Capsized in the Merman's Cove: A Monster Mishaps Novella

Monster Mishaps #2

by Cia Petrichor

It was not a good time to go on a work trip, especially with my boss-slash-lover’s son trying to sabotage me. But saying no meant losing everything I’d worked so hard for, a future I’ve always dreamed of–even if love plays no part in it. That’s how I find myself on a sinking yacht with the man who’d happily watch me drown. And since I can't swim, it might be his lucky day.

When tragedy strikes, I wake up in a hidden cove with a grumpy merman watching my every move. He's beautiful, if moody, and not a fan of humans. Earning his trust isn’t easy, but he might be my only way out of here.

As the days pass, his distrustful gaze turns curious, then hungry, and then…possessive. I thought I wanted to go home & claim the life promised to me, but that life is starting to look empty without him. The problem is, I'm not the only one with a past, and his is hunting him, looking for retribution.

*These novellas are intended for 18+ readers only.
**Capsized in the Merman’s Cove is the second installment of the Monster Mishaps series, interconnected stand-alone novellas that don't need to be read in any particular order. However, given that the novellas are roughly chronological, some things might make more sense if they're read in order. These novellas are intended for 18+ readers only.

Genres: Monster Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Novella, Monsters, Mermaids, Romantasy

Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

About the author

Cia Petrichor is a New Orleans native who lives with her kids and cats somewhere in the swamp. She copes by writing weird books, reading too much monster and alien smut, covering her body in tattoos, and occasionally drawing.

Reviews

[Cat H · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 stars.
So. This relationship was totally different than in the first book of the series, so that was fun and new.
I loved the development in this.
They’re both super grumpy, for different reasons.
The FMC has some pretty bad trauma due to an abusive ex..though she finds the strength and courage to leave him while stranded with the MMC, really.
I don’t know.
I liked the Satyr’s story a bit better because it was just so sweet and dirty at the same time. But I still really enjoyed this one for its depth and character growth.

[♥Genevieve♥ DirtyReadsandMe · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You are my heartsmate, Allie. You are everything to me, and everything I am belongs to you. My hearts beat to the song of your lifeblood, and my soul has joined with yours in the sacred dance of the Deep.”
Cia Petrichor, Capsized in the Merman’s Cove

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

This is a really great summer read featuring a grumpy merman. There are some darker themes in this book that result in trauma healing for the fmc specifically, however there are some parental/childhood issues for the mmc as well. I really enjoyed seeing the fmc, Allie, grow and become stronger mentally, as well as breaking down the walls that were holding her back. These two characters really complimented each other, and I found myself laughing a couple of times because of slight confusion/miscommunication due to the species differences (she’s human & he’s a merman). Even though this book has darker themes, I would still consider this a light/lighter read because you get a lot of feel good moments when they overcome their issues. There wasn’t anything specifically triggering to me, however I do suggest checking trigger warnings just in case. I also really enjoyed the spice in this book because I was VERY curious how stuff was going to happen with a merman👀🧜🏽‍♂️ Overall, if you want a quick summery monster romance, I recommend this novella📖

Features:
-forced proximity
-size difference
-v!rgin mmc
-grumpy mmc
-double peen penetration
-squ!rting (one scene)
-trauma healing
-novella
-fated mates
-slow burn

✨Fav Quotes✨
“Will you let me have a taste then, little human?”

“Allie, I don’t know what to do. Show me how to please you.”

“You taste like rapture, Allie. My hea–sweet little human.”

“I will protect and cherish you until my body turns to salt and foam, and ever after.”

“Is this what you wanted, little human? Did you want me to fvck you like an animal, claiming your a$$ and t!ght little pu$$y with both of my deshras at once?”

[Alyson Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This book feels very different to Satyrs' garden but just as lovely. Allie and Calders' story was so calming and comforting despite the sadness of Allies's previously mental health problems, delicious read.

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

I quite liked Allie and the abuse recovery arc she had. She had to find her courage and become her own strong person while falling for Calder. Calder broke my heart with the situation he was running from. They had a tender love story filled with lots of rescuing.
Some of the writing and plot came across a bit stilted, but it is an improvement from book one.

Spice: 3/5 - 2.5 scenes

Triggers: abuse, flashbacks, drowning, violence, murder of sentient sea creature, threat of sexual abuse (not between main characters)

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A merman romance sounds highly impractical, so does living on a cove with barely any commodities, but it was actually cute and kind of fun so I don’t care.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very cringe and not a lot going on. Wasn’t for me

[Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not good at all 😭 It's giving bottom of the pyramid, was looking for more. Disappointed bc I had somewhat high hopes for this. Now I look like boo boo the fool. What I am looking forward to is talking about it with my book club peeps hehe

[Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is probably one of the worst pieces of fiction I’ve ever read. I couldn’t wait for it to end. It gave NOTHING, unfortunately.

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A grumpy fish and a little human, so at odds and so perfectly made for one another.”
5⭐️2🌶️

We pick up with Allie as she’s evacuating a sinking ship, nearly drowns, and wakes up in the arms of our hero, Calder. Calder just wanted a quiet, peaceful life away from his people who only valued him for breeding purposes. Together they learn to cohabitate, see their true value, and stumble into love.

I just loved this. I loved their banter and misunderstandings, how fiercely they defended each other, and how deeply they loved. Allie isn’t your typical badass FMC, but she’s so strong in a very relatable way that I think a lot of people will connect with her. And Calder is top tier book husband material 🥰

Slow burns aren’t usually my jam but it really worked with these two - they definitely had some baggage to process first! This is another book where everyone’s parents sucked!! There is also domestic abuse so be sure to check the full content warnings and take care of yourself ❤️

I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a sweet merman romance with a dash of spice. Did I mention Calder is doubly blessed? 😉🥵

I received an advanced copy for review - all opinions are my own.

[Mads]

1 star 🤡

If it weren't for MFF, I would have dnfed this so fast.

[Ryn Meagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah my girl cia! You have done it again.

Okay so I was blessed to be part of the ARC team for this read and cia my girl I’m sorry it took me 3 days to read it I came down with covid.

Okay let’s talk about capsized in the merman’s cove
It follows Allie who was in a shipwreck with the “stepson” from hell. And hey she’s besties with jessa Mae from book 1!!!
We experience her fear of dying and just wanting to live and swim through a door in the middle of the ocean.. why not!
And then we meet Calder who my god dream boat of a monster I gotta say who’s running from being the mermaids well.. lack of a better term stud..
we watch their characters grow from lack of communication to frustrated connection to love and it’s a beautiful slow burn
And my oh my who knew mermen had two …. Deshras and now I am more curious than ever to see what that looks like coming from their “ slit”

From a girls who’s totally into monster p#### this did it for me
But shocking more it was more romance and character development and I am all here for it

Thank you cia for a wonderful new addition! And it was well worth the wait!

[Veronica Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely prefer the first novella, Stranded in the Satyr’s Garden, over this. But it was a cute love story of a human and merman. I love how unique these monster love stories are, so you have to keep an open mind when reading books like this.

[Taylor Wilson-West · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is definitely not the same vibe as Stranded in the Satyr’s Garden, which is the first book in the Monster Mishaps novellas. Which I really enjoyed! I’m so glad this story didn’t match the same “pattern”.

Calder and Allie both have stuff they have to work through before they can fully commit to one another, even though neither of them are particularly interested in the other. For a smaller book the slow burn is perfect, almost painfully so.

I was a *tad* disappointed by the smut. Because of the story their scenes weren’t as spicy as Satyr’s. But again, it wouldn’t fit with their story like it did in Satyr’s.

Thank you Cia for sending me an eARC, even though I didn’t sign up in time, like a complete idiot!

[Pitoufa's Bookish Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I can firmly state that Grumpy/Sunshine is among the whole bookstagram community's favorite tropes! So naturally, I fell in love with this story ❤ Cia just how to manipulate words, I don't know how she does it but she has a way of hypnotizing you with her writing 😍🔥

It's decided, Calder is on the list of my all time favorite grumps! 🤣❤ the merman seemed to be more human than mer, much to the displeasure of his people. Hey, for once it was the guy who dreamed of true love and happily ever afters, so who were the merfolk to judge him? What I liked most about him was that he was eager to learn, and although his animalistic nature, anger never stopped him from taking care of a creature he was supposed to fear and recoil from. 😫😭❤🔥

Honestly? Allie deserved SO MUCH better than what she had to deal with during her life on land! On top of missing the affection she lacked from the two people whose job was to do just that, her mother in particular, her misfortune brought her to a monster in suit that did nothing but break her piece by piece, until all that was left of her was a shallow shell of the person she could have been! 😤

I loved how although being from two completely different worlds, the two tried communicating with one another. Calder was not grumpy as much as he was wary, and it was pretty cute reading the parts where he believed she had some superhuman abilities that could endanger his life 🤣❤ Nope, just a plain old human, bud! This love story is truly one of a kind 😍❤

[tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was gonna be good bc I absolutely love Cia's writing - but I think this might be my favorite book of hers yet (and one of them was a beauty and the beast retelling!!)

and sorry rastus, but I think Calder has bumped you down a notch on the favorites list. I freaking LOVED him! he was so sweet and cute and funny and I am in love. AND GUESS WHAT ELSE. this fish boy has not one BUT TWO PEENS. and a peen pocket.

like with the rest of Cia's books, I was hooked from the first paragraph and invested in the story and. the characters all the way to the last page. I know I haven't talked about Allie, but I didn't forget about her, and I loved her too. These characters were both written very well, and I loved their chemistry and relationship.

I dont want to say much about the story, but overall this was a solid ten out of ten for me, everything was absolutely amazing and I LOVED it. this is a slow burn novella that you won't want to put down. I am so very grateful that Cia let me beta read for her again, and I hope you all add this to your tbr asap and enjoy it as much as I did :)

[Sarietales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cia has this incredible way of making fantasy feel realistic, I fall into the story every time. This little novella packs a giant story into less than 200 pages, and did not fail to engage my curiosity for a single second.

The dynamic between the two MCs is navigated in real time, believable and convincing. I enjoyed the dual POV as it gave me insight to Allie's background (ugh) and Calder's grumpy-ass. The characters are relatable and truly, loveable - I adore them both.

The banter is top tier and I found myself immersed in the development of their relationship.

To avoid spoilers, here's what you can expect:
○ Tension
○ Domestic violence healing
○ Healing trauma
○ Fated mates / true love
○ Spice
○ Banter
○ Slowburn
○ Grumpy / sunshine
○ Enemies > friends > lovers

If I ever end up at sea, I'll be looking for the Kraken and a door. 🖤

[Nykita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful to have been gifted an ARC copy of this book from Cia and I absolutely loved it. After reading Stranded in the Satyrs Garden, I knew I would love this one! I love the character development and the affection shared between the two MC’s. I cannot wait for the next book in the Monster Mishaps series! These books are a must read!

[Ｍｉｋｉ ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m Ngl I was cautious getting into this because I don’t think I’ve ever read a merman romance? But holy shit…a grumpy merman, a softy heart and 2 cocks. Say less.
I loved this more than the satyr🖤🤌🏼

[Staphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for the cover and mermaids

Tropes/themes:
- monster romance
- urban paranormal
- novella
- two 🍆

REVIEW

English
Sometimes getting lost in the ocean can bring good things, at least that's what happened to the main character: Allie, who almost dies in the ocean on a trip with her boss's abusive son (who is her partner) until she is rescued by a merfolk. The book is about their relationship and how she manages to survive and overcome her traumas.

Allie, I don't have much to say, she's an abused woman with soooo many traumas, I didn't hate her, but in some instances, she was unbearable lol. On the other hand, Calder is a merman who doesn't want to have a mate because in his culture women are stronger and harm males, in popular terms it's like an alternative world where matriarchy is bad. Two people with traumas who just want to be happy, and their relationship was interesting, I wouldn't say it fascinated me but I appreciated it, they were both unbearable and cute at the same time.

Overall I thought it was a good book. I was entertained, the characters are interesting and it has 🌶️. I recommend it to monster lovers.

TW: abuse, SA, misogyny, violence, sexual content.
Romance: 6/10
Type of relationship: F/M
🌶️: 6/10
Violence: 5/10
Plot: 6/10
OW/OM Drama: not really
Cheating: no

Español

Algunas veces perderte en el océano puede traer cosas buenas, bueno eso fue lo que le pasó a la protagonista: Allie, quien en un viaje con el abusivo hijo de su jefe (quien es su pareja) termina a punto de morir en el océano hasta que es rescatada por un merfolk. El libro trata de su relación y cómo logra sobrevivir y superar sus traumas.

Allie, no tengo mucho que decir, es una mujer abusada con muuuuchos traumas, no la odié pero en varias instancias me era insoportable lol. En cambio, Calder es un sireno/tritón quien no quiere tener una pareja porque en su cultura las mujeres son más fuertes y pueden dañar a los machos, en términos populares es como un mundo alternativo donde el matriarcado es malo. Dos personas con traumas y que solo quieren ser felices, su relación fue interesante, no diría que me fascinó pero la aprecio, ambos eran insoportables y a la vez lindos.

En general, me pareció un buen libro, me entretuvo, los personajes son interesantes, y tiene 🌶️, lo recomiendo a los monster lovers.

TW: abuso, SA, machismo, violencia, contenido sexual.
Romance: 6/10
Tipo de relación: F/M
🌶️: 6/10
Violencia: 5/10
Trama: 6/10
OW/OM Drama: no
Cheating: no

[Christina (stinarinareads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐.25 (3.25 stars)
Rating System (1-5):
Writing = 3.5
Plot = 3
Characters = 3
Romance = 3.5
SPICE SCALE (1-5): 🔥 🔥
Trope/Setting Highlights
✔ Monster romance
✔ Human (FMC) x merman (MMC)
✔ Fated mates
✔ Creative anatomy
Christina’s Corner: Does this book contain any personal tropes/elements/warnings I usually avoid? (Includes: love triangle, unnecessary third-act breakup, unplanned pregnancy, dead spouse, cheating, tragic ending, extensive DV/abuse, etc.) Some might be super niche but some I know others like to know about beforehand as well. Will add spoiler warnings as needed!)
✘ NO
Review:
Capsized in the Merman's Cove: A Monster Mishaps Novella was a quick read, and if you can suspend your disbelief (even more than it already is) or an eye roll here and there, it’s an entertaining palette cleanser between other genres or longer monster romance stories. I wish the novella spent more time with the main couple and the underwater events, as I found the inclusion of the side plot of the FMC’s life on land to be out of place and bizarre, and we’re reading about sexy talking fish here.

I’m grateful to Cia Petrichor for adding to the monster romance genre, a genre that can be the biggest example of hit or miss.

WE NEED MORE GOOD MONSTER ROMANCE! I'M BEGGING!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Capsized in the Merman's Cove from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

Capsized in the Merman's Cove is the second book in Cia Petrichor's Monster Mishaps series. The story follows Allie, a human, after she is stranded in the ocean after a storm with her bosses son, and Calder, a merman fleeing his pod, as he tries to escape the responsibility of becoming noting more than a breeding tool.

As usual, Cia does an amazing job with her world building and gives you the perfect amount of fluff and plot for a quick, steamy, light read. I did fly through this book, and I love Cia's writing, but the storyline wasn't my favorite. I enjoyed Calder and the mermaid world that was created, but Allie as a character just didn't do it for me. I much preferred Stranded in the Satyr's Garden and Heart Sworn. But if you're a fan of monster romances, I would still recommend checking this one out, and I still won't hesitate to pick up whatever book Cia puts out next.

🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Grumpy Sunshine
🖤 Fated Mates
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Trauma Healing

[Nessa]

DNF.

CUTE, BUT IT WASN'T REALISTIC IN TERMS OF THE ROMANCE. HEROINE was too cutesy-bubbly, ughh that's not for me. I love a good mer-story where there's intrigue and it doesn't even make sense for a woman who stumbled across a mythical merman and just started chatting him up, being all nice to him - WHERE'S HER SENSE OF PRESERVATION AND SURVIVAL SKILLS?! She was just attacked by a kraken and dragged into the dark depths of the ocean, and yet after that ordeal she could still be so chirpy?

Nope, not buying it.

Let's just say, I would have prefered and R-rated version of this story where there's real sexual tension, chemistry and the coming together of two different species - that itself should already bring plenty of obstacles between a couple.

So yeah, no this was too...nice. Everything was hearts and rainbows...meh, that's just boring.

[Nikki McComas-Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capsized in the Merman’s Cove by Cia Petrichor !

I needed something sweet and this one has been sitting in my kindle. I knew Cia would deliver because she always does 💯 🥰


Allie & Calder stole my heart. Calder is such a sweet sweet cinnamon roll.

I loved that Allie really came into herself & was able to hold her own.


🧜‍♂️ DUAL POV
🧜‍♂️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🧜‍♂️ Slow Burn 🔥
🧜‍♂️ double… 👀
🧜‍♂️ DV healing

[Sara Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Capsized in the Merman’s Cove

Allie seems to have the perfect life but not everything is as peachy as it seems.

Calder wants more out of life instead of being just a breeding tool used by the females of his pod.

What neither expected was that the desire for something better is closer then they think.

They will have to work to overcome obstacles and gain each others trust.

Grab your copy today and happy reading!

[Lyonne Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delicious book. That's the best word I can find for it. The heroine had great development, and I related a lot to her. I loved the culture barrier between Allie and Calder, and how their relationship developed into one of mutual understanding. It had me on the edge of my seat from time to time, and there was great tension among the sweetness. I have to give mad props for the mer culture developed in this book—it was fascinating and unique and I loved the world-building.

[Roselia · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's traumatized and afraid of male attention, he's grumpy and willing to rip out the throat of anyone trying to take her from him. He's expected to serve as a stud to help wrench his species back from the brink of extinction, she's expected to marry into money because nobody believes in her. She's human, he's mer. And they get stuck living together in a beautiful cove with no fresh water or coffee or chocolate. This was a fun, light read and I did enjoy it.

[Flipping Nap Time · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ok….

Calder is a merman prince whose only duty is to procreate. Allie is rich man’s daughter who centers her self-worth around a man’s opinion. For it being a novella, it touched on too many large issues without really resolving them. What happened to boyfriend’s son? What happened to the kraken? It touches on domestic violence, SA, breading, murder etc. Too much going on for a novella.

[Eel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong Characters

I didn’t expect to like this book so much. Allie’s life with her abusive boyfriend plays out in memories like he’s there while she’s going through her ocean adventure. Calder’s narrative is a perfect example of worldbuilding. I was concerned the TW would be too much for me, but they were handled well.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent palate cleanser

If you’re looking for something to wind down after one too many dark romances but can’t quite dive into fluff, this one’s the book for you. Excellent monster romance with some character development and a fast read.
Also purple mermen are always gonna be a 10 out of 10 for me.

[Victoria Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd but not bad.

This one was definitely better than the first book in this series. Much better plot and character development. I’ve read a lot of mermaid/merman books and I’ve never really read one described quite like this. Seemed more alien to me than merman but I’m not mad. There were some crazy details I didn’t really find necessary but overall it’s a pretty good novella.