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Tidal Change
Something draws history teacher Rick Grady across the school hall to German teacher Marty Lindson. Maybe it’s their shared love of the ocean. Maybe it’s just that Marty is so hot, but maybe it’s something more—something mysterious. All Rick knows is that every time he gets close, Marty pulls away. After another cancelled date, Rick goes to Marty’s apartment to demand an explanation. And what Rick discovers blows his mind.
The ocean calls to Marty because he’s a merman. He’s been afraid to get close to Rick, not just to keep his world a secret, but because Rick is his mate. And to claim his mate would change everything about Marty. No matter how much he loves Rick, he doesn’t know if he’s ready to alter his entire life.
The ocean calls to Marty because he’s a merman. He’s been afraid to get close to Rick, not just to keep his world a secret, but because Rick is his mate. And to claim his mate would change everything about Marty. No matter how much he loves Rick, he doesn’t know if he’s ready to alter his entire life.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2014
3 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Chris T. Kat
26 books207 followersChris T. Kat lives in the middle of Europe, together with her husband of many years and their two children. She stumbled upon the M/M genre by luck and was swiftly drawn into it. She divides her time between work, her family—which includes chasing after escaping horses and lugging around huge instruments such as a harp—and writing. She enjoys a variety of genres, such as mystery/suspense, paranormal, and romance. If there's any spare time, she happily reads for hours, listens to audiobooks, or crafts.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 5, 2014
3.5 star review by Marieke
How to begin with this story? This is new to me, I have never read a story about a merman before!
Rick is a slightly older man, forty-six to be exact, to Marty’s thirty-four. But fortunately this is no issue whatsoever here. What is the issue, you ask? Marty’s constantly running hot and cold on Rick. He wants to date Rick, but when there’s finally progress he pulls away again. It’s driving Rick crazy, and after the umpteenth time Marty cancels a date, he snaps.
They avoid each other for some time, but both are miserable. Then one day they finally start talking again, and Marty invites Rick to go to a flea market on Saturday.
But that Friday, Marty disappears from school early and Rick is suspicious at first. When Marty doesn’t answer his phone, he starts worrying and goes to Marty’s apartment. He breaks in, and finds Marty in the bathroom taking a bath…in merman form.
Rick accepts things pretty easily in my opinion, but he does and things get heated. The next day starts out wonderfully, with breakfast and the flea market. Marty invites Rick to come with him when he goes swimming in the ocean.
This bit I loved. The way Marty swims and shows off is romantic and sweet. But then, the shit hits the fan, so to speak. Marty gets dragged away by other mermen, leaving Rick helpless on the rocks. There are two mermen that stay behind with Rick, telling him he has to come too. Then it gets complicated for Rick.
The other mermen explain a bit more about who and what Marty is. Rick is supposed to come with them either in an air bubble or as a merman himself. Eventually Marty is called back to change him temporary.
Without revealing too much, I’ll try to tell you more, but it’s going to sound a bit weird. There will have to be some sort of mating ceremony which is held at the castle on the bottom of the sea. This is where the biggest problem lays. Marty cannot perform this ceremony the way he is now, and will need to change into something else, something he never wanted to be.
Marty’s father, the king and his mother the queen, went through the same thing and are very understanding, but still insisting they have to do this. Thankfully all ends well, in a very unusual way…
This is a lovely book, not excellent, but good. I liked the ending better than the beginning. Also I think a lot of the story could have been worked out more, thus making it longer. Longer, and better is always good right?
So a good enough story, I can recommend it.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
How to begin with this story? This is new to me, I have never read a story about a merman before!
Rick is a slightly older man, forty-six to be exact, to Marty’s thirty-four. But fortunately this is no issue whatsoever here. What is the issue, you ask? Marty’s constantly running hot and cold on Rick. He wants to date Rick, but when there’s finally progress he pulls away again. It’s driving Rick crazy, and after the umpteenth time Marty cancels a date, he snaps.
They avoid each other for some time, but both are miserable. Then one day they finally start talking again, and Marty invites Rick to go to a flea market on Saturday.
But that Friday, Marty disappears from school early and Rick is suspicious at first. When Marty doesn’t answer his phone, he starts worrying and goes to Marty’s apartment. He breaks in, and finds Marty in the bathroom taking a bath…in merman form.
Rick accepts things pretty easily in my opinion, but he does and things get heated. The next day starts out wonderfully, with breakfast and the flea market. Marty invites Rick to come with him when he goes swimming in the ocean.
This bit I loved. The way Marty swims and shows off is romantic and sweet. But then, the shit hits the fan, so to speak. Marty gets dragged away by other mermen, leaving Rick helpless on the rocks. There are two mermen that stay behind with Rick, telling him he has to come too. Then it gets complicated for Rick.
The other mermen explain a bit more about who and what Marty is. Rick is supposed to come with them either in an air bubble or as a merman himself. Eventually Marty is called back to change him temporary.
Without revealing too much, I’ll try to tell you more, but it’s going to sound a bit weird. There will have to be some sort of mating ceremony which is held at the castle on the bottom of the sea. This is where the biggest problem lays. Marty cannot perform this ceremony the way he is now, and will need to change into something else, something he never wanted to be.
Marty’s father, the king and his mother the queen, went through the same thing and are very understanding, but still insisting they have to do this. Thankfully all ends well, in a very unusual way…
This is a lovely book, not excellent, but good. I liked the ending better than the beginning. Also I think a lot of the story could have been worked out more, thus making it longer. Longer, and better is always good right?
So a good enough story, I can recommend it.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
January 8, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
So I am a big merman fan, and have really enjoyed Kat’s Shifter series, so I was looking forward to giving this one a try. I think overall this is a pleasant story with some nice areas of creative world building. When Marty and Rick go undersea and we learn more about the mer world, the mating and bonding rituals, and some of the other shifter details, there are a lot of interesting elements brought out. And in general the story is a light, easy read in a fairly short novel.
I did have some issues here however. I found the writing fairly simplistic in style with a lot of telling, rather than showing. We get very little background on either man and their characters aren’t particularly well developed. We start the book by coming in to this pre-existing hot/cold relationship. It seems like the guys just can’t get their footing, and while we know Rick really likes Marty, it seems pretty clear that nothing is really moving forward because Marty keeps pulling away. But yet, as soon as Rick finds out Marty is a merman, suddenly everything is resolved with no real discussion. I mean, not only does Rick completely and immediately accept Marty is a merman (complete with jerking him off in mer form seconds after he finds out), but their relationship suddenly seems solid out of nowhere.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
So I am a big merman fan, and have really enjoyed Kat’s Shifter series, so I was looking forward to giving this one a try. I think overall this is a pleasant story with some nice areas of creative world building. When Marty and Rick go undersea and we learn more about the mer world, the mating and bonding rituals, and some of the other shifter details, there are a lot of interesting elements brought out. And in general the story is a light, easy read in a fairly short novel.
I did have some issues here however. I found the writing fairly simplistic in style with a lot of telling, rather than showing. We get very little background on either man and their characters aren’t particularly well developed. We start the book by coming in to this pre-existing hot/cold relationship. It seems like the guys just can’t get their footing, and while we know Rick really likes Marty, it seems pretty clear that nothing is really moving forward because Marty keeps pulling away. But yet, as soon as Rick finds out Marty is a merman, suddenly everything is resolved with no real discussion. I mean, not only does Rick completely and immediately accept Marty is a merman (complete with jerking him off in mer form seconds after he finds out), but their relationship suddenly seems solid out of nowhere.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
September 10, 2015
This book was just..... bad.
No real connection between the characters, merman shifter thing that I just didn't get, and then the whole becoming my mate will turn me into a woman, but let's give it a try anyway.
WTF?
No real connection between the characters, merman shifter thing that I just didn't get, and then the whole becoming my mate will turn me into a woman, but let's give it a try anyway.
WTF?
September 23, 2014
It was good then it got weird! Yes even weirder than Mermen!!
December 5, 2015
loved it
October 21, 2018
Well if I can say one thing about this book it was different. I enjoyed the new take on a classic mermen tale. It kept you wondering what was going to happen next. There were things I didn't like with most books. However, I think that Chris more than made up for it with this exciting story and engaging characters.
March 12, 2018
A quick read with lots of unexpected twists that just kept coming. So much happened and was involved in the story, it definitely could have been a novel.
October 25, 2015
Reviewed at The Blogger Girls.
Rick and Marty have been flirting for months but every time Rick wants to take things farther, Marty pulls back. Having enough, Rick’s determined to figure out just why Marty keeps cancelling on him but when he breaks into Marty’s apartment, fearing that Marty may be too sick to get help, he discovers the reason Marty’s been acting strange. Being a merman, Marty can’t exactly come out and tell Rick they’re mates but when Rick discovers Marty’s tail without freaking out too bad, he thinks things may be okay after all. That is until other mermen come for Marty and Rick finally learns all of Marty’s secrets like how they’re mates and mating may just change absolutely everything about Marty.
Oh, how I loved this story! I won’t deny that Ms. Kat is one of my favorite authors. There’s just something about her writing that always pulls me into the story and makes me love it. This one is no different. In fact, it might just be one of my favorites by her. I loved the fact that this one was about mermen and how hot and cold Marty was. The bantering and teasing between Rick and Marty was just adorable but I also loved that when all of Marty’s secrets came out, Rick took them in stride and even soothed Marty when he needed it. I just loved them together.
As characters, Rick is the mature, older man that’s looking to settle down with a partner. He wants that partner to be Marty and even when Marty keeps cancelling their dates, he can’t stay away from the cheerful man. Marty is Rick’s exact opposite. Where Rick is calm and somewhat composed, Marty is like a ball of energy. He’s happy and spreads the joy everywhere he can. But when they’re together, they laugh and have fun. They’re tastes and interests are the same and they’re feelings are in line so it’s not all about physical attraction between them.
As a story, I thought it was very clever. Marty’s a merman but I adored getting to experience some of the merfolk culture. The whole mating ritual was fascinating for me and quite a twist. I was actually surprised when I learned what would happen when Rick and Marty mated but really curious and pleased in how all that turned out.
Overall, this was a great story. I loved it but it was also fun and entertaining. I adored both Rick and Marty but I also liked the other merfolk like Jeremiah, Roy, Allistair and Eve. I had quite a few laughs from the merfolk but I also really enjoyed the story in general. If you’re looking for something that’s interesting with a great cast of characters and merfolk, definitely give this one a go! Now if only I could get a sequel!
Rick and Marty have been flirting for months but every time Rick wants to take things farther, Marty pulls back. Having enough, Rick’s determined to figure out just why Marty keeps cancelling on him but when he breaks into Marty’s apartment, fearing that Marty may be too sick to get help, he discovers the reason Marty’s been acting strange. Being a merman, Marty can’t exactly come out and tell Rick they’re mates but when Rick discovers Marty’s tail without freaking out too bad, he thinks things may be okay after all. That is until other mermen come for Marty and Rick finally learns all of Marty’s secrets like how they’re mates and mating may just change absolutely everything about Marty.
Oh, how I loved this story! I won’t deny that Ms. Kat is one of my favorite authors. There’s just something about her writing that always pulls me into the story and makes me love it. This one is no different. In fact, it might just be one of my favorites by her. I loved the fact that this one was about mermen and how hot and cold Marty was. The bantering and teasing between Rick and Marty was just adorable but I also loved that when all of Marty’s secrets came out, Rick took them in stride and even soothed Marty when he needed it. I just loved them together.
As characters, Rick is the mature, older man that’s looking to settle down with a partner. He wants that partner to be Marty and even when Marty keeps cancelling their dates, he can’t stay away from the cheerful man. Marty is Rick’s exact opposite. Where Rick is calm and somewhat composed, Marty is like a ball of energy. He’s happy and spreads the joy everywhere he can. But when they’re together, they laugh and have fun. They’re tastes and interests are the same and they’re feelings are in line so it’s not all about physical attraction between them.
As a story, I thought it was very clever. Marty’s a merman but I adored getting to experience some of the merfolk culture. The whole mating ritual was fascinating for me and quite a twist. I was actually surprised when I learned what would happen when Rick and Marty mated but really curious and pleased in how all that turned out.
Overall, this was a great story. I loved it but it was also fun and entertaining. I adored both Rick and Marty but I also liked the other merfolk like Jeremiah, Roy, Allistair and Eve. I had quite a few laughs from the merfolk but I also really enjoyed the story in general. If you’re looking for something that’s interesting with a great cast of characters and merfolk, definitely give this one a go! Now if only I could get a sequel!
October 2, 2014
Full Review http://kimnsarah.co.uk/tidal-change-c...
Rick and Marty teach school together and have been flirting for months. Rick is 12 years older than Marty and has a bum leg he got while diving. Marty keeps giving mixed signals: sometimes he can’t get enough of Rick, other times he’s pushing him away. But one thing is certain, whenever Rick pushes for more intimacy, Marty can’t run away fast enough.
Just when Rick thinks that he’s had enough, Marty gets “sick” and Rick ends up breaking into his house to find out if he’s in need of emergency care.
Well, he certainly in need of something, all right! Marty is a merman and Rick is his mate. The only problem is, acting on their mating will force Marty to change into something he doesn’t want to become, and once it’s done, it’s forever.
Luckily the two work together on a solution and everyone ends up surprisingly very happy.
**
I really enjoyed the unique nature of this book. The dilemma faced is one I have literally never seen in any other book and it was really interesting.
The romance was fairly tepid, but kind of sweet, especially in the end.
I enjoyed meeting Marty’s family and learning about merfolk and if there are more books in this series I’d definitely read them.
Overall I gave it a 3.5 of 5 hearts and recommend it based on the unique nature of the story, the good writing and the solid characters.
Rick and Marty teach school together and have been flirting for months. Rick is 12 years older than Marty and has a bum leg he got while diving. Marty keeps giving mixed signals: sometimes he can’t get enough of Rick, other times he’s pushing him away. But one thing is certain, whenever Rick pushes for more intimacy, Marty can’t run away fast enough.
Just when Rick thinks that he’s had enough, Marty gets “sick” and Rick ends up breaking into his house to find out if he’s in need of emergency care.
Well, he certainly in need of something, all right! Marty is a merman and Rick is his mate. The only problem is, acting on their mating will force Marty to change into something he doesn’t want to become, and once it’s done, it’s forever.
Luckily the two work together on a solution and everyone ends up surprisingly very happy.
**
I really enjoyed the unique nature of this book. The dilemma faced is one I have literally never seen in any other book and it was really interesting.
The romance was fairly tepid, but kind of sweet, especially in the end.
I enjoyed meeting Marty’s family and learning about merfolk and if there are more books in this series I’d definitely read them.
Overall I gave it a 3.5 of 5 hearts and recommend it based on the unique nature of the story, the good writing and the solid characters.
November 24, 2014
My first book by this author was A Purrfect Match and it was so funny that when I saw this book I just had to pick it up. I've never read a book about Merfolk and I don't think I ever want to after this atrocity.
First of all, Rick and Marty did not come across as grown ass men although they are 46 and 34, respectively. How does having Marty turn down Rick's advancements and break their dates help with building chemistry between these two characters?
The world building was severely lacking here. Don't even get me started on the mythology of Merfolk.
First of all, Rick and Marty did not come across as grown ass men although they are 46 and 34, respectively. How does having Marty turn down Rick's advancements and break their dates help with building chemistry between these two characters?
The world building was severely lacking here. Don't even get me started on the mythology of Merfolk.
October 1, 2014
Chris T. Kat is a wonderful author and truly nice person. Just because she could not read my replies during a Twitter contest, since I had my security set so high, she sent me a copy of Tidal Change, her latest DSP novella! It is a very sweet story, all about a merman and his human lover. Without giving too much away, the MCs do get their HEA, although not in any manner I was expecting. I love the mer world that Kat created. Similar to werewolves, the mer people need to change into their aquatic form during the full moon. Kat also draws on the science of some fish being sequential hermaphrodites to describe an important plot point in the story. I love when authors rationally explain something unusual rather than just relying on magic in a paranormal story! Kat is one of my favorite DSP authors and I own most everything she has written.
April 6, 2015
I really like the idea of a shifter story involving merpeople and this story, Tidal Change, provides an interesting twist to the genre. Rick and Marty's attraction is viable, so much so that Rich and Marty are mates. Discovering that Marty was more than what one expected appeared to surprise this reader more than it did the other protagonist, Rick. I was a bit confused with the whole changing sex aspect, but disposing of the topics that made little sense to me allowed me to enjoy the premise of this story. It certainly provided a venue for escapism, which is what the genre is suppose to do...interesting story and an enjoyable read!
March 3, 2016
3.25-3.5 stars for me. Mermen stories are just about my favorite thing ever, so I was really looking forward to this one! I did like this author's take on mermen in present day society, and I liked Rick and Marty together, and loved Rick finding out about Marty. Solid characters, good writing, and interesting story. I will say I wasn't a huge fan of how this story opened, like it felt like I should have been reading chapter six when I was just reading chapter one. All in all, one of the better mermen stories that I have read as of late, and I enjoyed it!
September 9, 2015
Well I guess I know now things I probably wouldn't of ever cared to learn about merfolk!! I'm quite disturbed yet fascinated by the details of their species, according to this fictional tale. All in all Rick and Marty changed history and liberated merfolk tradition!
September 21, 2014
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews