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Kissing helps with mental health issues
Breathe by Eve Vaughn has some strengths but also several weaknesses that may impact the overall reading experience.
On the positive side, the book explores themes that are not often seen in the romance genre, which is refreshing. Additionally, the character of Maddy provides some enjoyable comedic moments that added some fun to the story. Also, it was a quick read, perfect for a lazy Sunday.
However, some significant issues detracted from the book's overall quality and enjoyment. The most prominent were the countless grammar mistakes, typos, and missing words. And unfortunately, it threw me off my reading flow.
Additionally, the author's use of repetition and contradiction was a bit frustrating. For example, the repeated retelling of the same event in the foster home felt tedious.
Removed from home #1:
The only reason I was removed from that home was because one of the foster children ran away and told the police what was happening in that house. It wasn't hard for me to imagine what would have happened to me had I stayed in that house longer than I did."
Removed from home #2
If one of the other kids at that house had not escaped and told the police about what was going on, I'm certain one of the kids would have died and it very well could have been me."
Then there was her relationship with her neighbor Tricia.
Why Rori isn't friends with #1:
Because Rori didn't know her intentions
Why Rori isn't friends with #2:
Hard to let someone in.
Furthermore, the book relied on telling rather than showing in some key relationship-building moments, making the characters' emotional connection feel less genuine. The only connection is during intercourse. Yet, the talking during that action felt icky - for lack of a better term. Also, The lack of an apparent reason for Rori's reluctance to seek professional help for her mental health issues was puzzling and made her character feel that her issues were just surface-level. Moreover, her actions and what came out of her mouth contradicted each other, and I often wondered if it was the same character.
Finally, while the author's exploration of mental health in the book is admirable, it feels superficial and ultimately serves to advance the romantic plot rather than to fully explore the issue.
While "Breathe" has some strengths, its weaknesses may make it a challenging read for some. Those looking for a light, easy-to-read romance may find it an enjoyable way to pass the time, but those seeking a more polished and nuanced story may be disappointed.