Barely Breathing

Is Barely Breathing a standalone or part of a series?

Barely Breathing is Book 3 of the Merely Mortal Series, a four-book first-person urban fantasy romance series by NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Michelle M. Pillow. The series follows mortal heroine Tamara as she navigates a hidden world of vampires, werewolves, dragons, soul eaters, supernatural dynasties, ancient prophecies, and forbidden love. Read Books 1 and 2 first.

Does Barely Breathing end on a cliffhanger?

Yes. Barely Breathing ends with a twist that leaves readers on the edge of their seat for Book 4 (Nearly Dead), which is available now. The Merely Mortal series is complete and ready to binge.

What is the heat level in Barely Breathing?

Sensual. Barely Breathing keeps the slow-burn romantic tension high with Costin, the dangerously seductive master vampire who wants to protect Tamara, and Paul, the man who once gave her hope for a normal life. Michelle leans into chemistry, longing, danger, and emotional vulnerability rather than explicit on-page sex scenes.

Who is Barely Breathing for?

Barely Breathing is for readers who love urban fantasy with bite. Hidden supernatural worlds, master vampires, werewolf rituals, dragons, ancient prophecies, kidnap-and-rescue stakes, family secrets, forbidden love, and a resilient mortal heroine who keeps surviving the unsurvivable. Often described as The Vampire Diaries meets Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson. Recommended for fans of Shannon Mayer, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Jennifer Estep, Kelley Armstrong, Karen Chance, Charlaine Harris, and Lindsay Buroker.

What POV is Barely Breathing written in?

Barely Breathing is written in First Person POV through heroine Tamara’s eyes. The intimate first-person perspective places readers inside her head as she navigates a magical world that keeps demanding more than she has to give.

Who is Tamara in Barely Breathing?

Tamara is the only mortal in a family of supernatural powerhouses, and the magical world will not let her go. In Book 3, a master vampire wants to keep her, a dragon’s magic refuses to stay quiet, another prophecy hangs over her head, and werewolves have kidnapped an innocent child and her father for a ritual that could destroy or twist the supernatural world. Tamara has survived dragons, labyrinths, and betrayals; this book pushes her to risk everything to save the ones she loves.

What is the Merely Mortal series about?

The Merely Mortal series follows mortal heroine Tamara through a hidden supernatural world filled with vampires, werewolves, dragons, soul eaters, magical dynasties, ancient prophecies, and arcane power struggles. Across four first-person urban fantasy romance novels, the series explores identity, belonging, mortality versus immortality, family legacy, and the transformative power of love. As Tamara’s mortal life blurs with the supernatural, family secrets unravel, alliances are tested, and dark forces close in.

What is the recommended reading order for the Merely Mortal series?

Read in publication order to follow Tamara’s continuous story arc: 1) Merely Mortal; 2) Mostly Shattered; 3) Barely Breathing; 4) Nearly Dead. Each book picks up where the last one left off.

What tropes are in Barely Breathing?

Barely Breathing delivers a deep buffet of bestselling urban fantasy and paranormal romance tropes: Strong Female Protagonist, Slow Burn, Mortal in a Supernatural World, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Mythical Creatures (vampires, werewolves, dragons, wizards, necromancers, shapeshifters, fae, trolls, goblins, and demons), 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, The Chosen One, Master Vampire Love Interest, Werewolf Ritual, and Ancient Prophecy.

When was Barely Breathing first published?

Barely Breathing was first published on February 25, 2025 by The Raven Books LLC. It is the third novel in the Merely Mortal Series.

Has Barely Breathing won any awards or recognition?

Yes. Barely Breathing was named a Barnes & Noble Top Indie Favorite in January 2025, recognized by Barnes & Noble Press as a standout indie release. The Merely Mortal series is also the recipient of a 2026 Mississippi Arts Commission grant, made possible by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), supporting the launch of the urban fantasy series.

Merely Mortal Reading Order:

• Merely Mortal

• Mostly Shattered

• Barely Breathing

• Nearly Dead

“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 Heat Levels: Sensual