I really love this series. Each book has completely broken my heart, as the series title suggests, but I've loved them all. The characters are flawed, and their relationships are difficult, and, at times, hard to watch, but there's always love. So much love.

Dorothea Mathis has had a rough life. Her parents split when she was a teen and her dad never looked back. Her much younger sister has been a handful. Her mom has owned and run the local inn, and had to work a second job oftentimes to make ends meet. She was bullied in school relentlessly, and she suffered for it. She had no self-confidence, and no self-love. The one bright spot in her high school world was Daniel Porter, but even he broke her heart without knowing it. But, he was kind to her, and she's never forgotten that. Now that she's an adult, and she's running the inn in her small hometown of Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, herself, not much has changed. She's a college dropout, and a divorcee, and she's got a ton of baggage from both, and more. Also, her 18-year-old sister has become much more that a handful, not to mention, she hates "Dottie's" guts. Dottie. She's always hated that nickname, and the freckles that caused it. Can you ever really leave your past behind?

Daniel Porter is back in town to care for his ailing father, after leaving the army to do so. He joined up right out of high school, following the death of his mother, and he's not looked back until he was forced to. He remembers Dorothea, but he has no idea what he meant to her in the past. He fills his nights with empty flings, with women from Oklahoma City that he'll never see again. He can't date anybody from his hometown without his father getting the wrong idea. Impending marriage, being the "wrong idea". Virgil wants Daniel settled, and he bugs him about it constantly. He's started a security company with his 2 best friends from the military, who've both moved to his hometown as well. They like to be there for each other, as they all have their own scars, and some MAJOR issues living as civilians again. He's staying at the inn one night, to give his dad some space, when Dorothea makes a surprising offer. What would happen, if he took her up on it?

Daniel and Thea both have a mountain of personal issues to overcome: she, her low self-esteem, and people pleasing mentality; he, his rampant PTSD and fear of losing those he loves. And those are just to start. They really have their work cut out for them to be together, especially as Daniel wants to keep it a secret, to protect his father, and Thea vows to never be anyone's dirty secret. It was heartbreaking, and refreshing to see them tackle many of their issues head on, but it was hard to watch them crash and burn sometimes too. Their chemistry was off the charts, but they both realized that is not enough to make a relationship real.

All the side characters here were very intriguing, and I'm looking forward to seeing their stories play out in the future. Everyone in this town has a lot of issues, and some tragic backstories, but it makes the characters seem real, and it makes you relate to them on every level, and hope for them to find happiness. This series breaks a lot of my typical reading preferences. Many of the characters have sex with others, after meeting their one (though there's never any cheating, once they're actually together) and I usually have a hard time with that. I had a hard time with that personally here as well, but I'm so glad I didn't let that stop me from reading these amazing stories. These people are flawed, but they deserve to be loved for who they are, and I loved watching their stories unfold. This book was basically the start of a second trilogy within the same series, and I'm looking forward to revisiting Daniel and Thea in future books, as well as getting glimpses of the people I loved from the first 3 books too.

I wish we could have had a little more of this couple near the end. I am a staunch lover of epilogues, and I really wish we'd had one here. Still though, I really loved this book, and I highly recommend it, and the whole series. The author is an expert at getting you to pull for her characters, and I am highly anticipating more.

I love this author and this series! So sexy and fun. Great characters and story. Just wonderful!

Can't Hardly Breathe was such a fun book for me! I've been in a bit of a reading slump so I decided to pick up this book. I'm a sucker for romance novels, even the cheesy ones. This book was far from cheesy. I loved every minute of it.

The book starts out sharing a glimpse into Dorothea (don't call her Dottie!) and Daniel's past. Beginning the story the way she did, I think Gena Showalter set the tone for the rest of the book very well. Dorothea is tough as nails but because of things in her past, she has convinced herself otherwise. Her self-esteem is lower than lower as we meet the present Dorothea. It's very easy to relate to and sympathize with her. Who hasn't had a moment of feeling like they weren't worthy?

One of my favorite things about this book is that Dorothea doesn't just think she's not the traditional standard of beautiful, she really isn't. Every guy in town isn't falling all over themselves for her attention. Well, not at first, anyway. She's beautiful to Daniel. He sees her in a way that the other characters in the book don't and while it thrills Dorothea, it scares her too. Throughout the book her confidence and self-worth grows as she grows as a person. She finally breaks out of the shell she's been living in and makes an effort to live in the real world, even when it's hard and scary.

The characters are fleshed out well. Most of the focus is on Dorothea and Daniel but you do get a glimpse into the personalities of the other characters and what makes them tick. It's a really good set up for the rest of the series. You learn just enough about them to keep you interested.

I highly recommend this book. I couldn't put it down until I was finished! Gena Showalter has been added to my favorite authors list and I cannot wait to read the rest of this series! (Especially Brock, he was one of my favorite characters!)

We're back in Strawberry Valley! This time around, we're given Dorothea and Daniel's story. Dorothea, who can't shake her hated high school nickname and is busting her butt to keep the inn running despite pretty minimal help from her family. And Daniel, who has more than a few issues he needs to get a handle on.

You know, to be fair, Dorothea had more complicated issues than I mentioned above. Her family still isn't terribly helpful, though.

To say that their road to happily ever after is a little bumpy is pretty accurate. She's trying to come out of her shell. He's determined to keep himself in his. For everyone's safety. At least that's his reasoning. He sets some pretty clear boundaries to their relationship, she's not willing to be anybody's dirty secret.

There are heated glances and longing looks and coming to terms with the things they're unwilling to compromise on. I honestly enjoyed the two of them together. Plus, we were introduced to their pool of friends and they ALL look like they're going to have just as bumpy roads on their own journeys to finding their special someone.

It shouldn't have to be said, but I am TOTALLY down for that.

"In a moment of startling clarity, he'd understood just how deeply his rejection had hurt her. He wasn't adorable to her. He was going to have to work for her. Game on."

"Nicknames mattered. Just ask Dorothea. Nicknames built you up or tore you down."

"Love empowered. Love healed. It was everything else that hurt."

"She was my salvation."

Told from dual points of view, Can't Hardly Breathe follows the story of Dorothea and Daniel. Dorothea's life has never been easy. All she's ever wanted in life was to be a meteorologist. She tried her best to keep her head down and make it through school, but high school was anything but easy. Subjected to bullying for many years, Dorothea has lots of doubts and self esteem issues. Through it all, there was only one shining light in her eyes, Daniel. He made her feel special in a world full of doubts, but in the end, he too proved to disappoint her...Flash-forward a few years into the future; Dorothea finds herself back home running her family's Inn after her marriage failed. She's desperately trying to improve her life and become a better version of herself. But, all it takes is one run-in with Daniel to see that her school girl crush never went away and this sexy bad boy could only spell trouble for Ms. Dorothea.....Daniel has his own personal demons that he's trying to run from. He's only returned home to care for his sick father. Daniel is the epitome of a bad boy, just wanting to have his fun with no strings attached. However one encounter with Dorothea will have the power to knock him on his ass and make him suddenly want more. Will Daniel be able to overcome his past and see that Dorothea is a woman worth fighting for? Will Dorothea put her heart on the line despite the risk that it will get broken? There is only one way to find out...

Overall, I thought this book was a good read. I found this story to be really well written and was intrigued by the characters. Their story was interesting and made me want to know more. I appreciated the way the author dealt with the tough issues such as bullying, self-esteem and PTSD. I was intrigued by Dorothea and Daniel's history and thought the two them had some intense sexual chemistry.

As much as I enjoyed this story, I did have some issues with it. At times, I was a little put off by Dorothea's self esteem issues. Please don't get me wrong. I totally understand where she is coming from and why she feels the way that she does, but at a certain point, I was like enough is enough. I felt like she had come a long way since high school and was trying to reinvent herself, but she never showed the strength that I wanted her to have. I wanted to see her stand up for herself, be happy with the amazing woman that she is and not let her family walk all over her or continue to treat her badly. Like I said, I get where she is coming from and know that change won't come easy, but she just left me wanting more. My other issue was with Daniel and Dorothea as a couple. Now, I think these two would be great as friends, but I didn't really buy their romantic connection. I didn't really feel the pull. I know I said previously that I thought they had great sexual chemistry and I stand by that, but as far as anything else, I just didn't feel it. I don't know if it's because both characters were so hung up on their pasts and their own issues, or if they just jumped in too fast. It just didn't work for me and I found myself struggling with them as a couple.

I think this story had a ton of good potential, but it just wasn't the book for me. And though it wasn't a hit for me, I'm still glad I checked this story out.  I think this story has a great overall message and deals with some real, hard hitting issues.

Can I just say, I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, but I somehow fell head over heels for every single character in this book. Small town romances are my favorite. They don't only portray gorgeous familial love, but also express how beautiful it is to live in a small town where everyone knows everyone and people consider each other as family; again, I can relate a lot to that. But this one was heartbreaking and hopeful and hilarious all at the same time. I'd find myself laughing every five minutes and my sister would look at me like I've grown two heads. And that's because books rarely succeed in making me laugh. It takes a lot to do that. But I'd literally give this book a 5-stars-rating for the hilarious scenes and the witty writing-style alone.
There were a lot of tropes in this one, and I'm glad to say that the author absolutely nailed it!
I loved new Dorothea. Okay, well obviously, she didn't turn into 'new Dorothea' in a blink of an eye. But that's what I loved; her character transformation. It only requires a decision, once you take it, you're halfway there. Then there's her asshat of an ex-husband who made me feel all sorts of erratic. What I didn't understand was how Holly just suddenly turned into this moral person once she realized that Dorothea's baby's middle name was 'Holly'. And why was Holly close to that idiot, anyway?
Then there's Daniel, who I cannot stop thinking about. His constant fear of losing the people he loves, although appeared to be the main problem in his relationship with Dorothea, was the sweetest thing ever. And his relationship with his father was a sight to behold. Mr Porter (Sr) was the most hilarious person in town. Like, seriously, you cannot underestimate that guy's powers.
Friendship was represented beautifully, too. Whether it's with Daniel and his gang or Dorothea and her squad.

Can't Hardly Breathe is the fourth book in The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter although it's not necessary to read the earlier books as each book focuses on a different couple. For instance, Can't Hardly Breathe focuses on Dorothea aka Dot or Dottie and Daniel who knew each other in high school back when Dot was bullied and Daniel was a notorious playboy which he still is in the present day.

What I liked about Can't Hardly Breathe is that Dottie and Daniel have intense chemistry, the kind where the reader is dying for them to hook up already. I also liked that we become more acquainted with Dottie's friends as it definitely made me more excited for the next book in the series, which is supposed to be about Daniel's friend, Jude and Dottie's friend, Ryanne. I feel like I'd be able to relate more to Ryanne because of her wish to leave her small town and travel the world. There were also a few things I wasn't fond of, like how Daniel and his friends who owned a security company used their resources to do official background checks on the girls that they were supposedly interested in. This felt a bit excessive and came off as kind of creepy, at least to me. The other thing was that I wasn't the biggest fan of Daniel as he acted like a prick most of the time to pretty much everyone. Although I did appreciate the fact that he was the only character to stand up to Dottie's bratty sister, Holly which helped Dottie to eventually stand up for herself too. Still, Can't Hardly Breathe gives its readers what they're coming for by being a sweet and light but steamy romance overall.

Can’t Hardly Breathe is book four in The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am to be able to read these wonderful books. Books that make me smile, swoon, laugh, and maybe shed a tear or two. This is one of those times. I have loved this series from the start and was so excited to see this new addition and it was amazing.

“I think you’re perfect just the way you are.
It was funny how one sentence - one moment - could impact a life forever.”

Dorothea Mathis was bullied when she was a teenager. Her only two friends were being home schooled so she was by herself. She had a huge crush on Daniel Porter and fell in love with him the day he came to her rescue in the hallway, only to have her heart broken by him that same day unbeknownst by him.

Now Dorothea is an adult and her mother has turned over ownership of Strawberry Valley Inn to her. The Inn is struggling but Dorothea has ideas to update it, if only she had the funds to do so. Dorothea has been abandoned by every person that meant something to her in her past, namely her father, and her ex-husband. whom she gave up her dream of being a meteorologist for. Her eighteen year old sister hates her and her mother is absent most of the time. Dorothea is tired of feeling this way, tired of waiting for her life to change. She wants a fresh start, to have more fun, be more spontaneous. She vows to be the old Dorothea no more. She is now the new Dorothea.

Daniel is back is Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma to take care of his ailing father after serving several terms in the military with his two best friends. He saw things no man should ever see. He did things no man should ever do. He suffers from PTSD and his mind is plagued with nightmares. The smallest thing can ignite memories. Daniel’s father wants to see his son get married and have the kind of love he shared with Daniel’s mother but Daniel knows he can never be a husband. He is broken. But one of the ways he can forget is by having one night stands with random women from the city who he brings to the Inn that Dorothea owns. One night and that’s it.

Dorothea is forced to watch the object of her teenage crush bring in one woman after another. But she can’t seem to help that she still feels drawn to him. She can’t help to notice the pain in his eyes.

“Somehow affection overshadowed his memories of war every time he neared her. She intoxicated him. I’m already an addict. She made him want to give more than he took.”

Dorothea’s presence in Daniel’s life makes him feel a peace he hasn’t experienced in a long time. He can’t deny he wants her. She’s not only beautiful on the outside but her inner beauty shines bright. She makes him laugh which is something he hasn’t done in a very long time. And making her laugh has become one of his favorite past times. But he can’t offer her anything more than a secret romance. He won’t risk getting his Dad’s hopes up for something he knows has no future. He is not the forever kind of man. He’s got too much darkness in his head.

“Just once, Dorothea wanted to be the girl the guy desired deeply, madly…and long-term. She longed to be first choice, the prize and not the consolation. She yearned to matter.”

This book was the perfect mix of laugh out loud moments, sweet, sexy moments and sorrowful moments. Both Dorothea and Daniel have suffered. They both have so much love to give but have so many hurdles to get over before they can fully accept each other. I don’t want to make this sound too angsty, because it’s not. It’s actually really funny. The humor between these two made me laugh so many times. And the chemistry was just WOW! I loved watching Daniel’s transformation as he fell more and more for Dorothea. And Dorothea was maybe one of the strongest women I have ever read about. This beautiful woman had so much that could have beaten her down. But did it, No Way! She continued to press on, continued to try to find the good in life, to achieve her goals.

Can this be read as a stand alone? Yes, most definitely. But I urge you to take a look at the previous books in the series. Because they are all amazing. Thank you, Gena Showalter, for this amazing book. I dearly loved it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Can’t Let Go.

can't read this book because I haven't read the 3 book before this one!

Can't Hardly Breathe is a gripping page turner from start to finish. It's a beautiful, unique, one-of-a-kind, enthralling piece of art that I could not put down. Gena Showalter has taken my heart, ripped it open, and pieced it back together. There aren't many authors who can rip me apart and sow me back together quite like Gena can. I cannot recommend this book enough, everyone should read it! My eyes still well up with tears, my heart pitter patters just thinking about this novel. It's the perfect measure of heart-warming depth and angst..... a definite magical reading experience.

Daniel and Dorothea both have pasts that they would rather forget. They have scars that will never fade away, ripping them apart limb by limb. But together they keep the demons at bay. Can't Hardly Breathe was a very sweet, emotionally intense read that is definitely one of my favorite books of this year!

***GAH MY EYES***
I can't stop tearing up after reading the last page. OH MY GOD!!!
I didn't want it to end. Daniel and Dorothea's story was so beautiful to read. I love The Original Heartbreakers series. Can't wait to see what Gena writes next.

I have been highly anticipating this book. The Original Heartbreakers is a contemporary series full of big personalities and bigger hearts.

Dorothea was hopelessly bullied and alone as a teen. Those scars never really fade. After marrying the first guy to pay attention to her she is put through the wringer again and left with physical reminders of her loss. Little by little she is learning from her mistakes and deciding what kind of person she wants to be. She is daring to dream and looking ahead to what will make her happy.

Former high school crush and current security specialist Daniel is back in town. He and his former army ranger buddies run a security service in town. He lives with his father and a serious case of PTSD. It bothered me that we spend a lot of time addressing his serious issues. Things that prevent him from sleeping and eating normally. In the end they are disregarded as the story comes to its final conclusion.

I definitely recommend this book. The story is full of chemistry, friendship and love. Kind of in that order. I am looking forward to Jude's story next.

Can't Hardly Breathe
by Gena Showalter

I am not sure how I can express my feelings on this one, I love GENA! I love all her PNR books, I started this series a little while ago, I read the first one in the series and really liked it, I think if I remember giving it 5 stars, I must admit I haven’t picked up any of the others in the series, wait. Maybe, the second one, but anyways this is the 4th one, and I liked it well enough to finish it but I didn’t love it.
Dorothea, is coming of a shitty marriage, she is happy running the family bed and breakfast. Dealing with the Sh*t that’s landed on her lap. She does try her best, was bullied at school and most her life.
Daniel, is suffering from PTSD, he is stubborn and uses sex to escape. Fate steps in and he ends up using Dorothea B&B for dirty hook ups.
It’s not the first time they have meet, as they went to school together, and she had a major crush on him when they were in high school.
I just couldn’t connect with the characters, and the story I think that was my problem, because the writing is amazing, and it has so much raw depth If I wasn’t such a cold-hearted B*tch I would have leaked a tear or two. I have been struggling to find books that I connect with, I like stories where I just fall into their lives with them, and at no point when I was reading this I was connecting with any of it, I mean yes, the bullying that she had gone through, I have experienced. I would grab some tissues and chocolate while settling in with these guys.
Daniel and Dorothea have good connection, sparks fly. Watch these two piece themselves back together and each other, fall in love and live happily ever after.

Can't Hardly Breathe by Gena Showalter will be available August 29, 2017 by HQN Books/Harper Collins.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review

***I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review***

This is the fourth installment of the series. I've waited a while for this book. First things First, planning to read this? Bring a box of tissues! Because holy crap it will make you cry, and ache in ways you probably never imagine. I loved every word of this book from beginning to end. Everything in the book was an emotional roller coaster ride. I HAD to PAUSE in order to breathe and continue reading that's how GOOD it was.

Dorothea Mathis was bullied in school almost all her life, family was barely any help to her so she had a lot of emotional baggage. The things that she endure made you cry, made you ache for her and made you proud of her. She was also VERY funny. I LOVED her character in this book.

Daniel Porter was a hit em and quit em kind of guy, he joined the military after high school and came back dealing with PTSD. Daniel's torment got the better of me, I felt his pain. Not the war scars but the loss of his mother hit home for me. I cried so much in one of the scenes in the book. But Daniel was also stubborn all I wanted to do was be able to take the book and slap him with it! Lol. But overall I think he was an enjoyable character.

So yes the book WILL make you cry, it will make burst out into laughter and even make you feel the rage/pain of the characters in the book. It was one of THE hardest and BEST book I've read so far. THANK YOU Gena for writing this book! Idk how you were able to write it with so much emotion. But it was FELT in the words. Definitely a must read!