Benny Caldera, a metal worker from Puerto Rico, was tasked with crafting a big tank for a circus, and soon finds himself involved in more than he was prepared for when he joins the party responsible for capturing the inhabitant for his own creation - a merman. He later finds himself looking back to the capture and remembering a plain request made to him that he feels compelled to fulfill: "save him".

When the Tides Held the Moon was a lovely and very emotional read, perfect for lovers of found family, historical setting, soft fantasy and queer romance.

I really enjoyed this story and it's 1910s setting. And the mini illustrations throughout the book were such a treat to see!

Thank you Erewhon Books for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley.

I had really been looking forward to reading this but about 10% in it became clear this book wasn't for me which is such a shame. There was nothing wrong with the writing, I just couldn't get into the story itself.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

One part love letter to Puerto Rican culture and one part beautiful love story, When The Tides Held the Moon is an adult romantasy set in 1910’s New York. We follow Benny, who’s just trying to survive in the city after arriving from Puerto Rico, and his relationship with Rio, a merman.

Yes, there’s a found family of diverse and lovable characters, a beautifully compelling romance, a dreamy merman love interest, and a main character who feels real in his struggles and triumphs, but it’s so much more than that.

Through Benny the author personifies the resilience of the Puerto Rican people, and the care and love they took when crafting this aspect of the book brought tears to my eyes. Puerto Ricans have been through a lot, having gone from the grips of the Spanish to that of the United States, and Venessa Vida Kelley weaves that history (as well as themes of resistance and music as resistance) seamlessly into the narrative. In addition to that, the prose is lush and gorgeous, and the romance will have you kicking your feet and giggling.. I can't wait to read more from this author!

This was a cute story with BEAUTIFUL artwork. I loved the way the author writes. I did find the constant use of Spanish a bit distracting- I don’t know a lick of Spanish so I felt like I was missing out.

I love her art and I really wanted to love this book but it wasn't for me. It was missing some details that would have made it, but it fell flat in some areas. I found though that it was a great debut novel. I just found it would have been much better with a little more editing.

10/10 no notes - this was utterly delightful and emotional. Creative and imaginative in the best of ways. I loved every minute of this magical story and can’t wait to read more from this author.

The best way to describe this book is to imagine a version of the Little Mermaid where Prince Eric finds and falls in love with Ariel first. It's a very lovely and pretty story, but didn't feel very deep or profound.
I really liked the side characters and the cast of the menagerie. They all had such unique backstories and life experiences that rounded out the group as a whole. A lot of them could have their own books or novellas written about them that would be very interesting.
The foreshadowing was quite heavy in some areas, and kind of took away from the ending. On the flip side though, the ending would have felt super random if not for it!
Overall, I found this to be a decent read! This could be the one for you if you love a good romantic and beautifully worded story!

Vanessa Vida Kelley's "When the Tides Held the Moon" is a lyrical and beautifully illustrated story that thoughtfully explores magic, queer identity, and the vibrant historical setting around 1910s Coney island. The narrative centers on Benigno 'Benny' Caldera, an orphaned Puerto Rican whose life is reshaped by migration to a new land due to climate disaster. His journey of hardship takes a magical turn when an encounter promises him his deepest desires in exchange for his heart. This book presents a compelling latinx fairytale, examining queer identity through the lens of the immigrant experience, and incorporates significant tropes such as found family, unique abilities, and the complexities of racial relation during a repressive American era. I found the illustrations to be enchanting, truly enhancing the immersive quality of the story's details. While I noted that some character descriptions felt jarring and potentially offensive, even if intended to be cartoonish, I believe more nuanced language could have been used. Despite this reservation, as a queer Puerto Rican, I found' When the Tides Held the Moon' to be an enchanting and heartfelt story, a needed fairytale grounded in important historical context and the journey to queer self-discover. It offers a unique blend of magic and reality, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in historical fantasy with meaningful themes.

Thank you NetGalley and Publishers, for sharing an Advanced Reader's copy with my person.

“Don’t waste your damn life trying to smother a spark what wants to be a blaze.”

