Barely Breathing

Merely Mortal #3

by Michelle M. Pillow

Book three of the spellbinding new first-person POV romantic urban fantasy series by NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Michelle M. Pillow.

I thought I could finally breathe again. After surviving the labyrinth, I believed I was done with the supernatural chaos that has been tearing my life apart. I was wrong.

The world I’ve fought so hard to escape keeps pulling me back in, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever.

Costin, the dangerously irresistible vampire I shouldn’t want, still haunts my thoughts.

Paul, the man I swore I would protect by staying away, is now in more danger than ever.

I don’t know what I’m going to do.

Magic is shifting, enemies are closing in, and I’m starting to realize my mortal bloodline might not be as powerless as I’ve always believed. The truth could destroy everything—my family, my future, and maybe even me.

I’ve faced monsters before, but this time, the greatest threat may be the one I never saw coming. I don’t know who to trust, and if I make the wrong choice, it could cost me everything. The only thing I’m certain of?

I’m barely breathing. And the worst is yet to come.

____

Prepare for an exhilarating journey of magic, power struggles, and forbidden love like never before! Perfect for fans of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, supernatural mysteries, forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, power struggles, and heart-stopping twists. This is a must-read for anyone craving more than a little danger in their love stories.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance

444 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

About the author

📚 New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of All Things Romance
🌎 www.MichellePillow.com

Michelle M. Pillow is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold worldwide. Best known for her paranormal and sci-fi romance and paranormal women’s fiction, she writes captivating stories that blend heart, humor, adventure, and a touch of magic—perfect for readers who love immersive worlds and unforgettable characters.

Her bestselling series include Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var®, Warlocks MacGregor®, Order of Magic, and Merely Mortal.

📖 Printable Booklist: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/42pg25jekx

A relentless explorer of both the real and the supernatural, Michelle has chased history through ancient ruins, climbed Mayan temples in Belize, and investigated haunted locations. She believes life is an adventure best fueled by curiosity, creativity, and copious amounts of coffee.

Now based in the American South, Michelle is involved in film and documentary projects with her talented husband. She is mom to a talented artist, and under the strict supervision of her furry overlords (a dog and a cat) who ensure she meets her deadlines. Most days, she can be found in her office wearing pajama pants, writing, plotting, and occasionally dancing to get the creative juices flowing.

She’s the award-winning author of the historical Maiden and the Monster and paranormal romance Love Potions. If you love dragon shifters, mischievous warlocks, and strong heroines who take charge of their destiny, her books are a perfect fit.

📬 Stay Updated! Sign up for exclusive news, sneak peeks, and giveaways:
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💬 Connect with Michelle:
📖 Facebook: AuthorMichellePillow
🌎 Website: www.MichellePillow.com

Reviews

[Michelle]

New Release! Merely Mortal: Barely Breathing 🎉

Tamara Devine’s story is far from over—and in this book, the stakes are higher than ever.

* Mortal caught in supernatural war? Check.
* Steamy, slow-burn tension? Check.
* A dangerous ritual that could change everything? You bet.

Writing this book was a wild ride, full of twists, supernatural intrigue, and some heated moments between Tamara and a certain master vampire. 😏 (Costin may or may not have threatened to bite me for what I was doing to… well, you’ll see.)

Are you #TeamCostin or #TeamTamaraDoesntNeedToChoose?

And if you’ve been waiting to binge-read, now’s the time! The final book, Nearly Dead, is up for preorder!

Grab Merely Mortal: Barely Breathing today!

Amazon https://amzn.to/48nbMfG

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bare...

Nook https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bare...

Apple Books https://books.apple.com/us/book/barel...

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/d...


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book three in the spellbinding first-person POV romantic urban fantasy series by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Michelle M. Pillow.

I never asked for this life.

Being the only mortal in a family of supernatural powerhouses was hard enough. Now, I have a master vampire who won’t let me go, a dragon’s magic that won’t stay quiet, and another damn prophecy hanging over my head like a guillotine.

And the werewolves? They’ve kidnapped an innocent child—along with her father—for a ritual that will either destroy the supernatural world… or twist it into something far worse.

I can’t save them. Not alone.

To stop the ritual, I’ll have to risk everything—my family, my friends, my humanity. Costin, the dangerously seductive vampire, wants to protect me, but even he can’t shield me from the choices I have to make. And Paul, the man who once gave me hope for a normal life? He’s caught at the heart of it all.

I’ve survived dragons, labyrinths, and betrayals. But this time, the stakes are higher than ever. Blood and moonlight are calling, and if I don’t fight with everything I have, I’ll lose more than just my soul.

How much am I willing to sacrifice to save the ones I love?

I’m barely breathing. And the worst is yet to come.

___
Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, and Jeaniene Frost, Barely Breathing blends high-stakes action, supernatural mystery, steamy romance, and forbidden love in a thrilling urban fantasy world. If you crave enemies-to-lovers tension, power struggles, and heart-stopping twists, this is a must-read.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Tamara. She has an interesting way of looking at the world - despite the challenges and the opportunities, the men surrounding her, and the magical strife. Her sense of self takes a hit, but she just keeps trudging forward.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of the Merely Mortal series and Tamara Devine awakes to find that Costin, the vampire leader and her possible boyfriend, has mesmerised her against her will, keeping her unaware of events for a whole week after she went through a draining trial in the labyrinths. She is a human born into a powerful magical family, almost completely destroyed by her adopted human brother Conrad, who wasn’t happy just being human. He wanted power and magic and would do anything to ensure that happened. He had tried to kill her multiple times, but her amulet protected her and ended up killing Conrad when he forced her to give it to him, to save her human love Paul and his daughter Diana. Time was reset as if nothing had happened and she had to let Paul and Diana go back to their normal human life without her, as being with her was too dangerous. But when Paul’s memories came back and he seeks her out in Manhattan, he is abducted from the streets in front of her, with Costin not even attempting to get him back. Costin is extremely jealous of her relationship and continuing feelings for Paul, especially now she is supposedly with him. The amulet is now allowing her to sense the now sleeping dragon Draakmar as he stirs, whilst also stopping any vampire from being able to sink their fangs into her, unless she takes it off. She needs to find out why the werewolves took Paul and check if his daughter Diana is safe. She returns home and finds her brother Anthony there, with the news that the Freemont family are wanting her dragged before the elders for calling off her engagement to their son, Chester. Something she would never have done, if she had any choice in the matter, but thankfully the wizard doing the ceremony withdrew his blessing.

Tamara can sense that Costin is hiding something from her, and he is trying to get her to do as he demands, by mesmerising her again. He wants her back under his control, in his underground home. Tamara needs to speak to her brother Anthony’s werewolf friend Peter, to find out where Paul is and why they want him. Paul was told by Tamara to use the phrase ‘Devine protectus’, if he ever ended up in a situation with supernaturals, as that should have protected him against any kind of bad intentions, naming himself as a protected human of the Devine family. The only problem is that as a mere mortal, it isn’t something that Tamara can enact. Peter doesn’t want to tell them much of anything but eventually reveals that the alpha had been planning a powerful ritual for decades, collecting all the relevant pieces needed. Ever since the night at the shipping yard, something that was wiped from Tamara’s memories! She forces Costin to take her to see the alpha werewolf, which takes a few days to arrange an authorised visit, but he is reluctant and tells her the alpha isn’t going to just hand Paul over to her without a price. She soon figures out that the alpha Thane is holding Paul as part of this ritual, and she is about to face an adversary from her erased past, as well as betrayal from another magical family seeking power and a higher rung on the magical power ladder. Thane says he wants her in exchange for Paul and gives her a few days to decide what she will do, whilst Costin is determined to lock her away to keep her safe until the Blood Moon is over. That is the event that will help to super charge the ritual the werewolves want to do, but it will involve the sacrifice of Paul and his daughter, to twist the magical world into their own idea of how it should be formed. Her dragon is trying to send her messages and the only thing she gets from them is that blood and moonlight are important and key to what is happening. A missing cargo years ago, involving a young Tamara trying to prove her use to her father by working nights at his shipping company, involved Costin and the Freemont family, and turns out to have been a key part of the plan happening now.

Tamara begins to realise that Costin has serious feelings for her and his jealousy over her remaining feelings for Paul, makes him act overly protective towards her, but also doesn’t allow her to do as she believes she should to save Paul and Diana. He should know by now that Tamara will doo what she thinks is right, even if it could lead to her own death. She still feels guilty for what happened to Paula and Diana the first-time round, just to find they are now in danger again due to their joint past. Thane wants her back in three days and he doesn’t just want Paul, he wants her as well. She worries about where Diana is, and her brother Anthony and her birth mother go to check on her. The further they look into whatever ritual Thane is planning, the more it links to Tamara and the warnings her dragon is trying to show her of blood and moonlight. Fixing the amulet to tame Draakmar, had to be done and her prophecy had to be fulfilled, as Costin had promised her uncle George, with him protecting her at all times, whether she knew it or not. That meant he took some of her memories over the years and hid other things from her. No matter how much she asks, he refuses to reveal his secrets, where she is concerned! Some memories are coming back to her, but others she will have to pay the pain to recover, which could be deadly for her. Costin steals her memories of her first meeting his sister, Elizabeth, when she had tried to kill her, something Costin knew nothing about. But Costin has the guilt of what happened to his young sister when he gave her away in marriage aged fourteen and ignored all the warnings, she gave him about how she was being treated. That marriage led to first Elizabeth and then Costin being turned into vampires. Now she wants him to suffer like she did, and she also wants the power and position she thought was due to her all this time, instead of him! She has always wanted his position, but the vampire council would never agree to let her take his place, as she is too erratic and not exactly a nice person or in her right mind.

Astrid helps research the ritual, along with information given by Peter, which prove that Tamara, Paul and Diana are the only three people who fit the needs for the werewolf ritual. They needed someone with draconic magic, someone with forgotten magic and someone touched by death magic, all mortals and they had searched for centuries for this mix to be found at the right time. Costin had let them take Paul instead of her, knowing full well that Thane had something bad planned for him. Costin had been trying to stop a supernatural war for decades but hadn’t known exactly what Thane had planned. Now the mortal woman he has fallen in love with, is in dire danger and she will act without him, placing herself in the trap awaiting her, without his knowledge. Tamara can’t leave Paul and Diana to their fates at the hands of Thane, Elizabeth and the Freemonts, all in aid of a ritual to redistribute the magical power amongst the supernaturals in the werewolves favour. She couldn’t live with herself if she left them to a painful death without trying to stop it. Tamara believes she can save Paul and hopefully find Diana, but she walks into a trap and will suffer whatever comes next. Costin was kept in the dark about Tamara’s desperate plan and will struggle to get to her in time. His sister is happy to see his struggle and eager to kill Tamara, to ensure he suffers the same pain she did and to take over his power and position, although she is misleading herself if she thinks she could ever be in charge. Draakmar had been trying to tell Tamara something about Diana and it is only as the ritual reaches its zenith that she finally understands what she has to do. What she does next will leave her vulnerable and a target for Thane and Elizabeth, which will leave Costin bereft and forced to make a decision Tamara would not want. What happens next leaves Tamara’s very existence on a knife’s edge as a result of what has been done to her. If she will survive and what she will end up as, is up in the air and will need to wait for the finale. I look forward to seeing what happens next and whether she will ever forgive Costin for what he does.

I received an ARC copy of this book, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Agenda.
Just when you think you have the plot figured out another twist is added. I just couldn’t put this book down. Watching the mystery unfold connecting so many characters and their magic got better as the book progressed. Rituals, things hidden in the past as well as romantic dynamics all made this a great story. Ending on a cliffhanger, I can’t wait to see how the story concludes.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the excitement, danger, and suspense

Phew. This book. This urban fantasy grabbed me from the first page and kept me enthralled until the last. It was definitely a stay up too late, cannot put it down kind of book. I was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The story weaves together all the good things - exhilarating adventure, palpable tension, unexpected twists, dangerous moments, deep emotions, and swoony romance. Expect a twisty winding roller coaster of a story from the first page to the last because instead of a slow ratcheting up of the danger and suspense, the story starts with intensity and just never lets up. While the books main story arc resolves, the overarching story arc of the series is not resolved by the end of this book and it ends on a sort of cliffhanger. As long as you understand that, you’ll enjoy this part of the story. Tamara is once again portrayed as a real, relatable and likeable heroine who has flaws and scars, but is really just trying to do her best as a messy mortal in very messy supernatural situations. She is from ancient magical lineage but she is mortal which makes her vulnerable. Previously, Tamara stopped the apocalypse by fixing her broken magical amulet and taming an ancient dragon. But her life is still far from boring. This book starts exactly where the last one ended with her dating the master vampire, Costin, and having just seen Paul, her boyfriend from the erased timeline, taken by a werewolf. Despite Tamara’s best efforts to live a boring life, she continues to be drawn into ever more dangerous plots and machinations of the supernatural world. The flow of the story was well done - danger and suspense followed by brief periods of romance and emotional drama before the cycle starts again. The book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from this genre - sweet moments, spice, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, supernatural creatures, secrets, plot twists, painful pasts, evil actors, and love. I am definitely invested in the story and I cannot wait to read the conclusion in the final book.

PS - while this can be read as a standalone as there is enough back story woven into the book that you will not be lost, do yourself a favor and start with book one, you’ll get so much more out of the story if you do.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Magical Power Struggle . . .

Tamara Devine is a mortal born into a supernatural family, knowledgeable about magic but having none of her own. She had endured quite a few situations lately, consisting of volcanoes, a dragon, labyrinths, dual time lines, vampires, werewolves and more. Somehow, she has survived all of them. Now the sister of Master Vampire, Constantin (Costin) has partnered with the werewolf Alpha Thane to realign the power structure of the paranormal world to control ALL magic. To do that, the Alpha needs the blood of three mortals for his ritual to work: a mortal touched by death; a mortal who still believes in magic; and a mortal linked to dragons. They already have Paul and possibly his daughter Diana. The werewolves are torturing Paul, and his five-year-old daughter is actually missing. But with Costin so jealous over Tamara’s relationship with the human Paul, he doesn’t want to even try getting him back if it risks her life. He even offers to rescue Diana and bring her back if Tamara will let the wolves have Paul.

So she tells Costin more explicitly about the sacrifices so he fully understands. They need Tamara because of her connection to the dragon Draakmar, Paul because of what happened when he died before (death magic), and Diana because of something she doesn’t even know she has. And Tamara is aware now that Costin deliberately let them take Paul. Paul is a kind man who doesn’t deserve this; Diana is an innocent child -- and Tamara will not turn her back on either of them. She also will not choose to be with anyone who would let a child be killed. Asking Tamara to stay safe just to keep the ritual from being successful, as Costin is suggesting, is not good enough. So Costin told her he would never have allowed the child to be taken. He let Paul be captured because they threatened to take Tamara; he thought they would just turn Paul into a wolf. But Costin hadn’t known they needed the 3 sacrifices. With Tamara’s body heating up, will Draakmar wake and help save the others? And who will Tamara choose if Paul and Costin both survive?

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

BARELY BREATHING is a Urban Fantasy Romance. This is the third installment in the new series 'Merely Mortal' from Michelle Pillow and a little different from her normal style. There is a well-written plot and developed characters topped off with intrigue, suspense with twists and turns, magic, and romance. It's told in the first person from the POV of the main character's thoughts and feelings. 

Born with no magic into a powerful magical family, Tamara has always been told she's merely a mortal. She has discovered that her amulet gives her protection and some power through Draakmar, the ancient dragon.

Niw that her traitorous brother, Conrad, is dead, Draakmar is sleeping again. She's still in love with the mortal Paul, but knows he and his daughter is safer without her around. 

She turns to the one person that has always been there for her, the ancient Master Vampire, Constantin (Costin). She finds herself in a steamy, forbidden romance with Costin, but missing Paul at the same time. When she realizes Paul is in the werewolves hands, she asks Costin for his help. They find a conspiracy to control all magics by sacrificing three special people. They have Paul. They wouldn't take his child, would they? Who is the third person to be sacrificed?  Time is of the essence. Will Draakmar wake and help her save those she lives? There will be hard choices to make. Will they succeed? Who will survive?  If they possibly come out of this alive, will she go with Paul or Costin?

Of course there is one more installment to follow and I can hardly wait to see what life is like after this battle of magic. Looking for 'Nearly Dead'.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Tamara awakes, she has a magical connection through her amulet to the dragon Draakmar. Draakmar is ancient, and sleeps within the earth. Her grandfather had been friends with the vampire leader, Constantine, or Costin. Tamara has gone through a lot recently and you really need to read the other books, although there is a good summary in the book. But, with the amulet’s healing, memories return to Paul, a human male. Tamara had fallen for him in the previous book, but there was so much horror and anguish that when the amulet broke, everything was reset. The werewolves had taken Paul, just as Tamara finds out that he remembers it all. She is upset with Costin because he is jealous of Paul. Tamara remembers everything and she tells a lot of it to her magical brother, Anthony. He is hilarious and protective of her, since Tam is human. After Anthony talks his werewolf buddy Peter to coming and explaining some things, everything goes to total mayhem. So much goes on in this book that I found myself laughing, giggling, crying, chewing on my nails, punching my pillow and throwing it as well. We also find out a lot more than we bargained for in the book and it gets scary really fast. I felt sick to my stomach on more than one occasion and definitely unable to sleep afterwards for a while because I couldn’t get my brain to shut off from the ramifications. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I can well imagine there are swirling depths beneath his calm surface that I haven’t seen."

Tamara didn't choose to be the mortal daughter of a powerful magical family. She is trying to decide how to live her life. With others trying to dictate her choices Tamara is determined to chart her own course... But time will tell if she has actually learned enough to do so wisely, or if years of others sheltering and protecting her has left her lacking knowledge she needs.

Barely Breathing is a compelling page turner, turning supernatural politics, alliances and treaties into intriguing drama as Tamara questions if her trust is misplaced, gains greater appreciation for her unique family, and struggles to do what her heart and soul knows is right, even when it could cost her everything.

This book builds on the previous books in the series, and left me ready to turn the page and dive in to the next one. Characters surprise, grow... or in some cases simply prove your instincts about them were oh so right!.

I was gifted with a copy of Barely Breathing and chose to share my thoughts.

[CelticMoonGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great series and loving every book so far and this one is special as all the main characters come together and Tamara has lots of questions, choices and decisions to face.
A new direction from Michelle M Pillow and a great dark, vulnerable and totally addictive page turner for me and am on edge to wait and discover what the final instalment in book 4 will bring.
I am sure this is a series I will re-read again and again to come back into this supernatural fantasy world and re-connect with this group of enjoyable characters. Each book has been a surprise and totally unpredictable and unexpected which is a refreshing element to this genre. I have read a lot of Michelle M Pillow's series of books and often hard to put a favourite to one but this collection is vying for top spot.
If you like your characters with light and dark, vulnerable and flawed, feisty heroines and annoying hot heroes set in fantasy supernatural and fantasy world then a great series to bring you an enjoyable rollercoaster of emotional adventure.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marta Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my now that’s how you keep readers on the edge of their seat ! Tamara has always known that as a mortal she can die but growing up in a supernatural family has certainly had its challenges . Now she’s seen her timeline change, found love, lost it ( yeah not an easy life ) and yet here she is falling for a vampire who probably has his own agenda !
Tamara just keeps going no matter what gets thrown at her and yes she’s been naive at times but I cannot fault her desire to do what is right . Paul has been abducted by the werewolves and Tamara isn’t sure that Costin didn’t help ! There are definitely monsters in this story but Tamara is determined not to become one and yet as this juggernaut of an instalment thunders to a close this reader is left desperately wanting the next book. This is full of magic and twists not to mention characters that demand attention with an emotional ending that leaves me reeling .
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barely Breathing is the third story in the Merely Mortal series which is an amazing urban fantasy romance. I haven’t read many urban fantasy romances, but I absolutely enjoyed reading Barely Breathing. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters throughout the story, seeing their personalities, characteristics and overall character. Barely Breathing is phenomenally written, well balanced and beautifully executed by Michelle M Pillow. Michelle M Pillow continues to show what a phenomenal author, storyteller and writer she is with each amazing story she creates and writes. The characters in Barely Breathing are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. Each character in this book I thought to be quite interesting, intriguing, entertaining and absolute joy to get to know. I would definitely recommend Barely Breathing to anyone who is looking for a new urban fantasy romance to read. I can’t wait to see what will come next from Michelle M Pillow in the future.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CherylB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal Thriller! This is the third book in this series. Tamara Devine has survived much in the last months: volcano, dragon, dual time lines, vampires, werewolves and more. This time she again reluctantly allies with Costin. Even her stepmother helps. The werewolf alpha has conspired with Costin’s sister and the Devine family rival to realign the power structure of their paranormal world. This ritual requires three sacrifices. A mortal touched by death. A mortal that still believes in magic. And a mortal linked to dragons. They have kidnapped Paul and his daughter Diana. And they’ve made several attempts to snatch Tamara. Can Tamara trust Costin? Will he finally restore all her memories? Can they stop this horrible ritual? This story is full of action, danger and passion. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Be warned there is a bit of a cliffhanger. Hopefully the last book will release soon!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamara wakes in Costin's bedroom confused and sure that he has one again mesmerized her, this time in an attempt to divert her from trying to find out where the werewolves took Paul. She is sure he knows more about it than he is admitting. But things will only get worse, and weirder, from there. Conspiracies abound and a ritual is scheduled for the upcoming blood moon that will involve not just Paul, but Tamara and Diana. Draakmar is trying to tell her something, but she is not understanding the message. Things are being hidden from her. Things that she had been made to forget. What you don't know can hurt you. In the end, everything will change.

Can't wait for the next book. This one gets intense, so be prepared. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miriam Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book, I barely hang on until the next one comes out as there are such great cliff hangers at the end of each book!

This book was so good that I could not put it down and it has all the things that you love to read about - great romance, throw in a prior boyfriend in a different timeline, and a bunch of enemies and you have great drama.

The story continues from the previous books with the amulet, Paul, Diana, and those that want to take the power of the amulet away from Tamara.

The end of this book, the amulet is safe but Tamara is not and we wait for the next book to find out if Tamara survives - and if she survives, will she forgive Costin for saving her life??

Can't wait!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamara saved the world, now what? She now has magic from a dragon, but it’s not hers really, she still has a vampire hanging around, her ex boyfriend and his daughter have been kidnapped by werewolves and there is ANOTHER prophecy about her. Poor girl! Ms Pillow has definitely written a rather darker story this time, but it still has her deft touch with writing and balancing things out. Tamara really stands in as an everyman (everywoman?) who to my thinking is like how we would have felt if all of these things happened to us. Of course it’s exciting and hot and definitely her best writing yet! There is another cliffhanger, but luckily the next book is already out.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Couldn’t put it down!

Wow! Each book seems even better than the last. This one was amazing! I honestly am just drawn into the story from page 1. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. And, yes, I had to read it in one sitting. I just couldn’t stop myself. After reading the first two I planned for this when I opened this book. I love that no one is perfect and that they struggle. There are times some of the characters drive me crazy with “why did they do that?!” Its well written, pulse pounding and at times romantic. Highly recommend this book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barely Breathing by Michelle M Pillow 4 1/2*
Allow two days (or an extremely long one) for this dark action-packed contemporary forbidden age-gap enemies-to-lovers paranormal supernatural power-play urban fantasy romance, mostly set in Manhattan, New York. It features abduction, abuse, arranged marriage, a dragon, drugs, lgbtq, magic, mystery, portals, and rescues. This is the third in the series, and I recommend binge-reading it in order, although it will stand alone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tam still can't catch a break and I'm thrilled. Not to be mean to her, but because we get this new book! This is my favorite to date in this series.
This book has such a well flowing plot that had me turning page after page until I was at the end. I didn't even realize it was 3am. We get Tam, Paul, Costin and others which make for an intriguing, thrilling read. The twist definitely leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting for book 4.
Another masterfully written book by Michelle M Pillow which I highly recommend. I wish I could rate more stars.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pull and push between Constin and Tamara is both scary and heart wrenching. She doesn’t want to love him but is drawn to him. And the guilt of the werewolves grabbing Paul is eating her up. Draakmar is sending her messages she can’t interpret. Tamara’s life is falling apart. Focusing on saving Paul gives her something to work toward instead of her failings. Chaos ensues will this butterfly ever be free? Don’t miss the bumpy crazy sexy third installment. One more, go Tamara!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third part of the ongoing saga of Tamara and her adventures. This engaging 3 part kept me glued to the pages as I'd read this dark romance. I'd found Tamara an enjoyable wonderful character to root for, the plot was intriguing, and the guys; Paul, and Costin are wonderful too. The world building is divine and well done in this highly enjoyable serial with its twists and turns as she tries to stop Draakmar. Loved the flashbacks of Tamara's memories that entwined in this part. I'd volunteer to read and review this delightful serial I'd received a copy.

[WILMA from the Netherlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bumpy rollercoaster of an ride.

This third book in the series once again kept me glued until the last page. This is a highly enjoyable serial with its twists and turns as Tamara tries to stop Draakmar. I loved the flashbacks of Tamara's memories that entwined in this part. I love the way this author writes and makes me feel like I'm watching a movie. The characters are fantastic and have such depth to them. I can't wait to see how it ends in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling

A strong emotional read that I couldn’t put down as each page takes you deeper and deeper into the storyline!

I can’t put into words how profound this story is and how you feel as you read each and every chapter.

What an ending and what a twist, be prepared for an ending that will leave you wanting more!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Paquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!

I was sure that this series was not finished with the twists and turns in Tamara’s life, and this book proved me correct, all done with tons of heat, mysteries to solve, characters I never expected to be allies, and other surprises (both great and nasty).

Another successful tour de force by Michelle M. Pillow. Now I can’t wait for the conclusion of the series, as there are likely other surprises to unpack.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have one major complaint regarding this book: it came to an end! This action-packed suspense romance had everything you need: romance, jealousy, betrayal, misunderstandings, shifters, vampires, and a dragon!
I was hooked from page one, I could not even guess as to what was going to happen and now, I am impatiently waiting for the fourth and final book.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so enjoying this series, with its non-stop action.

Tamara is in a relationship with Costin - the Master Vampire, but still has residual feelings for Paul. She finds out the hard way that herself, Paul and his daughter are all destined to be players in a ritual. One that could change the whole world. Costin's sister is a major player in the plans for this ritual, and Tamara and Costin have to stop her - if they can.

[Bookworm Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the last book was full-on but this one takes over - big style. Trying to stop the next disaster between the supernaturals and humans. We are on an even bigger rollercoaster from the last time and what a cliffhanger this one ends on.....
Book 4 seems a long time away. Worth way more than 5 stars for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I voluntarily leave this honest review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an amazing journey! Literally had everything you want from a paranormal romance! So many twists and turns in was completely invested and now cannot wait for the next book! Although you could read as a standalone i highly recommend you read the previous books in this fantastic series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barely Breathing Book 3 of Merely Mortal by Michelle M. Pillow is a rollercoaster ride of betrayal, jealousy, romance with shifters and vampires. This book captured me from page one and kept me on the edge of my seat!! I now have to wait for the next book oh my goodness I can't wait!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Madeleine Booth-Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book had me barely breathing! I was completely captivated from the very beginning and just couldn't put it down! Michelle has such a way with words that create strong images and emotions and totally rooting for your favourite characters! Love how intricately the story was woven through the books with many revelations coming to light! Ohh I really can't wait for the last book!!