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The Breathless
A tropical island cozy fantasy.
Can you love someone you only see once a year?
Shawn Carcerian is building a name for himself as the most famous captain of the Trysanthem Isles. But he has an old reputation as a heartbreaker that precedes every visit home.
That’s never mattered to him until the day he meets Eloise and steals a kiss that he doesn’t want to be their last.
Join them on their islands, away from the adventures on the high seas, and find out what happens every year when Shawn comes home.
The Breathless works both as a prequel to The Legendaries Series, but also as a standalone cozy fantasy.
Can you love someone you only see once a year?
Shawn Carcerian is building a name for himself as the most famous captain of the Trysanthem Isles. But he has an old reputation as a heartbreaker that precedes every visit home.
That’s never mattered to him until the day he meets Eloise and steals a kiss that he doesn’t want to be their last.
Join them on their islands, away from the adventures on the high seas, and find out what happens every year when Shawn comes home.
The Breathless works both as a prequel to The Legendaries Series, but also as a standalone cozy fantasy.
- GenresFantasy
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
About the author
Ella Walker Henderson
30 books189 followersElla Walker Henderson is the author of character driven epic fantasy, full of adventure and a dash of romance. Some of her favorite tropes are enemies to friends to lovers, the heroine's journey, and the chosen duo's quest. She writes about women who must fight for what they love, whether on a battlefield or among friends. As she's always a fan of a good plot twist, you may not know which characters to trust.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 22, 2025
This is a sweet, if simple love story. It isn’t really fantasy, though. The only “fantasy” aspect is that the two protagonists can hold their breath underwater for extended periods of time. Nothing else at all would lean towards the fantasy categorization. It is more a historical romance about a sailor born to explore the world and a young lady who loves the land. Eloise is perfectly happy with her life and has no desire to travel. Shawn is an adventurer whose life is the sea. The story follows them through the years as they try and work out a relationship that will suit them both.
It isn’t anything exciting, there isn’t a big climax and no real conflict (aside from him being gone). It’s just a quick, quiet read when one prefers less stress.
It isn’t anything exciting, there isn’t a big climax and no real conflict (aside from him being gone). It’s just a quick, quiet read when one prefers less stress.
April 17, 2025
This was such a sweet love story spread over the years for Shawn and Eloise. We meet them when she is too young and he too reckless, but as the book moves along, they both grow up and learn. I really enjoyed the dual POV and getting to witness scenes from each of their perspectives. Getting to discover Eloise and her joyful spirit along with Shawn and his adventuring heart was lovely and very cozy.
“But whatever fate I choose, I’m going to work at finding the joy in life, no matter where I am or who I’m with. And I’m going to sing every day, happy or not."
“But whatever fate I choose, I’m going to work at finding the joy in life, no matter where I am or who I’m with. And I’m going to sing every day, happy or not."
April 1, 2025
Soft, sweet, and quietly unforgettable.
There’s something uniquely magical about The Breathless. Unlike most fantasy romances that lean into high stakes and heavy angst, this cozy standalone prequel to The Legendaries series invites you to breathe, to feel, to fall gently into something sun-warmed and beautiful.
Shawn Carcerian is a sea captain with a glittering reputation—and an old one for breaking hearts. But when he meets Eloise, something shifts. One kiss becomes a promise neither of them makes out loud, and yet somehow they both honor it… year after year.
Told across annual visits to the Trysanthem Isles, this book explores what happens when love blooms in moments—brief, intense, and impossibly meaningful. Each time Shawn comes home, Eloise is there. They talk. They laugh. They connect. And then he leaves again, carrying the ache of what they could be.
Ella Walker Henderson captures the quiet, tentative nature of a love built slowly. This isn’t a romance of big declarations—it’s built on soft smiles, inside jokes, and that dizzying feeling of seeing someone again after too long apart. Their chemistry is gentle, their bond palpable, and the storytelling is layered with subtle emotional depth.
The tropical setting is lush and vividly drawn. I could smell the salt air and hear the lapping waves. It's the perfect backdrop for this kind of story—a place outside of time, where moments matter more than minutes.
Highly recommended for fans of cozy romantasy, seaside magic, and love stories that feel as timeless as the tide.
There’s something uniquely magical about The Breathless. Unlike most fantasy romances that lean into high stakes and heavy angst, this cozy standalone prequel to The Legendaries series invites you to breathe, to feel, to fall gently into something sun-warmed and beautiful.
Shawn Carcerian is a sea captain with a glittering reputation—and an old one for breaking hearts. But when he meets Eloise, something shifts. One kiss becomes a promise neither of them makes out loud, and yet somehow they both honor it… year after year.
Told across annual visits to the Trysanthem Isles, this book explores what happens when love blooms in moments—brief, intense, and impossibly meaningful. Each time Shawn comes home, Eloise is there. They talk. They laugh. They connect. And then he leaves again, carrying the ache of what they could be.
Ella Walker Henderson captures the quiet, tentative nature of a love built slowly. This isn’t a romance of big declarations—it’s built on soft smiles, inside jokes, and that dizzying feeling of seeing someone again after too long apart. Their chemistry is gentle, their bond palpable, and the storytelling is layered with subtle emotional depth.
The tropical setting is lush and vividly drawn. I could smell the salt air and hear the lapping waves. It's the perfect backdrop for this kind of story—a place outside of time, where moments matter more than minutes.
Highly recommended for fans of cozy romantasy, seaside magic, and love stories that feel as timeless as the tide.
April 15, 2025
Shawn Carcerian is known by many among the Trysanthem Islands. Depending on who you ask will determine what reputation or rumor you hear. After yet another bitter sailing with Captain Hale, he is determined to get his own boat and a crew. He needs to overcome old reputations and bad connections though. He just didn't expect the need to shake the one of being a heartbreaker so soon. After a chance meeting with some friends at port he is stunned by the melodic voice of Eloise. Eloise knows Shawn's reputation and doesn't want to be caught by his charms. But something about the way they talk and how he looks at her makes her think this isn’t just a passing fascination. Shawn is torn on making his goals on the sea happen and spending time with Eloise. But she finds herself waiting and is Shawn worth that wait?
This was such a cozy romance and I loved every moment in this book. Shawn's journey about finding his path and a balance between the land and sea was captivating. Eloise not wanting to compromise either one of them but not sure what to do was such a real issue. These were both people handling such mature concepts as young adults and it was handled so well. They both made mistakes, had outside influences guiding actions, and the moments they shared. A wonderful addition to the Legendary series without needing to read the Selah series first.
This was such a cozy romance and I loved every moment in this book. Shawn's journey about finding his path and a balance between the land and sea was captivating. Eloise not wanting to compromise either one of them but not sure what to do was such a real issue. These were both people handling such mature concepts as young adults and it was handled so well. They both made mistakes, had outside influences guiding actions, and the moments they shared. A wonderful addition to the Legendary series without needing to read the Selah series first.
July 17, 2025
📖 blurb:
Shawn is a young sailor with goals for more. He has a reputation for being a ladies man and heartbreaker. When he meets Eloise and steals a kiss that changes his heart, he becomes a man whose heart beats for her. Eloise is a no-nonsense young lady whose afraid to give her heart to Shawn. Time passes, and Shawn continues to show his interest. But can the charming captain prove to her she's all he wants?
My 💭:
Great read for a quick story with minimal conflict. There's no high stakes, heart pounding action. It's just a sweet love story. There is a small fantasy element. As with all of Ella's stories, it's more of a spiritual fantasy element, rather than physical, although Shawn and Eloise are both know as "the breathless." They have the ability to hold their breath under water for long periods of time. It's interesting, though not a fully fleshed out concept. That may come later in the Legendaries series however, as this is a prequel, seemingly to introduce the world and characters. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
What to expect:
👩❤️💋👨 Sweet kisses, hand holding, pining. No spice!
🪄As mentioned, the only magical aspect is that the MCs can hold their breaths under water for long periods of time. Shawn's power seems to be stronger than others.
⚔️ Not too much action. Emotional suspense, but no physical dangers
Shawn is a young sailor with goals for more. He has a reputation for being a ladies man and heartbreaker. When he meets Eloise and steals a kiss that changes his heart, he becomes a man whose heart beats for her. Eloise is a no-nonsense young lady whose afraid to give her heart to Shawn. Time passes, and Shawn continues to show his interest. But can the charming captain prove to her she's all he wants?
My 💭:
Great read for a quick story with minimal conflict. There's no high stakes, heart pounding action. It's just a sweet love story. There is a small fantasy element. As with all of Ella's stories, it's more of a spiritual fantasy element, rather than physical, although Shawn and Eloise are both know as "the breathless." They have the ability to hold their breath under water for long periods of time. It's interesting, though not a fully fleshed out concept. That may come later in the Legendaries series however, as this is a prequel, seemingly to introduce the world and characters. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
What to expect:
👩❤️💋👨 Sweet kisses, hand holding, pining. No spice!
🪄As mentioned, the only magical aspect is that the MCs can hold their breaths under water for long periods of time. Shawn's power seems to be stronger than others.
⚔️ Not too much action. Emotional suspense, but no physical dangers
April 14, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I am a big fan of EWH’s work because of her ability to really drag me into the depths of a romance and get me all kinds of wrapped up in it.
Her work here is no different.
This is a sweet, light read that has equal parts dread and butterflies for the reader. The only real complaint I could have about this book was Eloise’s immovably and refusal to leave home, even for short stretches, to facilitate a budding romance and later full blown love. BUT even if I could fault the story for that, it was used exceptionally well as part of the character’s growth and ultimately felt genuine and enjoyable considering that Eloise is only 17 or 18 at the beginning of the novel.
This book is for anyone who wants a sweet, heart-warming romance with a little tweak of the extraordinary (being that they can hold their breath for nearly a half hour). I really enjoyed this read and expect lovers of romance and longing will too.
I am a big fan of EWH’s work because of her ability to really drag me into the depths of a romance and get me all kinds of wrapped up in it.
Her work here is no different.
This is a sweet, light read that has equal parts dread and butterflies for the reader. The only real complaint I could have about this book was Eloise’s immovably and refusal to leave home, even for short stretches, to facilitate a budding romance and later full blown love. BUT even if I could fault the story for that, it was used exceptionally well as part of the character’s growth and ultimately felt genuine and enjoyable considering that Eloise is only 17 or 18 at the beginning of the novel.
This book is for anyone who wants a sweet, heart-warming romance with a little tweak of the extraordinary (being that they can hold their breath for nearly a half hour). I really enjoyed this read and expect lovers of romance and longing will too.
April 25, 2025
This is a cute and cosy romance. We meet Shawn, full of reckless dreams of being a captain and young Eloise who is a homebody. I did like the dual POVs, however, instead of so many time jumps, I would have loved to have seen a glimpse of Shawn’s adventures or even a time of yearning for Eloise.
The idea of them being ‘Breathless’ is interesting but we don’t get to see that a lot. I’m not entirely sure what it means so I am hoping we get to see that in the series that follows this prequel. As prequels go, it is nice to see their relationship form and how they mature.
The problem I found whilst reading is the speech. It was mostly all the same, and I found myself skimming through a lot of it. I didn’t really connect with what the characters were saying, I didn’t feel a lot of that emotion and rarely found much colloquialism.
Overall, it is a cute little romantic prequel, that could develop into an adventurous series. Thank you for the ARC 🩵
The idea of them being ‘Breathless’ is interesting but we don’t get to see that a lot. I’m not entirely sure what it means so I am hoping we get to see that in the series that follows this prequel. As prequels go, it is nice to see their relationship form and how they mature.
The problem I found whilst reading is the speech. It was mostly all the same, and I found myself skimming through a lot of it. I didn’t really connect with what the characters were saying, I didn’t feel a lot of that emotion and rarely found much colloquialism.
Overall, it is a cute little romantic prequel, that could develop into an adventurous series. Thank you for the ARC 🩵
April 25, 2025
What a lovely cozy romantasy book. What I love about Ella Walker Henderson’s books, is that all of her characters are so calm and even keeled. While there can be drama in the books, the characters are more cerebral and analyze situations before reacting too irrationally. It makes for comfortable reading and you can really enjoy the story without any of the main characters irritating the heck out of you.
The Breathless is a prequel to the Legendaries series. It tells the sweet tale of Shawn and Eloise and how they come to be together. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I loved their story. This is a great setup to the next book, which will be full of adventure, I’m sure!
If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy romance, this book is for you!
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Breathless is a prequel to the Legendaries series. It tells the sweet tale of Shawn and Eloise and how they come to be together. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I loved their story. This is a great setup to the next book, which will be full of adventure, I’m sure!
If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy romance, this book is for you!
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2025
The Breathless is the prequel to Ella Walker Henderson's Legendaries series. We follow Eloise and Shawn as they navigate a relationship that has them seeing each other sometimes less than once per year. Their connection was instant when they met but time and distance kept them apart. Shawn & Eloise are both "Breathless" meaning they can stay underwater much longer than anyone else. Shawn is a new boat captain who is helping open trade routes for their king and country. Eloise is a sweet fishing net maker who is watching her friends move on with their lives with husbands and babies. This is definitely a slow burn as Shawn and Eloise try to find their way together realizing they may need to be apart. Eloise is a strong young woman and is wise enough to know what she wants and brave enough to voice it. Shawn is a successful young captain with so much charm you can't help root for him. With a job that keeps him offshore most of the year, how will they be able to make a go at a life together?
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading the next two books, Deep in the Sea, Anchor in the Storm, and The Emperor at War (coming fall 2025).
I received an e-copy of this book from the author for my review and all opinions are my own. Thank you, Ella!
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading the next two books, Deep in the Sea, Anchor in the Storm, and The Emperor at War (coming fall 2025).
I received an e-copy of this book from the author for my review and all opinions are my own. Thank you, Ella!
May 29, 2025
A magical love story
Shawn and Eloise briefly star in Ella Walker Hederson's epic Selah series and this is their backstory. It is a beautiful, gentle love story and a great will they, won't they read. They are also the stars of the new Legendaries series for which this is a prequel. I can't wait to read more of their story, being breathless is certainly a superpower I could get behind!! Walker Henderson writes with poise and her characters are deeply human and believable. I am always excited when she announces another book release and highly recommend you read this. You can start at this story without needing to have read anything else as everything is explained without feeling patronising to those of us who have read everything!
Shawn and Eloise briefly star in Ella Walker Hederson's epic Selah series and this is their backstory. It is a beautiful, gentle love story and a great will they, won't they read. They are also the stars of the new Legendaries series for which this is a prequel. I can't wait to read more of their story, being breathless is certainly a superpower I could get behind!! Walker Henderson writes with poise and her characters are deeply human and believable. I am always excited when she announces another book release and highly recommend you read this. You can start at this story without needing to have read anything else as everything is explained without feeling patronising to those of us who have read everything!
May 7, 2025
If you have read the Selah Series, then you will recognize Shawn Carcerian, who was one of the supporting characters in that series. The Breathless is Shawn's story, and follows him as he navigates his burgeoning career, love, and the struggle to have both.
He steals a kiss from Eloise, but the timing isn't right to pursue more than that. Can he convince her that hers are the last lips he wants to kiss? Or will his reputation, and the fact that he is away for long stretches at a time, scare her into the arms of another man?
And if you HAVEN'T read the Selah Series, now is the perfect time! You'll be all done and ready for Book 1 of the Legendaries Series coming June 2025.
He steals a kiss from Eloise, but the timing isn't right to pursue more than that. Can he convince her that hers are the last lips he wants to kiss? Or will his reputation, and the fact that he is away for long stretches at a time, scare her into the arms of another man?
And if you HAVEN'T read the Selah Series, now is the perfect time! You'll be all done and ready for Book 1 of the Legendaries Series coming June 2025.
May 6, 2025
This standalone fantasy romance follows two very different people. They are both gifted as breathless, meaning they don't need to breathe for long periods to remain underwater, but one is a daring adventurer and the other a cautious homebody. They fit the criteria for opposites attract, but can their love survive the test of time? Somehow, Henderson makes you love both characters and appreciate their differences. It's a cozy prequel to the Legendary series, and you don't need to have read the Selah series first.
April 1, 2025
ARC.
Were it not for my addiction to Ms Henderson's stories, beginning with the Selah Series, I would probably have skipped this novella, as I avoid romantasy. I'm glad I read it.
This story is as usual well executed and towards the end I couldn't stop reading. A romance with thriller overtones!
Highly recommended.
Were it not for my addiction to Ms Henderson's stories, beginning with the Selah Series, I would probably have skipped this novella, as I avoid romantasy. I'm glad I read it.
This story is as usual well executed and towards the end I couldn't stop reading. A romance with thriller overtones!
Highly recommended.
May 29, 2025
Fantastic book!
Such a sweet story! I loved getting to know the characters and seeing how everything played out. Perfect for all ages.
Such a sweet story! I loved getting to know the characters and seeing how everything played out. Perfect for all ages.
May 6, 2025
Old skool longing
The time periods between their interactions is incredibly realistic; more so when contrasting to tales of “instalove” or HEA’s leading to a fun-filled wedding within weeks (or days!). Eloise and Shawn are truly committed to their budding relationship (by whichever name) - a love story like from ages past.
It’s also a wee tragic in that he is ‘a lost man in search of a lifeline, leaning on the sea’ and she has found her anchor ashore. At times, it seems like both their lifestyles are at odds with each other and that there’s no prospect of a future together. Marriage is a life-long commitment. Courtship (pun intended) is for both parties to do some self-reflection and determine what they want AND what they do not want - individually as well as together. And the author does a right bang-up job of portraying the hopes and the heartaches of our young couple as they navigate life and love.
Their saga continues in the upcoming ‘Deep in the Sea’.
The time periods between their interactions is incredibly realistic; more so when contrasting to tales of “instalove” or HEA’s leading to a fun-filled wedding within weeks (or days!). Eloise and Shawn are truly committed to their budding relationship (by whichever name) - a love story like from ages past.
It’s also a wee tragic in that he is ‘a lost man in search of a lifeline, leaning on the sea’ and she has found her anchor ashore. At times, it seems like both their lifestyles are at odds with each other and that there’s no prospect of a future together. Marriage is a life-long commitment. Courtship (pun intended) is for both parties to do some self-reflection and determine what they want AND what they do not want - individually as well as together. And the author does a right bang-up job of portraying the hopes and the heartaches of our young couple as they navigate life and love.
Their saga continues in the upcoming ‘Deep in the Sea’.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews