This post may contain affiliate links — meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. We carefully curate our affiliate partnerships and only work with companies we like and believe in. Earning commissions like this helps us sustain our blog but the opinions we share are always our own.
Episode Description
Dive beneath the waves as we explore two captivating underwater romances in our Mermaid Month special! Our oceanic journey takes us through magical underwater kingdoms, body-positive representation, and the universal challenges of communication in relationships.
The first stop on our underwater adventure is “Call of the Sea” by Emily B. Rose, featuring Princess Makenna. Makenna is a full-figured, neurodivergent royal with ADHD who’s been fascinated by mermaids since childhood. What sets this book apart is its refreshing portrayal of a plus-size heroine finding love without changing who she is. The story thoughtfully addresses fat-shaming and body acceptance while weaving them into a romance filled with unexpected plot twists. Though the pacing starts slow, the character development and beautiful moments of consent and body affirmation make it well worth the journey.
We then plunge deeper with “Whispers of the Deep” by Emma Hamm, set in a world where humans live in a domed underwater city constantly threatened by sea creatures called Undines. This novel is a slow-burn romance between Mira (a human engineer) and Arges (the Undine leader). The pair faces not just the obstacle of different worlds but a complete language barrier. This unique challenge creates authentic relationship development as they find ways to connect beyond words, showing how love can transcend conventional communication.
Both books brilliantly use their fantastical underwater settings to explore very real relationship dynamics. This includes establishing boundaries, learning to trust after heartbreak, and finding ways to understand each other despite differences. Whether you’re drawn to body-positive representation, inventive world-building, or slow-burn romances with meaningful themes; these mermaid tales offer a refreshing dive into fantasy romance.
Join us next month as we continue our journey through fantastical romance with fairy-themed stories! Like, subscribe and share your thoughts on these underwater love stories. We’d love to hear which magical creatures you’d like us to explore next.
Want to purchase the books from this episode? You can buy Emma Hamm’s Whispers of the Deep using our affiliate links for Amazon here and The Ripped Bodice here. To purchase a copy of Call of the Sea from Amazon, click here or click here to get it from The Ripped Bodice.
Our The Ripped Bodice Affiliate Link: https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867
(the best way to get your smut while supporting a fabulous women-owned business and our podcast!)
Beverages & Books for this Episode:
Meghan: Whispers of the Deep by Emma Hamm with an Ocean Breeze Cocktail
Nicole: Call of the Sea by Emily B. Rose with Seaswept Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Grigio Wine by Josh Cellars
Follow us on our socials:
Facebook … https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Instagram … https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Pinterest … https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Credits:
Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski
Main Art by PersonalisePortrait
Want to drink along with us? We’ve got a fabulous Romance on the Rocks Podcast Drinking Game. It’s yours free when you subscribe to our email list! Just fill out this form and we’ll email you the PDF!
