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Impact Ripples
Mermen – Sparkling Waters – Gay Romance.
As a young child, David Summers sees something he can’t understand. A boy who lives under the water. A boy with a tail, and emerald eyes of the ocean. How to forget the pull of the sea? How to live after touching the beauty of destiny?
David grows up with one thing on his mind – finding a way to be reunited with his one true mate. It won’t be easy – humans and sea-kind are fundamentally different.
A gay fairy tale of mermen, sand, sea, and fate.
As a young child, David Summers sees something he can’t understand. A boy who lives under the water. A boy with a tail, and emerald eyes of the ocean. How to forget the pull of the sea? How to live after touching the beauty of destiny?
David grows up with one thing on his mind – finding a way to be reunited with his one true mate. It won’t be easy – humans and sea-kind are fundamentally different.
A gay fairy tale of mermen, sand, sea, and fate.
Unknown Binding
First published June 12, 2015
2 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 13, 2015
Two love stories intertwine in a dance of flawless, flowing prose.
If you don't let go, you'll drown. There's not a lot of structure here. The story approaches stream-of-consciousness.
Stop trying, and LISTEN.
David is lost, terrified, frantic, waiting for Gul ... his fish boy ... his merman.
Gul is wasting away, trapped, restless. Why can't David hear him?
Oscar doesn't think he's good enough for the beautiful Jake. Desperate, Oscar will do anything to be more.
What is the connection between Gul and Oscar, between David and Gul? Why can Oscar HEAR?
I was both frustrated and mesmerized by this story, which takes the prompt and elevates it.
I wanted more out of the Oscar/Jake story, but Impact Ripples is beautiful and unlike anything I've read.
This is a story about shattering illusions, about "leaving behind one futile existence to begin ... life."
If you don't let go, you'll drown. There's not a lot of structure here. The story approaches stream-of-consciousness.
Stop trying, and LISTEN.
David is lost, terrified, frantic, waiting for Gul ... his fish boy ... his merman.
Gul is wasting away, trapped, restless. Why can't David hear him?
Oscar doesn't think he's good enough for the beautiful Jake. Desperate, Oscar will do anything to be more.
What is the connection between Gul and Oscar, between David and Gul? Why can Oscar HEAR?
I was both frustrated and mesmerized by this story, which takes the prompt and elevates it.
I wanted more out of the Oscar/Jake story, but Impact Ripples is beautiful and unlike anything I've read.
This is a story about shattering illusions, about "leaving behind one futile existence to begin ... life."
June 14, 2015
MERMAN!
Reading and reviewing the work of friends weirds me out because what if? Then... awkward.
I enjoyed this story. I fully invested in David and his fish boy, Gul. David is a young boy when he first meets Gul. They share a connection, but after a rescue attempt scares the bejesus out of David's parents they move away from the ocean. Years later David is miserable and grumpy. He's also extremely wealthy. So wealthy he buys a glass house on an uninhabited island. Some strange transformations begin occurring with more regularity once he encounters his fish boy again. Things were moving along swimmingly between us. I even thought we were going to take a day trip to the dark side there for a second and got giddy.
Then the secondary story came into play and it lost me.
Objectively, I know Oscar and Jake/John were introduced to adhere to the prompt, but subjectively, it derailed the story for me. I don't understand why David could speak to and see into Gul's mind as a boy but not as a man. Why the disconnect?
My other quasi quibble is if one starts to develop scales, eat sand, drink salt water and eat raw fish... isn't that a clue? This man made millions and can't decipher these telltale signs?
I loved the romance of the destiny trope. I'm a sucker for this trope. I would've liked more time with David and Gul, though.
Thanks to the authors and their team for contributing to the LOR event and all the hugs and kisses for the dedication.
Reading and reviewing the work of friends weirds me out because what if? Then... awkward.
I enjoyed this story. I fully invested in David and his fish boy, Gul. David is a young boy when he first meets Gul. They share a connection, but after a rescue attempt scares the bejesus out of David's parents they move away from the ocean. Years later David is miserable and grumpy. He's also extremely wealthy. So wealthy he buys a glass house on an uninhabited island. Some strange transformations begin occurring with more regularity once he encounters his fish boy again. Things were moving along swimmingly between us. I even thought we were going to take a day trip to the dark side there for a second and got giddy.
Then the secondary story came into play and it lost me.
Objectively, I know Oscar and Jake/John were introduced to adhere to the prompt, but subjectively, it derailed the story for me. I don't understand why David could speak to and see into Gul's mind as a boy but not as a man. Why the disconnect?
My other quasi quibble is if one starts to develop scales, eat sand, drink salt water and eat raw fish... isn't that a clue? This man made millions and can't decipher these telltale signs?
I loved the romance of the destiny trope. I'm a sucker for this trope. I would've liked more time with David and Gul, though.
Thanks to the authors and their team for contributing to the LOR event and all the hugs and kisses for the dedication.
June 13, 2015
*4.5 stars*
“Soon. Soon you’ll see and hear. He always comes when I sit here. My love, my life. My beautiful fish boy.”
I don't know what to say without giving away the story. Just that I was completely mesmerized by it, lured in. Take it from someone who rarely reads paranormal. What the authors did with this prompt...they definately took it to the next level.
Two love stories in one. David (Gawd, I loved him) who loves his merman Gul but can't find a way to be with him. And Oskar, who loves Jake and *can* be with him, but he's afraid he won't be enough.
In the end, it all comes down to this
“The little fish boy from afar,
To hear his thoughts
You must bear the scar..."
June 13, 2015
I.LOVE.David Sanders!!!!!1 :D
He is not afraid to dive into a dark, stormy ocean to find/fish out his one true love. Sigh.
He is not afraid to dive into a dark, stormy ocean to find/fish out his one true love. Sigh.
June 12, 2015
This wasn't like anything else I've read, and I continue to be astonished by the quality of the stories being offered for free as part of the Love Is An Open Road event.
This was a bit on the angsty side, with some comic relief from Oscar and John, but so worth reading. There's a merman, the mate of the merman, and two young men who help the mate figure things out. The desperation in David's voice, his thoughts, was so vivid, so palpable - I was on the edge of my seat for most of the story.
Very, very well done.
This was a bit on the angsty side, with some comic relief from Oscar and John, but so worth reading. There's a merman, the mate of the merman, and two young men who help the mate figure things out. The desperation in David's voice, his thoughts, was so vivid, so palpable - I was on the edge of my seat for most of the story.
Very, very well done.
August 6, 2015
This is not one, but two love stories all weaved into one absolutely singular read. And as with every Claire and Al story, you'll always get more than what you expect.
They've somehow found a way to write something that's meaningful, funny, and angsty, and wrapped it all up into a crazy, unique story. And from the sheer amount of mermen pictures, people have been waiting a long time for some Merman action.
David is manic; desperate to unite with his merman lover but terrified of leaving his humanity behind. Whether he likes it or not, there's not much human left in him; he's physically and mentally altered, and it's scaring the natives.
It takes a merman of all things, to bring peace to one man, and a door to acceptance and honesty for the other.
It's definitely unlike anything you'll have ever read before, and I'm sincerely hoping that this is just the beginning to more man on merman action in the future.
They've somehow found a way to write something that's meaningful, funny, and angsty, and wrapped it all up into a crazy, unique story. And from the sheer amount of mermen pictures, people have been waiting a long time for some Merman action.
David is manic; desperate to unite with his merman lover but terrified of leaving his humanity behind. Whether he likes it or not, there's not much human left in him; he's physically and mentally altered, and it's scaring the natives.
Oscar risked a look at John, who was making crazy circles above his head and pointing to David. “Cray cray,” John whispered, squeezing his hand.Yup, David is a big ball of cray cray; except, he's not. He's just desperate and willing to do everything in his power to make his merman happy, hang onto his last shred of sanity, and finally gather the courage to be with him. That includes hunting down Oscar, who happens to be in the midst of trying to find a way to his happily ever after as well. He has his prince charming in sights, but there's a mile of white lies in between them, and the one glaring fact that they've never met.
It takes a merman of all things, to bring peace to one man, and a door to acceptance and honesty for the other.
It's definitely unlike anything you'll have ever read before, and I'm sincerely hoping that this is just the beginning to more man on merman action in the future.
June 13, 2015
I think everyone can guess that we have a merman story here what with all the merman pics on the reviews and being thrown around by the authors but it is actually not at all what you would expect.
The Merman love story is almost a framing device for a secondary love story between two men who have fallen in love through the internet, never actually meeting, not really part each others "real" lives but the connection is there all the same.
Gul (the Merman) and David's (his mate) relationship subtly mirroring the relationship of the internet lovers. These couples both supposed to be together but kept a part by fear and misunderstanding for one and insecurity (and isn't insecurity just a type of fear?) and lies for the other.
When it comes down to it, both David and Oscar are a bit slow on the uptake. *shakes head*
It is fun and angsty and surprisingly moving. Or was that just me?
Thanks to Laura for the fabulous prompt, the the authors for their wonderful story and to all the MM volunteers that make this event possible.
June 12, 2015
Prompt by Laura.
Story by the talented and beautiful Claire Davis, and Al Stewart.
Big questions about love.
There are two love stories here:
The 1st: Would you have courage to show the real you to someone you fall in love with online?
the 2nd: What do you do when your soulmate is a merman?
It's a sweet story about love and courage.
Yet again: have tissues nearby. :)
Story by the talented and beautiful Claire Davis, and Al Stewart.
Big questions about love.
There are two love stories here:
The 1st: Would you have courage to show the real you to someone you fall in love with online?
the 2nd: What do you do when your soulmate is a merman?
It's a sweet story about love and courage.
Yet again: have tissues nearby. :)
October 28, 2015
Quick review...
Claire Davis and Al Stewart are up there in my favourite authors for a reason. They do raw, gut-wrenching sorrow that delves deep into the characters' wounds, yet at the same time they can write with humour and flippant disregard. There is a cunning irony to their work.
Bittersweet.
And beautiful.
Impact Ripples is a romantic tale of yearning, connection and reunion - a two-for-one, in fact, and free.
Another wonderful offering from Love is an Open Road.
Claire Davis and Al Stewart are up there in my favourite authors for a reason. They do raw, gut-wrenching sorrow that delves deep into the characters' wounds, yet at the same time they can write with humour and flippant disregard. There is a cunning irony to their work.
Bittersweet.
And beautiful.
Impact Ripples is a romantic tale of yearning, connection and reunion - a two-for-one, in fact, and free.
Another wonderful offering from Love is an Open Road.
June 13, 2015
My first read of the 2015 Love is an Open Road Event.
Very entertaining and unexpected interpretation of the prompt, but I enjoyed it.
Thanks Al and Claire for the wonderful story and thanks to Laura for the wonderful prompt! I also can't forget Noah Homes for the awesome cover :)
I give this highly entertaining HEA read 4 Merman Stars
Very entertaining and unexpected interpretation of the prompt, but I enjoyed it.
Thanks Al and Claire for the wonderful story and thanks to Laura for the wonderful prompt! I also can't forget Noah Homes for the awesome cover :)
I give this highly entertaining HEA read 4 Merman Stars
June 12, 2015
With just one touch...
Oh, the restlessness of not being where you need to be. Of not being who you need to be. And, the dread of finally letting go of what you know... A leap into the unknown. A risk. For something greater, perhaps.
To know and be known.
From the very first line, I was lured in by this pearl of a tale. Transported. This is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. And that thrills me. And as always, the prose is so vivid, sensorial, and so very poetic. This enchanting story has a ton of heart, a good dose of angst, and some naughty goodness.
As I read, I was reminded of this wonderful quote and of the need to heed its wisdom :)
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." – Anaïs Nin
Thank you to Laura for a fantastic prompt and to the authors for participating in this year’s M/M Romance Love is an Open Road Event.
Oh, the restlessness of not being where you need to be. Of not being who you need to be. And, the dread of finally letting go of what you know... A leap into the unknown. A risk. For something greater, perhaps.
To know and be known.
From the very first line, I was lured in by this pearl of a tale. Transported. This is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. And that thrills me. And as always, the prose is so vivid, sensorial, and so very poetic. This enchanting story has a ton of heart, a good dose of angst, and some naughty goodness.
As I read, I was reminded of this wonderful quote and of the need to heed its wisdom :)
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." – Anaïs Nin
Thank you to Laura for a fantastic prompt and to the authors for participating in this year’s M/M Romance Love is an Open Road Event.
June 12, 2015
Ever think of the sound coming from chewing sand? *shudder* I loved this story. Didn’t think Claire and Al ever would get the prompt in there but they did! Lovely…and sandy
July 23, 2016
Sooo, this was...different and strange and and really quiet good.
Don't look at me like that...this was my first mermen story okay? I'm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't...this.
As you can see I'm nearly speechless and I'm afraid I might mutter nonsense.
Let's keep it short.
If you like fantasy and fancy a dip in the sea...dive into the mysterious waters Claire & Al have created here. It's a rather great adventure and I'm thankful I gave it a go.
June 13, 2015
This story wasn’t all fluff and happiness. Our men do get their happy endings… in the end.
But for David, he suffers so much before he does. I felt so sad for him. He meets a merman when he was young, starting a connection that only got stronger as he got older. And the connection, to his love, made him suffer and go through changes. He was so depressed, warring inside himself of holding onto his humanity(what was left of it) and opening his heart wide open, his arms spread, embracing his love and new life with his merman. He couldn’t communicate very well with his merman. His merman, Gul, was unable to tell him what he had to do, to finally feel comfort. They were both dying and David needed help. So, he tracked down certain people, only one of them being truly what he was looking for.
Oscar was struggling to live, but unlike David, it was under different circumstances. He wanted so much in life, but he didn’t have any support. Only his online boyfriend, Jake. Then an opportunity too good to be true came along and he jumped on board with it. The money was too much to pass up. He finds out truths about the world and about himself when he meets his mystery employer.
I do wonder a little more about David and Gul. Is David able to get pregnant, with Gul’s ‘mating seed’?? What are their lifespans?
But for David, he suffers so much before he does. I felt so sad for him. He meets a merman when he was young, starting a connection that only got stronger as he got older. And the connection, to his love, made him suffer and go through changes. He was so depressed, warring inside himself of holding onto his humanity(what was left of it) and opening his heart wide open, his arms spread, embracing his love and new life with his merman. He couldn’t communicate very well with his merman. His merman, Gul, was unable to tell him what he had to do, to finally feel comfort. They were both dying and David needed help. So, he tracked down certain people, only one of them being truly what he was looking for.
Oscar was struggling to live, but unlike David, it was under different circumstances. He wanted so much in life, but he didn’t have any support. Only his online boyfriend, Jake. Then an opportunity too good to be true came along and he jumped on board with it. The money was too much to pass up. He finds out truths about the world and about himself when he meets his mystery employer.
I do wonder a little more about David and Gul. Is David able to get pregnant, with Gul’s ‘mating seed’?? What are their lifespans?
