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Beyond the Surface
Raen has always longed to see the world beyond the surface, but nothing could compel him to break the most ancient law of the merfolk. Could it?
Raen should have found his mate during his first hunt, instead he almost died. Two years later, he’s struggling with internal fear, and his father’s disapproval.
Until he encounters a land-dweller.A man he feels a deep and instant connection to.
A man who will drown if Raen doesn’t save him.But in order to do so, Raen must break two of the merfolk’s rules:
Don’t interact with land-dwellers.
Don’t go beyond the surface.
If Raen saves the man, he stands to lose everything he’s ever known. But if he lets him drown, he’ll lose something infinitely more precious to his heart and soul.
Beyond the Surface is a paranormal MM romance, with fated mates who almost never met, a sweet insta-love relationship, and an age-gap.
Raen should have found his mate during his first hunt, instead he almost died. Two years later, he’s struggling with internal fear, and his father’s disapproval.
Until he encounters a land-dweller.A man he feels a deep and instant connection to.
A man who will drown if Raen doesn’t save him.But in order to do so, Raen must break two of the merfolk’s rules:
Don’t interact with land-dwellers.
Don’t go beyond the surface.
If Raen saves the man, he stands to lose everything he’s ever known. But if he lets him drown, he’ll lose something infinitely more precious to his heart and soul.
Beyond the Surface is a paranormal MM romance, with fated mates who almost never met, a sweet insta-love relationship, and an age-gap.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2019
35 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Colette Davison
66 books431 followersI'm an indie author from the UK, who writes contemporary and paranormal M/M romance. My books have flawed characters, happy endings, and lots of heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 24, 2023
Well, this was certainly short and sweet! I’d have read it a little faster, but I think I didn’t want it to end? That's a good enough indicator of enjoyment for me! It’d probably be impossible for me to talk about this book without comparing it endlessly to a certain other story about a mermaid who saves a man from a shipwreck, only to then spend time with him on land as they fall in love. You know, that classic trope? I honestly went into this thinking, “Hey! This is like if The Little Mermaid was gay! Sounds great!” but I’d actually say that this is more like if The Little Mermaid was only a romance. I think that’s actually the only problem I had, as the characters are so singularly focused with their love for each other that I didn’t really get to know them outside of their relationship. Raen has this really compelling story about how he was exiled from his life under the sea and has to learn to navigate the surface world, but he doesn’t really have his own “Part of Your World.” All I needed was a moment where we can understand his motivations and interests outside of his desperate search for a lover. Does he have gadgets and gizmos a-plenty? Twenty thingamabobs!? I need to know! I think this is why I’m not normally interested in fated romances, because it’s not as interesting to me when these things are predestined. Chance encounters are where it’s at for me! Otherwise, it's a good sign when my only issue is that I didn't get enough time with the characters. Oh yeah, I forgot to talk about Steven… um he’s really horny. Anyway, I had a great time reading this, and I loved how it felt like a “vacation romance,” which I’m always a fan of because they’re able to blend the joy of new romance with the bittersweet nature that comes with the end of summer. And this is definitely no different! What a happy miracle that I happened to stumble on this book!
“I wish I could tell you. I wish I could show you how much your kindness means to me.”
“I wish I could tell you. I wish I could show you how much your kindness means to me.”
March 24, 2021
Okay, so here's what I think:
I absolutely LOVED everything about this story EXCEPT for one scene which ripped a whole star off my rating. Seriously.
I absolutely LOVE mermaids/mermen. Always have. Sadly, most romance stories that feature these wonderful characters are totally not my cup of tea.
Beyond the Surface, however, is clearly THE best one I've read so far. It is clearly a homage to both Hans Christian Andersen's original tale "The Little Mermaid" and Disney's "The Little Mermaid" - and yet it is not a rip-off at all. It brings a definite uniqueness to the theme that really resonated with me.
Raen is a young merman who was supposed to find his soulmate during last year's 'great hunt' - an event where the merfolk tribes come together to hunt and bring offerings to their age old sea god (who seems to be a giant squid). Usually, a merperson (if that is the correct term?!) always finds their soulmate during the hunt, but to Raen's father's embarrassment, Raen's soulmate was not among the other tribes and in a desperate effort to impress his father, Raen got hurt badly by a shark and is now afraid to participate in another hunt.
Fascinated by the surface (which merfolk are forbidden to ever break) and feeling a strange draw, he swims a little too close to the shore and witnesses a guy drowning. Despite the rules forbidding any interference, Raen saves the man and gets punished by his cruel father to die at the hands (tentacles) of their sea god.
Only, the giant and ill-tempered squid decides to deny him the mercy of death and turns him into a human instead, so he can witness the cruelty of humans first hand.
Washed ashore on a remote island, Raen is picked up by the same human he saved previously, Steven, and realizes that the human is actually Raen's soul mate - and yet he is unable to communicate with him, because merfolk don't speak and don't have voices.
So, Raen tries his best to make Steven realize that he is in fact the guy who saved him without giving away the secrets of the merfolk. But most of all, he wonders if Steven feels the same pull of their soulmate bonding that Raen feels - and whether Steven will stick around to be with the younger man even though Steven is actually on vacation and needs to return to his home of 'London' at some point.
This story was seriously spectacular. I just wish that one scene had gone a bit differently...
Sadly, the story was barely able to save face for me after THAT, but I absolutely LOVED Raen. Everything about that guy was just perfect. His innocence, the way he tried to communicate with Steven despite not knowing many words of Steven's language and always trying to show his emotion through touches and smiles. Such a perfect and lovable merman character.
Sure, he had self-esteem issues, so many complexes (thanks to his dad...) and the way he put Steven on a pedestal despite what he said to him previously reminded me a bit of a person suffering from abuse in their relationship.
But I will gladly believe that these guys will be happy forever.
Oh yeah, and I am SO HAPPY that this story doesn't feature fishtails that turn into legs with the snap of a finger.
I definitely liked it a lot and Raen deserves all the praise for this story.
4 stars!
I absolutely LOVED everything about this story EXCEPT for one scene which ripped a whole star off my rating. Seriously.
I absolutely LOVE mermaids/mermen. Always have. Sadly, most romance stories that feature these wonderful characters are totally not my cup of tea.
Beyond the Surface, however, is clearly THE best one I've read so far. It is clearly a homage to both Hans Christian Andersen's original tale "The Little Mermaid" and Disney's "The Little Mermaid" - and yet it is not a rip-off at all. It brings a definite uniqueness to the theme that really resonated with me.
Raen is a young merman who was supposed to find his soulmate during last year's 'great hunt' - an event where the merfolk tribes come together to hunt and bring offerings to their age old sea god (who seems to be a giant squid). Usually, a merperson (if that is the correct term?!) always finds their soulmate during the hunt, but to Raen's father's embarrassment, Raen's soulmate was not among the other tribes and in a desperate effort to impress his father, Raen got hurt badly by a shark and is now afraid to participate in another hunt.
Fascinated by the surface (which merfolk are forbidden to ever break) and feeling a strange draw, he swims a little too close to the shore and witnesses a guy drowning. Despite the rules forbidding any interference, Raen saves the man and gets punished by his cruel father to die at the hands (tentacles) of their sea god.
Only, the giant and ill-tempered squid decides to deny him the mercy of death and turns him into a human instead, so he can witness the cruelty of humans first hand.
Washed ashore on a remote island, Raen is picked up by the same human he saved previously, Steven, and realizes that the human is actually Raen's soul mate - and yet he is unable to communicate with him, because merfolk don't speak and don't have voices.
So, Raen tries his best to make Steven realize that he is in fact the guy who saved him without giving away the secrets of the merfolk. But most of all, he wonders if Steven feels the same pull of their soulmate bonding that Raen feels - and whether Steven will stick around to be with the younger man even though Steven is actually on vacation and needs to return to his home of 'London' at some point.
This story was seriously spectacular. I just wish that one scene had gone a bit differently...
Sadly, the story was barely able to save face for me after THAT, but I absolutely LOVED Raen. Everything about that guy was just perfect. His innocence, the way he tried to communicate with Steven despite not knowing many words of Steven's language and always trying to show his emotion through touches and smiles. Such a perfect and lovable merman character.
Sure, he had self-esteem issues, so many complexes (thanks to his dad...) and the way he put Steven on a pedestal despite what he said to him previously reminded me a bit of a person suffering from abuse in their relationship.
But I will gladly believe that these guys will be happy forever.
Oh yeah, and I am SO HAPPY that this story doesn't feature fishtails that turn into legs with the snap of a finger.
I definitely liked it a lot and Raen deserves all the praise for this story.
4 stars!
January 3, 2020
This was a sweet, sexy, well-written retelling of The Little Mermaid - I adored Raen and every little thing about him.
Raen is a young merman, about 21 in human years, and has yet to find a mate. He's a disappointment to his father, only more so when he does something he should not - save a drowning human man, Steven. Raen is banished from his home and loses his merman tail, but luckily Steven is there to save him.
I loved all the moments of Raen discovering the human world - food, clothing, seeing a sunset, hearing laughter, oh there are so many moments that are so tender and sweet watching him discover these things for the first time. Raen knows that he and Steven are mates, but he thinks that Steven doesn't feel the same. And Steven is worried about their age gap of 15/16 years, but he knows there is more to Raen than meets the eye.
I loved this story. There was only one thing that frustrated me - However, I get you gotta have some conflict to get to that HEA, and I loved the ending for these two.
Very sweet, and lovely story - my second book from this author I have really enjoyed! Gotta keep reading her stories!
Raen is a young merman, about 21 in human years, and has yet to find a mate. He's a disappointment to his father, only more so when he does something he should not - save a drowning human man, Steven. Raen is banished from his home and loses his merman tail, but luckily Steven is there to save him.
I loved all the moments of Raen discovering the human world - food, clothing, seeing a sunset, hearing laughter, oh there are so many moments that are so tender and sweet watching him discover these things for the first time. Raen knows that he and Steven are mates, but he thinks that Steven doesn't feel the same. And Steven is worried about their age gap of 15/16 years, but he knows there is more to Raen than meets the eye.
I loved this story. There was only one thing that frustrated me - However, I get you gotta have some conflict to get to that HEA, and I loved the ending for these two.
Very sweet, and lovely story - my second book from this author I have really enjoyed! Gotta keep reading her stories!
March 23, 2021
i was so excited to read this book because i've never actually read a little mermaid retelling, but this felt like a literal retelling of the little mermaid. swap out ariel for a dude and all of the relevant plot points for passionless sex and you have beyond the surface. which was so disappointing because i wanted this book to be so much more.
there was literally zero chemistry between the two mc's. raen's family (specifically the father) was abusive. i just finished the book today and i already can't remember the other mc's name... steven? yeah, steven was shallow and had no real backstory. what was mentioned of his backstory was just told, which doesn't make for a compelling story to make me give a crap about him. he seemed quick to jump into bed with raen, a young man who doesn't speak- and these were concerns steven voiced and just wrote off when raen shook his head and said he wanted him. and granted- consent is consent, but the way steven brought up these points as being so significant to him and then just wrote them off the next minute felt disingenuous.
i think my dislike of this book really came down to the characterization and my inability to connect with either of the mcs. it wasn't the story for me.
there was literally zero chemistry between the two mc's. raen's family (specifically the father) was abusive. i just finished the book today and i already can't remember the other mc's name... steven? yeah, steven was shallow and had no real backstory. what was mentioned of his backstory was just told, which doesn't make for a compelling story to make me give a crap about him. he seemed quick to jump into bed with raen, a young man who doesn't speak- and these were concerns steven voiced and just wrote off when raen shook his head and said he wanted him. and granted- consent is consent, but the way steven brought up these points as being so significant to him and then just wrote them off the next minute felt disingenuous.
i think my dislike of this book really came down to the characterization and my inability to connect with either of the mcs. it wasn't the story for me.
December 28, 2022
this was a cute easy read and could've possibly gotten a four stars had it been slightly longer and if we gotten more from the plot, but overall still cute.
October 3, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Beyond the Surface is a creative take on a Little Mermaid-style tale, and I had a good time with it. I’m into the paranormal worlds of shifters, but I’ve never read anything like this. Raen and his family aren’t shifters. They’re just…merfolk, and they’ve always existed. I was intrigued by the idea, so as soon as I saw it, I grabbed it up.
The story is interesting and compelling. There aren’t many people who haven’t read/seen the Little Mermaid, and this feels familiar, albeit darker. The chapters flow nicely. Everything is straight forward and nicely detailed, but it isn’t bogged down by too many tiny inclusions that don’t add anything to the book.
Both Raen and Steven have had traumatic events that shape their lives. Raen’s near death and Steven’s leukemia have defined them. This is why I got wrapped up in Beyond the Surface…they’re good for each other, offering comfort even though they’re not able to communicate by speaking. They’ve got incredible chemistry, and the pair is super sexy. I like the idea of them being so isolated. They have time to really learn about each other with no distractions.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Beyond the Surface is a creative take on a Little Mermaid-style tale, and I had a good time with it. I’m into the paranormal worlds of shifters, but I’ve never read anything like this. Raen and his family aren’t shifters. They’re just…merfolk, and they’ve always existed. I was intrigued by the idea, so as soon as I saw it, I grabbed it up.
The story is interesting and compelling. There aren’t many people who haven’t read/seen the Little Mermaid, and this feels familiar, albeit darker. The chapters flow nicely. Everything is straight forward and nicely detailed, but it isn’t bogged down by too many tiny inclusions that don’t add anything to the book.
Both Raen and Steven have had traumatic events that shape their lives. Raen’s near death and Steven’s leukemia have defined them. This is why I got wrapped up in Beyond the Surface…they’re good for each other, offering comfort even though they’re not able to communicate by speaking. They’ve got incredible chemistry, and the pair is super sexy. I like the idea of them being so isolated. They have time to really learn about each other with no distractions.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
September 30, 2019
I adored this sweet tale of a merman and his human mate!
Raen was never meant for the life under the sea. His future was always going to be different than his brother's and he was fine with that. But he never expected a human!
Steven, emotionally scarred from a painful health condition, has taken some time for himself. To rest, heal, and find his path again. When he's dropped off in the middle of nowhere by plane, he's got a week at a time by himself before he gets a delivery for the next week. After he's rescued by some unknown creature, his life becomes more and more interesting.
But when he fears the man he's spending his time with is a merman, he has some choices to make. And so does Raen.
The innocence and conviction that was Raen was just amazing. He literally knew nothing of the outside world, yet wanted to try, learn and know it all. And Steven was so giving and patient. And so unbelievably understanding.
If you are looking for a raw, sweet, engaging read with two fun, charming and witty MC's to steal your heart, look no further. This one is a gem.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted*
Raen was never meant for the life under the sea. His future was always going to be different than his brother's and he was fine with that. But he never expected a human!
Steven, emotionally scarred from a painful health condition, has taken some time for himself. To rest, heal, and find his path again. When he's dropped off in the middle of nowhere by plane, he's got a week at a time by himself before he gets a delivery for the next week. After he's rescued by some unknown creature, his life becomes more and more interesting.
But when he fears the man he's spending his time with is a merman, he has some choices to make. And so does Raen.
The innocence and conviction that was Raen was just amazing. He literally knew nothing of the outside world, yet wanted to try, learn and know it all. And Steven was so giving and patient. And so unbelievably understanding.
If you are looking for a raw, sweet, engaging read with two fun, charming and witty MC's to steal your heart, look no further. This one is a gem.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted*
September 23, 2019
Hard to believe you could loose everything by one unselfish act, but gain everything you have ever desired. After saving Steven's life Raen was banished from everything he had ever know and thrown into a world where he had to learn what is was like to be human. Together they explore the world around them as they learn about the love growing between them. It is a very fast reading book with just the right amount of fantasy, drawing you in making you wonder if how a long loving future is even possible between these two, it was totally impossible not to read it to the end to find out the answers to all your questions! What an absolutely enjoyable book by Colette Davison, another winner for me!
October 1, 2019
amazing.. sexy.. fun.. and interesting. it is so much fun and good.. i loved it.. this is my favorite by this author so far.. it is just so much fun to read and was really well written. very good and i cant wait to see if more comes of this series.
July 20, 2020
Super cute. Endearing. I love merman tropes. I liked Raen a lot. My only “one off” is how well they communicated, at times it was not very believable. I would have wanted to know what happens years down the future.
January 6, 2020
I love stories about merfolk and this one didn't disappoint!
April 20, 2020
Such a sweet delight.
This was slightly different from other Merman stories I have read, but in a good way. It is also one of those books that deserves a sequel.
This was slightly different from other Merman stories I have read, but in a good way. It is also one of those books that deserves a sequel.
September 27, 2019
Writing a review for 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 is one of those occasions I wish I had a better way with words,because I'm sure I won't be able to convey just how beautiful I think Steven and Raen's story really is.
Steven doesn't have a plan for his future after 5 years of fighting leukaemia and hopes that living alone on an island would help him figure out a new purpose in life. But he never would of imagined to find it in the mesmerizing eyes of Raen(Reef),the ethereal creature Steven discovers passed out on the beach.
The story is wonderfully sensorial,a lot of it focused on Raen's reactions to his environment, whether it's the deep see or the world above water. I love the way Colette Davison made it an incredibly vivid experience to see,touch and taste through Raen's experiences. I felt the cold of the deep under on his skin, and, once he wakes up in Steven's bed,his utter awe at every new contact, at the colors, the flavors, the sand under his feet,the wind,the sun...and most of all,Steven...
Because Raen suffered terribly and had to give up his life as he knew it for saving his mate's life. To me it was moving and sweet to see him "savor" Steven. Touch,taste and emotions. Wide eyed,heart crazily beating,immense appreciation of having the other half of his soul finally in his life,despite not being able to talk,to express everything he's going through.
Raen might not talk,but the two of them manage well enough to communicate, to learn from and about each other,to fall in love . And 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 becomes the heart-warming,delightful fairytale of the enduring mate bond between a land-dweller and a merman,of two souls that complete each other in the face of all adversities.
I hope many other readers will choose to read this book,because if not they would be missing out on a delightful, touching romance.
I loved it!
Steven doesn't have a plan for his future after 5 years of fighting leukaemia and hopes that living alone on an island would help him figure out a new purpose in life. But he never would of imagined to find it in the mesmerizing eyes of Raen(Reef),the ethereal creature Steven discovers passed out on the beach.
The story is wonderfully sensorial,a lot of it focused on Raen's reactions to his environment, whether it's the deep see or the world above water. I love the way Colette Davison made it an incredibly vivid experience to see,touch and taste through Raen's experiences. I felt the cold of the deep under on his skin, and, once he wakes up in Steven's bed,his utter awe at every new contact, at the colors, the flavors, the sand under his feet,the wind,the sun...and most of all,Steven...
Because Raen suffered terribly and had to give up his life as he knew it for saving his mate's life. To me it was moving and sweet to see him "savor" Steven. Touch,taste and emotions. Wide eyed,heart crazily beating,immense appreciation of having the other half of his soul finally in his life,despite not being able to talk,to express everything he's going through.
Raen might not talk,but the two of them manage well enough to communicate, to learn from and about each other,to fall in love . And 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 becomes the heart-warming,delightful fairytale of the enduring mate bond between a land-dweller and a merman,of two souls that complete each other in the face of all adversities.
I hope many other readers will choose to read this book,because if not they would be missing out on a delightful, touching romance.
I loved it!
September 29, 2019
Mermen.
I say it again - MERMEN!
Got it?! This book is about mermen!
YESSSS!
I love mermen books so much - althoug it was only the second one, but hey, I know I loved this genre when I first started Omega from the Ocean by Amy Bellows. And now, this book! Another love!
Steven and Raen's story was beautiful, I loved reading it, although I wanted more mermen scenes, but this way was good too. Raen was an interesting character I loved him and loved how strong he was.
The fated- mate thing was really cute, I love it when the MCs comes from different worlds and were raised different but they are fated, these are always awesome.
I love how Colette Davison writes, I can easily get lost in the story and I like every scene she writes. The romance and the erotica are good too, and the communication between Raen and Steven was unique. I thought Raen will learn to speak, but the sign language is good too. And I hoped for some fated-mate secret communication...but there wasn't.
The story was well written, the characters were lovely, the world building was good, and I really liked reading it.
Highly recommend it if you like mermen books or you're new to this, either way, this is a good choice to read!
I say it again - MERMEN!
Got it?! This book is about mermen!
YESSSS!
I love mermen books so much - althoug it was only the second one, but hey, I know I loved this genre when I first started Omega from the Ocean by Amy Bellows. And now, this book! Another love!
Steven and Raen's story was beautiful, I loved reading it, although I wanted more mermen scenes, but this way was good too. Raen was an interesting character I loved him and loved how strong he was.
The fated- mate thing was really cute, I love it when the MCs comes from different worlds and were raised different but they are fated, these are always awesome.
I love how Colette Davison writes, I can easily get lost in the story and I like every scene she writes. The romance and the erotica are good too, and the communication between Raen and Steven was unique. I thought Raen will learn to speak, but the sign language is good too. And I hoped for some fated-mate secret communication...but there wasn't.
The story was well written, the characters were lovely, the world building was good, and I really liked reading it.
Highly recommend it if you like mermen books or you're new to this, either way, this is a good choice to read!
September 25, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Raen, who thought he missed the chance to meet his mate, saves a human, Steven, although he will get banished for doing so. He's torn between what he's been taught and saving this human before he drowns. And by saving Steven, Raen finds what he's been looking for all along. This is a sweet read with destined mates, great relationship development, and a lovely ending. Highly recommended!!
January 5, 2020
Sweet story. I will try and review later when I don’t have a borderline migraine.
January 14, 2020
I’m finally out of my reading slump and this was a very cute and a light book to start with!
October 20, 2019
Raen disappointed his father for the first time, when during his first hunt instead of finding his fated mate, he almost lost his life due to excessive bravado. Since then, he's afraid to take part in another hunt, which drives his father mad. However, the straw that broke the camel's back turns out to be the moment when Raen breaks the merfolk's rules and saves a drowning land-dweller, a man who, as it seems, is his fated mate. At that moment, Raen loses everything that is dear to him. Is Steven worth the sacrifice, or is he just like the land-dwellers from stories told by creatures living in the ocean?
I want to be honest with you from the very beginning of this review, so believe me when I say that "Beyond the Surface" by Colette Davison is simply a wonderful novel. Without the slightest difficulty, we can find countless advantages of this book. However, let me write a few words about a few selected ones that I consider most important. The first of them is undoubtedly the plot. To some extent, it may resemble "Little Mermaid", but it should be noted that "Beyond the Surface" is not only much better and more interesting than the mentioned tale, but also more serious, deep and sweet. It seems important to me that the author didn't forget to clearly outline the image of Raen's family relations and the culture of merfolk, combining descriptions and action in perfect proportions. What's more, also focusing on building the relationship between Raen and Steven, Colette Davison sets everything in motion. Reading "Beyond the Surface", we can therefore forget about passiveness, as this novel comes to life as soon as we start reading it.
In my opinion, the fact that the author placed great emphasis on the main characters' relationship, on getting to know each other, is also extremely important in this novel. Raen and Steven are fated mates, so their feelings for each other awaken in the blink of an eye, but they both approach them with some caution, uncertainty, and even distrust for various reasons. So we can say that before the characters agree with their inner voice, which tells them only positive things about the other person, they must make sure that this opinion is true. Thanks to all this, we see how true, beautiful love is built on the basis of feelings resulting from the fated mates status. Thus, in "Beyond the Surface" we don't see the feelings based on the principle: I love you because I love you. In this novel there is love saying: I love you, I love your smile, your kind heart, your gentleness etc. etc. And that is really beautiful.
Another advantage of Colette Davison's novel are naturally the characters. And in this case not only the main ones but also the side ones, both protagonists and antagonists, deserve our attention. Why? Because they are all very expressive, even if they appear in "Beyond the Surface" only for a moment. They are not the background of this story, they are not "filling the holes", but for the most part they bring something important to this novel, and thus help build this story, its world, families and relationships. Each of the characters appearing in this book has a role to play, which is like a jigsaw puzzle we put together using other similar pieces to finally create a beautiful, wonderful whole, which is "Beyond the Surface". In this novel, it is not important whether the side characters stand on the right or wrong side, whether we like or dislike them. What really matters is what they give this novel. Well, I admit, the fact that Raen and Steven are just wonderful and we fall in love with them immediately is an additional advantage.
Reviewing "Beyond the Surface" I would also like to write a few words about emotions, as the story presented in this novel can boast of their wide range. Although the positive ones come to the fore, there are also those closely related to the dramatic events that take place before our eyes, as well as those that took place in the past and still hunt the main characters. Thus, "Beyond the Surface" is a bittersweet story that doesn't focus only on love and happiness, but goes further and deeper, touching the topic of trust, fear, courage, internal pain, frustration. I can go on and on, but it's best if you read this book yourself and check how many emotions and feelings the author managed to present in this book.
To sum up, "Beyond the Surface" is a wonderful, beautiful and truly magical novel. We find here an addictive story, great characters, vivid emotions, romantic love and unforgettable experiences. I recommend it with all my heart and I assure you that you will fall head over heels in love with it! This is one of the best novels I've read recently.
__________________________
Raen rozczarował ojca po raz pierwszy, kiedy podczas swojego pierwszego polowania zamiast znaleźć przeznaczonego sobie przez los partnera, niemal stracił życie z powodu nadmiernej brawury. Od tamtego czasu boi się wyruszyć na kolejne polowanie, co doprowadza jego ojca do wściekłości. Kroplą, która przelewa czarę goryczy okazuje się jednak moment, w którym Raen łamie prawo swojego ludu, aby uratować tonącego mieszkańca lądu, mężczyznę, który, jak wszystko na to wskazuje, jest mu przeznaczony. W tamtej chwili Raen traci wszystko, co do tej pory było mu drogie. Czy Steven wart był takiego poświęcenia, czy może jest taki, jak mieszkańcy lądu z krążących w świecie pod powierzchnią oceanu opowieści?
Będę szczera, „Beyond the Surface” autorstwa Colette Davison to powieść po prostu wspaniała. Bez najmniejszego problemu znajdziemy tu niezliczenie wiele zalet. Ja pozwolę sobie jednak napisać kilka słów na temat kilku wybranych, które uważam za najważniejsze. Pierwszą z nich jest niewątpliwie fabuła. Do pewnego stopnia może nam się ona czasami kojarzyć z „Małą Syrenką”, jednak należy zauważyć, że „Beyond the Surface” jest nie tylko o wiele lepsze i bardziej interesujące od wspomnianej bajki, ale także bardziej poważne, głębokie oraz słodkie. Istotnym wydaje mi się to, że autorka nie zapomniała bardzo wyraźnie nakreślić obrazu relacji rodzinnych Raena oraz kultury jego gatunku, łącząc ze sobą w idealnych proporcjach opisy oraz akcję. Co więcej, także skupiając się na budowie relacji między Raenem i Stevenem Colette Davison wprawia wszystko w ruch. Czytając „Beyond the Surface” możemy więc zapomnieć o jakiejkolwiek bierności, ponieważ ta powieść ożywa, gdy tylko zaczynamy ją czytać.
Niesamowicie istotny wydaje mi się w tej powieści także fakt, iż autorka położyła bardzo duży nacisk na poznanie się głównych bohaterów. Raen i Steven są przeznaczonymi sobie przez los partnerami, tak więc ich uczucia względem siebie nawzajem pojawiają się w mgnieniu oka, a jednak obaj z różnych przyczyn podchodzą do nich z pewną dozą ostrożności, niepewności, a nawet nieufności. Możemy więc powiedzieć, że zanim bohaterowie zgodzą się ze swoim wewnętrznym głosem, który z góry ocenia tę drugą osobę pozytywnie, najpierw muszą upewnić się, co do prawdziwości tej opinii. Dzięki temu obserwujemy jak na gruncie uczuć wynikających z bycia wybranym przez los partnerem budowana jest prawdziwa, piękna miłość. Tym samym, w „Beyond the Surface” nie mamy do czynienia z uczuciami na zasadzie: kocham cię, ponieważ cię kocham. W tej powieści pojawia się miłość mówiąca: kocham cię, kocham twój uśmiech, twoją troskliwość, twoją łagodność itp. itd. I właśnie to jest piękne.
Kolejną zaletą powieści Colette Davison są naturalnie bohaterowie. I w tym wypadku na uwagę zasługują nie tylko ci główni, ale także poboczni, zarówno protagoniści, jak i antagoniści. Dlaczego? Ponieważ wszyscy oni są bardzo wyraziści, nawet jeśli pojawiają się w „Beyond the Surface” zaledwie na chwilę. Nie stanowią oni tła tej historii, nie są zwykłą „zapchaj-dziur��”, ale w większości wnoszą do tej powieści coś istotnego, a więc pomagają w budowie tej historii, jej świata, rodziny, relacji. Każdy z pojawiających się tutaj bohaterów ma do odegrania pewną istotną rolę, która jest niczym puzzel łączący się z innym, aby na końcu utworzyć piękną, cudowną całość, jaką jest „Beyond the Surface”. W przypadku tej powieści nie jest więc istotne, czy bohaterowie poboczni stoją po dobrej, czy złej stronie, czy wzbudzają w nas sympatię, czy niechęć. Tak naprawdę liczy się to, co dzięki nim zyskuje ta powieść. No dobrze, przyznaję, fakt, iż Raen i Steven są po prostu cudowni i od razu się w nich zakochujemy jest dodatkowym atutem.
Recenzując „Beyond the Surface” chciałabym wspomnieć także o emocjach, jako że przedstawiona w tej powieści historia może pochwalić się ich szerokim wachlarzem. Chociaż na pierwszy plan wysuwają się te pozytywne, to jednak nie brakuje tu także tych związanych ściśle z dramatycznymi wydarzeniami, które rozgrywają się na naszych oczach, oraz tymi, które miały miejsce w przeszłości, a które nadal spędzają sen z powiek naszym głównym bohaterom. Tym samym, „Beyond the Surface” jest historią słodko-gorzką, która nie skupia się wyłącznie na miłości i szczęściu, ale sięga dalej i głębiej, odnosząc się do zaufania, strachu, odwagi, wewnętrznego bólu, frustracji. Wymieniać można dalej, ale najlepiej będzie, jeśli sami sięgniecie po tę książkę i sprawdzicie jak wiele emocji i uczuć udało się przedstawić autorce.
Podsumowując, „Beyond the Surface” to powieść ze wszech miar cudowna, przepiękna i prawdziwie magiczna. To także wciągająca historia, wspaniali bohaterowie, żywe emocje, romantyczna miłość i niezapomniane przeżycia. Polecam ją z całego serca i zapewniam, że zakochacie się w niej do szaleństwa! To jedna z najlepszych powieści, jakie ostatnio czytałam.
I want to be honest with you from the very beginning of this review, so believe me when I say that "Beyond the Surface" by Colette Davison is simply a wonderful novel. Without the slightest difficulty, we can find countless advantages of this book. However, let me write a few words about a few selected ones that I consider most important. The first of them is undoubtedly the plot. To some extent, it may resemble "Little Mermaid", but it should be noted that "Beyond the Surface" is not only much better and more interesting than the mentioned tale, but also more serious, deep and sweet. It seems important to me that the author didn't forget to clearly outline the image of Raen's family relations and the culture of merfolk, combining descriptions and action in perfect proportions. What's more, also focusing on building the relationship between Raen and Steven, Colette Davison sets everything in motion. Reading "Beyond the Surface", we can therefore forget about passiveness, as this novel comes to life as soon as we start reading it.
In my opinion, the fact that the author placed great emphasis on the main characters' relationship, on getting to know each other, is also extremely important in this novel. Raen and Steven are fated mates, so their feelings for each other awaken in the blink of an eye, but they both approach them with some caution, uncertainty, and even distrust for various reasons. So we can say that before the characters agree with their inner voice, which tells them only positive things about the other person, they must make sure that this opinion is true. Thanks to all this, we see how true, beautiful love is built on the basis of feelings resulting from the fated mates status. Thus, in "Beyond the Surface" we don't see the feelings based on the principle: I love you because I love you. In this novel there is love saying: I love you, I love your smile, your kind heart, your gentleness etc. etc. And that is really beautiful.
Another advantage of Colette Davison's novel are naturally the characters. And in this case not only the main ones but also the side ones, both protagonists and antagonists, deserve our attention. Why? Because they are all very expressive, even if they appear in "Beyond the Surface" only for a moment. They are not the background of this story, they are not "filling the holes", but for the most part they bring something important to this novel, and thus help build this story, its world, families and relationships. Each of the characters appearing in this book has a role to play, which is like a jigsaw puzzle we put together using other similar pieces to finally create a beautiful, wonderful whole, which is "Beyond the Surface". In this novel, it is not important whether the side characters stand on the right or wrong side, whether we like or dislike them. What really matters is what they give this novel. Well, I admit, the fact that Raen and Steven are just wonderful and we fall in love with them immediately is an additional advantage.
Reviewing "Beyond the Surface" I would also like to write a few words about emotions, as the story presented in this novel can boast of their wide range. Although the positive ones come to the fore, there are also those closely related to the dramatic events that take place before our eyes, as well as those that took place in the past and still hunt the main characters. Thus, "Beyond the Surface" is a bittersweet story that doesn't focus only on love and happiness, but goes further and deeper, touching the topic of trust, fear, courage, internal pain, frustration. I can go on and on, but it's best if you read this book yourself and check how many emotions and feelings the author managed to present in this book.
To sum up, "Beyond the Surface" is a wonderful, beautiful and truly magical novel. We find here an addictive story, great characters, vivid emotions, romantic love and unforgettable experiences. I recommend it with all my heart and I assure you that you will fall head over heels in love with it! This is one of the best novels I've read recently.
__________________________
Raen rozczarował ojca po raz pierwszy, kiedy podczas swojego pierwszego polowania zamiast znaleźć przeznaczonego sobie przez los partnera, niemal stracił życie z powodu nadmiernej brawury. Od tamtego czasu boi się wyruszyć na kolejne polowanie, co doprowadza jego ojca do wściekłości. Kroplą, która przelewa czarę goryczy okazuje się jednak moment, w którym Raen łamie prawo swojego ludu, aby uratować tonącego mieszkańca lądu, mężczyznę, który, jak wszystko na to wskazuje, jest mu przeznaczony. W tamtej chwili Raen traci wszystko, co do tej pory było mu drogie. Czy Steven wart był takiego poświęcenia, czy może jest taki, jak mieszkańcy lądu z krążących w świecie pod powierzchnią oceanu opowieści?
Będę szczera, „Beyond the Surface” autorstwa Colette Davison to powieść po prostu wspaniała. Bez najmniejszego problemu znajdziemy tu niezliczenie wiele zalet. Ja pozwolę sobie jednak napisać kilka słów na temat kilku wybranych, które uważam za najważniejsze. Pierwszą z nich jest niewątpliwie fabuła. Do pewnego stopnia może nam się ona czasami kojarzyć z „Małą Syrenką”, jednak należy zauważyć, że „Beyond the Surface” jest nie tylko o wiele lepsze i bardziej interesujące od wspomnianej bajki, ale także bardziej poważne, głębokie oraz słodkie. Istotnym wydaje mi się to, że autorka nie zapomniała bardzo wyraźnie nakreślić obrazu relacji rodzinnych Raena oraz kultury jego gatunku, łącząc ze sobą w idealnych proporcjach opisy oraz akcję. Co więcej, także skupiając się na budowie relacji między Raenem i Stevenem Colette Davison wprawia wszystko w ruch. Czytając „Beyond the Surface” możemy więc zapomnieć o jakiejkolwiek bierności, ponieważ ta powieść ożywa, gdy tylko zaczynamy ją czytać.
Niesamowicie istotny wydaje mi się w tej powieści także fakt, iż autorka położyła bardzo duży nacisk na poznanie się głównych bohaterów. Raen i Steven są przeznaczonymi sobie przez los partnerami, tak więc ich uczucia względem siebie nawzajem pojawiają się w mgnieniu oka, a jednak obaj z różnych przyczyn podchodzą do nich z pewną dozą ostrożności, niepewności, a nawet nieufności. Możemy więc powiedzieć, że zanim bohaterowie zgodzą się ze swoim wewnętrznym głosem, który z góry ocenia tę drugą osobę pozytywnie, najpierw muszą upewnić się, co do prawdziwości tej opinii. Dzięki temu obserwujemy jak na gruncie uczuć wynikających z bycia wybranym przez los partnerem budowana jest prawdziwa, piękna miłość. Tym samym, w „Beyond the Surface” nie mamy do czynienia z uczuciami na zasadzie: kocham cię, ponieważ cię kocham. W tej powieści pojawia się miłość mówiąca: kocham cię, kocham twój uśmiech, twoją troskliwość, twoją łagodność itp. itd. I właśnie to jest piękne.
Kolejną zaletą powieści Colette Davison są naturalnie bohaterowie. I w tym wypadku na uwagę zasługują nie tylko ci główni, ale także poboczni, zarówno protagoniści, jak i antagoniści. Dlaczego? Ponieważ wszyscy oni są bardzo wyraziści, nawet jeśli pojawiają się w „Beyond the Surface” zaledwie na chwilę. Nie stanowią oni tła tej historii, nie są zwykłą „zapchaj-dziur��”, ale w większości wnoszą do tej powieści coś istotnego, a więc pomagają w budowie tej historii, jej świata, rodziny, relacji. Każdy z pojawiających się tutaj bohaterów ma do odegrania pewną istotną rolę, która jest niczym puzzel łączący się z innym, aby na końcu utworzyć piękną, cudowną całość, jaką jest „Beyond the Surface”. W przypadku tej powieści nie jest więc istotne, czy bohaterowie poboczni stoją po dobrej, czy złej stronie, czy wzbudzają w nas sympatię, czy niechęć. Tak naprawdę liczy się to, co dzięki nim zyskuje ta powieść. No dobrze, przyznaję, fakt, iż Raen i Steven są po prostu cudowni i od razu się w nich zakochujemy jest dodatkowym atutem.
Recenzując „Beyond the Surface” chciałabym wspomnieć także o emocjach, jako że przedstawiona w tej powieści historia może pochwalić się ich szerokim wachlarzem. Chociaż na pierwszy plan wysuwają się te pozytywne, to jednak nie brakuje tu także tych związanych ściśle z dramatycznymi wydarzeniami, które rozgrywają się na naszych oczach, oraz tymi, które miały miejsce w przeszłości, a które nadal spędzają sen z powiek naszym głównym bohaterom. Tym samym, „Beyond the Surface” jest historią słodko-gorzką, która nie skupia się wyłącznie na miłości i szczęściu, ale sięga dalej i głębiej, odnosząc się do zaufania, strachu, odwagi, wewnętrznego bólu, frustracji. Wymieniać można dalej, ale najlepiej będzie, jeśli sami sięgniecie po tę książkę i sprawdzicie jak wiele emocji i uczuć udało się przedstawić autorce.
Podsumowując, „Beyond the Surface” to powieść ze wszech miar cudowna, przepiękna i prawdziwie magiczna. To także wciągająca historia, wspaniali bohaterowie, żywe emocje, romantyczna miłość i niezapomniane przeżycia. Polecam ją z całego serca i zapewniam, że zakochacie się w niej do szaleństwa! To jedna z najlepszych powieści, jakie ostatnio czytałam.
July 2, 2023
Oh man, I loved this!!
This was such a beautiful retelling of the Little Mermaid. The pacing seemed perfect for me, with the initial dive into action and then becoming slower when Raen was granted legs and became human. I loved how sweet and careful Steven was with teaching Raen about the human world, even when he had no idea that Raen was actually a merman. Their love and connection, even though fated and pulled by a supernatural force, still felt to natural! That is the best kind of soul mates story, in my opinion.
The last act of the story had me so hard!! Even when I wasn't reading, I just COULDN'T stop thinking about this book. I was so desperate to find out what would happen next, and how they would get their happy ending. Needless to say, I greatly enjoyed this whole journey 😍💕💖
This was such a beautiful retelling of the Little Mermaid. The pacing seemed perfect for me, with the initial dive into action and then becoming slower when Raen was granted legs and became human. I loved how sweet and careful Steven was with teaching Raen about the human world, even when he had no idea that Raen was actually a merman. Their love and connection, even though fated and pulled by a supernatural force, still felt to natural! That is the best kind of soul mates story, in my opinion.
The last act of the story had me so hard!! Even when I wasn't reading, I just COULDN'T stop thinking about this book. I was so desperate to find out what would happen next, and how they would get their happy ending. Needless to say, I greatly enjoyed this whole journey 😍💕💖
October 10, 2019
I picked this new release from Colette Davison cause I’m a huge fan of the Little Mermaid since I was a baby, I still preserve the videotape of the Disney edition. Plus I’m a little obsessed with mermen stories in the mm genre. Beyond the Surface was a lovely surprise, I enjoyed it a lot.
I particularly appreciated the main characters, both Raen and Steven seemed to me very real; sure Raen is not human, but in his merfolk world he has gone through some hard time, like some of us he feels different, his father is angry with Raen and his choices, until he sadly becomes abusive. Steven instead decides to take some time for himself on an uninhabited island, after having fight for his life and finally having defeated a leukemia, he’s with no house and no job, he needs to understand what to do next.
The two men are destined to be together and so from the moment they meet, the attraction is strong. The novel is sweet and sexy, there are some very hot scenes, others are a little more dark, still the story has a light tone.
Beyond the Surface was a success to me for different reasons, first of all I loved the author style, the book is so well written my reading flew easily, the plot is interesting especially cause it carries some of my favorite tropes: age gap, mermen, insta lust/love, damaged (just a little in this case) characters. I will surely look out for more releases from Colette Davison, meanwhile you can give this one a chance, you’ won’t be disappointed.
I’ll be honest, I don’t like the style of the cover art by Bramasta Aji.
I particularly appreciated the main characters, both Raen and Steven seemed to me very real; sure Raen is not human, but in his merfolk world he has gone through some hard time, like some of us he feels different, his father is angry with Raen and his choices, until he sadly becomes abusive. Steven instead decides to take some time for himself on an uninhabited island, after having fight for his life and finally having defeated a leukemia, he’s with no house and no job, he needs to understand what to do next.
The two men are destined to be together and so from the moment they meet, the attraction is strong. The novel is sweet and sexy, there are some very hot scenes, others are a little more dark, still the story has a light tone.
Beyond the Surface was a success to me for different reasons, first of all I loved the author style, the book is so well written my reading flew easily, the plot is interesting especially cause it carries some of my favorite tropes: age gap, mermen, insta lust/love, damaged (just a little in this case) characters. I will surely look out for more releases from Colette Davison, meanwhile you can give this one a chance, you’ won’t be disappointed.
I’ll be honest, I don’t like the style of the cover art by Bramasta Aji.
October 5, 2019
A fish out of water tale. No, honestly, this is a literal fish out of water tale. When Raen finally finds his mate, his mate is drowning, and male, and human. To save him Raen breaks the Merman laws and is banished from the ocean. This story is beautifully written in a very sensory and sensual way, with Raen unable to speak, so much communication is carried out by touch. As such you can understand that when the conflict comes it is at part a miscommunication/overreaction and at part Raen's lack of worth within himself that causes the issue. Luckily Stephen doesn't give up on his merman quite so easily.
Loses half a star for use of the word 'clean' in a discussion about sexual health. It's 2019, chaps, I thought we'd discussed this 5 years ago.
An excellent paranormal love story with fated mates, an age gap (15 years), real communication issues (merpeople have no vocal cords) and an endearing couple. Recommended.
Loses half a star for use of the word 'clean' in a discussion about sexual health. It's 2019, chaps, I thought we'd discussed this 5 years ago.
An excellent paranormal love story with fated mates, an age gap (15 years), real communication issues (merpeople have no vocal cords) and an endearing couple. Recommended.
September 30, 2019
This beautiful story is as much about the sometimes fragile bonds of family as it is about the power of love. These two men have stolen my heart. I read this book in almost one sitting because I had to know how it would all play out. Right now. I’m intrigued by the way merman society works. I want to know the whole story, every detail about every person or merman mentioned. This wonderful book has many delicious tropes: Age-gap, different species, sweet insta-love, fated mates, danger, sizzling passion, and a getting-to-know-you story unlike any other.
October 5, 2019
BEAUTIFUL FANTASTICAL ROMANCE
This is a beautiful story. Colette Davison is a FANTASTIC Author, who is working to spread her romance wings. This is an EXTRAORDINARY story. Raen is a merman who saved a humans life. Steven alone on a deserted island fell out of his row boat trying to fish. This is a fantastical romance that is truly beautiful and different. This is an enjoyable story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
This is a beautiful story. Colette Davison is a FANTASTIC Author, who is working to spread her romance wings. This is an EXTRAORDINARY story. Raen is a merman who saved a humans life. Steven alone on a deserted island fell out of his row boat trying to fish. This is a fantastical romance that is truly beautiful and different. This is an enjoyable story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
March 23, 2021
Loved it, a perfect retelling of the Little Mermaid, a good thing there wasn’t much dwelling on the negativity of Raen’s father. A lot of romance between the two MCs, with a pinch of angst enough for balance. If there’s a book 2 with a different character, I’d be on board for that. I was rooting for their HEA long before that last page.
I’m definitely checking out Colette Davison’s other books.
I’m definitely checking out Colette Davison’s other books.
September 24, 2019
Beyond The Surface by Colette Davison is a Paranormal mm romance with a fated mate and age gap aspect. Raen and Steven are great characters and their story is entertaining, sweet and satisfying Definitely kept me reading.
May 11, 2021
gay merman romance was not a genre i knew i needed in my life, but, man, am i glad it exists nn.
this is not a perfect story by any means, but it's (mostly) sweet and i really enjoyed reading it for the most part.
this is not a perfect story by any means, but it's (mostly) sweet and i really enjoyed reading it for the most part.
March 26, 2021
It was a cute story! I loved reading a mer story again (I need to read more of those lol)! 🧜♂️ it was well written and I loved the 2 POV! It was well paced with some very emotional scenes and I loved the descriptions I could really envision the gorgeous sea world oh and don’t forget he painted tails 😍 It was however a bit of a simple plot, I feel like if the story had been a bit longer some layers could’ve been added.
October 2, 2019
FR- Alors alors… alors j’ai énormément aimé ce roman. J’aime les réécriture de conte, et particulièrement celles de la Petite Sirène. Alors certes, on est plus proche de la version Disney que de la version Andersen mais après tout, il s’agit là d’une romance alors on garde la Happy End.
Le roman commence du point de vu de Raen et cela permet à l’auteure de poser les bases de son univers. On en apprend énormément en peu de temps sur le monde dont Raen est originaire et on en découvre les règles essentielles. J’ai beaucoup aimé la relation de Raen avec ses frères ainsi que cette immersion dans ce monde sous marin.
Les chapitres alternent ensuite entre le point de vue de Raen et celui de Steven. J’ai aimé découvrir Steven qui est un personnage très profond. J’ai aimé son rapport à sa maladie et toutes les conséquences que cette dernière a pu avoir sur sa vie. J’ai aimé la façon dont les deux personnages vont faire connaissance et vont apprendre à se connaitre malgré les difficultés de compréhension. J’ai aimé la façon dont l’auteure nous propose la rencontre de deux univers, de deux cultures et la belle histoire d’amour qui en découle.
Raen a un coté très innocent mais une grande faculté d’adaptation et face à lui, Steven va plutôt se laisser porter par les événements et s’ouvrir petit à petit à Raen et ses mystères.
Colette Davison nous livre ici une très jolie réécriture de La Petite Sirène, avec des clins d’œil discrets à la version Disney mais un univers totalement nouveau et original. Des personnages très attachants et une romance poignante. Sa plume est toujours aussi forte et juste et j’ai retrouvé tout ce que j’aime dans ses romans, à savoir des personnages justes, une romance forte et des scenes de sexe rares mais torrides. En résumé un roman qui vous fera passer un très très bon moment.
ENG- So well well well… well I really loved this novel. I like fairytales rewriting, especially those of the Little Mermaid. So, of course, we’re closer to the Disney version than the Andersen’s one but after all, this is a romance so we stick to the Happy End.
The novel begins with the point of view of Raen and this allows the author to lay the foundations of his universe. We learn a lot in a short time about the world from which Raen is a native and we discover the essential rules. I really liked Raen’s relationship with his brothers and this immersion in this underwater world.
The chapters then alternate between Raen’s and Steven’s point of view. I liked to discover Steven who is a very deep character. I liked the way he dealt with his illness and all the consequences that it has had on his life. I liked the way the two characters will get to know each other despite the difficulties of understanding. I liked the way the author proposes the meeting of two worlds, two cultures and the beautiful love story that follows.
Raen has a very innocent side but a great faculty of adaptation and in front of him, Steven will rather be carried by the events and open little by little to Raen and its mysteries.
Colette Davison gives us here a very nice rewriting of The Little Mermaid, with discreet winks to the Disney version but a totally new and original universe. Very endearing characters and a poignant romance. Her pen is still as strong and accurate and I found everything I like in her novels, namely true characters, a strong romance and sex scenes rare but hot. In summary a novel that will make you have a very good time.
Le roman commence du point de vu de Raen et cela permet à l’auteure de poser les bases de son univers. On en apprend énormément en peu de temps sur le monde dont Raen est originaire et on en découvre les règles essentielles. J’ai beaucoup aimé la relation de Raen avec ses frères ainsi que cette immersion dans ce monde sous marin.
Les chapitres alternent ensuite entre le point de vue de Raen et celui de Steven. J’ai aimé découvrir Steven qui est un personnage très profond. J’ai aimé son rapport à sa maladie et toutes les conséquences que cette dernière a pu avoir sur sa vie. J’ai aimé la façon dont les deux personnages vont faire connaissance et vont apprendre à se connaitre malgré les difficultés de compréhension. J’ai aimé la façon dont l’auteure nous propose la rencontre de deux univers, de deux cultures et la belle histoire d’amour qui en découle.
Raen a un coté très innocent mais une grande faculté d’adaptation et face à lui, Steven va plutôt se laisser porter par les événements et s’ouvrir petit à petit à Raen et ses mystères.
Colette Davison nous livre ici une très jolie réécriture de La Petite Sirène, avec des clins d’œil discrets à la version Disney mais un univers totalement nouveau et original. Des personnages très attachants et une romance poignante. Sa plume est toujours aussi forte et juste et j’ai retrouvé tout ce que j’aime dans ses romans, à savoir des personnages justes, une romance forte et des scenes de sexe rares mais torrides. En résumé un roman qui vous fera passer un très très bon moment.
ENG- So well well well… well I really loved this novel. I like fairytales rewriting, especially those of the Little Mermaid. So, of course, we’re closer to the Disney version than the Andersen’s one but after all, this is a romance so we stick to the Happy End.
The novel begins with the point of view of Raen and this allows the author to lay the foundations of his universe. We learn a lot in a short time about the world from which Raen is a native and we discover the essential rules. I really liked Raen’s relationship with his brothers and this immersion in this underwater world.
The chapters then alternate between Raen’s and Steven’s point of view. I liked to discover Steven who is a very deep character. I liked the way he dealt with his illness and all the consequences that it has had on his life. I liked the way the two characters will get to know each other despite the difficulties of understanding. I liked the way the author proposes the meeting of two worlds, two cultures and the beautiful love story that follows.
Raen has a very innocent side but a great faculty of adaptation and in front of him, Steven will rather be carried by the events and open little by little to Raen and its mysteries.
Colette Davison gives us here a very nice rewriting of The Little Mermaid, with discreet winks to the Disney version but a totally new and original universe. Very endearing characters and a poignant romance. Her pen is still as strong and accurate and I found everything I like in her novels, namely true characters, a strong romance and sex scenes rare but hot. In summary a novel that will make you have a very good time.
October 2, 2019
I’ll get straight to the review since you’ve read the blurb. First, this book is aptly named, and after reading the book, I LOVE the title. Not that I didn’t love the title beforehand, but reading the book makes the title all the more special.
The romance is very sweet, but intense, and quite steamy. Since this is my first merman story, I enjoyed reading about the culture of the merfolk. The author gives a wonderful explanation of family, kinship, rules, and even a powerful tentacle-like woman who rules the merfolk. The story seemed part fairy tale and part contemporary romance. Wonderfully done.
As for the underwater scenes, I swear the author is a scuba diver, because the descriptions were so vivid and powerful. I could see everything she painted for me: the light coming into the water, the fish, the kelp, the merfolk swimming together, the father confronting the son. Bravo.
As for the two heroes, both are extremely likeable and sympathetic. You root for them. Steven is a cute redhead overcoming his battle with leukemia, determined to re-establish himself. His need to “get away” is well grounded. As for Raen, he is in search of his fated mate, and he questions the rules the merfolk must follow. I liked this about him—that he dares to challenge the powerful woman of the sea who rules over them with an iron fist. I even loved the explanation why she behaved the way she did.
The plot is well executed from start to finish. Everything works together brilliantly. This is my first time reading one of Ms. Davison’s work, and she does a great job of presenting a story that is so believable between a human and a merma
The romance is very sweet, but intense, and quite steamy. Since this is my first merman story, I enjoyed reading about the culture of the merfolk. The author gives a wonderful explanation of family, kinship, rules, and even a powerful tentacle-like woman who rules the merfolk. The story seemed part fairy tale and part contemporary romance. Wonderfully done.
As for the underwater scenes, I swear the author is a scuba diver, because the descriptions were so vivid and powerful. I could see everything she painted for me: the light coming into the water, the fish, the kelp, the merfolk swimming together, the father confronting the son. Bravo.
As for the two heroes, both are extremely likeable and sympathetic. You root for them. Steven is a cute redhead overcoming his battle with leukemia, determined to re-establish himself. His need to “get away” is well grounded. As for Raen, he is in search of his fated mate, and he questions the rules the merfolk must follow. I liked this about him—that he dares to challenge the powerful woman of the sea who rules over them with an iron fist. I even loved the explanation why she behaved the way she did.
The plot is well executed from start to finish. Everything works together brilliantly. This is my first time reading one of Ms. Davison’s work, and she does a great job of presenting a story that is so believable between a human and a merma
September 29, 2019
When I heard Colette Davison was coming out with a paranormal romance, including merfolk, I knew I had to read it. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop, I loved it. I really loved Raen and his brothers (well most of them), and I liked Raen with Steven. This is an insta-love story, so if you don’t like reading them or aren’t a fan of them, this won’t be for you. “Beyond the Surface” is a sweet fairytale story with a touch of angst and a lot of touching (you’ll see). It was so nice to see Raen and Steven get everything they ever wanted. I do wish we had gotten more when it came to Raen’s brothers, Taron and Aenon. I can’t wait for more either in this world or just another paranormal by Ms Davison. If you like stories with merfolks and fated mates, give this one a try.
I give this book 4 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I give this book 4 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
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