A review by theladysparks
Breathless by Cat Wynn

4.0

 

Jules Lowe, an ex-model, has resigned herself to a life confined within her apartment walls with her only solace being her barren fish tank and engaging conversations on a local aquarium hobbyist forum. Her routine life takes a turn towards the extraordinary when a photo sent by her online interest, Mack Vasser, piques her curiosity, sending her on a quest to uncover the truth behind his mysterious persona.

Confronting her agoraphobia, Jules embarks on a journey that not only challenges her fears but also uncovers astonishing realities. The revelation that Mack is part-man and part-fish leaves Jules shocked, but also strangely drawn to him. This newfound connection compels her to venture outside her comfort zone repeatedly, navigating her attraction amidst the bewildering discovery.

But Jules soon realizes the gravity of her situation. Her interactions with Mack have unwittingly entangled her in a perilous world where the existence of such beings is known to others who may not have their best interests at heart. As Jules delves deeper, she finds herself in a precarious balance of heart and hazard.

"You're the one. And no matter where I am, no matter where you are, it'll always be you."

When I saw that Cat Wynn was going to be writing a fish-monster romance, I was so excited and the second she dropped links to sign up to ARC read, I jumped at the chance. It's about time that aquatic monsters other than krakens got their due so Cat is out here delivering.

I would say that this one is a really good intro into the monster-romance realm because it takes place in a modern world with everyday things going on but where fish-monsters exist and are in hiding because human beings don't take kindly to things that don't fit their "norm".

I think that the way that Cat Wynn wrote out Jules' mental health struggles and her experience with agoraphobia was done really well. I feel like we really got to experience those debilitating feelings associated with anxiety in a realistic way. Her growth throughout the story was really nice to see and I think she's one of those characters that you can't help but want to root for.

I ADORE THE WAY THAT HER AND MACK WERE INTRODUCED. I'm a sucker for books where they meet online and there is a bit on anonymity to it all and I think that their progression from friends to more was wonderful to read and experience. Mack was a wonderful character and I freaking adore the heck out of him.

Without spoilers, I think the conclusion to the story was so unique and interesting. I hope that we get to potentially hear more or see more within this world. I have no idea if Cat Wynn has plans for anything else in the realm of fish-monsters or monsters in general but I hope so!

- fish monster romance
- slow burn
- forbidden romance
- mental health rep
- lots of fish jokes
- special parts (iykyk)
- they met online