When The Tides Held the Moon is a 1910s historical romance that melds beautifully with the mythology of merfolk. Benny is a Puerto Rican blacksmith in New York City tasked with creating a tank that can hold a mystical creature from the seas. To his shock, a merman is actually stolen from the sea and slated to perform in a sideshow. As Benny connects with the merman, he must face the truth about both the merman and himself. 

I absolutely loved When the Tides Held the Moon!! Benny is such a strong character who it is impossible to not want the best for. I loved his friendship and relationship with Río, as well as the other show members like Matthias. The portrayal of what it was like to be LGBTQ+ during this time was excellent and I loved how they found family and safety in the sideshow. The worldbuilding behind what it might be like to be a merfolk was beautiful. Venessa Vida Kelley creates characters that are so lovable and vivid. I was also impressed with the historical research and accuracy that clearly took place. 

When the Tides Held the Moon is perfect for readers who seek historical LGBTQ+ romance, merfolk, and found family. I would highly recommend it to anyone! 

Thank you to Venessa Vida Kelley, Erewhon Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.