Can’t Hardly Breathe
The Original Heartbreakers, Book 4

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series

The Characters:

Dorothea Mathis:
Daniel Porter:
Holly, Ryan, Brock, Jude:

The Story:

I had a hard time sticking to the book but I couldn’t turn off the audio. I think my contacts may be partially to blame. Haven’t been able to get into reading since I got the new script. Anyway after initial reading delays I found myself quite addicted to the story. I liked Dorothea’s determination to change her life. I like Daniel’s devotion to Thea, once he pulled his head out of his butt. I also like his devotion to his father… and the pups. I love the way they tease each other and “negotiate”. I also love his friendship with Jesse Kay and her readiness to kick his butt.

The Random Thoughts:



3.5 Stars

DNF about 15% in. I couldn't do it anymore. There's so much talk about the heroine being "ugly" because of her freckles (I have always had an abundance of freckles so thanks for that...) and her "almost obese" weight (I have always been fat, so again, thanks....). And then she talks about running 5 EXTRA miles a day and cutting out all sugar and carbs and shit, and acts like that is a *normal and healthy* thing to do when instead it's nothing but disordered eating and a disordered relationship with her body. I'm not going to subject myself to that bullshit in my romance.

Besides those issues, the voice for this story was not working for me. So many unnecessary exclamation points. And the way it was written, yes even AFTER the prologue ended, made me feel like I was following around a pre-teen looking to go after her long-lost crush. It just wasn't working for me at all.

I've enjoyed Showalter before but it has been a few years. I'm unsure if this is simply a case of "this book is not for me" or if it's a sign that her books in general are no longer working for me. I suppose I'll have to try again in the future to figure that out. But I'm in no rush.

Can’t Hardly Breathe was a lovely endearing story of two vastly different people falling for one another. Though it certainly had its cheesy moments, the overall story was utterly sweet and enjoyable.

Can’t Hardly Breathe follows the two perspectives of Dorothea and Daniel, two people who knew each other in high school briefly but rarely crossed paths, only enough for Dorothea to fantasize about him. Now years later, Daniel happens to be a regular guest at her family inn. Dorothea of course is still infatuated with him, but is hesitant to mix with the big time playboy. Daniel seems to be unexpectedly taken with her however, and they soon find themselves playing a game of cat and mouse as they each try to deny their growing feelings for one another.

This book was steamy to say the least, it was full of great banter and beautiful romantic moments. There was definitely a tug of war going on between the main characters that got super frustrating at times. I could see each perspective of the argument, but I also disagreed with multiple points as well. I think that if anything, this book proved that love is worth fighting for no matter the cost. Sappy I know.

All of the characters in this book were varied and I appreciated seeing the aspects of the impact that being in the military can have. I liked seeing how Daniel’s personality meshed with Dorothea’s, they both were exactly what the other needed. They instilled confidence and trust in one another, making the other a better person overall. The story showed the ups and downs of any relationship and proved that real outshines any  disagreement.

If you’re looking for a good romance to get your heart pounding, then I would definitely recommend Can’t Hardly Breathe!

I adored this book. I laughed and cried in equal measure while reading it. Gena Showalter has totally succeeded in creating relatable characters in an authentic town, dealing with real issues. Dorothea is my new favorite Strawberry Valley heroine. She faces the challenges of her life head on while still being relatable and insecure. Daniel sees her true potential hidden beneath her insecurities and makes for an excellent hero! Both the heroine and hero have a cast of friends who will have their own books, continuing my love for this town! I can’t end this review without mentioning the adorable rescue animals in this book!

This book was unfortunately not my cup of tea. I've never really read a Gena Showalter book, but I'd heard such great things about her book, so I was kind of looking forward to this. Sadly, I was really disappointed in this that I couldn't get past the first few chapters.

I truly believe that since the story went back and forth between two characters, it would have done so much better had it been in first person, it would have been better to make me feel less detached from the characters. That's not even getting into the more annoying parts of the story.

 The way the characters were both portrayed was so childish for their ages. That was mostly clear with Dorothea, it was okay in the prologue when she was an actual child, but as an adult? Yeah, no. I feel like the author was trying to portray her as "innocent", but it didn't work out that way, it made her seem like a child. There were also way too many cliches and phrases that had me rolling my eyes in an unbelievable way.

Not to mention the amount of ridiculous events that were just not believable and hard to swallow. I kept reading in hopes that it will get better at some point, only to be miserably disappointed.

When I first bought the very first novelette in the Original Heartbreakers series I already knew that I found a new obsession. And I was right. I could not wait to read more, and so I got this book. Amazing characters, amazingly weaved story... Everything that is Gena. One of the best romance atuhors. A great contemporary love story about two souls looking for a mate, finding it in the least expected person.

Dorothea Mathis has always had a crush on Daniel Porter.  He’s always been out of reach.  That is until he begins staying at her inn.  She decides to take the leap and offer him one night with her.  The reaction she gets she doesn’t expect.  Daniel didn’t expect Dorothea to come to his door in only a raincoat.  His reaction is purely out of shock.  But, he regrets it immediately.  When he realizes he can’t get her out of his mind he makes it his mission to have her.  Though now she won’t be so easy.  Can these two people, who are entrenched in their dark places, come together to find the light?
I LOVE this series!!!  Gena Showalter is one of my favorite authors.  But, of all her series’ this is one of my top three.  I have been waiting for Thea and Daniel’s book since the end of West and Jessie Kay’s book.  All the books in this series have a serious emotional component to them.  But, this one really takes you deep.  She truly explores how two people coping with two different forms of PTSD come together to heal.  The passion and steaminess between them will ignite you from the inside out.  I was truly addicted to this book until the very end.  Though both characters have their ways that will definitely bug you, you will fall in love with both and the story that comes along.  I will be counting days until we get to see Ryanne and Jude’s story.  If you haven’t read any of Gena Showalter’s books you need to pick this one up immediately.  You will fall in love with this town  and these people

Overall reaction to the story? Well I’ve enjoyed this author’s paranormal romances for years so I thought a contemporary by Gena Showalter couldn’t be bad right?


Wrong.


Can’t Hardly Breathe didn’t come close to capturing what it is I love about Showalter’s PNRs. In fact it felt like it went careening in the opposite direction like an out of control car. I just couldn’t get into it and I couldn’t bring myself to care about the two main characters. In fact, I wanted to smack the both of them almost every other chapter.


It took me a long time to finish this book because I kept picking it up and then putting it down out of frustration and boredom.


Let me start with the heroine, Dorothea or “Thea” as she’s called. She was bullied when she was younger, I mean it was BAD for this girl and I felt for her younger self. However, instead of growing, maturing, and becoming stronger for her experience as a bullying victim she was the opposite. I get that bullying leaves a lasting effect on people, I am a bullying victim myself but I have NEVER behaved the way Thea does in this book. She stayed stuck in the same place for the majority of the book and didn’t really grow from anything. She came off as whiny, childish, and had a whiff of pathetic that soon turned into a stench. I get what she went through but come on, what is the point of having a character that doesn’t have any heroic traits? Thea could have been one of those heroines that triumphed over her past and she didn’t. She kind of wallowed and threw a pity party all the time. And she was kind of a doormat when it came to said bullies. She forgave WAY too easily for what they put her through.


Then there was Daniel. I don’t mind playboy, brooding heroes but I think Daniel took it too far. He’s attracted to Thea but doesn’t do “real” relationships, fine but I was kind of bothered by him bringing his one nighters to the inn that Thea runs. I mean she’s seeing him with a different woman every night and okay that’s one thing but then she’s cleaning up the room after one of those one nighters? That bugged me for some reason and that feeling didn’t go away at all. One of Daniel’s reasons for not wanting a relationship with Thea was lame too and I had to re-read it to make sure I understood it correctly. He also suffers from PTSD and that was a great opportunity to explore how it affected him in his day to day life and it was a chance for Daniel to grow as a character from beginning to end.


We get nada on this. Zip. Zilch. In fact his PTSD sometimes felt like an afterthought. PTSD is anything but an afterthought.


Finally, as a couple these two were not convincing at all. They were more like friends that occasionally slept together. I felt zero connection between them aside from sex and even that was lackluster. There was so much internal dialogue and most of it had to do with how hot the other was. BORING! The author didn’t spend enough time showing the relationship building between them, instead readers are TOLD that it built between them. Totally unsatisfying if you ask me. There is also the issue of Daniel going from manwhore to totally in love and monogamous with Thea in like a handful of days. What? He has been relationship challenged for a lot longer than he’s been in Thea’s company and it was that easy to change his thoughts, feelings, and behavior? Not buying it. At all.


Click It or Skip It? Skip It. If you really want a measure of this author’s talent, go with her paranormal romances, they are done so much better than this. If I didn’t see her name on the cover of Can’t Hardly Breathe I wouldn’t believe it was a book by her.

Can't Hardly Breathe is a whimsical contemporary romance, with main characters that are cute and rather attaching.

I need more! I read to escape and this book fulfilled that request beautifully. I also appreciate the reality of PTSD. Thank you for helping to educate more about the often tenuous reality of those who serve and come home.

Can’t Hardly Breath is the fourth book in The Original Heartbreak series. It can be read as a standalone. If you love books that have unrequited high school crush genres this is the book for you.
Can’t Hardly Breath is Dorothea and Daniel’s book. I think Dorothea might be one of my favorite characters. She had so many things happen to her, but she kept her head up and had a positive attitude. She could have let life beat her up, but she decided she was going to keep going after what she wanted. Even if that wasn’t the life she originally planned it was what she was given. I admired her spunk and independence. One thing she decided she wanted was a one-night stand with Daniel. She has had a crush Daniel since high school. She finally got the nerve to go for it! Well that did not go quite as planned. Daniel has demons of his own and even though he very much wanted Dorothea he turns her down. He immediately regretted his decision and spent the rest of the book trying to convince her that he did in fact want her. Daniel had issues that he needed to work through and I think that is why he held back because he did not want to hurt Dorothea. That is what I loved about him he was caring and super sweet to Dorothea. He would do literally anything for her.
Those two had chemistry that was sizzling hot. I really liked how Dorothea made Daniel work for it and refused to except anything less than she deserved. He had to decide if he was willing to give them a real shot and if it was not too late. These two both had secrets and demons they need to work out. If they can do that they just might find their happily ever after.
I really enjoyed this book. It had heart, romance and all the feels. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.
~Cassie

Can't Hardly Breathe is the fourth book in the Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter. Despite the number of books I have read by this author, I have some how missed this series until now. Thankfully, newcomers to the series can fully enjoy the read but I suspect that fans of the series will be better informed about the characters in the story.

Bullied in high school, Dorothea Mathis's past is full of memories she'd rather forget. But there's one she can't seem to shake—her long-standing crush on former army ranger Daniel Porter. Now that the sexy bad boy has started using her inn as his personal playground, she should kick him out but his every heated glance makes her want to join him instead. Daniel returned to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, to care for his ailing father and burn off a little steam with no strings attached. Though he craves curvy Dorothea night and day, he's as marred by his past as she is by hers. The more he desires her, the more he fears losing her. But every sizzling encounter leaves him desperate for more, and soon Daniel must make a choice: take a chance on love or walk away forever.

Can't Hardly Breathe is a tough journey for two well developed characters. I felt that Daniel's character was extremely well developed with his love of his father and struggles with PTSD.  I found myself relating to Dorothea's high school experiences, and felt badly for her through most of the read. I loved her resiliency when it comes to bouncing back and standing up for herself in the long run, but was a little annoyed at her inability to stand up to her own family, particularly her mother. Although, her fierceness in protecting and forgiving others was endearing and made me love her character. I found the journey she had to take with the wounded Daniel to be highly engaging. The added complications with Dorothea's ex, career goals, and family issues made for a very full storyline, that kept me wondering when the next shoe would drop. The small town characters added just enough additional interest to make me curious about what happened in the previous books, and what will happen next to a few of the characters. 

Can't Hardly Breathe is an enjoyable and engaging read. The characters and small town are all well crafted and left me eager for more.

I don't usually read romance novels often, but I picked up The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter on a whim a few years ago, and I haven't stopped reading the series since! I read the first three books in the series a while back, and when I discovered that additional books would be released, of course I HAD to check them out! Can't Hardly Breathe is the first of the newest books, and I really enjoyed reading it!

There are a new set of main characters in this next set of books, though we've met most of them in the previous books. Can't Hardly Breathe is Dorothea and Daniel's story, both of whom we met a few books back, and I have to admit, I was pretty curious for their story! It was not at all what I expected, but it was an enjoyable read! The storyline follows along the same line as the previous books, and is set in the same town of Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma. I actually really love that this is series continuing along, and I especially enjoy seeing the characters from the previous books throughout the story as well. I have only read a handful of series that are like this, and I really enjoy the feeling of familiarity so much.

Overall; Can't Hardly Breathe is a great continuation to what is an already very enjoyable series! I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which was just released into the world last week, and the last book, which is due to release in December! If you're in the market for some fun, fluffy reads, definitely check out The Original Heartbreakers series!

Can't Hardly Breathe is my very first book by Gena Showalter so when I got  a chance to read and review it I was so excited and I dived into this book as soon I could and OMG this  book was fantastic . Sometimes it can take me an up to a chapter or two before a really grabs me but this book grabbed me from the very first sentence.The romance between Thea and  Daniel was just fantastic it was sexy , fun and filled with many moments that  left me  with the biggest grin on my face. I felt  like  both of these characters came out of this book being the best  version  of them  selves and I just loved that .  Besides the smoking hot romance, there was so much  more going on in this book  between all the secondary characters and  the adorable animals  that I wish  I could take  out of this book and run with lol and of course Inn , I was constantly kept on my toes and I loved that . I really felt like everything came full circle in this book and I  just loved that . The only bad thing I could think is  that this book doesn't  have  5 epilogue to read   instead of one lol .I  love this story so much and I cant wait to get my hands on the  next book in the Original Heartbreakers series.If you love all these things in you  books you should  pick up Can't Hardly Breath as soon as you possible  can this is   truly one of the best  books I have read this year.

I loved this story..it was heartbreaking at times but it was also fun and flirty, hot and certainly full of sarcasm.
Dorothea didn't have the best teenager years and even as a young woman she suffered a lot. After having given up on her dreams, she is settled and running the family inn.
Daniel is back home to care for his father and he does his best to hide his problems and find new challenges.
Daniel and Dorothea are a force to be reckoned with..he is determined and sweet and possessive. She is insecure but also very strong and sassy.
I love how much she grows empowered and I def loved seeing Daniel sweat for once ;)
The secondary characters were also amazing and crazy and also important for the story.
Great book! Def want more of these men and the ladies!

Awww.. What an a amazing and emotional read. The start was ok but as the story goes it keeps getting better and better. I was a bit sad for Dorothea because of the things she went thru when she was young until she grew up. Daniel, he was ok but I started to love him more as the story goes. The story and the characters are good and I loved every second of it. There my be times that I want to kick the living shit out of some characters. Lol.

Being a huge fan of Gena Showalter’s paranormal worlds, I was so excited to dive into her contemporary side and oh my, it was just as amazing as I had hoped it would be!  Now, this is the 4th book in the series, and I totally failed at reading the first 3 before starting this one but it turns out that it didn’t matter and I was able to enjoy every delicious moment without being lost.  Thank goodness!
There are so many things to love about this story.  Dorothea is a wonderfully real and relatable character from the very first page.  We start out a day in her high school life and are introduced to the unkind words from her fellow classmates and the teenage hero who jumped in to her rescue.  Fast forward to the present and to where both of them are now.  Dorothea running the town’s Inn, going through the motions, not really having much of a life, certainly not much of a love life, and still holding a flame for that boy who came to her rescue all those years ago.  Daniel is also back in town after serving his country in the military and also just kind of going through the motions.  Not having any kind of serious relationships, building his business, and tending to family issues.  But he never forgot about that cute freckled girl he rescued all those years ago. Sure, they see each other often considering he stays at the Inn plenty, but there’s never been more than a ‘hi’ here and there in passing.  That all changes when Dorothea, fed up with the monotony of her day-to-day life takes matters into her own hands and decides to tell Daniel how she’s felt for him all these years…..in nothing but a coat.  And that’s where the fun begins.
I loved these two.  I loved Dorothea and her vulnerability, spunk, determination, and loyalty.  She’s smart, fun, interesting, and  a gal you would love to have as a friend.  She’s also very real and I know a lot of women will be able to relate to her. I equally loved Daniel.  He’s take charge, alpha, sexy, and also a tad vulnerable which rounded out the whole package beautifully.  Their relationship is so fun to watch unfold.  From the very moment Dorothea knocks on Daniel’s door, I knew their journey would be a fun one.  And it SO was!  Dorothea is a hard sell and Daniel has to work to win her over and it was fantastic.  I loved every second of this book!
You can bet I will be backtracking and starting with the first book in this series, because I have no doubt I will adore it as much as I did this book.  Thank you, Ms. Showalter, for a fun, flirty, and emotional read! I loved it!

What a strong story about courage and love.

Thea has always battled with her self image she has never been the skinniest, the popular one the prettiest. Until the gorgeous guy at her high school says to you are beautiful just the way you are. In that moment Thea fell in love with Daniel the gorgeous guy from high school. While riding a high she was soon of it as soon as she heard him and one of the hot girls from school going at it in the library. From that day on she decided to put Daniel in her back mind and to never speak to him again and just live her life. Until one day while cleaning up rooms at her in she comes face to face with Daniel after his night of fun and decided to put on a brave face and give him the cold shoulder. But little did she know he would not take that because to him she is the most beautiful girl in the world.

This book was wonderful had amazing ups and downs and truly speaks to the heart.

Gena Showalter, most known for her paranormal series, lets her softer, sweet romance side show with Can't Hardly Breathe.   After trying to leave Strawberry Valley in her past, Dorothea is back in her hometown determined to change the impressions and hurts of the past.  Once the girl that was picked on or ignored, life hasn't been the kindest to Dorothea but she has set her goals and will do what she has to do to bring them to fruition.

Can't Hardly Breathe is a sweet story with a big message.  You are much more than the sum of your parts.  You can be knocked down in the worst ways and still get up. And you can have want you want if you believe in yourself first.  Ms. Showalter's characters are the type of people we see that we imagine have it all together but are struggling with the same things we are.  Dorothea, the buxom beauty adult, only sees the overweight tormented teenager in the mirror.  Daniel, the handsome womanizer, uses sex as a distraction from nighttime demons.   Ms. Showalter's characters gives readers the full picture behind the outward image, allowing the reader to inhabit their skin and feel  their emotions.

The story is about Dorothea and Daniel and how they come together and deal with what happens after that damaging time we call high school. What became of the pretty but cruel head cheerleader, the superstar jock and the invisible nobody once they set their feet on the path of adulthood.  The story is touching, humorous and laced nicely with heat.   There are points were you want to drop kick some of the people in the story and others where you want to give them a hug.  An all around great romantic read.

The next story in Gena Showalter's Original Heartbreakers series is here and it's hot, hot, hot! Can't Hardly Breathe is a deeply moving romance that will take your breath away and leave you gasping for more.

Tormented in high school and constantly feeling the pain of rejection, Dorothea Mathis struggles with deep-rooted insecurities. After the end of her marriage, she decides to finally build up her self-confidence and take the new and improved Dottie out for a whirl. The chance to proposition her long-standing crush comes, but she doesn't get the one night stand she dreamed of. Instead, Daniel Porter decides to pursue her for the challenge and intrigue she presents.

I love this story for the many deep layers involved that I don't usually see packed into one romance. Dorothea is a sad, young woman that experienced a real trauma, more than just the end of a bad marriage, but she learned to build herself up and learn to be happy. She doesn't allow the love of a man to deter her from her passion. On the other side of things, Daniel and his two army friends are struggling to adjust to the real world and deal with PTSD. Of all the drama and twists and turns the story takes there's never a dull moment.

Can't Hardly Breathe is remeninscent of Lori Foster's Hard Justice and her style of writing. It's fun and interesting and gives you just enough heartfelt emotion to keep you grounded. Even if you're new to The Original Heartbreakers series, don't fret. Can't Hardly Breathe is the fourth in the series and there's more following! Enjoy!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*