Breathless With Her by Carrie Ann Ryan is a romance novel that initially lures readers into its folds with a premise echoing the familiar beat of love at first sight, yet it manages to bring its unique flavor and depth. This novel, the first in the Less Than series, tells the story of Erin Taborn and Devon Carrington – two souls who stumble upon each other, each at a crossroads in their lives, and expound on the electrifying yet terrifying possibilities of unexpected love.

Erin Taborn works at her brother’s bar while trying to put her life together and recover from a broken heart. She’s portrayed as relatable and genuine, her struggles and resilience striking a chord with the reader. From her first encounter with Devon, her battles between guarding her battered heart and yielding to new love capture the quintessential essence of a romance protagonist. However, Ryan’s storytelling elevates Erin from a cliché by imbuing her with an inner strength and vulnerability that resonates well beyond the pages.

Devon Carrington, on the other hand, is a successful businessman who finds himself inexplicably drawn to Erin. What makes Devon stand out is not just his charm or business acumen, but his personal journey of self-discovery and emotional availability. Ryan portrays him as the model romantic lead who acknowledges his flaws and strives eagerly to embrace change – a refreshing take that adds layers to his personality and his relationship with Erin.

One of the strengths of Breathless With Her lies in the palpable chemistry between Erin and Devon. Ryan writes their interactions with a palpable tenderness and intimacy that makes their romantic progression believable and heartfelt. The author beautifully captures the hesitation of new love, weaved with moments of deep vulnerability and intense passion. As readers, we feel the heat of their connection, as well as the potential pitfalls as they navigate through their respective pasts and insecurities.

The narrative doesn’t stop at romance; it envelopes the reader in a vibrant cast of secondary characters, all of whom add richness and dimension to the story. From Erin’s protective brother to Devon’s quirky friends, every character enriches the backdrop against which Erin and Devon’s story unfolds. This robust character development not only paves the way for subsequent books in the series but also embeds the current story in a context that is more realistic and relatable.

Ryan’s writing style complements the emotional depth of the story perfectly. Her prose is fluid, with a rhythm that matches the ebbs and flows of a budding relationship. The dialogues, often laced with humor and poignant moments, bring the characters to life, making them speak directly to the reader’s heart. Furthermore, her attention to detail in describing settings, emotions, and interactions elevates the narrative, enabling readers to visualize scenes and feel the characters’ emotions profoundly.

The plot of Breathless With Her is well-crafted, with twists that are both intriguing and fitting. Ryan manages to throw in just enough uncertainty to keep the reader guessing about how Erin and Devon’s relationship will fare against the challenges they face. This suspense, combined with emotionally charged interactions, drives the novel forward at a gripping pace without sacrificing the development of the story or its characters.

However, no book is without its flaws. Some critiques lie in the occasionally repetitive inner monologues that can feel slightly overwrought. While they do provide insights into the characters’ fears and desires, they sometimes stall the narrative's momentum. Yet, these moments are few and do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Conclusion

Breathless With Her by Carrie Ann Ryan is a profound love story that delves deep into the realms of healing, trust, and opening oneself to the possibilities of new beginnings. Both heartwarming and intense, Ryan crafts a narrative that not only focuses on romance but also on personal growth and emotional connections. This book is a commendable read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a touch of realism and characters that stay with you long after the last page is turned.