The Mermaid Next Door: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Midlife Mermaid Book 1)
Being a mermaid isn’t all it’s cracked up to be...
In the underwater kingdom of Corsica, mermaids are the property of mermen. We’re considered valuable as breeders until we reach our mid-thirties, at which time we’re deemed no longer useful.
Good thing for me I’m forty, never had any children and I’m a widow. So, I can basically live my life as I see fit.
Until my husband’s younger brother, Cullen, decides to make me his wife… one of seven.
Cullen has a mean streak a mile wide and he’s always been obsessed with me—ever since we were young. Now that his older brother is out of the way, he recognizes his chance to finally possess me.
Only I’m the type of woman who won’t accept my fate so easily. No, I’m a fighter by nature so when it’s decreed that I should marry Cullen, I do the only thing I can do.
I escape. To the land.
Once I reach the shore, I’m facing a whole new and terrifyingly unfamiliar world. Luckily I’ve got the Siren’s Song which encourages humans to do whatever I want them to.
Except my song doesn’t work on one human male in particular, Sawyer Ray.
And Sawyer just happens to be the one man I need, because I’m fairly certain someone has come after me…
Reviews (94)
Loved it!
It starts out by throwing you into a anxiety filled situation. Then makes you cross your fingers that she gets through the next problem. I didn't want to stop reading till I knew she was ok. Gets the blood pumping!
New spin on a mermaid tale
I enjoy both H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain books, but was a little skeptical going into this one because of the premise. You've read one mermaid book, you've read them all right? Wrong! This mermaid is older, she's been widowed, and is challenged by a patriarchal and misogynistic society, and an arranged marriage. I was immediately pulled into the story and actually read this in one sitting. The authors are very creative in bringing Eva to life, especially her first time land experiences, and her humor. I appreciate the new spin on the mermaid concept, and I'm very much looking forward to the next books in this series!
Just okay
A quick read if you have time to waste. Didn't care for the writing no matter how hard I tried. Found it to be somewhat juvenile. Truly disappointed. Expected better from J.R. Rain.
Great mermaid stories are hard to find!
Eva is middle aged and widowed. That in and if itself isn’t very unusual until you add in that she’s a mermaid. A mermaid whose husband, the king, has died and now his tyrannical brother that coveted her is king. Eva does the only thing she can - escapes to the surface. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Well done!
Promising idea, but...
I can see how this could have been the start of a good series. However, it seems rushed and some parts are underdeveloped. Like someone else pointed out, the ending is quite abrupt. Cliffhangers are to be expected in a series, but the way this book ends makes it seem like this is really just half a book. What really bugged me was the number of sentences starting with “But, ...” I’m not a native English speaker, so maybe it’s just me, but I think the book needs some editing. Based on the other reviews, it probably *is* me, though, so maybe this book is just not for the punctuation freaks.
Mermaid next door
This was a good little story. The characters were well written, and the story line moved right along, then it ended. It just leaves you hanging
Enjoyed
Very cute, creative, fun read. Lots of world building and back story development so I’m really looking forward to book 2!
Sweet
Sweet book but too short. Ends on a cliffhanger and not in a good place in my opinion. I would be interested in the next book if it was priced very low.
Interesting
Fun ideas in the book. Warning: Triggers in the book for victims of domestic abuse.
Land Ahoy
If you are all about adventure and passion from the normal HP Mallory books then this one will seem a bit on the tame side. But it is a freshman series and there is a lot of time for character development in this one. Imagine you were having to live in a foreign country and didn't speak the language. It would take awhile to figure everything out. So our Mermaid is enjoying her independence and about to be forced into a bad arranged marriage. Every independent woman's worst nightmare, add to that you are wife #7. You choose to flee to the only safe place you think exists, land. This story follows a timeline you could relate to any woman in midlife who is striking out on her own, learning to take care of herself. It is a fun and simple story that flies by in the blink of an eye. By the end of the book you start to see things unfold which promises a great book 2. Eva is really excited to be starting a new life, but her old life and betrothed has other ideas. Is the Harbor going to provide refuge or a battle? Pick it up to find out.
