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The Merman's Betrothal
Can an arrogant mer-prince and a surly fisherman really be a match chosen by the fates?
Prince Fionn is a proud, dutiful young merman searching for a way out of a magical bargain that has him trapped in an arranged marriage to a rival kingdom. When a soul bond unexpectedly ignites between Fionn and a human in the middle of a crowded club, it seems like fate has handed him a way a soul mate. But before Fionn can present his new mate to the king, he must win over the argumentative human who doesn't seem too receptive to being dragged underwater.
Rory is a disillusioned creel fisherman who feels trapped in his meaningless life on the west coast of rural Scotland. Though he's used to squaring up to bigger blokes to prove a point, Rory isn't ready for the day that a giant blue merman kisses him, throwing everything he thought about himself and his sexuality into question. What's worse, the harder Rory fights his inescapable attraction to the silver-haired monster, the more Fionn seems to win him over. Could a shared love of the ocean and the beckoning of adventure be enough to gamble on a new future?
The Merman's Betrothal is an M/M paranormal romance featuring a proud blue mer-prince and a grumpy Scottish fisherman. This is the second in a series of books each featuring a different non-human couple, set in the same world as The Walker Witch Files. (It's not necessary to read Cam & Lachy's storyfirst, but you may enjoy it more if you do.)
Content this story contains explicit sexual content as well as depictions of internalised homophobia, toxic family relationships, and cruelty to wildlife. For the full list of triggers, check the content warning in the front of the book.
Prince Fionn is a proud, dutiful young merman searching for a way out of a magical bargain that has him trapped in an arranged marriage to a rival kingdom. When a soul bond unexpectedly ignites between Fionn and a human in the middle of a crowded club, it seems like fate has handed him a way a soul mate. But before Fionn can present his new mate to the king, he must win over the argumentative human who doesn't seem too receptive to being dragged underwater.
Rory is a disillusioned creel fisherman who feels trapped in his meaningless life on the west coast of rural Scotland. Though he's used to squaring up to bigger blokes to prove a point, Rory isn't ready for the day that a giant blue merman kisses him, throwing everything he thought about himself and his sexuality into question. What's worse, the harder Rory fights his inescapable attraction to the silver-haired monster, the more Fionn seems to win him over. Could a shared love of the ocean and the beckoning of adventure be enough to gamble on a new future?
The Merman's Betrothal is an M/M paranormal romance featuring a proud blue mer-prince and a grumpy Scottish fisherman. This is the second in a series of books each featuring a different non-human couple, set in the same world as The Walker Witch Files. (It's not necessary to read Cam & Lachy's storyfirst, but you may enjoy it more if you do.)
Content this story contains explicit sexual content as well as depictions of internalised homophobia, toxic family relationships, and cruelty to wildlife. For the full list of triggers, check the content warning in the front of the book.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
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92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 24, 2025
4**** stars
That’s why Prince Fionn is supposed to wear a blindfold on his wedding day to not accidentally lay eyes on another merman from the Redfolk other than his betrothed. He was definitely not supposed to lay eyes on a random human in a random human club on his first outing on land and then having happened exactly that to him. An accidental bond, not to his betrothed.
It was a great story with an intriguing plot line that raised a lot of questions to be answered in the process.
Two complaints tho.
First, despite the captivating storyline the author once again fails to fully convince me of the chemistry between the two MCs. Maybe it’s me, maybe not. You know how we often say when talking about a romance “their chemistry was insane”? Exactly that is missing for me in these books but I can’t put my finger on why that is.
And second, I absolutely understand that the author didn’t want to answer all the mysteries and questions as she intents to further explore this Merfolk world but the answer that was missing for me was the one on Rory’s heritage. I really wanted to know and especially how it ties back to his father and grandfather. WHO exactly Rory is.
Still, I’m keen to continue with the series and I’m very excited for the companion stories Edwina Lindsey has planned.
***********
Outcast Hearts Series
Book 1 - The Wulver’s Bond - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - The Merman’s Betrothal - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - The Goblin King’s Promise - tbd
‘The magic of the marriage bargain is simple. The First Prince forms a soul bond with the first member of the Redfolk kin that he lays eyes on.’
That’s why Prince Fionn is supposed to wear a blindfold on his wedding day to not accidentally lay eyes on another merman from the Redfolk other than his betrothed. He was definitely not supposed to lay eyes on a random human in a random human club on his first outing on land and then having happened exactly that to him. An accidental bond, not to his betrothed.
It was a great story with an intriguing plot line that raised a lot of questions to be answered in the process.
Two complaints tho.
First, despite the captivating storyline the author once again fails to fully convince me of the chemistry between the two MCs. Maybe it’s me, maybe not. You know how we often say when talking about a romance “their chemistry was insane”? Exactly that is missing for me in these books but I can’t put my finger on why that is.
And second, I absolutely understand that the author didn’t want to answer all the mysteries and questions as she intents to further explore this Merfolk world but the answer that was missing for me was the one on Rory’s heritage. I really wanted to know and especially how it ties back to his father and grandfather. WHO exactly Rory is.
Still, I’m keen to continue with the series and I’m very excited for the companion stories Edwina Lindsey has planned.
***********
Outcast Hearts Series
Book 1 - The Wulver’s Bond - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - The Merman’s Betrothal - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - The Goblin King’s Promise - tbd
August 2, 2025
"A prince and a fisherman, right? Why?"
A human and a merman, Fionn’s own thoughts echoed.
WOW. My love affair with Edwina Lindsey's books started with Cam and Lachlan in The Walker Witch Files Omnibus: Books 1-3, and then they gave us even more of the lush, rich Scottish Highlands setting and delicious characters in The Wulver's Bond and it became my absolute favorite story they've written. I didn't think anything would top it... but then a proud Minchman and a listless fisherman proved me wrong! <3
Fionn swam closer. ‘I wish to board your boat.’
‘Fuck no,’ Rory spluttered.
I loved Fionn instantly. He was stuck and sheltered, and his brusque, proud mannerisms in those early encounters were delicious groundwork for some good character growth! I adored watching him learn about Rory - and by default, humans and the world above the sea. The setting under the water was robust and detailed in a way that really brought out the imagery - I felt like I was floating along with Fionn, following the Wandering Star and waiting for a chance to brandish my spear and woo my mate.
‘Why does it have to be you?’ Fionn murmured, trailing fingers across Rory’s chest
Rory had by far the most character growth in this story. The early 25% of this book reminds me a lot of the grey, dull feeling from The House in the Cerulean Sea. Rory is aimless. Stuck in his own way and fighting ghosts from the past. The acute distress he goes through in the early stages of this book is palpable and so well written.
And then, by the time Rory started warming up to Fionn, this book became un-put-downable! The Rory that comes out on the other end of this story? Physically and psychologically changed. This is a story that manifests reaching out and grabbing what you want, despite the risks, despite the fear, and despite feeling trapped by fate.
You want my permission or what?’
‘To do what?’
‘Cuddle me, for fuck’s sake.’
Fionn spun so rapidly to embrace him that Rory had to choke down a laugh
The secondary characters were featured just enough to support our MCs in their journey, without bogging the read down with length or unnecessary details. I loved how Neacel helped Fionn realize when his head was stuck up his arse. I loved Graham's friendship, despite Rory's prickly nature.
And dayum I loved Iomhar's I need their origin story STAT.
With an ending stocked with a grand gesture and action-packed climax, this book fucking delivered. And what did we get teased with right at the end? From the Authors Note:
If you’re hungry for more stories set in this universe, look out for my next book release in the Outcast Hearts series: The Goblin King’s Promise. I also expect to release some companion stories for The Merman’s Betrothal exploring the relationships of characters like Neacel, Graham, Iomhar, and King Aonghas.
*SCREAMING*
*I received an ARC from the author but my review is all my own opinion.
December 23, 2025
Fantastic! I really felt drawn in to the mermen mythology. It's pretty tough to make fated mates stories interesting, but Edwina Lindsey has sure succeeded. For a while there, I thought they probably shouldn't even be together. I liked that they were both flawed characters who had to learn and change in order to move forward.
August 20, 2025
I didn't connect with this one on the level I did the previous in the series, but it was a solid, entertaining read. I liked the central characters and felt they were well-drawn, enjoyed the window into the world of the Minchmen, and appreciated that not all the emotional difficulties were easily or fully resolved (especially the two father/son relationships). The ending trails off a little, especially with the epilogue, which hurriedly wraps up a number of threads in small flashes. I think some of them could have been left to future stories or books without hurting anything. I also liked the big dramatic climax but have some questions about how the curse works. ? I think the climax could have been tweaked to answer some of these questions.
I also felt that the book didn't quite know where it wanted to go with the thematic thread about ocean conservation/global warming/the environmental impact of humanity. It's a huge, incredibly complicated topic to tackle in a romance novel, but Lindsey clearly wanted to engage with it. Ultimately, though, I think the bits that picked up the topic seemed more like stray thoughts than parts of a whole. I wanted them to at least point to a plausible future for Rory and Fionn, but it ended up feeling a little futile. Which is fair, given the state of reality, but not, I think, the emotional takeaway Lindsey was going for.
Actually, the more I think about it the more I feel like there are a lot of thematic threads here that are incipient ideas, and which I wish had been more fleshed out. The emotional parallels between Rory and Fionn were sometimes a bit heavy-handed, but I don't know if they ever rose to the level of the book saying anything thematically. That's not something I demand of every book I read, but I find myself dwelling on it here because there's plenty of fertile ground. Just a little more attention paid thematic focus would have sharpened the book considerably.
This all sounds kind of like I didn't like the book, and I did! I'm being critical because I think Lindsey is a very capable author and I'd love to see her continue to grow and improve. I'll definitely be watching for future releases from her.
I also felt that the book didn't quite know where it wanted to go with the thematic thread about ocean conservation/global warming/the environmental impact of humanity. It's a huge, incredibly complicated topic to tackle in a romance novel, but Lindsey clearly wanted to engage with it. Ultimately, though, I think the bits that picked up the topic seemed more like stray thoughts than parts of a whole. I wanted them to at least point to a plausible future for Rory and Fionn, but it ended up feeling a little futile. Which is fair, given the state of reality, but not, I think, the emotional takeaway Lindsey was going for.
Actually, the more I think about it the more I feel like there are a lot of thematic threads here that are incipient ideas, and which I wish had been more fleshed out. The emotional parallels between Rory and Fionn were sometimes a bit heavy-handed, but I don't know if they ever rose to the level of the book saying anything thematically. That's not something I demand of every book I read, but I find myself dwelling on it here because there's plenty of fertile ground. Just a little more attention paid thematic focus would have sharpened the book considerably.
This all sounds kind of like I didn't like the book, and I did! I'm being critical because I think Lindsey is a very capable author and I'd love to see her continue to grow and improve. I'll definitely be watching for future releases from her.
October 27, 2025
Not for me.
It took me far too long to read this.
I didn't care for the characters, nor for the world building, which was too deep into fantasy for my taste (and felt outdated like a 1960s movie).
I didn't care much for the writing either. But the one thing I enjoyed was reading distinct voices for the 2 MCs.
It took me far too long to read this.
I didn't care for the characters, nor for the world building, which was too deep into fantasy for my taste (and felt outdated like a 1960s movie).
I didn't care much for the writing either. But the one thing I enjoyed was reading distinct voices for the 2 MCs.
February 12, 2026
Definitely a miss for me. I enjoyed the Nessie series, even if it did start a little slow. And I also liked The Wulver book. But this one was boring and lacked chemistry between the MCs. It also lacked development and heart. Furthermore, there’s more telling than showing.
I liked Fionn and was looking forward to his story unfolding. Sadly, Rory was a bad match, imo. Rory is outright mean to Fionn for a lot of the book, not just “grumpy” as the blurb claims. I just did not like his character at all. And after Rory tries to punch Fionn (doesn’t connect), I never really got over that. Then, once Rory “changes,” he just does a 180 and it didn’t ring true at all. They had zero chemistry or connection even once they’re “together.”
On top of that, the intimate scenes were so cringe and awkward. I mean, so bad. They weren’t passionate or sexy at all.
And, I had a real problem visualizing Fionn and his people in the beginning, because I was thinking they had tails…you know, like most mer-people do. So when it became clear that they are basically blue humans with gills, I was thrown off. This also dips its toes into mpreg, which I feel should be included in the CW. It is an all-male species and they are capable of pregnancy. And somehow the king can impregnate himself, which I found so bizarre 🤣 It’s m-a-g-i-c 🙌🏼 😆
There were things I liked: Acha, the turtle and the “wedding crasher” scenes, Fionn, and Fionn’s mentor. These are the reasons it gets at last two stars.
The epilogue is basically a setup for more books/novellas. I actually have zero interest in any of these side-characters’ stories, so I think I’m done with this author for now.
I liked Fionn and was looking forward to his story unfolding. Sadly, Rory was a bad match, imo. Rory is outright mean to Fionn for a lot of the book, not just “grumpy” as the blurb claims. I just did not like his character at all. And after Rory tries to punch Fionn (doesn’t connect), I never really got over that. Then, once Rory “changes,” he just does a 180 and it didn’t ring true at all. They had zero chemistry or connection even once they’re “together.”
On top of that, the intimate scenes were so cringe and awkward. I mean, so bad. They weren’t passionate or sexy at all.
And, I had a real problem visualizing Fionn and his people in the beginning, because I was thinking they had tails…you know, like most mer-people do. So when it became clear that they are basically blue humans with gills, I was thrown off. This also dips its toes into mpreg, which I feel should be included in the CW. It is an all-male species and they are capable of pregnancy. And somehow the king can impregnate himself, which I found so bizarre 🤣 It’s m-a-g-i-c 🙌🏼 😆
There were things I liked: Acha, the turtle and the “wedding crasher” scenes, Fionn, and Fionn’s mentor. These are the reasons it gets at last two stars.
The epilogue is basically a setup for more books/novellas. I actually have zero interest in any of these side-characters’ stories, so I think I’m done with this author for now.
November 18, 2025
This is an MM merman x fisherman fantasy romance with fated mates, enemies to lovers, and bi awakening. My favorite thing was the focus on character growth and discovery in context of their relationship. I usually find the enemies to lovers trope kinda contrived for a lot of books, but this one was very believable and founded in who they are as characters. As a warning, the MCs don't necessarily start the book as likable, but I fell totally in love with both of them by the end. My only "complaint" is the first couple chapters are a *little* clunky insofar as world building, but most of the "setting holes" get filled in as you go. However, it's pretty light on the fantasy, so expect to suspend your disbelief on the magical elements, rather than get an in depth dive into how it all works. There are ~3 spice scenes in this 330 page book, so it's definitely spicy, but certainly romance focused rather than erotica. There is unique and fun monster peen (and other anatomy)!
August 22, 2025
In the Walker Witch files, Prince Fionn makes an appearance, but I did not expect to read his story.
Fionn has been betrothed from birth, a deal made to protect his kingdom. Whilst not happy with the decision Fionn knows he has no choice. Rory is only a fisherman to try and please his father, forfeiting his dreams.
This was a story that drew me in from page one, with beautiful descriptive scenes, you feel like you are there standing on the shores of Loch or swimming with Fionn. The relationship was slow burn which is a pleasant surprise when it comes to fated mates. There were a few secondary characters that I liked and has me curious for their stories. Graham(Rory's friend), Neacel, who was an adorable character and I know Iomhar definitely has a story to tell.
I cannot wait to read more stories set in this world
Fionn has been betrothed from birth, a deal made to protect his kingdom. Whilst not happy with the decision Fionn knows he has no choice. Rory is only a fisherman to try and please his father, forfeiting his dreams.
This was a story that drew me in from page one, with beautiful descriptive scenes, you feel like you are there standing on the shores of Loch or swimming with Fionn. The relationship was slow burn which is a pleasant surprise when it comes to fated mates. There were a few secondary characters that I liked and has me curious for their stories. Graham(Rory's friend), Neacel, who was an adorable character and I know Iomhar definitely has a story to tell.
I cannot wait to read more stories set in this world
August 12, 2025
A beautiful story, pleasant reading experience, I really enjoyed this story. I really couldn't put this book down. I laughed and cried. Fionn, who discovers that as a prince of the Bluefolk, he knows very little about his own people. He tries to catch up on this knowledge with his friend, a very unexpected friend, Neacel. I really thought Neacel was great. And then he meets Rory. Who wants more from life, but has not yet found the courage. Family traditions and traumas. And then he also discovers that he is someone completely different and belongs in the water. Oh, all I can say is that I can't wait for the other stories, because believe me, this story is definitely not the last...
February 20, 2026
3.5 stars, rounding up - I didn't like this quite as much as the first book in this loosely connected series, but I did enjoy it overall. We have two flawed MCs who have a lot of differences to overcome, but it seems they are fated to be mates.
The was unexpected, and thankfully of short duration. I think mainly the book suffered from having too many things going on and not enough time with the two characters together working on their connection beyond the magical bond.
I really liked the side character of Neacel and would be interested to read more about him.
The was unexpected, and thankfully of short duration. I think mainly the book suffered from having too many things going on and not enough time with the two characters together working on their connection beyond the magical bond.
I really liked the side character of Neacel and would be interested to read more about him.
August 7, 2025
This is a good book, but just not for me. Please, go grab it, and read it!!! The overall plot, and story are entertaining, and I loved Fionn's character development. Seeing how both, he and Rory hand to really work to make it, was nice. The world-building was great. There is the mention and biological description of mPreg, and that is something which is not my personal cup of tea. No mPreg is happening on page, but it wouldn't leave my thought and trough personal issues that is just something I can't deal with. Still a good read, and a great HEA!
July 27, 2025
Great addition to the series!
I loved The Merman's Betrothal by Edwina Lindsey. It's the second book in the Outcast Hearts series. I loved Fionn and Rory. Poor Rory had so much that he had to go through. I loved watching him change after meeting Fionn. I loved watching Fionn change also.
I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.
I loved The Merman's Betrothal by Edwina Lindsey. It's the second book in the Outcast Hearts series. I loved Fionn and Rory. Poor Rory had so much that he had to go through. I loved watching him change after meeting Fionn. I loved watching Fionn change also.
I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.
January 2, 2026
i HATE arranged marriage ( when it's not the main plot)
fiona was an interesting merman & im glad an interesting human like rory is his soulmate!
i would have loved more of neacel.
can i PLEASE wake up one day and realise im actually part merman & fated to a cute & strong whole ass merman??
ps: i need iomhar & aongha's story.
FUCK the red mermen.
fiona was an interesting merman & im glad an interesting human like rory is his soulmate!
i would have loved more of neacel.
can i PLEASE wake up one day and realise im actually part merman & fated to a cute & strong whole ass merman??
ps: i need iomhar & aongha's story.
FUCK the red mermen.
December 12, 2025
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BOOK. Beautifully written and executed, with beautiful characters, story and setting. LOVED IT!! it was so bizarre but so cutie patootie!!!
Their bond is depicted as crashing waves and that was so marvelous😭😭😭 I'm a sucker for fated mates!!!!! YAY
Their bond is depicted as crashing waves and that was so marvelous😭😭😭 I'm a sucker for fated mates!!!!! YAY
September 7, 2025
What an interesting world being crafted here! I love the idea of the two types of mermen and am intrigued by learning more about the Rot.
August 6, 2025
Great read, I loved Rory's gruffness and a lot of his scenes really made me laugh. So happy to see Lachlan again, which reminds me to read book 2 of the Nessie series. The world building was great and every scene felt very atmospheric. As a Welsh woman I loooooved the Scottish setting, really bled onto the page which I thought was AMAZING. As usual, I loved Edwina's writing style. Also, Neceeeeeeeal! Baby boy, 100% my favourite character.
There were just a couple of things that kept it from being 5 stars - but overall a great read, flew through it in a couple of days. I have been in a reading slump and this helped me find my way out of :-D Congratulations on this triumph Edwina! x
There were just a couple of things that kept it from being 5 stars - but overall a great read, flew through it in a couple of days. I have been in a reading slump and this helped me find my way out of :-D Congratulations on this triumph Edwina! x
August 9, 2025
Another sweet and satisfying page-turner by Edwina Lindsey! I did get an ARC of this book, but I wouldn’t have had I not already been a fan of this author’s work (I’m not going to review an ARC just for the sake of having an ARC).
EL gives excellent turn-of-phrase. I really appreciate, in this one, how the “mer” MC uses sea-appropriate references and metaphors, and the imagery of the wild sea and the loch and the Scottish coastline is detailed and evocative.
I loved Rory’s passion for marine life and how that made Fionn look at his own deep protectiveness of the ocean environment another way. I loved how both MCs had to really be introspective about the growth they needed to do, but also listen to friends *and each other* to grow as well (and learn to speak so the other can hear).
I am pretty picky about dialogue and character’s internal logic and EL lives up to my standards. The characters’ voices are always distinct, and they work through their issues with communication, collaboration, logically, and with minimal bs drama. Even tertiary characters that aren’t fully fleshed out are not one-dimensional.
Also loved the little cameo of Lachlan and Meredith (Meredith 💜)!
EL gives excellent turn-of-phrase. I really appreciate, in this one, how the “mer” MC uses sea-appropriate references and metaphors, and the imagery of the wild sea and the loch and the Scottish coastline is detailed and evocative.
I loved Rory’s passion for marine life and how that made Fionn look at his own deep protectiveness of the ocean environment another way. I loved how both MCs had to really be introspective about the growth they needed to do, but also listen to friends *and each other* to grow as well (and learn to speak so the other can hear).
I am pretty picky about dialogue and character’s internal logic and EL lives up to my standards. The characters’ voices are always distinct, and they work through their issues with communication, collaboration, logically, and with minimal bs drama. Even tertiary characters that aren’t fully fleshed out are not one-dimensional.
Also loved the little cameo of Lachlan and Meredith (Meredith 💜)!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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