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Dive
Princess Talia, a mermaid, of the Malawi Tribe, cannot control her powers and she’s utterly captivated by the world above their lake. She’s content with viewing it from afar until the Queen sends her on a trip where she meets mercenary Xander, a shapeshifting centaur. The man sent to abduct her mother. And through a course of deadly events, these enemies become lovers.
All fairytales don’t end in happily ever afters but a second chance. Dive is a tale of forever love, steamy passion, and a parting gift that etches this couple in your mind forever.
All fairytales don’t end in happily ever afters but a second chance. Dive is a tale of forever love, steamy passion, and a parting gift that etches this couple in your mind forever.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2021
21 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Selene Drake
11 books203 followersI write romantic stories laced with love, legacy, and fate. My novels feature culturally diverse characters and I hope to renew or deepen your love for magic, shifters, and romantic imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 27, 2022
This book was written like prose for a high school English assignment. Just to be clear, this is NOT a compliment.
I’m quite disappointed too because look at how gorgeous that cover art is! It’s beyond gorgeous! Plus, a book about Black mermaids? Sign me up! Except, this book did not deliver on that.
The grammatical errors were numerous. I’m not even talking about solely spelling. Sometimes entire words were missing from a sentence and it would just throw me. Words were shortened, eg. ‘me - mean.’ After several of these, it was clear this book wasn’t edited. It could have used one.
Then there was the chemistry (or lack of) between Xander and Talia. Where was it? None of these characters did anything that made me believe they fell in love with each other. One minute they were captured and captor, the next they're kissing and having sex? Did I miss several scenes? Well, I went back a few pages and turns, I didn't, but Ms. Selene Drake certainly did.
Everything felt forced and rushed and there was just no emotion. It was quite frustrating to read.
This book highlights what I absolutely hate about first-person narrative. Authors use it as an excuse to do more of a TELLING vs SHOWING and it's just lazy. Do authors think we readers are stupid and are unable to read between lines if they drop clues instead of flat out telling us what they want us to know? It is honestly insulting, to say the least.
And then that pitiful attempt at a climax? Ugh! Everything felt so rushed and like I said before, like that of some high school student turning in prose for 5% of their grade. It just wasn't very good. Which made me quite mad because I really wanted it to be good.
That whole ocean scene with Xander just felt so bloody contrived in a feeble attempt to wrangle some form of emotion from readers and it felt super flat because I didn't buy the love between the characters in the first place. It just wasn't there, so when it happened, I could care less.
Then here comes Colt out of nowhere, through once again TELLING us through her mum saying he liked her because we saw no interaction of this to even have the slightest clue. They had zero interactions together. Yet at the end, here he comes to basically profess that he had all these pent up emotions for her his whole life. Excuse me? It literally just felt like the author had no way of making things work between a centaur and a mermaid and thought ending it the way she did was a cop-out because she couldn't see how to make it work.
Didn't enjoy it, but didn't HATE it. It could benefit from reworking, but I wouldn't recommend it until it has had a SERIOUS revamp and editing.
I’m quite disappointed too because look at how gorgeous that cover art is! It’s beyond gorgeous! Plus, a book about Black mermaids? Sign me up! Except, this book did not deliver on that.
The grammatical errors were numerous. I’m not even talking about solely spelling. Sometimes entire words were missing from a sentence and it would just throw me. Words were shortened, eg. ‘me - mean.’ After several of these, it was clear this book wasn’t edited. It could have used one.
Then there was the chemistry (or lack of) between Xander and Talia. Where was it? None of these characters did anything that made me believe they fell in love with each other. One minute they were captured and captor, the next they're kissing and having sex? Did I miss several scenes? Well, I went back a few pages and turns, I didn't, but Ms. Selene Drake certainly did.
Everything felt forced and rushed and there was just no emotion. It was quite frustrating to read.
This book highlights what I absolutely hate about first-person narrative. Authors use it as an excuse to do more of a TELLING vs SHOWING and it's just lazy. Do authors think we readers are stupid and are unable to read between lines if they drop clues instead of flat out telling us what they want us to know? It is honestly insulting, to say the least.
And then that pitiful attempt at a climax? Ugh! Everything felt so rushed and like I said before, like that of some high school student turning in prose for 5% of their grade. It just wasn't very good. Which made me quite mad because I really wanted it to be good.
That whole ocean scene with Xander just felt so bloody contrived in a feeble attempt to wrangle some form of emotion from readers and it felt super flat because I didn't buy the love between the characters in the first place. It just wasn't there, so when it happened, I could care less.
Then here comes Colt out of nowhere, through once again TELLING us through her mum saying he liked her because we saw no interaction of this to even have the slightest clue. They had zero interactions together. Yet at the end, here he comes to basically profess that he had all these pent up emotions for her his whole life. Excuse me? It literally just felt like the author had no way of making things work between a centaur and a mermaid and thought ending it the way she did was a cop-out because she couldn't see how to make it work.
Didn't enjoy it, but didn't HATE it. It could benefit from reworking, but I wouldn't recommend it until it has had a SERIOUS revamp and editing.
August 12, 2024
While I really like the concept and premises, the grammar errors are too egregious. First, there should not used present tense and then switching with past tense. Either you use present tense or past tense, use one for all. Second, there are typo like "me" for mean.
This novel needs an editor.
This novel needs an editor.
October 24, 2021
Mermaid Love
A little mermaid retelling that sticks with the ore ending 😐 We get to meet Talia Princess of the Malawi Tribe. She is sent to land for a peace keeping mission. Jude the merman who betrays her people and t the reason for the trip to land helps coordinate an ambush that and takes Talia captive. Xander is there to keep things calm but falls for Talia. Oh btw he is a hybrid centaur. There's a lot packed into this novella but as the reader I felt like I was missing context. I saw in a post that this book was like a prequel so go into it like more questions than answers and mostly setup. Xander and Talia relationship is probably when to lovers (kidnapping) maybe fated mates, with full of banter. By the end Talks comes into her power and leans into her siren abilities, power of the next queen, and a mystical being. The ending with Colton felt flat but again I think there's more coming.
CW/N: kidnapping, shoo that ends in death, running from the law, parental death, imprisonment
A little mermaid retelling that sticks with the ore ending 😐 We get to meet Talia Princess of the Malawi Tribe. She is sent to land for a peace keeping mission. Jude the merman who betrays her people and t the reason for the trip to land helps coordinate an ambush that and takes Talia captive. Xander is there to keep things calm but falls for Talia. Oh btw he is a hybrid centaur. There's a lot packed into this novella but as the reader I felt like I was missing context. I saw in a post that this book was like a prequel so go into it like more questions than answers and mostly setup. Xander and Talia relationship is probably when to lovers (kidnapping) maybe fated mates, with full of banter. By the end Talks comes into her power and leans into her siren abilities, power of the next queen, and a mystical being. The ending with Colton felt flat but again I think there's more coming.
CW/N: kidnapping, shoo that ends in death, running from the law, parental death, imprisonment
August 10, 2021
Dive is the story of a mermaid destined to be queen and the shapeshifting centaur who surprisingly knows her inside and out. Talia is the daughter of Queen Frances and, as the only remaining princess, she is next in line to rule Malawi. She doesn't think she is ready and has extreme self-doubts, but her mother assures her that once she has controlled her powers, she'll be more than ready. When she meets Xander, her world changes and he helps her understand what true love is. The ending was both romantic and heartbreaking but, after all the loss, a new world is born for Talia's rule. The plot is wonderful and it's a good book, but it needs a little more depth and description of the many types of characters who played major roles in the story. Overall, it's an enjoyable genre and story. I received a copy from Bad Boy Update and this is my voluntary review.
August 14, 2021
Dive tells us the story of Talia, a mermaid meant to be queen.
Along with Talia, we also meet Xander, the shapeshifting centaur.
Talia is the last single daughter of Queen Frances and is destined to be the next ruler of Malawi, but lacks confidence in herself. She constantly struggles to learn to control her powers and with the weight of all the expectation everyone has of her.
It's refreshing to meet a heroin that isn't perfect, wears glasses, and grows beautifully into herself.
Her chemistry with Xander is off the charts.
This page-turner takes us through a real roller coaster of emotions, full of suspense, drama, in a world beautifully built that makes us want to live there.
The twists and turns leading to the internal growth and acceptance of both Talia and Xander are a journey worth following, full of love, heartbreak and finally the HEA they both deserve.
Along with Talia, we also meet Xander, the shapeshifting centaur.
Talia is the last single daughter of Queen Frances and is destined to be the next ruler of Malawi, but lacks confidence in herself. She constantly struggles to learn to control her powers and with the weight of all the expectation everyone has of her.
It's refreshing to meet a heroin that isn't perfect, wears glasses, and grows beautifully into herself.
Her chemistry with Xander is off the charts.
This page-turner takes us through a real roller coaster of emotions, full of suspense, drama, in a world beautifully built that makes us want to live there.
The twists and turns leading to the internal growth and acceptance of both Talia and Xander are a journey worth following, full of love, heartbreak and finally the HEA they both deserve.
August 6, 2021
The Centaur and the Mermaid . . .
Princess Talia is a mermaid, of the Malawi Tribe. Her mother, the Queen, sends her out on a task to the land where she encounters Xander, a shapeshifting centaur, for the adventure of her life.
The author presented us with a strong story line and intriguing characters. Talia and Xander’s sizzling chemistry will have the reader eagerly turning pages to see how their relationship develops. The suspense and drama throughout the story are paired with twists and turns to sustain the reader’s interest. Will Xander betray her? Or can they find a HEA together despite their different worlds? Grab your copy and enjoy taking the journey with them.
Princess Talia is a mermaid, of the Malawi Tribe. Her mother, the Queen, sends her out on a task to the land where she encounters Xander, a shapeshifting centaur, for the adventure of her life.
The author presented us with a strong story line and intriguing characters. Talia and Xander’s sizzling chemistry will have the reader eagerly turning pages to see how their relationship develops. The suspense and drama throughout the story are paired with twists and turns to sustain the reader’s interest. Will Xander betray her? Or can they find a HEA together despite their different worlds? Grab your copy and enjoy taking the journey with them.
August 14, 2021
My HEART!
The first thing that caught my attention of this book was the cover. I thought it was really beautiful and the fact that this was an interracial romance! (I’m a sucker for interracial romance and all things fantasy and paranormal) this book turned out way better than what I initially expected and happy about that. When she sang the “death song” to Xander my heart broke in half like literally tears in my eyes. And colt was still willing to lover her and aliyah both. Poor Xander was already fighting for a losing battle because in the end his dad had already passed away. I just wish that talias powers progressed more throughout the story and sooner.
The first thing that caught my attention of this book was the cover. I thought it was really beautiful and the fact that this was an interracial romance! (I’m a sucker for interracial romance and all things fantasy and paranormal) this book turned out way better than what I initially expected and happy about that. When she sang the “death song” to Xander my heart broke in half like literally tears in my eyes. And colt was still willing to lover her and aliyah both. Poor Xander was already fighting for a losing battle because in the end his dad had already passed away. I just wish that talias powers progressed more throughout the story and sooner.
August 9, 2021
Although you are told that fairy tales don't always have a happy ending, that does not take away from beautiful story of Princess Talia. Talia has never quite fit in like her sisters, but she is determined to make her mother proud and carry out the orders she is given. What she never expects is the danger, passion and love she finds along the way. Her story had me laughing, cheering her on and shed a few tears, but the ending is so special that you can't help but be happy for her. Loved this!! I received this ARC from Bad boy Updates.
August 7, 2021
Cute read. Beautiful cover.
Yes, there was the element of danger, but the mermaid angle was so cute! Talia is a princess and she needs to complete a quest of sorts. Xander is doing the same, and the two cross paths. Their relationship progresses over the course of the book to a well deserved fate. I truly enjoyed the story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yes, there was the element of danger, but the mermaid angle was so cute! Talia is a princess and she needs to complete a quest of sorts. Xander is doing the same, and the two cross paths. Their relationship progresses over the course of the book to a well deserved fate. I truly enjoyed the story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2021
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Selene Drake; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the 1st book in the Malawi Merfold Series. Princess Talia is a mermaid but can’t control her powers so she is sent to the world above their lake; when the queen sends her on a trip she meets Xander; they fall in love but she doesn’t know that he wasn’t sent to kidnap her mother.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 1st book in the Malawi Merfold Series. Princess Talia is a mermaid but can’t control her powers so she is sent to the world above their lake; when the queen sends her on a trip she meets Xander; they fall in love but she doesn’t know that he wasn’t sent to kidnap her mother.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
August 5, 2021When I read that she was a mermaid with glasses, I was hooked! I actually don't know of many heroines I have read that have glasses and especially if they are magical. The world building is great and the writing is rich. Highly would recommend this one! It is a short read too
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2021
Intense, interesting spin on love and fate of the Creator making things simplistic and complicated. Loyalty. Traitorous deceit. Sacrificing all believes is what was interesting. No cliffhanger just leading to another story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2022
Talia and Xander - True Love
A short book filled to the brim with excitement, anxiety, love and loss. I loved Talia and Xander but their life together, it wasn’t meant to be.
This book is definitely worth the read….and I guarantee you will cry during the last two chapters. But it’s worth it!
A short book filled to the brim with excitement, anxiety, love and loss. I loved Talia and Xander but their life together, it wasn’t meant to be.
This book is definitely worth the read….and I guarantee you will cry during the last two chapters. But it’s worth it!
August 2, 2021
Arc review For honest words Tata Hudson her mother is the Queen of the mermaid people in the Kingdom of Malawi . tata is kidnapped by mercenaries but xander a centaurs shape shifter who is with them has to make a choice for their fate. Very cute beautiful story
August 4, 2021
This book is so good it's a pagetuner for real . Princess Talia and Xander are a match made in heaven . I love their chemistry and the storyline of the book .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2021
" I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. "
It was a captivating read and very enjoyable. Since part of the storyline was about controlling her powers, I would have liked to see Talia do that. Overall, I thought it was a good read.
It was a captivating read and very enjoyable. Since part of the storyline was about controlling her powers, I would have liked to see Talia do that. Overall, I thought it was a good read.
August 6, 2021
Xander & Talia had an intriguing read. This was a new author for me. I got a copy of the book via BBU. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 20, 2021
The Malawi Tribe are mermaids and mermen who live at the bottom of the sea. Princess Talia is the only one of her sisters not married or engaged. So when someone needs to go on land Talia is the only option. When Talia and her guards surface they are ambushed and captured two guards are killed. The killer is a faeus but he is not in charge. He threatened to kill the Princess until a voice up on the hill where a man stands. He tells the men to put away there weapons as no one was supposed to be killed everyone complied but Gunner the shooter. The loner is Xander who is a mercenary but who can also read Princess Talias mind. He has a ranch in Montana but took this job to free his father. They need to await the arrival of the Walker to complete there mission. Gunner works for the Dakes Empire who want the Queen. Xander tried to phone Kaden but he doesn’t answer. He realises that Talia is dying a guard says she needs water. He rushes her to the bath and runs the water. They are in the hotel for three days when Talia rebels against another burger for her meal. Xander realises that Talia is his mate. They get close. I’m not going to spoil the rest only to say I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given you will not be able to put this book down.
September 17, 2021
This is the 1st book I read by Selene Drake. The only thing I liked about this story 📖 is the mermaid. This book's storyline didn't grab my interest.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews