Sadly I did not vibe with this book at all. If you’re a fan of books that are solely focused on the characters and not on the plot, it might be for you. For me however, I mainly waited for any kind of plot to emerge. It never did.

This is a bit different ex-military story about PTSD and dealing with it. Callan is determined to keep everyone away, especially his new neighbor but Meridian succeeds bit by bit to tear up the walls.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

"Losing My Breath" exceeded my expectations, offering a deeper and more emotionally resonant experience than its charming cover suggested. Anticipating a light-hearted and cozy read, I was pleasantly surprised by the profound and unexpected feelings the book evoked, prompting moments of introspection. The romance portrayed in the story was not only heartwarming but also thought-provoking, adding layers of complexity to the characters and their relationships. The cartoon-esque covers, which initially drew me in, beautifully complemented the delightful narrative. I found myself immersed in a genuinely fulfilling romance that managed to balance heartwarming moments with a touch of unexpected depth. I enthusiastically recommend "Losing My Breath" to others, especially those seeking a romance novel that goes beyond the expected.

If you're a fan of third person narrative and tortured heroes, this book is for you. It's a really quick read (I read it in about 3 and a half hours), and while I prefer first person narrative, the story reads easily enough. This is a pretty cute guy next door romance, sprinkled with a touch of gruff ex-military man and the flouncy sweetheart who just moved in next door. I enjoyed their banter quite a lot, but I cannot say I loved the surprise leading to the third act conflict. It was also a little predictable, but when you read as much romance as I do, most books are a little predictable. It's what we love about it - it's safe to know what's around the corner. Thanks for a fun read.

This is a first time read for me by this author and it definitely won't be my last. It's a tug at your heart military romance that had me glued from the very start. Callan's struggles as a former marine with PTSD felt so real and raw. It added a layer of depth and reality to the story. The story takes you through a sleu of emotions as the author broaches this topic with the perfect amount of sensitivity and grace. Meridian is a strong and resilient character and she doesn't back down when Callan is in his darkest hour and needs her the most.
This was a very touching story and I enjoyed watching the relationship between Callan and Meridian evolution into something so deep and beautiful. The author did a great job of taking the reader into the mind of Callan as he experienced his flashbacks and really feel what he feels. A compelling and emotional story that pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me engaged till the end. I became completely immersed in the story. An truly enjoyable story I am glad to have had the opportunity to read.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

The whiplash I got from the pacing of this book. I say this as someone married to a Marine - this book was an awful portrayal of the USMC and PTSD. I would not recommend this book to anyone it was just cringy and boring.

Firstly, the author tried so hard with the sunshine x grumpy trope that the characters were awfully written. Callan is just rude to everyone and what was the point of italicizing friend every time watts was mentioned? Im an adult and a big tough guy so I can’t say I love you. Cut me a break. I would’ve left him faster then you can say “Marine”

Meridian was a one dimensional character and the author never gave her POV. Her adoption was brought up in the first chapter and then never brought up until the ending where her biological brother shows up and it sounds like they’re close.

Save yourself the boredom and skip this book.

I lost my breath reading this but for a completely different reason... love it and I will be selling it nonstop!

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Losing my breath by J. Rose Black has romance like no other with steamy passion, self discovery along with some healing. The author handles the writing of PTSD in great detail and demonstrated it well. The character developments along with the plot were written amazingly.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a captivating journey that drew me in from the start. The characters were well-developed, and I found myself completely immersed in their experiences, almost like I was right there alongside them. The dynamic of having one of the main characters as a Marine grappling with PTSD and forming a connection with his neighbor added a profound layer of authenticity to the storyline.

The author's approach to addressing the sensitive subject of PTSD was commendable, demonstrating a understanding and respect for the challenges faced by individuals in real-world scenarios. The narrative skillfully navigated the complexities of mental health, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of the characters in a way that felt genuine and heartfelt.

However, I must admit that at times, the dialogue did leave me a bit confused. Some of the conversations felt a tad unrealistic and, in a way, far-fetched. While the overall narrative was compelling, there were instances where the dialogue seemed to deviate from the authentic tone established throughout the book. Despite this, the strength of the characters and the beautifully written narrative more than compensated for these occasional moments of confusion.

All in all, I'd totally recommend this book, especially if you're up for a quick and fun read!

I wanted to start off by saying this book was not my cup of tea personally but it was beautifully written and I would recommend this book to people.

It showed the hardships that people have when suffering from PTSD and how trying to deal with it on your own may seem like a good idea but getting outside help is important.

