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If I Could #1
If I Could Drag You Under: A Sapphic Thriller Dark Romance
Mira Hansen is done. With everything. In an effort to escape her life, she books a stay at a secluded beach house during the off season and is surprised when it comes with a very persistent, and hot, lesbian neighbor. One who’s annoyingly preoccupied with her wellbeing. During her stay, doors she thought she had closed swing wide open, and things she can’t unsee come crawling out of the ocean. Maybe it’s a good thing that at least one other person lives nearby… to make sure she’s not going crazy.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2026
About the author
Kelly Preston
4 books34 followersKelly Preston is a neurodivergent, disabled, Midwestern, queer person that has determined that since Chronic Pain led them to write, then they are here gay-ing up your life. They write books with the core value of Empathy Building and challenge their readers to think on a deeper level about a character’s experience.
Originally from St. Louis, MO, Kelly now finds themselves in the Bay Area after living in places like: Los Angeles, California; Denver, Colorado and Auckland, New Zealand. They live with their wife, ESA cat babies Lunabutts, Princess Tiny Buttholes and their service dog Lena Margie.
Kelly is a fandom nerd and has many special interests. Don’t mention New Zealand unless you are ready for non stop yapping.
Originally from St. Louis, MO, Kelly now finds themselves in the Bay Area after living in places like: Los Angeles, California; Denver, Colorado and Auckland, New Zealand. They live with their wife, ESA cat babies Lunabutts, Princess Tiny Buttholes and their service dog Lena Margie.
Kelly is a fandom nerd and has many special interests. Don’t mention New Zealand unless you are ready for non stop yapping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 13, 2026
Hmnn...I liked the suspense, and that it was different than what I expected. The end was a bit rushed and had some grammatical errors, but nothing that took away from the story. Overall, I enjoyed it and will read the sequel when it comes out.
August 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
thank you to booksirens and the author for a free advance review copy in exchange for my honest review!
If I Could Drag You Under had the perfect amount of romance, thrill, and true human emotion. Mira’s mental health and background is discussed in depth, the topics are sensitive but it introduces a lot of emotion to the story that makes you feel more connected to her. Kahli is mysterious and attractive. She introduces the “touch her and die”, possessively in love, supernatural aspects. I enjoyed how much the supernatural aspects were introduced and discussed, it didn’t overtake the story and make it feel like it was solely amount mermaids, but it was present throughout the entire book. Definitely worth the read, everyone needs some lesbian sea creatures in their lives.
thank you to booksirens and the author for a free advance review copy in exchange for my honest review!
If I Could Drag You Under had the perfect amount of romance, thrill, and true human emotion. Mira’s mental health and background is discussed in depth, the topics are sensitive but it introduces a lot of emotion to the story that makes you feel more connected to her. Kahli is mysterious and attractive. She introduces the “touch her and die”, possessively in love, supernatural aspects. I enjoyed how much the supernatural aspects were introduced and discussed, it didn’t overtake the story and make it feel like it was solely amount mermaids, but it was present throughout the entire book. Definitely worth the read, everyone needs some lesbian sea creatures in their lives.
August 6, 2026
“You can love whoever you want to love… even if it’s a girl who only exists in a story.”
Permission granted. And thank goodness. Because how are you supposed to read this and not fall in love with the mysterious stranger?
✅ Mermaids.
✅ Dark romance.
✅ Sapphic.
It ticks the boxes. And I am, after all, just a girl. 🤷♀️
This falls on the softer side of dark romance, like a lingering kiss with a sharp bite. The budding relationship between Mira, a suicidal vacationer, and Kahli, a mysterious local—which is the centre of the whole story—is tender and sweet, if you overlook… well… everything else.
Unfolding through the eyes of Mira, an unintentionally unreliable narrator, this book is rarely what it seems.
You know that moment in a horror movie when there’s a noise in the basement, and a character goes to check it out while you’re screaming, ‘Are you an idiot?!’ Reading this often felt much like that.
And even when I thought she should run... I also, kind of, didn't want her to.
The romance was subtly addictive, soft tenderness interwoven with fiery spice that will raise your heart rate sharply. And, much like Mira, keep you sat in place.
Escapist and romantic swings to tense and unsettling at breakneck speed. A visceral fear thrums beneath the surface (🥁) of this book. The moments where this grew louder, and horror broke the haze of romance to hit with chilling clarity were some of my favourite parts of the writing. Vividly visual, panic gripped my chest tight, buckled me into that car, and had me turning pages like a woman possessed.
Bear with me while I say something strange…
I really struggled to like Mira (the protagonist)...
Which is actually one of the biggest compliments I could give a character.
Mira got under my skin. She felt human in a way that came across as deeply authentic, with flawed thinking, moments of self-absorption, and terrible decision-making that bled unfiltered honesty across the pages.
This isn’t always likeable. But it is real. And complex. And layered. And, at times, painfully relatable.
Mira is also witty. Caring. Introspective. Beneath poorly constructed defence mechanisms lies a heart that she wears on her sleeve… Although I suspect she’d vehemently deny that. There is a real duality to her character that shines.
I came to appreciate Mira. I rooted for her. I felt like I understood her.
Twists and turns galore, this book would suit dark romance lovers, horror lovers, and lighter fantasy lovers alike…
If you like lesbian romance (I use the term lesbian intentionally because this is the perspective the narrator speaks from, even if the term is not representative of all the characters involved– sapphics do be aware of this going in), complex, nuanced characters, and a plot filled with twists and turns… You’ll love this one.
Permission granted. And thank goodness. Because how are you supposed to read this and not fall in love with the mysterious stranger?
✅ Mermaids.
✅ Dark romance.
✅ Sapphic.
It ticks the boxes. And I am, after all, just a girl. 🤷♀️
This falls on the softer side of dark romance, like a lingering kiss with a sharp bite. The budding relationship between Mira, a suicidal vacationer, and Kahli, a mysterious local—which is the centre of the whole story—is tender and sweet, if you overlook… well… everything else.
Unfolding through the eyes of Mira, an unintentionally unreliable narrator, this book is rarely what it seems.
You know that moment in a horror movie when there’s a noise in the basement, and a character goes to check it out while you’re screaming, ‘Are you an idiot?!’ Reading this often felt much like that.
And even when I thought she should run... I also, kind of, didn't want her to.
The romance was subtly addictive, soft tenderness interwoven with fiery spice that will raise your heart rate sharply. And, much like Mira, keep you sat in place.
Escapist and romantic swings to tense and unsettling at breakneck speed. A visceral fear thrums beneath the surface (🥁) of this book. The moments where this grew louder, and horror broke the haze of romance to hit with chilling clarity were some of my favourite parts of the writing. Vividly visual, panic gripped my chest tight, buckled me into that car, and had me turning pages like a woman possessed.
Bear with me while I say something strange…
I really struggled to like Mira (the protagonist)...
Which is actually one of the biggest compliments I could give a character.
Mira got under my skin. She felt human in a way that came across as deeply authentic, with flawed thinking, moments of self-absorption, and terrible decision-making that bled unfiltered honesty across the pages.
This isn’t always likeable. But it is real. And complex. And layered. And, at times, painfully relatable.
Mira is also witty. Caring. Introspective. Beneath poorly constructed defence mechanisms lies a heart that she wears on her sleeve… Although I suspect she’d vehemently deny that. There is a real duality to her character that shines.
I came to appreciate Mira. I rooted for her. I felt like I understood her.
Twists and turns galore, this book would suit dark romance lovers, horror lovers, and lighter fantasy lovers alike…
If you like lesbian romance (I use the term lesbian intentionally because this is the perspective the narrator speaks from, even if the term is not representative of all the characters involved– sapphics do be aware of this going in), complex, nuanced characters, and a plot filled with twists and turns… You’ll love this one.
April 18, 2026
Kelly has dragged me into another dark read. And I have to admit this book was definitely one of my fave reads this month!
Dark, spicy and supernatural.
Know that it does have suicidal thoughts in the book.
I had a hard time putting it down to even get sleep!
Loved the development of the book, loved the plot and characters!
Dark, spicy and supernatural.
Know that it does have suicidal thoughts in the book.
I had a hard time putting it down to even get sleep!
Loved the development of the book, loved the plot and characters!
May 8, 2026
6 star book.
Thank you to Kelly Preston for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book changed something in me. I have so many thoughts and most of them end with me sobbing.
A short summary:
We a following Mira, who rents a secluded beach house for a few weeks because existing is exhausting and she doesn’t want to do it anymore. She quickly meets and becomes drawn to Kahli, meanwhile, some strange things start emerging from the ocean and Mira begins to learn more about the town’s longstanding legends surrounding the sea.
My thoughts:
Mira came to me when I needed her and she is a character that will stay with me for life. She feels very real and her struggles with her mental health and trauma are depicted in such a raw, personal and beautifully careful way. I do wish we got a slightly more in-depth view of each of those elements of Mira’s backstory but, overall, this was a gorgeous depiction of Mira struggling with and working through various challenging setbacks and finding little things to enjoy about life amongst how difficult existing can feel.
I adored Mira and Kahli’s relationship and the lesbian representation within this book. I enjoyed the intrigue, the tension and the chaos between the two. I think they are both very strong characters individually and work so well together. I would LOVE to see more of Kahli’s backstory - I think she would be a fascinating character to delve into.
I also loved the side characters and queer representation more widely. There was so much warmth in the relationships Mira has built with her existing queer friends and is building with the new queer people she meets at the beach town.
I thought the mermaid folklore was so interesting and fun. I don’t usually read mermaid books - they just don’t happen to be something I ever find myself reaching for but this one had me HOOKED and stressed and on the edge of my seat - I need to know more about these sea legends.
If you pick this one up, please check trigger warnings!!
I would recommend this to any reader who loves dark romance, mermaid folklore horror, chronic illness representation, and lesbians struggling with and working through their mental health and trauma.
Thank you to Kelly Preston for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book changed something in me. I have so many thoughts and most of them end with me sobbing.
A short summary:
We a following Mira, who rents a secluded beach house for a few weeks because existing is exhausting and she doesn’t want to do it anymore. She quickly meets and becomes drawn to Kahli, meanwhile, some strange things start emerging from the ocean and Mira begins to learn more about the town’s longstanding legends surrounding the sea.
My thoughts:
Mira came to me when I needed her and she is a character that will stay with me for life. She feels very real and her struggles with her mental health and trauma are depicted in such a raw, personal and beautifully careful way. I do wish we got a slightly more in-depth view of each of those elements of Mira’s backstory but, overall, this was a gorgeous depiction of Mira struggling with and working through various challenging setbacks and finding little things to enjoy about life amongst how difficult existing can feel.
I adored Mira and Kahli’s relationship and the lesbian representation within this book. I enjoyed the intrigue, the tension and the chaos between the two. I think they are both very strong characters individually and work so well together. I would LOVE to see more of Kahli’s backstory - I think she would be a fascinating character to delve into.
I also loved the side characters and queer representation more widely. There was so much warmth in the relationships Mira has built with her existing queer friends and is building with the new queer people she meets at the beach town.
I thought the mermaid folklore was so interesting and fun. I don’t usually read mermaid books - they just don’t happen to be something I ever find myself reaching for but this one had me HOOKED and stressed and on the edge of my seat - I need to know more about these sea legends.
If you pick this one up, please check trigger warnings!!
I would recommend this to any reader who loves dark romance, mermaid folklore horror, chronic illness representation, and lesbians struggling with and working through their mental health and trauma.
August 29, 2026
This was… different. Not in a bad way at all. I was fully engaged and genuinely wanted to know how this story was going to unfold.
This is definitely outside of my typical genre scope, but I really enjoyed it! The story went much deeper than I expected, especially when it came to Mira’s mental health and ultimately watching her hit rock bottom. It was heavy at times, but I thought that part of her character was handled in a way that made her feel very real and human.
And Khali… She definitely had me side-eyeing her a few times because of how mysterious she came across. There were so many moments where I wasn't quite sure what to make of her or what her intentions were, and that definitely kept me interested.
I also really enjoyed the atmosphere of this story. There was this constant feeling that something wasn't quite right, and I loved that I couldn't completely figure out where things were headed. The romance, the darker elements, and the psychological side of the story made for a combination I wasn't expecting but ended up really enjoying.
Overall, this was such an unexpected read for me, and I'm glad I stepped outside my usual genre. It kept me curious, invested, and questioning what was actually going on more than once. Definitely a unique reading experience! 🖤
.
.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not influenced by receiving an advance copy.
This is definitely outside of my typical genre scope, but I really enjoyed it! The story went much deeper than I expected, especially when it came to Mira’s mental health and ultimately watching her hit rock bottom. It was heavy at times, but I thought that part of her character was handled in a way that made her feel very real and human.
And Khali… She definitely had me side-eyeing her a few times because of how mysterious she came across. There were so many moments where I wasn't quite sure what to make of her or what her intentions were, and that definitely kept me interested.
I also really enjoyed the atmosphere of this story. There was this constant feeling that something wasn't quite right, and I loved that I couldn't completely figure out where things were headed. The romance, the darker elements, and the psychological side of the story made for a combination I wasn't expecting but ended up really enjoying.
Overall, this was such an unexpected read for me, and I'm glad I stepped outside my usual genre. It kept me curious, invested, and questioning what was actually going on more than once. Definitely a unique reading experience! 🖤
.
.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not influenced by receiving an advance copy.
July 18, 2026
Mysterious, slightly stressful, full of passion, full of heartache. This was a beautiful horror.
Mira is a broken woman at the end of her rope. We get to see all her wounds and hurts.
Kahli is a mysterious woman who breaks down the ice walls put up my Mira. I can’t call her the sunshine to Mira’s grumpy because that would diminish the depth of both characters. These two women fit together so well, and the way the author creates tension and conflict between them, and well as resolution really shows how their relationship grows as the book progresses.
There feels like a lot of symbolism you can look into in this book. The author has clearly poured her soul into it and I’m grateful to have been able to enjoy her creation. I won’t go into my own thoughts on the meaning of certain aspects of this book, but if you like a bit of analysis in your reading, this will keep you puzzling for a while. I loved it. My heart hurt, I related to Mira, I felt her fear in so many ways. Excellent book. 5/5.
Mira is a broken woman at the end of her rope. We get to see all her wounds and hurts.
Kahli is a mysterious woman who breaks down the ice walls put up my Mira. I can’t call her the sunshine to Mira’s grumpy because that would diminish the depth of both characters. These two women fit together so well, and the way the author creates tension and conflict between them, and well as resolution really shows how their relationship grows as the book progresses.
There feels like a lot of symbolism you can look into in this book. The author has clearly poured her soul into it and I’m grateful to have been able to enjoy her creation. I won’t go into my own thoughts on the meaning of certain aspects of this book, but if you like a bit of analysis in your reading, this will keep you puzzling for a while. I loved it. My heart hurt, I related to Mira, I felt her fear in so many ways. Excellent book. 5/5.
May 3, 2026
Okay so I don’t usually pick up thrillers, but If I Could Drag You Under by Kelly Preston?? I had SO much fun with this one and it totally left me rethinking why I hadn’t tried this genre before! It’s got that creepy, suspenseful vibe and I was frequently side-eyeing every character like “okay girl…but what are your intentions??” (Shout out to the author for putting up with all my random thoughts in her DMs as I worked through it all!)
And then?? There’s also this really intriguing romantic element woven in that I didn’t expect to get so invested in, and got me attached to these characters real quick. I NEEDED to know they were okay 😭 I won’t say too much because going in a little blind makes it way more fun, but just know it kept me guessing the entire time. Also…the ending? It wraps enough up to be satisfying but definitely left me with feelings, so yeah…I’ll be picking up the next book as soon as it drops.
And then?? There’s also this really intriguing romantic element woven in that I didn’t expect to get so invested in, and got me attached to these characters real quick. I NEEDED to know they were okay 😭 I won’t say too much because going in a little blind makes it way more fun, but just know it kept me guessing the entire time. Also…the ending? It wraps enough up to be satisfying but definitely left me with feelings, so yeah…I’ll be picking up the next book as soon as it drops.
April 21, 2026
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I devoured this book in less than two days. I did not want to put it down and absolutely stayed up too late reading it, but it was worth it. I was happy to over caffeinate so I could keep reading. If you pick this book up (which I recommend you do!) make sure to check TWs first because it does have some DARK themes that a lot of people may not be in a good place to read. If it’s not the book for you, that’s okay!
Mira has reached an all time low and has decided she’s done, so she rents a house on the beach to live out her final days. She quickly meets Kahli, a local who suddenly becomes very interested in Mira. Despite Mira being a grouch, Kahli is able to connect with her. Strange things start happening around the beach house, and Mira has a hard time making sense of them. Spooky and dangerous things seem to be a common occurrence in the sleepy town, and Kahli makes it clear she wants to protect Mira.
This was the first book I read by Kelly Preston, and I look forward to reading more!
I devoured this book in less than two days. I did not want to put it down and absolutely stayed up too late reading it, but it was worth it. I was happy to over caffeinate so I could keep reading. If you pick this book up (which I recommend you do!) make sure to check TWs first because it does have some DARK themes that a lot of people may not be in a good place to read. If it’s not the book for you, that’s okay!
Mira has reached an all time low and has decided she’s done, so she rents a house on the beach to live out her final days. She quickly meets Kahli, a local who suddenly becomes very interested in Mira. Despite Mira being a grouch, Kahli is able to connect with her. Strange things start happening around the beach house, and Mira has a hard time making sense of them. Spooky and dangerous things seem to be a common occurrence in the sleepy town, and Kahli makes it clear she wants to protect Mira.
This was the first book I read by Kelly Preston, and I look forward to reading more!
Read
April 28, 2026Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about this one, so I'm choosing not to rate it. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I may be conflicted, because supernatural stuff just isn't my thing. And maybe I wasn't clear that this is what it was going to be.
Overall, supernatural stuff excluded, it wasn't a bad story. If mermaids, conflict, love, and depression are your things, you'll love this book.
I may be conflicted, because supernatural stuff just isn't my thing. And maybe I wasn't clear that this is what it was going to be.
Overall, supernatural stuff excluded, it wasn't a bad story. If mermaids, conflict, love, and depression are your things, you'll love this book.
August 10, 2026
The ending really saved this book, Mila and Khali are too cute.. I enjoyed the Horror aspect of this tho..
April 22, 2026
3.75 Stars!
I ended up quite liking this thriller/sapphic romance. The dark, almost eerie tone—especially Mira’s sense of hovering between life and death and the mystery around Kahli—kept me interested from start to finish. It’s a quick read, but still takes time to show Mira’s growth, and how her family history and religious trauma influences her choices throughout the book.
I usually go for lighter sapphic romances, so this was a bit outside my comfort zone, but it surprisingly intrigued me and pulled me in. Kahli adds moments of calm and warmth, and their time together exploring and their date was enjoyable to read. I do wish the mermaid/supernatural tones had been explored more, though I liked the subtle hints of it. The ending was intriguing too, keeping things open-ended, which I don't usually like, but it definitely worked for this book!
I ended up quite liking this thriller/sapphic romance. The dark, almost eerie tone—especially Mira’s sense of hovering between life and death and the mystery around Kahli—kept me interested from start to finish. It’s a quick read, but still takes time to show Mira’s growth, and how her family history and religious trauma influences her choices throughout the book.
I usually go for lighter sapphic romances, so this was a bit outside my comfort zone, but it surprisingly intrigued me and pulled me in. Kahli adds moments of calm and warmth, and their time together exploring and their date was enjoyable to read. I do wish the mermaid/supernatural tones had been explored more, though I liked the subtle hints of it. The ending was intriguing too, keeping things open-ended, which I don't usually like, but it definitely worked for this book!
June 6, 2026
In a nutshell: Anyone for a late night swim? Because I am telling you right now, sexy swimmer girl might just convince you it's okay. This book DRAGGED me into the story and I quickly got swept up in the characters, the mystery and of course the romance.
What I loved:
I'm going to start out by saying Preston damn near SLAPPED me in the face with such a relatable character. Mira and her struggles with mental health were so well written, and I saw so much of myself reflected in her story. The author does not shy away from the heavier aspects of Miras battle with mental health, infact they are incredibly detailed. But it also felt very realistic, her whole journey did. She was just a really well written character, and I loved her throughout.
Sexy swimmer girl (Khali) add a heavy dose of mystery and she definately commands your attention. Every single scene she's in has a eerie feeling to it, like you know there's something but you can't quite figure out what. She was so soft for Mira, it was truly adorable and considering Mira gave her almost nothing but grumpy for alot of their interactions she stayed committed to helping Mira.
Together they were honestly both totally useless lesbians, like were drawn to each other and many questionable decisions get made. Kahli would do anything for Mira and boy does she ever. They had so much chemistry and I loved their interactions together as they got to know each other. Their intimate scenes were *pants* great, the beach wasn't the only place wet!
The thriller and horror aspects were also so well written that it had me on the edge of my seat constantly. The details were so vivid and allowed me to immerse myself completely. I found myself side eyeing so many characters and second guessing things the whole way, which is what I love. Keeping me on my toes, the same toes that Kahli would probably find weird 😅
The side characters were also really well written, they both added lightness as well as mystery to the overall story. It was nice to see the caring connection between Mira and her best friend too.
This book truly was just a breath of fresh air, it's not just a thriller and it's not just a dark romance. It so so so much more. The story was extremely well written and it does leave it open at the end, meaning it can be continued, which personally I am excited for. I loved the dynamic between the two main characters, their development personally and together was just perfection. I loved the paranormal aspects and the mystery throughout, it was eerie and creepy and everything I wanted! The lore of the mermaids and the details we get on them was also fantastic, however I don't want to give anything away as there's parts that were a real highlight for me but it would best experienced without spoilering.
What didn't work for me:
I actually couldn't fault anything, and therefore that made this a 5 star read for me.
Memorable quote: She tried not to want all the gentleness that she felt wasn’t meant for her, but she couldn’t help it; at times she was willing to do anything for that comfort.
What I loved:
I'm going to start out by saying Preston damn near SLAPPED me in the face with such a relatable character. Mira and her struggles with mental health were so well written, and I saw so much of myself reflected in her story. The author does not shy away from the heavier aspects of Miras battle with mental health, infact they are incredibly detailed. But it also felt very realistic, her whole journey did. She was just a really well written character, and I loved her throughout.
Sexy swimmer girl (Khali) add a heavy dose of mystery and she definately commands your attention. Every single scene she's in has a eerie feeling to it, like you know there's something but you can't quite figure out what. She was so soft for Mira, it was truly adorable and considering Mira gave her almost nothing but grumpy for alot of their interactions she stayed committed to helping Mira.
Together they were honestly both totally useless lesbians, like were drawn to each other and many questionable decisions get made. Kahli would do anything for Mira and boy does she ever. They had so much chemistry and I loved their interactions together as they got to know each other. Their intimate scenes were *pants* great, the beach wasn't the only place wet!
The thriller and horror aspects were also so well written that it had me on the edge of my seat constantly. The details were so vivid and allowed me to immerse myself completely. I found myself side eyeing so many characters and second guessing things the whole way, which is what I love. Keeping me on my toes, the same toes that Kahli would probably find weird 😅
The side characters were also really well written, they both added lightness as well as mystery to the overall story. It was nice to see the caring connection between Mira and her best friend too.
This book truly was just a breath of fresh air, it's not just a thriller and it's not just a dark romance. It so so so much more. The story was extremely well written and it does leave it open at the end, meaning it can be continued, which personally I am excited for. I loved the dynamic between the two main characters, their development personally and together was just perfection. I loved the paranormal aspects and the mystery throughout, it was eerie and creepy and everything I wanted! The lore of the mermaids and the details we get on them was also fantastic, however I don't want to give anything away as there's parts that were a real highlight for me but it would best experienced without spoilering.
What didn't work for me:
I actually couldn't fault anything, and therefore that made this a 5 star read for me.
Memorable quote: She tried not to want all the gentleness that she felt wasn’t meant for her, but she couldn’t help it; at times she was willing to do anything for that comfort.
July 12, 2026
I went into this book hesitantly because of the content warnings however, I'm a sucker for not doing what I am supposed to. If you read this book, I highly recommend paying attention to the content warnings and if you don't like me, bring a very large box of kleenex to the seat with you. First of all, I wanted to commend Kelly on how well written the beginning of this book is. Down to the darkest mental demons that she writes about.
Having had dark days in my own life, being able to connect with Mira was refreshing if that makes sense. To know that people with mental health issues are acknowledged too, feels like a win win in my book. The inner turmoil that Mira goes through in the first few pages of this book really resonated with me.
I don't want to give much away on the story but the two MC's were like a magnetic pull to each other for reasons unknown until you figure out why. Mira and Kahli were a lot of fun getting to know and really see them as who they are. While I found some of the storylines in the book went uncompleted, I loved how it went. I do really want to know what happened with Benny and how he helped Mira and maybe one day Kelly will give us a follow up somehow.
To Mira: and to anyone out there who is having a hard time finding their light, DON'T GIVE UP. Life just likes to throw you some curveballs now and again but you will learn to understand that it is only to make you stronger and show you that you have more life to live than you think. I met my own Mermaid 🧜♀️ and once you are done reading this book, you'll understand what I mean and you may understand in you're own way like I have.
To Kahli: Thank you for your support system and helping to show others how they have more life to live and giving them reasons to see why and for your complete truth to Mira. I'm sorry you gave up on your reality but you gained another beautiful life in the process.
To Kelly: THANK YOU ❤️
Having had dark days in my own life, being able to connect with Mira was refreshing if that makes sense. To know that people with mental health issues are acknowledged too, feels like a win win in my book. The inner turmoil that Mira goes through in the first few pages of this book really resonated with me.
I don't want to give much away on the story but the two MC's were like a magnetic pull to each other for reasons unknown until you figure out why. Mira and Kahli were a lot of fun getting to know and really see them as who they are. While I found some of the storylines in the book went uncompleted, I loved how it went. I do really want to know what happened with Benny and how he helped Mira and maybe one day Kelly will give us a follow up somehow.
To Mira: and to anyone out there who is having a hard time finding their light, DON'T GIVE UP. Life just likes to throw you some curveballs now and again but you will learn to understand that it is only to make you stronger and show you that you have more life to live than you think. I met my own Mermaid 🧜♀️ and once you are done reading this book, you'll understand what I mean and you may understand in you're own way like I have.
To Kahli: Thank you for your support system and helping to show others how they have more life to live and giving them reasons to see why and for your complete truth to Mira. I'm sorry you gave up on your reality but you gained another beautiful life in the process.
To Kelly: THANK YOU ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2026
5⭐️🧜♀️
Spoiler Free Review
Firstly, while I am an ARC reader I keep my reviews honest. This portion will be high level and spoiler free. For more in depth review with spoilers scroll down past the mermaids.
Overall this book is a great stand alone novel but I sure hope there will be another. Not an overly complicated writing style. Gives great character development and plot while still including some very nice spice. Please head the trigger warnings. The plot starts off real dark but has a happy ending.
Spoiler Review Below the Mermaids
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Characters: I love Mira and Khali as individual characters. Together their romance is so toxic but also Khali does so much for Mira to help her heal mentally and physically. Khali is definitely a black cat/golden retriever type like the author has said. She can be so cold if needed but worships Mira’s existence and lives to serve her. We get a lot of background on Mira and an okay amount on Khali. I would love to see a second addition that goes into more background on Khali. Maybe it can lead up to the day she first spots Mira.
The spice was an accurate representation of sex between two women (no mermaid form and human form sex sorry folks) and is obviously written by a sapphic author. There is also a great balance of spice and plot. Let’s be honest some smut these days are all spice and barely any type of plot. I read for the plot and the spice is the cherry on top of the sapphic sundae.
Loved this book and am rooting for an addition. I also look forward to reading the authors other works.
Spoiler Free Review
Firstly, while I am an ARC reader I keep my reviews honest. This portion will be high level and spoiler free. For more in depth review with spoilers scroll down past the mermaids.
Overall this book is a great stand alone novel but I sure hope there will be another. Not an overly complicated writing style. Gives great character development and plot while still including some very nice spice. Please head the trigger warnings. The plot starts off real dark but has a happy ending.
Spoiler Review Below the Mermaids
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Characters: I love Mira and Khali as individual characters. Together their romance is so toxic but also Khali does so much for Mira to help her heal mentally and physically. Khali is definitely a black cat/golden retriever type like the author has said. She can be so cold if needed but worships Mira’s existence and lives to serve her. We get a lot of background on Mira and an okay amount on Khali. I would love to see a second addition that goes into more background on Khali. Maybe it can lead up to the day she first spots Mira.
The spice was an accurate representation of sex between two women (no mermaid form and human form sex sorry folks) and is obviously written by a sapphic author. There is also a great balance of spice and plot. Let’s be honest some smut these days are all spice and barely any type of plot. I read for the plot and the spice is the cherry on top of the sapphic sundae.
Loved this book and am rooting for an addition. I also look forward to reading the authors other works.
April 26, 2026
If I Could Drag You Under by Kelly Preston 🧜🏽♀️
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.🖤
short summary:
Mira is at the end of her rope. Hoping to escape everything weighing her down, she rents a secluded beach house in the off-season. Instead of peace and solitude, she finds Kahli, the persistent and very attractive lesbian neighbor next door. But as Mira begins confronting the pain she tried to outrun, strange and terrifying things start emerging from the ocean, forcing her to question what is real and what is haunting her.
my thoughts:
This book made me feel everything. I laughed, cried more than once, gasped, and spent half the book angry at the characters while also deeply understanding them. The opening line instantly hooks you, and from there the story never lets go. Mira is one of those messy, complicated characters who feels painfully real. She’s dealing with chronic illness, trauma, depression, suicidal ideation, and the scars left by abusive relationships, and her emotional turmoil is portrayed in such a raw, believable way. At times I wanted to hug her, and at others I wanted to shake her.🙄😅
I also adored Kahli and the dynamic between them. Their relationship brought heat, tenderness, and chaos in equal measure ❤️🔥🌈 The blend of dark romance, horror, and mermaid folklore worked so well for me. It had eerie siren vibes, emotional depth, and plenty of spice.
If you love broken but realistic characters, sapphic tension, folklore horror, and stories that hit you emotionally while still being sexy and unsettling, this one is worth diving into. 🌊
p.s. with all books, make sure to check trigger warnings ‼️
August 31, 2026
Lesbians and dark romance, name a better duo. This was actually my first dark sapphic romance, and my brain has expanded.
Fangirling aside, this was such a fun, atmospheric, and surprisingly emotional read. Mira was painfully relatable as a tired woman at rock bottom, retreating to a desolate off-season beach house with no plans to keep going. But instead of isolation, she runs into a completely normal, totally human, very hot swimmer girl. Where do I sign up?
I am down bad for Kahli. Sure, she is definitely suspicious, she appears out of thin air, has a mysterious schedule that lets her swim all day, and her last name is literally Delmar. But beneath the uncanny vibes, she is very protective, caring, and sweet. At times I forgot I was reading a horror and just wanted them to get together and be happy already.
The "dark" aspects lean more psychological and eerie rather than purely cruel. There is definitely some memory manipulation and dubious boundary-crossing on Kahli's part, but it comes from a good place, keeping the relationship somewhat healthy even if a bit dark if you really look into it. There's some spice, which is always a nice add-on, but it's nothing too crazy or extreme.
The ending was sweet, even with the time skip. While this works well on its own, it leaves enough unanswered questions to have me hooked for more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fangirling aside, this was such a fun, atmospheric, and surprisingly emotional read. Mira was painfully relatable as a tired woman at rock bottom, retreating to a desolate off-season beach house with no plans to keep going. But instead of isolation, she runs into a completely normal, totally human, very hot swimmer girl. Where do I sign up?
I am down bad for Kahli. Sure, she is definitely suspicious, she appears out of thin air, has a mysterious schedule that lets her swim all day, and her last name is literally Delmar. But beneath the uncanny vibes, she is very protective, caring, and sweet. At times I forgot I was reading a horror and just wanted them to get together and be happy already.
The "dark" aspects lean more psychological and eerie rather than purely cruel. There is definitely some memory manipulation and dubious boundary-crossing on Kahli's part, but it comes from a good place, keeping the relationship somewhat healthy even if a bit dark if you really look into it. There's some spice, which is always a nice add-on, but it's nothing too crazy or extreme.
The ending was sweet, even with the time skip. While this works well on its own, it leaves enough unanswered questions to have me hooked for more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2026
Kelly Preston has done it again! When I was told that they were writing a second book I could not wait to get my hands on it. First off, if you choose to read this book (and you should!) check the Trigger warnings, this book delves into some dark topics and themes. From the first sentence I was hooked and could not wait read more.
The book starts out with one of the main characters, Mira, at a beach house that she has rented with the intent of ending it all, we get a good feel and idea of what all Mira is dealing with and her state of mind pretty early on. Shortly after we meet the other main character, Kahli, who has a sense of mystery surrounding her. One of the things I liked most about this story was that it felt realistic, Mira's suffering and her struggles do not just magically go away because she meets Kahli and while I sympathized with Mira throughout the story there were times I just wanted to shake her. Kahli is an awesome character that I thoroughly enjoyed throughout the entire story. I think the dynamic between the two main characters worked very well and they balanced each other out very well.
As someone who is a huge fan of dark romances and morally grey characters, I highly recommend this book as well as the author's first book. I for one will definitely be picking up any other books this author puts out!
The book starts out with one of the main characters, Mira, at a beach house that she has rented with the intent of ending it all, we get a good feel and idea of what all Mira is dealing with and her state of mind pretty early on. Shortly after we meet the other main character, Kahli, who has a sense of mystery surrounding her. One of the things I liked most about this story was that it felt realistic, Mira's suffering and her struggles do not just magically go away because she meets Kahli and while I sympathized with Mira throughout the story there were times I just wanted to shake her. Kahli is an awesome character that I thoroughly enjoyed throughout the entire story. I think the dynamic between the two main characters worked very well and they balanced each other out very well.
As someone who is a huge fan of dark romances and morally grey characters, I highly recommend this book as well as the author's first book. I for one will definitely be picking up any other books this author puts out!
July 6, 2026
⭐️ 4 / 5 Stars
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me with an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
If you are looking for a book that perfectly blends a brooding, atmospheric setting with a captivating sapphic romance and a generous side of "what on earth is crawling out of the water," If I Could Drag You Under absolutely delivers.
From the second Mira Hansen escapes to that secluded, off-season beach house, you can practically feel the chilly ocean air and the heavy, isolated vibe. Kelly Preston does a fantastic job building a quiet, slow-burn tension, both in the air and between the characters.
The "hot, persistent lesbian neighbor" who refuses to let Mira just spiral in isolation was everything. Their chemistry is fantastic, providing a perfect, warm counterweight to the eerie setting. The off-season beach setting is a character all its own. The transition from a quiet retreat to doors swinging open and unexplainable things crawling out of the surf was incredibly well-paced. Beneath the supernatural/thriller elements, it’s a really solid story about facing things you thought you had locked away for good.
It completely sucked me in, and I had a loved reading it. If you love a moody, sapphic romance with a dark, unsettling edge, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your TBR!
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me with an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
If you are looking for a book that perfectly blends a brooding, atmospheric setting with a captivating sapphic romance and a generous side of "what on earth is crawling out of the water," If I Could Drag You Under absolutely delivers.
From the second Mira Hansen escapes to that secluded, off-season beach house, you can practically feel the chilly ocean air and the heavy, isolated vibe. Kelly Preston does a fantastic job building a quiet, slow-burn tension, both in the air and between the characters.
The "hot, persistent lesbian neighbor" who refuses to let Mira just spiral in isolation was everything. Their chemistry is fantastic, providing a perfect, warm counterweight to the eerie setting. The off-season beach setting is a character all its own. The transition from a quiet retreat to doors swinging open and unexplainable things crawling out of the surf was incredibly well-paced. Beneath the supernatural/thriller elements, it’s a really solid story about facing things you thought you had locked away for good.
It completely sucked me in, and I had a loved reading it. If you love a moody, sapphic romance with a dark, unsettling edge, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your TBR!
July 10, 2026
Wow, what an amazing book this was! I was super lucky to have won an ebook copy on bookstagram and I started it the second it was downloaded!
We follow Mira, lost and broken since the disappearance of her wife and the breakdown of their marriage. The first line pulls you right in, ready for quite the emotional rollercoaster, especially if you have experienced dark thoughts and suicidal feelings yourself. Preston handles mental health beautifully in this book - the representation is always important but even more so when you feel safe and secure in what you're reading.
We then meet Kahli, a mysterious women who makes Mira feel things she hasn't for some time. Intriguing and fun, Kahli gives us a chance to see a different perspective, especially once strange things start happening... No spoilers, of course, but you're not ready... 👀 and that ending?! Oh my goodness, I was not ready! This is exactly the book I needed to kick off July, it is powerful and real and beautiful and I urge you to read it as soon as you can!
We follow Mira, lost and broken since the disappearance of her wife and the breakdown of their marriage. The first line pulls you right in, ready for quite the emotional rollercoaster, especially if you have experienced dark thoughts and suicidal feelings yourself. Preston handles mental health beautifully in this book - the representation is always important but even more so when you feel safe and secure in what you're reading.
We then meet Kahli, a mysterious women who makes Mira feel things she hasn't for some time. Intriguing and fun, Kahli gives us a chance to see a different perspective, especially once strange things start happening... No spoilers, of course, but you're not ready... 👀 and that ending?! Oh my goodness, I was not ready! This is exactly the book I needed to kick off July, it is powerful and real and beautiful and I urge you to read it as soon as you can!
April 21, 2026
Overall I liked this thriller. The dark tone running through the story, especially Mira’s sense of drifting between life and death and the mystery around Kahli, kept me engaged throughout. It was a quick read but I appreciated the development of Mira and Wendy’s friendship and the exploration of Mira’s family struggles and religious trauma that shape her present day choices.
I usually gravitate toward lighter, cuter romances but I ended up really enjoying this darker one. Kahli’s attempts to bring calm and a bit of fun into Mira’s life were entertaining to read, from hunting for mussels to their date at the art festival. I do wish the mermaid lore had been more present throughout the story but I still liked the hints of Kahli’s supernatural nature woven through the book. The ending was especially interesting and I liked that it stays somewhat open ended as Mira and Kahli begin sorting through the mysteries that surfaced.
I usually gravitate toward lighter, cuter romances but I ended up really enjoying this darker one. Kahli’s attempts to bring calm and a bit of fun into Mira’s life were entertaining to read, from hunting for mussels to their date at the art festival. I do wish the mermaid lore had been more present throughout the story but I still liked the hints of Kahli’s supernatural nature woven through the book. The ending was especially interesting and I liked that it stays somewhat open ended as Mira and Kahli begin sorting through the mysteries that surfaced.
July 21, 2026
⭐️ 3.5
Thank you for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
This was my first book by Kelly Preston and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m really looking forward to continuing this series!
I really enjoyed reading about the mermaids. I do wish there had been a bit more of the mermaid world because those were my favorite parts, and I would have loved to learn even more about it.
The story started a little slow for me, and I didn’t really get fully invested until around the 80% mark. From there the pacing became much faster and did feel a little rushed, but I actually really enjoyed that. It was my favorite part of the book and once I got there, I couldn’t put it down.🧜♀️
Definitely check the trigger warnings before starting this one. Overall, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
Thank you for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
This was my first book by Kelly Preston and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m really looking forward to continuing this series!
I really enjoyed reading about the mermaids. I do wish there had been a bit more of the mermaid world because those were my favorite parts, and I would have loved to learn even more about it.
The story started a little slow for me, and I didn’t really get fully invested until around the 80% mark. From there the pacing became much faster and did feel a little rushed, but I actually really enjoyed that. It was my favorite part of the book and once I got there, I couldn’t put it down.🧜♀️
Definitely check the trigger warnings before starting this one. Overall, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
April 21, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the moment I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. I’ll be honest — the opening is dark, heavy, and emotionally raw. Kelly Preston doesn’t ease you in; Kelly drops you straight into Mira’s world of generational trauma, grief, and a missing spouse that haunts every breath she takes. It’s uncomfortable in the best way, because it feels real.
Desperate to escape her life, Mira flees to a quiet seaside town known for eerie legends of sea creatures that hunt humans. She’s battling chronic illness, emotional exhaustion, and a deep sense of isolation — and the ocean becomes both her refuge and her threat.
Mira is moody, withdrawn, and drowning in her own darkness… until she meets the beautiful neighbor next door. Their connection is unsettling, magnetic, and impossible to look away from. You can feel the shift in her — the spark of something dangerous, something that might save her or destroy her.
And then the story twists. Hard. The plot slides into horror, folklore, and psychological tension in a way that made me stop and whisper “oh no…” more than once. It’s haunting, atmospheric, and impossible to predict.
By the end, I was fully invested — and already craving more from Kelly Preston. Kelly writes with a sharp, emotional edge that sticks with you.
✨ Tropes & Themes
-dark romance
-obsession
-seaside folklore
-morally gray love interest
-chronic illness representation
-trauma & healing
-mysterious neighbor
-psychological horror elements
-small town with secrets
From the moment I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. I’ll be honest — the opening is dark, heavy, and emotionally raw. Kelly Preston doesn’t ease you in; Kelly drops you straight into Mira’s world of generational trauma, grief, and a missing spouse that haunts every breath she takes. It’s uncomfortable in the best way, because it feels real.
Desperate to escape her life, Mira flees to a quiet seaside town known for eerie legends of sea creatures that hunt humans. She’s battling chronic illness, emotional exhaustion, and a deep sense of isolation — and the ocean becomes both her refuge and her threat.
Mira is moody, withdrawn, and drowning in her own darkness… until she meets the beautiful neighbor next door. Their connection is unsettling, magnetic, and impossible to look away from. You can feel the shift in her — the spark of something dangerous, something that might save her or destroy her.
And then the story twists. Hard. The plot slides into horror, folklore, and psychological tension in a way that made me stop and whisper “oh no…” more than once. It’s haunting, atmospheric, and impossible to predict.
By the end, I was fully invested — and already craving more from Kelly Preston. Kelly writes with a sharp, emotional edge that sticks with you.
✨ Tropes & Themes
-dark romance
-obsession
-seaside folklore
-morally gray love interest
-chronic illness representation
-trauma & healing
-mysterious neighbor
-psychological horror elements
-small town with secrets
April 20, 2026
I love this author! If I Could Drag You Under is a dark, moody story filled with complex characters and a compelling love story.
I especially appreciated how well-developed and layered the main characters are. Once I started, I could hardly put it down!
Content note: this book explores some heavy, dark themes and includes mentions of suicidal ideation, which readers may want to be aware of going in.If I Could Drag You UnderKelly Preston
I especially appreciated how well-developed and layered the main characters are. Once I started, I could hardly put it down!
Content note: this book explores some heavy, dark themes and includes mentions of suicidal ideation, which readers may want to be aware of going in.If I Could Drag You UnderKelly Preston
April 30, 2026
This review is based on an ARC read. All feedback is that of my own.
This book is awesome. I loved the storyline and honestly I spent a lot of time trying to guess what the plot twist was going to be. I absolutely loved that Mira wasn’t this perfect human being and I found it really easy to relate to her because of this. The story is so well written and so interesting I highly recommend reading it. The only feedback I would ever offer would be to bring the final scenes in clearer before we time jump. I honestly was a bit miffed before I read on and found the information later as we wrapped up the book. I loved the book, the writing style and the characters. I definitely hope that there’s a book two because I love the storyline. Definitely a must read for anyone who likes a bit of supernatural and enjoys a real character that the average person can relate to.
This book is awesome. I loved the storyline and honestly I spent a lot of time trying to guess what the plot twist was going to be. I absolutely loved that Mira wasn’t this perfect human being and I found it really easy to relate to her because of this. The story is so well written and so interesting I highly recommend reading it. The only feedback I would ever offer would be to bring the final scenes in clearer before we time jump. I honestly was a bit miffed before I read on and found the information later as we wrapped up the book. I loved the book, the writing style and the characters. I definitely hope that there’s a book two because I love the storyline. Definitely a must read for anyone who likes a bit of supernatural and enjoys a real character that the average person can relate to.
May 25, 2026
This book completely surprised me. As someone who doesn’t usually read horror, I was hooked from beginning to end. This story perfectly blends dark romance, thriller, paranormal, horror, and sapphic romance into something intense and emotional, impossible to put down. The tension kept building with every chapter, and I loved how the story balanced psychological horror with spice and romance. The chemistry between the characters was addictive, and the mystery had me constantly questioning what was real.
If you enjoy dark romance, sapphic romance, LGBTQ+ books, erotica, paranormal elements, thrillers, and horror with spice, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR.
If you enjoy dark romance, sapphic romance, LGBTQ+ books, erotica, paranormal elements, thrillers, and horror with spice, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR.
May 2, 2026
3.75 ⭐ 2🌶️
Yeah, ok, I cried a little bit. I'm not used to hybrid horror/romances and it shows. I was uncomfortable at first bc I didn't know what to expect but the story just pulls you in and you can't let it go. Mira and Khali took me for a ride and now I don't know how to move on from the ending.
Yeah, ok, I cried a little bit. I'm not used to hybrid horror/romances and it shows. I was uncomfortable at first bc I didn't know what to expect but the story just pulls you in and you can't let it go. Mira and Khali took me for a ride and now I don't know how to move on from the ending.
July 1, 2026
If I Could Drag You Under by Kelly Preston is a dark, supernatural, and spicy romance that is heavy on the triggers, but completely stole my attention. The plot kept me fully locked in, making it impossible to put down. This is easily a five star read for me! I have never read anything by this author before, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
July 8, 2026
WOW okay this was a banger of a book. i’m still reeling from that one and i think it may take a while to recover but wowza that was a wild ride!!! sorta like sapphic little mermaid but way darker.
be sure to check trigger warnings on this one, but if you like darker stuff this was a GREAT read!!!
thank you so much to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book!
be sure to check trigger warnings on this one, but if you like darker stuff this was a GREAT read!!!
thank you so much to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book!
August 22, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is something so delicious about the suspense and spice of this all.
Finding characters you can connect with always make books soooo good to read and honestly it was like someone wrote down my own life and feelings!
I have absolutely no regret picking this up, totally worth the read!!
There is something so delicious about the suspense and spice of this all.
Finding characters you can connect with always make books soooo good to read and honestly it was like someone wrote down my own life and feelings!
I have absolutely no regret picking this up, totally worth the read!!
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