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The Sea Rose
For centuries, the land-bound descendants of Merpeople have been confined to hidden districts where they will not disturb proper society.
When Peter, Earl of Everly, flees his engagement ball, he finds himself stranded among the half-Mer. Will he encounter hostility from society’s outcasts, or could they be hiding something he’s always sought?
Rejected by Lord Everly, Lady Meredith Bannister’s future is dark. Burdened with the secret of her heritage, can she embrace her identity before it is taken by force?
(This was originally published as a serial novel on Kindle Vella. Edits for quality have been made for the book format, as well as bonus content added. If you've been following Rose's tale on Vella, I hope you will enjoy the new content here!)
When Peter, Earl of Everly, flees his engagement ball, he finds himself stranded among the half-Mer. Will he encounter hostility from society’s outcasts, or could they be hiding something he’s always sought?
Rejected by Lord Everly, Lady Meredith Bannister’s future is dark. Burdened with the secret of her heritage, can she embrace her identity before it is taken by force?
(This was originally published as a serial novel on Kindle Vella. Edits for quality have been made for the book format, as well as bonus content added. If you've been following Rose's tale on Vella, I hope you will enjoy the new content here!)
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2023
39 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Mariella Hunt
11 books62 followersMariella Hunt is a 29-year-old storyteller based in the Treasure Valley. She is a Kindle Vella author and pens clean Historical Fiction/Fantasy stories featuring Merpeople. Her first novel, DISSONANCE, was published independently in 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 27, 2022
This is a beautifully written story! The author spins a tale of a world where merpeople and the challenges they face on the receiving end of hate and racism. The book follows 2 mer ladies who are unknown to eachother but whose lives are entagled. Each have a different yet simular experience. This is a beautifully sweet, clean romance and blast to the past that will captivate your heart and keep you turning the pages. It is the first in a series and ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book!
January 11, 2023
After the passing of his father, Peter West has a duty to fulfill as the new head of his family. Number one on the agenda, find a strong match to marry in order to keep up the family name in business and socially - according to his mother.
But he soon realises that marrying for position is not what will make him happy, so he flees the announcement party on horseback. Having fallen down the stairs, he is woozy throughout the ride when, finally, the horse deposits him on the front steps of one, Miss Rose.
Miss Rose was brought up a lady, but after her father's death and due to what she is - a half mermaid living in an era where merpeople where not associated with and looked down upon - she was outcasted to the mer districts and has been working at the orphanaged that raised her.
Remembering Peter, she helps him in his time of need and he responds to her, and her world, in a way that she never thought possible.
My thoughts:
This was such a beautiful book. With aspects of a true historical romance, it captivated me from the beginning. Add in some mermaid mythology and I was a goner. I loved the era it was written in, the writing style was beautiful. The book was fast-paced and very easy to read. Rose and Peter are the main story but I loved the chapters on Meredith and Gideon. I feel sorry for Meredith and all that she had been through and Grumbacher really confused me lol. Overall, I really enjoyed this book so much.
But he soon realises that marrying for position is not what will make him happy, so he flees the announcement party on horseback. Having fallen down the stairs, he is woozy throughout the ride when, finally, the horse deposits him on the front steps of one, Miss Rose.
Miss Rose was brought up a lady, but after her father's death and due to what she is - a half mermaid living in an era where merpeople where not associated with and looked down upon - she was outcasted to the mer districts and has been working at the orphanaged that raised her.
Remembering Peter, she helps him in his time of need and he responds to her, and her world, in a way that she never thought possible.
My thoughts:
This was such a beautiful book. With aspects of a true historical romance, it captivated me from the beginning. Add in some mermaid mythology and I was a goner. I loved the era it was written in, the writing style was beautiful. The book was fast-paced and very easy to read. Rose and Peter are the main story but I loved the chapters on Meredith and Gideon. I feel sorry for Meredith and all that she had been through and Grumbacher really confused me lol. Overall, I really enjoyed this book so much.
January 10, 2024
Short and sweet book. My shortest book I’ve read so far in 2024. This was my first Fantasy book from Stuff Your Kindle: Fantasy edition and it was the perfect “dip your toe in” to fantasy. Usually I think of Mermaids to be the goal of one’s being. Wanting to be a mermaid was my Roman Empire as a kid. Interesting that they are the scum of the earth in this. I’m not invested enough to continue the series though. It was good for what it was! [Edit: Isaiah told me that Mermaids are usually painted as bad since they come from sirens, but I’m just a raised Catholic girl and did learn about that stuff😭]
January 23, 2023
First time reading a book like this and I absolutely loved it! Can't wait to read more of her books!
June 23, 2025
Good read
I was really excited for this book. The story line was easy to follow.
Sad part was the to be continued on the last page.
I was really excited for this book. The story line was easy to follow.
Sad part was the to be continued on the last page.
November 20, 2023
The Sea Rose—a world of fantasy and historical romance (two of my favorite genres). Mariella Hunt weaves a tale of two Mermaids and their very different lives, one caught in poverty and the other in a life of secrets and riches.
There are three main points of view, but the side characters are as phenomenal as the main characters. The abrupt ending certainly left me wanting more. I’m already anticipating a second book.
This book was filled with sweet moments of romance alongside dark moments of uncertainty. The Mer district is fraught with fires set by “genteel” people of society (those who aren’t affiliated with the merpeople). Add to that a man who can “cure” Mermaids of their ailment. Im excited for the next books to come!
There are three main points of view, but the side characters are as phenomenal as the main characters. The abrupt ending certainly left me wanting more. I’m already anticipating a second book.
This book was filled with sweet moments of romance alongside dark moments of uncertainty. The Mer district is fraught with fires set by “genteel” people of society (those who aren’t affiliated with the merpeople). Add to that a man who can “cure” Mermaids of their ailment. Im excited for the next books to come!
February 25, 2023
Things for parents/readers to consider/disclaimers because I know some people have triggers or are parents trying to gauge what is appropriate for their child; this is not necessarily me being critical, but pointing out what readers might want to be aware of before reading:
Overall, a very clean romance which was refreshing!
There is a section where a character is being forced into a marriage with an older man (though later we find out intentions are different than previously thought), and there are implications of marital relations/what that entails, but mentioned only briefly and was not in any way detailed.
At one point two characters of the opposite sex are alone together. One of the characters reconciles this scandal by saying no one will know. I think that it’s fine of course that the character would think this, but should’ve been clearer in the narration that others not knowing wouldn’t make it right if that makes sense.
Death is mentioned, and the Mer district is a victim of violent acts such as burnings that result in an infant death. No gore.
Some critiques:
There was a line about love not being perfect. Coming from a background of classes in theology, I didn’t quite like that being God is love and He is perfect, but I understand what she was trying to say. I just wonder if there was a better way to say it. Maybe I am also just overthinking it haha.
I noticed a couple typos, but nothing that got in the way of me enjoying the book, and the author plans to fix it.
I felt the ending was a little abrupt. I probably would have gotten Meredith to a safer location first, but the cliffhanger definitely makes one want to buy the next book. I definitely plan to. I am hooked and love the characters.
There was a point where Rose refuses to return to her previous life and it’s seen as “being rude”, which I didn’t find it to be personally. Maybe I missed something/misread, but thought she was perfectly in her right
***
This book was a lovely, light read, very Jane Austen-esque with the time period and setting. I really enjoyed it and found it hard to pull myself away from the story (which does not happen to me too frequently, so that’s saying a lot!) I genuinely loved it. The author wrote some beautiful descriptions and I loved her writing style. It was easy to read. I especially loved how the writing flowed when telling Meredith’s story. I really liked her character because of its complexity. There was a lot of growth from her from being a rather unlikable character at the start to being rooted for.
There was a lot of backstory to the characters being slowly revealed, which made me want to keep reading to uncover the mystery.
Peter struck me as a bit wimpy at times, and made me cringe a lot, though I suppose a flawed character is reality! He does grow a bit toward the end. I look forward to seeing how he grows more in the series.
The imagery portrayed, emotions evoked, etc. was something else though (in a good way). This author is quite talented. I particularly loved all the scenes with the piano. It was so poetic. I look forward to reading more from her!
Overall, a very clean romance which was refreshing!
There is a section where a character is being forced into a marriage with an older man (though later we find out intentions are different than previously thought), and there are implications of marital relations/what that entails, but mentioned only briefly and was not in any way detailed.
