Review: Inhale by Kendall Grey

Title: Inhale (Just Breathe #1)
Author:  Kendall Grey
Publish Date: May 1, 2012 by Howling Mad Press
Pages:  pages, e-book
Reviewed by: Isalys
Reason for Reading: E-book provided by author for review purposes

Strangers in reality, inseparable in dreams…

After years of suffocating under her boss’s scrutiny, whale biologist Zoe Morgan finally lands a job as director of a tagging project in Hervey Bay, Australia. Success Down Under all but guarantees her the promotion of a lifetime, and Zoe won’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way. Not the whale voices she suddenly hears in her head, not the ex who won’t take no for an answer, and especially not the gorgeous figment of her imagination who keeps saving her from the fiery hell of her dreams.

Gavin Cassidy hasn’t been called to help a human Wyldling in over a year, which is fine by him. Still blaming himself for the death of his partner, he keeps the guilt at bay by indulging in every excess his rock star persona affords. That is, until he’s summoned to protect Zoe from hungry Fyre Elementals and learns his new charge is the key to restoring order in the dying Dreaming. He never expects to fall for the feisty Dr. Morgan…nor does he realize he may have to sacrifice the woman he loves to save an entire country.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and some violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

**The author will donate all profits from the sale of the JUST BREATHE trilogy to whale education

You guys, I am so happy to be dedicating a whole week to Kendall and the EPICNESS that is her book, INHALE.  I'm talking stoopid-happy over here!!  As part of our "Month of Indie Epicness", I've been fortunate enough to read some really incredible books...but INHALE has surprised me the most.  Its ingenuity and complexity is beyond anything that I expected.  This will be my attempt to write a cohesive review about a book that makes me want to fangirl like a 13-year-old girl at a Justin Bieber concert, lol.

Our heroine Zoe Morgan is a whale researcher and advocate. She has dedicated her life and career to educating and protecting the majestic Humpback Whale.Haunted by the loss of a baby whale during a previous trip, she now has the chance to redeem herself by directing an expedition to Australia.

Gavin Cassidy, our hero, is an Australian rock star and a Sentinel. A Sentinel is a warrior and protector of The Dreaming, an alternate world controlled by Elementals. After the loss of his partner, he became imbalanced and dedicated himself to the life of a debauched rock star. No longer trusting himself or his abilities as a Sentinel, he is contented to stay in Realis (the real world)...that is until he gets a really big assignment. Zoe and Gavin's lives become entangled in a way that neither expected or understood and I'm so glad I got to be a part of that ride.

Zoe is so admirable! Raised by a cold and emotionally-distant mother, a failed relationship with her boss and the loss of that baby whale have really taken a toll on her self-esteem. However, her commitment to her whales is her priority and her strength. She is a fighter!

Gavin *hubba hubba grr baby* is just delectable! As the lead singer of a popular band, he is the picture of strength, confidence and sex appeal. Little does the world know that it's all a facade. He still struggles with the death of his partner, does not trust himself to protect Wyldings and has to practically beat Scarlet off with a stick (a Fyre Elemental with an agenda). Sidenote: Bitch is lookin' for a beat down! *gives her evil eye* He is the ultimate tortured hero!

I loved all of Zoe and Gavin's interactions. From talking, to working or fighting together, to doing other stuff *wink wink*, they simply oozed chemistry! They were lively, fun, and smexy as hell!

I'm not sure it's possible to describe this book without giving away too much. There is just so much to it! I have no doubt of the power of each character. Humility, strength, humor, manipulation, mystery; these are all part of the cast. But beyond the larger than life characters, the fascinating world-building, the do or die plot, what really shines is Kendall's writing. She has a talent for completely immersing you in a strange and vibrant world. These places she created are unlike any other I've read but I never felt lost or confused. It's her talent as a writer to guide us through her story and she did so beautifully!

As for the ending, well done! With this book being part of a series, it had to be open-ended enough that it leads into the next but satisfying enough that we're not left frustrated. I finished the last line, grinned like a goof and then scolded Kendall for toying with me like that!

This book was Urban Fantasy at it's finest!

Check out another review by one of my co-conspirators:

• Amy from Book Loving Mom

And if mine and Amy's gush fests *still* aren't enough to make you want to read this book RIGHT NOW...and frankly, I find that hard to believe...then check out the book trailer:

Wanna read it now, don't cha?! ;)