Chasing Mermaids

St. Mary's Academy #2

by Seven Steps

A hot ex-boyfriend. A determined swim star. And a battle of wills that will make you laugh, cry and cheer.

Ariel Swimworthy thought her life was perfect. She was the new captain of her school's swim team, she had a new best friend, and even a shiny new crush to dream about.

And then her father pulled her off the team to join a boring business academy.

Now, the only way to swim again is to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Eric Shipman. Eric shredded Ariel's heart when he lied to her, and she's determined not to get back with him. But its hard to be around someone who knows your deepest, darkest secrets. Even harder when that someone will do anything to win you back.

When sparks start flying, and old flames start igniting, what will Ariel do? Follow her dream or protect her heart at all cost? Its a battle of wills and hearts are on the line in this young adult contemporary romance. Buy it now.

**Can be read as a standalone novel**

Book 1 - The Boyfriend Agreement (Bella)
Book 2 - Chasing Mermaids (Ariel)
Book 3 - The Secret Lives Of Princesses (Jasmine)
Book 4 - The Art Of Kissing Frogs (Sophia Tiana)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult

368 pages, ebook

Published January 19, 2018

Reviews

[Coffee Chat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story of a young girls coming of age. The struggles she goes thru to follow her dreams. The characters are well developed and the story is well written. It has drama, and emotions, a little romance. It is entertaining and if you like young romance stories you will like this. It is part of a series and you would benefit from reading the first in the series, however you can read this alone.

[Alejandra Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing mermaids!

I really liked this book! I think I liked this story more than Cole and Bella's. I enjoyed the characters and Ariel's determination to succeed and fight for her dreams! Can't wait for Jasmine's story!

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Absolutely fantastic. I completely adore this series. Cannot wait to see what's in store for Jasmine and her story. Best series ever

[Human · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it !!

[Kelly Whitlinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best. Book. EVER!!!💙💙💙

I was looking for a good teen romance book and the St Mary's Academy series was perfect. It had adventure, romance, and humor. After I read Book 1 I counted down the days for Book 2 to come out. Now I guess I will count down til the next book! 💙💙☺☺☺

[Audrey Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Cute Story

Seven Steps has done it again. She has managed to roll all that is good about YA Contemporary Romances in this book. There's angst, drama, and, most importantly, love in one book.

[Caprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Mermaids by Seven Steps is the second book in the St. Mary's Academy series. It follows Ariel as she is trying to start over after being betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend. While she is shutting him out of her life, she also has to distance herself from her best friend. On top of this drama, Ariel's father has begun to try to mold her into a business executive, while all she wants is to swim competitively, first at nationals and later in the Olympics. When Ariel's sister becomes more distant, it's obvious something is wrong.

I liked this book very much. Although it was written for teenagers, I found the characters well developed and easy to relate to. I could definitely empathize with Ariel as her life seems to be falling apart around her. I also found the storyline well thought out and well developed.
I definitely would encourage teen girls to read this story. I don't think boys will be as interested, because it focuses more on the girls and the issues they are going through.

This is not a stand alone novel. If you have not read The Boyfriend Agreement, you will have a hard time understanding a major part of the book, because a large part of the book continues elements of the story which was begun in the first book in the series.
I would really like to read more books in this series. Seven Steps is a wonderful author. She brings her characters to life, focuses on issues that are easily understood, and makes the settings very real.

I requested this book from the author with the intention of giving an honest review. This review reflects my honest opinion of the book and is in no way influenced by the author.

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit to the fact that I did not read the first book in this series but I am glad to say that I did not feel that I was missing anything, but this book does end on a sort of cliff hanger.

This book is not about mermaids but the main character is called Ariel and her love interest is called you guest it Eric!
I have to say that I prefered Eric in this book more then Ariel. He tried so hard to win her over and she kept pushing him away. I did wonder why he even bothered, however, this showed to me that he cared and loved her deeply. He waited for her to acknowledge her feelings for him.

The book is not just about the romance but about her and her problems that she has to deal with and get over.
The thing that I love about this book is that it was not always serious, there were some funny moments to balance the book out. This story is about family, friends and love.

I would recommend this book for those who love YA contempary romance!

[Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I️ haven’t read the first book, but based on how much I’ve LOVED this one, I️ will. I️ came into this book excited to read my first book of the year. In two days, I️ destroyed this book. The characters were lovable, and I️ was able to connect with them. Eric was by far my favorite character. He was charming, and so kind. Ariel’s relationship with her sisters was awesome to see, and watch them grow together. Her father was just as interesting, but not near as sweet. I️ enjoyed Micheal’s story line also, although he was disappointing. Not the writing, but just his actions. I’m so happy I️ got to read and review this book.
***I️ received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ariel is focussed in two things getting into the Olimpic Games’s swim team and trying to forget all about Eric, her ex-boyfriend and her best friend Bella ‘s betrayal. Eric started dating Ariel after a bet and when Ariel found out her hearts was shattered. But she can’t stay away from them. And things are getting very hard at home, with his father forcing her to join a business course instead of chasing her dreams to swim, her older sisteracting weird. What is she going to risk to a hive her dreams? Can she forget Bella and Eric and let them in her life again? Can she fight his father’s decision?
A wonderful story about family, love, friendship, forgiveness and what really matters in life.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A fun, emotional, young adult romance contemporary romance about forgiveness, second chances, and chasing your dreams no matter the cost.”

That publisher’s blurb pretty much describes this book perfectly. If you like YA romance and find the blurb appealing you’re pretty much bound to enjoy this book. The heroine here, Ariel, has many challenges, from finding a way to somehow achieve her Olympic goals, despite being thrown off the swim team and parental opposition, to putting her heart at risk for her ex-boyfriend who is so desperate to anything to get her back but who hurt her badly. How she handles all of this makes for a wonderful tale - and one I happily recommend.

[Lisa Eiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a young adult contemporary romance about a girl that has always loved swimming with Olympic dreams, that is being held back by her overprotective father. Since losing her mother, a layer of melancholy is always hovering over the family, and Ariel must find a way to branch out.

This book is an interesting retelling of The Little Mermaid, and if you don't pick up on that soon after you begin to read it, I would think the mentions of the song 'Kiss the Girl' in several parts should clue you in. I would recommend this read to anyone looking for a YA fairy tale retelling with a few fun twists along the way.

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy this story very much. Not wanting to give anything away, I'll just say grief of a father causes drastic measures. Not your typical teen story because the characters involved have money and influence. I would recommend if you want a clean story to pass the time.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun twist on The Little Mermaid. This one is a light, sweet read. I kept expecting it to go one way but then it would change and go another. Not much depth to it but it was perfect for a light-hearted read. Yes, I did read her dad's voice in the voice from the movie. I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Mabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I was unable to put it down. I really loved how Ariel was able to fight for what she loved. How she was able to break through the bitterness and anger her father was feeling towards the world. Great book can't wait until the next on comes out.

[Lenda Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! What a different kind of romance book.
I really enjoyed the plot with all its twists and turns.
The characters were delightful.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

St. Mary's Academy Series - I found this series of books on Booksprout.co. I read short stories by Seven before and even though I don't care too much for this age group, I wanted to read her stories and found the series interesting. SS weaves stories that hold the reader's attention. Her realistic and likable characters are in and out of stories since they're all part of the Academy. The books are well written and interesting, considering the age group, and would make good reading for any age group. These mostly standalone books are best read in order, which I found out by reading a shorter one before a much longer story, but the reader isn't lost if not read sequentially. 4*

The Beginning of Forever #0 - A well written, interesting but very short introduction to a young girl at her cousin's senior year prom. She experiences several first. 4*

The Boyfriend Agreement #1 - A lengthy, but not wordy, book that is interesting, well written and quickly read. Not my favorite of the series. 3*

Chasing Mermaids #2 - This book should be read after The Boyfriend Agreement to get the full gist of this story. The main character wants one thing, her parents another and there's more problems in her family and with her best friend and boyfriend. Like with most of the books in this series, there's a range of emotions. 4*

The Golden Boy #3 - Another well written novella with interesting characters. The main character finds out about life, truth and consequences the hard way. The Golden Boy is almost too perfect and it's nice to see such a good character. He is the opposite of her, but shows her how to improve herself. 4*

Stealing Hearts #4 - Well written, interesting with realistic, likable characters. She's uptown and he's from the other side of the tracks, but their story is full of learning about life and achievement. Be careful of what you ask for, easy is too much trouble. 4*

The Secret Lives of Princesses #5 - Another lengthy book who's pages flew by quickly. Another well written, interesting addition to the series that immerses the reader. While the title has the word princess in it, the main character is realistic and likable, and has to decide whether to follow her parents' wishes or her heart's desire. If you liked Ariel's story, you'll like Jasmine's. She has help from an unexpected source. 4*

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Chasing Mermaids' by Seven Steps is a nice follow-up to her first book in this series, 'The Boyfriend Agreement'. Main character Ariel just wants things to work out in her favor. Yet, when ex-boyfriend Eric lied to her about what originally brought them together, she realized that being with him was not right for her. Despite this, sparks fly between the two as the story goes on, and her potential relationship with another guy takes a backseat to her seemingly renewed friendship with Eric that could turn out to be something more if she lets it.

Her father, though, always seems to stand in the way, especially when he signs her up for a business class that she learns she has to take in place of going to swim practice, her one escape from all of the realities of her life. Dealing with her dad isn't enough, because she also has to worry about her older sister who is beginning to rebel against everything Ariel knows and carve out a path for herself apart from the family. The fact that this sister is the one who takes care of the family since their mother's death isn't helping matters any, since with her gone, Ariel worries that she'll have to take the lead and keep the family together.

With a best friend in tow, and a couple of other friends on the sidelines based on past indiscretions on their part, Ariel tries to find a way to navigate her new relationships and her aggravating family issues so she can find her own happiness. This proves to be harder than she thought, but she still does her best to make it all work for her, sometimes taking matters into her own hands and finding her way into some trouble along the way.

Seven Steps has crafted a cute and friendship-filled story that has plenty of sweet romantic twists included. The way she writes in a similar fashion to Disney stories gives the writing an endearing quality.

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Stephany Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Mermaids was my first reading experience with Seven Steps. I was sent an advanced copy by the author and y’all, it was so good! I expected a more classic retelling like that Cinderella movie with Hillary Duff where it’s basically the same story, just with cellphones and school dances instead of royal announcements and balls. Don’t get me wrong, I’d have been totally fine with that but Steps delivered so much more with this one. Chasing Mermaids felt like it’s OWN story with just enough subtle homages to the original weaved in. Even then, the majority of Little Mermaid parallels were in names or family structures rather than central storylines. The story of THIS Ariel revolves around her push & pull relationships with the things she loves most: swimming, her family & a boy named Eric. Like most teenagers, she struggles to figure out exactly how, or even if, those things can all fit in her life. Fortunately, she has the help of a few friends who truly root for her and aren’t afraid to call her out when she’s not keeping it real (even if it’s just to herself). Chasing Mermaids is our chance to tag along on Ariel’s journey of discovering what really matters & it is definitely worth the trip. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be stalking the author for more on this Jasmine character.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ariel in The Boyfriend Agreement. And I loved the little bit that we see of Eric. Chasing Mermaids picks off right after Bella revealed the truth. Ariel and Eric are no longer together, she's thriving on the swim team, and her home life seems to be going smooth. Until none of it is what she thought it would be. Eric is trying to win Ariel back. He realizes that going along with what Jake had planned was a stupid thing to do. As much as Ariel tries, she just can't shake Eric. Ariel is then named swim team captain, but after a scuffle with another teammate, her dad makes her join this business academy benefiting his company and the school. Ariel of course is furious, and the only one in her family that she hopes understands is becoming distant.

This book had all of the right amount of high school and family drama. Ariel and Eric had just enough push and pull. What I didn't understand is why Ariel pushed Jasmine away. What made me the happiest was seeing Ariel and Bella become friends again.

[Lindsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked this one a little better than the first one. I loved The Little Mermaid references and all the swimming aspects. I also really liked the characters and I'm glad Bella and Cole were included in this story the way they were. I personally did not like Ariel's father though. He was an angry father who took things out on his daughters. Also he seemed kind of old fashioned when it came to Duckie and her relationship. I was surprised at how angry he got and certain things he said.
The drama in this story was a little unexpected as it was in the first one but I think it worked well with the story. Certain things I did not see coming and I was glad for that. Also glad that things worked out in the end and hopefully Ariel is included in the next story so you know what happens with her dream. Another seven steps story that was hard to put down. I'm excited to read the rest of them!

[Victoria Haugen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook is my first by Seven Steps and narrator Lindsey Dorcus, and I really enjoyed it!! It's a nice respite from the dark & dreary I usually read, and I thought this was a great story, for young and old alike. I'm sure we've all been there, right? A choice between a guy and our future.... some of us make the right choice and some of us don't, but it's all about the fun in getting there. Either way, you win with the guy or you win with the "future." Sometimes you're even lucky enough to get both. Fantastic story and narration, really loved it! :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[MaLoBe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. I completely adore this series.
Absolutely fantastic! This is another book in the series that I completely adore. It is page turner and the story line is well paced with a lot of twists and turns. It has a lot of adventure, drama, romance, humour and a lot of love. The story is not only about Ariel and Eric but also about their families and friends. I like the writing style and the way both story and characters are developed. All protagonists are easy to relate to.
I can say that this book is a fun, emotional, young adult romance about love, struggle, forgiveness, second chances and chasing your dreams. This is what awaits for us on the pages.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

High School Drama and Delight
This is a wonderful stand-alone episode in the St. Mary's Academy series. It ends with a slight cliff-hanger, but not enough to worry about. The story is filled with the angst and drama of high school and well as the joys of first love and success. There are great moral values and life lessons throughout the book. This is a sweet and clean story. I have read the entire series and I know that I will read it again. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.

[Candice Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute twist on little mermaid

Ariel is chasing mermaids, aka a dream or goal to be a competitor in the Olympics for swimming but her father has other ideas.
This story has lots of underlying ideas about letting go of hurt and anger from the past in order to find joy. Holding fast to family and love and always working for your dreams. This while depicting life as a wealthy high school student in New York city, I didn't like all the choices she made but I was glad to see her growth.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I love a good fairytale retelling. This one happens to a Little Mermaid retelling. One of my favorite stories. Now putting your faith in someone that has hurt you and not sure if they can pull through when you need them most. That is what Ariel is going through when her so called perfect life is detrailed by a choice her father make. Will she get what she desires and will new or old sparks fly for her? You will have to read to find out.

[Virginie Plawecki-Illescas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my very first Seven Steps book and I had the chance to get the audio version of it. The narration was on point. I'm not a usual YA romance reader but when I was given the chance to listen to Chasing Mermaids and found out it was a modern twist on The Little Mermaid, I got excited about it. Loved the teenager drama between Ariel and her friends, as well as the family drama.

I'm giving the story a 4-star and audio performance a 5-star.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She had everything and her life was great and then her father pulled her from the school to go to another boring one. Now she may need the help of an ex to help her. He wants her back and so follow them to see where it will all go

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. Unfortunately I haven't read them in order. It's better to do so.
Ariel is lucky to have someone like Eric not giving up on her. Though he hasn't had an easy life.
Ideal for romanic teens.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really surprised by how much I liked this story! The plot was good and driven and I loved the characters!