Transformed Tail

Displaced Fairytales

by Leialoha Humpherys

She has one month to win the prince’s heart—or vanish into seafoam. Falling for the wrong prince was never part of the plan.

Princess Aulani was born under the sea, but the world above calls to her. When she rescues a drowning prince, she risks everything for a forbidden legs in place of fins, and a single chance to earn his love before the spell breaks.

But she surfaces in the wrong kingdom… and the only creature who understands her? A talking frog with problems of his own.

Prince Ezra never wanted the crown—or the curse that turned him into a coquí frog. With his kingdom crumbling and his throne stolen, he has no choice but to rely on the mermaid who, quite literally, splashed into his world.

As tides shift and hearts entangle, Aulani and Ezra discover that love isn’t just the strongest magic… it’s the one thing that might save them both.

Set in a lush island kingdom inspired by the Hawaiian islands, Transformed Tail is a sparkling mashup of The Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince . This enchanting clean romance features grumpy/sunshine banter, forbidden love, he-falls-first swoon, and a sea of heart-tugging moments sure to sweep you away. Perfect for fans of magical transformations, second chances, and fairy tales with tropical flair.

Torn from one fairytale and trapped in the Displaced Fairytales series is a multi-author fairy tale retelling series of standalones from your favorite no-spice, closed door young adult romance authors.

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2026

Reviews

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book concept. Two different fairytales meetings together in a unique setting.
I love the setting the story is place in and how the prince and mermaid work together. It was a fun and quick read!
The only thing is that I wished the book was a it longer but otherwise I enjoyed the book.
I am received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformed Tail by Leialoha Humpherys is the second book I read from the Displaced Fairytales multi-author series. This book merges "The Little Mermaid" with "The Frog Prince," and I don't think anyone could ask for a better combination of fairy tales! Both stories are about transformed aquatic royals who need each other's love to maintain their human forms. This story takes the fun even further with its unique Hawaiian setting, positive environmental messaging, and adorable main couple. I'm generally biased towards "Little Mermaid" retellings, and this one did not disappoint.

Prince Ezra has his reservations about a marriage alliance with Princess Cressida, but he feels obligated to perform his duty as second in line to the throne. He never expected to end up in the body of a frog when he came into contact with her magic ball. And not just any frog! Ezra is transformed into a coqui frog, a tiny invasive species that's being hunted in his kingdom. Now his only salvation lies with a brave mermaid princess named Aulani, who is transported to his pond while chasing after the human prince she rescued. Aulani forms a magical bond with Ezra that allows them to communicate telepathically after drinking a potion that transforms her tail into legs and takes away her voice.

My favorite thing about this book is how much chemistry these two characters have! From the moment they meet, they are instantly drawn to each other, even before Aulani believes that Ezra is actually human. Their telepathic communication gives them a special connection that allows them to grow closer to each other as they navigate family, political, and personal struggles. It was so satisfying to see their internal banter that no one else could hear, letting them share countless inside jokes and support each other in their quest to protect their kingdom.

The book takes place in a refreshing tropical setting, which is uncommon for a fairy tale retelling. Reading it felt like taking a Hawaiian vacation. I learned a lot about the native flora and fauna, and I loved that Aulani's mermaid powers gave her the ability heal the land and connect with the animals. It made her connection to the land feel truly magical. This book also taught me a lot about the coqui frog and its status as an invasive species. I couldn't believe how small they are!

Transformed Tail is a refreshing blend of humor, heart, and Hawaiian magic. Leialoha Humpherys' unique take on "The Little Mermaid" and "The Frog Prince" is a refreshing addition to the fairy tale retelling genre, with a lovable couple and a relaxing setting that's sure to enchant readers.

[Mikaylah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW! 🥳📚
Aww, this was such a cute and fluffy read!
I loved the Hawaiian setting with all the vibrant color, life, and respect of tradition and keeping the roots in their land that it displayed. The lovely descriptions really brought me into the world/kingdom of Kaiora!
Our MC’s made such a cute couple… and I found myself mischievously chuckling whenever Aulani pulled out a pun 😂 (For I’m also the type of gal who uses puns with high hopes and raised brows, waiting for the inevitable groan from my family members…)
And Ezra was a sweetheart and just the biggest walking green-flag! His heart for his island, its people, the creatures and plants, and his gentle approach to everything was something that stood out from most books these days. And let’s not forget one of the coolest things about the book… the fairytale mix-up! As a big fairytale retelling reader, it was great fun to see The Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince pulled together like this… Can’t wait to continue the series!

📍Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍Romance: Kisses only (not described in detail and only a few of them.)
📍Language: No cursing or swearing.
📍Genre: Fairytale Retelling, Romantic Fantasy
📍Other Content: He was present when she transformed into a human, so… slightly awkward and scandalous. However, it was written very appropriately.
📍Tropes
📚Quiet MMC/Chatty FMC
📚Hawaiian/Polynesian Setting
📚Political Intrigue
📚Telepathic Communication
📚PUNS! (Yeah, yeah not a trope, but definitely something to look forward to! 😂)

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun story! I loved the fairytale inspiration and the themes of finding your place.
I really felt for Ezra! He was trying so hard to fulfill his new role and his struggle with comparison was so relatable. He had a tender protective heart and cared so much for his people. Ezra struggled with the legacy and responsibility that had been placed upon him. He found light and support in Aulani, but struggled with the temporary nature of her time with him.
Aulani was so vibrant! She was full of life, but definitely felt quite young. She went after her dreams, but was really searching for her place. She was a bright complement to Ezra, with his same desire to help and care for others, but a bubbly and fresh perspective.
I loved the island setting and felt the tension between the choices Ezra had to make as king. There were secrets, magic, betrayals and shocking surprises! I was rooting for Ezra and Aulani to uncover the mysteries of the island’s struggle and to discover what their future looked like. This double fairytale inspired fantasy has only kisses.
I received an ARC.

[Fairy Tale and Fantasy Fan Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive an ARC of Transformed Tail. I enjoyed it so much! Leialoha Humpherys has flawlessly combined the fairy tales The Frog Prince and The Little Mermaid together. The main couple is so cute together! Their witty banter is charming and fun to read. The environmental themes are very interesting too. I hope some of the supporting characters will get their own stories. I look forward to reading more stories in the Displaced Fairy Tales series and more books by Leialoha Humpherys.

[Sarah Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This interwoven retelling of the Little Mermaid and the Frog Prince was magical, mythical, and was filled with so much fun, and so much heart!

Aulani, daughter of the king of the Coral Realms, has always been drawn to where the ocean meets the land and sky. When her father betroths her to the mer-creature ruling over the darkest depths of the sea, which means she would never see the blue skies, or land, again, Aulani flees the home she knows and loves. She finds herself transported to a mystical forest, where a frog prince named Ezra is able to communicate with her-well, due to her magical ability to talk to animals of both sea and land. The frog prince’s request? Aulani must kiss him to break the curse of being a frog so he can return to be being a prince, with two legs, which would be much more helpful in bringing Aulani back to the sea and in saving his kingdom from an infestation of coqui frogs. A kiss turns into an adventure filled with love, laughter, grief, magic, and the power of using the gifts you have, and what makes you special, to help others. That who you are is more than enough.

This story was sweet, heartfelt, humorous, inspiring, and the love that blossoms between Ezra and Aulani was so lovely to experience. The found family, the magic, the lore woven throughout was so beautiful and ethereal, and it made me feel like I was living on the island too!

Romantic Content: No Spice ❌

TW: Potions, Magical Curse, Betrayal, Death of Parent, Parental Strife

[Anniebelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this clean mash-up of frog prince and little mermaid! Its able to be read as a standalone. I really liked how the two tales were combined and the fun puns the main characters make! I love the message about your talents and strengths being valuable and not trying to be someone else. I received an ARC from the author but my review is honest and my own opinion.

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good mashup and probably my favourite little mermaid retelling.

I liked the characters as well as their communication style. The author did a great job with the story.

[Thoroughly Clean Indies]

{168 print pages}

Genre: Fantasy, fairy tale retelling [of The Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince]
Tropes: Instalove
Setting: Hawaii-inspired
Writing style: Dual POV (alternating chapters), 1st person, past tense
Tone: Earnest
Character- or plot-driven: Both

Romance: Yes
Clean level:
• 1 mouth kiss over appoximately three paragraphs including taste, touching jaw, “mesmerized,” heart flapping, fingers brushing back of neck
• 1 mouth kiss minimally described, including weaving fingers into hair and “You enjoyed yourself a little too much”
• 3 mouth kisses barely described, 1 with arms around neck and followed by playing with hair; 1 with zero description
• 2 near-kisses minimally described: 1 over approximately four paragraphs including her hands on his “hard, warm chest,” air charged, warm breath on skin; 1 over 7 sentences
• 1 paragraph of man worrying that his now-betrothed (who was her brother’s before he was lost) wants him to kiss her and recalling how she and his brother had been “all over each other”
• 1 neck kiss, with a giggle
• 1 jaw kiss, zero description
• 1 light romantic scene over a few paragraphs including brushing her fingers across man’s cheek and down his jaw, touching foreheads, cheek kiss with smell, “no kisses...not yet”
• “Whatever is going on between you is making this room warm”
• 1 instance of man’s relief that a man and woman do not kiss in front of everyone because he doesn’t want to witnesses another of their kisses, implying it would have been too passionate
• 1 sentence of man recalling having “really enjoyed himself” the two prior time’s he kissed a certain woman
• 1 instance of looking at each other’s lips
*See caveats below

Sensitive aspects:
• 1 quick instance of noticing that mermaid turned human is naked before prince gives her his vest that covers enough for a very termporary fix
• 1 instance of woman noticing a man’s partially open tunic revealing a muscular chest

Favorite aspect of the book: The way the author weaves the tales together, and the angle she took on the series concept

Thoughts on main characters: The protagonists are both self-sacrificing, yet unable to let the other make their own sacrifice. Aulani is a dreamer looking for a place to fit in, longing not to escape her own world so much as to not be trapped by it. Ezra wants his kingdom to thrive while retaining its traditions and uniqueness. He’s willing to trade with “outsiders” but doesn’t want the mass industrialization. He has strong support in his cousin, Kalei, and mentor and now-counselor, Ho‘ohuli.

The way the two tales are woven together was the highlight of the book for me. You can see the individual elements and how they intersect to create entirely new ones. The princess from the Frog Prince uses the ball to turn the prince into a frog, then takes over when his father dies, while he is still a frog. The sea witch is the original Little Mermaid, honorary aunt to the new Little Mermaid and important in another way as well. There is some misdirection regarding the coquí frogs that I wish had been a genuine thread, as it would have added depth to the Frog Prince angle.

The conflict surrounding Aulini’s return to the sea feels largely contrived. Back home, she saves a shipwrecked prince and immediately fixates on him as the one she must get to love her. Yet Ezra is also a prince, and there’s no clear reason he couldn’t be the one to keep her human permanently. Because she encountered the other prince first, he has to be the one? Says who? The solution was present all along, especially given that Aulini and Ezra are mutually infatuated from their first meeting. All that was needed was time for love to develop.

The two villains suffer from inconsistent characterization. Both commit — or plan to — evil acts, yet one’s motivations and the other’s expressed views shift abruptly. One is said to have believed the original heir would improve the kingdom and to have been eager to play a role in that endeavor, only to become a dictator the moment she gained power herself. The other, as he is being exiled, suddenly “speaks highly” of someone he had shown nothing but contempt for up until that very moment.
____________________________________

“Cressida cursed you, Aulani cut in though the others couldn’t hear her. “We can’t assume it was her,” I said aloud[.]

Let’s see. She said you were in the garden when she knew you were in the pond, she didn’t tell your father you were turned into a frog, and now your father’s dead and she’s been a “dictator” over your people. I think that’s a very safe assumption.

At this point, I should have called for Ezra in my mind, to tell him the lies his brother shared with this foreigner. But doubt crept in, like an eel sliding into a reef crevice. What if? I swallowed hard. Ezra had not taken me to the ocean. He kept bringing it up, kept saying he wanted to… but what if Tavo was right?

You’ve been on the same page the entire time, even insisting when he hesitated. That’s why.

Ezra. Aulani squeezed my hand. What about your people? I’ve already asked enough of you– The birds? The island? The trees? Not only has Cressida’s magic negatively affected it, but how will you help them get their life back? Their desire? They need something more.

See? There you go insisting again.

Favorite Quotations:
• His hair held the faintest hint of gold, like it had stolen light from the tips of the waves themselves.
• made my heart race faster than a rushing waterfall.
• His words were jumbled and confused. Crumbling, even, like dried coral being crushed under waves, turning into rocky sand.
• She looks like a jellyfish. Pretty to look at, but all sting beneath the surface.


(I received a free ARC of this book from the author and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and even though I didn’t have to post a review I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression of it upon my completion.

Lei has written a warm humanly book about two people who originally are from two vastly different realms- one far away under the sea and the other trying to live in the shadow of his father and missing brother. It’s a mash up of The Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince.

Aulani has dreamed of living on the surface because she is fascinated with all it has to offer. She thinks she has her chance when she saves a prince and hopes he’ll fall in love with her but when two magics combine she ends up in a different realm completely and is separated from her world and the sea she knew and grew up in.

Ezra finds himself turned into a frog by the fiancé of her brother who has designs to rule his kingdom in his place. In his frog form he finds Aulani and is able to communicate with her. Her kiss turns him into a human again but the journey to the ocean is too far to carry her so she takes the tonic that will give her legs but take away her voice. However, due to a new tonic he has they can communicate through their minds so thus this story begins in earnest!

I loved this story of a man who was always looked at as a spare who unwittingly becomes king because of circumstances which occurred while he was a frog and a little mermaid who finds love and acceptance and the use of her gifts that can help his kingdom. They have a deep friendship which grows into love but he wants her to have the life she envisioned before finding herself in his realm. As circumstances change their hesitant love becomes stronger and manifests itself when each are willing to sacrifice their all for each other and find a person both they love is connected to them which seals their love!

I have always loved fairy tales from when I heard them read to me when young and later when I could read myself. I love the wonder the genre evokes in me and the desire and thrill of reading and imagining I am there while reading them!

I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book as one I know you’ll love and enjoy as well! If you think you’re too old to read fairy tales now, give this book a read and let it change your mind! There is something magical about fairy tales that make you so happy to read about stories that end like you’d want them to!

I urge you to get and read this book and discover this wonderful genre again you loved as a child! Come back and embrace your inner child again and feel the warmth and acceptance once again in reading books that help you escape the world and its corresponding
clamor that never seems to end!

Read this book- you’ll be so glad you did!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

*Series or Connected Books?* is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone

*Point Of View:* Ezra & Aulani

*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* None!

*Romance?* Yes! Just sweet kisses

*Things To Know:*

–there are some mentions of relatives having passed (before and during the story)

-there are mentions of characters being sent to capture & kill frogs (in this case the frogs are an invasive species that are damaging the island’s ecosystem) – no killing is shown on page

-it is briefly mentioned that Aulani is naked when she changes from a mermaid to a human (but she is quickly covered up)

Review:

If it hadn’t already been late when I started this book, I totally would have finished it in one sitting! I loved getting to know Ezra & Aulani! They were both so sweet and I loved how they were together. I really enjoyed their literal inside jokes (since Ezra is the only one who could hear what Aulani wanted to say) as well as the puns they shared, which were a lot of fun too! I also loved the way Leialoha Humpherys mashed the Frog Prince & Little Mermaid tales into one story! It was so cool to see the elements of each as they played out in this book. I also enjoyed seeing what she added to make the stories her own as she brought our two characters to their happily ever after!

Summary:

Ezra was always the spare prince, but when his brother is lost to war Ezra has to step into the position he never wanted. And before the kingdom is officially passed to him, Ezra finds himself cursed into a little coquí frog. And the only person who can understand and possibly help save him is a mysterious lost mermaid.

Aulani loves going to the surface and learning about the world outside the sea. But when her joy is threatened to be taken away from her, Aulani believes the only way she can keep it is by becoming a human herself. And having just saved one in a storm gives her hope that he’ll want to help her stay on land. But when Aulani escapes her sea world, she finds herself transported to another world. And the only one nearby is a little frog claiming to be a prince. But he is not the prince Aulani saved in the storm nor is the island she surfaced at the island she placed her prince on.

[Amanda McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mermaid Princess Aulani lives in the sea but the world on land has always called to her. After saving a drowning prince, she decides to switch her tail for forbidden human legs with the agreement that she has to win the right prince’s heart in a month to stay on land. Otherwise, she turns into sea foam. Too bad that she finds herself in an unknown kingdom with a talking frog that has his own issues to deal with. Prince Ezra never wanted to be king and being a coqui frog is the last thing he needs. Add in the fact that his kingdom has been occupied and his throne overthrown, the only person that can help him set things right is the mermaid he just met. As more things unfold, Ezra and Aulani work together to fix the issues the kingdom faces, they discover that love, as the root cause, might save them all.

This book was wonderful. You have Aulani, a clever, kind, curious, and beautiful sea princess that has a strong affinity for speaking with animals, asking questions, and a desire to explore the surface. You have Prince Ezra, a thoughtful, reserved, considerate, and handsome young man that would rather garden than rule a kingdom, but would do anything to protect the autonomy of his people and nature balanced. The interactions between the main characters were funny, sweet, and thought-provoking. The discussions about occupied forces, colonialism, people’s autonomy at the expense of profit and more were well written and absolutely relevant to current events. I also appreciated the discussion of invasive species and how they can devastate the land’s biological ecosystem. The themes of being true to yourself as your greatest strength vs shrinking to conformity, respecting the land, fighting for the people and more were powerful and encouraging. Overall, if you like Little Mermaid retellings, found family, great worldbuilding, and sweet romance with no spice, then I would highly recommend this book. I got a copy and these opinions are my own.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, Especially the first 60%. The beginning of the book was really sweet and cozy. It was fast-paced and I loved the interactions between Au and Ezra.

I think the author did an amazing job staying true to both tales while intertwining them beautifully. The aspects of both fairytales were prominent but still woven well into this plot.

I loved Au's connection to animals. She is sweet, bubbly, and adventurous. She felt a lot like the Disney version of Ariel, which was one of my favorite Disney movies when I was younger.

Ezra is a gentle soul, a cinnamon roll MC, who stands up for what he believes in. He is sometimes ashamed of his gentle nature and sees it as a weakness. I liked how the story had the moral that being gentle can be a strength.

It felt like there were some political/social undertones in the story, which isn't really my favorite. I like to read books to escape... but I could also appreciate it how it worked for the story and how it fit with the plot. I also think it took Au a little long to figure out how the curse worked, but it didn't really take away from the story overall.

I would say this was a 4 or a 4.5 for me. It really loved the beginning and flew through the book. loved the sweet and swoony romance and the flirty banter.

I recommend this to anyone who really liked the little mermaid as a child and liked Ariel as a character.

sunshine fmc
cinnamon roll mmc
insta-love
nature magic
lots of ocean/fish puns
telepathic communication
portal fantasy


I received an arc from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[DJWman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformed Tail is a beautifully imaginative mashup of The Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince and is a great pairing. Both stories centre transformed aquatic royals, and Leialoha Humpherys weaves them together into a fresh, heartfelt fairytale that feels both magical and deeply grounded.

Princess Aulani was born beneath the sea, but the world above calls to her. She risks everything—trading fins for legs and her voice for a single chance to be human, with the price being that she must find love before the magic fades. But she surfaces in the wrong kingdom, and the only one who truly understands her is Prince Ezra… currently cursed into the form of a tiny coquí frog. Ezra never wanted the crown, nor the political marriage meant to secure it, and certainly not the curse that leaves him hunted in his own kingdom. Forced to rely on each other, the two form a magical bond that allows them to communicate telepathically—and from there, the connection between them is undeniable.

One of my favourite aspects of this book was the chemistry between Aulani and Ezra. Their banter, especially through their private telepathic conversations, was charming, funny, and genuinely heartfelt. Watching their relationship grow as they navigate political pressure, family expectations, and personal identity felt incredibly satisfying.

The tropical, Hawaiian-inspired setting is refreshing and immersive, and true to Leialoha’s style, the story is rich with culture. I loved how the worldbuilding incorporated native flora and fauna, environmental themes, and Aulani’s connection to the land and sea. The discussion of invasive species was fascinating, and I appreciated how thoughtfully the book explored colonialism, occupation, autonomy, and profit at the expense of people and land. These themes felt natural within the story and incredibly relevant.

Transformed Tail is full of warmth, humour, and heart. It’s a clean, no-spice romance that still delivers emotional depth and strong tension throughout the story. If you enjoy Little Mermaid retellings, found family, rich worldbuilding, meaningful themes, and sweet, closed-door romance, Transformed Tail is an absolute must-read. Leialoha Humpherys once again proves how powerful fairytales can be when they’re rooted in culture, heart, and purpose—and this book is a standout example of that.

[HappilyEverReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC Review Thank you so much Leialoha Humphreys for letting me read your book!

Now where to begin? Well for starters this is my first time reading a book by this amazing author. She does a great job at bringing the islanders of her story to life! She describes aspects of the people and how they live that I don’t always consider. It’s like getting a small piece of history within her chapters which I enjoyed! As for the storyline itself it was amazing. I definitely never thought of a princess and the frog x little mermaid crossover. Enjoy an epic story as the two try to reclaim a throne, find a way to stop some secret plots (read the book), and hope to help each other before it’s too late (yes I am being vague but it’s your fault. If you want to know what I’m talking about read the book!).

It’s hard for me to decide who my favorite character is. First you have Ezra he’s very sensible and sensitive. He cares for everyone and wants only the best for his kingdom. He’s one of those people that it seems almost impossible not to like as he try’s to help everyone he can. (Especially a certain mermaid. I’ll leave it at that. No spoilers here!)
Then there’s Aulani a certain rebellious little mermaid she refuses to spend her days below the waves and longs for a life on land. She can be a tad snarky but mostly playful. An easily excited bundle of joy who always tends to dive in head first and then winds up in a steaming pot of trouble. The perfect duo for a curious novel.

[LeeEllen Belcher (Caw) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This no-spice fairytale mashup was a wonderful retelling of The Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince. The main characters are sweet and selfless, and the side characters added their own touches to the story nicely. I admired Prince Ezra's loyalty to his island and Princess Aulani's journey to find where she belongs. I loved how well they complemented each other and watching their slow-burn romance blossom. I enjoyed the author's vivid descriptions that brought the sea and island to life. This is definitely a must-read for fantasy lovers looking for a clean, charming escape! 


Princess Aulani dreams of the stars, but belongs to the sea. When her parents forbid her to roam to the surface, she turns to the Sea Witch for help. Armed with a potion that gives her legs but steals her voice, she is sent through a portal to an unknown land. There, she's greeted by Prince Ezra, a frog claiming that her kiss will turn him human again. She has one month to "win the right prince's heart to stay" or turn to sea foam.  With the odds stacked against them, they must reclaim his kingdom and return her to the ocean before time runs out. 

However, another magic is at play, one they never considered, but may save them both. 


I received an Advanced Reader Copy from BookSirens with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.

[Olivia Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐸I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy in an exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are 100% all my own and are not influenced by the author in any way shape or form.

🧜🏻‍♀️This is the first book I’ve read by Leialoha Humphreys and let me say I loved every bit of it! I loved her writing style and the bits of Hawaiian culture and folklore woven into the story and characters itself. Ezra is such a charming, lovable, “green”😉 flag of a prince I couldn’t help but fall in love with him from the beginning. And Aulani has a bubbly, infectious personality I couldn’t help but smile along with her as I read. They’re story was full of wonderful twists on the classic tale that kept the story fresh while simultaneously still bringing the nostalgia of the classic fairytales.

🐸Content:
•Romance Level: 2–lightly described kisses; she is naked for a brief period after gaining legs(she’s the little mermaid),after which a man gives her his tunic; male shirt is off due to him giving it up to cover her; light mentions of attraction
•Swearing: None
•Triggers: dark magic, mentions of death, loss of loved ones(past and present), fantasy violence, betrayal by loved one, unwanted male attention(nothing physical)
•Age rating: Mid Teen+

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aulani is the princess of the Coral Kingdom, but she loves the land more. When her father tries to stop her from going to the surface by trapping her under the sea, she seeks help from her Aunt Lorelei, the only other mermaid who has gone to shore.

When she escapes, she ends up in another kingdom, one she doesn't recognize. A frog speaks to her, declaring himself a prince. Kissing him proves he's telling the truth, as he changes back. Enzo was changed by a curse and had been a frog for a year. With his cousin's help, he and Aulani can still speak to each other mind to mind, even though she can't speak.

He keeps promising to take her back to the ocean so she can find her prince and keep her life, but his island is dying, his enemies show up in the form of his formerly deceased brother, and someone keeps turning him into a frog. And when he does keep his promise, it turns out that some unknown prince isn't who she wants anyway.

A tale of true love and magic. A super fun little mermaid retelling!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, romantic, magical fairy tale retelling with beautiful atmosphere of Hawaii

Interwoven throughout the story, the culture, the nature, and the beauty of Hawaii is its own character here. And as a reader gets to fall in love with the main characters, Ezra and Aulani , the influence of Hawaii is noticed even in their cores. Dual POV, first person definitely makes it easy to get to know them deeper, and the way they tackle problems, betrayals, responsibilities, own insecurities only endears them more.
The connections to the beloved fairytales were fun to see and I found it very interesting how the author made the magic unique to the story and the worlds.

This is my first foray into the author’s work but I find it quite enjoyable. However, the introduction to the scene and the worlds felt drawn out and not as engaging as the rest of the story.

I had a privilege to read an advanced copy but not was required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Charissa James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so fun! The little mermaid is fleeing from her tyrant father when she gets hit by a conglomeration of magic and somehow ends up in the world of the frog prince.
I loved Aulani and Ezra's first scenes together. They had amazing chemistry even upon first meeting. I would consider their romance insta-love, which usually turns me away, but there was so much intrigue that I wasn't bored at all.
There was a lot going on in Ezra's kingdom with the throne changing hands, the curses, and the multiplying frogs. It was an adventure.
I really loved the Hawaiian influence on the story. It was neat to see bits of the culture and setting even through this sweet fantasy tale.

Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Transformed Tail was an adorable and sweet mash up of the Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince. Classic elements of each tale were woven into the story, but enough twists and turns to create a unique story. These different fairy tales worked so well in this story. The plot was engaging. Fast paced, but not missing any details. The world building was well written and I love how Hawaii culture was woven into the story. Ezra and Aulani were adorable together. I loved their meet cute and how their relationship developed. The banter was sweet and sassy. I really enjoyed this one! It was a sweet tale with low stakes. Perfect story for a cozy afternoon of reading! Highly recommend!

*romance was sweet kisses only

I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.

[H J Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Humphreys stuns with 'Transformed Tail.' It is a sweet, clean, and romantic retelling, and the mixture of the two tales creates a great plot that manages to be familiar yet entirely new. Of course, the deep Hawaiian setting and themes of belonging, political intrigue, culture, and doing right by the land all help to create the vast tapestry that is so much more than just another Little Mermaid retelling.
I would just read Humphreys for the tone, or the magical world building, or the setting alone. Altogether these elements create the best and most magical fairytale retellings. I highly recommend.

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the past I haven't fully enjoyed Ms. Humphreys' books, but I think her writting has really stepped up the last couple of books and this may be the best she has ever written. The 'Frog Prince' and 'The Little Mermaid' stories are cleverly blended into one tale with elements of Hawaiian culture giving it a unique feel and it is thoroughly enjayable. The romance is sweet and clean, the familiar fairy tales retain their recognisable forms while at the same time becoming something entirely new with lots of twists and turns. If you're going to read anything by Leialoha Humphreys, this is absolutely the book to pick.

I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.

[Lilly Guirguis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for emailing me this ARC!

It was an amazing fairy tale retelling and I think the grumpy x sunshine dynamics and her Hawaiian culture were done amazingly!

Best lines:

“I see how much I was meant to be here. With you. And my gifts… they were all for a bigger purpose.”
“You were meant for me, and I was meant for you.” He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against my cheek. “And now we’re both home. Here. With each other.”
I turned so I could see his beautiful green eyes. “You know… I never imagined my tale would end like this.”
He laughed. “Your tale… or your tail?”
“Both.”

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was a really good, no spice novella read. A fairy tail retelling mash up between The Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince, this romantic fantasy was a great read to just curl up with. I enjoyed the world building, the different cultures, and the inclusion of family, friends, and magic. I really enjoyed the aspects of Hawaiian culture that were woven in. This was my first book by this author and it totally held my attention. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kiersten Oxenreider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of receiving this as an Advanced Reader Copy and received it on Monday 1/12 and just finished it in 4 days it was that good!!! Could not put it down! The storyline and just watching the two main characters fall in love from the start was soooo adorable!!! I love that this is taking two characters from beloved childhood stories and putting them together. At first I wasn’t sure how on earth you could mash up Little Mermaid with Frog Prince but she nailed it! Ahhhh sooo good and you have to read it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Punny, snarky, layered, interwoven, all describe Transformed Tail. Honestly a fun mash-up of The Frog Prince and The Little Mermaid with heart-breaking deception or honesty from various characters. Aulani and Ezra both want the best for their respective people while not losing themselves in the process.
Good 'coming-of-age' story. I appreciated Ms. Humpherys lack of 'hot-n-heavy' romance. It was a sweet, G-rated tale that I am grateful to have read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mystery Rose Writer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet book. I have read two of Leialoha's books previously, and did not enjoy either, so this was a happy surprise.
Ezra and Aulani were so cute together, and im glad they didnt have the communication barrier as is the case in most Little Mermiad retellings. I honestly expected Ezra to be a frog for a larger portion of the book, but it worked anyway. I predicted quite a few things in this book, and felt the Villains to be a little bit lacking, but it didn't take away from the story too much. The book was very cute, and I look forward to her next release!

[Kat Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and interesting mix of fairytales! This story is inspired by The Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince. I really enjoyed the way the two stories came together, they blended very well.

I enjoyed the main characters and the POV from the FMC and the MMC. I loved the individual characters growth through the book. There was a definite theme of home and what it really means to the characters. The whole story is a great journey for both characters on discovering what is most important in their lives and the lives of who they love. I definitely recommend this book!

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clean, uplifting fairytale mashup was such a fun book to read! It was full of elements from Hawaiian culture, had a lot of both The Frog Prince and The Little Mermaid woven into the story! I loved how the main characters and some of the side characters grew into better people as the book progressed, and I thought the world building was very impressive! I received an ARC copy and this is my review.