October 13, 2015
Wow that was bizarre, AMAZING! but bizarre. Such creative writing! The first part (before Oscar is introduced) felt almost fairy-taleish in its story telling and I loved that. I was almost a bit disappointed when Oscar and Jake were introduced because they felt to 'real world' for this amazing fairy-tale story. But then Oscars presence in the story became clear (although not fully explained), his story mingled with Davids and I became invested in him as well.
The sex and sexual need of these characters and desperate and almost raw, which was hot and when I read that first scene, I was like, 'that water is doing WHAT?!'. So much fun!
The sex and sexual need of these characters and desperate and almost raw, which was hot and when I read that first scene, I was like, 'that water is doing WHAT?!'. So much fun!
December 23, 2016
I'm totally in the mood to reread this one.
Extremely erotic and maybe even better the 2nd time.
*****
This was very clever.
We start out with this amazing little fairytale feel that if it had kept going through the entire book, I would have still been all in.
Then everything changes.
We are being told two very different stories and each of those stories have two very different voices. One voice is manic and crazy. Like Howard Hughes tissuebox shoes crazy. The other a very straight forward, normal gay romance.
The stories intertwine and clash stylistically which is perfect because David is CRAZY. Like not even a little bit, just full-blown crazy. And how does someone that mentally off fit with everyday people? They don't.
I wanted to shake David sometimes. I wanted to scream at my kindle WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR FISH BOY IS TRYING TO TELL YOU?! but didn't. Though only because I read most of it in public, and I strive to appear more together than I really am.
My second read from this writing team and, even though this one was preceded by The Invasion of Tork, they managed not to disappoint.
Thank you for this free read.
Extremely erotic and maybe even better the 2nd time.
*****
This was very clever.
We start out with this amazing little fairytale feel that if it had kept going through the entire book, I would have still been all in.
Then everything changes.
We are being told two very different stories and each of those stories have two very different voices. One voice is manic and crazy. Like Howard Hughes tissuebox shoes crazy. The other a very straight forward, normal gay romance.
The stories intertwine and clash stylistically which is perfect because David is CRAZY. Like not even a little bit, just full-blown crazy. And how does someone that mentally off fit with everyday people? They don't.
I wanted to shake David sometimes. I wanted to scream at my kindle WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR FISH BOY IS TRYING TO TELL YOU?! but didn't. Though only because I read most of it in public, and I strive to appear more together than I really am.
My second read from this writing team and, even though this one was preceded by The Invasion of Tork, they managed not to disappoint.
Thank you for this free read.
June 29, 2015
I loved this, and it really wasn't what I was expecting. there was no fluff here. Sometimes I wasn't even sure if I wanted to continue, since at times, this was quite painful, but it worth it in the end. I did love the way this story went though, definitely not clichéd. The torment the main characters went through was pretty intense.
I did think that maybe David could have noticed his merman was miserable before Oliver told him though. I did want to shake the guy a few times, but hey, we got there in the end.
Great story.
I did think that maybe David could have noticed his merman was miserable before Oliver told him though. I did want to shake the guy a few times, but hey, we got there in the end.
Great story.
June 16, 2015
This story is clever, gripping and absolutely bellissima!!!
I love the characters and how their lives become intertwined.
And I love mermen....
I love the characters and how their lives become intertwined.
And I love mermen....
February 3, 2016
Crazy good! I can't believe they could fit two love stories -- one of which is a pretty freaking emotional and intense merman romance -- into such a short story. Love the cover and the creative prompt too.
February 26, 2017
I'm quite amazed with what Claire and Al came up with here!
Made my head spin.
Brilliant.
Made my head spin.
Brilliant.
March 18, 2018
This books is very confusing to me.
I don't know why the story needed Osar and Jake/John, because all happened in its due course and
David was 6 when he first met Gul. That makes him 36 at the time of the second part of the story. Am I wrong? Did I miss something? No? Yes? If I am right, then why is he "middle-aged"? O.o
The language in the first part was off. I don't know if it's me, but it seemed a bit out of focus. How do you "eat tea"? And later, just when I thought David was too far into the ocean because (not exact quote) "can't breath. waves closing above his head", the author would inform me that David was in the water up to his knees... waist... chest... and so I kept going back in forth, afraid that something was amiss.
