Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Finn’s mayoral campaign is gaining momentum, but he still can’t win over his magical constituents. His campaign manager’s solution is drastic: Finn must marry a magical woman—and quickly. The queen of the Mer Kingdom volunteers her second daughter, Iris, the notorious trouble‑magnet of the royal family. Neither Finn nor Iris is thrilled with the arrangement, but they commit to trying life under the same roof. What Finn doesn’t expect is navigating Iris’s ever‑present feathered companion and her increasingly questionable hobbies on land. The question becomes whether the two can make it to their wedding day—or whether Iris’s missteps on two legs will create too much bad publicity for Finn to handle.
Bestselling romance author Jessica Gadziala transports readers to a magical, whimsical version of New York City in her newest release, Mermaid in Manhattan. While a departure from her usual dark‑romance style, this romcom still showcases her signature tension and quick‑fire dialogue. Packed with magical creatures and laugh‑worthy chaos, the novel also weaves in a thoughtful, understated commentary on prejudice—highlighting how easily appearances can mislead. Hints of a Little Mermaid homage add a layer of charm, and the forced‑proximity setup keeps the pages turning late into the night.
I give Mermaid in Manhattan 4 out of 5 stars. Although the beginning felt slow and a few scenes involving the campaign manager were hard to follow, the story won me over with its sincerity and originality. The innocence of both Iris and Finn—neither quick to assume the worst of others—adds a refreshing sweetness to their dynamic. I also appreciated the supporting cast and the way they rally around Iris as she learns to navigate the human world.
With light spice, this romcom is well suited for mature readers aged sixteen and up. Fans of whimsical, magical romances—especially readers who enjoyed TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea or Somewhere Beyond the Sea—will find plenty to love here. Those who appreciate the works of Catherine Walsh, Lexi Davis, or Jessie Sylva will also feel right at home.
Mermaid in Manhattan will release on April 23rd. You can preorder your copy through our Bookshop.org page today!
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: Revenge Prey, John Sandford
- Current audio book: Franklin Pierce: A life from beginning to end, Hourly History
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Pretty Dead Things, Kelsey Cox
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