“When the Tides held the Moon,” by Vanessa Vida Kelley

It really did give The Greatest Showman vibes! The merman in captivity gave me The Shape of Water vibes too but make it M/M. This book focused a lot on minority and kick down characters just trying to make it and the forbidden romance of different species falling in love when they shouldn’t. I thought it was very heartwarming and sad at the same time seeing how unhappy both MMC’s were with their circumstances. I loved the historical fiction circus atmosphere and the unique type of romance because it was merman and man in charge of caring for merman.
I think this is a good book for readers who like M/M vampire books or readers who love kick down characters who fall in love with slow burn bonds.
4 out of 5 stars.
-M/M
-Historical Fiction
-POC MC
-Merman
-Circus
-Forbidden Romance

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

In enjoyed this MM story of unpredictable love, its story Of a new age little mermaid with ethical dilemmas. Definitely recommend.

The second I saw the cover and blurb of When the Tides Held the Moon I knew I was going to absolutely love it. A historical romance set in 1910s New York City at the famous Coney Island Sideshow??? Say less!! 🌊🎡

My expectations were already high and they were blown out of the water! Venessa Vida Kelley poured all of the emotions into the pages of this magical book and I couldn’t love it more! As someone who grew up OBSESSED with Sideshows by the Seashore and the Coney Island Mermaids - this book was a true love letter to Luna Park! It captures the magic, mystery and enchantment while also bringing to light the struggles performers faced. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, awe-inspiring, breathtaking and everything in between! Officially one of my favorite reads of the year!

Method Read: 📖 & 🎧
Lee Osorio and Joel de la Fuente did an absolutely beautiful job bringing the story to life!

🖼️ The artwork throughout this novel is STUNNING!! The endpapers, chapter headings and beautiful illustrations throughout the book made this read even more magical!

Thank you so much Kensington Books & Libro FM for sending copies my way!!

PS the 43rd annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade is coming up June 21, 2025!! 🧜🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️

Admittedly I ran for this book as soon as I saw it as a Puerto Rican and someone who lived a train stop from Coney Island for years. This book was what cozy dreams are made of! It was part coming of age, but more so coming into your own skin, and part beautiful love story. The world that Venessa built is absolutely unforgettable. I desperately hope we get more from these two or at least more tales from the mer.

Thank you so much to Hambright PR and Venessa Vida Kelley for this review copy, I absolutely loved it.

Benny came to New York after the last of his family in Puerto Rico passed away. He doesn’t have memories of his life before he was found on the bank of a river after a Hurricane. Benny works as a blacksmith working long hours and putting up with less than decent coworkers at the forge. When an eccentric man comes requesting a large glass aquarium Benny is given the task since no one else seems to want the project. After it’s finished and his boss sees how much the buyer (a man named Morgan) loves it he takes credit and a series of events lead to Benny losing his job. Morgan recognizes Benny as the true craftsman and offers him a job at his side show"Morgan's Menagerie of Human Oddities" on Coney Island. Soon he finds out what this mysterious cage is for, a live Merman they are going to steal from the ocean. Benny becomes close with the Merman, who is called Rio, and wants to make sure he gets back home where he belongs. The two spend much time together and they both feel a pull toward the other.

This is one of the most beautiful romances I’ve read in awhile. The prose are gorgeous and the characters come to life. There’s a found family and self discoveries. Usually historical romances are usually underwhelming but I think maybe it’s just the Victorian and Edwardian one’s that aren’t for me. There are drawings throughout and the author is not only a talented storyteller but a great artist as well! I am looking forward to rereading this one as an audiobook because I’d love to hear the music and the Spanish language used throughout. I already know this will be in my top books of the year!

When the Tides Held the Moon is a poetic and politically charged novel that reads like a myth whispered through iron and saltwater. Set in the industrial underbelly of 1910s New York, it follows Benigno “Benny” Caldera, a Puerto Rican blacksmith and asthmatic immigrant, whose life changes when he’s commissioned to build a mysterious tank—only to discover it’s meant to imprison a merman named Río.

What begins as a tale of captivity and spectacle at Luna Park’s sideshow quickly deepens into a story of forbidden love, chosen family, and the cost of freedom. Benny and Río’s relationship is tender, lyrical, and defiant—an act of resistance in a world that seeks to cage both of them for who they are.

Kelley’s prose is fluid and immersive, echoing the tides that shape the story’s emotional rhythm. Her characters are richly drawn: Benny, a man scarred by colonial trauma and grief, finds healing in his artistry and in Río’s presence. Río, in turn, is a creature of myth and memory, whose longing for the sea mirrors Benny’s yearning for belonging.

The novel’s strength lies in its intersectional depth—weaving together themes of queerness, disability, colonialism, and class with grace and urgency. It’s a story about finding sanctuary in unexpected places, and about the courage it takes to love when love itself is a radical act.

