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The Merman King's Bride
A twist in the tale of the beast with a rugged merman and a princess who isn't sure she wants to save him... at first!
A cursed King of Faerie
A princess betrothed to a man she doesn't love
A kiss that will change everything...
The last thing Princess Selina expects to find in the lake in the woods is a handsome merman. His name is Adar and he saves her, teases her, kisses her, and tells her she could break his curse.
Because, as it turns out, he's a Fae King, cursed to remain in merman form until he finds a princess to kiss him.
But one kiss is not enough and Selina has other problems.
Such getting engaged to a prince she isn't sure she even likes, let alone loves. Marrying him and having his children is not on her list of favorite things.
And now she's falling for the merman.
He's everything she could wish for in a man. Handsome, protective, kind. Except that he is Fae. And has a fishtail.
Still, she can't stop thinking about him. Keeps going back to him. Craves his kisses.
Would gladly have his babies.
Is this a spell, or is it love? Can she break the curse and save Adar? Will there be a happy ending to their story?
All a girl can do is try. After all, true love is worth fighting for and Selina knows she has found it.
*This book is standalone novella-length NA romance fantasy. It is inspired by Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince.*
This book was previously published as "The Opal Tower".
A cursed King of Faerie
A princess betrothed to a man she doesn't love
A kiss that will change everything...
The last thing Princess Selina expects to find in the lake in the woods is a handsome merman. His name is Adar and he saves her, teases her, kisses her, and tells her she could break his curse.
Because, as it turns out, he's a Fae King, cursed to remain in merman form until he finds a princess to kiss him.
But one kiss is not enough and Selina has other problems.
Such getting engaged to a prince she isn't sure she even likes, let alone loves. Marrying him and having his children is not on her list of favorite things.
And now she's falling for the merman.
He's everything she could wish for in a man. Handsome, protective, kind. Except that he is Fae. And has a fishtail.
Still, she can't stop thinking about him. Keeps going back to him. Craves his kisses.
Would gladly have his babies.
Is this a spell, or is it love? Can she break the curse and save Adar? Will there be a happy ending to their story?
All a girl can do is try. After all, true love is worth fighting for and Selina knows she has found it.
*This book is standalone novella-length NA romance fantasy. It is inspired by Little Mermaid and The Frog Prince.*
This book was previously published as "The Opal Tower".
171 pages, ebook
Published February 27, 2022
314 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
About the author
Mona Black
25 books189 followersMona is a changeling living in the human world. She writes fantasy romance and reverse harem romance, and is an avid reader of fantasy and paranormal books. Read her fantasy romance series "Cursed Fae Kings" or her Reverse Harem paranormal romance series "Pandemonium Academy Royals". Follow for updates and new release announcements!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
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December 16, 2022
I don't think there was much to this tale to be honest. The whole betrothed to a very obviously bad guy while being tempted by a very obviously good guy is a bit old and this book offers nothing new to it.
I'm not sure what more I can say about this. The heroine wasn't ridiculously stupid (for the genre) from what I can remember. She sees red flags and green flags as well as fighting for the future she wants after seeing the red flags.
I'm not sure what more I can say about this. The heroine wasn't ridiculously stupid (for the genre) from what I can remember. She sees red flags and green flags as well as fighting for the future she wants after seeing the red flags.
August 3, 2024
I think 2/5 stars is fitting. The pace was super rushed, world building hardly there, and the star couple… not believable. The style of writing is alright, but it’s quick, and don’t ask me much about any of the characters because a few sentences is all we’re really given.
I also went into this book with no prior knowledge, and expecting no spice… the relationship is, like, 70% built on spice.
All of that to say, tho, I devoured this book. And I think it’s worth a solid 2 stars.
I also went into this book with no prior knowledge, and expecting no spice… the relationship is, like, 70% built on spice.
All of that to say, tho, I devoured this book. And I think it’s worth a solid 2 stars.
August 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I love fantasy and magical creatures so I thought I'd give it a go. Personally, because I've only just started reading books with spice in, it was a bit much for me, but for anyone who doesn't mind spice, then I definitely recommend. Its a cute story about a girl who's torn between two men, but trusts her heart in the end.
September 21, 2023
I think some of the plot beats were misaligned in this.
They went from 0 to 100 in the early half, then 100 to 10, then 10 to 80.
Lovers to friends and then back to lovers…?
All around all confusing with a lovely little happily ever after tacked on the end there…
They went from 0 to 100 in the early half, then 100 to 10, then 10 to 80.
Lovers to friends and then back to lovers…?
All around all confusing with a lovely little happily ever after tacked on the end there…
May 7, 2024
Basic Plot: Selina encounters a cursed merman who needs her help.
The pacing of this short was atrocious. Fast when it should have gone slow, and slow when it should have gone faster. For a romance, the relationship just developed oddly. The smut was also paced oddly for this style of novella.
The villain was sufficient, but I wanted more from him. The author set him up for real darkness, and I feel like she backed off before he could reach his potential. My biggest complaints are the typos and general spottiness of the writing. It felt juvenile and overly modern at times, while at other times reinforcing the high-fantasy-medieval setting hard-core. It needed more consistency.
Complaints aside, the story did start to grab me as it developed. Even as I got frustrated, the story was decent. I just don't think it met its full potential.
The pacing of this short was atrocious. Fast when it should have gone slow, and slow when it should have gone faster. For a romance, the relationship just developed oddly. The smut was also paced oddly for this style of novella.
The villain was sufficient, but I wanted more from him. The author set him up for real darkness, and I feel like she backed off before he could reach his potential. My biggest complaints are the typos and general spottiness of the writing. It felt juvenile and overly modern at times, while at other times reinforcing the high-fantasy-medieval setting hard-core. It needed more consistency.
Complaints aside, the story did start to grab me as it developed. Even as I got frustrated, the story was decent. I just don't think it met its full potential.
February 1, 2023
The Merman king bride :A fairy romance fairytale romance (curse Fae
I haven't read a fantasy book and this one was really good I recommend this book,it's funny sad its make you feel, what the characters. My first book I read and I was very impressed. I will be reading more books . Mona Black I enjoyed this book veery much ty.
I haven't read a fantasy book and this one was really good I recommend this book,it's funny sad its make you feel, what the characters. My first book I read and I was very impressed. I will be reading more books . Mona Black I enjoyed this book veery much ty.
March 25, 2022
The merman kings bride
A good read for people who are into the series recommended highly a good read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series.
A good read for people who are into the series recommended highly a good read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series.
March 22, 2022
:)
Hey! what a beautiful book! their love story is full of emotion and captivating. I couldn't put the book down.
Hey! what a beautiful book! their love story is full of emotion and captivating. I couldn't put the book down.
April 12, 2022
Super fast read but cute and fun for those of us who love romance and fairytales with a dash of sex.
March 12, 2025
1.5/5 stars
I got this book for free a couple of days ago and really like the summary so I decided to give it a go. I feel like the title of this book is kind of misleading because there wasn’t really any talk of the two main characters getting married at all until like the last ten pages. The FMC was actually supposed to marry someone else that she didn’t want and was trying to get him not to propose while also visiting the MMC who is a cursed Fae King stuck as a merman in a pond in the woods.
I feel like I would have enjoyed this a lot more if this were a novel-sized book and not a novella. The pacing of the book was the real problem for me; it was so fast-paced while trying to seem medium/slow-paced with all the back and forth the author was doing. It got really annoying really fast. One moment the FMC is angry with the MMC and tells him she’s never coming back, in the next chapter she’s back and begging him to show up. It was not a good look.
I found her really annoying and couldn’t find myself to care what would happen to her in the end. The same goes for the MMC, he was a real piece of work, but I was only interested in the curse that was put on him and the whole magical world behind him that wasn’t explored at all in this book. What I’m saying is that this book had potential but it was never shown.
