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Sea Monsters and Sunrises
Something in the water watches me…
Though he has two legs, there’s no doubt that he’s a merman, that his body was meant for the sea. While strong and solid, it’s like his body has never heard of a straight line. His limbs and muscles curve and whorl; a being made solid from water and waves.
When I was just a teenager, I battled a sea monster. I won, but the fight cost me my eye. Now, twenty years later, its mate is after me, seeking revenge.
This time, I’m not the scared girl I was. Though I might be the town outcast, I’m strong and sea-hardened from long days living and working on my boat.
This time, I’m not alone. A merman, as mysterious as he is fierce, is intent on protecting me from the creature. However, as we fight our intense attraction, it’s uncertain if his presence will help or hinder me in the fight of my life. Either way, it all ends here.
Sea Monsters and Sunrises is an emotional, monster, romance novella for anyone who would choose the sea.
Welcome to Calysto's Cove, an idyllic beach town where paranormal and contemporary romance sit side by side, and love can be as stormy as the sea. Calysto's Cove is a shared world created by a group of romance authors for readers of diverse interests. All books are standalones and can be read in any order.
Though he has two legs, there’s no doubt that he’s a merman, that his body was meant for the sea. While strong and solid, it’s like his body has never heard of a straight line. His limbs and muscles curve and whorl; a being made solid from water and waves.
When I was just a teenager, I battled a sea monster. I won, but the fight cost me my eye. Now, twenty years later, its mate is after me, seeking revenge.
This time, I’m not the scared girl I was. Though I might be the town outcast, I’m strong and sea-hardened from long days living and working on my boat.
This time, I’m not alone. A merman, as mysterious as he is fierce, is intent on protecting me from the creature. However, as we fight our intense attraction, it’s uncertain if his presence will help or hinder me in the fight of my life. Either way, it all ends here.
Sea Monsters and Sunrises is an emotional, monster, romance novella for anyone who would choose the sea.
Welcome to Calysto's Cove, an idyllic beach town where paranormal and contemporary romance sit side by side, and love can be as stormy as the sea. Calysto's Cove is a shared world created by a group of romance authors for readers of diverse interests. All books are standalones and can be read in any order.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2024
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Keri Lane
6 books22 followersAll I want is a cup of hot tea and an even hotter romance.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 18, 2024
"If he fucks me with even half the passion in his words, I'll be one satisfied monster fucker."
Hear me out. Just hear me out. I know it's monsters, I know it's short, but it's not the size that matters 😔 I don't know how but this felt like a 300 pages instead of its humble 130.
"Will I live on as my da's sad, faceless, nameless, tragic legacy? Joining the ranks of my mother, remembered only when people take in the lines on my da's brow. Never a person unto herself."
The emotions in there in such a short amount of pages is unreal. I almost cried and I felt so many emotions that I could barely feel in so many longer books.
"The world is only complete with you in it. If we were to lose your strength, your heart, your essence, it would be to the detriment of life everywhere."
The characters are goooood they feel so fleshed out and real, apart from the love interest actually who I couldn't really get a feel of but it didn't stop me from enjoying everything else (including the smut but that was hardly a surprise when you've read any other book from Keri Lane)
"He couldn't fight for me, stand up for me when I needed him most at sixteen, or even a couple of days ago, he doesn't get to save me now.
It's easy to swoop in and save the vindicated. It's a lot harder to stand behind the condemned."
I need more, right now. Supernatural romance is Keri Lane's specialty, her own art form if I may say, and I need another piece of art right this second 🗣️
"So, who was the real monster after all?"
[Arc review, honest opinion]
Hear me out. Just hear me out. I know it's monsters, I know it's short, but it's not the size that matters 😔 I don't know how but this felt like a 300 pages instead of its humble 130.
"Will I live on as my da's sad, faceless, nameless, tragic legacy? Joining the ranks of my mother, remembered only when people take in the lines on my da's brow. Never a person unto herself."
The emotions in there in such a short amount of pages is unreal. I almost cried and I felt so many emotions that I could barely feel in so many longer books.
"The world is only complete with you in it. If we were to lose your strength, your heart, your essence, it would be to the detriment of life everywhere."
The characters are goooood they feel so fleshed out and real, apart from the love interest actually who I couldn't really get a feel of but it didn't stop me from enjoying everything else (including the smut but that was hardly a surprise when you've read any other book from Keri Lane)
"He couldn't fight for me, stand up for me when I needed him most at sixteen, or even a couple of days ago, he doesn't get to save me now.
It's easy to swoop in and save the vindicated. It's a lot harder to stand behind the condemned."
I need more, right now. Supernatural romance is Keri Lane's specialty, her own art form if I may say, and I need another piece of art right this second 🗣️
"So, who was the real monster after all?"
[Arc review, honest opinion]
September 26, 2024
My poor heart, I’m seconds away from sobbing. But healing, happy tears.
I started this book Monday and then work got busy and I was itching to read and find out about the “incident” and meet this merman!
“Getting fcked by a merman wasn’t on my to-do list for today, but I could clear my schedule for exactly that.” Same girl, same.
Her dad loves her so deeply and unconditionally and that is just so beautiful.
Louise feels like a real person and I felt the heaviness of her sadness in my soul and her peace and happiness at the end of the novella made my heart swell like the grinches.
I wish I could share my highlights, I’ll have to go back once this is released to add them to goodreads because I don’t want to forget them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I started this book Monday and then work got busy and I was itching to read and find out about the “incident” and meet this merman!
“Getting fcked by a merman wasn’t on my to-do list for today, but I could clear my schedule for exactly that.” Same girl, same.
Her dad loves her so deeply and unconditionally and that is just so beautiful.
Louise feels like a real person and I felt the heaviness of her sadness in my soul and her peace and happiness at the end of the novella made my heart swell like the grinches.
I wish I could share my highlights, I’ll have to go back once this is released to add them to goodreads because I don’t want to forget them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2024
Devoured this!
If you're a fan of strong misunderstood FMCs, monsters of the sea variety and a hero that doesn't back down under pressure—then this one's for you.
Keri Lane weaves a captivating modern fairytale set in a contemporary seaside town full of authentic side characters. Fierce and snarky, both MCs fight against each other as they battle Iaptsen, a magical tentacled beast determined to steal everything from them.
Though far from sweet, this fairytale completely charmed me.🦞⛵😍🌶️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you're a fan of strong misunderstood FMCs, monsters of the sea variety and a hero that doesn't back down under pressure—then this one's for you.
Keri Lane weaves a captivating modern fairytale set in a contemporary seaside town full of authentic side characters. Fierce and snarky, both MCs fight against each other as they battle Iaptsen, a magical tentacled beast determined to steal everything from them.
Though far from sweet, this fairytale completely charmed me.🦞⛵😍🌶️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2024
Since I haven’t reviewed a book for a long time, I just browsed a book to review and this short but seemingly interesting book was sent directly to my Kindle.
I have never read a merman love story before. The main character here is Louise, aka Lulu, Da’s little girl and the town freak to everyone else. This one-eyed fisherwoman, or rather, half-human, is more bonded with the ocean than with people. Her mother once said she is the daughter of the sea.
Lulu lives in a seaside bungalow with her father, as her mother disappeared into the sea long ago. She makes a living by catching fish. Twenty years ago, she lost one eye in a sea beast attack, but no one believed her. Since then, she has been labeled an attention-seeker and a freak by the townspeople, including her friends and college crush. The only person who stands by her is her father, who reassures her that she is special—until the merman enters the story.
In the end, this one-eyed town outcast faces the beast and becomes a town hero, but she loses one of the most precious people in her life in the process.
The story held me until the end, out of curiosity, and as a love story, I loved the protective and alluring nature of the merman as well as Louise’s courage to confront the beast. I particularly loved imagining the scenes where she gazes at the ocean every time she feels lonely.
This book is worth trying if you’re into paranormal romance. Many thanks to the author and BookSirens for providing me with a free copy of this book.
I have never read a merman love story before. The main character here is Louise, aka Lulu, Da’s little girl and the town freak to everyone else. This one-eyed fisherwoman, or rather, half-human, is more bonded with the ocean than with people. Her mother once said she is the daughter of the sea.
Lulu lives in a seaside bungalow with her father, as her mother disappeared into the sea long ago. She makes a living by catching fish. Twenty years ago, she lost one eye in a sea beast attack, but no one believed her. Since then, she has been labeled an attention-seeker and a freak by the townspeople, including her friends and college crush. The only person who stands by her is her father, who reassures her that she is special—until the merman enters the story.
In the end, this one-eyed town outcast faces the beast and becomes a town hero, but she loses one of the most precious people in her life in the process.
The story held me until the end, out of curiosity, and as a love story, I loved the protective and alluring nature of the merman as well as Louise’s courage to confront the beast. I particularly loved imagining the scenes where she gazes at the ocean every time she feels lonely.
This book is worth trying if you’re into paranormal romance. Many thanks to the author and BookSirens for providing me with a free copy of this book.
November 3, 2024
Sea Monsters and Sunrises feels like two books being written by two people who, for some odd reason, decided to combine their creative efforts despite their creative differences. One is a solidly crafted narrative that meditates on the subjects of loss, isolation and sanity. The other one is a work of unoriginal cheap pornography.
Granted, neither of these metaphorical two books would necessarily be bad individually - to each their own and ultimately, cheapness can be charming. Together however, they make a jarringly tone-deaf experience that renders the entire setup (which makes approximately one third of the book) entirely pointless. The romantic plot - which is largely in fact an erotic plot - is written so poorly, that it makes me wonder if the book was initially written without it in mind. Once you remove any and all semblance of a romantic plot, the story makes a lot more sense, and is a more poignant retelling of two characters dealing with loss and trying to be strong in the face of it. How did an incredibly uncomfortable sex scene with an incredibly unlikeable fishman become a part of it is beyond me.
Ultimately, a rather disappointing read, all things considered: the author is clearly skilled, and the book had a strong start, but tripped and never got up one third into the story. It's a thankfully short read, so people who like to combine existentialism with cheap pornos might enjoy it, but I feel like that's a niche not many are a part of - and for a good reason.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Granted, neither of these metaphorical two books would necessarily be bad individually - to each their own and ultimately, cheapness can be charming. Together however, they make a jarringly tone-deaf experience that renders the entire setup (which makes approximately one third of the book) entirely pointless. The romantic plot - which is largely in fact an erotic plot - is written so poorly, that it makes me wonder if the book was initially written without it in mind. Once you remove any and all semblance of a romantic plot, the story makes a lot more sense, and is a more poignant retelling of two characters dealing with loss and trying to be strong in the face of it. How did an incredibly uncomfortable sex scene with an incredibly unlikeable fishman become a part of it is beyond me.
Ultimately, a rather disappointing read, all things considered: the author is clearly skilled, and the book had a strong start, but tripped and never got up one third into the story. It's a thankfully short read, so people who like to combine existentialism with cheap pornos might enjoy it, but I feel like that's a niche not many are a part of - and for a good reason.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 28, 2024
* I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
The FMC is pretty likeable, she's misunderstood and bullied by the townsfolk, she prefers instead to be at sea away from people which is relatable! The love interest is mysterious and I would have liked to know more about him and his origins / history to feel more of a connection with him as a character. The antagonist is also interesting and complex and I didn't hate him , I would like to learn more about his species too, (hopefully in later books!)
I really enjoyed the action and suspense scenes. They were well described and created tense moments where I didn't know what was coming.
I would like some more explanation as to why the love interest chose the FMC. I also did find some grammatical errors in the copy that I read which did break immersion briefly but this may be an earlier version that I received.
With regards to the smut it's definitely good and reasonably fluid, I wasn't a fan of some of the words used but that's just personal preference and I understand that there's only so many terms one can use without being repetitive!
For such a short book, it did well to concisely tell a story that evokes emotion and intrigue. I am definitely interested to continue reading books in this universe!
The FMC is pretty likeable, she's misunderstood and bullied by the townsfolk, she prefers instead to be at sea away from people which is relatable! The love interest is mysterious and I would have liked to know more about him and his origins / history to feel more of a connection with him as a character. The antagonist is also interesting and complex and I didn't hate him , I would like to learn more about his species too, (hopefully in later books!)
