Review: Breathe Me by Alexia Purdy

Breathe Me
by Alexia Purdy
Expected publication: May 31st 2013 by Lyrical Lit. Publishing

Sometimes the one who broke your heart is the one who needs saving the most.

Piper Sandervale never thought she’d ever see Sasha Koval again, not since he'd taken her heart, ripped it out and obliterated it. Now six years have passed, and she has run into him once more at the local fairgrounds in Las Vegas. He desperately wants another chance, and he’s willing to do anything to get her back. She’s not willing to give him anything but a taste of his own medicine, and this may be her chance for payback. But is she only getting in way over her head?

Even as she plots her revenge, Piper discovers that something has changed with Sasha, and she finds herself struggling to justify holding on to past hurts as he continues his quest for atonement.

Who needs saving now?

Synopsis from Goodreads
 

It isn't always fair to review an ARC. I try to be fair, taking into account that another round of edits is still going to be made, but sometimes it's hard to keep that in mind. I'll admit straight out that I was distracted by the typos etc. so I will definitely be rereading the book. I already have the final draft in my hot little hands, and may very well give it a higher rating.
Breathe Me is a modern love story. In my life, I am constantly being bombarded with these chaste teen love triangles (I mean in books, of course). I found it downright refreshing to read a romance of the more mature variety; to have a story about someone like me. Relating to the characters was easy and natural. Piper could very well have been me, especially because she is "broken" in the same way that I am; she suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. I also understand her issues with trust, so I was rooting for her the whole time.

Sasha, the irresistible male lead. We are given hints about the past between Sasha and Piper, but it takes a while to find out exactly what happened between them that has scarred her for life. The story is mostly told from Piper's POV, but occasionally, Sasha gets his say, and there are a few past scenes to fill in the blanks. Regardless of his mistakes, Sasha is determined to make things right. I love that he remembers everything about her, and treats her like a queen, even when she's pushing him away. Not once does he give up on her, and this is exactly what she needs. The world could use more Sashas.

I really wanted this book to be longer. I was really enjoying the rekindling of the relationship, reading about their struggles, but I was especially curious about how the end was going to work out. The ultimate bomb is dropped, and then the last two chapters are rushed and I'm left dangling with questions still half-formed. Although, the sign of a good author is to leave the readers always wanting more, right? ;)

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.