I love Watching Callans character development throughout the book and seeing his thought process. I would definitely consider this a slow burn romance even though he wanted her from the start, his trauma always told him to push her away. It was worth it in the end for sure.

The one thing that probably threw me off for this book is that the point of view is in third person so if that is something you are okay with I would recommend checking this book out. It did come around full circle in every way.

Great job J Rose Black

This book had me audibly giggling. I was totally not expecting to like this as much as I did. So sweet, so funny, and so much heart.

This is a new author for me. I found the overall story to be pretty unique for the romance genre, with a lot more depth and attention paid to character growth. I came to love Callan and Meridian, and was emotionally satisfied with the ending.

The twist in the storyline wasn’t like this major affair, but just this subtle thread that suddenly appeared and added such a layer of depth, I couldn’t help but cry.

And I think, I’m not sure because I don’t know this author, but I think I caught some symbolic mirroring or bookends to one of the subplots. I’m not don’t know what to call it. And I don’t wish to spoil anything, but I think there’s a correlation between the one he killed and the one he saved as a way to provide closure. I’m really not 100%, but I got that’s what I saw in the story.

I think maybe this should be marked as Women’s fiction as the themes are deep and tough and moving as would fit in that genre a bit better. The witty banter and sassy-snappy dialogue was really fun, though, too. It definitely wasn’t all heartbreak and angst. There were a lot of fun, laugh out loud moments. It keeps your attention and the emotional rollercoaster ends on a high note. Exactly where we want to be.

Thank you for this ARC, NetGalley

While I had high hopes for enjoying this book, it fell short on substance for me. I craved more depth in each character's story, and the pacing felt rushed. I appreciated J. Rose Black addressing PTSD, but I wished for more details. Additionally, the quick attraction between Meridian and Callan, solely based on his grumpiness and mysteriousness, left me wanting more development in their relationship.

Thank you NetGalley and Black Label Press for this ebook.

While this book is well written overall, it wasn't my favorite to read. I do love a good grumpy X sunshine pairing, but it didn't always work well for me. I appreciate the chance to read it, and would still recommend it to others that I know would dig the storyline and vibes.

3 1/2 stars rounding up to 4

This story is such a journey. At first I was a little confused with the disjointed internal monologue of Callan, but I soon realized it was the PTSD talking. The choppiness and messy jumping was something I was able to recognize in my military friends with PTSD, but I’ve never read it which made it a little jarring. It’s heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. You can’t help but root for Callan and Meridian.

However, I do wish we had heard more about Meridian’s family. By the time her brother randomly shows up at the hospital it seems Callan knows more about him and her family than the reader does. I found it lacking in that sense. We also don’t find out about Callan’s family until more than 3/4 through the book.

As a reader I was invested in the characters, but never got the chance to see them fully formed due to the lack of insight we had that other characters seemed to have.

This book wasn't really my cup of tea. It was the story of Callan and Meridian. He is a marine with PTSD and she is the sassy woman to help him. The story really did lean heavily on his PTSD experience. (which I have no doubt would speak to lots of folks). Their banter was cute, but their was such a weight to the book. I guess I expected a rom com and got a healing romance? In any case I would imagine lots of folks would love it. I just didn't speak to me.

I enjoyed this book so much! The atmosphere was amazing and it had my attention from the beginning to the end. I absolutely loved the romance. I would highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Normally I go in for romcom’s for an escape. Lighthearted, Hallmark-movie type HEA’s. The cover has all the right signs: grumpy guy, pretty girl. I thought this would be a cozy, easy heartwarming, not-too-serious read.

To say that’s not this book isn’t right. It was witty and fun, lighthearted (at times) and steamy.

But while easy to read, and ultimately has my wonderful not-exactly-Hallmark grade HEA (more like: life is a mess, and a difficult journey, but let’s face it together). It really made me think. And cry. Wow did I cry. The twist near the end, just, I fell so hard for Callan. And Meridian was bright and witty and so ultimately perfect for him.

I was surprised by this one. In mostly good ways. I really wasn’t sure I could buy an all male POV story, especially written by a female author. But the worldbuilding was authentic-feeling and we still got a good feel for Meridian’s character. A really good read.

This is a cute meet story that grabs you with the first chapter. Callen can’t help but look at the beautiful, soaking wet, but determined woman walking down the hall. When she makes a turn he knows that is his new neighbor. What he didn’t expect was the sassy mouth on her. Meridian has made up her mind to break through her neighbor Callen’s walls and get to know him. What she didn’t expect is what she discovers when she gets through some of them. Will she be able to help him through some hard times and still come out on the good side? I was given a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.