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The Boundlands #2.5
The Merman's Kiss
The day I drowned began like any other.
At least, until a silent boy with claws and gills pulled me from the sea.
Lorn is from a world beneath the waves, completely unlike my elven home, but the shoreline becomes our shared domain. Trinket boxes and buried treasure take the place of shared language, as secret as our forbidden friendship, and just as precious.
The years roll by as steadily as the tide, until the day my marriage is arranged to a stranger. A high-born elf of wealth and status, everything I’m meant to want . . . but I’m in love with my best friend, the man from beneath the waves.
Now I must choose—surrender to the life chosen for me? Or risk all I know for a love that feels as deep as the sea itself?
At least, until a silent boy with claws and gills pulled me from the sea.
Lorn is from a world beneath the waves, completely unlike my elven home, but the shoreline becomes our shared domain. Trinket boxes and buried treasure take the place of shared language, as secret as our forbidden friendship, and just as precious.
The years roll by as steadily as the tide, until the day my marriage is arranged to a stranger. A high-born elf of wealth and status, everything I’m meant to want . . . but I’m in love with my best friend, the man from beneath the waves.
Now I must choose—surrender to the life chosen for me? Or risk all I know for a love that feels as deep as the sea itself?
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 25, 2026
2.5 stars
This one didn’t resonate with me. The pacing was too drawn out for me personally and so much time was spent in their childhood, even though it was precious watching them lay the foundation of their friendship into a budding romantic interest. Both characters were interesting and their curiosity for and adoration of the other was so well-developed. I struggled with rating this because I just wasn’t the right audience for it as I don’t enjoy that much of the characters’ younger years being a focus usually. It is slow burn, with some eventual steam, and very sweet. There’s some angst caused by crappy parents, but the HEA was satisfying. I did wonder a little more about the MMC’s adjustment, which just circles back to wishing there had been more time spent in adulthood.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, om drama in the sense that the h is threatened with disownment unless she accepts an arranged marriage - she never even meets the guy. Both inexperienced, nobody else interests either one.
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Elf FMC x Merman MMC
☆ Childhood friends to lovers
☆ It’s always been you
☆ Dual virgins
☆ Cultural differences
☆ He doesn’t know what a kiss is
☆ They only see each other over summers
☆ Toxic family
☆ Threat of arranged marriage
☆ Some positive family rep too
☆ Slow burn - they’re children for a good portion
☆ Figuring sex out together
☆ A touch of series character cameos close to the end
This one didn’t resonate with me. The pacing was too drawn out for me personally and so much time was spent in their childhood, even though it was precious watching them lay the foundation of their friendship into a budding romantic interest. Both characters were interesting and their curiosity for and adoration of the other was so well-developed. I struggled with rating this because I just wasn’t the right audience for it as I don’t enjoy that much of the characters’ younger years being a focus usually. It is slow burn, with some eventual steam, and very sweet. There’s some angst caused by crappy parents, but the HEA was satisfying. I did wonder a little more about the MMC’s adjustment, which just circles back to wishing there had been more time spent in adulthood.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, om drama in the sense that the h is threatened with disownment unless she accepts an arranged marriage - she never even meets the guy. Both inexperienced, nobody else interests either one.
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Elf FMC x Merman MMC
☆ Childhood friends to lovers
☆ It’s always been you
☆ Dual virgins
☆ Cultural differences
☆ He doesn’t know what a kiss is
☆ They only see each other over summers
☆ Toxic family
☆ Threat of arranged marriage
☆ Some positive family rep too
☆ Slow burn - they’re children for a good portion
☆ Figuring sex out together
☆ A touch of series character cameos close to the end
June 21, 2026
The fact that the author plans to release a non-spicy version of this for YA readers because of her own kiddo is genuinely the cutest thing I've ever heard. I'm sure it will be a ton of work for her, but ADORABLE.
This is a gender-bent Little Mermaid retelling and it's just as delightful as you'd hope. Elsie Winters has such a gift for writing books that feel both cozy and heated at once, sweet and spicy mingled perfectly. Love in her stories is soft but hard-won, and that combination always makes my heart SO light and happy.
The friendship between Lorn and Sadira is built on trinkets, a brief drowning incident, and buried treasure instead of shared language. It is such a sweet foundation for everything that follows and they grow together in so many ways. Watching that quiet bond grow into something neither of them can deny is perfect. The DEVOTION! But, when duty and an arranged marriage threaten to pull it apart, they have to fight for what they want. It is exactly the kind of forbidden, slow-building love I adore. Swoon!
Such a sweet, warm read.
Thanks so much to the lovely author for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This is a gender-bent Little Mermaid retelling and it's just as delightful as you'd hope. Elsie Winters has such a gift for writing books that feel both cozy and heated at once, sweet and spicy mingled perfectly. Love in her stories is soft but hard-won, and that combination always makes my heart SO light and happy.
The friendship between Lorn and Sadira is built on trinkets, a brief drowning incident, and buried treasure instead of shared language. It is such a sweet foundation for everything that follows and they grow together in so many ways. Watching that quiet bond grow into something neither of them can deny is perfect. The DEVOTION! But, when duty and an arranged marriage threaten to pull it apart, they have to fight for what they want. It is exactly the kind of forbidden, slow-building love I adore. Swoon!
Such a sweet, warm read.
Thanks so much to the lovely author for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
June 2, 2026
this was such a sweet and cozy read with little to no drama or angst. it was just a beautiful love story from beginning to end and sometimes that’s exactly the kind of book you need 🥹
i completely fell in love with Lorn. he was so charming, protective, and devoted to his mate Sadira. i loved the way he collected little things for her and how deeply he yearned for her. his underwater world was stunning, i really enjoyed the other merpeople and especially loved the giant snails!
it was so lovely watching the MCs pave their own path and find their place together.
this book was so beautifully done. silly, tender, and endlessly charming. it also had some fav tropes (language barrier and “what is a kiss?” which made everything even so much sweeter! Lorn was genuinely so freaking adorable in every way.
i can’t say enough how much i loved this book!
it ended up being such a comforting read for me and is definitely going on my favorites list. thank you so much again Elsie for the early copy!
i completely fell in love with Lorn. he was so charming, protective, and devoted to his mate Sadira. i loved the way he collected little things for her and how deeply he yearned for her. his underwater world was stunning, i really enjoyed the other merpeople and especially loved the giant snails!
it was so lovely watching the MCs pave their own path and find their place together.
this book was so beautifully done. silly, tender, and endlessly charming. it also had some fav tropes (language barrier and “what is a kiss?” which made everything even so much sweeter! Lorn was genuinely so freaking adorable in every way.
i can’t say enough how much i loved this book!
it ended up being such a comforting read for me and is definitely going on my favorites list. thank you so much again Elsie for the early copy!
May 18, 2026
Elsie Winters sure knows how to write the sweetest, cozy romances! And this one did not disappoint! I knew I was going to fall in love with these characters as soon as I saw the cover. We get to see Sadira and Lorn meet each other as kids, begin their friendship, and grow up to realize their feelings have changed from close friends to more.
The moments between them when they were first meeting had me giggling so many times. Love language barriers and misunderstandings? This book is for you!
Loved the Little Mermaid references hidden throughout, too!
The moments between them when they were first meeting had me giggling so many times. Love language barriers and misunderstandings? This book is for you!
Loved the Little Mermaid references hidden throughout, too!
May 23, 2026
I loved this re-release so much! Full RTC
Arc provided by the author, all thoughts are my own
Arc provided by the author, all thoughts are my own
May 30, 2026
cute story
I feel very conflicted about the worldbuilding. I dont like the “females of the monster species are evil/ignored/disregarded/primitive” trope that seems to be quite common in monster romances but I did like that the author added more to it, although there were some confusing parts i still don’t understand. Why do the male mer look for siren mates if they always leave? Why are the sirens unable to fight their nature but the male mer can find love beyond their species and choose not to look for a siren mate?
Other than that, I loved the slowburn romance and the scenes from their childhood.
I feel very conflicted about the worldbuilding. I dont like the “females of the monster species are evil/ignored/disregarded/primitive” trope that seems to be quite common in monster romances but I did like that the author added more to it, although there were some confusing parts i still don’t understand. Why do the male mer look for siren mates if they always leave? Why are the sirens unable to fight their nature but the male mer can find love beyond their species and choose not to look for a siren mate?
Other than that, I loved the slowburn romance and the scenes from their childhood.
May 23, 2026
Romance:
June 13, 2026
The worldbuilding is very good, and the childhood tale helped build up the slow burn step by step. I liked the overall message of the story, which contrasted narrow-minded xenophobia with allowing people to simply be and breathe freely.
The pairing worked well, however, the gradual build-up would have been better if the culmination scene during the winter had not gone all-in straight away, as it did not match the pace and tone established earlier in the text. The shift came too abruptly for the reader. Up until that point, both characters still appeared quite immature, yet they seemed to mature almost overnight due to the looming threat of an arranged marriage.
The scene also felt somewhat unfulfilling because the MML appeared to agree to the mating primarily to give the FML a reason to stop crying. As a result, the moment came across as shallow and failed to reflect the depth of their feelings, which was only revealed later on in the story. I was uneasy over the fact that the MML seemed to have agreed to the intimacy under the weight of the circumstances rather than out of clearly expressed consent reflecting his own internal desires.
There was some discrepancy with balancing seriousness to juvenile goofiness in the book. I would have appreciated less teasing but also much less possessiveness ('mine', etc.) and calling the FML 'silly girl' by the MML, but these instances weren't that overwhelming in the novel. The constant lightheartedness didn't bother me as much bc as said, they were still very young. On the other hand, I felt that they almost grew up too fast.
I had initially held my breath for the main pair especially during their earlier years if they got to meet or not, and I think it was a sweet story. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but it was a nice weekend read overall. It did not leave me emotionally deeply touched as other stories in the same series had but the author didn't disappoint.
As for the style, there were a few redundant repetitions throughout the book, which could suggest that the author rushed it without proper editing. It's never an encouraging sign when a new fact is presented (for instance, about the MML and his siren mother's special hair, the FML's blunt teeth, or the fact that the MML cannot sweat and therefore has to wear minimal clothing), only for the same information to be reintroduced a few pages later as though it were a fresh revelation.
I'm currently on 93% through.
The pairing worked well, however, the gradual build-up would have been better if the culmination scene during the winter had not gone all-in straight away, as it did not match the pace and tone established earlier in the text. The shift came too abruptly for the reader. Up until that point, both characters still appeared quite immature, yet they seemed to mature almost overnight due to the looming threat of an arranged marriage.
The scene also felt somewhat unfulfilling because the MML appeared to agree to the mating primarily to give the FML a reason to stop crying. As a result, the moment came across as shallow and failed to reflect the depth of their feelings, which was only revealed later on in the story. I was uneasy over the fact that the MML seemed to have agreed to the intimacy under the weight of the circumstances rather than out of clearly expressed consent reflecting his own internal desires.
There was some discrepancy with balancing seriousness to juvenile goofiness in the book. I would have appreciated less teasing but also much less possessiveness ('mine', etc.) and calling the FML 'silly girl' by the MML, but these instances weren't that overwhelming in the novel. The constant lightheartedness didn't bother me as much bc as said, they were still very young. On the other hand, I felt that they almost grew up too fast.
I had initially held my breath for the main pair especially during their earlier years if they got to meet or not, and I think it was a sweet story. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but it was a nice weekend read overall. It did not leave me emotionally deeply touched as other stories in the same series had but the author didn't disappoint.
As for the style, there were a few redundant repetitions throughout the book, which could suggest that the author rushed it without proper editing. It's never an encouraging sign when a new fact is presented (for instance, about the MML and his siren mother's special hair, the FML's blunt teeth, or the fact that the MML cannot sweat and therefore has to wear minimal clothing), only for the same information to be reintroduced a few pages later as though it were a fresh revelation.
I'm currently on 93% through.
June 1, 2026
If you're looking for a fun adventure, one w/hot mermen in a creative world- this one's for you!
Quickl👀k:
•Novella sized
•Alternating 1st POV for MC's
•Standalone/HEA for couple
•New cpl each book in series
•⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
•🌶️🌶️/5 (open door, intertwined w/plot)
•feelgood merman romance, w/fancypeen, plot, & heart
In-depth look:
It starts as a coming of age love story featuring a rich yet lonely elf girl, and the cautious yet curious Mer boy she meets one summer. AND every chance she gets after that.
Curious summer fun evolves into companionship, and eventually asking yourself what freedom and happiness really looks like.
It's fun, flirty, hilarious, & all the feels. I'm head over heels for this story, the underwater world, the cultures & found family, the couple, the spice, and the HEA. It's a slow burn romance with tons of tension, chemistry, & adventure to keep you glued to the pages & cheesing. The innocent fun they have in the beginning builds the foundation for their later years. Once you read the story, come back & look at the cover, and tell me what you see.
But what I didn't expect was to fall so hard for daddy merman Marcus (the MMC's father). I neeed his story so badly!!😂🙌🏼 I don't think I've ever crushed so hard on a side character before (he's so competent & stoic yet also such a caring supportive father to his merling). I hope everyone loves him as much as I do (I low-key wanna start #freedaddymarcus to encourage the author's muse 🤣). The female mer are called sirens, & they pick a male to br33d with, then kick him & the resulting child out right afterward. That's how our MMC came to be. They can catch me outside, cause Marcus is MINE! 🤣🙌🏼.
All jokes aside, this was an amazing book. I read it in one kindle Unlimited sitting, and I can't wait for more in the series. If you're a fan of merman romance, I highly recommend this book for you.
Life's short, read whatever makes you happy fellow book lovers! Then tell me about it lol.
Quickl👀k:
•Novella sized
•Alternating 1st POV for MC's
•Standalone/HEA for couple
•New cpl each book in series
•⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
•🌶️🌶️/5 (open door, intertwined w/plot)
•feelgood merman romance, w/fancypeen, plot, & heart
In-depth look:
It starts as a coming of age love story featuring a rich yet lonely elf girl, and the cautious yet curious Mer boy she meets one summer. AND every chance she gets after that.
Curious summer fun evolves into companionship, and eventually asking yourself what freedom and happiness really looks like.
It's fun, flirty, hilarious, & all the feels. I'm head over heels for this story, the underwater world, the cultures & found family, the couple, the spice, and the HEA. It's a slow burn romance with tons of tension, chemistry, & adventure to keep you glued to the pages & cheesing. The innocent fun they have in the beginning builds the foundation for their later years. Once you read the story, come back & look at the cover, and tell me what you see.
But what I didn't expect was to fall so hard for daddy merman Marcus (the MMC's father). I neeed his story so badly!!😂🙌🏼 I don't think I've ever crushed so hard on a side character before (he's so competent & stoic yet also such a caring supportive father to his merling). I hope everyone loves him as much as I do (I low-key wanna start #freedaddymarcus to encourage the author's muse 🤣). The female mer are called sirens, & they pick a male to br33d with, then kick him & the resulting child out right afterward. That's how our MMC came to be. They can catch me outside, cause Marcus is MINE! 🤣🙌🏼.
All jokes aside, this was an amazing book. I read it in one kindle Unlimited sitting, and I can't wait for more in the series. If you're a fan of merman romance, I highly recommend this book for you.
Life's short, read whatever makes you happy fellow book lovers! Then tell me about it lol.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Back to the Boundlands we go! I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy for what has become one of my all time favorite series, and as usual, Elsie Winters did not disappoint!
