When a strange Nerei carries an unconscious and badly injured Bas in from the Aegean Sea, Nik knows she must get him to an island in the Atlantic where a hidden spring of healing water will restore her Nerei (merman) lover. At the same time, her adoptive father is dying from a boating accident in her home town of Tarpon Springs, and he’s asking for her. While battling a strange illness which … which antibiotics won’t cure, Nik must figure out a way to save Bas and get home to help her father. When Bas follows Nik to Florida, he is forced to keep his distance from her.
He has already escaped one death sentence for having a relationship with a human and he can’t risk another one. Still, he’s furious when Nik turns to her old friend, a mage Bas dislikes, to help her unravel the hidden truth behind her father’s accident.
Water Desires is Book II in the Love’s Siren Song Series. The thrilling sequel to the award-winning Water Dreams will drag you under and not let you up for air until the end. If you like mermaids, mages and magical romance, you’ll love this book.
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CAPTIVATING TALE
Title: Water Desires (Loves Siren Song, Book II)
Author: Katherine Eddinger Smits
Published – Mar 2019
Genre – Fantasy Romance
Sub-Genre – Mermaids and mermen (Nerei)
Setting – Tarpon Springs, FL, Aegean Sea area
Heroine – Nik Aronopulos
Hero- Bas, a Nerei or merman
Villain- Kyril Lefteris
Other Characters- Aggie, Gregorio, Eleni, Rowan, Mara, Jenesis, Deme, and others.
Major Themes- Struggle toward self-discovery and strength; Evolution toward acceptance of those who are different from us.
Descriptors – Creative world-building featuring ancient secret clans of water dwellers known as Nerei; Strong focus on suspicion and hatred between humans and Nerei; Forbidden love; Danger; Tarpon Springs, FL setting; Enticing Greek culture; Greek Mythology; Shapeshifting; Adult fairy tale; Emotional; Sadness of loss; Human carelessness regarding oceanic pollution; Fascinating characters must interact even as they are enmeshed in their own cultural beliefs and prejudices.
Favorite Supporting Character- Rowan the mage
Fun Tidbit- I love that the Nerei have influence over the elements.
Memorable Line- Crescent-shaped crystals and pearls crusted the front and blended seamlessly down to her scales.
This is the follow-up book to Ms Smits Water Dreams, and although I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, I found Water Desires, Loves Siren Song, Book II a more poignant and emotional read for me. I must say that Ms Smits’ writing is very visual; the plot hits you right from the first chapter (although I found there were still guessing moments scattered throughout the storyline); and tensions build and ebb just like an excellent book should.
The Loves Siren Song saga continues in Water Desires with the relationship between Nik and Bas, which is an emotional roller-coaster in and of itself between their species, not to mention the tragedies Nik must endure, the despondent family ties, and having to deal with a mer-world and their hate for humans. It sure isn’t easy being Nik, and being a hybrid, she’s stuck in the middle of so much; however, she manages to handle it with strength and determination (along with a few breakdowns) but for me this was part and parcel of her humanistic qualities. It made her “real” to me. Her love for Bas and his for her creates a bond between them that’s not easily breakable.
I will not give away any spoilers, so I suggest to pick up a copy for yourself. Suffice it to say this is a recommended read written by an extremely talented author.
****I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy****
This is a great follow up to water dreams. There is tragedy, intense moments and love. So the story continues with Nik trying to deal with being a hybrid. She doesn’t make it easy for anyone. I felt sorry for her at some moments and others I hated her. However, she has to deal with a lot of things. She deals with losing loved ones, resentment of a mother, crazy mermaids who are human haters. Nik is strong, and determined to do things her way and figure herself out. She has love with Bas and that is strong, but is it strong enough to help her realize who she really is? You have to read it to find out. Great book!!!