Fish Out of Water by Mary Janice Davidson

Publisher: Penguin Group / Berkley Publishing Group
Pages: 270
From the Cover: Fred the mermaid has taken the bait and chosen Artur, High Prince of the Black Sea, over human marine biologist, Thomas. And just in time. The existence of the Undersea Folk is no longer a secret, and someone needs to keep them from floundering in the media spotlight.....

Dr. Fredrika Bimm is unique, she's a hybrid, a cross between two species, human and merfolk. Her mother, Moon Bimm and her biological father, Farrem, had one night of wild passion on a coastal beach 30 years ago. Fred is the product of that union, although she has never known that father and was raised by her mother's husband, Sam, who accepted Fred as if she was his own.

Fred has always known she was a mermaid, since the first time she was able to flip her tail. Jonas, Fred's best friend since the second grade, is as metrosexual as a guy can get and Fred's biggest supported. He's also in love with Fred's former boss, Dr. Barb from the Boston Aquarium, if Fred's walks in on them one more time, she's going to yak. She can only hope their wedding gets here fast.

Artur, Prince of the Undersea Folk, has been an ardent pursuer of Fred (little Rika) since she was shot helping to fight off pirates. He's shown her things she's never seen before, taught her to use her telepathy for under water communication. He wants nothing more than her hand in marriage and to make her the sea's next queen. Fred doesn't know what she wants, and she isn't shy about saying so.

Thomas, MD, Ph D, and romance writer, has been in and out of Fred's life, leaving on one excuse or another. She's undeniably attracted to him and who wouldn't be...he's gorgeously tall, brown hair that just brushes his shoulders, and a body to die for. And doesn't appear to know Fred's alive, and he's been living with Tennian, the Prince's equally gorgeous cousin. Maybe the best she can do is forget him. Suddenly, it seems easier to marry Artur and live under the sea. After all, much to her mother's shame, Fred has been sexless for three years while she gets her life together. At least she would get to share the temple that is her body.

When Fred rents a townhouse (mansion) on the Sanibel Island, it's to be to the go-between with the Undersea Folk, humans, and the media. With interviews, wedding plans, and a house full of unwanted guest, Fred's life is messy. When Fred's biological father walks back into to her life, she's stunned, should she accept him as a part of her life, tell him to take a hike, or try to make peace between him and the other Undersea Folk. You see, her father tried to over throw King Mekkem when he was still a pup. He has been banished these past 30 years and would like to come home to the sea.

But something strange is going on, Undersea Folk are disappearing off the King's radar. His telepathy allows him to keep tabs on all the Undersea Folk, and 478 have suddenly gone missing. Are the human scientist experimenting on them, have they somehow been killed without the King's knowledge? Where have they gone?

Fred must get to the bottom of the mystery. Thomas contacts his father, a retired Naval Captain, for help. He has access to files and places that no one else can get to in the government. With his help, they find whose behind the disappearances. Farrem has been up to his old tricks and it will be up to Fred to save them all.

Fish Out of Water by Mary Janice Davidson was published in December 2008. It is the third book in the Mermaid (Fred the fish) series. Although I haven't read the previous two books, I have seen Fred in short stories. I like to read books in order, but in this series, it's not necessary. Fish Out of Water was a fun fast read, just a couple of hours. It gives just enough background that the story makes sense without a lot of rehashing for readers not new to the series. I love Mary Janice Davidson's books. The Undead (Queen Betsy of the vampires and shoe fetish) Series is one of my favorites, as is Wyndham Werewolf Series (Derek's Bane) and the Jennifer Scales Series (YA scifi series, about dragon morphing written with Anthony Alongi), The Royal Series (Alaska as an independent state), the Gorgeous Series (demons), as well as several anthologies where you meet Fred, Derek, (or I guess I should say merfolk and werewolves, and hear about Fred and Derek) and others. Fred is a feisty heroine that doesn't take crap from anyone, (including the King and Prince) and curses like a sailor, but she's caring and compassionate, and would never let her friends down (even the ones she has a love/hate relationships with). When she accepts Artur proposal, it isn't for love, but a longing for love, which she eventually finds with Thomas. Fish Out of Water was definitely a worthy read. I highly recommend any of Mary Janice Davidson's books for those who just want to have fun.

Dottie :)