I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Lia Riley's With Every Breath is a standalone novel about Auden Woods, a young woman who has always “played it safe,” and Rhys MacAskill, an avid mountain climber looking to escape his past. I enjoyed this book! It’s a quick read, giving the reader a sense of adventure and of course some romance.

Auden is an okay character. I struggled with whether I liked her or not throughout the book. An aspiring journalist, she’s just accepted an internship with Outsider magazine. Before she starts though, she’s looking for her own adventure. People are congregating in Patagonia at the foot of La Aguja, the Dream-maker. It is said to have a once-in-lifetime clearing at the summit and Auden plans to be there. Tired of living in her twin’s shadow, Auden wants to make a name for herself. She takes a month off to spend at base camp with the plan of interviewing climbers before the climb the Dream Maker. She’s determined to make a name for herself that cannot be associated with her famous grandfather or her equally famous twin. However she doesn’t anticipate Rhys MacAskill.

When Auden stumbles into Rhys tent one rainy night in Patagonia, he thinks he’ll help her then be done with her. What he doesn’t plan on is falling for the girl. Rhys is surly, temperamental, and honestly feeling sorry for himself. He is the infamous brother who cut the rope on his last climb, sending his brother to his fate. He refuses to speak about the accident and hasn’t said a word to anyone since. He doesn’t do interviews and he doesn’t talk. Like I said he’s surly, a bit broken and doesn’t know what he’s doing anymore.

Since this is a standalone the plot is condensed and focuses mainly on Auden and Rhys and their growing attraction towards one another. They both keep secrets, like Auden knowing who he is for one and he not wanting her to know. They have a delicate balancing act on their hands. What I love about the story though is how the author is able to write their feelings from lust to love without coming right out and saying it. It’s a slow progression that takes place and it’s really beautifully written.

Overall I enjoyed the story. My only complaint is the insta-lust going on between the main characters. I get it is a romance and their is supposed to be tearing off of clothes but really sometimes it’s a bit much. Like how can you really fall in love if you hardly say two words to one another?! If you enjoy new adult romance or you’re looking for a fun read, than this is the book for you.