Oil & Water

by Indie Sparks

It’s not like I intended to get naked at the rehearsal dinner for my brother’s wedding.

In the parking lot. With his best friend.

In my defense, he has a beard now. And I was soaking wet.

In our combined defense, we weren’t doing anything other than drying off. In further defense of my own actions, I was merely gazing at the pool, wishing I could go for a swim, when my brother’s lunatic best friend, Malcolm, ran up behind me and shoved me in. Hence, the need to dry off in the parking lot. The high beams that spotlighted us could hardly have been anticipated.

My brother has the perfect job, and he’s marrying the perfect woman. The wedding will also be perfect. As will the honeymoon and the immaculate offspring they will no doubt spawn to carry on the family tradition of normalcy.

I’m the misfit—a professional mermaid in a family full of traditionalists. And if I don’t get an audition with the pod of my dreams soon, I’ll have to rent out my tail to make my car note.

The last thing I have time for in my life right now is a man, especially Malcolm.

Okay, so he grew up and grew a beard. And being an olive oil broker might be a cool job. But he’s still that same obnoxious guy who was always hanging around our house, eating all my good snacks and making dumb jokes.

I mean, come on! The guy rides a skateboard to work!

How long can two misfits deny how well they fit together?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2024

About the author

Indie Sparks lives just outside Austin, Texas where she spends her days arguing with her dog about whether or not he really needs to go outside again, and writing strong heroines whose knees go weak for cinnamon roll heroes with dirty mouths and the skills to walk the talk.

She believes steamy rom-coms are the answer. The question is irrelevant.

Reviews

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oil and Water was such a fun read!! I enjoyed it from the moment I started it, all the way to the end.

These two together were everything I did not know I needed. Their banter had me going, and I just enjoyed their Story. So Malcom is, you guessed it, a Oil Broker and Ellis is a mermaid. That had me laughing. I just love these jobs they got. So you get Oil and Water, and watch their story unfold.

We are taken on a light hearted journey of two souls just trying to make their way. This book was a good refreshing light on the angst read that left me feeling happy.

So if you are looking for a good light hearted read that will put a smile on your face the rest of the day, found it!

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute romance story! If life would be an anime, I would be sitting here with heart-eyes and my head slightly tilted thinking about the book I just read. Seriously, Malcolm and Ellis are amazing together. I loved their banter, how much they truly get each other and how supportive they are. They might be like oil and water at the start, but it gradually becomes clear why they have so much potential to work as a couple, and I absolutely devoured their story to get to their HEA.

The focus of this standalone really lies on the romance between Malcolm and Ellis, and how their physical attraction develops into true love. Side characters aren't that prominently present as I'm often used to, especially at the start, but I quite liked the total focus on these two. Like I said, they are so cute together, I didn't need anything else taking away my attention from the both of them. The 'brother's best friend' trope is a nice little extra, but this story still would have worked with just Malcolm and Ellis the way they are. I really loved these two characters, and their story was lovely.

[WaterLillyBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oil and Water by Indie Sparks is a delightful and unexpected gem that blends humor, charm, and a touch of whimsy. As someone who was initially unsure about the premise—a romance between an olive oil broker and a mermaid performer—I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this unique and quirky story.

This book is a quick, clean read that keeps things lighthearted and fun. Sparks has a knack for witty dialogue and amusing situations, which make the characters and their unconventional pairing feel relatable and endearing. The humor adds a fresh layer to the romance, and the olive oil theme is cleverly woven into the story, including one particularly spicy (yet tastefully written) scene that stands out for its originality.

While the spice level is low, the chemistry between the characters is undeniable, making this a perfect pick for readers who enjoy sweet and playful romances without heavy drama or angst.

If you’re in the mood for something light, fun, and refreshingly different, Oil and Water is a great choice. Sparks’ creative storytelling and quirky humor make this a memorable read that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a breezy romantic escape.

[Jessica Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't really a fan of this book in the beginning. It was a touch on the angsty side, no I won't; we shouldn't all that nonsense that goes with a brother's best friend romance. But even the chapter that they get together in, at the very beginning he's not going over there to get with her. It felt a little bit forced. But I struggle-bussed through it and got to the later parts of the book and was surprised.

I appreciated that they weren't just no to 100% together the next minute. Do I completely understand what was going on in the last chapter, not entirely but it was kind of funny and lighthearted.

They keep finding themselves in seemingly bad situations that are really just straight coincidence and innocent. And then they find themselves together. I found the reactions from her family and those around her a little extreme, but I figure they will eventually get their ish together and find some common ground.

Overall, it's lighthearted cute and definitely stays on theme. He's the oil to her water... which I know makes no sense but read the book and you'll see how well the come together.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute brothers best friend romance – easily 4.5 entertaining stars!
What a clever use of the adage “oil and water” with this couple: he is an olive oil broker/taster and she is a mermaid. Well, she swims like a mermaid in costume at events such as hotel openings or kids’ birthday parties. She has a dream to swim professionally as a mermaid. She has her own mermaid tail!
Malcolm Fox is Brody’s best friend and about six years older than Ellis French’s 24 years. At Brody French’s wedding Malcolm is looking out the window for his date, his on-again-off-again girl friend Celeste. He sees a very attractive woman standing by the pool and then she turns so that Malcolm can see her face. Oh no! The beautiful woman is Brodie’s little sister who grew up quite fine. Malcolm has always had a wee problem with impulse control and does something stupid. Of course, THEN his date decides to appear. That is only one of many funny and compromising situations Malcolm and Ellis find themselves in. There will still be more. If you like humor with your sweet but passionate romance, you will want to read this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I COULDN'T PUT THIS ONE DOWN! I devoured this book so quickly because Malcolm and Ellis are not only hilarious but also bring some seriously spicy moments that will keep you hooked. As always, Indie Sparks delivers a perfect mix of humor and heat, and I’m still laughing at the creative (and unexpected) ways olive oil plays a role in the story!

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good "brother's best friend" romance with all the thrill and excitement of sneaking around. From their first encounter, you’ll be rooting for Malcolm and Ellis, and their chemistry will have you turning the pages faster than you can blink. Though they do face a few ups and downs to keep things interesting, the fun never stops.

Once you start reading, you won’t want to put it down! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something fun, spicy, and absolutely irresistible.

As always, my reviews are entirely voluntary, and I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oil and Water by Indie Sparks was such a unexpected read for me. I knew from reading the blurb that it would be up my alley as it was brother’s best friend romance. What I wasn’t expecting was how I would be addicted to the story; how invested I would become. I finished this book so quickly as I enjoyed the balance of drama and humor… I found myself smiling a few times throughout the read. What I enjoyed most was how realistic the characters were written. I liked how Ellis made poor choices but didn’t pin the blame on others when she realized what she had done. Also I couldn’t get enough of the banter and chemistry between Malcolm and Ellis. That was a huge highlight for me. I thought it was written well and I really enjoyed these characters. I was hooked pretty much immediately. Overall I just had such a good reading experience with this book. It was fun with some spice and touching moments. If you truly enjoy a brother’s best friend romance tale like I do, then I highly recommend giving this book a read!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romantic story is a nice, entertaining tale of two people that do not exactly fit into the boxes of expectations of the family surrounding them, mostly because of their career choices. It does not help to ease the situation that Ellis and Malcolm practically grew up alongside each other, considering the age difference and Malcolm being the best friend of Ellis' brother Brody. But now things have changed, chemistry exploded, and both Ellis and Malcolm are doing their best to not drown in the new situation they found themselves in.
I enjoyed the easy flow of the story, of the natural struggles both Malcolm and Ellis are facing, and really loved Ellis' passion for being a professional mermaid. The unusual choice of career adds some spice to the story as well, generating drama and landing in interesting situations. However, the atmosphere of the book is very warm and welcoming and thoroughly enjoyable for an easy read, so I did have a nice few evenings accompanied by these characters :)

[Laura Montesinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book. From the funny back and forth Banter between Malcolm and Ellis to the growing relationship they have.

Malcolm is best friends with Ellis's brother. But what happens when he sees his best friends little sister and immediately gets attracted to her? Well, he throws out all of her expired food and the not real EVOO she has and brings her real good quality EVOO.

When Ellis starts to notice the banter between her and Malcolm, it means more than just being aggravated by her brothers best friend. She decides to act on it. But she's focused, she has a goal to join a pod, and as a professional mermaid, joining a pod is huge!

But when Ellis starts to enjoy listening and learning about olive oil from her new favorite broker, she starts to realize she's fallen. Hard.

So much so that she's willing to jump ship in Vegas!

This is a perfect book, and I love the spice that's added throughout!

[tattooedbooknerdgirl35 (Amanda Lynn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie Sparks Oil & Water is a really wonderful brothers best friend romance. This book will suck you in and leave you wanting more. The characters are relatable and the storyline is so good it’ll have you wanting to know what happens next between the two main characters.

This book centers on Malcom who grew up around a family who took him in when his mother couldn’t take care of him, so they took him under their wing. He grew into a man who worked in the olive oil business. He sees his best friend’s little sister again and just falls for her at his best friend’s wedding.

Then you have Ellis the little sister to Brody who’s a mermaid performer & trying to get into a pod and be able to do that more full time instead of her makeup job and job at a spa. She sees Malcom again at her brother Brody’s wedding to his wife Amanda and sparks fly.

Find out what happens between Ellis & Malcom and the rest of the gang. You won’t be disappointed.

[kristinreads2023 · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I love is mermaids! I’ve always been a mermaid girly ever since I was a kid and The Little Mermaid was my JAM! So when I read the synopsis of this book and learned the FMC was an underwater dancing mermaid performer I was like Yes, Please!? Such a fun and different character set up!

Tropes:
🧜🏼‍♀️Brothers Best Friend
🖤Mermaid
🧜🏼‍♀️Opposites Attract
🖤Secret Romance

This was such a new and unique plot set up that I hadn’t read before. The MMC is an olive oil broker and connoisseur. Hence the name Oil and Water. This was such a clever title that matched this book perfectly. Another thing I loved was the banter. That’s one of my all time favorite things about romcoms. Pair that with the fact the angst was for real. The spice was balanced perfectly and made for some good build up! This was a a really easy and fun book I think most rom com readers will enjoy!

𝙰𝚟𝚊𝚒𝚕𝚊𝚋𝚕�� 𝚘𝚗 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚄𝚗𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚍!

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable Opposites Attracting While Also Brother's Best Friend - So Much Fun!

This book was quirky fun with likable characters from the first page and hard to put down while I was anxiously waiting to see what would happen next. I truly liked both Malcolm and Ellis and loved learning about their fascinating albeit different careers. And I loved the sparks between them, but also that they truly got to know and learn about each other and their very different careers despite a few "misunderstandings". It was well written, with witty dialog, well developed characters (both main and surrounding) and well plotted so the pages practically turned themselves. I am looking forward to reading more from this author - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing I like better when reading a story then to have witty quips back and forth from the main characters. For me it brings the story alive and the more I laugh then you know it is a wonderful story.
When Ellis takes a look at her brother’s best friend that hung around their home most of her young life. To see him 8 years later and she no longer could look at him as his brother’s friend. For Malcolm, he was in for the shock of his life when he looked at Ellis and realized he could not look at her like a kid sister of his best friend. The enjoyment in keeping the relationship quiet, Ellis trying to become a mermaid (laughing) and finding out what happened to Malcolm’s prized olive oil.
This is a great lighthearted story with sizzle, snap and you really should grab a cup of coffee or whatever and settle down for some chuckles.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun stand alone novel. Ellis and her brother's best friend Mal haven't seen each other in years, and run into each other at her brother's wedding. You've got fast burn, brother's best friend, secret romance and an happy ever after. Oh, and Ellis is a mermaid. Not the fantasy type I normally read about but an honest to goodness real life one - one of the performers who swim in tails.

The two leads are a fantastic combination - the eponymous oil and water - and it's fun seeing them grow and learn from each other. I like the idea they had to grow up before they "saw" rather than it be the essential boy next door.

The supporting characters are fun, and the relationship between Ellis and her brother are realistic as well as entertaining.

Overall, it was a fun read to start the year off.

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not gonna lie I wasn’t expecting much out of this book because I don’t usually go for cutesy covers on books… But this book is exactly the reason that you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover. I have not laughed so much at a book in a very long time. The banter between the two main characters is absolute perfection and towards the end of the book I just could not stop laughing out loud. Ellis is fantastic and I love her enthusiasm for her passion and her life… And Malcolm oh my goodness there is so much of my own audhd quirks in him that his is going to forever be a favorite mmc.
Also, I’m Italian and not once did I think to use olive oil the way that they did. And I am so jealous that I do not know an olive oil dealer… Where do you get that? On Amazon? I would love to see more of the side characters so please tell me this isn’t just gonna be a standalone?!?

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I love the title of this book, it fits the characters in more than one way. An olive oil broker and a performance mermaid.

Malcolm was her brothers best friend. They did not get on growing up, and he was more of a pain than her brother. I loved Ellis. She was quirky and unique, embraced it, and didn't care too much about what others thought, especially her unsupportive and judgemental parents.

When they meet again as adults there's an attraction, but they don't seem to know what to do about it at first, but when they do, its obvious how much they are perfect for each other. They were supportive of each other, and both seemed to grow into the relationship.

The ending was perfect for the couple. What a fun read!


- opposites attract
- brothers best friend
- he falls first

[Libby Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely read on Christmas Day! This was fun, unique and cute. I really liked the main characters in this book, they just clicked with one another.
Malcolm and Ellis knew each other when they were younger, he was her brother’s best friend and they didn’t get on. Malcolm moved to Italy, and became an olive oil broker. He’s back 8 years later and they’re completely different people, Ellis has become a mermaid despite her parents not approving of it. They do not recognise each other at first but they just instantly became attracted to each other. It was very cute to read. I love that he supports her job when pretty much no one else does.
I was honestly gutted when I got to the end of the book as I just wanted more!!

[TheSugaredBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, spicy and secretive!

This was a really cute and spicy forbidden romance. Malcolm and Ellis grew up together. He is her older brother's best friend and was more are her house than his own growing up. Now they're adults and he's really seeing her for the first time. They've both taken on non-traditional careers while following their dreams. They're both not wholly supported by family, so they understand each other more than anyone else. And their chemistry is hot!! What starts as just fun quickly becomes so much more. I loved them falling for each other without even realizing it. Overall- a very cute, fun, sweet and steamy story that will leave you looking at mermaid and olive oil completely differently!

[thetropetrollop · Rating 4 out of 5]

🫒ARC Review: Oil and Water 🧜🏼‍♀️
by Indie Sparks

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5
🌶️🌶️

If all authors tried a writing exercise of taking an old adage and then trying to create characters and a story around it, I don’t think any could get cuter than Indie Sparks. “Oil and Water” could only ever be an olive oil broker and a wannabe professional mermaid, right?
This adorable, brother’s best friend story was just the light, quick read I needed during the holidays. For how short the novel is, Sparks does a great job with character development without it feeling like dry exposition. Ellis and Malcolm have witty banter and the spice is just spicy enough to have you eyeing that Costco sized bottle of olive oil…

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is Malcolm and Ellis's story. Malcolm and Ellis grew up together. He is her older brother's best friend. He's an oil broker and she's a mermaid one is practical, and the other is a dreamer. I love everything about this book. From the funny back and forth Banter between Malcolm and Ellis to the growing relationship they have. We are taken on a lighthearted journey of two souls just trying to make their way. This book was refreshing. Oil & Water is a fun, cute read with a little bit of humor and a whole lot of love! I couldn't put down the book! Can't wait to read more from this author. Keep up the great work!

REVIEW BY CHANTELLE

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a humorous romance between an olive oil broker and his best friend's sister who is trying to join a professional mermaid pod. Malcolm has known Ellis for years and practically lived at their house, he was known for being a bit of a joker and not able to behave appropriately due to his upbringing. Ellis always went to the swimming pool to get away from her parents overbearing attitudes and it turned into her being part of mermaid revues and pool openings. At her brother's wedding rehearsal Malcolm sees a beautiful woman by the pool and when he approaches her he realizes it is Ellis so automatically tackles her into the pool. This kicks off the way their relationship goes. This witty book is a must-read.

[❀ Jamie ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧜‍♀️ 𝒪𝒾𝓁 & 𝒲𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 🫒

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

A olive oil broker and a mermaid rom com = a cute, spicy and quick read! I loved the main characters - Elis and Malcolm’s banter and chemistry was chef’s kiss. Add in that Malcolm is Elis’s brother’s best friend? You’re in store for a secret spicy relationship until the truth comes out!

I love Indie Spark’s humor and little jokes like the Grinch reference. I was laughing out loud at that part. Loved this lighthearted and fun read. Will definitely be reading more of Indie’s work - she is growing to be one of my favorite rom com authors!

Favorite Quote: “Don’t be rational when I need you to be irrational with me.”
⬆️
I say a version of this to my husband all the time. 😆

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Malcolm and Ellis’s story. Malcolm is Ellis’s brothers’ best friend, and they grew up together, and now they reconnect at her brother’s rehearsal dinner, and the sparks fly. Ellis always felt like the misfit in her perfect family, but she and Malcolm complement each other perfectly.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, undeniable chemistry, humor, witty banter, engaging and relatable chemistry, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, sweet, and fun addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Donna Zug · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, how do you combine an olive oil broker and a mermaid? This is the story for you. From the opening description of Mal getting hot and bothered looking out the window at a beautiful woman (Ellis) by the pool and how he resolves his "little problem", you get a good idea of what's in store as a reader.
Indie has a unique way of delivering her humor to keep you chuckling or laughing aloud. It's chock full of great banter between Mal and Ellis, complications of her behind his best friend's sister, interesting twists, friends, romance and steam.
Recently I have read a lot of dark or deep stories and needed something different. Indie delivered exactly what I was needing.

[Joy Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie gives us a brilliant standalone book full of mermaids and olive oil! Ellis and Malcolm grew up with eachother as he is her brother's best friend and he was at her house more often than not. They hadn't seen eachother in many years when they run into each other at her brother's wedding rehearsal dinner, only to realise that they were very attracted to each other. How do they get from here to there whilst navigating life, their passions and family drama? Dive into this wonderfully written book with complex characters and plot twists that keep you guessing, laughing and turning pages throughout. I loved reading this story and highly recommend it! Don't miss out on this book!!

[Del Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcom and Ellis have the most adorable banter of any Rom Com I’ve ever read. It was so unbelievably cute that I just could not stop reading! I love a good light hearted, low angst read!
This one is the perfect blend of spice and plot, with a great flow. You won’t find yourself bored for even a moment! This book had me laughing and grinning all the way through. Ellis is absolutely adorable, and the more I read about her the more I could relate to her in a way. I love that even in a shorter book like this, this author makes the characters truly three dimensional and deep!
Wonderfully written!

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love Rom Coms ? Do you love Brothers Best Friend romance? Well if so stop what you’re doing , run as fast as you can and download Oil & Water by Indie sparks . I guarantee you will fall hook line and sinker in love with Malcolm and Ella’s story just as I did . All the angst , the humor , the witty banter , the humor , the oh so steamy, sweet , heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, the wonderfully written characters the family and friendships. It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a feel good love story that made me laugh, made me smile, made me cry and even made me yell outta pure frustration quite the way this book has done . This is a total must read

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It is an over the hot steamy hilarious book. This book will diffently stick with you. Ellis is a girl who wants to grow up and be a mermaid. She is the black sheep of the family. At her brother's wedding, she runs into the best man. Her brothers best friend Malcolm. Ellis and Malcolm haven't seen each other in about 8 years. Wow, have the both changed. Ellis has grown up. Malcolm has gone from the annoying brothers' friend into an eccentric olive oil dealer. It's a crazy ride on how they hide their relationship from the brother and family. You will never look at olive oil the same!!!!!!

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oil & Water was such a fun read and was the perfect way to kick off the new year! I love the brother's best friend romance trope too, so this book was already a winner for me, and it had me reeling from all the humor and spicy moments. The two stars Malcolm and Ellis were the perfect pair to bring out the laughs and the romance. Not only have these two characters known each other for a while, so their history adds an extra fun element to the story, but the interactions they find themselves in really took the story to a whole new level for me. Between their jobs, their family, and the full blown chemistry they try to deny, you will not be disappointed with this read!

[Kellie Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when an olive oil broker and a mermaid walk into a wedding chapel. A great book happens

Ellis live long dream is to be a professional mermaid. She has been training for it for as long as she can remember. She is a big disappointment to her parents since she doesn’t have the professional aspirations that they want for her.
Malcolm has kinda been an outcast, but a trip to Italy has turned him into a renowned olive oil broker. Malcolm was always over to his best friends house but he always had to put up the bratty sister. Can a meeting at Brody’s wedding make for a spectacular evening.

Great read