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Bring Me Back #1

Just Like Breathing

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A new STANDALONE, Contemporary Romance. "Diana Gardin has proven why she's my new, go-to Romance author." - #1 New York Times Bestselling author Rachel van Dyken Her broken pieces are the only thing holding him together... Arden One moment, one twist of fate’s cruel hand--and I lost everything. My soul broke into a million pieces I didn’t know how to put back together... until him. He dragged me through hell and brought me back. But when he saw the person behind the destruction, he hesitated. Flash It didn’t take more than a few seconds for the life I knew to crash and burn. With no anchor, I reached out. I didn’t expect to grab onto someone more broken than me... But when she exhaled the first breath of air into my lungs, I knew damn well I wasn’t good enough for her. The only question was how long could I hold on?

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2018

About the author

Diana Gardin

24 books270 followers

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5 stars
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22 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Jesey ~ Schmexy GIrl~.
404 reviews752 followers
March 27, 2018
Just Like Breathing by Diana Gardin will have you stopping to take deep breaths to keep your heart from aching. Two broken souls….lost and not knowing what they need, looking for nothing in particular. The collision when they meet is both literal and metaphorical and was beautiful.

Arden and Flash are both suffering personal losses, tragedies that will take time to overcome no doubt. Be prepared to cry in the prologue…BOTH prologues. We learn early on what their pain is and then follow them as they heal.

I think I read somewhere once that broken people find each other, attracted like magnets to the jagged edges inside them.

Usually I like to talk about the characters individually, but I can’t help this feeling that I need to keep them together, because together is how Arden and Flash should be, how they are the best. It’s so hard to explain. They need each other and want each other, it’s difficult to separate the two. Their stories are similar and the pain is real.

He makes me want to grab hold of his hand so tight and let him lead me through the darkness.

They are both learning to live the life that has been given to them, whether they wanted it or not. I’m a firm believer in things happen for a reason, and it is so true in this case. Arden and Flash were both on separate paths, living their day to day, doing what they loved with those that were closest to them. In the blink of an eye, two blinks (one for each of them) it all changed. They find their way to one another and everything from that moment on is beautiful.
Profile Image for Bunny.
367 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2018
I loved this story of two broken people finding each other and learning to live again. Its heartbreaking and amazing at the same time.
580 reviews9 followers
February 7, 2018
Holy Cow!!! Diana has done it again....I can't even begin to express how much I loved this book...having my heart ripped out in the first few chapters had me nervous but I couldn't put it down...Absolutely must read!!!
Profile Image for Marie-Elizabeth Dohar.
47 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2018
Disclaimer: ARC received in exchange for an honest review

Diana Gardin kicks off her newest series with a sexy standalone, Just Like Breathing. This standalone pairs Flash and Arden, two individuals who experienced great personal losses and are struggling to transition to life after tragedy. Gardin sure likes her military men, and the way she writes them, quite frankly so do I.

This book is vastly different than her other novels, particularly because of Flash’s physical limitations. Representation matters, y’all, and Gardin excels at creating characters that are outside of the box and certainly underrepresented in the romance genre. That’s another credit to Gardin’s obvious talents—she writes protagonists that are DIFFERENT; their differences don’t limit them or define them, but rather add to their inherent depth and fullness; and she doesn’t pander.

Although Flash is definitely a quintessential alpha male, his blindness forces him to rely on others in ways her male protagonists usually don’t. But certainly to Gardin’s credit and her readers’ delight, she never lets Flash’s lack of sight diminish his sheer masculinity nor does it serve as an excuse or dramatic plot device that could cheapen or lessen this story’s impact. Contritely, Arden is no shrinking violet. Her warmth and softness don’t undermine her quiet, inner strength, but rather foil Flash’s manliness and commanding nature, and it’s the way their brokenness meshes to form a complete whole that is absolutely stunning to see.

Gardin imbues her characters with such warmth and grace, and her stories are authentic and genuinely relatable because of her gifted writing abilities. Her stories often transcend words on a page because she is a truly talented lady who puts her heart and soul into every word she bleeds on to the page. And this is undoubtedly why readers respond to her the way they do.

In addition to thinking up the most amazing characters, she also has an uncanny ability to paint the south, in this case Savannah, Georgia, with the most beautiful brush strokes. Her settings often become a character of their own. And because of Flash’s vision impairment, Gardin was challenged to use descriptive language in earnest in this story and she did it masterfully.

Overall, Just Like Breathing is by far one of Gardin’s strongest and most successful novels, and romance readers should definitely expect to fall in love with Flash, Arden, and of course Gardin! I highly recommend both this heartwarming story and this brilliant author and I greatly anticipate what’s to come from her.
89 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2018
I felt this story deep down and I imagine I will for a long time to come. From the first word written, until the last, it grabbed my heart and never let go! The tears shed, the smiles that split my face and the warming of my heart were a clear indication that this story was real,emotional and beyond amazing. It’s love, it’s loss and it’s surviving. It’s putting faith in others and believing in the strength within yourself and loving with your whole body and soul. It’s a story I will never forget and was blessed to have read! Thank you Diana, this was a gift!
Profile Image for Once.
2,344 reviews80 followers
March 16, 2018
Woaaah, was I so thoroughly shocked at the content of this book. Every time I read a Diana Gardin book, she brings something new and different to the table. So often when I read and review it's kind of the same type of story line and anticipated endings. This book was not even remotely expected. I went in completely blind, as I like to do and I loved every minute.

I felt so much while reading this book. Two lives affected by tradegy and learning to cope with those tradegies. I have to say that I absolutely loved Flash. He is 100% man. He is a pilot in the military that gets injured during a motor cycle accident. Arden, the beautiful heroine, was also involved in an accident that left her in a coma for months. I admit to ugly crying a bit while reading this book. It is an emotional read so get your tissues ready.

I'm rating this book 5 stars because it is my favorite Diana Gardin book so far and her words are just so beautiful. I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the rest of the series. - Heather
Profile Image for Courtney Turner.
1,707 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2018
I received this book as an arc reader and I am voluntarily giving my honest review.

Gawd this book was amazing! You better have a box of Kleenex cause this one will make you cry.

Arden wakes up after being in a coma for 9 months. And she wakes up to find out her whole world is gone.

Flash wakes up after a motorcycle accident and all he sees is black. He now has to live the rest of his life blind.

After a run in in a park, Flash and Arden start there journey back to live the lives they were meant to live.

Arden must learn to live without her husband and son. And Flash is the person she needs to save her from that loss.

Flash is learning to live again and when he meets Arden he can’t not hope that she will be a part of the new life he has to live blind.

This story is freaking amazing. And I think I’m hooked on this new author. I can’t wait to read more from her in the future.
Profile Image for Jessica Cox.
697 reviews13 followers
February 28, 2018
This read is a soul crusher, you eventually get put back together, but like the characters it takes time and you gotta work for it. Arden is dealt with a crap hand she was in a horrible car accident that left her in a coma and when she wakes her life is forever changed. Oh my Arden my heart hurt so much for this girl, the anguish, anxiety, pain, and panic, girl I have been there and it brought up everyone of those feelings. The author seriously crushed all the emotions so spot on. Flash is jet pilot from the military who is also involved in a accident and his life is completely changed due to an injury that he can't come back from. These two hollow broken souls help rebuild each other and it is a beautiful story, it doesn't feel rushed it was just so smooth and it felt like it was so real. Bravo to this author for making me feel so much with this couple.I happily read this story to let you know my thoughts.
Profile Image for Gina Burkart.
3,077 reviews52 followers
February 16, 2018
Wow what do you say about a book that grabs you by the heart and has you feeling the emotions from the pages. This book will grab you from the beginning tell the very end. This book will have you feeling that book hangover that some people get after reading book that you just think about days later. This is the first book that I've read by this author and it will Not be the last. 5 stars just isn't enough for this book. This book is a most read.
3,888 reviews30 followers
March 15, 2018
Just Like Breathing packed a serious punch! I loved this from beginning to end - the heartbreaking events that took place for Flash and Arden brought them together. This was both emotional and inspiring, and sexy as hell! I loved watching these two learn how to move on from adversity and how to live life. Fabulous and so amazing!
Profile Image for Victoria pearce.
390 reviews6 followers
February 17, 2018
Very good emotional read. Great characters and brilliantly written this book will gut you before the end. I loved the characters and I loved the heart that was in this story. Very well done.
Profile Image for Liz [reads books].
1,271 reviews60 followers
March 3, 2018
this book blew me away. I couldn't stop reading. best book I've read by this author, hands down. 5 stars!
297 reviews
February 12, 2018
I read an advance copy of this book and OMG! This book will require you to need tissues and therapy. Diana truly outdid herself, absolutely one of the best she's ever written. Flash and Arden's story of tragedy will tear you apart but the way they help one another will piece you back together. I could not put it down, read it start to finish in one sitting. You won't be able to put it down either.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
737 reviews6 followers
March 12, 2018
I swear to God, this book put my heart in a blender and stitched it back together. Loved it!
2,617 reviews24 followers
February 13, 2018
this book was a tear jerker for sure! had me in tears reading this story. one day she lost everything she loved. he lost a important part of him. can these two put the pieces back together? read to find out what happens.
Profile Image for Sherilee Gray.
Author 46 books1,164 followers
March 19, 2018
A heartbreakingly beautiful story. I adored Just Like Breathing. Seriously, people, make sure you have a box of tissues handy!
333 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2018
This book was absolutely amazing!
Throughout the book I was in tears, tears that I had no control over, at times my heart hurt.
Arden has had her life ripped apart and just wants to wallow in her pain but while out running she runs into Flash who is broken but not as badly, by trusting each other they slowly start to mend.
I'm loving this author and looking forward to more!
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,083 reviews
February 7, 2018
This is one of the best books I believe I have ever read! This is the first book I have read by this author and I’m definitely going to be reading more. The storyline broke my heart. This story is nothing like I have read before. Arden is so broken and just wants to be alone. Flash is broken in his own way. Can he put the pieces of Arden’s heart back together and his? I fell so in love with these characters. I felt their love and their pain. I hope that there will be a future book about Axel and Brantley. I would love to learn more about them. I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review.
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
Profile Image for Viki Pazdur.
148 reviews9 followers
March 12, 2018
WOW! This book....this book....WOW! Heartbreaking, literally my heart broke in a thousands pieces, tears flowing continuously, so many feels, SO MANY FEELS. Please don't let this stop you from reading this tho. The best way to describe this book is this,
It was like I was on a ladder trying to reach the top because I knew there was something amazing at the top......climb a couple steps, (oh and crying the whole way and not just tears of sorrow, these were tears of every single emotion I could have possibly have.) then I stayed at those couple steps because I was so scared to climb anymore, but my heart was mending, so then drying my face and climbing a couple more, stopping again, crying because I wasn't sure I could handle my emotions. Ok, climbed a couple more because I just had to keep on reading this amazing story and I was almost there and my heart was mending some more. So, crying again I made it to the top (end of book) to a beautiful end where all my thousands of pieces of my heart were back together again. I put down my Kindle, eyes closed, tears streaming down my face, smiling, breathless and so so satisfied.
This story was AMAZING! Diana Gardin is a brilliant author, one of the best in my opinion. You seriously have to give this book a shot, you will not be sorry. ♡SIGH♡ ..............surprise surprise, I have tears streaming down my face writing this review. I need this Author in my life for good!
42 reviews
March 13, 2018
WOW AND WOW!!! FANTASTIC STORY!!
I have been reading books by Diana Gardin for a while now as a voluntary ARC reader and I must tell you it has definitely been an experience. All of her work is superb but this one----it is a major out of the park GRAND SLAM!!

Just Like Breathing is a story about two individuals that have grave losses in their lives and they are both trying to overcome these losses on their own. But as luck and life should have it, these two amazing and strong individuals find each other. Flash and Arden's story is heart wrenchingly sad with devastating losses. The tragic losses that these two have to face hits you so profoundly that it really renders you breathless and aching for them. This is the first time that I have actually not wanted to turn the page but wanted to turn the page because of the unknown on that next page. I had to dig deep with this one to hold it together myself while reading it. I am not going to discuss the story line too much for this one because it will take away from the true emotions you will be able to feel when reading it cold. I don't want to give you sneak peeks or expectations either. I can tell you is that the title is so fitting. You'll understand it as you finish the book. You need to read this blindly as I did and the appreciation for Diana's hard work and amazing writing ability will seep into your very soul leaving you not only breathless, but speechless, not being able to mutter the words for what you feel because its that overwhelmingly good.

Just like Breathing is the most amazing of Diana's work, although her other stories have touched me immensely mainly because of the amazing story lines and content she bravely writes about in each one, but this new one reaches you on a spiritual and emotional level that is unparalleled . I read this book as an ARC for an honest review and as I said, I read it cold. I want you to have that same experience as well. THIS BOOK IS A DEFINITE READ!!! I WOULD HAVE GIVEN IT 10 STARS!! Thank you Diana for this truly exceptional story!!
Profile Image for Angie Flanagan.
414 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2021
HOLY WOW!! Diana! What did you do to me??

I Loved this book so much!! I couldn't get enough. I literally read every word, and didn't just skip over some words like I usually do. Even the prologues, eventually, SHUSH CHRISTINA!! LOL!!

I had to read every single word cause I couldn't get enough! I loved the characters so much. They both have been through so much, and found each other, and healed each other.

I loved the storyline, everything that happened, and it happened naturally, and wasn't drawn out, and wasn't all rushed at the end. I LOVED IT! I can't wait to read Brantley's story! I really enjoyed the connection that Arden and Flash have. They are soooo drawn to each other.

I just loved how Diana was able to bring each character to life, no matter how a small part they played in the book. It was so good!!! I can't stop saying it, I know!!!

I also love the friendship/sistership that Arden and Brantley have! Axel cracks me up. The scene about scaring Flash, just to see him jump ROFL!!!!!

Some of my fave quotes:
1. Great now I'm having a panic attack in front of three strangers, and now I'm hysterically laughing at his name. - Arden couldn't hold it back, and I actually laughed along with her.
2. My grief. If I let go of that, I'll be letting of them. - BROKE MY HEART!
3. Because you're Southern women. And Southern women always bring sh*t to a party. - SO TRUE LOL!
4. That's okay. I'll make this quick. You're fired. - OMG! YES!! GO FLASH!
5. This time, my knees do buckle, sending me down to the floor. - CRIED LIKE A BABY!!! OMG!!!!
13 reviews
May 5, 2020
Flash!!!! Spoilers?

I really enjoyed this book. You fall in love with Flash!
Only a couple complaints. And this is to anybody that reads this review. Never, ever tell someone that has lost a loved one, how to grieve. Grief doesn't have a time line nor does a person have one way of grieving.
We all experience loss. Parents, siblings, close friends, close family members, husband. But when you lose your child? There is no greater loss. You lose your world, you wakeup after 9 months to find this out?? Then someone trys to tell you it's time to move on? It hasn't been 9 months for you when you were in a coma the whole damn time!! It just happened to you!! So for her stupid friend to keep reminding her it's been 9 months, over and over again, like some how that was a significant amount of time. To what?? That set my blood boiling. For the author to know nothing about loss and write about it like she knew, was a slap in the face for those of us that have lost a child let alone their world. (Father and child at once) Shame.
She needed more time in real life.
Rant over. Over all, the book was good. Felt a bit rushed at times. The ending was fine but could have added more to their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Leslee.
2,502 reviews72 followers
March 27, 2018
This was my first Diana Gardin, but it will definitely not be my last. This book was simply beautiful, a love story. Two lonely, battered people who desperately need each other. I don't know if my review will do this story justice but I want to bring this wonderfully written romance the attention it deserves.

Arden has suffered; broken by a twist of fate. Flash is in much the same boat. Both trying to live again but just going through the motions when a chance encounter changes everything. A love of running brings friendship and a connection. Before too long, they need each other like the air they breath.

This book was one I didn't want to end. I loved the fact that once they were in it together, they didn't let stupid insignificant things get in the way. They knew that their love was worth the risks. I don't want to give too much away, it really should just be experienced firsthand. I will say, I wish the rating system went higher than five stars! I cannot wait to see more from the talented Diana Gardin.
Profile Image for Shirley.
827 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2018
Two seemingly perfect lives, both changed forever in an instant.
Arden has it all, a perfect marriage, a happy, healthy little boy and in a blink of an eye, everything changes.
Flash is an Air Force ACE. Loves living life to the fullest, in the fastest lane possible. When he isn't flying fighter jets, he's riding his motorcycle. Until, he can't.
Both are reeling from their perspective tragedies, one chance 'meeting' in the park changes their paths.
I don't know if I'd call this a second chance story, since Arden and Flash didn't know eachother before, but it is in essence a second chance at life. Making the most of the hand you're dealt, no matter how it seems at the time, things happen for a reason, and for these two to come together like the did, their tragedies had to happen.
While I was reading, I felt all the emotions Arden and Flash did. Joy, excitement, happiness, love, disbelief, anger, betrayal, hurt, soul deep dispair, trepidation, hope and so many more. You will get your heart ripped out of your chest, but keep turning the page, bit by bit, piece by piece, it will be mended.
Profile Image for Avery Kingston.
Author 10 books321 followers
July 25, 2018
Serious. Book. Hangover.

I don't even know where to begin. This story was perfection. I was drawn in from the gut wrenching first moment to the very last line. Keep your tissues handy, because you're gonna need them.

Gardin took my heart, ripped it out and stitched it back together again.

As a wife and a mother I have to tip my hat to the author for handling this romance with the utmost sensitivity. It's not an easy feat to pull off. I felt every ounce of Arden's pain down to my bones. Flash was a hero through and through. An alpha male that oozes masculinity and kindness at every turn. My favorite kind of man. Soft when he needs to be and protective when the time calls for it.

It's a story about loss, love and survival and how one can rebuild from the wreckage of their lives. Superb writing, amazing characters. This was my first read by Gardin but it won't be my last. One of the best books I've ever read.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
18.1k reviews224 followers
March 12, 2018
This is the 1st book in a new series, and my word, what an amazing introduction this story is!! Arden has been in a coma for 9 months, and awakens to devastating news. Flash was a pilot, until a tragic accident took away his sight. Can these two broken souls heal each other? No spoilers; in my opinion, this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This extremely talented author has written a beautiful story, which is emotional, gripping, heartbreaking, and deal with loss, survival, faith, and love. I was totally captivated with this story throughout, and I cannot recommend this authors’ work enough to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book for the author!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
18.1k reviews224 followers
March 12, 2018
This is the 1st book in a new series, and my word, what an amazing introduction this story is!! Arden has been in a coma for 9 months, and awakens to devastating news. Flash was a pilot, until a tragic accident took away his sight. Can these two broken souls heal each other? No spoilers; in my opinion, this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This extremely talented author has written a beautiful story, which is emotional, gripping, heartbreaking, and deal with loss, survival, faith, and love. I was totally captivated with this story throughout, and I cannot recommend this authors’ work enough to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book for the author!
Profile Image for Ree.
2,477 reviews52 followers
March 12, 2018
This book is amazing. It's sad, heart-wrenching, but yet, full of the kind of hope that true love brings.

Arden & Flash are both restarting life after life-changing losses. Neither is looking for love, but by spending time with each other - at first reluctantly - their relationship grows, changes and develops into one that manages to change their lives even more than their original losses ever could.

Two broken people meet by chance and their lives not only change, but are healed. Thanks, Diana, for taking us to Savannah, Georgia to meet and fall in love with Arden & Flash.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
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