“𝓜𝔂 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓵 𝓲𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼. 𝓘𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓲𝓽.”

I finished this book and then had to emotionally reboot for a few days. It left me both satisfied and wanting to dramatically fling myself into the ocean just to process it all. It was absolutely STUNNING —this is one of those rare stories that unexpectedly fed my soul. Thank you so much, Venessa Vida Kelley, for this gem! 🫶🏻

Set in early 1900s New York, the story blends a bit of magic with a whole lot of reality—tackling themes of love, identity, and belonging with both tenderness and bite. Benny Caldera, a Boricua blacksmith with asthma and a heavy heart, is hired to work for the Menagerie—a sideshow troupe with The Greatest Showman energy. Think strongman, contortionist, “conjoined” twins, etc. And the fun part is that they all quickly become more than just “exhibits” to him. And not to be dramatic or anything, but they’re a found family I’d protect with my life.

“I ain’t a smart guy like you, Benny.” A bittersweet grin crossed his lips. “But if there’s anything I’ve learned just being human in this lousy, jacked up world, it’s that love and hate—they got something in common. They put blinders on you, so’s you can’t see nothing but whatever it tells you to see."

And then there’s Rìo! My dear, darling, Rìo. The merman Benny is hired to build a tank for and help capture...while accidentally falling for him in the process. Their relationship slowly shifts from one of guilt and hesitation to tenderness and longing; it’s the kind of love that leaves an ache in your chest. Told in dual POV (with Rìo’s chapters reading like dreamy journal entries), the story is a beautiful combination of heart and humor, with Benny’s panicked “Jesucristos!” and Rìo’s hilarious confusion over idioms, but doesn’t shy away from the era’s uglier sides either. Through discrimination and being forced to hide one’s true self, there’s both a sadness and warmth that felt like it seeped into my bones from the pages.

“’Cause the prettiest girl in Brooklyn wants me, but my heart wants someone else. Someone who knows me better than any human alive—including me. And I don’t even know his name.”

Tears were forcing their way into my eyes again.
“All I know is that he misses the moon. If I could, I’d ride a rollercoaster to the sky just to steal it for him.”

If I had 60 seconds to sum up this story in an elevator pitch, I’d tell you:

This book is magic. It's transportative, filled with grit and family, with equal parts aching and yearning—it's about finding your place, finding your people, and being seen and loved exactly as you are. “Ain’t no being free on the outside unless you’re free on the inside.” That line, like this book, will stay with me for a very long time, and I absolutely adore that. ❤️

🧜🏻‍♂️ Human x Merman
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The BEST Found Family
🪸 Calls Him Barnacle
🏳️‍🌈 Queer Romance
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
🎭 Dual POV
🖼️ Beautiful Illustrations

When the Tides Held the Moon by Vanessa Vida Kelley completely swept me away. Set in 1910s New York, it mixes circus performers, magical realism, and mermaids most beautifully. The story follows Benigno, a queer Puerto Rican immigrant, who gets tangled up in a scheme to capture a merman for a circus exhibit. As Benigno builds a tank to house Río, the merman, they form a deep friendship that slowly turns into something more. I loved how this book focuses on finding family, love, and self-discovery—especially as Benigno starts to open up to the circus performers around him. The romance is sweet and slow-burn, making every moment feel earned. While some of the side characters didn’t completely connect with me, I was so drawn to the main relationship and the stunning illustrations throughout. It’s an enchanting, emotional read that I think anyone who loves magical realism and queer romance would adore.

Mermaids and found family immediately sold me on this when I heard about it from a friend, and I did a little happy dance when my request for the arc was granted!

This story absolutely captured me from the very start. Benny is down on his luck, and the offer to join Luna Park seemed almost too good to be true. I am always a sucker for a found family story and even if it took Benny a while to fully trust the Luna Park crew, I really loved all their interactions. I also appreciated the way Kelley incorporated Benny's Puerto Rican heritage, the language, and the memories of his Titi Luz.

My mermaid loving heart was of course made very happy by the merman (keeping the name out of the review for now for spoiler reasons) and the beautiful lore that Kelley has created for the merfolk in this book. Their love story is absolutely a slow burn, but totally worth it. However, I wish Benny had given his lover a bit more of an extended explanation and apology for not freeing him sooner. The merman had to physically deteriorate for Benny to realize he had to jump into action, which made me a little sad. But I guess it is a very good example of "love makes you blind" - for better or for worse.

Overall, I recommend this beautiful story that reads a bit like a historical fairy tale. A queer historical fairy tale.

p.s. Dear Venessa would you please give us an epilogue at some point clarifying if Benny becomes an actual merman at the end, thank you. :D

Thank you to Erewhon Books for providing me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley!

"Son of Neptune, I answer. I am your harmony.

When the Tides Held the Moon follows Benigno "Benny", a metal worker from Puerto Rico tasked with creating an ironwork tank, and Rio, the merman he unknowingly condemned.

"When the waves return for me in my dreams, I capsize."

At its core, When the Tides Held the Moon is a story about loneliness and isolation. Its about embracing and celebrating differences through adversity. Its about finding our people and place in the world.

"You call me the moon,but it's you. You're the beacon."

Beautiful prose, poignant themes, an eclectic cast of characters, one of the best depictions of found family I have read. All is found in this book. That's without even mentioning the beautiful illustrations to be found within.

"I have collected your smiles, your laughter, your songs like precious pearls. When I was alone I held them close" - his voice caught in his throat - "to guard against my nightmares."

Whilst I found the pacing to be somewhat slow at the beginning, the rest of the book I devoured and it is so rare for a debut to consume me and make me cry so much. Highly recommend

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was such a beautifully written, surprise of a book. Set in 1910s Coney Island, it follows Benny, a Puerto Rican blacksmith who builds a tank for a sideshow, only to discover it’s meant to hold a merman Río, who he unknowingly helped capture from the East River.
What grows from there is a beautifully soft and slow love story, framed by themes of captivity, freedom, and finding connection in unlikely places. I really loved how the relationship between Benny and Río developed. It wasn’t rushed but grew through glances, gestures and small conversations that felt so tender and charged with meaning. And even though most of the story is told from Benny’s point of view, I really appreciated the short chapters from Río’s perspective. They were quiet and poetic but added so much emotional depth.
The writing has a lyrical, almost dreamlike quality that just added to the atmosphere of the setting so well. Coney Island, with its strange mix of wonder and exploitation, made for such a vivid and layered background. I also really appreciated the use of Spanish in the dialogue and narration. It felt natural, grounding, and added an extra layer of intimacy to Benny’s character and the story as a whole. The beautiful illustrations were a lovely touch too, giving the whole book a slightly magical, almost folktale feel.
Overall, When the Tides Held the Moon is a beautiful blend of historical fiction and fantasy, offering an emotional narrative that stays with you even after the final page. It's a story about love in unexpected places, liberation, and the quiet courage to do what's right, even when the tides are against you.
A solid 4.5 stars for me, rounded to 5. Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is how you write a book! When I read it, it changed in me...positive, I can't explain it! But, this is how you write a book! I'm in awe. Just - I've been slightly speechless since reading When the Tides Held the Moon yesterday, trying to find the right words to describe the emotions this churned inside of me.

First of all, I would like to say something about the characters. The characters of the so-called "Freak Show". They are all such different people and extraordinary, but in a fairly original way that I loved very much. They are all like family to Benny at some point and help him find himself.

I fell in love. I fell in love with the gentleness in which Benny slowly won the heart and patience and kindness of a creature that he helped in trapping, but he cared so lovingly for him. ❤️‍🩹 I loved the way Río spoke, how his thoughts echoed such hope and understanding of Benny.

There were so many painful sad moments where both helped each other and were there for each other. Even though Rio was trapped in the tank, he could always cheer Benny up and understand him!

The merman is more than a mythic marvel, though. Benny comes to know Río as a clever philosopher, an observant traveller, and a kindred spirit more beautiful and compassionate than any human he's ever met. Despite their different worlds, what begins as a friendship of necessity deepens to love, leading Benny's heart into uncharted waters where he can no longer ignore the agonising truth of Río's captivity—and his own.

Oh Rio, Rio this good-hearted man...he was smart and compassionate, and so sensitive to Benny's own emotions. Because Benny felt guilty for Rio's captivity, on the other hand Rio was really angry and angry. But Rio starts to see how nice Benny is grows to care about him.

Benny is namely a queer man of colour in an incredibly racist and homophobic era. He doesn't have it easy and finds a family and even love for Rio in this circus.

And God how I loved these joint scenes with the two, it was sooo beautiful and I didn't want it to end! This book will accompany me for a lifetime and I will have to buy it again so that I can take it everywhere! It is an enrichment, a work of art if you worship the many pictures that venessa has conjured up! A book I never want to close!