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When the Ocean Gave You Up: A Gender Swapped Little Mermaid Retelling
Inn owner Rose McCleary just wanted to go for a morning run.
But when a storm off the coast of her tiny New England town spits out a handsome amnesiac, her life's trajectory is knocked off course for good.
Opening her home and business to the enigmatic, mute stranger she's nicknamed Adam, Rose promises to help him find his family and hopefully recover his memories.
Adam, however, has different ideas...
He isn't concerned with returning to wherever he came from. As their undeniable attraction sparks into a blaze, he cannot imagine a life without Rose and will do whatever he has to to protect the peace he's found with her.
So when bizarre occurrences and mysterious people call Adam's true origins into question, they both must face a reality that feels ripped straight from a fisherman's tale.
Can they keep their happily ever after? Or will it fade from them like seafoam?
WHEN THE OCEAN GAVE YOU UP is a modern gender swapped Little Mermaid retelling with the banter of Gilmore Girls, the salt of a diehard New Englander, and a healthy dash of whimsy and humor.
[This book is intended for mature readers. Please read the content warnings to make an informed decision about whether this book is for you.]
But when a storm off the coast of her tiny New England town spits out a handsome amnesiac, her life's trajectory is knocked off course for good.
Opening her home and business to the enigmatic, mute stranger she's nicknamed Adam, Rose promises to help him find his family and hopefully recover his memories.
Adam, however, has different ideas...
He isn't concerned with returning to wherever he came from. As their undeniable attraction sparks into a blaze, he cannot imagine a life without Rose and will do whatever he has to to protect the peace he's found with her.
So when bizarre occurrences and mysterious people call Adam's true origins into question, they both must face a reality that feels ripped straight from a fisherman's tale.
Can they keep their happily ever after? Or will it fade from them like seafoam?
WHEN THE OCEAN GAVE YOU UP is a modern gender swapped Little Mermaid retelling with the banter of Gilmore Girls, the salt of a diehard New Englander, and a healthy dash of whimsy and humor.
[This book is intended for mature readers. Please read the content warnings to make an informed decision about whether this book is for you.]
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
4 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Devora
7 books16 followersLauren Devora has been obsessed with the fantastical, thrilling, macabre, and mythological since she can remember. Starting at a young age, she's been writing stories of all kinds for the dual purpose of entertaining her audience as well exploring the complex human experience.
After studying creative writing at UNC-Asheville, she published her debut novel at the age of 25, and since then she has written 5 more novels and 2 screenplays.
Currently living in the greater Boston area, Lauren spends her time writing, taking long beach walks with her dogs, visiting her favorite bars and breweries, and of course, drinking lots and lots of coffee.
Follow her on Instagram @willwrite4coffee, Twitter @laurenp_devora, and Facebook @LaurenDevoraAuthor
She also co-hosts a literature and history podcast with her friend Eric called The Speakeasy with Lauren and Eric, which can be found on podcast platforms Stitcher and Spotify
After studying creative writing at UNC-Asheville, she published her debut novel at the age of 25, and since then she has written 5 more novels and 2 screenplays.
Currently living in the greater Boston area, Lauren spends her time writing, taking long beach walks with her dogs, visiting her favorite bars and breweries, and of course, drinking lots and lots of coffee.
Follow her on Instagram @willwrite4coffee, Twitter @laurenp_devora, and Facebook @LaurenDevoraAuthor
She also co-hosts a literature and history podcast with her friend Eric called The Speakeasy with Lauren and Eric, which can be found on podcast platforms Stitcher and Spotify
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 9, 2023
A must-read contemporary retold fairytale romance!
I absolutely LOVED this book. Sure, you more or less know what’s going to happen, but the writing was fantastic, the characters beautifully drawn, and there was still tons of tension, emotion, and perfectly woven-in subplots. I loved our flawed heroine, Rose, but Adam? Holy hell. I love that his adorable enthusiasm for all things human mimicked Ariel’s from the Little Mermaid movie. But he wasn’t all wide-eyed, child-like wonder, he also had a presence and self-assuredness that was just *chef’s kiss* (not to mention the whole tall, dark, and handsome with a swimmer’s bod part). Throw in a cast of fantastic side characters, hints at more magic to come, and an ending that made me cry (which is a feat in and of itself), and you’ve got yourself a must-read contemporary retold fairytale romance!
I absolutely LOVED this book. Sure, you more or less know what’s going to happen, but the writing was fantastic, the characters beautifully drawn, and there was still tons of tension, emotion, and perfectly woven-in subplots. I loved our flawed heroine, Rose, but Adam? Holy hell. I love that his adorable enthusiasm for all things human mimicked Ariel’s from the Little Mermaid movie. But he wasn’t all wide-eyed, child-like wonder, he also had a presence and self-assuredness that was just *chef’s kiss* (not to mention the whole tall, dark, and handsome with a swimmer’s bod part). Throw in a cast of fantastic side characters, hints at more magic to come, and an ending that made me cry (which is a feat in and of itself), and you’ve got yourself a must-read contemporary retold fairytale romance!
March 2, 2025
This was such a wonderful Little Mermaid retelling. Gender swapped, amnesia, merfolk, romance. Such a great combo.
I adored Rose and Adam so, so much. Their romance was so sweet. Adam was so wholesome and earnest and he felt so big and deep and fully, and I love how much of that was his true nature and not down to his amnesia.
I loved how patient he was with Rose, how willing he was to give her the time and space to feel safe enough to love him back.
The amount of holidays crammed into this book was honestly such a delight. I loved how the author brought this town to life for me through these holidays and the way these people celebrated them.
The family dynamics were so well written, too. Both Rose and Adam’s families are complex and very real.
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a cosy low-stakes romantasy.
I adored Rose and Adam so, so much. Their romance was so sweet. Adam was so wholesome and earnest and he felt so big and deep and fully, and I love how much of that was his true nature and not down to his amnesia.
I loved how patient he was with Rose, how willing he was to give her the time and space to feel safe enough to love him back.
The amount of holidays crammed into this book was honestly such a delight. I loved how the author brought this town to life for me through these holidays and the way these people celebrated them.
The family dynamics were so well written, too. Both Rose and Adam’s families are complex and very real.
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a cosy low-stakes romantasy.
December 28, 2023
Loved it
This story did really well on the characters and the story in general. There was actual build up to the relationship instead of instant lust or anything. Okay well there is instant liking one another kind of thing but that is besides the point. They actually talked about emotions and had communication. Also, the spice scenes were good as well. (Slow burn of making things official and spice scenes which I like) I will be trying out more books from this author.
This story did really well on the characters and the story in general. There was actual build up to the relationship instead of instant lust or anything. Okay well there is instant liking one another kind of thing but that is besides the point. They actually talked about emotions and had communication. Also, the spice scenes were good as well. (Slow burn of making things official and spice scenes which I like) I will be trying out more books from this author.
September 24, 2024
This is unexpectedly one of the best romances I’ve ever read. The relationship between Rose and Adam is very healthy and they both make time and attention for each other. It’s mentioned several times in the book, but they really see each other. They see and acknowledge all parts of each other, and I loved it.
June 13, 2023
What an absolutely lovely, heartwarming story. I started the book after settling into bed two nights ago and just devoured it.
Slow burn romance with lots of quirky characters and a perfect setting in a seaside town.
Slow burn romance with lots of quirky characters and a perfect setting in a seaside town.
July 11, 2023
A delightful gender swapped spin off of The Little Mermaid. I’m so happy that I stumbled across this little gem, because it was a great quick read. The front cover is gorgeous too! The two main characters were very likeable.
July 29, 2023
The best retelling
This books was all I had hoped for and more. Beautiful, emotional retelling and the best ending. And I like that Adam didn't talk as a merman either.
This books was all I had hoped for and more. Beautiful, emotional retelling and the best ending. And I like that Adam didn't talk as a merman either.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews