Prah, Constantine and Baryeh Reviews: A Breath of Fresh Air by Kalyssa Powell #PBnB

We’re back again this month with a new book and three reviews for you. We chose an African American novella: A Breath of Fresh Air by Kalyssa Powell.

Here’s the blurb

Air Robertson was fine with dreaming of the perfect guy, the perfect romance, and the perfect life. But after she meets her dream guy, her own sense of doubt tries to sabotage her growing feelings for this wonderful man. How can someone as handsome and charming as Corey Travis still be single? Air wants to believe that it is fate, but she can’t be sure.

All the while, strange things have been happening around Air’s apartment. From her front door getting vandalized to her cell receiving strange text messages, Air has no idea what to make of these occurrences. Are they merely harmless pranks? Or is there something more going on?

Amidst awkward beginnings, dealing with the past, and falling in love, Air learns that there is no such thing as the perfect guy. But she also learns that when it comes to true love, no one needs a perfect guy to be happy. 

My impressions:

The book was easy to read mainly because it is short – even for novella - and things happen fast (which is always good, right?).

The heroine is called Air (no explanation) – that didn’t work for me because it kept taking me out of the story. She stalks and subsequently meets Corey in a supermarket in a scene that’s interesting enough to make you want to see what happens next. The attraction is instant and mutual.

As the book progresses, however, we do not see too much character development. The promise of confusion and mixed feelings as Air falls in love isn’t as strong as suggested in the blurb.

The hero who starts off as a strong male, seems content to have everyone else fighting his battles for him, including his ex. The strong confident man in chapter one doesn’t show his strong side when things go south in the relationship.

I liked his family, though, and the scene they appear in is one of scenes that stood out.

If you’re looking for a stimulating African-American romance, I’d say sit this one out. 

However, I wouldn’t write off Kalyssa Powell just yet as I get the idea (from checking out her other titles) that she’s trying to do something different with standard plots. This is my thing. I hope the author would consider re-writing this story and fleshing it out to achieve its full potential.

Don’t forget to check out reviews from Prah and Constantine. I know I can’t wait to see what they thought.

Disclaimer: I bought my copy from Amazon.