How to Breathe Underwater is a release I have had my eyes on. Yesterday was release day and today I am here to share my review. Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours and the author, I had a chance to read and review.

How to Breathe Underwater
Vicky Skinner
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: August 14th 2018
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Kate’s father has been pressuring her to be perfect for her whole life, pushing her to be the best swimmer she can be. But when Kate finds her dad cheating on her mom, Kate’s perfect world comes crashing down, and Kate is forced to leave home and the swim team she’s been a part of her whole life.

Now in a new home, new school, and faced with the prospect of starting over, Kate isn’t so sure that swimming is what she wants anymore. But when she decides to quit, her whole world seems to fall apart. But when Kate gets to know Michael, the cute boy that lives across the hall, she starts to think that starting over might not be so bad. There’s only one problem: Michael has a girlfriend.

As the pressures of love, family, and success press down on her, can Kate keep her head above water?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

 

REVIEW

How to Breather Underwater sucked me in from the start. This author’s writing style is really enjoyable. We see a lot of books in the YA genre about teenagers that end up having some family problems. This was the first one I read where the main character starts questioning her passion for the sport she thought she loved.

Kate is really hurt when she finds out her father has been cheating on her mother. Her mother moves them to another city and this turns her life upside down. Another school, home and new swimming team. That’s when things get tricky though, she starts freaking out at the thought of swimming or even being in a pool.

Not only is she in a new location, but her schedule is different as well. No more intensive swimming schedule, diet and more time for a social life. Kate meets Michael (her neighbor) and they connect. He has some problems of his own, buts she trusts him.

I loved reading about Kate trying to adjust to her new life and how she feels. Of course she’s hurt and doesn’t know what to think of her father anymore, let alone swimming. Her best friend is in a different own and constantly swimming with her father and she feels a bit betrayed.

I loved Michael’s character and he was very strong for a boy his age. Dealing with family issues will do that I guess, but not everyone can handle that. He’s also a rock for Kate when things fall apart for her. I think that made it easier for Kate to decide not to swim for awhile and think about what she really wanted.

Kate’s journey was a very interesting one and I am happy this author wrote it. Even though her relationship with her Dad became hurtful, she became closer with her mother and sister. The unconditional love they had for each other was very touching.

There were a few things that bugged me though, I felt like we missed some information about Michael. I know this was Kate’s story, but Michael was a big part of it as well. His story would’ve been so much more real if maybe we got his POV as well.

Kate’s sister has some issues of her own and in ways I didn’t completely feel that it fit in this story. While it did, it didn’t get a lot of attention, so it kind of felt out of place. Even though I loved how her story ended!

Also, the way Kate is treated when her friends think she was cheating with Michael. Yes, it may have seemed that way and things may have gone fast, but I hated how she was treated. Then again, I know that high school can work this way.

All in all, I did enjoy Kate’s journey and this story. I wouldn’t even mind reading another book to see how all of these characters are doing in college. I even think Ben should get his own story, haha.

 

Author Bio:

Born and raised in Texas, I don’t act like much of a Texan. I like cold weather and hate country music. I have a gorgeous husband, two dogs, and a Literature degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. If I’m not at home reading a book or doing laundry, I’m probably at the bookstore, nannying three rambunctious boys, or stuck on the side of the road with car trouble. I’m a reader, a writer, and a bit of a crazy person.

Goodreads / Twitter

 

GIVEAWAY!

Enter to win a print copy of How to Breather Underwater. Unfortunately this is only open to the US/CAN readers. The giveaway ends August 23rd
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK TOUR

Of course we’re not the only one participating on this tour. Click here to find this links to all the other amazing blogs participating in this tour!

Even though there were some things that didn’t sit well with me, I really enjoyed How to Breathe Underwater. I will definitely keep an eye on this author for future books.