Romance Annotation

Breathing Room

By Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Genre: Romance

Publication Date: 2002

Number of Pages: 369

Geographical Setting: Tuscany

Plot Summary: Successful self-help author Dr. Isabel Favor appears to have it all: money, fame, a wonderful fiance.  However, everything she has falls apart and Isabel escapes to a house in Tuscany for a few months to focus herself again and rebuild her career and life from the ground up.  Famous Hollywood villain Lorenzo (Ren) Gage, while waiting for his next role to start, retreats to his home in Tuscany for relaxation.  This known bad boy and known organized, good girl do not plan on meeting or becoming involved, but fate puts them together on this property in Tuscany. They spend time together and open up to one another in a way they never have before.  Their relationship changes everything they thought they knew about themselves and takes them down a path in life that they never imagined possible.

Romance Appeal and Characteristics:

Emotional Appeal: The story pulls on the reader's heart, drawing her in and making her feel strong emotions.

Sexual Appeal: This story has some steamy scenes, but not too many that it distracts from the story. It has just the right amount of passion in the story line.

Relatable Characters: The main characters are people the reader can identify with and like. Isabel lives a structured, safe, and moral life, but is looking for something to bring more meaning to her life. Ren is dangerous and beautiful, but there is also more to him like intelligence and charm.

Fast Paced: The novel reads quickly and there are few slow moments.

Strong Detail: The Tuscan countryside is described in detail, which paints a beautiful picture and romantic setting.

Witty, Lighthearted Banter: The dialogue between the characters creates a lighthearted tone that is pleasant to read.

Conflict Between Characters: Just as things seem to be at their best between the two lovers, something happens to temporarily tear them apart.

Happy Ending: Unlike some love stories, romance novels end with a happy ending. The characters end up together, which leaves the reader feeling satisfied.

Title Read-a-likes:

Lovers & Players / Jackie Collins

Strange Bedpersons / Jennifer Crusie

Causing Havoc / Lori Foster

Author Read-a-likes:

Julie James

Jennifer Crusie

Susan Mallery

I don't normally read romance, because I tend to find them too cheesy, but I couldn't put this book down. Great characters, great storyline, and great passion!