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The Deep Blue Sea #1
Beneath the Surface
A whole different world exists beneath the surface.
The last thing Nisha expects while patrolling his territory is to find his mate, but his instincts tell him the handsome human diving into the surf is the one meant for him. Two bites and Kannon will be joined to him forever. But when Kannon’s father disrupts the mating process, Nisha releases his claim, hoping beyond hope his mate will one day return.
While free diving with his father, Kannon is bitten by a seductive merman. Although he swore to never go near the ocean again, the pull to return to the water and his mystery man remains strong. Finally, after fifteen years away, an impromptu wedding brings Kannon back to the Seychelles, and his destiny.
Kannon only plans to stay on the island for a week, but this time Nisha won’t let his mate go without a fight. Merfolk and human culture collide as the embers of Nisha and Kannon’s mate bond ignite, and Nisha must complete the mating before it’s too late.
The last thing Nisha expects while patrolling his territory is to find his mate, but his instincts tell him the handsome human diving into the surf is the one meant for him. Two bites and Kannon will be joined to him forever. But when Kannon’s father disrupts the mating process, Nisha releases his claim, hoping beyond hope his mate will one day return.
While free diving with his father, Kannon is bitten by a seductive merman. Although he swore to never go near the ocean again, the pull to return to the water and his mystery man remains strong. Finally, after fifteen years away, an impromptu wedding brings Kannon back to the Seychelles, and his destiny.
Kannon only plans to stay on the island for a week, but this time Nisha won’t let his mate go without a fight. Merfolk and human culture collide as the embers of Nisha and Kannon’s mate bond ignite, and Nisha must complete the mating before it’s too late.
154 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2016
64 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Church
61 books678 followers M.A. Church is a true Southern belle who spent many years in the elementary education sector. Now she spends her days lost in fantasy worlds, arguing with hardheaded aliens on far-off planets, herding her numerous shifters, or trying to tempt her country boys away from their fishing poles. It’s a full time job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!
When not writing, she’s on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown children.
Member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
My Facebook: MA churh http://www.facebook.com/pages/MA-Chur...
When not writing, she’s on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown children.
Member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
My Facebook: MA churh http://www.facebook.com/pages/MA-Chur...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 25, 2018
How in the hell didn’t I know that M.A. Church has a mermen series? 😱 *squeal* 😱In case you don’t know, I love mermen. 😂 Hell, I like any magical or mythological creatures. 😁 And Church is one of my all time favorite authors so you can imagine my joy when I learnt that she indeed has a mermen series. 😍 And yes, enough blabbering and onto reviewing. 😉
Kannon was only a teen when he discovered a beautiful yet deathly terrifying creature in the waters of Seychelles. He was on a vacation there with his dad to do their favorite activity together, scuba diving. And while he was enjoying the whole new world of underwater world, an enticing creature that was so ethereally beautiful captured him and bit him hard and that moment, and he knew belonged there with that man. 😌 But at the very worried shout of his father, the creature released him reluctantly. Although he didn’t tell his dad what happened there, he’s just afraid to go back in the water and that shattered the relationship between father and son. And 15 years later, he’s back to the place where it all began. ☺️
15 years ago, Nisha met his life mate. And all he wanted to do was claim his mate right there and then and be with him forever. But because he felt bad for the father of the boy, he let the boy go and he’d been waiting for the return of his mate for over a decade. Now, the boy is back as a man, more gorgeous and beautiful than ever. And this time, Nisha won’t let anything and anyone come between him and his mate. It’s time Kannon knows who’s the boss in their relationship. 😉
When these two met again after 15 years, Kannon, of course, doesn’t recognize Nisha. 😉 But he was inexplicably and irrationally attracted to the gorgeous blue-haired guy with cerulean eyes. 😍 Meanwhile, he’s having erotic dreams about a guy who’s dominating and owning his body. He’s only going to be at Seychelles for about a week for his best friend’s wedding. He has a life back at home no matter how boring and normal it seems. The thing is does he even wanna go back home leaving the most beautiful and loving man he’s ever met?
Don’t worry my fellow readers. You won’t get to feel the agony of these two lovers’ 15 years long separation. The story is consecutive. I think this is one of the most well-written mermen books I’ve ever read. 👏 I love reading any kind of shifters book and undoubtedly, we have variety of wolves shifters books while we only have very limited choice of books for other kinds of shifters. 😌 And there are even fewer mermen books that are not only good but also interesting and reasonable. ☺️ The world building in this books is beautiful and magical. 😍 And MCs are not only sexy but also very very likable. Nisha’s seduction of Kannon was smoking hot and charming. 🔥 And there’s so much more than claiming mates and finding love. There are territorial disputes, a merman who held grudges against Nisha and his family and platonic love between best friends. And the sex? Let’s just say Church knows her subjects of tentacles, tails, fins and fishtails! 😂👏 Mermen sex is hot! 🔥 I’d give this book 5 stars if not for the ending. 😒 While the book definitely ends with a HEA, I feel like the wedding was a bit impulsive and rushed. And also, I’d like to see an epilogue of these two lovers. Anyhow, still a very VERY lovely and sweet book. Can’t wait to read the second book in the series. 😉
Favorite excerpts from the novel: 💙
There he stood staring at the human before him. Such beauty. His human face was a study of perfection. Kannon had a strong jaw and full pouty lips of the palest pink. A narrow nose graced his face, and a dusting of freckles covered his cheeks.
“That ‘damn powder,’ as you call it, makes things easier.” “Jesus God, no it doesn’t! Did you forget how I reacted? That powder takes away a human’s ability to consent. Not to mention you broke in! Consent is a very big thing with us, Nisha, and Kannon was unable to consent to any of that in there! I’m sure you’re going to find out at some point just how he feels about that.”
“I will come back to you. I will always come back to you,” Nisha whispered as his hand dropped down and clutched Kannon’s ass.
Nisha’s grin was positively wicked. “I’m going to fuck you until you scream for me. It’ll echo around us. We’ll both get to hear your cries of pleasure.”
“But as far as mating you? No. I don’t regret that at all. You mean more to me than the ocean itself. I… I need you.”
“But—” “No buts. There is no mistake. You can call it Fate or whatever you want. It doesn’t matter. You are mine, and I am yours.”
Why not do this? He wanted to. He wanted this. All of this. The sun, sand, merfolk, sea life… and his mate. His beautiful mate. Yes, he was willing to give it all up and live beneath the surface if he had to with Nisha. “Yes. Yes, I will.”
4 dominant macho Merman and sweet pliant human mate lovers stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kannon was only a teen when he discovered a beautiful yet deathly terrifying creature in the waters of Seychelles. He was on a vacation there with his dad to do their favorite activity together, scuba diving. And while he was enjoying the whole new world of underwater world, an enticing creature that was so ethereally beautiful captured him and bit him hard and that moment, and he knew belonged there with that man. 😌 But at the very worried shout of his father, the creature released him reluctantly. Although he didn’t tell his dad what happened there, he’s just afraid to go back in the water and that shattered the relationship between father and son. And 15 years later, he’s back to the place where it all began. ☺️
15 years ago, Nisha met his life mate. And all he wanted to do was claim his mate right there and then and be with him forever. But because he felt bad for the father of the boy, he let the boy go and he’d been waiting for the return of his mate for over a decade. Now, the boy is back as a man, more gorgeous and beautiful than ever. And this time, Nisha won’t let anything and anyone come between him and his mate. It’s time Kannon knows who’s the boss in their relationship. 😉
When these two met again after 15 years, Kannon, of course, doesn’t recognize Nisha. 😉 But he was inexplicably and irrationally attracted to the gorgeous blue-haired guy with cerulean eyes. 😍 Meanwhile, he’s having erotic dreams about a guy who’s dominating and owning his body. He’s only going to be at Seychelles for about a week for his best friend’s wedding. He has a life back at home no matter how boring and normal it seems. The thing is does he even wanna go back home leaving the most beautiful and loving man he’s ever met?
Don’t worry my fellow readers. You won’t get to feel the agony of these two lovers’ 15 years long separation. The story is consecutive. I think this is one of the most well-written mermen books I’ve ever read. 👏 I love reading any kind of shifters book and undoubtedly, we have variety of wolves shifters books while we only have very limited choice of books for other kinds of shifters. 😌 And there are even fewer mermen books that are not only good but also interesting and reasonable. ☺️ The world building in this books is beautiful and magical. 😍 And MCs are not only sexy but also very very likable. Nisha’s seduction of Kannon was smoking hot and charming. 🔥 And there’s so much more than claiming mates and finding love. There are territorial disputes, a merman who held grudges against Nisha and his family and platonic love between best friends. And the sex? Let’s just say Church knows her subjects of tentacles, tails, fins and fishtails! 😂👏 Mermen sex is hot! 🔥 I’d give this book 5 stars if not for the ending. 😒 While the book definitely ends with a HEA, I feel like the wedding was a bit impulsive and rushed. And also, I’d like to see an epilogue of these two lovers. Anyhow, still a very VERY lovely and sweet book. Can’t wait to read the second book in the series. 😉
Favorite excerpts from the novel: 💙
There he stood staring at the human before him. Such beauty. His human face was a study of perfection. Kannon had a strong jaw and full pouty lips of the palest pink. A narrow nose graced his face, and a dusting of freckles covered his cheeks.
“That ‘damn powder,’ as you call it, makes things easier.” “Jesus God, no it doesn’t! Did you forget how I reacted? That powder takes away a human’s ability to consent. Not to mention you broke in! Consent is a very big thing with us, Nisha, and Kannon was unable to consent to any of that in there! I’m sure you’re going to find out at some point just how he feels about that.”
“I will come back to you. I will always come back to you,” Nisha whispered as his hand dropped down and clutched Kannon’s ass.
Nisha’s grin was positively wicked. “I’m going to fuck you until you scream for me. It’ll echo around us. We’ll both get to hear your cries of pleasure.”
“But as far as mating you? No. I don’t regret that at all. You mean more to me than the ocean itself. I… I need you.”
“But—” “No buts. There is no mistake. You can call it Fate or whatever you want. It doesn’t matter. You are mine, and I am yours.”
Why not do this? He wanted to. He wanted this. All of this. The sun, sand, merfolk, sea life… and his mate. His beautiful mate. Yes, he was willing to give it all up and live beneath the surface if he had to with Nisha. “Yes. Yes, I will.”
4 dominant macho Merman and sweet pliant human mate lovers stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 11, 2023
This story was okay, but I can see why the average Goodreads rating is only ~3.5 stars.
Right from the get go, the very human idea of consent seemed to be beyond the understanding of both mermen and mermaids, especially when details of two different "first time" sexual encounters were revealed.
So yeaaaaaah, there was kind of this "rapey" vibe to it, or at the very least, a hint of it, with the merfolk thinking it was a-okay to just *take* what they wanted, then deal with the fallout later. Asking forgiveness after the fact vs. permission beforehand.
I enjoyed the overall story, but with Kannon being a bit of a damsel in distress and Nishy often letting his pushy, "alpha male" tendencies run rampant, it definitely wasn't perfect for me.
This quote from the book sums up precisely the "merfolk will be merfolk" attitude of which I was most decidedly NOT a fan.
That right there should’ve been enough to make Kannon flee in the opposite direction, but it wasn’t. Nisha was powerful, with a naturally dominant personality, but it didn’t worry him. That was just who Nisha was.Nope, if you're going to go after human mates, that caveman (or cavewoman) bullshit needs to stay at home in the cave.
3.0 stars.
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May 28, 2021
Well, this was a tale of second chances and realizing how fate intervenes and sometimes succeeds in steering you to your one mate in life.
The blurb was pretty accurate in the circumstances between the MCs.
Though I wish there were TWs for one of the scenes (dubcon) in the story for the sake of other readers. Though personally, I had no problem with it. I'm just putting it out there for those who've yet to read this book.🙂
Anyway...
Nisha as a merman was no simpering merfolk that's for sure...He was aggressive, candid, a bit dominating when it comes to Kannon, and at the same time quite protective.
Kannon was strong in his own way but a tiny bit submissive in other aspects. He does stand up to Nisha when he needed to be heard and talks with him.
The story reached the conclusion at about the same time a new character is introduced, perfect for the second book. Though this hints at more cameos from all the characters in this first book, it's still good that there's more.
Just how I like it. More merfolk stories!
The blurb was pretty accurate in the circumstances between the MCs.
Though I wish there were TWs for one of the scenes (dubcon) in the story for the sake of other readers. Though personally, I had no problem with it. I'm just putting it out there for those who've yet to read this book.🙂
Anyway...
Nisha as a merman was no simpering merfolk that's for sure...He was aggressive, candid, a bit dominating when it comes to Kannon, and at the same time quite protective.
Kannon was strong in his own way but a tiny bit submissive in other aspects. He does stand up to Nisha when he needed to be heard and talks with him.
The story reached the conclusion at about the same time a new character is introduced, perfect for the second book. Though this hints at more cameos from all the characters in this first book, it's still good that there's more.
Just how I like it. More merfolk stories!
May 11, 2018
With only a 115 pages M.A. Church made the most amazing world. I want to go the the beach now. This book just pulls you in and make you believing in Merfolk.
Also I love how they all had this long natural blue hair.
I recommend this to EVERYONE.
Also I love how they all had this long natural blue hair.
I recommend this to EVERYONE.
April 4, 2016
Yaaaaay! Merman story - and one of the best I have read. I'm a huge, huge fan of mermen stories, but sadly most are lacking in plot, writing, or romance. This is not the case with this one. I thought that this was well written, had interesting characters, and I just loved that we got a nice introduction into the world of merfolk. I really liked the descriptions of the mermen, changing between the fins and legs, and being mates and all that comes with that. I thought that it was all very well thought out and imaginative!
Kannon and Nisha had great chemistry, and everything felt believable (as believable as a merman story can haha), like with how Kannon reacted to things. I love that it wasn't just an instant fall into bed type of story, that they talked things through, like consent to biting haha, and had to learn about each other.
I hope that the wait for a second book isn't too, too long because I definitely want to know more about the merfolk, and would especially LOVE to get more of Kannon and Nisha instead of a new couple (hint hint haha).
This ends with a HEA ending but I definitely could read more with these guys! (and yes - merbabies!)
Kannon and Nisha had great chemistry, and everything felt believable (as believable as a merman story can haha), like with how Kannon reacted to things. I love that it wasn't just an instant fall into bed type of story, that they talked things through, like consent to biting haha, and had to learn about each other.
I hope that the wait for a second book isn't too, too long because I definitely want to know more about the merfolk, and would especially LOVE to get more of Kannon and Nisha instead of a new couple (hint hint haha).
This ends with a HEA ending but I definitely could read more with these guys! (and yes - merbabies!)
December 31, 2018
Sweet
Sweet but forgettable. I found some of the ideas were overstated and nothing came of them later. There’s not much conflict. A little resistance but everything is forgotten quickly.
Sweet but forgettable. I found some of the ideas were overstated and nothing came of them later. There’s not much conflict. A little resistance but everything is forgotten quickly.
August 25, 2017
Merfolk fascinate me just as much as shifters and other supernatural and paranormal beings, maybe even more so because they still look half human even when underwater. But they are only “cute little merpeople” in some of the legends – in a lot of them they can be anything from rather brutal to outright vicious. A lot like werewolves, I guess. In M.A. Church’s ‘Beneath the Surface’, they have their own culture, behaviors quite different from humans’, and consider humans as somewhat odd, if not just plain weird. In this story, these differences lead to a major misunderstanding between Kannon, the human mate who has no idea what is going on, and Nisha, the merman – to the point where Nisha’s apologies are pointless to Kannon because Nisha is not apologizing about the bits that worry Kannon. Very well done!
Kannon, at age eighteen, loves the ocean and accompanies his father on many dives. Until one day he encounters an underwater “monster”, gets bitten, and even though there is a strange sort of attraction as well, Kannon is scarred for life. He stays away from the ocean for fifteen years, too afraid to go back and face whatever it was that bit him. Only when his best friend gets married is Kannon forced back – Brett runs a resort on the Seychelles, and staying away from the ocean is no longer an option for Kannon.
Nisha knows Kannon is his mate when they first meet, but he is unable to complete the mating process and has to wait for fifteen years to lay eyes on Kannon again. But even then he has to hold back – not an easy thing for him to do since he doesn’t understand what the problem is. Luckily he has human friends who tell him what not to do, and even though most of what they say doesn’t make sense to Nisha, he listens to them and does his best to not scare Kannon away again.
If you like merfolk, if two men who come from different cultures sound like an interesting pairing, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read about the wonders of underwater living, then you might like this imaginative novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Omnilit / All Romance eBooks for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kannon, at age eighteen, loves the ocean and accompanies his father on many dives. Until one day he encounters an underwater “monster”, gets bitten, and even though there is a strange sort of attraction as well, Kannon is scarred for life. He stays away from the ocean for fifteen years, too afraid to go back and face whatever it was that bit him. Only when his best friend gets married is Kannon forced back – Brett runs a resort on the Seychelles, and staying away from the ocean is no longer an option for Kannon.
Nisha knows Kannon is his mate when they first meet, but he is unable to complete the mating process and has to wait for fifteen years to lay eyes on Kannon again. But even then he has to hold back – not an easy thing for him to do since he doesn’t understand what the problem is. Luckily he has human friends who tell him what not to do, and even though most of what they say doesn’t make sense to Nisha, he listens to them and does his best to not scare Kannon away again.
If you like merfolk, if two men who come from different cultures sound like an interesting pairing, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read about the wonders of underwater living, then you might like this imaginative novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Omnilit / All Romance eBooks for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 2, 2016
So, this is the very first merman story I have ever read. When the offer to read and review it came to me I decided to step out of my comfort zone. I LOVE when I do that and am pleasantly surprised. If you have ever swayed on reading a Merman tale I suggest starting here. This is a sweet romantic story. No angst, no serious drama. It’s fantasy and love and acceptance. MA Church’s descriptions of the sea were breathtaking. I learned quite a bit about underwater life and her own mixture of creativity fit perfectly with what we all see in the ocean. Even if you read merman stories all the time this is a great one for the list. But I was leery to read it. Change is scary right? Kannon faces a ton of changes in this book so I kind of was able to experience all the newness with him which was really cool.
This is a fun and happy read.
This is a fun and happy read.
August 25, 2017
Merfolk fascinate me just as much as shifters and other supernatural and paranormal beings, maybe even more so because they still look half human even when underwater. But they are only “cute little merpeople” in some of the legends – in a lot of them they can be anything from rather brutal to outright vicious. A lot like werewolves, I guess. In M.A. Church’s ‘Beneath the Surface’, they have their own culture, behaviors quite different from humans’, and consider humans as somewhat odd, if not just plain weird. In this story, these differences lead to a major misunderstanding between Kannon, the human mate who has no idea what is going on, and Nisha, the merman – to the point where Nisha’s apologies are pointless to Kannon because Nisha is not apologizing about the bits that worry Kannon. Very well done!
Kannon, at age eighteen, loves the ocean and accompanies his father on many dives. Until one day he encounters an underwater “monster”, gets bitten, and even though there is a strange sort of attraction as well, Kannon is scarred for life. He stays away from the ocean for fifteen years, too afraid to go back and face whatever it was that bit him. Only when his best friend gets married is Kannon forced back – Brett runs a resort on the Seychelles, and staying away from the ocean is no longer an option for Kannon.
Nisha knows Kannon is his mate when they first meet, but he is unable to complete the mating process and has to wait for fifteen years to lay eyes on Kannon again. But even then he has to hold back – not an easy thing for him to do since he doesn’t understand what the problem is. Luckily he has human friends who tell him what not to do, and even though most of what they say doesn’t make sense to Nisha, he listens to them and does his best to not scare Kannon away again.
If you like merfolk, if two men who come from different cultures sound like an interesting pairing, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read about the wonders of underwater living, then you might like this imaginative novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kannon, at age eighteen, loves the ocean and accompanies his father on many dives. Until one day he encounters an underwater “monster”, gets bitten, and even though there is a strange sort of attraction as well, Kannon is scarred for life. He stays away from the ocean for fifteen years, too afraid to go back and face whatever it was that bit him. Only when his best friend gets married is Kannon forced back – Brett runs a resort on the Seychelles, and staying away from the ocean is no longer an option for Kannon.
Nisha knows Kannon is his mate when they first meet, but he is unable to complete the mating process and has to wait for fifteen years to lay eyes on Kannon again. But even then he has to hold back – not an easy thing for him to do since he doesn’t understand what the problem is. Luckily he has human friends who tell him what not to do, and even though most of what they say doesn’t make sense to Nisha, he listens to them and does his best to not scare Kannon away again.
If you like merfolk, if two men who come from different cultures sound like an interesting pairing, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read about the wonders of underwater living, then you might like this imaginative novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 3, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Let me start by saying I hadn't read a book quite like this one before and now I'm wondering why not? I've read about all kind of shifters, but not books about mermen and now I feel like I need more of them in my life!
Kannon had a scary experience in the Seychelles back when he was a teenager and it made him avoid the ocean. He's not sure what happened there, but he doesn't want a repeat of it. However, when his best friend asks him to be his best man in his wedding back at his Seychelles resort, he just can't say no, despite any misgivings he might feel.
Nisha found his mate years ago, and he was unable to stop himself from biting him to start the mating ritual. They were interrupted and the gorgeous redhead man got away from him. Now he finally has a chance to make things right all over again and complete the bond. But there are things lurking beneath the surface that might get in their way.
This was such a different kind of story, as I said before. Kannon is a human, deeply scared at what he might find in the ocean. He hasn't been able to have a deep connection with anyone, and he's lonely now that his father died. Nisha is a very dominant merman, and he's impatient after having to wait for so long for Kannon. He's making an effort to take his time and woo his mate, before messing things up again, though. The chemistry between Kannon and Nisha was sizzling hot!
I loved that Nisha could change into a human, but that it wasn't exactly an easy process. I also liked that we got just enough information regarding the merfolk not to be lost while reading.
The secondary characters were great, too. Brent and Nisha's sister were amazing and they added a bit more depth to the story.
All in all, a fantastic read! It flows great and it kept my interest from beginning to end. Very recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
Let me start by saying I hadn't read a book quite like this one before and now I'm wondering why not? I've read about all kind of shifters, but not books about mermen and now I feel like I need more of them in my life!
Kannon had a scary experience in the Seychelles back when he was a teenager and it made him avoid the ocean. He's not sure what happened there, but he doesn't want a repeat of it. However, when his best friend asks him to be his best man in his wedding back at his Seychelles resort, he just can't say no, despite any misgivings he might feel.
Nisha found his mate years ago, and he was unable to stop himself from biting him to start the mating ritual. They were interrupted and the gorgeous redhead man got away from him. Now he finally has a chance to make things right all over again and complete the bond. But there are things lurking beneath the surface that might get in their way.
This was such a different kind of story, as I said before. Kannon is a human, deeply scared at what he might find in the ocean. He hasn't been able to have a deep connection with anyone, and he's lonely now that his father died. Nisha is a very dominant merman, and he's impatient after having to wait for so long for Kannon. He's making an effort to take his time and woo his mate, before messing things up again, though. The chemistry between Kannon and Nisha was sizzling hot!
I loved that Nisha could change into a human, but that it wasn't exactly an easy process. I also liked that we got just enough information regarding the merfolk not to be lost while reading.
The secondary characters were great, too. Brent and Nisha's sister were amazing and they added a bit more depth to the story.
All in all, a fantastic read! It flows great and it kept my interest from beginning to end. Very recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
June 1, 2021
Light and Interesting
Anticipating unwanted drama in the current book I’m reading, I decided to find something that promised to be the opposite. I found that in this book. In addition to some interestingly thought-out cultural differences and a main character, Kannon, who’s submissiveness was relegated only to the bedroom... or ocean, so he had no issue vocalizing when his merman mate, Nisha, overstepped boundaries.
I picked this book for the low-angst that the reviews promised and a dominant merman. And while I enjoyed it for both aspects, I also found myself wishing things were fleshed out more. Though Kannon let Nisha know what was wrong with his behavior, it still felt like Kannon was swept up too easily. There’s also a consensually problematic scene that is addressed that, now that I think of it, Kannon never figures out. (I’m trying not to give spoilers.) But I think that could/should have been touched on again.
The dialogue also felt oddly formal at times, not only from the merfolk. I did enjoy the scenes under water though. So while this was interesting and I did enjoy it, I think there could have been more. Oh, also, I forgot to add that I enjoyed the natural blue of the merfolks’ hair. As it’s my favorite color, I always appreciate it. (Though I wonder if there’s any explanation for the redhead, who’s name Ive forgotten, in the next book.)
Anticipating unwanted drama in the current book I’m reading, I decided to find something that promised to be the opposite. I found that in this book. In addition to some interestingly thought-out cultural differences and a main character, Kannon, who’s submissiveness was relegated only to the bedroom... or ocean, so he had no issue vocalizing when his merman mate, Nisha, overstepped boundaries.
I picked this book for the low-angst that the reviews promised and a dominant merman. And while I enjoyed it for both aspects, I also found myself wishing things were fleshed out more. Though Kannon let Nisha know what was wrong with his behavior, it still felt like Kannon was swept up too easily. There’s also a consensually problematic scene that is addressed that, now that I think of it, Kannon never figures out. (I’m trying not to give spoilers.) But I think that could/should have been touched on again.
The dialogue also felt oddly formal at times, not only from the merfolk. I did enjoy the scenes under water though. So while this was interesting and I did enjoy it, I think there could have been more. Oh, also, I forgot to add that I enjoyed the natural blue of the merfolks’ hair. As it’s my favorite color, I always appreciate it. (Though I wonder if there’s any explanation for the redhead, who’s name Ive forgotten, in the next book.)
May 7, 2020
This is a fast, no angst read. What I disliked about it, is it just ended. It was so abrupt. Also, I had an issue of Kannon all of a sudden is afraid of the ocean, yes I understand that it was a shocking experience, but seriously? Now you are afraid? Okay my rant is over. Kannon first meets his mate when he was 18 yrs old and initially isn't really afraid of Nisha but the abrupt meeting would/should have scared him as he has just come face to face with a Merman. Anyway fast forward 15 yrs, and I'm glad we didn't have to go through the 15 yrs, Kannon is heading back to the Island for his best friend's wedding. And of course, he comes face to face with Nisha, expect he's in his human form. It turns out that Kannon's best friend's fiance is Nisha's sister. I would have liked to see Kannon fully transform into a Merman with a tail. I'm not sure if I will be reading the next book in the series after reading the reviews, it appears that they spend the majority of the book separated.
March 6, 2018
2/3 stars
this was my first book with merfolk and it was nice but too short to have a well developed plot, so I was a bit off and I couldn't really see and appreciate the connection between the mcs and the world they live in.
this was my first book with merfolk and it was nice but too short to have a well developed plot, so I was a bit off and I couldn't really see and appreciate the connection between the mcs and the world they live in.
March 27, 2018
3.5 A lighter, shorter story. You can't really go wrong with merpeople, islands, and m/m love scenes.
April 1, 2016
4.5 rounded up to 5
I haven’t read anything by this author before although she’s been on my TBR list for a while so when I was offered a review copy by Creative Minds Promotions I said yes please. That and it was about mermen....
Although this isn’t a long story and I read it in one sitting, the author does a great job in writing three dimensional interesting characters and world building within the constraints of a novella length.
One of the big things that stood out for me with this story was the way in which the author set up the mer culture. These are not just men and women with tails who can take human form, but who come from a society with a very different way of thinking about courtship and relationships. One of these differences was dealt with very well in the story, and when Nisha acted in a way that as a reader made me twitch, he is pulled up on by one of the human characters and told it’s not acceptable.
I also liked the fact that their transformation from mer to human form isn’t instant or painless. The politics of the mer world play a part too with not everyone in their society agreeing with Nisha’s choices and it that added to the realism of the world building.
Nisha and Kannon are both interesting characters with their own histories to work through, and I liked reading about characters who are a bit older. Nisha is much older—by human standards—and Kannon is 33, although we do get a glimpse of him at the beginning of the story fifteen years before that.
Although this is Kannon and Nisha’s story their friends and family also play a good sized role. I liked Brett and Brooke and the glimpse at their relationship and story. I really hope Beneath The Surfaceis not the only glimpse we have into this world as I want to see more of Marcus in particular—he was fun, and I’d love to read his story one day.
I’d recommend Beneath The Surface for readers who like to read about relationships between people from different worlds, interesting characters and world building, and mermen.
I haven’t read anything by this author before although she’s been on my TBR list for a while so when I was offered a review copy by Creative Minds Promotions I said yes please. That and it was about mermen....
Although this isn’t a long story and I read it in one sitting, the author does a great job in writing three dimensional interesting characters and world building within the constraints of a novella length.
One of the big things that stood out for me with this story was the way in which the author set up the mer culture. These are not just men and women with tails who can take human form, but who come from a society with a very different way of thinking about courtship and relationships. One of these differences was dealt with very well in the story, and when Nisha acted in a way that as a reader made me twitch, he is pulled up on by one of the human characters and told it’s not acceptable.
I also liked the fact that their transformation from mer to human form isn’t instant or painless. The politics of the mer world play a part too with not everyone in their society agreeing with Nisha’s choices and it that added to the realism of the world building.
Nisha and Kannon are both interesting characters with their own histories to work through, and I liked reading about characters who are a bit older. Nisha is much older—by human standards—and Kannon is 33, although we do get a glimpse of him at the beginning of the story fifteen years before that.
Although this is Kannon and Nisha’s story their friends and family also play a good sized role. I liked Brett and Brooke and the glimpse at their relationship and story. I really hope Beneath The Surfaceis not the only glimpse we have into this world as I want to see more of Marcus in particular—he was fun, and I’d love to read his story one day.
I’d recommend Beneath The Surface for readers who like to read about relationships between people from different worlds, interesting characters and world building, and mermen.
April 6, 2016
Here it is simple and to the point. This was my first MM Merman romance and let me say the descriptive picture drawn of the underwater world is vivid and clear. I could see the world through clear eyes and almost feel my surroundings. Through it all I found a sweet telling of one finding his mate and waiting for years to complete the bonding. The journey was long and the union was sweet and telling.
Nisha and Kannon both have some changes to go through but Kannon most of all. The world that he was to step into was very different from what he has known all his life. Romance no mater the form get me but when its good you get pulled in. I enjoyed learning Nisha and Kannon and how they came to be together. I reveled in Nisha's certainty in knowing 'The One'. I did not like the fact that upon first meeting him he was not going to give Kannon a choice in the matter. I could relate to Kannon and the uncertainty that he was feeling and then the discovery of the rest of his life.
Thanks! MA Church has brought me a new world to explore and feel like I can be a part of.
**This ARC was provided via Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
Nisha and Kannon both have some changes to go through but Kannon most of all. The world that he was to step into was very different from what he has known all his life. Romance no mater the form get me but when its good you get pulled in. I enjoyed learning Nisha and Kannon and how they came to be together. I reveled in Nisha's certainty in knowing 'The One'. I did not like the fact that upon first meeting him he was not going to give Kannon a choice in the matter. I could relate to Kannon and the uncertainty that he was feeling and then the discovery of the rest of his life.
Thanks! MA Church has brought me a new world to explore and feel like I can be a part of.
**This ARC was provided via Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
August 18, 2018
This story had such promise, such potential but I feel it was wasted. I couldn't finish this book, simply because I got too bored in the lst chapter. After putting it off for a while, I don't want to finish it. That says it all.
March 30, 2016
4.5 Stars!
May 30, 2025
It was okay. I like paranormal romance but mer-people stories are probably my least favourite - there's something alien about them and I can't properly connect to the mindset. The paranormal nis less miracolous and amazing and cool and more weird.
It was short, the story was... interesting enough. I was unpleasantly surprised when it jumped 15 years. Reading about an 18-year-old getting "attacked" by a merman (of around 55) is not better but the story lost some of its zing when it presented the MC as the kid who got scarred of the ocean and let it detoriete his relationship with his father, he was never really satisfied with his life... Instead of coming back better and stronger and ready to face his fear, he comes as a lost soul who is finally ready to do the right thing. Don't know about you but I prefer my characters curious, to want to go into the woods and meet the big, fluffy wolf because it's their destiny. To be fascinated, maybe wary but ultimately to want to know more and this human just suprassed any and all thoughts that went in this direction. The merguy did a 180 from being a supernatural, let's mate now into fluffy marshmallow, not a good image.
With its lenght, it worked as a nice diversion that won't suck up half my day but it was nothing to write home about.
It was short, the story was... interesting enough. I was unpleasantly surprised when it jumped 15 years. Reading about an 18-year-old getting "attacked" by a merman (of around 55) is not better but the story lost some of its zing when it presented the MC as the kid who got scarred of the ocean and let it detoriete his relationship with his father, he was never really satisfied with his life... Instead of coming back better and stronger and ready to face his fear, he comes as a lost soul who is finally ready to do the right thing. Don't know about you but I prefer my characters curious, to want to go into the woods and meet the big, fluffy wolf because it's their destiny. To be fascinated, maybe wary but ultimately to want to know more and this human just suprassed any and all thoughts that went in this direction. The merguy did a 180 from being a supernatural, let's mate now into fluffy marshmallow, not a good image.
With its lenght, it worked as a nice diversion that won't suck up half my day but it was nothing to write home about.
February 16, 2019
Lovely book
At 18 years old, Kannon is introduced to the Merworld in such a fashion that it instills a fear of the ocean that stops him from returning to it for 15 years.
Nisha is the protector of his territory and his meeting of his mate did not go as he planned and when the occasion of his return happens 15 years later he is going to do everything in his power to ensure he doesn't leave again.
These two were a ball of miscommunication, lack of understanding for species, and a basic battle of hormones. It seems to be a thing that all human mates have a freak out moment, and all merfolk tend to have grey area understanding of consent. When they finally get everything out in the open and work towards each other its a quick transition. I enjoyed the story quite a bit, I mean mermen and retracting penises hehe. It was fun and fast paced and who doesn't love underwater sexy times.
At 18 years old, Kannon is introduced to the Merworld in such a fashion that it instills a fear of the ocean that stops him from returning to it for 15 years.
Nisha is the protector of his territory and his meeting of his mate did not go as he planned and when the occasion of his return happens 15 years later he is going to do everything in his power to ensure he doesn't leave again.
These two were a ball of miscommunication, lack of understanding for species, and a basic battle of hormones. It seems to be a thing that all human mates have a freak out moment, and all merfolk tend to have grey area understanding of consent. When they finally get everything out in the open and work towards each other its a quick transition. I enjoyed the story quite a bit, I mean mermen and retracting penises hehe. It was fun and fast paced and who doesn't love underwater sexy times.
November 22, 2020
This book had an interesting start... I was okay with the "attack" in the beginning when Kanon was in the water... but I have to say that the first sex scene after the time skip with the major dub con and consent issues really didn't work for me.
I found Kanon to have a bit too much of the helpless maiden syndrome. And while this wasn't exactly insta love, it also had quite a bit of angst with out that strong real connection between the characters.
I did find the idea that Kanon's friend Brett was already mated to Nisha's sister a pleasant surprise (if a little convenient.)
And while there were some other things that I did like (enough to read book 2), I ultimately found the overall book to have unnatural prose and unrealistic dialogue that brought the overall enjoyment down to two stars for me.
I found Kanon to have a bit too much of the helpless maiden syndrome. And while this wasn't exactly insta love, it also had quite a bit of angst with out that strong real connection between the characters.
I did find the idea that Kanon's friend Brett was already mated to Nisha's sister a pleasant surprise (if a little convenient.)
And while there were some other things that I did like (enough to read book 2), I ultimately found the overall book to have unnatural prose and unrealistic dialogue that brought the overall enjoyment down to two stars for me.
May 3, 2018
3,75 Sterne
Ich liebe ja die Bücher von M.A. Church, aber dieser Buchreihen-Auftakt hat mich jetzt nicht wirklich vom Hocker gerissen oder wie sonst schmachten lassen. Ich glaube, das ist das erste Buch der Autorin, das ich vermutlich nicht re-readen werde.
Es geht alles so schnell und dabei liegen 15 Jahre zwischen den einzelnen Verpaarungsschritten.
Nisha hat eben die dominante, "was machen die Menschen denn für einen Aufriss" - Meermanattitüde, die einer Abrissbirne gleicht, und Kannon ist eher ein Sensibelchen. Nicht die beste Voraussetzung für ein Gefährtenpärchen.
Mal sehen, ob ich Band 2 irgendwann mal lese.
Ich liebe ja die Bücher von M.A. Church, aber dieser Buchreihen-Auftakt hat mich jetzt nicht wirklich vom Hocker gerissen oder wie sonst schmachten lassen. Ich glaube, das ist das erste Buch der Autorin, das ich vermutlich nicht re-readen werde.
Es geht alles so schnell und dabei liegen 15 Jahre zwischen den einzelnen Verpaarungsschritten.
Nisha hat eben die dominante, "was machen die Menschen denn für einen Aufriss" - Meermanattitüde, die einer Abrissbirne gleicht, und Kannon ist eher ein Sensibelchen. Nicht die beste Voraussetzung für ein Gefährtenpärchen.
Mal sehen, ob ich Band 2 irgendwann mal lese.
March 30, 2023
*warning: slight spoilers ahead*
This is not the first MM book I read, but it is the first one I read that didn't put emphasis on segs. Also, I was curious how this could be different from other books of Merfolk variety. First of all, they explained a lot of underwater things. Second, you kind of expect them to have segs as humans with legs. Let me tell you, that is not always the case with this book. Finally, the conflict made sense. I'll definitely read more from this author. The writing is almost as enjoyable as the story.
This is not the first MM book I read, but it is the first one I read that didn't put emphasis on segs. Also, I was curious how this could be different from other books of Merfolk variety. First of all, they explained a lot of underwater things. Second, you kind of expect them to have segs as humans with legs. Let me tell you, that is not always the case with this book. Finally, the conflict made sense. I'll definitely read more from this author. The writing is almost as enjoyable as the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2019
This was a really fun read for a short story, very well developed world bulding for, at about 115 pages what I would call a novella. I really enjoyed this Merman! theme. I do love aquatic and avian shifters and they are hard to find, so this was a treat. Romance, a little suspense and a little humor, a very enjoyable shifter story that I think has a sequel that I will certainly be reading.
November 11, 2019
Enjoyable
I liked the story between Kannon and Nisha, though at times Nisha’s inability to understand human consent was frustrating. I do wish his use of the magic powder had been discovered by Kannon and discussed, especially since Brett had pointed it out, but it was left out of the story. Had the book been longer maybe it would have been addressed.
I liked the story between Kannon and Nisha, though at times Nisha’s inability to understand human consent was frustrating. I do wish his use of the magic powder had been discovered by Kannon and discussed, especially since Brett had pointed it out, but it was left out of the story. Had the book been longer maybe it would have been addressed.
July 18, 2020
A sweet, rather short story.
There is not much to the story. Guy and merman meet in the waters, gets interrupted and separated for years before having a chance at forever...
I did enjoy it, as it was a perfect relaxing read for a lazy afternoon., but I didn't love it enough to warrant a higher rating.
There is not much to the story. Guy and merman meet in the waters, gets interrupted and separated for years before having a chance at forever...
I did enjoy it, as it was a perfect relaxing read for a lazy afternoon., but I didn't love it enough to warrant a higher rating.
July 6, 2019
Good read
This was a good read, well written with a good backstory on the main characters. There wasn't alot of hot steamy action. It was more of sweet chemistry and steam than anything, but still a good entertaining read.
This was a good read, well written with a good backstory on the main characters. There wasn't alot of hot steamy action. It was more of sweet chemistry and steam than anything, but still a good entertaining read.
April 12, 2018
15 years
The 1st bite caused fear and 15 years to get to the second bite and mating. A great met folks story.
The 1st bite caused fear and 15 years to get to the second bite and mating. A great met folks story.
February 10, 2021
How Original!!
I absolutely loved this story!! I am also glad there will be another book!! I can't wait to start reading some more of this authors work.
I absolutely loved this story!! I am also glad there will be another book!! I can't wait to start reading some more of this authors work.
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