The Mermaid in the Shot Glass

Groom & Doom #3

by Hailey Edwards

The time has come for Ana to conquer her doubts about her heritage and discover her inner dragon. Her lessons begin with summoning fire on the shore at Lendman Park, placing a buffer between her fledgling powers and town. Her flames prove eager to please, leaping to her fingertips, but a sudden burst of magic topples her and Rían into the lake. A lake one of the locals swears is inhabited by a mermaid.

Too bad the mermaid lore isn’t the only story making the rounds in Brentwood. Rumor has it that Mercer Bates has challenged Carmichael Sartori for control of the Sartori pack. Ana doesn’t want to care whether Carmichael lives or dies, but our hearts don’t always listen to our heads. And that proves doubly true when someone Ana considers a new friend reveals her true loyalties in an explosive betrayal that shakes the foundation of the Walsh clan.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Dragons, Magic, Shapeshifters

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

About the author

Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.

Hailey isn't on Goodreads.

Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Hailey Edwards but my goodness, this was boring! NOTHING HAPPENS!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

These ones are short and it seems like not much happens in them, yet there were big shifts in relationships, it's a weird dichotomy. With this one Ana and Rian cement things in their relationship, they talk about the past and how there were a few choices Rian made that affect their present and future. But overall they are just navigating life and trying to figure out things, which for the most part they have done, it's just outside influences that keep screwing things up for them.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

I’m not quite sure what inspired "shot glass" in the title. Mermaid kind of stretches the truth but at least it's referenced. Not a whole lot happens to advance this story other than Ana’s growing affection for Rian. Other characters - Sloan, Liam, Goldie and even Jess seem to contribute more to the plot. There is much consternation caused by Ana’s attempts to bring her dragon to the surface.

I can’t for the life of me remember why Carmichael Sartori is so intent on getting Ana back. He’s not out of the picture yet so I imagine he’ll show up in future books. This one just read like a placeholder to me.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm more interested in Liam and Sloane than Ana and Rian, sad to say.

There is almost no chemistry between Ana and Rian, and for Rian to be an Alpha, he comes across very bland and uninteresting. The story has some terribly funny scenes, but as a whole, no better than 3 stars.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels like this story is FINALLY getting somewhere. There have been 3 very short/novella type stories that truthfully, could have all been put together to form one book. That would have actually made things so much easier - both for ease of reading and for cost (having to buy each separate Audible book is a bit frustrating).

So, this book. We are finally getting to see Ana and Rian make some real progress forward in their friendship/relationship. I don't particularly mind slow burn romances, it is just that Ana is and has been so frustratingly irritating. She likes him - she doesn't like him. She's attracted to him - she doesn't want to trust him.

Granted, she has been lied to for her entire life, by the people she was supposed to be able to trust....we get that. But it feels like Rian and his pack, gang...I can't remember what they are called. Anyway, each member has gone above and beyond to not only rescue Ana, but to put themselves in danger while she goes back and forth with her feelings.

With all that being said, I really am thrilled that we are getting some progress in this book. I will admit that I liked Rian almost from the very beginning but man oh man, he is only continuing to impress me and earn my respect and my admiration. He really is a great guy.

Ana, well, I still have faith that she is going to come to her sense and realize what is in front of her. What is on offer for her if she is only willing to take that leap of faith.

So - one more novella to go.......

[Buddhangela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Short!

These books are great, but they should have been published as a single book, not a series of novelettes! It’s like watching thirty minutes of a movie at a time with six months intervals instead of just watching a two hour movie and really getting into it. The titles of the books are super cute, but they could be the titles of chapters. Really, Hailey, give us a break here.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A lovely conclusion to the other 2 books. A fun light read.

[Tracy Smyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit slower than the last one, but still a fun read.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series and cannot wait for more. I love the characters and their interactions. The story is giving us more background and the danger is ever-present along with the good. Like Ana and Rian I am all in.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there. Let me know what you need from me, and it’s yours.”

The slow trickle of content we get about these two has me hanging on by my fingernails. I'm in love with the heated looks, the reined in possessiveness, and the hand holding. This slow burn is everything. I do need to remember that the creature in the title will not be in the book in actuality. I keep forgetting.

"The attention he poured over me without expectation of reciprocation had softened the parched earth of my soul. I had been thirsty for affection my entire life, but for the first time, I wasn’t a dried-out husk."

I enjoyed the slowness of this one, not a lot going on to drive the plot, but Ana settling in to a new kind of pack bond. She is so sweet with Goldie, and wanting her to be treated how she wasn't growing up. We learned a lot more about Rían in this one, and it only endears him to me even more.

“There’s too much good in my life to only ever see the bad.” He brought our joined hands to his mouth. “That includes you.”

[Cinder · Rating 3 out of 5]

READ

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 3/5⭐
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝖴𝗋𝖻𝖺𝗇 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗒
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌
𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬: 🟡
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 3/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 2/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 ⏱
𝖫𝖾𝗇𝗀𝗍𝗁: 1/5 📏
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 2/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 1/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 0/𝟻 🔥
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 / 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘:
🐺 𝖲𝗁𝗂𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌
🐉 𝖣𝗋𝖺𝗀𝗈𝗇𝗌
💖 𝖥𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖬𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌
💞⌛ 𝖲𝗅𝗈𝗐-𝖡𝗎𝗋𝗇
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
I do enjoy the story but nothing happened.
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬: Ana and Rían accepted their mating bond
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖨 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗎𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌? ✔️
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ✔️
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ✔️
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗪 / 𝗖𝗪: death, kidnapping, abuse, torture, bullying
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
Groom & Doom Series
𝟏. The Vampire in the Potting Shed: 3⭐
𝟐. The Goblin in the Sink Drain: 3⭐
𝟑. The Mermaid in the Shot Glass: 3⭐
𝟒. The Pixie in the Pickle Jar: TBR

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. Rian is trying SO HARD to rein in his protective and possessive streak when it comes to Ana because he wants her to have the choice to choose him. Not feel constrained by gratitude or guilt or any of those other pesky emotions that aren't straight up want.

To be fair, Ana does feel the want, but she was treated so terribly by Sartori and his pack that she's having a hard time accepting that the people around her want her for her. Rian liking her throws her. Heck, having Sloane as a friend she can count on throws her, so those deeper emotions she has toward Rian really have her reeling.

On top of all these feeeeelings, Ana and Rian are also dealing with potential changes to the Sartori pack leadership and betrayal from within for the Walsh clan. Oh, and Ana is finally coming into her dragon-ish abilities. Sort of. I mean, they're there. She's having a bit of a struggle controlling them, but they're proof (along with that lovely single scale) that she really is a dragon.

A couple of matchmaking family members, a explosion of power, and some answers to questions Ana was too polite to ask. Things are moving forward for this couple and I'm enjoying their journey A LOT!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mermaid in the Shot Glass continues the story of Ana Sartori, who until recently believed she was a latent wolf in a mafia-like shifter pack. Learning she is actually a dragon who was kidnapped at birth is both exciting and upsetting for Ana. She’ll never know her parents, and the scars inflicted by her abusive adopted father linger. Unsure if and when she’ll join Rían and the Walsh pack, she’s certain she wants to break ties with the Sartori pack.

I continue to enjoy the Groom & Doom cozy urban fantasy series, with its focus Ana’s found family and burgeoning romance with Rían. The stories are character-centric, and each tale builds on the world development. I love all of the characters and their growing bonds. There is silliness (especially when it comes to the supporting characters) and a lot of heart.

After a lot of upheaval in the first two books, The Mermaid in the Shot Glass is pretty low-stake as Ana learns more about her shifter nature. While the story is entertaining, it feels more like one part of a larger tale, similar to a serial. There really isn’t a strong mystery or problem to resolve. The couple “mysteries” raised are solved almost as an after thought with little “following the clues.” It’s more about Ana adjusting to her new circumstances and accepting her fate as Rían’s finance. While I enjoyed it, there isn’t a strong plot.

One thing that is really bugging me after three titles is the question of how paranormals and humans interact. The whole topic is very loosey-goosey. Readers are finally told that it is paramount for supernatural beings to keep their existence hidden from humans. I’m struggling how the Walsh clan moved into a town with humans and evacuated all the humans, yet there are functioning police and fire departments, and meanwhile, property is being damaged, businesses have been closed, etc.

Narration: The story is shared from the first person POV of Ana. The narrator has a softer, upbeat feminine voice, which is adjusted slightly for character dialogue, based on age, gender, and species. Her voice is gentle and easy to listen to; well-suited for Ana. Her males are generally lower pitched. Her younger characters tend to be suitably bubbly and more vivacious. Characters of the same gender can sound similar.

In the end, I will continue with the Groom & Doom series which has a lot of promise and unanswered questions. I just hope the next book has a stronger, self-contained plot.

My Ratings:
Story: C+
Narration: B

Review copy provided by the publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

[MaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will continue with a 3.5-star rating. While there is more intrigue, drama, betrayal, sadness and information, Book 3 is still short. We may get one big question answered, but it only opens the door to more uncertainty for Ana. I am rooting for Rian and Ana, but this is definitely a slow burn romance (Ha! A little joke there- slow burn).
While there are sad histories, family/pack drama, and the need to find inner strength and self-love, I would still consider this a lighter or maybe less intense series for this author. It is an entertaining, quick read with some laugh out loud moments (especially involving Goldie). But here is me hoping the series ends soon and the author returns to her back writing style similar to 'Black Hat'. That seemed more involved worldbuilding and characterization...but that's just me.
With that in mind, I would still recommend this for a quick enjoyable read.

[Taldragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The time has come for Ana to conquer her doubts about her heritage and discover her inner dragon. Her lessons begin with summoning fire on the shore at Lendman Park, placing a buffer between her fledgling powers and town. Her flames prove eager to please, leaping to her fingertips, but a sudden burst of magic topples her and Rían into the lake. A lake one of the locals swears is inhabited by a mermaid.

Too bad the mermaid lore isn’t the only story making the rounds in Brentwood. Rumor has it that Mercer Bates has challenged Carmichael Sartori for control of the Sartori pack. Ana doesn’t want to care whether Carmichael lives or dies, but our hearts don’t always listen to our heads. And that proves doubly true when someone Ana considers a new friend reveals her true loyalties in an explosive betrayal that shakes the foundation of the Walsh clan.

[Nicole Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

They really should call this series “Goldie the Scene Stealer”

I mean, seriously, this whole series is Goldie’s story, and everyone else is just doing stuff around her. That kid — from the moment we saw her in the first book, selling tickets to other kids to see her new sister — I loved her character. She’s such a personality. I kind of really adore Sloane, too, for her unwavering loyalty.

If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this installment. It’s not a big earthshaker — it kind of feels like an interstitial story, but it’s nice to have a little focus on Ana and Rian’s budding relationship before they go back to war. And I hope the mermaid that makes an appearance here comes into play later. Otherwise, that piece of the story makes no sense to me.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author’s great writing is a reason I continue reading her books, but another reason is how much I love how her characters have issues and are not perfect but are still wonderful anyway. This is the third book in the series, and this time poor Ana has to deal with an overload of information she was unaware of including a traitor no one saw coming. I just love this series, and this latest is just so much darn fun. The interaction and love between the characters just leap off the page, and I just adore them. Wonderful addition! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the third book of the Groom & Doom series, Ana is learning more about being a dragon, and her lessons with summoning fire don’t go quite as planned. There are new secrets discovered, Ana gets more comfortable around Rian, and she begins to feel more a part of the Walsh clan, more so than she ever felt with the Sartori pack. I love Ana and Rian, and the other characters, like Sloane, Liam and Goldie, add a lot of fun to the story. My only complaint is that I wish each story were longer and new ones came sooner, which is really a me problem that I just have to learn to live with.

[sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

good series

I’ve really enjoyed reading this series and how Ana and Rian have grown together. I’m curious what will happen with Ana ‘ s fake father. More importantly, I’m sooooo upset I have to wait pretty close to a year for the next book to come out.!!!! I’m hoping it comes out early. Very early. Goldie is a very cute character and funny.
Sloan is really weird, but funny. I think her and Liam belong together. My only complaint about this series is it moves too slow, it’s the third book, and the main characters; who are supposedly fated mates, have barely kissed.

[Sheri Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE THIS

This is probably my favorite book out of three I read. I finished this in less than a day I couldn’t stop reading it. I am not sure which is my favorite character. I absolutely love Liam and Sloane’s banter I couldn’t stop laughing out loud. Goldie is adorable I love her character. Frustrating Ana hasn’t turned into a dragon but love that her powers are coming out. I can’t wait for the 4th book I NEED to know what happens what type of Dragon will Ana be and how long will it take for Liam and Sloane to admit their feelings. Where is Carmichael.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As noted in title, this is third in a series, and tbh you really need to read the first two before this one to understand. Even though the author does a good job of painting the characters enough for you to enjoy, the history of the relationship and the plot points are only touched on so one who had not read the series may be lost. Even myself, who is a very prolific reader, had some issues reminding myself of what happened in order to understand. However, of the three so far, this one feels the most like a complete plot and does not let you ‘hang’ so bad. Though this is a great series, you really would be best to enjoy them back to back.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, to me this one was not as good as the previous two, and in some ways that was better because I put it down more easily. But overall, less happened in terms of plot. And not a whole lot happened in terms of answering questions. Once again the title does not have much to do with what happens in the story, and to be honest, I think the blurb for this one is a bit misleading as well. Since the fifth and final book hasn’t come out yet, I’ve decided not to read the 4th for now. If I still have enough interest by the time the 5th comes out, I’ll read them both then.

[Janelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I said I wasn’t going to continue with this series and I wish I hadn’t. Nothing happens in this installment. If the books are only 150 pages, then they need to have some action. I felt like I was reading the humdrum daily routines of the characters, but nothing actually happens. This is for real the last one I’ll read, I struggled to finish even this very short book. It’s a mystery that Hailey Edward’s has chosen this format and continues with it despite all the disappointed readers.

[Carlottawoolcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and silly

I loved this series From clever creatures to fated mates, the shifting story of what one will do to truly win over a hard past is the base. Toss in magic, and being responsible for a community pack says a lot about our hero, and the woman he has moved everything to find, and care for. It will make any reader smile.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the world and characters but wish the books were longer. this is another novella and again not much is resolved, found another traitor and a secret that Rian was keeping but I would much rather wait longer to read more story with more action. not sure if I will read the next one if another novella.
spoiler, Ana still hasn't shifted yet or settled things with Rian. too much slow burn

[Anne V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but Short

I didn’t count pages, but this book seemed shorter and less conclusive than the author’s usual works. Not much plot advancement, not really much character development either. Almost like a quick reminder that this universe exists so the reader doesn’t forget before the next, more substantial, story.

[Alicia Scarborough · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Quick Shot

Yet another fun addition to the series and a glorious build to the slow romance. I am truly enjoying how everything is unfolding, even though I feel these books are too short. Like once you really get into the story, it’s over before you know it. But, that’s how the good ones are, you want them to last forever.

[L.B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light on plot, growth (including romance), and clarity (stage setting, who’s talking, why the title) and heavier on dialogue. It’s hard to follow (let alone support) the MCs decisions and emotions, and this book is again so short (novella really), but I’ll give the author points that it keeps me frustrated so I read more hoping the next in the series will give me something.

[BookwormMomma7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mermaid in the Shot Glass

Anna is still growing into her new powers and getting to know Rein and the new power dynamics. A lot of incertitude around her new and old packs but her bond is getting stronger.
Cannot wait to see the next book,this one set up a good one coming up. No cliffhanger.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

It had been a while since I read the last book so it took me a bit to remember the characters and stuff. I really like Ana the rest of the characters in the book. I do think it’s funny that the one person who thinks that there’s a mermaid in the lake is a drunk so nobody believes him. I like at the end about the mermaid. I will definitely read the next book in this series.