A Merman's Choice

Sea of Love #1

by Alice Renaud

For centuries the shape-shifting mermen of the Morvann Islands have lived incognito among humans. But one of them, Yann, has developed some bad habits. Like rescuing humans, even when doing so risks revealing his true nature. When he fishes Alex out of the sea, he doesn’t expect her to reappear eight months later, and turn his life upside down by asking him to be her guide.
Alex is determined to fulfil a promise to her dying grandmother, by gathering pictures and stories of the Morvanns. But she soon discovers that, on these remote Welsh islands, legends have a habit of becoming true!
Over the course of a few days, Yann and Alex grow close. But some mermen hate humans. Their hostility, and Yann’s secret, threaten to tear the couple apart just as they are discovering that they are soul mates. Can Yann overcome the obstacles in his path and make the right choice?

Genres: Mermaids, Paranormal Romance

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2019

About the author

Alice lives in London, UK, with her husband and son. By day she's a compliance manager for a pharmaceutical company. By night she writes fantasy romance about shape shifting mermen, water monsters and time-travelling witches. Her first book, “A Merman’s Choice,” was published in January 2019 by Black Velvet Seductions. It is the first book in the Sea of Love fantasy romance series, inspired by the landscapes and legends of Brittany and Wales. The second and third books, “Music for a Merman,” and “Mermaids Marry in Green,” are out now. Both the Sea of Love series and Mermaids Marry in Green won their categories in the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Award 2020. Alice has also contributed short stories for the BVS anthologies “Mystic Desire,” “Desire Me Again,” “Cowboy Desire,” and “Rainbow Desire”. Alice loves reading and writing stories, and sharing them with anyone who’s interested!

Reviews

[Danielle's · Rating 5 out of 5]

A merman’s choice is an interesting take on the sea world. Merfolk have stayed hidden from the human world for centuries. They can take human form but tend to keep themselves to themselves. The Morvann Islands are home to many Merfolk. They live in clans and stay under the radar.

Alex wants to take some photographs on the Morvann Islands. The project is for her grandmother. Alex has become fearful of the water after almost drowning the year before, but she is determined to help her grandmother. She gets a boat to the Island, but little does she know of the dangers.

Yann isn’t supposed to care about humans and certainly shouldn’t be saving them from the sea. Alex is drowning and he doesn’t want it to be her end. The consequences of saving her is her turning up on his boat. She wants photos of his home and he knows the others won’t like it. Now he has a new struggle. He should not have saved the girl. He shouldn’t be thinking of her in a romantic way and he should be putting his people first.

This is a romance story with a mythical twist. It’s an interesting read. 4.5 stars out of 5. It’s short but creative. I joined the tour for A merman’s choice. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[✨Bean's Books✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional!
Yann is the future leader of his clan of mermen that inhabit the wild and untamed islands of the Moravanns. When he saves a young woman from drowning he thinks nothing more of it. Until she shows up on the island again months later. Now Yann has a very serious decision to make between the clan of his people and the woman he loves. What will win over the merman's choice?
This was such a cute story! As predictable as it may be, I found myself reading very intently wanting to find out what happens next. I absolutely love all the British idioms used. As an American, this gives a sort of exotic flavor to the book. The sex scenes were more than sizzling and I'd like to say that this is my very first time coming across a sex scene that involved a condom. It was very refreshing and added a touch of realism to what I was reading. Sweet and touching ending. This is definitely a book that is worthy of Black Velvet Seductions publishing!
Wonderful book! I highly recommend it! 🧜🏼‍♂️

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware. These are not your nice and gentle, pretty merpeople, but HE stands out from the rest, at least in Alex’s eyes.

She doesn’t know…

He’s forbidden to tell…

Could the old legends be true?

Is there one special woman, waiting for him to find her?

Could she be human?

It’s hard to come up with new and unusual moments in a familiar tale, but Alice Renaud succeeded. I was quickly drawn in by the world and characters. Some hot romance is in order and, even though it was heavy, it was also sweet and innocent. I loved this wonderful adventure in Alice Renaud’s fantasy world. An easy read and it left me wanting more. Just proves, predictable can be very enjoyable.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A Merman’s Choice by Alice Renaud.

See more at fundinmental

[Vicky Whedbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I read this in one afternoon! I had no idea what to expect never reading about mermen or anything by this author, but I couldn't put this book down!

I was fascinated with the story and the concept! This book had it all! Intrigue, suspense, heartache, fantasy, and romance with plenty of steam!

It's very well written and edited in its entirety! My only issue was (no spoilers) that I couldn't help but wonder what happened with Nain, Alex's grandmother!

Other than that very minor item, well done! I can't wait to read more!

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I asked my daughter for a little something different, I usually read historicals, and she recommended Alice Renaud's A Merman's Choice, Sea of Love #1. I understand #2 is coming out soon, so at least I do not have to wait too long for a sequel. I really, really enjoyed this book and the writing was excellent. Ms. Renaud does an excellent job developing characters and scenery. Yann and Alex are both enjoyable characters and the plot is quite interesting. I am looking forward to the sequel.

[J.G. MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about true love.

I was thoroughly entertained by A Merman’s Choice by Alice Renaud. There were so many elements, all working together, in this book.

First, it has a great setting. I loved the Welsh seaside and island descriptions. I have visited this area and it’s the perfect place to imagine such a fantasy taking place.

Renaud sets up the romance perfectly and one of the greatest strengths of this book is that it can just as easily be compared to The Little Mermaid as it can to Outlander. This is because it contains nuances of culture, human behaviour, and attraction that cannot be boiled down into one, simple theme or trope. This is a beautiful love story. It would make a great movie.

I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. Conflicts were presented realistically. The choices were not easy, and Renaud entertained me from start to finish. Highly recommend.

[Zelly Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Renaud has created a fascinating world in a Merman’s choice, a world that immediately had me googling to see if the islands and places this story is set in actually exist. Having never been to that side of the world, living Down Under as I do, it seemed plausible. But no, the islands don’t exist. It’s simply a part of the authors lovely imagination. And with the descriptive narrative, it was a world I could easily picture.

The story of Yann and Alex is sweet, moving along at a quick pace that keeps the reader engaged and interested in the dilemmas the two face, wondering how they will overcome the division of their worlds. The author writes with an easy relaxed style, making it a pleasure to read. And she has a charming turn of phrase that betrays her Britishness and makes one smile.

My only criticism is that I wanted more....more of the backstory, more of the details and stories of how these Mer-people live and love and survive. But I guess I’ll get more of that in the sequel, won’t I? I admit I did have a hard time not picturing Jason Mamoa, - lol.

A great, fun, easy read that will definitely have you wanting to read the others in the series. I’m very much looking forward to the sequel!

[Anna Casamento Arrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoroughly engaging read by Alice Renaud! I actually read #2 first, but, did certainly did not affect my impression. A fun read with a twist! Highly recommended!

[Arabella Maghri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The trauma of drowning has suppressed Alex’s memory of the man who saved her. But when they meet again there is an instant chemistry which sets them both on a path to romance. The problem is Yann is no ordinary man, but a merman. And he is destined to take over as head of his clan and marry a mermaid, so there are numerous obstacles in the way of true love.
A hearty, lusty tale of the sea, the islands and the longing for a mate the stars and the fates have ordered, no matter how difficult the Merman’s Choice might prove to be. Recommended.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the roiling sea around the Morvann Islands off Wales, a young woman was sinking to her death. Suddenly, Yann, a merman whose Clan occupied one of the islands swept her into his arms and delivered her safely to the beach. Thus she was free to continue living and he broke one of his father's strident dictum's: do not insinuate yourself into the lives of humans. Years before, Yann's mother had also saved a human and died in the action. Yann, however, with a respect for all life, cannot willingly allow a human to die if he has the means to prevent it. When the young woman, Alex Williams comes into his life again, Yann feels it is fate. In his human form, he reluctantly sails her to the islands where she photographs the scenery and island life for her grandmother, who has always liked the Morvanns but who is unable to travel there herself. Alex is unaware that Yann is the one who rescued her and she is more importantly, unaware of his true being. Can love bloom between a human and a resident of the sea? And what of others in his Clan? Would they ever accept such a love in their future leader? Alex and Yann will have to battle prejudice and tradition if they are to find their way to a life together.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect of A Merman's Choice, never having read any shifter books featuring merpeople, but I was pleasantly surprised in Alice Renaud's short novel. Most of us have fond the ones we love and hoped our families would also love them. But only a few have had to battle untenable cultural demands in order to love the person of our choice. That was the choice Yann had to decide—whether he would be willing to give up his family and Clan in order to offer his love to Alex. Such a choice is never easy to make. Well written and a fast read, I think you will enjoy A Merman's Choice.

[H.M. Holten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morvann Islands, Mer-people, Dolphins, and Love

A Merman’s Choice poses some intriguing questions in the form of a fairy-tale or allegory. Mer-persons are shapeshifters and can take on human form. They have a code of honour, which may be difficult to deal with. One of them is significant, the embargo on rescuing humans. No human must ever know what mermen or mermaids look like. Mer-people are supposed to hate humans and vice versa, except that humans have no idea about the other species unless they read and believe old fables.

Alex is a girl who has experienced how hurtful love can be. She almost drowned but has returned to the Morvanns to fulfil her dying grandmother’s wish and photograph the islands and the inhabitants.

Yann is a merman with a penchant for saving humans. His clan disapproves, although they aren’t as averse to humans as one of the other two clans.

Alex and Yann meet, and the dolphins begin to sing. Will they be able to overcome prejudice and racism? Their path to true love may not be simple, but maybe they can find a way. Maybe they can’t. To find out, you must read A Merman’s Choice.

What makes this story extraordinary is the way Ms Renaud brings forward the eternal question: why humans refuse to accept one another. Why do families and clans gang up and hate those who look different? This is the essential part of any fairy-tale. Star crossed lovers are often those who bring about much-needed change.

[Jan Selbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we leave the safety of the shore, we enter a world of fascinating and often hidden marine life. Alex was not to know this when Yann, a young merman rescues her from certain drowning. He had no choice but to leave her before she woke because his people, his clan, have lived undetected beneath the waters of the beautiful Morvann Islands for centuries. While they effortlessly switch to human form the rule of never revealing themselves is sacred. But he never forgot Alex and was overjoyed, and worried, when she hires his boat to sail to the Islands. She’s determined to overcome her fear of water and honour her promise to her grandmother. Yann is falling for her but she is human and forbidden. In Yann, Alex sees the kind, honourable man she’s never had in her life. Love they find, and with it the truth. As always when different cultures and beliefs come together, resentment, jealousy and objections rear their ugly heads, and it was no different for Yann and Alex. Choices and sacrifices must be made for their happiness. A lovely story and I’m hoping we will meet them again.
When I finished A Merman’s Choice it occurred to me that we’ll never really know what’s beneath the sea, will we?
Jan Selbourne

[Gibby Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. I've read many paranormal romances that involved shape shifters, but this was the first that focused on a merman. If anything I thought the concept would be difficult to pull off. Renaud proved me wrong.

The book opens with Yann, a sexy merman, saving the lovely Alex, who is drowning. We see his character right away, as interacting with humans is seriously frowned upon. But Yann can't stand back and let her die.

What follows is a spell-binding and forbidden love that draws you in at the emotional level. The author did a great job of developing both main characters, and her descriptions of the sea were Melville-worthy. I particularly liked the sex scenes, which were detailed and unexpected.

This was well written and an excellent read. My only complaint is it was too short at 123 pages. But that was probably the intent. Meremans are whimsical creatures after all, and if you're lucky enough to see one in your periphery, they will be gone in a flash. Get the book. You won't be sorry.

[Kimberley Cale · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable tale of fantasy with a unique twist on the legends of merfork
When Alex visited the remote Moavann Islands she almost lost her live to the sea but she was saved from drowning and brought to shore. Ever since she’s had a deep seated fear of the water.
Now she’s back to fulfill a promise to her grandmother to find out and bring back stories and pictures of the islands distinctive history. There she meets Yann, a man with secrets. The last thing he needs is for this lovely woman to come nosing around uncovering what he and his people have strives for ages to keep from discovery.
He’ll tour her around but keep her away from trouble and happily see her on her way at the end of her stay. Of course the best laid plans often go awry as does this one when an attraction between the two forces Yann to question everything for the love of a sea fearing woman he can never have.
I was charmed by this story because of its fresh take on merfolk legends.
Both Alex and Yann were very likeable characters and I loved the dialog and the author’s voice which had a distinctly Welsh favor to it.
The story flowed smoothly for me to the end.
This was definitely a fun read.

[Eileen Troemel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renaud has created a shifter romance that is entertaining and fun to read. I could not put the book down. It's a short and quick read which held my interest. Yann is a merman who refuses to let a human drowned despite the laws of his clan. Alex is a woman he rescued who returns to the islands at the request of her grandmother. Myth and legend surround and intertwine within this story. There are parts which lean towards corny but in the best of ways. The ending is slightly - every so slightly - rushed. This is a twist on the classic lovers who can't be together - like Romeo and Juliet - but instead of dying for love. Yann has to find a way around the reasons they can't be together. Renaud has created believable and charming characters. I'll be watching for the next one in her series - I hope it is out soon.

[Virginia Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time, there were the Brothers Grimm. Then along came J. R. R. Tolkien, who ushered in a dawning avalanche of fantasy literature spearheaded by greats such as Piers Anthony and Stephen King.

Now, there’s Alice Renaud.

‘A Merman’s Choice’ is a tale so vivid that one can almost smell the salt spray in the air, and hear the breakers crashing onto the windswept, sandy shore. Its heroine Alex is a damaged woman, searching for love bereft of the abuse that once accompanied it. Its hero Yann is a strong, protective figure torn between the customs of two worlds.

‘A Merman’s Choice’ feels surreal, like a dream… which makes it the perfect read for a lazy afternoon. Check it out!

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It’s a short length, so I was able to read through it quickly. It has a beautiful, rugged setting with the remote, rustic, wind-swept islands, along with their changeable weather. All of the people rang true in this. From the tourist determined to do what she wants without any real regard for other people’s cultural beliefs. It never seemed that important to her that the natives didn’t want their history recorded. She was bound and determined to do it for her grandmother and because why wouldn’t people want their stories shared with the rest of the world? To the progressive young native people who were finding the old ways and rules of their culture to be stifling, and wanting to join the modern world at least in part. To the elders determined to hang onto traditions and keep the modern world out. I loved the romance in this. Yann is very sexy, with his protective nature itching to rescue anyone from the ocean, his yearning to keep the peace, not to mention his other worldliness, and I loved that Alex kept likening him to a pirate. It’s almost a Little Mermaid romance with the sexes switched. I also loved that the mermen weren’t the traditional mermaid creatures with their lower half being just a fish tail. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series! We saw Rob Regor, the main character for the next book briefly in this one, and his father is one of those elders determined to enforce tradition and keep the modern world out (rather than just hiding a secret), which means he’ll have a lot to overcome for a romance in the modern world.

[Estelle Pettersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading A Merman's Choice, I was immediately hooked by the descriptions in chapter one and I kept reading onwards. I loved the crafty style in which the author wrote the story through beautiful imagery, showing us a world I could clearly see when reading. This made the reading flow ever so smooth!

The chemistry between the main characters Alex and Yann (a merman) was powerful and grew stronger as the story continued. The tensions in the plot drew me in more and more into the story, which was nicely paced. Yann sounded gorgeous, a nice and hunky merman. Definitely a lovely reading treat.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so much fun and interesting and the writing made me feel like i could see the colors and environment as if i was there in the story. it was sexy and fun. i loved the conflict and the love. it was all around a feel good and fun story and i cannot wait to see what happens in book 2. very good and very well written :)

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was anxious to read this novel and it didn't disappoint. It's exciting and delightful full of adventure, suspense, romance, and of course, a Merman! Alice Renaud is a very talented writer. The plot and legends were delightful. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Twilla Wickedly Sweet and Synful Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a vastly different take on merman culture. The author has an exciting imagination to dream of the rich details she has built for this world. I enjoyed it. I just felt like it took too long to get to the action. It lagged in the middle. I did enjoy it immensely when it did. I recommend this for readers who love the paranormal.

[Jess MacMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a unique and entertaining read! I loved every minute of this love story.

Yann is perhaps the greatest male character I've fallen in love with in a very long time. Not only does he save Alex, but he supports her by giving her what she needs in times of panic.

Alex's character was everything I could've asked for in an MC. The panic I could relate to on a personal level and it was great to see her conquer her fears. And not only that but once she faces her fears it allows her to be the heroine. That and her love of pirate romance novels, and adoration of her grandma.... it's like I am Alex and Alice wrote this just for me!

I highly encourage everyone to read this book. It has action, romance, mer-politics, and best of all (I found) its very well written!

[Nikki Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing page turning book for me. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. The fact that it delt with the struggles of familial obligations and how HARD it is to break free really hit home for me.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Trope of forbidden love and I also love merpeople, so this was a win-win book for me. I enjoyed every word of the book. Not only was it a win-win book for me but it was an excellently written book.
Received this Arc and I'm leaving and honest review

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Merman's Choice gets a big thumbs up for originality! Yann and Alex are both enjoyable characters and I am a bit of a sucker for the forbidden romance trope, especially when it is carried out so well. I also love that there are deeper meanings in this book. I definitely look forward to more books in this series.

[Sydney Winward · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A merman’s joy always came out as music.”

What an enjoyable read! A determined heroine wants to uncover the secrets of the Morvann Islands, but little does she know that she’s getting a little more than she bargained for. She not only has to face fears of past trauma, but she must learn that love takes many forms. Literally.

A merman’s choice has an awesome opening, with amazing metaphors throughout the book. I love that the merpeople sing to reflect their emotions, and I especially love their culture and way of life.

Full of mystery, intrigue, and awesome characters, A Merman’s Choice is definitely a book you want to pick up if you like merpeople and a heart-stopping romance.

[Patricia Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice is an amazing author who can weave tales that capture your attention and keep you reading late into the night. Just like some singers have an IT factor, some writers do, too, like Alice.

If you love the ocean, mermaids, mythology and romance, you'll definitely want to give this book a try. You won't regret it.

[Butterfly Bridge Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have ever read on Mermen. It is a cute story with mystery and love. How can they stay hidden all these years without being seen? They can take human form but prefer to stay in true form. But one woman was all it took. Give this book a try you might just find out how much you like it. I know I did.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The love story is beautiful and the storyline was so creative! Can´t wait for book 2! Amazing job! definitely a must read!

[Keri Kruspe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Characters Who Indulge in a Sensual Feast



A heartfelt story of forbidden passion between a merman and his human true love. Their struggle to overcome historical prejudices made this story come alive for me. Can't wait to read book two!