I wanted to love this book but I couldn't get past the animal abuse. I understand that there is likely a "happy ending" to the book, but I try to read books that will help me to unwind and I am unable to read anything involving animal cruelty. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book but I will not be finishing my read of Breathe the Sky.

Once again, Michelle Hazen has once again touched upon a difficult subject with heart and soul. I really embraced Mari and Jack, two battered souls desperately in need of healing. If physical abuse is a trigger for you, this book is not for you. While I feel the subject was handled well, it may be too much for some people. I loved the growth of these two characters - individually and together - over the course of the story, and how they each found ways to help each other heal and find what's most important to them. Once I started, I didn't want to put the book down. There were scenes that made me laugh, and others had me reaching for a tissue. There were some poignant scenes and descriptions that really brought the story to life and had me feeling like I was there with Mari and Jack. Can't wait to see what Michelle comes up with next!!

My Kindle broke and I had to factory reset it and lost all of my Net Galleys, so I wasn't able to complete my read/review of Breathe the Sky.

The archive date had already passed and I wasn't able to re-download it. I'll be catching this book from my local library.

This story started a bit slow for me, but I am happy I stuck with it.

Mari and Jack's story was so sweet. Jack was the tough grouch who of course was a softy for Mari and Mari was tougher and stronger than she believed herself to be.

Overall, a lovely story and it was also nice to have older more mature characters as the protagonists.

I read this book because I was looking for a typical romance, which is what I got. Two completely different people who would not usually be together, with an emotional punch, it was a wild ride.

Lots of trigger warnings for this one though- stalking, sexual harassment, physical abuse, death of a sibling.

If you can handle those triggers and want a romance, this book could be for you.

Breathe the Sky was an endearing read about two unlikely, and broken, people finding comfort in one another in the middle of the Mohave Desert. Trigger warnings- domestic violence in the past, though it doesn't happen in real time, it does play a part in the development of the characters and their relationship with one another. The setting of the story was relatable to me, being an Arizona native, and I loved the humanitarian portion of the book- main character Mari is an endangered species advocate and she is working to protect the turtles during construction in the desert.

This isn't a fast paced read, but it isn't painfully slow. This is a book that hits you in just the right way and gives all the feels.

Triggers: child abuse, domestic abuse, stalking

Breathe the Sky is another book I really wanted to love. It held one of my favorite ingredients in books: damaged characters finding love. Unfortunately this story moved so damn slow I barely made it through. I ended up skimming. A LOT. Due to this, I didn't really connect with either character or their traumatic pasts. I didn't feel the pull or the emotion. This makes me sad, especially with the sensitive topics.

I seem to be in the minority here and I'm perfectly okay with that. Hopefully if you chose to read this one you'll have a better time of it.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the characters had great chemistry and I loved the environment it was set in. My only issue was occasionally in the way that Jack Ryan talked. I felt like some of the word choices made him seem a bit dimwitted which he was not. This was really cute and I would love to revisit these characters.

This was an interesting story about two people that had been abused in different ways coming together and finding love. It was beautiful to see the human spirit unbroken despite enduring very difficult times. Jack has a giving heart underneath his rough exterior and Mari brings out the best in him. Mari learned to trust again and Jack was the one to gently bring that back to her. Their story offers hope for those that have endured their own types of abuse.

I have a very hard time reading about animal cruelty and while that was a small part, it was definitely a turn off.

Thank you to Berkley and Net Galley for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

reathe the Sky by Michelle Hazen is the second book I have read by Ms. Hazen and my opinion of this author has not changed – I really enjoy reading her stories! They are engaging, interesting storylines with a pace of action that kept me engaged throughout.

Take note: there is a fair amount more detail in her love scenes than in the previous book I have read of Ms. Hazen’s (Unbreak Me) and that may bother some readers (I felt a little too much detail, but not so much that I was put off – I just like to leave a little more to my own imagination).

Mari, a wildlife biologist, has left an abusive ex-husband and has restarted her life keeping under the radar by living in her vehicle while taking jobs in remote locations. Jack, a construction foreman, has had to endure a childhood of abuse not just from his father but also from his older brother is also leading a more socially secluded existence. Both seem to feel they are undeserving of love (i.e. blaming themselves in part for the abuse they have had to endure).

I REALLY enjoyed the aspect of the story that Mari was the watchful eye on site to protect the wildlife (by making sure the construction site adhered to the Endangered Species Act. We often, as a society ignore the fact that we are all this planet in a relatively symbiotic relationship with other creatures and must respect that, if we are to sustain life on this planet.

Along the way to Mari and Jack forming a relationship, we have a number of other interesting and engaging storylines. The inter-relationships with their other co-workers shows that these two “socially inept” individuals can indeed create bonds with others, it just takes longer. And as they form relationships with others – they gain the confidence in themselves again. The transformation was slow and steady and intriguing to experience along with Mari and Jack. Of course – there were some hiccups – but that is to be expected as life is never a that easy.

We get to see Mari stand up for the wildlife she is trying to protect and how she transforms Jack’s views on this! Truly inspirational and in some respects kind of funny how much Jack changed his tune! Mari’s slowly developed close relationship with Jack’s team was endearing. Some of the characters on the team are “interesting” and will keep you chuckling time and again.

I found Michelle Hazen’s writing style very descriptive, evocative and thought provoking. Parts of the story were very heavy, yet the writing was handled with such care for the character and her struggles to overcome her past. And then, we have scenes where I just could not help but laugh. As a prior resident of the deserts in Arizona – I loved reading the descriptions written by Ms. Hazen – a lovely trip down memory lane.

In the final analysis, Breathe the Sky is a slowly burning love story between two individuals with very heavy baggage that they are both dealing with. This baggage allows them to understand each other and take the slow road to a wonderful, simpatico relationship where each is better off.

I will certainly endeavour to read more of Ms. Hazen’s books as I find her style easy to read with wonderful content which engages my imagination and in fact, teaches me many things (an lovely education on the wildlife that needs are concerted effort to respect there habitat).

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Breathe the Sky is an emotional and original story line with characters that are interesting and multi dimensional. Jack and Mari both come from tortured pasts that are still with them, even though they are trying to move forward and forget.

Mari and Jack are two totally different people who are brought together working on the same job site. Jack puts up power lines in the hot desert, which is not an easy job. Mari is an on site biologist working to keep the endangered species safe. The job is tough and hot and there are not too many women doing what Mari does.

Jack is tactless and impatient with everyone. He only has one goal: get the job done quickly and efficiently. At first Jack scares Mari as he yells and shouts at her and everyone else. Since Jack has a hard time communicating, he finds yelling easier. He doesn’t understand why everyone isn’t as smart as he is and he is impatient when they make a mistake.

Even though Jack and Mari are different from each other, they share a kinship because they have both known trauma and abuse. Underneath Jack's gruff demeanor, is a kind man and Mari seems to bring out the best in him. This is a beautiful story about two people who find one another and help each other move forward, heal and find love.

This copy was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and the publishers for review: all opinions are my own.
Breathe the sky is a fast read following the budding romance between two broken souls. Mari is running from an abusive ex-husband and the medical bills he left her to pay; seeking solace and freedom she enjoys her work in the Mojave desert protecting endangered species in work zones. And OMG, you have to google the baby tortoises!!! They are even cuter than the romance between Mari and Jack.
t was funny to read that these characters were in their forties; their tentative nature outside of work made them feel younger. It was sweet to watch them learn to accept themselves, grow more confident and allow themselves to love. They each had their own demons (stemming from abusive spouses and upbringings) to face and moments to find courage to slay or not.. The ex-husband was always a threat looming and i'm kinda disappointed that that part of the plot never really played out. The danger kinda just sizzled out and was only brought back up again in the epilogue. As someone who really doesn't eat meat, I didn't enjoy the fact that hunting kept being brought up when it never played a part in the plot. But Jack (the redneck he kinda is. I can say that, I am a southern around rednecks) is a sweetie. A teddy bear that's always yelling. The dichotomy between the image he gives off and the real insecurity he feels was interesting to read.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read I found I couldn't put down.

After hearing about this book on Twitter, from booksellers, and other librarians, I was grateful to have an opportunity to start reading it early. On the run from an abusive ex, Mari is hiding out in the desert, living in her converted camper truck, and working as a biologist helping protect the natural habitat on a construction project where Jack Wyatt is foreman. Jack has a lot of baggage of his own and his gruff exterior hides a softer heart than any one imagines. Can these two damaged people find a way to their own happily ever after? The reader will sure be rooting for it!

When you hit what feels like rock-bottom, there is only one place to go... and that's up.

Mari is broke and reeling from a bad breakup, trying to figure herself out again with these new circumstances. When her job sends her to work alongside Jack, known for being somewhat of a bulldog, she must grin and bare it - how much worse could it be?

Instead of finding the worst, she brings out a softer side of Jack and their relationship takes that turn from professional to something deeper. This slow burn will warm your heart and show that despite all odds, everyone has something more deep within if you take the time to explore it.

I enjoyed the characters and rooted for Mari and Jack's relationship. I enjoy the slow burn romances and this was no exception! Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion.

Jack and Mari circled each other so much. Jack was a jerk; Mari was scared of becoming close with anyone, yet they were drawn together without much chance of fighting it. Mari calmed Jack and Jack allowed Mari to let down the walls she had built.
Breathe the Sky is not a new story to tell. I have read versions of it before but this one was sweeter, more friendly, and fun to read. Both characters had histories, both characters had been hurt, and both were not looking for a relationship. Together they work and together they learn to live and love again.

Michelle Hazen wrote a fun story to read. It was easy to read and quick to read. If you are looking for a book with a cute story, tough characters, and characters opening their hearts again check out Breathe the Sky.

Quiet, contemplative, a soul-searching read…

*4.5 stars*

I’ve only read a few titles by this author, but each one was stellar…

Mari was digging herself out of financial ruin, all the result of a relationship that ended very badly. She was hurting for money, for self-confidence and a place in the world she could feel safe and comfortable. Jack ran his work site with a lot of skill, much yelling and a reputation that preceded him… Underneath that blustery exterior, however, was a soul yearning for acceptance and understanding. As the last sacrificial biologist of the team, Mari had to take her turn working with him, and what they both received was incredible…

Their relationship was a slow sizzle, almost old-fashioned, as they meandered their way through work hiccups, personal obstacles and personalities that should have been polar opposites. Each step was awkward and almost shy, despite the maturity of them both. I smiled at the slow steps they took and reveled in the relationship that grew along the way. I loved Mari’s gentle competence, hew work dedication and her ability to read Jack and others in such insightful ways. Jack was anything but gentle with, as it turned out, everyone except her. Kindred spirits, they seemed to “get” each other and how they worked through their differences, sharing their pain, their dreams – and their fears, made for a courtship full of angst and high emotion.

Overcoming their own fears meant opening themselves to a love like no other and their triumphs just made me smile even more. Loved it!

Mari is a bio and saves endangered animals. She's on site with a crew building towers and there's one guy no one wants to do business with. Of course, she gets assigned to his crew...

Berkley and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published today.

Jack is rough and loud and gets mad at his crew if they are not careful. At times they are so high a fall would be a killer so he watches them like a hawk and comes to the rescue when he can. She knows he's loud but she attributes that to his worries. When she finds a little turtle under his wheel, he's not happy. He's going to a meeting and doesn't have time for a turtle. He shouts all over her until she shows him the baby turtle. Then he takes it and goes to find shade to put it in. He's not as heartless as he acts.

Later down the line his boss tells him to destroy the endangered bird eggs so their work site won't be shut down anymore. He looks them up, but they are so small he can't do it. Mari was right there watching him and she told him thank you. He hadn't seen her but he was glad he followed his instincts.

Then he finds out what motel she's in. One of the crew has moved there too and is harassing her. Jack moves in next door to her and stops that nonsense. They can hear each other through the thin motel walls. They are watching the same programs each night. One night she gets brave and grabs two beers and goes next door. She suggests they watch TV together. They do. And some how it leads to something else...

His brother is in jail and he has to go bail him out. They fight before he leaves. They don't talk after that. She heads out for a new job now that this one was done. He comes back and looks for her but can't find her. Nobody will tell him where she is or share her new number. Will he find his love?

Linda's Book Obsession Reviews "Breathe the Sky" by Michelle Hazen, Berkley Publishing, August 18, 2020

Michelle Hazen, the author of "Breathe the Sky" has written an intense, thought-provoking, and memorable novel. The genres for this story are fiction, romance, and women's fiction. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the events or characters in the story.  The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. I appreciate that the theme of emotional and physical abuse is discussed in this book. Also mentioned, is the importance of protecting wildlife, and animals in the modern-day era of construction.

Mari is a biologist, who protects tortoises and small animals on construction sites. She lives in fear of her ex-husband finding her. Somehow in protecting small living things, and re-evaluating her life choices, Mari is starting to stand up for what is legal and the correct thing to do. 

Jack Wyatt, is in charge of his construction crew, and has a reputation of having a temper and likes to keep his team safe and get work done in a timely matter. He also comes from an abusive family.

When Mari is assigned to work as part of Jack's team, their two different views on what should be important, seem to be more in synchrony, than it would appear. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.

Hazen puts the heart under a microscope to explore the treasures hidden inside. Breathe the Sky is as fragile as it is strong. Jack and Mari turn beautifully broken into an inspirational love song. Tissues are a must.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC.

This was an enjoyable read. Nothing mind blowing, but good. The story of two people who have been broken by their pasts who find each other, support each other and repair some of the cracks.

I enjoyed the ways this couple talked about consent and making sure the sexual encounters felt pleasurable for both of them. I feel like that can often be overlooked in romances.