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Daughters of Arianne #1
A Mermaid's Kiss
The angelic Jonah has been battling the Dark Ones for centuries. But his noble spirit has begun to tire with the weight of war - allowing a Dark One to strike a blow that severs his wings and knocks him into the sea.
Anna is a Daughter of Arianne - a direct descendant of the mermaid of legend. Anna's longing for love compels her to risk her very life to protect and hide the fallen Jonah. And the longer Jonah delays his return to the heavens, the more Anna's secret passions are tempted.
But as she falls more in love with him, Anna wonders if she's destined to lose her heart and her dreams to save Jonah's soul?
Anna is a Daughter of Arianne - a direct descendant of the mermaid of legend. Anna's longing for love compels her to risk her very life to protect and hide the fallen Jonah. And the longer Jonah delays his return to the heavens, the more Anna's secret passions are tempted.
But as she falls more in love with him, Anna wonders if she's destined to lose her heart and her dreams to save Jonah's soul?
374 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2008
101 people are currently reading
2745 people want to read
About the author
Joey W. Hill
117 books3,542 followers"BDSM Romance for the Heart & Soul"
A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.
"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady
Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!
If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...
You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill
A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.
"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady
Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!
If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...
You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
October 15, 2010
This is what was going through my head as I was reading this book! This conversation in no way reflects actual conversations between Ms. Hill and her editor both of whom I never met. LOL!
Editor: Umm, I need a book, so what are you working on next?
Author: I have an idea I'm playing around with. Its The Little Mermaid meets the angel Jonah
Editor: I didn't know there was an angel named Jonah.
Author: There is now.
Editor: So if you're using Angel's this is a biblical reference.
Author: Sort of, but of course God, or the Goddess as I call her is a woman.
Editor: Naturally all the best people are. But, you do realize that your write erotica. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to market a biblical, children's story.
Author: Trust me theirs going to be plenty smexing going on.
Editor: Cool. So who is Jonah what is the conflict.
Author: Well, I'm glad you asked. Jonah leads the army of angels who battle against the Dark Ones.
Editor: Dark Ones?
Author: Yeah. Think Dementors with mad fighting skills.
Editor: Cool.
Author: Yeah, anyway Jonah is fighting The Dark Ones, gets hit and falls from the sky and slams into the ocean—
Editor: Where he's saved by the Little Mermaid I presume?
Author: You're good.
Editor: Yeah, that's why I make less money than you and have to wear these crappy black clothes all the time and buy a book called 101 Things to Do With Ramen Noodles . However, you might want to hold off on The Little Mermaid reference; Disney is pretty fanatical about that stuff.
Author: Really that blows. Umm, wait, how about instead of Arianne, I'll make it one of her descendents. I'll call her . . . Anna. Anyways, Anna carries Arianne's curse to where she is destined to save a man, never find her true love, and die at twenty-one.
Editor: Good girl. Way to make your character's suffer. You got to give her something cool to make up for this misery.
Author: Well she's a shape shifter. She can transform into a human, mermaid, fairy—
Editor: Wait, fairy like Tinkerbell fairy.
Author: Yup. An actually pint sized fairy with wings.
Editor: Girl, you totally have to put in a smexing scene with her as a pint sized
Tinkerbell getting her groove on with the full sized Jonah!
Author: Really you think.
Editor: Totally.
Author: Hey, I can have her rubbing up against his ding dong and they're both getting off.
Editor: Eww. WTF. That image is going to be seared in my mind forever. I'll probably have to wash my eyes out with acid to get that freaky image out of my head. DO IT! DO IT!
Author: You don't think it'll freak my readers out?
Editor: Hey you write for Berkley, let's freak them out. But you gotta make it hot.
Author: I'll DO IT.
Editor: So how are we going to overcome this curse thingy migey?
Author: Well Jonah is you're typical wounded warrior with post traumatic stress syndrom. He doesn't know what he's fighting for anymore and wants to die. Anne always knows she's going to die early and finds value in everything. They meet go on a journey where she tries to save his soul. They fall in love. At first he thinks that she is the only thing worth fighting for and it would take so much crap that is full of spoilers and readers will be like WTF, I can't believe she's actually going there before Jonah realizes his value and what he's fighting for. I mean this guy is really a lost soul and the world is nearly destroyed because of his actions and we still won't know if Anne will survive her fate or not until the very end.
Editor: That's freaking beautiful man.
Author: I thought so to. Can I write it then.
Editor: Of course. I can't wait!
Author: Thanks, I'll talk to you later!
And people that is the end of my review of A MERMAID's KISS by Joey Hill. I hoped you like my review as much as I liked the book!
Editor: Umm, I need a book, so what are you working on next?
Author: I have an idea I'm playing around with. Its The Little Mermaid meets the angel Jonah
Editor: I didn't know there was an angel named Jonah.
Author: There is now.
Editor: So if you're using Angel's this is a biblical reference.
Author: Sort of, but of course God, or the Goddess as I call her is a woman.
Editor: Naturally all the best people are. But, you do realize that your write erotica. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to market a biblical, children's story.
Author: Trust me theirs going to be plenty smexing going on.
Editor: Cool. So who is Jonah what is the conflict.
Author: Well, I'm glad you asked. Jonah leads the army of angels who battle against the Dark Ones.
Editor: Dark Ones?
Author: Yeah. Think Dementors with mad fighting skills.
Editor: Cool.
Author: Yeah, anyway Jonah is fighting The Dark Ones, gets hit and falls from the sky and slams into the ocean—
Editor: Where he's saved by the Little Mermaid I presume?
Author: You're good.
Editor: Yeah, that's why I make less money than you and have to wear these crappy black clothes all the time and buy a book called 101 Things to Do With Ramen Noodles . However, you might want to hold off on The Little Mermaid reference; Disney is pretty fanatical about that stuff.
Author: Really that blows. Umm, wait, how about instead of Arianne, I'll make it one of her descendents. I'll call her . . . Anna. Anyways, Anna carries Arianne's curse to where she is destined to save a man, never find her true love, and die at twenty-one.
Editor: Good girl. Way to make your character's suffer. You got to give her something cool to make up for this misery.
Author: Well she's a shape shifter. She can transform into a human, mermaid, fairy—
Editor: Wait, fairy like Tinkerbell fairy.
Author: Yup. An actually pint sized fairy with wings.
Editor: Girl, you totally have to put in a smexing scene with her as a pint sized
Tinkerbell getting her groove on with the full sized Jonah!
Author: Really you think.
Editor: Totally.
Author: Hey, I can have her rubbing up against his ding dong and they're both getting off.
Editor: Eww. WTF. That image is going to be seared in my mind forever. I'll probably have to wash my eyes out with acid to get that freaky image out of my head. DO IT! DO IT!
Author: You don't think it'll freak my readers out?
Editor: Hey you write for Berkley, let's freak them out. But you gotta make it hot.
Author: I'll DO IT.
Editor: So how are we going to overcome this curse thingy migey?
Author: Well Jonah is you're typical wounded warrior with post traumatic stress syndrom. He doesn't know what he's fighting for anymore and wants to die. Anne always knows she's going to die early and finds value in everything. They meet go on a journey where she tries to save his soul. They fall in love. At first he thinks that she is the only thing worth fighting for and it would take so much crap that is full of spoilers and readers will be like WTF, I can't believe she's actually going there before Jonah realizes his value and what he's fighting for. I mean this guy is really a lost soul and the world is nearly destroyed because of his actions and we still won't know if Anne will survive her fate or not until the very end.
Editor: That's freaking beautiful man.
Author: I thought so to. Can I write it then.
Editor: Of course. I can't wait!
Author: Thanks, I'll talk to you later!
And people that is the end of my review of A MERMAID's KISS by Joey Hill. I hoped you like my review as much as I liked the book!
December 13, 2008
Okay, I take back what I said. After giving some thought to all the interspecies I can say there's new love play (LOL), and also some elements of control on the part of the hero (albeit not enough to warrant a BDSM label). At any rate, I enjoyed A Mermaid's Kiss, and I think that had more to do with the characterization than anything else (although there were some steamy moments, LOL).
In fact, I would probably classify this as one of those darker romances, similar in its bleak tone to Anna Campbell's Courtesan because, just as in Courtesan, in A Mermaid's Kiss, the heroine is a martyr, a woman who suffers with her man -and sometimes suffers her man's abuse. He's a gamma. I was reminded (again) of Coulter's heroines, who live anything but romantic lives, constantly suffering at the hands of her heroes. The heroine here, Anna, is not nearly so battered, but needless to say, she's returned little for her devotion and compassion. This is not inconsistent with the storyline. In fact, considering the hero's conflict in the book (that of a warrior angel who can no longer fight for a deity he believes has let him down), it makes sense that he would not open his heart to "her" creations, as well. However, his denial of Anna does detract somewhat from the romance; it is decidedly one-sided at points.
That said, the characterization of these two characters was very well done, surprisingly well done in fact, considering I came into this expecting a fluffy romance (well, you've seen the cover, all bubblegum pink) and not much else, and on the romance count I have already been proven wrong. I was also wrong about the depth of this story. I have seen much less convincing portrayals of the main character's conflict in many romances, and they much less grave and solemn than a man struggling with the loss of his core beliefs, his faith and the very purpose to his life. This conflict is not a weak obstacle inserted to propel the plot, no Big Misunderstanding or the tired old fear of commitment, etc. His struggle is not romanticized either. He never spins off into long, flowery internal dialogues waffling back and forth. Instead, we find a character who has long since lost the beliefs behind his duties. I really admired the author's skill in portraying Jonah's pain and his break from his faith with key scenes, for example, when Jonah cannot accept his deity's touch. That was heartbreaking.
Likewise, Anna is convincing as the passionate, pure-hearted, innocent "little wanton," as Jonah calls her. He also calls her "little one" for those who like that. Fortunately, she does not have any TSTL (too stupid to live) moments or any annoying hiccups like stubbornness or shrewishness, etc.
The author also goes to great lengths to create the worlds of the mermaids and mermen and the angels, building interesting cultures for these peoples. I particularly liked learning about new angels, the hierarchy, and the unique touches to every angel.
I also liked the explorations of the secondary characters, who are as fleshed-out as the main characters so that I came to think of them as the main characters too. I hope to learn more about them in coming novels.
As to the plot and villains, the baddies are "Dark Ones" who are partly metaphor for the darkness of mankind and partly vicious otherworldly monsters. However, most of the story does not take place in battles or fighting. The story is told mostly in journey form, as Jonah and Anna journey to reclaim Jonah's soul. So it's not precisely fast-paced and the climax has more to do with struggles of soul and character than any fighting-- The Journey in fiction's not quite my preference, but since it was delivered very convincingly and without cheese (LOL), I enjoyed it, especially the last harrowing scenes.
So, in summary, I would recommend this book to someone enjoying a good, heartrending conflict, a novel about characters and a soul more so than romance. I will look forward to the next book with David, the consummate gentleman (and angel), and the bitterly hurt, guarded seawitch in January. For those wondering at these interspecies relationships, there are no female angels so the angels have to find love elsewhere, LOL.
Update: I've read the second book, and it's even better. Though she gives every appearance of being a hostile, unwelcoming recluse, Mina is very strong emotionally and physically. Despite her very real, very human resentment of those who have hurt her because of her heritage, Mina is strong enough to endure without inflicting the terrors on her people that she might. David is the strong, faithful hero with, ahem, an alpha, take-charge attitude in the bedroom, much to the heroine's delight. Their relationship has been full of tension since their first explosive encounter, when the hurt, rebellious, too-powerful Mina first met the only angel to show anything more than hatred for her-- and fought him. The heartrending emotions continue, as well as the fascinating play of good and evil. You also see Anna and Jonah again.
In fact, I would probably classify this as one of those darker romances, similar in its bleak tone to Anna Campbell's Courtesan because, just as in Courtesan, in A Mermaid's Kiss, the heroine is a martyr, a woman who suffers with her man -and sometimes suffers her man's abuse. He's a gamma. I was reminded (again) of Coulter's heroines, who live anything but romantic lives, constantly suffering at the hands of her heroes. The heroine here, Anna, is not nearly so battered, but needless to say, she's returned little for her devotion and compassion. This is not inconsistent with the storyline. In fact, considering the hero's conflict in the book (that of a warrior angel who can no longer fight for a deity he believes has let him down), it makes sense that he would not open his heart to "her" creations, as well. However, his denial of Anna does detract somewhat from the romance; it is decidedly one-sided at points.
That said, the characterization of these two characters was very well done, surprisingly well done in fact, considering I came into this expecting a fluffy romance (well, you've seen the cover, all bubblegum pink) and not much else, and on the romance count I have already been proven wrong. I was also wrong about the depth of this story. I have seen much less convincing portrayals of the main character's conflict in many romances, and they much less grave and solemn than a man struggling with the loss of his core beliefs, his faith and the very purpose to his life. This conflict is not a weak obstacle inserted to propel the plot, no Big Misunderstanding or the tired old fear of commitment, etc. His struggle is not romanticized either. He never spins off into long, flowery internal dialogues waffling back and forth. Instead, we find a character who has long since lost the beliefs behind his duties. I really admired the author's skill in portraying Jonah's pain and his break from his faith with key scenes, for example, when Jonah cannot accept his deity's touch. That was heartbreaking.
Likewise, Anna is convincing as the passionate, pure-hearted, innocent "little wanton," as Jonah calls her. He also calls her "little one" for those who like that. Fortunately, she does not have any TSTL (too stupid to live) moments or any annoying hiccups like stubbornness or shrewishness, etc.
The author also goes to great lengths to create the worlds of the mermaids and mermen and the angels, building interesting cultures for these peoples. I particularly liked learning about new angels, the hierarchy, and the unique touches to every angel.
I also liked the explorations of the secondary characters, who are as fleshed-out as the main characters so that I came to think of them as the main characters too. I hope to learn more about them in coming novels.
As to the plot and villains, the baddies are "Dark Ones" who are partly metaphor for the darkness of mankind and partly vicious otherworldly monsters. However, most of the story does not take place in battles or fighting. The story is told mostly in journey form, as Jonah and Anna journey to reclaim Jonah's soul. So it's not precisely fast-paced and the climax has more to do with struggles of soul and character than any fighting-- The Journey in fiction's not quite my preference, but since it was delivered very convincingly and without cheese (LOL), I enjoyed it, especially the last harrowing scenes.
So, in summary, I would recommend this book to someone enjoying a good, heartrending conflict, a novel about characters and a soul more so than romance. I will look forward to the next book with David, the consummate gentleman (and angel), and the bitterly hurt, guarded seawitch in January. For those wondering at these interspecies relationships, there are no female angels so the angels have to find love elsewhere, LOL.
Update: I've read the second book, and it's even better. Though she gives every appearance of being a hostile, unwelcoming recluse, Mina is very strong emotionally and physically. Despite her very real, very human resentment of those who have hurt her because of her heritage, Mina is strong enough to endure without inflicting the terrors on her people that she might. David is the strong, faithful hero with, ahem, an alpha, take-charge attitude in the bedroom, much to the heroine's delight. Their relationship has been full of tension since their first explosive encounter, when the hurt, rebellious, too-powerful Mina first met the only angel to show anything more than hatred for her-- and fought him. The heartrending emotions continue, as well as the fascinating play of good and evil. You also see Anna and Jonah again.
June 7, 2009
A Mermaid’s Kiss is about Anna, a lonely mermaid of twenty, who expects to be dead by twenty-one because all her other female descendants, her mother included, died by that age. While Anna is swimming along in the ocean, she finds angel, who has fallen out of the sky, hurt and bleeding. Anna is able to save this heavenly creature and bring him safety before the dark ones try to do away with him. Jonah is a very special angel because he is the Prime Legion Commander for all the angels in Heaven. Jonah is tired of the constant battling of the dark ones for the past thousand years. When he is finally attacked, he hopes it will be the final end to him. Unfortunately for him, it is not his time.
Anna is able to help him recover somewhat by giving him magic through intercourse, called the Joining Magic. Even though Anna is a virgin, she willingly gives Jonah her innocence because she was taught that angels are to be obeyed in everything. She even calls Jonah, “My Lord”, and offers her body, and essentially her heart and soul to him. But even with the magical sex they have, it is not enough to cure Jonah and fix one of his wings that has been torn. In order for Jonah to heal, he and Anna must go away from the ocean and toward the desert to find a Shaman who can fully heal him. Anna and Jonah soon take their journey to the road where Jonah’s enemies are tracking their every move. During the day, Jonah is human, since Mina, an octopus sea witch, and friend of Anna, gave him a spell to make him so. At night he is able to be in his angel form. Poor Anna can not be too far from the ocean, but because she is willing to sacrifice herself to save Jonah, she will do what it takes to help him.
As for the “icky sex”, I found it to fit in and wasn’t as shocked as I initially thought I would be. Even when Anna is in mermaid form and Jonah and she are intimate, I wasn’t turned off. There is also another sex scene that may raise some eyebrows because Anna can also change into a pixie-fairy, which reminds me of Tinkerbell. Jonah and Anna have some interesting love play in her fairy form. Jonah really appreciates Anna in this form and tells her so:
“Rub yourself on me. Ride me, little one. Put me between your thighs and let me feel the tiny stickiness of you.” Jonah always makes sure Anna finds fulfillment with him.
I would have to say, that some of these sex scenes are a bit purple prose and graphic in their telling, but keep in mind, this is an erotic romance. Surprisingly, I found A Mermaid‘s Kiss to be a well written story that has a bit of a fairy tale feel. The dialogue between the characters, including that of Anna and Jonah is very lyrical. Those who enjoy road romances, will especially like this one.
Anna is able to help him recover somewhat by giving him magic through intercourse, called the Joining Magic. Even though Anna is a virgin, she willingly gives Jonah her innocence because she was taught that angels are to be obeyed in everything. She even calls Jonah, “My Lord”, and offers her body, and essentially her heart and soul to him. But even with the magical sex they have, it is not enough to cure Jonah and fix one of his wings that has been torn. In order for Jonah to heal, he and Anna must go away from the ocean and toward the desert to find a Shaman who can fully heal him. Anna and Jonah soon take their journey to the road where Jonah’s enemies are tracking their every move. During the day, Jonah is human, since Mina, an octopus sea witch, and friend of Anna, gave him a spell to make him so. At night he is able to be in his angel form. Poor Anna can not be too far from the ocean, but because she is willing to sacrifice herself to save Jonah, she will do what it takes to help him.
As for the “icky sex”, I found it to fit in and wasn’t as shocked as I initially thought I would be. Even when Anna is in mermaid form and Jonah and she are intimate, I wasn’t turned off. There is also another sex scene that may raise some eyebrows because Anna can also change into a pixie-fairy, which reminds me of Tinkerbell. Jonah and Anna have some interesting love play in her fairy form. Jonah really appreciates Anna in this form and tells her so:
“Rub yourself on me. Ride me, little one. Put me between your thighs and let me feel the tiny stickiness of you.” Jonah always makes sure Anna finds fulfillment with him.
I would have to say, that some of these sex scenes are a bit purple prose and graphic in their telling, but keep in mind, this is an erotic romance. Surprisingly, I found A Mermaid‘s Kiss to be a well written story that has a bit of a fairy tale feel. The dialogue between the characters, including that of Anna and Jonah is very lyrical. Those who enjoy road romances, will especially like this one.
August 18, 2016
Joey W. Hill proves herself to be a master storyteller in 'A Mermaid's Kiss'. Her lyrical prose is nothing short of magical in it's ability to be both superbly dark and richly erotic while retaining it's fairy tale essence. As a long time fan of the Disney version of 'The Little Mermaid', I've also been aware that the true tale foretells a much more tragic ending whereby the mermaid doesn't marry her prince but instead perishes cursed and broken-hearted. Ms. Hill expands upon this darker original with tragedy destined to fall upon all descendants of Arianne.
Jonah, Angel and Prime Legion Commander of the Goddess, has lived a long life drenched in destruction, death, and blood. Having survived a war-torn millennia, Jonah's soul has slowly tarnished with the very darkness he's been fighting and thereby corrupting his faith and love in the Lady. After being mortally wounded in battle, Jonah plunges into the ocean with a sigh of relief; grateful that he can finally find some peace in death. His hopes are thwarted though by a brave and beautiful little mermaid.
Anna, a Daughter of Arianne and therefore doomed to tragedy, is still a woman of hope and love. Cursed with the ability to shapeshift into a human, she's lived the life as a being with no true place in the world, an outcast, but one capable of compassionate love and fierce loyalty. Unlike the female ancestors before her, Anna accepts her fate in life to live without reciprocal love while at the same time yearning for it above all else. Given her self-sacrificing nature, it is no surprise that she risks her life from the very beginning for an angel bent on his own destruction.
