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Midlife Mermaid #2

Gentlemen Prefer Mermaids

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When Sawyer learns what I am—a mermaid—he isn’t sure what to make of the fact. And, unfortunately for me, it seems distance is what he needs most. So even though things might be less than ideal between the two of us, at least I still have a friend in Wendy.

But, soon, that relationship will see its own crisis when posters appear throughout town proclaiming I’m a criminal on the run. Although the rumors are a hoax, I feel the whole town is turning against me, Wendy included, and I can only wonder who’s to blame for the lies.

Luckily for me, there’s a new man in my life named Marshall. Having just moved to Shell Harbor, Marshall is unbelievably handsome, and he’s quickly proving to be the only person I want to spend time with. Yet, there’s something about Marshall that leaves me with questions—he seems to be keeping secrets of his own.

Between combating nasty rumors flitting through town, keeping my swim school afloat, trying to make amends with Sawyer and Wendy, and allowing a new friendship with Marshall to blossom, my life is a chaotic mess. But that chaotic mess is about to get a lot more complicated when I get the shock of a lifetime…

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2021

120 people are currently reading
98 people want to read

About the author

H.P. Mallory

370 books2,812 followers
I’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.

My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.

Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!

H.P.

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5 stars
171 (51%)
4 stars
92 (27%)
3 stars
48 (14%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Jana Oglesby.
222 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2021
I find this series to be interesting so far. This book was a bit slow, but had a good ending. I’m glad for the new characters & think they will make the next book better. I’m enjoying seeing Eva become stronger & her relationship with Sawyer growing.
108 reviews
October 7, 2021
Mermaids

I am a Mermaids...until I take a breath under water...believe me They do exist. I believe I believe I believe
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,803 reviews46 followers
August 27, 2021
Eva is still reeling from the aftermath of Cullen's attack on her and her house . She has also told Sawyer about her secret, that she is a mermaid . While they are trying to figure each other out and what they mean to each other . Ugly rumors are being plastered all over town about Eva. The town is turning against her and her swim school is suffering . When a new man walks into her life and becomes her confidante and the only person she can count on . But as things get worse can she count on Marshall or will she be tricked again and will Cullen finally get his chance to take her back . Oh and when her best friend shows up Eva's two ring circus becomes a 3 ring chaotic mess.
Sawyer and the gang are back and honestly better then ever . Eva is going through so much with Sawyer finding out things are a little cool with them right now . She is going through so much turmoil right now . She is having such a hard time and we see her kind of break down but with the break down we see her come out stronger then ever. Wendy, her best friend is clueless about what Eva is and what is going on . She is sweet and kind and always trying to find the good in everyone . She sometimes comes off as annoying . Sawyer is well he is being a man and trying to come to terms with everything that is going on . He has feelings for Eva but doesn't really know how to process them but when push comes to shove he will always be there for Eva and protect her. Now on to the new guy Marshall, he is way to good to be true. He is charming. sweet , but he is hiding something a big something. These characters are well written and becoming more and more complex .
This is a fun read and starts where book one leaves off . The authors take us on a fun filled ride . Where things aren't what they seem at all , the universe they are creating is growing and becoming more and more complex. There a lot of characters in this book and sometimes you do get a little lost in everything that is going on but the authors do pull you back and get you going back on the right path. There were parts I felt that didn't really feel like it flowed well but over all I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to see how the authors kick it up in book 3 . Soif you like mermaids and sweet characters check it out.
Profile Image for Toni Glitz.
295 reviews3 followers
Read
August 17, 2021
Mermaid Interrupted! Eva’s past is catching up and could spell trouble for her future.

This is the second book in the Midlife Mermaid series. I really enjoyed reading this collaboration between HP Mallory and JR Rain. The book falls in the Paranormal Women’s Fiction genre with the potential for some romance thrown in for good measure. There are no scenes of a sexual nature in this book.

Eva is a 40-something year old mermaid who escaped from the clutches of Cullen, the abusive King of the underwater city of Corsica and made a new start on land in the US coastal town of Shell Harbor, supported by her new friends Wendy and Sawyer.

After finding out what she is, Sawyer is having a hard time reconciling her truth with his idea of reality and knowing she is a Mermaid has put the brakes on any budding relationship they might have had.

Eva’s attention is distracted by newcomer, Marshall, who is definitely interested in her and who she would like to get to know better. Cullen wants her back in his control and Eva fears he won’t stop trying to snatch her back. Wendy know’s Eva is hiding something and is increasingly concerned about Eva’s secrecy. Can their friendship survive? Can Eva’s friendship with Sawyer continue now that Marshall is showing an interest in her?

The story develops at a good pace. There is more action in this book than the first and the main characters develop well throughout. Eva is becoming more relatable, although she definitely makes some questionable decisions. The cast of characters is increasing and it will be interesting to see what develops with Eva, Marshall and Sawyer.

This is another good collaboration by HP Mallory and JR Rain. They write well together, which makes for a smooth flowing story which is interesting and easy to become immersed in. These books are light, entertaining and easy to read. I’m already looking forward to the next books in this series.
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,272 reviews58 followers
August 28, 2021
Eva is still picking up the pieces after the climactic ending in The Mermaid Next Door. After Cullen’s brutal attack on both her and Sawyer, Cullen reveals Eva’s secret. Now, Sawyer is trying to come to terms with the idea Eva is a mermaid. Mermaids were creatures of fantasy and lore but not real. Right? Discovering merfolk are indeed real has Sawyer questioning his sanity, Eva’s claims, and sorting through his feelings for her.

Eva learns a lot of hard lessons in this book. People can be cruel; it’s not just merfolk that carry that trait. Trust should be earned and to watch for signs of deceit no matter how nice someone may be towards you. Humans are good at taking information at face value and not doing any type of research to verify if said info is actually accurate.

Gentlemen Prefer Mermaids is a fun second book in H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain’s Paranormal Women’s Fiction story involving a mermaid who comes to shore. Eva continues to learn about the new world around her but she’s still naïve and not worldly-smart. She plays it off but those she meets know there is something different about her. Blending into human society is difficult but she’s managing the best she can.

The authors have done a wonderful job continuing to build up a world where mermaids walk among us. Eva didn’t just pop out of the ocean and acclimate to her surroundings flawlessly. Even in the second book, there are bumps along the way. Her relationships with Wendy and Sawyer are tested and it will be interesting to see how things pan out in the next book and future books.
169 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2021
Great Story

First of all, I loved this book. But now I have to wait, because there was not a very definitive ending. Though perhaps there was a very cool emotional climax. That said, it’s been very interesting to watch Eva’s journey, both the one to the land, and the one where she discovers herself. In this story, she is, essentially, someone from a land where women have no value except as possessions,and no rights. She was already brave and independent, but her thwarting of the king was both brilliant and terrifying. How does one stop a narcissistic and sociopathic ruler who believes he owns a woman, and is aided in it by the laws of his kingdom? And how can Eva, a stranger on land, know who to trust? These are not simple questions. And I’m very eager to read the next installment in this series.
Profile Image for KittenKaboom.
192 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2022
The story is fine but I just can't get past the poor writing. The dialog sounds stilted and forced, the FMC beats you over the head with the foreshadowing, and everyone's behavior seems juvenile and unnatural. There is absolutely no finesse in the writing style and it reads at a grade school or middle school level. The FMC explains her thoughts and feelings to you in an extremely simplistic way, often reiterating what you already surmised from the scene. I don't know how else to describe it, but it reminds me of Jennifer Armentrout but even more amateur. Long story short, I am intrigued by the premise and plot (I haven't read a lot of mermaid romance) but the poor writing doesn't allow me to enjoy it.
Profile Image for Melissa Ceseña.
Author 2 books
February 10, 2026
GENTLEMEN PREFER MERMAIDS is a fun read about a mermaid from Corsica, not Greece. Mermaid Mara visits her best friend Mermaid Eva with selfish intentions. Mara helped Eva escape in book one, but now life is bad for Mara, and she wants Eva to come home to the sea. I would have liked if Wendy had been more involved in helping Eva in the second book. Sawyer is also in Eva’s life with the promise of a budding relationship. A new man comes around named Marshall, and Sawyer is suspicious of him. And then Cullen finds Eva, eager to take her home to the sea and make her his wife. Eva is happy living life on land. I’m looking forward to book three to see if Eva and Sawyer fall in love.
Profile Image for Brandy Barber.
970 reviews23 followers
August 18, 2021
I was worried that Eva's past was going to find her. I think it has in this book. There is a lot of players in this book. Wendy is clueless as to what Eva is and is upset that Eva is keeping something from her. Sawyer is being a hard headed man. Cullen we all know wants her back. And, now we have Marshall. That is going to be interesting. With so much going on things keep coming up for her to deal with.

I liked everything about this book. I just felt it had a little disjointing to it in some parts. I hit a small couple of slow parts also. I left a star off for it.
1,190 reviews9 followers
August 20, 2021
Eva is dealing with the aftermath of Cullen finding her. She finds herself feeling more isolated because of it. She meets a someone new and feels a connection. Eva will realize that someone is breaking in her home. She has rumors started about her. Eva will have to figure out who started the lies, breaking in her home and what to do about Cullen. Eva will make some interesting discoveries.

This was a really fun read. I enjoyed Eva's journey in this book with the twist and turns that occur. From fraught friends, possible romance, new friends and more, you will be hooked reading this.
Profile Image for Anne-Marie .
972 reviews23 followers
August 18, 2021
Loved it

So nice to being reading more about Eva and Sawyer
We find Eva teaching swimming but not all of her students are present. She finds out someone has put up posters saying that she is wanted by the police. Who would do such a thing?
Eva also has a new friend but Sawyer doesn't trust the friend.
Also someone from Eva's past has come to see her...Who is it?
You have to read the book to find out
Profile Image for Starla B.
551 reviews17 followers
August 20, 2021
I liked this second book even more than the first! I admid I had my suspicions about one of the new characters that was proven correct, and I had suspicions about another new character that seem to be unfounded. (At least for now!) I am interested to see how some of the issues Eva faced in this book are resolved as gar as the town, and how some of the friendships might get repaired. I can't wait to see what happens next!
1,910 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2021
This is the second book in this series and the relationship between Eva and Sawyer is strained. He claims to need time to process her extra worldly truths. Meanwhile, Cullen has not given up and Eva is at risk. New friends and old friends may prove to be a comfort or a risk. The cover is beautiful on this book and the story is enchanting.
Profile Image for Koo Koo .
44 reviews
August 22, 2021
No more needy, lame heroines needing to be rescued!

I want to like this because I enjoy the author’s other work, but it’s a bit ridiculous. The main character’s chosen job is so impossible to pull off that I can’t take it! I enjoy suspending reality but that combined with the helpless heroine is a no go for me.
Profile Image for Amy.
941 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2021
Posters are everywhere

Poor Eva, all she wants is some peace....well, and Sawyer. Everything has changed and Sawyer knows the truth. Will distance tear the apart??
Book 2 in the series brings the characters a little bit further, and ultimately closer together.
Can't wait for Book 3 to see what happens next!!
223 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2021
Good Read

This book portrays the lengths the King of Mermaids will go to get Eva back. A little lite on direction, and very lite on building relationships. I recommend this book, but the series will need a kicker in book 3 to keep interest.
22 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2021
This series reads like an old fashioned telegram. No flow. There are some really socially unrealistic scenes when the mermaid is being pressured to tell her secrets by people who say they are her friends. That is just ridiculous.
344 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2021
A Mermaid's escape to freedom.

It was a wonderful story with good characters. I loved the elements of human frailty along with discovery of abuse and enforced violence. At one point the story lagged a little bit but then picked up the pace. I recommend to readers enjoy.😉😇
Profile Image for Leslie.
80 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2022
Good second book of the trilogy

I liked this book. They added some suspense along with the rest of the regular storyline so it made it more interesting without taking away from the original storyline.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,466 reviews8 followers
December 13, 2022
Loved it!

It starts out where book one stops. I felt sorry for her because I could just feel the innocence in her social knowledge. I'm really glad it ended the way it did. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Tabatha_Reads_Books.
231 reviews40 followers
April 24, 2023
I loved it! A continuation from The Mermaid Next Door, Eva is trying her best to fit in to the human world and make a life for herself. But will her life in the ocean let her go?

A quick and easy read! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Amy.
185 reviews
November 19, 2025
Impossibly more plot holes. I own the last one, but I don’t think I’ll read it. It wasn’t terrible, but I just don’t really care what happens, so why bother? So far I really like Haven Hollow and Misty Hollow by them, but this one just missed the mark for me.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,912 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2021
A good book!

A worthy sequel! This book took me on an escape and I was entertained throughout. And you know what? There’s more to come!
Profile Image for Stephanie Manning.
85 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2021
Loved it!! Picked right up from the last one. Quick fun read. Hope Eva keeps finding her voice.
1,790 reviews6 followers
September 3, 2021
This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was action packed and held my interest. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series.
3 reviews
September 20, 2021
Must read

This story is fantasy but is written so well you believe it to real.
Love this series.
Will read all that are published
Profile Image for Rhonda Taylor.
559 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2021
Good

Interesting story. I'll read the next when it comes out. But I honestly hoped for more when I started this story. Some of the actions and reactions don't make a lot of sense.
48 reviews
February 16, 2022
it

Took a bit to get into the book but it was worth the time. A good story gonna read the. Ext in line
482 reviews
October 3, 2022
I liked this book. The storyline is good,, and although some of the characters are a bit different, they all make up for an enjoyable read
Profile Image for Andrea Latham.
1,358 reviews26 followers
January 2, 2023
Another enjoyable story in this series with mermaid's having similar problems that humans have.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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