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kirstycarson1's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kariniwonderland's review
4.0
An entertaining sometimes spooky whodunit. Although you kinda figure out very soon “whodunit”, but you then brush it away because you think it’s too obvious. Nevertheless a nice fall thriller to curl up with.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
gailalison's review
1.0
This book was NOT GOOD. How in the world is this book “award winning”? Are the kind of awards the author pays for? The writing was pretty terrible, the plot and pacing were convoluted and predictable. How this book has any good reviews is shocking. Out of the over 200 books I’ve read so far this year, this one had the worst writing. It’s extremely rare for me to rate any book under two stars (even two star ratings are fairly uncommon for me), but I just couldn’t give it more than one. It seemed like the author chose half her words from a thesaurus- there were so many goofy word choices. Honestly, if this hadn’t been a NetGalley read, I probably would have DNF’dif (which is also extremely rare for me).
There are so, so many good books out there. This was just a waste of time.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me access to this eARC.
There are so, so many good books out there. This was just a waste of time.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me access to this eARC.
carladionisio's review
3.0
Opinião em português no blog Pepita Mágica: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.pt/2015/05/livro-dont-forget-to-breathe-de.html
I received a digital arc from the author through Nerdy Girl Book Reviews in exchange for an honest review
3.5 stars
I had an insomnia last night and I decided that it was better if I kept reading "Don’t Forget to Breathe" by Cathrina Constantine. Obviously, the best choice I could ever make.
I’ll try not to make any kind of spoiler, because it will, in a way, ruin some parts of the book and I totally don’t want that. In short, "Don’t Forget to Breathe" is about a girl named Leocadia struggling to cope after her mother’s murder. Almost a year after the murder of her mother (with whom I share my birthday), two more boys are killed and the police think there may be a connection between the murders.
I have had my suspicions since the beginning and some of them ended up being right, but I can tell you I wasn’t expecting some of the things that happened in the end. I’ll not elaborate much about it because… again, spoilers.
"Don’t Forget to Breathe" is incredibly interesting and kept me glued to its story. We jump right into the action since the first chapter. There isn’t some “calm period” before something happened. No, the book starts right in the middle of the action and just keeps going at a fast pace throughout the whole book.
I liked Nona a lot. Even though, sometimes she seemed a bit like “cheerleader-squad-girl” stereotype, but she was more than that. She was the best friend any girl could ask for. She was always there for Leo, no matter what she was going through. I have a bit of mixed feelings about Leo, though. She showed me a fierce girl, brave enough to never stop looking for her mother’s murder, even when she was scared to death, but I didn’t like some of her actions. She was a bit blind on a few matters. I hated Henry since the very first page. He was unnerving, a bully (in some kind), a stalker, and someone that can’t hear a “no” for an answer… and that’s way beyond my limit. He saw Leo as a possession and never treated her any other way, even when he told her he loved her. That’s not love in any place on this planet. I liked Becket, but I didn’t like the way he handled everything. People were accusing Leo of hooking up with two boys at the same time (which was not happening, at all), but he was the one playing between Leo and Marcy.
The author’s writing is simple, but please, don’t see this as a bad thing, I think it’s quite the opposite. I don’t like those pompous writing stories in which it tries to be something it isn’t. But again, I’m not saying that is a bad thing either, just that there’s a place for everything. In this case, we can easily relate to the characters and emerge into the story, feeling as if we are a bystander ghost that we can see but we can’t interfere.
Summing up, I liked this book a lot. It’s fast paced, intriguing, interesting and can keep a person hooked to what is happening until the very end. The story mixed mystery, romance, supernatural perfectly. I think 3* are not enough, but it’s not quite 4* either. This book is more like an 3.5*, if there were half stars. I enjoyed it and I would love to read more from Cathrina Constantine!
And to finish, let me tell you… I love the cover. It’s simple, but beautiful. Gorgeous. I must confess, it was one of the reasons why I requested this book.
I received a digital arc from the author through Nerdy Girl Book Reviews in exchange for an honest review
3.5 stars
I had an insomnia last night and I decided that it was better if I kept reading "Don’t Forget to Breathe" by Cathrina Constantine. Obviously, the best choice I could ever make.
I’ll try not to make any kind of spoiler, because it will, in a way, ruin some parts of the book and I totally don’t want that. In short, "Don’t Forget to Breathe" is about a girl named Leocadia struggling to cope after her mother’s murder. Almost a year after the murder of her mother (with whom I share my birthday), two more boys are killed and the police think there may be a connection between the murders.
I have had my suspicions since the beginning and some of them ended up being right, but I can tell you I wasn’t expecting some of the things that happened in the end. I’ll not elaborate much about it because… again, spoilers.
"Don’t Forget to Breathe" is incredibly interesting and kept me glued to its story. We jump right into the action since the first chapter. There isn’t some “calm period” before something happened. No, the book starts right in the middle of the action and just keeps going at a fast pace throughout the whole book.
I liked Nona a lot. Even though, sometimes she seemed a bit like “cheerleader-squad-girl” stereotype, but she was more than that. She was the best friend any girl could ask for. She was always there for Leo, no matter what she was going through. I have a bit of mixed feelings about Leo, though. She showed me a fierce girl, brave enough to never stop looking for her mother’s murder, even when she was scared to death, but I didn’t like some of her actions. She was a bit blind on a few matters. I hated Henry since the very first page. He was unnerving, a bully (in some kind), a stalker, and someone that can’t hear a “no” for an answer… and that’s way beyond my limit. He saw Leo as a possession and never treated her any other way, even when he told her he loved her. That’s not love in any place on this planet. I liked Becket, but I didn’t like the way he handled everything. People were accusing Leo of hooking up with two boys at the same time (which was not happening, at all), but he was the one playing between Leo and Marcy.
The author’s writing is simple, but please, don’t see this as a bad thing, I think it’s quite the opposite. I don’t like those pompous writing stories in which it tries to be something it isn’t. But again, I’m not saying that is a bad thing either, just that there’s a place for everything. In this case, we can easily relate to the characters and emerge into the story, feeling as if we are a bystander ghost that we can see but we can’t interfere.
Summing up, I liked this book a lot. It’s fast paced, intriguing, interesting and can keep a person hooked to what is happening until the very end. The story mixed mystery, romance, supernatural perfectly. I think 3* are not enough, but it’s not quite 4* either. This book is more like an 3.5*, if there were half stars. I enjoyed it and I would love to read more from Cathrina Constantine!
And to finish, let me tell you… I love the cover. It’s simple, but beautiful. Gorgeous. I must confess, it was one of the reasons why I requested this book.
pattytru08's review
4.0
Thanks to Netgalley for this copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review!
This book surprised me. It was a fast little nugget with some YA mystery, murder and mayhem! I did predict about half of the book but it was still a fun quick read for me to offset a book slump I've been in. Excited to see where else Cathrina goes from here!
This book surprised me. It was a fast little nugget with some YA mystery, murder and mayhem! I did predict about half of the book but it was still a fun quick read for me to offset a book slump I've been in. Excited to see where else Cathrina goes from here!
georgilvsbooks's review
4.0
One year ago Leo's mother was murdered. She was attacked herself that day but can't remember what happened as she blacked out. Every now and then she has reoccurring nightmares of that day, each time revealing more clues as to what happened.
To get away from the pain she takes drugs and drinks. Now she's cleaning up her act, trying to deal with the murder and move on as best as she can.
Her determination to find out the truth has her doing her own investigation with its own consequences and sacrifices.
Completely found myself second guessing through out this, who was the guilty party in Leo's mother's murder.
Through out the last 40% of this book I was hooked to the point I had to finish it.
The outcome? Was not what I expected. Was pleasantly surprised.
