Can't hardly breathe is the fourth book in a series that was supposed to be a trilogy I believe by Gena Showalter. This book and the next two that follow could be a spin-off of The Original Heartbreakers and the readers would still read it. While I was reading the book I realized one thing. I will always strongly dislike Jessie Kay. I might have not remembered her name at first. but when there was a mention of a bully in Thea's past she was the first person who popped into my mind. I liked Harlow (the actual bully) a lot more than her which is sad. And I am not touching her book with a ten-foot pole anytime soon. That book will stay in my TBR forever.

The weird and bipolar thing about me and this book is this, I liked the story, but I disliked the characters. If someone could magically remove the two main characters and keep the secondary I would serve him for life. Daniel and I didn't get along from the beginning. I decided I was ok with the opening chapter where Dorothea was cleaning the room after one of Daniel's one nighters. Which he was always having at the inn she owned. He couldn't find another place. A couple of chapters later Dorothea propositioned him and one of his thoughts was that when they did they deed he couldn't go back to the inn for a one nighter with another woman. This smelled like forever and HEA from the very first moment. Like back in high school when he was sweet talking Dorothea and shortly after he was doing non-platonic things with another girl he had been chasing her for a while. To be fair though once he started courting Dorothea he did everything in his power to win her over and I felt like he was the only one standing up for her.

Which is why I got so mad in the end. Dorothea forgave Holly way to easily and effortlessly for my liking. What Holly did was inexcusable and yet she got off easy. Daniel, on the other hand, ended up groveling and even if I didn't like him at first he was growing up on me. His relationship with princess and the way he was trying to do nice things for Dorothea made him a better person. I would have loved to see her realizing that Daniel was partially right too and she needed to apologize.

I don't understand why the men in the series have to be man whores. I honestly don't. Thankfully the hero of the next novel, Jude, is the exception. Brock on the other hand is the opposite. He was making sweet eyes to his heroine but ended up with another woman in the bathroom. I can tell is love at first sight. And what's up with his lady saying he needs sex and was so ok with that? Woman, a man needs water and food to survive. Next thing I know he will be saying that his and Lyndies relationship was love at first sight.

No matter what though, I will continue reading the series and I can hardly wait for the next book to be released.

Another sexy, romantic story by Gena Showalter! Definitely makes me want to check out the previous stories in this series, and looking forward to any future additions!

Confession time... (again.) I've skipped around a bit with this series. Translation: I read the opening novella (The One You Want) but evidently I've skipped the next three books in the series until I finally managed to pick up Can't Hardly Breathe. The good news is that although I want to catch up with the first four couples in The Original Heartbreakers series, I wasn't lost at all throughout Daniel and Dorothea's story.

Dorothea and Daniel had a history. A history that they each remembered just a slight bit differently. She had a crush on Daniel that she never really got over, but she had no idea that Daniel had feelings for her too. High school can be a battle ground and Daniel and Dorothea were definitely on opposing sides.

I loved Dorothea's spunk, but she didn't have it easy. Her mom was flighty, her sister was a brat and her ex was a jerk. She'd suffered loss and came out fighting, but she still longed for a love that would last. If she couldn't have that, she'd settle for a good time and if she kept her heart out of the equation, Daniel was just the man to provide it. Because Daniel didn't jump at the chance, Dorothea assumed he didn't want her. That was just the beginning of the crazy assumptions that worked to keep these two apart.

Honestly, I could have done with a little less drama, but this story worked anyway. A couple of the supporting characters from past books also made me want to go back and pick up the rest of The Original Heartbreakers series and there's even more to come. Ryanne and Jude are next and given the sparks already lighting between these two, I might have to pick Can't Let Go up before I start playing catch up. ;)

I struggle with my star rating on this one 3? 2.5 stars? I enjoyed the book and read it in one sitting but upon reflection, it really misses the mark on a couple of topics. A deeper dive would've made it a far better and more satisfying read.

4* read.
This is book 4 in this series but can be read as a standalone as I did, though I really need to go back and read the other now
Two broken sould who have to overcome their fears and move forward. An emotional rollercoaster of a read you feel every emotion the characters feel. It will make you laugh and cry along with the story.
Dorothea I instanly connected to and fell in love with, she reminded me of me in some way which I think is why shes so relateable to readers. Daniel was a bit harder to warm to at times but
Dorothea made up for that. A great emotial read, I can't wait for more.

I just can't get enough of Gena Showalter's stories, each one captures me completely and this book was no exception. From start to finish I was hooked!

Gah!! I hate bullies!!
I got all emotional watching (reading) Dorothea go through all that emotional pain from a bunch of nasty girls in her high school.
Dorothea's high school crush, Daniel, came to her defence and the things he said stuck with her.

I was mentally hugging her through the whole ordeal lol. Dorothea is an amazing character and even when things got tough, she did everything she could to make things right. It was wonderful watching her grow through this book from a shy disheartened girl into a strong confident woman.

A fun, sexy and emotional story worth 'one-clicking' ^_^

4.5 stars.
I can't believe that this is the first book that I have read by Gena Showalter. I have really been missing out on a talented and amazing contemporary romance writer. Now I badly want to read the rest of this series.
This book had such a unique style. It was funny and depicted real life situations but also so very sweet and sexy. A really interesting and feel-good type of romance. I liked that Dorothea and Daniel had history together and though I wouldn't necessarily classify this as a second chance romance the flashbacks to the past definitely explained who they are today. They are both somewhat scarred and struggle in different ways with their individual pasts but it is not hard for the reader to see why that makes them so perfect for each other.
The author does such a great job with the secondary characters in this story making them very real and interesting that I wanted to know more about them and ultimately I want to read their books also.
This is a favorite read for me.

Oh my goodness. I felt like my emotions were on high the entire time I was reading this. Daniel and Dorothea were such rich, deep characters, I loved them. These two together had an awesome story with an exceptional slow burn. I thought it was a fantastic read!

Dorothea and Daniel seemed to be such tortured soles, trying to work though past issues. I could really relate to Dorothea and I loved her strength and perseverance to pick herself up and keep fighting to stay strong. She was such an amazing heroine, a real fighter. And Daniel, this guy was so sweet but in so much pain. He was so freaking stubborn too as he battled his demons. I loved him and wanted to hug him but wanted to shake him to wake him the heck up all at the same time.

Dorothea and Daniel coming together was emotional, sweet, loving, and sometimes heartbreaking. I thought there was great character development for each of them as we learned about their past connection. It was just this beautiful, yet heart wrenching story as they come together, truly growing, and working out their issues, fighting their feelings and falling in love.

I really liked all the descriptions and thought there was a great build. I was filled with so much anticipation for them to come together. There's a nice amount of drama and tension mixed in too keeping me turning the page. There were some good moments of humor mixed in as well which I was thankful for. It was really emotional so those small moments of lightness were appreciated. Nice heat too but a defined slow burn, it was totally worth the wait. I loved the other characters in the story as well. I’m excited for what has been set up for future books and where it all could go. I'm enjoying this series immensely.

This was such a great read. I loved the complex characters, the personal battles they were fighting, and this loving relationship that grew and grew. Heck of an ending too. From start to finish I was all in. Awesome read!

Sandy M’s review of Can’t Hardly Breathe (Original Heartbreakers, Book 4) by Gena Showalter
Contemporary Romance published by HQN 29 Aug 17

While I enjoyed a few parts of this story, one major factor kept me from really liking it. Dorothea Mathis is one of those heroines who has had it rough – in high school, with her family, even an ex-husband. So she’s lived a little bit, and you would think that would help her later in life, but, unfortunately for this reader, she’s a heroine who rubbed me the wrong way on nearly every page.

At first I was a little sympathetic toward Dorothea. The bullying in school left her self-esteem in tatters, though one day the popular cute jock made her day with a few kind words. Her crush on him went even deeper after that. She married later, but her husband turned out to be another jerk of a bully, forcing her to give up her dreams, but at least she was smart enough to get out of that nowhere relationship. Now she’s back home in Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, having taken over the family inn from her mother and also taking care of her bent-out-of-shape teenage sister. So, needless to say, Dorothea has had few bits of fun in her life, mostly to do with her two girlfriends she sees frequently around town.

Her long-ago crush is back in Strawberry Valley too, after a stint in the armed services, from which he suffers PTSD. Daniel is taking care of his father and has opened a business with two of his military buddies. All Dorothea sees in him, however, is the womanizer who brings a new one-night-stand into her inn off and on. I’m actually surprised she’s so judgmental even for for ten seconds, after all she’s gone through. However, she decides enough is enough, she’s wants a fling with Daniel, so takes matters into her own hands – only to be rejected.

And this is when the back and forth flip-flopping this woman does began to drive me insane. After she’s humiliated for some reason she can’t figure out, Dorothea tries to grow a better backbone, pump herself up to be the woman she’s always wanted to be. Daniel realizes he really hurt her with his rejection. Not being totally sure why, he strives to find out. But now Dorothea wants nothing to do with him, despite him doing everything he can think of to help her and get closer. For so long they’re never on the same page – even during those too-few steamy moments – for the relationship to progress, and that’s much too long for me. Daniel doesn’t want to force his post-war issues on any woman, so he’s never going to marry. It takes him a bit too long to get over that, causing more insecurity in Dorothea, but other than that I do like his character. I also like his attachment to such an unexpected dog in an unexpected way. That was a lot of fun, at least.

The secondary characters are about 50/50 good and not so good here. I really like Daniel’s dad and friends, as well as Dorothea’s girlfriends – she’s even friends with her bullier (yes, I just made that word up!) from so many years ago – but Holly, Dorothea’s sister, gets on my nerves just as Dorothea does, pushing anything and everything to its limit until you want to scream, “Uncle!”

Thus, with all the immaturity still in evidence and a relationship that should have helped these two develop much better together but didn’t, this is just a so-so book for me.

Grade: C-

From the outset I could tell I was really going to enjoy CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE. We’re introduced to a teenage Dorothea Mathis, she’s had a horrible time at school so far, but she’s positive and upbeat that this will be her year. When her tormentor sets her sights on her it soon becomes apparent she’s due for another year of ridicule, except this time her object of desire Daniel Porter comes to her defence.

Any visions of falling into one another’s arms are quickly quashed when Dorothea is the accidental voyeur to Daniel hooking up with another girl. Although heartbreaking for her, it serves as a reminder that boys like him don’t go for girls like her.

Years later and Dorothea back in Town to help run the family Inn. A failed marriage and stalled career behind her, it’s easy to see why she’s down in the dumps about things. That is until the object of her teenage affection rents a room in her Inn. She’s not the naive school girl she once was so if he thinks he can charm her with one of his smouldering looks, he’s got another thing coming.

Daniel’s primary reason for being home is help look after his father. He struggles with guilt for being away so long, but more seriously he suffers from the residual effects of being in the Army. Daniel doesn’t need distractions which is why he finds himself frustrated he can’t get his cute Inn keeper out of his head. He’s reluctant to start anything serious, but Dorothea quickly sets him straight. Any notions of having his cake and eating it are off the menu.

Here’s where the fun really starts. Who knew that Daniel had it in him to be so incredibly sweet? He really did well raking up the swoons from me. And Dorothea? Talk about under selling yourself. She has great comedic value and a much loved snarky streak.

CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE is a banter filled, cat and mouse chase and I enjoyed every cheesy moment of it. I absolutely love it when the tables turn, and Dorothea certainly did fantastic job of making Daniel work for it.

I love an underdog heroine with a backbone and who’s full of sass and witty banter. I love a broody hero that goes after what he wants with single minded intent. I love Gena Showalter’s humorous writing. I love a delicious slow burn. And I LOVED this book! SO HARD.

Dorothea Mathis was a heroine that was impossible not to love. I remember being intrigued by her in The Hotter You Burn and she completely stole the show here. Bullied in high school, she still feels the remnants of it with her self esteem. But the one memory that truly bruised her heart was of the boy that she fell for in high school that proved to her that while nice guys exist, she’s never going to be the one of the pretty girls that gets his attention.
Now she’s older, wiser, and no longer the naive girl she once was. A failed marriage only served to drive home the point that a passionate love is something that will always allude her. She tried chasing her dreams but her choices led her back to her small hometown, licking her wounds, running her family’s failing inn, and trying to regain the trust and love of her snarky and grumpy teenage sister. The last man she expects to darken the doorstep of her inn is the one boy that she never forgot, that now grew into a man that makes her heart beat even faster in her presence.

"He was the human equivalent of a brownie. Yummy, but oh, so bad for her."

Former army ranger Daniel uses women to escape memories. A sweaty nights between the sheets with no strings attached is his version of therapy. He’s always had a thing for the beautiful Dorothea, but she refuses to be just another notch on his bedpost and that only serves to intrigue him more.

"Say yes, and I’ll spend the first hour in bed making you come over and over again, doing anything you want. Everything you need. The second hour, I’ll make the first one look like amateur night. By the third, there’s no place on your body I won’t have explored—no place you won’t ache for me.”

This book had some of the most delicious banter I’ve read in a while. It was humorous and sexy and ridiculously fun. I loved how hard Daniel chased and I loved the way that Dorothea really made him work for it. She may be the underdog, but she’s no pushover. She’s got sass for days but her vulnerability served to make her so incredibly endearing. I couldn’t get enough of these two.

There’s also a slew of secondary characters that are introduced that I’m already hooked on, line and sinker. Especially the womanizing bad boy, Brock.

To Ryanne, Brock said, “Baby, kissing your go-tohell is what I’ll be doing for twelve of your fifteen minutes in heaven.” “Lucky me.” She pretended to gag. “By the way, your dates are wearing pants so tight I can see their religion.”
“I saw you bend over earlier. Yours are tighter, doll.” His gaze swept over her, his eyes twinkling. “Tsk-tsk. Haven’t been to church in a while, have we.”

I absolutely adored this slow burn romance. I loved watching Daniel fall harder and harder even if he refused to acknowledge the fact. I loved watching Dorothea really come into her own and grow into a sassy, confident woman that finally goes after what she wants.

"He was hot, his lips soft, his jaw prickly. The taste of him…mint and…sin? Crack? He kissed her deeply, dreamily, slow and easy, sweeping her up in the gentlest of storms. A soft summer rain. An exploration."

I’m absolutely giddy for more in this series. GIDDY. Yes, it’s slightly campy, but in the best possible way. It was steamy rom com perfection. If a feel-good romance with plenty of laughs, amazing banter, and swoon for days is what you’re craving, Can’t Hardly Breathe will deliver in spades. I loved every page of it.

Can't Hardly Breath by Gena Showalter

The Original Heartbreakers series is new to me and I've only read Gena's Paranormal book . Can't Hardly Breathe was such a great surprise read, I adored this story. Sometimes when a PNR author writes Contemporary there may be a bit of insta love and or the story gets rushed. This is NOT the case here. The author takes her time fully developing each and every character where you feel as though they are real. Perfect timing and pacing enhances the reading experience allowing readers to fully experience all the feels.

I love that Dorothea isn't a "perfect" character or is she? From the beginning of the story we perceive her to be not so attractive but is she or did she just feel this way? Is she just a product of her environment? The build up of confidence in Dorothea starts when she gets a change in her life. The author makes sure to show that not all gained is purely due to a man. The Hero in the story may have started things off for her, maybe gave her a push then Dorothea started to blossom. The more she opened herself up the more accessible to happiness she became.

The hero Daniel has some issues which are not as visible as Dorothea's, well other than his man whore ways. Most don't see this as a mask just another man doing his thing. His demons are hidden and only he, his father, and best friends know of them though they are never spoken about. That is until he and Dorothea get together. He needed her just as much as she needed him.

I love the fact that Daniel has always wanted Dorothea and he doesn't take advantage when he so obviously could.

A little love can make anyone blossom.
Definitely worth the read and even bumpworthy!!

I fell into Strawberry Valley in Can’t Hardly Breathe and I think finally broke my reading slump. We see what Dorothea goes through growing up and the connection she has with Daniel early on which gives you a history between the two. In that time, Dorothea has gone through many things that have only enhanced her feelings of low self-worth. She’s now back at her family’s hotel, given up on her dreams.

Daniel Porter has been spending lots of time at Dorothea’s hotel and not really showing a good side to himself. But he is suffering from some serious PTSD and his actions are his way of dealing. It was just sad that Dorothea did not know what is what he was doing before she decided to be brave and surprise him.

Dorothea’s surprise starts off the back and forth between the couple. Daniel trying to make up for his reaction and Dorothea trying to avoid him and her feelings for him. I loved their banter back and forth. They were serious, but not too serious. Enough to give you a smile at their interactions. Throughout the book, Dorothea is struggling with herself to be more confident and change her ways. You really root for her and then look forward to this “new” Dorothea coming up against Daniel again.

I read later and later at night, waiting to see how Daniel and Dorothea were going to get along in their next meeting. Then, just when I thought we had reached our HEA, I happened to notice that I was only barely halfway through the book! What the heck! I was already celebrating for these two! I knew then that my emotions were going to go through a major hit.

Can’t Hardly Breathe had me going through a whole list of emotions. You really feel for Dorothea and everything she goes through. I was never too happy with Daniel’s way of thinking and it took forever for him to get his problem through his head. When I was finished I was left with a big smile on my face and excited for the series to continue with our next couple. For this girl who is not normally a contemporary reader, I really enjoyed Can’t Hardly Breathe. Gena Showalter brings in great characters that have personalities you can’t help but fall in love with. I was very happy with this trip to Strawberry Valley.

LOVED this second chance romance. This is not my first Gena Showalter book so, I knew I would love her writing.

I lived Dotortheay, our heroine. I could relate to her and I simply loved her character. She has too push back her dreams and support her family. Her life changes when her school crush comes back to her hometown.

Daniel is back but he has his own demons to fight. Still, he cannot deny the attraction blooming between him and Dorothea.

Loved the romance, the spice and built-up. I would recommend this to every romance junkie.

4 STARS

Can't Hardly Breathe is the fourth in Gena Showalter's The Original Heartbreakers. CHB has us in Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma with a sweet and sexy small town romance. Showalter packs in more than enough to keep the pages turning in Dorothea and Daniel's story.

I appreciated that we see growth with both Dorothea and Daniel. With issues of trust, commitment, and self-esteem, I was intrigued to see the development of their relationship.

I'm looking forward to catching up on Showalter's The Original Heartbreakers and can't wait to see what else is in store for us.

I have been loving this series. There is so much emotions, both good and bad in it. You learn that life isn't always fair but that people can change if they want to.

You met Daniel in the prior book but for the most part he was very one-dimensional and very cold. I wasn't sure how I would like him as a hero. When you first meet Dorothea she's also not what I call a warm person. She's very mean to Harlow, getting her back for how she acted as a kid. Because it was Harlow's story, I really didn't like her.

Of course before the end of the book she becomes the person you know now. Sweet, shy and very caring.

So when Daniel and Dorothea were matched I was...thrown! How were these two every going to become a couple? I will be honest, I had many doubts. But since I love Showalter's books I couldn't pass up the chance to read it.
I'm so glad I did. You will really come to understand Daniel and why he is the way he is. You'll find him to not be one-dimensional at all. In fact, there are layers to his personality that I would have missed if I hadn't given this book a chance.

So often throughout the story I wanted Dorothea (Thea to Daniel) to be strong and fight for what she wanted. I was so happy when she stood up to her bratty sister and wouldn't let her walk all over her. Daniel and Thea's relationship might have started off rocky but they were able to work out all the little things keeping them from having a loving relationship.

You will also meet new characters, both Thea and Daniel's friends. I have to tell you that showalter does a wonderful job and writing friendships. I truly believe these people are friends.

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with an irresistible Original Heartbreakers story about a woman who's never felt desired and the man who wants her more than air to breathe…

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.

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Dorothea and Daniel are HOT together. I related to Dorothea sooo much. I grew up overweight and had a crush on a boy who seemed to not notice me and by the time we got our act together (he got his together) it was too late. This book resonated with me. I don't have a bratty sister...I so wanted her to just tell her sister the truth at the very beginning about her scum of an ex-husband. Like, seriously who cares that she thinks of him as a sibling or father figure...she'll deal!! I loved the other characters in this book and can't wait for their books. Also, seeing some of the old ones from others just made me happy. I can't wait for Jude and Brock's books because they were just awesome in this...especially Jude - how yummy is he? I love this series...did I tell y'all how much I love this series? Cause I so do!!! Pick it up, gift it to your friends and let yo mama read it....it's worth the time!!

I was given an ARC from the publisher/author/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.

I really loved and enjoyed this one. Really a wonderful intense story that I could not get enough of. I have really loved and enjoyed this series so much and I'm so glad the author is coming out with more, I really missed these stories. Cant wait tor read more.

Sweet, heartbreaking at times and heartwarming in others. I loved these characters. From the insecurities of each to the strength you see progress in each one. I thought they were amazing together and loved the sexy moments and the fun moments as well between them. They definitely have an amazing chemistry and their banter is great. I always love Gena's work no matter the genre and I can't wait to see what she brings us next.

Loved it!! I hurt for Dorthea, I can relate so much to her. This story kept me captivated.