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Surface Pressure
A mermaid. A human. Can they break the surface pressure?
Soulara never wanted to be queen. As the rightful heir, Soulara resists expectations in search of her own path. With a knack for technology and an insatiable curiosity, she explores the deep soundings and the surface. What she finds will kill everything in the ocean.
Autumn Walton is nothing more than a grunt. She joined the military to escape her family and found herself on a planet, mining water, in hopes to save her people. On a day of respite, she meets a strange creature in the water—a creature she’d been told was nothing more than a myth. Now she knows if the mining continues, she’ll kill the woman she loves.
From two different worlds, can Autumn and Soulara work together to save the ocean? Or will their forbidden relationship snap under the pressure of duty?
If you love sapphic romantasy with mermaids who need to save the world, this is the book for you.
Soulara never wanted to be queen. As the rightful heir, Soulara resists expectations in search of her own path. With a knack for technology and an insatiable curiosity, she explores the deep soundings and the surface. What she finds will kill everything in the ocean.
Autumn Walton is nothing more than a grunt. She joined the military to escape her family and found herself on a planet, mining water, in hopes to save her people. On a day of respite, she meets a strange creature in the water—a creature she’d been told was nothing more than a myth. Now she knows if the mining continues, she’ll kill the woman she loves.
From two different worlds, can Autumn and Soulara work together to save the ocean? Or will their forbidden relationship snap under the pressure of duty?
If you love sapphic romantasy with mermaids who need to save the world, this is the book for you.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2024
12 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Adrian J. Smith
78 books430 followersAdrian J. Smith has been publishing since 2013 but has been writing nearly her entire life. With a focus on women loving women fiction, AJ jumps genres from action-packed police procedurals to the seedier life of vampires and witches to sweet romances with a May-December twist. She loves writing and reading about women in the midst of the ordinariness of life. Two of her novels, For by Grace and Memoir in the Making, received honorable mentions with the Rainbow Awards.
AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious kids, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.
AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious kids, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 12, 2024
4 Stars
This book was enjoyable to read. The fantastical aspect was good because the mer way of life was contrasted against humans plus the setting (space) added dimension to the story. The pinning and then to-ing and fro-ing of the main characters romantic relations added yet another level which was great for the story in general. Honestly, I prefer book 2 to 1. Because it was hard for me to imagine fish having sex.
This book was enjoyable to read. The fantastical aspect was good because the mer way of life was contrasted against humans plus the setting (space) added dimension to the story. The pinning and then to-ing and fro-ing of the main characters romantic relations added yet another level which was great for the story in general. Honestly, I prefer book 2 to 1. Because it was hard for me to imagine fish having sex.
June 1, 2024
This is a great follow up to Deep Sounding Chaos. While book one was from the mermaid perspective beneath the sea, Surface Pressure explains why the humans are there. Soulara, the mermaid princess, and Autumn, a human soldier, are from very different backgrounds but seem to be meant for each other. There is a fair bit of angst as they work together to save the ocean and this angst makes the story more believable. It ends with a cliffhanger so I'm eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the series in book three. Even if you haven't read the first book in the series, Surface Pressure can still be an enjoyable read. I do recommend you read both books in preparation for the series finale, though.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2024
Angsty mermaid human romance (book two in series)
Surface Pressure is book two in the Love, Tails, and Battle Wails series. I haven't read book one (Deep Sounding Chaos) yet so whatever world building and other groundwork that's typically done in the first book of a series wasn't under my belt when I started Surface Pressure. There are past events alluded to here and some details provided about them, presumably to remind those who've read book one but also to fill in readers like me who started here instead; Surface Pressure works fairly well as a standalone but personally I prefer to read books in a series from the beginning and in order wherever possible, ideally in close succession to get the full story and so I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I recommend other readers do the same if they can. In the case of fantasy stories or other types of escapist reading, I want the full experience of immersion into that world or universe and to stay there as long as possible if the characters and their world appeal to me.
I've read AJ Smith's writing before but her co-author Neen Cohen is new to me. Their collaboration here is great, the book reads as if written by a single author. I actually forgot that this was a two author story until I saw the author bios at the end of the book when I finished reading. I'd like to read Cohen's solo works now to see what they're like.
If you're craving an angsty mermaid human romance with some steamy lovin' between them and humor to lighten the mood at times give this one a shot. It's a fast and easy read that kept me reading with interest in the story and investment in the characters. I really wanted main characters Soulara and Autumn to find a way to be and stay together despite the massive obstacles in their way. There are no easy answers for these characters and their circumstances, something made clear and reiterated throughout the book. Other than Autumn, the humans of Earth in this future aren't painted in a rosy light at all; Soulara's people have their shortcomings as well. The book ends on a high note but with a cliffhanger of plot threads needing to be picked up and potentially resolved in book three (or later if the series spans beyond a trilogy). I look forward to reading book three when it's published to see what happens next and, time permitting, to read book one to see what (if anything) I needed to know that wasn't recapped here in book two.
Surface Pressure is book two in the Love, Tails, and Battle Wails series. I haven't read book one (Deep Sounding Chaos) yet so whatever world building and other groundwork that's typically done in the first book of a series wasn't under my belt when I started Surface Pressure. There are past events alluded to here and some details provided about them, presumably to remind those who've read book one but also to fill in readers like me who started here instead; Surface Pressure works fairly well as a standalone but personally I prefer to read books in a series from the beginning and in order wherever possible, ideally in close succession to get the full story and so I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I recommend other readers do the same if they can. In the case of fantasy stories or other types of escapist reading, I want the full experience of immersion into that world or universe and to stay there as long as possible if the characters and their world appeal to me.
I've read AJ Smith's writing before but her co-author Neen Cohen is new to me. Their collaboration here is great, the book reads as if written by a single author. I actually forgot that this was a two author story until I saw the author bios at the end of the book when I finished reading. I'd like to read Cohen's solo works now to see what they're like.
If you're craving an angsty mermaid human romance with some steamy lovin' between them and humor to lighten the mood at times give this one a shot. It's a fast and easy read that kept me reading with interest in the story and investment in the characters. I really wanted main characters Soulara and Autumn to find a way to be and stay together despite the massive obstacles in their way. There are no easy answers for these characters and their circumstances, something made clear and reiterated throughout the book. Other than Autumn, the humans of Earth in this future aren't painted in a rosy light at all; Soulara's people have their shortcomings as well. The book ends on a high note but with a cliffhanger of plot threads needing to be picked up and potentially resolved in book three (or later if the series spans beyond a trilogy). I look forward to reading book three when it's published to see what happens next and, time permitting, to read book one to see what (if anything) I needed to know that wasn't recapped here in book two.
June 9, 2024
It's an interesting approach, having each book in this series being from the pov of a different pair, especially given that the overall story arc (the theft of the water from their planet and all that that entails) is spread out over all three books. Thus far it seems to work, though it is worth noting that Zendalia and Kaelin don't have much of a role in this installment, given that Zendalia is still healing from the events of the first book.
A lot more is explained and revealed in this installment - what is going on, and why, and of course, not all of the reveals are pleasant. The evil and corruption that is present in humanity has never gone away.
A human and a mermaid is not an unusual pairing, but it always comes with its difficulties - they both come from very different worlds. Soulara and Autumn really are meant for each other. There's a spark and a connection beyond the mutual attraction. Understanding and fulfilment, too, when they get there. There is so much angst in this book, though. Nothing is easy for them, especially when the two sides are essentially at war. And even if you ignore that, there is the additional complication of working out how things would work.
I very much enjoyed this installment, and everything that is revealed. There's a rich world here, and a very engaging plot. Nothing is quite as straightforward as it seems, and the stakes are high.
The book does end of a cliffhanger, though, with some of the main characters introduced and set up for the third book. It'll be interesting to see how it all folds out, and how it all resolves, and very much looking forward to reading it.
A lot more is explained and revealed in this installment - what is going on, and why, and of course, not all of the reveals are pleasant. The evil and corruption that is present in humanity has never gone away.
A human and a mermaid is not an unusual pairing, but it always comes with its difficulties - they both come from very different worlds. Soulara and Autumn really are meant for each other. There's a spark and a connection beyond the mutual attraction. Understanding and fulfilment, too, when they get there. There is so much angst in this book, though. Nothing is easy for them, especially when the two sides are essentially at war. And even if you ignore that, there is the additional complication of working out how things would work.
I very much enjoyed this installment, and everything that is revealed. There's a rich world here, and a very engaging plot. Nothing is quite as straightforward as it seems, and the stakes are high.
The book does end of a cliffhanger, though, with some of the main characters introduced and set up for the third book. It'll be interesting to see how it all folds out, and how it all resolves, and very much looking forward to reading it.
May 27, 2024
An otherworldly tale of unlikely love
When Soulara’s beautiful underworld kingdom is jeopardized by an invasion of destructive humans, she must assume the roles of general and princess she’s always avoided, but war isn’t so simple when she’s quickly losing her heart to one of the enemy. Autumn’s drab life as a soldier gathering resources from foreign planets changes in an instant when she meets the captivating sea princess, but questioning orders to protect the woman she’s growing to love could cost her everything.
Surface Pressure is the second captivating book in the Love, Tails, and Battle Wails series, although it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone adventure. As women who are, in some ways, both distant from yet fiercely loyal to their worlds, Soulara and Autumn are intriguing main characters. The physical and romantic tension between them is electric even as it deepens into a fierce emotional connection. A gorgeous yet fragile sea kingdom beneath an exotic land commandeered by a destructive army serves as a compelling backdrop to the internal and external angst of Soulara and Autumn’s story, as do the complicated politics of both the human and mer world. Underscoring the drama are profound themes of community, justice, conscience, and most importantly: love.
If you enjoy exciting, otherworldly tales of unlikely love, you’ll be mesmerized by Surface Pressure.
When Soulara’s beautiful underworld kingdom is jeopardized by an invasion of destructive humans, she must assume the roles of general and princess she’s always avoided, but war isn’t so simple when she’s quickly losing her heart to one of the enemy. Autumn’s drab life as a soldier gathering resources from foreign planets changes in an instant when she meets the captivating sea princess, but questioning orders to protect the woman she’s growing to love could cost her everything.
Surface Pressure is the second captivating book in the Love, Tails, and Battle Wails series, although it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone adventure. As women who are, in some ways, both distant from yet fiercely loyal to their worlds, Soulara and Autumn are intriguing main characters. The physical and romantic tension between them is electric even as it deepens into a fierce emotional connection. A gorgeous yet fragile sea kingdom beneath an exotic land commandeered by a destructive army serves as a compelling backdrop to the internal and external angst of Soulara and Autumn’s story, as do the complicated politics of both the human and mer world. Underscoring the drama are profound themes of community, justice, conscience, and most importantly: love.
If you enjoy exciting, otherworldly tales of unlikely love, you’ll be mesmerized by Surface Pressure.
June 7, 2024
Surface Pressure is the second book in the Live, Tails, and Battle Wails series that can be read as a standalone. Earth's former planet is without water and military personnel must search the galaxy for other places to mine water. The parallels to our current state of climate (change) did not go unnoticed. On this mission, all military personnel are convinced there is no life inhabiting this planet, except Autumn, a human grunt who meets Soulara, a mermaid. Her commander refuses to believe there’s life and continues to pull water leaving Soulara’s tribe struggling to survive in the much shallower water.
It’s clear from the start that Autumn are drawn to one another and despite being on opposite sides of the water debacle, can’t stay away from one another. Their chemistry and passion are off the charts! I really enjoyed this thrilling story because it’s filled with drama, action, and steam.
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s clear from the start that Autumn are drawn to one another and despite being on opposite sides of the water debacle, can’t stay away from one another. Their chemistry and passion are off the charts! I really enjoyed this thrilling story because it’s filled with drama, action, and steam.
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2024
This sequel to Deep Sounding Chaos is action packed. This time a mermaid, Soulara, meets a human, Autumn. It’s a surprise for both. Things take off from there as the story includes the humans’ side of things, which does take some twists. At the same time Soulara has to learn about what will happen to their planet and why. There’s an improbable romance budding between them that definitely makes Autumn think about what she’s doing. To me, what the humans are doing to Soulara’s people and planet seemed analogous to what many nations have done to other nations, but it is still a gripping story and wonderful romance. I hope we’ll be revisiting this world again.
May 30, 2024
Thought-provoking and insightful, this book delves deep into the question of what it means to be humane, but without lecturing and/or preaching. Which is what had me glued to every word, from start to finish.
It's a story of forbidden love in the middle of a world war. Two completely different people who fall in love across enemy lines. How far would you go to protect your loved ones, and could you choose between them?
But seriously!?!?!? That's how it ends!?!?!?
Action, adventure, drama, romance? YES!! In spades! I loved everything about this book except the ending, because it ended on the mother of all CLIFFHANGERS!!!!
It's a story of forbidden love in the middle of a world war. Two completely different people who fall in love across enemy lines. How far would you go to protect your loved ones, and could you choose between them?
But seriously!?!?!? That's how it ends!?!?!?
Action, adventure, drama, romance? YES!! In spades! I loved everything about this book except the ending, because it ended on the mother of all CLIFFHANGERS!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
I loved this book! It a worthy follower to the first one but with a brand new romance and lots of suspense. The MC's find each other and are smitten. The princess and the soldier find themselves on the same side as they try to save the planet's water. The soldier has been beaten down until she believes herself to be meaningless. Fortunately, the princess has a lot of self confidence and convinces to the soldier to at least try. The book ends on a cliff hanger so I am desperately hoping the next one isn't too far off! I received an ARC.
June 4, 2024
Soulara who we met in book 1, is much more than she seems. She possesses magic just like her mother, which means she can go onto land and split her tail into two feet.
Autumn is the only female in a unit of interstellar protectors who is collecting water for Earth, not realising that there’s other life on the planet.
The rest is a thrilling ride as the mermaids join together and start fighting back.
I love the characters and the world building in these books. We’re left on a cliffhanger, sort of, so book 3 can’t come soon enough.
Autumn is the only female in a unit of interstellar protectors who is collecting water for Earth, not realising that there’s other life on the planet.
The rest is a thrilling ride as the mermaids join together and start fighting back.
I love the characters and the world building in these books. We’re left on a cliffhanger, sort of, so book 3 can’t come soon enough.
June 11, 2024
Surface pressure is a unique story of a love affair between a mermaid and a human. In this book we learn of why the humans and their machines are siphoning water from Soulara's planet. The encounter between Autumn and Soulara is really interesting and makes for an interesting conclusion.
Will their love and lives survive the uncertainty of the future?
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Will their love and lives survive the uncertainty of the future?
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2024
Wow on your edge of your seat read I was hooked from start to finish and still wanted more the main characters were phenomenal with so much depth this book is a jackpot story I can't wait for more from this fabulous partnership their storys are off the scales. It definitely must read congratulations
June 18, 2024
I am loving this series, and this one is my favorite so far. The only bad thing I can think of is that I have to wait on the next book of the series. I loved Soulara in the last book and I am glad she is getting her own book. This is a series you don't want to miss. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2024
I really liked this book. I am committed when I read series books. The only thing I did not like was that it stopped with a continuation. I can't wait to find out what happens. Again, this is not the norm of the books I read, but I love Adrian and Neen. Their storytelling sucks me right in.
June 4, 2024
FANTASTIC
This storyline just gets better and better. I loved it and ABSOLUTELY recommend that you give it a go. ❤
This storyline just gets better and better. I loved it and ABSOLUTELY recommend that you give it a go. ❤
June 10, 2024
PAPA MORE BOOK
July 29, 2024
This series is excellent, with both books fulfilling a storyline, but leaving you ready for the next installment. Do yourself a favor and jump into the deep with these books.
February 16, 2025
Loved
Love is powerful and can help heal. It can provide the strength one needs to build the courage to break down walls of evil and tyranny.
It is powerful when you let it.
Love is powerful and can help heal. It can provide the strength one needs to build the courage to break down walls of evil and tyranny.
It is powerful when you let it.
June 10, 2024
One of the few tales that is actually enemies to lovers
This couple don’t begin with mere personality conflicts - their cultures are at odds with each other.
Each species is doing what needs to be done to survive; however, one is committing serial genocide and the other is defending itself against an invader. There are some great conversations throughout regarding environmental responsibility and bio-ethics.
Can’t wait to find out how ‘Battle Fluke’ pans out!
This couple don’t begin with mere personality conflicts - their cultures are at odds with each other.
Each species is doing what needs to be done to survive; however, one is committing serial genocide and the other is defending itself against an invader. There are some great conversations throughout regarding environmental responsibility and bio-ethics.
Can’t wait to find out how ‘Battle Fluke’ pans out!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews