Waiting to Breathe

Publisher's Summary

She's broken. He's lost.

Olivia Crawford has been through the ringer. All she wants is to start over without any complications or anyone figuring out her secrets. When her twin brother Finn convinces her to move back home and finish her degree at his school, it's just the push she needs to start over. 

Nathaniel Ford is the golden boy of SCU. He seems like he has it all - perfect family, awesome friends and fraternity brothers, and a few buildings on campus with his last name on them. But things aren't always what they seem.

From the first time Nate and Olivia bump into each other, literally, he wants more of her feisty attitude, but Olivia throws more walls up with each step he takes closer, and he isn't sure he can break them down fast enough.

©2017 Alyson Reynolds (P)2018 Alyson Reynolds

🎧AudiobookObsession

Alyson wrote one amazing book here. I loved every second of it. The emotions, the characters, the way the characters heal through each other. It was a beautiful love story. Nate was exactly what Olivia needed. Olivia's past was one that took time and love to heal from. Olivia and Nate's story was touching and addicting. I could not put it down.

Melissa and Aaron gave a stellar performance. I love the soul and depth they gave these wonderful characters. I love when a narration enhances what are already amazing characters. The end result is something i will remember for a long time. Thank you!

🎧AudiobookObsession

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

So much awesome!

I really enjoyed both the book and the narrators. I discovered this author on another author's facebook page, and decided to try her books based solely on her male narrator, who is someone I've enjoyed listening to before. At one point, I was out of Wi-Fi range and couldn't download the rest of the book. I I was completely distraught! When I FINALLY got home and was able to finish, my life was complete. If you love romance, dont miss this one.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I love NA romance, but this one was a miss for me

I love NA romance, but this one was a miss for me. I just never really got invested in it or the characters. Even for an NA romance, it felt really immature and was filled with too much cliche drama that made everything over the top.

I liked Nate overall, but just like all the characters in this book, he seemed to bend over backwards to make sure his cupcake was happy. Nate and Olivia definitely have instalove, but I could have overlooked that if I actually felt any chemistry between them. I was glad when he actually put his foot down for a bit, but then once that is resolved, he was so desperate to not lose Olivia again that it just felt pathetic. Speaking of Olivia, she really grated on me. I did understand some of her actions to a degree, but she just came across as whiny and not at all like the "strong" young woman she was supposed to be.

This was my first time listening to Melissa Moran and I enjoyed her performance overall, but I think Olivia kept me from loving it. Aaron Shedlock's narration though as Nate really stole the show. He continues to impress me with his versatility and depth. He portrayed Nate perfectly and gave an emotional performance, switching seamlessly from playful and sexy to vulnerable and frustrated. I definitely enjoyed his/Nate's chapters the most.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Trust and Love

Trust and Love are the main points I took away from this new adult/college-age listen. The story has multiple levels of angst and emotions that is typical in this age group. Communication and forgiveness are key to this book. I really enjoyed the performance of both narrators in this story. Aaron Shedlock and Melissa Moran added depth of feelings that one would not get just reading the book. This was the first book by Alyson Reynolds that I have listened to. I thought the author did a great job with including very realistic emotions and insecurities in this book along with the imagery.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Emotionally charged!

New adult, especially college age is not my normal listen, but this story caught my eye and I am glad I grabbed it. Olivia has come to the school her twin, Finn goes to after a horrific year. Keeping her problems to herself, she just wants to enjoy school as a normal student. When she literally falls into the arms of Nate, Finn's best friend, her life changes. Nate is a pre-med student, and is just about perfect, at least that is how he seems. As these two get closer, their pasts and presents come to the surface. The question is will Olivia be able to overcome her fears of relationships? Will Nate's situation change his the course of his future? With crazy stalkers seeking attention and family problems, these two have a lot to work through. The question is, will their love be strong enough? Alyson Reynolds has included some very emotionally driven scenes. The story is shines on the importance of communication and forgiveness, and working towards your happily ever after.

Melissa Moran gives such emotion to Olivia as she narrates her point of view. This character is a tough one, her emotions very guarded and Moran gives Olivia her a voice that you can feel each feeling as Olivia experiences it. Aaron Shedlock interprets the personality of Nate to perfection. From scenes of love and tenderness to anger and frustration, his voice inflects every facet to draw you into Nate's world. This book is definitely worth the listen.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great college romance

First, I loved this cover! It’s super sweet and uber adorable!! The story itself is what I expect from college students. Insta-love with some adorable characters that I either love or seriously hate. Nate was charismatic and full of life. He was the strength in his family and you won’t be able but to root for him. Olivia is an ok character. I get her feelings on why she feels so broken. So empty and done for. She was just a bit too much occasionally for me.

I love audiobooks... they just feed my reading addiction so I can read 24/7. I adore Aaron Shedlock as a narrator. He’s always so strong in voice and channeling his characters. I do think his voice seemed a bit too old for Nate. I think I was expecting something a bit more upbeat for Nate. However, nothing Mr. Shedlock narrates turns me off so I still listened to him with rapt interest! Olivia’s voice by Melissa Moran was perfect. She can really channel that wounded female sound. Plus she just sounds at the same age or at least breathy and light. They have a great flow together and really can pull any listener in. Can’t wait for this second book.

Sweet, Steamy and Emotional!

I really enjoyed this sweet and heartfelt college romance. Nate and Olivia had an awkward and funny meet cute. But Olivia isn't about to open herself up to this sexy, kind stranger, not even after finding out that he is her twin brother's best friend. Olivia has had her heart broken and is keeping secrets even her brother doesn't know. But Nate is patient, and seeing how special she is, he is determined to win her heart. Nate and Olivia form a friendship and bond that grows into so much more. This angsty, steamy romance has twists and turns that can be frustrating at times but keep me totally captivated. Melissa Moran and Aaron Shedlock did a great job bringing this story to life and enhancing this audio experience. I really enjoyed Aaron's dynamic performance as he allowed me to feel Flynn's humour, frustration, and love. This is my first time listening to Moran and her inflections and accents were wonderful. I will look for more of her work.

The broken girl and her patient guy...

Olivia is starting classes at the college that her brother attends and literally runs into Nate...later she learns that Nate is friends with her brother. Nate is smitten but Olivia is holding back because she believes that she's 'broken'. Overall the story is good, although at times, Olivia acts on my last nerve. I loved Nate...he is patient and understanding! Both have secrets...will these secrets keep them apart or will they overcome them and get our HEA? Great book and awesome narration team!
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely distraction

This book was breezy, and a charming summer read! Best of all is Aaron Shedlock! His voice is the sexiest thing there is! I have listened to most of the books he’s narrated. I’m waiting patiently for the next!

Waiting To Breathe......

Story was OK but if I`m being honest Aaron`s performance was my favourite, Melissa at times came across like she was just reading from the book.
As per the norm with stories like these, misunderstandings and lack of communication made a situation far worse than it really was.
Nat, was my favourite character in this story and Aaron was perfect.

A great love story

What made the experience of listening to Waiting to Breathe the most enjoyable?

Aaron Shedlock is so amazing at bringing the story to life and he has done it again he is amazing as Nathaniel Ford. This love story is so well written with twists and ex's turning up making a budding relationship stall.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Nathaniel Ford he was the perfect boyfriend so understanding and very respectful.

What does Aaron Shedlock and Melissa Moran bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Aaron Shedlock is amazing at telling the story and makes it easy to picture what is going on. This is my first time listening to Melissa Morna but she is perfect for Olivia Crawford she had such a easy voice to listen to. both did a fantastic job.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A second chance at love.

Any additional comments?

This was such a great love story kept me gripped from the start to the very end. I loved the building relationships between all the characters. Olivia made me wan to shake her she was so stubborn I understand she has a past but wow does she hold a grudge.