Breathe, Annie, Breathe
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Series: Hundred Oaks #5
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: July 15, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Summary:
But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind — and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.
First Sentence: As a kid, I had the worst mile time ever.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
My Review:
After the huge disaster that Racing Savannah was (I still shudder in horror and disgust when I think of Racing Savannah), I was pretty leery about reading Breathe, Annie, Breathe. Ever since I’ve read Miranda Kenneally’s Catching Jordan, which I absolutely loved, I felt like Miranda Kenneally’s books were going downhill, each one getting worse and worse than the one before it. I didn’t really enjoy Stealing Parker nor did I really enjoy Things I Can’t Forget, but Racing Savannah was a nightmare for me to read. Breathe, Annie, Breathe was my last resort and last chance – if I didn’t enjoy it, I would give up on Miranda Kenneally’s books altogether.
Spending time with Jeremiah was good – great even, but the risk of caring is too high.
A friend. He can be a friend, but nothing more. (ARC 128)
Although Breathe, Annie, Breathe didn’t have insta-love like how Racing Savannah did, there is one aspect of Annie and Jeremiah’s romance I couldn’t cheer for. It was revealed later on in the book that Jeremiah wanted Annie the moment he first saw her. My question is, why did he want her out of all people? What makes Annie so special that Jeremiah immediately liked her out of all the other girls out there? According to his family, Jeremiah was a player before, always with a new girl constantly, but what’s so special about Annie that made him drawn to her the moment he first saw her? I’ve seen things like this happening in other books besides Breathe, Annie, Breathe and I just don’t like it when the romance in books turns out this way. It makes me feel frustrated, like the romance hasn’t reached its full potential and that the author is taking the easy way out.
He goes on, “I’ve wanted you since the moment we met.”
My instincts tell me to rush out of the room, but the tug to stay with him is too strong.
“I never wanted a relationship with a girl before you,” he goes on. (ARC 263)
Despite the insta-want in Annie and Jeremiah’s romance, I did like everything else about their relationship. I loved how patient Jeremiah was with Annie and how they were friends first before becoming into an actual couple, despite a certain earlier situation. I would definitely want a patient, supportive boyfriend like Jeremiah. Annie and Jeremiah’s relationship is definitely a relationship I fully support and ship, although I still can’t forget the insta-want part.
One thing that made me really happy while reading Breathe, Annie, Breathe was that we get to see some old characters from the Hundred Oaks series again. There’s Jordan, who is now older and a coach, Sam Henry, Vanessa, Matt, and many other old character appearances. I love the roles the old characters played in Breathe, Annie, Breathe; the cameos moments featuring them were enjoyable without being too obvious.
Overall, despite my problem with the romance, I did enjoy reading Breathe, Annie, Breathe. Honestly, Breathe, Annie, Breathe gave me hope that I might enjoy reading this series again. Here’s hoping that I won’t be disappointed with the next installment in the Hundred Oaks series.
For some reason, the story of this book didn’t really catch my attention. I also don’t like when characters simply fall for each other at first sight, and even though that doesn’t happen, I didn’t get curious about Jeremiah and Annie’s romance. I also have never read anything by Miranda Kenneally, so I wouldn’t know what to expect.
Thais Pampado recently posted…O Aniversário de Anya
I’ve never read anything by Kenneally. I’ve heard manly good things, especially about Catching Jordan, but I haven’t read anything yet. I am curious. Sorry this book was just so-so for you. I actually don’t mind inst-love that much. I don’t love it, but sometimes I think it works in books.
Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook recently posted…Audio Review: The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life by Tara Altebrando
I have Catching Jordan on my Nook, but I haven’t read it yet. I guess I kinda dismissed it as simple fluff. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the series, so I guess I should give it a shot.
Dana @ The Nerdy Journalist recently posted…Review: Ever Near by Melissa MacVicar
I’ve never read anything by Kenneally but I actually do wanna read this book. :)
Eeyorenyk recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday #011
That seems like kind of a major problem. That would bug me too, but I’m glad the rest of the relationship is strong. I’m still considering reading Breathe Annie Breathe, and I’ve mostly read super positive reviews, so this was a pretty helpful review. Thanks!
P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex recently posted…WoW – The Mermaid Pearl
Miranda’s books are fun to read in the summer. Great review. Can’t wait to read this one. <3
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book, definitely not something I would normally read since I seriously suck at anything remotely athletic haha, shame about the insta love but I’m glad you still enjoyed it! Great review :)
Safah @ Midnight Pageturners recently posted…YA Recommendations – BY GENRE What are your favourites?
Insta-love books always bug me, i enjoy seeing a relationship building up from something little and blossom into love, rather than just instantly having an instant loveydovey, mutual, perfect relationship. Those are hard to digest, and i always wonder “How and when did this happen?”, and like you, “Why is she so special? Why did you pick her?” Unless it’s a paranormal series, then i actually like them mostly, especially if there is a good explanation and reason behind them. :) But insta-love in contemporary… I think i’ll skip this series. :) Nice review!
It always sucks when a series starts off great, but then starts to fade. I’ve never any of the Hundred Oaks series books. Everyone I’ve talked to about the books are always raving about them. Breathe, Annie, Breathe sounds like the only one in the series that I might actually read. Anyways I’m glad you enjoyed this one and I hope the new ones get better.
I feel like I could connect with Annie VERY quickly due to the fact that I also hate and suck at running. I haven’t had the chance to read this series yet, keep seeing reviews and having it recommended to me, but still haven’t had the chance to read. Thank for your very honest review, I always appreciate these as now I can go into the series with realistic expectations, knowing that it might not be what I had hoped :)
Hannah @ Broc’s Bookcase recently posted…Let’s Chat: Book Recommendations
Glad to see you enjoyed this book! I’ll definitely be picking it up! Also, I’m excited to hear that there will be cameos from past characters! :)
Kristen recently posted…Book Spotlight: Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee (Author Interview)
Oh man, I’m sorry to hear about your experience with Kenneally’s books. I’ve heard such amazing things about this one though! At least you thought it was okay. That’s peculiar for Jeremiah to suddenly WANT Annie so badly, after being a player and all. I can see how the insta-want is a little awkward. I’m glad that their actual relationship was good though! I still need to check out Kenneally’s books, so it’ll take me awhile to get to this one. But thanks for the wonderful, honest review!
Jen recently posted…Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout | Review
IS this a stand alone? The romance was lacking,aw. I’m glad the book was enjoyable though!
I thought this was a stand alone for a second then I saw it was part of a series. Is this a series/companions like Anna and the French kiss or is it an actual series like Divergent? I have never read any of Miranda’s books so I don’t really know anything.
The title of this book just grabbed me from the instant I saw your review. From the cover I thought it’d be about a girl in high school, trying to deal through some issues. Then when I read the description, I was a little disappointed. But I do like the concept and think it would be a good book to pick up if I ever I didn’t have one.
I loved this cover! I’ve never read anything by Kenneally too, but this book seems pretty cool. I’ll give a chance.
I first discovered Miranda Kenneally on Wattpad where she posted Catching Jordan for free. I haven’t read the Hundred Oaks series yet, but I’m looking forward to it. I like how all her books centre around some sort of sport or physical activity. It’s quite refreshing and I loved reading in your review that the other characters make a reappearance. I always like it when authors do that. Overall, sounds like a series that has potential and I’m willing to give it a chance. Great review!
I actually haven’t read any of her books! I’ve wanted to read Catching Jordan for awhile and I actually didn’t know that this one was part of the series. I’ll have to start with Catching Jordan.
I haven’t read any of her other books, but I think I might give this one a go. Thanks for the review!
I’ve heard of Saving June but I haven’t read it yet. Breathe, Annie, Breathe seems light. :) I might get an eBook copy for this when I slide back to my reading slump. Hahaha. Thank you for your review!
I’ve heard so many things about this author, but I have yet to pick any of her books. I might just pick up Catching Jordan and see if I like that one :)
Maybe it’s a good thing that I said goodbye to Miranda Kenneally with Catching Jordan:)
I loved the first book in this series,especially the main characters,but I never had the desire to read the sequels,they just didn’t sound right to me.
I hate it when series go downhill with each book:(
Mishma @ As the page turns recently posted…Bout of Books:Sign Up & Goals
Catching Jordan is still my favorite of the series. I like the others but not as much, still enjoyed them though.
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Great review! I haven’t read this book.
I think insta-want, like you called it, is a very real thing, it’s happened to me in real life. I think that if Jeremiah had gotten her, he wouldn’t have fallen for her, but because she pushed him away and they became friends, which is something that hadn’t happened to him before, the attraction developed into something that was love…which was not an instant reaction for either of them.
I’m really excited to read this book! I understand what you’re saying about the romance, it’s a bit unrealistic! He wanted her form the beginning, ugh oh please… ooh cameos! Lovely review!
Rachel @ A Perfection Called Books recently posted…Review ~ Opposition by Jennifer L Armentrout
Hmm… I don’t know if this is my kinda book. I’m not really a fan of books that focus completely on romance but I did like the part where you mentioned that they were friends before and he was kind & patient with her.
That isn’t too common in YA romances so I might give this a try. :)
Sooo, I recently found this blog mostly because of your giveaways but after reading a few reviews I actually see that you’re reading a lot of books I kind of want to read! I didn’t know this was a series at the beginning of this review so it was confusing at the end when you brought up the connections to the other books. BUT I really REALLY want to look into this author and books. It seems interesting and I’m a sucker for romances. Anyways, hmm. I really enjoy your blog.
I hate it when I absolutely love a book, but then the next couple just ruin everything. Or when a book doesn’t need any more sequels but the author adds them. *cough Maximum Ride + City of Bones cough* (no offense to any one who enjoyed the sequels)
Great review. It sounds like a good book. I will have to check the book out sometime.
Although there were some off and on and off-again moments in this book, good thing you atleast liked it!
I look forward to continuing the series.
Great review. It sounds like an interesting book
Wait, I thought this was a standalone but it’s part of a series? Is it a companion or do I need to read the first four book in the Hundred Oaks series? Somehow I totally missed that…dammit. I’m hoping it’s a companion because i wanted to read it but not if it’s book 5 hah.
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What a great review! I’m still not sure how I feel about the book it sounds very interesting but I don’t know if it’s something I’ll read soon