I did not like Leo and Henry's relationship one bit! I found myself going crazy at how Leo was so laid back at times!!! I mean who's cool with having there drink spiked??? By there so called "best friend"
Because of that, that's why I rated this 4**** just found it really hard to like certain characters and situations.
Overall was a good read, filled with suspense and kept me intrigued until the last page.
If you like anything by Lisa Gardner I would recommend this!
To get away from the pain she takes drugs and drinks. Now she's cleaning up her act, trying to deal with the murder and move on as best as she can.
Her determination to find out the truth has her doing her own investigation with its own consequences and sacrifices.
Completely found myself second guessing through out this, who was the guilty party in Leo's mother's murder.
Through out the last 40% of this book I was hooked to the point I had to finish it.
The outcome? Was not what I expected. Was pleasantly surprised.
I did not like Leo and Henry's relationship one bit! I found myself going crazy at how Leo was so laid back at times!!! I mean who's cool with having there drink spiked??? By there so called "best friend"
Because of that, that's why I rated this 4**** just found it really hard to like certain characters and situations.
Overall was a good read, filled with suspense and kept me intrigued until the last page.
If you like anything by Lisa Gardner I would recommend this!
bellebookcorner's review
3.0
I have to admit I fall for this book because of the stunning cover and an interesting synopsis. However, there are some things happening in this book that I didn't agree.
First of all, the plot is actually not bad and to be honest I find myself feel interested to know what really happen to Leo's mother and the connection with the recent murders.
However, I don't feel really connected with almost all the character in this book. Leo's character is understandable since suffered a traumatic event and I'm glad she has her best friend who tries so hard to put her in the right track, but at the same time I felt frustrated reading about how she couldn't stand up for herself.
She didn't set any boundaries especially with Henry which just annoyed me even more. She just keeps making excuses for him and letting him have his way and I didn't understand why.
Henry is just right away creepy. I didn't like him one bit since the beginning. He's manipulative and he has his own way of "controlling" Leo.
Beckett, as the main love interest didn't appeal the right way with me. I thought at first he was going to help Leo or bring some positive vibe with him but it didn't turn out like that. He's a player. He's pursuing Leo but at the same time he didn't mind getting his way with another girl.
I felt confuse most of the time reading this book, especially about the ending. I didn't like how things get wrapped up in the end, it was very rushed and suddenly every mystery is solved and it's all done.
I wanted to like this one, I really do because this book definitely has potential. The mystery is there, the paranormal aspect is there and the shady characters-perfect for suspects are also there!
I feel slightly disappointed when all this good aspect about the murder mystery and the eerie atmosphere around the mansion aren't explored further to be a great foundation for the book.
Honestly, I would have given this a higher rating if the writing style is more polished and a longer as well as explained ending.
Actual rating: 2.5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley and the author,Cathrina Constantine for giving me this digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, the plot is actually not bad and to be honest I find myself feel interested to know what really happen to Leo's mother and the connection with the recent murders.
However, I don't feel really connected with almost all the character in this book. Leo's character is understandable since suffered a traumatic event and I'm glad she has her best friend who tries so hard to put her in the right track, but at the same time I felt frustrated reading about how she couldn't stand up for herself.
She didn't set any boundaries especially with Henry which just annoyed me even more. She just keeps making excuses for him and letting him have his way and I didn't understand why.
Henry is just right away creepy. I didn't like him one bit since the beginning. He's manipulative and he has his own way of "controlling" Leo.
Beckett, as the main love interest didn't appeal the right way with me. I thought at first he was going to help Leo or bring some positive vibe with him but it didn't turn out like that. He's a player. He's pursuing Leo but at the same time he didn't mind getting his way with another girl.
I felt confuse most of the time reading this book, especially about the ending. I didn't like how things get wrapped up in the end, it was very rushed and suddenly every mystery is solved and it's all done.
I wanted to like this one, I really do because this book definitely has potential. The mystery is there, the paranormal aspect is there and the shady characters-perfect for suspects are also there!
I feel slightly disappointed when all this good aspect about the murder mystery and the eerie atmosphere around the mansion aren't explored further to be a great foundation for the book.
Honestly, I would have given this a higher rating if the writing style is more polished and a longer as well as explained ending.
Actual rating: 2.5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley and the author,Cathrina Constantine for giving me this digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
ashlikesbooks's review
2.0
Oof. That was rough. The writing was juvenile, Henry was unbearable, the love triangle made me want to gag.
Wait I need to go back to Henry. Seriously. Forcing himself on her and she just kept hanging out with him? I feel like the author made Leo weak and painted girls in a bad picture.
The only reason I gave this a two star is because of the mystery. I had to finish it to know what happened or I would’ve dnfed before halfway even hit.
Terrible writing, terrible characters, story was decent, mystery was decent.
Do not suggest.
Wait I need to go back to Henry. Seriously. Forcing himself on her and she just kept hanging out with him? I feel like the author made Leo weak and painted girls in a bad picture.
The only reason I gave this a two star is because of the mystery. I had to finish it to know what happened or I would’ve dnfed before halfway even hit.
Terrible writing, terrible characters, story was decent, mystery was decent.
Do not suggest.
thewickedbookworm's review
3.0
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this audiobook on Audible through the Audiobook Boom! program. This has no effect on the authenticity of my review.
The narrator's voice was so soothing, I could almost look over the mispronunciations. I guess I'll just have to accept that women will never be able to do male voices to my satisfaction (vise versa is probably true as well, I just haven't listened to a male narrator yet).
The author tried way too hard when writing. There are words in here that a high schooler would never use in daily conversation. I understand she was probably just trying not to use the same words over and over, but seriously...from pretty recent experience being one...I can tell you that even the "nerdy" kids wouldn't use half those words. Many of them were misused as well, which I guess is actually pretty accurate from a teen's perspective. Also accurate from a teen's perspective is the completely melodramatic portrayal of many situations, and the underwhelming reaction to others. I didn't really like the main character, and the story itself got pretty contrived in places.
Overall, I like the idea of this story more than the actual book.
The narrator's voice was so soothing, I could almost look over the mispronunciations. I guess I'll just have to accept that women will never be able to do male voices to my satisfaction (vise versa is probably true as well, I just haven't listened to a male narrator yet).
The author tried way too hard when writing. There are words in here that a high schooler would never use in daily conversation. I understand she was probably just trying not to use the same words over and over, but seriously...from pretty recent experience being one...I can tell you that even the "nerdy" kids wouldn't use half those words. Many of them were misused as well, which I guess is actually pretty accurate from a teen's perspective. Also accurate from a teen's perspective is the completely melodramatic portrayal of many situations, and the underwhelming reaction to others. I didn't really like the main character, and the story itself got pretty contrived in places.
Overall, I like the idea of this story more than the actual book.
Spoiler
The "linked bodies" are only linked because they shared a murderer, and the deaths really didn't contribute much to the story other than to establish that a killer was around again. Same for the so-called ghosts - honestly, they could've been left out and nothing much would've changed.alinavale's review
3.0
3/5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this very enjoyable ARC for me to review!
A pretty good thriller that lived up higher than my expectations. The murder mystery, clues, characters were great. Few things i disliked were Henry and his entire personality, Leo and Becket’s dumbness.
Leo, the main character, didn’t work for me. However, i still enjoyed the experience, and most importantly, liked the story as a thriller overall.
A pretty good thriller that lived up higher than my expectations. The murder mystery, clues, characters were great. Few things i disliked were Henry and his entire personality, Leo and Becket’s dumbness.
Leo, the main character, didn’t work for me. However, i still enjoyed the experience, and most importantly, liked the story as a thriller overall.