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Merseton Tales #3
Trader Argyle (Definitely Human)
Argyle’s particular about how to be human, but rules must be broken to save his favorite town.
Of all the towns on Argyle Mim’s trading routes, he’s always enjoyed visiting Merseton best. The residents understand the unusual, and he can’t deny he’s far from usual. So when he learns of a cavalry troop bent on destroying his favorite town, Argyle races to warn them and becomes more involved in the town’s defense than he’d anticipated.
Fen Pepper never wanted to be a cavalry soldier, but when his brother is forcibly conscripted, he volunteers. He’s always protected Cor from people who don’t understand him, and he’s not about to stop now. A monster-killing obsessed captain leads the cavalry troop, and their target is the little town of Merseton, which might or might not exist. When Cor is injured during a skirmish, Fen stays with him while the rest of the troop flees—abandoning them to a town of monsters.
But all is not what it seems, and Fen finds his prejudices and fears challenged at every turn. Trader Argyle takes Fen under his wing and helps him navigate this odd new world. The cavalry will return—Fen knows their captain well enough for that—endangering the people who rescued him and his brother. While Fen reconsiders the bad information he’s been fed all his life and tries not to consider his growing feelings for Argyle, he knows he’ll have to choose between questionable loyalty and the truth right in front of him.
This book one cat who knows more than she should, some horrible holy relics, and a number of very angry birds.
Of all the towns on Argyle Mim’s trading routes, he’s always enjoyed visiting Merseton best. The residents understand the unusual, and he can’t deny he’s far from usual. So when he learns of a cavalry troop bent on destroying his favorite town, Argyle races to warn them and becomes more involved in the town’s defense than he’d anticipated.
Fen Pepper never wanted to be a cavalry soldier, but when his brother is forcibly conscripted, he volunteers. He’s always protected Cor from people who don’t understand him, and he’s not about to stop now. A monster-killing obsessed captain leads the cavalry troop, and their target is the little town of Merseton, which might or might not exist. When Cor is injured during a skirmish, Fen stays with him while the rest of the troop flees—abandoning them to a town of monsters.
But all is not what it seems, and Fen finds his prejudices and fears challenged at every turn. Trader Argyle takes Fen under his wing and helps him navigate this odd new world. The cavalry will return—Fen knows their captain well enough for that—endangering the people who rescued him and his brother. While Fen reconsiders the bad information he’s been fed all his life and tries not to consider his growing feelings for Argyle, he knows he’ll have to choose between questionable loyalty and the truth right in front of him.
This book one cat who knows more than she should, some horrible holy relics, and a number of very angry birds.
346 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2025
8 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Ángel Martínez
96 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 23, 2025
Almost missed this book again! I already missed book #2 when it first came out, so clearly I need to pay better attention 😅. I really enjoy Martinez’s Merseton universe—it’s filled with unique mythical creatures you don’t usually see in paranormal romance, and that’s honestly what keeps pulling me back.
This installment focuses on Trader Argyle Mim, who comes to Merseton whenever he has things to trade. One day, Argyle discovers that soldiers are on their way to the town, planning to cause havoc, and he rushes to warn everyone. After the townsfolk manage to drive the soldiers away, two are left behind: Fen Pepper and his injured brother, Cor Pepper.
And gah… I adored the romance. I loved watching Fen learn about the town—and about Argyle—and slowly realize that not all “monsters” are bad. I loved how the relationship between Fen and Argyle developed so naturally. And I LOVED finally learning Argyle’s true identity as a creature. Just… wonderful, WONDERFUL story!!
Please let Martinez continue this series with even more creatures—I’m not done with Merseton yet.
This installment focuses on Trader Argyle Mim, who comes to Merseton whenever he has things to trade. One day, Argyle discovers that soldiers are on their way to the town, planning to cause havoc, and he rushes to warn everyone. After the townsfolk manage to drive the soldiers away, two are left behind: Fen Pepper and his injured brother, Cor Pepper.
And gah… I adored the romance. I loved watching Fen learn about the town—and about Argyle—and slowly realize that not all “monsters” are bad. I loved how the relationship between Fen and Argyle developed so naturally. And I LOVED finally learning Argyle’s true identity as a creature. Just… wonderful, WONDERFUL story!!
Please let Martinez continue this series with even more creatures—I’m not done with Merseton yet.
December 26, 2025
Author does not disclose trans MC in Synopsis. Readers only find out at 65%.
April 27, 2026
Argyle & Fen
Argyle is a trader that visits Merseton. Fen was a soldier, not exactly by choice, his brother Cor was conscripted, he join to protect him. Argyle warns the Merseton people that troops are coming to try and destroy the town. The towns people create an illusion and scare off the troops but two brothers are left behind Fen and Cor. As Fen gets to know Argyle and the towns people, he begins to see that they are peaceful and wonderful people not monsters.
Argyle and Fen get closer together and fall in love. This is a sweet story. I loved it just as much as I loved the first two books in the series.
Argyle is a trader that visits Merseton. Fen was a soldier, not exactly by choice, his brother Cor was conscripted, he join to protect him. Argyle warns the Merseton people that troops are coming to try and destroy the town. The towns people create an illusion and scare off the troops but two brothers are left behind Fen and Cor. As Fen gets to know Argyle and the towns people, he begins to see that they are peaceful and wonderful people not monsters.
Argyle and Fen get closer together and fall in love. This is a sweet story. I loved it just as much as I loved the first two books in the series.
January 3, 2026
4-⭐
Cosy fantasy suits Martinez's wild imagination very well. The characters are ridiculous but there is a strong theme of acceptance and found family here. It's very fuzzy and warm, and fun.
I have to admit that I am a dirty enough to want more smut out of a shape-shifting character so the book doesn't really deliver on that aspect, but a huge sexfest wouldn't have suited either.
Cosy fantasy suits Martinez's wild imagination very well. The characters are ridiculous but there is a strong theme of acceptance and found family here. It's very fuzzy and warm, and fun.
I have to admit that I am a dirty enough to want more smut out of a shape-shifting character so the book doesn't really deliver on that aspect, but a huge sexfest wouldn't have suited either.
December 23, 2025
4.5 stars
This was fun and sweet! It has a bit of impending danger, colourful and diverse inhabitants, surprising secrets, and characters learning to unlearn prejudices. It’s low on the spice level but I didn’t miss it here. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this town again and look forward to more.
This was fun and sweet! It has a bit of impending danger, colourful and diverse inhabitants, surprising secrets, and characters learning to unlearn prejudices. It’s low on the spice level but I didn’t miss it here. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this town again and look forward to more.
February 12, 2026
Great read, do start the series.
Another well put together story. I do love the village and how they workout their problems. It's my first trans story, very well handled I might say.
Looking forward to the next book!
Another well put together story. I do love the village and how they workout their problems. It's my first trans story, very well handled I might say.
Looking forward to the next book!
December 18, 2025
I just love this author's imagination 🥰
December 29, 2025
These just keep getting better.
January 15, 2026
love this series
February 11, 2026
Another engrossing tale in this wonderful alternative world which grows richer and more complex at each visit. I thoroughly enjoyed coming across already established characters in Merseton and meeting new ones, including Argyle Mim, the local trader and Fen Pepper,a conscripted soldier engaged in an ill-fated attack on the town who’s about to discover that so-called monsters are far from monstrous.
There’s so much to unpick in this story, that’s brimful with warmth, wisdom and acceptance. The plot arc is suspenseful – I was on edge at the threat to the safe haven of Merseton, and the central romance is inclusive, disarming and heartwarming. A really glorious read!
There’s so much to unpick in this story, that’s brimful with warmth, wisdom and acceptance. The plot arc is suspenseful – I was on edge at the threat to the safe haven of Merseton, and the central romance is inclusive, disarming and heartwarming. A really glorious read!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews