Merely Mortal

Is Merely Mortal a standalone or part of a series?

Merely Mortal is Book 1 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, soul eaters, and supernatural dynasties. The books continue a single connected story arc, with Tamara’s journey unfolding across all four titles.

Does Merely Mortal end on a cliffhanger?

Yes, Merely Mortal ends on a cliffhanger, but readers don’t have to wait. Book 2 (Mostly Shattered), Book 3 (Barely Breathing), and Book 4 (Nearly Dead) are all available now. The full Merely Mortal series is complete and ready to binge.

What is the heat level in Merely Mortal?

Sensual. Merely Mortal is a slow-burn urban fantasy romance with deep emotional intimacy and forbidden-love tension between mortal heroine Tamara and a mysterious stranger named Paul. Michelle leans into chemistry, longing, and protective instinct rather than explicit on-page sex scenes in this book.

Who is Merely Mortal for?

Merely Mortal is for readers who love urban fantasy with a strong romantic core, hidden-supernatural-world worldbuilding, resilient mortal heroines surrounded by powerful magical beings, slow-burn forbidden romance, and high-stakes magical politics. Recommended for fans of Carrie Vaughn, Faith Hunter, Jennifer Estep, Lindsay Buroker, Ilona Andrews, and K.F. Breene.

Is Merely Mortal connected to the original Merely Mortal novella?

The Merely Mortal novel is INSPIRED BY the short out-of-print novella of the same name, but it is COMPLETELY different. The story has changed, the heroine has changed, the world has expanded, and the plot is brand new. Readers do not need to have read the novella; in fact, Michelle suggests forgetting it ever existed. The novel stands fully on its own.

What POV is Merely Mortal written in?

Merely Mortal is written in First Person POV. It is Michelle M. Pillow’s first published first-person novel. The intimate first-person perspective is intentional. It places readers inside Tamara’s mortal vulnerability as she navigates a supernatural world that constantly underestimates her.

Who is Tamara, the heroine of Merely Mortal?

Tamara is a 28-year-old mortal woman born into a powerful supernatural family. She has always been told she has an expiration date and isn’t special like the rest of them. After a fire kills her family, a fire she did not start, Tamara is left with a target on her back, a vampire bounty on her head, and no protection in a tangled web of supernatural dynasties and arcane power struggles. She is resilient, resourceful, and determined to prove that being mortal does not make her any less significant.

What is the Merely Mortal series about?

The Merely Mortal series follows mortal heroine Tamara through a hidden supernatural world filled with vampires, soul eaters, magical dynasties, and arcane power struggles. Inspired by the interplay between the ordinary and the extraordinary, the series explores identity, belonging, resilience, and the transformative power of love. The only thing standing between Tamara and several powerful enemies is an unexpected stranger named Paul and his young daughter, who offer her a ride that changes everything.

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. Michelle recommends starting with Book 1.

When was Merely Mortal first published?

Merely Mortal was first published on June 25, 2024 by The Raven Books LLC. It is the debut novel in the Merely Mortal Series and Michelle M. Pillow’s first published first-person POV book.

Has Merely Mortal won any awards or grants?

Yes. Merely Mortal received the 2024 BREW Seal of Excellence from The Chrysalis BREW Project, an Australia-based literary platform. The Seal of Excellence is awarded only to books that earn a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 rating across all of their BREW reviews and is selected by the BREW Laureate Council, a body of past winners and expert judges. 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). The grant supports series book bundles and review copies for the launch of the Merely Mortal urban fantasy series.

Merely Mortal Reading Order:

• Merely Mortal

• Mostly Shattered

• Barely Breathing

• Nearly Dead

Lovely Readers,

As I celebrate my 20-year Authorversery, I know my writing journey is far from over. There is still so much I want to accomplish. But, mostly, I’m humbled and grateful for my readers who have shown me love and support over the years. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for giving my new series, Merely Mortal, a chance. This is the first time I have published a first-person POV book.

Your enthusiasm means the world to me, and I am thrilled to have you join me on this exciting journey into the realms of supernatural intrigue and urban fantasy romance. Writing Merely Mortal has been an incredible adventure. It’s filled with twists, turns, and heartwarming/heartbreaking moments. I sincerely hope it brings you as much pleasure to read as it did for me to write.

Now, I must give you a little heads-up: Merely Mortal does end on a cliffhanger. Yes, I know cliffhangers can be a love-hate experience, but trust me, it’s all part of the plan to make Tamara’s journey as captivating and thrilling as possible. I promise the suspense and anticipation will be worth it. The next book in the series, Mostly Shattered, will delve even deeper into the mysteries of this new supernatural world.

I promise that will not make you wait years between installments!

Again, thank you for your unwavering support and for being an integral part of my author journey. I can’t wait to share more of Tamara’s adventures with you, and I hope you enjoy every moment of the ride.

When you’re done, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please consider leaving reviews and joining me on social media.

Happy Adventuring! Oh, and don’t accept gifts from the necromancers. Trust me.

Michelle M. Pillow

“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