This book is everything 🥹 I did not know what I should expect.

I adore Kelley's art and when they announced their debut novel, I was over the moon! (pun intended) The setting was – hands down – not my forte though, even if the setting (early 20th century New York) isn't something you see all the time. And while it took time to warm up to the setting, this book reeled me in faster than I could turn my head! (sorry, nautical jokes will keep comin').

This book is BEAUTIFUL. Not only by virtue of the story, but also the cast – main and side – as they all got so much bite and character, that by the end I felt as much part of the company family as did our protagonist Benigno.

Our Benny boy is btw Puerto Rican, and seeing the world through his eyes, including his Spanish thinking and all, was done magnificently. 🥹🙏🏻 It gave him so much depth and believability which, as a bilingual person myself, I could feel down to my marrow.

The fact that all non-english terms (there is BOATLOADS of culture representation in the company) had translations in the glossary just added to the quality and carefulness of this read! While I love lingual representation within literature, oftentimes I feel alienated when the language isn't my own, which makes it hard to connect and empathize. The fact Kelley went the extra mile to leave none felt excluded makes my eyes teary 🥹🥹🥹

And can we talk about how the title is a metaphor for the two MCs? 😭 Like, holy, this is just so gravitational and magnetic in that quiet, mythical way legends of epic love are made off. And the ending? Chef's kiss. I know this book'll stick with me and my heart.

Benny is an immigrant from Puerto Rico in New York at the turn of the century and struggling to survive and find his place and self in a world where his differences are constantly thrown in his face. When a series of events has him joining an oddities troupe for work, he helps capture a merman for the latest exhibit. Soon Benny realizes they’re both caged, and he realizes he has to find a way to free the merman before it’s too late.

The writing, the imagery and the illustrations; this entire book was an experience. Although there was little spice I was so in love with Benny and his menagerie of supporting characters I didn’t care. I was rooting for our gang of curiosities the moment each was introduced. I shed tears at multiple points. The insight Benny and our merman, Rio share into the ways of the world was poetic despite the sad realities tackled.

I’d describe the vibes as Brother Where Art Thou meets The Greatest Showman. I’d recommend this read to someone wanting a story to chew on.

I was given a free copy. I leaving my review voluntarily.

When the Tides Held the Moon
By: Venessa Vida Kelley
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25



New York, 1910s. Benigno “Benny” Caldera is commissioned to make an ironwork tank for Luna Park’s newest marvel - a merman, stolen from the East River under a full moon. Benny’s skills earn him an invite from the show’s runner to join the diverse, multi-talented group of cast members.

One of Benny’s responsibilities includes taking care of the merman, whom he comes to know as Río. The two develop a friendship that deepens into love, forcing Benny to confront Río’s captivity and his own feeling of confinement. Benny is caught between freeing his love and bankrupting his found family.

I was so excited to receive this eARC and really enjoyed the story! The writing is beautiful and the story is paced pretty well. The relationships between the members of the cast held beautiful camaraderie and realistic tension, as found family should. It’s easy to question how it could all work out, given the MCs different needs oxygen-wise, but have a little faith in the author to take care of their characters.

Many people may know Kelley for their art, and this book includes their own gorgeous illustrations throughout. I will definitely be picking up a physical copy when it comes out next week - 4/29!

I received an eARC via @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn in by this absolutely gorgeous cover and was pleasantly surprised to find additional illustrations throughout. This would be a perfect book to own as a physical copy, just to flip through! I can't believe the author also illustrated it. Very talented!

I found the description of historical Coney Island and NYC to be fascinating, as well as the mixing in of Puerto Rican history and culture. I loved Benigno as a character and enjoyed how much the book went into his life and history. The romance was fine--sweet, straightforward. I wish there had been a little more build up. For how slowly the rest of the plot moves along, it felt a little out of place to have Ben and Rio fall in love so quickly. A lot of the background plot was sad and challenging, so I do understand making the romance portion more friction-free. I also wish we had a bit more time with some of the various side characters to cement the found-family type vibes.

A unique concept and enjoyable read.

"All I know is that he misses the moon. If I could, l'd ride a rollercoaster to the sky just to steal it for him.”

Stop it right now I need to process 😭

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS IS A DEBUT?! This book was written by someone with multiple bestsellers (kidding but also based solely off of this book they absolutely will)

Vibe check? Think The Greatest Showman meets Merman.

I don’t think I can adequately put into words the feelings that I had while reading this story. The lyricism. The beauty of the artwork. The found family 😭


If you’re looking for a book that will make you think and will make you feel this is absolutely a must read. Immediately.




