Book: kiss the boy by Izzy Elliot
Reviewed by Anonymous
Rating: 4/5
As a redheaded little girl growing up in the 90s The Little Mermaid was practically custom-marketed for me. I wore out the VHS tape. Reading the blurb for this book was practically the same. Genderbent little mermaid, Plus sized FMC, Rockstars, PCOS representation, and a little bit of fated mates as well. All things I was ready to love.
Which I did. This was a cute little story with all the feels of the original Disney movie, but a modern twist. Ari is the merman and rockstar who is entranced at one of his shows when he meets Erica, who he thinks is his soulmate. The story itself is a slice of escapism that was so fun- who doesn't want to be asked to tour with a band?
Ari is caring and sweet and sexy. Erica is fun and funny and finds her bravery once she has Ari on her side. They had great chemistry together, but I liked how they didn't immediately jump to the physical. When they did get busy, it was a good combo of romantic and hot.
The paranormal aspects with Ari being a merman were done really well. I wish the book had been longer and the merpeople lore was explored more on the page, but that might just be because I didn't want to leave their world.
If you like fairy tale or Disney Princess retellings, this one should definitely be on your TBR.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.