I got this book for free a couple of days ago and really like the summary so I decided to give it a go. I feel like the title of this book is kind of misleading because there wasn’t really any talk of the two main characters getting married at all until like the last ten pages. The FMC was actually supposed to marry someone else that she didn’t want and was trying to get him not to propose while also visiting the MMC who is a cursed Fae King stuck as a merman in a pond in the woods.
I feel like I would have enjoyed this a lot more if this were a novel-sized book and not a novella. The pacing of the book was the real problem for me; it was so fast-paced while trying to seem medium/slow-paced with all the back and forth the author was doing. It got really annoying really fast. One moment the FMC is angry with the MMC and tells him she’s never coming back, in the next chapter she’s back and begging him to show up. It was not a good look.
I found her really annoying and couldn’t find myself to care what would happen to her in the end. The same goes for the MMC, he was a real piece of work, but I was only interested in the curse that was put on him and the whole magical world behind him that wasn’t explored at all in this book. What I’m saying is that this book had potential but it was never shown.
August 28, 2025
Princess Selina is to be betrothed to Prince Iason but she doesn't love him. When she loses the gift he sent her as a betrothal gift, she must make her way back into the dangerous woods to find it but she instead finds a fae merman and he has her pendant. In order to get her pendant back, she makes a deal with this merman to kiss him in order to break the curse his brother put on him. But it doesn't work right away so she has to come back and kiss him again.
Since the fae are not to be trusted, Selina is wary of him at first but in time she grows to really care for him and wants to help him break the curse, they just aren't sure how. In the meantime her parents and Prince Iason's parents are making plans for Selina and Iason to be engaged and married. Iason turns out not to be the nicest of guys and Selina knows for sure she doesn't want to marry him but that angers him and her parents.
Iason shows his true colors but so does Adar- the fae King merman so Selina knows she has feelings for Adar and must save him from Iason or her people. The ending was great. I'm so happy that Selina and Adar got their happy ending and I really liked the description on how pretty the fae kingdom was.
Since the fae are not to be trusted, Selina is wary of him at first but in time she grows to really care for him and wants to help him break the curse, they just aren't sure how. In the meantime her parents and Prince Iason's parents are making plans for Selina and Iason to be engaged and married. Iason turns out not to be the nicest of guys and Selina knows for sure she doesn't want to marry him but that angers him and her parents.
Iason shows his true colors but so does Adar- the fae King merman so Selina knows she has feelings for Adar and must save him from Iason or her people. The ending was great. I'm so happy that Selina and Adar got their happy ending and I really liked the description on how pretty the fae kingdom was.
February 8, 2025
I was initially drawn to this book while searching for stories about mermaids, and one day when I was searching in my ''want to read'' section on my Goodreads I decided to finally give it a chance. When I found the audiobook version of it, thinking it might enhance my reading experience, I can say I was wrong. I was disappointed in this book. The pacing of the story felt rushed, the abrupt introduction of the main character to the reader followed by her immediate encounter with the love interest - the merman - felt odd to me. It was hard for me to believe that he just happened to be there at the same time as she was.
And the quick connection undermined the potential for deeper character development and made it difficult for me to fully invest in in their relationship. I felt like it was a insta-love sort of feel which made it even harder for me to want to root for them being together. Overall, I think the only reason I gave this story a three star was because I was intrigued with the merman's parts, his design and the ending cliffhanger had be interested in seeing more of him, alas I could do without the female lead.
And the quick connection undermined the potential for deeper character development and made it difficult for me to fully invest in in their relationship. I felt like it was a insta-love sort of feel which made it even harder for me to want to root for them being together. Overall, I think the only reason I gave this story a three star was because I was intrigued with the merman's parts, his design and the ending cliffhanger had be interested in seeing more of him, alas I could do without the female lead.
April 7, 2023
This novella is about Selina, a princess in a fantasy kingdom. It seems there are a lot of lesser princes and princesses, like Selina, at the palace, but why? There needs to be a little more world-building. Selina and two other princesses take a risk going into the forest because of the presence of fae, which are considered the enemy. One of the other princesses succumbs to a supposed fae-induced illness, but Selina must go back into the forest to retrieve a token from a suitor that she lost on their ill-fated foray. While there, she meets Adar, a merman who claims to be a fae king trapped in the lake by a curse. She fears him, but is intrigued, and eventually realizes she is in love with him. Of course, her family won’t accept this and her suitor prince becomes a problem. The story needs more explanation. Although the setting is a fantasy world, the characters use common modern language, which often seems odd and out of place. The romance is simplistic and a little silly. The story has potential, but needs more development than is possible at novella-length.
August 21, 2025
The stories where the MFC is made to marry someone she doesn't want to always get my blood boiling, and this is that kind of story.
The tension between Selina and Adar was good, if inconsistent. Too spicy too begin with, too slow and "friend-like" moving forward, just to end too quick with half less spice than we started with.
The prince (sorry, I can't remember how to spell his name) was just a tad too quick to change into the bad guy for me.
At first he was kind of confused and uncertain, even mixing up the two princesses he was pursuing, then full on villain? I don't buy it.
Oh yeah and there's a touch of "not like the other girls!" which I hate, so yeah.
I just sort of turned that part out.
Focused on the fact that she would rather fight for the future she wanted, rather than the one forced upon her by her parents and the prince along with his father.
Regardless, I was reading with a baited breath and waiting for a happy conclusion, which does happen.
Not the most memorable thing I've read, but I enjoyed it.
The tension between Selina and Adar was good, if inconsistent. Too spicy too begin with, too slow and "friend-like" moving forward, just to end too quick with half less spice than we started with.
The prince (sorry, I can't remember how to spell his name) was just a tad too quick to change into the bad guy for me.
At first he was kind of confused and uncertain, even mixing up the two princesses he was pursuing, then full on villain? I don't buy it.
Oh yeah and there's a touch of "not like the other girls!" which I hate, so yeah.
I just sort of turned that part out.
Focused on the fact that she would rather fight for the future she wanted, rather than the one forced upon her by her parents and the prince along with his father.
Regardless, I was reading with a baited breath and waiting for a happy conclusion, which does happen.
Not the most memorable thing I've read, but I enjoyed it.
December 31, 2023
I don’t know why this book was in my Kindle library. But last night I wanted to read something light (Revelation Space which I’m currently in the middle of is far from light) and I found Merman King’s Bride in my library. It was short so I thought “f*ck it”.
It’s not the worst spicy romantasy I’ve read, not at all. We follow a princess who meets a merman in the enchanted forest while searching for a necklace she was gifted by a possible suitor. It definitely has its moments, some very nice dialogue and interesting character development, but I can’t say I’d ever recommend this book to anyone.
It was ok. I read it in an hour or so, and it serves its purpose as a light read.
It’s not the worst spicy romantasy I’ve read, not at all. We follow a princess who meets a merman in the enchanted forest while searching for a necklace she was gifted by a possible suitor. It definitely has its moments, some very nice dialogue and interesting character development, but I can’t say I’d ever recommend this book to anyone.
It was ok. I read it in an hour or so, and it serves its purpose as a light read.
July 24, 2024
Good concept, execution of concept.. ehhh
There's the bones of a good story here, but the writing itself is pretty rough. Pacing all over the place, typos, inconsistencies, ham-fisted language that doesn't flow. The narrator's voice feels unnatural somehow. The characters are underdeveloped, and there are plot holes and untied loose ends everywhere. The .. uhh.. adult content.. feels forced and oddly timed within the story. Truthfully the way this is written makes me wonder about how the author felt the need to include a specific "not written with AI" disclaimer at the beginning...
There's the bones of a good story here, but the writing itself is pretty rough. Pacing all over the place, typos, inconsistencies, ham-fisted language that doesn't flow. The narrator's voice feels unnatural somehow. The characters are underdeveloped, and there are plot holes and untied loose ends everywhere. The .. uhh.. adult content.. feels forced and oddly timed within the story. Truthfully the way this is written makes me wonder about how the author felt the need to include a specific "not written with AI" disclaimer at the beginning...
January 17, 2025
It's ok.
