Never Hollowed By The Stare

Coastal Creatures: Don’t Hook the Merman by Grae Bryan

Luke Wainwright never meant to let a monster into his home.

A single father living in the same small town he grew up in, Luke’s world has become small and predictable. He takes care of his son, makes custom furniture when he can, and pretends he wouldn’t want to date even if he could. But when Luke is lured to the beach by strange nighttime serenades, only to find a beautiful, naked stranger in need of assistance, his careful routine is quickly blown apart in the most alarming way. Because Syrus isn’t only odd and flirtatious and full of endless secrets—he’s a creature from the depths, with sharp teeth and a powerful tail. A creature who has his sights set on Luke.

Syrus never meant to find himself a sweet, single father.

Taken from the seas, captured and hurt and weakened, Syrus’s only intention after escape was to call for help, hoping for a human he could trust long enough to heal and return to the ocean. But Luke isn’t any old human. He’s kind, and he’s brave, and he deserves more than bearing the weight of the world on his solitary shoulders. Lucky for him, he has Syrus now. Because whatever Syrus’s original intentions, what he intends now is to take this little family for himself.

Don’t Hook the Merman is a heated paranormal romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It features a tricky, flirtatious merman with a giant crush; a caring single dad in way over his head; a toddler who just wants a donut already; and a small town with a few undead citizens who all have Luke’s back. While each book features its own couple, the series is best enjoyed in order.

Dont’t Hook The Merman by Grae Bryan is the second book of Coastal Creatures, a fated mates paranormal series. It follows different couples, the human side of which are members of a book club founded by the new-to-town baker Seth and teen goth Violet.

Luke Wainwright is Violet’s uncle and a single father to his toddler son, Colby. Lonely, exhausted, and wholly devoted to parenting, he’s become so focused on his son that he’s neglected his own needs.

When a mysterious song repeatedly calls to him, he goes to the beach to find the source and discovers an injured stranger stranded on the rocks. Despite the man’s stubborn refusal to go to the hospital, Luke can’t bring himself to leave him behind and proceeds to take him home.

Syrus is one of the creatures who escaped the research facility featured in Book 1. With his tail badly damaged and his pod nowhere to be found, he uses a siren song to lure someone capable of helping him. Luke answers the call.

Once Syrus’s merman form is revealed, he’s undeterred by the risk of scaring Luke away. Instead, he bulldozes his way into the sweet single dad’s life with shameless confidence, relentless charm, and a single-minded determination to make Luke his.

Like Don’t Feed The Vampire, the story focuses primarily on slice-of-life and courtship. The romance develops at a whirlwind pace, fueled by Syrus’s outrageous flirting, fierce protectiveness, unwavering confidence, and otherworldly beauty. Nearly every thought he has revolves around caring for Luke, and despite his manipulative streak, there’s never any doubt about the sincerity of his feelings.

Luke, meanwhile, is an anxious worrier who constantly fusses over both Colby and Syrus. Although their relationship becomes physical quickly, he’s hesitant to fully commit, fearing the impact a supernatural romance could have on his son’s life. His reluctance creates a very mild dub-con undertone, as Syrus’s tricksy nature pushes their mating bond forward before Luke fully realizes what’s happening.

Maybe it goes with the siren-themed plot of luring unsuspecting human and Syrus is also secretive about himself, still it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the the story. Luke is obviously willing to be seduced and the romance as a whole had a charming, cozy domesticity to it. I especially loved the way both men devoted themselves not only to each other but also to Colby.

There’s danger and adventure to be had at the last parts but the villain is cardboard and it is all very predictable. Seth and Riley, and the vampire moms rally to help and I loved the found family magic happening here. There’s also an awesome tail-flipping rescue and a glorious mating song that makes for a satisfying finale..

This is another entertaining addition to the series. Like most of the author’s books, it’s a low-angst, easy read packed with humor, sweetness and devotion. I wished other members of the book club had appeared. We only see the frazzled Trent who seems to be dealing with a ghost-related problem. I hope his book is next.

Don’t Hook The Merman is a story of care and courtship where two lonely souls find each other through a song. Endearing, cozy, and hopeful, overall, I was completely hooked.

Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

Soundtrack: Sirensong
Artist: Rosendale
Album: Modern Myths For A Crazy World

P.S.

Coastal Creatures books can be read as standalones although everyone is worth knowing.

Watch that vampire child all grown up obsessing over oranges and bakers in Don’t Feed The Vampire.

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DON’T HOOK THE MERMAN: Amazon UK | Audiobook

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