Guest Review: Barely Breathing by Pamela Clare

Series:	CO High Country #1
Pub. Date:	May 7, 2016
Publisher:	Thomas & Mercer
Length:	272 pages

Barely Breathing is the kick off novel to a new contemporary series involving a SAR (search and rescue) group in Colorado. Book one focuses on Austin Taylor and Lexi Jewell. Austin works as a mountain ranger and volunteers his time with the rescue group. Lexi, a CPA, is currently between jobs and has come back home for a short visit to sort her dad's home life and figure out what her future goals will be. When Austin and Lexi agree to a short term "friends with benefits" relationship, the road to temptation has them both questioning if they could have forever. 

Austin is the guy you want to bring home to momma! Sexy, smart, in touch with his feelings kind of guy -ok, so he's darn near perfect if you ask me- he knows he's risking his heart by getting involved with Lexi but he doesn't want to look back in regret. This time Austin is approaching her as a man, not a teenager, and as they say...with age comes wisdom. And he's definitely learned a few things over the years! 

Lexi is smart, intelligent and resilient. She's managed to adapt to life as she goes but losing her mom at a young age has left a tendency to subconsciously run at emotional connections. She's pretty sure she's over Austin so a fling with him won't hurt her when she leaves..or will it? 

Pamela delivers another fantastic, steamy read! She has created a new cast of characters that contains (what I think is) her trademark-independent women and the alpha men who love them, sarcasm, deep bonds of friendship, and off-the-wall humor I personally enjoy. She's done her homework on SAR/mountain climbing and deftly weaves a lot of information in this great, second chance romance. This book contains a tight knit and diverse cast of characters, lots of humor, a touch of suspense, some kinky sex, and a nosy small town community - I can't wait to see who's next! 

Reviewed by Julie H. for Bambi Unbridled

Julie is a transplanted military brat that now calls the Midwest home with her own romantic hero, daughter and two furbabies. While she toils the day away in a medical office, she would really rather be reading! Julie loves historical romance, steampunk, romantic suspense, military romance (duh!), paranormal and urban fantasy.  She loves a kickass take-charge heroine, lots of action, and the all-important HEA. Julie can get down with an alpha male, but she does not discount a nerdy hero with a sexy brain.

Julie and Bambi met at the RT Convention where they found themselves standing in many lines, sharing their similar reading interests, and fangirling over attending authors.