Siren's Call: A Dark Tides Novel by Devyn Quinn
ARC provided by author.
Release Date Aug 3, 2010

WIN an ARC of Siren's Call: A Dark Tides Novel (3 winners!) on BlogwithBite.com HERE!

PJVs QUICK POV: This book screamed, "I'm a paranormal romance," at me when I first read the synopsis, but I really think it is much more than a romance story with paranormal flavoring. Which is why I enjoyed it. The story blends real world problems and emotions, a rich complex Urban Fantasy world, and even science fiction aspects in a complex, entertaining package. For me the romance was very low on the radar compared to all the other parts of the novel, which might strike some people as a bad thing, especially if they are looking for that romance -- but I liked it.

REVIEW: After his wife is murdered, carrying their unborn child, Kenneth decides he is going to commit suicide by throwing himself into the stormy waters of the sea. Thinking he is a crazy swimmer, Tessa stalls before swimming to his rescue, when she spots him from her lighthouse. Being a mermaid has it's advantages though, and she quickly locates him and saves him from the rough sees with a bit of Mer magic.

About a year later, Kenneth is still haunted by what happened to him in the water. He can't quite remember, but he knows something otherworldly was at play in those waters, and the lovely redhead that pulled him from the sea has something to do with it. A few counseling sessions later, Kenneth liquidates all his property and sets of to the island he tried to end his life on, and the woman that is a reoccurring fantasy in his dreams.

When Kenneth does come to the island there is an instant attraction between him and Tessa. But Tessa is a bit on the bitchy side, she likes her seclusion, and she doesn't trust men one iota. But, financial situations and overbearing siblings force her into taking Kenneth on as her handyman.  The quickly find their attraction is too much to contain, especially after Kenneth stumbles onto Tessa in her Mer form. Nothing hotter than a chick with tribal tats and a tail!

Just as Kenneth and Tessa are getting comfortable. The real world intrudes, by way of two sisters and one ex-boyfriend who believes he can win Tessa back with the hopes that he has located a missing Mer world. The whole gang treks across the world to discover this ancient city - but in the end they discover a lost world of mermaids which might change everything forever!

Highly entertaining, a quick fun read, with just enough action to keep me on my toes. I found the romance part of the novel rather light, with enough nookie to keep it steamy, but the not a lot of emotion to make it all sappy. But, because of the light romance side I didn't quite see the love. I felt Kenneth's but in the end, I don't know about Tessa...but that might be the intention of Ms. Quinn, could there be an upset in any future books? I thought the Aryan like Mers were diabolical and believable. I actually think a lot more time could have been spent developing this world, instead of only the last part of the book. But Tessa and Kenneth's established personalities which happens in the beginning of the book does great wonders to make you fall in love with Kenneth...and at least attain a grudging respect for Tessa. I think Ms. Quinn did a wonderful job with portraying the colder side of the finned females and her hero was a lot more well rounded than most romance heros, while her heroine was much more prickly than the usual wilting violet romance chick. I really liked that, but it could throw some hard-core romance fans off.

Two gripes that I do have to mention, or I wouldn't be honest. One...when I think of a red headed mermaid saving a drowning man...my thoughts go directly to Ariel. And two, the cover.  Where are the tats?

RECOMMENDATIONS: This is a wonderful novel for Urban Fantasy readers that would like to transition to Paranormal Romance. Romance fans might also give this one a try, because the mermaids aren't as overpowering as vamps, or werewolves can be.

BWB Rating 3/4

Siren's Call Book Review

a woman with a secret, lighthouse keeper Tessa Lonike savors her solitude on the island of Little Mer, off the coast of Maine. During a violent storm, Tessa spots a man thrashing in the ice cold waters and dives in to save him, using her ability as a mermaid to easily pull him to shore.

When Kenneth Randall awakens on the beach he is alone, left with the haunting memory of his beautiful, flame-haired savior. But a year later, when Kenneth meets her again, he’s determined not to let Tessa slip away. Just as the desire between them begins to burn, Tessa’s archaeologist ex-lover comes back to town with a tantalizing clue to her murky heritage.

The trio travel to the Mediterranean in search of answers, and when Tessa inadvertently opens an underwater portal they find a lost mermaid city. But in the deep, not everything is as it seems, and Tessa must decide if she wants to take her place as the royal heir, or follow the call of her heart(goodreads.com)

Thoughts: I wanted to Vlog but decided against it this time.  I wanted to like the story line and I wanted to care for the sisters and even Kenneth and Jake. But I didn't really connect to anyone.

The first part of this book was great with having no secrets between Tessa and Ken. I liked that he went back and wanted to work first , but within the couple days they do it. I liked that she saved him from death.

I liked that they had a relationship of sorts for 6 weeks and that he was honest in what and who he wanted. He also happened to rich and in love with Tessa.

I liked the sisters but didn't like that they didn't know much about their family history, and the information was okay but I had more questions. Why did it take them so long to question their history ???

Is this Romance or Science Fiction ? Couldn't tell with the portal to the other world..reminded me of Star gate the movie and tv show.

Jake the Treasure Hunter and just happens to find Mer Treasure and brings it and shows the sisters . Ken just happens to fund their quest to find it before others do. Ken happens to have lost a millionaire wife, and til now ..never needed the money. I didn't really see why the sisters even in the book..they weren't in for very much of it. Jake..I see added tension to the relationship between Ken and Tessa  and I got that they were very sexual beings..

The Other world was different and how they treated humans was different. Tessa was being punished for her families legacy of going off with humans and being in love with them. It didn't make sense ..but it did add a little drama to the story..but with the treasure hunt..the book kinda lost me and my interest to finish it. But as you can see i did finish it.

I also thought of the Movie Splash with Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah..I grew up watching that movie and wanting to be her. I know that there is kids movie

It made me think of this video.

Thanks to the author for the book and this is my Honest Review.

Book Review = 3 Fins

And so begins Siren Week...

We have hot things happening this week at BWB. Plung into the minds of Devyn Quinn and Tricia Rayburn for Siren Week...

But for right now, I would like to introduce you to Devyn Quinn:

Devyn Quinn lives in the scenic Southwest, though she has called several other states home. She is a huge fan of dark gothic music & shoot-’em-up action movies. But reading is her first love and Devyn spends too much time with history books, as well as feeding her addiction for celebrity biographies. She especially enjoys reading books on Hollywood before the 1960′s and is crazy about Marilyn Monroe, her legend and her myth.

Find Devyn: Web  |  Twitter  |  Facebook 

The very generous Devyn Quinn is offering up 3 THREE ARCs of Siren's Call!

Siren's Call: A Dark Tides Novel by Devyn Quinn

Between desire and love there are some things that can’t stay buried, even in the deep of the ocean.

As a woman with a secret, lighthouse keeper Tessa Lonike savors her solitude on the island of Little Mer, off the coast of Maine. During a violent storm, Tessa spots a man thrashing in the ice cold waters and dives in to save him, using her ability as a mermaid to easily pull him to shore.

When Kenneth Randall awakens on the beach he is alone, left with the haunting memory of his beautiful, flame-haired savior. But a year later, when Kenneth meets her again, he’s determined not to let Tessa slip away. Just as the desire between them begins to burn, Tessa’s archaeologist ex-lover comes back to town with a tantalizing clue to her murky heritage.

The trio travel to the Mediterranean in search of answers, and when Tessa inadvertently opens an underwater portal they find a lost mermaid city. But in the deep, not everything is as it seems, and Tessa must decide if she wants to take her place as the royal heir, or follow the call of her heart…

We are going for simple rules for this contest. Comment and win, answer the question below. But of course you must be a follower. Leave your email for contacting purposes. No need to tweet, but we'll love ya if you spread the word.

Question: Haven't we all dreamed of becoming a mermaid or a princess, but a mermaid princess, oh what luck??! Crown or Crush? Do you stay with the man or slip into the seas? (I think there might have even been a Charmed revolving around this question)