It's a very typical romance. It's a very easy read if you are needing something to pass the time. You don't have to invest in this story, there is not any adventure or surprise twists. The plot is the same as the majority of love invested plots and hardly any character development. I feel like the author had the potential to do so much more with this story but instead played it safe. It was a book I could get all the way through so I didn't hate it, but it's also not a book I think would come to mind when recommending books. However you like these kinds of cheesy romance books go for it, you will love it.
It's a very typical romance. It's a very easy read if you are needing something to pass the time. You don't have to invest in this story, there is not any adventure or surprise twists. The plot is the same as the majority of love invested plots and hardly any character development. I feel like the author had the potential to do so much more with this story but instead played it safe. It was a book I could get all the way through so I didn't hate it, but it's also not a book I think would come to mind when recommending books. However you like these kinds of cheesy romance books go for it, you will love it.
August 7, 2025
Run far away. I wanted to like this, but holy. I couldn't understand how her cousin got cursed first fl was like I didn't see it happen then later she says that she saw a lesser fae on top on her. Then some how her cousin says she went back and danced with the fae... how she came out the woods horribly ill. No one really noticed her coming back looking like crap every time she visited the mermaid king in the lake. Their relationship was confusing it made no sense. The whole arrange marriage thing was bs that also had me scratching my head. Quick read while putting my child to bed. But yeah it was a waste of 90 minutes.
January 7, 2026
Delightfully simple
I read this book after finishing a series and it was a nice break. Other than editing and spelling errors throughout the book, I liked the story itself. The plot was not super thick, the characters were simple and the story flowed. It was easy to read, easy to follow but I don’t think it was slow or boring. There were a few times it felt repetitive, however, I wanted to keep reading. I wish it didn’t end so abruptly, I feel like we could’ve circled back to her kingdom finding out she left or what happens with the Prince but all in all I didn’t hate it. I plan to definitely use the other books as short breaks between my reading.
I read this book after finishing a series and it was a nice break. Other than editing and spelling errors throughout the book, I liked the story itself. The plot was not super thick, the characters were simple and the story flowed. It was easy to read, easy to follow but I don’t think it was slow or boring. There were a few times it felt repetitive, however, I wanted to keep reading. I wish it didn’t end so abruptly, I feel like we could’ve circled back to her kingdom finding out she left or what happens with the Prince but all in all I didn’t hate it. I plan to definitely use the other books as short breaks between my reading.
January 28, 2025
2.50
Is a potato chip book, no está malo por que no lo es, pero no es lo más wao me gustó pero sentí que fue todo muy rápido y a la misma vez lento. Supe muy rápido quien era el "villano" y la conclusión a Ader para retomar su reino fue muy rápida y aburrida. Me hubiera gustado ver más acción, más venganza de parte de Ader, además que Selina la encontré muy sumisa para mi gusto. Otra vez no está mal es un buen quick read pero no me impacto. Eso si los quotes de este libro 10/10 se las doy, me sentí muy identificada en varias ocasiones
Is a potato chip book, no está malo por que no lo es, pero no es lo más wao me gustó pero sentí que fue todo muy rápido y a la misma vez lento. Supe muy rápido quien era el "villano" y la conclusión a Ader para retomar su reino fue muy rápida y aburrida. Me hubiera gustado ver más acción, más venganza de parte de Ader, además que Selina la encontré muy sumisa para mi gusto. Otra vez no está mal es un buen quick read pero no me impacto. Eso si los quotes de este libro 10/10 se las doy, me sentí muy identificada en varias ocasiones
June 25, 2025
The merman kings bride
This is a good romantasy, it kept me intrigued the entire book. The love story between the main characters is beautifully written. The main female character is a princess who is to be married to someone who she doesn't want to be . The main male character is a fae man (merman) king who is cursed , he believes a kiss is what it takes to break his curse. Through all the ups and downs with each characters emotions by the end it they both find where the belong
This is a good romantasy, it kept me intrigued the entire book. The love story between the main characters is beautifully written. The main female character is a princess who is to be married to someone who she doesn't want to be . The main male character is a fae man (merman) king who is cursed , he believes a kiss is what it takes to break his curse. Through all the ups and downs with each characters emotions by the end it they both find where the belong
July 20, 2024
Tortured Road to True Love
Great character development and world building. The pace is slow enough to really get to know Selina and Adar and fast enough to hold your interest. Selina spends most of the story finding herself and deciding to choose what she wants. Enjoyable story with a few unexpected twists. My only complaint is it seemed all of the male characters except Adar were weak and stupid.
Great character development and world building. The pace is slow enough to really get to know Selina and Adar and fast enough to hold your interest. Selina spends most of the story finding herself and deciding to choose what she wants. Enjoyable story with a few unexpected twists. My only complaint is it seemed all of the male characters except Adar were weak and stupid.
August 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve always had a fascination for fae and merpeople. God, what i wouldn’t give to be in Selina’s shoes… i’d love me a man (fae) like Adar. Holy shit. And i can only imagine how wonderfully beautiful the Faerie world looks like 🥹😍
It was beautiful to see things progress between these two. And interesting to see how Selina learned to stand up for herself.
I highly recommend this book!
It was beautiful to see things progress between these two. And interesting to see how Selina learned to stand up for herself.
I highly recommend this book!
November 18, 2025
Amazing
This book just sucked me in. The FMC starts off so bad like she's weak and just don't want to anything with anyone else. Adar is sexy just saying who wouldn't love a merman. I would love to know how and what happened to selinas cousin. It really don't go into detail about that. Adar is so loyal he comes when selina calls every single time. This is a must read. If it's not in your TBR out of there for sure.
This book just sucked me in. The FMC starts off so bad like she's weak and just don't want to anything with anyone else. Adar is sexy just saying who wouldn't love a merman. I would love to know how and what happened to selinas cousin. It really don't go into detail about that. Adar is so loyal he comes when selina calls every single time. This is a must read. If it's not in your TBR out of there for sure.
June 17, 2022
Light and cute story (with cheesy moments) with great potential.
Storytelling could be improved? I mean it sounded like most of the book Adar was dying, but nothing really happened? And that Selina hardly noticed anything? His lower half had a giant wound literally from the beginning... And him falling for her was forced (because soulmate and such)
But still, cute story
Storytelling could be improved? I mean it sounded like most of the book Adar was dying, but nothing really happened? And that Selina hardly noticed anything? His lower half had a giant wound literally from the beginning... And him falling for her was forced (because soulmate and such)
But still, cute story
December 14, 2022
VERY, VERY GOOD!
I really enjoyed this book I couldn’t put it down. I loved Selina and Adar they are a great couple. I’ve always liked mer folks and wasn’t sure how Adar’s being in a lake would work but it did. There are a few stories going all but ended just fine. I’m eager to read the rest of the series, yahoo!
I really enjoyed this book I couldn’t put it down. I loved Selina and Adar they are a great couple. I’ve always liked mer folks and wasn’t sure how Adar’s being in a lake would work but it did. There are a few stories going all but ended just fine. I’m eager to read the rest of the series, yahoo!
March 17, 2023
I read the kindle edition of this book which was free on Amazon. It was a quick read and did not take me long to finish the book I read it in one sitting. I liked the characters and I did enjoy the plot although it was very predictable not a bad thing just an observation like they say if it’s not broken why fix it lol
July 6, 2024
beautiful love story
What a beautifully written book. I loved the story of Adar and Selina. The heart knows what it wants and they are a beautiful couple. A true love story. Adar knew from the start she was his it just took Selina a bit to get there. The story had twists and turns and action. Loved it.
What a beautifully written book. I loved the story of Adar and Selina. The heart knows what it wants and they are a beautiful couple. A true love story. Adar knew from the start she was his it just took Selina a bit to get there. The story had twists and turns and action. Loved it.
October 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this story for the most part I really thought lily was going to betray her at some point and I wish there had been more of Selina standing up for herself towards Iason but it was a good story and I enjoyed the paving for the most part there wasn't really a time I felt bored while reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews