This is not a standalone. Readers need A Stone in the Sea to fully enjoy Drowning to Breathe. As a result, some parts of this review may slightly spoil the first book. 
 Agony. At the end of A Stone in the Sea, I was in agony. And now *finally* the conclusion of this story is here. Despite *needing* this book, I was full of hesitation, anticipation, and anxiety prior to beginning because that was one epic cliffhanger. So much was left hanging in the balance with *all* the players that I was nervous as to the direction Drowning to Breathe would take. 
 The strength Shea shows through her trials was not always a characteristic she maintained. The flashback scenes did a great job of revealing the backstory of Shea and Martin Jennings and also showing the naive girl she had been, seeking love and acceptance. 
 Sebastian's need to protect and shelter Shea and Kallie only grows stronger as he learns who Shea really is. As he learns her history, the control on his temper threatens to snap with major repercussions, because Martin Jennings is already out to ruin him. 
 I love Kallie's light and innocence. I was so fearful of what might happen in the time between A Stone in the Sea and Drowning to Breathe that I was terrified to start reading, if for nothing but her safety. But it was also the same reason I had to know what happened next. 
 I was amazed at the way the backstories entwined. The connections and near overlaps were masterfully crafted in such a way that nothing felt contrived or manufactured, but instead were perfect ties. 
 These two not only had Jennings' reappearance to contend with, ut also the secrets of their own keeping and the need to protect the other. Shea is just as concerned with protecting Sebastian from her past as he is with protecting her from losing Kallie. 
 As I reached the end I couldn't have loved this book more. But the other thing I realized was that I *need* Austin to have a book. Lyric, Ash, and Zee? I'd read them. But after this book and the revelations within, I *need* Austin to find his happy. I need him whole. Thankfully there is a list of upcoming Bleeding Stars books in the back of this, and his name is definitely on that list. While it may not be the next book, I will wait patiently knowing it is coming. 
 I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.