What do you think?
Rate this book
Head Over Tails
Mermaids meet mental health in this light-hearted story of life, love, and learning to grow into who you were meant to be.
Their love is true...but is it real?
Fear of inheriting his father’s hallucinations and memory loss have brought Jacob’s life to a screeching halt at age nineteen. Now he spends his days alone on the beach behind his home, staring into the endless Hawaiian waves.
Mermaid Sevencea is eager to explore life above the water--and cheer up the handsome, lonely young man strolling on the shores. Forming a bond with him is as natural as swimming. All she needs are legs to walk beside him, so Sevencea disappears to trade for the necessary magic.
Yet when she returns, Jacob is gone, convinced she was a hallucination after all. And the more Sevencea searches for him, the more she doubts what they have will last.
Can love truly exist between land and sea?
A sweet YA mermaid-meets-human romance set within the lovely vistas of Hawaii.
Their love is true...but is it real?
Fear of inheriting his father’s hallucinations and memory loss have brought Jacob’s life to a screeching halt at age nineteen. Now he spends his days alone on the beach behind his home, staring into the endless Hawaiian waves.
Mermaid Sevencea is eager to explore life above the water--and cheer up the handsome, lonely young man strolling on the shores. Forming a bond with him is as natural as swimming. All she needs are legs to walk beside him, so Sevencea disappears to trade for the necessary magic.
Yet when she returns, Jacob is gone, convinced she was a hallucination after all. And the more Sevencea searches for him, the more she doubts what they have will last.
Can love truly exist between land and sea?
A sweet YA mermaid-meets-human romance set within the lovely vistas of Hawaii.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2021
19 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Brianna Tibbetts
8 books75 followersRaised on a steady diet of rich fiction, novelist Brianna Tibbetts has been writing exciting, speculative worlds as long as she can remember. Currently based in the Pacific Northwest, she reads voraciously and writes extensively. In everything from short stories to series, Brianna demonstrates her passion for lively stories infused with faith. In addition to writing, her other superpowers include being ginger and yarn crafting. When she isn’t spending time in her own creations, she loves indulging in the fictional worlds of others.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 7, 2022
Super enjoyable Little Mermaid meets contemporary fantasy! Really enjoyed the characters and their connections with each other. And especially how Jacob and Sevencea grow and blossom into being their own person and not just staying dependent on each other for minimal growth. Jacob's own journey was so good - so many things tackled in his arc and really well done without getting repetitive or just wiping it away. Really recommend this book for anyone who wants a clean contemporary romance with fantasy vibes and who is looking for books with great mental health rep!
December 4, 2021
2.75
First of all the cover is gorgeous 🥰. I love the colors and the vibe it gives. Unfortunately for me, it just wasn’t it :(
It felt somewhat middle grade even though it is a YA. It’s a fluffy cute book but super fantastical and there is super Insta love and I’m not a fan of the trope 🙈. Even though the characters were young adults I found their voices childish :(
I thought Sevencea, the main character, was like 13-14max but she was way older. Also the talking out loud for every little thing was too much, it felt info dumpish🙈.
I will say, the book has some super nice lessons throughout. I liked the fact the plot revolved around mental health 🧡. Even though the main character has some very serious issues with his parents, I loved the resolution and the humility of the character to acknowledge his wrongs.
Having said that, the book is very slow and there is not a lot of action going on which caused me to take quite a bit to finish it 😅
Content wise, there are quite a few kisses (slightly descriptive), some “hell”s, a murmured profanity, the word “moron” , and the mention of an “acid trip” (just mentioned).
*I received a complimentary copy of the book and I wasn’t required to write a posited review*
First of all the cover is gorgeous 🥰. I love the colors and the vibe it gives. Unfortunately for me, it just wasn’t it :(
It felt somewhat middle grade even though it is a YA. It’s a fluffy cute book but super fantastical and there is super Insta love and I’m not a fan of the trope 🙈. Even though the characters were young adults I found their voices childish :(
I thought Sevencea, the main character, was like 13-14max but she was way older. Also the talking out loud for every little thing was too much, it felt info dumpish🙈.
I will say, the book has some super nice lessons throughout. I liked the fact the plot revolved around mental health 🧡. Even though the main character has some very serious issues with his parents, I loved the resolution and the humility of the character to acknowledge his wrongs.
Having said that, the book is very slow and there is not a lot of action going on which caused me to take quite a bit to finish it 😅
Content wise, there are quite a few kisses (slightly descriptive), some “hell”s, a murmured profanity, the word “moron” , and the mention of an “acid trip” (just mentioned).
*I received a complimentary copy of the book and I wasn’t required to write a posited review*
November 22, 2021
Absolutely adorable!
Sometimes you just need a feel good, cutesy romance. And this book hit the spot! A quick and easy read, Head Over Tails was so much fun. I thought the author did a great job at making both characters feel real and fully developed, and thought the Alzheimer’s/memory loss storyline was very touching and relatable.
I also love how the story wrapped up. I thought it was a cute and satisfying ending…though I definitely wouldn’t be mad about an additional epilogue that included a wedding scene!
Thanks so much to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sometimes you just need a feel good, cutesy romance. And this book hit the spot! A quick and easy read, Head Over Tails was so much fun. I thought the author did a great job at making both characters feel real and fully developed, and thought the Alzheimer’s/memory loss storyline was very touching and relatable.
I also love how the story wrapped up. I thought it was a cute and satisfying ending…though I definitely wouldn’t be mad about an additional epilogue that included a wedding scene!
Thanks so much to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 29, 2021
A heartfelt contemporary romance...
This fairytale retelling read like a contemporary romance. Sevencea and Jacob gradually fall in love through romantic dates. Then, they go on adventures in the real world of Hawaii, and most of what they face are real-world obstacles: mental illness, joblessness, homelessness, and lostness (mentally and physically). If you're looking for adventure or action, this isn't really there, but the pacing of the book is well-done. But, what I most liked was the characters' journey.
Jacob and Sevencea's struggles were relatable. Jacob struggled with whether or not he was sane. Sevencea struggled with belonging. Both of these struggles caused me to cry, especially when I read lines like these:
"I don't believe you should allow that uncertainty to dominate your life."
"Even when faced with outcomes we don't like, there's always a design behind the journey."
Well said, wise mentor characters who I don't want to name for spoiler's sake. These words resonated with me, and I think they will resonate with a lot of people struggling to control the uncontrollable. The book comes to a close with a Happily Ever After, but it isn't cheesy, like some Hallmark romance. It's sweet and satisfying. Sort of like drinking a glass of lemonade on the beach. That's what this book is like-a sweet drink and a box of tissues, all rolled into one.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for review.*
This fairytale retelling read like a contemporary romance. Sevencea and Jacob gradually fall in love through romantic dates. Then, they go on adventures in the real world of Hawaii, and most of what they face are real-world obstacles: mental illness, joblessness, homelessness, and lostness (mentally and physically). If you're looking for adventure or action, this isn't really there, but the pacing of the book is well-done. But, what I most liked was the characters' journey.
Jacob and Sevencea's struggles were relatable. Jacob struggled with whether or not he was sane. Sevencea struggled with belonging. Both of these struggles caused me to cry, especially when I read lines like these:
"I don't believe you should allow that uncertainty to dominate your life."
"Even when faced with outcomes we don't like, there's always a design behind the journey."
Well said, wise mentor characters who I don't want to name for spoiler's sake. These words resonated with me, and I think they will resonate with a lot of people struggling to control the uncontrollable. The book comes to a close with a Happily Ever After, but it isn't cheesy, like some Hallmark romance. It's sweet and satisfying. Sort of like drinking a glass of lemonade on the beach. That's what this book is like-a sweet drink and a box of tissues, all rolled into one.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for review.*
November 22, 2021
Such a wholesome read! Touching topics such as mental health, meaningful friendships, and character growth.
The story follows a young man named Jacob struggling with the difficulties that his dad is going thru with a mysterious memory loss sickness. Jacob in fear of inheriting the same starts to isolate himself from the world. During this isolation he stumbles upon a creature… mermaid… which ends up changing his whole life!
I don’t want to spoil anything but the unraveling of the plot is great! The plot is well paced. The development of the characters is captivating. I loved the twist of the little mermaid, this story had. The inclusion of mental health and psychiatric help was a great addition, making it what drove the plot in the book. The author does a great job introducing us to her characters.
The world building wasn’t the main topic in this book, it’s was totally character driven… I’m not mad at that. We learned a lot about Jacob and the side characters as well. Yes there is magic and a villain of course. The retelling was perfect for this type of story.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of Head over Tails in exchange for an honest review! Can’t wait to read more by her.
The story follows a young man named Jacob struggling with the difficulties that his dad is going thru with a mysterious memory loss sickness. Jacob in fear of inheriting the same starts to isolate himself from the world. During this isolation he stumbles upon a creature… mermaid… which ends up changing his whole life!
I don’t want to spoil anything but the unraveling of the plot is great! The plot is well paced. The development of the characters is captivating. I loved the twist of the little mermaid, this story had. The inclusion of mental health and psychiatric help was a great addition, making it what drove the plot in the book. The author does a great job introducing us to her characters.
The world building wasn’t the main topic in this book, it’s was totally character driven… I’m not mad at that. We learned a lot about Jacob and the side characters as well. Yes there is magic and a villain of course. The retelling was perfect for this type of story.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of Head over Tails in exchange for an honest review! Can’t wait to read more by her.
June 19, 2022
A fluffy, feel-good, clean romance for when you’re feeling an easy-to-read love story. Some of my favorite aspects of this story are the healthy parental relationships, the value of honesty, and the innocent love. I enjoyed that hope and healing were a main theme in the story; and I liked the main female character’s journey throughout the story. Even side characters were lovable. Things that were detracting for me was the instant love trope, and some of the main male’s point of view that I felt were far-stretches for his character. Overall a cute, quick read for anyone feeling a modern mermaid story.
November 4, 2021
This sweet story drew me in from page one, and I really enjoyed it! It definitely made me want to dive back in each time I got to come back to it. ;) Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a cute, funny, island-escape story!
~I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a positive review.~
~I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a positive review.~
January 2, 2022
A late entry to this list. This was the last book I read in 2021.
This is a very sweet, simple romance. Not a lot of huge conflict or action. Mostly just two people getting to know each other with the twist of one of them being a mermaid and the other doubting his sanity.
Both characters are sweet. Sevencea was a little naive but believably and not stupidly. Like she didn't know a lot about human life and was wide-eyed about it, but she also didn't make a ton of dumb decisions because of it.
Might've been 5 star, but the middle (where they are apart and dealing with their own things) dragged on for me. I do like that it took the time to deal with Jacob's family issues and fears, but I felt some of the conversations involved to get there got a little repetitive. Probably very true to life (things like that take time and aren't solved in a single conversation), but in fiction, without much going on between that part, it kind of slowed the pacing. If there'd been some more "movement" between the conversations (another subplot going on) I probably wouldn't have thought anything of it, but the sections are interspaced with an equally slow paced (if again, realistic) section of Sevencea just kind of learning to human.
It does reach a satisfying conclusion and the protagonists are all likeable and cool to spend time with.
This is a very sweet, simple romance. Not a lot of huge conflict or action. Mostly just two people getting to know each other with the twist of one of them being a mermaid and the other doubting his sanity.
Both characters are sweet. Sevencea was a little naive but believably and not stupidly. Like she didn't know a lot about human life and was wide-eyed about it, but she also didn't make a ton of dumb decisions because of it.
Might've been 5 star, but the middle (where they are apart and dealing with their own things) dragged on for me. I do like that it took the time to deal with Jacob's family issues and fears, but I felt some of the conversations involved to get there got a little repetitive. Probably very true to life (things like that take time and aren't solved in a single conversation), but in fiction, without much going on between that part, it kind of slowed the pacing. If there'd been some more "movement" between the conversations (another subplot going on) I probably wouldn't have thought anything of it, but the sections are interspaced with an equally slow paced (if again, realistic) section of Sevencea just kind of learning to human.
It does reach a satisfying conclusion and the protagonists are all likeable and cool to spend time with.
November 22, 2021
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy to read and review!
This book was super adorable and all of the feels. Firstly, I love mermaids so. Secondly, mental health is such a huge topic that is strongly over looked and avoided by so many.
Sevencea gives all of the Ariel vibes in this one. But there is no prince or princess here. Jacob and Sevencea are just a boy and a girl who happenstance and fall in love. They over come obstacles and trials to come to this point.
Jacob is afraid he is just like his father who suffers from a memory disease. Mermaids can’t be real, and therefore after some time apart he must also have this disease.
Sevencea over comes a lot of things to become human and find her Jacob once more.
The story is touching and full of family and emotions. It still had the feeling of The Little Mermaid but with its own twists.
If you like YA, young love, mermaids, and adventures, you will love this one!
This book was super adorable and all of the feels. Firstly, I love mermaids so. Secondly, mental health is such a huge topic that is strongly over looked and avoided by so many.
Sevencea gives all of the Ariel vibes in this one. But there is no prince or princess here. Jacob and Sevencea are just a boy and a girl who happenstance and fall in love. They over come obstacles and trials to come to this point.
Jacob is afraid he is just like his father who suffers from a memory disease. Mermaids can’t be real, and therefore after some time apart he must also have this disease.
Sevencea over comes a lot of things to become human and find her Jacob once more.
The story is touching and full of family and emotions. It still had the feeling of The Little Mermaid but with its own twists.
If you like YA, young love, mermaids, and adventures, you will love this one!
November 24, 2021
This book is incredibly fun and cute! If you love mermaids, adventure, and fantasy, Head Over Tails needs to be on your list! Good for MG and YA fans!
I read this book in one sitting, so it is definitely a binge worthy book. The book follows two characters, Jacob and Sevencea. Jacob is nineteen but his biggest fear is ending up like his father, who has horrible hallucinations and can't tell what is real and what is not. Sevencea wants nothing more than to be above the water. She sees Jacob and his sadness, and believes that she can make him feel better.
But what happens if Jacob doesn't believe Sevencea is real? What happens if Sevencea can't find Jacob? This book is a test of young love and their belief in each other.
This book wraps up nicely and left me happy with how it ended. Definitely one that would appeal to many YA lovers!
I read this book in one sitting, so it is definitely a binge worthy book. The book follows two characters, Jacob and Sevencea. Jacob is nineteen but his biggest fear is ending up like his father, who has horrible hallucinations and can't tell what is real and what is not. Sevencea wants nothing more than to be above the water. She sees Jacob and his sadness, and believes that she can make him feel better.
But what happens if Jacob doesn't believe Sevencea is real? What happens if Sevencea can't find Jacob? This book is a test of young love and their belief in each other.
This book wraps up nicely and left me happy with how it ended. Definitely one that would appeal to many YA lovers!
December 28, 2021
What a sweet read!!. I loved the banter between the main characters and how their relationship was the catalyst for their own separate soul searching. If you love love stories, mermaids, and hard but healing family dynamics, then this book is for you!
April 27, 2024
Very cute! Photography AND mermaids?! Definitely my thing. This was a sweet and unique story, with some deep themes about faith, fear, and hope. Jacob definitely has the most character development but I liked Sevencea :)
November 5, 2024
Amazing story
It’s a fantastic story, I loved the writing and the character development. I for sure wanna read more from this author.
It’s a fantastic story, I loved the writing and the character development. I for sure wanna read more from this author.
October 12, 2022
Mermaid fans will adore this heartwarming romance. As Jacob and Sevencea share their own kind of magic with each other, they grow both as individuals and as a couple in a satisfying way. The issues of family and mental health add a layer of complexity to the story that I appreciated, and the beautiful backdrop of the big island was a treat. It made me want to take another trip to Hawaii!
August 15, 2025
This is what the little mermaid would have been like if the little mermaid had a healthy relationship with her dad. I love that. The other elements of the story, the photography, the mental health challenges in his family, and the "found family" situation that she discovers, are all charming additions to the age-old concept of a mermaid falling in love with a human.
January 7, 2022
Delightful story! I adore mermaid stories, but this one was definitely different from the rest. This book touches on mental health, and dives deep into the importance of relationships. The pacing worked well and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. A must-read for any romance or mermaid lover!
February 22, 2024
Super sweet summer romance with some really solid life lessons. I especially loved the resolution the family issues! This is the perfect book to take to the beach. You’ll be seeing mermaids in the water when you’re done!
January 5, 2022
Fantasy meets Hallmark Movie = absolutely adorable. 😍
November 10, 2021
So many fantasy books these days are high-stakes epics with people trying to save the world--or at least save their kingdom or reclaim their throne--that Head Over Tails threw me a little. (Also, I should read blurbs more carefully, I was just excited about mermaids and magic). While it runs in the vein of retelling Hans Christian Anderson's Little Mermaid, with a little tinge of the Disney version, this one is really a low-stakes sweet romance between a mermaid and a human.
There is no kingdom to be saved, there is no prince who needs a wife; just nineteen-year-old Jacob struggling to find his place in the world in the aftermath of his father's diagnosis that splits his world--and family--apart. And as much as Sevencea gives off Ariel vibes, she's not a princess whose forbidden romance will cause the fall of her father's kingdom; all she wants is (mostly) to not let the cute guy she's (maybe) falling in love with think she's only a hallucination.
Despite it being a romance, Head Over Tails is very much about family. The choices both Jacob and Sevencea make are heavily impacted by their families--whether it's Jacob's fear that he's inherited his father's illness, or it's Sevencea looking for her father's wisdom and advice. I love found family stories (there's a bit of that going on at The Makai), where the displaced and disenchanted build a new family from the wreckage, but this also feels necessary: a reminder that natural families are also important. And while most families are messy and sometimes they break apart, they can still be what you need when everyone pulls together, when each family member decides to work towards reconciliation instead of giving up.
Overall, Head Over Tails is quiet, slow, and sweet. There are no unexpected twists or crafty, intricate plotting. It's a comfort read for when you're reaching for soothing and familiar, when you crave the simplicity of youth falling in love, and that quiet hope of a happily ever after.
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from Uncommon Universes Press as part of the book launch tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There is no kingdom to be saved, there is no prince who needs a wife; just nineteen-year-old Jacob struggling to find his place in the world in the aftermath of his father's diagnosis that splits his world--and family--apart. And as much as Sevencea gives off Ariel vibes, she's not a princess whose forbidden romance will cause the fall of her father's kingdom; all she wants is (mostly) to not let the cute guy she's (maybe) falling in love with think she's only a hallucination.
Despite it being a romance, Head Over Tails is very much about family. The choices both Jacob and Sevencea make are heavily impacted by their families--whether it's Jacob's fear that he's inherited his father's illness, or it's Sevencea looking for her father's wisdom and advice. I love found family stories (there's a bit of that going on at The Makai), where the displaced and disenchanted build a new family from the wreckage, but this also feels necessary: a reminder that natural families are also important. And while most families are messy and sometimes they break apart, they can still be what you need when everyone pulls together, when each family member decides to work towards reconciliation instead of giving up.
Overall, Head Over Tails is quiet, slow, and sweet. There are no unexpected twists or crafty, intricate plotting. It's a comfort read for when you're reaching for soothing and familiar, when you crave the simplicity of youth falling in love, and that quiet hope of a happily ever after.
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from Uncommon Universes Press as part of the book launch tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 20, 2022
Sevencea is a mermaid that lives in the area of Hawaii. One day, she meets a human that really gives makes her fin flutter! The guy she likes however, is dealing with a terrible family secret that puts their relationship at risk. Will they end up together or will they drift into other seas? I’ll admit that I love mermaids! It was nice to get a chance to win this e-book and get to read it.
I think it's a good book for teens and adults, with cover art that I liked. There is no real swearing it, just a few mild course words such as ‘screw’ and ‘screw it’. I enjoyed seeing the family dynamics in the book between the parents and protagonist. This book also deals with mental health difficulties and how dealing with them affects the characters. If magic use is a thing you want to avoid, there is magic in it (such as potions being used).
As far as critique goes, I would prefer more descriptions and a few action scenes would have added to the plot. Sometimes redundant words and phrases were distracting and sometimes the text had a gray shade (though that may be a kindle formatting issue). I also had mixed feelings about the ending. Given that this story has a godly message in it, I’ll admit that its hard to give it less stars. I find that it does have its positives also. I give it 3 ½-4 stars. As far as critique goes, I would prefer more descriptions and a few action scenes would have added to the plot. Sometimes redundant words and phrases were distracting and sometimes the text had a gray shade (though that may be a kindle formatting issue). I also had mixed feelings about the ending.
I think it's a good book for teens and adults, with cover art that I liked. There is no real swearing it, just a few mild course words such as ‘screw’ and ‘screw it’. I enjoyed seeing the family dynamics in the book between the parents and protagonist. This book also deals with mental health difficulties and how dealing with them affects the characters. If magic use is a thing you want to avoid, there is magic in it (such as potions being used).
As far as critique goes, I would prefer more descriptions and a few action scenes would have added to the plot. Sometimes redundant words and phrases were distracting and sometimes the text had a gray shade (though that may be a kindle formatting issue). I also had mixed feelings about the ending. Given that this story has a godly message in it, I’ll admit that its hard to give it less stars. I find that it does have its positives also. I give it 3 ½-4 stars. As far as critique goes, I would prefer more descriptions and a few action scenes would have added to the plot. Sometimes redundant words and phrases were distracting and sometimes the text had a gray shade (though that may be a kindle formatting issue). I also had mixed feelings about the ending.
December 5, 2021
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this was a very cute Little Mermaid retelling. Cheesy? Yes. But very cute. It felt more like high school love, so it was weird that both protagonists were around 19, and it took a while to get past that sort of cute-insta-love phase. It did eventually get there, though.
Both protagonists came off as young, sweet, and naïve, which is innocently adorable but a bit bland. I did like their character arcs overall, though. Jacob admitted his mistakes (one of my fave things to see in novels) and decided to take life by the horns. Sevencea found her place in the world and decided not to let it hinge on anything else. Some other characters felt flat (like the staff at the Makai), but I really liked seeing more of Jacob's family and their backstory.
The overall story dragged on until about halfway through the book, but I understand why it needed that extra exposition. I liked the focus on family, too - Jacob's complicated family history was really the heart of this story, not the romance. I wish more attention was given to Sevencea's family, some more drama there would have really sold it.
The romance was there, but it was very Little Mermaid, kind of high school romance. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie - wholesome and cute, but not my favorite.
Overall, it's cute but surprisingly real in the backstories. If more focus would have been given to Sevencea's family, I think I would have liked it more. Very cute, wholesome, touching, but not my favorite of all time.
Overall, this was a very cute Little Mermaid retelling. Cheesy? Yes. But very cute. It felt more like high school love, so it was weird that both protagonists were around 19, and it took a while to get past that sort of cute-insta-love phase. It did eventually get there, though.
Both protagonists came off as young, sweet, and naïve, which is innocently adorable but a bit bland. I did like their character arcs overall, though. Jacob admitted his mistakes (one of my fave things to see in novels) and decided to take life by the horns. Sevencea found her place in the world and decided not to let it hinge on anything else. Some other characters felt flat (like the staff at the Makai), but I really liked seeing more of Jacob's family and their backstory.
The overall story dragged on until about halfway through the book, but I understand why it needed that extra exposition. I liked the focus on family, too - Jacob's complicated family history was really the heart of this story, not the romance. I wish more attention was given to Sevencea's family, some more drama there would have really sold it.
The romance was there, but it was very Little Mermaid, kind of high school romance. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie - wholesome and cute, but not my favorite.
Overall, it's cute but surprisingly real in the backstories. If more focus would have been given to Sevencea's family, I think I would have liked it more. Very cute, wholesome, touching, but not my favorite of all time.
March 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️: I REALLY enjoyed this wholesome Little Mermaid retelling! I wish I had this book in my hands as a middle/high schooler because contemporary fantasies were my JAM and I would’ve loved it even more 🙂
First I need to start with my appreciation for healthy relationships in this book! Sevencea’s family was nothing if not sweet and supportive and trusting of our girls dreams and desires which was SO refreshing to see. As well as the amazing relationships that our MC made during her adventure on land which I won’t spoil.
I also enjoyed the depth that was added to the love interest as having his own healing and progress needing to be made. And I was so happy to see his healing journey with his parents and their hardships.
I do wish we had more romantic development but I will gladly accept what I got because I love a good story about growth and character development! And I think the beginning of this story where our main characters were bonding was so sweet and so natural. The bond that they had was not superficial!
And overall, I really appreciate the overarching message that finding true love doesn’t need to be “the light at the end of the tunnel”— we can learn to love our life through the things we achieve and love to do, and ALSO the people that we bless along the way with our light! Finding true love only adds to our wonderful life :) That was a beautiful message ❤️
Highly recommend for fans of ED Baker, Jessica Day George, and Janet Rallison!
First I need to start with my appreciation for healthy relationships in this book! Sevencea’s family was nothing if not sweet and supportive and trusting of our girls dreams and desires which was SO refreshing to see. As well as the amazing relationships that our MC made during her adventure on land which I won’t spoil.
I also enjoyed the depth that was added to the love interest as having his own healing and progress needing to be made. And I was so happy to see his healing journey with his parents and their hardships.
I do wish we had more romantic development but I will gladly accept what I got because I love a good story about growth and character development! And I think the beginning of this story where our main characters were bonding was so sweet and so natural. The bond that they had was not superficial!
And overall, I really appreciate the overarching message that finding true love doesn’t need to be “the light at the end of the tunnel”— we can learn to love our life through the things we achieve and love to do, and ALSO the people that we bless along the way with our light! Finding true love only adds to our wonderful life :) That was a beautiful message ❤️
Highly recommend for fans of ED Baker, Jessica Day George, and Janet Rallison!
November 9, 2023
HEAD OVER TAILS by Brianna Tibbetts is a cozy and lovely story about a directionless young man grappling with life-altering family realities... And meets a mermaid on the beach of his Hawaiian home, which is so completely contrary to normalness that he begins questioning his sanity.
Meanwhile, the mermaid, Sevencea is intrigued by the handsome Jake, and decides to get the legs to go ashore and find him when he disappears.
I enjoyed reading this book, with its emphasis on relationships, mental health, growth, and family — both found and the one you're born with. The setting is realistic and intriguing, showing what it's actually like to live in a state (Hawaii) that most people only visit.
I loved the supporting characters too. This story is as much about friendship as romance, so the relationships on all sides were a pleasure to see develop.
The tension and stakes were low in a quiet way that complemented the genre and will make this book a comfort-read for me. If anything, I found things a little *too* calm in places, and a few [spoilery] elements came near to straining my credulity.
Still, as a sweet, pleasant read, I will always recommend this. And now it's available again on ebook (after the publisher closed this summer 😭), so go forth and snatch it up.
🧜🏻♀️
Meanwhile, the mermaid, Sevencea is intrigued by the handsome Jake, and decides to get the legs to go ashore and find him when he disappears.
I enjoyed reading this book, with its emphasis on relationships, mental health, growth, and family — both found and the one you're born with. The setting is realistic and intriguing, showing what it's actually like to live in a state (Hawaii) that most people only visit.
I loved the supporting characters too. This story is as much about friendship as romance, so the relationships on all sides were a pleasure to see develop.
The tension and stakes were low in a quiet way that complemented the genre and will make this book a comfort-read for me. If anything, I found things a little *too* calm in places, and a few [spoilery] elements came near to straining my credulity.
Still, as a sweet, pleasant read, I will always recommend this. And now it's available again on ebook (after the publisher closed this summer 😭), so go forth and snatch it up.
🧜🏻♀️
November 25, 2023
"But that knowledge that you would give all of yourself, no hesitation, for the other person, that's how I define love. It's a decision, not a feeling."
Head Over Tails is a fun, clean, YA romance. I enjoyed the mental health aspect--if I met a mermaid in real life, doubting my sanity would be a natural reaction! Jacob's family dynamics added some layers to the story. It was fun to read a modern mermaid tale that wasn't focused on exploitation but on the challenges of adjusting to a new environment. The theme of sacrificial love is tempered with the idea that love and purpose are not the same thing. Though you love someone, they are not your sole purpose for living.
I hope there will be a sequel because I have lots of questions! If Sevencea and Jacob marry, how will they deal with the difference in species longevity? Will Sevencea become an ambassador to the human realm? I would also be interested in finding out more about Athys, especially after reading his cute short story in Wags, Woofs, and Wonders. There are hints of heartbreak in his past--I think there's a story there.
If you're looking for some unusual but enjoyable light reading, this sweet story will be just right.
Head Over Tails is a fun, clean, YA romance. I enjoyed the mental health aspect--if I met a mermaid in real life, doubting my sanity would be a natural reaction! Jacob's family dynamics added some layers to the story. It was fun to read a modern mermaid tale that wasn't focused on exploitation but on the challenges of adjusting to a new environment. The theme of sacrificial love is tempered with the idea that love and purpose are not the same thing. Though you love someone, they are not your sole purpose for living.
I hope there will be a sequel because I have lots of questions! If Sevencea and Jacob marry, how will they deal with the difference in species longevity? Will Sevencea become an ambassador to the human realm? I would also be interested in finding out more about Athys, especially after reading his cute short story in Wags, Woofs, and Wonders. There are hints of heartbreak in his past--I think there's a story there.
If you're looking for some unusual but enjoyable light reading, this sweet story will be just right.
January 18, 2022
What a promising first novel from this author. She clearly has a skill for putting words and people together.
The romance was sweet, the characters endearing, and the setting was lovely. The first 100 pages center on Jacob and Sevencea getting to know each other, which made it a little slow going ( but not to where I was bored or impatient with the story ). We get a glimpse into both of their lives and their separate struggles to find their place in the world. Also the magic of love at first conversation :)
I loved how the author brought forward the importance of human connection and how powerful that can be. The insight into mental illness and how it affects relationships was also a good reminder of reality.
Overall this was a very well done mermaid story and I look forward to more from this budding author. Way to go!
The romance was sweet, the characters endearing, and the setting was lovely. The first 100 pages center on Jacob and Sevencea getting to know each other, which made it a little slow going ( but not to where I was bored or impatient with the story ). We get a glimpse into both of their lives and their separate struggles to find their place in the world. Also the magic of love at first conversation :)
I loved how the author brought forward the importance of human connection and how powerful that can be. The insight into mental illness and how it affects relationships was also a good reminder of reality.
Overall this was a very well done mermaid story and I look forward to more from this budding author. Way to go!
February 27, 2023
A Magical Tail
Jacob is an endearing character. Under the circumstances of his past year, it’s understandable why he fears for his mental health. His father’s, Gerald’s, deteriorating mind could be the result of a hereditary disease. Gerald hallucinates. And Jacob has just met a beautiful mermaid.
I love Sevensea and the light and beauty she brings into his world and the world of those around her.
Usually I don’t enjoy the parts of a romance where the couple is separated, but those parts aren’t a wasted interlude of amped up tension. They’re breathing room where Sevensea’s character develops and serves as a way to show the potential for their life together. Meanwhile, Jacob grows closer to his father and his relationship with his estranged mother is explored.
I recommend this book to fans of mermaids, romance, and fairytale inspired stories.
Jacob is an endearing character. Under the circumstances of his past year, it’s understandable why he fears for his mental health. His father’s, Gerald’s, deteriorating mind could be the result of a hereditary disease. Gerald hallucinates. And Jacob has just met a beautiful mermaid.
I love Sevensea and the light and beauty she brings into his world and the world of those around her.
Usually I don’t enjoy the parts of a romance where the couple is separated, but those parts aren’t a wasted interlude of amped up tension. They’re breathing room where Sevensea’s character develops and serves as a way to show the potential for their life together. Meanwhile, Jacob grows closer to his father and his relationship with his estranged mother is explored.
I recommend this book to fans of mermaids, romance, and fairytale inspired stories.
May 28, 2022
I remember when The Little Mermaid was released in theaters, and I've loved mermaid stories ever since then. Tibbetts is a new-to-me author, so I didn't know what to expect from her. I was pleasantly surprised.
I loved the set-up of this story: a family with a history of neurological issues and merfolk with a now-forgotten history of collaboration with humans. Tibbets put a lot of thought into making this story unique while also staying true to some young adult expectations (and the falling-in-love-in-a-week bit that isn't uncommon). It did drag a bit for me in the middle, but overall this was a fun, creative story.
If you're looking for a bit of fantasy that's appropriate for a middle-grade/young adult audience, I highly recommend this book.
Rated PG.
I loved the set-up of this story: a family with a history of neurological issues and merfolk with a now-forgotten history of collaboration with humans. Tibbets put a lot of thought into making this story unique while also staying true to some young adult expectations (and the falling-in-love-in-a-week bit that isn't uncommon). It did drag a bit for me in the middle, but overall this was a fun, creative story.
If you're looking for a bit of fantasy that's appropriate for a middle-grade/young adult audience, I highly recommend this book.
Rated PG.
May 16, 2025
A Tale of Young Love and the Sea
This book is a captivating story about young love, full of heart and imagination. The main characters are a young man and a woman who, as it turns out, is actually a mermaid. Their love is strong, but circumstances pull them apart. Much of the story follows the mermaid’s journey as she searches for the man she loves.
What makes this book so engaging is how it keeps you eagerly turning the pages, wondering what will happen next. The emotional depth and magical elements combine beautifully, creating a story that stays with you even after you've finished it. If you're looking for a romantic, adventurous read with a touch of fantasy, this is definitely a book you should pick up.
This book is a captivating story about young love, full of heart and imagination. The main characters are a young man and a woman who, as it turns out, is actually a mermaid. Their love is strong, but circumstances pull them apart. Much of the story follows the mermaid’s journey as she searches for the man she loves.
What makes this book so engaging is how it keeps you eagerly turning the pages, wondering what will happen next. The emotional depth and magical elements combine beautifully, creating a story that stays with you even after you've finished it. If you're looking for a romantic, adventurous read with a touch of fantasy, this is definitely a book you should pick up.
November 11, 2021
HEAD OVER TAILS by Brianna Tibbetts is a contemporary YA fantasy story. I love love love the setting—Hawaii!! I’ve visited the Big Island once several years ago and would love to go back. This story took me there virtually.
I enjoyed the character-driven plot and was pleased that both MCs show personal growth. Sevencea is an especially fun and unique character. She reminded me of my childhood dream-wish desire to be a mermaid. A few of the side characters were pretty well developed too.
The pace of the story felt right. There’s a sweet romance between the two main characters which includes some hand-holding and a few kisses. The story includes themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, letting go of fears, and living life to its fullest.
I’d consider this a clean read—no sex, no violence, no actual cuss words, but a few replacement cuss phrases are used (one example: “h*ly cr*p”)
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)
*I was given an early ebook of Head Over Tails from the publisher to read and review. The thoughts I’ve expressed in this review are completely my own honest opinions.
I enjoyed the character-driven plot and was pleased that both MCs show personal growth. Sevencea is an especially fun and unique character. She reminded me of my childhood dream-wish desire to be a mermaid. A few of the side characters were pretty well developed too.
The pace of the story felt right. There’s a sweet romance between the two main characters which includes some hand-holding and a few kisses. The story includes themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, letting go of fears, and living life to its fullest.
I’d consider this a clean read—no sex, no violence, no actual cuss words, but a few replacement cuss phrases are used (one example: “h*ly cr*p”)
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)
*I was given an early ebook of Head Over Tails from the publisher to read and review. The thoughts I’ve expressed in this review are completely my own honest opinions.
April 26, 2025
It’s very much an “after school special” plot. The author made efforts to keep it a YA book (PG?), and I say “respect” for that. There’s no “Danger” drama, and there are a number of serendipitous resolutions to problems. For that I might have only given it 4 Stars if not for the fact that I raced through it. So it will keep your attention.
If you want a satisfying mermaid story, go for it.
[book purchased at NorWesCon 47 dealers room]
If you want a satisfying mermaid story, go for it.
[book purchased at NorWesCon 47 dealers room]
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews