Sex is a necessity for nymphs. Without it, they weaken. So when his warriors get to the point where they can't defend themselves anymore, Valerian, the Nymph King, takes them through the portal of his underwater kingdom to the surface of the earth to find women to take back with them. Having gone over 600 years without finding his true mate, she's the last thing Valerian expects to encounter on the surface. When it turns out his mate wants nothing to do with him, Valerian is even more shocked. No woman has ever been able to resist him before.

Shaye Holling's has spent her life keeping people from getting close to her, especially men. Having grown up watching her parents go through numerous marriages and divorces, she's become quite a cynic when it comes to happily ever after and uses her sarcastic tongue every chance she gets to keep men at bay. Things are about to change though. While in Florida for her mother's six wedding, what can only be described as the perfect man emerges from the water and kidnaps Shaye, taking her to his world below the sea.

From the moment she sees him, Shaye is torn about her feeling for Valerian. She struggles at keeping him at a distance while privately craving for all the things he can give her. Valerian has his work cut out for him, trying to convince Shaye she's the only woman he wants, now and forever. But with an impending war with the dragons looming on the horizon, he may lose her before he has a chance to convince her they really are true mate's.

Living under the water hasn't sounded this good since The Little Mermaid came out. THE NYMPH KING will keep you entertained with its sharp wit and sweet romance. Valerian is a wonderful hero and Shaye's the perfect woman to keep him in line. The secondary characters add to the richness of the story and you'll find yourself choosing sides in Brenna's dilemma. Gena Showalter's just been added to my list of author's to read. Be sure to snag a copy; you won't be disappointed.