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Beneath the Loch
Beneath the Loch: A Novella: A Dark Lesbian Romance
As a child, Mairi made a deal with a young fae - a kiss in exchange for gills.
Now, betrothed to a man she hardly knows, Mairi is desperate to escape her fate. When she finds that same fae at the river's edge, she's offered a proposal that makes her skin grow cold . . . and her blood run hot.
Romance meets horror in this lesbian fairytale. Do you dare dive . . . Beneath the Loch?
As a child, Mairi made a deal with a young fae - a kiss in exchange for gills.
Now, betrothed to a man she hardly knows, Mairi is desperate to escape her fate. When she finds that same fae at the river's edge, she's offered a proposal that makes her skin grow cold . . . and her blood run hot.
Romance meets horror in this lesbian fairytale. Do you dare dive . . . Beneath the Loch?
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2018
38 people are currently reading
1099 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Simper
22 books873 followersSD Simper is a bestselling horror author, award-winner of fantasy romance, and understands that the true secret to writing great villains is living with cats. She and her wife share a home with four cats, a Great Dane, and innumerable bookshelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
August 18, 2021
At the beginning of this dark fantasy romance novella, a human child, Mairi, meets a kelpie child, Olphia, who offers to give her gills in exchange for a kiss. Both lonely children find solace in their friendship until adults realise what’s going on and go on a kelpie hunt. Nine years later, as she’s about to marry a man she doesn’t know, Mairi goes back to the river and the young women get reacquainted.
Mairi is sweet and trusting, Olphia is terrifying and complex, at once murderous and caring. The dynamic between them is exciting, not entirely balanced as Olphia could easily kill Mairi and that’s what makes it so interesting: just because she could doesn’t mean she will. Or will she?
Once again, Lois Ridge’s narration does justice to this Scottish folklore retelling.
Mairi is sweet and trusting, Olphia is terrifying and complex, at once murderous and caring. The dynamic between them is exciting, not entirely balanced as Olphia could easily kill Mairi and that’s what makes it so interesting: just because she could doesn’t mean she will. Or will she?
Once again, Lois Ridge’s narration does justice to this Scottish folklore retelling.
October 29, 2018
It's been about two weeks since I read this which bites...It means the immediacy of detail is no longer with me to write this review.
I can say that I liked the story. It's a dark fantasy f/f romance with bits of horror set in a historical England.
Mairi is the single daughter of her parents and she lives near a loch that is home to a dark fae / mermaid-like creature that the village fears. Despite the novella having gore, the romance between Mairi and the creature is actually pretty sweet.
I remember thinking there were elements that held this story back and that I liked the author's novel "The Sting of Victory" more. It didn't seem as polished to me. However, "Beneath the Loch" is a quite decent and quick read currently available on Kindle Unlimited. It's also perfect for Halloween.
3.8 stars
I can say that I liked the story. It's a dark fantasy f/f romance with bits of horror set in a historical England.
Mairi is the single daughter of her parents and she lives near a loch that is home to a dark fae / mermaid-like creature that the village fears. Despite the novella having gore, the romance between Mairi and the creature is actually pretty sweet.
I remember thinking there were elements that held this story back and that I liked the author's novel "The Sting of Victory" more. It didn't seem as polished to me. However, "Beneath the Loch" is a quite decent and quick read currently available on Kindle Unlimited. It's also perfect for Halloween.
3.8 stars
January 16, 2023
I liked the concept of this novella a lot, I just wish it didn't end where it did. I wanted more of Mairi and Olphia's relationship. I would have enjoyed it a lot more if it was a full length novel.
October 29, 2018
A forbidden friendship formed between Mairi and Olphia when Mairi was just a little girl. Mairi had been curious of the magical creatures from the stories told by her mother and meeting Olphia was better than she could ever wished for. Like all things forbidden, their friendship was discovered and they were separated.
The tale was told in the past/present and through Mairi's POV. Mairi was a sweetheart, had been attracted to women since she discovered that the experimental kisses she shared with her friends were something she yearned for. Nothing on Olphia except for she was as enthralled by Mairi as Mairi of her.
Their reunion was right on time, Olphia helped Mairi in an exchange for, read it free on KU.
A short read, nice enough, lovable charactes and available on KU.
The tale was told in the past/present and through Mairi's POV. Mairi was a sweetheart, had been attracted to women since she discovered that the experimental kisses she shared with her friends were something she yearned for. Nothing on Olphia except for she was as enthralled by Mairi as Mairi of her.
Their reunion was right on time, Olphia helped Mairi in an exchange for, read it free on KU.
A short read, nice enough, lovable charactes and available on KU.
June 22, 2020
A fabulous romantic thriller short about a Sea Fae (Kelpie) and a human.
Free on kindle unlimited.
Free on kindle unlimited.
October 11, 2023
Olphia 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
November 14, 2020
A wildfire could not be tamed. But it could be drowned.
As with all short stories/novellas, the less said the better. But I do have to note that I usually don't read much 'dark' romances, and yet this hit the spot for me in a very particular way? It didn't seek to fit an entire romance structure/plot into the length of a novelette, and it was eerie and atmospheric and sprinkled with horror; everything I expected from the blurb. I just have a soft spot for monster-girls! 🥺
March 27, 2021
3.5 stars
Not sure how I feel about this author’s writing style, but the story itself was pretty interesting.
Not sure how I feel about this author’s writing style, but the story itself was pretty interesting.
October 9, 2024
Unfortunately, BENEATH THE LOCH didn't really work for me. Considering how short this is, it spent too much time in the past showing how Mairi and Olphia were childhood friends, so once they were adults the transition from not seeing each other for years to suddenly being in love was too abrupt. I liked the concept of Olphia being a people-eating kelpie who helps Mairi out of a tough situation but Mairi was too hesitant about everything. She was so desperate to escape her new husband that it felt like the consent wasn't 100% there and sleeping with Olphia was just what she had to do to accomplish her goal, not something she actually wanted to do.
I know with novellas it can be hard to fully develop characters and their motivations but it really showed with BENEATH THE LOCH. With only Mairi's POV we understand her fairly well but Olphia is pretty flat. Other than being a monster she doesn't have much of a personality and we know almost nothing about her. Overall, I think this just suffered from being only 40 pages.
Content Warning: gore
I know with novellas it can be hard to fully develop characters and their motivations but it really showed with BENEATH THE LOCH. With only Mairi's POV we understand her fairly well but Olphia is pretty flat. Other than being a monster she doesn't have much of a personality and we know almost nothing about her. Overall, I think this just suffered from being only 40 pages.
Content Warning: gore
August 20, 2021
4 Stars - all the things that make for a good fairy tale are here. really enjoyed it!
Read
October 13, 2023i need more spooky books like this im going insane
June 25, 2018
It says it is a lesbian fantasy, but this book would appeal to anyone who loves a beautifully written story. True escapism at its finest. I found myself disappointed that the book ended when it did, and wished there was more to read. I can't say enough about how much of a great little read this is. I can't wait for this author to publish more! 5 stars.
March 10, 2022
Starting in childhood and ending in adulthood this dark romance follows a girl, Mairi, and a young selkie, Olphia, meeting and playing together until they’re discovered by the towns people and the selkie is run off. They don’t meet again until adulthood when Mairi is engaged to a man she doesn’t want to marry. It’s short, sweet, a little gore; it was great.
December 2, 2024
Føles litt urettferdig å rate denne, da jeg har lest den på nattevakt og er mer eller mindre kognitivt nedsatt 🙃
+ at den er så kort at det føles vanskelig å bedømme. En plass mellom to og tre. God idé, men føles uferdig
+ at den er så kort at det føles vanskelig å bedømme. En plass mellom to og tre. God idé, men føles uferdig
April 11, 2025
4.5 Stars
How is it short but so complete? SD Simper is truly one of a kind storyteller. The atmosphere, the characters, the gruesomeness, all covered in this novella length firecracker of a story.
How is it short but so complete? SD Simper is truly one of a kind storyteller. The atmosphere, the characters, the gruesomeness, all covered in this novella length firecracker of a story.
March 7, 2021
A deliciously dark short story featuring Mairi and a fae kelpie with golden eyes and shark teeth. When Mairi befriends Olphia as a child, her parents instil a fear of demons, but Mairi can't forget the chaste kiss with Olphia that gave her gills. When Mairi is given to a male suitor against her will, she enlists Olphia's help to... Solve the problem. A perfect length of short story, beautifully written, intriguing, enticing, and dark. A great read!
June 27, 2020
This was absolutely masterly fantasy short story! Who knows behind the terrific covers there is a wonderful love story? The story involves a terrific Kelpie monster known as Olphia with Mairi. The friendship between them ends up with a beautiful relationship. Mairi’s fantastical adventure is very well-written. I am looking forward to read another S. D. Simper work!
Thank you Annmaree for your kindness recommend this book!
Thank you Annmaree for your kindness recommend this book!
September 16, 2023
S D Simper is fast becoming a new top tier favourite author.
Beneath the Loch reads as a dark fairy tale and damn am I all here for it. It’s a short read and oh how I’d love to see the story stretched out.
The writing is beautiful and encompassing as we go from the tragedy of Mairi’s childhood to a situation that threatens to crush her and steal her home and freedom.
I loved the way Mairi’s parents are as trapped as her but show in their own way their sorry and regret for their child.
I also kinda dug the dark glimpses of Mairi as well. She suspected what might happen and while it disturbed her, she is not the sweet and innocent wilting flower she’s presented and thoughts to be.
Brilliant read. Give me more sapphic speculative fiction with this level of beautiful writing and compelling characters and stories.
Beneath the Loch reads as a dark fairy tale and damn am I all here for it. It’s a short read and oh how I’d love to see the story stretched out.
The writing is beautiful and encompassing as we go from the tragedy of Mairi’s childhood to a situation that threatens to crush her and steal her home and freedom.
I loved the way Mairi’s parents are as trapped as her but show in their own way their sorry and regret for their child.
I also kinda dug the dark glimpses of Mairi as well. She suspected what might happen and while it disturbed her, she is not the sweet and innocent wilting flower she’s presented and thoughts to be.
Brilliant read. Give me more sapphic speculative fiction with this level of beautiful writing and compelling characters and stories.
December 22, 2025
3.75! Local woman falls into river and in love with faerie demon woman living in said river because men are the worst. I could have done with a whole lot more about them, tbh
September 6, 2023
Content warning: drowning, mutilation, forced marriage, blood, gore
This is a quick read about an interrupted childhood friendship between a kelpie and young woman that turns into something primal and deadly.
I loved the relationship between Mairi and Olphia. The contrast of sweet and pragmatic really worked for me, especially given the primeval nature of their relationship. I really like how the plot escalates into different kinds of transgression against what Mairi wants for herself and what her parents want for her. There’s a lot of defiance, and I enjoyed Simper exploring Mairi’s coming of age.
Violent and tender in equal measure, definitely a delight if you want a romance dipped in mythology with two compelling leads.
This is a quick read about an interrupted childhood friendship between a kelpie and young woman that turns into something primal and deadly.
I loved the relationship between Mairi and Olphia. The contrast of sweet and pragmatic really worked for me, especially given the primeval nature of their relationship. I really like how the plot escalates into different kinds of transgression against what Mairi wants for herself and what her parents want for her. There’s a lot of defiance, and I enjoyed Simper exploring Mairi’s coming of age.
Violent and tender in equal measure, definitely a delight if you want a romance dipped in mythology with two compelling leads.
August 2, 2025
Mairi and Olphia were an interesting couple in a world that didn’t accept the independence of women nor their love for each other. Their childhood meeting was sweet and the separation sad. I would have loved more getting to know the main characters, but I was still invested in them being together.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: murder, human eaten by monster, forced marriage, religious oppression of women, homophobia, drowning, dismemberment, blood, gore, financial troubles
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: murder, human eaten by monster, forced marriage, religious oppression of women, homophobia, drowning, dismemberment, blood, gore, financial troubles
December 31, 2023
This is a short and to the point novella that doesn’t waste any time. The story opens with Mairi, a little girl who is a relentless explorer. She finds a river and rushes into it, quickly being overpowered by the current. Before she can drown, a golden eyed girl with skin that “[shone] like a seal” rescues her. The pair regard each other curiously and although the girl, Olphia, isn’t human, they quickly form a friendship.
The danger can be felt in the writing but Mairi quickly steps over that to meet Olphia on her level, crafting a sweet friendship that brings forth a bargain. Olphia will grant Mairi gills if Mairi gives Olphia a single kiss.
The pair are soon inseperable and suddenly Olphia doesn’t seem so monstrous to Mairi anymore.
The writing in this novella is crisp and vivid, and nothing overstays its welcome. While the love scene felt like it was missing something, it’s not enough for me to rate it lower than 3 stars. Overall it’s not amazing, but it’s also not bad. I’m just not sure how memorable it will be in the coming months.
Writing Quality:8/10
Pacing:7/10
Plot development:5/10
Characters: 7/10
Enjoyability: 5/10
Ease of Reading: 5/10
Ending: 6/10
Who is this for? : Fans of SD Simpers other works
‘“Aren’t you cold?” Mairi continued, and she sat up, oxygen calming her startled heart. Cold seeped into her skin, exasperated by the faint breeze and icy water clinging to her dress.
The girl shook her head, no other response leaving her lips. When her mouth spread into a smile, Mairi saw rows of razor-sharp teeth, more akin to a shark than a human girl.’
The danger can be felt in the writing but Mairi quickly steps over that to meet Olphia on her level, crafting a sweet friendship that brings forth a bargain. Olphia will grant Mairi gills if Mairi gives Olphia a single kiss.
‘Lighter than butterfly wings, Olphia’s lips touched Mairi’s, pressing against the corner of her mouth less than a second before she darted away, a bee buzzing off to a new flower.’
The pair are soon inseperable and suddenly Olphia doesn’t seem so monstrous to Mairi anymore.
The writing in this novella is crisp and vivid, and nothing overstays its welcome. While the love scene felt like it was missing something, it’s not enough for me to rate it lower than 3 stars. Overall it’s not amazing, but it’s also not bad. I’m just not sure how memorable it will be in the coming months.
Writing Quality:8/10
Pacing:7/10
Plot development:5/10
Characters: 7/10
Enjoyability: 5/10
Ease of Reading: 5/10
Ending: 6/10
Who is this for? : Fans of SD Simpers other works
November 20, 2024
I had a good time reading this novella. It would have been nice if it was just a little bit longer. The romance between Mairi and Olphia was sweet and bloody. I would recommend this to readers who are into monster romance.
October 24, 2021
This one was so enjoyable!! It reminded me of some of the fairy tales I read as a kid, Gail Carson Levine style but with Sapphic and gore elements added.
June 24, 2023
Meh. Not long enough to judge.
Not great but not at all bad either.
It barely has any proper romance or horror. It's more like a folk tale.
Not great but not at all bad either.
It barely has any proper romance or horror. It's more like a folk tale.
October 31, 2025
4,5 ⭐️
bueno bueno, es literalmente el videoclip de "casual" de chappell roan. 🧜🏻♀️🌊🩵
es super cortito y perfecto y que vivan las mujeres. eso sí, la portada dan ganas de arrancarse los ojos.
bueno bueno, es literalmente el videoclip de "casual" de chappell roan. 🧜🏻♀️🌊🩵
es super cortito y perfecto y que vivan las mujeres. eso sí, la portada dan ganas de arrancarse los ojos.
June 18, 2019
Spoiler free and no rehashing of the plot.
A few years ago I found myself getting bored of lesbian fiction. I love a good romance, but they are all the same, you know? Perfect characters falling into perfect love so they can live their perfect lives. It's a nice fantasy, a wonderful fantasy, but sometimes I want something completely different. Something that yanks me out of that comfort zone and forces me to pay attention. Simply put, I long for lesbian fiction that looks nothing like those pleasant beach reads.
S.D Simper delivers in a huge way.
This novella is extraordinary in its difference from almost anything I've read in the lesfic genre. Honestly, I don't think there is anything quite like it, content or quality wise. There are lesbians, no doubt, but there is a healthy helping of fantasy and horror to go along with it. If you've read this author's full-length novel, The Sting of Victory, then you'll have some idea of what you're in for. If not, then be prepared for some dark themes. If you've ever read Grimm's Fairy Tales, then you'll get my meaning concerning the dark theme. Except, this dark fairy tale has lesbians, and that pleases my tiny gay heart in a big way.
There is something this author does that I'm coming to expect as a common theme. She asks us a question. Can you love a monster? Even when they do awful repulsive things? And I'll be honest, Olphia is every bit a storybook monster. She is scary, absolutely terrifying, and highly capable of being the stuff of childhood nightmares. But there are also these moments, with Mairi, that are gentle, almost sweet. Watching these scenes play out was a fascinating experience, and I loved every minute of it. Olphia is beautiful, exotic, and absolutely nightmarish. But she is also capable of love.
4.5 - Great for lesfic fantasy/horror enthusiasts
Note: I had some issues with reading this on my Kindle. I couldn't adjust the font size and thus was forced to read it on my laptop so I could use a larger screen. It's almost like it is a scanned pdf.
A few years ago I found myself getting bored of lesbian fiction. I love a good romance, but they are all the same, you know? Perfect characters falling into perfect love so they can live their perfect lives. It's a nice fantasy, a wonderful fantasy, but sometimes I want something completely different. Something that yanks me out of that comfort zone and forces me to pay attention. Simply put, I long for lesbian fiction that looks nothing like those pleasant beach reads.
S.D Simper delivers in a huge way.
This novella is extraordinary in its difference from almost anything I've read in the lesfic genre. Honestly, I don't think there is anything quite like it, content or quality wise. There are lesbians, no doubt, but there is a healthy helping of fantasy and horror to go along with it. If you've read this author's full-length novel, The Sting of Victory, then you'll have some idea of what you're in for. If not, then be prepared for some dark themes. If you've ever read Grimm's Fairy Tales, then you'll get my meaning concerning the dark theme. Except, this dark fairy tale has lesbians, and that pleases my tiny gay heart in a big way.
There is something this author does that I'm coming to expect as a common theme. She asks us a question. Can you love a monster? Even when they do awful repulsive things? And I'll be honest, Olphia is every bit a storybook monster. She is scary, absolutely terrifying, and highly capable of being the stuff of childhood nightmares. But there are also these moments, with Mairi, that are gentle, almost sweet. Watching these scenes play out was a fascinating experience, and I loved every minute of it. Olphia is beautiful, exotic, and absolutely nightmarish. But she is also capable of love.
4.5 - Great for lesfic fantasy/horror enthusiasts
Note: I had some issues with reading this on my Kindle. I couldn't adjust the font size and thus was forced to read it on my laptop so I could use a larger screen. It's almost like it is a scanned pdf.
November 1, 2018
Beneath the Loch was a title that caught my eye when I was looking into writing dark romance myself. I wanted to find examples that meshed my interests in fantasy, romance, and horror. It wasn’t and still isn’t simple since on the Amazon charts it’s easy to get led astray, especially if you don’t really know what you’re looking for. The lesbian section alone is vastly misrepresentative. Beneath the Loch promised to meet some of my needs. It did that and more.
The cover is ominous and simple. Not especially striking for dark romance, nor erotica mind you, but it is appropriate for the horror genre.
At the time, I read it, raved to my partner about it, then set it aside while I tried to develop my own style.
Beneath the Loch is told in two parts. It begins at a time where most of our fears and disappointments originate: childhood. Mairi is a lover of fairy stories. When her mother tells her that they’re as real as she believes them to be – she sets out to find one for herself. When she becomes friends with one, things are not as simple as her parents made them out to be. Mairi experiences the first heartbreak of her life and Simper conveys that beautifully.
The story moves on as Mairi comes of age and is expected to marry a man she does not know for the benefit of her family. It is then that she reunites with Olphia. Their childhood friendship is quickly rekindled, but because they have both matured – the blinders are off. True to dark romance, Mairi sees both the beauty and monstrosity Olphia has become and strikes a deal.
The rules of magic are clear in this novella which is a bonus. It has the blood and the guts. It has a fairy tale ending for the main characters. I liked it so much I reviewed it on my own website as well where I get a little more critical about the spoilers.
The cover is ominous and simple. Not especially striking for dark romance, nor erotica mind you, but it is appropriate for the horror genre.
At the time, I read it, raved to my partner about it, then set it aside while I tried to develop my own style.
Beneath the Loch is told in two parts. It begins at a time where most of our fears and disappointments originate: childhood. Mairi is a lover of fairy stories. When her mother tells her that they’re as real as she believes them to be – she sets out to find one for herself. When she becomes friends with one, things are not as simple as her parents made them out to be. Mairi experiences the first heartbreak of her life and Simper conveys that beautifully.
The story moves on as Mairi comes of age and is expected to marry a man she does not know for the benefit of her family. It is then that she reunites with Olphia. Their childhood friendship is quickly rekindled, but because they have both matured – the blinders are off. True to dark romance, Mairi sees both the beauty and monstrosity Olphia has become and strikes a deal.
The rules of magic are clear in this novella which is a bonus. It has the blood and the guts. It has a fairy tale ending for the main characters. I liked it so much I reviewed it on my own website as well where I get a little more critical about the spoilers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2022
“Kiss his cheek if you must, to earn his trust. Remove all suspicion of your intentions. Tonight, he’ll be nothing but a memory.”
This was a creepy little short story. It was a quick read about a forbidden friendship turned love. A little girl meets and forms a friendship with a fae in the river. When the fae is attacked by her family and the towns people she thinks the fae girl is gone. Fast forward many years and the women stumbles upon the same fae. A deal is made and them some violence and spice ensues. I enjoyed this read but felt it was not quite a complete story. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if it was a full length novel.
This was a creepy little short story. It was a quick read about a forbidden friendship turned love. A little girl meets and forms a friendship with a fae in the river. When the fae is attacked by her family and the towns people she thinks the fae girl is gone. Fast forward many years and the women stumbles upon the same fae. A deal is made and them some violence and spice ensues. I enjoyed this read but felt it was not quite a complete story. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if it was a full length novel.
November 17, 2024
“Play the part, Mairi,” the kelpie said. “Kiss him once you’ve said, ‘I do,’ and weep when you bid your parents goodbye.” Olphia’s lips brushed against her ear. “But the wedding night is mine; not his.”
I suspected that S.D. Simper wrote the exact kind of stuff I’ve craved reading, and turns out I was right. Dark and bloody, lyrical and sapphic. Good content right here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews