The Memory of Mermaids by Spencer Dryden

"Max Weiss, mermaids are drawn to the men of the earth. The goddess filled our hearts with longing for the love of men like you. But we are cursed as well." ~quote from The Memory of Mermaids

There's a book trailer for The Memory of Mermaids...and  I found myself aching to read the book!

Now that you've viewed the tease...Let me tell you what I thought of the book.

Within the first chapter, I found Max Weiss breaking up with his girlfriend—or more like her breaking up with him. The rest of his life has pretty much fallen apart as well. Job, mother dying, mobster connections, you name it. The remaining chapters were just as full, though instead of negative situations, adventure begins making its way into Max's life.

Well, like many do, Max tries to ease his screwed up life with an overabundance of alcohol. He hears screams and...stumbles upon a sea monster—with a mermaid captured in the odd creature's tentacles. An alcohol-induced vision? No such luck.

I loved everything about this story. The interaction between Max and the mermaid Azzaria is enthralling. Max finds  purpose in the request to help Azzaria locate her missing sister. Oh, and it goes without saying the author, Spencer Dryden, knows how to draw a reader into the  steamy passages. Well done!

Max struggles with relentless thoughts and urges of a forbidden relationship, and I rooted for the him to give in--let it happen.However, though lust abounds, I wish I'd seen a little more of an emotional bond between Max and Azzaria.

But to get back to my favorite things about this book: The adorable way the mermaid speaks to Max made me grin. Azzaria doesn't differentiate between a first and last name, using it as one name.
"Max Weiss, the dolphins say it is not safe…"
"Thank you, Max Weiss, it has been many years since I have tasted rum…"
And I giggled out loud at this little comment: "Max Weiss, it gives my heart so much joy to see you again, did you bring some rum for me?" 

I'm a voracious reader, but haven't read a single book about mermaids until now. The Memory of Mermaids is certainly a great start into something new. The human/mermaid interaction is very tastefully done. The twist of mythology mixed with theology is thought-provoking.

This novella is a fun read. Lose yourself in a new world, and a new way of thinking.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review  I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Ribbon of Darkness by Decadent Kane

Ribbon of Darkness 

by Decadent Kane

Excerpt: She licked her lips and stepped back. His eyebrow shot up in a challenge and he gave her a panty-dropping grin, the kind that said 'go ahead and do it.' Ribbon wasn't sure she was ready to take on Draven North in that sense. Despite the total lack of fear on her body's part. It was a good thing her mind took over. But she leveled his stare nonetheless.

         Blurb: An old family secret draws Ribbon into an Elven world while Draven is forced to find a way to drag her back home to save Christmas magic.

Ribbon of Darkness is far more than your average elven story. Once you delve into the world Decadent Kane developed, you're captured. I admit it--I actually forgot elves weren't real--or are they? This book makes one wonder. 

The main character, Ribbon, is well-developed and believable. Ribbon's adventures evokes a myriad of emotions for the reader: Laughter, sighs, gasps and tingles to name just a few. 

This novella made me smile, gasp and want to read the next in Trouble With Elves Series.

4 stars