A secret baby and a second chance.From troubled teen to successful contractor, Jake Nichols is used to starting over. From childhood to his recent divorce, he’s a pro at making the best of things.Phoebe Ward thought she’d never see her first love again. Until a client meeting brings her face to face with the sexy man … who is the father of her child.After all these years, they finally have the … these years, they finally have the opportunity to finish their story—if they can find their faith in a happy ending.
* This book was formerly called Breathe. No changes from original.
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Brilliant-Harmonious-Enthralling…..just a few thoughts that capture my review. Carly Phillips words are Genius in Breathe.
I was so enthralled from the moment Phoebe Ward walked into her friends home to check on the renovation project and saw her ghost “Jake Nichols” the guy she fell in love with many years before when they were in the same foster home….until the day that they removed him and she thought she would never see him again….. until…..he was more gorgeous then she remembered…..goosebumps taking over her skin, her mind racing, so much time…… he was just as surprised….. Determined to reminise and rekindle something so real to them both….. only so many things have happened between them…. Jake was in prison, married, divorced with a daughter. Phoebe single with a son…… Phoebe having trust issues and Jake feeling deceived….together they are determined to find their way back to each other…. Jack determined to breakdown all the obstacles and earn Phoebes trust is beautiful…..Building a new relationship with son, and the love of his life is simply the most INTENSE INGENUOUS ROMANCE AT ITS BEST. I found myself holding my breathe so many times while I read this story….can’t wait for FREED #3 in the Rosewood Bay Series
10 STARS FOR CARLY PHILLIPS
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Breathe is book 2 of the Rosewood Bay series by Carly Phillips and what an amazing second chance at finding the one who was taken away…
Phoebe and Jake were both in foster care, in the same home and became more than friends until they were discovered together and he was taken from the home never to be heard from again. Little did Phoebe know that losing Jake, finding her Aunt and a surprise pregnancy would change her life. Now years later Jake comes back in her life totally unexpectedly, he’s divorced with a daughter and still holding a torch for the girl from foster care..only to come face to face with that girl when he see Phoebe at a job site he is bidding on? Little does he know that he has a son too.
Phoebe now has to determine if he is the same person from foster care or a changed man before she tells him about her life after he was removed from foster care. Will these two find that the love they had for each other all those years ago still holds true or have they both changed to much to open up and find love??
Was fun catching up with Kane and Halley and looking forward to seeing if their other sister, Juliette come back into their lives…
Breathe is the second book in the Rosewood Bay series by Carly Phillips. This was a beautifully written second chance love story. Phoebe and Jake met while both were in foster care and fell in love. After being caught by the foster parents, Jake was sent away. A few months later Phoebe found out she was pregnant. Twelve years go by, the new contractor on a house renovation helping a client with, just happens to be Jake – the father of her child. Will Phoebe be able to except Jake past and is there any hope for them in the future?
Phoebe is a very understanding person and would do anything to protect her son. Jake has learned from his past and is an amazing father. After all those years Phoebe and Jake are still hot and in love with each other.
I loved the little update with Halley and Kane and I’m so ready for Juliette and Braden’s story!
Rosewood Bay is definitely a place I want to visit. Hot men, a beautiful backdrop and what sounds like a great place to make new friends. SIGN ME UP!
The characters in this book drew such a clear image in my head, I feel I know the family and have been a part of their fold forever.
The storyline was strong and so enjoyably sweet, I read it in 1 sitting. The exploration of the places made it feel like a beautiful town that you want to visit for vacation and stay forever.
I love Carly’s use of vocabulary to draw you into the story deeper with each word, line, paragraph and chapter. Definitely a 1 click worthy book.Carly Phillips
A hearty and beautiful romance that is a breath of fresh air—refreshing and unforgettable…
Breathless. Giddy. Cathartic. That’s how I feel after reading Breathe. Carly phillips has done it again. I don’t know how she does it, but every single time I read one of her books I just can’t seem to walk away without a second, third or fourth glance. It’s like her words become embedded in my brain and they’re the only thing I can think about. I know it sounds crazy, and quite frankly—it is, but her words are just so freaking raw and honest and real. They hit you right in the gut. And it doesn’t even matter if it’s a suspense or a comedy, whether it’s light or dark…easy to read or a hard pill to swallow. Every one of her stories has a way of making you completely lose yourself to it.
Breathe is the second book in her new series Rosewood Bay, Much like Fearless this is on the shorter side of a full length novel, but it is so brilliantly written that it reads like a much longer story. I mean that in a very complimentary way. Ms. Phillips doesn’t beat around the bush and drag out the inevitable—she goes straight for the jugular, and it is so refreshing. Don’t get me wrong, you still get that gorgeous angst and all the freaking feels, but she doesn’t take you round in endless circles to get to the important and pivotal parts. Maybe that makes me silly and impatient, but I love it.
If you love a second chance romance and a single parent romance, this book is for you. Not only that, if you love a deep story with a good side measure of swoony romance…look no further! This is one of the sweetest and most enthralling love stories I’ve read recently. The flow is just so organic and beautiful, and the actual development of the plot itself is effortless. Everything just ebbs and flows so gorgeously that it is impossible to ever put this book down. This is most definitely a one sitting read.
The characters themselves are nothing short of impressionable and lovable. Both Jake and Phoebe were easy to get to know and fall in love with. Their connection is unquestionable and their chemistry is off the charts. I loved that they were grown-ups about their situation and that there wasn’t any over the top drama involving their son, Jamie—who Jake didn’t know about. There was some drama in the form of Jake’s ex-wife, honestly I didn’t mind it, but for me it didn’t add anything to the story. If anything, it took away from Jake and Phoebe’s ease. I actually think that other readers will enjoy it because it does add WTF moments, but in the end it really doesn’t go anywhere. There isn’t any conclusion to it and it kind of gets lost amidst Jake and Phoebe’s romance…which, if you ask me, is good thing.
I honestly can’t say how much I enjoyed Breathe. It was a breath of fresh air and it was just a hearty and beautiful romance. It was easy to read and a gorgeous story to get lost in. In fact, this is the perfect book to read on a sunny beach or by the pool. It’s quite simply just romantic perfection and I just know that it’ll be reread during my holiday.
Time to Breathe
I really enjoyed this second book in Carly Phillips’ Rosewood Bay series and I’m very much looking forward to reading the remaining two books. This story focuses on the eldest Ward sister Phoebe as she is reunited with her first love and father of her child, the gorgeous Jake Nichols. But a lot has happened in the 11 years since they last saw each other and it won’t be easy to reconnect after all this time. Throw in an ex-wife, Jake’s 6 year old daughter Callie and some secrets kept from Phoebe by her Aunt Joy and this story held my interest and kept me guessing.
What I particularly noticed about Breathe – as opposed to so many other romance novels I’ve read lately – is that there wasn’t big dramatic occurrence that pulled the main couple apart. Instead it was more a constant battle of little things stopping Phoebe from truly giving all of herself to Jake and it was actually refreshing, and realistic, to read a story like this. The problems facing Phoebe and Jake were typical of two people who clearly still had a strong attraction and obvious feelings for each other, but after such a long time apart bring with them a some baggage and past experiences that need to be worked through.
I’m so glad that I’m regularly reading Carly Phillips’ books as it’s a reminder of just what a fabulous author she is. She knows how to deliver my perfect style of romance – sweet, romantic, sexy, steamy and with characters and settings that are authentic and relatable; and Breathe is a fine example of this. Carly’s continued success is well deserved and I cannot wait to read whatever she gives us next (as well as one day trying to get to her back catalogue as well!).
nicandbooks
Amazon/Goodreads
This is the second book in the Rosewood Bay series by author Carly Phillips. The series is all about sisters who were seperated, some longer than others and their lives. This is a second chance story about a couple who met as kids in foster care and were tore apart. She went to live with her Aunt (when her auntie found out about her and her sister) and he…well Jake had a path that went the harder path. One that took him longer to reach Phoebe. But when they reconnected and all things clicked. and believe you me they clicked, nothing no even an Ex wife could keep them apart. I love the truth in the words and actions that Ms Phillips gives us in Breathe and yes i had tears. I am so looking forward to the missing sister’s book next.
I loved Fearless so much, I really wasn’t sure I could love Breathe just as much, but boy was I wrong! I think the Rosewood Bay series has become my new favorite series from Carly Phillips.
Phoebe Ward was only a small part of Fearless and I thought I had her figure out by her actions then. Phoebe is so very different from her sister Halley, yet I found myself loving her character every bit as much as Halley. She has to be pretty strong to have survived foster care and being a teenage mother. Yes her Aunt Joy and Halley have been there to help once they left foster care, but the one person Phoebe always wanted with her was Jake Nichols, her son Jamie’s father.
Phoebe and Jake still had an attraction to one another from the moment they saw each other again. OMG I absolutely loved them as a couple. I loved that Jake was ready to start over with Phoebe as soon as they met and was very upfront about what had happened in his life since they last saw one another. I have to say I didn’t necessarily agree when Phoebe waited to tell Jake about Jamie, but loved that Jake accepted it and the delay with understanding even though he was angry at the delay. I loved seeing Jake and Jamie meet and connect so quickly and seeing Jake and Phoebe reconnect gave me all the feels. They had the most amazing chemistry and I absolutely loved them as a couple.
I have to say I was pretty surprised by Phoebe pulling back the way she did. I could tell she loved Jake every bit as much as he loved her. I have to say Phoebe seemed like such a strong and confident person, so I was really surprised that Phoebe had some of the same abandonment issues as Halley. It made perfect sense after I thought about it, but still came as a surprise to me. I loved it took a confrontation with Jake’s ex-wife Lindsey to make Phoebe see what was right in front of her and in her heart.
Breathe was such a beautiful and emotional romance. I have loved all of the characters we have met so far in the Rosewood Bay series and can’t wait to meet Phoebe’s and Halley’s little sister Juliette in the next book, Freed.
Rating: 5 Stars (A)
Review copy provided by publisher
Phoebe Ward at 16 was found by her Aunt Joy and then found out she was pregnant. With the love and support of her Aunt and sister she has raised her son Jamie by herself. Phoebe had always wondered what happened to Jake Nichols. After trying to find him when she was pregnant to tell him he was a father. She never got the chance until now.
Jake’s life spiraled even doing time in prison until Brent Masters gave him a chance and taught him how to work construction. Now he has the chance to prove to Brent that he can run handle this job and make him proud. Taking care of his daughter has always been priority one. Now if his ex wife would just understand that he never loved her like he should have. His heart was lost long ago to Phoebe. Little did he know life was about to give him a second chance and a son.
Jake is determined to make Phoebe see that this is their time and he wants a life with her, Jamie and Callie forever. Phoebe has to let go of her fears and trust Jake. Loved their story and couldn’t put it down.
Second chance romances are definitely my thing and the story of Jake Nichols and Phoebe Ward in Breathe by Carly Phillips was perfect!
Jake and Phoebe have a past, one where they were both in the foster system and fell in love. However, unfortunate circumstances happened to both of them and they haven’t seen each other in years. Jake, who went to prison, turned his life around and married and had a child. Now divorced and the dad of a six year old little girl, Jake never thought his past would come back.
With a son he knew nothing about.
Phoebe never thought she’d see Jake again, let alone have to explain the son he never knew. Seeing Jake has brought back the feelings Phoebe had for him so long ago yet she just cannot get over her fears and is trying not to get attached, especially with an ex-wife who just isn’t ready to fully let go of her husband.
I really enjoyed this story. The chemistry between Phoebe and Jake just jumped off the pages and I was sucked right into their story, along with the drama of the ex wife. I love how Jake was committed 100% to Phoebe but how she had to have a moment when she realized what their story was truly meant to be. Breathe was a wonderful second chance story!
This second chance romance is sweet and poignant. Deep emotions connect Jake and Phoebe even after more than ten years apart. The history between these two starts when they are teenagers and in foster care. Both these characters are complex. Neither has had an easy path in life and both have made mistakes. With a well written and engaging storyline your interest is captured and kept. With a bit of drama, a few surprises, a love that doesn’t end, and soulmates reunited, this book is entertaining and will touch your heart.
A deeply emotional, sweetly sexy and engaging romantic journey for this second chance childhood sweethearts couple that my heart just went out to….
Phoebe Ward is outgoing, funny, sexy and raising her adorable eleven year old son Jamie resigned to the idea she will never find his father again. Jake Nichols is sexy, charming, head strong and finally getting his life on track. Fate brings them back together, sparks fly and as the past unveils uncertainty creeps up… loved this highly entertaining visit to Rosewood Bay and I look forward to more.
This series gets better and better. I really enjoyed “Fearless” but liked “Breathe” even better. I think that it’s hard to do an enjoyable and believable first love story. I liked Phoebe and Jake and enjoyed them getting to know each other as adults. Their circumstances seemed to be very similar but they really had different experiences. Sometimes, you have to dig deep to get to the true issue, especially if at first glance there doesn’t appear to be anything tragic to trigger doubts and fears. I enjoy the way Ms Phillips writes and the way her words flow. I can’t wait for “Freed” and read Juliette’s story.
Phoebe Ward survived the foster care system and nearly 12 years as a single mom before walking into the house her client has put her in charge of having refurbished for a meeting with the contractor when she comes face to face with her first love, the one she thought she would never she again, the father of her child. Jake Nichols has overcome and survived so much in his life…foster care, prison, divorce, and now he all his hard work has led him to a job he loves which could lead to him owning the business in the future and having a beautiful daughter he is helping raise as a single dad. What he doesn’t expect is to come face to face with his true love, his only love, Phoebe. Coming back together and meeting his son brings out all the feels in this story. Watching this family struggle to find their way through insecurities and real life drama to find their happy ending was a pleasure. This series keeps getting better and I cannot wait to see where it goes next! Definitely recommend this one!!!!
Sweet and sexy 2nd chance romance.
Breathe is the second book in the new Rosewood Bay series by Carly Phillips, I haven’t had a chance to read Fearless yet, but this read as a standalone away so no problems there. This is Phoebe Ward and Jake Nichols’ story. Jake and Phoebe were is foster care together, they loved each other as only teenagers can, until they were caught. Jake was sent away and soon after Phoebe’s Aunt came along and removed her from the system.
Phoebe left foster care not know she was pregnant, once she knew she tried to find Jake to tell him their news but she failed to find out where he’d been sent.
She had to buckle down and become a single mom.
Now, life has brought them full circle and Phoebe and Jake are in the same town again. Only Jake’s not a boy anymore. He’s a man, one who’s been married but is now divorced and has an eight years old daughter. How can Phoebe tell him the truth about her child. His son?
This story had a lot of life changing topics but they were well handled by the author. I enjoyed how realistic it was and fell in love with the characters and their kids.
One for a rainy afternoon of lazy relaxing and a long cool glass of wine.
Phoebe and Jakes story was beautiful! So many emotions and insecurities but it was also heartfelt! I’ve been waiting for Phoebe’s story and it was as great as I thought it would be! Can’t wait to read about Juliette’s story!
I loved the first book in this series and was excited for Phoebe and Jake’s story. I loved this second chance at love that Phoebe and Jake were getting. It fell a little flat for me though as far as what I was hoping for from the story feeling wise, but I still really enjoyed their story. Jake was a great guy who I fell in love with and was a dreamy dad. Love the sexy guys whose world revolves around their kids! Phoebe and her family continue to awe me at what they have gone through and how they continue to thrive. This was a good second chance love story, I was just hoping to feel more as I read it. Good read.
**Received ARC for a fair and honest review**
Breathe is the 2nd book in the Rosewood Bay series. I personally don’t think that this book could be read as a standalone as the first book has to do with Phoebe’s (the h in the story) sister and has a lot of their backstory. This was a very enjoyable read I would rate this book at 4.5 stars.
Phoebe hasn’t had the easiest life, between a drug addict mother and thrown into foster care she’s got a lot of hangups. Not to mention that she got pregnant at 16 and now has a son, Jamie that she’s been raising with the help of her aunt who pulled her and her sister out of foster care. Phoebe wanted to make something of her life and has become a successful realtor. It’s during a transaction with a house going on the market that she runs into her first love, and also Jamie’s father, Jake. She tried to find him for years unsuccessfully and when she meets the contractor making upgrades to a property low and behold there he is. Jake was kicked out of the foster home he was in for corrupting what the family deemed an innocent girl, aka Phoebe. After getting kicked out, life wasn’t easy for him and he made a lot of mistakes. But those mistakes led him to Master’s Construction, who gave a degenerate kid with a record a chance. Now years later he’s done well for himself and when he’s working on a construction job and the realtor comes in, the last person he’s expecting is the only person he’s ever truly loved.
This was a great story. I really enjoyed the characters, though you never want strife, the strife was believable and something common, ex spouse issues. Really enjoyed Phoebe and Jake together, enjoyed how Jake stepped in immediately to take care of his son, and battled the ex and made sure there was no differentiation between the kids. I was sad that you didn’t see Jake’s mom meeting the Jamie though. The first book was ok, but I loved this book. I also loved seeing Halley and Kane in the book and updates on them, and Aunt Joy. I can’t wait for the next book in the story!!! That I’m not giving any spoilers for. Hope this helps. Happy Reading!!!
Phoebe Ward is a single mother who has raised her son with the help of her Aunt for almost twelve years. Surviving foster care and having been separated from the boy she loved and had a child with as a teenager have left their mark. She has tried for years to locate him without success.
Phoebe is now a successful real estate agent who is overseeing a renovation project for a client. When she walks in to meet the contractor, she is face to face with the father of her child who is also the contractor overseeing the renovation. Jake Nichols was a troubled teen she met while in foster care. They were in love and made plans for a future together, but he was removed from the home before Phoebe knew she was pregnant and she never saw him again. Until this fateful day.
Phoebe was always it for him, and when they meet again, all of the old feelings are still there between them. Now Phoebe must tell him they have a son. Can they put their past behind them and get a second chance at happiness, or have their lives gone in different directions making it impossible to have their happily ever after?
This was a great story and a must read.
I loved everything about Breathe. Both sweet and emotional this book had me hooked and kept me that way through every page. I’ve been anticipating Breathe since I read the first in this series, Fearless, and was so excited to finally get my hands on it. Breathe was everything I was hoping for with Phoebe and Jake!
Separated in the system as foster children when they were teenagers Phoebe was never able to tell Jake she was pregnant. After years of trying to find Jake Phoebe has accepted that he’s truly gone and her son will never get to know his father. When she walks in to meet a contractor for her job she never expected to be the man who was the boy she once loved. Life moved on for Jake even though he never forgot his first love. When these two are brought together again there’s much more than just the two of them involved.
I loved how much the children played into their story while the romance still flowed beautifully. So many times one or the other is pushed aside so one one can really shine, but with Breathe this story went beyond a second chance romance and adding in a heart melting family aspect that was just as prominent. It made Jake and Pheobe’s story that much more realistic and relatable. I truly could feel the emotion between them as they navigated this new life and fell back in love.