Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Blue #1

Just Breathe

Rate this book
Life is full of the unexpected. At times, the only thing you can do is just breathe.

For twenty-four year old Cassandra Anderson, life hasn't been easy. Haunted daily by her own demons and memories of the past, she suffers from panic attacks and questionable anal-retentiveness. The motto she lives by is "Trust no one. Fear nothing."

Bartender Lucas Daniels comes into her life like a whirlwind. Hot enough to melt wax, he is tantalizing, sometimes overbearing, and quite possibly one of her weaknesses. Lucas, having secrets of his own, understands pain all too well.

Only time can tell what the future holds for them. Will Lucas cause Cass to question everything? Will she be drawn to him or will they end in resentment?

284 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2014

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Chelle C. Craze

29 books153 followers
Chelle C. Craze is a USA Today bestselling author, and native of West Virginian.
She has authored numerous books in the romance genre
with sub-genres
varying from MC romance, romantic suspense, & dark
romance to contemporary
romance.


Her biggest inspirations and blessings will always be 
her children.


Visit her website, www.ChelleCCraze.com, or find her on social media.


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
45 (30%)
4 stars
52 (34%)
3 stars
36 (24%)
2 stars
15 (10%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Kim Sutton.
597 reviews10 followers
July 16, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

This is a great debut for Chelle C Craze, I really enjoyed it.

Cassandra has an awful past which makes her have constant panic attacks, she lives with her friend Dar who also has a painful past experience(I would really like to find out more about Dar). On a night out at a club Cass and Dar meet up with Lucas and it's clear the man has set his sites on Cassandra! All the characters in this book are so loveable and the author really makes you feel their emotions. This is in part a love story but also a very emotional read that deals with rape, tragedy, loss and fear! A very touching read.

There were times in this book that I got a little lost, one minute a character was at home and the next they were getting out of a car with someone else. It didn't take away from the story in anyway though just confused me a little. Other than that it was written well.

Overall a great story and I am certainly looking forward to the next book! Four stars!
Profile Image for JC82.
161 reviews5 followers
November 13, 2014
During this read I found myself awww-ing, laughing, clutching my aching heart, and holding back both tears of grief and of love. There is so much heart in this debut novel from Chelle C. Craze.

Cass and Dar are best friends who have been through immense tragedy and pain in their past. We don't fully get Dar's story in this first book but there is definitely and underlying painful story simmering beneath the surface and I believe this is what draws this two friends into such a strong bond. Dar and Cass are constantly looking out for each other, whether its cheering the other up and being there in times of utter sorrow. These two girls are inseparable. When Dar convinces Cass for a night out on the town to celebrate her birthday, Cass had no idea that a "random" night out would lead to meeting the man that would change her life and open her heart to a world full of love, forgiveness, and trust.

Lucas has had his share of heartbreak and betrayal. Determined to not let anyone past his emotional shield there is something about Cass that he just can't deny. An attraction, a spark and a desire leads Lucas to pursue Cass in the sweetest of ways; sneaking his way into her heart and allowing her to be the chink in his emotional armor.

Initially when I started to read this book, I thought it would focus more on Cass and her life and backstory, but I was completely wrong about that. While we do get a lot of Cass and her inner turmoil and issues with trust and moving on, I think we get an even deeper look into Lucas. I loved Lucas' POV, it was so raw and full of heart. Lucas wore his emotions on his sleeve despite his utter fear that those feelings would not be reciprocated. he was patient and despite all that was going on in his life he never once left Cass feel like she was any less important. There were so many beautiful moments in Lucas' POV, the words Chelle uses to describe Lucas' feelings are beautiful and full of passion. He will make your heart melt.

Cass POV is equally guttural, the moments that she has to relive on a daily basis are utterly painful and the strength she has to continue to persevere beyond those mental struggles is nothing short of compelling. She is a true survivor and despite her equal fear of trusting someone she allows herself to open up to the possibility of happiness with Lucas.

There is so much to enjoy in this debut novel, the poetry, the lyrics and the writing style will make you feel like you are reading the written equivalent of someone bearing their soul. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series and what might be in store for Dar.

Wonderful Debut with a lot of heart!!
July 18, 2015
*****Kim's Review!*****
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

This is a great debut for Chelle C Craze, I really enjoyed it.

Cassandra has an awful past which makes her have constant panic attacks, she lives with her friend Dar who also has a painful past experience(I would really like to find out more about Dar). On a night out at a club Cass and Dar meet up with Lucas and it's clear the man has set his sites on Cassandra! All the characters in this book are so loveable and the author really makes you feel their emotions. This is in part a love story but also a very emotional read that deals with rape, tragedy, loss and fear! A very touching read.

There were times in this book that I got a little lost, one minute a character was at home and the next they were getting out of a car with someone else. It didn't take away from the story in anyway though just confused me a little. Other than that it was written well.

Overall a great story and I am certainly looking forward to the next book! Four stars!

******Nic's Review*****

I received an Arc for my honest review.

This book is about a young girl who had a horrific thing happen to her. All the people in her life either left her or disappeared. Due to that she has some major trust issues and has pretty bad panic attacks. When Cassandra moves she finds herself a new friend who shares same traumatic issues. The bond is immediately.

This book was good and kept my attention. I liked the flow for the most part of this book. Sometimes I found myself having to backtrack to reread something to make sure I didn't misread something. I felt like I was missing some spots or was going back and forth without a clear understanding. As the book moved forward it seemed to get better and flowed smoothly. The book was easily readable and grabbed my emotions.

Then we are introduced to Lucas. He is a great male character and the author did a great job of character build up with him. I felt like I knew who he was and his family buy the end of this book. This book was emotional and I really enjoyed the ride. There is a supporting characters in this book and I am looking forward to getting to know them in the next book. So glad I have the next book to jump right into. Dar is someone I look forward to get to know more of. I give this book 4 stars.
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 28 books649 followers
November 10, 2014
I’ll admit, the only time I’m a fan of surprises is when a surprise comes in the form of a book. Just Breathe was simply a breath of fresh air for me. I instantly felt a connection to each character. Completely flawed in their own way, both Cassandra and Lucas quite simply complete one another. With a cast of equally flawed and yet hilarious supporting characters, Just Breathe had me begging for more. (Literally, like maybe messaging the author about my need for more!)

Years after suffering a horrific and violent crime that has left her beaten emotionally and facing life’s simple moments with anxiety and panic, Cassandra isn't even aware of how lonely she is. It isn't until she meets the handsome and somewhat pushy Lucas Daniels that we see how very much Cassandra just needs love and unconditional support.

Lucas has suffered his own loss and has a history of keeping women at arm’s length. When he sees Cassandra for the first time he only knows how much he needs to know her. Normally when I come across a character like this I sometimes wonder if this is an ‘off the rails’ kind of moment but with Lucas it isn’t. It is almost like she brings the sunshine to his cloudy day. Yes it is that simple. You see that being so open about his feelings and pursuing something that is more than a one night stand is new for Lucas but it is also so very natural for him.

The connection Cassandra and Lucas have is almost all consuming for each of them. It is as if without the other they are simply going through life without a purpose. Together, along with the couple, we watch as their love grows and they realize that they need the other to Just Breathe. The power they have together to be a better person, to face their fears and to battle back from the unknown is amazing.

I loved knowing that the book ends with them still needing to work through their own baggage yet it ends with you knowing deep down they’ll make it.

“I am forever lost in you.” – Lucas Daniels
Profile Image for Michele Gantz.
Author 5 books36 followers
October 14, 2014
Reviewed for Hooked On Books Forever

4 Stars

In Just Breathe by Chelle C. Craze, her debut novel, we are introduced to Cassandra Anderson, a 24 year old sexual abuse survivor. She suffers from depression, panic attacks and major trust issues after her assault. Her mother found her, and then disappeared. All she has in the world is her best friend Dartanya, or Dar, a fellow survivor. Cass is perfectly happy at home with a book, however, Dar is much more social and outgoing, and drags Cass out to a bar on her birthday, where, little does she know, her world is about to change.

Lucas Daniels, the sexy bartender/owner of the Hot Spot bar, where Cass and Dar are drinking away, is immediately taken with Cass, and longs to know her more. Lucas is suffering his own pain and heartache, and nursing a broken heart after his brother slept with the woman he loved. Now, he is known as "Luca, da Lady Killah," but can Cass make him change his way? And can their relationship make her trust again.

I enjoyed Just Breathe by Chelle Craze A LOT! I like the way she wrote her characters, who though having flaws, weren't always so serious, like so many characters in this genre. Dar was a breath of fresh air, breaking the tension and making me laugh, and I would LOVE to see more about her and her journey and her flirtation with Lucas' brother. Lucas was literally every woman's romantic dream, even when he was being corny! (Which he can be, so you better have a sweet tooth to read some of his lines) But just like when Cass calls him a greeting card, I understood what she was saying, sometimes his sentiments seemed a little too, flowery. But either way, I loved the progression, the style and flow and definite look forward to reading the follow up!!!
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews63 followers
October 14, 2014
Reviewed for Hooked On Books Forever

4 Stars

In Just Breathe by Chelle C. Craze, her debut novel, we are introduced to Cassandra Anderson, a 24 year old sexual abuse survivor. She suffers from depression, panic attacks and major trust issues after her assault. Her mother found her, and then disappeared. All she has in the world is her best friend Dartanya, or Dar, a fellow survivor. Cass is perfectly happy at home with a book, however, Dar is much more social and outgoing, and drags Cass out to a bar on her birthday, where, little does she know, her world is about to change.

Lucas Daniels, the sexy bartender/owner of the Hot Spot bar, where Cass and Dar are drinking away, is immediately taken with Cass, and longs to know her more. Lucas is suffering his own pain and heartache, and nursing a broken heart after his brother slept with the woman he loved. Now, he is known as "Luca, da Lady Killah," but can Cass make him change his way? And can their relationship make her trust again.

I enjoyed Just Breathe by Chelle Craze A LOT! I like the way she wrote her characters, who though having flaws, weren't always so serious, like so many characters in this genre. Dar was a breath of fresh air, breaking the tension and making me laugh, and I would LOVE to see more about her and her journey and her flirtation with Lucas' brother. Lucas was literally every woman's romantic dream, even when he was being corny! (Which he can be, so you better have a sweet tooth to read some of his lines) But just like when Cass calls him a greeting card, I understood what she was saying, sometimes his sentiments seemed a little too, flowery. But either way, I loved the progression, the style and flow and definite look forward to reading the follow up!!!
Profile Image for Shay.
1,267 reviews40 followers
August 27, 2014
I had the pleasure of Reading Just Breathe and I really enjoyed it. This is a first for Chelle Craze and she did a really good job. I was very impressed with her style of writing and I cannot wait to read more from her. This story is about love, taking chances when you feel like there are so many risk. You have to understand, both Lucas and Cassandra have secrets. I understand their secrets and can see why they are hesitant. You just want them to take the risk because you know how much more fulfilling their life will be. It was a beautiful sight to read....


I thought that it was a good story. It was a good plot, easy to follow. It had some good mystery to it. You will love, laugh, cry and live! One of my favorite parts was the beginning of each chapter. The poems that you read are beautiful and so insightful, you just don't know who the poem is about.

Lucas is a good character. I thought he was sweet, loyal, honest and very persistent. Cass is sweet and loyal. I just loved her! I do understand why she is hesitant. It takes alot to take a chance. I just wanted to give her that push you know? They had a good chemistry. My only complaint is that I wanted more from them. I thought that once they got together it kind of slowed a bit.


I loved the secondary characters. I thought that they brought alot to the story line and helped Cass and Lucas when they needed it most.


Story 4
Sex
Overall 4

Reviewed by Beggin (Shay) from Mommys a Book Whore

Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,943 reviews31 followers
September 14, 2014
Series: Blue #1
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: ungraded – book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused (BETA reading)
Received from: Chelle C. Craze (in exchange for an honest review)

This is book one in the Blue Series. The do need to be read in order.

Cass’ life has been anything but easy and coping with the memories often leaves her breathless. Lucas just may be the natural resuscitation she needs, if he can bury his own demons first.

One of my favorite quotes: If it’s true that every person has a theoretical devil and an angel perched on their shoulders persuading them to make decisions, it's safe to assume my angel is on vacation, and the subconscious devil is open for business. (Included with permission from the author.)

I love reading first releases from new authors, especially when I am lucky enough to pair up with one with raw, natural talent and an unique writing style. Ms. Craze’s writing is poetic prose. I think it is amazing to find literary care in the fast-paced, fast-food mentality that is so common in America today. It is imaginative. It is intelligent. It is not the same-old, same-old. Thank God for a distinctive voice in today’s world of literature. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Marlene.
419 reviews11 followers
October 14, 2014
I am giving this debut 3.5 Stars

Lucas is a great character. When he makes his first appearance, I thought for sure he was going to be the typical bad boy that needed to be tamed. That wasn’t the case at all. We are led to believe that he has a colorful past with many women, but he is sweet, seems to be loyal and was obviously just looking for the right woman to give his heart to.

Cass has had to endure a lot in her life. Due to past events, she is extremely untrusting. After many failed relationships, she seems to have given up. My first impression of Cass was that she was meek and somewhat uptight. My opinion quickly changed when she showed she had a sassy, smart mouth and was ready with a come back.

The story itself held potential for me, but I would have liked to have seen more development between the main characters. The coming together of these two was a bit rushed for me. Lucas didn’t seem to have to work very hard to win her over, even though Cass was not wanting a relationship and wasn’t willing to trust anyone.

I really liked the supporting characters. The thought of Dar and Nate together have me anxiously awaiting the second installment. Nate seems to be an arrogant, playboy jerk, but I’m thinking that it will be Dar that will be giving him a run for his money!

Profile Image for Nicole.
362 reviews23 followers
July 18, 2015
This book is about a young girl who had a horrific thing happen to her. All the people in her life either left her or disappeared. Due to that she has some major trust issues and has pretty bad panic attacks. When Cassandra moves she finds herself a new friend who shares same traumatic issues. The bond is immediately.

This book was good and kept my attention. I liked the flow for the most part of this book. Sometimes I found myself having to backtrack to reread something to make sure I didn't misread something. I felt like I was missing some spots or was going back and forth without a clear understanding. As the book moved forward it seemed to get better and flowed smoothly. The book was easily readable and grabbed my emotions.

Then we are introduced to Lucas. He is a great male character and the author did a great job of character build up with him. I felt like I knew who he was and his family buy the end of this book. This book was emotional and I really enjoyed the ride. There is a supporting characters in this book and I am looking forward to getting to know them in the next book. So glad I have the next book to jump right into. Dar is someone I look forward to get to know more of.
Profile Image for Leslie Clifford.
72 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2014

Cassandra is the victim of panic attacks due to her troubled past. She has always relied on coping mechanisms to help her deal with them but she has never allowed them to stop her from moving on with her life. She has a good job and lives with her best friend, Dar, who is also dealing with things from her past. One night they go out to celebrate her friend’s birthday and Cassandra meets Lucas. The club owner and bartender of The Hot Spot. Their attraction is instantaneous but Cassandra is worried about Lucas’ reaction when he learns her secret. Lucas has issues of his own within his own family but he vows to win Cassandra’s heart. This is my first time to read a novel by Chelle C Craze and I enjoyed every word of it. This story had everything. It had romance, drama and even a little mystery. This story is told from Cassandra and Lucas’ viewpoints. There was more to their first meeting than was revealed and when the secret from her past is revealed its heartbreaking. I loved this story and look forward to many more from this author. My review is provided for Sexy Ways of Reading.
Profile Image for Paige Smith.
651 reviews7 followers
September 13, 2014
Cass Anderson has undergone more torment in her twenty-four years than any one person should have to endure. A panic attacker sufferer, she lives out her day-to-day life dealing with it the only way she knows how…count to one hundred the shortcut way and just breathe.

Lucas Daniels is a bartender who happens to see Cass and instantly forms an attraction to her. Once he meets her, he cannot stay away from her. However, with this new budding relationship, his own secrets may be divulged. Is he willing to share them with Cass? At the same time, is Cass willing to let down her emotional walls and allow Lucas to enter her life?

Cass’ sassy best friend Dar is the perfect addition to this story, and her little secret trysts with Lucas’ brother Nate create a secondary plot that will be just as wonderful as Cass and Lucas’.

This is Chelle Craze’s debut novel, and I cannot wait to see how she grows as an author. Just Breathe is the perfect novel with just the right amount of drama, humor, and love. Great Job, Chelle!
Profile Image for Myra Espino .
1,167 reviews65 followers
December 28, 2014
**Complementary copy provided for an honest review**

Just Breathe is an amazing read!
Ms. Chelle did an amazing job in making this book interesting and full of emotions.
The characters' banter are also great (one of the things I like in any book).

The characters, Lucas and Cass are amazing.
Both characters left a mark in my heart.
Lucas, a hot guy with golden heart.
He protects the people that are important to him.
An ideal man!
Cass or Cassandra, despite the tragic past she went through for me she's still a fighter and an amazing friend.

The story is great.
I can easily feel the emotions of the characters.
I sometimes find myself emotional on some parts.
The chemistry of the characters are easily felt and the build up of each chapter is easily seen.
And one of my favorite part of this book is that the poems that the characters wrote for each other.
It's interesting, full of emotion and most importantly inspiring..

This book is great! I want more of these two (Lucas and Cass)!!!
Profile Image for Amy Bartelloni.
Author 13 books120 followers
March 10, 2015
I've had this book on my kindle for a while & it kept getting buried under other things. (You know how it is!) I'm glad I picked it up. It was a good book to warm up a cold winter day :-) There was more to the plot than the average romance book. There was a good buildup to the relationship, and there were enough clues to the main character's past that it was heartbreaking when what happened to her was finally revealed. I felt like we were right there with her as she tried to deal with the consequences, even years later. There's another intense twist in Luca's life that has you totally invested emotionally in the characters. By the end of the book I felt like I knew them. I also like how music in so important in the character's lives, and songs and artists are woven into the story. It's not a cliffhanger, but there are a couple loose ends that lead to a second book. Enough to keep you wanting more :-)
Profile Image for Diane Holtry.
670 reviews53 followers
November 7, 2014
it's not the destination, it's the journey ... and what a journey Lucas and Cassandra make throughout their lives to finally find one another ... but will it last? The story speaks for itself ... emotionally gut wrenching at times but whenever a book can draw such emotions from a reader, that's the sign of a great book! While the romance and sexual tension is there, this book isn't about them physically coming together ... it's not about the physical act of love but about the journey of loving and being loved!
603 reviews
November 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! The author did a good job creating these characters & supporting characters. I would have loved to read more story between the two main characters Lucas & Cass.
I loved the best friend relationship with Cass & Dartanya. I really enjoyed their love & humor toward each other.
Can't wait for the next book! I really want to see what happens with Dartanya.
189 reviews
November 12, 2014
I just finished Chelle's debut novel. I absolutely loved Just Breathe!! Every emotion that a reader could feel, will feel with this book. Lucas is so sweet and caring for Cassandra and his niece. Cassandra was battling her demons and I was so glad that Lucas was there for her. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released!!
Profile Image for D.L. Gallie.
Author 72 books390 followers
October 27, 2014
I totally loved Just Breathe, the debut novel from Chelle C Craze.
She makes you love all the characters and you feel every emotion that they feel and the prologue for Waiting to Breathe left me wanting more
I cannot wait to read more from this talented author
76 reviews
October 30, 2014
I really liked this debut novel from Chelle C. Craze! Tragedy, friendship, love, and a HEA to boot. Lucas was so sweet and protective. Glad Cass allowed her walls to crumble. Can't wait for more from this author!
Profile Image for Betsy Graber.
35 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2014
I loved this book! Lucas and Cassandra have an amazing journey with so much more to come I am sure! I can not wait for Dartanya's story! I need to find out what happens!!
Profile Image for Lesley Peck.
450 reviews18 followers
October 26, 2014
Holy tear jerker! Oh my gosh I've not cried so much over a book in a long time. This book has an excellent story with amazing characters and I can not wait to read more in this series!!
Profile Image for Darla.
893 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2014
I am so totally in love with Lucas!!! This was such an amazing story!!! My only problem with it...I need more!!! So excited for the next book!!!
164 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2015
3.5 stars! I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed Cass & Lucas' story. BUT I am now trying to patiently wait for the next book so I can have my questions answered!
Profile Image for Becky Hensley.
229 reviews6 followers
September 5, 2019
I loved this book! I didn't want to put it down! I loved Cass and Lucas's story! I love the sassy remarks and banter between the two and how their relationship comes about! I am so excited to read the next book and find out Dartanya's story!!! I would recommend this to other readers!
13 reviews
February 1, 2018
Good read

This book for me wasn’t your typical “me” book. But it kept my attention and was not super predictable. Over all a good read.
60 reviews
February 11, 2018
Wonderful

This is a wonderful love story. Absolutely love the story line. So much love and real life drama in this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Baffi.
755 reviews10 followers
April 29, 2018
Two stars

I couldn't really get into this story. It had moments in the story that didn't seem to fit in the story, and it was entirely too drawn out.
911 reviews
February 15, 2020
Wow great story. R. A

I loved it. It's sad and hard to get over a tragic think but with good friends . I love reading books with good friends. Must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.