This is book 2.5 of the Boundlands Series, taking place between the events of Magpies and Mayhem, and Seduction of a Psychopomp: Erogenous Hand Holding And Other Ways To Tame Your Reaper. An event that is part of books 2 & 3 is also part of the plot for Merman's Kiss. It follows Sadira, a Dark Elf, and Lorn, a Mer. They meet as children, and we get to watch them grow up and form a beautiful bond of friendship that of course, changes as they get older. And for those of us that love the various cultures of the various people of the Boundlands, Mer culture is explored more, since unlike Levi, Lorn is raised in the water by his father, rather than on land by a human father. The book also further addresses some of the prejudice we see through the other books, letting us all know bigotry isn't strictly a human problem.
Throughout the story, we get to see how isolating Sadira's family expectations are, as opposed to the community that surrounds Lorn, and how different their upbringings are. But watching two people forging a friendship that's so important to both of them, something that allows them both to find their voices, is beautiful to see. The sprinkles of Little Mermaid references were absolutely delightful and there were so many adorable interactions that had me grinning like an idiot.
I never regret the opportunity to make my way back to this fascinating and rich world Elsie Winters has created; once again, the world building is flawlessly executed and I can't wait for another installment!
This is book 2.5 of the Boundlands Series, taking place between the events of Magpies and Mayhem, and Seduction of a Psychopomp: Erogenous Hand Holding And Other Ways To Tame Your Reaper. An event that is part of books 2 & 3 is also part of the plot for Merman's Kiss. It follows Sadira, a Dark Elf, and Lorn, a Mer. They meet as children, and we get to watch them grow up and form a beautiful bond of friendship that of course, changes as they get older. And for those of us that love the various cultures of the various people of the Boundlands, Mer culture is explored more, since unlike Levi, Lorn is raised in the water by his father, rather than on land by a human father. The book also further addresses some of the prejudice we see through the other books, letting us all know bigotry isn't strictly a human problem.
Throughout the story, we get to see how isolating Sadira's family expectations are, as opposed to the community that surrounds Lorn, and how different their upbringings are. But watching two people forging a friendship that's so important to both of them, something that allows them both to find their voices, is beautiful to see. The sprinkles of Little Mermaid references were absolutely delightful and there were so many adorable interactions that had me grinning like an idiot.
I never regret the opportunity to make my way back to this fascinating and rich world Elsie Winters has created; once again, the world building is flawlessly executed and I can't wait for another installment!
May 23, 2026
When you didn’t realize something was missing in your life until you pick up a book and it just hits you without a warning… this story, this is what I needed!!
If like me, you grew up feeling like your curiosity was not welcome, PLEASE give this one a chance!
My inner child felt so heard and seen as I started reading. When we meet young Sadira and Lorn, who are not supposed to interact since they are from different races but do anyways, it was such a pure moment. There is no judgment, no fear, just innocent wonder. The tenderness, the eagerness to learn more about eachother, the softness of it all made my heart clench in joy!
I cried so often in this story, from sadness, from anger at some characters and from relief.
We see the MCs grow and their relation evolve from friendship to much more.
I was laughing so much at some of their misunderstandings. I mean "that is not how you make a baby" had me kicking my feet laughing.
And that vulnerability… oh man it was one of my favourite parts.
Elsie Winters wrote such a heartfelt story with amazing side characters and a beautiful reminder that we should allow our little curious self to discover the world and its mysteries more often.
I will hoard it in my heart like the treasures our two lovely main characters collect for eachother🥹💕
Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read for you and bringing so much love to my soul🥰
If like me, you grew up feeling like your curiosity was not welcome, PLEASE give this one a chance!
My inner child felt so heard and seen as I started reading. When we meet young Sadira and Lorn, who are not supposed to interact since they are from different races but do anyways, it was such a pure moment. There is no judgment, no fear, just innocent wonder. The tenderness, the eagerness to learn more about eachother, the softness of it all made my heart clench in joy!
I cried so often in this story, from sadness, from anger at some characters and from relief.
We see the MCs grow and their relation evolve from friendship to much more.
I was laughing so much at some of their misunderstandings. I mean "that is not how you make a baby" had me kicking my feet laughing.
And that vulnerability… oh man it was one of my favourite parts.
Elsie Winters wrote such a heartfelt story with amazing side characters and a beautiful reminder that we should allow our little curious self to discover the world and its mysteries more often.
I will hoard it in my heart like the treasures our two lovely main characters collect for eachother🥹💕
Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read for you and bringing so much love to my soul🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was thrilled to get my hands on a digital ARC of The Merman’s Kiss by Elsie Winters - aka my favorite cozy monster romance author. This was such a lovely, quick read! Sadira and Lorn are the absolute sweetest childhood friends to lovers. They were both so inquisitive and open to learning about one another. I really enjoyed reading along as their friendship and connection grew. I was rooting for them the entire time and was thrilled with how everything wrapped up. I also enjoyed how the story connected with some of our old friends in the Boundlands universe. It makes me think it’s time for a reread!
This story is perfect if you love:
- childhood friends to lovers 🥰
- monster smut 😈
*A bit of a random aside, but am I alone in thinking how cool it is to be able to design monster anatomy in a unique literary universe? Like the amount of research on marine life that must have gone into the creation of these merpeople is so interesting to me. The sexual dimorphism between the mermen and the sirens? Absolutely fascinating!*
This story is perfect if you love:
- childhood friends to lovers 🥰
- monster smut 😈
*A bit of a random aside, but am I alone in thinking how cool it is to be able to design monster anatomy in a unique literary universe? Like the amount of research on marine life that must have gone into the creation of these merpeople is so interesting to me. The sexual dimorphism between the mermen and the sirens? Absolutely fascinating!*
May 22, 2026
I devoured this story...literally devoured. Started and finished in one day because it was such an exquisite portrayal of growth, grit, and that satisfying leap of trusting yourself enough to make your own choices despite the potential consequences.
This love story may be short in length (approximately 160 pages), but it enormous in heart. The strangers to friends to lovers journey between Sadira and Lorn is so beautiful. Else Winters lets her characters take the time demanded to create such a soulful bond that it transmits effortlessly off the page and directly to the hearts of readers. The themes of unconditional love, bonds that exceed any bounds of race, color, or status, and the importance of choosing what is right for oneself are so refreshing. Love really conquers all in this tale of love. I absolutely loved this story and will be reading more of Elsie Winter's work.
If you love reading about chosen mates, acceptance, resilience, strength, and the truest forms of love, you will absolutely enjoy this novella.
Happy Reading!
This love story may be short in length (approximately 160 pages), but it enormous in heart. The strangers to friends to lovers journey between Sadira and Lorn is so beautiful. Else Winters lets her characters take the time demanded to create such a soulful bond that it transmits effortlessly off the page and directly to the hearts of readers. The themes of unconditional love, bonds that exceed any bounds of race, color, or status, and the importance of choosing what is right for oneself are so refreshing. Love really conquers all in this tale of love. I absolutely loved this story and will be reading more of Elsie Winter's work.
If you love reading about chosen mates, acceptance, resilience, strength, and the truest forms of love, you will absolutely enjoy this novella.
Happy Reading!
May 26, 2026
This was the perfect read for ‘Mer-May’ and it was incredibly sweet!
I cannot get over how absolutely sweet this book was. The trope of friends-to-lovers was so perfect and put me in such a great mind space as I read. Plus you get a type of fated mates feel too.
The way Lorn and Sadira developed their friendship over their summers was great to watch unfold. And the blending of their two completely different worlds and cultures was fun to watch them navigate their differences. Loved the ‘lip-presses’ and Lorn’s reaction to bread. ☺️
There are glimpses into each of their lives and family dynamics that this short book feels so incredibly large and ‘full bodied’.
I love this world and the characters within. This book took place completely within the fae side. While this book can be read as a complete standalone there are cameos (or Easter eggs if you will) of other characters at a certain gathering 😉.
Dual pov’s told in first person
Main characters -
Lorn - mer male
Sadira - female dark elf
Steam - sweet slow burn to spice at the very end
I cannot get over how absolutely sweet this book was. The trope of friends-to-lovers was so perfect and put me in such a great mind space as I read. Plus you get a type of fated mates feel too.
The way Lorn and Sadira developed their friendship over their summers was great to watch unfold. And the blending of their two completely different worlds and cultures was fun to watch them navigate their differences. Loved the ‘lip-presses’ and Lorn’s reaction to bread. ☺️
There are glimpses into each of their lives and family dynamics that this short book feels so incredibly large and ‘full bodied’.
I love this world and the characters within. This book took place completely within the fae side. While this book can be read as a complete standalone there are cameos (or Easter eggs if you will) of other characters at a certain gathering 😉.
Dual pov’s told in first person
Main characters -
Lorn - mer male
Sadira - female dark elf
Steam - sweet slow burn to spice at the very end
May 22, 2026
5⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
This was such a sweet and cozy monster romance with a dash of spice!
I can’t believe how much Elsie packed into this novella. The world building was amazing. I loved learning about Lorn’s life under the sea and while I am so incredibly grateful part of the mer lore is him being able to leave the sea, I hope Elsie returns with characters who live there full time.
Did I mention how sweet and cozy this book was? Lorn and Sadira were childhood friends to lovers. Watching them learn and grow together brought me so much joy. And then watching them acknowledge their feelings and act on them brought me even more joy (who doesn’t love a 🍆 pocket?). Lorn was a bit of a fish out of water (pun very much intended) while trying to learn about life on land. But it was such a delightful and funny journey.
Thank you so much to Elsie for this ARC. I can’t already tell I’ll be rereading this novella when I need something cozy and comforting.
This was such a sweet and cozy monster romance with a dash of spice!
I can’t believe how much Elsie packed into this novella. The world building was amazing. I loved learning about Lorn’s life under the sea and while I am so incredibly grateful part of the mer lore is him being able to leave the sea, I hope Elsie returns with characters who live there full time.
Did I mention how sweet and cozy this book was? Lorn and Sadira were childhood friends to lovers. Watching them learn and grow together brought me so much joy. And then watching them acknowledge their feelings and act on them brought me even more joy (who doesn’t love a 🍆 pocket?). Lorn was a bit of a fish out of water (pun very much intended) while trying to learn about life on land. But it was such a delightful and funny journey.
Thank you so much to Elsie for this ARC. I can’t already tell I’ll be rereading this novella when I need something cozy and comforting.
May 23, 2026
I received an ARC of The Merman's Kiss. This was my first Elsie Winters book, and I enjoyed it. I am a total mermaid girl, so I was excited to be able to read and review this one. I didn't realize it was part of a greater series, and I'll be adding the others to my TBR.
Overall, I thought this was a fun read. There were a few moments that felt like a gender swapped The Little Mermaid, which was cute and fun for me. There was very little conflict in the story which makes it a good escapism/comfort read.
I liked the characters -- the first half of the book takes place over several years and gives a context for the second half. I felt like a lot of the choices the author made for the mer and elf lore were interesting and often unique. It was a great take on merfolk.
It reads a bit more like someone is telling you a story. I'm not sure if that's the author's style or just for this 'interlude' novella. With the timeline and style of the rest of the book, it makes sense.
Overall, I thought this was a fun read. There were a few moments that felt like a gender swapped The Little Mermaid, which was cute and fun for me. There was very little conflict in the story which makes it a good escapism/comfort read.
I liked the characters -- the first half of the book takes place over several years and gives a context for the second half. I felt like a lot of the choices the author made for the mer and elf lore were interesting and often unique. It was a great take on merfolk.
It reads a bit more like someone is telling you a story. I'm not sure if that's the author's style or just for this 'interlude' novella. With the timeline and style of the rest of the book, it makes sense.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is Elsie Winters’ most precious, adorable, soft romance yet. Which is a serious statement considering she has previously made me swoon over simple hand holding. This is a coming of age romance about Sadira, a young elf on holiday with her toxic family, befriending Lorn, an inquisitive, sweet, goofy little merman (really merboy in the beginning), and watching as the two grow up together as best friends. The way Elsie was able to weave themes of racial inequality, familial trauma, and otherness into such a sweet story is next level mastery. It really can be as simple as saying no and then just doing the right thing. These precious bebes deserve the world.
This book is such an easy 5 stars. It’s sweet, thoughtful and a little sexy in bits. Elsie’s entire catalogue is just cozy monster perfection. Giddy at being the first review on goodreads. 🥰
This book is such an easy 5 stars. It’s sweet, thoughtful and a little sexy in bits. Elsie’s entire catalogue is just cozy monster perfection. Giddy at being the first review on goodreads. 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Just finished this really sweet and enchanting book by Elise Winters. This book is out 22nd May!
This book is a sweet journey, I found it a great book to enjoy. Watching the characters grow up together from different worlds.
He is from the sea, even among his own kind he is not 'normal' with his hair and pale skin. He is curious about the landwalkers and their world. She is a dark elf who gets to visit the beach land once a year, she loves the sea and the boy who visits her.
But when her family expectations are suddenly thrust to her, she has to decide between her family or the boy from the sea.
Add this to your TBR pile!
Book quote:
My entire life had become salt and sand and warm ocean breezes and a smiling boy named Lorn who had a fish tail instead of legs, and I loved every moment.
Just finished this really sweet and enchanting book by Elise Winters. This book is out 22nd May!
This book is a sweet journey, I found it a great book to enjoy. Watching the characters grow up together from different worlds.
He is from the sea, even among his own kind he is not 'normal' with his hair and pale skin. He is curious about the landwalkers and their world. She is a dark elf who gets to visit the beach land once a year, she loves the sea and the boy who visits her.
But when her family expectations are suddenly thrust to her, she has to decide between her family or the boy from the sea.
Add this to your TBR pile!
Book quote:
My entire life had become salt and sand and warm ocean breezes and a smiling boy named Lorn who had a fish tail instead of legs, and I loved every moment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Elsie Winters is great at cozy, low angst fantasy world building. Sadira and Lorn are childhood friends from different worlds. Sadira is a dark elf from an influential family. Her parents are disinterested in her as a person. Her mother is snobbish and racist, and only see Sadira as a pawn to gain more influence. Lorn is a mer (merrow/undine) who lives with his father and the other children and their fathers in his pod.
I loved learning more about mer culture since Levi from Leviathan’s Song (the first book in the series) was raised by his human father. Lorn saves Sadira after she falls into the ocean at her family’s summer cabin. They cannot communicate at first since mer like Lorn are unable to breathe air and speak without pain until they are older. They strike up a friendship anyways and reconnect each summer as they learn about each other’s worlds. As they get older their feelings for each other grow and change until Sadira’s mother attempts to force her into a political marriage.
There are fun little mermaid Easter eggs throughout.
I loved learning more about mer culture since Levi from Leviathan’s Song (the first book in the series) was raised by his human father. Lorn saves Sadira after she falls into the ocean at her family’s summer cabin. They cannot communicate at first since mer like Lorn are unable to breathe air and speak without pain until they are older. They strike up a friendship anyways and reconnect each summer as they learn about each other’s worlds. As they get older their feelings for each other grow and change until Sadira’s mother attempts to force her into a political marriage.
There are fun little mermaid Easter eggs throughout.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was absolutely ADORABLE! I fell in love with Lorn so fast. His curiosity and genuine care for Sadira from the start was absolutely the cutest thing I've read in a while. Watching them go through the years summer by summer, falling in love slowly but surely was such a treat. I adored that they traded trinkets throughout the years and how they shared foods! I laughed so hard at Lorn not liking bread.
And even though it was sweet and loving for a romance, the spice did not lack one bit!
This book made me giggle, tear up, smile, and hurt. It provided so many feelings in under two hundred pages that I was sad when it was over. I could easily read more of these two any day. I will 100% be going back and reading Leviathan's Song now because I just want more of Elise Winters adorable, soft, and cozy writing. I'm just in love.
Go read this one!
And even though it was sweet and loving for a romance, the spice did not lack one bit!
This book made me giggle, tear up, smile, and hurt. It provided so many feelings in under two hundred pages that I was sad when it was over. I could easily read more of these two any day. I will 100% be going back and reading Leviathan's Song now because I just want more of Elise Winters adorable, soft, and cozy writing. I'm just in love.
Go read this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
I read The Merman’s Kiss in two sittings! It was heartwarming, charming and so adorably cute.
Merman MMC saves elf FMC from drowning as a child and we then see the growth of a really beautiful friendship over the years. Elsie Winters is a master of slow burn romance and this book delivered an achingly slow burn from friends to mutual crushes to eventual lovers.
🧜♂️ So many hilarious little moments where they had to learn about the world each other was from
🧜♂️ Exchanging gifts 🥹
🧜♂️ I will now be dipping my sandwiches in sea water for extra flavour.
I already adore this world and this book was just as beautiful. Thank you to Elsie Winters for providing me with an advanced copy for review, I’m so glad to have met these two!
I read The Merman’s Kiss in two sittings! It was heartwarming, charming and so adorably cute.
Merman MMC saves elf FMC from drowning as a child and we then see the growth of a really beautiful friendship over the years. Elsie Winters is a master of slow burn romance and this book delivered an achingly slow burn from friends to mutual crushes to eventual lovers.
🧜♂️ So many hilarious little moments where they had to learn about the world each other was from
🧜♂️ Exchanging gifts 🥹
🧜♂️ I will now be dipping my sandwiches in sea water for extra flavour.
I already adore this world and this book was just as beautiful. Thank you to Elsie Winters for providing me with an advanced copy for review, I’m so glad to have met these two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Merman’s Kiss is a sweet and cozy romantasy novella. The story is set in the world of the Boundlands series and some familiar characters from the previous books are mentioned.
The main characters are Sadira (a dark elf) and Lorn (a merrow/ merman) who become friends as children. Their differing cultures does not make their friendship easy, and they struggle with it. Again Winters focuses masterfully on the worldbuilding and really makes the reader understand the different cultures. The way she has considered so many aspects of everyday life underwater is astonishing.
This is a heartwarming story and just a perfect little snack to devour ❤️ There are also a couple of well written spicy scenes that bring that extra bizzaz to the novella. I really recommend the book as a cozy summer read.
I received an advanced readers copy of the book and this is my honest opinion that is left voluntarily.
GENRE: Romantasy
TROPE(S): Friends to lovers
POV: Dual
THEMES: Interracial love,
ATMOSPHERE: Cozy
TRIGGERS: Racism
SPICE: 4 /5 🌶️
STARS: 4 /5 ⭐️
The main characters are Sadira (a dark elf) and Lorn (a merrow/ merman) who become friends as children. Their differing cultures does not make their friendship easy, and they struggle with it. Again Winters focuses masterfully on the worldbuilding and really makes the reader understand the different cultures. The way she has considered so many aspects of everyday life underwater is astonishing.
This is a heartwarming story and just a perfect little snack to devour ❤️ There are also a couple of well written spicy scenes that bring that extra bizzaz to the novella. I really recommend the book as a cozy summer read.
I received an advanced readers copy of the book and this is my honest opinion that is left voluntarily.
GENRE: Romantasy
TROPE(S): Friends to lovers
POV: Dual
THEMES: Interracial love,
ATMOSPHERE: Cozy
TRIGGERS: Racism
SPICE: 4 /5 🌶️
STARS: 4 /5 ⭐️
May 20, 2026
The Merman’s Kiss brought me so many cozy vibes, comfort and happiness!!!!
I loved it so much!!
This series has truly become one of my all time favorites and I’ll always keep it close to my heart 🥹💖
Sadira and Lorn were the sweetest cutie pies ever!!!!!
Their childhood friends to lovers romance was absolutely delightful.
The yearning, the shyness, the possessiveness, AAAHHHH! Top-tier!!!
I loved how they experienced all their firsts together.
And the cameos!!!!! 🥹
Please, Elsie!! Never stop writing books in this series, I’m begging you!!!!! And please never stop writing celibate/inexperienced heroes either 🤭💖
Many, MANY thanks to the author for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts! Thank you so much truly 💖
I loved it so much!!
This series has truly become one of my all time favorites and I’ll always keep it close to my heart 🥹💖
Sadira and Lorn were the sweetest cutie pies ever!!!!!
Their childhood friends to lovers romance was absolutely delightful.
The yearning, the shyness, the possessiveness, AAAHHHH! Top-tier!!!
I loved how they experienced all their firsts together.
And the cameos!!!!! 🥹
Please, Elsie!! Never stop writing books in this series, I’m begging you!!!!! And please never stop writing celibate/inexperienced heroes either 🤭💖
Many, MANY thanks to the author for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts! Thank you so much truly 💖
May 28, 2026
I loved The Merman's Kiss. Sadira, a dark elf, and Lorn, a mer, met as children when Sadira was at her family's summer beach home. They become fast friends.
As they grow up, though, the nature of their relationship slowly morphs. When Sadira's very traditional (i.e. xenophobic) mother announces that she's arranged a marriage for Sadira with an "appropriate" match, Sadira runs away to Lorn.
The Merman's Kiss manages to be cozy and spicy while tackling the challenges that come with cultural/language differences, bad parenting and leaving behind problematic family legacies.
Thank you Elsie Winters for the opportunity to advance read. 🩷
As they grow up, though, the nature of their relationship slowly morphs. When Sadira's very traditional (i.e. xenophobic) mother announces that she's arranged a marriage for Sadira with an "appropriate" match, Sadira runs away to Lorn.
The Merman's Kiss manages to be cozy and spicy while tackling the challenges that come with cultural/language differences, bad parenting and leaving behind problematic family legacies.
Thank you Elsie Winters for the opportunity to advance read. 🩷
May 23, 2026
Aaaaaaah!! This was the sweetest, most wholesome friends to lovers story. I loved seeing Sadira and Lorn become friends at a young age. There's a language barrier since she's an elven and he a merman.. one of my favorite tropes. The first half takes us across seven-ish years of their friendship, which gets put on hold when Sadira has to go off to school, but when they reunite.. ah it's the sweetest. Eventually they come together as adults and overcome many obstacles, their HEA was so satisfying ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2026
Mostly wholesome with a sprinkle of spice
For such a short read, this one is a slow burn. Our MCs become friends as children, and they remain children for the first half of the book. The shift from their childhood relationship to the adult spice is a tad jarring, but they’re very cute together, and who doesn’t love a fun merman peen pouch? It’s not super plot heavy, but the characters are sweet and the language barrier is entertaining. I had a lovely time with this merman and dark elf.
For such a short read, this one is a slow burn. Our MCs become friends as children, and they remain children for the first half of the book. The shift from their childhood relationship to the adult spice is a tad jarring, but they’re very cute together, and who doesn’t love a fun merman peen pouch? It’s not super plot heavy, but the characters are sweet and the language barrier is entertaining. I had a lovely time with this merman and dark elf.
June 22, 2026
I'm so glad this got an expansion from the anthology short it started out as. Not just because I love any Boundlands stories, but Lorn and Sadira have such a beautiful story. Getting to see them grow up together was so sweet, and I'm glad we got more of Sadira's school life and knowing that she had a better support system there than with her parents. Learning a bit more about mer society was also a really cool addition, and I hope we get a bit more between Lorn and Levi some day, considering they had such wildly different mer upbringing experiences!
May 28, 2026
So sweet
Wow I loved these two characters so much! It was a bit of a slow burn even though it a long book. But that makes the emotional payoff even better when they finally get together. Even though it stands alone, readers will probably enjoy it more if they have at least read Leviathan's Song first. There are some events and characters that overlap for certain parts of the book, so it does help the reader understand those better as well.
Wow I loved these two characters so much! It was a bit of a slow burn even though it a long book. But that makes the emotional payoff even better when they finally get together. Even though it stands alone, readers will probably enjoy it more if they have at least read Leviathan's Song first. There are some events and characters that overlap for certain parts of the book, so it does help the reader understand those better as well.
May 31, 2026
Ms. Winters is undoubtedly the most underrated author there is. I love every single one of her books! Lorn and Sadira were both very likeable characters, I feel for them both. They were just perfect for each other and I love how they met young, we got to see how their relationship dynamics slowly progressed from curiosity, platonic love, to romantic love. Such a sweet read this was, I wish it was longer.
June 16, 2026
Lorn and Sadira come from VERY different worlds, and yet are drawn to each other after Lorn rescues Sadira from drowning and can’t help but learn about the other as much as they can every summer. And yet, it seems their young forbidden romance could never truly be, especially when Sadira’s mother starts demanding Sadira to marry a dark elf. Will they get their happy ending?
This is one of the sweetest, most tender romantic romantasy I’ve ever read. My heart is so full after reading this book.
I love books with young love along with the coming of age stories of the two MCs. They each live in such separate and different worlds and I loved learning about both, and how they share with the other about themselves. Despite not seeing each other for most of the year, they always seemed to pick up right where they left off from. Their communication was on point! And they didn’t speak the same language(at first), so that says something. Mature at such a young age.
It’s a quick read, but so full of the perfect amount of moments for them to learn about each other, for each of them to grow into their own person, and for their beautiful romance to properly grow too. Elsie has never failed with her romances, and this one may be my favorite one of hers yet!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is one of the sweetest, most tender romantic romantasy I’ve ever read. My heart is so full after reading this book.
I love books with young love along with the coming of age stories of the two MCs. They each live in such separate and different worlds and I loved learning about both, and how they share with the other about themselves. Despite not seeing each other for most of the year, they always seemed to pick up right where they left off from. Their communication was on point! And they didn’t speak the same language(at first), so that says something. Mature at such a young age.
It’s a quick read, but so full of the perfect amount of moments for them to learn about each other, for each of them to grow into their own person, and for their beautiful romance to properly grow too. Elsie has never failed with her romances, and this one may be my favorite one of hers yet!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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