Happy Sunday readers!
It’s time for more beach reads, plus this week, all these books have an additional theme: heroines to the rescue. All these books have beach-y vibes that are perfect if you’re looking for a summertime read.
Brine and Bone by Kate Stradling
Genre: Fairytale Retelling
Romance Content: No Spice
Why I enjoyed this book: One of the most unique Little Mermaid retellings I’ve read! Brine and Bone puts so many fun twists on the tale that so many of us know and love. Highly recommend for those who enjoy the Little Mermaid.
Two worlds collide.
Magdalena of Ondile adores the crown prince of Corenden, but she’d sooner die than admit it. Ejected from the royal court, she spends her days at a sage’s seminary, where her sparkling memories and destructive empathy magic prey upon her.
Until the ocean rips her charming prince into its depths.
When Magdalena discovers him washed ashore, her rescue-by-happenstance draws her back to the glittering palace and its stifling rules. But Prince Finnian’s miraculous return attracts more than the nobility of the court. The eerie creature that spared his life would gladly reclaim it, even if staking that claim requires a sacrifice of flesh and endless torment.
This novella is based on H. C. Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”
Spirit of the Mist by Janeen O’Kerry
Series: The Celtic Journeys Book 4 (Can be read as standalone)
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Romance Content: Low Spice
Why I enjoyed this book: All the ancient Ireland vibes with a strong dash of romance! There’s plenty of intrigue, magic, and adventure in this story. If you enjoy romantic fiction based on the ancient Celtic world, give this one a try!
Muriel is mistress of the sea and of the water mirror, which shows the truth when the full moon shines. In return, the women of her family must marry only kings or lose their magic forever.
Brendan is a prince, destined to be king. One stormy night, Muriel’s powers save his life. Soon they are together in what seems the perfect marriage.
When Brendan’s true identity is revealed, his kingship is lost. Exiled from his lands, with Muriel losing her magic, they will have to find some new way to live… if they, and their people, are to live at all.
The Successor: Tales of Pern Coen
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Romance Content: Low Spice
Can she trust a man sent by her enemy to help her save her clan from darkness?
A loyal warrior of the Ri of Ceffyl, Torin has no choice but to do the Ri’s bidding when he’s sent to hunt down a powerful healer. His task, however, is fraught with peril, as the healer he is forced to seek out is rumored to have been cursed by one of the Dark Spirits of the island of Pern Coen.
After a heart wrenching betrayal by the man she trusted the most, Briallen has been forced to carve out a lonely existence on the rugged coast. When a warrior comes to her door claiming to be sent by the man who betrayed her and demanding her return to Castle Afon, she refuses. But when that same warrior is attacked by a monster from the deep, she feels duty bound to help him with her gift of healing.
Thrown together in unexpected and unlikely circumstances, Torin and Briallen find themselves drawn to one another in ways they never imagined. But as their feelings for one another grow, the dark threats against the people of Ceffyl increase and Briallen discovers that she just might have the power to put an end to them. If there is to be any hope for the clan, Torin will have to determine where his loyalties lie and Briallen will have to decide if she can trust a man sent by her enemy.
This Celtic inspired romantic fantasy features strong world building, a healer heroine, a cinnamon roll warrior hero, found family, forced proximity, mythical creatures, a touch of magic, and an enemies to lovers low spice romance.