Category: Rom Com

Mermaid in Manhattan by Jessica Gadziala

On By TracyIn Contemporary, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Rom Com, RomantasyLeave a comment

Mermaid in Manhattan: A Spicy Rom-Com and Urban Fantasy Novel of Magic and Arranged Marriage by Jessica Gadziala

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: April 23, 2026

When mermaid Princess Iris Marivelle is summoned to appear before her mother, Queen Tatiana of the Seas, she knows it is not going to be good. As the second born, she always knew that she would be slated for a political marriage, but she never expected that she would be betrothed to a human and forced to live on the surface! Iris is stunned by this development and her first meeting with Finn Westrock, NYC mayoral candidate, her intended does not go well – when she upturns her drink on him and returns to the sea. But her mother is not having it and sends her to live with Finn and informs her she will be married in a few months. Angry and hurt, Iris along with her “emotional support pelican” Monty, an enchanted pelican who can talk, she returns to the surface and begins to plot ways to make Finn break their engagement. But as much as she tries to force his hand, Finn is accepting and kind, and she can’t deny she desires him. But as tempting as life on the surface might be, Iris isn’t willing to give up her life under the sea for a man that has yet to reveal his true self to her.

Finn Westrock has been preparing to run for mayor of NYC for as long as he can remember. His best friend and campaign manager, Henry, has convinced him that marriage to a paranormal would be the best thing for his campaign. His first date with Iris doesn’t go as planned, but rather than being turned off, he is intrigued by her. When she moves in, it is clear that she is a fish out of water, and he wants to get to know her, but that isn’t easy when every minute of his life is scheduled. In the meantime, Iris has made some friends of her own and taken up some very weird hobbies. Spending time with Iris becomes a priority and not everyone is happy about that. Clearly, their voyage to HEA isn’t going to be smooth sailing, but will they find a way to make it work or is this relationship doomed to wreck?

This was a new to me author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect and honestly didn’t have high expectations. But I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this fun fantasy rom com! Right from the beginning I was intrigued and fell in love with the characters. Iris and Finn are wonderful leads, and all the secondary characters are amazing! I did think the story dragged a little and I found Iris a bit self-absorbed at times, but overall, it was a fun read with likable characters, witty banter, a bit of spice and finally a happy ending. I will definitely be checking out this author’s backlist and looking forward to future books!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

Accidentally Wedded to a Werewolf by Isabelle Taylor

On By TracyIn Contemporary, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Rom Com, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Accidentally Wedded to a Werewolf (Claw Haven, #1)Accidentally Wedded to a Werewolf by Isabelle Taylor

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Claw Haven #1

Release Date: March 24, 2026

When Luna Stack ends up snowbound in Claw Haven, Alaska after attending a business event, she would have never imagined that she would wind up being “bound” to a werewolf. Which is especially problematic as she is engaged and due to marry in a couple of months! Luna is not prepared for Claw Haven, she is a quintessential LA Party Girl and a variable ray of sunshine, but that is a persona that hides an intelligent, creative young woman who is itching to break out of her shell, and despite her initial reaction, Claw Haven and a grumpy werewolf might be exactly what she has been looking for.

Oliver Musgrove is also new to Claw Haven, but his reasons for being there are much different than Luna’s. A near tragedy caused by trusting a stranger, has left Oliver angry, guilty and unable to shift, making his ascension to alpha questionable. He and his pack moved to Claw Haven for a fresh start, they bought a rundown inn and have tried to move on from the past. But when his pack throws a party to get to know their new neighbors, Oliver has no desire to mingle with strangers and instead finds a bottle in the back room and decides to get drunk, never realizing what exactly he was drinking or the lasting effects of his actions. When Luna arrives at the inn during a blizzard and accidentally drinks from the abandoned bottle, he finds himself bonded to the last woman on earth he would ever want as his mate. But little by little, Luna worms her way into his heart, helping him heal, but she can never be his as she is promised to another and will leave as soon as they can break the bond.

This book was a fun read with sunshine/grumpy trope, that has the bonus of being a cozy, yet spicy monster/fantasy romance. I liked Luna and Oliver, but not immediately as they both took a little bit of warming up to. I enjoyed the story, but I had a hard time with Luna being engaged and in almost constant contact with her fiancé, while carrying on sexual relationship with Oliver, despite her fiancé’s support of that relationship – I just found that cringy. That aside, I loved Luna’s personal growth and her support for Oliver and the town. I also loved most of Oliver’s pack and all of the town residents. This is the first book in a new series, so if you are in the mood for a light, yet spicy monster romance – I think you would enjoy this book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *