Emerge

Lia Nautilus may be a Mermaid but she’s never lived in the ocean. War has ravaged the seven seas ever since the infamous Little Mermaid unleashed a curse that stripped Mer of their immortality. Lia has grown up in a secret community of land-dwelling Mer hidden among Malibu’s seaside mansions. Her biggest problems are surviving P.E. and keeping her feelings for Clay Ericson in check. Sure, he’s gorgeous in that cocky, leather jacket sort of way and makes her feel like there’s a school of fish swimming in her stomach, but getting involved with a human could put Lia's entire community at risk. So it’s for the best that he’s dating that new girl, right? That is, until Lia finds out she isn't the only one at school keeping a potentially deadly secret. And this new girl? Her eyes are dead set on Clay, who doesn't realize the danger he's in. If Lia hopes to save him, she’ll have to get closer to Clay. Lia’s parents would totally flip if they found out she was falling for a human boy, but the more time she spends with him, the harder it is for her to deny her feelings. After making a horrible mistake, Lia will risk everything to stop Clay from falling in love with the wrong girl.

"An unforgettable siren song of characters who will hook your heart."  —Skylar Dorset, author, The Girl Who Never Was

"This clever twist on an old tale will hook readers with its humor and lure them in with its heart. A charming story filled with rich world building, authentic characters, and an irresistible and surprising romance.”  —Lori Goldstein, author, Becoming Jinn

"Romance, fantastical lore, and adventure—the most fun I've had reading in a long time!"  —Wendy Higgins, author, Sweet Evil

"Clever, well-written and insanely unique, Emerge brings us deep into the lives of mermaids, where coming of age has never been so magical."  —Jennifer Gooch Hummer, author, Girl Unmoored

Tobie Easton is a private writing instructor and a host for tween and teen book clubs. She lives in Los Angeles, California.