Barely Breathing

Breathing, Book 2

By: Rebecca Donovan

Narrated by: Kate Rudd

Length: 15 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Barely Breathing is the second book in the million-copy bestselling Breathing Series.

“I’ve spent most of my life trying to make it to a future that still hasn’t happened, or avoid a past that won’t let me go. I don't remember when I’ve ever just stopped to live in the present, to hold on to the seconds I’m in.”

Emma Thomas’s struggle with an abusive home life came to a heart-pounding conclusion in the final chapters of Reason to Breathe, the first installment of the Breathing Series - Rebecca Donovan’s bestselling romantic-thriller (USA Today). Now her secret life has been exposed, and her tormentor can’t hurt her anymore. Yet some are still haunted by that night. The bruises may have faded, but scars and fears remain. How will she reclaim her life when she’s barely breathing?

©2012 Rebecca Donovan (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

so much emotion

I hated the way this book ended - I have to finish the series because Evan and Emma have to be together.

An Emotionally Charged Book

This is an emotionally charged story about a courageous young woman who finds strength in friendship and love. It deals with difficult topics in a straightforward and sensitive way. So well written and narrated. Completely worth the credit.

LOVED IT but so frustrated with Emma!

Okay, now I've listened to #1 & #2 of this series back to back and I have to say I'm a little blown away by how much I've enjoyed these books especially given the subject matter. I am usually not a fan of YA but this series is good. Again the characters intrigue me, even the ones who weren't very likable and RD really is a wonderful weaver of tales. I enjoyed seeing the progression of Emma and Evan's relationship as well as the circumstances and emotions that continued to trip them up. I'm delighted that Sara's character also grew and changed as well. I had a lot of trouble with the relationship between Rachel and Emma. I'm a mother of a teenage girl who is also reading this series and I have to say there were some scenes between these two characters which literally made me cringe and unable to read until I'd calmed down. I haven't really had that kind of visceral reading experience very often. It makes me think that RD perhaps without even realizing it has given us a story that could help so many people experiencing the kinds of emotional devastation the book talks about. On that note, I'm really not sure how I feel about the Jonathan character but that fact alone makes me glad he was included in this story. I read a lot and it's not unusual for me to lose my attachment to a story shortly after finishing it. I don't think I'll be forgetting Emma and Evan's love story anytime soon and I'm hopeful for their happiness. Sigh...now I wait for Out of Breath like everyone else. Well maybe now at least I can get some sleep until it comes out.
Kate Rudd was outstanding with the delivery of the story.

Annoying in a good/bad

Emma is too naive and doesnt use common sense...she needs to speak up...keeps doing the same dumb things over and over....it pisses me off the entire story!!! Still overall a good listen lol

Stunningly Accurate....

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! It's one of those books that you think about long after you have read it. It's gut-wrenching, heart breaking and stunningly accurate!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Barely Breathing?

Just when you think her life is on track and good things should start happening to her, something bad happens to her again. It's hard to read at times! You just keep holding on to hope that things will turn out right for once.

Which character – as performed by Kate Rudd – was your favorite?

Evan of course! He is the perfect love interest that I love to read about! Although no such guy would actually exist in this world!!! Kate Rudd is a very gifted performer. Her voice for Evan would just melt me at times. Kate's very talented at reading a wide range of both male and female voices.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It made me realize just how much a person can go through without completely losing themselves. Also how Evan just kept being there for her no matter what.

Any additional comments?

Some reviewers have a hard time believing that a person can continue to keep making one bad choice after another. Unless you have been through similar situations, or know of someone who has gone through abuse at this level, then it is hard to believe. In reality the cause and effect from abuse is stunningly accurate as described in this book. There needs to be more understanding for these victims.

Be prepared to start the 3rd book immediately

Where does Barely Breathing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 4 series

What about Kate Rudd’s performance did you like?

Kate did an amazing job!! Every character was read perfectly!

Any additional comments?

The series is addictive and an emotional roller coaster!

Can't wait for the 3rd -IT MUST WORK OUT!!!

Any additional comments?

This one was really hard due to the additional turmoil the future holds. There's a bit of detachment that was weird, but SOOOOO many ups and down with kinks in a perfect plan that will definately keep you listening. Although..... the ending....oooohhhhh the ending......where's the third - NOW!

Loved it

Performance was spectacular I even cried during parts of the story
Kate Rudd made it so real
Thank you

Made me scream

What did you love best about Barely Breathing?

OMG how many things can possibly happen to one person?
Towards the end I was screaming and cursing at this book. Because seriously, it made me that angry. I love Evan. I hate Jonathan. Never liked him from the begin. I can't believe that Emma did what she did. I want to slap so sense into her. I get that her life is anything but normal, but how could she do what she did at the end?????

Who was your favorite character and why?

Evan is perfect in every way, the most understanding ever.

Another great and WOW book.

What did you love best about Barely Breathing?

I love the relationship with Emma and her mother, Emma and Jonathan and Emma and Evan. All so very different .

What was one of the most memorable moments of Barely Breathing?

I loved the first book and this whole book was great. The relationship with Emma and Jonathan develops into something strange but normal.

Have you listened to any of Kate Rudd’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I like Kate Rudd and a reader very much, her voices and expressions gets you into the characters.