Reviews

A Mermaid's Ransom

Sensual Paranormal Romance
© Copyright 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Best of Paranormal Duo 2009 - Heart to Heart Blog

Awarded by Michelle Buonfiglio

Two Lips Reviews

Reviewed by Victoria

October 2009

Rating: 5 Stars

http://www.twolipsreviews.com

Ever since I finished Joey Hill’s second Daughters of Arianne story, A Witch’s Beauty, I wondered how a little merangel would grow up and find everlasting love. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster of a read as you enjoy Ms. Hill’s A Mermaid’s Ransom. This story starts 20 years later as Anna and Jonah’s daughter Alexis is sucked into a Dark One world, falling into the hands of Dante, a creature of both demon and vampire powers. Dante harbors bitter resentment towards Alexis’ godmother who blocked him so long ago from escaping his dark world. Believing he has the perfect formula to escape his unrelenting torment, Dante calls forth his demon power seeking to use Alexis and then blithely discard her after he achieves his goal.

Alexis is no meek merangel looking to blindly follow Dante’s direction. While others see Dante as a terrorizing bully deserving of complete annihilation, Alexis demonstrates true strength of character, seeing beyond the façade Dante shows to the other minions in his world and working with him to escape Dark One world.

Most authors would end the story after resolving this conflict, but this is not so with the talented Joey Hill. Bucking her family and the fates, Alexis decides Dante is her destiny and nothing will dissuade her from leaving his side. Ms. Hill thrusts our characters into the modern world, showing intense moments of darkness and light as Dante must learn to navigate a much wider world with its interpersonal intrigue. You’ll treasure these moments in A Mermaid’s Ransom when a delighted Alexis is presented with Dante’s softer side. As I flipped the pages of this story I rooted for this unlikely couple, wondering if such a dark personality could coexist with an optimistic one. They say opposites attract and this saying is so true of Alexis and Dante - two beings from opposite sides of the spectrum united by the undying love of one determined merangel.

Whipped Cream / Long and Short of It Reviews

Reviewed by Viscaria

February 2010

Rating: 5 Stars / Nominee for Best Book of the Week

http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com

Joey W. Hill does it again… and again… and again. Once again, Joey W. Hill has given us a masterpiece, and I’m so glad that I got the opportunity to read this one. Filled with deep introspection, amazing characters and beautiful descriptive phrases, A Mermaid’s Ransom is a definite recommend for all Hill fans and for anyone looking for an intense read that will stick with you long after you turn the last page. I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Hill has up her sleeve, and hope she doesn’t take too long to give me another fix of her amazing worlds.

Romance Junkies

Reviewed by Pamela Denise

May 2010

Rating: 5 Stars / Blue Ribbon Review

http://romancejunkies.com

While this isn’t a fluffy romance, A MERMAID’S RANSOM is an emotion gripping novel that will have you just on edge the entire read. Joey Hill does an astounding job tethering contrasting elements such as cruelty and kindness, pain and pleasure, and awareness versus the lack thereof. These plays on contrasts are ingrained in her characters, as well as the worlds and surroundings they come into contact with. The story is presented in such a way that the hero’s subtle changes and spark of light are tangible, despite his rougher, more aggressive nature. The more shocking moments in the beginning only leads to more appreciation of the outcome in the end. I can’t wait for future releases in this series.

Wild on Books

Reviewed by Natalie

December 2009

Rating: 5 Stars

www.wildonbooks.com

MERMAID'S RANSOM is not a pretty romance -- the first few chapters of the book made me cry – more than once. Alexis is truly one of the most innocent but giving people I have ever read about. She epitomizes what the daughter of an angel should be. Her faith in Dante never wavered, nor did her love. Sacrifice and balance is the name of the game in A MERMAID'S RANSOM and Joey W. Hill has exquisitely written a timeless story of good versus evil. Souls can be changed – even the most violent – and Alexis proves more than once. Dante doesn't understand love, softness, happiness, laughter. He only knows of pain and degradation. He was the strongest of the strong in the Dark World and his personality shows it, especially if and when Alexis is threatened. His feelings for her are as vast as the waters of the ocean and he doesn't understand immediately what he is feeling. But, by the end of A MERMAID'S RANSOM, I cheered him on for the man he was slowly evolving to be. His love for Alexis was true, that much I know for a fact. And for that fact alone, I adored this angry man.

A MERMAID'S RANSOM also brings into the plotline two of my favorite Joey W. Hill characters of all time, Lyssa the vampire queen and her mate/servant Jacob. I enjoyed the tie in between the two worlds and am on pins and needles hoping this type of crossover happens again and again.

Since A MERMAID'S RANSOM is the third book of a series, I highly recommend going back and reading book one, A MERMAID'S KISS, as well as book two, A WITCH'S BEAUTY. You won't be sorry.

Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Reviewed by Steph

December 2009

Rating: 5 Stars

http://goodreads.com

Joey Hill has out done herself with the third installment in her mermaid series.

This was a thrilling read from start to finish as I was quickly drawn in the powerful relationship between Dante and Alexis. Each needed each other to realize their full potential. Alexis may be gentle and caring but she in extremely understanding with her empathetic skills. She is the ideal person to accept Dante’s special individuality as she guides him in this new world. Her courage and fortitude as she stands up and stands beside Dante are inspiring. As Dante grows and realizes the new world he has claimed is not easily mastered I was fascinated with his odd mix of: shrewdness, naivety and ability to work through his troubled past. Dante is the most darkly charismatic hero I have ever read. Even as I was repelled by his past I was enthralled by his compelling nature. His drive to change himself and make sense of his new world was transforming and mesmerizing to read.

I really feel Mermaid’s Ransom pushes the envelope. For anyone who is bored with the typical romance and loves the paranormal, this is a book you will not soon forget. It is both edgy and magical. I would not recommend it for readers who enjoy light romances. The scenes between Dante and Alexis are sexually charged and the many characters are not cut and dried. Dante’s struggle to make sense of his new world and redeem himself with the help of Alexis was gripping and intense. And Dante’s history of violence and torment do not make him an easy hero to read. As he fights against his dark and dominant nature there is very real angst and emotion. This is a memorable book that I found difficult to let go!

Bitten by Books

Reviewed by Lyda

January 2010

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

http://bittenbybooks.com

To put it simply, you just can’t miss with Joey W. Hill. She knows, and I mean KNOWS, how to weave together a great story. There’s so much to share but I find it difficult because I don’t want to give the whole story away. Simply put, A Mermaid’s Ransom is another tale to add to the collection. The characters are three dimensional; they evolve and grow with you. That you not only relate to them but actually feel like you know them. Not to mention that her storyline to A Mermaid’s Ransom is just delicious. If you want to read words that create a world so vivid you can actually see the story taking place, then the Daughters of Arianne series would be for you.

Night Owl Romance

Reviewed by Zollyanna

January 2010

Rating: 5 Stars / Reviewer Top Pick

http://www.nightowlreviews.com

Joey W. Hill gives us romance and excitement with a lot of heat in the third Daughters of Arianne book. This one is Hot, Hot, Hot and also dark. You get to really immerse yourself in this one as the characters are enthralling and powerful. If you like paranormal novels that pack heat and depth, then check out Joey W. Hill. She doesn't disappoint.

Joyfully Reviewed

Reviewed by Talia

January 2010

Rating: 5 Stars

http://joyfullyreviewed.com

A Mermaid’s Ransom is everything I hoped it would be and then some. Not a happy joy and snugly bunnies kind of romance, it is more dark and dreary. The first few chapters might be difficult for readers expecting a pretty romance – they made me tear up more than once. The heroine, Alexis, is an innocent, one of the most innocent characters I have yet to meet. Her innocence is in her goodness and inherent idea that all people with a soul have certain decency within them. Her devotion to Dante never falters, nor do her feelings for this hardened vampire. In everything there must be a balance and Dante and Alexis were the scales on which good and evil were weighed.

Joey W. Hill has deftly penned an unchanging story of light and goodness versus darkness and evil. Dante has no idea what love is, he never experienced anything of the sort growing up in the Dark World. Dante knows how to invoke pain and tenderness is beyond him. Or so he thinks. While Dante might think he is evil incarnate and often showed his evil side, his treatment of Alexis was Dominant but tender. His thoughts and feelings for her confused him, except he knew one thing and one thing only. She was his and he takes the necessary steps to keep her with him. Forever.

A Mermaid’s Ransom now holds first place in my heart as my favorite Joey W. Hill novel to date. Good versus evil, love verses hate, light versus dark. I felt every range of emotion experienced by the characters and can’t help but highly recommend A Mermaid’s Ransom – in fact, consider this outstanding book joyfully recommended!

Fresh Fiction

Reviewed by Mandy Burns

December 2009

http://freshfiction.com

Hill's world of mermaids and angels is electrifying, dark, clever and awe-inspiring, as is all her work. For those who read her faithfully, there is an exciting surprise awaiting you. A truly spectacular read!

The Good, Bad and Unread

Reviewed by Devon

November 2009

Rating: A-

http://goodbadandunread.com

If you’ve read my reviews of the previous two installments in this series (go on, check them out here and here), you’ll know I’m a great big fan of this author. She’s a consistent author of erotic romance that is both super hot and touchingly romantic, exploring themes of dominance and submission, faith and acceptance. I am loving this Mermaid series more and more with each book. This world of mermaids and angels is not as dark as some of Hill’s other settings, but it, and its inhabitants, are growing increasingly complex. A Mermaid’s Ransom really pushes the envelope with its hero. Those who like their tormented heroes to be truly tormented may like him as much as I did, but I suspect there are some who may not. Why? Read on and find out.

A Mermaid’s Ransom takes place twenty-odd years after the events of A Mermaid’s Kiss and A Witch’s Beauty. Alexis, the daughter of Jonah and Anna, is a grown up Merangel now. That’s right, she’s a Merangel, which means she sprouts wings and a tail at the same time. Seems awkward to me, but hey, what do I know. Anyhoo, Alexis is a happy-go-lucky college student liked by all due to her angelic energy and empathic abilities. Her lovely world is turned inside out when her increasingly dark erotic dreams become all too real. Alexis has been pulled into the realm of the Dark Ones by Dante, half Dark-Spawn, half Vampire.

Dante played a secondary role in A Witch’s Beauty, but he’s changed a lot since that book. He’s now the most powerful thing in the freaky, frightening Dark One realm, and he plans to use Alexis to escape the hell he’s spent his life in. Alexis is frightened, but also incredibly drawn to Dante, and she senses a spark of…something in him. Of course, if he does manage to escape, Alexis’ friends and family are gonna be none too happy with him. Plus, what is a vampire/demon who has spent his life in a hell dimension going to do in our world anyway? Probably not going to fit in.

Dante is a sociopath, plain and simple. It’s not his fault, he has spent his life in a place where the only emotions that exist are fear, rage, lust, and despair, and the only pursuits are showing dominance, causing pain and survival. It is an awful, frightening place, and Dante can be a frightening person. He feels attached to Alexis, very possessive and protective of her, and very attracted. But he has only the tiniest understanding of tender emotions, and he is confused by the things he feels. Dante has also done some whack shit in order to survive and triumph over his lifelong tormentors, the Dark Ones. He’s a mess. A totally freaking hot mess.

Alexis, kind of like her mother Anna, is almost Mary Sue-ish in her complete goodness and sweetness. What saves her from being annoying is her self-awareness (she has always felt that people are drawn to her due to her angelic aura rather than for herself), her sense of humor regarding the weirdness of the Dante situation, and her spine. Despite the fact that she’s afraid and uncertain of what will happen with Dante, Alexis is certain of her connection to him. This gives her the faith to stand up to Dante and her family and try to help him make his way in this world. Their romance is weird, fascinating and super sexy.

The plot is well paced, with moments funny and touching to temper some of the darker aspects. Jonah, Anna, Mina and David make welcome appearances, and help move things along. Hill can wax a bit…new age-y about the whole submission thing and the Goddess and what not, but not for too long. I also felt that the very end of the book, after the intense climax, was a bit of a letdown. But that leads me to my main concern. There is no magical 180 for Dante. He changes and grows throughout the story, but he ain’t no shiny, happy person by the end. He’s got a long way to go. Readers may find it hard to root for him. Me, I loved him, and I hope to see more of how they’re coming along in future books.

This is my favorite of the three books so far, and I’m looking forward to the next. I do recommend reading in order, and reading all three. If you’re looking for a paranormal that’s not run of the mill, give it a try. Complex characters, hot sex and food for thought to be found.

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