3.75 Stars

This book had tons of potential, but for me it fell a little short. I loved Ace. He’s a tortured, former Air Force pilot that is still reeling over not being able to save his best friend and Haley’s brother. Haley is the daughter of a senator and is still reeling over the loss of her brother and father. For me, Haley is very juvenile at times, and Ace tends to treat her as such.

Angela - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

When Haley is almost kidnapped by people wanting to stop her mom from re-running for Senate, her mom hires her a bodyguard. But it’s not just any body guard, it’s her old crush and childhood friend, Ace. Not only was Ace a part of her family growing up, but he joined the Airforce with her brother Matt, who recently died in active duty.

Everyone loves a bodyguard romance, but also a second chance?! I was excited to say the least. But sadly, was disappointed with the execution.
There was no tension or build up between the MCs; they just immediately hooked up after seeing each other again after years and I felt cheated of that will-they won’t-they tension.

The FMC’s character drove me insane. Haley kept making really dumb decisions and was the least self-aware person. She legit said “what’re you talking about, I display my emotions all the time; I’m constantly talking.” …girl didn’t cry when her dad or her brother died. Her mantra is literally “lock it away”.

Then Ace KEPT LEAVING. Like it happened in their past and then it happened over and over in the present and by the last time I was just over it because it felt like it kept happening every few chapters.

Overall this one didn’t hit for me. I just didn’t vibe with the way it was written and the way the plot was executed.

Steal My Breath is a bodyguard, romantic suspense with angst, grief and survivor’s guilt. The romance between Ace and Haley is a slow burn told in dual timelines.

I was a little iffy on this story, I liked the storyline for the most part but at times it seemed like it dragged out a little. They both have past trauma that needs to be addressed and affects them both in their own way. But they eventually get on the same page and deal with the emotional baggage. It was just a lot of push and pull.

This has completely lived up to it's name! I typically don't read college romances but there was just something about this story that grabbed my attention. I absolutely loved the angst and drama that Haley & Ace brought. While it wasn't as spicy as most books I read, this was definitely one to read for the plot. My heart was constantly breaking for Ace and I just want to give him a hug. LOVE this.

I really liked the characters in Steal My Breath Away—their chemistry was strong, and I genuinely cared about what happened to them. The side characters were really enjoyable as well and I’d love to see them get their own stories.
However, some of the political aspects felt a little silly and unrealistic. I’m still not sure how a state senator would be able to have U.S. Marshals protecting her daughter and why she’s working out of DC, it felt more like she was higher up in the political chain. I also felt like the plot could’ve used more action and momentum. A lot of the flashbacks, current events, and even dialogue felt overly obvious or repeated, which took away from the suspense and pacing.
That said, the romance delivered on heat, and it was still a solid, entertaining read for fans of steamy romantic suspense. I think everyone will love Ace too!

Wow! This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and I'm here for it! Haley and Ace are both broken and when they come together they help each other heal. The book was beautifully written and is a top read of 2025 so far. I would definitely recommend giving it a read!
Tropes:
-Second Chance
-Brother's best friend
-Military hero
-Bodyguard romance
-Forced proximity
-Enemies to lovers
-Forbidden love

This book by Sarah Castille is a standalone story that will keep you invested.

Steal my breath away took hold and never let go. The characters and story line were fabulous. the emotional ties that Haley and Ace carried with them through the story brought us to another level.

There were several moments in this book that had me sobbing.... these are very vague and are not a spoiler
1. Haley in the garage
2. The letter to ACE...GOOD GOD!
3. Haley Singing "Echos" and who she saw....Another GOOD GOD Moment
4. the moment ACE told Haley Everything.

When a story can move you through words..whether it be laughter, angst, or emotional trauma....you know it's a good one and this story is that in spades. If you are looking for a journey, a story that will take you through life events and tragedies, but also through the good I cannot recommend this book enough.

I really enjoyed this book - even though it was a different genre for me. Haley is a senators daughter and when there is a kidnap threat against her a familiar face walks back into her life.
This had themes of friends to lovers as the Ace is assigned as a bodyguard for Haley - who was his best friends sister. Haley is angry at Ace as when she admitted she liked him he ghosted her.
Amongst the love story there is also the rawness of grief as Haley lost both her Dad and her brother, I will admit I bawled my eyes out about this as the author captures it so well and how different people deal with grief.
Overall really enjoyed this and I would happily read another book by the author.

This book made me feel every single emotion and I loved every second of it😭 Haley and Ace have a long history and I loved being able to read about their story in past and present. They’ve both gone through so much in their lives and found such a safe space with each other that I think is so beautiful! I was smiling, crying, and screaming throughout the whole book and it was such a captivating story that I never wanted to put the book down!

If you love a sweet but spicy bodyguard, second chance romance that leave you feeling all kind of emotions then you’ll devour this book just like I did!!🩷

Haley is a college student and a wannabe singer. When her life is in danger, will being reunited with a heartbreak from her past be the answer?

I LOVED this book!! You think you know what it is, but it is so much more. The typical brother’s best friend trope is blown out of the water and there was so many emotions. I laughed, I swooned, and I cried. It was a roller coaster of emotions where was on a high with spicy times and then bawling my eyes out from reading about unreleased grief. The spice was very, very nice. The chemistry really pulled me in and I felt their passion. The action and found family aspect really kept the story moving along. Five stars!! ⭐️

This book should come with tissues! I loved the idea of two broken spirits finding each other to then complete each other! The character development is phenomenal!! I just wish it was longer book!

Steal My Breath Away by Sarah Castille brings the angst of forbidden romance, the heartache of second chance romance, the tension of a fake relationship romance, the swoon and spice of a frenemies to lovers romance...all bound by beautiful writing. Haley and Ace are taking us on an emotional rollercoaster, through a journey of healing and fresh start.

🎵 bodyguard romance
🎵 College romance
🎵 best friend's sister
🎵 forbidden romance
🎵 second chance romance
🎵 fake relationship
🎵 forced proximity
🎵 trauma and grief
🎵 frenemies to lovers


Haley is in college and trying hard to launch her career in music. But a kidnapping attempt makes her senator mother hire a bodyguard tor her, against her vehement protests. And the bodyguard is none other than Ace. Her dead brother's best friend, the man who broke her heart, the man she pined after. Ace thinks he isn't good enough for her. Haley's family saved him and he has so much guilt and regret. But nothing will stop him from saving Haley. What about their hearts?


Haley and Ace both have major emotional baggage and none of them processed through it. Haley shoved it all in a box inside her heart, so far back that she cannot even open up for her own music. Ace drowned himself in his bodyguard missions. Her father's death, her brother's accidental death in military where Ace was also training, Ace leaving her heartbroken..Haley never faced the pain straightforwardly. And now it's all coming back. She is a bit reckless and impulsive. Full of bad decisions and crazy ideas. It's only making Ace's job harder. And hardest is maintaining the professional boundary when they both want to consume each other, beyond reasons and consequences. It's a healing joinery they took together. Letting go of the past, forgiving themselves, allowing themselves to feel and fall for each other in a more intense way. The chemistry was insane but the angst was too. Their bodies talked easily but battling their inner demons were tougher. Ace is a top class book boyfriend. Alpha. Possessive. Protective. Just with relatable vulnerabilities. And the perfect knight in shining armour tor Haley. I loved the secondary characters too. Music played a vital role here and I enjoyed that.

This was such a good book. I 10/10 recommend reading it. This is a new author too me and I will definitely be reading more of her books

Steal My Breath Away by Sarah Castille is a sizzling and emotional ride that blends heat, heart, and a touch of danger. The chemistry between the characters is off the charts, and the emotional depth gives the story real weight. Castille does a great job balancing steamy moments with personal growth and connection, making it more than just a surface-level romance. While a few plot elements felt a little predictable, the overall execution kept me hooked. It’s one of those stories that makes you root hard for the characters and leaves you smiling by the end. Definitely a great pick if you’re craving something passionate with a strong emotional core.

Thank you, Netgalley, for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

What to expect:
💥Bodyguard
💥Brother’s Best Friend
💥Second Chances
💥Small Town
💥Military Hero
💥College Setting
💥Loss/Grief
💥Dash of Suspense
💥Duel timelines

The start of this book was a bit slow paced for me, and it took a little for me to get into. But by like chapter 3, I was hooked.And it became more of a medium paced book.

MWC- Haley is a college student getting a degree to make her Senator Mom happy, but her true passion has always been music. Haley has had a lot of loss but never actually dealt with it. When her life starts to be at risk due to her Mom’s upcoming campaign, her mom hires a bodyguard.. but not just any. It’s someone who holds a place in Haley’s heart.

MMC- Ace who is a veteran and current bodyguard. He lived a childhood where his parents never made him feel like he was worthy. He goes to live with his grandmother, where his life takes a complete turn for the better, and he meets his new best friend and his family. Including his little sister Haley.

This book has a lot of emotions.. and a little bit of spice.

Haley being traumatized by the loss of her dad and brother (and Ace). While Ace is left feeling responsible for the loss of Haley’s brother, all while keeping his true feelings for her locked up in respect for her brother, his best friend.
I enjoyed the duel timeline of this story that gave us insight into their lives in high school. Now year's later, they are face to face, and all those emotions and feelings that they tried to hide away are brought right back. I loved the chemistry between Haley and Ace.They both deal with the grief in their own ways, but in the end, they help each other heal, and it brings them closer than ever.

Release Day: June 17, 2025 (Today!)

This was my first ever singer x bodyguard and I really liked it! The tension, the intensity, and the drama were everything I needed and more! It reminded me a lot of Twisted Love, but with even more stakes and action. I absolutely love Haley and Ace and would love to read more about them if I could! I definitely recommend giving this book a read.

E-ARC Review
Title: Steal My Breath
Author: Sarah Castille
Source: Thank you to author Sarah Castille and Hambright PR for this Bramble read through NetGalley.

Open door spice
Body guard x singer
Brothers best friend
Second chance
Forced proximity
Military (Air Force)

Synopsis:
Always a stone hard man of his work, Ace takes a job to protects the senators daughter, his best friend’s little sister, when her life is endangers due to her mother’s career, while she’s away at college doing what’s expected of her, while her dreams bubble under the surface. Grappling through grief and trauma, these two try so hard to say no and stay away, but the pull is just too strong.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this sweet second chance romance, one of my favorite tropes. There’s something so comforting and familiar about them, mixed with the forbidden of brothers best friend is just chefs kiss! Both of the characters are a bit broken and working through some issues, and I enjoyed watching them find their way through it and learning more about them as the story unfolded. This was an easy read lighter on the suspense, but the broody ex military body guard was delicious. I can’t wait to go back for this audio!

Haleys dream is to be a musician and she is working towards that while trying to process the loss of her father and also her brother. Haleys mom is running to be a senator and when Haley's life gets threatened because of who her mom is, she finds herself stuck with her childhood crush as a bodyguard.

Ace grew up with the Chapman family, he spent time protecting Haley, helping her with chores, and just hanging out. These two were drawn to eachother, but not wanting to rock the boat with his best friend Ace pushes aside those feelings and claims it's not like that.

Through the dual time line we get glimpses of Ace and Haley in childhood and their push and pull for eachother, we see childhood hearts break. Fast forward to the present and Haley is upset that of all people, her mother hires Ace to protect her. The same guy who left without another word to join the military. We see Haley continue to build the walls she started building the day she heard Ace and her brother talk in the kitchen, can she forgive Ace for breaking her heart. Ace tries to put his feelings aside to focus on the job at hand which is protecting Haley, the only girl he wants even though he feels like he shouldn't.

This book was full of suspense and healing, loss and forgiveness.

This is a first read by this author and won't be a last

Not my usual romance but I changed it up, a little bodyguard style romance, brother's best friend/forbidden romance themes... a fun summer read
Thank you to Hambright PR, Bramble, and Macmillan Audio for the review copies! This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

If you’ve ever seen First Daughter with Katie Holmes—yes, those vibes are alive and well in this bodyguard romance, and I was here for the escape.

The emotional stakes were high throughout, which kept the tension and engagement strong. I do wish the romance had a bit more of a slow burn—Haley and Ace’s connection builds fast, and a touch more buildup could have added emotional depth and complexity. Still, their chemistry works, and I was rooting for them.

The story runs a bit long, I don't always love women in danger themes, but the pacing is steady, and the combination of tropes kept the pages turning. With elements of danger, longing, and second chances, this one delivers a solid, trope-filled escape.

Two of my favorite movies growing up were 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘋𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 & 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘺, which this book reminded me of and gave me some nostalgia!

Haley is a college student and daughter of a senator, who wants to make it in the music industry. Ace is a veteran and current bodyguard who is hired to protect Haley after an attempted kidnapping. The catch is that Ace is the best friend of Haley’s brother who she loved in high school.

There was lots of emotional depth in this story. Haley is traumatized by the loss of her father and brother, and Ace blames himself for her brother’s death during their military service. I enjoyed the dual timeline that gave us insight into their relationship in high school. If you want a story that will give you all the feels with a heavy dose of spice, this one is for you!

Some of the conflict between the main characters in the story seemed juvenile, with Ace treating Haley like a child still at times. It was also hard to believe that Haley was so naive to think that a major record label would want to sign her off of one karaoke song.

🎧 Audiobook Length: 9h 55m
🎧 Narrators: Anthony Palmini & Samantha Brentmoor

Anthony Palmini could read anything and I would find it attractive! I read this so quickly with the dual narration between him and Samantha Brentmoor.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲:
🛡️ Bodyguard
👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼 College romance
🥂 Second chance
💙 Brother's best friend
🤐 Forbidden
🚪 Forced proximity
‼️ Woman in danger
🎖️ Military hero
❤️‍🔥 Enemies to lovers

Thank you to Bramble, Hambright PR, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with copies of this book. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.