Of Songs and Saltwater

by Heather Carter

Siren Fivrial longs to be with the woman he loves...

The problem is that she's human.

After rescuing Meryn from a storm at sea, Fivrial finally comes face to face with her and they share a kiss. But then she sees his bluish-green tail...

He has no choice but to erase her memory.

Meryn is the daughter of a duke and feels constrained by the life she is expected to lead. Fiery and spirited, she longs to be free.

When Fivrial makes a deal with a sea-sorceress to give him legs, he has a chance to walk on solid ground and pursue a relationship with Meryn.

But the spell comes at a cost.

With Meryn and Fivrial getting closer and closer, they'll have to dodge Meryn's father and the wrath of the sea-sorceress who wants more than she's letting on.

Will Fivrial's new legs allow him to be with Meryn forever?

Or will they cost him everything?

Of Songs and Saltwater is an adult fantasy romance and is for people who love fairytale retellings, magic at sea, and love strong enough to outlast any obstacle.

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Mermaids, Retellings, Romance

257 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2021

About the author

Heather Carter is a neurodivergent author who writes primarily fantasy romance. Composing stories since childhood, she loves all things fantastical, sometimes bordering on the creepy. Her novel, Of Songs and Saltwater, a gender-swapped retelling of The Little Mermaid, debuted in June 2021. Since then, she has published several other works with more on the way.

Heather calls the St. Louis area home and lives with her family and an extremely spoiled cat. When she’s not writing, she loves to read fantasy novels, make music, and drink copious amounts of coffee.

Reviews

[Dakotah Gumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got it as an ARC and read it in a single sitting. Couldn't put it down. I haven't been able to read like this in months—my depression has been really bad this year, and reading things in a single sitting hasn't really happened lately, although it used to be a regular occurrence.

To tell you a bit about the story, it's a gender-swapped retelling of the Little Mermaid (such a fun premise!) It's gloriously steamy, a light read, and predictable without being obnoxiously so. Basically, I loved everything about it. I loved Finn, I loved Meryn, I loved Anaat. Hoping for a sequel! (Agh, and this one isn't even released yet. I'm in trouble.)

[Coy Haddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, LOVE fairytales, happy endings, sexy strong characters, transcendent love, and a drama-filled plot. Heather Carter more than delivers on all of the above. From page one, I was completely hooked and simply could not put it down.

If you haven't read this book, scoot right to AMAZON AND GET YOUR COPY!!!!!! I will be desperately hoping for a sequel!

[Morgan Perryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is INCREDIBLE.

This is not just a retelling, it's a revolution of what love stories should be. You will fall in love with Heather's characters and never want to let go. Heather has beautiful storytelling and imagery that grips the reader.

Don't miss out!!

[Amber Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Heather’s story leaves you wanting more with each chapter. I was immediately invested in the characters and what happened to them. I loved this story and can’t wait to read more from the author.

[Jeana Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story!! Really enjoyed it and once I started I had a hard time putting it down!

[Kari Robins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Mermaid has nothing this novel! The author turns the fairytale on its head with this sexy retelling. You will fall in love with Fivrial and Meryn. I read this in a weekend and was begging for more!

[S.S Bandeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meryn, after an argument with her sister, Anaat goes to the shore hiding from the guard and sails a boat.

Being a Duke's daughter comes with the price of either being married off or becoming a priestess.

While sailing across the sea, a huge storm breaks with high tides sinking and breaking the boat into pieces. But Meryn is saved by Fivrial, a Merman who demands a kiss in exchange to which she readily agrees. He then wipes her memory of the incident.

Soon, Fivrial finds himself amidst choosing his granted identity or being a human.

There is a danger lurking upon Meryn, of which both Fivrial and Meryn are unaware.

Now, Fivrial must save Meryn from her suitor, her father's plan and the danger lurking upon her and make her confess her love for him before the end of the third full moon.

“All magic comes with a price."

“All magic comes with a price, What you have on you is dark magic, siren. One cannot partake of such a thing without paying the price in the end. And believe me, the price is worse than a trinket.”

"Deception only opens you up for darkness. And love that is selfish is a heavyweight that will drown anyone. I’m telling you this because there are forces at play here that are far beyond what you see.”



💭💭💭
✍The title makes perfect sense once you start reading the book!💫😄
✍Good paced.
✍Well crafted.
✍Gripping, evocative and intense story.
✍Lots of suspense + steamy romance.

✍There was a unique touch of Sirens and their hypnotic songs to the story.

✍The author has written the plot in a way it felt as though living the emotions with the characters.

✍I enjoyed reading this magical story.

✍A beautiful steamy fairytale love story! Ooops..! A Mertale🌊🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️ love story!😅😅❣

Thank you for this amazing ARC in exchange of a honest review.

[Janna Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC and I LOVED IT!!! Heather Carter knows how to tell a story. It's truly a fairytale, with humor and romance, and some spiciness--like Disney for adults. The words that come to mind: fiery, magical, music, art, love. It's like a beautiful dream. A wonderful book to re-read whenever I want to feel hopeful and in love with love and escape, but grounded in such depth as well about the choices we make, honesty, and overcoming self-doubt. Fivrial and Meryn both make some very real mistakes but fight through them to be together. The way Heather immerses you in their developing bond...! It's like falling in love for the first time all over again. I can't recommend this enough! Absolutely beautiful fairy tale romance.

[Joanne Slazyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is magic and romance all wrapped up in one elegant package. A woman who feels a deep connection with the sea (Meryn) is confined to a castle and a life beneath her free spirit. A merman who is an outcast among the sirens (Fivrial) falls in love with Meryn and risks everything to be with her.

This love story had me turning the pages to consume more and more of Heather's addictive writing. Her characters are brought to life with humour, song, and dreamy depictions. If only I could find my own Fivrial in real life. Sigh. Her characters will stay with me for a long time.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy! I fell in love with merman Fivrial right from the start. Heather Carter does romance RIGHT! My heart was in a vise the whole time hoping the two love birds would find a way to be together. It was a beautiful story that was so much more than a retelling. This thing has a life of it's own! There were some really beautiful scenes where the characters bonded deeply over their shared passion for music. That really helped them come alive and make their love so much more precious and beautiful. I can't wait to read more from this amazing author!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little mermaid retelling in reverse a well written story by a new Author to me. Fivrial is a merman who saves Lady Meryn Blumley. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. It was well worth reading. I want to read more by this Author. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical…

A beautifully weaved tale of love. I adored the gender swap & Meryn’s lovable, relatable & distinct personality. I got lost in the characters, feeling a mixture of emotions from happy to humour to heartbreak & the setting was so beautifully described, I could easily picture every detail. A fabulous novel I highly recommend reading!

[Jaycee Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gender flipped Little Mermaid story has a lot of depth and heart. I really enjoyed the main characters and how they both struggled with worlds that tried to trap them in roles they didn't want. Meryn struck me as a bit young and spoiled at times, but she really was burdened by a family that didn't understand her and made no effort to try. The romance was equal parts sexy and sweet, and I really enjoyed the twists and turns of their adventures together. All in all a very satisfying read.

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy heck, this book completely slayed me (in a good way!) it’s a gender swapped version of The Little Mermaid, and I’m completely, totally obsessed! Fivrial has loved Meryn since they were children, but he pines for her from afar because he’s a siren, and she’s human. When he gets the chance to become human, he takes it, even though there is a cost. Fivrial only has three full moons to get Meryn to fall in love with him - and hear those three words from her lips - or he’ll lose his legs forever. I completely loved this story. This is an epic, beautiful love story that should be screamed about from rooftops and written in the stars. I adored it. The writing was excellent, the romance spectacular, and the plot twists had me ready to throw my tablet at the wall. 5 freaking stars. Go read this right now!!!

[Shell Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

OF SONGS AND SALTWATER is a retelling of one of my absolute favorite tales— The Little Mermaid! Following the story of a merman instead of a mermaid, and the daughter of a Duke instead of a prince, this romance is intense and a must-add to your summer reading list.

Heather’s imagery is spectacular. The entire time I was reading this book, I felt an uncontrollable desire to be sitting on the ocean; to smell the salt and sea. You find yourself rooting wholeheartedly for these characters in every scene, waiting and praying for their love to set them free. If you love romance, sirens, kick-ass women, and magical worlds, this is your book!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Retelling

This story was so creative and enthralling. The spin Carter put on the original tale made it difficult to put the book down to go about my actual life. Who needs to do laundry when there is Fivrial? I certainly would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great summer romance that they want to get lost in. The writing is so well done and I hope to see more from this author.

[Lida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying, I am not a fan of Disney's Little Mermaid, or of the original dark tale. Similarly, I don't typically read romance. I got into this through a reading and writing group and decided to give it a shot. I was blown away! The characters were strong and grew well as the story developed. There were clear hints, but it never felt predictable. The steamy scenes were well-written. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[Stephanie E. Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Mermaid has always been one of my favorites, so I was super excited to read a gender swapped retelling. And this did not disappoint! The story is similar to the one we all know and love, but there are still some twists and new elements that make it feel fresh, and will keep you guessing. Plus the relationship between Fiviral and Meryn is adorable and absolutely swoon-worthy. Absolutely recommend this one!

[Marissa Lupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Of Songs and Saltwater" by @hlcarter_author is not your typical super spicy romance, it's also not your typical fairly tale re-telling. It has so many twists and turns that you will not see coming!!
Amazing adult Fantasy Romance 😍
Beautiful, enchanting, and left me wanting more. Heather Carter brought this love story to life with grace, and music. Action and adventure mingle throughout the lovers romance. Well written and enthralling.

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun retelling! Fin is super sweet and Meryn is so fiery and spirited. Fin's love for her seeps through the pages. Its amazing what he goes through to be with her. The action at the end pulls you in, Anaat's spirit almost as fiery as Meryn's when you realize how much she really cares for her sister. A must read!

[readbymidnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing fast read. It had me captivated by the first page! And that in this retelling the genders where switched was an amazing idea. I loved Meryn her personality. And the relationship between them was full of sparks. I do think that Fivrial was in some parts to nice (bad guys are more my type). And this book really blew my mind in some parts, I did not saw that coming at all.

[taywithjam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one: A unique gender swapped Little Mermaid retelling with a story a bit different than the story we all know. 🧜‍♂️ It was beautifully written, but I always have qualms with open door romance happening right at the end of books. It’s just not my thing and puts me off…the ending was very sweet though. 🧜‍♀️💕

[Bran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book. An interesting retelling with a few twists and turns along the way. The writing is wonderful. I enjoyed reading it although it did drag in some places for me. There was a lot of action packed into the last quarter of the book. The characters were actually likeable, which is nice.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet adult re-telling of The Little Mermaid

This book is unique in that the MMC is a siren and he falls in love with a human. Through their trials and tribulations, their love transforms them both. Lovely story.

[Kimberly Banker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!!

Well written with great characters. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I stayed up until 3am to finish it. I don't do that often. I absolutely loved it!

[Kelsi Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful retelling of a classic

I adored the love shared by Meryn and Finn. Full of magic, action, and a little bit of steam. I loved the ending as well.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazingly fun read which was exactly what I needed.

[Megan B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book kept my attention. Not sure if I’d read it again though. The ending was a surprise. I didn’t really see it coming and there wasn’t a lead up to it. If you enjoy mermaids/mermen then it’s a good one time read.

[C.W. Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been really into merfolk stories lately, and The Little Mermaid is one of my favorite Disney movies. So I always adore a TLM retelling. This time, it’s gender-bent, with a male siren and a female human.

The story is simple - Siren Fivrial is in love with human woman Meryn. Like Ariel in TLM, he makes a deal with a sea witch to gain legs, and he has 3 months to make Meryn fall in love with him. And there are a few twists and turns along the way.

So I found this to be a relatively straightforward, overall sweet read. The characters and plot are mostly what I expected them to be. And there was quite a bit of spice, which I always love in my romances.

There really were no surprises except for the ending, where some of our characters did an about face and secrets were revealed that I felt came out of nowhere, with no lead up. So while I thought the ending was sweet and definitely an HEA, it almost seemed too convenient.

Otherwise, I’d recommend this for anyone looking for a comfort read and enjoy TLM retellings, and merfolk / seaside settings!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reimagining of The Little Mermaid fairytale, this is a competently-told gender-flipped romance. The beginning drags just a tad and I had a problem with a plot issue (the work for a fisherman to pay off a debt does not make sense given the main character's position). However, the main characters are fully realized and their connection is palpable. I thoroughly enjoyed the last third of the book and would've liked to have seen that expanded a bit, but it wasn't lacking anything. An enjoyable story, especially once it picked up about a third of the way through. Recommended if you're a fan of fairy tales.