The Turning Tides

An atmospheric coastal romance blending marine conservation, ethical science, and modern mermaid folklore.

Maren was born with the ocean in her soul.

Continuing the conservation work her father left behind-along with the fragments of his fractured mind-Maren has dedicated her life to protecting the underwater world she loves. With only months left in her graduate program, she's determined to secure her future and prove herself as a scientist. But when her slimy ex-boyfriend steals her spot on a classified research project, her dreams come crashing down.

Her consolation prize? Janitor duty at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Swearing off love and distractions, Maren focuses on one goal: getting into that lab and showing everyone exactly who the superior scientist is. But when an unexpected opportunity finally gives her access, she uncovers the truth behind the project's secrecy - the lab's top-secret research subject is a captive merman with ocean-deep eyes and a presence that awakens the heart she thought she'd set aside for good.

As the lab's experiments push him toward the brink of death, Maren is forced to confront the cost of her ambition - and the ethics of research built on suffering. With time running out, she must decide how far she's willing to go to save him, what truly matters to her, and whether she can risk everything to set him free.

Because freeing a merman is one thing.

Hiding him in the middle of Monterey Bay is another entirely.

The Turning Tides is a romantic fantasy rooted in slow-burn connections shaped by danger, desire, and impossible choices.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Mermaid romance with emotional depth
• Eco-romance themes and ocean conservation
• Slow-burn attraction and ethical dilemma
• Science, secrecy, and forbidden connection