Review: Steal My Breath Away - Sarah Castille

Review: Steal My Breath Away - Book #2 Havencrest University Series - Sarah Castille - June 2025

Steal My Breath Away by Sarah Castille just served up everything I didn't know I needed on a silver platter, and honestly? I'm still recovering.

Picture this: You're living your best indie singer life, busking on street corners and hosting university radio shows, when BAM—someone tries to kidnap you. Plot twist? Your mom's a senator with a target on her back, and suddenly your childhood crush (who also happens to be your dead brother's best friend) shows up as your personal bodyguard. If that doesn't scream "emotional chaos incoming," I don't know what does.

Haley Chapman had me from page one. This girl's got pipes, dreams, and enough stubborn streak to make you want to shake her AND root for her simultaneously. She's not your typical damsel in distress—she's got agency, talent, and a whole lot of unresolved feelings about Ace Murphy. Speaking of Ace... fans self dramatically... this man carries guilt like it's a designer handbag, and his protective instincts are both swoon-worthy and infuriating.

The connection to Book #1 through the university radio station was chef's kiss—seeing familiar faces and names like Noah, Dante, and Skye woven into Haley's story felt like catching up with old friends. But Sarah Castille doesn't just rely on nostalgia; she builds something entirely fresh here.

Now, let's be real—if you've seen Chasing Liberty or read literally any bodyguard romance, you know the drill. Forbidden attraction? Check. Dangerous situations bringing them closer? Double check. Internal angst about crossing professional lines? Triple check with a side of family trauma. But here's the thing: sometimes the familiar formula works because it hits different when done right.

The music element absolutely stole the show for me. Haley's passion bleeds through every page, and I found myself actually looking up songs mentioned in the book (yes, I made a playlist—judge me). The way Sarah Castille weaves music into the emotional beats of the story? Chef's kiss again.

The suspense subplot kept me guessing without overshadowing the romance, and the family dynamics—especially with Senator Chapman—added layers that elevated this beyond your standard bodyguard fare. Plus, that brother's-best-friend angle? Pure emotional torture in the best possible way.

Bottom line: If you're craving new adult romance with actual substance, musical soul, and enough sexual tension to power a small city, Steal My Breath Away delivers. Fair warning though—you might find yourself humming imaginary melodies and questioning why your own love life lacks this much dramatic flair.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3G8TPI0