A sexy merman, a brainy scientist, and the terrorists who bring them together. Sound a little weird? Well, this is the beginning of Stephanie Burke's red hot novel "Seascape". If you've ever wondered how a merman would 'do it', ponder no more. Burke has created a plausible, and very romantic, story that's really about second...or even third chances.

Elanna is a world-renowned scientist who is very close to a breakthrough for treating AIDS. When she is accompanying a patient to Hawaii on a small plane, it's hijacked by terrorists. She volunteers to take the place of her patient as a hostage and then, to prove the seriousness of their claim, the terrorists throw her out of the plane. What should be the end of her life instead turns out to be the beginning when instead of dying, she lands on a sunbathing merman who heals her and becomes intrigued by and attracted to this human who is so different from all he knows.

Storm was enjoying his play time when he was hit by a falling body. What are the humans doing now, throwing away a perfectly beautiful female?

There's a lot of humor in this story. As well as intriguing mersex (if I can make up a word!) that made me want a merman of my own. But Burke's story has more heft to it than just sex, sex, sex, plot. There's an underlying theme about second chances, doing what's right, and the arrogance of humanity...without preaching. It was a delight to read and I think I'll just make a space for this one on my keeper shelf! ( )