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Surfacing
Luke was born ordinary—born human—but now he’s something else. Every day is a struggle to accept his new reality. Freedom is a distant memory. Then a wolf appears, staring at him from the other side of his tank, and everything changes.
Red has done his best to ignore what’s happening in the world with the single-mindedness of an alpha. Until he comes face to face with a man in a tank who is far from human. Freeing Luke isn’t an act of mercy; he’s a means to an end, a bargaining chip. After all, there’s no place for a merman in a wolf pack. And Eden, the safe haven Luke is searching for, is nothing more than rumor. But handing Luke back to the humans who made him is far harder than Red ever imagined.
Just when Luke thinks life will never be more than a lonely prison, Red makes him a promise: safety, and a second chance at life. He’s not ready to believe him. But then, in the midst of searching for Red’s stolen sister, they find something unexpected. And now it’s not just their own lives they’re fighting for. It's family.
Surfacing is the first book of the Wolf Born trilogy. It’s a m/m shifter romance, featuring babies (no mpreg), helicopter rides, and, as always, a happy ending. There are some dark themes and scenes, in particular drowning/being held under water. Surfacing is not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.
Red has done his best to ignore what’s happening in the world with the single-mindedness of an alpha. Until he comes face to face with a man in a tank who is far from human. Freeing Luke isn’t an act of mercy; he’s a means to an end, a bargaining chip. After all, there’s no place for a merman in a wolf pack. And Eden, the safe haven Luke is searching for, is nothing more than rumor. But handing Luke back to the humans who made him is far harder than Red ever imagined.
Just when Luke thinks life will never be more than a lonely prison, Red makes him a promise: safety, and a second chance at life. He’s not ready to believe him. But then, in the midst of searching for Red’s stolen sister, they find something unexpected. And now it’s not just their own lives they’re fighting for. It's family.
Surfacing is the first book of the Wolf Born trilogy. It’s a m/m shifter romance, featuring babies (no mpreg), helicopter rides, and, as always, a happy ending. There are some dark themes and scenes, in particular drowning/being held under water. Surfacing is not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2020
160 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cullen
63 books644 followersClaire Cullen is an author and aspiring baker. Since she was a toddler, she has loved making up stories. Getting them down on paper proved a challenge in the early years when her preferred medium was finger puppets. She moved on to pen and paper, and later to keyboards, and hasn't looked back since, except for occasional bouts of nostalgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 10, 2025
Okayish book. Okayish series, review to come (if I don't forget)
dnf
December 16, 2020DNF 61%
I might come back to this book someday, but as it stands it’s just too much of a chore to finish. It felt too much like a job I yearned to quit.
I might come back to this book someday, but as it stands it’s just too much of a chore to finish. It felt too much like a job I yearned to quit.
March 26, 2020
3.5 stars for me.
Surfacing is the first book in a new series from Claire Cullen, and this one (possibly the whole trilogy) doesn’t seem like it will have mpreg. What it does have is broody werewolves, mermen, a whole organization out to get them, and - still - babies!
This one took a while for me to get into, honestly. For one, Red is a bit of a jerk for the first third of the story. He is, quite frankly, NOT nice to Luke at the beginning and doesn’t seem to care about his well-being at all. But then there’s just this sudden quick change (it was a bit too quick for me, honestly) and then Red is determined to keep Luke safe.
Luke wasn’t always a merman - he was human once. But the people, the white coats, who took him, have turned him into a merman. Red does help him escape, but now the search is on for Red’s sister, who was also sold to the same faction.
I don’t want to say too much to give anything away, but once this got going, I did enjoy it more. I think it set up the next stories well - can’t wait to see if some of the characters introduced here get their own stories, and how they will deal with the white coats and the people out to get them.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Surfacing is the first book in a new series from Claire Cullen, and this one (possibly the whole trilogy) doesn’t seem like it will have mpreg. What it does have is broody werewolves, mermen, a whole organization out to get them, and - still - babies!
This one took a while for me to get into, honestly. For one, Red is a bit of a jerk for the first third of the story. He is, quite frankly, NOT nice to Luke at the beginning and doesn’t seem to care about his well-being at all. But then there’s just this sudden quick change (it was a bit too quick for me, honestly) and then Red is determined to keep Luke safe.
Luke wasn’t always a merman - he was human once. But the people, the white coats, who took him, have turned him into a merman. Red does help him escape, but now the search is on for Red’s sister, who was also sold to the same faction.
I don’t want to say too much to give anything away, but once this got going, I did enjoy it more. I think it set up the next stories well - can’t wait to see if some of the characters introduced here get their own stories, and how they will deal with the white coats and the people out to get them.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2020
Rating: 4 stars
I really enjoyed this first book in the Wolf Born series. I thought it an interesting take on the shifter genre. I wasn’t sure I was going to like Red at first, but he grew on me and I really enjoyed watching his relationship with Luke progress throughout the story. Overall, a really good book. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
I really enjoyed this first book in the Wolf Born series. I thought it an interesting take on the shifter genre. I wasn’t sure I was going to like Red at first, but he grew on me and I really enjoyed watching his relationship with Luke progress throughout the story. Overall, a really good book. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
June 15, 2020
Pretty good start to the series. I didn’t love it as much as her other mermen meets werewolves books, but this is just the first one so I fully intend to give the next one a chance.
Read
July 1, 2020I don't usually comment on books I DNF but I had to double check I had the author correct after about 5 pages. This was...not good. I stopped after about 10 pages or so. I can't get behind a story where one MC sells the other one for information and then they are making out less than a day later. So, yeah. Pass.
April 7, 2021
Alright, Red really had me concerned for the first few chapters. He seemed very morally ambiguous after leaving an entire pack vulnerable (although the pack did betray their own, they only did what the alpha asked). Then again when he sold Luke in return of information on his sister.
I was so happy he came back for him and actually apologized for what he did. But I loved that Luke didn’t just take his mistreatment and fought back.
I really liked how Luke came into his own and could protect himself. I also loved that they were able to rescue the kids because that was just heartbreaking.
Jesus, poor Bella I suspected she would die in the end but I really wish I would be wrong. After all that abuse and betrayal she ends up dying at the hands of the white coats. And also looses her wolf before then, Jesus, she deserved so much better. Lily will hopefully have a better life with her brother Max and their dads.
I was so happy he came back for him and actually apologized for what he did. But I loved that Luke didn’t just take his mistreatment and fought back.
I really liked how Luke came into his own and could protect himself. I also loved that they were able to rescue the kids because that was just heartbreaking.
Jesus, poor Bella I suspected she would die in the end but I really wish I would be wrong. After all that abuse and betrayal she ends up dying at the hands of the white coats. And also looses her wolf before then, Jesus, she deserved so much better. Lily will hopefully have a better life with her brother Max and their dads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2023
A truly intriguing setup to a new world with a fresh cast of characters and their problems.
Luke has spent his last few years miserable, first waking up as a medical experiment, then being forced to be a side show attraction. He doesn't see any hope in the world but when the chance to run comes in the form of a wolf he takes it, hoping there can still be something more in this life. Red is running on a single minded determinedness to find his sister and protect her as like their pack was supposed to. Finding a merman, this non-human non-wolf person, is just a step towards getting what is most important, and he doesn't care about what actually happens to Luke. But as the two begin to find themselves intertwined it turns out they could have more together than they knew.
It wasn't entirely clear in this book if shifters are known of or not. Luke was a side show attraction as a merman, so that does seem to say that people somewhat know of shifters. Also, Luke wasn't surprised about finding out that Red was a wolf shifter. But at the same time it seemed to be that wolves live in packs hiding from human society and only occasionally interact with them, so again, not entirely clear if humanity as a whole know s about shifters. One thing that is made clear is that people in power know about shifters and they want humans to have the power that wolves have. That has lead to horrible experiments, one of which Luke found himself a part of, forever changing his life.
The disconnect between Luke and Red is interesting. It is based on what they are and what they aren't. Since Red was born a wolf he feels most connection to other wolves, and even then the most connection to born wolves. Born wolves are different than changed wolves because humanity is different and Red see those differences. With Luke being a changed human but also not a wolf, Red is very uncertain around him at first. He tells himself that he feels no connection, but the fact that his wolf could immediately identify Luke as a non-wolf, but also as something akin, shows that there was something there that Red was trying to deny.
The situation with the safety here is quite intriguing. In a world where those in power are using shifters for experiments to further their own power it would be difficult to hide. Not to mention that to find the money to hide would be even worse. So the way that they do it is a fascinating twist, and one that could have ramifications in further books along. It will be interesting to see what happens with these new wolves and what will become of the shifters in this changing world.
Luke has spent his last few years miserable, first waking up as a medical experiment, then being forced to be a side show attraction. He doesn't see any hope in the world but when the chance to run comes in the form of a wolf he takes it, hoping there can still be something more in this life. Red is running on a single minded determinedness to find his sister and protect her as like their pack was supposed to. Finding a merman, this non-human non-wolf person, is just a step towards getting what is most important, and he doesn't care about what actually happens to Luke. But as the two begin to find themselves intertwined it turns out they could have more together than they knew.
It wasn't entirely clear in this book if shifters are known of or not. Luke was a side show attraction as a merman, so that does seem to say that people somewhat know of shifters. Also, Luke wasn't surprised about finding out that Red was a wolf shifter. But at the same time it seemed to be that wolves live in packs hiding from human society and only occasionally interact with them, so again, not entirely clear if humanity as a whole know s about shifters. One thing that is made clear is that people in power know about shifters and they want humans to have the power that wolves have. That has lead to horrible experiments, one of which Luke found himself a part of, forever changing his life.
The disconnect between Luke and Red is interesting. It is based on what they are and what they aren't. Since Red was born a wolf he feels most connection to other wolves, and even then the most connection to born wolves. Born wolves are different than changed wolves because humanity is different and Red see those differences. With Luke being a changed human but also not a wolf, Red is very uncertain around him at first. He tells himself that he feels no connection, but the fact that his wolf could immediately identify Luke as a non-wolf, but also as something akin, shows that there was something there that Red was trying to deny.
The situation with the safety here is quite intriguing. In a world where those in power are using shifters for experiments to further their own power it would be difficult to hide. Not to mention that to find the money to hide would be even worse. So the way that they do it is a fascinating twist, and one that could have ramifications in further books along. It will be interesting to see what happens with these new wolves and what will become of the shifters in this changing world.
April 4, 2020
An Alpha wolf, a merman, and babies... oh my!
What a way to start a new series! I am already eagerly awaiting book 2. The characters are well thought out and intriguing, the world vibrant and compelling. I got sucked in from the first pages. I did not want to leave. This book has a made merman, evil white coats, a desperate Alpha, danger, hope, and unexpected love. Oh, did I mention babies! I loved this book.
Red is a natural wolf Alpha. Now he is searching for his only family, his sister, who was sold by the pack that was supposed to protect her. Rescuing a merman wasn't on Red's to do list. Neither was finding the sanctuary of Eden. Luke died. Or so he thought. Waking up as a merman? Now that could ruin your whole day. Luke needs help. What he finds in Red is something he never knew he needed.
Come. Share their journey to HEA. It isn't easy, but they find they are better, stronger together than they ever were apart. Watch Luke grow in confidence, and Red finally take up the mantle of leadership he was born for. You will love this book.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
What a way to start a new series! I am already eagerly awaiting book 2. The characters are well thought out and intriguing, the world vibrant and compelling. I got sucked in from the first pages. I did not want to leave. This book has a made merman, evil white coats, a desperate Alpha, danger, hope, and unexpected love. Oh, did I mention babies! I loved this book.
Red is a natural wolf Alpha. Now he is searching for his only family, his sister, who was sold by the pack that was supposed to protect her. Rescuing a merman wasn't on Red's to do list. Neither was finding the sanctuary of Eden. Luke died. Or so he thought. Waking up as a merman? Now that could ruin your whole day. Luke needs help. What he finds in Red is something he never knew he needed.
Come. Share their journey to HEA. It isn't easy, but they find they are better, stronger together than they ever were apart. Watch Luke grow in confidence, and Red finally take up the mantle of leadership he was born for. You will love this book.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
March 27, 2020
This is an excellent start to a new series and I loved it. Surfacing is well written, intense, gritty, heartbreakingly sad, full of hope, emotional, has non-stop action, a few surprising twists, sweet babies, intriguing characters, the world building is very well done and I love the storyline. Luke is a sweetheart who just wants to be free and learn to deal with his new normal as a merman. Red is determined to find and rescue his sister and he won't let anyone or anything get in his way until he rescues Luke from an untenable situation. They have a rough start as Red acts like an uncaring jerk to Luke but it doesn't take long for him to develop feelings for him. I love how their relationship evolves as they have a unique connection and great chemistry. The secondary characters are wonderful and I can't wait to read the next book in this new and exciting series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
April 17, 2020
Wolf shifters and Mermen
Red is an alpha shifter looking for his kidnapped pregnant sister Bella.
Luke is a human born genetically engineered merman, kidnapped and the subject of cruel experiments by the "white coats".
On the run, being chased by modern day slavety profiteers, Luke is rescued by Red, offering to help in the search for Bella.
A mysterious sanctuary island called Eden becomes home to the pair, as well as many other victims of the "white coats".
Interesting story, Red and Luke were both likeable, this story just felt a little lacking, I didn't feel a depth or connection between the men.
I was also a tiny bit disappointed no mpreg. Claire Cullens shifter books usually have mpreg. Still a lovely wordsmith, I enjoy all her books.
Red is an alpha shifter looking for his kidnapped pregnant sister Bella.
Luke is a human born genetically engineered merman, kidnapped and the subject of cruel experiments by the "white coats".
On the run, being chased by modern day slavety profiteers, Luke is rescued by Red, offering to help in the search for Bella.
A mysterious sanctuary island called Eden becomes home to the pair, as well as many other victims of the "white coats".
Interesting story, Red and Luke were both likeable, this story just felt a little lacking, I didn't feel a depth or connection between the men.
I was also a tiny bit disappointed no mpreg. Claire Cullens shifter books usually have mpreg. Still a lovely wordsmith, I enjoy all her books.
March 27, 2020
Another home run
Another great read by a favorite author. Red and Luke captured my attention from the start. With Red it was a shaky start. It felt like he was incapable of emotions as he really didn’t care about the man he saw in the tank. But he wasn’t, and Luke really grew on him quickly. And can I say I adored Max and Lily. This author is a go to author for many reasons, but a top one is that each new series has a very different storyline. Always with the angst, which I love. Of course I had to finish it in one sitting. A very interesting story and I cannot wait for the next book.
Another great read by a favorite author. Red and Luke captured my attention from the start. With Red it was a shaky start. It felt like he was incapable of emotions as he really didn’t care about the man he saw in the tank. But he wasn’t, and Luke really grew on him quickly. And can I say I adored Max and Lily. This author is a go to author for many reasons, but a top one is that each new series has a very different storyline. Always with the angst, which I love. Of course I had to finish it in one sitting. A very interesting story and I cannot wait for the next book.
August 4, 2020
WOW!!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!
This is a MAGNIFICENT introduction to another AMAZING world. This is a different kind of shifters. All unique. I could NOT put this book down. Red and Luke are such phenomenal characters. Their situation is difficult. Red is looking for his sister. Luke is looking for freedom. This relationship began with deception but pack can't be denied. I was so thrilled with this story. As CLAIRE CULLEN creates a place and time I can't help but be all in. She writes the best EPILOGUES. I'm excited to see who is next and what they get into. Can't Wait. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS IMPRESSIVE SERIES!!!!!!
This is a MAGNIFICENT introduction to another AMAZING world. This is a different kind of shifters. All unique. I could NOT put this book down. Red and Luke are such phenomenal characters. Their situation is difficult. Red is looking for his sister. Luke is looking for freedom. This relationship began with deception but pack can't be denied. I was so thrilled with this story. As CLAIRE CULLEN creates a place and time I can't help but be all in. She writes the best EPILOGUES. I'm excited to see who is next and what they get into. Can't Wait. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS IMPRESSIVE SERIES!!!!!!
July 23, 2023
Fantastic start to a new series! Ms Cullen, has done a great job in this worldbuilding. Red, an alpha wolf is on a mission to find his sister, Belle who was sold by his pack alpha. He meets Luke, a merman who may have a lead on Belle. During his pursuit there are twists, betrayas and unexpected turns. The author does and excellent job keeping you riveted on the mission and the supporting personalities. Luke and Red fight hard to reach their goals. They are both amazing men. Good story, well done. Looking forward to the rest of the series and all the new characters. I received an ARC and am happily leaving a review.
September 6, 2020
Amazing first book of a new series!
Surfacing, the first book in a new series is simply amazing. I was caught up from the first paragraph to the last page and it just kept getting better. Claire Cullen has created a scarily realistic new world with fascinating characters, plenty of action and some romance as well. This is a different kind of shifter book and I can't wait for the next one!!
Surfacing, the first book in a new series is simply amazing. I was caught up from the first paragraph to the last page and it just kept getting better. Claire Cullen has created a scarily realistic new world with fascinating characters, plenty of action and some romance as well. This is a different kind of shifter book and I can't wait for the next one!!
October 3, 2020
When evil science messes with shifters and innocent humans all hell breaks out!
When Red first meets Luke he basically ignores him until Luke's speaks up as says he might be able to help. That's when things really get interesting. Red's priority is to find his sister who was sold for vile experiments. Accepting Luke's help is the beginning of an adventure neither one had bargained for.
When Red first meets Luke he basically ignores him until Luke's speaks up as says he might be able to help. That's when things really get interesting. Red's priority is to find his sister who was sold for vile experiments. Accepting Luke's help is the beginning of an adventure neither one had bargained for.
April 5, 2021
Great shifter story
I love the world building in this novel. The shifters in this series are quite different than in most shifter books that I have read and are at odds with some of humanity that is exploiting them, especially the military. The meeting of the two main characters is definitely a fated mates type of thing, but what happens after is unusual. I can see this story line going various ways and can’t wait to read the next book.
I love the world building in this novel. The shifters in this series are quite different than in most shifter books that I have read and are at odds with some of humanity that is exploiting them, especially the military. The meeting of the two main characters is definitely a fated mates type of thing, but what happens after is unusual. I can see this story line going various ways and can’t wait to read the next book.
March 26, 2020
Surfacing is the first book of the Wolf Born series by Claire Cullen. This paranormal shifter m/m romance is filled with a suspenseful search, a steamy romance, some interesting drama and amazing characters. Luke and Red are hot and also have sweet interactions. Their journey thrilled, but also touchedm6 emotions. I am looking forward to more from this series.
April 22, 2020
New series!
Great start to new series! This book is set in a pretty grim world where people are genetically engineering other species and our MCs are trying to navigate his hostile situation and their connection. Like most first books in a series, this one spends a bit of time setting this world up. But, by the end of the book, I was wanting more.
Great start to new series! This book is set in a pretty grim world where people are genetically engineering other species and our MCs are trying to navigate his hostile situation and their connection. Like most first books in a series, this one spends a bit of time setting this world up. But, by the end of the book, I was wanting more.
July 21, 2023
I love everything this author does. This is another series about found family. A bunch of shifter misfits, including many that have been mistreated by human scientists, are being pulled together to build a better life. This book centres on Luke, a created merman, and his mate, werewolf Red. Love the hurt/comfort trope and good triumphing over evil.
March 30, 2020
I really liked this new story
I really injoy Clare Collins writing, and this new series started out wonderfully with the first book. I am very excited to learn what happens with the island pack.
I really injoy Clare Collins writing, and this new series started out wonderfully with the first book. I am very excited to learn what happens with the island pack.
April 6, 2020
Great new start
A lot of this book was dark, but I liked Red and Luke and I want to read more of the stories. I really want to know what other shifters are out there. What is Casey? They said he wasn’t wolf and he’s not mer so what? I need to know!
A lot of this book was dark, but I liked Red and Luke and I want to read more of the stories. I really want to know what other shifters are out there. What is Casey? They said he wasn’t wolf and he’s not mer so what? I need to know!
April 11, 2020
Wow
This is great , it does start of a bit slow but then it keeps you interested. It’s a great story The characters are great and I want more. It’s gonna be one hell of a series. Highly recommended
This is great , it does start of a bit slow but then it keeps you interested. It’s a great story The characters are great and I want more. It’s gonna be one hell of a series. Highly recommended
April 25, 2020
Fantastic
This book is definitely a page-turner. I love the story, and I fell in love with the babies. I am a sucker for rescue stories and I absolutely love shifter male male Romance.
This book is definitely a page-turner. I love the story, and I fell in love with the babies. I am a sucker for rescue stories and I absolutely love shifter male male Romance.
May 1, 2020
Very good
More complex than many shifter books, with a fast pace and believable story line. The dialogue and characters are fun and endearing, without any cutesy or unnecessary verbiage and action
More complex than many shifter books, with a fast pace and believable story line. The dialogue and characters are fun and endearing, without any cutesy or unnecessary verbiage and action
June 14, 2020
Loved it!
Sat and read it all in one afternoon/evening. Completely absorbed and sold on this new world and invested in Luke and Red and those they come across on their journey. Can't wait to read next book.
Sat and read it all in one afternoon/evening. Completely absorbed and sold on this new world and invested in Luke and Red and those they come across on their journey. Can't wait to read next book.
June 16, 2020
Fanciful with a side of truth .
This book shows how controlling and deceitful the human race can be . They say every good story starts with a grain of truth . But the fanciful is what makes it a great story . This book holds both . Consider reading it .
This book shows how controlling and deceitful the human race can be . They say every good story starts with a grain of truth . But the fanciful is what makes it a great story . This book holds both . Consider reading it .
April 24, 2021
Incredible!
This was such an incredible book! The way Claire Cullen wrote the story, I could actually believe it was happening right now! Shifters, shady government scientists, safe havens and people who actually care,. What an impressive story! Highly recommended
This was such an incredible book! The way Claire Cullen wrote the story, I could actually believe it was happening right now! Shifters, shady government scientists, safe havens and people who actually care,. What an impressive story! Highly recommended
June 7, 2021
Really Good!
I absolutely love this author. I’ve yet to read anything she’s written that does keep me up finishing it. The characters draw you in and it’s honest. Good and bad, shifter and human.
I absolutely love this author. I’ve yet to read anything she’s written that does keep me up finishing it. The characters draw you in and it’s honest. Good and bad, shifter and human.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews