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kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
First in the Flukes urban fantasy series for older young adults and revolving around an adopted mermaid. The couple focus is on Meena and Blake.
I won this from Goodreads in a contest and do intend an honest, if very late, review.
My Take
I like the introduction to Flukes. Enough to whet my curiosity and pull me along. I particularly like the antagonism between Meena and Blake that Chase follows with some back history — in non-info dump style, yay! — on Blake that makes me even more curious. And it only gets better when Ben asks Blake's help AND takes him seriously. Never an attitude Blake experienced with his own father.
It's a sweet, fun story that does rely upon a number of tropes that I wish Chase had twisted a bit more, but I did like it. I liked it enough that I've been thinking about the story for the past two years! (Friends helped me pack up my house, and I'm still unpacking…sigh…)
There's some nice bits of conflict with even better resolutions. I do hope that Chase will write more in this series. (See the very short story below.)
The Story
An unexpected influx of teen workers means Flukes can do some much-needed sprucing up — they desperately need to land that cruise line contract! Only Meena has a secret guarded closely by her family — a secret as dangerous as the sea and buried just as deep.
While the family is on high alert, no one was expecting that Meena would be so attracted to sexy-as-sin Blake Weathering, one of the new workers. And, the last thing Blake needs is the distraction of a mysterious girl with teal eyes who pulls at his heartstrings.
The Characters
Meena will never leave her family's sanctuary. Ben and Marion are Meena's parents. Violet, Meena's best friend, is off to college after this summer; her mother, Dr. Lyla, helped with Meena's adoption papers.
Flukes is…
…the family's animal sanctuary that offers dolphin-swims. Mitch, her pregnant mother, Jallia, and Stormy are dolphins, Meena's companions in the water. Becca is a bird trainer; Laura is her assistant. Harper, Ruth, and Mennolly (someone likes their Pern!) are sea lions.
Mireille is a mermaid; Jacen Montgomery is a merman and Mireille's cousin. Sabrina is Jacen's aunt who disappeared with her young daughter, Maleena.
Blake Weathering is doing community service. Vincent is Blake's gay younger brother, and he and his friend Liv, a.k.a., Olivia, have been best friends forever. Lizzie is an older sister who ran off to New York to be an artist. Their wealthy dad, Marshall, is more interested in appearances and manipulating people. Their parents are separated and Blake's mother, Claire, lives in France.
Josef is a guy who has done small, quality jobs for Marshall. Mr. Jordan is an investor; he, his wife, Lyla, and his daughter, Kimberly, are visiting. Meghan is Kimberly's friend with whom Blake had a brief fling.
Cruise Excursions is the cruise line the sanctuary is hoping to win over.
Devin assaulted a girl at a bar. Marcus is also working at the sanctuary. Trevor is the high school soccer captain.
The Cover and Title
The cover is enticing with all that lovely water that the dark-haired Meena is under. She's wearing a golden, shirred bra top that complements her skin tone that is itself complemented by the blue-green tiled surface behind her. Or is it tile?
The title is the family sanctuary, Flukes.
I won this from Goodreads in a contest and do intend an honest, if very late, review.
My Take
I like the introduction to Flukes. Enough to whet my curiosity and pull me along. I particularly like the antagonism between Meena and Blake that Chase follows with some back history — in non-info dump style, yay! — on Blake that makes me even more curious. And it only gets better when Ben asks Blake's help AND takes him seriously. Never an attitude Blake experienced with his own father.
It's a sweet, fun story that does rely upon a number of tropes that I wish Chase had twisted a bit more, but I did like it. I liked it enough that I've been thinking about the story for the past two years! (Friends helped me pack up my house, and I'm still unpacking…sigh…)
There's some nice bits of conflict with even better resolutions. I do hope that Chase will write more in this series. (See the very short story below.)
The Story
An unexpected influx of teen workers means Flukes can do some much-needed sprucing up — they desperately need to land that cruise line contract! Only Meena has a secret guarded closely by her family — a secret as dangerous as the sea and buried just as deep.
While the family is on high alert, no one was expecting that Meena would be so attracted to sexy-as-sin Blake Weathering, one of the new workers. And, the last thing Blake needs is the distraction of a mysterious girl with teal eyes who pulls at his heartstrings.
The Characters
Meena will never leave her family's sanctuary. Ben and Marion are Meena's parents. Violet, Meena's best friend, is off to college after this summer; her mother, Dr. Lyla, helped with Meena's adoption papers.
Flukes is…
…the family's animal sanctuary that offers dolphin-swims. Mitch, her pregnant mother, Jallia, and Stormy are dolphins, Meena's companions in the water. Becca is a bird trainer; Laura is her assistant. Harper, Ruth, and Mennolly (someone likes their Pern!) are sea lions.
Mireille is a mermaid; Jacen Montgomery is a merman and Mireille's cousin. Sabrina is Jacen's aunt who disappeared with her young daughter, Maleena.
Blake Weathering is doing community service. Vincent is Blake's gay younger brother, and he and his friend Liv, a.k.a., Olivia, have been best friends forever. Lizzie is an older sister who ran off to New York to be an artist. Their wealthy dad, Marshall, is more interested in appearances and manipulating people. Their parents are separated and Blake's mother, Claire, lives in France.
Josef is a guy who has done small, quality jobs for Marshall. Mr. Jordan is an investor; he, his wife, Lyla, and his daughter, Kimberly, are visiting. Meghan is Kimberly's friend with whom Blake had a brief fling.
Cruise Excursions is the cruise line the sanctuary is hoping to win over.
Devin assaulted a girl at a bar. Marcus is also working at the sanctuary. Trevor is the high school soccer captain.
The Cover and Title
The cover is enticing with all that lovely water that the dark-haired Meena is under. She's wearing a golden, shirred bra top that complements her skin tone that is itself complemented by the blue-green tiled surface behind her. Or is it tile?
The title is the family sanctuary, Flukes.
babs_reviews's review against another edition
5.0
I was emotionally invested from the beginning. I really connected to Meena's parents and could feel my heart ache for them at first. I was so so happy when they found Meena. I felt like it gave them a purpose.
This is my first novel solely about mermaids. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to discover a secret underwater world full of magical mermaids/mermans. That being said I still enjoyed the setting. I thought owning/operating an animal sanctuary was a brilliant idea. I really loved that her 'clan' of mermaids were connected to the dolphins. I loved every scene where she was able to 'talk' to and swim with them. Very touching.
Blake, our first glimpse of him gave me the wrong impression. He rides up on a bike and looks completely sexy and dangerous. It's like in a second all of that was gone and here is the actual Blake that is sweet and caring and stands up for Meena in a heartbeat. I liked Blake's character (even though the bad boys are always fun to hate to love them) he fights for Meena and her attention even when she is trying her hardest to push him away.
I loved that two more mer's were introduced but was left feeling unsatisfied as they weren't part of the main focus.
It wasn't a deep plot and was incredibly easy to follow. A quick read with light action, heavy romance, some humor and a ton of intrigue....definitely one I will be buying for my shelf and not just my kindle. I'm not sure if it is part of a series but I sure hope it is! I look forward to reading more about Meena and Blake and the world they live in.
This is my first novel solely about mermaids. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to discover a secret underwater world full of magical mermaids/mermans. That being said I still enjoyed the setting. I thought owning/operating an animal sanctuary was a brilliant idea. I really loved that her 'clan' of mermaids were connected to the dolphins. I loved every scene where she was able to 'talk' to and swim with them. Very touching.
Blake, our first glimpse of him gave me the wrong impression. He rides up on a bike and looks completely sexy and dangerous. It's like in a second all of that was gone and here is the actual Blake that is sweet and caring and stands up for Meena in a heartbeat. I liked Blake's character (even though the bad boys are always fun to hate to love them) he fights for Meena and her attention even when she is trying her hardest to push him away.
I loved that two more mer's were introduced but was left feeling unsatisfied as they weren't part of the main focus.
It wasn't a deep plot and was incredibly easy to follow. A quick read with light action, heavy romance, some humor and a ton of intrigue....definitely one I will be buying for my shelf and not just my kindle. I'm not sure if it is part of a series but I sure hope it is! I look forward to reading more about Meena and Blake and the world they live in.
laughlinesandliterature's review
3.0
So I really enjoyed this book but I did feel like it was rushed especially at the end. I did like Meena and Blake's interactions and I thought they were adorable. I do wish there had been a little more expanded on the mermaids though like the whole clan thing. I know the cousins talked a bit about it but I didn't really feel like I got to experience what a mermaid clan was like. I thought this book was really good but I felt like it ended too quickly which is why I give it 3 stars instead of 4. The ending felt super rushed and it was a fairly short book so I definitely think it could've done with some extra length especially as Meena gets to know her mermaid family. Overall though I did really enjoy the book.
the_cover_contessa's review
3.0
I'd like to thank Inkslinger PR and the author for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.
I really love the idea of mermaid books. You don't see all that many of them, in my opinion, so given the opportunity to read one, I will jump at it. And this one sounded like it would be something I would like.
Meena is a mermaid. But very few people know. Her parents have kept it a secret from the world. Even going as far as home schooling her to prevent anyone accidentally finding out. And Meena is happy living her Caribbean life at her parents animal rescue. She's strong and fairly independent and very connected to family.
Enter Blake, a bad boy who has been "sentenced" to community service at her parent's place, Flukes. Her best friend Vi, tells Meena to stay away, but she's inexplicably drawn to Blake. Of course Blake is cocky and sure of himself, but when he's around Meena he's different. She challenges him and doesn't let him think so highly of himself. But Blake holds secrets just as Meena does.
The romance in this story was cute. I could have used a stronger connection between the two characters, but I do understand the reasoning for it (revealed within the book, so no spoilers from me!). I'm just not usually a fan of instal-love, no matter how it's presented. But the connection they had was necessary for the story.
The story flowed nicely for the most part. It was easy to read.I think there could have been more Blake chapters. I really wanted to see how things unfolded from his perspective.
I was surprised at how easily Meena's secret was accepted by others when it was revealed. I expected a stronger reaction from the characters who didn't know. And it also surprised me how easily her parents accepted new people into their fold when they went to so much trouble to shelter Meena.
I didn't actually realize this was a new adult book. I just assumed from the ages of the characters (graduating high school) that is was YA, or maybe upper young adult, but it's not. There are some more graphic sexual scenes in the book that surprised me.
I think lovers of mermaid books will enjoy this short read.
I really love the idea of mermaid books. You don't see all that many of them, in my opinion, so given the opportunity to read one, I will jump at it. And this one sounded like it would be something I would like.
Meena is a mermaid. But very few people know. Her parents have kept it a secret from the world. Even going as far as home schooling her to prevent anyone accidentally finding out. And Meena is happy living her Caribbean life at her parents animal rescue. She's strong and fairly independent and very connected to family.
Enter Blake, a bad boy who has been "sentenced" to community service at her parent's place, Flukes. Her best friend Vi, tells Meena to stay away, but she's inexplicably drawn to Blake. Of course Blake is cocky and sure of himself, but when he's around Meena he's different. She challenges him and doesn't let him think so highly of himself. But Blake holds secrets just as Meena does.
The romance in this story was cute. I could have used a stronger connection between the two characters, but I do understand the reasoning for it (revealed within the book, so no spoilers from me!). I'm just not usually a fan of instal-love, no matter how it's presented. But the connection they had was necessary for the story.
The story flowed nicely for the most part. It was easy to read.I think there could have been more Blake chapters. I really wanted to see how things unfolded from his perspective.
I was surprised at how easily Meena's secret was accepted by others when it was revealed. I expected a stronger reaction from the characters who didn't know. And it also surprised me how easily her parents accepted new people into their fold when they went to so much trouble to shelter Meena.
I didn't actually realize this was a new adult book. I just assumed from the ages of the characters (graduating high school) that is was YA, or maybe upper young adult, but it's not. There are some more graphic sexual scenes in the book that surprised me.
I think lovers of mermaid books will enjoy this short read.
lenoreo's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars -- Wow -- LOVED IT!! Meena and Blake were so adorable together, and I loved the whole Flukes world. LOVED the mermaid folklore in this one, so much magic. And the dolphins...oh the dolphins. Thought it was a bit fast between Meena and Blake love-wise, but in the end, I was satisfied. Would love more in the world....
kate2440's review against another edition
4.0
After reading Nichole Chase's Suddenly series and loving them I just had to read her other books and even though Flukes wasn't as good as the Flukes series I still thoroughly enjoyed it...
I'm not a huge fan of the cover as the girl on the front cover is wearing the wrong colours for a start. What I do like about it is that it is under water which is in keeping for this book.
My favourite Disney film is The Little Mermaid, so I try and read books about mermaids but for the most part I haven't found one that I have liked as much as I had Flukes. It was a nice and cute read that had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the new mermaid lore as it made this book stand out plus I loved the additions of the dolphins and even though they couldn't speak I still felt like we could understand them (thanks to Meena). What I didn't like about this book and why I couldn't give it the five stars was because everything felt rushed, the romance side of the story was one of those insta-love which I don't always mind and I didn't really mind in this book once everything was explained about why they had those instant feelings. The ending was a bit too rushed for me as well, I would have maybe liked it more if the book was a bit longer so it could've felt like a natural ending. I did like the happy ending with everything wrapped up which I was surprised about seeing as this book is a part of a series so I'm hoping it will be new main characters as I liked how things ended with Meena and Blake.
For the most part the characters where all likable apart from the bad ones. Meena was a sweet girl although she was a little too naive but it was understandable with how she had to live. I loved Blake even though he started off a bit of the 'bad boy' we soon learn why he is the way he is and why he did what he did. Meena and Blake brought out the best in each other which was nice to see. As for the dolphin characters Mitch was my favourite and I especially loved the relationship she had with Meena it was so cute to see.
Overall a good start to the series and now I am looking forward to see where the story will go from here.
I'm not a huge fan of the cover as the girl on the front cover is wearing the wrong colours for a start. What I do like about it is that it is under water which is in keeping for this book.
My favourite Disney film is The Little Mermaid, so I try and read books about mermaids but for the most part I haven't found one that I have liked as much as I had Flukes. It was a nice and cute read that had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the new mermaid lore as it made this book stand out plus I loved the additions of the dolphins and even though they couldn't speak I still felt like we could understand them (thanks to Meena). What I didn't like about this book and why I couldn't give it the five stars was because everything felt rushed, the romance side of the story was one of those insta-love which I don't always mind and I didn't really mind in this book once everything was explained about why they had those instant feelings. The ending was a bit too rushed for me as well, I would have maybe liked it more if the book was a bit longer so it could've felt like a natural ending. I did like the happy ending with everything wrapped up which I was surprised about seeing as this book is a part of a series so I'm hoping it will be new main characters as I liked how things ended with Meena and Blake.
For the most part the characters where all likable apart from the bad ones. Meena was a sweet girl although she was a little too naive but it was understandable with how she had to live. I loved Blake even though he started off a bit of the 'bad boy' we soon learn why he is the way he is and why he did what he did. Meena and Blake brought out the best in each other which was nice to see. As for the dolphin characters Mitch was my favourite and I especially loved the relationship she had with Meena it was so cute to see.
Overall a good start to the series and now I am looking forward to see where the story will go from here.
bookbitereviews's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this story! Hopefully you have read mermaid stories before, or you enjoy insta-love, because that is what you get with Flukes. I normally complain about insta-love when when it isn't sold to me properly, but mermaid stories always sell it for me. I understand the circumstances behind it and always enjoy it. I loved all the characters, I love that there is more plot than romance in this short amount of time, and I love, love, LOVE the romance between Meena and Blake. I seriously hope that more installments will soon follow, but if not it was a fantastic story. I will definitely be looking more into Nichole Chase and I hope you do too!
the_cover_contessa's review against another edition
3.0
I'd like to thank Inkslinger PR and the author for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.
I really love the idea of mermaid books. You don't see all that many of them, in my opinion, so given the opportunity to read one, I will jump at it. And this one sounded like it would be something I would like.
Meena is a mermaid. But very few people know. Her parents have kept it a secret from the world. Even going as far as home schooling her to prevent anyone accidentally finding out. And Meena is happy living her Caribbean life at her parents animal rescue. She's strong and fairly independent and very connected to family.
Enter Blake, a bad boy who has been "sentenced" to community service at her parent's place, Flukes. Her best friend Vi, tells Meena to stay away, but she's inexplicably drawn to Blake. Of course Blake is cocky and sure of himself, but when he's around Meena he's different. She challenges him and doesn't let him think so highly of himself. But Blake holds secrets just as Meena does.
The romance in this story was cute. I could have used a stronger connection between the two characters, but I do understand the reasoning for it (revealed within the book, so no spoilers from me!). I'm just not usually a fan of instal-love, no matter how it's presented. But the connection they had was necessary for the story.
The story flowed nicely for the most part. It was easy to read.I think there could have been more Blake chapters. I really wanted to see how things unfolded from his perspective.
I was surprised at how easily Meena's secret was accepted by others when it was revealed. I expected a stronger reaction from the characters who didn't know. And it also surprised me how easily her parents accepted new people into their fold when they went to so much trouble to shelter Meena.
I didn't actually realize this was a new adult book. I just assumed from the ages of the characters (graduating high school) that is was YA, or maybe upper young adult, but it's not. There are some more graphic sexual scenes in the book that surprised me.
I think lovers of mermaid books will enjoy this short read.
I really love the idea of mermaid books. You don't see all that many of them, in my opinion, so given the opportunity to read one, I will jump at it. And this one sounded like it would be something I would like.
Meena is a mermaid. But very few people know. Her parents have kept it a secret from the world. Even going as far as home schooling her to prevent anyone accidentally finding out. And Meena is happy living her Caribbean life at her parents animal rescue. She's strong and fairly independent and very connected to family.
Enter Blake, a bad boy who has been "sentenced" to community service at her parent's place, Flukes. Her best friend Vi, tells Meena to stay away, but she's inexplicably drawn to Blake. Of course Blake is cocky and sure of himself, but when he's around Meena he's different. She challenges him and doesn't let him think so highly of himself. But Blake holds secrets just as Meena does.
The romance in this story was cute. I could have used a stronger connection between the two characters, but I do understand the reasoning for it (revealed within the book, so no spoilers from me!). I'm just not usually a fan of instal-love, no matter how it's presented. But the connection they had was necessary for the story.
The story flowed nicely for the most part. It was easy to read.I think there could have been more Blake chapters. I really wanted to see how things unfolded from his perspective.
I was surprised at how easily Meena's secret was accepted by others when it was revealed. I expected a stronger reaction from the characters who didn't know. And it also surprised me how easily her parents accepted new people into their fold when they went to so much trouble to shelter Meena.
I didn't actually realize this was a new adult book. I just assumed from the ages of the characters (graduating high school) that is was YA, or maybe upper young adult, but it's not. There are some more graphic sexual scenes in the book that surprised me.
I think lovers of mermaid books will enjoy this short read.
beckymmoe's review against another edition
4.0
A cute read that's definitely more on the YA side of NA, Flukes is a pleasant and sweet summer diversion.
Ms. Chase has created an interesting world here--Meena manages to live a somewhat normal life masquerading as a human (though she is homeschooled, not able to be away from water for a whole school day) on her family's marine animal sanctuary. She shares a special bond with marine mammals, especially the dolphins who helped to rescue her from the storm that killed her mother, able to communicate with and intuitively know things about them. The fact that she's really a mermaid is known only to a very select few--her adoptive parents, her best friend Violet, and Violet's mother, Meena's pediatrician. She's resigned herself to staying at Flukes forever--which is fine, she really does love the family business, but she'd also love to get out and see the world...somehow.
I enjoyed Meena's spunkiness--she's not easily intimidated by privileged bad boys or villains, and she often gives as good as she receives. She and Blake were cute together, and even though their relationship developed quickly it wasn't quite insta-love.
Blake was supposed to be the bad guy turned good, but really he was pretty much just a good guy. The reason he ended up in trouble in the first place had a decent justification behind it, even though he wouldn't admit what it was at first. The only time his "bad" side showed was when he stood up to protect those he loved.
I liked that we're not hit over the head with a ton of info-dump in the story, though on the other hand there are aspects of it that won't stand up to a whole lot of scrutiny. If you approach Flukes in the spirit of a light-hearted summer-themed read and don't spend too much time weighing realism and logic, you'll probably end up enjoying it.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Chase has created an interesting world here--Meena manages to live a somewhat normal life masquerading as a human (though she is homeschooled, not able to be away from water for a whole school day) on her family's marine animal sanctuary. She shares a special bond with marine mammals, especially the dolphins who helped to rescue her from the storm that killed her mother, able to communicate with and intuitively know things about them. The fact that she's really a mermaid is known only to a very select few--her adoptive parents, her best friend Violet, and Violet's mother, Meena's pediatrician. She's resigned herself to staying at Flukes forever--which is fine, she really does love the family business, but she'd also love to get out and see the world...somehow.
I enjoyed Meena's spunkiness--she's not easily intimidated by privileged bad boys or villains, and she often gives as good as she receives. She and Blake were cute together, and even though their relationship developed quickly it wasn't quite insta-love.
Blake was supposed to be the bad guy turned good, but really he was pretty much just a good guy. The reason he ended up in trouble in the first place had a decent justification behind it, even though he wouldn't admit what it was at first. The only time his "bad" side showed was when he stood up to protect those he loved.
I liked that we're not hit over the head with a ton of info-dump in the story, though on the other hand there are aspects of it that won't stand up to a whole lot of scrutiny. If you approach Flukes in the spirit of a light-hearted summer-themed read and don't spend too much time weighing realism and logic, you'll probably end up enjoying it.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
bookbriefs's review against another edition
5.0
Flukes is a new adult mermaid romance. Check, check, check! Everything about that sentence makes me excited about Flukes. I thought this was a perfect romance. It was sweet, there was plenty of chemistry and there was mermaid lore surrounding it all. I was immediately drawn into the world at the sanctuary animal cove. I loved the idea of two animal lovers/scientists finding and raising Meena. This book kind of reminded me of Emerald Isle by Kate Hinderer, which I totally loved. But Emerald Isle was about a male mermaid, and Flukes is about Meena, a girl.
I loved how everything about Meena was Teal. I loved that her eyes matched her tail, I just thought that it was adorable every time the color of teal popped up in the story. Especially when Blake is the one that brought it up. I felt for Meena. She really only had her parents, the animals and her best (and only) friend Violet. And with Violet off to college, I could totally see why Meena felt like she was being left behind at times.
Blake is a stand up guy. Really, he is a total bad boy misnomer. He is such a natural protector and It just melted my heart a little bit. Ok, a lot. He protects the people he loves and cares about so fiercely. It was refreshing and I didn't find it forced or over the top of anything. It just fit his personality. I couldn't imagine him any other way. I am kind of jealous of Meena.
Nichole Chase really impressed me with her writing and story telling. I loved mitch the dolphin and basically the whole incorporation of dolphins in the story. I also enjoyed the fact that this was just a romance, there was no action adventure or really even too much of a danger element. There is some just to keep things interesting, but really it was a story about two young adults just trying to see if they can be together. I think it was just what I needed in the middle of finals. I loved Nichole's fishy tale. I completely fell in love with the sanctuary, Blake and Meena.
I loved how everything about Meena was Teal. I loved that her eyes matched her tail, I just thought that it was adorable every time the color of teal popped up in the story. Especially when Blake is the one that brought it up. I felt for Meena. She really only had her parents, the animals and her best (and only) friend Violet. And with Violet off to college, I could totally see why Meena felt like she was being left behind at times.
Blake is a stand up guy. Really, he is a total bad boy misnomer. He is such a natural protector and It just melted my heart a little bit. Ok, a lot. He protects the people he loves and cares about so fiercely. It was refreshing and I didn't find it forced or over the top of anything. It just fit his personality. I couldn't imagine him any other way. I am kind of jealous of Meena.
Nichole Chase really impressed me with her writing and story telling. I loved mitch the dolphin and basically the whole incorporation of dolphins in the story. I also enjoyed the fact that this was just a romance, there was no action adventure or really even too much of a danger element. There is some just to keep things interesting, but really it was a story about two young adults just trying to see if they can be together. I think it was just what I needed in the middle of finals. I loved Nichole's fishy tale. I completely fell in love with the sanctuary, Blake and Meena.
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