Review: Breathe left me breathless!:O)
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 6, 2013
I received a complimentary copy of Breathe from the author. This does not effect my honest review.My Thoughts (Review)Breathe follows the life of High School junior Jasmine as she attempts not only to navigate the difficult waters of teen life and high school; but she is also attempting to begin a new normal with her family, who had been struck with the tragic loss of her older sister, Daisy. The death of her sister was made even more heartwrenching due to Daisy was murdered, and the killer never caught. So to begin afresh, Jasmine and her mom, and younger twin siblings, a sister and brother start over fresh. They make the move from LA to Lousiana. Things are different there, but soon Jasmine, begins to almost feel like a normal teen again. She gains friends, as well as the heart of the most popular, and hottest guy in school. She begins to find herself, but Jasmine's world is thrown askew again, when the signs that what she hoped to have left in LA and the past, may be haunting her in her new home.Breathe, had a wondeful "feel" to it. I know that's very hard to explain, but I love novels, or stories, that have a somewhat "gothic" atmospehere. Gothic not in the sense of castles, or paranormal creatures. But that of the steamy, Old World  Lousiana landscape, mysterious events and very passionate,handsome special someones; add in cryptic characters and murder, and yep, Author Elena Dillon had me at the first chapter.The story was paced perfectly, starting in the aftermath of the tragedy and the beginning of the new life. We moved swiftly into Jasmine's becoming immersed in the schools matrix, and right into the action that carried the reader to the end. There was not a lag, where the reader could be bored. Between the sprinkles of suspense, when Jasmine begins to receive the threatening calls, and creepy items that mimicked her sister's experience; Author Elena Dillion balanced extremely well, alternating scenes between the dark threat of danger and the  blossoming passion between Jasmine and Easton; who was described as beautiful, (and in my mind's eye) a younger version of Ian Somehalder(Damon from The Vampire Diaries); I was carried through the story quite expertly.(Not sure if this was the author's goal, but was sure what I was thinking of!)(My idea of Easton)Ian SomehalderAlthough labeled as YA, the story would capture the interest of anyone who loves mystery-suspense and a good love story combined.I enjoyed this book immensley and will look forward to more work from this author!Recommended for Teens/Adults (Parental Guidance is suggested for younger teens,due to subject matter)  Violence/Murder references