Stranded

by Lauren Smith

Mermaids aren’t real…because if they are…they killed his parents.
At least that’s what Hudson Clark believes until an injured mermaid washes up on his yacht during a storm. The moment he uncovers a half-naked woman in a bed of seaweed and sees her eerie not quite human aquamarine eyes gazing up at him in pain, he’s drowning in her gaze. Learning the truth that mermaids are real…he knows he should hate this beautiful creature, should fear her, but all he wants to do is kiss her…and a whole lot more.

Talia wasn’t born a mermaid. Two years ago she’d been a human woman who’d fallen from her boat during a party and hit her head. But after agreeing to a bargain with the sea, she’s been cursed…with fins. The only light that pierces the dark depths of her watery world is the glimpses she steals on the surface of Hudson. Tall, dark and handsome, he fits every forbidden fantasy she has, because he’s human and she isn’t. After she seeks refuge on his yacht to escape sharks during a storm, she can’t resist staying away from him, can’t resist kissing him. What’s a mermaid to do when a human lures her out of the water and onto land?

Genres: Fantasy

90 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database. This profile contains books by more than one author with this name.

For the Romance author, see Lauren Smith.

Reviews

[Erin Reads Things ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited for a mermaid romance if I am honest. And this book in particular, with the angsty backstory for both main characters, had a lot of potential. Where it fell short is that it simply was not long enough. I was definitely surprised by the page length when I started reading, and it ultimately did seem to hinder what Lauren Smith was able to do with the plot. So much more could have been explored in this telling, and so much more emotional depth could have been reached if Smith only gave it more time to develop.

While there are shortcomings and certainly room for improvement, Stranded is still a quick, enjoyable, and unique read that brings fantasy elements into tragic romance. I would definitely read a sequel, but would enjoy even more if the book gave more time and exploration to Talia and Hudson as deeper characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bianca Vandenbos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranded: A Mermaid Romance I loved being stranded
Hudson Clark doesn’t believe mermaids are real. If mermaids were real, their siren songs were what killed his parents. During a stormy night, he uncovered a half-naked beautiful woman in a bed of seaweed but when his eyes lay on her lower half she is a mermaid... Hudson knows he should heed his Uncle Jason’s advice and either stay away from her or kill her but he can’t. The mermaid has awakened a love & lust in him just by her beauty alone. Talia the mermaid, has not always been a mermaid. Two years ago, she was pushed into the sea and was given a choice. Live her life as a mermaid or drown. Talia spies Hudson the tall dark handsome fantasy forbidden to her. After fleeing the sharks that attacked her she sought refuge on Hudson’s boat. Can they make this relationship work somehow?

Writing & Story
After doing a Q&A with Lauren Smith in the later part of 2024, I saw that she had posted a picture of her mermaid novella Stranded. As a fantasy nerd who loves mermaids, fairies, nymphs and other magical creatures, the cover and the story had me at hello. I rewarded myself yesterday by buying Stranded for my kindle. I love the writing and stories with mermaids are a plus. This book almost seemed like a more adult Disney Little Mermaid minus Ursula the sea witch. I love Talia & Hudson. Yes, their relationship started off as physical at first, but they did grow to love one another, and it didn’t take Hudson forever to realize not all mermaids were evil. The descriptions of the sea & mermaids and pods were so beautiful you would believe you were there. I only wish this could have been a longer book instead of a novella just because the story is great, & I know for a novella theres only so much you can put it. I am happy Lauren is writing more mermaid romances and I can’t wait to read Isabel & Jason’s story. If you enjoy mermaid romances, you should get a copy of Stranded: A Mermaid Romance by USA Today Bestselling Author Lauren Smith!

[Ethereal Amorist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It was a a short and fast paced story of two lost souls filling the void in each other's heart.

I felt like it was too rushed. And a little farfetched, the way They fell in love. The writing too felt a little off sometimes, like the number of times 'growled' and 'giggled' were used. I found a few mistakes too in the send, but I hope it's because its an ARC and not the final copy.

Anyway, it was a swift, passion-filled read but it could have been better.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mermaids are not my normal PNR reads but I was pleasantly surprised by this on. It was well written and had good details. The characters were well thought out too.

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Hudson has always believed that if mermaids were real, they killed his parents, so he isn’t sure what to do when an injured mermaid ends up stranded on his boat. He is fascinated by her beauty and decides to help her heal her wounds from a shark attack. As they fall quickly in love, he learns that Talia wasn’t always a mermaid, but had once been human.

This was a quick, easy read with some spice. Some of the writing was a bit cheesy but it was such a short and sweet story. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I would definitely read more by this author!

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so this is a very short book, you cant go in expecting a super strong story with well fleshed out characters. That being said I had a great time reading this novella, its kinda fun.

Some of the conversations were cringe and sure this could have been much better with more screentime for the characters and their emotions. It was very insta-lovey. Still great read inbetween. Cant complain

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson Clark is caught in a storm whilst returning to port, little did he think a mermaid would be tossed onto the deck. An absolute delightful novella, instant attraction, a twist in the tail & shows love knows no bounds. Strong characters & a well paced charming romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Adélie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story! Loved it! Perfect for summery mermaid vibes! It felt a bit rushed sometimes but I loved it from start to finish:) I can’t wait for the next one!

[Crazydutchbooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short passionate mermaid story about finding love in forbidden and unexpected places.
There’s magical powers, misconceptions and redemption.
All and all a fun read

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks to Book Sirens for an ARC of this book. It's so short, I'm not even sure it would be considered a novella. It's really more of a short story. For which I'm grateful. There were a few typos, but I expect they'll be fixed by publication.

I've loved other stories from Lauren Smith so I expected this to easily earn five stars. I liked the concept of the story. I mean, who doesn't love a good mermaid story? But I was disappointed when I began reading and discovered how much I didn't want to continue reading it. It's difficult to explain exactly why but I'll try.

The love story between Jason and Talia felt rushed. Talia is 19 years old, having been turned into a mermaid when she drowned at her senior prom two years ago. Jason is 29. His parents drowned five years ago. Apparently, given the option of being turned, they chose to die.

Talia has been watching Jason from afar whenever he goes out on his boat. When she sees the chance to meet him, she takes it. Jason is pretty nonchalant about meeting a mermaid. As it turns out, Talia can grow legs when the moon comes out. Her legs revert to a fin when the sun comes up.

Within a short period from meeting, the two of them are having sex on his boat. This is where Smith lost me. Talia was 17 when she died, and from the sounds of it, she was pretty innocent. So it felt to me like he was taking advantage of her innocence and infatuation with him.

Next thing you know, he's in love with her and asking her to stay with him. C'mon. They just met and he's asking her to leave behind her pod family to live with him. But she's certain she's in love, and so she agrees. The story moved forward at a plodding place as I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never did.

I felt like the story took a backseat to the two of them having sex in various places multiple times. The book wasn't long enough for that. And there was no true conflict leading to growth for the two of them. No one really changes in the ways that are most important to make a relationship work. It was so far below the level of storytelling I've come to expect from Lauren Smith that I just can't recommend it. It was just meh. There are so many better books from her, I suggest you read one of those.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this short story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a short modern mermaid love story that has Little Mermaid, and Splash vibes for me. The name of the boat in the story was even named Splash... I am presuming that is an intentional nod to the movie, and if that is so, then two thumbs up (I loved that movie).

Hudson Clark has a love/hate relationship with the sea. He tragically lost his parents when they were caught in a storm while sailing, and they drowned, and his uncle survived, but was severely traumatized from his experiences, telling everyone that mermaids exist and were responsible for the death of Hudson's parents.

After their death, Hudson found himself changing his future path, and returning to the sea, running a yacht for tours, unable to stay away from the ocean, unlike his uncle, who never set foot on a boat again. Hudson did not believe his uncle's ravings about mermaids, until one night, he finds a mermaid, tossed aboard his boat, injured, during a turbulent storm. He almost cannot believe his eyes, but is forced to suspend his disbelief as he helps the injured creature.

This is a short, fantastical, sensual modern telling of a beloved fairy tale, with a happy ending.

4 stars out of 5

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people, brought together by their shared love of the sea, and what they have lost… can they find happiness together?

This story has very strong ocean vibes, and throughout it I felt the pull of the sea, calling to the main characters. The male lead lost feels conflicted, torn between his love of the sea, which the author does a beautiful job evoking, and the deep sorrow of losing his parents in a tragic boating accident. When he rescues a young woman, he must come to terms with the ghosts of his past. Together, can they find a path between the land and the waves?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love the feel of the sea in this story. The author's love of the deep waters shines through in each scene. I loved the beginning, when he is going out to sea in his boat, and the author makes us feel what he is feeling about the sea. I love the siren themed conflict between the two lovers, pulled in opposite directions, unsure of where they belong or who they are. And the heat level was nice and spicy, which is a plus :)

If you're looking for a romance with a great maritime vibe, like a siren's song, this story delivers.

[Nim_reads_a_lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from Booksirens and am leaving this review voluntarily. This story was short and sweet. Hudson is a lonely (adult) orphan who does yacht tour events. Talia is a mermaid who washes up on his boat during a storm and has a little crush on him. Their story was insta-love which I’m cool with but I felt like the story could use more material. I felt that this story would have benefitted from 100 more pages of world-building. I wanted to know more about the mermaid world and the pod. The conversations between Talia and Hudson were referenced when I would have loved to hear them. I would have loved to see how Talia lived her two years as a mermaid and her trauma from nearly drowning and losing her known life. We got the bare bones which were still good but I did want a ton more. There was a point where I realized this could be classified as a monster romance as relations were not human to human. 🙈 I’m giving it four stars because the basic plot and story were intriguing but I wanted a lot more. It may be closer to 3.5 stars but I like rounding up.

I will definitely keep an eye out for the next book as Jason is intriguing.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this touching and steamy short read. The plot is well written and engaging. The characters are very likable and there is a heartwarming connection and sizzling chemistry between them from the start.

Hudson Clark can't believe his eyes when a young mermaid is washed onto his yacht in the middle of a storm. He had always doubted their existence, even when his uncle told him years ago that mermen were to blame for his parents' drowning. Two years ago, Talia almost died and was given the choice by mermen to either drown or become one of them. Since then, she has only been able to turn back into a human in the moonlight. Since she became a mermaid, she has heard the sad story of Hudson's parents over and over again and adored Hudson from afar. When she is washed onto his boat after a shark attack, she finally experiences carnal pleasure and Hudson also falls in love with his siren...

Overall, an enjoyable quick read that I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a touching tail of healing and rebirth (pun intended). The scenic descriptions were both breathtaking and intense, and the characters themselves were clearly visible via in physical form. Hudson, the MMC, had been struggling with the loss of his parents in a boating accident 6 years prior. Living his life, but not really enjoying the process. Talia, well she was something else. Transformed into a mermaid after a fatal accident 2 years ago, she longed for the life she lost, despite the pod that was her new family.

These two lonely hearts encountered eachother when Talia washed aboard Hudson's yacht during a storm at sea. Shocked of course, Hudson had heard ramblings of mer-people from his Uncle Jason (who survived the shipwreck 6 years ago). How would his beliefs effect his treatment of the injured girl? Would they let their pasts interfere with their present?

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provide this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Linda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet and steamy romance between a mermaid and a mermaid-hater
Fascinating story about a human man who finds a mermaid washed up onto his boat during a storm. She is hurt and needs attention. As he one, believes there is no such thing as mermaids and two, hates them because they killed his parents, can he accept what he sees and feels? One look in her brilliant aquamarine eyes and he is in love! Hudson is 29yo and until the death of his parents, his life was going to be a far cry from tours in the ocean on his yacht. When he saves the mermaid Talia who is 19yo from her shark attack injuries, his life changes. But forever? Loved this little romance. This does not end in a cliffhanger. There may be a story arc but Hudson’s and Talia’s story comes to a conclusion. Looking forward to the next one about Jason and Isabel. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens. Ms. Smith packs a lot into this short romance. I recommend it.

[Kristina Ehrlich · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story captures a cute, steamy story between a human and a mermaid shifter. Hudson has a love/hate relationship with the ocean yet still finds himself out on the water more than on land. Talia is called to him and wishes she could know him.

This novella was advertised as enemies to lovers, however I found it more of an “instalove” story. There wasn’t much hate going on, it was more that the unknown that was a barrier to their relationship.

The flow of this book was off to me, I tend to read more Adult fantasy and it read YA with some mature scenes. It was difficult at times to be immersed in the world. There was little to no character/relationship development, things just seemed to conveniently happen. I don’t tend towards reading standalone novellas, however, so this might just be how they are?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about a mermaid name Isabel and a sea captain name Hudson. He lost his parents when he was a teenager to a bad storm as they were out to sea. He was warned about mermaids and the siren Call that they make to take their supposed victims to the water. This was actually intense. There were some mystical things about mermaids that could occur. Lot of emotion between Isabel and Hudson. And the history and how mermaids are created versus turned. It is a relative short story but the intensity of the various interactions will keep you wondering. Good read Because Of course a mermaid and a human fall in love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows Talia, a mermaid, and Hudson, a human. One night at sea, Talia washes up on his ship. Hudson didn't believe in mermaids but has heard tales from his uncle. He also comes to find himself utterly entranced by this mermaid. Talia is a mermaid who's had a bit of a struggling past but can't resist Hudson.

This story was cute. There wasn't anything majorly spectacular about it but it was entertaining. There was a moment in the story when I thought Hudson might be turned but the outcome actually ended up being the opposite. Their attraction could be felt. It was incredibly strong. But the ending felt a bit anticlimactic.

Still, I love me some mermaids and if you're about cute and short spicy stories I would suggest you check it out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Puffff If I could put 10 stars I would definitely do it cause the story completely deserve all the stars! From the beginning both brothers were opposites but both had my attention (you'll see why the older brother is important too). Our couple met by accident and destiny played and important part. The connection was instant, passion and desire of course but also that consistently of not letting legs or tail destroy what they were building. Not sure how to put in words without giving details but they story is indeed amazing, the love, passion and of course the hotness!!!! Plus....can we have a next book for the brother and.... her!!!??? Pleaseeee."

[Lindsey W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Although fast-paced, this book was great! I loved Talia and Hudson’s characters and the relationship they grew. Some of my favorite parts were the little glimpses of them learning more about each other. I also really loved how I got to see how they helped each other heal while giving each other hope for a better future. If you’re looking for a quick read filled with passion, mermaids, and the sea, this is your book! I can't wait to read book 2!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracy Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced, yet still, this book was a great afternoon read.

Not my usual genre but I loved Talia and Hudson. It broached those sailor folklores and entwined them with reality.
Her backstory leading you to believe.

A neat read filled with the wonder of 'if'.
Perhaps mermaids are real. Perhaps it could happen to a sailor and life can be taken from the sea and made into true love.

With passion, watery tales, and the sea soaked tails. I enjoyed this little jaunt of magic.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caitlin McCoid · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book to read and review. All comments and thoughts are my own.

This is an incredibly short read and I am mostly happy with that. In my opinion I feel like the love and the story in herbal was rushed and could have been stretched out to be able to be a well fleshed out novel. With it being so short this felt like fan fiction. The romance felt rushed and corny love at first sight sort of feels. I don’t feel like this length gave the author the opportunity to do what could have been done with this story.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting mermaid story!

While short, this is an exciting mermaid story with a bit of a different twist to it. In this version, humans can be offered the opportunity to become a mermaid if they are drowning. Not only that, but mermaids each have a very special, unique ability. Our heroine, Talia, was not born a mermaid. Meanwhile, Hudson, our hero, lost his parents to a storm at sea. This is the story of what happens when the two of them meet. This is definitely worth a read if you have a spare hour or so and are interested in reading something unique.

[bookishpadawan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One night during a storm, a mermaid was stranded on Hudson's yacht; initial sparks have been blooming between them since then, although Hudson doubts the existence of the mermaid, which has been said to be a creature that responsible drowned his parents. good storyline, it has some interesting characters and an interesting world. It's quick, short, with instalust. easy, enjoyable reading!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sewanee Kracalik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick steamy unusual romance. He hates mermaids. That is, if they are even real. According to his uncle they killed his parents. She’s a mermaid, although against her will. It’s filled with steam, twists and turns, and a surprise happy for now endings. Although i enjoyed it, I would’ve loved to have a lot more depth and answers. I grabbed an ARC of this on BookSirens because i love mermaid stories and I’m a fan of Lauren Smith. I’m volunteering to give this review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranded is a sweet and spicy super quick read. Talia and Hudson have instant chemistry that deepens as they get to know each other. I enjoyed the author's particular take on mermaids- it's fairly traditional, but just unique enough to really add to the story. Overall, this was a fun, steamy paranormal romance. If you're in the mood for something quick and satisfying, I highly recommend Stranded.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rita White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short novella about a mermaid and a guy she has fallen in love with. I loved the concept of the story it just needed to be longer with more character development and more storyline. This could be a great book with all of this added. Overall, I loved the concept. I just needed more. Way more!
*I was given a copy of this book through Booksirens and appreciate be given the chance to read it*.

[T.J. Kash · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was a good one but I would have appreciated them getting to know each other a little more before jumping into bed and catching feelings. But then it's shorter than most novellas so that's to be expected. Great concept with the mermaids but I would have loved a more indepth view into their world.

I hope Jason and Izabel's book will be longer and more detailed on the world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[IIISSSLLLAAA · Rating 1 out of 5]

(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.) The story was very short and moved too fast. There was no depth to the characters and there were almost new feeling involved. The plot had no feeling to it. I finished this book in about 40 minutes. Maybe if the book had been more developed and the characters had had more substance to them I would've rated it higher. I loved the idea of the story, but I just don't think it was portrayed that well.