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Marin in the Moonlight
Contemporary Romance
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Merriweather
2 books5 followersA.E. Merriweather is a pseudonym that represents three writers and friends based in New Orleans.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 28, 2025
Rounding up to 4 stars!! This was a fun, fast-paced story that I really enjoyed more than I originally thought I would. If you like the idea of reading a book that feels like you’re inside the Disney College Program, read this (lol)
What to expect:
- Fake dating
- Grief (death of a sibling - off page)
- He’s a “fuckboy” and she is inexperienced and awkward
- They are both the family fuck ups
- Disney vibes
- Fast paced
- 1/5 spice
- HEA
What I liked:
MMC was a really likable character. He knew he was acting stupid, and he admitted it. We love a self-aware MMC!!! The portrayal of grief was handled well, as was anxiety and panic attacks.
I also really liked that the MCs were older, and the main issues they faced weren’t centered around miscommunications. While, of course, there WAS miscommunication, it wasn't the whole story.
The authors did a great job of telling stories within the story itself. They portrayed the stories and themes of the Revel movies so well, you felt like you were also watching them and could picture them in your head without taking away from the MCs.
Additionally, not all the characters had growth!! Some of them suck through and through and that's REAL.
What I Disliked:
While the FMC and her best friend were in their mid-twenties, at times I felt their dialogue was a bit immature. Descriptions like “boy smell” felt like it took away from the FMC being older, pursuing a Master's Degree, and generally just being an adult.
I enjoyed that the story was fast paced, but part of me really wanted more from some of the shorter chapters. I wanted more details, more yearning, more wanting!!! At times, it felt like it was a missed opportunity to really get in the character's mind and what they were thinking/wanting/doing.
Other Notes:
While I could see where the story was heading at times, I still found it enjoyable. Imagine a less cheesy (yet still remarkably cheesy) Hallmark movie. It was a fun, easy read, but again, at times left me wanting more out of it. Sometimes, the amount of detail that went into telling Revel stories left the MC stories feeling less than. Overall, I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would as someone who is not really into Disney adjacent stuff. I look forward to reading book #2.
Follow me on Instagram (@Mellymadegoodies) and Tik Tok (@melly.made.goodies)
What to expect:
- Fake dating
- Grief (death of a sibling - off page)
- He’s a “fuckboy” and she is inexperienced and awkward
- They are both the family fuck ups
- Disney vibes
- Fast paced
- 1/5 spice
- HEA
What I liked:
MMC was a really likable character. He knew he was acting stupid, and he admitted it. We love a self-aware MMC!!! The portrayal of grief was handled well, as was anxiety and panic attacks.
I also really liked that the MCs were older, and the main issues they faced weren’t centered around miscommunications. While, of course, there WAS miscommunication, it wasn't the whole story.
The authors did a great job of telling stories within the story itself. They portrayed the stories and themes of the Revel movies so well, you felt like you were also watching them and could picture them in your head without taking away from the MCs.
Additionally, not all the characters had growth!! Some of them suck through and through and that's REAL.
What I Disliked:
While the FMC and her best friend were in their mid-twenties, at times I felt their dialogue was a bit immature. Descriptions like “boy smell” felt like it took away from the FMC being older, pursuing a Master's Degree, and generally just being an adult.
I enjoyed that the story was fast paced, but part of me really wanted more from some of the shorter chapters. I wanted more details, more yearning, more wanting!!! At times, it felt like it was a missed opportunity to really get in the character's mind and what they were thinking/wanting/doing.
Other Notes:
While I could see where the story was heading at times, I still found it enjoyable. Imagine a less cheesy (yet still remarkably cheesy) Hallmark movie. It was a fun, easy read, but again, at times left me wanting more out of it. Sometimes, the amount of detail that went into telling Revel stories left the MC stories feeling less than. Overall, I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would as someone who is not really into Disney adjacent stuff. I look forward to reading book #2.
Follow me on Instagram (@Mellymadegoodies) and Tik Tok (@melly.made.goodies)
July 31, 2025
I don’t normally read rom coms, but once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are sweet and complex, and I loved the setting. As a Disney fan, I could see the parallels the author was making with the famous Disney animation studio and the Disney World theme parks steeped in a fictional history. The world building was really cool and believable, and almost made me wish I could visit Revel Pointe in Louisiana.
In this story, the main couple includes a new employee, Marin, who doesn’t fit in with her mean and overachieving family, and Ethan, a member of the famous Reve family who own the studio and park. He’s a bit of a playboy who’s going through grief and struggle. Together they have to create a business proposal for a new interactive ride based on a fantasy movie. In the meantime, they fall for each other while a bunch of obstacles get in the way. It was a light and fun beach read. Highly recommend!
In this story, the main couple includes a new employee, Marin, who doesn’t fit in with her mean and overachieving family, and Ethan, a member of the famous Reve family who own the studio and park. He’s a bit of a playboy who’s going through grief and struggle. Together they have to create a business proposal for a new interactive ride based on a fantasy movie. In the meantime, they fall for each other while a bunch of obstacles get in the way. It was a light and fun beach read. Highly recommend!
October 12, 2024
The fairytale romance I didn’t know I needed. Marin in Moonlight is set in a theme park in New Orleans, Revel Pointe. This book takes a dual perspective—introducing you to the minds of both main characters. Marin, a princess actress at the theme park meets her real-life prince, the heir to the Revel throne. Their romance follows the typical archetype but then again it doesn’t. Both characters are real and do follow the regular rules of a romance in some regards. They are not perfect, and all their problems are not solved by loving each other. The book offers you a delicious romantic entanglement but offers the readers so much more…a wonderful world to fall in love with… intellectual characters that don’t fall for typical tricks of romance… supporting characters that add depth and keep the story moving and finally a moral you can really get behind.
August 5, 2025
Marin in the Moonlight is a charming, laugh-out-loud rom-com that feels like a feel-good popcorn movie. Set in a whimsical theme park/studio like Disney, with a complete fictional history, the story follows a bubbly “princess” performer and a reluctant nepo baby CEO-in-training as they stumble into love between day jobs and media bumbles. The chemistry crackles, and the banter is cute—especially during scenes that nod to The Little Mermaid. The author’s world-building makes the park feel like a character in its own right, with enchanting detail and theme park magic woven into every chapter. Fans of the Dreamland Billionaire series will love this (though it’s a little less steamy). Fans of Disney will enjoy this too. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Ariel dated a spoiled but redeemable Prince Eric, this book delivers it with heart and humor.
September 23, 2025
I want to be part of the Revel Pointe world!!!!
This is a charming rom-com bursting with nostalgia and whimsy. I love a good theme park and Revel Pointe hit the mark as a fun backdrop for romance. The world-building was well done and made me wish this were a real place in Louisiana. The fake-dating setup was fun with sexy tension, making every glance and touch between Marin and Ethan feel electric. I liked hearing his perspective too. There was a point where everything felt wrapped up, and I was nervous because there were still about thirty pages, and then something unexpected happened. That made the final happily ever after so much more satisfying. It’s a cute story where love feels as magical as fireworks in a pretty theme park. I can't wait for the next book!
This is a charming rom-com bursting with nostalgia and whimsy. I love a good theme park and Revel Pointe hit the mark as a fun backdrop for romance. The world-building was well done and made me wish this were a real place in Louisiana. The fake-dating setup was fun with sexy tension, making every glance and touch between Marin and Ethan feel electric. I liked hearing his perspective too. There was a point where everything felt wrapped up, and I was nervous because there were still about thirty pages, and then something unexpected happened. That made the final happily ever after so much more satisfying. It’s a cute story where love feels as magical as fireworks in a pretty theme park. I can't wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2024
Marin in the Moonlight has everything. With references to Shakespeare, The Little Mermaid, and Succession, this story is smart, funny, and exhilarating. The atmosphere morphs from one compelling scene to the next, from dreamy Cajun countryside, seedy New Orleans bars, to a magical theme park. There are numerous Easter eggs for anyone who has spent time in the south. The hot and heavy romance brings excitement to the characters’ lives without solving all their problems, bringing the fairytale back to earth, where we can see ourselves in the story. I can’t wait for the next Revel Pointe Romance!
December 23, 2024
This book is immersive, fun, and earnest in some really wonderful ways. Act 2 was my favorite, in which the Fun and Games became very believable, and as my investment in the characters grew. As a party princess myself, I enjoyed seeing Marin live that out. Thank you for a wonderful read!
July 28, 2025
Typically, I am the kind of person who finishes books in 1-2 days after buying them. However, this book took me about 6 days to get through it, and I felt there was a lot of room for improvement.
What this book does well:
- Setting/ Premise:
I think that the amusement park setting for this book and the perspective of workers at an amusement park was a very fun setting that enticed me to read the book. I do not see many stories that use this exact setting, especially romance books.
Issues I had with this book:
- Ethan's POV:
Some aspects of Ethan's perspective that annoyed me were the mantras that he would repeat throughout the story and the Shakespeare and sun tzu quotes. These felt a bit dull since these are well known references and used very often. I felt that it would have been a more interesting idea to incorporate his love of math into these references to add more interest to the reader. Alternatively, other, lesser known, poets/ authors could have been referenced which might allow the reader to be a bit more curious about them.
Additionally, for Ethan's pov, I think that I could not feel a real passion for what he does for work. I felt like he was only passionate about his brother, and not much else.
- An abundance of colloquialisms:
Colloquialisms are words, slang, and phrases from everyday language such as "let the cat out of the bag" or "straw that broke the camel's back". I feel like there were many moments where these were used and I would have appreciated a slightly different version of these phrases to keep the writing funnier and more interesting.
example of colloquialism used: "...eyes narrowed like she is using x-ray vision to read my inner thoughts"
There were some good moments where the writing felt funnier and more creative but these were a bit more infrequent.
I also noticed a few smaller errors that bugged me a bit with references to Marin's eyes looking like "golden embers" and then later "golden ambers". As someone who is detail oriented, this was a bit confusing to read.
-pacing:
I felt that the pacing used in this book was quite slow. It took about 28 chapters for the main plot of the book to take root. I felt that the previous chapters were a bit slow and they could have been condensed a bit more to let ch28 and onward shine a bit more. There was also a part of the book where they describe the plot of "Island of Sirens" and I felt that this was too lengthy and maybe could have been condensed into a couple of sentences for the reader.
Side notes:
- I would love to see Island of Sirens as a novella for this series or a fantasy series. I think that if this is a story that the authors are passionate about, it would be fun to read it. I felt that I could feel the passion for this story when reading the part of the story about the plot of it.
- I think that this book could be improved a lot by keeping the story completely in Marin's pov. If just this change was made, I think I could easily bump up this rating to a 3-star.
What this book does well:
- Setting/ Premise:
I think that the amusement park setting for this book and the perspective of workers at an amusement park was a very fun setting that enticed me to read the book. I do not see many stories that use this exact setting, especially romance books.
Issues I had with this book:
- Ethan's POV:
Some aspects of Ethan's perspective that annoyed me were the mantras that he would repeat throughout the story and the Shakespeare and sun tzu quotes. These felt a bit dull since these are well known references and used very often. I felt that it would have been a more interesting idea to incorporate his love of math into these references to add more interest to the reader. Alternatively, other, lesser known, poets/ authors could have been referenced which might allow the reader to be a bit more curious about them.
Additionally, for Ethan's pov, I think that I could not feel a real passion for what he does for work. I felt like he was only passionate about his brother, and not much else.
- An abundance of colloquialisms:
Colloquialisms are words, slang, and phrases from everyday language such as "let the cat out of the bag" or "straw that broke the camel's back". I feel like there were many moments where these were used and I would have appreciated a slightly different version of these phrases to keep the writing funnier and more interesting.
example of colloquialism used: "...eyes narrowed like she is using x-ray vision to read my inner thoughts"
There were some good moments where the writing felt funnier and more creative but these were a bit more infrequent.
I also noticed a few smaller errors that bugged me a bit with references to Marin's eyes looking like "golden embers" and then later "golden ambers". As someone who is detail oriented, this was a bit confusing to read.
-pacing:
I felt that the pacing used in this book was quite slow. It took about 28 chapters for the main plot of the book to take root. I felt that the previous chapters were a bit slow and they could have been condensed a bit more to let ch28 and onward shine a bit more. There was also a part of the book where they describe the plot of "Island of Sirens" and I felt that this was too lengthy and maybe could have been condensed into a couple of sentences for the reader.
Side notes:
- I would love to see Island of Sirens as a novella for this series or a fantasy series. I think that if this is a story that the authors are passionate about, it would be fun to read it. I felt that I could feel the passion for this story when reading the part of the story about the plot of it.
- I think that this book could be improved a lot by keeping the story completely in Marin's pov. If just this change was made, I think I could easily bump up this rating to a 3-star.
November 17, 2024
A fresh, smart, sexy romance that puts its complex heroine at the center of a thoroughly modern fairy tale. Marin is instantly recognizable — don’t we all know a grown woman with an encyclopedic knowledge of Disney movies and a broken Mickey Mouse watch in her jewelry box? Now envision her as a gorgeous redhead with a head for business and a heart of gold and you’ve got our protagonist, whose appealing innocence makes her the perfect stand-in for the fairy-tale heroines that populate the world of Revel. As she juggles her theme-park role of Rose Red and her intense creative partnership with Ethan — heir to the Revel franchise, recovering bad boy, and co-narrator — we become more and more invested in her dreams and her clever (but honest!) maneuverings to make them come true.
Marin and Ethan have an undeniable chemistry; there’s a ’30s screwball feel to their frothy, flirtatious repartee, intercut with moments where they each reveal hidden layers that strengthen their emotional bond. I liked that their relationship is given time to build and deepen, so that when it does turn overtly sexual, the love scenes are all the more erotic for feeling so earned.
As a bonus, the world of Revel is a dazzling invention. A.E. Merriweather takes some obvious cues from Disney, but this New Orleans-flavored entertainment behemoth is very much its own thing — many of the novel’s pleasures come from savoring the unique aesthetic and mythology of the Revel theme park and movie franchise.
Merriweather tosses in the usual genre ingredients — the alternate love interest, the scheming ex, the salty best friend, plus an array of miscues, misunderstandings, improbable coincidences, and foolishly guarded secrets. But the author weaves these conventions into the narrative with a deft hand and a knowing wink, creating a buoyant, sweet, and satisfying little classic of contemporary romance.
Marin and Ethan have an undeniable chemistry; there’s a ’30s screwball feel to their frothy, flirtatious repartee, intercut with moments where they each reveal hidden layers that strengthen their emotional bond. I liked that their relationship is given time to build and deepen, so that when it does turn overtly sexual, the love scenes are all the more erotic for feeling so earned.
As a bonus, the world of Revel is a dazzling invention. A.E. Merriweather takes some obvious cues from Disney, but this New Orleans-flavored entertainment behemoth is very much its own thing — many of the novel’s pleasures come from savoring the unique aesthetic and mythology of the Revel theme park and movie franchise.
Merriweather tosses in the usual genre ingredients — the alternate love interest, the scheming ex, the salty best friend, plus an array of miscues, misunderstandings, improbable coincidences, and foolishly guarded secrets. But the author weaves these conventions into the narrative with a deft hand and a knowing wink, creating a buoyant, sweet, and satisfying little classic of contemporary romance.
June 27, 2025
Right from the very start, Marin in the Moonlight swept me into the Louisiana-version of the “Happiest Place on Earth.” The setting felt so vivid and real, I could almost taste the jambalaya and feel the heavy, humid air — but it was the characters that truly stole my heart.
What made this romance wasn’t just the chemistry — it was how authentic and beautifully flawed the characters were. They felt like real people, not idealized versions of love interests. I found myself laughing at their quirks, tearing up at their vulnerabilities, and rooting hard for their success and happiness every step of the way.
This wasn’t just a romance; it was an emotional journey. The story had such momentum that I found myself saying “just one more chapter” at 1 o’clock in the morning when I knew I had to be up at seven.
If you're looking for a romance that feels real, makes you laugh and cry, and transports you to a place “down the bayou” where wishes come true and magic is made, Marin in the Moonlight is the one to pick up next. I can’t recommend it enough, and I am already looking forward to reading the next in the series!
What made this romance wasn’t just the chemistry — it was how authentic and beautifully flawed the characters were. They felt like real people, not idealized versions of love interests. I found myself laughing at their quirks, tearing up at their vulnerabilities, and rooting hard for their success and happiness every step of the way.
This wasn’t just a romance; it was an emotional journey. The story had such momentum that I found myself saying “just one more chapter” at 1 o’clock in the morning when I knew I had to be up at seven.
If you're looking for a romance that feels real, makes you laugh and cry, and transports you to a place “down the bayou” where wishes come true and magic is made, Marin in the Moonlight is the one to pick up next. I can’t recommend it enough, and I am already looking forward to reading the next in the series!
October 27, 2024
An irresistible page-turner! I read it in one sitting.
Fed up with her overachieving family and their rigid expectations, Marin, our starry-eyed yet iron-willed heroine, packs her bags, jumps in her car, and hightails it to her happy place: Revel Pointe, an amusement park on the outskirts of enchanting New Orleans. The last thing she expects is to run into Ethan Reve, infamous playboy and the newly minted CEO of Revel Pointe. But behind the bad boy facade is a troubled young man struggling to deal with a tragic loss, a disapproving father, and the overwhelming responsibility of running a multimillion dollar company he couldn’t care less about—that’s until Marin-turned-Revel-princess waltzes into his life.
Expertly written, this book seamlessly blends fairy tale charm with laugh-out-loud moments, just the right touch of drama, and some seriously steamy scenes that will leave you hot as lava. You’ll want to run off to the nearest park, lounge under a weeping willow, and read until the sun dips below the horizon.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Fed up with her overachieving family and their rigid expectations, Marin, our starry-eyed yet iron-willed heroine, packs her bags, jumps in her car, and hightails it to her happy place: Revel Pointe, an amusement park on the outskirts of enchanting New Orleans. The last thing she expects is to run into Ethan Reve, infamous playboy and the newly minted CEO of Revel Pointe. But behind the bad boy facade is a troubled young man struggling to deal with a tragic loss, a disapproving father, and the overwhelming responsibility of running a multimillion dollar company he couldn’t care less about—that’s until Marin-turned-Revel-princess waltzes into his life.
Expertly written, this book seamlessly blends fairy tale charm with laugh-out-loud moments, just the right touch of drama, and some seriously steamy scenes that will leave you hot as lava. You’ll want to run off to the nearest park, lounge under a weeping willow, and read until the sun dips below the horizon.
Can’t wait for the next one!
October 13, 2024
Marin in the Moonlight is a captivating departure from the typical romance novel, expertly crafted by AE Merriweather. From the very first page, I found myself immersed in a new yet familiar world that felt both enchanting and relatable. Merriweather's ability to weave a rich, imaginative setting is commendable. The plot is intricately designed, with twists and turns that made it impossible for me to put the book down.The narrative flows seamlessly, maintaining a perfect balance between tension and tenderness. The characters are well-developed and full of life, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. I felt a genuine connection to them. The characters are not only relatable but fun. Marin in the Moonlight is a refreshing and enjoyable read. You don’t want to miss this one!
October 13, 2024
This is a fun book. I love an alternate history, and this is a fully imagined universe. Mick Reve, a Louisiana Cajun and amateur cartoonist, comes home from World War II with a French wife. He proceeds to build an entertainment empire of beloved cartoon characters, and caps it off with a French Chateau outside New Orleans for his wife: Revel Pointe. Now, two generations later, Mick's grandchildren jockey for control of their inheritance, while enthusiasts of Mick's creations ("Revelers") flock to the sprawling park... And guess what? The two worlds collide and romance blooms. It's fun. Really, really fun.
October 9, 2024
I LOVED this book. Smart, multidimensional characters, exciting plot, and plenty of Cajun flavor....sign me up!!! I was intrigued from the get go and had a hard time putting it down. The author really gives you a sense of each character and I loved that we had chapters written from the heroine's perspective as well as the hero's. I found myself delighted as I read and sad when I finished. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!!!!
Thank you A. E. Merriweather :-)
Thank you A. E. Merriweather :-)
October 13, 2024
Utterly enchanting!! I loved every moment of this story. Because the story is written so well from the characters’ first person points of view, you feel that you know them as intimately as they know each other! And despite it taking place in a theme park, it is anything but fantasy. It’s so real and so fun to read. The theme park setting simply adds another layer of magic. I want to read it again while I wait for the next installment!
November 12, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. The growth that Marin and Ethan showed was awe inspiring. When Marin finally stood up to her horrible family I wanted to stand up and do a happy dance while shouting “ you go girl”. Ethan has too many “mother figures” to deal with. Let’s get Tilda off of the board. This book had do many heartfelt spots but even more funny spots. I can’t wait for more.
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
December 20, 2025
Being a fan of theme parks as well as a New Orleans area native this book melted me! I could not put it down! I’m usually more of a high fantasy romance reader but the theme park gave me all the magic I needed and more! I just loved it so much.
October 9, 2024
Well written, nicely paced, compelling and truly memorable.
November 23, 2025
I wanna be Flora when i grow up
September 20, 2025
This is a fun start to a whimsical series. I appreciate the attention to detail in the world building. Not only is the theme park fully realized, but the lore and family dynamics are crafted in a believable way. This reads a little like The Fine Print, with the more filled-in world of Revel Pointe. I also enjoyed the wish fulfillment of billionaire romance. It’s pure escapism. Cute take on The Little Mermaid too.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews