Undercurrent

by Riona Beck

Mirren lives a solitary life, carving out an existence from the sea and holding any threat to her independence at arm's length.

When mysterious, attractive Flynn enters her world, Mirren is immediately drawn to him. The two begin a love affair almost too good to be true. She is content not to pry too much into his past–but one secret proves irresistible. When at last she succumbs to curiosity, her discovery threatens to destroy the fragile life they've built together.

Undercurrent features a beach meetcute, wound bandaging, he falls first, teasing and banter, and ocean swimming lessons. Inspired by Scottish folklore, this is a steamy, open-door romance about two people forced to question the differences that could keep them apart–or forge a bond strong enough to survive any force.

This book is part of the Waterlore Romance series, a collection of stand-alone novelettes and short novels inspired by folklore of the British Isles, fairy tales, and the author's obsession with bodies (of water).

58 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Aakanksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this fast-paced book! I became so invested in Mirren and Flynn's story from the start and what an adorable and mystique journey it was. The writing style is amazing, loved how the author has woven a beautiful story in a short novella. If you love twists in folklore then this story is for you.

Thanks Riona Beck for the ARC! ❤️

[Ragne Tropelibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨6.5/10
⭐3.5

A short spicy story of a woman and a mythical creature in a small village.

Thank you to the author for the ARC copy.

🌿Tropes:
Mythology
Mythical creature
Shape-shifting
Insta lust
Small village

Spice: 5🌶️ spice be spicing!
Emotional engagement: 2.5 🥹 some heartfelt times.

It is insta lust at first and towards the end we learn more about the true nature of the male character there is more depth and emotional vulnerability. The writing has its moments and enjoyable when we see more of their inner dialogues.

There is lot of potential here for a longer story. I wanted to know more about their backstories! Atmosphere comes out through the writing but could have used more elaboration and more plot! There is some intrigue but in this short format not enough time to dive deep.

It did grow on me and kept me wondering about their relationship and outcome. It's a nice spicy palate cleanser to read in one go and perfect for the paranormal season!

[Jess]

This was my first time reading a novelette so I didn’t really know what to expect. It took me a little bit to adjust to the pacing since it is very fast moving. But the pacing makes sense given its length.

This was like a spicy bedtime story for adults. It’s got fairy tale elements, romance, secrets, mythical creatures, and lots of s3x.

I enjoyed the storyline itself, but I think novelette’s aren’t for me. I need more character development and world building. But that is completely on me. I knew beforehand it was a novelette and should have known myself better. So I’m not rating the book since I don’t think I could do it accurately. However if quick, spicy, magical reads are for you, you’ll love this one!

Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc and allowing me to read this early.

[Jocelyn Delarosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Rating: 4.5 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Rating: 2.5 / 5 🌶️🌶️.5

This novelette was so adorable and fun! In the short pages it was packed with so much. I found myself very much invested in Mirren and Flynn! I mean who doesn’t love a person who is a little bit of a mystery that you just need to figure out but also can’t help but trust with all of your being? It’s tragic my beautiful!

I was also so intrigued on how the author was able to give a fun twist on some interesting classics and folklore as well! It felt both new yet familiar without being repetitive. I am also someone who is obsessed with water so this series found its audience if I do say so myself lol!

This is the first book I have read by Riona Beck but I am defiantly going to pick up the rest of the Waterlore Romance series!

If you are a sucker for meet cutes, whirlwind romances, and OPEN DOOR romance then this short read is for you!

[Blanca aguilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the pleasure of reading the Arc for Undercurrent by Riona Beck. ✨

Undercurrent is a charming 7 chapter novel that is quick to read if you’re craving a cozy romance with a mix of Scottish folklore.

The story takes place in the FMC Mirren’s cozy cottage by the ocean that resides in a Scottish fishing village.
Mirren & the MMC Flynn, who happens to be a beautiful Kelpie in secret takes human form to see if the possibility to live a happy life next to Mirren could be more than a fantasy.

Mirren & Flynn’s story has open-door spice as well as emotional depth and self growth. I truly fell in love with the characters and their sweet interactions, specially during the swimming lessons. It truly is a cozy read that will have you rooting for its characters.

I highly recommend checking Riona Beck Instagram and past work ☺️!

[PickyPages · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delicious, bite-sized "kissy, sexy" book is a must for anyone who wants a splash of lusty romance in their life. Honestly, im not even one to go looking for spicy reads, but Rionas writing is like magic.

For a short story, the characters were surprisingly flushed out, and the setting felt real and beautiful. Obviously, the pacing was quick (I read this in one day!), but it never felt rushed. 

I've never read anything by Riona Beck before, and I can't wait to continue! I'll be running to read the first book in this series (Crystalline), and paitently awaiting any other works of art. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this story early!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored everything about Undercurrent, but mainly I was continuously in awe of Riona Beck’s writing and the way it flowed so seamlessly while delivering the feelings of both characters with expert ease - an impressive feat for a novella! It was fast paced which was perfect for the length of the story but the characters still had their backstories that made it simple to understand their feelings for one another. It’s steamy and captures that perfect Scottish isle folklore essence. What more could you possibly want?!

Well done, Riona, and thank you so much for allowing me to read this as an ARC!

[Natalie Hitchcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Since I am on a bit of a romance kick in terms of reading books, this was a no-brainer for me to read. Riona Beck has written this book beautifully, and I am amazed with how the story progresses in such a small novelle. She is an author to watch!

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful romantasy novella. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters, and appreciated that they were not your traditional "strong man sweeps dainty woman off her feet" types. Mirren was a fun FMC, and Flynn was a heartthrob. Very enjoyable afternoon read.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The opening of the story was awesome and I loved the characters so much. For a short read, there is a lot of punch delivered. I will definitely read more from this author.

[Ransom's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story! Written so well, I could feel the emotions with Mirren and Flynn. I very much enjoyed the spin on this romantic folktale. 😍

[C.A. Farran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, romantic, and atmospheric. This gave me The Secret of Roan Inish vibes while sweeping my romance loving heart off my feet.

[raiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Riona, please write more!

[Hester Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delicious bite-sized morsel, perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy.