MARINA

For years after the tragic death of her family, Marina has been wandering the vast waters, searching for a new home. But when no other mermaids take her in, she decides to live in the land above... with humans. Caspian finds her on the shores of Cerulean Cove, unconscious after drinking an elixir to conceal her identity. The modest, hardworking fisherman has been searching for a lifelong companion already, so he considers Marina's arrival a pleasant surprise. Marina knows she has to keep her true nature hidden since fishermen don't often look upon mermaids with favor. But as the days pass, her attraction to and trust in Caspian grow, tempting her to turn their marriage of convenience into something more. Excerpt from this fantasy romance: Out of all kinds of humans, it was fishermen who disliked merfolk the most. They competed for fish, after all, and rogue merfolk were notorious for seducing fisherfolk from their spouses. It’s the reason why only the married among her kind were allowed on land. There had been more than one unwed mermaid or merman who returned to sea because humans had driven them away after discovering the truth. “I... got lost…” she said. The man snorted. “Got knocked out is more like it. Are you alone?” “Yes,” Marina replied. “You don't look too good. Are you... in a bad way?” The man’s eyes darted down before coming back to her face. He blushed. “Did somebody hurt you?” “No.” The man pressed his lips together and stayed silent. Marina could see not just his discomfort but also his disbelief. After all, there were only so many reasons for an unconscious, naked woman to appear out of nowhere. Eventually, he sighed and helped her sit up.