This book blends historical and contemporary. It starts with seven pictures known as the "Siren." In todays world an Art Professor and an art hunter go searching for the history behind the pictures. In the past we hear the story of the siren herself and what she went through in her life.


This book is mesmerizing I couldn't put it down. I loved the history of it as well as the search for answers.

** I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

The authors have done a masterful job of blending two love stories and two time periods flawlessly. Our modern day protagonists Brenna and Fitch have an off the charts chemistry and a strong dislike of each other. Brought together by their search of the love story behind the erotic paintings by Le Artiste the two set of on a journey of discovery that will take them from America to England to the Spanish Coast of Catalonia and a love story for the ages.

Swan was a courtesan in the regency period who embraced her profession until she fell foul of her current lover's wife who vowed to get her revenge. So Swan found herself fighting for her life on board a pirate ship where a fortunate storm and mutiny caused her to be washed ashore on a beach in Catalunya. Rescued by an artist she becomes his muse in a series of erotic paintings that show the progress of her love story. A few of these paintings have been recovered and now sell for obscene sums of money. Brenna wants to use these paintings to write a thesis and help progress her professorial career though the subject matter and the "siren" herself calls to her. Fitch loves the money he earns from finding these paintings for his rich patron but at heart its the art that appeals to him.
A series of circumstances put the buttoned up professor and the easy going art hunter on the same quest and cause them to pool their resources together leading for an interesting journey for both the protagonists and the readers. I enjoyed how the authors alternated between Swan's story and the modern day quest. Fitch has friends everywhere and enjoys a hedonistic life style where Brenna is all work and frugal at best. It's great to see Brenna gradually opening up to bad boy fitch.
I didn't realize that the authors and a prequel book to this story but the author does an elegant job of bringing in those threads which had first spawned Brenna's interest in the "siren" paintings. While I did find the story slow in parts and found myself impatient to skip ahead, I did enjoy the overall story.

Two similar and yet different romances told side by side is a cute premise. The contemporary couple discovering the history of another romantic couple was interesting. I couldn’t wait to find out more about the history and potential identity of ‘The Siren’ depicted in a much sought after painting series.

The problem with having two very separate and distinct romance plot arcs happening in the same book is that I was much more interested in one story over the other. The story of how a courtesan became the love interest and muse of an unknown artist was the one which totally captured my attention. I couldn’t wait to go back to the past to learn more of her life and how she lost everything but found the love of her life.
I was no longer the Swan, London’s paramount courtesan. I was simply a penniless prisoner on a merchant ship bound for parts unknown.

The romance set in the present wasn’t nearly as interesting to me. I kept waiting to get back to the other story arc. The romantic push between Brenna and Fitch went a bit fast and was missing ‘something’ I can’t quite put a finger on. I liked both characters individually and saw how each complemented the other, but overall I didn’t feel a solid connection to them in comparison to the romantic couple of the past.
She was an expert on the human psycho-sexual experience. Every one of her lovers, to a man, would insist that they won Brenna through skill and dogged determination, but only because Brenna wished them to think so. In truth, she was always the seducer and never the seduced. Without exception.

The story of The Siren was engaging and tragic. I connected to her character right away and loved how strong she was and how she took control of her life and made it the best she could with the resources available to her. She was really the meat of the story for me. Everything else just felt like time spent waiting to get back to her. The Swan stole my heart as well as the artists somehow.

Overall I enjoyed Breathless but I rated it a little lower because of my lack of connection to one of the main couples. I also enjoyed the hunt through Catalonia for more of the Swan stories. The scenery and people of the country seemed fantastic. It made me want to trek through Spain to see all the wonders and eat all the great food described. Plus, I imagine it would be fun to stumble into a festival and live like to locals for a time as well.
“Am I the only one who finds it amusing that we got lost looking for a map expert?"

I've enjoyed Celeste Bradley's books in the past -- so what a delight to see Button in this one. I did not read the 1st in this series and it is with regret I didn't before this one, only because I enjoyed both Susan Donovan's and Celeste's storytelling so much. While I think I've seen Susan Donovan's name on other books, I've only picked 1 up beforehand and thought it so-so. However, after reading Breathless, I definitely have to try her books again.

Not everything was smooth sailing for me in this story (slow start and it felt very forced when our modern day heroine declared her want of her fella after a major sob, for instance), but it was well done overall.

This is two love stories set in two different times, connected by a painting – the sixth and previously unknown painting of a lady who has become know as the Siren. The stories of the two eras are told, sharing the present day search to identify the Siren and what actually happened to her.

Starting in 1827 with the lady who calls herself “the Swan” being washed up on a rocky beach, the story of how she meets and connects with the Artist is emotively described. She has nothing, not even a name but he is a driven, tortured man and their time together was limited, it was beautiful and portrayed in his art work as she became his muse and his siren.

Fitch Wilder has been employed to verify the works of art willed to museums and art galleries. He’s the person who discovers the sixth painting of the siren and this is different to the others as she’s obviously pregnant in it. For years he and art professor Brenna Anderson have been antagonistic but the quest to discover the Siren causes them to work together, helping them discover the Swan’s real history and more about themselves both individually and as a couple.

With its mix of historical and contemporary romance, together with the added mystery to be solved, this is an engaging and enthralling story with great characters, an intertwining plot and plenty of surprises along the way!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this novel via NetGalley. I chose to read it and this is my honest opinion after doing so.

This book has one of my favourite things, past and present timelines that intertwine. When they are done well are so very satisfying! This book does it very well :)

This book starts out with Fitch Wilder entering an abandoned apartment filled with art treasures, where he discovers a long lost painting of the "Siren". The Siren paintings are a priceless series of paintings of unknown origin of a beautiful woman. Brenna is a Harvard professor who has dedicated her life to these paintings, the two end up travelling together to discover the origins of the paintings.

The historical timeline follows the "swan" who is the subject if the painting and her "Artist" who rescues her from the sea. Their love story was really beautiful and I found myself looking forward to their sections of the book more. It was so well done, I actually cried in parts, which doesn't happen very often!

The present parts of the book were very well done too, I just didn't feel as connected. But it was satisfying and I really appreciated how it connected to the Swan storyline.

Two stories - present and past - intertwined in a way that should captivate and hold the reader's attention.
The authors are well-known for working this way and achieving a great result.
However, for some reason, the story failed to catch my attention. I didn't feel any connection with the characters and the comings and goings in the time were already annoying me.
It may be that I give the book a chance again in the future, but at the moment, I'd rather not give stars.

I signed up to review Breathless on impulse and then chastised myself because I needed another review commitment like I need a hole in my head, but I'm so glad I did! This will end up being one of my favorite books of the year. I'm not going to delve much into plot because the blurb does a good job of teasing you and I want everybody to be able to discover the story for themselves and savor every minute of it, like I did.

I was instantly drawn into the story with the discovery of a painting in an old Paris apartment by a handsome hunk of a cowboy who has a passion for art. Fitch's sense of amazement and excitement at finding an unknown painting in the famous Siren series was palpable, and I loved how the story of the Swan (aka the Siren) and her lover, the Artist, was teased out as Brenna and Fitch hunted down clues to her identity in the hopes of finding more paintings. And I loved watching enemies turn to lovers as these two became so wrapped up in the mystery, in the adventure, and in each other.

It's rare that I end up liking both the past and present storylines equally in a book with dual timelines. Usually the balance tips in favor of the past, but in this case I really enjoyed reading both. In both storylines the heroine is forced to reinvent herself, and I thought the Swan's rediscovery of herself particularly poignant. In order to find herself again, she had to lose everything, including her memories.

One of the best aspects of this book is the setting. Barcelona and the Catalonia coast are so atmospheric and so central to the story that the setting becomes a character itself. The lush descriptions of architecture, scenery, the simple yet delicious food, the infectious joie de vivre of the locals, the music, the dancing . . . well let's just say I HAVE to visit that region now!

There are a few little things I could quibble about in regards to the story, but I so thoroughly enjoyed it, was so swept away by the ambiance and the mystery, and was so battered by the emotional wringer (seriously, I sobbed buckets; no spoilers, but be prepared for the absolute unfairness of fate before the happily ever after) that those quibbles aren't worth detailing.

I could not put this book down, wanting desperately to see how it would all play out yet not wanting it to end. I savored the mystery and the love stories and completely lost myself in Catalonia. Breathless is a fabulous reading experience for fans of romance, art, history, and the heady magic of the Mediterranean.

I must admit to being a total neophyte in the art history world. But I am a complete sucker for a story filled with mystique and wonder and if along the way I get an education – well all the better. BREATHLESS is one of those stories. The elite society – practically an oxymoron – was full of misguided antisocial attitudes and practices. The idea of a mistress was as commonplace as a cold. And yet its existence was something whispered about. Looking back at this time in history you can’t help but be entertained.
Artists find themselves captured by a moment, a place or as in the artist central to BREATHLESS – to a woman. A beautiful woman who washed up on the shore and became an important part of his life. That is if we believe the story depicted in the artists series on this woman.
There is quite a story here. But much has been elusive. Faced with questionable security in her job at Harvard Dr. Brenna Anderson decides to follow some new leads, previously unknown about the artist L.A. and his subject The Swan or The Siren. Which is it or could they possibly be one and the same. Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan introduce us to the Swan right at the beginning. Then as the story of BREATHLESS continues we learn more and more about this mysterious woman known as the Swan. It almost appears as if she is almost mystical but then we have to acknowledge that she was very real.
Unfortunately Brenna has competition in the search for this series of work but her competition looks only for financial gain. Fitch Wilder has a dedicated buyer for anything by the artist in this series. Fitch has crossed paths with Brenna before. Brenna knows just how relentless he could be. Information for her research could hopefully save her position at Harvard. Fitch has his sights set on still another finder’s fee.
The dilemma is whether to trust her instincts and follow her own leads. Or join forces with Fitch. Which would definitely mean taking a huge chance. A gamble with her reputation and future in many ways.
Mesmerizing – Each time Celeste Bradley takes us back a century she reveals still another vital piece of the puzzle. At first glance BREATHLESS seems to be a romantic foray between two very competitive characters. First impressions are often misleading and that’s why BREATHLESS turns into a compelling tale involving present and past events that are seamlessly interwoven page by page.
It’s almost impossible to put this book down. The inquisitive nature of all of us just can’t wait to see what we learn next. And trust me it’s definitely worth each turn of a page.
BREATHLESS is a work of art with romance, mystery, a touch of whimsy amidst the glorious world of art and art history. Get ready to smile. BREATHLESS is pure enjoyment thanks to the talented and imaginative authors Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan.

For some reason, this book just did not work for me. The story of the Swan and the Siren series of paintings was fascinating. The Swan’s romance with the artist who did the Siren paintings while in Catalonia was a fascinating read. How the Swan got to Catalonia was also a fascinating read. However, I was not really enthralled with the romance between Art Professor Brenna Anderson and Fitch Wilder, who searched for and authenticated works of art. Both the Brenna and Fitch were searching for further information on the Swan, who, they believed, was the subject of a Siren series and possibly additional, lost paintings in the series. Though, they both knew of one another, they had not met until their paths crossed in this search. Because they were after the same end, they joined forces (sort of), though a strong element of mistrust, especially on the part of the professor, continued. Their romance seemed inevitable from the start, though I knew it would prove to be somewhat rocky.

The story was interesting, though it did not grab or hold my attention as well as other romances have. I do not know what it was about the story that never did grab me. I just know nothing ever did. I preferred the romance between the artist and the Sawn, as I said. Still, it was interesting to watch the Brenna and Fitch work together (and, at times, in spite of each other), uncovering clues about the Swan’s and the artist’s romance and, in turn, the Siren series. It is always interesting to have two parallel romances in one book, though I think many tend to gravitate toward one more than the other. This may be why I was drawn to one more so than to the other. The book was written well enough, the characters were well done, and the story flowed easily and smoothly enough. I think this book may interest a reader who is interested in historical romances or in parallel romances from two different periods of history, since this is rare, in my experience. I received this form NetGalley to read and review.

This novel is told as a historical romance and contemporary romantic suspense in alternating POV. It was truly Breathless. The characters were well written and the two separate plots juxtaposed and harmonized.

I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

Breathless is an entertaining dual timeline romance that sizzles in the present and in the (early 1800’s) past. Set in Catalonia and England, the
characters in both times are engaging and fun to get to know.

Odd little coincidence: a scene in the contemporary romance takes place in one of my favorite hotels in London. I will say that I have never encountered either a bribable waiter or maid at Montague on the Gardens, their employees are the souls of rectitude, and their afternoon tea is every bit as delicious as described!

The scene opens to a woman fighting for her life in the open seas, with no sight of land, only thinking of survival. The next chapter sees the unsealing of a Paris apartment decades after the second world war. Here we come upon Fitch Wilder, a sort of bounty hunter for works of art that collectors and museums lust for. What he finds in that apartment is one of a kind, the sixth portrait of "The Siren" by Le Artiste. When Brenna Anderson also finds another unknown portrait of "The Siren" she decides to pursue finding the model's real identity and if she is connected to the courtesan known as the Swan. This starts the hunt for this unknown muse and artist, bringing both Brenna Anderson and Fitch Wilder to Barcelona where the paintings originated. What happens next is the unfolding of a love story that spans across decades and continents and brings together two people who will find their own happiness.

Breathless is an apt title for this wonderful collaboration between two talented authors. It's a book that perfectly melds together events in the past that has a ripple effect in the future. It is definitely romantic, intriguing, sexy and a page turning tale that will sweep readers off their feet.

This fascinating story is a quest about discovering the history of a series of paintings known as the Siren. An art professor and an art hunter are archenemies, seeking the mystery behind the paintings for different reasons. An interesting read!

Brenna is an art professor at Harvard. She is fascinated by the Siren series of paintings. When her job is at risk, she takes a chance and goes after the history of the mysterious artist and his fascinating subject.

Fitch is an art hunter who has just uncovered one of the Siren's paintings and is now on a quest to discover the location of the remaining paintings.

Brenna has come across some information which might lead her to the identities of the artist and his alluring subject. Upon arriving in London, she meets non other than Fitch, her sworn enemy. Underneath her "apparent" loathing, she goes weak at the knees whenever she comes into contact with him, but she doesn't believe in love and relationships. Fitch, himself is quite besotted by her and intends to get into her good graces.

When it becomes apparent that they have information which could prove useful to both of them, they call a truce and pair up to follow the breadcrumbs to the origin of these paintings. They embark on an exciting journey and as they spend time together, feelings change. Besides, Brenna has been going on assumptions about Fitch and now that she knows the truth, things are different. The problem is that he slips up and might ruin any of his chances.

Together, they uncover the truth about the Swan, a courtesan whose disappearance has been a mystery. The love story from several hundred years ago is bittersweet and runs parallel to Brenna's and Fitch's story in the present day. It's beautifully crafted and the characters and events are captured vividly.

I like the storyline and its uniqueness. It's emotive and captivating. Well worth reading.

I received an ARC and am providing an honest review. I really enjoyed the book- loved the two storylines and how the two eventually convene. The writing and storyline are solid and especially the mystery of who the swan is? This pulled me in and kept me interested throughout the entire novel. The book reminded me a little of Possession with the two storylines and how they merge in the present. Definitely, recommend for a summer read.

This story is told from two different perspectives, with a dual storyline and intertwined subplots, one told in the present day and the other in the past. In this novel, I think it was interesting and helped move the story along nicely. But while it was a fast paced novel that I felt invested in, for some reason I struggled with the historical part of the story.

This book has the element of romance and the aura of mystery. The story centers on The Siren series, a set of canvas paintings of an intriguing woman. The enigmatic origin of the painter’s muse makes it more valuable and desirable.

The contemporary protagonists start as adversaries, their relationship is based on a mix of attraction and anger. Brenna is a Harvard academic, Fitch travels the world chasing down paintings for wealthy collectors.

I loved the contrast between Brenna and Fitch. Brenna has the brains, but difficulty relating to people. What Fitch brings to their quest is the ability to relate to people and together they can investigate the clues to solve the mystery. They find a connection between an infamous London courtesan, nicknamed The Swan, and the artist’s muse. The relationship between them was perfectly paced and believable. I enjoyed how the romance played out along with the mystery surrounding the paintings and the identity of the historical protagonists.

If you enjoy stories with unique characters and a twist of mystery, I recommend this book

A fast paced read that will hold you until the very end. I could not put it down until I finished because I had to see how it ends

In Breathless, Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan have taken two stories and woven them together into an epic love story that crosses centuries and continents.

The historical portion of the book centers on The Swan, London’s premiere courtesan. The Swan has worked her way up from the bowels of Newgate Prison to the height of the London ton. She is independently wealthy, dictates fashion, and can have any man she wants. A man, however, is how she finds herself shipwrecked with amnesia on the coast of Catalonia. Here, she is taken in by The Artist, an immensely private, British deserter of the Napoleonic Wars. As The Swan finds herself in The Artist’s humble, coastal cottage, as well as on The Artist’s canvas she also finds the greatest love of her life.

In the Contemporary portion of Breathless, we meet Brenna Anderson, an Art History professor who, like many in the art community, is obsessed with a series of painting of a woman known as The Siren. When she discovers that The Siren may in fact be The Swan, a courtesan of renown who disappeared out of history she believes she may have the key to a centuries old mystery. However, to prove her theory correct she’ll have to except the help of her rival, Fitch Wilder, a treasure hunter with no formal training who seems to always be two steps ahead of her professionally. Brenna knows men like Fitch and refuses to be swayed by his charm, but the closer they get to uncovering the mystery of The Siren, the harder it is for her to deny her feelings for the handsome adventurer.

I really enjoyed Breathless. As someone who enjoys both Historical Romance and Contemporary Romance, this novel included all the elements I love about the two sub genres and put them together in one book. The switching from Historical to Contemporary was done flawlessly and the conclusion of the book perfectly brought the two elements together without being trite.

I particularly enjoyed the journey the authors took both of the female main characters on. The Swan went from cynical and jaded, lead by her desire to amass more and more (material goods, wealth, experiences, influence) to living humbly but happily, in love and with family. In the contemporary world, Brenna went from being prickly and judgmental to someone who could laugh at herself and take pleasure in the moment. Her journey with Fitch to discover the identity of The Siren also meant she had to deal with her own cynicism about men and love. Watching her grow into a kinder, less uptight character who could allow herself to be loved and love in return, was incredibly rewarding.

This is the second book by authors Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan in this series. Their first book, The Courtesan’s Guide to Getting Your Man, was released in 2011 and was published again in 2012 with a new title, Unbound. While it’s not entirely necessary to read Unbound before reading Breathless, there are a lot of references to events and characters that occurred in the first book. Personally, I found it a bit frustrating to have to remember events and characters from a book I read seven years ago. After the first couple of chapters this is no longer a real problem, but it definitely hampered my enjoyment of the first part of Breathless.

If you’re a fan of Contemporary Romance and Historical Romance and enjoy your books with adventure, character growth and, of course, a fantastic romance, then this is definitely a book you should consider.

Rating: B+

*ARC received from publisher for honest review

Breathless by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley is a great example of mixing historical fiction with contemporary fiction. This book actually contains two one set in the past, the other in the present. I loved how the hero and heroine are impacted by the events of the past as they are investigating and uncovering the story of the Swan, part of the series of paintings known as The Siren Series. Some of the scenes related to the Swan’s story were very emotional. The entwining of some actual events fictionalized in the story made for an interesting read.

I really liked reading this story with all of its drama, suspense and intrigue. The story takes the reader on an adventure in both the past and present. I really liked the characters and that they were relatable. I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

A sensuous, delightful romantic women's fiction novel from New York Times bestselling authors Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan!

She was "the Swan." London's premiere courtesan. Men want to be with her. Women loathe her success and yet admire her beauty, her riches, her independence. But when the jealous wife of her lover moves to have the Swan banished from her home on the high seas, she winds up crashed against Spain's rocky coast with no shoes, no clothes-and no name. Taken in by a tortured, sensuous man known as The Artist, the Swan comes to know the woman she wants to be—her artist's siren.

When Art Professor Brenna Anderson is in danger of losing her post at Harvard, the rule-following, prim professor is at a loss of how to salvage the shreds of her life. But when a new painting in the mysterious Siren collection is discovered in a dusty old house in France, Brenna does the unthinkable—hops on a plane to uncover the identity of the beautiful, enigmatic woman who is the subject of the paintings.

There's just one hitch—the frustrating, irritating, bold and beautiful art hunter, Fitch Wilder, is also looking for the Siren. He's been a thorn in Brenna's professional side for years, but when their individual quests lead them to team up despite being enemies, a whole new sumptuous world of art and culture opens up for the two of them. And with it, they enter a realm of passion and love…

Review:

This is one sweeping romance.

It spans centuries and continents, combining past and present couples and how their stories intertwine. I literally could not put this down, once I started reading it I devoured it in couple of hours. I could just sit here and rehash the whole story, but I truly do not want to give away plot points and the mystery of the Siren and who painted her. I think the story was laid out expertly and I could not tell this was written by two people. I loved both couples and their journeys as individuals and as couples. The switching between time periods was done seamlessly also. I loved that the story had me feeling so many things, and crap have a box of tissues ready, I cried like a baby in part of the book. The ending was a nice come full circle feel. My one question was there a book before this one featuring Brenna's friend Piper? They way it was written it seemed so, I will have to research it.

Loved the story!
5Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*