“And when you're completely alone, will that mean you've won? Or lost?” Losing My Breath by J Rose Black is not just a typical love story; it is also the tale of a man who stands on the edge of the abyss. Callan Brand, an ex-marine residing in a Chicago apartment building, is efficient and organized, but he is a man who observes life rather than living it. He is a good person who believes himself to be a monster and exists in a self-created void, pushing away anyone who gets too close to him. However, his life unexpectedly changes when he gets a new neighbor named Meridian Daly, a beautiful woman inside and out. Initially, Callan protects her, but ultimately, she may be the one to save him and remind the troubled young man that life is worth living.

Losing My Breath by J Rose Black is like a heartwarming contemporary fairy tale for adults. It features a combat-boot-wearing Prince Charming and a feisty modern-day princess. The plot and themes revolve around a man who is afraid to love and unable to escape his past and a woman who reminds him that what he lost is not as great as what he can lose in the future. Character development is outstanding, and a believable cast makes the story highly immersive and engaging. The pace is perfect and realistic, evoking nostalgia about past loves and days long gone. Losing My Breath combines love, romance, comedy, and redemption, making it an exemplary read for fans of the genre.

Losing My Breath by J Rose Black is a contemporary romance with some humor. Former Marine Raider Callan Brand can tell by just looking at Meridian Daly that she is going to be trouble, even more so when he realizes she is his new neighbor. To Callan, it seems that she has no sense of taking care of herself, especially in the semi-dangerous neighborhood where their apartments are located. When their first interaction ends with "Buy yourself an umbrella," it sets the tone for their future interactions. Callan is a reclusive veteran who looks out for those in need in his vicinity, and unfortunately, Meridian seems to attract more than her share of trouble. But Meridian has a positive attitude and slowly finds a way into Callan's life. Slowly, Callan realizes he wants her in his life and tries to give her what she needs. When an unforeseen complication develops, Callan has to face his past and the trauma that came back with him after deployment.

J Rose Black uses a humorous romance to address some weighty topics in a lighthearted and insightful manner. The central theme is that of mental health and integration issues faced by war veterans. These issues are prevalent among soldiers who return to civilian life, especially so if they have lost friends in action or had assignments that caused trauma. The conversations that Callan has with himself are useful in revealing what thought processes he has to go through to cope with life in general, as well as dealing with his untreated PTSD. In contrast to his struggles, Meridian goes through life with a naïve and positive attitude, which belies the issues she faces like losing her father at a young age, and finding out that she is adopted. Although the narrative deals with some challenging issues, it is presented in an easy-to-read manner with an uncomplicated plot. It offers good insight into the world as it is today, where women have to be vigilant of predators and be strong and independent. Losing My Breath is an apt title that connects with the emotions that Callan experiences, such as losing his breath and zoning out of the here and now. The author has succeeded in writing a compassionate and truthful book.