Breathless

This is a story within a story. Brenna and Fitch are professional rivals but now they have come together to find the history of the woman in the famous Siren Series. As a result, they hope to find any remaining portraits of the Siren. This couple were instantly attracted to each other but Brenna is holding a grudge about some of the actions Fitch has taken in the past. With a history of untrustworthy men, she’s not open to a relationship with him. Fitch is drawn to her in every way and would love to see her let go of her professor persona and live free. Inside Brenna and Fitch’s story is the story of the Swan, her expulsion from Europe and her rescue by her Artist. As this couple track the Swan’s history they find themselves growing closer together, sometimes their emotions mirroring that of the woman that they are hunting. I must confess that I enjoyed the Swan’s love story more so than Fitch and Brenna’s. The Swan’s background is steep in emotion. The chemistry between her and her artist palpable. Their pasts so very heart wrenching and their love the perfect balm to heal them both. This is a relatively fast paced read, but I must confess to skimming some due to a lot of travel guide-ish commentary. This is a me issue as I’m not a fan of in-depth descriptions of locales or historical sites. There is a heavy emphasis on art that I did enjoy as it dealt mainly with the issue this couple were working on. Secondary characters hold their own, never taking over the story but pushing it along onto the path each of the main characters needed to get to their happy ending. Overall, this was a very pleasant read and it made me curious about any previous books that might form a series.

Breathless by Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan Treasure hunt, romance, historical & contemporary romances, mystery and intrigue all are part of this book. The authors have seamlessly woven the life story of one woman from the past into the present and made it pertinent and real by sending Fitch Wilder and Brenna Anderson on a quest to find out more about the Swan…or is it the Siren? I was gripped immediately by the beginning of the book and ALMOST decided to read only the portions of the book labeled PAST and skip over the PRESENT portions and pick them up later but am happy that I did not do so. Why? Because the story unfolds as it should with highs and lows that really do need to be read in order. I was not always “happy” with the Swan-Siren’s story but then neither was she. I am intrigued about what happened to her after her story ended (in the book) and wonder if perhaps Fitch and Brenna continued to pursue finding out more about her. Oh, one more thing…at a few points in the Swan’s narrative in first person I felt she told her story a bit as Fanny Hill told hers in the book with the same title. Did I enjoy this book? Definitely Would I read more books by these authors? Yes Do I recommend this book? Yes Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press Griffin for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars

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.