The Mermaid in the Shot Glass by Hailey Edwards – That’s What I’m Talking About…

Audiobook review: The Mermaid in the Shot Glass by Hailey Edwards

The Mermaid in the Shot Glass continues the story of Ana Sartori, who until recently believed she was a latent wolf in a mafia-like shifter pack. Learning she is actually a dragon who was kidnapped at birth is both exciting and upsetting for Ana. She’ll never know her parents, and the scars inflicted by her abusive adopted father linger. Unsure if and when she’ll join Rían and the Walsh pack, she’s certain she wants to break ties with the Sartori pack.

I continue to enjoy the Groom & Doom cozy urban fantasy series, with its focus Ana’s found family and burgeoning romance with Rían. The stories are character-centric, and each tale builds on the world development. I love all of the characters and their growing bonds. There is silliness (especially when it comes to the supporting characters) and a lot of heart.

After a lot of upheaval in the first two books, The Mermaid in the Shot Glass is pretty low-stake as Ana learns more about her shifter nature. While the story is entertaining, it feels more like one part of a larger tale, similar to a serial. There really isn’t a strong mystery or problem to resolve. The couple “mysteries” raised are solved almost as an after thought with little “following the clues.” It’s more about Ana adjusting to her new circumstances and accepting her fate as Rían’s finance. While I enjoyed it, there isn’t a strong plot. 

One thing that is really bugging me after three titles is the question of how paranormals and humans interact. The whole topic is very loosey-goosey. Readers are finally told that it is paramount for supernatural beings to keep their existence hidden from humans. I’m struggling how the Walsh clan moved into a town with humans and evacuated all the humans, yet there are functioning police and fire departments, and meanwhile, property is being damaged, businesses have been closed, etc. 

Narration: The story is shared from the first person POV of Ana. The narrator has a softer, upbeat feminine voice, which is adjusted slightly for character dialogue, based on age, gender, and species. Her voice is gentle and easy to listen to; well-suited for Ana. Her males are generally lower pitched. Her younger characters tend to be suitably bubbly and more vivacious. Characters of the same gender can sound similar. 

In the end, I will continue with the Groom & Doom series which has a lot of promise and unanswered questions. I just hope the next book has a stronger, self-contained plot. 

My Ratings
Story: C+
Narration: B

Jen

About the Book:

The time has come for Ana to conquer her doubts about her heritage and discover her inner dragon. Her lessons begin with summoning fire on the shore at Lendman Park, placing a buffer between her fledgling powers and town. Her flames prove eager to please, leaping to her fingertips, but a sudden burst of magic topples her and Rían into the lake. A lake one of the locals swears is inhabited by a mermaid.

Too bad the mermaid lore isn’t the only story making the rounds in Brentwood. Rumor has it that Mercer Bates has challenged Carmichael Sartori for control of the Sartori pack. Ana doesn’t want to care whether Carmichael lives or dies, but our hearts don’t always listen to our heads. And that proves doubly true when someone Ana considers a new friend reveals her true loyalties in an explosive betrayal that shakes the foundation of the Walsh clan.

Author: Hailey Edwards
Narrator: Leanne Woodward
Series: Groom & Doom #3
Genre: Cozy Urban Fantasy
Audiobook Release Date: May 19, 2026
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 4 hrs; 32 mins
Source: Publisher
Audio Speed: 1.25x