. Just a few thoughts going through my head.



2 comments:

  1. THAT'S IT! I'M READING THIS MOTHA!

    I've been eyeing this series for a week now and my fingers are really itching to get it but haven't talked to anybody who've read the series. Now I'm SOLD! WEEEE~~~ So excited!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Give the first book time. Lots of world building but I LOVE the characters. Book 2 was freaking fantastic! Hope you love them!

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