In the Swim of Things, by Tracie Banister

Publication: May 15, 2019

swim of things About the book:

Ocean-loving Kyra Goodwin had to give up her dream of becoming the female Jacques Cousteau in order to take care of her father and brother, but being a mermaid at the Cape Cod Aquarium is pretty fintastic as far as alternative careers go.

Of course, life as a half-fish/half-woman isn’t all sunken treasure and Ariel twirls. Kyra has to deal with perpetually pruney fingers, eyes irritated by saltwater, and bratty kids on the daily, plus her glam alter ego can make dating really weird. (So many men have pervy siren-of-the-sea fantasies!) When she meets hunky surfer Cade, and he’s into her without knowing what she does for a living, Kyra thinks she’s finally won the romance lottery.

Unfortunately, Kyra’s plans for a carefree summer of catching waves with her new boyfriend run aground when Sea Star Beach, a place that holds great sentimental value for her, is taken over by a big-city developer who wants to build an exclusive resort. Kyra’s crusade to save her beloved beach threatens both her job and her relationship with Cade as does her growing closeness with her irresistibly broody merwrangler, Declan, whose precocious daughter is intent on playing matchmaker.

When a new family drama arises just as Kyra receives an offer that would turn her greatest desire into reality, she’s torn. Will she do what’s expected of her, or dive in and follow her heart?

My Review

If you are in the mood for a hilarious, light-hearted, yet intelligent novel, then look no further than In the Swim of Things, the latest romantic comedy from author Tracie Banister. Aquarium mermaid Kyra loves her life on Cape Cod, loves her job as a mermaid, and especially loves Sea Star Beach. After giving up her college and career dreams to take care of her father and brother, Kyra’s life has been perfectly fine until construction of a new resort is announced which will close her beloved Sea Star Beach to the public. She’s also having some issues with one of her fellow mermaids/roommate. Things are looking up when she meets sexy surfer Cade, but there’s also her complicated yet growing relationship with her merwrangler, Declan. Kyra has a lot going on!

I absolutely love Tracie Banister’s writing, especially the point of view of her main characters. You know those wonderful books that don’t feel like a book at all? The ones where you almost feel like you’re the character and these thoughts are coming from your mind? This is one of those.

Kyra is compassionate, romantic, hilarious, caring, intelligent, patient, and so much more. You will want to hang out with her after reading this. And will most likely miss her character because she’s so fun.

My fast formed addiction to this one escalated further as the novel progressed and Declan’s character became more developed. Swwooooonnnnn! Declan is one of the hottest, sexiest, smartest, and sweetest characters that I have discovered in a while. Believe me when I say that you will love this man.

Anyway, there is a lot going on in this story but it all works well together and there are so many themes and messages weaved into the hilarious circumstances and banter! Banister tackles development and how it impacts the environment and community. She tackles struggles with friends, co-workers, and bosses. A huge part of the story revolves around our dreams coupled with responsibility and expectations regarding our family. Even bigger is the issue with dishonesty, infidelity and finding people that you can truly trust. But the extraordinary thing about this author is how she can assemble so many lessons, important issues, and situations into such a fast-paced, romantic, and laugh-out-loud novel!

In the Swim of Things is perfect for fans of romantic comedy and especially other sea-lovers out there like Kyra. You’ll smile, laugh, get frustrated, laugh again, and most of all – feel happy for having read this one. Bravo to Tracie Banister for yet another fantastic novel!

*Many thanks to Tracie Banister for providing this review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.