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The Tides of Loss and Longing
Aurelia belongs to the sea—vast, beautiful, and endless—but she has always yearned for something more. Fascinated by the human world, she strikes a dangerous bargain with the Sea Witch, trading her mermaid tail for fragile legs and a heart capable of both love and ruin.
Drake Hawthorne has spent years running from the betrayal that destroyed his family and left blood on his hands. Now, as captain of the Red Dawn, he sails as a pirate with nothing left to lose—until Aurelia dives into his world. Stranded on a remote island, awaiting rescue, he never expected salvation to come in the form of a mermaid with secrets as deep as the sea. Their connection is undeniable, their passion magnetic, but their worlds couldn’t be more different.
When a ruthless enemy crew hunts Drake across the seas, and Aurelia’s past refuses to stay buried, they are forced to confront if their forbidden love is worth the price or if it will cost them far too much. Love was never meant to bridge the divide between land and sea. But if they fight for each other, could they change the tides of fate—or will they be swallowed by the storm?
The Tides of Loss and Longing is a sweeping, high-stakes retelling of The Little Mermaid, featuring a secret identity, a dangerous bargain, and the kind of forbidden love that could ruin them both. This is the prequel novel to the Love from the Deep series. Perfect for readers who crave high heat, emotional depth, and just the right amount of magic and peril in their romance
Drake Hawthorne has spent years running from the betrayal that destroyed his family and left blood on his hands. Now, as captain of the Red Dawn, he sails as a pirate with nothing left to lose—until Aurelia dives into his world. Stranded on a remote island, awaiting rescue, he never expected salvation to come in the form of a mermaid with secrets as deep as the sea. Their connection is undeniable, their passion magnetic, but their worlds couldn’t be more different.
When a ruthless enemy crew hunts Drake across the seas, and Aurelia’s past refuses to stay buried, they are forced to confront if their forbidden love is worth the price or if it will cost them far too much. Love was never meant to bridge the divide between land and sea. But if they fight for each other, could they change the tides of fate—or will they be swallowed by the storm?
The Tides of Loss and Longing is a sweeping, high-stakes retelling of The Little Mermaid, featuring a secret identity, a dangerous bargain, and the kind of forbidden love that could ruin them both. This is the prequel novel to the Love from the Deep series. Perfect for readers who crave high heat, emotional depth, and just the right amount of magic and peril in their romance
- GenresPirates
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2024
4 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
E. M. Barne
4 books4 followersE. M. Barne has been captivated by storytelling and romance ever since she picked up her first romance novel as a teenager. She loves creating passionate tales where love conquers all—and happily ever afters are non-negotiable. A hopeless romantic at heart, her books offer readers a thrilling escape into love’s most beautiful stories. E. M. Barne currently resides in Minnesota, where she’s hard at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 11, 2025
This was a unique retelling of The Little Mermaid, and I really wanted to love it, but it just didn’t quite land. The writing was nice and the atmosphere had a dreamy, oceanic vibe that fit the story well.
That said, the main character didn’t work for me. She felt too innocent—almost naive to the point where it was hard to connect with her or root for her decisions. I almost DNFed the book because of how much her innocence started to drag the story down. I felt like it wasn’t going anywhere, but I decided to keep going when the action picked up with the pirates and the mermaid being taken. I thought things were finally heating up and that the story was building to something big.
And then came the encounter with the sea witch. After all that buildup, it was a major letdown. The scene felt anticlimactic, like the author had set it up for something intense but just didn’t follow through. It was over too quickly, and I couldn’t help but feel disappointed after all the tension leading up to it.
There were still some lovely moments, and readers who enjoy quiet, introspective stories might enjoy it more. For me, though, it just wasn’t the retelling I was hoping for. If you're going to rewrite a classic like The Little Mermaid, it needs to actually deliver—this one just didn’t.
That said, the main character didn’t work for me. She felt too innocent—almost naive to the point where it was hard to connect with her or root for her decisions. I almost DNFed the book because of how much her innocence started to drag the story down. I felt like it wasn’t going anywhere, but I decided to keep going when the action picked up with the pirates and the mermaid being taken. I thought things were finally heating up and that the story was building to something big.
And then came the encounter with the sea witch. After all that buildup, it was a major letdown. The scene felt anticlimactic, like the author had set it up for something intense but just didn’t follow through. It was over too quickly, and I couldn’t help but feel disappointed after all the tension leading up to it.
There were still some lovely moments, and readers who enjoy quiet, introspective stories might enjoy it more. For me, though, it just wasn’t the retelling I was hoping for. If you're going to rewrite a classic like The Little Mermaid, it needs to actually deliver—this one just didn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
I love fairytale retelling and The Little Mermaid is one of my absolute favorites. The book was short and easy read, but I couldn’t connect with Aurelia at all. Her naivety was almost too much. In addition, the story felt like it jumped and wasn’t connected in places which lost my attention. Some parts were less than what I expected or needed for the characters and plot.
Overall it was a good story with a good MMC. The idea was fantastic, the execution just wasn’t there for me as much as I would have liked it to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Overall it was a good story with a good MMC. The idea was fantastic, the execution just wasn’t there for me as much as I would have liked it to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2025
Instead of the little mermaid falling for the prince, Aurelia falls for the pirate captain Drake, who falls overboard in a storm. She saves him and brings him to her secret cove, the very place they were seeking for buried treasure. Within days, they fall in love, and he discovers that she traded her tail for legs from a Sea Witch. While he's stranded on her island and decides to signal for his crew to come, he shows her the way of human emotions and life. She shows him her underwater world, and when the crew finally comes, she decides to stay by his side instead of running, but another pirate crew comes to crash the party and kidnap the mermaid. She takes them to the Sea Witch, and you'll have to read it to see what happens after that 😏
There is almost no spice at all, and this reads as a new adult book. This book was short and easy to read.
My ARC Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
This book was given to me as an ARC 📚 from Book Sirens.
Find me on Booksta and Booktok under bookishsirensong :) Let's be friends!
There is almost no spice at all, and this reads as a new adult book. This book was short and easy to read.
My ARC Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
This book was given to me as an ARC 📚 from Book Sirens.
Find me on Booksta and Booktok under bookishsirensong :) Let's be friends!
January 30, 2025
A retelling of the little mermaid where the MMC is a sexy Pirate?! YES PLEASE.
I really loved the way Barne took inspiration from the classic tale, but turned it into something that I could enjoy now. THIS IS NOT A KID SAFE BOOK!! GIVE ME SPICE OR GIVE ME DEATH I SAY.
Aurelia, our FMC, is a sweet mermaid. Drake, our MMC, is dark and dangerous human. Aurelia saves Drake after he falls from his ship during a storm and takes him back to her island. There they become enchanted with one another. Drake cannot help but look upon the mermaid with coral hair and turquoise eyes with lust and desire. Aurelia cannot help her curiosity with a human.
Drake and Aurelia have trouble communicating in the beginning. I really like that Barne made this a species thing and not a standard miscommunication trope. In this world Merfolk have a limited range of emotions that are mostly primal. With the Sea Witches spell Aurelia now has a full range of human emotions as well as legs, so she truly has never experienced emotions until she interacts with Drake. This made the miscommunication make so much sense as we get to see from Aurelias POV that she is honestly just confused and not actually just holding stuff back.
We find out that Aurelia can turn into a human when she is outside of water thanks to the work of a sea witch. UMMMM Aquamarine vibes!! If you don't know that movie, it was basically what I dreamed about as a kid. Drake doesn't find out about Aurelias ability to transform until she returns to her island with a shark bite. He rushes to heal her and is in awe of her when her tail turns into legs. Those things he's been thinking about doing to her just became a whole lot more realistic....
These two characters FINALLY give into their lust and desire and Drake teaches Aurelia all about the pleasure of the human body. Honestly the "I'll teach you" thing totally works for me.
I don't want to give away the whole book, so I will say just one more thing.
Drake is dark, dangerous, and possessive. Aurelia is sweet, innocent, and curious. Fireworks explode... BOOM
I really loved the way Barne took inspiration from the classic tale, but turned it into something that I could enjoy now. THIS IS NOT A KID SAFE BOOK!! GIVE ME SPICE OR GIVE ME DEATH I SAY.
Aurelia, our FMC, is a sweet mermaid. Drake, our MMC, is dark and dangerous human. Aurelia saves Drake after he falls from his ship during a storm and takes him back to her island. There they become enchanted with one another. Drake cannot help but look upon the mermaid with coral hair and turquoise eyes with lust and desire. Aurelia cannot help her curiosity with a human.
Drake and Aurelia have trouble communicating in the beginning. I really like that Barne made this a species thing and not a standard miscommunication trope. In this world Merfolk have a limited range of emotions that are mostly primal. With the Sea Witches spell Aurelia now has a full range of human emotions as well as legs, so she truly has never experienced emotions until she interacts with Drake. This made the miscommunication make so much sense as we get to see from Aurelias POV that she is honestly just confused and not actually just holding stuff back.
We find out that Aurelia can turn into a human when she is outside of water thanks to the work of a sea witch. UMMMM Aquamarine vibes!! If you don't know that movie, it was basically what I dreamed about as a kid. Drake doesn't find out about Aurelias ability to transform until she returns to her island with a shark bite. He rushes to heal her and is in awe of her when her tail turns into legs. Those things he's been thinking about doing to her just became a whole lot more realistic....
These two characters FINALLY give into their lust and desire and Drake teaches Aurelia all about the pleasure of the human body. Honestly the "I'll teach you" thing totally works for me.
I don't want to give away the whole book, so I will say just one more thing.
Drake is dark, dangerous, and possessive. Aurelia is sweet, innocent, and curious. Fireworks explode... BOOM
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
I was immediately hooked by the premise of a Little Mermaid retelling starring a ruthless pirate captain, and the book definitely delivers on the atmospheric, forbidden-love setup. E. M. Barne paints a vivid picture of the clash between the ocean depths and the rugged pirate world, and Drake Hawthorne, our dark and dangerous MMC, was the most compelling part of the story. The chemistry between him and Aurelia had a great foundation, and I genuinely enjoyed the early moments of them stranded together.
However, the execution of this fantastic concept ultimately left me wishing for more substance. My main struggle was with the FMC, Aurelia. While her innocence is central to the plot device (gaining human emotions), it often crossed the line into extreme naivety, making her difficult to connect with or root for. It started to feel more frustrating than endearing, causing the romance itself to sometimes feel a little unbalanced.
Beyond the characterization, the pacing felt uneven. The initial setup on the island took its time, but key, high-stakes plot points-like the confrontation with the Sea Witch or the climactic moments with the enemy crew-felt rushed and, surprisingly, anticlimactic after all the dramatic buildup. This prevented the story from truly soaring and realizing its full potential as a high-stakes romance.
It's a quick, easy read, and fans of the specific forbidden romance trope will find moments to enjoy. But for a story labeled as "high-stakes," I needed deeper emotional payoffs and a stronger delivery on the promised peril. It’s a decent start to the Love from the Deep series, but it fell squarely in the "just okay" category for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
However, the execution of this fantastic concept ultimately left me wishing for more substance. My main struggle was with the FMC, Aurelia. While her innocence is central to the plot device (gaining human emotions), it often crossed the line into extreme naivety, making her difficult to connect with or root for. It started to feel more frustrating than endearing, causing the romance itself to sometimes feel a little unbalanced.
Beyond the characterization, the pacing felt uneven. The initial setup on the island took its time, but key, high-stakes plot points-like the confrontation with the Sea Witch or the climactic moments with the enemy crew-felt rushed and, surprisingly, anticlimactic after all the dramatic buildup. This prevented the story from truly soaring and realizing its full potential as a high-stakes romance.
It's a quick, easy read, and fans of the specific forbidden romance trope will find moments to enjoy. But for a story labeled as "high-stakes," I needed deeper emotional payoffs and a stronger delivery on the promised peril. It’s a decent start to the Love from the Deep series, but it fell squarely in the "just okay" category for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2024
The Tides of Loss and Longing follow Drake, a pirate who has fallen overboard unconscious during a storm, likely to drown. But when he wakes, he finds himself in the very cave of treasures his crew was searching for. Aurelia has always been fascinated by humans, and when Drake was thrown from his ship she had to save him. With him she feels things she’s never felt before, the good and the bad. She wonders how much she can trust him and if the deal she made with the Sea Witch was worth this pain…
Thank you for selecting me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
As far as retellings go, I really enjoyed this. I like that there were strong parallels between this and The Little Mermaid but that it also breaks away and creates its own story.
That being said, I wish there had been more of plot. I feel like there was a big chunk of the middle where nothing was really happening or moving along in the story. The vibes were good, but I would’ve liked to have some more exposition to some of the characters that would be introduced later in the story during that lag.
Still, I would love to read the next book in this series. While I was reading I was thinking, “I want to know more about them” and “They should have their own book,” and lo and behold they will. I think in the second book we will get deeper characters than we did in this installment and I am excited to see it.
Check out The Tides of Loss and Longings, the first book from the Love from the Deep Series!
Thank you for selecting me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
As far as retellings go, I really enjoyed this. I like that there were strong parallels between this and The Little Mermaid but that it also breaks away and creates its own story.
That being said, I wish there had been more of plot. I feel like there was a big chunk of the middle where nothing was really happening or moving along in the story. The vibes were good, but I would’ve liked to have some more exposition to some of the characters that would be introduced later in the story during that lag.
Still, I would love to read the next book in this series. While I was reading I was thinking, “I want to know more about them” and “They should have their own book,” and lo and behold they will. I think in the second book we will get deeper characters than we did in this installment and I am excited to see it.
Check out The Tides of Loss and Longings, the first book from the Love from the Deep Series!
September 5, 2025
This was a nice spin on the old classic. It gives different perspectives of the characters and their roles that shape the story. I personally really liked the sea witch’s spin. Being beautiful instead of haggard, just wish we could’ve learned more about her and what she was after. But nice detailing on the merfolk giving us back history to explain what Aurelia was going through and even a nice touch with Drake being a pirate and not a Prince Charming sort. This wasn’t a very long read, but had good developed storyline feel good moments and even some misty eyed elements that left you wanting to give out hugs but not to be undone by the moments that had you fanning yourself and wishing for your own grotto escape with built in waterfall *wink*. All in all a good feel good read for lovers of the merfolk, pirates, treasures and bonfires. Sit back get comfy and read with adult eyes this take on a deep sea classic!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2024
4/5 stars
2/5 spice
Tropes:
Little Mermaid retelling
Pirate captain MMC
Forced proximity
She saves him
Innocent/untouched FMC
Dual POV
This was a quick read with a fast buildup. It wasn't insta-love but did move quickly in the relationship since they had the seclusion to explore. I liked how elements of the fairy's were incorporated but wasn't a complete copy. This story really had its own plot and moved along in a fast but reasonable pace. I also liked that Aurelia, although innocent, was also interested in adventure and exploration. She embraced the human side of her emotions once she understood what she was going through. I liked that Drake was honest about his pirating but also willing to be a good person for Aurelia's sake.
Overall, it was a quick fun retelling about a favorite fairytale. I highly recommend for fans of mermaid romances or retellings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2/5 spice
Tropes:
Little Mermaid retelling
Pirate captain MMC
Forced proximity
She saves him
Innocent/untouched FMC
Dual POV
This was a quick read with a fast buildup. It wasn't insta-love but did move quickly in the relationship since they had the seclusion to explore. I liked how elements of the fairy's were incorporated but wasn't a complete copy. This story really had its own plot and moved along in a fast but reasonable pace. I also liked that Aurelia, although innocent, was also interested in adventure and exploration. She embraced the human side of her emotions once she understood what she was going through. I liked that Drake was honest about his pirating but also willing to be a good person for Aurelia's sake.
Overall, it was a quick fun retelling about a favorite fairytale. I highly recommend for fans of mermaid romances or retellings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2024
Pirates, Mermaid, Witches, a Kiss:
A new author for me and Ms.Barnes writes a delightfully captivating love story that had me riding over waves in a battering storm that took me overboard with the captain and captured my heart with this romance between these two very intriguing characters.
This adventure between the mermaid Aurelia and the pirate captain Drake is filled with surprising adventure, turmoil, wishes, a witch, doubts, a bad villain, adult desires, and treasure of course.
It reads like a typical young adult adventurous pirate story with a few spicy scenes that puts it in the adult realm of a sizzling love story.
It took me away to an enchanted island and gave me a few hours of enjoyment with a delightful conclusion.
🙋♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
A new author for me and Ms.Barnes writes a delightfully captivating love story that had me riding over waves in a battering storm that took me overboard with the captain and captured my heart with this romance between these two very intriguing characters.
This adventure between the mermaid Aurelia and the pirate captain Drake is filled with surprising adventure, turmoil, wishes, a witch, doubts, a bad villain, adult desires, and treasure of course.
It reads like a typical young adult adventurous pirate story with a few spicy scenes that puts it in the adult realm of a sizzling love story.
It took me away to an enchanted island and gave me a few hours of enjoyment with a delightful conclusion.
🙋♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
October 28, 2024
“The Tides of Loss and Longing,” by E. M. Barne
I liked the little mermaid retelling aspect with the pirates. I loved the romance of it being forbidden romance and hidden identity, she really made him a better person. What I didn’t love as much was that it felt rushed, especially at the end because it was so short, I wish it was longer. And with the length aspect of the book, it felt very insta-love because the relationship happened so quickly and that is not my favorite, so I wished there was a bit for tension in the relationship at the start. 3 out of 5 stars.
-Pirates
-Mermaids
-The Little Mermaid Retelling
-Forbidden Love
-Forced Prox
-Hidden Identity
Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.
I liked the little mermaid retelling aspect with the pirates. I loved the romance of it being forbidden romance and hidden identity, she really made him a better person. What I didn’t love as much was that it felt rushed, especially at the end because it was so short, I wish it was longer. And with the length aspect of the book, it felt very insta-love because the relationship happened so quickly and that is not my favorite, so I wished there was a bit for tension in the relationship at the start. 3 out of 5 stars.
-Pirates
-Mermaids
-The Little Mermaid Retelling
-Forbidden Love
-Forced Prox
-Hidden Identity
Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.
November 2, 2024
Thank you to Booksprout and E.M. Barne for allowing me to ARC read for ‘The Tides of Loss and Longing.’
I really enjoyed this. I thought the characters were well developed. I loved Aurelia and her inquisitiveness around human life, and how she has extra powers.
I liked that although this is a ‘Little Mermaid’ retelling, the Sea Witch doesn’t appear to be all-evil.
For me, the pacing started out a little too slow, I found myself thinking ‘get to the point,’ however after 40% I think this plot really came into its own, with the action and plot twists.
There are some spicy scenes in this book, be warned. They were done well.
I’m really looking forward to book two in this series.
I really enjoyed this. I thought the characters were well developed. I loved Aurelia and her inquisitiveness around human life, and how she has extra powers.
I liked that although this is a ‘Little Mermaid’ retelling, the Sea Witch doesn’t appear to be all-evil.
For me, the pacing started out a little too slow, I found myself thinking ‘get to the point,’ however after 40% I think this plot really came into its own, with the action and plot twists.
There are some spicy scenes in this book, be warned. They were done well.
I’m really looking forward to book two in this series.
November 7, 2024
This retelling of The Little Mermaid will have your heart both braking and soaring. Our MCs Aurelia, the Mermaid, and Drake, our Pirate Captain, find themselves in a sticky situation. Aurelia is a mermaid who made a deal with a sea witch to allow her to have human legs and explore the human world as well, a human. As always, there was a consequence to this, one that she had not fully understood until she met Drake. Each of them have a decision to make, will this decision lead to love, or heart brake? Read The Tides of Loss and Longing to find out what happens with Drake and Aurelia.
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 11, 2025
this is a slightly different take on the little mermaid re-telling... a grown up version... love Aurelia and Drake the pirate... this is their story... a fast paced action packed rom/drama... Aurelia has always wondered about the human world, she makes a bargain that can cost her more than she could ever have thought possible... Drake has nothing left to lose... he is the captain of a pirate ship now... in a storm , he falls overboard and is saved by Aurelia... taken to a deserted island... stranded... then.....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
When pirate captain Drake Hawthorne gets knocked overboard during a storm he is rescued by Aurelia, a curious mermaid with a secret.
As they get to know each other on Aurelia’s secluded island they begin to realize that while they’re drawn to each other they have their differences too. Will they be too much to surmount?
Events unfold and eventually they are faced with the truth.
Cute story. Could definitely be great for younger audiences if not for a few scenes.
Well written, not exactly my cup of tea though.
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC
When pirate captain Drake Hawthorne gets knocked overboard during a storm he is rescued by Aurelia, a curious mermaid with a secret.
As they get to know each other on Aurelia’s secluded island they begin to realize that while they’re drawn to each other they have their differences too. Will they be too much to surmount?
Events unfold and eventually they are faced with the truth.
Cute story. Could definitely be great for younger audiences if not for a few scenes.
Well written, not exactly my cup of tea though.
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC
September 7, 2025
The premise hooked me right away, but the insta-love had me rolling my eyes. Aurelia’s innocence goes from sweet to frustrating pretty quick, and Drake wastes no time turning up the heat. Their chemistry felt rushed, like the author skipped the foreplay and hit fast forward. The world-building though? Gorgeous. The sea witch especially had more nuance than I expected, which I actually loved. Middle section dragged a bit before the action finally kicked in, but the pirate battles in the back half made up for it. Fun, just not as deep as it pretends to be.
October 30, 2024
A really sweet retelling of the little mermaid with the right level of spice. I did sometimes find myself wanting more backstory for the characters so I could really immerse myself in their world and develop a greater connection to their story. But overall it was super easy to read and perfect for someone wanting to get lost in a magical pirate world.
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
November 17, 2024
Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book for review!
A mermaid rescues a pirate and they must decide if love is stronger than remaining as they once were. In this retelling of The Little Mermaid, E M Barne tries to separate the fairy tale from some of the more sacrificial elements of the story in order to tell a more "mature" story. And while the forced proximity trope works well here to have them fall in love, by removing the sacrifices that the original Little Mermaid made, the story (after a few days of reflection) lacks any real consequences and weight. The sex scenes were spicy enough, but they also felt a little flat. Which is weird to write in the review, since I truly liked the story Barne told, it was just more like sea foam - fleeting and ephemeral when I wanted something a little meatier in my story. Overall, I'd recommend it if you enjoy fairy tale retellings, but don't expect to remember much of it when the story is over.
A mermaid rescues a pirate and they must decide if love is stronger than remaining as they once were. In this retelling of The Little Mermaid, E M Barne tries to separate the fairy tale from some of the more sacrificial elements of the story in order to tell a more "mature" story. And while the forced proximity trope works well here to have them fall in love, by removing the sacrifices that the original Little Mermaid made, the story (after a few days of reflection) lacks any real consequences and weight. The sex scenes were spicy enough, but they also felt a little flat. Which is weird to write in the review, since I truly liked the story Barne told, it was just more like sea foam - fleeting and ephemeral when I wanted something a little meatier in my story. Overall, I'd recommend it if you enjoy fairy tale retellings, but don't expect to remember much of it when the story is over.
November 16, 2024
This was a strong start to the Love from the Deep series, it had that concept that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall world of this. It had that fairy tale retelling element that I was looking for and was engaged with the Little Mermaid elements to this. I’m excited to read more in this world and characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2024
Super cute retelling and it was a refreshing story to read in between some other stories. I am curious and excited on what retelling or story comes next from E.M. Barnes!
I honestly recommend it to anyone who loves retellings <3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I honestly recommend it to anyone who loves retellings <3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2024
A retelling of The Little Mermaid (my favorite Disney movie). Action packed, suspenseful, dangerous, passionate- these are just a few of the ways to describe the story of Aurelia and Drake. A real page turner, this was a fun retelling of a beloved fairytale. I do wish it was longer but hopefully there will be more to their story in book two.
October 12, 2024
Loved to read this book. So good. So elegant. So immaculate. I really recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2024
Absolutely adored this book, a beautiful, feel good retelling of a classic tale, and I can't wait for anything that comes next from this author.
(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.)
November 17, 2024
Quick fun retelling of the little mermaid. The plot was delightful and the writing engrossing. The author did a good job of incorporating a love story along with adventures, a villain and treasure.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 9, 2024
So, I feel like it wasn't a bad story, but the MCs just jumped into their attraction. I feel there could have been more details/situations that lead up to their romance. But, it's a mermaid romance, so its a win!
May 6, 2025
3.5⭐️
Reading this in prep for the arc I received for the next book! A great little mermaid retelling! This story was fast paced and I enjoyed their romance! He was instantly obsessed with her (which I love lol). I am looking forward to the next book with the sea witch 😍
Reading this in prep for the arc I received for the next book! A great little mermaid retelling! This story was fast paced and I enjoyed their romance! He was instantly obsessed with her (which I love lol). I am looking forward to the next book with the sea witch 😍
September 15, 2025
This book will not be for everyone, keep that in mind. The Little Mermaid retelling is a really unique idea but for me the characters were just a little off but it is a good story. 3.5/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2024
this book was alright
i didn't really get the point of the book -- it just felt like parts of the plot were randomly tied together to make a story
i didn't really get the point of the book -- it just felt like parts of the plot were randomly tied together to make a story
July 14, 2025
un coñazo corto así que aguantable
July 6, 2025
Adventures and romance arise when a pirate captain meets a mermaid.
Drake Hawthorne, as captain of a pirate ship, is a capable leader whose
men, despite being thieves and killers like all pirates, respect and trust
him. Aurelia is a mermaid who can turn her tail fin into legs and become
entirely human. This story is told, in sections of a few pages each,
alternately from the viewponts of Drake and Aurelia, and occasionally
from Drake's faithful first mate, Sebastian. The feelings of the main
characters are well portrayed so that I as the reader could feel being
with them.
During a great storm at sea, Drake is hit on the head, knocked unconscious,
and thrown into the sea. He is rescued by Aurelia who had been watching him
secretly. She carries him into her well-hidden cave in a tiny island never
visited by humans. For a long time Aurelia had been picking up treasures
from the bottom of the sea, jewels and so forth, as well as elegant ladies'
dresses, and carrying them into her cave. Being a pirate, Drake wants these
treasures for himself and his crew. But he is allured by Aurelia and has
mixed feelings about stealing them from her. After Aurelia shows Drake
that when her fin dries out, it turns into completely human legs, mutual
longings surge in both of them. Despite many years of life as a cruel
pirate captain, Drake has a kind and gracious side that he expresses in
his treatment of Aurelia.
Drake is confident that his crew will search for him diligently and for a
long time. An occasional short section about Sebastian, now acting captain,
assures the reader that this is happening. At their mutual insistence, both
Drake and Aurelia share their life stories with each other. It would be a
spoiler to include these stories in this review, except to say that the
reader will find them fascinating and extraordinary.
Both Aurelia and Drake know that Drake expects to be rescued. Their passion
rages more than ever in the knowledge they will soon be separated. I, the
reader, also felt a heavy heart. When a ship approaches the shore on which
they are standing, Aurelia could vanish into the jungle or the sea. But she
stays by Drake's side, to be seen by an entire crew of cutthroat pirates.
It would be a spoiler to continue, except to say that the suspense and
danger become extreme.
I found a few small typos that did not detract from my enjoyment of the
story. I was disappointed that both Drake and Aurelia were fearful of
acting out the love they felt for each other. This fear was well written
and added drama to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review
voluntarily.
Drake Hawthorne, as captain of a pirate ship, is a capable leader whose
men, despite being thieves and killers like all pirates, respect and trust
him. Aurelia is a mermaid who can turn her tail fin into legs and become
entirely human. This story is told, in sections of a few pages each,
alternately from the viewponts of Drake and Aurelia, and occasionally
from Drake's faithful first mate, Sebastian. The feelings of the main
characters are well portrayed so that I as the reader could feel being
with them.
During a great storm at sea, Drake is hit on the head, knocked unconscious,
and thrown into the sea. He is rescued by Aurelia who had been watching him
secretly. She carries him into her well-hidden cave in a tiny island never
visited by humans. For a long time Aurelia had been picking up treasures
from the bottom of the sea, jewels and so forth, as well as elegant ladies'
dresses, and carrying them into her cave. Being a pirate, Drake wants these
treasures for himself and his crew. But he is allured by Aurelia and has
mixed feelings about stealing them from her. After Aurelia shows Drake
that when her fin dries out, it turns into completely human legs, mutual
longings surge in both of them. Despite many years of life as a cruel
pirate captain, Drake has a kind and gracious side that he expresses in
his treatment of Aurelia.
Drake is confident that his crew will search for him diligently and for a
long time. An occasional short section about Sebastian, now acting captain,
assures the reader that this is happening. At their mutual insistence, both
Drake and Aurelia share their life stories with each other. It would be a
spoiler to include these stories in this review, except to say that the
reader will find them fascinating and extraordinary.
Both Aurelia and Drake know that Drake expects to be rescued. Their passion
rages more than ever in the knowledge they will soon be separated. I, the
reader, also felt a heavy heart. When a ship approaches the shore on which
they are standing, Aurelia could vanish into the jungle or the sea. But she
stays by Drake's side, to be seen by an entire crew of cutthroat pirates.
It would be a spoiler to continue, except to say that the suspense and
danger become extreme.
I found a few small typos that did not detract from my enjoyment of the
story. I was disappointed that both Drake and Aurelia were fearful of
acting out the love they felt for each other. This fear was well written
and added drama to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review
voluntarily.
January 17, 2026
I found this book after reading the second one, and the difference in storytelling between the two is massive. The only reason I kept reading was because I read the second one and wanted to sea (get it) how the worlds collided.
The second book is amazing; this one fell so flat.
As a little mermaid retelling, I expected a romance, but this one missed the mark for me. Aurelia was far too childish and innocent. I got major ick because of it. She had no idea what "mating" entailed, but her dialogue during was what you would expect from a normal coupling. The moment she emerged from the water, bare chested, he didn’t stop thinking about how much he wanted her sexually. He turned her innocent curiosity into sexual attention. The amount of times she said “please” when he was turning her on made no sense. For someone who repeatedly said she had no idea what emotions she was feeling or how to handle them, it felt extremely manipulative. He was also the first human she had even spoken to…
Drake is your typical bloodthirsty pirate who decides she is the answer to all of his emotional needs. He never really fixed anything for himself; he simply made her a priority and gave up the life he had been living.
I did enjoy the world-building of Aurelia's Island. It felt beautiful and serene, and when Aurelia was in her mermaid form, the descriptions of life under the sea were beautiful. Overall, it was an ok read, but only because I read the second one first. It will take a few books to get rid of the ick on this one.
The second book is amazing; this one fell so flat.
As a little mermaid retelling, I expected a romance, but this one missed the mark for me. Aurelia was far too childish and innocent. I got major ick because of it. She had no idea what "mating" entailed, but her dialogue during was what you would expect from a normal coupling. The moment she emerged from the water, bare chested, he didn’t stop thinking about how much he wanted her sexually. He turned her innocent curiosity into sexual attention. The amount of times she said “please” when he was turning her on made no sense. For someone who repeatedly said she had no idea what emotions she was feeling or how to handle them, it felt extremely manipulative. He was also the first human she had even spoken to…
Drake is your typical bloodthirsty pirate who decides she is the answer to all of his emotional needs. He never really fixed anything for himself; he simply made her a priority and gave up the life he had been living.
I did enjoy the world-building of Aurelia's Island. It felt beautiful and serene, and when Aurelia was in her mermaid form, the descriptions of life under the sea were beautiful. Overall, it was an ok read, but only because I read the second one first. It will take a few books to get rid of the ick on this one.
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