What do you think?
Rate this book
By the Sea
Most kids had imaginary friends, but most weren’t like Megan’s friend Niall. There were rules: only at night and only by the sea. She could’ve sworn he was real, but when someone vanishes without a trace, what else can you believe?
All that was seven years ago, buried in the past until Niall shows up in town with his tight swimmer’s body and easy smile. For Megan, just the sight of him is enough to tear open a scar that never fully healed. However, their reunion only elicits more questions. Niall’s keeping secrets, unbelievable ones, and as Megan delves into the supernatural depths of who he really is, she’s sure he’ll vanish again.
Megan’s not stupid—she knows how bad it’ll hurt if she gets involved. The first time Niall disappeared, she never thought she’d recover. But the moment they lock eyes, it’s too late—because Megan will go to any length to see that boy smile.
All that was seven years ago, buried in the past until Niall shows up in town with his tight swimmer’s body and easy smile. For Megan, just the sight of him is enough to tear open a scar that never fully healed. However, their reunion only elicits more questions. Niall’s keeping secrets, unbelievable ones, and as Megan delves into the supernatural depths of who he really is, she’s sure he’ll vanish again.
Megan’s not stupid—she knows how bad it’ll hurt if she gets involved. The first time Niall disappeared, she never thought she’d recover. But the moment they lock eyes, it’s too late—because Megan will go to any length to see that boy smile.
- GenresParanormal Romance
77 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2014
1 person is currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Katherine McIntyre
90 books733 followersGeeky Queer Romance.
Katherine McIntyre is feisty with a big attitude despite their short stature. They write stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to their own beat, they've made it their mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
Katherine McIntyre is feisty with a big attitude despite their short stature. They write stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to their own beat, they've made it their mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 10, 2016
By The Sea - Katherine McIntyre (5 Stars)
* What Woman doesn't want her Hot Imaginary Friend to be Real & Sweep her off Her feet!??!
My Amazon Review link Below,
https://www.amazon.com/review/R14HA20...
* What Woman doesn't want her Hot Imaginary Friend to be Real & Sweep her off Her feet!??!
My Amazon Review link Below,
https://www.amazon.com/review/R14HA20...
October 29, 2019
I was lucky enough to meet the author of this book at the HallowRead19 event.
Megan had a friend she met in the ocean. Niall, he was her secret and then he went away. Just up and disappeared without a word. Leaving Megan to feel empty and wondering if he was truly a figment of her imagination like everyone suggests. Seven years later, a mysterious man appears at Meg's word. He seems oddly familiar, yet not really. Could this be the same person all grown up? What happened seven years ago?
Niall is back and has a big secret to tell Meg if she'll listen and believe him. He didn't have a choice, its the call of the sea to his people. He needed to decide if he'd stay in the ocean or come back to Meg. Yet he can't commit to her until he finds his treasure to offer her. Will she run away from him or will she chose him?
This is a quick read that was entertaining. It has a nice little subplot. The characters are well written. Overall a good story.
Megan had a friend she met in the ocean. Niall, he was her secret and then he went away. Just up and disappeared without a word. Leaving Megan to feel empty and wondering if he was truly a figment of her imagination like everyone suggests. Seven years later, a mysterious man appears at Meg's word. He seems oddly familiar, yet not really. Could this be the same person all grown up? What happened seven years ago?
Niall is back and has a big secret to tell Meg if she'll listen and believe him. He didn't have a choice, its the call of the sea to his people. He needed to decide if he'd stay in the ocean or come back to Meg. Yet he can't commit to her until he finds his treasure to offer her. Will she run away from him or will she chose him?
This is a quick read that was entertaining. It has a nice little subplot. The characters are well written. Overall a good story.
June 13, 2014
I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this book, and I have to say I really loved this short story!
After reading the author's first book a few years back, not only has her writing really come in to its own but her style continues to be a pleasure to read. Similar to how "An Airship Named Desire" took off at the end of its first chapter introducing the reader to the idea of a fantastical world with airship pirates, "By the Sea" flips the idea of a traditional romance story in to quick peek at the world of the fae (fairy folk)as well. The author does this in a very clever way to boot!
The story kicks off with her main character Meggie discussing the lost of her imaginary friend Niall in her youth, a character who became her first love while she began inching closer and closer in to adulthood. This imaginary friend though was something not quite so imaginary though, and Megs knew it as one day he almost appears out of nowhere in her small town. Upon dissecting things in her brain, she comes to the realization that Niall was indeed flesh and blood and she was clearly not crazy. This also made her realize him vanishing from her in a instant without so much of a goodbye was going to cause some lasting trust issues the moments he reappeared. Then a big twist kicked in to high gear!
Niall wasn't just a normal guy, and he in fact was a fae, a selkie to be exact!
AWESOME! I was happily excited to see the author's take on the idea of these Irish/Scottish folklore creatures, especially in a paranormal romance.
What really made me love this though was the execution of it. Meggie upon hearing the news that her long lost love actually happened to be one of the seal people, was perfect as she laughed off the idea of people turning in to seals and being a part of the sea. The character was in pure disbelief, and rightfully so.
As she came to grips with a fantastical creature, so do the readers, but more importantly is what is also happening at the same time in the story. Megs clearly his trust/abandonment issues with Niall, and she clearly states how she refuses to become entangled with him again out of fear that he would slip away, but as she begins to come to terms with who/what he truly is she becomes drastically more open minded to new ideas and new ideals.
As she helps him through his quest to find his missing pelt(a selkie's source of power), Meggie slowly evolves in to a character able to find love again through the idea of acceptance that sometimes that things aren't always what they appear to be.
This was a excellent short, and I will be reading this again while awaiting the author's next work!
After reading the author's first book a few years back, not only has her writing really come in to its own but her style continues to be a pleasure to read. Similar to how "An Airship Named Desire" took off at the end of its first chapter introducing the reader to the idea of a fantastical world with airship pirates, "By the Sea" flips the idea of a traditional romance story in to quick peek at the world of the fae (fairy folk)as well. The author does this in a very clever way to boot!
The story kicks off with her main character Meggie discussing the lost of her imaginary friend Niall in her youth, a character who became her first love while she began inching closer and closer in to adulthood. This imaginary friend though was something not quite so imaginary though, and Megs knew it as one day he almost appears out of nowhere in her small town. Upon dissecting things in her brain, she comes to the realization that Niall was indeed flesh and blood and she was clearly not crazy. This also made her realize him vanishing from her in a instant without so much of a goodbye was going to cause some lasting trust issues the moments he reappeared. Then a big twist kicked in to high gear!
Niall wasn't just a normal guy, and he in fact was a fae, a selkie to be exact!
AWESOME! I was happily excited to see the author's take on the idea of these Irish/Scottish folklore creatures, especially in a paranormal romance.
What really made me love this though was the execution of it. Meggie upon hearing the news that her long lost love actually happened to be one of the seal people, was perfect as she laughed off the idea of people turning in to seals and being a part of the sea. The character was in pure disbelief, and rightfully so.
As she came to grips with a fantastical creature, so do the readers, but more importantly is what is also happening at the same time in the story. Megs clearly his trust/abandonment issues with Niall, and she clearly states how she refuses to become entangled with him again out of fear that he would slip away, but as she begins to come to terms with who/what he truly is she becomes drastically more open minded to new ideas and new ideals.
As she helps him through his quest to find his missing pelt(a selkie's source of power), Meggie slowly evolves in to a character able to find love again through the idea of acceptance that sometimes that things aren't always what they appear to be.
This was a excellent short, and I will be reading this again while awaiting the author's next work!
July 26, 2016
Review also available on my blog The Shameful Narcissist speaks.
I generally hate surprises unless it comes to stories. Being well versed in general mythology, I know the lore about selkies: human to seal shapeshifters who leave their seal pelts behind when the change. This leaves them vulnerable to theft of their true identity, for a selkie without his seal skin is only half whole. This is the foundation of By the Sea.
Like many young girls Megan has an imaginary friend; the only difference is hers is real. Then he disappears making Megan doubt her sanity and her worth. Now several years later, while working as a waitress, she notices something odd about her new coworker, and it doesn't take her long to realize he's her "imaginary friend" Niall. Initially angry and betrayed until Niall explains the reason for his desertion and also entreats her for help in restoring him to his full self.
I was pleasantly surprised by the twist in this story, for I've never seen this combination of fae before. The antagonist is terrifying and makes the story take quite a dark turn, putting both Niall and Megan in horrifying danger, and shattering her perceptions of the real world.
This story is well written with an almost whimsical tone to begin. The language leads you to think of the sea, breathy and light to glide alongside the loss the main character feels. The tension is heightened beautifully at the dire moments where you feel the same terror as the characters, doubly Megan whose suddenly thrown into a world she never knew existed. Their romance is sweet and almost childlike, as if Megan is still dealing with unresolved issues from that time, but it fits perfectly due to Niall's true nature. They can both grow together. Him in the aftermath, no longer trapped but a willing denizen of her sphere, and her now privy to the secrets of his nature.
I generally hate surprises unless it comes to stories. Being well versed in general mythology, I know the lore about selkies: human to seal shapeshifters who leave their seal pelts behind when the change. This leaves them vulnerable to theft of their true identity, for a selkie without his seal skin is only half whole. This is the foundation of By the Sea.
Like many young girls Megan has an imaginary friend; the only difference is hers is real. Then he disappears making Megan doubt her sanity and her worth. Now several years later, while working as a waitress, she notices something odd about her new coworker, and it doesn't take her long to realize he's her "imaginary friend" Niall. Initially angry and betrayed until Niall explains the reason for his desertion and also entreats her for help in restoring him to his full self.
I was pleasantly surprised by the twist in this story, for I've never seen this combination of fae before. The antagonist is terrifying and makes the story take quite a dark turn, putting both Niall and Megan in horrifying danger, and shattering her perceptions of the real world.
This story is well written with an almost whimsical tone to begin. The language leads you to think of the sea, breathy and light to glide alongside the loss the main character feels. The tension is heightened beautifully at the dire moments where you feel the same terror as the characters, doubly Megan whose suddenly thrown into a world she never knew existed. Their romance is sweet and almost childlike, as if Megan is still dealing with unresolved issues from that time, but it fits perfectly due to Niall's true nature. They can both grow together. Him in the aftermath, no longer trapped but a willing denizen of her sphere, and her now privy to the secrets of his nature.
October 14, 2014
A short, light and refreshing romance with fantasy and paranormal elements!
By the Sea is a great novelette that reads as a short, fun, contemporary romance from the onset. However, as it opens up and the reader begins to settle into the story, the fantasy paranormal elements emerge.
Megan had been through so much to be rid of the delusions of her imaginary friend, Niall. And yet here is the new boy in town, Mason, with so many likenesses to her long gone friend. Megan wants to lead a normal life and decides not to let Mason in too much. She cannot go down that path and be left hurt and confused again. And yet despite this, her feelings of the past have not disappeared and have re-ignited with Mason.
As well as the romance current running gently throughout the story, later we realise that Niall is also on a mission to seek something that has been taken from him. Not only that but it could also bring a little paranormal trouble to Megan. These scenes I found exciting and left wanting more.
Being a short story doesn’t always allow much build up to prepare the reader, and I found this to be the case, only ever so slightly, with the supernatural element of the story. Once I had accepted the idea of what Niall was I was able to delve further and empathise with Megan’s character – the confusion and re-surfacing of her past feelings.
By the Sea is a nice story with something to offer the contemporary romance reader and the fantasy paranormal fans. I would recommend that it is suitable for Young Adults and over, and there is a coming-of-age feel in regards to the young characters of the book.
A copy of By the Sea was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
By the Sea is a great novelette that reads as a short, fun, contemporary romance from the onset. However, as it opens up and the reader begins to settle into the story, the fantasy paranormal elements emerge.
Megan had been through so much to be rid of the delusions of her imaginary friend, Niall. And yet here is the new boy in town, Mason, with so many likenesses to her long gone friend. Megan wants to lead a normal life and decides not to let Mason in too much. She cannot go down that path and be left hurt and confused again. And yet despite this, her feelings of the past have not disappeared and have re-ignited with Mason.
As well as the romance current running gently throughout the story, later we realise that Niall is also on a mission to seek something that has been taken from him. Not only that but it could also bring a little paranormal trouble to Megan. These scenes I found exciting and left wanting more.
Being a short story doesn’t always allow much build up to prepare the reader, and I found this to be the case, only ever so slightly, with the supernatural element of the story. Once I had accepted the idea of what Niall was I was able to delve further and empathise with Megan’s character – the confusion and re-surfacing of her past feelings.
By the Sea is a nice story with something to offer the contemporary romance reader and the fantasy paranormal fans. I would recommend that it is suitable for Young Adults and over, and there is a coming-of-age feel in regards to the young characters of the book.
A copy of By the Sea was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
December 7, 2014
Well, where do I begin? I can honestly say, I’m almost speechless…those of you that know me will know that that is serious business.
McIntyre’s writing style is completely flawless. Reading her work is like floating on the waves of a comforting sea (pun intended).
This story is set in a gorgeous seaside town. Poor Meagan has suffered years of therapy having clung onto an ‘imaginary’ friend well past it’s ‘sell by date’. Her family and therapist managed to convince her that she had imagined a whole person, dreamed him up until *poof* he was gone. With no proof he ever existed she had no choice but to believe he’d been nothing but a figment of her imagination.
That’s until he shows up in town seven years later, going by a different name, but she recognises him anyway and finally get’s some guts from somewhere to confront him. When he gave her his explanation of why he’d disappeared I kind of reared by head back… He’s a what?. But I have to tell you it worked. It worked because it was refreshingly different.
Anyway, Niall has lost something precious, something he really needs back. Meagan agrees to help him find it even though she’s filled with despair, knowing he’ll disappear from her life once more as soon as the object if found.
This novella is beautifully written, filled with angst, and possesses a unique story line. It’s written in first person, which I tend to enjoy. I connected with the two main characters and easily gauged exactly what Niall was thinking and feeling despite the story being in the first person. The story was captivating, funny, sweet and unputdownable.
Well done to the Author! This is the easiest five stars (or five shells in this case) I’ve ever given to a book…
McIntyre’s writing style is completely flawless. Reading her work is like floating on the waves of a comforting sea (pun intended).
This story is set in a gorgeous seaside town. Poor Meagan has suffered years of therapy having clung onto an ‘imaginary’ friend well past it’s ‘sell by date’. Her family and therapist managed to convince her that she had imagined a whole person, dreamed him up until *poof* he was gone. With no proof he ever existed she had no choice but to believe he’d been nothing but a figment of her imagination.
That’s until he shows up in town seven years later, going by a different name, but she recognises him anyway and finally get’s some guts from somewhere to confront him. When he gave her his explanation of why he’d disappeared I kind of reared by head back… He’s a what?. But I have to tell you it worked. It worked because it was refreshingly different.
Anyway, Niall has lost something precious, something he really needs back. Meagan agrees to help him find it even though she’s filled with despair, knowing he’ll disappear from her life once more as soon as the object if found.
This novella is beautifully written, filled with angst, and possesses a unique story line. It’s written in first person, which I tend to enjoy. I connected with the two main characters and easily gauged exactly what Niall was thinking and feeling despite the story being in the first person. The story was captivating, funny, sweet and unputdownable.
Well done to the Author! This is the easiest five stars (or five shells in this case) I’ve ever given to a book…
July 4, 2014
My Rating: B, Liked It
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author.
Meggie has spent her whole like in Weymouth, a little sea-side town. She works two jobs to make ends meet. When Meggie was young, she had an imaginary friend, but Niall wasn't like ordinary imaginary friends. He stuck by Meggie's side all the way through middle school, swimming with her in the waves and helping her find unique shells. Then seven years ago, Niall vanished.
Now Mason shows up in town, working as a new hire at the restaurant Meggie works. Not only does Mason look identical to Niall, but he seemed genuinely interested in Meggie's unique shell necklace. Is it just a coincidence?
By the Sea is a short and sweet paranormal romance, with a simple yet interesting storyline. Ms. McIntyre does a good job giving readers a solid backstory and creating a heroine I want to cheer for. While there isn’t space for a whole lot of plot, there is just enough to create an enjoyable tale.
Overall, I found only a few small issues with the story, and even those are minor. It bothered me how much Meggie continually doubted her own sanity and how often she referred to Niall as her “made-up friend.” I also felt Mason made a decision or two that were a bit presumptuous.
By the Sea is a sweet, PG-rated romance. It is very short, but the author does a good job creating interesting characters with a decent backstory and a story with a solid conflict.
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author.
Meggie has spent her whole like in Weymouth, a little sea-side town. She works two jobs to make ends meet. When Meggie was young, she had an imaginary friend, but Niall wasn't like ordinary imaginary friends. He stuck by Meggie's side all the way through middle school, swimming with her in the waves and helping her find unique shells. Then seven years ago, Niall vanished.
Now Mason shows up in town, working as a new hire at the restaurant Meggie works. Not only does Mason look identical to Niall, but he seemed genuinely interested in Meggie's unique shell necklace. Is it just a coincidence?
By the Sea is a short and sweet paranormal romance, with a simple yet interesting storyline. Ms. McIntyre does a good job giving readers a solid backstory and creating a heroine I want to cheer for. While there isn’t space for a whole lot of plot, there is just enough to create an enjoyable tale.
Overall, I found only a few small issues with the story, and even those are minor. It bothered me how much Meggie continually doubted her own sanity and how often she referred to Niall as her “made-up friend.” I also felt Mason made a decision or two that were a bit presumptuous.
By the Sea is a sweet, PG-rated romance. It is very short, but the author does a good job creating interesting characters with a decent backstory and a story with a solid conflict.
November 8, 2014
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock
Megan had an imaginary friend when she was a girl called Niall who she spent hours with until he suddenly disappeared. After years with a therapist Megan is working two jobs trying to live a normal life. Then Mason starts working at the same restaurant and the similarities to her childhood friend are unmistakable. Are Mason and Niall the same person?
This story has a lovely romance with a little paranormal twist that adds another level. While the romance grows between Megan and Mason they set out on a mission to locate something that has been taken from Mason.
Although this is a short read it has a heartwarming romance and a mystery that is exciting. I would recommend this book to anybody that likes a contemporary, fantasy or paranormal romance and it would also be suited to a young adult reader.
Overall I found this a lovely short story.
May 24, 2016
What a great beach read this would have been! I couldn't wait until vacation time to finish the book though. Fun, interesting and funny. This is my first paranormal romance read and I wasn't sure how I would feel. I am pleased to say it was very enjoyable and I found myself wishing it was longer.
June 10, 2014
Most children have an imaginary friend. They hang around for a few years, and then they disappear as the child moves on to different things.
Megan is different, she was so close with her imaginary friend Niall that he followed her for years, but he would only meet her by the sea.
When the restaurant where she works hires a new waiter, Megan feels as though she is seeing a ghost. He IS Niall. He looks exactly like him. But, that can’t be real. His name is Mason.
This seems like a charming innocent love story between a now-grown woman and her imaginary friend.
When she figured out the real reason he had to leave her, I couldn’t help bust burst out laughing. He is a seal that can transform into a human, but before having the choice to live on land or in the water, he must spend seven years in the sea. That is why he had to leave her as a child.
He cannot return to the sea because someone had stolen his pelt that allows him to transform back into a seal. Upon discovering that it was some sort of demon that had stolen it, Megan’s life is put in danger as the demon attacks her.
Niall comes to her rescue and she must try to find his pelt before it is too late.
Katherine’s writing style was good enough to keep me interested. It was written at a quick pace and didn’t seem to fall off, but after hitting the midway part of the book, the story just took a strange turn and lost me.
2/5 stars
Megan is different, she was so close with her imaginary friend Niall that he followed her for years, but he would only meet her by the sea.
When the restaurant where she works hires a new waiter, Megan feels as though she is seeing a ghost. He IS Niall. He looks exactly like him. But, that can’t be real. His name is Mason.
This seems like a charming innocent love story between a now-grown woman and her imaginary friend.
When she figured out the real reason he had to leave her, I couldn’t help bust burst out laughing. He is a seal that can transform into a human, but before having the choice to live on land or in the water, he must spend seven years in the sea. That is why he had to leave her as a child.
He cannot return to the sea because someone had stolen his pelt that allows him to transform back into a seal. Upon discovering that it was some sort of demon that had stolen it, Megan’s life is put in danger as the demon attacks her.
Niall comes to her rescue and she must try to find his pelt before it is too late.
Katherine’s writing style was good enough to keep me interested. It was written at a quick pace and didn’t seem to fall off, but after hitting the midway part of the book, the story just took a strange turn and lost me.
2/5 stars
January 2, 2015
By the Sea
by Katherine McIntyre
Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
When Megan was younger she had an invisible friend called Niall. After a few years he disappears and she felt very left out and hurt. When Megan grows up being told he was never real from a Dr and her parents she has huge hang ups about it. After seven years he turns up at her work as a colleague and make a play for her, she is torn between if she should make a go of it or not as she knows her heart will be broken if she does, but she agrees to help him find something of his that was stolen from him and there are some strange things happing. But is he really what he tells her he is????
I found this book entertaining enough but it would suit a young adult better than a mature woman unless she doesn't like to read saucy books. The story is nice enough if you have never read anything paranormal. But for me it was a little too tame and hence I can only give it 3 stars.
by Katherine McIntyre
Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
When Megan was younger she had an invisible friend called Niall. After a few years he disappears and she felt very left out and hurt. When Megan grows up being told he was never real from a Dr and her parents she has huge hang ups about it. After seven years he turns up at her work as a colleague and make a play for her, she is torn between if she should make a go of it or not as she knows her heart will be broken if she does, but she agrees to help him find something of his that was stolen from him and there are some strange things happing. But is he really what he tells her he is????
I found this book entertaining enough but it would suit a young adult better than a mature woman unless she doesn't like to read saucy books. The story is nice enough if you have never read anything paranormal. But for me it was a little too tame and hence I can only give it 3 stars.
April 8, 2016
First page hooked me and I didn't want it to end! This needs to be a full length novel because I could easily just kept going and going. Amazing descriptions of a coastal town and it took me right back to my summers at the beach. The fantasy portion of the story is spectacular, loved every page of it
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews