I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Mermaids and Meringue by Danielle Garrett Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2
Published by Tantor Audio on February 15, 2022
Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery
Length: 5 hours 52 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads
It's a new year in Winterspell...and a new mystery.
I've always wanted to meet a mermaid, but when I finally get my chance on New Year's Eve, the circumstances are far darker than I'd imagined. One of the mermaids isn't what she appears to be, and if I don't find a way to break the spell, she will never be herself again.
With strange magic in the air and a dangerous force lurking in the shadows, I have to find the truth and keep myself from being the next one to wind up caught in the sorcerer's web.
My top thoughts:
This book was delayed a very long time and I was so excited to finally be able to continue this series with Rosella! Even after a long delay, I easily fell back in with this magical community, characters, and story.
What I liked/didn’t like:
In the first book we learned that Rosella has a unique magical ability – she can speak to any magical creature or animal. As is the norm when someone is unusual, this resulted in fear of her abilities and some dislike in her community. And she left to live in the human world – but after getting fired, she came home. And is still a bit uncertain of her place – for now, she’s working in her family’s bakery. I would have liked to see some more development in this storyline about her abilities, as I remember feeling like there was some potential there. But otherwise, I really enjoyed the way she was able to put her unique abilities into play in Mermaids and Meringue.
Turns out, her ability makes it so she can speak to mermaids! And when she encounters some as part of a party entertainment/decoration on New Year’s Eve – she learns that things are not all on the up-and-up. This launches an investigation, with the help of her love-interest Orion. I loved as they embarked on the investigation and put all the pieces together. It was some solid detective work, plus they grew closer, and a romance is definitely blooming. I like Orian and am definitely hoping they make things work.
In addition, we see a bit of her family and friends. Her grandmother is hilarious! And then I also loved the reality of her trying to mend things with her friends after years away and estranged. There’s a lot of potential for further character growth there.
Narrator thoughts:
The narration by Amanda Ronconi was a treat as always. She just knows how to bring these paranormal cozies to life! She has never let me down and I never hesitate to listen to a story she’s narrated.
I’m enjoying this new series. And how I didn’t realize this series is set in the same place as Nine Lives Magic series is crazy.
Okay mind blown, I didn’t realize it was the same world at all! Is there crossover I’ve missed?!?
Yes, in this book, Rosella is walking along the street and goes by the candle shop and hears a cat talk to her, but she just assumes it’s her powers. LOL! I believe the next story (novella) is an actual crossover story.
Oh wow, I 100% missed that! I do remember that part though – I just didn’t make the connection! I will be on a lookout for the crossover novella *fingers crossed*
I wasn’t as taken with the first book, but I enjoyed this one much better. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I enjoyed the first book, though I agree it wasn’t my favorite. I enjoyed the world though and I have faith the Danielle Garrett will bring it based on past books. LOL but yes this was better for sure.
Although I don’t do audiobooks, I just checked and these are on KU… What a cute little series! I love the paranormal/mystery vibe that these give off. 🙂 Great review!
Danielle Garret is such a fun pnr/cozy writer. I hope you get to check them out!