Despite having lived for a 1000 years, Jonah has never truly sought to understand his own soul. The consuming thoughts of war have blotted out the light of the Lady, leaving his heart to ponder and question his own existence and role in the universe. Humans, the Lady's to protect and therefore Jonah's to protect, cease to be nothing other then rats destroying everything in their path. The evil doings of humans call to the Dark Ones, thus rising the armies of angels; guarding them despite the fact that it's this very evil, festering within the human soul, that makes the Dark Ones very existence possible. Jonah is tired of fighting for those that continue to call to the Dark Ones and suffer the inevitable deaths of his sons for the guilt of their loss weighs heavily upon his conscience. He has lost all hope and all reason to fight and to exist.
Recognizing the darkness within Jonah, Anna makes the decision to help him at any cost, even her own death. She enlists the help of the seawitch, Mina, and with her guiding visions, Anna convinces Jonah to embark on a journey that will lead her further and further away from her beloved ocean.
Jonah decides to accompany Anna and her pursuit of the healing powers of a human shaman not because he wishes to eradicate the poison within him, but because he has found some measure of contentment with Anna. Jonah, though an angel, is not noble. Selfishly, he chooses to drift along on this journey with a self-sacrificing little mermaid because it relieves him of having to think beyond the now. Anna provides for him a route of escapism and monetary respite for his ugly thoughts. He truly feels that a shaman, a human no less, can not heal his rotted soul and there are several points throughout the journey where Jonah tries to drive Anna away from him and their mission. Some readers may a bit put off by Jonah's evil and the pain he inflicts upon Anna without apology. Yet, what readers must remember is that Jonah is existing in the darkest time of his life. He's the most cynical of cynics. He is a man lost and resolved to never put forth the effort to find his way back into the arms of light and love. When considering his dry well of love filled with bitterness, one can only expect him to lash out and protect his already wounded soul. Jonah no longer holds the belief of goodness and it's Anna's complete embodiment of that which he now shields himself from in any way possible without completely loosing his view of her. Instead he'll follow along with Anna because what's a week to his thousand year existence in which he can put off his own demise? It is this that makes Jonah the anti-hero, but a hero none the less.
Conversely, Anna has already conquered the blood of the past and the terms of her Fate. She stands before Jonah untainted and pure of light and love. Her hope for future love is not crushed on the weight of her predestined fate. Anna is by far the most self-sacrificing creature in Hill's world. She gives repeatedly of herself to Jonah in an unflagging hope that he'll once again see how important and how needed his is on Earth and in Heaven. Anna believes in Jonah so much that she literally gifts her heart to him in a very literal sense. By sacrificing her essence, her blood, and ultimately her heart to Jonah, she in turn gives him back his reason to be and live once again. Now that's love.
I feel it's necessary to point out that 'A Mermaid's Kiss' features a variety of sex scenes that call for an openmindness within the reader. I must admit that I was a bit skeptical about the scene involving Jonah making love to Anna in her mermaid form but Hill pulls it off with such vital realism that it just comes across as natural for the characters to experience that activity in that way. There is also very light BDSM. Not with regards to the whips and chains version but more in the way Jonah and Anna address one another. Jonah is constantly "my lord" while Anna is "little one". I interpreted this as Anna giving Jonah the respect that his Dominant position called for while her being dubbed "little one" a reminder of her submissive role. There was also the fact that Anna became aroused when Jonah demanded she do something a certain way underlying once again the D/s relationship. Again though, these were the only references to Hill's revered BDSM knowledge.
'A Mermaid's Kiss' is definitely my first favorite of 2009. It's a shining example of Ms. Hill's amazing talent and I look forward to picking up it's sequel 'A Witch's Beauty'.
Jonah, Angel and Prime Legion Commander of the Goddess, has lived a long life drenched in destruction, death, and blood. Having survived a war-torn millennia, Jonah's soul has slowly tarnished with the very darkness he's been fighting and thereby corrupting his faith and love in the Lady. After being mortally wounded in battle, Jonah plunges into the ocean with a sigh of relief; grateful that he can finally find some peace in death. His hopes are thwarted though by a brave and beautiful little mermaid.
Anna, a Daughter of Arianne and therefore doomed to tragedy, is still a woman of hope and love. Cursed with the ability to shapeshift into a human, she's lived the life as a being with no true place in the world, an outcast, but one capable of compassionate love and fierce loyalty. Unlike the female ancestors before her, Anna accepts her fate in life to live without reciprocal love while at the same time yearning for it above all else. Given her self-sacrificing nature, it is no surprise that she risks her life from the very beginning for an angel bent on his own destruction.
Despite having lived for a 1000 years, Jonah has never truly sought to understand his own soul. The consuming thoughts of war have blotted out the light of the Lady, leaving his heart to ponder and question his own existence and role in the universe. Humans, the Lady's to protect and therefore Jonah's to protect, cease to be nothing other then rats destroying everything in their path. The evil doings of humans call to the Dark Ones, thus rising the armies of angels; guarding them despite the fact that it's this very evil, festering within the human soul, that makes the Dark Ones very existence possible. Jonah is tired of fighting for those that continue to call to the Dark Ones and suffer the inevitable deaths of his sons for the guilt of their loss weighs heavily upon his conscience. He has lost all hope and all reason to fight and to exist.
Recognizing the darkness within Jonah, Anna makes the decision to help him at any cost, even her own death. She enlists the help of the seawitch, Mina, and with her guiding visions, Anna convinces Jonah to embark on a journey that will lead her further and further away from her beloved ocean.
Jonah decides to accompany Anna and her pursuit of the healing powers of a human shaman not because he wishes to eradicate the poison within him, but because he has found some measure of contentment with Anna. Jonah, though an angel, is not noble. Selfishly, he chooses to drift along on this journey with a self-sacrificing little mermaid because it relieves him of having to think beyond the now. Anna provides for him a route of escapism and monetary respite for his ugly thoughts. He truly feels that a shaman, a human no less, can not heal his rotted soul and there are several points throughout the journey where Jonah tries to drive Anna away from him and their mission. Some readers may a bit put off by Jonah's evil and the pain he inflicts upon Anna without apology. Yet, what readers must remember is that Jonah is existing in the darkest time of his life. He's the most cynical of cynics. He is a man lost and resolved to never put forth the effort to find his way back into the arms of light and love. When considering his dry well of love filled with bitterness, one can only expect him to lash out and protect his already wounded soul. Jonah no longer holds the belief of goodness and it's Anna's complete embodiment of that which he now shields himself from in any way possible without completely loosing his view of her. Instead he'll follow along with Anna because what's a week to his thousand year existence in which he can put off his own demise? It is this that makes Jonah the anti-hero, but a hero none the less.
Conversely, Anna has already conquered the blood of the past and the terms of her Fate. She stands before Jonah untainted and pure of light and love. Her hope for future love is not crushed on the weight of her predestined fate. Anna is by far the most self-sacrificing creature in Hill's world. She gives repeatedly of herself to Jonah in an unflagging hope that he'll once again see how important and how needed his is on Earth and in Heaven. Anna believes in Jonah so much that she literally gifts her heart to him in a very literal sense. By sacrificing her essence, her blood, and ultimately her heart to Jonah, she in turn gives him back his reason to be and live once again. Now that's love.
I feel it's necessary to point out that 'A Mermaid's Kiss' features a variety of sex scenes that call for an openmindness within the reader. I must admit that I was a bit skeptical about the scene involving Jonah making love to Anna in her mermaid form but Hill pulls it off with such vital realism that it just comes across as natural for the characters to experience that activity in that way. There is also very light BDSM. Not with regards to the whips and chains version but more in the way Jonah and Anna address one another. Jonah is constantly "my lord" while Anna is "little one". I interpreted this as Anna giving Jonah the respect that his Dominant position called for while her being dubbed "little one" a reminder of her submissive role. There was also the fact that Anna became aroused when Jonah demanded she do something a certain way underlying once again the D/s relationship. Again though, these were the only references to Hill's revered BDSM knowledge.
'A Mermaid's Kiss' is definitely my first favorite of 2009. It's a shining example of Ms. Hill's amazing talent and I look forward to picking up it's sequel 'A Witch's Beauty'.
March 8, 2011
All I can do is sit here and ride the last emotional waves of my first experience with a novel from Joey W Hill? At the beginning of The Mermaid’s Kiss I had to get a feel for the author’s voice, I didn’t instantly “get” what she was going for with Jonah and Anna. Jonah was “My Lord” and Anna was “Little One” and it confused me until I picked up on a subtle and oh so natural Dominant/submissive synergy going on between the two main protagonists. It is never defined, nor explicitly described by Hill but for me suddenly things fell in to place and I could surrender myself to the story as it is told.
Because with each chapter read I fell more and more for the characters and world this author created. A Mermaid’s Kiss is not a story you would want to read for the extensive thrilling action, nor for the rich abundance in world building, and I will honestly say that this kind of storytelling is an acquired taste. Still, the love story is of such an exquisite quality it just knocked me off my feet with its ending. What I received was two people thrown together where the circumstances lead them to go on a quest of the heart and soul. I cannot see it any different way. Jonah is the tormented, wary Prime Legion Commander of the Lady and when wounded in a battle with the Dark Ones he falls into the ocean to escape them. Anna finds him sinking to the depths of the ocean and rescues him and brings him to a cave so he can heal from the wing torn from his shoulder.
Familiar fairytale story up till now, right? Still, any resemblance of a Disney story ends right there because A Mermaid’s Kiss is far more dark since Anna is destined to die at the tender age of twenty-one. A curse bestowed upon her by Arianne, the original mermaid who loved her prince but never got him in the end. It is far more intricate as Jonah battles his inner demons. The journey Anna and Jonah undertake on land not only speaks of the erotic pull between them with the Joining Magic but also of faith, perception, wisdom, healing and the knowledge of their impossible love. These aspects give the romance such depth and it grows with each moment spent together, with each conversation and with each page I read. Every separate thread would lead to a conclusion that would make this an unforgettable read for me.
Because the story was so condensed in a character and emotion driven aspect I really connected with Jonah’s internal struggles. The questions why he still battled the Dark Ones after so many centuries? Why did he still wanted to fight for the Lady when it was a never ending cycle. What was the point in the end? All his emotions came across with a desperation that made him feel so real and made him so realistic in his actions. The quest revolved around the salvation of a powerful angel and this is where Anna comes in to play.
Opposite Jonah there is Anna. She is haunted by the knowledge she will die at a very young age. It makes her wise beyond her years but it does not prevent her from finding beauty in the oceanic world. An outsider from the mer-people but not without an unusual friendship with Mina, another outcast. She is gentle, kind, loving, inquisitive and has a backbone when she needs to stand up for her believes. Where Jonah is lost and feels desolate, Anna counters it with such a believe within him, such joy and living in to the moment. She emanates such faith that he will do what is righteous and all she wants is for him to soar the skies again in all his angelic power and splendor.
