The Story in 3 Sentences
Genevieve Barlow, known as Eve, is a mermaid hiding among humans in Victorian society, using her supernatural abilities to work as a governess while concealing the deadly secret that could expose her true nature.
When she encounters Vincent Moriarty, a powerful pureblooded vampire from an influential noble family, their forbidden attraction ignites a dangerous romance that threatens to unravel the carefully constructed lies protecting both their worlds.
Their love story becomes a deadly game of secrets and survival as supernatural politics, family rivalries, and ancient grudges converge to test whether their bond can survive the darkness that defines their immortal existence.
Why It Stands Out
1. Mermaid Protagonist Done Right
Eve subverts the typical helpless mermaid trope by being a capable, intelligent woman who uses her supernatural abilities strategically while navigating the complexities of hiding her identity in human society.
2. Victorian Gothic Atmosphere
The historical setting creates authentic period tension where supernatural creatures must carefully balance their true natures against rigid social expectations, making every interaction carry genuine stakes.
3. Slow Burn Romance Excellence
The relationship development spans hundreds of chapters with realistic progression, allowing both characters to grow individually before their romance reaches its full intensity and emotional payoff.
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Vincent Moriarty – the enigmatic pureblooded vampire whose noble facade conceals centuries of darkness and political maneuvering, yet who finds unexpected vulnerability through his growing obsession with Eve.
You’ll meet Rosetta, who represents the complicated dynamics of vampire society and family loyalty, struggling between her own desires and the expectations placed upon her by supernatural hierarchy.
And Aurora? She’s the one who embodies the dangerous side of vampire politics, wielding power and influence that can make or break the fragile peace between supernatural factions.
The Flaws Fans Debate
Some readers find the pacing too slow in middle sections where political intrigue overshadows the romantic development between the main characters.
The mermaid mythology occasionally conflicts with established vampire lore, creating inconsistencies that break immersion for genre purists.
Eve’s decision-making becomes frustratingly passive during crucial moments when her agency would serve the plot better.
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1-150: Identity Concealment – Eve establishes her life among humans while Vincent begins to suspect there’s more to the mysterious governess than meets the eye, building the foundation for their complex relationship.
Ch. 250-400: Supernatural Politics – The Moriarty family dynamics and vampire society expectations create escalating conflicts that force both protagonists to choose between duty and desire.
Ch. 450-546: Truth Revealed – All secrets come to light as Eve and Vincent face the ultimate test of their love against forces determined to keep their worlds separate forever.
Killer Quotes
“The body of a mermaid is a vault of treasures. Their tears formed the most splendid of pearls, their exquisite blood a euphoric drug for vampires, their luscious flesh a taste no other dish could ever compare to.”
“She had fooled the administration and had gotten a degree so that she could teach in a school.”
Cultural Impact
The novel won the Gold prize at WSA 2022, cementing its status as a standout work in the vampire romance genre.
With 7.4 million reads on WebNovel, it demonstrated the continued popularity of supernatural historical romance among international audiences.
The story appeared on the London Leicester Square Billboard, showcasing its crossover appeal beyond typical webnovel readership.
Fan communities frequently discuss the complex supernatural world-building and debate the ethics of inter-species relationships portrayed in the narrative.
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
A mermaid protagonist who uses intelligence and strategy rather than relying on beauty or helplessness to survive
Victorian gothic romance that takes time to develop genuine emotional connections between supernatural beings
Historical fantasy that respects period authenticity while seamlessly integrating supernatural elements
Study If You Love:
Vampire romance that explores the political complexities of immortal society rather than just focusing on forbidden attraction
Stories where hiding one’s true nature creates genuine tension and character development
Slow burn relationships where both characters have agency and growth throughout their romantic journey
Avoid If You Prefer:
Fast-paced urban fantasy without extensive historical detail and period-appropriate social constraints
Light romance without dark themes, political intrigue, or the moral complexities of supernatural survival
Stories where supernatural abilities solve problems easily rather than creating additional complications
