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THREE FATES. ONE MERMAID PRINCESS.
Opal skin. A voice that drowns men... A mark I can't take back.
My name is Aria — Princess Arianwen to the sea I was banished from — and I've just branded a human pirate with a mate mark I never meant to give him. Now I have two weeks on borrowed legs to save my people from my own father... or lose everything to a bond I can't undo.

Welcome to Fantasia, a land of cursed bloodlines, dark forests, and forbidden magic.

Arianwen, exiled daughter of King Triton and heir the sea has all but forgotten, has spent ten years hiding in the deep trenches from the father who wants her dead. When the monsters he unleashes on the surface world threaten to drown every kingdom in Fantasia, she's given two weeks of human legs, one desperate alliance to broker, and no time at all to fail.

Her voice is a weapon. Her time, running out. And her heart? Claimed by three men she never meant to want.

Do not mark the stranger. Do not wed the crown. Do not want your guardian.

When Aria drags a drowning pirate captain from the wreck of his enchanted ship, she means only to save his life — not seal a mate mark to his throat with a single kiss. Not fall, instantly and irreversibly, for Captain Hook, the silver-tongued exile from Neverland who now carries her magic in his blood.

But Hook was never part of the plan her people are counting on.

In the human kingdom of Delorood, the price of the alliance Aria came to broker is her own hand — promised to Prince Andric, the dying king's only heir. Andric is honorable, gentle, and everything a political match should be. He's also not the man she marked.

And then there's Bastion, the mer-warrior who's guarded her through every year of her exile, who's never once said the words simmering behind his eyes... until he watches her choose a human stranger over him.

Three men. One siren princess with a war to stop, a bond she can't break, and legs that are already running out of time.

As Triton's monsters crawl toward the surface and the seal on Morningstar's prison splinters wide, Aria must choose between the crown that needs her, the guardian who's earned her, and the man whose heartbeat now beats in time with hers — before the tide makes the choice for her.

✔ Steamy fairytale retelling
✔ The Little Mermaid with a pirate twist
✔ Forbidden mate-mark bond
✔ Marriage-of-convenience romance
✔ A heroine choosing between duty, destiny, and desire
✔ Reverse harem tension with three very different men

Aria's story continues the Happily Never After series, following Neva's tale in Snow and Kassidy's in Goldy. The series continues with Sleeping Beauty and more, each heroine facing her own monsters, mates, and magic.

This is Book 3 of the Happily Never After series, free in Kindle Unlimited. One-click now to enter Fantasia!

Please This series features adult themes, dark fantasy elements, and must be read in order for maximum impact.

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2022

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About the author

Plum Pascal

37 books40 followers
Pen name for H.P. Mallory

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5 stars
141 (49%)
4 stars
82 (28%)
3 stars
49 (17%)
2 stars
14 (4%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,226 reviews24 followers
May 27, 2020
For me personally, I have found that OFTEN book three of very long series is where I start to lose interest in a series... and is often the turning point on whether I will continue reading the series.

UMMM so not the freaking case here. This book is sooo good. It didn't have the crazy hot scenes as the first two... well that is a lie, the hot scenes felt Ia little more normal. Cause I am not gonna lie some of the scenes in Goldy made me blush and that is not easy to do.

So far I think Aria might be my favorite. Her character development was really good. IT did have an insta love moment but at the same time she is a siren... so you know. But whereas insta love tends to work my nerves this one did not. IT was really good and for the characters involved it felt pretty authentic... for the character.

The pacing on this book was fast. I never had a moment where I was like OMG get on with it already. From the moment I started this book I couldn't put it down. It made the few hours of constant quarantine go super fast. Best book in the series so far and I just don't know how Plum is going to top this one!

Well done and I just cannot wait for the next book!
41 reviews
February 9, 2023
Extremely disappointed with this one. The little mermaid is one of my favourite tales, in any shape or form but this just felt wrong from beginning to end. I'm not entirely sure why I'm still reading this series but I'll continue to slog through considering I'm interested to know how we can ruin more of my favourite characters.
Profile Image for Lady Indecisive.
161 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2022
Ñeh. La verdad que empecé el libro gustandome por la novedad de la saga que me creía que era el primero xd y luego un poco bastante desapuntada. Ya no solo por la falta de escenas lunita y que las que hay no tengan ningún sentido (en la misma línea que los libros anteriores) sino por la trama ya en general. Además, el final??? Wth?? No sé, siempre son demasiado apresurados y muy parecidos entre ellos la verdad pero este peor que los demás. Dejar así a uno de los protagonistas? Ahora qué? No sé cómo lo van a solucionar la verdad. Me gustó que metieran a Kassidy y su trama en el libro.

Mejor personaje? Garfio, sin ninguna duda. Además, es el único personaje que te explican algo más de su vida. Y su acento escocés y el tener que explicarle cosas de tierra a dos sirenas estuvo gracioso, que fue por lo que me pilló al principio.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,865 reviews47 followers
April 30, 2020
Aria saves a human after a battle with a Kracken , she puts herself in danger to help this man out which will lead her into a battle for her life and the lives of those who love her . Will Aria and the men who love her be able to save the sea and let Aria weild the triton and become the true ruler of the sea . Will they come out of this battle with their lives and love entacted .
What can I say about these characters , we have a devilishly handsome pirate , Hook who is very much a rogue , but he also has a heart of gold . He is very troubled by his past which we get to see his pain. Andric is the handsome prince that is smitten with Aria and has a warriors heart . He is also so good looking he will make you swoon . Bastion I feel is the most innocent of all the men that love Aria . He is her best friend and a battle ready merman . He has been with her since she was young . He is so sweet and kind but also ready and willing to put his life on the line for the people he loves . Aria is fierce fighter against those that hurt her and her family. At first when she hits land, she comes of as very naive and oh so innocent . As she meets everyone she becomes stronger and more mature . She still has her innocent moments but over she is a complex girl that will kick your butt and then kiss you Kassidy and the werebears are back to help out Hook and the guild .
This is the third book in the series and I will say it was a good read. The author does a good job on the twists and turns that come up . The way the author puts in some hilarious moments like when the topic of copulation comes up and they have to explain it to Aria . She is a full grown woman but also so very innocent . There were just some areas that i just felt that weren't that strong and kind of in my opinion just dragged a little . The ending just didn't feel like an ending its like a continuation into the next book. Over all i did enjoy the story and love the writing of this author . I can't wait to read the next book in the series . I love happy endings.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,599 reviews11 followers
April 12, 2026
Well!

Aria, an exiled Mer Princess, lives with her Aunt Opie, who plots the downfall of Titus, the Met King, who is her younger brother, and Aria's father.

When on a mission for her Aunt, Aria comes across a battle between an enchanted ship, called the Jolly Roger, and one of the many Kraken who are currently escaping from the Deeps, and who are creating madness, and a terrible destruction, all around them.

Aria sees the Captain of the ship get hurt, as it breaks up, and falls in pieces into the sea and, for some reason, she feels the urge to rescue him.

Once she does, she finds that her life will never be the same again, as she begins a life filled with even more adventure, discoveries about herself, and also falls in love with Captain Hook.

Just as it was with the lives of the women in the previous two stories, Aria finds herself not only battling Titan's Army, but also discovering that it's much easier than she had thought, to find herself in love with three men at the same time!

I have to admit that HP Mallory certainly has an imagination as wide as the Ocean that she describes so very well, in this story - and especially how Mer people Mate! Lol

Very interesting! Lol

As in the previous two stories, the characters were very much three dimensional, and the storyline was excellent, too - to the point that, once again, I ended up reading all night! Lol

I know I need to catch a little sleep but, once I have, I'll be going straight on to read Book Four: 'Rose', - and hoping that this next story is as full of emotion, and nuance, and has as great a plot, as the previous three had.

So, once I do read this next book, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it all!
1,190 reviews10 followers
May 2, 2020
Aria has been banished by her father Trition. She has her Aunt and Bastion with her, while they battle the animals of the deep. Things are getting worse. They are running out of ideas. Aria sees a ship go down due to on of the Kraken. She decides to save Hook, she gives him a mark that will allow him to live. She gets him to safety.
When Aria gets back to her Aunt, her aunt has come up with a plan. Aria and Bastion are to go see the King of Delorood, make them a offer. Aria knows that that it has to be done.
Aria goes to check on Hook, as might be sick. When Aria gets back to Hook, he is awake. Aria lets him know what happens. They are both drawn to each other. Bastion sees this and reads it wrong. Hook will help them both get to the kingdom. Hook needs to meet up with the others, so they to can get to the kingdom.
This is just the beginning of everything that happens for Aria. There is so many different things that occur. You will enjoy this take on Aria. Get ready for the ride. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

Received an ARC copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Profile Image for AMBER CLARK.
961 reviews25 followers
July 27, 2024
Wow! Just wow! This is the third book in the series and by far the BEST one!! These are fairytales reimagined and you would never ever guess how these stories go. This is the retelling of The Little Mermaid and I think I like this one better than the original. It's definitely full of twists and turns you won't believe. Even after reading books 1 & 2, I would not have guessed the direction this one was going to go in. And as with the others, please, please write sequels to each one. I need more of these characters and their stories!! And not just the overall connecting story but each character's individual ones!!
Profile Image for Kimberly Gordon-Bercich.
2,194 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2020
Water Bound

XXX! Adult content, reader discretion advised! Aria, was banished by her father Triton as a child. As a blossoming young adult, her aunt Opeia, asks Aria to negotiate a treaty with the Kingdom Delorod and she is the leverage. She is to offer her hand in marriage to the king or the crown prince. Meanwhile, she saves Captin Hook during a battle with her father. Her guard, Bastion, is by her side through all of this. When Andric, crown prince of Delorod, agrees to her terms of marriage the real fun begins. Hook, Andric and Bastion fight for Aria and beside Aria.
Profile Image for Jana Oglesby.
222 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2020
This series really does keep getting better and better! I loved the this new take on the little mermaid and her family. Lots of twists and turns and plenty of hilarious moments to give you a good laugh. This book was a very quick and fun read.
Profile Image for Amy.
942 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2020
I am loving this series!! What woman wouldn't love three frustratingly perfect for you mates?!!

I laughed so hard during some of the parts in the story that were learning moments for Aria and Bastion. They were perfect.

I cannot wait for the next book! 😍
468 reviews
March 5, 2023
I liked the previous two books better, but this was good as well. I think the culture shock Aria went through threw me a little from the story, but it makes sense. I enjoyed it more when Goldy showed up.
Profile Image for Leigh Hall.
Author 17 books376 followers
May 5, 2020
The little mermaid is all grown up! I was never a big fan of Ariel but Aria is more my speed. This one is my favorite so far in the series.
Profile Image for Dedrah Tullison.
228 reviews
May 8, 2020
I loved this retelling. The main protagonist was so funny! It truly reminded me of the origin story in a lot of ways. This was a clever way to twist the story we all know and love.
194 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2022
Aria // Happily Never After #3

I like Hook's character in this story.
The other men are fine too.
The Little Mermaid has come a long way 😉
Fine story.
Profile Image for artsandgrace *ೃ༄.
1,312 reviews21 followers
December 2, 2023
At this point I can deduct that the Champions are all horny lasses 😭😭😭🤣🤣🤣 but surprisingly I’m not bored yet. Though I’m kinda a bit disappointed to see the pages decreasing as the series goes on…
Profile Image for Joni.
121 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2026
4⭐ 4🌶️

This series just keeps getting better and better! Love this more aggressive take of the Little Mermaid.
Profile Image for Ali Diamond.
135 reviews
October 16, 2026
This was a bit more plot heavy than the first two, as we dive deeper into the story. The three men-one chosen trope is continuing and while I’m not upset at it, it would be cool if she switched up the personalities of the three men!
I did enjoy hook joining for this one, makes me wonder what Tink’s book will shake out to be

Also the merpeople learning human things reminded me of the Barbie movie and it made me giggle
Profile Image for Rita Spriggs.
511 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2021
This one I didn't like till halfway through. But the other books in the series I am loving. It might be because I just don't like ships and sailing! LOL But really good series.
Profile Image for Jami Kehr.
1,118 reviews16 followers
May 3, 2020
I am completely in love with this spin on the classics! Mallory is a complete genius! Where she came up with this idea is beyond me. I can't stop gushing about the revamp of everyone's favorite fairytale's!

Now I floved Snow and Goldie... Aria, I liked... but truth be told I've never been a huge fan of The Little Mermaid anyway so that's probably why I didn't connect with her story the way I did the first two. That's not saying her story isn't amazing, cause it is.. the men steam up the pages! I wasn't a fan of the ending but I totally get it, the build up for this huge war is putting the wheels in motion and certain characters have to be put in the key places. The hint at the end for the next installment in this series has me already drooling!
228 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2022
Trown away child

The herian of this story strong eventhough she is not in the beginning.

This storie tells us that if we stand up for ourself and the once we love we wil prevail. Love every word and also the hot and spicy men
55 reviews
May 6, 2025
Loved it!

This book is The Little Mermaid like you've never heard it before. I loved Aria, and the addition of Hook was just *perfect*. The world building is some of the best I've read, and each new group of characters is just as thrilling and engrossing as the last.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews