After recently taking swim lessons (as an adult!), I was intrigued by the description of this book. I jumped at the opportunity to read an early copy, and it was the BEST book I've read in ages!

Anyone who's ever dealt with an overbearing, in-your-face coach ... anyone who's ever dealt with disappointment ... anyone who's ever dealt with mental illness ... and/or anyone who's ever wanted a goal so badly every fiber of their being ached for it ... should read this book!

Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab was simply the best book I've read in ages. The writing was terrific and easy to read. The characters were well developed. The plot was captivating. The setting was fascinating. And I was intrigued from page one.

Often times in books targeted at the young adult audience, the parents are absent from the story or neglectful in some regard (in order to let the teenager solve his/her own problems, which is a necessary story device). However, in Breath Like Water, the main character's parents were present, supportive, and realistic. And the main character, Susannah, was still able to solve her own problems. I think this is true in real life more often than we acknowledge. Part of good parenting is allowing your children to make their own decisions, and part of being a teenager is making choices regardless of what your parents may recommend.

"It's my responsibility to take care of you, and to teach you how to take care of yourself. I take it seriously."

Another huge adult influence in the lives of teens is a coach. If a teen is blessed with a great one, the benefits are limitless. If a teen is cursed with a bad one, the damage is limitless, and the belittling can cause scars that carry into other aspects of their lives and far into adulthood. Breath Like Water explores the two different types of coaches. Many times, parents are never fully aware of the harmful things coaches say to their kids. Books such as Breath Like Water will help many young adults realize it's not just them being verbally abused and bullied by their coaches. This happens to a lot of people. They're not alone, and they can rise above it.

"Dave has been my coach for nearly ten years. He knows exactly what knives cut the deepest, and he keeps them nice and sharp at all times."

My only criticism of this story: I wanted Susannah to be more inquisitive around Harry sooner. I wanted her to care enough about him to ask him questions and probe into his life. This aspect pulled me from the story, aware that the author was making me wait for the information.

Nonetheless, I loved this book so much! Jarzab's storytelling was captivating, and her writing was inspiring. She made me feel emotions deeply; I cried several times (tears of joy, relief, and sadness). She made me stand taller, feeling seen for my own abilities and struggles. We are not alone. We are strong. We are capable.

"Failure is an intersection, but even though I took a detour for a while, I ended up on a better stretch of the same road."

Breath Like Water offers hope and encouragement to anyone, any age, striving to manage their lives, overcome their circumstances, and achieve their goals.

For those concerned with triggers, be aware that this book deals with topics of mental illness and suicide.

Some of my favorite lines from the book:

"There's no worse struggle than the one that never begins."

"How do you even begin to mourn the death of a dream?"

"A year ago, I had no idea [Harry] existed. Now, nothing seems to have really happened until I've told him about it."

"And fighting, not for the promise of a reward but simply for one's own satisfaction is the greatest glory a person can attain."

"Failure is an intersection."

"To demonstrate the skills that I'm so proud of ... I have to open myself up to the censure of the world, which will judge me according to its standards, not mine."

"I'm starting to understand the power of individual moments. The joy that can be found when you're not too distracted by the faraway horizon to appreciate the beauty of where you're standing."

"Just because a dream won't bend to your will when it's convenient doesn't mean it's not worth pursuing."

[I received an early copy of this book from the publisher for free, via Net Galley, which in no way influenced my opinion.]

Breath Like Water affected me in ways I didn’t expect. It’s the story of a World Championship level swimmer, who loses her flow in the pool once her body changes due to puberty. She meets a boy who teaches her to embrace life outside the pool and a female coach who is the antithesis of her emotionally abusive coach; their experiences together change her. I completely related to several of the characters, empathizing with their diverse perspectives and was triggered by similar experiences in my own life as a competitive athlete. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Advanced copy provided courtesy of Netgalley and Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: mental health, anxiety, self harm, depression

**Review will be posted May 13th on my Blog/Instagram; I will update the links at that time!**

DEEP WATERS.

I picked this up on a whim for a blog tour because the summary had easily pulled me in. Add in a beautiful cover and I had some raised expectations. I really did end up enjoying this book and loved the tough messages it talked about.

Harry and Susie were a great match. I liked both of their characters and the relationship between them. It was unique to most contemporaries I read that in this case, the couple actually got together before the halfway point! I loved this. Gave me a lot of time to enjoy them, watch the relationship develop and grow as the months passed. Susie was a fairly well-rounded teenage character. I appreciated that when she made mistakes, she knew when to say sorry and also really had some enlightening moments for her. I felt like I got to see her really grow up and make some hard choices and thought it all was well handled. Susie never seemed childish (like some YA book characters), but like a older teen who was going into the real world soon and had to decide what would be best for her.

At times I felt there were a few misplaced moments. Namely, the love scene. I didn’t think it worked as well as intended. I know this book was a lot about growing up, yet it didn’t need a sex scene to culminate everything. It was also placed at an odd interval. This issue aside, the overall relationship, dates, etc. between Susie and Harry were lovely.

A big component of this book was mental health. Harry and Susie had to work through mental, physical and emotional situations to overcome the pressures of life. It addressed different conditions and treatments. And while the book did feel heavy at times, it also felt hopeful, knowing the sun would shine again.

I loved Susie’s family and her friend Amber. Incredibly supportive, occasionally awkward, and all around a lovely and tight-knit group. They made me smile and added another aspect that made me love this book more.

This book may [in general] be about swimmers trying to get to the Olympics, but it holds so many more gems than that. I loved the way the Olympic Trials were written and the way the author told Susie’s story in that moment. It allowed for a beautiful sentiment in doing what’s best for you and knowing you have to take care of yourself before you can help someone else.

Overall audience notes:

Young adult contemporary romance
Language: a little
Romance: kisses / make-outs; one love scene (very little detail, mostly a fade-to-black scene)
Trigger warnings: bipolar disorder, self-harm (specifically cutting), depression, anxiety, and verbally abusive coach

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I was attracted by the beautiful cover and the interesting plot and I had to request this book. I was so happy they accepted my request! This book is beautiful, intense and heartbreaking.
Susannah is a swimmer, she always loved water, but a slowdown made her risk her dreams. So she's fighting for her career, when in her life enter two new and important people: her new coach and another swimmer, Harry Matthews.

I enjoyed reading the relationship between Susannah and Harry, how they become friends and then realize they have feelings for one other.
Susannah is determined, engaging, Harry sweet and I loved reading about their journey, how both of them are facing challenges and difficulties in their lives.
It's my first book about swimming and even though I love swimming, I've never read anything about it, with this setting. It was interesting and captivating reading about Susannah and Harry's world, the competition, the sacrifices, the struggles in their life and careers.
It's a book that deals with important themes, like mental health, the struggles and difficulties in the athletic competition and the strength and determination to find one's place.
It's romantic, interesting and I really liked it.

The review will be posted on Lu's books on 19 May.

I love reading about Susannah's journey as a swimmer. This was way different than any other YA novel that I've come across and I think teens will really enjoy this novel.

Did you see this amazing cover? Two young people reach out to hold each other’s hands to save themselves for pushing themselves up from the water and keep on breathing! This is a great sign that something poignant, powerful, emotional hid inside the pages.

And I’m so happy that beautiful cover didn’t disappoint me or gave me any false impression.

First of all, I liked to this journey of two young people fight against the psychical and mental struggles in their life, working their ass off to be successful, become golden metal athletes at Olympics. Too much pressure, lack of money, isolated from close relations and the path they chose is so demanding, stressful, depressing because they don’t have time for socializing, building friendships, living careless and free. Their each step is planned and they have a compelling, challenging schedule to work on.

Susannah is lovely character, connectable, mature, trying so hard to be strong, fighting with her insecurities and damages over controlling and demanding coach had done to her. Now new coach is being hired named Beth. Could she help her to race at Olympics dream?

And sweet Harry seems like falling head over heels in love with her but he also has a secret that he only shared with her. He has a mental condition, suffering from mood swings, ups and downs throughout his own life: bipolar is the monster he needs to fight and also he needs to learn how to live it.
This book is not about swimming, competitions, overwhelming stress that athletes endure and winning. This book is about families, friendship, opening your heart to the new experiences of your life, learning to trust, bond, feel, letting yourself free and being brave enough to break your walls.

Two young adults’ heartbreaking, over emotional stories, their families, pasts, weaknesses, strengths, dreams are perfectly and genuinely told with a moving, lyrical writing style by the author like swimming in the water, refreshing feeling circulating through your body as the sun’s heating lights touching your face.

I enjoyed more than I expected and I’m looking forward to read more works of the author.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin TEEN/ Inkyard Press for sharing this emotional ARC in exchange my honest review.

As someone who isn't a swimmer, it was hard to relate to the characters at times. I think that the overall story and writing was fine, but it wasn't my favorite read as I've never been a dedicated athlete and thus had a hard time feeling as invested in the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Teen (U.S. & Canada) and Inkyard Press for the Advance Reader Copy, Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab in exchange for an honest review. Teens will love reading about Susannah’s journey as a swimmer, friend, daughter, and girlfriend as she swims to capture a coveted honor, only to lose it. Jarzab’s novel is riveting; the competition is exciting and harsh with Susannah seriously doubting herself as she tries once again, with a new coach, and supportive guy to claim a spot in the Olympics. I ached for Susannah, Beth, and Harry as they navigate the tough world of swimming, practices, family, and friends. Having no social life for Susannah is a must because of swimming demands (time, money, friends) but what if Susannah tries to make the time for Harry Matthews, who is totally into her, will she be able to handle it? Readers will root for Susannah and Harry as they navigate life, swimming, mental illness, and family. This is a must-read that nails the fear and anxiety Harry suffers as a result of being diagnosed and living with bipolar disorder. He confides only to Susannah and does not want his friends or the world to know about his mental illness as he grapples with past memories, taking meds, and dealing with the highs and lows that are bipolar disorder. Both families are supportive of Susannah and Harry. It is the main coach, Dave, who hires another coach, Beth (she becomes Susannah’s coach) who does the most damage to Susannah. As her lifelong coach, Dave is a control freak who mentally and verbally pits his swimmers against themselves and their teammates. This damage really stunts Susannah with her growth, confidence, and her trust. I could not stop turning the pages as the tension builds between the coaches. This is the perfect book for teens, about athletics, mental illness, friendship, family, and the fears of hiding your true self. Susannah and Harry are teens we all need to know, highly recommended!

DNF at 40%. Big Anna Jarzab fan, but this never grabbed me and felt like an attempt to tick certain ya tropes while set in a "different" setting, only ya books involving swimming aren't different--they are practically a subgenre at this point. I so wanted more from Breath Like Water!

Breath Like Water was one of the few books I've read about swimming. I did enjoy that part of the book. I liked the world of training and what that is like for a young swimmer. I also enjoyed seeing her dreaming and having to make choices for things that would affect said dream. I liked learning about what it's kinda like and the coaches, but I do wish we got to see more team stuff. Susannah does have friends on the team but I wanted more team stuff. I am someone who enjoys watching the Olympics and I liked this little sneak peep of what it could be like wanting to become an Olympics team member.


I thought that this book was going to be more about her and the journey of her being able to keep swimming, but that way just one path of this book. Another path of this book I enjoyed was her family. I found that they are strong relationships, that they are there for her and want what's best for her and so on. I have to say that there is something that happens towards the end of the book, that I wish was more of the book, I am also hoping that these two characters are their own book, I would love to see who this relationship comes about and plays out as well.


When Harry came into her life I thought I knew where this book was going and I am surprised and happy that it didn't go that way. I did find that some parts of the relationship were a little rushed during some parts of the book yet other parts felt right and real. There is a HUGE thing about Harry that I didn't see coming right away but once things started happing I knew there was something going on with him but wouldn't have guessed what it turned out to be. Small spoiler in the next few lines! It has to do with his mental health, and I was surprised by how much that played into the book. I haven't read a YA book that deals with this. I think it covered/handle these topics well. Spoiler done!


This book read as if there are two different stories wrapped together. I liked the characters and the plotting was well done; the writing style paints strong photos. It's filled with a lot of emotions and realizing that health both physical and mental health matters. Overall this is a bubbly, hard-hitting story of health and relationships.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I very very rarely give a one star review but I just could not get over how creepy the boy next door was. even just thinking about it now gives me goosebumps. He was just weird. I loved the strong sister bond in this book but it was overshadowed for me by the creepy neighbor.

This one was really sweet. Loved the competitive swimming aspect and the romance was so wonderful! This would be a wonderful option for someone who wanted to dip their toes into sports romance, but wanted something more wholesome and tame! A great YA option, and I read this in a few days, it just wasn't an all time favorite for me.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.

What a good book that deals with romance and swimming. I never though I would find a book about swimming interesting, but I did!

What a beautiful story!

Competitive Swimming with Romance. But it’s so much more than romance and I’m talk SO MUCH MORE!!

This story is much more than a sports romance. This author touches on some great sensitive topics and does such an amazing job telling their story.

I enjoyed this book. This was such a great story.

I will extend my review closer to release day.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Breath Like Water is going to be most poignant for former or current swimmers - but will also hit home for those that have experienced an undying drive to reach a goal and a unwavering determination to be the best. Following high school athlete Susannah as she trains relentlessly for the Olympic Trials, the book excels at demonstrating the ways in which dedication can be a blessing and a curse. Along the way, we meet Harry, the love interest with sculpted abs and a halfhearted commitment to the sport. There are times when the book tends to over explain certain mental health concerns in a long monologue and I wish I knew more about how the author incorporated those aspects (spoiler: bipolar disorder representation). However, I found it to be a fast and engaging read that is great for 2020 TBR lists.

Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab follows Susannah Ramos, a teenage competitive swimmer. After winning a medal at Worlds in the 200 Individual Medley at 14 years old, Susannah has a growth spurt that throws off her technique and speed, resulting in pressure from family, coaches, and peers since it seems her swimming career has peaked early. She works to get back on top while dealing with feuding coaches, injuries, and her complicated feelings for new teammate, Harry.
I can relate to Susannah because I had a short competitive swimming career in grade school, but nothing to the level of the Olympic trials. Background knowledge in swimming also help in relation to races and the mindset of young competitive swimmers and the stress from not always being able to control the outcome of races.
I liked Breathe Like Water very much. The characters were interesting and had realistic motivations and difficulties. I read it within a few days. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes young adult sports romance novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
I really enjoyed this story. I was a swimmer and so I was intrigued by this story looking deeper into the world of competitive swimming.
I really liked Susannah and her dedication to swimming and obtaining her goals. I also really liked how her relationship with Harry developed. I think it really opened up different sides of both of them.
I liked the look into mental health and how sports and motivation to something can help you feel better and more confident and help work through the mental health issues.
Susannah was at times selfish, but she was very conscious of trying to be better about letting others in and letting them help her and being supportive in return.
I wasn't sure where this book was going, but I liked it in the end.

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed learning about competitive swimming and I liked several of the characters and their unique stories. I liked the sisters relationship as well as the family dynamics.
On the other hand, the boy next door storyline seemed creepy and disturbing on many levels. Both boy friends (?) story lines that seemed to be put in for drama which was boring and dull at best.
So I’m torn. Not a book I would highly recommend but it did have its moments. And for the record, I liked the ending.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I liked the cover and premise of this so requested it but ended not not really enjoying the actual novel. The characters Susannah and Harry are ok and help each other grow both in and out of the pool. The beginning was difficult for me to get into and I didn't like the sexual content of the book. Overall just an ok YA read.

I love books about the sport of swimming and this one did not disappoint! Susannah is a world champion swimmer but her body is changing and she's not relating to her coach any longer. She also meets someone to their pool, Harry, and they spark a friendship and romance. Harry is supportive and seems like he will really help Susannah but we realise he has some demons of his own. It is written well and handled in a believable way. I'd recommend this book! 4 Stars.