Katherine Eddinger Smits has given us a sweet romantic fantasy in Water Dreams, her debut novel. The author has a fascinating take on the mythology of mermaids. Many such stories stop at Are they real? Are they human? Surely the hero Bas is all man. How delicious to see him first on land, with his glowing eyes, enticing musculature, and everything else a man should have to incite attraction. Along with Nik, we are smitten. Just don’t look under the water.

Pretty soon, challenging questions pop up. How does a merman make love? What does he see in Nik after all? I’m captivated by the greatest issue of all—Isn’t there a little mermaid in Nik? In all of us? Or a little human in other species—maybe our dogs?

Bas needs Nik’s help to survive, so what began in the vivid setting of Tarpon Springs, Florida, soon drags us readers out to sea. In the watery depths, Nik depends on Bas to stay afloat. By the time they arrive on the magic island of the Nerei merpeople, skin contact has sealed the romantic deal for Nik and Bas. And she’s starting to wonder about herself. What’s the mystery surrounding her father, and who is her real mother? Why do frightening water dreams haunt her?

Water Dreams is a mystery and a romance, but most of all, it’s a story of an unexceptional person whose destiny challenges her to become exceptional. Despite irritations that make it hard to work with the Nerei, Nik must overcome taboos of racism and forbidden love to save his species and hers. It’s up to her to overcome those who would destroy the land and the sea. A smooth, fun, thought-provoking read. Five stars.

Water Dreams is a refreshing and unique read, and a delightful escape into a vivid fictional world of shapeshifter mer-people. It takes the reader to the unique setting of Tarpon Springs, Florida, a Greek American town rich in history and culture. The heroine, Nik, is a young woman with an ordinary life, except for her deep-seated phobia of water, even though she’s lived around it her entire life. Then she meets Bas, the merman, and throughout the book she is challenged in every way possible. Nik and Bas have a magnetic chemistry, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s hot and mysterious! The truly captivating plot swept me away, and throughout the story, Katherine Smits shows a deep, insightful understanding of human behavior. I’m so happy this is a series, and I look forward to reading the next book from this gifted author.

What a great read. I was born and raised just 10 miles from Tarpon Springs and it was really fun to read a book about the area and mermaids. I have always loved mermaids and like the author wanted to be one myself. It kept me guessing what was going to happen next. Looking forward and cant wait to read the next book of the trilogy.

Great romance novel, with mystery and intrigue entwined. If you love the fantasy of mermaids, this book is for you! Looking forward to the next in the series!