Breathe, Annie, BreatheAuthor: Miranda Kenneally
Series: Hundred Oaks #5
Published by: Sourcebook Fire
Publication Date: July 15, 2014
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.
But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.
Did I ever think that Miranda Kenneally would let me down with Breathe, Annie, Breathe? Absolutely not!
I’ve loved every book of the Hundred Oaks Series so far. Kenneally has a wonderful knack for easily bringing the reader in and making them experience all the feels. It’s funny, because this book and Racing Savannah are what got the ball rolling for me to read the series. I read a guest post by Miranda when Things I Can’t Forget (3rd book) was released, and she mentioned her next two books would revolve around horses and running – two things close to my heart. I read the first book soon after that and became obsessed.
In Breathe, Annie, Breathe, high school is over and college will soon be starting for Annie, but what she is mostly focused on is working towards her goal of finishing the Country Music Marathon. The same marathon her boyfriend planned to run before he died. Annie feels a lot of guilt for the events surrounding his death.
I loved Annie! My heart went out to her so much. Not only because she lost the boy she loved, but also because of how alone she was afterwards. However, she really grew and opened herself up throughout the book and became such a strong person. I admire how motivated she was and how hard she worked. Listen, people think running is easy, but it’s not. There’s a reason runners have the saying “My sport is your punishment.” I think Kenneally really captured the spirit of a runner with Annie.
Then there’s Jeremiah. I took an interest in him during Things I Can’t Forget. Not in a creepy way! He had one of those personalities that just popped and stuck with me, despite only making a small appearance. So I was excited that he would be the love interest in BAB. He’s no Sam Henry, but he was still a really fun character.
I liked Annie and Jeremiah together a lot. Their flirting was really cute, especially when they got competitive with each other. The chemistry between them and the friends to lovers trope was all really nice.
Friends and family always play a big role in this series, and BAB was no exception. This was an aspect I enjoyed quite a bit – the friendship growth and the familial support. Kenneally definitely writes sibling relationships really well.
These books can technically be read as standalones since each one focuses on a different couple. However, I highly suggest you start from the beginning, because you’ll miss so many great connections. One of my favorite things about this series is seeing what characters from the previous books will be in new ones, and seeing what roles they play in the MC’s life.
So overall, I was very pleased with Breathe, Annie, Breathe and how everything turned out. As of now, there’s no blurb for Best Day Ever, the sixth book in the series, and it is killing me! I need to know which characters it will focus on.
Hundred Oaks Series
Links go to my reviews.
Just finished this one recently and of course knew I would love it since I loved all the rest. I liked Jeremiah but sadly I actually really loved Kyle and was so sad he died! I cried every time Annie remembered him. I also cringed during her training because I HATE running! I always used to lie in school and say I ran all 4 laps for the mile when I really ran 3!
CHEATER! lol.
I had no idea when I first saw this one that it was even a part of the Hundred Oaks series, the cover is so very different. I am so glad I have this one to read because I love that series. Not that I wouldn’t have read it anyways because I would have simply because Miranda wrote it but I am glad it is part of the series anyways.
I know, I wonder why they changed the cover style. They could’ve had a really cute one for this that matched the rest.
Ugh, this series is weird for me. I have only read the Savannah one and it was not my fav. But I always wanted to read Catching Jordan. You do make this one sound good though.
Out of all the books in the series, Savannah is not one I would’ve suggested to read first. Seriously, Catching Jordan is the one you REALLY want to read.
I love how there’s a big focus on friends and family in the series, I’ve heard a lot about it but haven’t checked it out yet. Annie and Jeremiah sound like a really cute couple! Great review lovely.
It’s a great series.
So glad your favorite series/author delivered. Anna sounds like someone I would like. You were totally stalking Jeremiah!
That’s me, stalker extraordinaire. 😉
For some reason I thought this book was a complete stand-alone and not related to the Hundred Oaks series as all. I fail. I’ve only read the first two books in the series but I LOVED them and can’t wait to get caught up. Miranda writes such amazingly layered characters, and time with them is always time well spent. Glad to know you loved this one Christy!
I don’t know why they’ve made this one look so separate from the HO Series. I mean it’s saturated with previous characters.
Yay! I’m so happy you loved this one, Christy! I absolutely loved it as well and I think it might be my favorite by Miranda just yet.
My heart broke for Annie as well, but I loved her growth and her resilience throughout the book. Jeremiah was also a bit crazy, but I loved him.
I have to agree with you. I love seeing the previous characters pop up. It’s so much fun, especially in this one because most of the other characters had grown up. 🙂
Lovely review, Christy!
I think Catching Jordan is my favorite, or Stealing Parker. It’s all about the connection with the characters for me. 😉
I loved Annie too! And I thought Miranda did a great job capturing running as well.Great review. I am happy to see that you liked it but not surprised at all.
Especially when it came to the vaseline. lol
Ahhh, glad you loved this one as much as the others, I haven’t read any of hers yet, though heard so many good things about them. I don’t know if I’ll start from the beginning, but I really want to read this one just to see how the grief’s handled. I haven’t read that many where the boyfriends died, but some of the ones I have were disappointing, and sounds like this won’t be! And you always got to love ones that focus on family and friendship too. 🙂
Nooooooooooooooooo start from the beginning. You’ll miss a ton of character connections if you don’t. Besides, Catching Jordan is my favorite. lol
Aw glad you enjoyed it! I love ones where friends and family play a big part in the storyline and the main characters lives. So nice to see that 😉
It’s definitely a favorite aspect of mine.
IDK how I didn’t know this was coming out. I am usually on top of this series. I grabbed a copy and hope to read it soon. I am glad that this is moving more into NA with a college age girl. I can’t wait to see what Kennally does this time.
Well it starts at the very end of her senior year, goes through summer, and then into the beginning of college.
Everyone is raving about this! I have some catching up to do, but I’ll get to it one of these days!
I always rave about all of her books. lol
Thank you Christy 🙂 This really sounds like another series I would enjoy and I wouldn’t have known about it if it wasn’t for you.
I saw this the other day, it feels like a great Summer read and I’m sure if I do pick this up I’ll be able to get tips for running? LOL
I have seen a lot of reviews that praise this one. I still haven’t started with this series but off all books in it this one sounds the most appealing. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Great review 🙂
I’m really going to have to check out this series. This sounds like great characters and you sold me when you said the family is important in all the stories. I really like that!
I’ve read a few reviews about this book, and people are really enjoying it. It is sweet to see Annie continuing with the marathon, even after her boyfriends death. I think I’d like Jeremiah too! Great review!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
I need to read something by Miranda. I know, I’m behind! This sounds like a good one -and oh gosh, I hate running. haha
I still haven’t read anything by Miranda Kenneally, but she’s on my list. I really like the sound of this one! 🙂