The sand-eating-and-counting part was plain trippy. I was getting worried for everyone involved, imaginary or not.
There is more: what Kira said.
So how did I get to 4 stars (which is mostly for the first part)? I have no frigging clue. It's a mystery, yet here I am: final score - 4 stars.
I don't know why the story needed Osar and Jake/John, because all happened in its due course and
David was 6 when he first met Gul. That makes him 36 at the time of the second part of the story. Am I wrong? Did I miss something? No? Yes? If I am right, then why is he "middle-aged"? O.o
The language in the first part was off. I don't know if it's me, but it seemed a bit out of focus. How do you "eat tea"? And later, just when I thought David was too far into the ocean because (not exact quote) "can't breath. waves closing above his head", the author would inform me that David was in the water up to his knees... waist... chest... and so I kept going back in forth, afraid that something was amiss.
The sand-eating-and-counting part was plain trippy. I was getting worried for everyone involved, imaginary or not.
There is more: what Kira said.
So how did I get to 4 stars (which is mostly for the first part)? I have no frigging clue. It's a mystery, yet here I am: final score - 4 stars.
May 17, 2016
Really liked this free story from last year's Love is an Open Road event. David and Gul, the Merman. David has known Gul since childhood and knows that something is wrong with Gul but can't do anything about it cos he can't understand him. He needs to find someone who is descended from Mermen to translate for him....which brings us to Oscar and Jake.
The story is too good for me to go into here...read it for yourselves, it's free...and I've just realised that this is the only Claire/Al story I haven't read. HELP.....more stories needed asap!!
August 23, 2015
Wow! Another excellent story by Claire Davis and Al Stewart. This was such an unexpected use of the prompt but it worked so well. I do admit I was a bit confused at the beginning because I couldn't figure out how the prompt could possibly be a part of the story but I just went with it and it was so worth it. And two romances in one. So good!!!
Want to Read
July 26, 2015Eew Eew Eew this pic creeps me out! 
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Is An Open Road event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Is An Open Road event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
Want to Read
June 12, 2015
I'm here for that!
December 16, 2016
Poignant, unsettling, and so very beautiful.
October 6, 2015
This story didn't worked for me.
In my opinion it's built with no care and many details appear without any explanation, clearly deus ex machina products. I found especially annoying the absolute lack of connection between both parts: any clue, no plausible reason during Part One for the introduction of Oscar and John.
Without being a big fan, I'm able to enjoy a fantasy read as long as it have internal consistency. This is not the case.
However, I appreciate its good writing and the Samsa vibe from David, hence my two stars rating.
In my opinion it's built with no care and many details appear without any explanation, clearly deus ex machina products. I found especially annoying the absolute lack of connection between both parts: any clue, no plausible reason during Part One for the introduction of Oscar and John.
Without being a big fan, I'm able to enjoy a fantasy read as long as it have internal consistency. This is not the case.
However, I appreciate its good writing and the Samsa vibe from David, hence my two stars rating.
September 1, 2017
This story plays with the very interesting premise of merfolk and life mates. I loved the beginning, but the rest of the story felt a little clunky--especially from his pair of talented authors.
Still, it was an enjoyable way to pass the hour.
Still, it was an enjoyable way to pass the hour.
freebies
February 26, 2017
Want to Read
June 17, 2015STORY INFO:
Genre: paranormal, contemporary
Tags: merman, interspecies sex, bonded, mental breakdown, sea sex, life partners
Content Warnings: abduction
Word Count: 14,933
Genre: paranormal, contemporary
Tags: merman, interspecies sex, bonded, mental breakdown, sea sex, life partners
Content Warnings: abduction
Word Count: 14,933
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews