I love Katie McGarry's books, but this one is a bit of a departure from her usual writing style - and I have to tell you, I LOVED IT! Yes, there's still romance, yes it still had the ability to make me feel strong emotions and even cry a little, but the whole idea of curses and psychic characters was up a different but equally awesome alley than McGarry's usual books about trauma and kids-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks-falling-for-a-good-girl/guy.

Up until now Echo and Noah were my favorite of McGarry's couples, but Jesse and Scarlett were pretty fantastic. I couldn't get enough of them together - their past, their reconnecting at Jesse's grandmother's funeral, their chemistry, and the potential for their future together... just gah. So good!

Overall, I highly recommend this book for both those familiar with this authors books and those just reading her for the first time. It's gritty, emotional contemporary romance... with a twist!

McGarry has a great ability to give you a situation with two people, who if you are lucky tolerate each other, usually working together with some goal in mind and eventually becoming more. All the while you are put through a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow the characters, rooting for them, getting mad at them, and finally accepting the outcome. This book is another example of one of these great reads! A book where you have two people with a different problem, but look for help in an unlikely place and then become a refuge when the storm comes. It is beautifully written and definitely worth reading!!

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Katie Mcgarry is one of my favourite authors. After I read her Pushing the Limits series, I knew I wanted to read all the books she puts out.

There are some trigger warnings in this book. There is talk about abuse - physical and verbal.

This story was truly emotional in every way, making me laugh one minute and the next want to ugly cry. I love that about Katie’s writing style. She gets you right in the feels and the story resonates with you for a while.

Jessie and Scarlett both have gut reaction stories that they both have to over come, I won’t go into to much detail because i don’t want to ruin it for you. Jessie’s grandmother recently dies and in her will has left a piece of land to him but there’s a catch before he gets it. Scarlet lives with a abusive/controlling father, but will he let her follow her dreams? I think you all should check out there love story if your looking for a truly emotional read.

If you are a fan of a YA or a Mature YA novel and have read anything by Katie McGarry, then you need to pick up this book.

As most readers know Katie McGarry is known for her YA romance stories. She is also known for being able to make her stories and characters relatable to any type of reader. Only A Breath Apart is no different. This book will suck you in and consume you until you are finished.

Going into this book I really didn’t know what to expect except that it was a YA romance. What I didn’t expect was how emotional this story was going to be. This book is definitely NOT a light and fluffy high school romance. Katie talks about a subject that could be a trigger for some readers. She also adds in a otherworldly aspect to this story. NO it is NOT a paranormal read, but she adds a twist onto this story that we don’t normally see in a YA book. I will say this that if you don’t normally read YA because they tend to be based in a High School setting and we get the normal high school angst, this book is different. Yes they are high school aged but the focus is outside of school. You’ll understand more when you read this book.

In this story we follow Jesse and Scarlett’s story. Jesse has just lost his grandma and is fighting to keep the land that he grew up on. He is also known in town as a bad boy, but he is more just misunderstood. Scarlett is a Senior in high school and is just looking to leave her house and go to UK for college. But she lives in a home that from the outside looks perfect but in reality is anything but. Jesse and Scarlett were best friends when they were younger but for reasons Scarlett didn’t know, Jesse cut her off and stopped talking to her. Now years later they both need each other to move forward with their future plans. Can these two pull it out in the end?? Will they get the futures they want?? Read this book to find out.

Only A Breath Apart is a standalone novel and told in Dual POV. I thought the flow of the story worked well for Jesse and Scarlett’s journey. But I will say at times I thought the pace was on the slow side. I thought there were some things that could’ve been left out and it would’ve helped move the story along a little faster. But even with that said it was an entertaining read and one I think all YA readers should read.

Oooooweeee.

Okay. So, I had an idea of what I was getting into when I dove into this baby, but Whoa. Things get quite heavy, distressing and even disturbing at times and yet all of that upheaval was tempered by sweet moments and a whole lot of grit and heart and a feeling of hope that kept me turning the pages until the very end.

I really liked Jesse and Scarlett. I did. They were very much teens on the cusp of young adulthood, trying to figure out who they are and what their next steps in life were going to be. Unfortunately they both have way more on their plates than just passing tests and writing papers and watching them both struggle against all they’d ever known and believed was all at once heartbreaking and yet the sense of hope that things would work out for both of them was strong.

As for their journey. It was all kinds of sweet, second chance romance and I honestly enjoyed watching as they worked through what happened in the past and learned to trust each other again, or in their cases, more than they had before their friendship fractured and I liked where they were at, separately and together, when the book ended.

This is my first read by the author and I really enjoyed it. The writing was engaging, pacing good and dual first person POV was well done. As I said, things in this one get quite heavy, and uncomfortable, with the issues that both Jesse and Scarlett deal with but they were realistic and I like the way everything was handled. As for the secondary cast of characters, some I liked, some I wanted to Gibbs smack while some I wanted to hurt, but they definitely gave depth to the story and made things feel real. Glory was my favorite and I really enjoyed how she looked at and utilized her psychic abilities.

While I enjoyed this book on some levels, there wasn't really anything particularly unique or different about it. The characters felt a little flat and in some cases cartoonish in their broad-stroke execution (except for the psychic, Glory) and the plot followed a predictable path. I never really believed in Jesse's curse or the attachment he had to the land he was so desperate to own, despite the number of times he stated the connection.

And Scarlett's situation didn't ring true to me either. If her father really was as controlling as he seemed to be, I don't believe she would risk breaking his rules so often. Sure, that kind of control can stifle, but if being caught results in violence against the people you care about, I don't believe that's something she would risk.

And finally, if Scarlett really does have even a glimmer of psychic ability, wouldn't she be able to predict when breaking the rules is a bad idea and choose not to? Even if she wasn't entirely aware why she felt that way, a gut feeling, or a little voice in her head might alert her to the fact doing what she is doing will not end well for her.

And don't even get me started on romances that begin as intense childhood friendships. I know they do happen, but in most cases, as people grow up, they change. Their interests and ideas diverge and a friendship that once felt inseparable, just drifts apart as people find new friends who better fit the person they have become.

It was not a difficult read, and certainly filled a long ferry ride adequately, but it doesn't make the top of my list of favorite romances. Thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read in advance.

This book was well written. I have read another contemporary YA novel by this author that I enjoyed. Personally it was difficult for me to fully get into this one since it is centered around a curse. Just know it has some of those elements in the story and isn’t completely a contemporary romance.

This was a very interesting take on YA romance – Jesse believes he is cursed to hurt anyone he loves and only the land his grandmother left to him can save him. The trick is that he can only get his land when he turns 18 by a majority vote, where the voters are his uncle, pastor, and childhood friend turned enemy. Jesse tries to get his land, break the curse, and get the girl. I am a fan of the childhood friends turned lovers trope and this added a unique, lightly supernatural spin to it. The author also delves into the topic of physical and mental abuse, but does it in a delicate and empowering way.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a book that will stay with you long after you are done reading it. A double point of view really gives you a glimpse at what each person is going through.

Exactly what I've come to expect from Katie McGarry...and this is a good thing. I always pick up her books when I see a new one is coming out and happily read them. I also always purchase for my high school library and recommend to students regularly. This particular story was pretty deep, dealing with abusive home situations and the effects it can have on teens and those around them. I think it will resonate a lot with some of my students. I will definitely be ordering.

Oh, I loved McGarry’s newest story! I thought brooding Jesse was authentic and thus complicated. Life usually is. I adored the neighbor from across the street angle too. Students and teachers alike are reading this book and loving it!

What can I say about Only a Breath Apart? That would give it justice. The newest from Katie McGarry pulled at my heart string and threw me into this world of Jesse and Scarlett.

I loved every minute of it. I loved how these two grew together even when they were apart. The writing feels poetic and I feel saying it was beautiful is not the right word. This story is one of those that will hide within your heart. Maybe in a sense make you stronger, maybe you learned something from Jesse and Scarlett. You need room to soar, and you need to take adventures, even if that adventure is finding yourself.

I love that Peter Pan is a part of this story.. I remembered as a child and watched the movie. And how Tinker Bell was my favorite. I knew how much she met to him and thought that it made you feel even more for these two. There’s always a story that will touch you in some way. It didn’t make me ugly cry, but it brought tears to my eyes, and it filled my heart. I read to escape, and I was able to escape into their world.

Overall, Five Boundless Stars

This book was absolutely amazing. Katie McGarry did such a beautiful job with this story. Dealing with such a strong topic of abuse, she handled it in a very empowering way. The plot was perfectly timed, I felt it wasn't rushed or stretched out. The character development was everything. This book made me cry 3 times.
Scarlett was very shy in the beginning but as the story went on and she went through trial after trial, she became this strong and independent woman we can all admire. Jesse was like this mysterious bad boy that was "cursed" and everyone should stay away from him. And I was completely obsessed with both of them.
The ending was probably one of the best endings I have ever read. Absolutely recommend.

I’m going to be very honest, this book was difficult to stick with in the beginning. I’m a firm believer that a book is like a well, as the great Stephen King said. You have to prime the pump. I make myself read 10% of a book, and if I’m still not liking it, I’m done. If it’s caught my interest, I’ll keep going. I have enjoyed many a slow-to-start book this way, and hopefully not wasted too much time. This book definitely was one that I’m happy that I stuck with. It turned out to be a well written book, and despite the slow beginning, one that I was genuinely curious about how the characters were doing. I’d love to see a follow up with these characters, showing the next chapter in their lives. Good writer, but she definitely loves going for the emotional factor, which can get a bit old. All in all, a solid book and I’m happy I read it!

This book is in short amazing, It's not a run of the mill YA. This book tackles some serious issues, such as abuse. It's handled beautifully by the author, This book has so much depth to it, the depth of the story, the depth of the characters, all make this book flow seamlessly, The characters have so much to overcome. While not yet adults, they have to make adult decisions. In this day and age, that isn't unheard of. It does show a strength of character. The flow of the book is flawless, there is always great dialogue and inner dialogue as well. Told in dual pov, this is a heart wrenching all the feels sort of book.

This is my second time reading a Katie McGarry book and once again, I'm happy with her writing style and story. 

Only a Breath Apart is a very interesting story. It's heartbreaking and heartwrenching. It's filled with heartache. It highlights the importance of bravery and strength. In accepting yourself, building confidence and standing up for what you believe in. 

I definitely found myself to be drawn to the characters. Both Scarlett and Jesse are broken. They're struggling with the curves that life throws at them. But they end up finding their strength and their bravery through each other. It is an interesting journey throughout the book and one that I enjoyed. I also thoroughly enjoyed the slow burn of their relationship. Nothing is rushed and everything feels quite natural.

I tend to stray away from 'dark' storylines. The inclusion of abuse (whether emotional, physical, mental or verbal) is incredibly disturbing at times. But this also demonstrates the realness of this story. One that I wish was not real for so many people. 

While I enjoyed Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry more than this one, I still enjoyed it overall. I'm definitely curious to read more of McGarry's books in the future.

This book was a great way to start off my reading year! I loved it. Scarlett and Jesse have a broken friendship, and each have secret darknesses of their own. When circumstances bring these two estranged friends together, their connection becomes deeper and more meaningful than it ever was, and they find the solace and help in each other that only true love can bring. This book deals with some pretty dark subject matter- abuse, loss, grief- but I thought all of it was handled extremely well. To me it seemed very realistic and showed how complicated these types of relationships can be. The writing was descriptive and emotional, and it really connected me to the characters. The perspective switches between Jesse and Scarlett were effective, but I wish they would have had more distinctive voices for each character. Even so, I was completely invested in both of their stories and the way they wove together. While their relationship did seem to escalate pretty quickly, their backstory of being best friends made that connection seem real and not insta-lovey, and it allowed me to feel all the flutters that their sweet romance induced. There was a slight mystical element with Jesse’s psychic cousin, Glory, but it wasn’t overwhelming, and added the perfect amount of magic, which felt an awful lot like a vehicle for hope, to a very real story. This book was different than I expected it to be, but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Definitely recommend.

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars

Katie McGarry has a magical writing ability and she can make any type of reader get lost in her words. Only a Breath Apart is a stunning and emotional read, one that deals with social issues in a realistic way. This book brought many tears in my eyes but it also made my heart swell. The eloquence in which she writes this profound novel has left a deep imprint in my heart and I am so happy to have taken the time to read and essentially live within this world. I encourage any reader of both young adult fiction and romance to read McGarry's new release as I think it will leave an impression on anyone who does so.

Only a Breath Apart is a story about two people who have gone their whole lives knowing how bad family can hurt those they are supposed to protect. It's a story of overcoming ones past, making their own paths for the future, and hopefully finding love along the way. Neither Jessie nor Scarlett will have an easy road ahead of them, especially considering all the obstacles standing in their way, but the journey is inspiring. I don't want to get into the plot because this here is a book that you need to FEEL without preconceived notions, but I will tell you it's an emotional read. I didn't think the book would have such an effect on my heart, but it did. And in all honesty, I loved it.

Fans of McGarry know what I am talking about when I say her books are truly breathtaking and that is no different with this one. Only a Breath Apart is an exceptional read and I highly recommend it to all readers.

WOW, I haven't read anything from Katie in years. :( But let me just say that this book was just amazing. You follow Scarlet and Jesse on their journey to find out who they are, who they can trust and watch them grow.

Posted to Goodreads: 3.5 Rating: Scarlett and Jesse were best friends all through their childhood but at the start of high school Jesse stop speaking to Scarlett. The two have stayed apart for almost four years but Scarlett reaches out to Jesse after the death of his beloved grandmother. The two reconnect but their possible future is being threatened. Everyone in town knows that Jesse's family curses and anyone he loves may die and Scarlett's controlling father doesn't her daughter anywhere near Jesse. Can the two over come their family's legacy and be together?

I had a mixed reaction to this book. It is very different than other books by McGarry and in some ways the romance didn't live up to McGarry's past books. Also, Jesse's story didn't feel quite as developed as Scarlett's. However, McGarry did a wonderful job of illustrating the experiences of a child living in the home of abuse. Plus, the moments between Jesse and Scarlett make this book worth reading.