Holly Cupala

An emotionally gripping story about running from abuse and finding love.



I found myself entwined in Joy's story and crossing my fingers for a happy ending.

She was unlike any character I have ever read. Her mental state is broken down by her boyfriend so she decides to run away in search of the boy who promised protection. She doesn't realize how hard being homeless is though. She shuffles through the streets, gets kicked out of stores, and is attacked by other street walkers. She never runs home though.



Dangerous approaches her one night and Creed steps in to save her. He then proceeds to take her to an abandoned home. There she learns that her new friends all have secrets of their own. Together they come together to provide for one another.



What happens when Joy is forced to bring the past to the surface? Does she leave street life behind? or does she hide and continue to live in hiding?



READ, READ, READ.... You will not be disappointed! The suspense is nail biting and romance is one of a kind. I just loved Creed... He was protective, kind, awkward, and talented. He really made this a MUST READ.

… (mehr)

Joy Delamore's asthma is suffocating her. Her parents barely let her go anywhere, if they do they want her supervised by one of them. Her older brother has been charged with her care. They'll do anything to keep anything from happening to her. All this after Joy's asthma almost claimed her life.

Her new boyfriend promises them to he will take care of her. Soon, he's smothering Joy just as much - or more.

She can only take their 'caring' and Asher's intensity for so long before she has to get away. Joy leaves it all behind to seek out Creed, the one person who has offered her help; a homeless boy.

Leaving her old life behind Joy finds a new life on the streets of Seattle and learns more about her self in a short time than she ever did in her years in with her parents.


After reading Holly Cupala's first book Tell Me a Secret and finding it incredibly emotional, I very, very much wanted to read Don't Breathe a Word; I was thrilled when Harper sent me a copy to review. About a seemingly completely different subject matter - yet also a difficult one to approach - than Tell Me a Secret, Don't Breathe a Word is also about a young girl finding her own strength in the midst of a very difficult situation. One where a lot of people (of any age) could easily lose themselves.

Holly Cupala writes great novels of girl-power that are also just about you-power, whether you're female or male. I do think that Don't Breathe a Word will work better with male audiences (given the subject matter) than her first book.

Cupala's sophomore novel is much stronger and more consistent, if maybe less emotional, than her first book.

I had more of a personal connection with the story in Tell Me a Secret so it's possible that's why I found that tale to have more of an emotional impact. This one does have more of a subtle emotional kick all of the way through.

I'm thrilled the publisher gave me the chance to read and review this title and am already looking forward to Holly Cupala's next title (and recommending this one!).

9/10… (mehr)