Title: Water Desires, Love’s Siren Song Book 2
Author: Katherine Eddinger Smits
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Book Blurb:
When a strange Nerei carries an unconscious and badly injured Bas in from the Aegean Sea, Nik learns she must get him to an island in the Atlantic where a hidden spring of healing water will restore her Nerei (merman) lover.
At the same time, her adoptive father is dying from a boating accident in her hometown of Tarpon Springs, and he’s asking for her.
While battling a strange illness which antibiotics won’t cure, Nik must figure out a way to save Bas and get home to help her father.
When Bas follows Nik to Florida, he is forced to keep his distance from her. He has already escaped one death sentence for having a relationship with a human and he can’t risk another one. Still, he’s furious when Nik turns to her old friend, a mage Bas dislikes, to help her unravel the hidden truth behind her father’s accident.
Water Desires is Book 2 in the Love’s Siren Song Series. The thrilling sequel to the award-winning Water Dreams will drag you under and not let you up for air until the end. If you like mermaids, mages and magical romance, you’ll love this book.
Excerpt:
The Nerei hoisted Bas over his shoulder while he went up the steep steps to the balcony and into the airy kitchen, then eased him down on the blue and white mosaic tile floor. Nik sank down beside Bas and took a limp hand in both of hers. She kissed his knuckles, then carefully positioned his palm on the floor. She leaned forward to examine the slashes along his ribs. Touching his cold, clammy face, she counted his breaths. A pool of seawater and rain dripped from the three of them onto the floor. “What happened to him?”
The new Nerei snatched a pillow from a chair and slipped it beneath Bas’ head. “Those gashes were made by a Nerei spear. They’re almost healed, but he’s still out cold.”
“A Nerei did this to him? Who? Why?” Nik leaped to her feet. “Did you do it?” She scowled at the intruder, every muscle tensed, ready to fight him if he threatened Bas in any way.
Aggie moved between them and rested her palms on Nik’s arms. “No, he would never do anything like this.”
Nik turned toward the woman. “And I can believe you because... Let’s see, you were so upfront with. Oh wait! No, you didn’t. You lied to me before. How can I trust you now?”
Aggie dropped her hands. “I’m sorry. I know you’ve had a rough time, but please accept this. He wouldn’t harm Bas. He brought him here, remember?”
Nik glared first at the stranger, then at Aggie. “Who is he?”
Aggie answered. “His name is Gregorios Thorakios.”
The hot spurt of anger drained away, replaced by confusion. “But that’s…”
“Your Nerei sire.” Aggie moved to stand beside the man, who encircled her with his arm.
Nik opened her mouth, but she had no words, so she shut it again.
The Nerei turned to her. “Aphrodite Agathaniki, I’m so happy to meet you at last. I’m only sorry the circumstances are so dire.” He held out his hand.
“Call me Nik.” She corrected automatically. She reached out her hand and they shook. “What do I call you?”
“How about using Gregorio for the moment?” He let go and crouched next to Bas. “He must return to the sea soon. When it’s dark, we’ll take him to an isolated cove I found.”
Nik wiped sweaty palms on her dress. “I guess. Shouldn’t he be conscious by now? When he got hit by a bullet meant for me, it took all night to mend, but once it did, he woke up.”
Gregorio tapped Bas on each cheek. “You’re right. I don’t understand what’s causing him to be like this. I’m worried.” He gave Bas a little shake, but Bas didn’t respond.
She dragged her fingers through her hair. “So how do we wake him up?”
Aggie passed Nik a towel. “I saw something like this once a long time ago. A Nerei cut a rival with a poison-tipped knife. The male lingered in a coma until the medical practitioner gave him cenote water.”
Nik wiped her face and toweled her hair. “From the island where we went after he got shot? Fantastic idea. How do we get it?” Some of the strangling pressure in her chest and larynx eased. That stuff works like magic.
Aggie and Gregorio looked at each other. Neither spoke.
Nik stared at them. “What?”
Two or three seconds ticked by. Gregorio said, “Someone will have to take him to the Nerei clinic there.”
Aggie shook her head. “My darling, no.” Tears overfilled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.
As much as she wanted help for Bas, Nik couldn’t agree to what Gregorio implied. “No way. If the Nerei realize you’re still alive, they’ll put you to death. I’ll never forget what happened to Bas. They were ready to kill him because he let me drink their precious cenote elixir. It wasn’t even his fault. No matter how long it’s been, they’ll never let go of the fact you had a relationship with a human. I’ll take him.”
“You can’t.” Gregorio grabbed more towels from a pile beside the sink and moistened them. He lay them over Bas’ eyes and on his chest and tail.
“Why not? I did it before.” Nik lifted her chin. “Don’t you think I’m strong enough?”
“It’s not that. No human could survive the trip. The last time, you went from the Gulf of Mexico out into the Atlantic for a short way. It would be much farther from here. Besides, Bas was awake enough to give you directions. You’ll never make it, even if you are an excellent swimmer.”
Nik set her mouth in a determined line. “I’m half-Nerei. I can do it. It’s the only way no one dies.”
Aggie put her arm around Nik. “I received a call while you were out from…” she hesitated, “my sister.” A new pang of worry hit Nik and she turned cold.
Aggie continued. “Your dad had an accident. I’m afraid the prognosis isn’t good.”
“Accident? What happened?” A spike of adrenaline surged through Nik. She pulled away from Aggie and folded her arms across her stomach.
“I’m so sorry, dear. Hellena was hysterical. I barely understood her. He’s asking for you. We can catch a flight in the morning. I’m going with you.”
“No. You should stay here and figure out a way to save Bas without Gregorio dying in the process.” Nik picked up one of the extra towels and wiped tears from her face. What can I do? I need to go home to Dad, the man who raised me, and to support Mom through this terrible time. But how? I have to take Bas to the island where he can be treated with the cenote water.
Nik sank into a lounge chair. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Amazon: Water Desires
Goodreads: Water Desires
BookBub: Water Desires
Kobo: Water Desires
If money were no object, where would you go for a Spring Break vacation and why?
I’ve visited lots of lovely places. Cancun is a favorite. So are England, Scotland, and Ireland, but Hawaii tops my list of travel destinations. However, Florida is so beautiful in the spring, I can’t imagine leaving! I’m so lucky to live here. If I were to go somewhere else, it would be to Virginia to visit my granddaughters.
Why is your featured book a must-read this spring?
Water Desires is set in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Florida is a traditional Spring Break destination, and Tarpon Springs is the most charming, unique small town in the state with wonderful beaches, incredible restaurants and shops, and a welcoming Greek heritage. Even if you can’t get to the Sunshine State this Spring Break, Water Desires can transport you there in your imagination!
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $25 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs April 1 – 30, 2024
Drawing will be held on May 1, 2024.
Author Biography:
Katherine Eddinger Smits’ fascination with all things paranormal stems from being a direct descendant of one of the women executed for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. Her paranormal romance stories feature mages, mermaids, and gifted humans grappling with real-life issues like relationships, self-acceptance and phobias, all while weaving in mystery and suspense.
Social Media Links:
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katherinesmits/
TikTok: @katherinesmitsauthor