At one point two characters of the opposite sex are alone together. One of the characters reconciles this scandal by saying no one will know. I think that it’s fine of course that the character would think this, but should’ve been clearer in the narration that others not knowing wouldn’t make it right if that makes sense.
Death is mentioned, and the Mer district is a victim of violent acts such as burnings that result in an infant death. No gore.
Some critiques:
There was a line about love not being perfect. Coming from a background of classes in theology, I didn’t quite like that being God is love and He is perfect, but I understand what she was trying to say. I just wonder if there was a better way to say it. Maybe I am also just overthinking it haha.
I noticed a couple typos, but nothing that got in the way of me enjoying the book, and the author plans to fix it.
I felt the ending was a little abrupt. I probably would have gotten Meredith to a safer location first, but the cliffhanger definitely makes one want to buy the next book. I definitely plan to. I am hooked and love the characters.
There was a point where Rose refuses to return to her previous life and it’s seen as “being rude”, which I didn’t find it to be personally. Maybe I missed something/misread, but thought she was perfectly in her right
***
This book was a lovely, light read, very Jane Austen-esque with the time period and setting. I really enjoyed it and found it hard to pull myself away from the story (which does not happen to me too frequently, so that’s saying a lot!) I genuinely loved it. The author wrote some beautiful descriptions and I loved her writing style. It was easy to read. I especially loved how the writing flowed when telling Meredith’s story. I really liked her character because of its complexity. There was a lot of growth from her from being a rather unlikable character at the start to being rooted for.
There was a lot of backstory to the characters being slowly revealed, which made me want to keep reading to uncover the mystery.
Peter struck me as a bit wimpy at times, and made me cringe a lot, though I suppose a flawed character is reality! He does grow a bit toward the end. I look forward to seeing how he grows more in the series.
The imagery portrayed, emotions evoked, etc. was something else though (in a good way). This author is quite talented. I particularly loved all the scenes with the piano. It was so poetic. I look forward to reading more from her!
December 31, 2023
The concept of The Sea Rose sucked me in immediately. I adore anything mermaids, so to read about noblemen and women and mermaid descendants, who are society’s outcasts, who lived in land? I was sold.
And the story did not disappoint. It’s told from 3 POVs, yet for such a short novel, I didn’t feel that it was too much. Our main characters are all written beautifully and with such depth. Meredith’s story, in particular, simultaneously warmed and broke my heart. Peter and Rose’s romance (and I am a sucker for the childhood friends to lovers trope) was so sweet and seemed so fitting for the historical time period this book is set in. All three of them were so easy to root for.
All of our characters are forced to discover who they really are and make choices that bring them out of their comfort zones. A great story of romance, survival, and identity.
And it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but fortunately, book 2 is available now :)
And the story did not disappoint. It’s told from 3 POVs, yet for such a short novel, I didn’t feel that it was too much. Our main characters are all written beautifully and with such depth. Meredith’s story, in particular, simultaneously warmed and broke my heart. Peter and Rose’s romance (and I am a sucker for the childhood friends to lovers trope) was so sweet and seemed so fitting for the historical time period this book is set in. All three of them were so easy to root for.
All of our characters are forced to discover who they really are and make choices that bring them out of their comfort zones. A great story of romance, survival, and identity.
And it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but fortunately, book 2 is available now :)
December 16, 2023
I loved this unique historical-esque mermaid fantasy with some Jane Austen style writing. Meredith went from villain to being my favorite character. I loved her story and how well she was written. The characters in the story were dimensional and never just one thing, which I love. My only criticism is that time with Peter and Rose seemed to jump without a definite timeline. It made their love seem less genuine because one moment they are barely friends and the next they are confessing their love. I had to go back and judge the time they spent together based on the time passing with Meredith. I was glad it didn’t get stuck in the “will they won’t they”, I just thought it jumped rather fast from one to the next.
I still very much recommend this book and this unique take on mermaids. Now I need to read the next one and see where the story goes!
I still very much recommend this book and this unique take on mermaids. Now I need to read the next one and see where the story goes!
March 17, 2025
A cute story about the mixed-race descendants of merpeople and humans living on the fringe of society. It follows two different stories. Readers of romance, especially fans of clean romance, will enjoy this fantasy romance with historical elements. I personally liked following Meredith's story more than Rose's and Peter's and would be interested to pick up with the next one for Meredith alone. While it doesn't leave on a cliffhanger, it definitely leaves off with a natural bridge to the next book.
There were some typos, and it could stand another round of proofreading, but as an indie book, I tend to overlook this if it doesn't detract severely from the reading. I didn't find it too distracting. Overall, I would say it was a cute story, and I'm glad to see that clean fantasy romance still exists. I am interested in looking up the second book.
There were some typos, and it could stand another round of proofreading, but as an indie book, I tend to overlook this if it doesn't detract severely from the reading. I didn't find it too distracting. Overall, I would say it was a cute story, and I'm glad to see that clean fantasy romance still exists. I am interested in looking up the second book.
January 11, 2023
It's a very beautifully written story about love, legacy and power. I really liked the writing and the setting. I think that the fantasy element with the merpeople is very interesting, and this first book sets everything well for the rest of the series.
That said, I liked the plotline of Meredith's way more than of Peter and Rose's. I also wish we had seen a bit more of the merpeople.
But overall it was a very nice read!
3.5/5
That said, I liked the plotline of Meredith's way more than of Peter and Rose's. I also wish we had seen a bit more of the merpeople.
But overall it was a very nice read!
3.5/5
January 12, 2024
For centuries, the land-bound descendants of Merpeople have been confined to hidden districts where they will not disturb proper society.
When Peter, Earl of Everly, flees his engagement ball, he finds himself stranded among the half-Mer. Will he encounter hostility from society’s outcasts, or could they be hiding something he’s always sought?
Rejected by Lord Everly, Lady Meredith Bannister’s future is dark. Burdened with the secret of her heritage, can she embrace her identity before it is taken by force?
When Peter, Earl of Everly, flees his engagement ball, he finds himself stranded among the half-Mer. Will he encounter hostility from society’s outcasts, or could they be hiding something he’s always sought?
Rejected by Lord Everly, Lady Meredith Bannister’s future is dark. Burdened with the secret of her heritage, can she embrace her identity before it is taken by force?
April 4, 2024
A lighthearted read
I dived into this book without expectations. I wanted to ease my mind from everyday life and this book did just that. It’s very lighthearted but at the same time it speaks of grief in a way only a very grieving person could express and understand. Eager to read the second! 🫶
I dived into this book without expectations. I wanted to ease my mind from everyday life and this book did just that. It’s very lighthearted but at the same time it speaks of grief in a way only a very grieving person could express and understand. Eager to read the second! 🫶
June 7, 2024
This book is read on my Kindle after getting it for the Fantasy “Stuff Your Kindle” day. I liked the world building a lot, I think the second book will build off of it nicely. However, parts of the story seemed to happen a bit too quickly, imo.
I like that the story follows the 2 different couples and we get different point of views from the characters.
I like that the story follows the 2 different couples and we get different point of views from the characters.
October 11, 2023
Enchanting & Captivating!
Wow, I just loved this book! It had captivating and lovable characters, riveting plot twists, and gripping chapters. It is a clean romance written angelically! I can’t wait to read book #2!
Wow, I just loved this book! It had captivating and lovable characters, riveting plot twists, and gripping chapters. It is a clean romance written angelically! I can’t wait to read book #2!
December 13, 2023
4.5
A beautiful story full of vivid description and clean romance, and I loved learning about the world we found ourselves in, full of history with the merpeople and how they were treated. Very enjoyable read!
A beautiful story full of vivid description and clean romance, and I loved learning about the world we found ourselves in, full of history with the merpeople and how they were treated. Very enjoyable read!
June 24, 2024
I'll give this a 3.5, because I did like it's just weird. It's really all over the place with the storyline, especially since there's technically 2. However, it's still a good read with a sweet romance trying to bloom.
March 22, 2023
I loved it, I need to read more about these characters and their story.
July 27, 2023
4.5 glorious stars for this lovely mermaid romance. I really enjoyed the regency vibes, the descriptions, and the characters both good and bad that we grow to feel for.
August 24, 2023
Looking forward to the rest of the trilogy!
March 31, 2024
A fun, clean romance with a fascinating fairy tale twist! The characters captured my imagination and I can’t wait to see what will happen next!
August 23, 2024
Fantastic! Loved the characters and the world building and I want more!
September 6, 2024
Dnf’d at 46%
June 3, 2025
Meh...
It was free and sitting in my library. I won't continue. Not a very exciting story of really interesting characters these i wish to follow on their pitiful journeys.
It was free and sitting in my library. I won't continue. Not a very exciting story of really interesting characters these i wish to follow on their pitiful journeys.
December 31, 2022
I was intrigued by this book due to the theme of mermaids, and of course the love story. I thought I’d be more interested in Rose and Peters story, but I ended up being more interested in Meredith, and her story. I found that I was rushing through some chapters to get to her parts and still felt I was craving more details. It was a well written story, with some beautiful descriptions. I was a little disappointed with the ending as it didn’t feel like a natural end. I know there’s another book but it didn’t read well as an ending for me, it was very blunt stop, vs a ‘cliffhanger’ end to intrigue you into the next book.
If you’re into fantasy romance novels, this is a nice read.
If you’re into fantasy romance novels, this is a nice read.
January 5, 2023
Wonderfully unique novel that kept me enthralled. I look forward to the rest of the series!
January 3, 2023
I got to read most of this on Kindle Vella, but I loved reading it as a book!
Such a fun start to a fun world and series!
I love the characters and all the aspects and vibes this one gives!
Excited for more!
Such a fun start to a fun world and series!
I love the characters and all the aspects and vibes this one gives!
Excited for more!
December 31, 2022
This was such a beautiful and quick read!! Although I haven't read *too* many books with Merpeople, this is now a favorite!
I was impressed by how Mariella Hunt was able to create so many different lovable characters. Even one I thought I wouldn't like at the beginning based on how the story started ended up to be such a sympathetic character. My heart hurt for Meredith, and I am desperate to know more of her story.
Rose and Peter had such as beautiful, wholesome relationship - I loved the romance and how it overcame hardships. The book also did a great job of addressing real problems of racism and oppression among these groups.
I really wanted some Merpeople-action (lol) and I cannot wait for the next books in hopes of seeing more of their lifestyle!
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I was impressed by how Mariella Hunt was able to create so many different lovable characters. Even one I thought I wouldn't like at the beginning based on how the story started ended up to be such a sympathetic character. My heart hurt for Meredith, and I am desperate to know more of her story.
Rose and Peter had such as beautiful, wholesome relationship - I loved the romance and how it overcame hardships. The book also did a great job of addressing real problems of racism and oppression among these groups.
I really wanted some Merpeople-action (lol) and I cannot wait for the next books in hopes of seeing more of their lifestyle!
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 17, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Historical romance with a smidgen of fantasy.
This was a great debut! The writing was great and flowed nicely. It just isn’t something I’m used too. I think I needed more fantasy.
The pacing was a bit slow for me. And I couldn’t connect with the characters, so I didn’t really care for the love story.
But really great job for a debut!
Historical romance with a smidgen of fantasy.
This was a great debut! The writing was great and flowed nicely. It just isn’t something I’m used too. I think I needed more fantasy.
The pacing was a bit slow for me. And I couldn’t connect with the characters, so I didn’t really care for the love story.
But really great job for a debut!
December 22, 2022
10☆
If you love an amazing mermaid tail, this is the one for you.
When Lord Peter West, Earl of Everly's father dies, he's left to marry a woman he doesn't love. Will he marry her, or will he run away?
When Rose's father dies she and her mother, are forced to leave their home, to find safety.
Rose .. daughter of the sea. But I don't deserve to be happy " I'm a mermaid"
Those of us with ocean- blood cannot trust an outsider, they will kill us.
"Love Leaves no room for perfection "
At the end of the world, she waited; it was there that love found her. But it was not who she expected.
This story is amazing! I'm trying not to give spoilers, but the character development is amazing. The creative description writing style will take you right into the story, as your the main character.
If you love an amazing mermaid tail, this is the one for you.
When Lord Peter West, Earl of Everly's father dies, he's left to marry a woman he doesn't love. Will he marry her, or will he run away?
When Rose's father dies she and her mother, are forced to leave their home, to find safety.
Rose .. daughter of the sea. But I don't deserve to be happy " I'm a mermaid"
Those of us with ocean- blood cannot trust an outsider, they will kill us.
"Love Leaves no room for perfection "
At the end of the world, she waited; it was there that love found her. But it was not who she expected.
This story is amazing! I'm trying not to give spoilers, but the character development is amazing. The creative description writing style will take you right into the story, as your the main character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews