You know what really makes my day? Falling in love with a book that I didn’t originally think was my type. I didn’t pick this book for review hoping not enjoy it, of course. I’m not that type of reader. But I picked it on a whim. I wasn’t expecting anything groundbreaking, more like something to pass the time that would hopefully have a hot scene or two to entertain me. What? Don’t hate. 
But I really ended up loving this. It was brash and raw and completely addictive.
I won’t lie, my attention was initially caught because of the mention in the book’s summary of the hero being “heavy metal” and having “gigs.” I admit it, I am a sucker for a rock star. *sigh* It’s a weakness. Surprisingly that wasn’t a major plot point. Actually, given that the hero, Seth (aka Ghost), bounces between being a musician and a tattoo artist I’m not quite sure how successful he is overall. He seems happy and like he’s doing fine monetarily, but he seems to come and go as he pleases, which is hard for me to wrap my head around in regards to a job. Most of the time we see Seth here he’s working in his friend Brian’s (hero of the second book, Rock Me) tattoo shop.
Seth and Macy are complete opposites. He’s tatted up and rough and she’s country and kind of repressed. She’s had some things happen to her in the past that have made her cautious and have caused her to withdraw into herself and fear change. She isn’t always the friendliest person, but I really liked her and Seth together. On the surface they didn’t fit together, and neither of them had any illusions about the odds of them lasting, but they couldn’t seem to stay away. They had some smoking hot chemistry together, especially in the beginning before anyone knew they were hooking up. They also had a one night stand together months ago and I’m curious if that was actually shown in the last book. I might have to go back and check. 
Seth and Macy were both surprisingly rough around the edges, although Macy was less so than Seth. They made stupid decisions and would let drama crop up, but it wasn’t the type of drama I usually see in Romance. Basically, it felt more like taking a peek into the occasional stupidity of a real life couple that’s connected to the party scene. There was band drama, ex drama, druggie friend drama… but it wasn’t stupid drama that didn’t feel realistic. Perhaps others would not agree, but the cursing and crudity and ex drama felt like echoes of past party days in the Army. There were times that I cursed both of them for the stupid choices they were making, but I still enjoyed the ride. Seth’s soft side was a nice surprise and I enjoyed his vulnerability and worry about not being the type of guy Macy would be with long term.
The author has creating a great cast of characters that felt like a well developed little community. It had the same vibe to it that small town romances do, without the small town setting. You were very aware that the characters did not live in a vacuum and sometimes things cropped up that were not neatly solved and tied with a bow—like Seth’s issues with his brother. I loved that the author didn’t have Seth and Macy spend every waking second together, and she wasn’t afraid to let them hit rocky patches and have them separate for a while. It really helped cement the realistic feel of the romance and made it feel like their romance sprawled over a longer time frame than usual.
This is not the usual type of book I read, so while it felt fresh and different to me, it might not be as surprising to others. But you won’t know which way it’ll hit you until you try it, will you? I, personally, think you should give it a shot if you’re in the mood for something sexy and fun. 
Favorite Quote:
”How big is it?”
“Uh, don’t you know?”
“I’m talking precise measurements.”
This laugh was less evil-villain and more jovial. “Why, Macy. A nice young lady like yourself, asking such a thing. I’m appalled.”
“Oh, come on. Guys always know how big they are.”
“Big enough that I should tie a bow around it and attach a little card that says ‘To: Macy. You’re welcome. Love, Seth.”
Rating: A
Leave Me Breathless by Cherrie Lynn
November 6th 2012 by Samhain
GoodReads
Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Samhain
About Catherine
I will definitely have to pick this one up. I really enjoyed the first two books in the series. I don’t recall anything specific happening between Seth and Macy in Rock Me, at least that was detailed. I remember some flirting and some opposites-attract stuff going on though. Thanks for the review
I read Rock Me after I read this one and was surprised to see how little real interaction we saw between Seth and Macy. There were some definite hints there but until you read this one you won’t know quite how extensive those interactions were.
Okay…that quote…I am soooo buying it!
That quote made me laugh. I really hope you love it when you read it!
I am totally going to read this now. Like right now.
Or maybe Nov 6. Lol.
Hah. That was my response too.
LOL!
I love that quote!
Enough to read it…? *wiggles eyebrows*
I read Rock Me… Remind me again who Seth and Macy are…
Never mind…
Did it click that Seth is ‘Ghost?’
Looking forward to reading this one! Love the quote! lolol
Seems like the quote’s a hit.
I remember reading Rock Me & loving the feel of the characters and setting. It was so realistic I wanted to run out & hit up a tattoo shop for my own Brian. Totally looking forward to reading Seth’s story. FYI not a lot of details are given about Seth & Macy’s hookup in Rock Me but I’d still recommend reading it.
I’m reading it now and really enjoying it. I had to look up make genital piercings on wikipedia after like five pages in.
Thank goodness for wikipedia.
No kidding! I knew what they were, but I remember having to look them up back in the day. Thank goodness for the internet!
That’s “male” not “make” obviously.
I really enjoyed Rock Me and Leave Me Breathless, although LMB is my favorite. The only one that I wasn’t too impressed with was the first book. But even that one was an okay read for me. I’ve really fallen in love with her voice and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.
I’ve only recently discovered this author through Twitter (What would I do without it? lol) and immediately started the first book and ended up really liking it. I hope I’m finished with the second one till this one comes out. Your review makes me even more glad I found this series! Thank you for it!
I’m glad you enjoyed the review! I have discovered quite a few awesome new books through Twitter chatter. Thank goodness for word of mouth!
Is it wrong to want to read this just because I am attracted to the guy on the cover? No? Good then.
lol! The cover caught my eye too. Very nice.