Urban Mermaid

by Howard Parsons

Can a mermaid find love and happiness working in the big city?
What will her parents say if she chooses a human for a mate?

Penelope Tench works in the city as the comptroller for a publishing house. She's not happy living and working amongst humans but she has no choice as her home on Colony Island, FL holds nothing for her.

This is the first book in the Colony Island series by Howard Parsons, author of the short story, "Dear Mom, . . ."

Genres: Mermaids

457 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2015

About the author

Howard Parsons was born in Petersburg, VA during the final days of King George VI's reign. He grew up and attended school in nearby Hopewell, VA.
The eldest son of Lucile and Howard T. Parsons Sr., he attended North Carolina College in Rocky Mount, NC and graduated in 1974 with a BS degree in Biology. Although his interests lay in both Virology and Marine Biology, the need to earn a living led him to the field of Information Technology.
During his stint with the Michie Company in Charlottesville, VA, he developed the TOOL programming language and in 2008, wrapped up a 30-year career in legal publishing.
At present, he is retired and lives at The Parsonage in Charlottesville with his wife and their latest two moggies in a long line of house cats.

His interests include pipe collecting, Scottish highland games, railroads and heraldry.

Reviews

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List



I thought this book about mermaids was so cool!!



Penelope can't seem to find a mate. So, she decides to just leave Colony Island where her parents and other mermaids and mermen are and live with humans. She lives close to the sea so she can still go for her swims. On of of these swims she hiding in a little secret area, or so she thinks, until the guy comes along the boardwalk. Even though it's forbidden for the merpeople to show themselves to humans, Penelope decides to have some fun with this guy. She shows her self and talks to him, he is astonished of course. After her little escapade she goes home and thinks nothing of it. Well..... lo and behold when she starts her new job at Harriman, guess who works there too?...yep.. Peter :-)

Peter talks to Penelope and promises he will never tell anyone her secret. He also tells her he would like to help her out. They set it up to where he takes her out of town on the weekends and takes her to different places where she can get in and out of the water safely. There is a lot of detail that goes into all of this and I think it's very sweet all of the things he does for her. They do this for several months and then slowly start to fall in love.

Penelope decides to take Peter home to meet her parents in Colony Island. She tells them that he is her mate and she doesn't care that he is a human. They also tell them another thing they want to do and it's so sweet, although it takes some time to do.

I don't want to say any more or I will give out too many spoilers. There is a lot that goes on in this book, but I wasn't bored at all because everything is just so cool. But that is my opinion. There are some funny things in the book as well.

--->EXCERPT<---

A large wave washed up on shore and swept its foam around them. As the water receded, Peter grumbled, "Great! Now I have wet sand in the crack of my ass!"
"Dude, that's the beauty of being a merman. You don't have an ass-crack!"



*I would like to thank Smith Publicity and the author, Howard Parsons for a print copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

[S.K. Munt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that Howard Parson's was sort of a Mermaid-expert going into this. Okay so there's no doctorate one can obtain to officially qualify for such a title but if there was, this author would have the certificate, the trophy, the PHD, the Monopoly board-game mermaid edition and some sort of Nobel prize. Howard knows these creatures so well that I'd bet good money that if there is one in existence- she's on his Facebook and he's on her in case of emergency contact list.

What I didn't know, was what to expect of Howard's own Mermaid writing. I imagined all sorts of scenarios which in the end, ended up resembling some sort of mash-up of the best parts of every mermaid book I'd ever read. I know if I'd read and reviewed every single mermaid book there was, I wouldn't have a chance in hell of coming up with something original BUT this is where Howard rides the glory wave into the shore.

Urban mermaid is unlike any other Mermaid book I've ever read. His books aren't even half-cousins to any of them. There's no off-the wall names, there's no royalty, there's no sparkles, there's no slack-jawed human and there's almost barely any references to the colours green, blue, azure…. yeah you get the point huh? We Mermaid writers can be a teensy bit predictable!

What there is- is warmth. Urban Mermaid crosses more genres than any Mer book I've ever read and what is so cool about it, is that paranormal Romance and Fantasy don't even get a look-in! It's a satire, a romantic comedy, a coming of age, a blue-collar romance and in the end- just a beautiful story about ordinary people meeting, falling in love and trying to overcome obstacles together when one of those people just happens to have a tail sometimes. The characters are not too perfect to be true- they're the average Mr and Miss and I am so grateful for that. Howard doesn't need tsunami's and royal weddings and octopus-people and seahorses named glimmer to make you fall in love with Penelope- his characters are realistic, flawed, lovely and practically peel themselves off the page and wiggle into the sea with their believability. I have an intense crush on the male protagonist Peter, who is so joe-ordinary but just so damned lovely and patient and even-tempered that I can't wait for other people to get to know him too. He reminds me a lot of my favourite protagonist, Koontz's Odd Thomas- a little quirky, a little self-effacing, and very funny. Pulling off a hero in this day and age who isn't loaded or fabulously wealthy or more kinked than a home perm is a hard task- but Mr Parson's does exactly this and with a lovely, graceful writing style that only the most refined writer's can cultivate.

I honestly believe that, as much as I think Howard expected to win over Mermaid reader's hearts with this- he's going to end up converting a lot of people who wouldn't think twice about reading an ocean-themed fantasy into disciples instead. Men especially are going to warm to this, as will anyone who's a big fan of Nicholas Sparks or Nicholas Evans…. oh yeah Mermaid readers pre-order while you have the chance but this is a line that I believe that every single romance reader will come to stand in, in time and will turn the final page with a happy smile.

Hats off to you, Howard Parson's for taking one of the most difficult subjects to sell and making it so damn accessible for all.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Urban Mermaid is a light and easy read with a fun, new take on mermaids. This story refreshed my love of mermaids. Although Parsons mermaid's spend the majority of their time on two legs, the thrall of the mermaid is not lost, in fact the mythology is unique and sets them apart from the rest. It was refreshing to read a mermaid tale that doesn't focus solely on the superficial perfection of the siren that we have come to know and often tire of.

Urban Mermaid tells the story of a young couple who despite a rocky beginning fall blissfully in love. The problem... Penelope is from the small coastal town of Colony Island where almost the entire population sport a tale. Including Penelope. In order for Peter to fore-fill all the dreams of his love he must make certain sacrifices but such a sacrifice opens up a whole new exciting world for Peter.

The book has some hilarious scenes namely when Peter and Penelope venture to Colony Island for the customary meet the parents. Peter struggles with the rather strange traditions of the Mer folk and I couldn't help but laugh out loud at the awkwardness poor Peter endures.

Another plus, although I believe this is the first in a series, this story wraps up nicely. No dreaded cliffy! So, if you're afraid to commit to an entire series rest assured you can enjoy this one as a stand alone. I have no idea what Parsons has up his sleeve for the next book but I will definitely be picking it up to find out. Personally, I would love to see Carl find a mate.

All in all this was a fun story that centres around what I can only describe as the cutest love story I have read in a long time. So, why the half star deduction? It's no biggy but in order to really connect with characters I need to see them as real people or mermaids in this case and in my opinion mermaids and especially real people have their faults and from what I could see neither Peter or Penelope nor the entire town of Colony Island showed any character flaws. The sweetness of the Mer community especially the from the parentals with the whole "Mom" thing was a little overwhelming at times. I loved Penelope's spunk in the beginning. Although it was directed unnecessarily at Peter, I just wish she could have held only a little of that spark.

[Paige Bleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy of 'Urban Mermaid' in exchange for a fair & honest review. Now that being said, in hindsight I would have purchased this book regardless. It is a genre that I particularly love & the story was presented in a fresh and bold new way, while still managing to incorporate some traditional mythology. This was an enjoyable read and I found myself delving deeper & deeper into the story & feeling emotionally invested rather quickly. Howard portrays a colorful picture of figures & places you can tangibly feel. It is as if you are really experiencing this story with every page you turn.

The protagonist Penelope is a smart, witty & adventurous young lady. I really appreciate the fact that she was written in a way in which myself, as a reader, could identify with her. She was not portrayed as the whimsical fantasy creature, as is often the case in mermaid mythology. More so as the imperfect young lady trying to find her place in either world, not overly polished or entitled. I also found it refreshing that she is faced with more adult themed problems & scenarios. It is a love story between Penelope & Peter first & foremost, but that doesn't mean that love comes easy. They face everyday problems that are timeless. Family, work, stations, stigmas, etc. This is definitely not the childhood bedtime story many of us remember when we think of 'mermaid'! It is much sexier, edgier & faster paced.

Smartly written with the added benefit of breaking away from many of the cliches that are common with this theme of story, while still maintaining the core folklore most mer fans are hoping to see. My only real complaint was the ending. That isn't to say it wasn't well executed, just that I would have selfishly liked to have had a tidbit more. That is, after all, the mark of a good series. Lucky for me & the rest of this books future fans, the adventure continues in book 2. In short, if you are looking for the typical, run of the mill 'mer myth'...this is not the book for you. However, if you are craving an entirely new mermaid experience, by All Means read THIS book. A highly enjoyable, fun, thoughtful read. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment and was honored to have had the privledge to read it before it was available to the public.

[Chip · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had its problems - inconsistent facts, HORRIBLE formatting (short lines, hard returns, double spacing - fix it Parsons!), characters that acted like teenagers in heat, VERY repetitious and slow pacing with almost no action, paranoid characters that would make up super bad situations out of nowhere in their minds and then have the other person apologize for it, should of removed about 150 pages, etc. The portion about mer-people lore, customs and history was interesting. The love story was OK except every page was - I love you, no I love you more, let's mate.

[Katie O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your daughter’s mermaid novel.

URBAN MERMAID is an old-fashioned novel with an omniscient, head-hopping narrator but with modern day twists and adult situations. Author Howard Parsons lays out his mermaid world with loving detail, explaining the real world of merfolk that coexist with American coastal communities, from their mythical origins story to the real-world challenges facing them today. Yes, this is fantasy, but the author lays out the complex societal web with precision and earnest attention to detail, making it a totally absorbing and fun read.

Penelope Anne Tench starts the book as a mermaid mired in deep depression. Navigating between her obligations in the human world and her undersea life has become too much to handle, and in the beginning she contemplates ending it all by going west and allowing dehydration to end her life. Until she meets Peter MacPherson, a human who makes her heart sing and sparks fly. Well, at first she doesn’t understand the emotions she’s feeling and the fact that she’s feeling them about a human makes her grumpy, but with time and patience Peter starts to win her over. Peter hasn’t had the best of luck with long-term relationships before this, and at every turn expects the worst, hopes for the best, and plans for both.

This is not your average paranormal or fantasy novel, reading more like a contemporary romance with a side of mermaid tails. The problems facing our “urban mermaid” are more of the everyday and urbane sort, and both her insecurities and Peter’s are the same ones that face us all. The author gives readers a fresh interpretation of mermaid culture as not so different from the rest of coastal America, dealing with the more unique aspects in a totally matter-of-fact way.

A fresh, interesting mermaid story that kept me reading and rooting for that happily-ever-after.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 4.5 stars

[Cheryl Washburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urban Mermaid was a fun, easy book to read. It is a love story of two people, one just happens to be a mermaid living in the human world. Howard has successfully blended the new and the old, mythology and reality, together in one story. A couple meeting, living, and loving in modern day society yet it is full of Mer folklore & tales (and I must say, I think patience of Peter is as much a fantasy as a present day mermaid). Although it is a romantic comedy, the story does touch on the serious side of family dynamics, social stigmatisms, and the self-awareness of adulthood. No person is perfect, free of flaws, and that is reflected in all of the characters, which makes it that much more believable.
The entire book was artfully written ~ I could smell the beach, feel the water, see the shops in Colony Island, and hear the sound of high heels walking across pavement, yet never wandered from the main story line of Penelope & Peter. An entire new little world was created. Howard was able to accomplish this while using simple words and non-cluttered thoughts. I have not read any other Mer stories, nor am I a fan of romance novels, but I was pleasantly surprised and drawn-in. Congratulations to Howard Parsons for creating such elegance.
I would like to note that I had the honor and privilege of receiving an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you Howard for sharing your world with me!

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of Urban Mermaid in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Penelope Tench is very much like a human young girl. She has always dreamt of finding the right young man to spend her life with. Her problem is that being a mermaid, her choices are very limited. Growing up in a small seaside town that is inhabited almost exclusively by other mer folk,she has yet to find her mate.
Penelope leaves the island after getting her degree in finance.
Moving to the city means only being able to swim on weekends, which is fine with Penelope because after leaving home she has lost almost all interest in swimming. One day while relaxing in the water under a pier, she does something that shocks even her.
Urban Mermaid surpassed all my expectations. It is a wonderfully warm and tender love story encompassing both family love and romantic beginnings. I loved it.
I would recommend this book to any reader that enjoys romance with a little excitement thrown in.
I would like to thank Mr Parsons for giving me the opportunity to read such a beautiful book.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway. I really enjoyed the story. The relationship between Peter and Penelope started pretty fast, but I liked it and how the mermaids transform in this series. The characters are great and if Colony Island existed I would love to visit such a nice place. This is a nice contemporary mermaid tale. I also liked the ending. :)

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very unique and unexpected take on the mermaid genre Parsons is very in tune with. He managed to come up with something different then I have read before. I felt like a trusted friend going through the stages of Penelope and Peter's relationship, finally ending in a wedding in which I felt like a bridesmaid. It was a heartwarming tale I enjoyed.

[Pete Tarsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book last fall, having received an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) from the author in exchange for an honest review. Author Howard Parsons knew I was a fan of mermaids—though admittedly not as well-researched and well-versed one as he is—so I accepted the book with much enthusiasm to dive in.

Being a YA author, I read a lot of YA fiction. Many YA mermaid stories often center on teen girls learning they’re part mermaid princess or on mermaid royalty coming on land to experience or escape. There’s usually a hint of romance involved, but being YA, it’s typically clean teen romance. Urban Mermaid is NOT a YA mermaid fantasy book.

When I read books geared for adults, I tend to gravitate towards fast-paced thrillers like those written by Dan Brown, or to science fiction like Michael Crichton or horror like Stephen King. I rarely read straight-up contemporary adult romance, and that’s the genre where Urban Mermaid fits the most. Though there’s the supernatural element of characters being mermaids, this book wouldn’t really be classified as a fantasy story.

Penelope Tench has just been hired as the assistant comptroller for a publishing house in the city. She lives away from her home—a community of mermaids and mermen called Colony Island—because there doesn’t seem to be a suitable mate for her there. In the mermaid world Parsons has created, finding a mate is crucial to a mermaid’s happiness. Needing to periodically get her fins wet, Penelope is lying in the water underneath a dock and contemplating her future.

Without warning, there are footsteps on the dock above her. Instead of staying there silently waiting until the man leaves, she reveals herself—tail and all—to him and plants a kiss on him that leaves him breathless. The moment is described so well that it wasn’t difficult to get lost within it…and secretly dream that I was at the receiving end of a mermaid’s kiss.

When Penelope starts her new job, she finds that she works in the same office as the man she encountered the day before! At this point, I was eager to see all the tension and complications this would cause. He introduces himself as Peter (hey, that’s my name! I can live vicariously through him!) and assures her that her secret would be safe with him. I immediately questioned why he wouldn’t exploit the situation—after all, he discovered a magical creature and could make a fortune—but then I realized that as a mermaid aficionado, I’d probably do the same. Despite his offer, Penelope is skeptical and tries to keep him at arm’s length, creating this initial conflict of the book.

But this really isn’t a conflict-driven story, and I’ll admit I was a little thrown by that at first. I had expected from the word Urban in the book’s title that the book would be about Peter and Penelope hiding the truth of her identity from the city dwellers. Instead, the story is relationship-driven, and it chronicles a budding romance and courtship, showing the reader that true love comes from accepting all facets of your partner and how strong communication can overcome relationship problems.

Though there’s the fantasy element of Penelope being a mermaid, the inner workings of this story are so real. The characters feel like real people going through real relationship issues. The level of detail given to describe Penelope’s home of Colony Island made me feel like I was driving through an actual seaside town. The culture of these mermaids is fully realized, with their history stretching all the way back to Greek mythology—another subject I enjoy—and author Parsons did his research but made it his own.

In the end, what I admired most about the book was the world view Parsons presents—a world view to which we should all aspire. When Peter and Penelope choose to get married, the mermaid community embraces the human traditions surrounding weddings and other holidays. Meanwhile, Peter literally throws himself into mermaid culture. One of Parsons’ underlying themes is that we should embrace our cultural differences and realize that our anatomical differences are minor—we’re made up of more or less the same DNA. Peter delivers a beautiful speech about it regarding mermaids and humans. I wish our world was more understanding and accepting like this, but until it is, we’ll have to look to the tails from Colony Island.

Even without conflict elements I was anticipating, the optimistic world view made Urban Mermaid rise above the tide to FOUR STARS.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review of it. All the opinions expressed are solely my own.

When I started this novel I was expecting more to be reading about a mermaid learning how to live in the city or growing up in the city and wanting to know more about other mermaids. What I got was a boy meets girl (girl meets boy) story that pulled me in in the beginning with the interesting prologue that had me hopeful only to be dragged down more often than not by repetitive overruns of how the two characters were thinking, feeling and constantly rehashing that rhetoric over and over again. It left me feeling like these parts were just put in to fluff the story and make it longer when all of that could have been easily cut out, the story shortened and nothing lost for it except for the time that you will never get back.
When I first started reading this story I was more than eager and willing to like the main female character Penelope but when it got to the part of where she meets Peter and is such a horrid person to him when they meet again at work I was ready to hate her since he was coming off as such a good guy unlike what most men would have been like after the stunt SHE pulled. Now granted as the story moves along they fall in love and I began to like her more but I kept thinking all of this other stuff could have been cut out to replace with why Peter had such horrid times with other females. Well...let's just put it this way...it's explained at the end.
It's honestly a good book and I enjoyed it for the most part but I honestly think that the areas of where they go over how each other is thinking, feeling and some of the overly descriptive sections could have been cut out to help the story flow better and be more engaging read without having the reader want to stop for awhile and go do something else. When the story flowed like a river it was beautiful, romantic and well done but when it ebbed and flowed like the waves crashing on the beach...I honestly just wanted to skip ahead and read what was next already.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes, but I'd warn them to either settle in when those moments pop up or to just take their time and just enjoy the read as a whole. I give Urban Mermaid 4 out of 5 stars for the overall story.

[Paul Franco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Problems of a shy young female mermaid who can’t find a guy. Then she finds a guy, but he’s human, which is a big no-no in the quasi-human/quasi-fish community.
There’s a cute interesting prologue on how mermaids came to be, but basically this is a love story, which is different than a romance, as they get together relatively early in the story. In fact, about a third of the way through they’re already engaged, and you wonder what’s gonna take up the rest of the book. It’s actually kinda amazing that there’s so much here, but it never stops being interesting.
There’s one point where he takes a mysterious phone call, where it seems he’s going to sell her out to a Sea World-type place, but that’s about the only time when we’re made to wonder about his sincerity. Everything else is about his doubts as to how he’ll fit in with a mermaid community. She has them too, though she’s generally feisty and pugnacious enough to persevere.
I will say the writer went way overboard on the wedding dress description, but other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this. Every once in a while there’s a touch of humor, always surprising but never snarky. Even the wedding was fun. I’m looking forward to the sequels, where I hope there’s more interaction with dolphins.

[Vibha Hegde · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review posted initially on : https://dreambookreviews.wordpress.co...

You can kind of guess where the story is heading to after a point and feel irritated when the story starts dragging. Also if you are planning a wedding, read this book. You will get a detailed insight as to how to organize the wedding and even change into a “mer” folk.

But this book does have some redeeming qualities as well. The book gives a deep insight on “mer” life and depth of thoughts of few characters which have have developed. The rest is still something that needs working on. The mechanics of “mer” life is given in extreme detail and somehow it all ends with the mythical creatures loving to walk around naked! Seems so absurd! But then again, they are mythical for a reason.

So if you want to know the life cycle and general history of mermaids and mermen, this book is really good. As for entertainment, I give a one out of five stars.

[Heather Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new take on mermaids, it has become such a done story choice but I went in with a clear and open mind. I'm glad I did because Howard Parsons did a amazing job putting a new spin on the topic!!!!
The setting for the most part is Colony Island. This beach town is so well done that you are drawn into it, the shops, beach fronts, and Mer who live there come alive. They become like friends, family and neighbors you would want to have. Because it is so well done it leads to the love story and many others to be set here I hope!!!!!
In this Penelope Tench has had enough of everything then everything changes for her in just that one perfect moment! In this case it's meeting Peter. This is not the classic girl meets boy story but it should be!!!
I cannot wait to see what happens in the world next!!

[Anne Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Urban Mermaid takes you in another world, where people are mer humans. They switch from legs to a tail and have other great possibilities, telepathy, very long lives, and an island just for them, with free housing.
Yes, the book is cute and funny. What is badly missing, I think, was the work of an editor, of someone to guide the author and make him shorten the book as well as use a more womanly approach.
This book is mostly meant for girls to read. New adults, dreaming about their futures and their weddings... And it is obvious though it has been written by a guy.
I really liked the idea. I regretted the amount of time spent describing the newly mated desire and their mutual lust. A couple of titles made me cringe, like George calling his wife Mother.
It seems to be the first book of a series, but that is very nicely done, as you feel you've read a complete story.

[Heather Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new take on mermaids, it has become such a done story choice but I went in with a clear and open mind. I'm glad I did because Howard Parsons did a amazing job putting a new spin on the topic!!!!
The setting for the most part is Colony Island. This beach town is so well done that you are drawn into it, the shops, beach fronts, and Mer who live there come alive. They become like friends, family and neighbors you would want to have. Because it is so well done it leads to the love story and many others to be set here I hope!!!!!
In this Penelope Tench has had enough of everything then everything changes for her in just that one perfect moment! In this case it's meeting Peter. This is not the classic girl meets boy story but it should be!!!
I cannot wait to see what happens in the world next!!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ended up being different than I thought it would be, but in a good way. Penelope has trouble fitting in and finding a mate, not easy for a mermaid to fit in. I love how the story didn't just focus on the supernatural aspect, but in growing relationships, learning to appreciate and accept differences in others and fitting in, in her own special way.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it. I'm hoping the author writes more books set in this location and make it a series.

*I'd like to thank the Author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope a shy natured mermaid who just wants to find someone to love her.

Peter a really sweet human guy who seems to have been rejected his whole life by woman.

Can Penelope and Peter become friends and maybe one day more than friends?

Hopefully with the help of Poseidon as a matchmaker, Peter and Penelope will get their Fishtail ending.

[Ils · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this amazing story! More detailed review to follow!

[Yivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Book Review:http://ivysbookblog.blogspot.com/2016...