Crosscurrents

Southern Elemental Guardians #2

by D.B. Sieders

No one believes Ilsa is worthy of ruling the Rhine River Kingdom, including Ilsa.

Sure, she wields plenty of mermaid magic and has a winning personality, but responsibility? Not her thing.

So instead of embracing her role as river royalty, Ilsa opts to extend her holiday in the New World. Frolicking with mortals is her M.O.—until she answers a distress call from an endangered species in the waters near Chattanooga. After her close encounter with a motorboat threatens to expose the world of elemental guardians, Ilsa partners with biologist and unlikely ally, Paul Pulaski, to cover her tail.

Worlds collide and sparks ignite between Princess Ilsa and her diamond-in-the-rough mortal, Paul. But can they survive monster hunters, a rival scientist with a grudge, and a dark force that could destroy mortal and elemental alike?

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2016

About the author

I was born and raised in East Tennessee and spent a great deal of my childhood hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains and wading barefoot in creeks, chasing salamanders, fish, and frogs. We camped a lot, and we loved to tell stories while sitting around our campfire.

Those days of frog chasing sparked my interest in biology, which I pursued in college and later in graduate school. A working scientist by day, I never lost my love of sharing stories. I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember and am thrilled to be working as a writer.

I live in Nashville, Tennessee with my husband, two children, three cats, and my very active imagination.

Reviews

[Eline || Lovely Audiobooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first part in this series, Lorelei’s Lyric (check out the review on my blog). But I wasn’t quite sure what I could expect from the second part because Ilsa wasn’t the most likable person in book 1. Turns out, I loved this story at least as much as book 1!

Stefanie Kay’s narration of the audiobook was absolutely fantastic again. She has a great array of different voices and accents. It’s easy to differentiate between characters and she kept me absolutely captivated.

As for the storyline, I really liked how the events from book 1 had bigger consequences that led to the events in book 2. It was actually quite suspenseful! While this book would work as a stand-alone (everything is well explained), it also has a solid series-feeling to it. And I loved how D.B. Sieders laid the groundwork for many more parts. I’m definitely looking forward to more elemental guardians, especially to more Bruce!

Ilsa became a very likable and enjoyable character in this book and I crushed hard on Paul. He’s so thoroughly great!

I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Fantasy Romance or Paranormal Romance.

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason I can't pinpoint I wasn't all that intrigued by the blurb but I got a copy because I enjoyed Lorelei's Lyric so much and I was curious where Sieders would go from there. I'm glad I did because I really liked this story!

Ilsa has been the typical party girl spare to the heir but now she has to decide if she's ready to take over for her sister. She's got quite a few insecurities to deal with and she's concerned that others see her as inadequate as she fears she is. She's kinda at a loss until she runs into Paul.

I love the idea of a sexy, nerdy scientist :) The way that Paul wants to know about everything and doesn't get freaked out by the weirdness that he sees makes him a refreshing and interesting hero. Unfortunately his country upbringing, mixed with his cerebral tendencies, means that he's got some hang-ups of his own.

Paul's unique outlook on life and dedication to keeping the earth's waters healthy make him a good mate for Ilsa. He's so intrigued by everything she shows him ... and her obvious appreciation & attraction towards him. While his belief that she can be the leader that her people needs has her believing it as well. It's super sweet to see both of them grow in confidence thanks to the other.

Sieders had a lot of fun with the hot cheerleader and the nerd storyline, while the paranormal portion of the story makes it different. I liked how it felt familiar but was funky at the same time. There's a little bit of danger and some fun secondary characters to help round out the story - it keeps things exciting and gives hints to possible future stories. Add it all together & it means I'm super excited to see what comes next!

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)

[Debbie Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

MERMAID MAGIC! Ilsa, the "joke of the Rhine", has her own book in the second of Sieders elemental series. The stunning, free-loving sister of Lorelei is on the run--cavorting with human males in her typical love 'em and leave 'em fashion. But in a wonderful twist of mermaid lore, the nixie Ilsa is rescued from drowning by a human male, Paul Pulaski. And her life is never the same as she finally stops running from her royal responsibilities and falls for a mere mortal lab tech at the Chattanooga Aquarium, and who is eons beneath her in the pantheon caste system.
But Paul has a few surprises of his own. His love and acceptance of Ilsa helps her learn to stop running from her fate. The world-building of the series is expanded and the reader is introduced to other types of elementals.
I look forward to more and more books in this inventive series! Fast-paced and clever, this is a book for all mermaid lovers!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

D.B. Sieders is a unique storyteller. “Crosscurrents” is a mix of science fiction and fantasy that is woven together perfectly.

Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Laura Medeiros]

I really liked the first one in this series, but I liked this one better.
Maybe its because the hero is a ginger, who knows. Paul is completely adorkable. I know hes supposed to be more rednecky but I really latched on to his dork moments. His plot twist made me very happy.
Ilsa proves not to be as shallow and self centered as she was in the first book, and she really responds to the kindness in Paul. I liked that. Her moments of panic before their date were very humanizing.

And Bruce is back, doing very Bruce-y things. I adore Bruce

[Patricia A.Bunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Great Book I know that you will find out that the book is good and powerful I love it
Thank You For Letting Me Read This Book

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book more than the first, Lorelei's Lyric. I loved the plot line. It had me guessing most of the time. I found Ilsa's Paul more attractive than Lorelei's Vincent. Mostly because he was a scientist than a rock musician, but can also sing and is very well built ;) . Crosscurrents is definitely a read to put high on your to do list! Ilsa is the younger Rhinemaiden sister, and is in line to rule, but she feels like an unworthy queen-to-be. That is until a certain mortal shows her his point of view of her. This was a favorite for me. I hope to read about Lorelei and Ilsa's sisters, and even Aleksander maybe. Thank you D.B. Sieders for the book to review. It in no way affected my point for review.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Southern Elemental Guardians Series. The first book was great, and this one is even better! I love the characters, the great humor, the storyline. Stefanie Kay did an amazing job with the narration. All characters were easy to distinguish. She has a beautiful voice, and a great male voice. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily written this review.

[April ♥"LOS" ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun and mythical read! I love the mix of romance and lore that this book offers. The characters are well written and fun to read. I can't wait to continue this series.

[A.J. Scudiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

After book 1, I did not think Ilsa would be such a great character. But her story, told from her point of view gives us more than we might have expected from her after Book 1. But that's the great thing about this series! The characters are a delight to discover.

[R.a. Mccormick]

what a great story. The characters are compelling and fun. I am looking forward to reading the third novel I. the series.