Landlocked Heart — Kay Berrisford

THE LONELY MERMAN It's Friday afternoon, and the last thing Ben wants to be doing is trudging through a wet forest in search of a public hazard. But duty calls, and turns out more exciting than Ben imagined when he encounters a magical ruin, an enchanted pool, and Lyle-a merman who's cursed to be landlocked many miles from the sea. Lyle is flamboyant and exciting-he's got tentacles, for goodness sake -and Ben falls hard. But Lyle's been hurt before and finds trust difficult, refusing even to reveal how to break the curse that imprisons him. Ben's just an ordinary guy, and can't help wondering if he can ever be the hero Lyle needs. LYLE'S STORY Lyle, a merman, and Ben, his human, work together in a seaside ice-cream parlour and their life together is bliss. Or would be, if not for Ben's constant worries about career and money, and Lyle's dark past-a myriad of secrets, lies, wild magic, and foul deeds, which now threaten to catch up with him. When Lyle's merfolk family accuse him of murder, Ben and Lyle's bond is stretched to the limit. Not only does Lyle seem unsuited to Ben's dreams of domestic happiness, his magical powers are spinning dangerously out of control. Even Lyle isn't entirely sure he's innocent. With Ben dragged deep into the enchanted processes of merfolk justice, escaping with his life-and getting home to an important job interview-is just the start of the challenge. Uncovering Lyle's inner truths without destroying their love could be a step too far...