The Necklace

Why was a young woman so allergic to the sea so drawn to it?

A woman who was unable to carry a child full term was in a desperate state when she came across a new mother who was dying on the sea’s edge. The mother was bleeding profusely from wounds and gratefully passed her babe to the stranger. She passed on a stone necklace and a cryptic message, not to let her (the babe) “go there”.

Marissa Redmond was never told of her unusual birth circumstances or even that she was adopted. She did not know why she had such a severe reaction to seawater; any contact would cause excruciating pain. Ironically she was drawn to study sea life and she was a highly respected marine biologist despite her obvious handicap. She was forced to wear latex gloves and a waterproof suit for protection from any contact with salt water. Her life was changed forever when she discovered a new species of sea creature. Her skin began to dry out and she became addicted to icy cold baths. Marissa washed several times a day but could always detect a fishy smell on her skin. After the sea creature was taken back to the laboratories to study, Marissa was astounded when the sea creature began to communicate through her thoughts.

Tylan Kamis is an Eritean and king of an underwater kingdom; humans would call him a merman. He is dealing with political turmoil when he gets word that a delaphin has been captured by humans. The Eriteans have sworn to protect this sacred animal, so it is vital that a group travel to the surface before the delaphin is injured. They visit the institute in disguise. Tylan knows that the marine biologist is not human but Eritean, but she seems unaware of her own nature. He feels it is urgent that they spend time alone and arranges a tour so that he can get to know her. Marissa is instinctively drawn to the sexy blonde giant and does little to resist his advances. The progression to making love is natural and explosive (also quite explicit). Tylan is astounded by their obvious chemistry; Marissa is clearly his mate. Eritreans mate for life and it is rare for the match to be so perfect. Pressing issues compel him to return to home, yet he is reluctant to leave his mate when their joining is so new. A trusted guard is left to guard her until his return.
Marissa’s limited sexual experience has never come anywhere close to the heights of bliss that she experienced with Tylan, but they are virtually strangers so she is disturbed by his force, intensity and over protectiveness.

This highly erotic love story will take readers deep into a fantasy world of mermaids, merman, magic and unusual sea life. Marissa is quite touching with her innocence and naivety in a world where she is clearly destined for greatness. Her adaptation is made much easier with a gorgeous skilled lover who is also a worthy king. Tylan takes time for Marissa in the midst of an enormous upheaval. Karen Monroe’s tale is quite involved and will keep readers immersed until the final pages. I have enjoyed this fantasy world and the introduction of some secondary species has me hoping that Ms. Monroe will write another tale in her alternative enhanced vision of the world.

Reviewed by: Naomi