This book was such a fun surprise!

That cover is absolutely stunning and is what made me request this book!I did not know that this was the second book in a series until I started it, but I felt like I was able to pick it up and get most of the first story just from reading it.

On that note, this was SUCH a fun and unique read to me. Julie Catherine did such a great job at world building and I could picture everything I was reading. It was so magical!

The little mermaid was my absolute favorite Disney movie as a kid and this just had me in all the feels. Although the story is very different, it still had a magical world and a forbidden romance.

I loved Ellaras character growth in this. Seeing her in the beginning and what her goal was, and how it changed in the end was so much fun. I think she ended up with the absolute perfect person, no spoilers!

Thank you NetGalley and GCMW Publications for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-forbidden romance
-mermaids
-enemies to lovers

I would like to note that I received this ARC with the mindset that I would provide an honest review.
The art on this cover is what initially drew me in. The front cover is absolutely gorgeous. When I signed up for this ARC, I did not realize that this book was the sequel in the series but I am actually glad that it was because I got two for the price of one. I had to read the first book in the series before I could read this one for full appreciation.
This book is my first mermaid book and it took me for a ride. I really loved the characters in this book and the journey that they go through from start to finish. The enemies-to-lovers relationship trope is one of my favorites and this book gave its readers a fun ride through their challenges.
One of the best things that a book can provide me as a reader is questions. I love when I cannot predict what will happen next in a book and have to stop while I read to think. With the manipulation and hidden details, the readers are left wondering and wanting to read more to uncover everything.

This book was fun and worth the read. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope and to those that just enjoy a story that leaves you wanting more.

I enjoy mermaid books but was a little skeptical going into this one because of the premise. You've read one mermaid book, you've read them all right? Wrong! I was immediately pulled into the story and actually read this in one sitting. The authors is SO creative in bringing Ellara to life. I appreciate the new spin on the mermaid concept, and I'm very much looking forward to the next books in this series!
STUNNING cover!

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. SO SO GOOD. THE CHARACTERS ARE FENOMENAL. SUPER RECOMMEND.

Title: Dark and Lovely Mermaids by Julie Catherine

Release Date: June, 11th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

First of all, can I say, what a beautiful cover? Im in love with it!

Now to the good bit,
This thrilling enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance follows Ellara Merme, a mermaid who made a terrible deal to save her friends and human sweetheart, condemning herself to a life of sea-slavery.

Now, she's offered a way out: deliver a merman prisoner to Neptune's army. But as she embarks on this perilous journey across the deep ocean, she faces monstrous threats and unexpected feelings for her charming captive. Ellara must navigate a sea of danger and deception, all while grappling with her growing attraction to the merman.

Will she stick to her plan and secure her freedom, or will she dive headfirst into a romantic entanglement that could cost her everything?

Why I enjoyed It:

🐚 Dynamic Characters: Ellara is a fiercely determined heroine, making tough choices and facing immense challenges with bravery and wit. Her evolving relationship with the merman prisoner adds layers of tension and intrigue, creating a captivating dynamic that kept me hooked.

🌊 Thrilling Adventure: The deep ocean setting is vividly brought to life, filled with monstrous creatures and natural disasters that add a pulse-pounding element to the story. The journey is fraught with danger at every turn, making for a truly immersive reading experience.

💘 Enemies-to-Lovers Romance: The chemistry between Ellara and the merman is electric, filled with witty banter, sizzling tension, and heartfelt moments. Their journey from animosity to affection is beautifully crafted, making every twist and turn in their relationship deeply engaging.

🎭 Manipulation and Intrigue: With layers of deception and hidden agendas, the story keeps you guessing about the true intentions of the characters. The manipulative undercurrents add a fascinating complexity to the plot, enhancing the stakes and emotional depth.

Dark and Lovely Mermaids is a mesmerising blend of adventure, romance, and fantasy that will sweep you off your feet and plunge you into the depths of an unforgettable underwater world.

Julie Catherine masterfully weaves a tale of loyalty, love, and survival, delivering a story that is as deep and wild as the ocean itself. Prepare to be enchanted by this thrilling, loyalty-testing romantic adventure—you won't want to come up for air!


Thank you to The Publisher GCMW Publications ,The Author Julie Catherine & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.