Book Review & Giveaway: Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs.

Product details:
Publisher: Templar Publishing.
Release date: July 4th 2011.
Paperback, 333 pages.
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Ages: 13+
Source: Received from publisher for review.

Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, si...moreLily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

Fun, frothy and flirty, Forgive my Fins is a perfect summer read for the younger crowd, combining a pun-filled unique take on mermaid mythology and a sweet romance that is perfectly age appropriate. Though geared towards teens, this, for me, read like a Middle Grade novel in terms of plot and style, and so for that reason, I found it perhaps a little young for my tastes. Nevertheless, if you love Disney movies, and you’re looking for a light, summer read that is a lot of fun, look no further than Forgive my Fins!

Forgive my Fins is chock full of relationship drama. When we meet Lily she has been in love with Brody Bennett, a total hottie, who makes her heart beat “flipper-fast”, for three years and counting. Unfortunately, for her, Brody, who has been having some major relationship dramas of his own, sees Lily as nothing more than a friend. Ah, not to worry, Lily, there are plenty more fish in the sea! This leads me to Quince, Lily’s neighbour and resident bad boy who lives to torment Lily, and who she just loves to hate. I loved Quince immediately. Give me a bad boy with a good heart, and I am all his. Lily though, is a little slow on the uptake, and keeps pining away for Brody, so much so that Quince eventually helps her hatch a plan to catch her hottie, the consequences of which are both disastrous (for Lily) and hilarious (for us). For, you see, Lily is half-human, half-mermaid, and mermaids don’t just have normal crushes. Oh, no. Mermaids bond for life! So, when Lily kisses the wrong guy (or so she thinks!), her life gets even more complicated and Lily has some big decision to make!

Lily will gain a lot of fans amongst teenage girls. She’s funny and warm, but at the same time ditzy and immature, which can be a little annoying at times. She also has a unique way of speaking and references almost everything in aquatic terms speaking of her “flipper-fast heartbeat” whenever Brody is near and constantly referring to Quince as a “blowfish”. This is quirky, unique to this book, and is something you’ll either love or hate. I admit, while I found this clever and fun at first it grated on me after a while, although I think it’s something younger readers will love.

In terms of plot, Forgive my Fins is pretty straightforward with no major surprises. The creation of the underwater world of Thalassinia adds a fantastical element to the book, and this along with the character of Quince, who is a total sweetheart, were for me, the highlights here. Forgive my Fins is pure candy floss for the brain and perfect for anyone who wants some quick, light summer reading with a sweet romance and plenty of laughs to boot!

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Thanks to PPR Publicity I have three copies of Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs up for grabs, for readers in the UK and ROI, and because I love my International readers so much, I'm personally providing a copy for you guys!

Since this competition is open to different regions, please provide your full mailing address (including country!) when you fill in the form.

Competition closes: July 17th 2010.

Following this blog is not necessary to gain entry to this competition, but is always appreciated!

COMPETITION CLOSED! WINNERS ANNOUNCED SOON!