The Wicked Sea Deluxe Edition by Jordan Stephanie Gray
On the run from a dangerous captor, mermaid Zephyra has hidden herself on land. But her freedom is short-lived when she’s caught by the brutal warlock, Arion Stone. Arion has grown as strong, but at great cost … which can only be remedied by the lost heart of the God of Death. So Arion offers Zephyra a deal; help him find the heart, and he’ll spare her life. Zephyra agrees, entangling their souls and forbidden desires in a magical bargain. If Zephyra and Arion can’t learn to trust each other, there are worse things awaiting them than death.
Want to play mermaids? My tail is purple with holographic shimmers, and I have bubble powers. I love mermaids. I have no memory of my life from before watching Disney’s 1989 classic The Little Mermaid. Summers were spent in my grandmother’s pool, playing mermaid café. I inhaled The Tales of Emily Windsnap. To say that I am dedicated to mermaids and their lore would be an understatement. There’s something so romantic and mysterious about mermaids. The tails. The jewels. The siren song. Whether you prefer your mermaids sweet or mysterious, these mermaid romances will sweep you away with the tide.
Sing Me To Sleep by Gabi Burton
Deadly siren Saoirse is in training to become a prestigious soldier while hiding her identity as a mercenary. When her family is blackmailed, Saoirse takes a job as the prince’s bodyguard to investigate. Prince Hayes is the opposite of his tyrant father. As Saoirse and Hayes work together to uncover the identity of the killer plaguing the city, Saoirse knows her time is short.
Out Of The Blue by Jason June
Crest faces their Journey: the month spent on land by all young merfolk. They must help a human within that month or live on land forever. Crest thinks humans are gross and wasteful, but is willing to try to complete the Journey. In California, Crest meets Sean, a human lifeguard who was recently dumped. Crest agrees to help make Sean’s ex jealous and hopefully win him back. As Crest and Sean spend more time together, Crest realizes that maybe merfolk and humans have more in common after all.
Skin of the Sea By Natasha Bowen
Simi, a Mami Wata, is tasked with collecting the souls of those thrown from slaving ships, guiding them to the afterlife. When Simi finds a human boy, Kola, still alive, she rescues him. Simi’s act of compassion could cost the Mami Wata their existence. As punishment, Simi and Kola are sent across land to seek forgiveness from the Supreme Creator. First in a series, this YA romance series is inspired by West African mythology.
Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche
Celeste, the youngest daughter of the Siren queen, has lived a restricted life. Determined to prove her worth, Celeste will become a warrior. When Celeste finds the ship of Prince Raiden Sharp in distress, she defies the law and rescues Raiden. To make amends for her betrayal, Celeste is made human and sent to assassinate the prince. Aboard Raiden’s ship, Celeste must navigate complex choices and her growing attraction to the prince.
Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan
In the half-drowned city of Tiankawi, siren, kelpie, and kappa refugees find a safe haven. Half-siren Mira is the first Fathomfolk border guard and seeks to make real changes. Her partner, Kai, is an aristocratic water dragon who acts as an ambassador. When Nami, Kai’s sister, is exiled to the city, her rebellious attitude threatens to upset everything Mira has carefully built. Behind the scenes, a sea-witch is playing another game. When a violent act stirs chaos, Mira and Nami must decide where their loyalties lie. First in a duology, Fathomfolk is light on the romance, but the relationship between Mira and Kai is swoon-worthy!
Wish Out of Water by Holley Trent
Cooper Koning cannot get Brook out of his mind, not after she saved his life from an out-of-control vehicle. Marrying Brook could be the answer to keep Cooper in the line of succession for the throne of Souersland. A marriage of convenience would be perfect, except Brook’s sheltered upbringing did nothing to prepare her for the real world. When Brook discovers the truth behind her mermaid mother’s worries, Cooper’s proposal could mean trouble for both of them. Set in rural North Carolina, this fantasy romance is the first in a duology.
The Girl from the Sea by Lee Knox Ostertag
This charming graphic novel tells the story of first love. Morgan is desperate to finish school so she can leave the island for good. Morgan has secrets that no one in her life can understand. One night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie with her own secrets. As Morgan begins to fall for Keltie, all of their secrets begin to seep out. (Okay, I’m cheating by including this selkie story, but it’s excellent.)
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