I really enjoyed the action and suspense scenes. They were well described and created tense moments where I didn't know what was coming.
I would like some more explanation as to why the love interest chose the FMC. I also did find some grammatical errors in the copy that I read which did break immersion briefly but this may be an earlier version that I received.
With regards to the smut it's definitely good and reasonably fluid, I wasn't a fan of some of the words used but that's just personal preference and I understand that there's only so many terms one can use without being repetitive!
For such a short book, it did well to concisely tell a story that evokes emotion and intrigue. I am definitely interested to continue reading books in this universe!
February 6, 2025
Louise has spent the last 20 years being the outcast of her seaside town, after an accident left her scarred and broken. No one believes her story of the sea monster she defeated. Her only solace is the ocean, which seems to beckon her closer every day. After drowning her sorrows on the beach, she is attacked by another sea monster and rescued by a mysterious savior. Determined to settle the score once again, Louise takes to the water in her fishing boat. What she finds isn't just one monster following her, it's two: the octopus leviathan seeking revenge and the merman standing between it and Louise. As the pieces come together, Louise realizes she needs to protect not only her body but her heart.
This little novella packed a punch! Lulu was a total baddie with a literal harpoon for a weapon against a timeless beast of the waves. The Merman may have been cryptic in his information, but his passion for her survival was admirable. I loved how he tried to surpass his own needs to protect her. In the end, I did get all the answers I craved, so I'm definitely satisfied. I thought the story was well-written and had depth for such a short story. I enjoyed Louise and the merman's dynamic, as both fighters and lovers. I'm always down for more merpeople stories!
This little novella packed a punch! Lulu was a total baddie with a literal harpoon for a weapon against a timeless beast of the waves. The Merman may have been cryptic in his information, but his passion for her survival was admirable. I loved how he tried to surpass his own needs to protect her. In the end, I did get all the answers I craved, so I'm definitely satisfied. I thought the story was well-written and had depth for such a short story. I enjoyed Louise and the merman's dynamic, as both fighters and lovers. I'm always down for more merpeople stories!
October 22, 2024
Now, Keri did warn me this wasn't like her other books, but I knew deep down it would still stir something deep inside!
It still very much held elements of her humor in the writing and interactions between Louise and her merman. And yet, dealt with feelings of loss, of not placing value on how your presences impacts others, and being outcasted.
The journey for Louise to finding home and really feeling deserving of love... yeah that hit a little close to home there (like damn, Keri, did you have to call me out?)
One thing above all, was the reverence for the ocean throughout the book. A mutual respect and connection that made the reveal make so much sense.
How all of the elements and character development happened in 130 pages is amazing and truly, I would have read 300 more pages if given the chance.
This is an arc review with my honest opinion.
It still very much held elements of her humor in the writing and interactions between Louise and her merman. And yet, dealt with feelings of loss, of not placing value on how your presences impacts others, and being outcasted.
The journey for Louise to finding home and really feeling deserving of love... yeah that hit a little close to home there (like damn, Keri, did you have to call me out?)
One thing above all, was the reverence for the ocean throughout the book. A mutual respect and connection that made the reveal make so much sense.
How all of the elements and character development happened in 130 pages is amazing and truly, I would have read 300 more pages if given the chance.
This is an arc review with my honest opinion.
November 30, 2024
This book captures the vibes of a small fishing town and the call that weathered fishermen (or fisherwomen) feel towards the ocean and their boats. I love how the main character is described as well as her relationship with her father. Family love, grief, and the ocean's mystery were captured really well in this book. This review is 4 stars because the romantic aspects of this book were lacking. I just wanted the parts with the merman in them to end to get back to the better parts. The characters did not naturally fit together and they would randomly start to get spicy for no reason? Overall, I did like it!
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.
September 26, 2024
A book about leaving the past behind and choosing to carve out a new path for oneself disguised as a monster romance. Caught between the life she knows, among people who shun her, and the unknown seas that beckon to her, Louisa must discover if she is strong enough to face the transformative mixture of love and loss, joy and pain, hope and trauma that life presents. A short story that interestingly concludes right as the character’s life only truly begins.
*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.
October 1, 2024
I was offered a free copy of this book, and could not turn it down.
I thought the concept of this book was a little odd at first… How on Earth does a teenaged girl lose an eye, at sea?! But, here we are. I'm blind in one eye, myself, but at least it's still there. The fact that she lost everyone, except her father, when she became disfigured is heartbreaking! But she did find someone that loves her unconditionally. If only we all could find such a thing…
I thought the concept of this book was a little odd at first… How on Earth does a teenaged girl lose an eye, at sea?! But, here we are. I'm blind in one eye, myself, but at least it's still there. The fact that she lost everyone, except her father, when she became disfigured is heartbreaking! But she did find someone that loves her unconditionally. If only we all could find such a thing…
September 23, 2024
When I say this book hit me in all the feels, I mean ALL the feels. It is a quick and easy read, but keep your tissues handy.
I really liked the take on the merman and the romance was sweet with just enough spice. I would definitely recommend.
I received an ARC of this book. I am leaving a voluntary review.
I really liked the take on the merman and the romance was sweet with just enough spice. I would definitely recommend.
I received an ARC of this book. I am leaving a voluntary review.
September 26, 2024
I’m not entirely sure how to rate this. It felt a bit more like a creative writing assignment than a book. The dialogue was awkward and I don’t know if that was intentional or not. I didn’t really connect with the characters so for that reason mostly I’d rate it a 3.5 rounded down.
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.
September 29, 2024
With a slow start but a relatively satisfying ending, I'd say Sea Monsters and Sunrises is a 3.5, rounding up to 4. The first half sets the stage but not really the backstory, and it went on long enough that I started skimming. I would have liked a few more hooks to cling to in the first half, but overall the story was well written and the second half was faster paced.
November 20, 2024
The prologue almost put me off this read but I’m so glad I persisted. I was laughing out loud as I read the comically decadent first chapter.
I found myself both detesting but also wanting to attend the towns Lobsterfest to taste every variety of Lobster and see the Lobster Princess crowned.
This was a fast paced tale of love and loneliness with an ending I was not prepared for.
The perfect read for a weekend seaside getaway.
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found myself both detesting but also wanting to attend the towns Lobsterfest to taste every variety of Lobster and see the Lobster Princess crowned.
This was a fast paced tale of love and loneliness with an ending I was not prepared for.
The perfect read for a weekend seaside getaway.
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2024
I had never read a book about sea monsters before, but I have to say, I was not disappointed with this book. It was a nice introduction to this type, I read the book quite quickly. Can definitely recommend it to everyone!
October 18, 2024
I liked the basic concept of this story but I think the execution was a little off. The first half was very slow then the second half felt very rushed.
I thought the characters were likable, but I would’ve liked to see their personalities flushed out a little more, especially the merman’s.
I thought the characters were likable, but I would’ve liked to see their personalities flushed out a little more, especially the merman’s.
October 4, 2024
This book just wasn’t at all what I expected…I had a very difficult time reading this one. Took me almost half the book before it felt like something worth reading! The storyline was really difficult to follow initially; the characters needed a better definition; the plot twists and turns were good but difficult to track; and the HEA was basically out there leaving us to hope the right characters would end up together. I’d like to think this book will be given another look at by the author/editor in hopes that they could make the flow a bit smoother. I’d really like to see this one again—it’s got good potential. I’d suggest you read this one and decide for yourself. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and wished it had been a better read…) 🫤
dnf
June 20, 2025DNF @ 42%
October 26, 2024
oh Louise
Louise’s life has been less than ideal. Having not only loss an eye to a sea creature but also her mom then to be thought of as the drunk one in town that when the creature comes back no one wants to believe her. Loved her determination to fight it off again and show the town she’s not crazy! And that Merman oh man!
Louise’s life has been less than ideal. Having not only loss an eye to a sea creature but also her mom then to be thought of as the drunk one in town that when the creature comes back no one wants to believe her. Loved her determination to fight it off again and show the town she’s not crazy! And that Merman oh man!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews