Barely Breathing
By Michelle M. Pillow
Merely Mortal Series Book #3
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.
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Coming Soon
Book Details
| Print Pages | Hours to Read | Total Words |
| pages | 10-11 Hours |
Release Date: 02/25/2025
Merely Mortal Reading Order:
-
Barely Breathing
“Merely Mortal” by Michelle M. Pillow contains potential triggers that readers might want to be aware of before diving into the book:
- Death and Loss: The story involves tragic incidents related to Tamara’s supernatural family.
- Violence
- Betrayal and Trust Issues
- Supernatural Peril
- Emotional Turmoil
- Power Dynamics and Coercion: The power dynamics between mortals and supernaturals, including coercion or manipulation.
- Identity and Existential Crisis: Themes of struggling with one’s identity and place in the world, particularly when feeling out of place or pressured by family expectations.
CW: Michelle M. Pillow’s books contain adult subject matter, graphic violence, and are not suitable for all audiences.
Book Heal Levels: Sweet Sensual
Genre:
- Urban Fantasy
- Paranormal Romance
- Supernatural Mystery and Suspense
- Supernatural Thriller Elements
- New Adult
Tropes:
- Strong Female Protagonist
- Slow Burn
- Mortal in a Supernatural World
- Forbidden Love
- Forced Proximity
- Mythical Creatures: magics, vampires, wizards, necromancers, werewolves, shapeshifters, fae, trolls, goblins, demons, dragons, and more!
- Mystical Connection
- Family Legacy and Dark Family Secrets
- Supernatural Bureaucracy
- Protective Lover
- Emotional Turmoil and Vulnerability
- Supernatural Conspiracies and Conflict
- Hidden World Within Our World
- Magic in the Mundane
- Opposites Attract
- Rescue Romance Tropes
- The Chosen One
Themes:
- Identity and Belonging
- Transformation
- Mortality vs. Immortality
- Family Legacy and Expectations
- Power Dynamics
- Trust
- Love and Romance
- Isolation and Connection
- Autonomy and Self-Determination
- Good vs. Evil
Praise for Merely Mortal
5 Stars!
“Wonderful characters, great storyline, and so much emotion-I couldn’t put it down! This author’s writing is fabulous, and this book was just as good as the first in the series.”
5 Stars!
“Tam still can’t catch a break and I’m thrilled… 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. … Another masterfully written book by Michelle M Pillow which I highly recommend. I wish I could rate more stars.
5 Stars!
“I was mesmerized by this book. Layer upon layer of heartache, love and pain. Tamara has no magic in a family with magic. She goes through trial after trial to survive and finds truth. The ending made me shiver.”
Romantic Urban Fantasy, First Person POV
Recognition and Reviews
“5 Stars! “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.” Kristin Chontelle, BookBub (2025)
5 Stars! “Enthralling… A strong emotional read that I couldn’t put down as each page takes you deeper and deeper into the storyline!” Karen, Goodreads (2025)
5 Stars! “Wonderful characters, great storyline, and so much emotion-I couldn’t put it down! This author’s writing is fabulous, and this book was just as good as the first in the series.” J, Goodreads (2025)
5 Stars! “I was mesmerized by this book. Layer upon layer of heartache, love and pain. Tamara has no magic in a family with magic. She goes through trial after trial to survive and finds truth. The ending made me shiver.” Karen Fisher, Goodreads (2025)