Oh my gosh what at absolutely glorious book! I fell in love with Benny, Río and the whole cast of the Menagerie - beautifully written and incredibly immersive, this story was a delight! I learnt about Luna Park at University (American Cultural History, best class ever!) and reading a book set there brought me so much joy! I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy with all the illustrations when it’s released!

The book follows Benigno - Benny - a queer Puerto Rican blacksmith who is trying to make a living in New York in the early 1900’s. He is tasked with building a huge tank for Sam Morgan, purveyor of ‘Morgan’s Menagerie of Oddities’, and dragged into a scheme to trap a mermaid… but the Mer they capture is beautiful merman Río.

Wracked with guilt over Río’s capture, Benny does his best to protect the merman from Sam’s wrath, but as the whole company is dragged into the mire of Sam’s underworld dealings, Benny cannot help but see how Río is suffering. As their bond grows, Benny knows he has to set Río free or die trying, even if it means losing the love of his life to the ocean.

This book was so wonderfully written and I was moved to tears several times by Río and Benny’s plight. It showed the depths of struggles that immigrants in the US face(d) and the roles that they are forced into. I loved that Spanish words and phrases were peppered throughout the prose, as it reflects beautifully how Benny jumps between Spanish and English. I also loved the mystery of Benny’s past and the flashbacks to his life with his Tití Luz in Puerto Rico.

I cannot recommend this book enough, it’s absolutely glorious! Thank you so much to the author and Kensington Publishing for an eARC of this book via NetGalley. It’s available on 29th April.

Read When The Tides Held The Moon for:
✨ 1900’s queer historical fiction
✨ Merman x Human
✨ Real life setting (Luna Park, Coney Island)
✨ ‘Menagerie of Oddities’ attraction
✨ Commentary on immigration & racism
✨ English with Spanish phrases throughout
✨ Forbidden romance
✨ Found family (I loved them all!)
✨ Saving the one you love, or die trying
✨ The most beautiful HEA 💕

I really, really wanted to love this one, so much so that I requested it even though I don't generally vibe with books published by Kensington. But alas! The Kensington curse continues.

Conceptually, this book is fantastic: Benigno "Benny" Caldera, a Puerto Rican immigrant steel worker, is tasked with building an aquarium for a merman, gets recruited into a sideshow, and falls in love with the merman, all against the backdrop of early 1900s Coney Island. I think Vida Kelley evokes the setting well with Benny's first person narration, and I love the mix of Spanish sprinkled throughout. For any readers not fluent in Spanish, there is also a glossary in the back, which includes words from other languages that some of the sideshow cast speaks as well (such as Russian). I really liked Benny as a character: he's strong-willed and principled, standing up for what he believes in and who he is in a world that wants him to be smaller and lesser. I liked his love interest, Rio, as well, but did have some issues with the romance itself (more on that to come).

I think my biggest hangup was, after the explosive beginning of Benny and Rio meeting, the pacing was sorta meh. There are multiple sideshow characters, from a Punjabi dwarf and a Russian giant to a nonbinary fire breather, and Vida Kelley makes sure to give Benny some scenes with each of these characters. Which definitely is good! In an ensemble cast, that's one of the best ways to come to know each character. But my big problem is that these characters seldom rose above stereotypes; I know other reviewers mentioned Vida Kelley had a sensitivity reader, so hopefully these characters will be given a bit more dimension in the published version.

Aside from the sideshow cast, which definitely bogged down the plot, I also didn't love the interactions between Benny and Rio. Particularly, I couldn't tell why Rio was attracted to Benny, who's kind to him while he's caged but still doesn't set him free until (spoiler alert) he is LITERALLY dying (and also low-key made his cage, so there's that). I do think that Vida Kelley kept it from being overly problematic, but it just wasn't to my taste that Rio is so accepting of Benny being his captor, other than a brief moment in the beginning.

When the Tides Held the Moon does everything just good enough. It's a good romance, with good worldbuilding, and good writing, but nothing to really elevate it from the spate of fantasy romance being published lately -- except the illustrations. Those are STUNNING, and I found myself eagerly clicking through pages on my e-ARC to get to the next one. They complement the story beautifully and really bring the characters to life. Honestly, I would love if Vida Kelley did a graphic novel (I know the author's blurb mentions that they've illustrated lots of queer stories, and I'd be curious to know which, because her art is truly otherworldly).

I think if you're new to the genre, want a good "popcorn" book to pass the time with, or like circus stories and don't mind some stock characters here and there, this will be a win. And, obviously, lots of people love this book (sitting at a cool 4.4 on GR at the time of this review), so I am definitely in the minority here!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Venessa Vida Kelley for gifting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Big thank you to Netgalley, Erewhon Books, and Kensington Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book!

I was initially attracted to the description and the cover of this book. I did not finish this book and it was clearly not a good fit for me. I’m a moody reader and it was very difficult for me to get into the story in the first few chapters. The writing style is unique, with a mix of Spanish words and quotes thrown in at times. I found this to be too jarring and hard to get used to. Character accents were interesting to read in printed text (or rather, the ebook text)— I bet with a good narrator, the story could be better in audiobook form. However, that format would be missing the illustrations, which were a highlight. I found them to be interesting, beautiful, and a welcome surprise.

Like other reviewers on Goodreads mention, I just could not get invested in the characters and the story.

Un herrero puertorriqueño se enamora de un tritón en el Nueva York de 1911. Suena intrigante, sin duda, pero esta breve oración básicamente resume toda la trama del libro, y eso simplemente no fue suficiente para mí.

Comenzó bastante bien. Benigno Caldera, un herrero de 22 años, recibe el encargo de construir un tanque de vidrio para un espectáculo de Coney Island llamado La colección de rarezas humanas de Morgan. Benny rápidamente se involucra con la nueva atracción del show: el tritón Rio, que fue capturado violentamente en un río y ahora está prisionero en el tanque que Benny construyó.

Pensé que esto daría lugar a una dinámica interesante, ya que Benny literalmente fabricó la jaula que mantiene cautivo a Rio. Sin embargo, Rio lo perdona con bastante facilidad y ambos se encariñan rápidamente. A partir de ahí, la historia se vuelve bastante predecible: hablan, se enamoran y planean liberar a Rio. No hubo ni un solo giro inesperado, y me aburrí bastante mientras leía.

Además, el tema del espectáculo de rarezas apenas se aprovecha porque, durante la mayor parte del libro, está fuera de temporada. Hay varios personajes secundarios con características peculiares, pero no logré conectar con ellos, aunque algunos tuvieron pequeñas historias de fondo. Eso sí, las ilustraciones de los personajes hechas por el autor fueron geniales.

La relación entre Benny y Rio es agradable, pero me pareció extraño que ningún otro personaje pareciera sorprenderse ante la presencia de una criatura marina sobrenatural. En general, no fue una mala lectura, pero tampoco una que vaya a quedarse en mi mente por mucho tiempo.

When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley is a mesmerizing, dreamlike tale of love, longing, and liberation. Set against the dazzling yet gritty backdrop of 1911 Coney Island, this novel weaves history and fantasy into a story as fluid and mysterious as the ocean itself.

At its heart is Benigno “Benny” Caldera, a Puerto Rican blacksmith whose hands craft beauty and strength in equal measure. When he is commissioned to build a tank for Luna Park’s newest exhibit—a captured merman named Río—his world shifts in ways he never expected. What begins as curiosity turns into something deeper, something unspoken yet undeniable. Their connection is immediate, a pull as strong as the tide, defying the boundaries of language, circumstance, and even species.

Kelley’s prose is nothing short of intoxicating, flowing with the rhythm of waves against the shore. Every word is imbued with a quiet longing, every glance between Benny and Río charged with the tension of a love both forbidden and inevitable. The romance unfolds with a delicate tenderness, as Benny grapples with the morality of Río’s captivity and his own desires. It’s a story about more than just romance—it’s about freedom, about finding where you truly belong, about love that refuses to be caged.

The author’s own illustrations scattered throughout the book add an extra layer of depth, bringing this world to life with stunning visual poetry. And while the pacing slows at times, allowing the atmosphere to fully settle in, it only makes the eventual emotional crescendo more powerful.

If you’ve ever longed for a love story that feels both otherworldly and achingly real, When the Tides Held the Moon will capture your heart like the sea claims the shore. A novel of passion, sacrifice, and the quiet rebellion of choosing love, this is a book that lingers long after the last page is turned.

First of all thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start saying that i really did enjoy this book so much. There are so many topics that are touched and i couldn't help but to identify so much with some of these.

I strongly believe that this a story about love and not only romantically but also love in a platonic way. The way our character could find himself in a place where he discovered that his family could also be a bunch of strangers who could see past through him is beautiful.

His self discovery is also something that i strongly self identified with, sometimes being unable to accept our true selves because of our environment or the things we grew up with can be hard. I felt this warm sensation in my heart all the time while i read Benigno's thoughts. Also, reading Rio's chapter were my favorite thing, i just loved the way he was expressing in such a poetic tone. The love story between them was absolute beautiful, and also all this myth about Sirens and the Currents. I have to applaud the author for doing such a wonderful background with this story. I fell in love with all of it

When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley is a beautifully written and atmospheric fantasy that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of nature. The story blends emotional depth with enchanting world-building, following characters as they navigate personal challenges and a mystical world. Kelley’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions create an immersive experience, making it a captivating read for fans of magical realism and character-driven stories.

WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON - VENESSA VIDA KELLEY

It feels like some of my absolute favourite recent reads have all involved mermaids, mermen or some other aquatic creature, and When the Tides Held the Moon is not an exception to this rule. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH.

Excuse the capital letters, but the emphasis feels necessary. Set in 1910s New York, where Benny, an orphaned blacksmith from Puerto Rico, is both unwelcome and taken advantage of, he finally catches a break when he designs a one-of-a-kind tank for a Luna Park sideshow proprietor. 

Unfortunately, that tank then becomes a prison for Río, a merman stolen from a nearby estuary. What follows is one of the most beautiful and authentic fantasy novels I've read in a good while. Peppered with Benny's home language and featuring an unforgettable and, at times, larger-than-life cast of characters, I wholeheartedly adored every page of this book.

The central romance is exquisitely written, and the found-family vibes reminded me of The Greatest Showman, as well as cosy fantasy novels. But don't be fooled; the action really ramps up towards the end of the book, as the potential consequences of Río's captivity grow dire.

This book has everything and I wish I could shove this novel in everyone's hands so that they'd read it. It really is that brilliant. Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Release date: 22 April 2025

Review score: 5/5

Trigger warnings: drowning, d*ath, cruelty, bullying, r*cism

Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for providing me with an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

CW: Racism, Death, Kidnapping, Violence, Homophobia, (off page) Sexual Assault, Ableism

4.5 / 5 Stars


More than anything else, this book is a story about finding home—not just a place, but the people who make you feel like you belong. The performers of Luna Park’s sideshow have created a family bound not by blood, but by trust, love, and shared survival. They support each other, no matter what, and that deep sense of found family is at the heart of this book. ♥

At the same time, it’s also a love story—one that builds slowly and beautifully between our MC Benny, an orphaned blacksmith, and Río, the captive merman he’s tasked with containing. Their relationship unfolds with tenderness, longing, and an undeniable pull toward each other. There's a theme all of the couples and non-couples in this book share and it's one I would also sign without hesitation: Love is about being truly seen.


The antagonist was also brilliantly written—vile and manipulative in all the best ways. As a person? Hated him. As a character? He was fantastic, adding tension and a real sense of danger to the story.

The only thing I found myself wishing for was a bit more resolution regarding Benny’s deeper connection to the sea. There are hints throughout—implications that his history with the merpeople might be more than chance, that his lineage could tie him to something greater. It plays a major role in the climax, yet by the end, it’s left open-ended for the reader to interpret. While I don’t mind a little mystery, I would have loved just a bit more clarity on that front.

Still, that’s a small thing in the grand scheme of how much I adored this book.

Final Thoughts
Loved it a great deal.

I believe this is the sweetest fantasy romance I have read so far.

I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This made the little girl in me who loved The Little Mermaid smile. This book tackled immigration, racism, slavery, forbidden love, the fear of acknowledging your personal sexual preference, and stepping out of the shadows into your true self.

Benny and Rio were the perfect main characters and a beautiful enemies-to-lovers character focus, the very personification of opposites attract. Benny, an immigrant from Puerto Rico, stows away on a steamship and comes to New York to make a better life for himself. Events cause him to gain employment at Luna Park, on Coney Island, to create an iron tank for a new side show coming to the park. Feeling that he has no home, no family, no purpose, and no one to love or love him. Benny finds family in a place he did not expect and love from someone we all would have never thought.

In order for him to hold on to this love, he will have to let it go. OMG!! This story took me all over my emotional landscape!

I giggled, cried, screamed, and gagged over this book. The world-building was beautiful, the characters were well written, and all served a purpose in moving this fantastic storyline along.

I loved this story!!

Thank you so much, Netgalley, Kensington Publishing/ Erewhon Books, and Venessa Vida Kelley for the ARC of When the Tides Held the Moon.

I’ve been a fan of VKelley’s artwork for years and own many collector’s edition romance books they’ve illustrated and so I was eager to read their historical romantasy debut. To read a story written and brought to life by the illustrator’s own vision is really unique, and I was blown away! This book is magnificent, magical, and is easily going on my Best of 2025 list. I absolutely loved it.

The story takes place in 1911 Coney Island in Brooklyn, at the famous playground called Luna Park and is about Benigno or “Benny”, an orphaned Puerto Rican immigrant, and Río, a merman taken from the sea and kept inside a tank that Benny built. Río being held in captivity was hard to read at times, and you pray they will get him back to the Ocean, but it was indicative of the owner’s greed and exploitation of “others” used in Morgan’s Menagerie of Human Oddities. This is very of the times, but also feels timely and like a metaphor for how immigrants are treated and looked down upon, feeling out of place in the world and not accepted for who you are, and then finally finding your home. Kelley incorporates spanish words and phrases throughout the book and there’s even a glossary in the back which adds to the overall feeling of authenticity.

The relationship that develops between Benny & Río is so touching and lovely. As they spend time together, Río sees Benigno for who he is and vice versa. They are both beautiful souls who find connection in each other. There is also an incredible found family in the various members of the Menagerie like Sonia the contortionist, Eli & Emmet the conjoined twins, Matthius the strongest man in the world, Madam Navya the smallest woman in the world, and Lulu the bearded lady, who rally around him during an incredible heist.

For me, the weeping began at around 80% of the book and I honestly couldn’t stop until it was over and then I hugged the book to my chest. It’s an HEA in the most unique way, but the conflict had me very worried, as I think good romance novels do before the ending. The amount of tissues I used while finishing this beautiful book is comical. 🤧

I cannot wait to get the hardback to see their final illustrations, which I preordered from one of the participating indie bookstores (any chance to support an indie I will take!) I believe there are 27 unique pieces of art all done in a 1910s ink crosshatch style and they feel like engravings of that time. You can see the Art Nouveau influence in some of the ornate embellishments, too. It’s all very evocative of 1911 New York, a time period I've always found fascinating.

••Thank you to Kensington Publishing / Ehrwohn Books for the ARC••

This book was very very very lovely. I was very stressed leading up to the heist but it resolved and I was happy (even if I didn't completely understand the ending).

Benigno Caldera is a Puerto Rican in 1910s New York City who left home after everyone he loved died and he had nothing keeping him in Puerto Rico. So now Benny is working with iron in a factory that makes fancy metalwork for rich people. When he's given the chance to build a metal cage for a very large tank, he leaps at the chance to make something beautiful and maybe move into another part of the factory that aggravates his asthma less. Then he finds out that, actually, the cage and tank are for a merman that the wealthy showman Sam Morgan is kidnapping from the river for his Coney Island sideshow. Soon Benny finds himself working as a laborer at the sideshow and befriending - then falling in love with - the merman that he dubs Rio. But it's ok to work for the sideshow as long as he plans to break Rio out soon, right?

This good quote: "You and I know fire, Benny. Don't waste your damn life trying to smother a spark what wants to be a blaze."

Also shoutout to this nonbinary representation:
""So... do you really wish you were a man, then?"
Vera shrugged. "Would be nice to be the next Ella Wesner, but I don't feel much one way or the other. Some days the dress fits just right. Other days... it's a skin I'd like to peel off. Either way..." Vera pulled back her shoulders and smirked mysteriously, her hair half pinned, half falling in tawny curls around her shoulders. "On stage, I'm the Phoenix."
Ave Maria. Who would've guessed I'd wind up sharing a house with living proof humans could be just like merfolk who were neither man nor maid?"

This book alternates POV between Rio and Benny, and I appreciated that Rio's POV was written in a different style.

This is a very lovely romance about one closeted, Latino man who is filled with hurt and heartbreak and finds the family, love, and comfort that he's been seeking. While Rio is obviously physically trapped, Benny is also trapped in a cage built by homophobia and racism. We see each man tenderly reach toward each other and let their walls fall down until they can be one together.

We also see Benny find true friendship and found family in the other members of the sideshow cast. This is a Hurt/Comfort for the romance, but also because the friends help heal Benny too.

TW: homophobia, kidnapping, death of a parent, sexual abuse of side character

Thank you to Netgalley and Erewhon Books for this ARC.

“𝙎𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡, 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙞𝙩—𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙖𝙯𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚.”

It goes without saying that I absolutely adore Venessa Kelley. Their artwork is truly breathtaking, and my shelves are packed full of prints and book covers they’ve done. When Venessa announced their debut for “When The Tides Held The Moon,” I just knew this was going to be as beautiful as their artwork. Special shout-out to NetGalley and Erewhon Books for the opportunity to read this book early.

WTTHTM follows Beningo, a Puerto Rican blacksmith who hasn’t had the best of luck since losing the only person he’s had in his life. Upon moving to America, he ends up being commissioned to build a one of a kind tank for a circus’s special exhibit. When he’s schemed into helping the circus’s gang of misfits capture said exhibit, he finds himself face to face with a merman. One he’d never believe to be real. One who his heart calls to. One he’d do anything for to free and send back home.

I absolutely adored this book and the many characters in it. The found family vibe of this book was so special between Benny and the circus gang. We get a bit of everyone and their history which adds that much more the story. While Río and Benny’s relationship was a bit rocky to start with (could you blame Río after being captured?), I just loved the connection between these two. The way Río talked to Benny about how truly beautiful of a person he is, and how he made him step out of his comfort zone by being his true self and facing his fears, oh my heart these two.

Like I said at the beginning, I just knew this book was going to be beautiful and it truly was. This is definitely one of my top reads of 2025. I can’t wait to see what Venessa comes up with next. Highly recommend if you love found family, soulmates, sweet love, a touch of humor, and a bit of magic.

Thank you NetGalley & Kensington Publishing for granting me an Arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book can be described in the simplest terms as, The little mermaid meets Dumbo. Needless to say, I really enjoyed it.
The story being set in Coney Island was a perfect choice and I love the connections to some of the real life events.

Perhaps surprising but my favorite part of the story wasn't even the romance, it was the found family. I like how the characters are interwoven with one another. Especially Vera & Sonia, They would bud heads, and yet be the first to comfort and defend one another. These types of dynamics make the found family feel real and not just another trope to capture readers initial attention.
As for the romance aspect of the book, I enjoyed it as well. Benigno & Rio were so comforting and tender towards one another. It feels rare now a days to find a fictional couple that isn't kick started by banter. Their kindness and thoughtfulness about one another was endearing and I enjoyed every second of it.
The only critiques I have about the book consist of the love triangle (if it can even be called a triangle) with Sonia & some of the phrases. When it comes to the phrases, words in different languages I don't know, don't bother me. However, it can be irritating having *frequent* full sentences in Spanish without context. For a good chunk of the first 25% I had to have google translate open on my phone at all times. When it come to the love triangle with Sonia, I was cringing for most of it. It's a pretty common trope in LGBT+ fiction to have one character crush on another, not realizing that that character is gay. But I wish Sonia's character arc wasn't as connected to liking Benigno as it was.

Everything else aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope others will too.

This was a great magical realism read with the realities of living in 1911. Benny trying to achieve his American dream but realizing the racism that lives within it. This definitely gave Gay Shape of Water without the insufferable nature of the movie.

First I just want to thank the author for the ARC. This book was literally so amazing, it was a little slow in the beginning but it picks up fast. The relationship between the two main characters was such an interesting dynamic to read, they’re literally so cute together and I love them so much. Each of the characters growths including the side characters is quite believable and the epilogue at the end was so sweet. Loved seeing Puerto Rican representation, 5/5 book!

This book unfortunately was not for me. I did not enjoy the writing style or the plot line unfortunately. I wish I had because it sounded so interesting.

Sadly, this one wasn't for me. It didn't catch my attention enough to sit down and read more than 5% at a time, and after many days/weeks or reading bits, it lost me.
However, I'm always happy to see more representation in fantasy and not just contemporary stories, so even if it wasn't the story for me, I wouldn't hesitate to bring it up if asked for recommendations for historical fantasy, which happens to be one of my favorite things.
If you speak Spanish and hate how it's often used in media in the most illogical, non-natural parts of conversations, where it feels like it was written by someone who only took a Spanish class in high school; fear not. The Spanish here is well used and not just thrown there for the sake of it.
Plus; the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. (the ones at the end of chapter 4 and 17 specially; I would get prints of those)

When the Tides Held the Moon is a historical romance with diverse characters and stunning artwork placed throughout. However, despite the author’s talent for vivid prose and world-building, the pacing felt off, making it hard to stay engaged. The inclusion of Spanish, while adding a realistic aspect to Benny’s character, was challenging to read, as I was unfamiliar with the language. In addition, the books entire purpose was for Benny and Rio’s relationship and I just didn’t feel like it was a realstic connection. Enemies to lovers is great, but this wasn't exactly that, and the captive x captor aspect got completely washed over. While it didn’t fully work for me, it’s still an impressive debut. This book may appeal to those who enjoy slow-paced stories with found family themes and poetic prose.

This book was very interesting. I loved the story and the time period that it was set in. Overall it was a very emotional read of these two characters finding home. I also loved the art that was sprinkled throughout the book. It added a nice element to the story.