Two very strong characters in their own way and with the lyrical and poised prose it often just threw me in to the emotion of the moment. That is the true strength of this author; the ability to touch upon such a range of emotions. Another hallmark essence of this author is the provocative sensuality which at times gave my imagination a stretch in the erotically charged scenes. Though never overly explicate in the descriptions she can conjure a very vivid carnal picture in the mind’s eye. I loved Jonah and Anna together in human form, Hill made the passion between Jonah and Anna in mermaid form believable but I had a bit of trouble picturing Anna as a pixie riding herself on the hardened male flesh of Jonah. That moment gave my imagination a stretch and I was glad it only happened once.
With the larger part of the story focused on Anna and Jonah there were just a few supporting characters who were equally well drawn. Mina is Anna’s best friend and a result of a coupling between a Dark One and a mermaid. On various occasions Mina’s choices are very important to tell the story and there is a frail but undeniable connection between her and David. David is the human made angel, Lucifer is the Lord of the Underworld and along with the Lady they established a solid perception of Heaven and Hell. Combine it with the Dark Ones, the human world, the lore of how everything came to be and it all connected to give credibility to a religion where Hell is a place for redemption and atonement rather than a place for eternal damnation.
As the journey on land continues for Jonah and Anna they meet various people who each have something to say, which in the end has an underlying wisdom to it. The journey as a whole, the healing of Jonah’s wing, the conversations and experiences that they both have, the love they create, it all leads to a conclusion that struck a chord with me. Every aspect of this tale, from the dark and erotic fairytale vibe, the intricate characters to get to know, to the mesmerizing writing I can say Joey W Hill already did it for me. What lifted it to greater heights was the ending, those last 60-70 pages. Throughout the story my emotions were engaged on a steady level, keeping me involved in all aspects of the romance and internal struggles of the main couple. But I found out that was just to prepare me for such an emotion steeped ending it constricted my throat with the intensity of my feelings. All the individual storylines came together; whether or not Jonah could restore his faith within himself and what he was, Anna not wanting to die without hope, Mina whose friendship is as quirky as her persona, to a battle between the Angels and the Dark Ones that made them risk it all.
While the solution to Anna’s problem wasn’t inventive it disintegrated in the whirlwind of the emotions I felt. Every emotion felt by the characters translated in to the actions that transpired in that final battle. It spoke of everything I wanted to see victorious in a erotic paranormal romance; The good clashing with the bad, the love risking it all, the friendship aiding for a good outcome and where a higher purpose is served. I gained it all with the unique characters, world and storytelling of Joey W Hill.
A Mermaid’s Kiss; what started out with the love for a cover and the interest piqued with its synopsis turned out to be an enthralling and emotionally powerful read.
Quote Anna:
At last she understood, in a way she hadn’t before, why doing the Joining Magic by herself left her with such an empty ache in her heart. Bringing together their bodies brought together the elemental wish of every being, to be fully inside the heart and soul of someone else. It was divinity and mortality all at once, the searing regret and joy that could hold a soul suspended in time.
Because with each chapter read I fell more and more for the characters and world this author created. A Mermaid’s Kiss is not a story you would want to read for the extensive thrilling action, nor for the rich abundance in world building, and I will honestly say that this kind of storytelling is an acquired taste. Still, the love story is of such an exquisite quality it just knocked me off my feet with its ending. What I received was two people thrown together where the circumstances lead them to go on a quest of the heart and soul. I cannot see it any different way. Jonah is the tormented, wary Prime Legion Commander of the Lady and when wounded in a battle with the Dark Ones he falls into the ocean to escape them. Anna finds him sinking to the depths of the ocean and rescues him and brings him to a cave so he can heal from the wing torn from his shoulder.
Familiar fairytale story up till now, right? Still, any resemblance of a Disney story ends right there because A Mermaid’s Kiss is far more dark since Anna is destined to die at the tender age of twenty-one. A curse bestowed upon her by Arianne, the original mermaid who loved her prince but never got him in the end. It is far more intricate as Jonah battles his inner demons. The journey Anna and Jonah undertake on land not only speaks of the erotic pull between them with the Joining Magic but also of faith, perception, wisdom, healing and the knowledge of their impossible love. These aspects give the romance such depth and it grows with each moment spent together, with each conversation and with each page I read. Every separate thread would lead to a conclusion that would make this an unforgettable read for me.
Because the story was so condensed in a character and emotion driven aspect I really connected with Jonah’s internal struggles. The questions why he still battled the Dark Ones after so many centuries? Why did he still wanted to fight for the Lady when it was a never ending cycle. What was the point in the end? All his emotions came across with a desperation that made him feel so real and made him so realistic in his actions. The quest revolved around the salvation of a powerful angel and this is where Anna comes in to play.
Opposite Jonah there is Anna. She is haunted by the knowledge she will die at a very young age. It makes her wise beyond her years but it does not prevent her from finding beauty in the oceanic world. An outsider from the mer-people but not without an unusual friendship with Mina, another outcast. She is gentle, kind, loving, inquisitive and has a backbone when she needs to stand up for her believes. Where Jonah is lost and feels desolate, Anna counters it with such a believe within him, such joy and living in to the moment. She emanates such faith that he will do what is righteous and all she wants is for him to soar the skies again in all his angelic power and splendor.
Two very strong characters in their own way and with the lyrical and poised prose it often just threw me in to the emotion of the moment. That is the true strength of this author; the ability to touch upon such a range of emotions. Another hallmark essence of this author is the provocative sensuality which at times gave my imagination a stretch in the erotically charged scenes. Though never overly explicate in the descriptions she can conjure a very vivid carnal picture in the mind’s eye. I loved Jonah and Anna together in human form, Hill made the passion between Jonah and Anna in mermaid form believable but I had a bit of trouble picturing Anna as a pixie riding herself on the hardened male flesh of Jonah. That moment gave my imagination a stretch and I was glad it only happened once.
With the larger part of the story focused on Anna and Jonah there were just a few supporting characters who were equally well drawn. Mina is Anna’s best friend and a result of a coupling between a Dark One and a mermaid. On various occasions Mina’s choices are very important to tell the story and there is a frail but undeniable connection between her and David. David is the human made angel, Lucifer is the Lord of the Underworld and along with the Lady they established a solid perception of Heaven and Hell. Combine it with the Dark Ones, the human world, the lore of how everything came to be and it all connected to give credibility to a religion where Hell is a place for redemption and atonement rather than a place for eternal damnation.
As the journey on land continues for Jonah and Anna they meet various people who each have something to say, which in the end has an underlying wisdom to it. The journey as a whole, the healing of Jonah’s wing, the conversations and experiences that they both have, the love they create, it all leads to a conclusion that struck a chord with me. Every aspect of this tale, from the dark and erotic fairytale vibe, the intricate characters to get to know, to the mesmerizing writing I can say Joey W Hill already did it for me. What lifted it to greater heights was the ending, those last 60-70 pages. Throughout the story my emotions were engaged on a steady level, keeping me involved in all aspects of the romance and internal struggles of the main couple. But I found out that was just to prepare me for such an emotion steeped ending it constricted my throat with the intensity of my feelings. All the individual storylines came together; whether or not Jonah could restore his faith within himself and what he was, Anna not wanting to die without hope, Mina whose friendship is as quirky as her persona, to a battle between the Angels and the Dark Ones that made them risk it all.
While the solution to Anna’s problem wasn’t inventive it disintegrated in the whirlwind of the emotions I felt. Every emotion felt by the characters translated in to the actions that transpired in that final battle. It spoke of everything I wanted to see victorious in a erotic paranormal romance; The good clashing with the bad, the love risking it all, the friendship aiding for a good outcome and where a higher purpose is served. I gained it all with the unique characters, world and storytelling of Joey W Hill.
A Mermaid’s Kiss; what started out with the love for a cover and the interest piqued with its synopsis turned out to be an enthralling and emotionally powerful read.
Quote Anna:
At last she understood, in a way she hadn’t before, why doing the Joining Magic by herself left her with such an empty ache in her heart. Bringing together their bodies brought together the elemental wish of every being, to be fully inside the heart and soul of someone else. It was divinity and mortality all at once, the searing regret and joy that could hold a soul suspended in time.
March 14, 2022
This was a fascinating fantasy. Very enjoyable. Both H and h have conflicted pasts, but they are aware of them, and consciously adapt to them. The Christian angels and demons, mixed with Gaea, mermaids, and other fae creatures sets a relatable background for this romance. The sex was hot, but the romance was sweeter.
While much of the emotional content is strong and well contained, some of the angsty sections were drawn out a bit longer than I would have liked. Some of the wording was colorful and flowing, other times it was clunky and heavy. And the deus-ex epilog was a bit over the top.
This author is known for her BDSM stories, often with very strong women. This story is very different than those; you should read it.
While much of the emotional content is strong and well contained, some of the angsty sections were drawn out a bit longer than I would have liked. Some of the wording was colorful and flowing, other times it was clunky and heavy. And the deus-ex epilog was a bit over the top.
This author is known for her BDSM stories, often with very strong women. This story is very different than those; you should read it.
reluctant-dnf
May 1, 2025DNF at 27% of the book
This wasn’t bad - the writing was pretty good and the world was intriguing. But this was a lot more serious than I was expecting from the pink cover. The new covers do give a more accurate vibe. It’s definitely darker than I was originally thinking.
About 8 chapters in, we have had more sexy times than romance. Again it’s got a purpose and there is an epic quest and all. All of it was just something I wasn’t looking for at the moment.
I am DNFing the book for now but this may be one I come back to when I am more in the mood for what this book is instead of what I thought it was.
This wasn’t bad - the writing was pretty good and the world was intriguing. But this was a lot more serious than I was expecting from the pink cover. The new covers do give a more accurate vibe. It’s definitely darker than I was originally thinking.
About 8 chapters in, we have had more sexy times than romance. Again it’s got a purpose and there is an epic quest and all. All of it was just something I wasn’t looking for at the moment.
I am DNFing the book for now but this may be one I come back to when I am more in the mood for what this book is instead of what I thought it was.
March 7, 2012
Reviewed by Kati Dancy
3 stars
There is a war in heaven, led by Jonah, the Prime Legion Commander for the Goddess. Daily, he battles to Dark Ones for supremacy. Jonah is over 1,000 years old and has led countless angels to battle. Frankly, he’s exhausted. He feels he’s lost the heart for battle, and his spirit seems to be failing. And in a moment of inattention, he is struck by a Dark One, severing one of his wings. He tumbles into the sea, to what he believes will be his death.
Anna is a Daughter of Ariel, a direct descendant of the fabled mermaid who gave up her voice for her love. Sadly, the story is much darker and tragic than the fairy tale known to humankind. Her predecessors have all died alone at the young age of 21.
Anna finds both Jonah and his wing tumbling into the sea, with his enemies in hot pursuit. She rescues him, taking him to shelter and pulling him and his wing from the sea. Anna is fully aware of the war in heaven, and knows well that angels are leading the fight. When she first sees Jonah, she is immediately attracted, but of course, realizes that they can never have a relationship – he is an angel, after all. When Jonah comes to, he is in need of joining magic to reattach his wing. Though Anna is a virgin, she’s fully aware of what joining magic is, and is completely willing to help an angel warrior to heal, though she senses Jonah’s wish to die. They make love and Jonah is partially healed. Anna then seeks out her friend, Mina, who is the sea witch (complete with tentacles like an octopus). Mina advises Anna that she must take Jonah to land, and they must find their way to a shaman located in the Mojave desert who can fully heal Jonah’s wing, which though attached, carries infection. Anna agrees, as she has no wish to leave Jonah’s company, and she and Mina work together to get Jonah to land.
Once they reach land, Jonah and Anna go to her cabin, and spend time together making love and growing closer. Jonah loves Anna’s sweet nature and her willingness to help, and Anna admires Jonah’s leadership, strength and his strong will. The story then turns into a road romance, with the two of them working together to make their way to the desert so that Jonah might be healed.
The story is a strong one, with two compelling characters. Their attraction is palpable and they have a lovely chemistry together. So why 3 stars? Well, Jonah is an angel, and Anna is a mermaid. This leads to some sexual encounters that strongly exercised my “squick factor.” At one point in the story, Jonah is in human form and Anna is in mermaid form and they have sex. The scene made me very uncomfortable and was enough to have me put the book down and walk away for a few minutes. I am all for pushing the envelope, and I generally enjoy reading erotic love scenes in paranormal romance. But I had a very hard time moving past this and another scene where the couple is not in human form. And that was enough to have me grading the book down.
I think that Joey Hill is a tremendous talent, and I have really enjoyed her books in the past, but this book is one that I struggled with. The book sets up a sequel which will be between David, a lesser angel and Mina, the sea witch. I believe that I’ll pass on that one, and wait for the next idea that Hill’s fertile mind brings to light.
*REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED AT ROMANCE NOVEL TV
3 stars
There is a war in heaven, led by Jonah, the Prime Legion Commander for the Goddess. Daily, he battles to Dark Ones for supremacy. Jonah is over 1,000 years old and has led countless angels to battle. Frankly, he’s exhausted. He feels he’s lost the heart for battle, and his spirit seems to be failing. And in a moment of inattention, he is struck by a Dark One, severing one of his wings. He tumbles into the sea, to what he believes will be his death.
Anna is a Daughter of Ariel, a direct descendant of the fabled mermaid who gave up her voice for her love. Sadly, the story is much darker and tragic than the fairy tale known to humankind. Her predecessors have all died alone at the young age of 21.
Anna finds both Jonah and his wing tumbling into the sea, with his enemies in hot pursuit. She rescues him, taking him to shelter and pulling him and his wing from the sea. Anna is fully aware of the war in heaven, and knows well that angels are leading the fight. When she first sees Jonah, she is immediately attracted, but of course, realizes that they can never have a relationship – he is an angel, after all. When Jonah comes to, he is in need of joining magic to reattach his wing. Though Anna is a virgin, she’s fully aware of what joining magic is, and is completely willing to help an angel warrior to heal, though she senses Jonah’s wish to die. They make love and Jonah is partially healed. Anna then seeks out her friend, Mina, who is the sea witch (complete with tentacles like an octopus). Mina advises Anna that she must take Jonah to land, and they must find their way to a shaman located in the Mojave desert who can fully heal Jonah’s wing, which though attached, carries infection. Anna agrees, as she has no wish to leave Jonah’s company, and she and Mina work together to get Jonah to land.
Once they reach land, Jonah and Anna go to her cabin, and spend time together making love and growing closer. Jonah loves Anna’s sweet nature and her willingness to help, and Anna admires Jonah’s leadership, strength and his strong will. The story then turns into a road romance, with the two of them working together to make their way to the desert so that Jonah might be healed.
The story is a strong one, with two compelling characters. Their attraction is palpable and they have a lovely chemistry together. So why 3 stars? Well, Jonah is an angel, and Anna is a mermaid. This leads to some sexual encounters that strongly exercised my “squick factor.” At one point in the story, Jonah is in human form and Anna is in mermaid form and they have sex. The scene made me very uncomfortable and was enough to have me put the book down and walk away for a few minutes. I am all for pushing the envelope, and I generally enjoy reading erotic love scenes in paranormal romance. But I had a very hard time moving past this and another scene where the couple is not in human form. And that was enough to have me grading the book down.
I think that Joey Hill is a tremendous talent, and I have really enjoyed her books in the past, but this book is one that I struggled with. The book sets up a sequel which will be between David, a lesser angel and Mina, the sea witch. I believe that I’ll pass on that one, and wait for the next idea that Hill’s fertile mind brings to light.
*REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED AT ROMANCE NOVEL TV
November 12, 2010
I wanted to stand and applaud this book after I finished reading it. This story is about an angel named Jonah who has lost his faith and a mermaid named Anna who slowly restores his faith.
A Mermaids Kiss begins with a fantastic action scene that sucks you right in and is the perfect example of an intriguing beginning. An intimate connection is established between the characters and you want to know more about these characters and how their worlds will fit together. .
The descriptive writing places you front and center in the story. You are privy to the intricate thoughts and feelings of the characters. Anna is a very brave and adventurous soul even with fear beating at her. She is a courageous heroine without being a kick ass heroine. She maintains her feminine charm. Anna’s character can be a little too perfect, but combined with a great story who cares!
The sex scenes were presented early on the story. It seemed naturally progressive as opposed to forced and nonsensical. The timing of the sex scenes are well understood given the circumstances of the story. Some of the sex scenes were the most tender sex scenes I have ever read. No fireworks, clenching wombs or throbbing members but such a deep and complete connection that is exquisitely written. At one point, I was worried that they would not make their destination because of all the sexual activity.
The author builds a world where there are not only angels but subsets of angels. Each subset having a different purpose to ensurre the safety of mankind. At one point the philosophical ramblings got to be a bit much, but there were a lot of truths to the dialogue. It was refreshingly that pleasure was found in the simplest settings,. There is no opulence or untold riches. Just a barren home and empty caves.
Many characters have a mysterious air about them and you wonder whose side are they really on. The storyline challenges your idea of what is good and evil. It really is captivating and pulls you further into the story.
A Mermaid’s Kiss is not only beautiful but it’s such a sensual story. The fairy tale writing style is a step above the simple writing of children’s fairy tales. The layers of the story are peeled back one scene at a time. They are complex and magical. This story touches on mythology, legends, fairy tales and religious dogma to bring a riveting story with a twist on angels and mermaids
What an awesome climax to the story!
A Mermaids Kiss begins with a fantastic action scene that sucks you right in and is the perfect example of an intriguing beginning. An intimate connection is established between the characters and you want to know more about these characters and how their worlds will fit together. .
The descriptive writing places you front and center in the story. You are privy to the intricate thoughts and feelings of the characters. Anna is a very brave and adventurous soul even with fear beating at her. She is a courageous heroine without being a kick ass heroine. She maintains her feminine charm. Anna’s character can be a little too perfect, but combined with a great story who cares!
The sex scenes were presented early on the story. It seemed naturally progressive as opposed to forced and nonsensical. The timing of the sex scenes are well understood given the circumstances of the story. Some of the sex scenes were the most tender sex scenes I have ever read. No fireworks, clenching wombs or throbbing members but such a deep and complete connection that is exquisitely written. At one point, I was worried that they would not make their destination because of all the sexual activity.
The author builds a world where there are not only angels but subsets of angels. Each subset having a different purpose to ensurre the safety of mankind. At one point the philosophical ramblings got to be a bit much, but there were a lot of truths to the dialogue. It was refreshingly that pleasure was found in the simplest settings,. There is no opulence or untold riches. Just a barren home and empty caves.
Many characters have a mysterious air about them and you wonder whose side are they really on. The storyline challenges your idea of what is good and evil. It really is captivating and pulls you further into the story.
A Mermaid’s Kiss is not only beautiful but it’s such a sensual story. The fairy tale writing style is a step above the simple writing of children’s fairy tales. The layers of the story are peeled back one scene at a time. They are complex and magical. This story touches on mythology, legends, fairy tales and religious dogma to bring a riveting story with a twist on angels and mermaids
What an awesome climax to the story!
March 27, 2009
Anna, an outcast mermaid cursed to die young.
Jonah, an angel fighting a darkness inside himself.
Jonah plunges into the ocean after a fierce battle with The Dark Ones. Anna finds and saves his life. Jonah is despairing over the darkness inside as he has been fighting this battle for 1000 years and it is finally overcoming his goodness. As Jonah recouperates, Anna falls in love and tries her best to help him regain his strength and goodness.
This is basically a tale of good versus evil and a strange coupling between a mermaid -an ocean dweller, and an angel - a sky dweller. Kinda like apples and oranges mating. A very well written story that forces you to think about your own goodness or darkness.
Jonah, an angel fighting a darkness inside himself.
Jonah plunges into the ocean after a fierce battle with The Dark Ones. Anna finds and saves his life. Jonah is despairing over the darkness inside as he has been fighting this battle for 1000 years and it is finally overcoming his goodness. As Jonah recouperates, Anna falls in love and tries her best to help him regain his strength and goodness.
This is basically a tale of good versus evil and a strange coupling between a mermaid -an ocean dweller, and an angel - a sky dweller. Kinda like apples and oranges mating. A very well written story that forces you to think about your own goodness or darkness.
November 14, 2010
I don't know what is going on but I didn't care for this book. Don't get me wrong, there is some good parts and then there are the bad parts. I know the H got on my nerves with "little one" and I threw the book several times. I don't like that nickname. He said it so much I almost DNF it. I'm going to stick with her other stuff.
Want to read
June 2, 2009A combination of the angel and mermaid theme. How interesting!
May 23, 2011
*Contains detailed sex scenes*
In the beginning I found it hard to get into this book. And even throughout it some parts seemed to drag on while others were interesting and wildly enjoyable. For the most part I enjoyed this book. I won’t say it was brilliant, but it was an okay read, if not long and tiresome at times.
For the most part I liked the two main characters, although at times I had my fair share of issues with them. Anna seemed naive and annoying at times and yet as the story went on, it was clear that she really was as noble and honourable as she came across. I mean really, if a woman is willing to die for someone the way she did for Jonah, then that’s really saying something.
I actually wasn’t fussed with Jonah either way. There were a lot of times where I really didn’t like him and the way he carried on. He had such a bad attitude to things, and although I see the purpose of this within the storyline, that doesn’t mean that it didn’t wear on my nerves, because it did.
The romance between Anna and Jonah was alright, although it seemed a bit forced at times and sometimes I felt like their physical relationship was more dominate than anything else in the book, which I don’t really like. I’m a big fan of an emotional connection between two characters first and then a gradual building of things but instead these two seemed to jump into bed together too quickly for my taste.
That being said, the sex scenes between these two are hot and steamy, if not a little out there. Some people have commented on the oddness of the one sex scene between Anna in her mermaid form (complete with tail and fins) and Jonah in his regular human form (complete with male...ahem....appendages), but I actually wasn’t bothered by this. The author has written it well and it was actually a nice scene between the too—intimate and trusting.
And yet for all the issues I had with it, I didn’t mind this book. When I got past the issues I had with it, it wasn’t too bad. It had its moments, especially the friendship between the angels which I’d have loved to have seen more of and even the idea that the great deity is actually a HER and not a HE---which I totally love. Girl power and all!
I find that the thing, or person, I seemed to love most about this book was Mina. Even though we didn’t get to see all too much of her, I feel like she could be a really complex, interesting character and I’m so intrigued by the possibility of her relationship with David that I’m actually going to read the second book, just to see what becomes of them.
In the beginning I found it hard to get into this book. And even throughout it some parts seemed to drag on while others were interesting and wildly enjoyable. For the most part I enjoyed this book. I won’t say it was brilliant, but it was an okay read, if not long and tiresome at times.
For the most part I liked the two main characters, although at times I had my fair share of issues with them. Anna seemed naive and annoying at times and yet as the story went on, it was clear that she really was as noble and honourable as she came across. I mean really, if a woman is willing to die for someone the way she did for Jonah, then that’s really saying something.
I actually wasn’t fussed with Jonah either way. There were a lot of times where I really didn’t like him and the way he carried on. He had such a bad attitude to things, and although I see the purpose of this within the storyline, that doesn’t mean that it didn’t wear on my nerves, because it did.
The romance between Anna and Jonah was alright, although it seemed a bit forced at times and sometimes I felt like their physical relationship was more dominate than anything else in the book, which I don’t really like. I’m a big fan of an emotional connection between two characters first and then a gradual building of things but instead these two seemed to jump into bed together too quickly for my taste.
That being said, the sex scenes between these two are hot and steamy, if not a little out there. Some people have commented on the oddness of the one sex scene between Anna in her mermaid form (complete with tail and fins) and Jonah in his regular human form (complete with male...ahem....appendages), but I actually wasn’t bothered by this. The author has written it well and it was actually a nice scene between the too—intimate and trusting.
And yet for all the issues I had with it, I didn’t mind this book. When I got past the issues I had with it, it wasn’t too bad. It had its moments, especially the friendship between the angels which I’d have loved to have seen more of and even the idea that the great deity is actually a HER and not a HE---which I totally love. Girl power and all!
I find that the thing, or person, I seemed to love most about this book was Mina. Even though we didn’t get to see all too much of her, I feel like she could be a really complex, interesting character and I’m so intrigued by the possibility of her relationship with David that I’m actually going to read the second book, just to see what becomes of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2011
As a fairly new Joey Hill fan, I decided to branch out and read the first in a trilogy of her Daughters of Arianne series, where mermaids and angels are the main love interests. I've read lots of paranormal, even with the odd angel or two, but mermaids were a stretch for me. I came in a skeptic, but Joey Hill's writing can't be denied and I did love this book.
Just a few comments...The cover should not scare anyone off. It's very beautiful in its own way, but 1: impossible to read in public (def would get some looks!), which I feel almost encourages ebook purchases and 2: does not reflect the darkness of the story in the least. The plot is about the love between a warrior angel, Jonah, and Anna, a mermaid destined to die before her 21st birthday. Jonah, injured in a battle with the Dark Ones, falls into the ocean and into Anna's care. His poisoned wound allows his already doubtful mind to begin to pull him to the darkness of evil. He feels he is unworthy of his station and has doubts about continuing on as the Prime Legion Commander of the angels who fight for the Goddess, the deity of goodness. The story tells of his redemption and salvation through love. But yep...it's very dark and at its core is about Good vs Evil with a very unique mythology that weaves in some concepts of modern religion. It's filled with bloody battles and self sacrifice. Very beautifully written, even if the philosophical discussions were a little over the top for me. I didn't enjoy it as much as the Vampire Queen books, mainly because it was slightly less character driven (which is all relative, because it's a lot more than most books) and its such a fanciful world that I had a hard time getting a grip on it sometimes. Oh, and less sex than her other series for sure, less erotic and more romance.
Just a few comments...The cover should not scare anyone off. It's very beautiful in its own way, but 1: impossible to read in public (def would get some looks!), which I feel almost encourages ebook purchases and 2: does not reflect the darkness of the story in the least. The plot is about the love between a warrior angel, Jonah, and Anna, a mermaid destined to die before her 21st birthday. Jonah, injured in a battle with the Dark Ones, falls into the ocean and into Anna's care. His poisoned wound allows his already doubtful mind to begin to pull him to the darkness of evil. He feels he is unworthy of his station and has doubts about continuing on as the Prime Legion Commander of the angels who fight for the Goddess, the deity of goodness. The story tells of his redemption and salvation through love. But yep...it's very dark and at its core is about Good vs Evil with a very unique mythology that weaves in some concepts of modern religion. It's filled with bloody battles and self sacrifice. Very beautifully written, even if the philosophical discussions were a little over the top for me. I didn't enjoy it as much as the Vampire Queen books, mainly because it was slightly less character driven (which is all relative, because it's a lot more than most books) and its such a fanciful world that I had a hard time getting a grip on it sometimes. Oh, and less sex than her other series for sure, less erotic and more romance.
May 10, 2010
A Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W. Hill (Read Jan 2009)
My good friend Michelle once gently suggested that I check out an author named JR Ward, not knowing that I would turn into one of those (slightly) deranged fans who actually joined The Black Dagger Brotherhood message boards on this author's website. Point being, Michelle is chock full of excellent recommendations. This past weekend she told me to check out Joey W. Hill and offered me her copy of A Mermaid's Kiss (which, let's face it, she's never getting back!). I am in love! What an amazing author, what an amazing book...it has the perfect combination of lusty sex and that emotional love connection I crave in romances. It also has an awesome paranormal world with angels, demons, witches, mermaids, fairies, dragons....you name it, she's got it. Jonah (an angel who is the Prime Legion Commander for the Goddess) is the kind of tortured hero I cannot resist. As he struggles with his inner demons, Anna (an innocent and loving mermaid) reawakens his will to live. Hill is one incredible writer...I was sucked into the story from page one and totally forgot I was reading a book until my kids got back from school and ran screaming into the house. (Then I set them up with a snack and locked myself in my bedroom until I finished). I am now going to Amazon to order the next installment, A Witch's Beauty. Thank you, Michelle...I owe you one! Grade: A+
With happiness in her heart, Penelope
My good friend Michelle once gently suggested that I check out an author named JR Ward, not knowing that I would turn into one of those (slightly) deranged fans who actually joined The Black Dagger Brotherhood message boards on this author's website. Point being, Michelle is chock full of excellent recommendations. This past weekend she told me to check out Joey W. Hill and offered me her copy of A Mermaid's Kiss (which, let's face it, she's never getting back!). I am in love! What an amazing author, what an amazing book...it has the perfect combination of lusty sex and that emotional love connection I crave in romances. It also has an awesome paranormal world with angels, demons, witches, mermaids, fairies, dragons....you name it, she's got it. Jonah (an angel who is the Prime Legion Commander for the Goddess) is the kind of tortured hero I cannot resist. As he struggles with his inner demons, Anna (an innocent and loving mermaid) reawakens his will to live. Hill is one incredible writer...I was sucked into the story from page one and totally forgot I was reading a book until my kids got back from school and ran screaming into the house. (Then I set them up with a snack and locked myself in my bedroom until I finished). I am now going to Amazon to order the next installment, A Witch's Beauty. Thank you, Michelle...I owe you one! Grade: A+
With happiness in her heart, Penelope
February 6, 2011
I LOVE MERMAIDS! This is one of the few mermaid stories I've read that has sexy sexy scenes. I consider this erotica because of how well Ms. Hill weaves the sex scenes into this paranormal romance. WOW. This is definitely a different take, generations after the "little mermaid". I like how Ms. Hill spun that bit of the story.
Ms. Hill's interpretation of the Angels and how humans came to being was fascinating. The Dark Ones have a right to be pissed. It just goes to show, once again, no good deed goes unpunished.
Jonah is a sexy angel and I'm glad he's with Anna. This world created by Ms. Hill is amazing and so clear, I can almost believe it is true. Or maybe, I wish it were true. The part I loved best was the epic battle at the end. Anna's surprise form was a thrill for me since I also love that type of form. All around wonderful new series from Ms. Hill.
Ms. Hill's interpretation of the Angels and how humans came to being was fascinating. The Dark Ones have a right to be pissed. It just goes to show, once again, no good deed goes unpunished.
Jonah is a sexy angel and I'm glad he's with Anna. This world created by Ms. Hill is amazing and so clear, I can almost believe it is true. Or maybe, I wish it were true. The part I loved best was the epic battle at the end. Anna's surprise form was a thrill for me since I also love that type of form. All around wonderful new series from Ms. Hill.
January 4, 2009
Can angels in all their glory lose hope? Or the will to live on? Jonah is the Prime Legion Commander and whenever the Dark Ones try to attack, he and his men are the first to defend the world. But immortal does not mean invulnerable to pain...
For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of A Mermaid's Kiss in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of A Mermaid's Kiss in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
December 4, 2009
OMG...I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I absolutely loved it, I actually cried and that doesn't happen often. Ms. Hill can weave a world so intense that you feel things in your gut. I could not put this one down. You will absolutely love Jonah and Anna, both are beautiful creatures. So without further delay I'm off to start the 2nd book in the series; A Witch's Beauty.
Run don't walk to your nearest book store and get this series.
Run don't walk to your nearest book store and get this series.
March 15, 2014
loved this,erotic/sensual and dark/foreboding too. i enjoyed it. a lot.
This was my original review but I've revisited bc any book that you (universal) can remember nearly 5 years after you first read it is worthy of more than 3 stars.....
This was my original review but I've revisited bc any book that you (universal) can remember nearly 5 years after you first read it is worthy of more than 3 stars.....
June 15, 2016
Only the first few and last few chapters were any good. The rest was one big lull. It was also hard to enjoy the steamy scenes because of how much Jonah kept referring to Anna as a child. The concept was interesting but it wasn't utilized as good as it could have been.
March 26, 2010
I can't believe this book doesn't have a higher rating! I loved it! All of it, it was a beautiful love story!
You really have to open up your imagination to this one, a new world!
You really have to open up your imagination to this one, a new world!
March 13, 2010
A tale of a Mermaid and an Angel. Loved it!
July 24, 2018
Location! Location! Location! Though not of geography. Rather, of a place in time.
This review is of a re-read of Mermaid's Kiss, and how I *wish* I had written a review my first time through, because I would sorely love to see what I missed on that pass. I recall getting a, "this is a nice, little read" reaction, and honestly, it had never been a favourite when put in the context of all Ms. Hill's amazing creations.
But this time. This time I've grown up? Grown older? See things more clearly, maybe? Its certainly true that it fits this time in our world. I wonder if she knew...
This time, Jonah and Anna are an embarrassment of riches as characters go. This time I see the struggles, exaggerated by fiction and paranormal fiction for sure, as much deeper than simple symbolism. And I see the story and its battles in exactly the same way. Never preaching, never proselytizing, but certainly a spiritual journey experienced by both reader and character.
And like every excellent author, Ms. Hill takes a personal work of the soul and creates an experience that every individual reader can make their own; likely seeing, feeling and experiencing something completely different each time they read. Getting what they need out of a beautiful story, based on their own personal geography; their own place in time. I wonder what experience the next read will bring to me?
Methinks there is more than a touch of Anna in Ms. Joey W. Hill. Oh, and if she knows Luc personally? I'd like an intro...
This review is of a re-read of Mermaid's Kiss, and how I *wish* I had written a review my first time through, because I would sorely love to see what I missed on that pass. I recall getting a, "this is a nice, little read" reaction, and honestly, it had never been a favourite when put in the context of all Ms. Hill's amazing creations.
But this time. This time I've grown up? Grown older? See things more clearly, maybe? Its certainly true that it fits this time in our world. I wonder if she knew...
This time, Jonah and Anna are an embarrassment of riches as characters go. This time I see the struggles, exaggerated by fiction and paranormal fiction for sure, as much deeper than simple symbolism. And I see the story and its battles in exactly the same way. Never preaching, never proselytizing, but certainly a spiritual journey experienced by both reader and character.
And like every excellent author, Ms. Hill takes a personal work of the soul and creates an experience that every individual reader can make their own; likely seeing, feeling and experiencing something completely different each time they read. Getting what they need out of a beautiful story, based on their own personal geography; their own place in time. I wonder what experience the next read will bring to me?
Methinks there is more than a touch of Anna in Ms. Joey W. Hill. Oh, and if she knows Luc personally? I'd like an intro...
January 4, 2019
It's no secret I'm a huge Joey W. Hill fan. Every read is sure to please, but A Mermaid's Kiss had a little something special. Maybe it was the way she put me in the ocean, made me feel the cold and the swirl of water and waves. Or perhaps it was how the characters leaped off the page with such clarity and charm I just HAD to know what happened to Anna and Jonah. I particularly loved how sweet, loving Anna showed such fierce loyalty and strength. Or perhaps it was because this book paints such a vivid picture of a flawed yet beautiful world both under the seas and heaven above. How about all of the above? This is a story that will stay with you for a long time -- and perhaps have you gaze over the ocean or watch the skies with different eyes. Five lovely stars to a sensual story of love and loyalty.
December 16, 2022
Where to start? The cover is just about the only good thing about this book. It's sexist, showcases an unhealthy, obsessive relationship without any deeper connnection and the sex scenes are at best ridiculous, at worst uncomfortably male-focused. I wouldn't have finished it if it weren't for bookclub.
Want to read
January 14, 2022#ad currently free (1/14/21) https://amzn.to/33cCESF
November 11, 2013
A Mermaid’s Kiss (Daughters of Arianne #1) by Joey W. Hill
I received A Mermaid’s Kiss through a Goodreads Firstread Giveaway. In all honesty I don’t think I really knew what I was requesting when entering this giveaway. When I received the book in the mail and saw Erotic Romance on the spine, I was like OMG how the heck does that work out? An angel and a mermaid??? But I put my preconceived notions aside and read the book. And I am SOOO Glad I did!!! It is one of the more intriguing books I have read in a while.
You have Anna, a mermaid that is isolated because of a family curse passed down from mother to daughter. None of the merpeople wants anything to do with her because of her shapeshifting abilities, and she does not feel at home with the humans, so her only companion for her twenty years alive is a seawitch, Mina, that at birth saved her from the more awful aspects of the curse, who is also an outcast. Though she puts up with Anna, Mina says it is only because she is bound by blood to keep her safe. Anna is resigned that she, like those before her, will die at the at age twenty-one and the only thing that she wants to do is die by making a difference, and not in the despairs of loneliness, heartache and self-worthlessness. So when she comes upon Jonah, an angel whose wing was cut off during battle against the Dark Ones and plummets into the ocean, she does everything in her power to help him. He is constantly telling her to let him die, leave him to his own devises etc., but Anna knows that he is worth saving and that the universe would be better off with him in it she ignores him and is persistent in helping him. Anna brings Mina to help him with her magic, but she does not have the power to clean the poison the Dark Ones have embedded into Jonah after him fighting them for all of creation. The darkness has seeped into his soul and only a human shaman may be able to help Jonah remove it. So Mina gives Jonah a potion that will turn him into a human during the day, which will conceal him from all those who seek him out. She informs Anna that she has two days and regardless of where they are in the journey she must return to the ocean and Jonah must continue on his own. She also recommends Joining Magic (sex) as much as possible because that will help heal Jonah’s wing. Anna doesn't mention the two days to Jonah when she explains to him the quest they must take to the Nevada desert, and to get there on fate alone. Since Jonah doesn't know why he is fighting anymore he agrees to go on the journey. Along the way Anna does her best in showing him the little things that matter, the joys that you can find in everyday life. She shows him love, kindness and a positive outlook on all things, despite the harsh events that encompasses her short life as well as being attacked by the Dark Ones while she is with Jonah. By getting to know Jonah, Anna knows deep down that she must take him all the way to the shaman otherwise he wouldn't make it, so after her two days she continues at her own peril. Throughout the entire journey Anna puts her life at risk to save Jonah, the angel she has come to love.
The characters, though are otherworldly, their personalities are that of someone a person may come across in real life, they make a believable person. I extremely enjoyed the flowing transition between characters. As soon as I felt the need for a different perspective I realized that it had just changed POV. The story moved along seamlessly, I did not feel like I was sitting and reading for a long time even though the book is long. The story flew by so fast and was so captivating when it was over I was left on wanting more to read. The conclusion was great. I was not left with feeling that there were things unresolved and that I could read A Mermaid’s Kiss as a standalone book. I was left with a desire to know what else happens in the universe that I wished I had the next book in hand. I cannot wait to read the next book!!!
I received A Mermaid’s Kiss through a Goodreads Firstread Giveaway. In all honesty I don’t think I really knew what I was requesting when entering this giveaway. When I received the book in the mail and saw Erotic Romance on the spine, I was like OMG how the heck does that work out? An angel and a mermaid??? But I put my preconceived notions aside and read the book. And I am SOOO Glad I did!!! It is one of the more intriguing books I have read in a while.
You have Anna, a mermaid that is isolated because of a family curse passed down from mother to daughter. None of the merpeople wants anything to do with her because of her shapeshifting abilities, and she does not feel at home with the humans, so her only companion for her twenty years alive is a seawitch, Mina, that at birth saved her from the more awful aspects of the curse, who is also an outcast. Though she puts up with Anna, Mina says it is only because she is bound by blood to keep her safe. Anna is resigned that she, like those before her, will die at the at age twenty-one and the only thing that she wants to do is die by making a difference, and not in the despairs of loneliness, heartache and self-worthlessness. So when she comes upon Jonah, an angel whose wing was cut off during battle against the Dark Ones and plummets into the ocean, she does everything in her power to help him. He is constantly telling her to let him die, leave him to his own devises etc., but Anna knows that he is worth saving and that the universe would be better off with him in it she ignores him and is persistent in helping him. Anna brings Mina to help him with her magic, but she does not have the power to clean the poison the Dark Ones have embedded into Jonah after him fighting them for all of creation. The darkness has seeped into his soul and only a human shaman may be able to help Jonah remove it. So Mina gives Jonah a potion that will turn him into a human during the day, which will conceal him from all those who seek him out. She informs Anna that she has two days and regardless of where they are in the journey she must return to the ocean and Jonah must continue on his own. She also recommends Joining Magic (sex) as much as possible because that will help heal Jonah’s wing. Anna doesn't mention the two days to Jonah when she explains to him the quest they must take to the Nevada desert, and to get there on fate alone. Since Jonah doesn't know why he is fighting anymore he agrees to go on the journey. Along the way Anna does her best in showing him the little things that matter, the joys that you can find in everyday life. She shows him love, kindness and a positive outlook on all things, despite the harsh events that encompasses her short life as well as being attacked by the Dark Ones while she is with Jonah. By getting to know Jonah, Anna knows deep down that she must take him all the way to the shaman otherwise he wouldn't make it, so after her two days she continues at her own peril. Throughout the entire journey Anna puts her life at risk to save Jonah, the angel she has come to love.
The characters, though are otherworldly, their personalities are that of someone a person may come across in real life, they make a believable person. I extremely enjoyed the flowing transition between characters. As soon as I felt the need for a different perspective I realized that it had just changed POV. The story moved along seamlessly, I did not feel like I was sitting and reading for a long time even though the book is long. The story flew by so fast and was so captivating when it was over I was left on wanting more to read. The conclusion was great. I was not left with feeling that there were things unresolved and that I could read A Mermaid’s Kiss as a standalone book. I was left with a desire to know what else happens in the universe that I wished I had the next book in hand. I cannot wait to read the next book!!!
July 5, 2017
I picked up this book on a whim because I love mermaids. I have very mixed feelings. I've read romance before, but this one was definitely more...x rated. After realizing this I continued on out of curiosity, just to see where the author was going with the story and I ended up really enjoying the plot. It follows Anna the descendant of the little mermaid who rescues an injured angel from the sea. It had a lot of elements from the original fairy tale, but with angels thrown into the mix. The angel Jonah is the commander of one of the armies of the Goddess who has been fighting evil creatures for millennia and is struggling with ptsd and guilt over the many soldiers he's lost. The language was beautiful, of a bit flowery at times. Also, there would sometimes be explanations of things in the middle of an action scene that took you out of the story, but overall I enjoyed it much more than I expected.
March 29, 2013
Anna is a descendant of Ariel, the first mermaid to rescue her love from the ocean and be cursed to shape shifting between worlds. Like all daughters of Ariel, Anna is to fall in love rescuing a man not of the ocean and dying on before her twenty-first birthday. Not accepted by either world, Anna has grown up alone without the love and affection of family or friends. With just 11 short months to live, Anna is restlessly roaming the ocean when an angel falls deep into the abyss. Determined to rescue him, she risks a lot and in return to have some value to her life.
Jonah has spent centuries fighting Dark Ones for the Goddess and basically is burned out. Each new angel he trains is like a son to him and after watching some of them pass on, he is broken in heart and soul. Darkness has invade his heart and he is ready to give in to its call. When in battle one of his wings is chopped off, he falls to the ocean, letting it take him to the abyss. When a mermaid saves him, taking him deeper into the abyss to heal, he starts to question his inner demons as well as the world he is fighting to protect.
The two embark on a journey to the desert to find a way to fight the darkness invading Jonah’s soul. Jonah sees the gentle, kindness that is all Anna. Her inner beauty and innocence makes Jonah want to be a better angel, but he struggles in his battle. Anna wants some meaning in her life before she dies and falls deeply in love with Jonah, believing he will be saved. She will risk everything, even her life to save him.
There was such beauty in the book that I felt like I was swaying with the water as the two were going deeper in the abyss. Unfortunately the book failed to hold my me as it went deeper. I lacked the compassion for Jonah’s plight. Most times I wanted to slap him upside the back of the head and tell him to pick himself up and be a man. There were so many angels, man and mermaid pulling for him that he just seemed a little depressed. I guess after centuries of battling Dark Ones, you are allowed a bad day? Unfortunately he was so powerful, he could destroy earth and all of humanity.
One big problem I head was how they approached sex in the story. They call it Joining and it creates magic. Jonah and Anna having healing Joining in the abyss, even as Jonah is giving up. In a way I felt he was using her. No, he was using her and she let him. At one point he tries to refuse the magic and it hurts Anna badly.
I wanted Anna to be all that was love, but really I wanted her to tell him no as well. Heck, her life wasn’t a sunny ball of sunshine either, but you didn’t see her giving in to the darkness of her soul. Yes, she was accepting that her time on the earth was short, but she wasn’t giving into living it with the hope and joy she could get from it. I really got tired of her telling he could have whatever he wanted. Hello! They are walking in a desert, she is a mermaid…can anyone say she needs water?
At times the book seem to drag on when I just wanted to get to the end. It could have been a much shorter book with a lot more interactions. It also seemed that if a super paranormal action was needed, it could be explained away with a convenient explanation.
I really wanted to love the story so much as I have waited a while for the price to come down on the ebook. Unfortunately it left me not wanting to continue the series. The love scenes weren’t sexy, but instead seem out of place. The imagery was beautiful, but after a while I was ready to move on.
I recommend this to anyone who loves seeing an angel at a crossroads in his life on good and evil. Also a mermaid who’s destiny is already written, but who wants to change it. While not a bad book, it wasn’t something I can say I enjoyed enough continue the series for.
Jonah has spent centuries fighting Dark Ones for the Goddess and basically is burned out. Each new angel he trains is like a son to him and after watching some of them pass on, he is broken in heart and soul. Darkness has invade his heart and he is ready to give in to its call. When in battle one of his wings is chopped off, he falls to the ocean, letting it take him to the abyss. When a mermaid saves him, taking him deeper into the abyss to heal, he starts to question his inner demons as well as the world he is fighting to protect.
The two embark on a journey to the desert to find a way to fight the darkness invading Jonah’s soul. Jonah sees the gentle, kindness that is all Anna. Her inner beauty and innocence makes Jonah want to be a better angel, but he struggles in his battle. Anna wants some meaning in her life before she dies and falls deeply in love with Jonah, believing he will be saved. She will risk everything, even her life to save him.
There was such beauty in the book that I felt like I was swaying with the water as the two were going deeper in the abyss. Unfortunately the book failed to hold my me as it went deeper. I lacked the compassion for Jonah’s plight. Most times I wanted to slap him upside the back of the head and tell him to pick himself up and be a man. There were so many angels, man and mermaid pulling for him that he just seemed a little depressed. I guess after centuries of battling Dark Ones, you are allowed a bad day? Unfortunately he was so powerful, he could destroy earth and all of humanity.
One big problem I head was how they approached sex in the story. They call it Joining and it creates magic. Jonah and Anna having healing Joining in the abyss, even as Jonah is giving up. In a way I felt he was using her. No, he was using her and she let him. At one point he tries to refuse the magic and it hurts Anna badly.
I wanted Anna to be all that was love, but really I wanted her to tell him no as well. Heck, her life wasn’t a sunny ball of sunshine either, but you didn’t see her giving in to the darkness of her soul. Yes, she was accepting that her time on the earth was short, but she wasn’t giving into living it with the hope and joy she could get from it. I really got tired of her telling he could have whatever he wanted. Hello! They are walking in a desert, she is a mermaid…can anyone say she needs water?
At times the book seem to drag on when I just wanted to get to the end. It could have been a much shorter book with a lot more interactions. It also seemed that if a super paranormal action was needed, it could be explained away with a convenient explanation.
I really wanted to love the story so much as I have waited a while for the price to come down on the ebook. Unfortunately it left me not wanting to continue the series. The love scenes weren’t sexy, but instead seem out of place. The imagery was beautiful, but after a while I was ready to move on.
I recommend this to anyone who loves seeing an angel at a crossroads in his life on good and evil. Also a mermaid who’s destiny is already written, but who wants to change it. While not a bad book, it wasn’t something I can say I enjoyed enough continue the series for.
September 4, 2016
This review first appeared on I Heart Romance & YA
This story is pretty tough for me to review. At this time, I do not want to give out a summary of the story and I will just go ahead and give my thoughts. The story starts, innocently enough with a mermaid, Anna rescuing an angel falling from the sky. Apparently, this angel, Jonah was wounded in a war between Angels and Dark Ones that has been going on for centuries. Wounded and unable to fly, Anna saves him and with his direction, brought him to an underwater cavern that has magical properties. At this point, Jonah asks Anna to perform joining magic to help revive him. This is where the erotic part of the book kicks in. They do this joining magic all throughout the book and it seemed like both of them, Anna especially, cannot keep their hands off of each other.
I had a hard time swallowing some of the aspects of this book. Yes, sex is normal and yes, it is a way to procreate but an angel having sex is just too much for me to take. Another thing that bothered me while reading this book is the obvious parallels of The Little Mermaid. For the life of me, I just kept thinking about the Disney version and couldn't focus on the adult story but the children's version.
We also meet Mina, a witch (half mermaid half dark one) that is sort of a guardian to Anna. This which basically resembles a skinny and young Ursula that is not out to take over the ocean. So yes, she does had the octopus legs with half of her upper body scarred/ugly/deformed. She is the one who directs Jonah and Anna to go inland to the Dessert Crossroads in Nevada where Jonah will find help and answers.
The third thing that bothered me is that this mermaid turned into a PIXIE!! I thought this was too much for a fantasy for me. Yes, I am reading fantasy but never did I read about a mermaid turning into a pixie! Sheesh. This could have been omitted.
The fourth thing that I could not agree upon was how Anna was such a martyr. While Jonah was sulking and grumbling about how he is not used to being human (Mina turned him human by day and angel by night so the dark ones and the angels couldn't find him), she was doing all the work. For an angel, there were some parts in the book that I thought was so uncharacteristic of an angel. In fact, he was a jerk sometimes and I couldn't believe Anna fell for him.
Fortunately, he redeems himself by the end of the book by giving himself over to the dark ones in exchange for Anna's life and with a stand-off between him and the angels, headed by Lucifer. In this book, Lucifer is in charge of Hell but he is not a fallen angel per se and not a devil as we know it. So, Anna and Jonah have their HEA.
Two characters mentioned in this story is Mina and David (a human-born angel and part of Jonah's legion), are the characters in book #2 of this series is A Witch's Beauty. I am still debating whether I am going to read it.
Read the full review on I Heart Romance & YA
This story is pretty tough for me to review. At this time, I do not want to give out a summary of the story and I will just go ahead and give my thoughts. The story starts, innocently enough with a mermaid, Anna rescuing an angel falling from the sky. Apparently, this angel, Jonah was wounded in a war between Angels and Dark Ones that has been going on for centuries. Wounded and unable to fly, Anna saves him and with his direction, brought him to an underwater cavern that has magical properties. At this point, Jonah asks Anna to perform joining magic to help revive him. This is where the erotic part of the book kicks in. They do this joining magic all throughout the book and it seemed like both of them, Anna especially, cannot keep their hands off of each other.
I had a hard time swallowing some of the aspects of this book. Yes, sex is normal and yes, it is a way to procreate but an angel having sex is just too much for me to take. Another thing that bothered me while reading this book is the obvious parallels of The Little Mermaid. For the life of me, I just kept thinking about the Disney version and couldn't focus on the adult story but the children's version.
We also meet Mina, a witch (half mermaid half dark one) that is sort of a guardian to Anna. This which basically resembles a skinny and young Ursula that is not out to take over the ocean. So yes, she does had the octopus legs with half of her upper body scarred/ugly/deformed. She is the one who directs Jonah and Anna to go inland to the Dessert Crossroads in Nevada where Jonah will find help and answers.
The third thing that bothered me is that this mermaid turned into a PIXIE!! I thought this was too much for a fantasy for me. Yes, I am reading fantasy but never did I read about a mermaid turning into a pixie! Sheesh. This could have been omitted.
The fourth thing that I could not agree upon was how Anna was such a martyr. While Jonah was sulking and grumbling about how he is not used to being human (Mina turned him human by day and angel by night so the dark ones and the angels couldn't find him), she was doing all the work. For an angel, there were some parts in the book that I thought was so uncharacteristic of an angel. In fact, he was a jerk sometimes and I couldn't believe Anna fell for him.
Fortunately, he redeems himself by the end of the book by giving himself over to the dark ones in exchange for Anna's life and with a stand-off between him and the angels, headed by Lucifer. In this book, Lucifer is in charge of Hell but he is not a fallen angel per se and not a devil as we know it. So, Anna and Jonah have their HEA.
Two characters mentioned in this story is Mina and David (a human-born angel and part of Jonah's legion), are the characters in book #2 of this series is A Witch's Beauty. I am still debating whether I am going to read it.
Read the full review on I Heart Romance & YA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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