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Breathless
Former model and current recluse Jules Lowe would prefer to spend the rest of her life locked inside her apartment doing nothing more than fixating on her empty fish tank and chatting away on a local aquarium forum. But when her online crush sends her an inadvertently suspicious picture, Jules' curiosity gets the best of her. Who or what is Mack Vasser?
Even Jules’ fear of the outside world can’t stop her from exploring further. And while venturing out to track down Mack is scary enough, discovering he's part-fish, part-man is a shock of a lifetime. Even more shocking is Jules' confusing attraction to him which has her leaving her apartment again and again.
Unfortunately for Jules, she isn't the only person who's aware that creatures like Mack exist. And now that she's gotten herself involved, she's risking not only her feelings, but both their safety, in a world where nobody seems to know who the real monsters are.
Even Jules’ fear of the outside world can’t stop her from exploring further. And while venturing out to track down Mack is scary enough, discovering he's part-fish, part-man is a shock of a lifetime. Even more shocking is Jules' confusing attraction to him which has her leaving her apartment again and again.
Unfortunately for Jules, she isn't the only person who's aware that creatures like Mack exist. And now that she's gotten herself involved, she's risking not only her feelings, but both their safety, in a world where nobody seems to know who the real monsters are.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
438 people are currently reading
1884 people want to read
About the author
Cat Wynn
10 books156 followersCat is a writer, a night owl, and a lover of dogs. She often stays up deep into the night crafting her stories for hopefully lots and lots of people to read. She also really enjoys being home and doing things that people do at home like lounging in sweatpants and staring at instagram.
www.catwynnauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
June 5, 2024
there's fun monster romance and then there's this lmao. a classic case of should've DNF'd but didn't.
to me, this read like it was written by AI. highly don't recommend
to me, this read like it was written by AI. highly don't recommend
May 20, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 (I did feel like I knew the heroine better but I felt like I hardly knew anything about the hero)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not really (it’s kind of a dark book dealing with depression)
Perspective: First person from only the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slower
When mains are first on page together: It takes awhile – they talk online quite soon in, but aren’t on page together until about 20% or so (the end of chapter 6)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Not really – the last chapter jumps just a bit in time and gives a bit of a wrap up though
Format: read e-book version on kindle unlimited
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is a stand alone novel (I believe).
Basic plot:
Jules is finally tempted to leave her apartment to try to find the mysterious Mack after exchanging pictures with him on a fish forum.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary monster romance
- fishman hero / human heroine
- copywriter heroine (former model)
- heroine has agoraphobia
- size difference (hero is ‘much taller’ than her)
- rooftop dates
- slower burn
- forbidden love
- medium steam – 4 full scenes but one is at the very end
Ages:
- heroine is late 20s
First line:
I wake with a gasp, hand to neck, back to headboard, body bent to the darkness.
My thoughts:
I really loved a lot about this book, starting with the COVER! It is what called to me and called to me and I couldn’t stop thinking about this book until I broke down and read it.
But I did have some unanswered questions and issues with this story too.
I loved the idea of this one. My heart broke for Jules and her abusive family experience and her withdrawing into herself so far that she becomes agoraphobic. I adored Mack. He was a wonderful hero and more gentle and caring than I was expecting. And I loved the steamy scenes. I loved the slower burn and build up of their feelings. I enjoyed parts of this book immensely.
But I was sad we only got heroine POV. I love my hero POV! But I won’t hold that against the author – but what did end up really bothering me was that I was still left knowing hardly anything about the hero. How did this start/happen? I wanted more details about his family. About his job. We didn’t get a lot of details about him.
There were a lot of really incredible coincidences in this novel. It was coincidence enough that they lived in the same town so that they could visit each other. I could get behind that though, very subtle fated mates feels. But then the fact that they also .
I was left having so many unanswered questions. I needed more details about the how and why. I did like the idea of the ending but I wanted more details in the final chapter as well.
This novel does have a bit of a darker feel to it. There’s a lot of villain-ish figures as well as self destruction and self harm thoughts that I think you have to be ready for. Heartbreaking and memorable but my complain is this novel just didn’t feel complete to me.
I liked the writing and picked up alllll Wynn’s other novels to try though! (They are contemporary rom/com-ish I believe, not monster) I read Holiday Games awhile ago and truly loved it.
Cock/Hero Stats:
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 (I did feel like I knew the heroine better but I felt like I hardly knew anything about the hero)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not really (it’s kind of a dark book dealing with depression)
Perspective: First person from only the heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slower
When mains are first on page together: It takes awhile – they talk online quite soon in, but aren’t on page together until about 20% or so (the end of chapter 6)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Not really – the last chapter jumps just a bit in time and gives a bit of a wrap up though
Format: read e-book version on kindle unlimited
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is a stand alone novel (I believe).
Basic plot:
Jules is finally tempted to leave her apartment to try to find the mysterious Mack after exchanging pictures with him on a fish forum.
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary monster romance
- fishman hero / human heroine
- copywriter heroine (former model)
- heroine has agoraphobia
- size difference (hero is ‘much taller’ than her)
- rooftop dates
- slower burn
- forbidden love
- medium steam – 4 full scenes but one is at the very end
Ages:
- heroine is late 20s
First line:
I wake with a gasp, hand to neck, back to headboard, body bent to the darkness.
My thoughts:
I really loved a lot about this book, starting with the COVER! It is what called to me and called to me and I couldn’t stop thinking about this book until I broke down and read it.
But I did have some unanswered questions and issues with this story too.
I loved the idea of this one. My heart broke for Jules and her abusive family experience and her withdrawing into herself so far that she becomes agoraphobic. I adored Mack. He was a wonderful hero and more gentle and caring than I was expecting. And I loved the steamy scenes. I loved the slower burn and build up of their feelings. I enjoyed parts of this book immensely.
But I was sad we only got heroine POV. I love my hero POV! But I won’t hold that against the author – but what did end up really bothering me was that I was still left knowing hardly anything about the hero. How did this start/happen? I wanted more details about his family. About his job. We didn’t get a lot of details about him.
There were a lot of really incredible coincidences in this novel. It was coincidence enough that they lived in the same town so that they could visit each other. I could get behind that though, very subtle fated mates feels. But then the fact that they also .
I was left having so many unanswered questions. I needed more details about the how and why. I did like the idea of the ending but I wanted more details in the final chapter as well.
This novel does have a bit of a darker feel to it. There’s a lot of villain-ish figures as well as self destruction and self harm thoughts that I think you have to be ready for. Heartbreaking and memorable but my complain is this novel just didn’t feel complete to me.
I liked the writing and picked up alllll Wynn’s other novels to try though! (They are contemporary rom/com-ish I believe, not monster) I read Holiday Games awhile ago and truly loved it.
Cock/Hero Stats:
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
April 25, 2024
I have a lot to say about this. And, I say this as a person who typically ONLY likes contemporary romance by this author. And as someone who usually thoroughly enjoys monster romance, fantasy, etc. This had potential but it fell flat.
It feels like it was written by a person who hates men, cops and mothers. I’ve read dark stuff. Like really dark. This wasn’t dark in the typical sense - although it was dark in that it was an accurate depiction of depression. It just felt negative. Every single person is bad except for the FMC and the MMC. And maybe that is true for some (Most?) depression, but that wasn’t the case for my personal brand of depression so I just found it negative and disheartening. The whole book just kind of brought me down… And also, as much as a lot of people suck, EVERYONE isn’t horrible. But I suppose we needed to believe that for the rest of the book to make sense.
I feel like Jules pressured Mack a lot. Sexually, relationship wise, etc. If Mack pressured Jules the same way, it would be a huge red flag. So why is it ok for Jules to do? It made me uncomfortable.
There were some errors - like the key. She handed him the key and then she also threw the key at his rock hard fish abs. Some of it, especially at the beginning, was repetitive. Where did her car at the end come from?! She hired a car and was driven to meet the guys at the pizzeria, then all of a sudden she has a rental car at her apartment? First mention of that.
The ending was just weird. And I read weird stuff.
Some of the spice was hot. 🥵 The last scene was kind of blah.
This was not my favorite from this author.
🐟 Monster romance
🐟 Slow burn (ish)
Check the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive!
It feels like it was written by a person who hates men, cops and mothers. I’ve read dark stuff. Like really dark. This wasn’t dark in the typical sense - although it was dark in that it was an accurate depiction of depression. It just felt negative. Every single person is bad except for the FMC and the MMC. And maybe that is true for some (Most?) depression, but that wasn’t the case for my personal brand of depression so I just found it negative and disheartening. The whole book just kind of brought me down… And also, as much as a lot of people suck, EVERYONE isn’t horrible. But I suppose we needed to believe that for the rest of the book to make sense.
I feel like Jules pressured Mack a lot. Sexually, relationship wise, etc. If Mack pressured Jules the same way, it would be a huge red flag. So why is it ok for Jules to do? It made me uncomfortable.
There were some errors - like the key. She handed him the key and then she also threw the key at his rock hard fish abs. Some of it, especially at the beginning, was repetitive. Where did her car at the end come from?! She hired a car and was driven to meet the guys at the pizzeria, then all of a sudden she has a rental car at her apartment? First mention of that.
The ending was just weird. And I read weird stuff.
Some of the spice was hot. 🥵 The last scene was kind of blah.
This was not my favorite from this author.
🐟 Monster romance
🐟 Slow burn (ish)
Check the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive!
July 9, 2024
7/9/2024 update
1⭐️
Her lack of accepting his no is off putting and upon further reflection I think it’s not for me.
4.5⭐️
Fun fish monster romance.
I liked seeing her overcome her fears of going outside and being brave.
Jason is a butt 😒
Thanks for the arc :)
1⭐️
Her lack of accepting his no is off putting and upon further reflection I think it’s not for me.
4.5⭐️
Fun fish monster romance.
I liked seeing her overcome her fears of going outside and being brave.
Jason is a butt 😒
Thanks for the arc :)
May 10, 2024
1.5 stars
📚BookTok Review: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.tunita/vi...
This wasn't it. There were so many things wrong with this book, I'll try my best to condense everything.
Let's start with the aquatic metaphors/puns throughout the book. It was too much. I could understand the use of some here and there but the entire book had these not only as an inner-monologue from our MFC but as dialogue from other characters that weren't into fishes the way the FMC was.
Some examples:
Page 2
"... My friend, Kate, gifted me this robe last for Christmas, its slinky silk sticking like seaweed around my limbs."
Page 3
"No one would know I was here, shriveled up on the floor, like a dried-out sardine."
Page 52
"Yes, I just walked. Like the way a pirate walks the plank."
Page 68
"There it is, in a little blue bubble on the screen, like a little whale peeping above the water."
In regards to characters, I'm only going to talk about the FMC because the story unfolds through her point of view alone.
She was entitled, immature, manipulative,
Page 99
"It takes some convincing for Mack to let me into his tank. But my mother was an overbearing bitch, so I know how to be one too, when the occasion calls for it."
ungrateful, rude, and an awful person all around.
I understand that she deals with depression but depression doesn't make you a despicable human being. I know not everyone's experience can be one and the same but there are many things this character did just because she felt entitled to do them. Her thoughts being:
Page
"It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission,"
How is forcing oneself into someone's life/home this normalized? The FMC goes to the MMC's apartment, blackmails him, and she forces her way inside (after the MMC refused to open the door many times) by stealing a spare key only meant for the owner of said apartment.
"I hold the key between my thumb and index finger. “I’m gonna give you one last chance to open the door, Mack.”
“Is that a threat? Are you threatening me?”
“Not a threat, just a heads-up.”
“What are you talking about?”
Before he even finishes his sentence, I shove the key into the little lock on the gold knob, twist, and open it."
Tell me, how is this okay? Regardless of gender you can't do this. Period. A person who has clearly stated he/she doesn't want you inside his/her property and doesn't consider you a friend anymore. It doesn't matter that he's/she's going through something. No means no.
She was so unhinged and off-putting, referring to everyone else as 'weirdos', but no, yeah, it's fine because she calls herself a weirdo too, so it shouldn't be taken as an insult🙄
Breaking the 4th wall because we're quirky or something:
"I raise my shoulder. “That’s true. You’re not wearing a shirt. Are you suggesting I take mine off?”
Reader, I swear to you, his chin moves downward in a nod before he catches himself and circles off into an aggressive head shake. “No! Please. No, keep your top on.”"
To me it read corny and it wasn't necessary.
The characters, in general, acted too juvenile and the way this book was written is more proof of that.
I won't even go into detail about the many plot-holes the book left with no explanation whatsoever.
Within this negative essay, there are a couple of positive things that deserve to be mentioned. I think the depiction of depression, towards the first 50% of the book, was handled realistically. People with depression🙋🏻♀️ struggle with many things, but a big one is motivation because everything seems too hard to do, even brushing your teeth.
Also, the cover art is absolutely gorgeous and is what made me read this book.
All in all, the way characters are written helps to set up the tone of a book. If this were a dark-romance book, I would understand certain character/plot decisions, but as a regular fantasy-romance I don't get it. If I can't root for anyone in the story, I would expect the story to make up for it, and when that doesn't happen either, it's a lost cause for me.
📚BookTok Review: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.tunita/vi...
This wasn't it. There were so many things wrong with this book, I'll try my best to condense everything.
Let's start with the aquatic metaphors/puns throughout the book. It was too much. I could understand the use of some here and there but the entire book had these not only as an inner-monologue from our MFC but as dialogue from other characters that weren't into fishes the way the FMC was.
Some examples:
Page 2
"... My friend, Kate, gifted me this robe last for Christmas, its slinky silk sticking like seaweed around my limbs."
Page 3
"No one would know I was here, shriveled up on the floor, like a dried-out sardine."
Page 52
"Yes, I just walked. Like the way a pirate walks the plank."
Page 68
"There it is, in a little blue bubble on the screen, like a little whale peeping above the water."
In regards to characters, I'm only going to talk about the FMC because the story unfolds through her point of view alone.
She was entitled, immature, manipulative,
Page 99
"It takes some convincing for Mack to let me into his tank. But my mother was an overbearing bitch, so I know how to be one too, when the occasion calls for it."
ungrateful, rude, and an awful person all around.
I understand that she deals with depression but depression doesn't make you a despicable human being. I know not everyone's experience can be one and the same but there are many things this character did just because she felt entitled to do them. Her thoughts being:
Page
"It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission,"
How is forcing oneself into someone's life/home this normalized? The FMC goes to the MMC's apartment, blackmails him, and she forces her way inside (after the MMC refused to open the door many times) by stealing a spare key only meant for the owner of said apartment.
"I hold the key between my thumb and index finger. “I’m gonna give you one last chance to open the door, Mack.”
“Is that a threat? Are you threatening me?”
“Not a threat, just a heads-up.”
“What are you talking about?”
Before he even finishes his sentence, I shove the key into the little lock on the gold knob, twist, and open it."
Tell me, how is this okay? Regardless of gender you can't do this. Period. A person who has clearly stated he/she doesn't want you inside his/her property and doesn't consider you a friend anymore. It doesn't matter that he's/she's going through something. No means no.
She was so unhinged and off-putting, referring to everyone else as 'weirdos', but no, yeah, it's fine because she calls herself a weirdo too, so it shouldn't be taken as an insult🙄
Breaking the 4th wall because we're quirky or something:
"I raise my shoulder. “That’s true. You’re not wearing a shirt. Are you suggesting I take mine off?”
Reader, I swear to you, his chin moves downward in a nod before he catches himself and circles off into an aggressive head shake. “No! Please. No, keep your top on.”"
To me it read corny and it wasn't necessary.
The characters, in general, acted too juvenile and the way this book was written is more proof of that.
I won't even go into detail about the many plot-holes the book left with no explanation whatsoever.
Within this negative essay, there are a couple of positive things that deserve to be mentioned. I think the depiction of depression, towards the first 50% of the book, was handled realistically. People with depression🙋🏻♀️ struggle with many things, but a big one is motivation because everything seems too hard to do, even brushing your teeth.
Also, the cover art is absolutely gorgeous and is what made me read this book.
All in all, the way characters are written helps to set up the tone of a book. If this were a dark-romance book, I would understand certain character/plot decisions, but as a regular fantasy-romance I don't get it. If I can't root for anyone in the story, I would expect the story to make up for it, and when that doesn't happen either, it's a lost cause for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
Girlrot to monsterfucker pipeline
A certified banger
This was so much better than expected, and not just as a peak monsterfucker novel, but also because the way agoraphobia and girlrotting was dealt with here was thoughtful & integrated into the story.
Honestly this was probably on par with the brilliant Lips Like Ice, while being much less dark & toxic in the relationship department.
I loved everything here, including Jules' bestie, Kate, who was not only the bestest most supportive friend but also had her own crazy MFMM relationship going on which included at least one non-human shadow???? I need to find out more
Anyway I loved it
I'm only sad that apparently Cat Wynn is a contemp romance author usually, which is not something I am interested in unfortunately. I hope she writes more stuff with monsters, aliens, and magic :)
A certified banger
This was so much better than expected, and not just as a peak monsterfucker novel, but also because the way agoraphobia and girlrotting was dealt with here was thoughtful & integrated into the story.
Honestly this was probably on par with the brilliant Lips Like Ice, while being much less dark & toxic in the relationship department.
I loved everything here, including Jules' bestie, Kate, who was not only the bestest most supportive friend but also had her own crazy MFMM relationship going on which included at least one non-human shadow???? I need to find out more
Anyway I loved it
I'm only sad that apparently Cat Wynn is a contemp romance author usually, which is not something I am interested in unfortunately. I hope she writes more stuff with monsters, aliens, and magic :)
January 26, 2025
I won’t lie, the beginning was much more promising than the middle and end. In a weird way, it reminded me a lot of the Vampire Kisses series from the early 2000s?!
I’m very confused about what this book is trying to be. Because the plot was unpredictable but not in an exciting way, more like a “WHAT is happening???” I didn’t like the FMC (I thought she was really pushy esp when she BROKE into the guys apartment) and thought the alternate universe thing was super odd. Not sure if I’d recommend it to monster lover girls bc the plot didn’t make sense and just was not enjoyable 🤷♀️
I’m very confused about what this book is trying to be. Because the plot was unpredictable but not in an exciting way, more like a “WHAT is happening???” I didn’t like the FMC (I thought she was really pushy esp when she BROKE into the guys apartment) and thought the alternate universe thing was super odd. Not sure if I’d recommend it to monster lover girls bc the plot didn’t make sense and just was not enjoyable 🤷♀️
May 11, 2024
So much yes.
NGL, I just saw lots of people I’m mutuals with reading this book and thought “pretty cover”. The book was not at all what I was expecting from the cover though. Jules was a demisexual agoraphobic former model who finds an online friendship with Mack. Mack is a hermit by necessity and they are able to push each other to be brave in new ways.
So much about this book was devastating. Both of them had kind of terrible families. Jules’ mother was quite the narcissist and garbage human being. Both MCs were let down by the people they should be able to trust the most.
What I loved the most about this book was the symbolism. There were countless parallels between becoming a fish monster and being accepted as different by the world as a whole, particularly as an LGBTQIA+ individual. It was honestly really poetic.
Spice: 4/5
SPOILERS IN TRIGGER WARNINGS
Triggers: stalking, home invasion, spying, mentions of past SA, mentions of child abuse, medical experimentation, family estrangement, panic attacks, attempted suicide, severe depressive episode, nightmares, near drowning, gun violence, stabbing, light gore, death of parent (off page)
NGL, I just saw lots of people I’m mutuals with reading this book and thought “pretty cover”. The book was not at all what I was expecting from the cover though. Jules was a demisexual agoraphobic former model who finds an online friendship with Mack. Mack is a hermit by necessity and they are able to push each other to be brave in new ways.
So much about this book was devastating. Both of them had kind of terrible families. Jules’ mother was quite the narcissist and garbage human being. Both MCs were let down by the people they should be able to trust the most.
What I loved the most about this book was the symbolism. There were countless parallels between becoming a fish monster and being accepted as different by the world as a whole, particularly as an LGBTQIA+ individual. It was honestly really poetic.
Spice: 4/5
SPOILERS IN TRIGGER WARNINGS
Triggers: stalking, home invasion, spying, mentions of past SA, mentions of child abuse, medical experimentation, family estrangement, panic attacks, attempted suicide, severe depressive episode, nightmares, near drowning, gun violence, stabbing, light gore, death of parent (off page)
July 19, 2024
Well this was a much darker story than I expected! The themes were hard but very relevant to the story. I still really enjoyed it. The plot goes deeper than just the main story line and it was honestly so sad at times. Jules has had a rough life and I was so heart broken for her but at moments I also wanted to smack her at times. LOL. Mack has a very unique issue of his own. I liked how it felt like a thriller novel at times and all the characters personalities were so fun. Kate, Jules bestie, was in a fun poly relationship with a group of eclectic men. There was a lot happening but no too much where you get confused. Jules is a demisexual and agoraphobic and I enjoyed reading more about a character with this representation as it was new to me. I didn't want to put this down. I also personally loved all the fish puns. Definitely a fun unique story!
June 1, 2024
Umm??? I put off reading this because I didn't expect to like it, but I actually liked it a lot!!! I am sick to DEATH of beautiful heroines, but in this case, Jules' issues offset her beauty and the way she behaved about it made sense. Plus, she constantly called herself a freak.
May 3, 2024
1.75 stars
Ok so no world building, no explanations and not a lot makes sense. She's a depressed, recluse, former supermodel, he's a hot man turned hot fish but we don't know how that happened. Did I mention he's a millionaire..? that doesn't matter either though it has nothing to do with the plot. Also, everyone hates the fish monsters for zero reason and there's a multiverse. Ok? Ok
Ok so no world building, no explanations and not a lot makes sense. She's a depressed, recluse, former supermodel, he's a hot man turned hot fish but we don't know how that happened. Did I mention he's a millionaire..? that doesn't matter either though it has nothing to do with the plot. Also, everyone hates the fish monsters for zero reason and there's a multiverse. Ok? Ok
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
3 stars
I thought this was ok. I know a lot of my other friends on here thought this was amazing, but for me it dragged at points and I feel like the middle portion could have been fleshed out more. I would have liked a bit more family drama tbh and the villain was dealt with too easily. I would read a book about the fmcs friend who’s basically sleeping with the cast from Dante’s Inferno 😂
I thought this was ok. I know a lot of my other friends on here thought this was amazing, but for me it dragged at points and I feel like the middle portion could have been fleshed out more. I would have liked a bit more family drama tbh and the villain was dealt with too easily. I would read a book about the fmcs friend who’s basically sleeping with the cast from Dante’s Inferno 😂
May 8, 2024
I normally really enjoy Cat Wynn novels/novellas, but this one did not do it for me. I'm no stranger to monster/inhuman/paranormal romance, and the fish monster part? Didn't even bat an eyelash. The situations, the dialogue, the stilted descriptions all left me wanting. There were also some plot inconsistencies (like she throws the key at him, then later hands it to him).
Spice rating: 3/5 (slow burn and mostly due to alternative appendage situation)
Overall rating: 1/5 (Honestly should have DNF-ed)
SPOILERS:
I could accept Mack as a fish monster (why did we really never find a better way to refer to him? It just felt derogatory after awhile), but taking pills from some rando "doctor" you weren't expecting to meet? Thinking a parallel universe was a better option than here because you "don't fit in" but never really acknowledging that it could be because you're, you know, a fish person??? The portals. The gunshot. The chase to the water. The bug??? It's like the whole book dragged out them meeting and interacting and then jumped the shark into weird territory. It's been a few weeks since I completed this book and I'm still having "WTF did I just read?" moments.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review and waited to post until after release day as I didn't want to skew ratings hard negative in any way if it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Spice rating: 3/5 (slow burn and mostly due to alternative appendage situation)
Overall rating: 1/5 (Honestly should have DNF-ed)
SPOILERS:
I could accept Mack as a fish monster (why did we really never find a better way to refer to him? It just felt derogatory after awhile), but taking pills from some rando "doctor" you weren't expecting to meet? Thinking a parallel universe was a better option than here because you "don't fit in" but never really acknowledging that it could be because you're, you know, a fish person??? The portals. The gunshot. The chase to the water. The bug??? It's like the whole book dragged out them meeting and interacting and then jumped the shark into weird territory. It's been a few weeks since I completed this book and I'm still having "WTF did I just read?" moments.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review and waited to post until after release day as I didn't want to skew ratings hard negative in any way if it just wasn't my cup of tea.
May 7, 2024
Definitely was a DNF for me..
September 4, 2024
As a big fan of A Shape of Water, I couldn't resist picking this one up. Especially after seeing that stunning cover. Isn't it gorgeous?!
Monster romance is one of my guilty pleasures, but I rarely come across the fish kind. In fact, this is the second I've ever read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Breathless is not a light fun smutty read, as most other monster romances. It deals with quite a few heavy topics readers might find difficult to delve into, so please make sure to refer to the content warning the author provides at the beginning of the book. But then, it's not a dark heavy read either. I'd say, it's somewhat in between. A love story dealing with that 'untouchable sadness' we all have inside in one degree or another. And if you stick with it, it might show you that not everything is quite as black as it seems.
I loved the premise and the mental health representation, which was simply put, chef's kiss.👌
Mack was a wonderful cinnamon roll monster and I may have wanted to smack Jules upside her head - HARD, several times over - for being so pushy with him. Because, 'WTF girl!! That's just not done!!'
But the thing is, her attitude made sense, taking into account everything Jules had gone through and her mental health issues. And by the end of it all, I was cheering her on, wanting to high-five her. Because... 'You go girl!!'
The romance was sweet but with less smut. Yep. I'm one of those wanting ALL the monster smut and I would have wanted more of it here.😉😎 But the solid chemistry and intense feelings more than made up for it. And the turn of events towards the end managed to take me by surprise, something that almost never happens.
The plot, as well as the end do require a higher degree of suspension of disbelief, but it's a fish monster romance after all, so I'm not complaining.
And I got a good kick out of 'Bug'.😂
Nope. I'm not spoiling that here to explain. You're gonna have to read the book to know more about it.
Why would you read it, you ask?
'Because you never know. A fish monster guy might be super cool.'
Monster romance is one of my guilty pleasures, but I rarely come across the fish kind. In fact, this is the second I've ever read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Breathless is not a light fun smutty read, as most other monster romances. It deals with quite a few heavy topics readers might find difficult to delve into, so please make sure to refer to the content warning the author provides at the beginning of the book. But then, it's not a dark heavy read either. I'd say, it's somewhat in between. A love story dealing with that 'untouchable sadness' we all have inside in one degree or another. And if you stick with it, it might show you that not everything is quite as black as it seems.
I loved the premise and the mental health representation, which was simply put, chef's kiss.👌
Mack was a wonderful cinnamon roll monster and I may have wanted to smack Jules upside her head - HARD, several times over - for being so pushy with him. Because, 'WTF girl!! That's just not done!!'
But the thing is, her attitude made sense, taking into account everything Jules had gone through and her mental health issues. And by the end of it all, I was cheering her on, wanting to high-five her. Because... 'You go girl!!'
The romance was sweet but with less smut. Yep. I'm one of those wanting ALL the monster smut and I would have wanted more of it here.😉😎 But the solid chemistry and intense feelings more than made up for it. And the turn of events towards the end managed to take me by surprise, something that almost never happens.
The plot, as well as the end do require a higher degree of suspension of disbelief, but it's a fish monster romance after all, so I'm not complaining.
And I got a good kick out of 'Bug'.😂
Nope. I'm not spoiling that here to explain. You're gonna have to read the book to know more about it.
Why would you read it, you ask?
'Because you never know. A fish monster guy might be super cool.'
June 15, 2024
so so precious. like i’m actually shook rn. i’m literally in love with a fish man 😭😭
May 13, 2024
I needed something short and weird to reset my brain and this was both short and weird but not nearly weird enough. I needed this to lean into wacky but it wouldn’t commit.
Jules, an agoraphobic ex-model obsessed with an online aquarium forum, tracks down her online fellow aquarium enthusiast friend Mack after he deletes his account and discovers he’s actually a fish monster millionaire. After forcing her way into his apartment, trampling his boundaries, and behaving like the most thirsty down bad self-proclaimed demisexual I’ve seen in fiction outside of an Ali Hazelwood book, they start hooking up in criminally boring vanilla sex scenes. I thought I was reading a monster romance, why was this just the usual?? Along the way there is some suspense over whether or not Jules is also turning into a fish monster (she is), a barely explored side plot surrounding some anti fish monster conspiracy sentiment and resulting riots, and brief mentions of her next door neighbor Jason stalking her.
After a few weeks of boring introvert dates, Mack the fish man tells Jules he needs to escape using a portal to another universe because he no longer belongs in this one. There’s a lot of angst over whether or not Jules should go with him, leading to her trying to commit suicide (so he’ll leave without her) by taking a sketchy “cure” for fish monsteritis she was given by a total legit doctor and definitely not one of the people who want to eradicate the fish monsters. Mack arrives just in time to save her after she sends him her suicide note by text, only to be immediately shot by neighbor-cop-stalker Jason. Jules tries very hard to murder him by stabbing him in the neck with one of those tiktok self defense keychains. Now that she’s certainly wanted for attempted murder and hated by the rioters for sympathizing with a monster, she then loads the hemorrhaging fish man into a rental car and starts a police chase against the clock to get him to the portal at the beach, where it will only be open for exactly twenty seconds before it collapses into a black hole. They make it through the portal to the fish monster universe and live happily ever after because the fish people believe in universal health care.
Jules, an agoraphobic ex-model obsessed with an online aquarium forum, tracks down her online fellow aquarium enthusiast friend Mack after he deletes his account and discovers he’s actually a fish monster millionaire. After forcing her way into his apartment, trampling his boundaries, and behaving like the most thirsty down bad self-proclaimed demisexual I’ve seen in fiction outside of an Ali Hazelwood book, they start hooking up in criminally boring vanilla sex scenes. I thought I was reading a monster romance, why was this just the usual?? Along the way there is some suspense over whether or not Jules is also turning into a fish monster (she is), a barely explored side plot surrounding some anti fish monster conspiracy sentiment and resulting riots, and brief mentions of her next door neighbor Jason stalking her.
After a few weeks of boring introvert dates, Mack the fish man tells Jules he needs to escape using a portal to another universe because he no longer belongs in this one. There’s a lot of angst over whether or not Jules should go with him, leading to her trying to commit suicide (so he’ll leave without her) by taking a sketchy “cure” for fish monsteritis she was given by a total legit doctor and definitely not one of the people who want to eradicate the fish monsters. Mack arrives just in time to save her after she sends him her suicide note by text, only to be immediately shot by neighbor-cop-stalker Jason. Jules tries very hard to murder him by stabbing him in the neck with one of those tiktok self defense keychains. Now that she’s certainly wanted for attempted murder and hated by the rioters for sympathizing with a monster, she then loads the hemorrhaging fish man into a rental car and starts a police chase against the clock to get him to the portal at the beach, where it will only be open for exactly twenty seconds before it collapses into a black hole. They make it through the portal to the fish monster universe and live happily ever after because the fish people believe in universal health care.
October 5, 2024
Okay, now hear me out.
Last week, I learned there is an entire genre called monster romance. Then I wondered: could a character I’m working on be a reader of monster romance? Too curious, I had to read one.
And, a fish monster romance?! Hold my beer.
I don’t know if this genre is supposed to be funny, but I laughed a lot. I mean, he’s a fish, she becomes a fish, there are people against the fish, and, of course, magical portal. Oh, and her best friend has four boyfriends.
I won’t even get into the male fish anatomy.
As I read, I just kept thinking: “huh, this author has a helluva imagination.”
So, obvious 5 ⭐️ because someone came up with this, had the balls to say “hello world, I’m writing a story about a woman with a fish man,” and went for it.
I will never look at an aquarium the same again. 🐟
Last week, I learned there is an entire genre called monster romance. Then I wondered: could a character I’m working on be a reader of monster romance? Too curious, I had to read one.
And, a fish monster romance?! Hold my beer.
I don’t know if this genre is supposed to be funny, but I laughed a lot. I mean, he’s a fish, she becomes a fish, there are people against the fish, and, of course, magical portal. Oh, and her best friend has four boyfriends.
I won’t even get into the male fish anatomy.
As I read, I just kept thinking: “huh, this author has a helluva imagination.”
So, obvious 5 ⭐️ because someone came up with this, had the balls to say “hello world, I’m writing a story about a woman with a fish man,” and went for it.
I will never look at an aquarium the same again. 🐟
May 4, 2024
DNF at 55%. I really wanted to like this because the book cover is so great. I liked the concept but not the execution. I found it dull. Tried to push through but realized I don’t want to spend my time on something I find boring. The FMC’s inner monologue is a constant array of questions, I detest the way she constantly pressures the MMC, and so much of it feels forced.
May 16, 2024
What did I just read.....Holy crud. Hot mess, also triggers for unaliving. Not worth the time on it. Not sure why it got good reviews...
*sigh*
I was really hoping this would be good.
As always,
Peace, Love and Piracy
*sigh*
I was really hoping this would be good.
As always,
Peace, Love and Piracy
April 28, 2024
this was SUCH an experience. i was very curious about this book, and it was truly nothing like i’ve ever read. i mean, a fish monster romance? i don’t even really like fish, but i liked mack a whole lot, that’s for sure.
this story sucked me in from the moment i started reading, and i devoured it in just a few hours. the banter was bantering and i really liked the small bit of mystery thrown in there as well. overall a super fun and easy read!
- monster romance
- single pov
- both are introverted
- online friends
3.75
this story sucked me in from the moment i started reading, and i devoured it in just a few hours. the banter was bantering and i really liked the small bit of mystery thrown in there as well. overall a super fun and easy read!
- monster romance
- single pov
- both are introverted
- online friends
3.75
May 21, 2024
Insufferable main character but I respect her persistence because by god she fucked that fish man 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2024
What a fun read. I really enjoyed this from start to finish! The fourth wall breaking had me cackling. The fmc was just like me, a little crazy. The puns also up my alley.
Low key I wanted the mmc to want her as much as she wanted him (or at least show it.)… would have loved his POV.
There were a few editing mistakes/errors but can be looked past when it’s just a cozy little read.
Low stakes plot but was still easy to get on board with.
Low key I wanted the mmc to want her as much as she wanted him (or at least show it.)… would have loved his POV.
There were a few editing mistakes/errors but can be looked past when it’s just a cozy little read.
Low stakes plot but was still easy to get on board with.
June 5, 2024
From 4 stars to nada. DNF after 50% The book is nothing like the cover. It's more cutesy and silly. The fmc ruins the story though. Begging for sex when he says no really? And constantly pressuring and pushing him. She acts like a horny teenage boy that can't take no for an answer. It went from cutesy to creepy real fast.
May 7, 2024
Very slow start and the FMC’s internal monologue feels forced and fake. Barely finished & I should’ve DNF’d at 20%.
May 21, 2024
I received Breathless in return for an honest review from the author.
First off can we talk about how stunning that cover is? That's what captured my attention right from the start I just knew I had to read Breathless and I'm so glad that I did. I loved Jules's she's such a great character you can't help falling in love with her as she pushes her way into Mack's life when he disappears from the forum. I also really liked Mack's character he's dealing with his own issues but has made it work as best he can.
I loved both characters and felt that I was really able to connect with Jules and Mack. They have this sweet steamy chemistry that just works even if Mack is a lot less human than he used to be. I ended up devouring Breathless in just one afternoon I couldn't put it down till the very last page. I loved every moment of Jules and Mack's story it was a perfect balance of story to romance.
This is my first book by the author but I'm obsessed with her story telling she's done a beautiful job creating a captivating story. The concept for Breathless is unique and it kept me guess till the very end. I loved that the characters felt real they had normal issues peoples struggle with everyday. I loved every moment of Breathless and plan to read the authors other books. I hope to see another book in this world.
First off can we talk about how stunning that cover is? That's what captured my attention right from the start I just knew I had to read Breathless and I'm so glad that I did. I loved Jules's she's such a great character you can't help falling in love with her as she pushes her way into Mack's life when he disappears from the forum. I also really liked Mack's character he's dealing with his own issues but has made it work as best he can.
I loved both characters and felt that I was really able to connect with Jules and Mack. They have this sweet steamy chemistry that just works even if Mack is a lot less human than he used to be. I ended up devouring Breathless in just one afternoon I couldn't put it down till the very last page. I loved every moment of Jules and Mack's story it was a perfect balance of story to romance.
This is my first book by the author but I'm obsessed with her story telling she's done a beautiful job creating a captivating story. The concept for Breathless is unique and it kept me guess till the very end. I loved that the characters felt real they had normal issues peoples struggle with everyday. I loved every moment of Breathless and plan to read the authors other books. I hope to see another book in this world.
May 1, 2024
I absolutely adored this incredible adventure! I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader (my very first!) for this lovely book.
Jules is relatable in her wild impulsivity and introversion/agoraphobia. I found myself putting myself in her shoes and making the same or similar decisions throughout the entire book. I honestly couldn’t put it down! Mack is such a sweet but secretive fella who fits well with Jules. Kate was definitely the charismatic friend that Jules needed! Their interactions were so wholesome and honestly a bit healing for this reader. In the end I fell in love with the characters the author created. Which I’m sure was the goal! I found a minor/minuscule plot hole, but otherwise the book was fantastic! I will definitely be seeking out more works by this author and I look forward to future books along the same vibes!
Jules is relatable in her wild impulsivity and introversion/agoraphobia. I found myself putting myself in her shoes and making the same or similar decisions throughout the entire book. I honestly couldn’t put it down! Mack is such a sweet but secretive fella who fits well with Jules. Kate was definitely the charismatic friend that Jules needed! Their interactions were so wholesome and honestly a bit healing for this reader. In the end I fell in love with the characters the author created. Which I’m sure was the goal! I found a minor/minuscule plot hole, but otherwise the book was fantastic! I will definitely be seeking out more works by this author and I look forward to future books along the same vibes!
April 25, 2024
holy moly i devoured this book. human-turned-fish-guy and an agoraphobic ex model fall in love via an aquarium forum. this book had it all. steamy scenes? check. adorable and hilarious mcs falling in love? check. drama and thrills? check. a hilarious best friend in a polyamorous relationship who knows too much about the supernatural? check. a terrible and creepy cop neighbor? check. portals and multiverses? check and check. i could not put this down. i’m gonna be thinking ab mack and jules for a long, long time. beautifully and excellently written.
June 30, 2025
well, now i’m breathless 😮💨 i need a minute
September 16, 2025
lol this was bad which like duh
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