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Four Point Universe #4
Mermaid
Ex-Detective Veronica Baird lost almost everything she'd worked for in life to a spray of fateful bullets. A desperate move from Portland back to Seattle at the beckon of a friend, promises a safe place to live, a job, and support. When Veronica reunites with her best friends after circumstances urged them apart, Jordan and Alice rally around her in hope of nursing her back to life. The only ray of light in Veronica's existence belongs to that of her nine-year-old daughter.
Uprooted, devastated, and battling the abyss of despair, Veronica stumbles into meeting pediatrician, Scarlett, at the worst time ever. Or so it seemed. Veronica, and her pod of colorful friends, float together in darkness and light, though not all entanglements are meant to lead her to the surface.
138,500 words
Cover Artist: Victoria Miller
Editor: Deadra Krieger
Uprooted, devastated, and battling the abyss of despair, Veronica stumbles into meeting pediatrician, Scarlett, at the worst time ever. Or so it seemed. Veronica, and her pod of colorful friends, float together in darkness and light, though not all entanglements are meant to lead her to the surface.
138,500 words
Cover Artist: Victoria Miller
Editor: Deadra Krieger
473 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2019
96 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Max Ellendale
33 books318 followersMax grew up just outside of New York City, spending most of her formative years outdoors creating wild ghost hunts with neighborhood kids, setting booby-traps to capture unwitting family members, and building clubhouses on top of ten-foot walls. Max wrote her first story at the age of twelve and titled it Circles of Friendship. Through the years, Max has written several short-stories and poems, all of which met the wrath of the “Not Good Enough” monster and ended in fiery demise.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 3, 2019
I was chuffed to bits ever since Max Ellendale announced that there would be another installment from her Cops & Docs series that would tie in to one of my all-time favourite lesfic novels, "Rabbit!" So you can just imagine how fast I snatched my copy of "Mermaid" to devour on its release day! I somehow just knew that this new installment would be something that'd stir my inner senses and emotions. I was not wrong. In fact, it went beyond my expectations. I was utterly speechless when I devoured the book in one sitting and still reeling from the utter beauty and aesthetic, deeply affecting love story that Ellendale has written, which I will cherish wholeheartedly. And surprise sur-bloody-prise, its MCs, Scar and Vee, have now joined my list of all-time favourite lesfic couples!
The beauty of "Mermaid" is that the STORY itself, besides the intoxicating, sensual, emotion-stirring, all-consuming love story, along with the superb ensemble cast that Ellendale so brilliantly assembled and crafted (which I will elaborate a little bit more later), is one of the most unabridged, uninhibited, explicitly detailed and realistic portrayal of a family unit. More relevantly and relatably, a blazing queer one, to boot! YES! Reminded me of "The L Word" which showed the daily lives of a group of mates who banded together as their own chosen family, which became a community! Ellendale's passion, intensity and conviction in the "fully loaded" words she expressed when weaving her richly defined tapestry of storytelling personified that spirit of "family" in this book, just like she did in her famous "Four Point Trilogy." But in this particular one, she turned it up a notch and gave us something much bigger, more resonating than ever, especially for those of us who've read all of her Seattle-based stories!
About the title, "Mermaid," I was naturally intrigued when Ellendale first announced it. Being a nutter for word plays, metaphors and hidden meanings in language and literature, and the fact that Ellendale's other titles gave me the same interpretative feel (not sure if she meant it, nonetheless I treated them as such, so completely my own view, mind!), I was looking forward to exploring her take on the word's meaning as it related to her story. As I hoped, I was utterly spellbound by the essence of what the mermaid represented metaphorically and allegorically, which Ellendale, once again, ever-so masterfully weaved each symbolic meaning into every part of the story and its characters. Of course the word was also used literally, which you'll find out when you read the book. But the allegory of the story flowed with such mystical and sensual fervour I was left mesmerised. Needless to say, by the end of the final word on the last page of the story, I was thoroughly satiated, my heart bursting with love and joy, my soul relishing in the elixir of healing properties from the divine feminine power that epitomised the symbolism of the mermaid, to which this book is entitled.
Full commentary here... In Bug’s Own Words
The beauty of "Mermaid" is that the STORY itself, besides the intoxicating, sensual, emotion-stirring, all-consuming love story, along with the superb ensemble cast that Ellendale so brilliantly assembled and crafted (which I will elaborate a little bit more later), is one of the most unabridged, uninhibited, explicitly detailed and realistic portrayal of a family unit. More relevantly and relatably, a blazing queer one, to boot! YES! Reminded me of "The L Word" which showed the daily lives of a group of mates who banded together as their own chosen family, which became a community! Ellendale's passion, intensity and conviction in the "fully loaded" words she expressed when weaving her richly defined tapestry of storytelling personified that spirit of "family" in this book, just like she did in her famous "Four Point Trilogy." But in this particular one, she turned it up a notch and gave us something much bigger, more resonating than ever, especially for those of us who've read all of her Seattle-based stories!
About the title, "Mermaid," I was naturally intrigued when Ellendale first announced it. Being a nutter for word plays, metaphors and hidden meanings in language and literature, and the fact that Ellendale's other titles gave me the same interpretative feel (not sure if she meant it, nonetheless I treated them as such, so completely my own view, mind!), I was looking forward to exploring her take on the word's meaning as it related to her story. As I hoped, I was utterly spellbound by the essence of what the mermaid represented metaphorically and allegorically, which Ellendale, once again, ever-so masterfully weaved each symbolic meaning into every part of the story and its characters. Of course the word was also used literally, which you'll find out when you read the book. But the allegory of the story flowed with such mystical and sensual fervour I was left mesmerised. Needless to say, by the end of the final word on the last page of the story, I was thoroughly satiated, my heart bursting with love and joy, my soul relishing in the elixir of healing properties from the divine feminine power that epitomised the symbolism of the mermaid, to which this book is entitled.
Full commentary here... In Bug’s Own Words
May 10, 2019
It was a really good book and I enjoyed it very well. I had mixed feelings about Wildrose but Rabbit was my absolute favorite. So this one come between those two books.
The story is about Veronica(Vee), an ex-cop who injured during line of duty. She moves to Seattle with her nine year old daughter and without any money. She now works at her best friend's salon. Whole book is from Veronica's POV, so book is concentrated on her injury,trust issues and depression.
I thought the romance was really sweet. I really liked the other MC Scarlett. We get to see some characters from author's other books FourPoint,Wildrose and Rabbit. So if you are planning to read it at least read Rabbit.
4 ⭐
The story is about Veronica(Vee), an ex-cop who injured during line of duty. She moves to Seattle with her nine year old daughter and without any money. She now works at her best friend's salon. Whole book is from Veronica's POV, so book is concentrated on her injury,trust issues and depression.
I thought the romance was really sweet. I really liked the other MC Scarlett. We get to see some characters from author's other books FourPoint,Wildrose and Rabbit. So if you are planning to read it at least read Rabbit.
4 ⭐
April 9, 2020
3.5 Stars for Mermaid by Max Ellendale
First off I need to rant – When I started this book – Nowhere is there a mention that THIS BOOK IS A SEQUEL or at very least a Follow Up to Ellendale’s previous books – standalones Rabbit and Wildrose and less extent Four Point trilogy. Let me say it this way – this book introduces at least 20 characters – all make an appearance or mention within 25% into the book! From what I can deduce, all except a few of the characters first made appearances in Ellendale’s previous books. This was my first book by Ellendale that I’ve read. So you can imagine my confusion. When I begin a new book (as it was, at the time, there were very few reviews) I try not to read the written reviews, but I will glance at the stars and reviewers. Finally, in my frustration I read some of the written reviews and someone mentioned that the characters were in her previous books. But credit to the writer – I kept reading in spite of wanting to throw it across the room in frustration (I may have if I wasn’t reading it on my iPad). So what do I do? I do what I do - I made a spreadsheet. With all the character’s names, occupation and partner and kids. Don’t get me started on all the nicknames (or shortened versions of their names).
ALMOST the last straw was at 22% when Veronica & Scarlett are discussing how well Stella handles being an ER doctor. Vee asks “Even after Clarissa?” Who the hell is Clarissa? I do a word search on Clarissa. Nope, never mentioned previously. Mentioned 3 times later in the book – I gleaned whatever happened was heartbreaking to Stella. Can I say it here that “Vee” is a weird shortening of Veronica? At least it’s explained relatively early (at 14%), when Scarlett (a newcomer to the group) asks Veronica about it. Scarlett’s nickname maybe worse - it is shortened to Scar – which I kept thinking Lion King’s Scar – and besides that who wants to go to a doctor who is called Scar??
So – with all my complaining and frustration – still I kept reading. A testament to the story and main characters that kept me reading. Well, that and my spreadsheet. By 25% I only had to glance at my sheet a few times – mostly to remind myself who was married to whom or what their profession was past or present or who is Allie short for? Alice. Normally, I have little patience with a book that doesn’t grab me right away or bothers me in some way. Too many books, too little time.
So on with the review –
This book is told in first person by Veronica (Vee) Baird who is an ex-detective with the Portland police. She has 9 year old daughter, Finnley. Vee was recently severely injured on the job, shot multiple times. She moves up to Seattle to continue to recover physically and to be with her close friends Jordan & Ainsley who have offered her old job back as a hairdresser and a place for her and Finn to stay. New to the Portland group is Scarlett Fournier, a pediatrician. And as you can guess, Scarlett and Veronica have instant attraction, though Veronica is reluctant to start any relationship. Vee is not only struggling to recover physically but also trying to reconcile that she can no longer do the job that she loved. The romance between Vee and Scarlett was good, Finn was a kick (in more ways than one) and in spite of all my complaints, Veronica was right in returning to her large group of supportive friends. It probably helps that almost half of them are cops or ex-cops and the other half are doctors.
First off I need to rant – When I started this book – Nowhere is there a mention that THIS BOOK IS A SEQUEL or at very least a Follow Up to Ellendale’s previous books – standalones Rabbit and Wildrose and less extent Four Point trilogy. Let me say it this way – this book introduces at least 20 characters – all make an appearance or mention within 25% into the book! From what I can deduce, all except a few of the characters first made appearances in Ellendale’s previous books. This was my first book by Ellendale that I’ve read. So you can imagine my confusion. When I begin a new book (as it was, at the time, there were very few reviews) I try not to read the written reviews, but I will glance at the stars and reviewers. Finally, in my frustration I read some of the written reviews and someone mentioned that the characters were in her previous books. But credit to the writer – I kept reading in spite of wanting to throw it across the room in frustration (I may have if I wasn’t reading it on my iPad). So what do I do? I do what I do - I made a spreadsheet. With all the character’s names, occupation and partner and kids. Don’t get me started on all the nicknames (or shortened versions of their names).
ALMOST the last straw was at 22% when Veronica & Scarlett are discussing how well Stella handles being an ER doctor. Vee asks “Even after Clarissa?” Who the hell is Clarissa? I do a word search on Clarissa. Nope, never mentioned previously. Mentioned 3 times later in the book – I gleaned whatever happened was heartbreaking to Stella. Can I say it here that “Vee” is a weird shortening of Veronica? At least it’s explained relatively early (at 14%), when Scarlett (a newcomer to the group) asks Veronica about it. Scarlett’s nickname maybe worse - it is shortened to Scar – which I kept thinking Lion King’s Scar – and besides that who wants to go to a doctor who is called Scar??
So – with all my complaining and frustration – still I kept reading. A testament to the story and main characters that kept me reading. Well, that and my spreadsheet. By 25% I only had to glance at my sheet a few times – mostly to remind myself who was married to whom or what their profession was past or present or who is Allie short for? Alice. Normally, I have little patience with a book that doesn’t grab me right away or bothers me in some way. Too many books, too little time.
So on with the review –
This book is told in first person by Veronica (Vee) Baird who is an ex-detective with the Portland police. She has 9 year old daughter, Finnley. Vee was recently severely injured on the job, shot multiple times. She moves up to Seattle to continue to recover physically and to be with her close friends Jordan & Ainsley who have offered her old job back as a hairdresser and a place for her and Finn to stay. New to the Portland group is Scarlett Fournier, a pediatrician. And as you can guess, Scarlett and Veronica have instant attraction, though Veronica is reluctant to start any relationship. Vee is not only struggling to recover physically but also trying to reconcile that she can no longer do the job that she loved. The romance between Vee and Scarlett was good, Finn was a kick (in more ways than one) and in spite of all my complaints, Veronica was right in returning to her large group of supportive friends. It probably helps that almost half of them are cops or ex-cops and the other half are doctors.
May 3, 2019
This makes my 11th Ellendale book. Fantastic as always. LOTS of characters from other books in this one. The mermaid 'pod' was awesome. Lots of queer culture, fantastic MC's and as always the secondaries. I think if Ellendale has a brand, or a semi-common theme it's that she takes 'catestrophically disabled' or broken characters and spends the distance from cover to cover healing them. It's an engrossing journey that, for me at least, consumes vast chunks of time that I don't realize has passed. Which for me is the hallmark of a great novel. Brilliant as always. To say that Ellendale is one of my all time favorite authors is an easy nod.
January 19, 2020
Mermaid is Vee’s book, told entirely in the first person from her perspective. She’s in a dark place for much of it, having to reconcile the life she’s lost with the life she’s building now. Luckily she’s surrounded by wonderful people, including Scarlett, her friends, Finnley, and even Finn’s dad, Anthony. They all have infinite love and patience for her, and are the perfect support system to help her on her journey of healing, both physically and emotionally.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/merm...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/merm...
May 5, 2019
Beautiful story. The MC's had great chemistry, naughty just enough plus everyone from her previous book" Rabbit" were mixt back in. I totally enjoyed it.
February 28, 2020
This is the kind of book that makes me go "I want to dive inside and live in this story!".
Beautiful story with hilarious characters, made me laugh, made me cry. Amazing read!
Beautiful story with hilarious characters, made me laugh, made me cry. Amazing read!
June 7, 2019
I got so many L Word vibes from this book and that made it fantastic. The characters are cute and funny and unique, and the dialogue is amazing; I laughed out loud so much. But honestly, my favorite thing about this book was the lack of any cliche story line. Like...girl meets girl, they fall in love, some angsty stuff happens due to miscommunication, climax, happily ever after. That's the typical lesbian romance story line, and it works fine if done right, but it was nice to read a book that read at times more like an ongoing TV show than a book. There were angsty moments, but all of it was real and heartfelt and mature. The issues tackled—depression, PTSD, anxiety, abuse, sexuality—are all real things that people deal with on a day-to-day basis, and to see that written out in a positive and healthy way was fantastic.
Also, I don't even like/want kids, but Finn is hilarious. She sets unrealistic expectations for kids in the future: smart, witty, kicks ass, wise beyond her years, and stands up for her LGBTQA friends? Girl. Get it.
Also, I don't even like/want kids, but Finn is hilarious. She sets unrealistic expectations for kids in the future: smart, witty, kicks ass, wise beyond her years, and stands up for her LGBTQA friends? Girl. Get it.
May 8, 2019
This book was everything i look for in a book. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I fell in love with the characters (and rediscovered my love for returning characters). The world that's been built is amazing and i want to live in it. I simply don't have enough words to describe how much i enjoyed this book.
May 31, 2019
Amazing book, what a story I am so impressed with the description of the characters, the dialogue and the intensity between the main characters. I couldn't put down this book. Looking forward to read more of Max Ellendale's books.
December 24, 2019
A different perspective on love, life, disability and recoveru
Ellendale writes a beautiful love story, filled with angst, discovery, loss, and friendship. This universe is amazing. The characters are vibrant.
Ellendale writes a beautiful love story, filled with angst, discovery, loss, and friendship. This universe is amazing. The characters are vibrant.
January 11, 2020
Better and better
Max Ellendale gets better and better. This book is well written and it sucked me in immediately. Bad things happen to all of us; that’s part of life. And those things make us who we are so that when the light shines again we can see how far we’ve come.
Max Ellendale gets better and better. This book is well written and it sucked me in immediately. Bad things happen to all of us; that’s part of life. And those things make us who we are so that when the light shines again we can see how far we’ve come.
June 3, 2020
Wow. This book is amazing! It's hard to know where to start. Well-written characters, full of love, friendship, and unconditional support. I wish I had my own mermaid pod! The relationships between all the characters (especially Vee/Finn, Vee/Scarlett, and Vee/Jordan) were brilliant, and I really felt everything, from the overwhelming love from Scarlett, to Vee's struggles with her self-worth and her disability. And Finn was an amazing kid! I don't often like kids in stories, but Finn was so mature for her age, and the way she stood up for Riley was incredible! Go Finnster! Also, the sex scenes with Vee and Scarlett were absolutely delicious, the story moved at a great pace, and there wasn't too much angst, which was really nice. The book is like a warm hug, with a wonderful ending! This was the first book I have read by this author but I will definitely be reading another. Thank you!
November 27, 2019
Mer-velous! 😉
A nice showcasing of strong women in a strong chosen (extended) family. Vee’s been through a lot of trauma and struggles to find her footing, with the unfailing and often bossy support of her mermaid pod. Ten-year-old daughter Finn is a marvel, and I just wanted to pinch her cheeks! At times, the story seemed to lag, but I was enjoying it so much that I was happy it wasn’t ended yet. Some nice humor, quirky women, and all-together an enjoyable read.
A nice showcasing of strong women in a strong chosen (extended) family. Vee’s been through a lot of trauma and struggles to find her footing, with the unfailing and often bossy support of her mermaid pod. Ten-year-old daughter Finn is a marvel, and I just wanted to pinch her cheeks! At times, the story seemed to lag, but I was enjoying it so much that I was happy it wasn’t ended yet. Some nice humor, quirky women, and all-together an enjoyable read.
June 19, 2019
So much LOVE in this book
Loved every minute of it... And really really enjoyed the Sali and group cameos.. Would love to see them with the Mermaid Pod it would be a crazy get together.. Alice is hilarious.. Such kids at heart when they're all together... It's not just a must read but a must buyand a great breath of fresh air... this book just gives u hope.. Amazing!!!!!!!!!
Loved every minute of it... And really really enjoyed the Sali and group cameos.. Would love to see them with the Mermaid Pod it would be a crazy get together.. Alice is hilarious.. Such kids at heart when they're all together... It's not just a must read but a must buyand a great breath of fresh air... this book just gives u hope.. Amazing!!!!!!!!!
May 11, 2019
Like wow, just wow! Loved it - as I did rabbit & now discover I've missed number 1 in the series Wildrose! I suppose I'd better read that as the characters are amazing - not really sure why this is set in the future... have I missed something? Perhaps book 1 will help me out...
September 20, 2019
Mermaid
Loved this story. I’ve enjoyed all of the Four Point Universe. I can’t pick out a favorite, so I’ll recommend them all. I really love all the characters in this Universe they all seem to mesh well together.
Loved this story. I’ve enjoyed all of the Four Point Universe. I can’t pick out a favorite, so I’ll recommend them all. I really love all the characters in this Universe they all seem to mesh well together.
October 28, 2025
A book about Veronica an ex cop retired because of catastrophic injuries. Her amazing friendships, a loving daughter Finley, and a loving girlfriend, Scarlett.
I found this story to be inspiring. Vee has been through the ringer, devastating injuries, then a house fire,losing everything. When an old friend,Jordan says come back to Seattle, live with me until you get yourself together. Along with Jordan is Alice, Stella, etc. a group of loving supportive friends. The love between Vee. and Scarlett is sizzling HOT! You can feel their love. Not only do I LOVE this book but it's A FAVORITE!! More than 5 stars!
I found this story to be inspiring. Vee has been through the ringer, devastating injuries, then a house fire,losing everything. When an old friend,Jordan says come back to Seattle, live with me until you get yourself together. Along with Jordan is Alice, Stella, etc. a group of loving supportive friends. The love between Vee. and Scarlett is sizzling HOT! You can feel their love. Not only do I LOVE this book but it's A FAVORITE!! More than 5 stars!
August 30, 2019
Talk About Good Stuff.
A total recommendation
This was so good. I was planning on sleeping early but I couldn't stop and Now it is 5am. Anyways it was worth it.
The characters, if I had this kind of circle in my life, I would be a happy woman. So beautifully built, it is mesmerising.
The emotions always on point and deep enough to actually relate to the characters. They're all my babies. I just love them.
I wish the world had more people like Vee and her crew. Such an empowering group. And Finn, that baby is the cutest, the way she defended Riley, I was taught a lesson.
More LGBTQIA centers need to be put in place, more education needs to be put out there so that hate crimes reduce esp on young people.
Very good book.
A total recommendation
This was so good. I was planning on sleeping early but I couldn't stop and Now it is 5am. Anyways it was worth it.
The characters, if I had this kind of circle in my life, I would be a happy woman. So beautifully built, it is mesmerising.
The emotions always on point and deep enough to actually relate to the characters. They're all my babies. I just love them.
I wish the world had more people like Vee and her crew. Such an empowering group. And Finn, that baby is the cutest, the way she defended Riley, I was taught a lesson.
More LGBTQIA centers need to be put in place, more education needs to be put out there so that hate crimes reduce esp on young people.
Very good book.
July 6, 2019
I'm a pile of mush!
I loved this sweet, emotional romance. I think it was Ellendale's best work yet and that is saying something. Rabbit is my favorite and now Mermaid is tied with it. Vee is an amazing lead. It's not often you see characters like her overcome so much. Ellendale handles her story with elegance and grace. The sex scenes were smoking hot and amazingly sensual. It was great to see all the old characters and cameos! I adored this story.
I loved this sweet, emotional romance. I think it was Ellendale's best work yet and that is saying something. Rabbit is my favorite and now Mermaid is tied with it. Vee is an amazing lead. It's not often you see characters like her overcome so much. Ellendale handles her story with elegance and grace. The sex scenes were smoking hot and amazingly sensual. It was great to see all the old characters and cameos! I adored this story.
May 1, 2019
Another brilliant read!
Max Ellendale has done it again! Another beautiful story told with all the feels to draw you in and keep you entertained. It’s fun and sexy and so sweet I may have turned into a puddle of mush... can’t wait for more to come from this amazing author! Now to start a re read marathon!
Max Ellendale has done it again! Another beautiful story told with all the feels to draw you in and keep you entertained. It’s fun and sexy and so sweet I may have turned into a puddle of mush... can’t wait for more to come from this amazing author! Now to start a re read marathon!
May 10, 2019
I don’t have to read the synopsis to know I will love the book when is written by Max Ellendale. Great characters and storylines. You never know what is going to happen in her books, and there is always a lot going on. This one is a lovely, slow-paced story with several characters from the previous books. I highly recommend it, but you should read the Four point’s stories first.
June 22, 2019
Excellent!
I loved Mermaid. What a beautiful story. It’s always nice to see someone able to come back from a low point in their lives. Allowing family and friends to help you regain your self worth is so important. To you and to them .
I loved Mermaid. What a beautiful story. It’s always nice to see someone able to come back from a low point in their lives. Allowing family and friends to help you regain your self worth is so important. To you and to them .
May 1, 2019
this was 1 amazing book :D
May 31, 2020
Great characters with side stories to make an entertaining story here, it makes me wish I had a merpeople pod of people when I was growing up... Fin, Nova, Ollie and Phoebe are lucky kids hehe.
Read
March 28, 2021I tried. Nothing against the author, I just couldn't connect.
October 27, 2021
A Tortured Soul To Love!
I have never read Max Ellendale since a lot of books center around a thirteen book series. That’s a lot to invest. “Mermaid” happen to catch my eye in a quick Amazon search. It was listed as a stand alone even though it was Book 4 in the series. This book was from 2019 but I was curious. It was evident from the first chapter it was a PTSD story and the struggles of going home with her nine year old daughter in tow to start over. Veronica (Vee) returns home. A badly injured ex detective who has spent the last year recuperating and decided she and her daughter needed a change. She is staying with Jordan, who owns a beauty salon that Vee used to work in, and owns the building where she will be staying. Not one to need people, Vee is so used to being on her own, that it surprises her the support she gets from her old friends. This the “Mermaid Pod”. Her daughter takes things in stride and from day one, fits in school and is making friends. As Vee is struggling to fit in and decides to do some work in the salon all while still in serious pain from her injuries. ( At this point, as Vee’s friends appear, you know the history and realize that things have happened in earlier books) Then at her best friends Alice house, she meets Scarlett, their pediatrician. From that first meeting, things change and escalate very quickly. I thought too quickly as I was reading. This story turns out to be about friends who are so supportive and a love that is so real that it puts Vee at odds on how to deal on her own with her issues. I personally thought that she needed therapy from the onset but the story unravels and you can accept the way Vee and her daughter learned to accept, to love and to be free. I so enjoyed it this story, I am going to start Book 2 and Book 3 which seems to have the other characters that I was curious about from this book. I will not do the whole series but it was a lesson learned in taking a chance on this writer.
I have never read Max Ellendale since a lot of books center around a thirteen book series. That’s a lot to invest. “Mermaid” happen to catch my eye in a quick Amazon search. It was listed as a stand alone even though it was Book 4 in the series. This book was from 2019 but I was curious. It was evident from the first chapter it was a PTSD story and the struggles of going home with her nine year old daughter in tow to start over. Veronica (Vee) returns home. A badly injured ex detective who has spent the last year recuperating and decided she and her daughter needed a change. She is staying with Jordan, who owns a beauty salon that Vee used to work in, and owns the building where she will be staying. Not one to need people, Vee is so used to being on her own, that it surprises her the support she gets from her old friends. This the “Mermaid Pod”. Her daughter takes things in stride and from day one, fits in school and is making friends. As Vee is struggling to fit in and decides to do some work in the salon all while still in serious pain from her injuries. ( At this point, as Vee’s friends appear, you know the history and realize that things have happened in earlier books) Then at her best friends Alice house, she meets Scarlett, their pediatrician. From that first meeting, things change and escalate very quickly. I thought too quickly as I was reading. This story turns out to be about friends who are so supportive and a love that is so real that it puts Vee at odds on how to deal on her own with her issues. I personally thought that she needed therapy from the onset but the story unravels and you can accept the way Vee and her daughter learned to accept, to love and to be free. I so enjoyed it this story, I am going to start Book 2 and Book 3 which seems to have the other characters that I was curious about from this book. I will not do the whole series but it was a lesson learned in taking a chance on this writer.
May 14, 2020
Family are friends & lovers
We all need our own personal mermaid pods don't we!!!
Absolutely beautiful!!! OMG, this story TOTALLY rocked & then some!! There's nothing like finally finding the place in this world where you know you belong, full of the love, security & peace that you've wanted, waited & weeped for thru so many years existing & enduring, sustained only by patience, pain & the pleasure &/or punishment in promises of possibilities!
We all need our own personal mermaid pods don't we!!!
Absolutely beautiful!!! OMG, this story TOTALLY rocked & then some!! There's nothing like finally finding the place in this world where you know you belong, full of the love, security & peace that you've wanted, waited & weeped for thru so many years existing & enduring, sustained only by patience, pain & the pleasure &/or punishment in promises of possibilities!
April 9, 2024
Detective and Doctor Romance
Detective Victoria Baird was medically retired after a terrible ambush took her team down during a manhunt. Moving back to Settle after a fire burned her apartment building down and she and her daughter lost everything, she returns to her friends and a job. Meeting Dr. Scarlett Corwin is a turning point in both of their lives. A story of struggle, healing and love.
Detective Victoria Baird was medically retired after a terrible ambush took her team down during a manhunt. Moving back to Settle after a fire burned her apartment building down and she and her daughter lost everything, she returns to her friends and a job. Meeting Dr. Scarlett Corwin is a turning point in both of their lives. A story of struggle, healing and love.
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