Breathe (Sea Breeze, #1) Summary & Key Insights

Abbi Glines' "Breathe," the first book in the "Sea Breeze" series, centers around the tumultuous relationship between the fiercely independent and guarded seventeen-year-old Ella Harper and the charming, yet troubled, twenty-two-year-old Layton "Layk" Carter. Ella, recently orphaned and struggling to navigate her grief and a difficult family situation, moves to Sea Breeze, a quaint beach town, to live with her aunt and uncle. This change disrupts her carefully constructed life of quiet solitude.

Layk, a resident of Sea Breeze, is instantly captivated by Ella's quiet strength and stoicism. He's a successful businessman with a mysterious past, haunted by a tragic event that deeply affects his personality and relationships. His outward charm masks a simmering vulnerability and a reluctance to fully commit. He's drawn to Ella’s resilience and the refreshing contrast she provides to the superficiality surrounding him.

Their connection begins with a simmering attraction, fueled by stolen glances and charged conversations. However, their relationship is fraught with challenges from the start. Ella is wary of Layk's age and his enigmatic nature, fearing a repeat of the instability she experienced in her life before moving to Sea Breeze. She’s also grappling with her past trauma and struggles to fully trust anyone. Layk, burdened by his own baggage, initially pushes Ella away, fearing he'll hurt her. He’s wary of commitment, believing his past actions preclude him from genuine happiness.

The narrative unfolds as their relationship develops amidst the backdrop of Sea Breeze's vibrant social scene. Ella forms friendships with other young adults in the town, finding a support system that helps her confront her grief and learn to trust again. These relationships provide a counterpoint to her intense and often conflicted feelings for Layk.

The central conflict revolves around Ella and Layk's hesitancy to fully embrace their feelings. Their age difference and Layk’s unpredictable behavior create significant tension. Misunderstandings and external pressures threaten to tear them apart. Throughout the story, Ella must learn to overcome her fear of vulnerability and embrace the possibility of happiness, while Layk grapples with his past and confronts his own emotional demons.

The overarching theme explores the power of healing through connection and acceptance. Both Ella and Layk, wounded by their past experiences, find solace and healing in their relationship, even as their journey is fraught with challenges. The story also touches upon themes of grief, self-discovery, forgiveness, and the complexities of young adult relationships. The ending leaves the reader with a sense of hope and anticipation for the next installment in Ella and Layk's journey.