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mezarale's review against another edition
4.0
Good book well written that I truly enjoyed but a little bit written to formula.
paperbacklass's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Siren’s Secret” by Debbie Herbert was a fun, thrilling read right off the bat! Debbie instantly plunges readers into the southern bayou, where mermaid Shelly gets caught up in a dangerous game with a serial killer. I have to admit, I instantly loved the name “Shelly” for a mermaid! LOL. Very clever. Poor Shelly has a terrible encounter with a killer mere pages into the book and has to decide if others lives, her life or her secrets are most important. Herbert’s writing paints a vivid picture of the bayou, making it easy to imagine yourself right there in the middle of the action. If you enjoy a mix of romance, mystery, and fantasy, “Siren’s Secret” is a thrilling read that will leave you eager for more. I can’t wait to read the second in this series “Sirens Treasure”.
ladyfernzey's review against another edition
4.0
(I deleted my profile for awhile so updating wth my reviews and reviews from my blog)
** Disclaimer – I was given a free copy of this book by the author in return for a honest review **
Before I begin I have two confessions: #1 is that I gave up on Harlequin/Mills & Boon many many years ago in my late teens donating my collection to charity. #2 is I cannot resist Mermaids in any shape or form. Come on girl's we’ve all pretended/wished to be one at some point in our lives.
That being said as soon as I looked at Siren's Secret before putting myself forward to review. I took one look at the cover and knew I was doomed. I mean who can resist such a beautiful cover. The fact that their was a serial killer and mermaids in one book was the final push of the hook. So I gave in and decided to ignore the fact that it was a Harlequin published book.
At first I found it hard to get into the book. This was not due to a fault on the author's part but my health fighting my need for good old book sustenance. However I did find myself wanting to read on and on more and more as I got through the book. I love the fact that the love and budding relationship between Shelly and Tillman did not overshadow the serial killer story line through the book. The two ran through from start to finish seamlessly and you did not feel short handed on either. The characters were all written so well that you could not help but feel like part of them. They were well fleshed out, interesting, relatable and more importantly realistic. There was never any doubt from who’s point of view you were seeing from, which is a bonus as sometimes you cannot distinguish who’s who and can be left feeling confused and disappointed. I went through many emotions along with the characters and because of them. The “Boatman” and being inside his head still gives me chills. I even really liked the supporting characters and I am glad to hear that Jet and Lilly will get their own story especially Jet she's such a strong, determined, fierce and interesting character. Hopefully letting us learn more of the Mermaid kingdom and their ways. They’re is many mermaid books out there now but few come with detail and brought to life feeling that Debbie has achieved. I also have to say Eddie by far touched my heart more than anyone such a sweet, beautiful character and an honest portrayal of his battle and those around him with Autism. I hate putting spoilers in reviews but I was so happy that it was Eddie that helped Tillman come to terms with Shelly's uniqueness and how he truly felt. Rebel should also get a mention trying not to spoil anything but I love this pooch and towards the end I was near tears over him.
I also love the fact every chapter starts with a little verse setting the scene and hinting as to what is to come. I loved this I was like a kid in a sweet shop every time I knew I was going to be starting a new chapter. Just because I knew I would be getting a new little verse.
There is a few sexy scenes, some really stomach turning gross moments and some strong language and themes in the book (sexual abuse) in the book. There is also a lot of suspense,mystery,romance,secrets and even a twist or two.
Now comes the hard bit and I have spent many hours trying to think of a score out of five for this book. I have found it extremely hard to rate this book not because I did not enjoy it. Simply because I didn’t love it as much as I wanted too or reserve higher stars for. It is a good book and definitely worth a read. I look forward to the next in the series but have to stay honest and however awkward it may be but I rate this book 3.9 stars out of 4. I don’t feel 3.5 would do it justice and I feel for me it's just that 0.1 off 4.
** Disclaimer – I was given a free copy of this book by the author in return for a honest review **
Before I begin I have two confessions: #1 is that I gave up on Harlequin/Mills & Boon many many years ago in my late teens donating my collection to charity. #2 is I cannot resist Mermaids in any shape or form. Come on girl's we’ve all pretended/wished to be one at some point in our lives.
That being said as soon as I looked at Siren's Secret before putting myself forward to review. I took one look at the cover and knew I was doomed. I mean who can resist such a beautiful cover. The fact that their was a serial killer and mermaids in one book was the final push of the hook. So I gave in and decided to ignore the fact that it was a Harlequin published book.
At first I found it hard to get into the book. This was not due to a fault on the author's part but my health fighting my need for good old book sustenance. However I did find myself wanting to read on and on more and more as I got through the book. I love the fact that the love and budding relationship between Shelly and Tillman did not overshadow the serial killer story line through the book. The two ran through from start to finish seamlessly and you did not feel short handed on either. The characters were all written so well that you could not help but feel like part of them. They were well fleshed out, interesting, relatable and more importantly realistic. There was never any doubt from who’s point of view you were seeing from, which is a bonus as sometimes you cannot distinguish who’s who and can be left feeling confused and disappointed. I went through many emotions along with the characters and because of them. The “Boatman” and being inside his head still gives me chills. I even really liked the supporting characters and I am glad to hear that Jet and Lilly will get their own story especially Jet she's such a strong, determined, fierce and interesting character. Hopefully letting us learn more of the Mermaid kingdom and their ways. They’re is many mermaid books out there now but few come with detail and brought to life feeling that Debbie has achieved. I also have to say Eddie by far touched my heart more than anyone such a sweet, beautiful character and an honest portrayal of his battle and those around him with Autism. I hate putting spoilers in reviews but I was so happy that it was Eddie that helped Tillman come to terms with Shelly's uniqueness and how he truly felt. Rebel should also get a mention trying not to spoil anything but I love this pooch and towards the end I was near tears over him.
I also love the fact every chapter starts with a little verse setting the scene and hinting as to what is to come. I loved this I was like a kid in a sweet shop every time I knew I was going to be starting a new chapter. Just because I knew I would be getting a new little verse.
There is a few sexy scenes, some really stomach turning gross moments and some strong language and themes in the book (sexual abuse) in the book. There is also a lot of suspense,mystery,romance,secrets and even a twist or two.
Now comes the hard bit and I have spent many hours trying to think of a score out of five for this book. I have found it extremely hard to rate this book not because I did not enjoy it. Simply because I didn’t love it as much as I wanted too or reserve higher stars for. It is a good book and definitely worth a read. I look forward to the next in the series but have to stay honest and however awkward it may be but I rate this book 3.9 stars out of 4. I don’t feel 3.5 would do it justice and I feel for me it's just that 0.1 off 4.
renpuspita's review
4.0
4 stars
I always assume Harlequin's Nocturnes line with a light paranormal romance but this book surprised me. More like a romantic suspense with mermaid elements, since the latter didn't explained thoroughly and focus heavily on the suspense part. It's have a heroine with many secrets (well, she is a mermaid. Half merfolk to be exact), a sherrif hero that have chips on his shoulder and a women-hating serial killer. I liked that Herbert feature character with special needs. The sisterhood is one of the strength of this book and open possibilities of them to get their own books.
I always assume Harlequin's Nocturnes line with a light paranormal romance but this book surprised me. More like a romantic suspense with mermaid elements, since the latter didn't explained thoroughly and focus heavily on the suspense part. It's have a heroine with many secrets (well, she is a mermaid. Half merfolk to be exact), a sherrif hero that have chips on his shoulder and a women-hating serial killer. I liked that Herbert feature character with special needs. The sisterhood is one of the strength of this book and open possibilities of them to get their own books.
selket16's review
3.0
Shelly is half human-half mermaid, not really a part of either community. When out on a swim, she discovers a body being dumped by a serial killer who sees her, she becomes his next target. She can't go to the police because she was swimming, as a mermaid, several miles off shore when she made her discovery.
The story is actually quite enjoyable until about the half way point when it starts to drag on and some minor story flaws start to become more pronounced. **Spoilers from here on out** It's at this point that it's pretty obvious that it would be best for all involved if the sheriff and love interest, Tillman, was let in on Shelly's secret, but her cousin's keep talking her out of it or out of trusting him.
Shelly is forbidden from participating in mermaid society because she's not a full-blood and her cousins hold her under emotional blackmail and expect her to keep the secrets of a culture that has shunned her for "their sake," without taking into account her needs. They are emotionally abusive; will obviously flee to the sea if things here go sour where they can live out their lives and abandon Shelly since as only half mermaid she must return to land; and we are supposed to overlook the fact that both are okay with murder and one of them is a serial rapist, using her siren's song to lure men to her, away from otherwise good lives (and away from loving relationships) only for her to cast them out when she is done.
**End of Spoilers**
It wasn't a bad book, just made me uncomfortable at times, but I did finish it, even though it started to drag.
The story is actually quite enjoyable until about the half way point when it starts to drag on and some minor story flaws start to become more pronounced. **Spoilers from here on out** It's at this point that it's pretty obvious that it would be best for all involved if the sheriff and love interest, Tillman, was let in on Shelly's secret, but her cousin's keep talking her out of it or out of trusting him.
Shelly is forbidden from participating in mermaid society because she's not a full-blood and her cousins hold her under emotional blackmail and expect her to keep the secrets of a culture that has shunned her for "their sake," without taking into account her needs. They are emotionally abusive; will obviously flee to the sea if things here go sour where they can live out their lives and abandon Shelly since as only half mermaid she must return to land; and we are supposed to overlook the fact that both are okay with murder and one of them is a serial rapist, using her siren's song to lure men to her, away from otherwise good lives (and away from loving relationships) only for her to cast them out when she is done.
**End of Spoilers**
It wasn't a bad book, just made me uncomfortable at times, but I did finish it, even though it started to drag.
funsizelibrarian's review
3.0
Full review on my blog: http://myfun-sizelife.blogspot.com/2013/12/unexpected-pleasure.html
aggiereads15's review
4.0
When I go found out that I won an ecopy of Siren's Secret, I was so eager to read it because mermaids are not a very common. Exploring different genres, it's always.
For the most part, I did enjoyed it. It had an CSI meets mermaids feel to it, because of crime investigation. The problem I had was the characters, for it was difficult to connect too. Although I don't think that's the point for this novel. Over all, it was a great mix to the books I'm reading because is quite different then anything I've been reading.
For the most part, I did enjoyed it. It had an CSI meets mermaids feel to it, because of crime investigation. The problem I had was the characters, for it was difficult to connect too. Although I don't think that's the point for this novel. Over all, it was a great mix to the books I'm reading because is quite different then anything I've been reading.
nicolet2018's review
3.0
I was so eager to read this Harlequin novel because mermaids are not a very common occurence in paranormal romance, YA or adult. That said the bayou has always fascinated me so this combination made me excited.
The Harlequin branch Nocturne focuses on paranornal romance and from experience these type of books are similar compared to the urban parnormal genre. In that coarse language is used and sex scenes are explicit. These are usually focused upon much more.
I did enjoy this but personally, I felt that the romance was not a true love thing. Shelly and Tillman jumped into a physical relationship immediately and for what the author claims of writing stories where true love is magical. I did not get this here.
I did like the mystery, it was engaging. The various characters jumped out at me and I could not help but be gleeful reading about the world building for the mermaids. For a Harlequin novel the plot was well written. I guess the romance disappointed me but at least the author did not go crazy with the sex. I liked Shelly as a character, she was kind, understanding and always felt different from her cousins. Which is something everyone can identify with.
The way the story ended was not bad as well. It kind of leaves room for more but it does feel closed.
The Harlequin branch Nocturne focuses on paranornal romance and from experience these type of books are similar compared to the urban parnormal genre. In that coarse language is used and sex scenes are explicit. These are usually focused upon much more.
I did enjoy this but personally, I felt that the romance was not a true love thing. Shelly and Tillman jumped into a physical relationship immediately and for what the author claims of writing stories where true love is magical. I did not get this here.
I did like the mystery, it was engaging. The various characters jumped out at me and I could not help but be gleeful reading about the world building for the mermaids. For a Harlequin novel the plot was well written. I guess the romance disappointed me but at least the author did not go crazy with the sex. I liked Shelly as a character, she was kind, understanding and always felt different from her cousins. Which is something everyone can identify with.
The way the story ended was not bad as well. It kind of leaves room for more but it does feel closed.