Thank you to Venessa Kelley, Hambright PR, and Kensington Publishing for a physical ARC of this stunning story

“When Tides Held the Moon” was a lovely historical fantasy romance about Benny, a young immigrant craftsman who gets swept up in a sideshow on Coney Island and finds family, and love, along the way. Fired from his job as a blacksmith, he accepts an offer to join the sideshow after helping them build an impenetrable tank, which he learns is being used to house a captured merman. As the only person who knows how to operate the tank, Benny and the merman grow closer, and he must decide if his newfound love is worth sacrificing the found family he has made with the rest of the cast.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The writing was lovely, the story really worked, and the setting was somewhat unusual. Benny and Rio’s love was so beautiful, and each character added something to the emotional core of the story. Overall a lovely read.

A Puerto Rican immigrant unknowingly builds a gilded cage for a merman. Benigno is a sweetheart who tries to make up for the fact that he had a hand in capturing this innocent merman and in the process the two form a special bond. This Queer paranormal historical romance has vivid characters that come to life and a diverse and rich story of love and belonging . With all the gorgeous illustrations throughout , I already know I'll be getting a copy for my shelves.

This is definitely going to be someone’s five-star read—I can just feel it.

Set in 1910s New York circus, the story follows Benigno “Benny” Caldera, a young Puerto Rican blacksmith trying to carve out a place for himself in America. When his ironwork earns him a spot at the iconic Luna Park, Benny finds not just community among the show’s performers, but also a secret that changes everything: the tank he built houses a living, breathing merman named Río.

What begins as a strange and cautious acquaintance soon deepens into a beautifully tender bond. Río isn’t just a mythical marvel—he’s observant, thoughtful, and kind, and their growing relationship is the emotional heart of the book. But as Benny falls in love, he’s faced with an impossible choice: protect the found family he’s finally discovered, or free the one soul who truly understands him.

I’m a sucker for beautifully written books, and this one absolutely delivered. It’s hard to believe it’s a debut with the atmosphere Vanessa created. It was rich and immersive, striking the perfect balance between gritty historical detail and gentle fantasy.

The found family element is another standout. These characters are diverse, lovable, and full of quirks. The kind you grow attached to quickly. They’re outcasts who found a family and a place they can call home.

And of course, Benigno and Río was the hightlight. Their relationship is tender, grounded, and full of longing. The way the story explores love, grief, identity, and sacrifice is done with so much care and emotional depth.

Finally, the illustrations scattered throughout the novel are the cherry on top. They’re gorgeous and add an extra layer of magic to an already enchanting story.

If you love character-driven historical fantasy with emotional resonance, a touch of magic, and a big beating heart, When the Tides Held the Moon is one you don’t want to miss. I think many of you will love the story of the Boy Named Kind and Rio, a river that is both devastating and beautiful.

Thank you Hambright PR for sending me this ARC.

🧜🏽‍♂️ 4 shimmering stars.

If someone told me I’d be sobbing over a merman in a steampunk tank this year, I would’ve laughed politely and continued sipping my coffee.

And yet here I am, weeping salty tears into my café con leche, absolutely wrecked (in the best way) by When the Tides Held the Moon.

Set in the gritty-glamorous swirl of 1910s Coney Island, Venessa Vida Kelley's debut reads like a historical fever dream, lush, lyrical, and laced with seawater and sorrow.

Benigno “Benny” Caldera, an orphaned Boricua blacksmith with an artist’s soul and callused hands. He's a man tethered to iron and fire, both literally and emotionally, until the Luna Park sideshow draws him into its glittering, chaotic embrace.

The plot turns when Benny is commissioned to build a spectacular tank, only to discover it’s meant to house not a mechanical marvel… but a living, breathing merman. Río is not the mythical siren of sailor tales, he’s kind, poetic, furious, and full of quiet magic. And yes, he’s also devastatingly handsome in a "might-drown-you-with-a-glance" kind of way.

What follows is a tender, aching love story that unfolds through stolen glances, underwater conversations, and the kind of emotional intimacy that makes your chest feel too tight. Their connection is slow-burning but powerful, with all the tension of a locked cage and all the hope of a moonlit escape.

Besties, this isn’t just a romance…it’s a tale of identity, chosen family, and the quiet rebellion of love in the face of exploitation. Kelley's prose flows like waves, rhythmic, lush, sometimes wild..AND her world building? is as immersive as a sideshow dream sequence!.

The cast of characters around Benny and Río are vibrant, weird, and fully human (even when they aren’t).

My only complaint? I wanted more. More pages, more merman lore, more of that slow-dance energy between Benny and Río. But maybe that’s the magic: Kelley gives us just enough to ache for freedom alongside her characters.


For readers such as myself, who love their historical fiction soaked in whimsy, queerness, found family, and a little bit of saltwater heartbreak. A haunting, hopeful read that proves even iron bars can’t hold back the tide of true love.

this was so sweet :’)

while the very colloquial dialogue took a little while for me to grow used to, and the story itself took some time to settle in, once it got going this book was so excellent. the atmosphere of 1910 new york was incredible, and the drawings interspersed throughout were a pleasant surprise that improved the experience even more.

i loved the dynamic and interactions between benny and río so much, and the found family of the other performers added an extra element of enjoyment for me!

i quite liked it! there were so things that made me frown but that’s alright, it’s the first book i read of this genre so it surprised me

With a circus setting and found family trope, this book was right up my alley! The Greatest Showman comparisons are absolutely right. We get a cast of diverse characters who grew on me as the book went on, definitely bringing the found family theme to the forefront. (Don't go in expecting a lot of mermaids though, I was expecting more mermaids so I felt a little disappointed when we didn't get a lot more mermaid development).

Our main character Benny is a queer immigrant so he's really been through everything a 1910's New York could give him. It was really sweet to see his character arc as the book progressed. I almost feel like this book was more about Benny and his growth than strictly queer fantasy romance (as it's tagged on Goodreads). There are so many themes of finding home and finding belonging that it doesn't seem right to boil it down to a romance.

I think my only complaint is that we spend a lot of time in Benny's POV and don't get to learn much about the rest of the characters. Would have loved to see more from Rio's POV! Also, this book has BEAUTIFUL illustrations!

Overall, I thought this was a really sweet book (if not a little TOO sweet for me). But great for those who like found family trope, character development, and stories about finding where you belong.

4.5⭐️

“You make me feel like I am holding the moon.”

First off, the cover and art inside are stunning!! The cover is what drew me in the first place. Literally sooo pretty, and I NEED a physical copy asap!! This book was so good, and I really liked The Greatest Showman vibes of this book. I really enjoyed how Venessa Vida Kelley added different languages into the story, especially Spanish but also Russian and Hindi. You could really see that despite their background, everyone from Morgan’s Menagerie of Human Oddities came together as a family. This story was so tender, and I absolutely loved Río and Benny together. I was holding my breath and rooting for them the entire time. And the found family trope had me tearing up. I really think Venessa captured what it is like to feel like an outsider, just because you are an immigrant or have a different skin color or sexuality. This book was both beautiful and moving but also made you think about America and the immigrant dream that many people have as they come here, only to be cast out because they fit a certain criteria. The only thing I didn't like was that the ending was a bit open ended, which isn't something I usually like. However, overall I really loved this book and can't wait to read more from Venessa Vida Kelley!

Thank you Netgalley and Venessa Vida Kelley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

⭐️3.5

Apparently I’m on a whimsical/fairytale/mystical kick, and this fit the bill! The setting of early 1900s industrial New York brought with it encounters of racism, homophobia, and xenophobia towards the two main characters. It’s never easy to read through topics like these, especially with how prevalent they still are today, but the author did a great job at making you really feel for Rio and Benny.

I loved the art that was included!! Such a fun addition that really enhances the story.

For some reason, the side characters in the troupe of misfits didn’t really do it for me. Even though they each had their own backstory that played into the plot, I just didn’t connect with them like I thought I would.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was such a joy to read. I loved the unique setting and the strong found family themes, it’s really about belonging and being true to yourself. The characters felt real and relatable, even with the magical elements (and yes, mermaids! I love love mermaid). The romance was sweet and nd the writing had a lyrical, emotional quality that pulled me in. It took a bit to get going, but once it did, I was hooked. Truly so beautiful and heartfelt, and I adored the illustrations, they added such a great touch to the story itself.

Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC.

Not that there’s anything wrong with “just” a romance, but I was pleasantly surprised how much MORE this was.

I picked it up for the MM merman romance (and while I freaking love the grumpy fish) the found family, the atmosphere, the complex side characters, and the concept of finding belonging were more impactful for me.

This was a beautiful story the whole way through. It elicited so many emotions from me. I went from swooning, to sobbing, to completely pissed off lol.

The writing was poetic and beautiful!!! I got teary eyed from her words alone. And the art work was such an amazing addition. We need more books with illustrations!!!

Thank you Hambright PR and Kinsington Books for the ARC!

It’s hard to call this book a modern day fairy tale when it’s set in the early 1900’s. Early modern day fairy tale maybe? Set in Coney Island, we meet Bennie, a Puerto Rican immigrant blacksmith with bad lungs and impeccable ironwork skills. Bennie is tasked with creating a giant aquarium tank for a special commission. Bennie soon discovers his masterpiece will house a mythical creature as part of a sideshow.

Storylines include romance, found family, daring escapes, and even some mafia drama. I loved the unfolding of three relationship between Bennie and Rio and how Bennie finds himself as part of a family he didn’t expect. The only thing I found taxing about reading this was that the author includes some Spanish and, although she offers context for being able to have a good idea what was said, I found myself copying and pasting the words into the translate app so I could understand. Otherwise it’s a beautiful fairy tale and love story.

Oh my stars, this book was just DELIGHTFUL! When the Tides Held the Moon was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it absolutely blew me away. It mixes historical romance vibes with magical realism elements so seemlessly, has found family in SPADES, and the romance literally had me swooning. If you like The Greatest Showman but wish it had a MERMAID - you will love this book. An incredibly impressive debut!

I absolutely LOVED Benny/Benigno. He's a complicated character, as he has a lot going on in his life dealing with his grief at the loss of the only family he had left and trying to get by as an immigrant in America. However, as he opens up around the Luna Park performers, his strength, ingenuity, and passion becomes so much more apparent. While the book is primarily told from his POV, I also devoured the lyrical asides from Rio's POV. A merman who is captured by Benny's boss as a sideshow exhibit, he has absolutely no reason to trust humans, but I love that he finds a kindred spirit in Benny. Though their romance is a slow burn, it ends up being so sweet and swoony that it brought tears to my eyes.

I absolutely must mention how incredible the found family aspects of this book are - every character ends up imparting wisdom or helping Benny and Rio in some way. It's an incredible cast of characters who have all dealt with their share of challenges in their lives, but they all come together to help each other get by.

There is never a dull moment in this book - it's part character study, part action-packed fantasy, and I loved everything about it. And the ART! There are illustrations from the author (who is also an INCREDIBLE artist) throughout the book, and I cannot wait to see them in the finished copy. DO NOT miss out, this one is a must read.

I’m a huge fan of Kelley’s art, so I was really excited when the news about their upcoming book had come out. And now that I was able to read it, I’m not dissapointed at all.

When the Tides Held the Moon is a story about Benny, who lost his family in Puerto Rico, so he decided to bet everything on a new life in New York, where he now works as a blacksmith.

Benny gets tasked with creating an ironwork tank for Luna Park, but little does he know what the true purpose of this tank is. He ends up helping the Luna Park’s cast and their director catch a merman, but after he starts to work in Luna Park’s and gets closer to the merman, he finds an unexpected friendship, which eventually deepens into love.

Now Benny needs to find a way to set his love free from the director, who cares more about money than anything else.

When the Tides Held the Moon charms you with its diverse cast of characters, who are ready to do anything for each other. I enjoyed reading about their friendship, and how much they value each other.

The romance in this book is superb, and Kelley’s writing tugs at my heartstrings. Benny and Río are so sweet together, and they’ll quickly become one of your new OTPs.

“I cannot take your burdens,” he went on. “But if you let me, I can bear them with you for a while.”

“Río,” I whispered, out of breath, and not from wheezing. “You make me feel like I’m kissing the tides.”
“Benigno,” he whispered back. “You make me feel like I’m holding the moon.”

Overall this is really solid 4.5* read for me, the story is a bit predictable, but the writing really is really good (I devoured the whole books in two days). I also love the illustrations, there are so many of them, and they really add another dimension to the book. I can’t wait for more people to finally read about Benny and Río.

You’ll especially enjoy this book, if you like:

Found family
Sweet, unexpected romance
Action packed endings
Luna parks and magic

Disclaimer: I received a free e-arc in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much Netgalley and Hambright PR for the e-arc.

*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own *

I really loved this book!
Even though it took me a while to finish it, it wasn’t because the story was bad or because I had a bad reading experience — I just didn’t have much time. But every time I picked it up, I would fly through the pages so quickly!
The short chapters made it such a smooth and enjoyable read.
I absolutely adored the story and loved following the characters as they fell in love.
It had such a mystical vibe that I really enjoyed.
I also loved the atmosphere, it was incredible, it honestly felt like I was inside the book.
the beautiful illustrations helped a lot with that too; they made me feel even more immersed and connected to the story.
I fell in love with the characters, with the setting — honestly, I loved everything about this book.
The ending felt a bit rushed and left me wanting more.
I highly recommend it!
I’m only not giving it five stars because I feel like there were a few parts the author could have explored more, and others she rushed a bit too much for my taste.
But overall, I truly loved it and recommend this story so, so, so much!