Jet is a mermaid and a bit of a wild child in her clan. She's the daughter of an imporant family in her clan and she takes that very seriously. If it's up to her, she would be patrolling non-stop to make sure there is no new war. After all, she sees the toll the last war took on her father which left him disabled.

Due to an event she's left on land, among humans and can't seem to get back to her family. She meets Tessa, a human, during a drunken night. Tessa is there celebrating her birthday with some co-workers so her family won't give her grieve for not doing something outside of work. They connect in their drunken grievance about the current state of their life.

This story is both action filled on one side and emotional on the other. You have the fight between the clans and Jet trying to get home and Tessa trying to navigate life after having been through something traumatic as a child. In between this they develope feelings for each other.

I would have liked to see some more deep talks between the characters about their past and life outside of the events that they go through together but overall this is an enjoyable read.

An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

3.5/5 stars


This was such a sweet and magical story. Overall, it was a lighthearted story that had a distinct fairytale quality to it, owing in large part to the mermaids! I have always loved a good mermaid story, and this was no different. We got a great human-mermaid romance, a wonderful conversation about environmentalism and a healthy dose of action and intrigue as well. It felt like a very well-rounded, if not a bit simple, fantastical romance story

Environmentalist Tessa has always felt a bit disconnected from the people around her. She has thrown herself into work, which helps to push down any struggles with her family and identity. Hoping to save a stranger one night, she jumps into the ocean after a beautiful woman, not knowing that Jet was in no need of help. Jet is a strong-willed mermaid who has recently lost her tail after being cast out during a battle gone wrong. She is trying desperately to return to her people and is charmed by the woman that is trying to help her without seeing the truth of the situation.

Jet and Tessa couldn’t be more different in their personality and struggles, but they come together in such a beautiful way. Jet is a hot-headed warrior that has strong beliefs and wants to protect her people. Tessa is much more compassionate and gentle, and while she might not understand what Jet is going through, she wants more than anything to help. I absolutely adored all of their interactions. It was a sweet and caring relationship which allowed them to come together in ways that complimented each other. I do wish we got to dive into their relationship a bit more, but it was a beautiful blossoming romance.

𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕄𝔼𝕊: 𝕎/𝕎. 𝔽𝔸ℕ𝕋𝔸𝕊𝕐/𝕄𝔸𝔾𝕀ℂ/𝕄𝔼ℝ𝕄𝔸𝕀𝔻𝕊. ℂ𝕆𝕄𝕀ℕ𝔾-𝕆𝕌𝕋.

This was fun read. The humor was really good. The action was intense, esp that scene by the sea.
A lot of family issues on both sides. Tessa's story was really touching. Jet is my favourite character. Her protectiveness towards Tessa was really beautiful because Hannah was really riding my girl (Tessa).

I love how all characters have their trauma but also work through it in different ways. Tessa and her therapist was the most positive way of course.

FAMILY:
Tessa:
Own or chosen; either leaves an impact. The trauma that befell Tessa's family, it really shaped her and in some parts was kinda bad. It was so frustrating how Hannah treated her and she sstill said nothing. But when she did, Hallelujah, that scene was my favourite.

Jet:
Now my woman was always throwing hands which almost got her in trouble. Her relationship with Tessa was really well-written because you could see how she really reflected on her choices as a person, a friend, a family member and in a leadership position. Jet seemed all protective and taking care of others but when she was with her family, there was tenderness och being vulnerable that was fulfilling to see. Now, tell me about her dad being a legendary character; bisexual, sign language and a fighter who loves deeply. Just amazing.

There are so many things to be said about the characters in this book but all the development was really well.written. Ben, that cute boy. And Tessa's fayher, that poor man. I am just glad he was not homphobic because now, that would have been a disaster for Tessa's progress as a lesbian and person.


𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

Good book. I liked that this was a paranormal romance. The main characters were well written and I thought the relationship between the two mains was really sweet. Tessa was the more grounded and mature of the two. I felt that Jet was a bit immature in her actions, because she would react first to a threat instead of looking at all the possible solutions to a problem. This was why her cousin spelled her into the human world, so she wouldn't cause more harm. The Support characters were well written and helped to move this story along. I would definitely recommend this to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.

A wonderful fantasy with a solid plot that was well developed. The main characters were lovable. It was a very enjoyable read and I recommend.
4 stars


Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books.

When Jet gets cast out onto land and transformed from mermaid to human, she desperately jumps back into the ocean in hopes of returning home before a war breaks out between the mer clans. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, she’s ‘saved’ by a well-meaning Tessa who only wants to help. But can Tessa really help this so-called mermaid, or is Jet the one helping Tessa through family conflicts and internal struggles?

--

A book I picked up because I’m always down for more sapphic mermaids!

Drifting was a fairly easy book to read, but one that I did struggle to pick up again after putting down. It was fun and the relationship between Tessa and Jet was cute, although I personally found Tessa’s relationship with her siblings and father more intriguing and complex. It was those relationships that evoked emotions from me; granted, mostly angry frustrated emotions, but still.

The writing was fine, but I felt like the book juggled some heavy topics that could have been resolved in a more satisfying way if it were longer. We spend a lot of time with Tessa and Jet on land in the first half of the book and so when we return to the ocean, it doesn’t feel as though there was enough build up for the intensity of a potential mer war. I was super excited for the mermaid part of the book and whilst it wasn’t as intense, it was still interesting reading about the clans and the bits of history we got and seeing Jet in action.

Overall, I wasn’t as invested as I wanted to be, but it was still a nice easy read with a cute romance, interesting family dynamics (for both protagonists) and some fun mermaid fantasy!

4 stars
When I read in the blurb that one of the leads is a mermaid, I knew I had to read that story. In such a situation, there is a great possibility of disappointment, especially reading a book written by an unfamiliar author. But the risk paid off. The plot was solid, the leads well-developed and likeable, the setting interesting and unique, drama and action done well. The story worked for me and I enjoyed it. Recommended.

The concept of this book was original, but I just didn't get into it very much. I thought it started off promising, but by the middle of the book, I was a bit bored by the characters. I kinda understood the mermaid/merman clans fighting, but I didn't really. care. The stakes were never that high that I cared how it was resolved. And the relationship between Tessa and Jet was pretty surface level (pun unintended).

I found Drifting to have an interesting storyline and I appreciated the plot which was out of the norm from what I usually read. The book was well written, but I wasn't drawn in and it was easier to leave this one on the nightstand. I would read this author again, but not necessarily this novel I would recommend this to a reader that is looking for a little fantasy intertwined with their romance.

Family dynamics has always reeked havoc on Tessa’s life. As she tries to live up to her sibling’s expectations, Tessa has made herself small to conform to their wishes. Jet takes her responsibility to her mer-clan seriously. She is one of their protectors and never backs down from a challenge. This trait has left her stranded on land when her cousin, a mage, uses magic to take Jet out of a dangerous situation.

Drifting has a fairytale quality which I quite enjoyed. The story tackles intense issues with a deft hand yet the reader does not become mired in the deepest emotions. The mer world is described aptly and with such confidence that you are submerged in their community within the first few pages.

The strong cast of characters will have you cheering or jeering depending on their treatment of Tessa. And Jet is everything you would expect from a mermaid who is out of her element.

Knock, knock, knock fantasy readers. This one is for you from the cream of the crop.

I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

“Jet lay underwater, looking at the surface far above.”

Jet the mermaid loves her world and is a fierce protector of her family and clan. During a fight, she was wounded and woke up to find herself on land. When her paths cross with environmentalist Tessa, the pair found support and love in a world they both have challenges navigating.

A fantasy romance with fight and sass. It was well rounded with a bit of everything and overall an enjoyable and fun read.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this book.

Mermaid Jet unexpectedly finds herself on dry land without her tail after an encounter with another mer-clan.

Environmentalist, Tessa is busy dealing with family drama.

They first meet on a drunken night out, but later in more serious circumstances.

This is lighthearted and witty at times, but also manages to tackle some very serious situations. The pacing of the relationship is realistic. Looking forward to more from this author, and hoping she writes more in this world.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.



Tessa is going through family drama that’s keeps her from ever getting close to anyone. She always does the right thing or tries to she loyal a even when her family makes it’s difficult. Her relationships with her family has cause strain between Tessa and her sisters Joanie and Hannah. Jet is a mermaid who has chip on her shoulder but for good reason she angry about an old war between mer-clans decades past that left her father disfigured. When she has a encounter with clan she teleports to land into human form and struggles to return back to sea.

They meet when Tessa comes to saves Jet and when Jet tells her she mermaid she doesn’t believe her but decides to help her anyway. As they both grow closer Jet helps Tessa stands up for herself and Tessa helps Jet see compassion and empathy. I enjoy this read it’s deals with every emotions.

Wonderful fantasy story of Jet a mermaid who has lost her tail thanks to her cousin who was trying to keep Jet from starting a war.
Now on dry land with two legs Jet is trying to learn more about humans when she meets Tessa. Tessa has her doubts when Jet tells her she's a mermaid but helps her anyway, while facing her own family troubles.
Where does one begin to help a mermaid get her tail back and find her way back home?
This was a fun and delightful story that I did enjoy.

Thank you #NetGalley #BoldStrokesBooks for this ARC

Jet is a mermaid that has gotten herself stuck on land. She meets Tessa while trying, somewhat unsuccessfully, to remain inconspicuous among humans. Tessa is going through some family drama and Jet helps in ways no one else ever has. Things come to a head when a rival merfolk clan come after Jet though, threatening both their lives.
This was definitely a unique take on a mermaid story and one I truly enjoyed. Jet is loyal to a fault to her family and that is a trait she and Tessa share, even though their respective family members make it difficult for them at times. Tessa's family has had a rough time of it and their history has created difficulties in the relationships between Tessa and her sisters. I liked Joanie though Hannah wasn't as lovable as her son Ben was. Family secrets have caused difficulty for Jet too as she tries to protect her parents from another war with a rival clan. This was a story that moved very quickly and kept me on my toes throughout. I liked the interactions with Jet and Tessa but it was a bit light on the romance aspect. I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a fun speculative fiction that includes some thrills.

The book "Drifting" by Lyn Hemphill is about the mermaid Jet who crosses the path of Tessa. The two spend a lot of time together and get to know each other. Meanwhile, both have difficulties they have to deal with. Jet tries to return to her natural environment, and Tessa struggles to come to terms with herself and her life.

The book is all around great in my opinion. The tone is light and accessible and treats the reader with witty banter. The book is about complicated family dynamics, life after losses, finding and standing by yourself and much more.

I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to many more books from this author.

I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for a an honest review.

I'm such a sucker for a mermaid-human story, and this was such a unique one!

Set in modern day England, in Whitby on the Yorkshire Coast. We meet human Tessa. 32. Environmentalist. Just drifting through life. She's had a lot of loss and hardship in her family, with an overbearing sister, and lives a very closed off existence without much support, friendship, love or magic. But that's all about to change.

We meet mermaid, Jet, a warrior type who is filled with false bravado about an old war between mer-clans decades past, that left her father disfigured. She, too, is drifting, constantly angry and self-righteous, and when an encounter with with a clan gets out of control, she's teleported to land, in human form. Unable to return to the sea.

The two women meet, at first in a drunken haze, but later under more serious circumstances. They are drawn to one another, seemingly finding the wounds in each other that need mending. Jet sticks up for Tessa in ways she desperately needed, and helps give her confidence. In turn Tessa shows Jet a lot of empathy and care.

It goes quite deep a number of times, touching on subjects of loss, death, illness/disability, depression and even attempted suicide. Both characters are very caring and have pasts with hurt, but seem to know how to bring out the best in one another. Their similarities and differences flatter each other well. Tessa really comes out of her shell, and realizes she has more going for her than she thinks, while Jet learns to be more thoughtful and not as impulsive, and becoming more responsible in her quest to protect the merfolk and her clan.

The drama ramps up, and it's exciting and action-packed. Love also blooms between the two women. But how can it possibly work out between a human woman, who shouldn't even know about the existence of merfolk, and a mermaid warrior trying to protect her clan and ocean?

My one complaint was I wished there was that bit more romance here. It's a very solid story, with great characters. I guess I just wanted that deeper level of intimacy and personal connection. There's no sex scene on page, but a fade to black and references.

This is a wonderful story that I think will speak to fantasy lovers, but also anyone who likes interesting unique characters in novels, and seeing them fully come into their own. Highly Recommended!