The Guppy Prince

The Silver Isles #1

by C.W. Gray, Connor Brown (Narrator)

Length: 5 hrs 5 mins

Dover Rees is a guppy tailed merman and the youngest child of the King of the Southern Silver Isles. Despite the lofty title, he fits in better with the other guppy tailed working class than with his royal siblings. Dover spends his days secluded in his creek, successfully avoiding the King’s court and all the judgmental nobles there. Then, the most wonderous and horrible thing happens. He hears the mating call and knows his alpha is waiting for him.
Ben Elliot is just a human trying to get by in a small tourist beach town. He has his art and a few good friends, and that should be enough, right? Wrong. Coming home to a quiet house and an empty bed starts to wear on him, but none of the omegas he knows appeal to him. Until a storm knocks him off his fishing boat and he’s rescued by a mysterious, blue-haired omega.

Together, Dover and Ben forge a bond strong enough to stand against the storm of corrupt lords, court politics, and a cursed king.

Author's Note: Around 47,000 words. This is a paranormal, merman, mpreg insta-love story with no angst and no cheating, just a HEA. There are a few potty mouths, so beware. 18+ readers only, please. It is book one in The Silver Isles series.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Omegaverse, Shapeshifters, LGBT

Audible Audio

First published November 12, 2019

About the author

I have been self-publishing since October 2018. My books are extremely light and fluffy m/m romance with mpreg, and while they span a few subgenres of romance, they have similar themes of found family and love at first sight. Besides writing, I enjoy reading everything I can get my hands on, especially m/m romance. My personal favorites are mpreg, sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal.

Reviews

[Rachel Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars for me. Overall, this was a cute merman story! I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series, but I also hope that the author will give certain things a bit more...substance? Let me try and explain.

I feel like with shifters, and water shifters especially, there has to be a minimum of world building for it to still feel real and grounded. I honestly never got a full sense of what the palace is like - is it underwater? If so, how is Ben breathing then? It didn't seam like the palace and where they'd always be meeting at was ever underwater - but they're merpeople? The pregnancy was there, but it never seemed to be a major thing for everyone - I want to know how, realistically, things are and I feel like things were mentioned and then never really given explanations for.

(Also the author needs to watch out for typos and silly little mistakes - I saw the chicken called Rachael and then it became Rachel)

Also, the ending felt super abrupt, like I was reading and then just BOOM the end, but it also sounds like book 2 will be with different characters, not continuing with Dover and Ben (points for adorableness - their 'ship name is Bendover LOL) so it just felt sudden for me. There are also a LOT of characters in this book - so many that I think I did get a few of the siblings confused for the other. But I'm looking forward to the next book and let's face it - I'll read it since it's mermen!

[M'rella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, fluffy, with just a dash of danger. To be fair, the author warns us outright - it’s a happy story.

My problems here are
- insane amount of characters, animals included (from guard chickens to pet sharks).
- Jory Dover, an easy going guy with a short attention span, who charms everyone right off their feet. Was good for maybe first quarter of the book, but got old real fast.
- lame jokes. None-stop. I mean, really? Really?

3 stars total, plus half a star for that cover (One drool bucket here, please!) and rounding up for Tack and Lola. Somehow they made an impression 🦈

[Gabryel Tobias · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strong start, muddled middle

So I’ll start by saying that I read this book through to the end. I loved the beginning. Both main characters seemed like they were well rounded, and had people around them that cared for them. The story plot was good too, and I was eager to see what happened once the couple got together and were called back to confront the Mer King.

Sadly, the book started a downturn when the main characters went from strangers, taking care of each other after an accident, to all of a sudden head over heels in love with no explanation. It felt super jarring. Then in the last half of the book, the author introduces dozens of new characters, most without backstory, description, or clear purpose. I felt completely lost trying to keep up with who was who. It made it hard to enjoy the few bright moments in the second half, such as the baby, and the curse results. All
in all, I wish I could have loved this book more. Perhaps I started with the wrong book for this author, and there was backstory in another series.

[Mindy]

DNF @ 44%

[Trip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! It was better then i was expecting, i thought would be simple lighthearted easy read and while it was that. It also has fascinating world building and an interesting underlying plot involving curses which i adored.

I only wish it had been longer to have allowed for more development in various places, as pretty instant love although it was fitting to the theme of mates. The alternating povs from Ben and Dover were great, they're so sweet together and so many hilarious moments throughout.

The fantasy aspect here is beautiful with a large variety of shifters and beings which was awesome, such as the witches who were a lot of fun. I loved all the animals too they were adorable and amazing characters in their own right. Never thought my favourite would be a chicken but here we are, i adored Rachael the best guard chicken ever.

So many characters as well and considering how short this book is, the writing is wonderful and does amazing in bringing every single one to life. I enjoyed them so much from the family to friends, Shaun is really cute and i fell in love with Romeu he was awesome. But i loved so many, id be here forever if i mentioned all of them though so will leave it there for now as im sure will show up in the next book.

I just had so much fun reading this book and was hooked from the start, so tempting to jump straight into the next one. There is still so much more to see and learn in this world, the ending here is sweet. Yet plot continues across the three, which i can't wait to read more about. I look forward to reading Kit and Tacks story next.

[Deb Swietek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a Guppy Prince and his human mate break a curse?

What a wonderful start of a new series. I loved it! Come to the world of the Silver Isles. You will be enchanted by this world of shifters, humans, a Sea Witch, and mer-people . There is family angst, smarmy aristocrats, secrets, fated mates, loyal friends, unexpected love, courage, and politics. Did I mention pregnancies and an adorable baby?
This is Dover and Ben's story. Dover is the youngest of the royal family of the Silver Isles. He is a Bluetail. Bluetails are the most common of tails. Royalty isn't supposed to have them. Dover doesn't care. When he feels the mating call, he goes seeking his mate. Ben is human. He lives a simple life with his dog Otis. The day the witch Hester tells him to leave Otis with her when he goes out fishing changes his life forever. He never expects to fall overboard and be rescued by a blue haired, blue tailed merman who claims to be his mate. As Dover & Ben find their way, amazing things happen. Along with their friends and family, they change history, and the kingdom.
You will love Nima, Eloise, Shauna, Chubber, and Shell. There are crocodile & beaver shifters, a prince with shark friends, loyal friends, hot sex, lots of love, and an abandoned baby. There is humor, beauty, angst, and stubborn men willing to risk everything to do what's right.
You will love this book. I can't wait for book two!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex, and is intended for mature readers only.

[thebloggerandthegeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is not for everyone, is filled with many characters and it can take away from the story a lot, plus, it becomes very absurd in some parts.

For me, it was absolutely ridiculous but in the most fun and loving way. The world was fascinating, and the side characters provided humor and great friendship. The story was a bit over the place but in the end it was fun and chaotic - the best way to describe this book. I look forward to reading about Kit and Kai the most.

[Amy Sadler-Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Characters

I really thought I would be disappointed at the beginning of the book. The character development and story line soon reeled me in. A great start to a new series!!!!!!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and cute

This story was sweet and cute! It was insta-love for Ben & Dover, but it totally suited them. I really liked seeing the story unravel and the ending was great! Can't wait to read the next one.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE GUPPY PRINCE is the first book in The Silver Isles series, and we are introduced to a world where mermen and -women have different tails (which was fantastic!) Dover is looked down upon by his siblings because he has the tail of a guppy, the majority of whom serve the palace. When he feels the mating call, he is advised by his mother to ignore it. Instead, he follows his heart to America and meets Ben, a retired marine.

Dover is cute, charming, and altogether much too naive! I found him slightly irritating in the beginning, but he grew on me. By the end, I liked him, especially when he starting acting like an adult! Ben deserves a medal for putting up with the whole situation, but he seems very happy so that's good enough for me.

With a big cast of characters, there is someone here for everyone. I really can't wait to read more about Prince Tack and the curse his family is under. Well written and thoroughly enjoyable, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

[~BookNeeds~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was so cute at first and given the high ratings I was really wanting to like it. Then it started falling apart all these irrelevant characters started being introduced and it just lost me. My interest evaporated.

[Romance All the Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book a million stars!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
It was exactly the type of merman book I have been craving to read. I can't wait for Gray to make more fabulous and beautiful books revolving around mermaids and mermen.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative world building and interesting characters. I liked it. 3.5 stars rounded up.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the start of this series. Fluffy, angst-free and A/B/O dynamics

[Jennifer Ali]

Not rating as I don’t think it’s fair to - DNF at 51% simply because it’s not my type of book. Too fast paced for me personally unfortunately!

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. It was cute

[Alison Edmunds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much fun. But don't think that the story is skimped on. There is actually a very well thought out and quite in depth plot. There is also a strong underlying message about the need for acceptance whether it be colour, sexual identity or species.

I particularly loved the imagery in this story. Little touches like the Vespa and the shinies make this an absolute gem. Prince Dover and Ben represent everything good and the size of their hearts astounds. Secondary characters such as Dover's parents, brothers, sisters, various witches, crocodiles etc. are all excellently written and not used just as window dressing.

It did take me a while to get used to narrator Connor Brown. I had to read a couple of chapters first and then had no further problems. His enjoyment of the story is evident in every word and he brings to life all the different characters in excellent fashion.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

I love merman stories, and this was a great one. I loved the world that the author has made and all of the supporting characters. I loved the chemistry between Dover and Ben, and I loved watching Dover grow throughout the story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series! I read this book using the Kindle Unlimited program.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. 4.5 stars only because while Dover was pregnant, he was still pregnant by the end of the book!
I’m definitely looking forward to reading Kit and Tacks story though. Maybe Dover and Bens baby will be born in this book!
A good start to a new series. Recommended for sure! Happy reading!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time but better

This felt in many ways like a fairy tale but overall the whole story was more engaging, more inspiring, and wonderfully beautiful. It takes place in a world where mermaids exist alongside humans, with their own nations and laws, keeping the oceans clean and species plentiful, while being ruled by kings and queens of long-standing lines. It turns out there is a curse on those royal lines and the most recent generation is starting to come close the theirs popping back up again, bringing death and misery all involved.

Dover is the youngest Prince of the royal family and the most scorned. He has a guppy tail, which is seen as 'low class'. The royal court mocks him and most of his sisters and brothers aren't much better. His own parents barely seem to realize he exists, but to marry him off strategically. When he feels the mating call Dover realizes (with the help of some friends) that he needs to leave and find his mate even if his family won't support him.

Ben is human, working as a waiter at a sea side city. Having worked in the military he has seen much of the world and interacted with the magical species within it. Despite his closed minded upbringing he is very open and caring, believing in looking out for all people no matter their species. When he is saved by a mermaid starting a relationship feels perfectly natural. But when the truth of Dover's family comes about and they come looking for him, Ben has to both look out for his lover and figure out the new family he is thrust into.

This was a magical story that didn't simply end at the meeting of the two men. Rather than having them meet and bing-bang-boom happily ever after, the two first have to work at making a relationship. Their love is important and builds, but it also isn't the only thing in the world. Dover has to learn to stand up for himself and all of the mermaids like him, the guppy tails who look up to him. Ben needs to defend his growing family, it also remember to have heart and give out support in unexpected places. It was a story that took twists and turns and brought light into a situation that seemed impossible. The characters introduced promise more exciting stories from this world that ought to be a delight to read!

[❤Sharonica-Logic❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Name of Book: The Guppy Prince
Series: The Silver Isles #1
Author: C.W. Gray
Publisher: Tanglewood Press
Release date: November 12, 2019
Page Count: 208p.
Genre: MM Sci-fi/ Urban Fantasy Romance
Rated: 4.00🌟, Mature, Explicit


My Thoughts and Review:

Some days I curse that Blarney stone and my friend for telling me I just HAD to kiss it! I know sometimes before I begin writing that a review is going to be a long one. Unlike authors, we reviewers run the risk of losing our audience if the review holds too many words. Even now, I am already hacking away at them as I write this.

The Guppy Prince was sweet, and a very charming fairytailesque story about a dissatisfied Mer prince, Dover, who hears the mating call, and a human, Ben, who has returned to the Carolina -Georgia coast after his time in the Marine Corps and now spends his time as an artist, and living the slow-paced life. With a few close friends to keep him company, Ben still finds himself longing for a special someone...HIS special someone.

While the story is the fated mates, omegaverse trope, Ben and Dover click because of friendship, and kindness towards each other. Both things the two haven't been shown a lot of in their lives. The more time Dover spends away from Court the more he comes to realize how things could and should be back home in the Silver Isles. It isn't too long before "Home" comes calling, demanding the Prince's return.

The Court of the Mer King, where Dover grew up, is morally bankrupt, filled to the brim with greedy bigots, racists, liars, and thieves who are doing all they can to keep Ben and Dover apart, including threats of banishment, imprisonment, and death. Ben just wants to create his art and love his sweet Prince in their little cottage by the river. Dover wants his family to love him as well as accept his mate but knows that will never happen. The two have to be careful and watch their backs because there are quite a few secrets at court no one knows about...or do they? Dover has a secret of his own that could also get him killed, and he suspects his father is going insane because of a generational witch's curse.

One has to but briefly look beneath the layer of fantasy in, "The Guppy Prince," to see the truths relevant in the world today. People in political power shaming those who are different based on gender/ class identity (Alpha/Omega), sexual identity (gay, bi, polyamorous), religious identity (sea witches), race identity (humans), handicapability (those born with guppy tails, or other fins, tails, tentacles different than full-blooded Merfolk), etc. to the point of imprisonment, banishment (excluding - sent to live in the seas deepest depths), and even death.

The man (king) sitting in the highest chair in the land has all these people advising him on what to do, and how to act, but the king just sits like the ones before him, acting as if he were going insane. The book feels just a smidge satirical if you ask me. By accident or design, who knows, I just found it honest and intriguing.

Though this is an Alpha/ omegaverse with Mpreg, the Mpreg takes a back seat. It is important in understanding the overall situation within the kingdom, but it is NOT about the two MCs making three, like most Mpregs, though it is mentioned. So, if you hang back from Mpreg because it weirds you out, or just isn't for you, this one isn't about the pregnancy as much as it is about raising (and even saving one) the children. So, no birth scenes.

4.00 blue-tail-stars🌟🌟🌟🌟

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Paranormal Romance Guild in exchange for a review.🌊

[Bluedragonreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book if you are looking for a sweet and fun paranormal m/m romance.

This is a fascinating world full of merfolk, humans, shifters, witches, and so forth. You will also find some unique cultures, ancient curses, and political intrigue.

Dover (O) is the youngest prince of the Southern Silver Isles. He is often shunned by his family and the nobles because he has a common guppy tail. Despite this, he is a sweet and loving merman. Ben (A) is a human in South Carolina who is simply living his quiet life, well, as quiet as it can be with a nosy hedge witch for a neighbor. Ben served in the Marines with many different species so when his merman shows up, finding out they are mates is not hard for him to accept.
The difficulties come when Dover’s position puts them both in danger and they must return to a kingdom where many despise humans. Together with their friends and some family, they battle with those trying to cause problems within the kingdom and face the consequences of the curse that has hounded the royal family for generations.

This book is rated 4 stars. There are a few typos and grammatical errors but not nearly enough to make reading annoying. The story is evenly paced and flows well. The world building and introduction to politics within this book are masterfully placed throughout the story so that you understand the world without word dumps.

Personal Note:
This was a cute and fun book to read. As usual with this author, there are pets that are fantastic supporting characters and add to the humor in the story. I liked that while this is an insta-love book, the love wasn’t weird or out there, it was explained and made sense. Also, the MCs had to work for their HEA.

[Reading*Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story: 4 Stars

After reading/listening to several contemporary MM romances in a row, I was ready to dive headlong into a light, sweet, other-worldly story and "The Guppy Prince" fit that bill. The story took off pretty quickly with royal merman Dover answering the mating call by finding his human fated mate Ben, as did their relationship (it is an insta-love story, after all!). The cast of characters was quite large and somewhat difficult to follow initially, but author C.W. Gray gave them all distinct voices and roles to play.

A bit more world-building would've added some welcome depth without dragging down the overall light and playful tone, especially since the setup for doing so was there and the sea witch's generations-long curse affecting both merman kingdoms is so central to the story. But what a unique paranormal world, where shifters of all kinds, vampires, witches, and humans roam amongst and in full knowledge of each other, not to mention being fated mates. It was all intriguing enough to pique my curiosity about where the series will go in the next book(s). A prequel about Dover's parents could also be quite interesting, as their backstory was an important element in this story.

Connor Brown was a new narrator to me, and he proved a capable one with this solid performance.

I received this audiobook for free by request and provided this honest review voluntarily.

[*Review cross-posted on Audible on 24May2020.*]

[Ashley D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dover is a guppy-tailed merman and different from all his other siblings. All other guppy tail merman are working class. Dover gets a lot of hate from other upper-class mermen because of his guppy tail. When he feels the pull of his mate, he chooses to follow that pull against the advice of this family. The mating pull takes Dover to America and Ben. Ben is working as a dishwasher in a tourist town along the beach. He is out fishing when a storm pops up and knocks him off his boat; he is rescued by Dover.

The relationship between Dover and Ben was an instant attraction, insta-love, but it is done well by the author. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Dover and his siblings as their relationship grew and improved from the beginning to the end of the book. This was a cute and fun book to read. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.

[ReadToFilth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admire anyone who can sit down and just write something. It is awesome and this author has a lot to say, some interesting characters, and such a potentially good story. I just hated it though.

The characters all had areas for tension to really make them shine but everything was resolved so quickly that I just couldn't connect with it. The story line really started to fall apart so quickly with so much going on and nothing emoting any real depth.

The characters became more absurd as the story progressed with one character's entire personality being that she talked about sex in inappropriate places. That's it - nothing more to her. A completely superfluous character and interjections into dialogue.

I am left feeling like it is one of the worst books I've read in a long time. Maybe it will resonate for you, but I honestly can't recommend it.

[Marie-Pier Pelletier · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a quick and fun read! The characters were really engaging; Dover is such a little energetic bean, while Ben is much calmer and more grounded. Their contrast worked well and made their interactions enjoyable.

The story was easy to follow, although there were quite a few side characters, which made it a bit confusing at times. A little less focus on them might have helped the main story stand out more.

There were a few small mistakes here and there, but nothing major, it didn’t take away from the experience.

I loved the ending! I really didn’t expect it, and it wrapped things up nicely. I just wish there had been more underwater scenes with the mermen. Those parts were so magical, I wanted more!

And baby Shawn was adorable, such a sweet addition to the story.

Overall, it was a light, enjoyable read with a lot of heart.

[Monika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute merman story, but everything (all the problems) in the plot just seemed too easily solved. Even when it was really dramatic, it was just done really quickly and I wasn't even worried. I have to say I also didn't quite like the oversharing of sexual information between all the people there - I mean I'd understand best friends between each other, but a woman talking to her in-law about what was "done" to her?? No, thank you. Definitely wouldn't want my mom to share such things about my dad. Ew.

On another note, I'd really like to read about Kit and Tack, I think that might be quite sweet!

[Becky A · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Guppy Prince" received THREE AND A HALF stars.

Dover was absolutely adorable. 💙

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything s/he writes."

[A.L. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was super cute and adorable. I usually enjoy this authors books so I figured I would enjoy this one too. I really loved Ben and Dover together. The world building was very well done with very well rounded characters. I love forbidden love story's and books about fated mates. A merman falls in love with a human and his father doesn't like humans and Ben is afraid his family will never accept his and Ben's love but Ben refused to let his mate go. Already about to jump into the second book. There's also super cute mer babies and pet otters and a cursed sea witch.

[Chinelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is an interesting one. A curse was placed by the sea witch and people from the repective bloodlines that have been cursed need to break it or they heed to it. In this story Kit follows his mating call and it leads him to an alpha human. The only problem is his parents do not like humans and the curse is about to take place.

It is mentioned in the summary that there is no angst. I think just a little would have pulled everything togther. And it needs a lot of editing there where spelling mistakes and names got mixed up.
Overall it's meant to be a fun fluffy story and it worked.