Beneath Aquatica's Waves Series by Charlie Richards

Tortelion, Tort to his friends, is a tiger shark shifter. He spends his workdays awing human audiences with a few aquatic parlor tricks. To him, it’s a pretty good gig. Plus, the people who come to World of Aquatica learn about his kind…well, tiger sharks of the non-shifter variety, anyway. A day that starts the same as any other suddenly takes a turn for the better when a mishap sends two humans tumbling into his tank. Blood in the water tells Tort that one of them is his mate... moreTortelion, Tort to his friends, is a tiger shark shifter. He spends his workdays awing human audiences with a few aquatic parlor tricks. To him, it’s a pretty good gig. Plus, the people who come to World of Aquatica learn about his kind…well, tiger sharks of the non-shifter variety, anyway. A day that starts the same as any other suddenly takes a turn for the better when a mishap sends two humans tumbling into his tank. Blood in the water tells Tort that one of them is his mate. Joining those taken to the doc’s office as a witness, Tort learns his mate is Kane Cornshun, a busy human graphic designer only visiting the area to see his sister and her kids for a few days. Tort has very little time to woo his unsuspecting mate. Can he convince Kane to give up his life and join him at Aquatica? less

Tyrone has walked—or swam—the Earth a lot of years. Most of that time he’s spent alone. Working with dozens of other marine shifters at World of Aquatica finally brings him close to others that are sort of his kind—they’re marine shifters, anyway. He works security, seeing as he can’t be in an exhibit because, technically, his kind are supposed to be extinct. When he spots a skinny human shoplifting, he catches him…and realizes the man—Braylon—is his mate... moreTyrone has walked—or swam—the Earth a lot of years. Most of that time he’s spent alone. Working with dozens of other marine shifters at World of Aquatica finally brings him close to others that are sort of his kind—they’re marine shifters, anyway. He works security, seeing as he can’t be in an exhibit because, technically, his kind are supposed to be extinct. When he spots a skinny human shoplifting, he catches him…and realizes the man—Braylon—is his mate. Tyrone convinces his boss and alpha not to call the police. Instead, they give Braylon several shifts of cleaning the park as a sort of community service. During that time, Tyrone has to go about doing something he hasn’t had to do in over four hundred years of life. Can he figure out how to woo a human so very different from himself? less

Solomon Lynch figured his decision to help his boss’s son escape from under his dominating thumb would cost him his job. Instead, it nearly costs him his life. He’s jumped and beaten in an alley, but Solomon has no delusions about who sent the men. He only lives because his ropes weren’t tied tight enough, and he manages to escape the cinderblock that was meant to send him swimming with the fishes. He doesn’t remember much after that, but rousing in an unfamiliar place is a mixed blessing... moreSolomon Lynch figured his decision to help his boss’s son escape from under his dominating thumb would cost him his job. Instead, it nearly costs him his life. He’s jumped and beaten in an alley, but Solomon has no delusions about who sent the men. He only lives because his ropes weren’t tied tight enough, and he manages to escape the cinderblock that was meant to send him swimming with the fishes. He doesn’t remember much after that, but rousing in an unfamiliar place is a mixed blessing. Doctor Anthony Keller is hawt! Solomon realizes instantly that the doc returns his attraction, but his instincts tell him that Anthony is hiding something. Besides that, how can he drag the handsome man into his screwed-up life, a life that could be cut short any minute by a vindictive rich guy? less

Captain John Casinov has two loves in his life—his family and his work. When his son, Jonathan, and the man’s family visits from Santa Cruz—primarily to try to convince him to retire and move south—John takes advantage of one of his detective’s offer. He accepts a bunch of free passes to the marine park, World of Aquatica. While there, he finds his interest snagged by a big, friendly, black-haired man. The handsome man brazenly introduces himself as William Roush…then he asks John on a date... moreCaptain John Casinov has two loves in his life—his family and his work. When his son, Jonathan, and the man’s family visits from Santa Cruz—primarily to try to convince him to retire and move south—John takes advantage of one of his detective’s offer. He accepts a bunch of free passes to the marine park, World of Aquatica. While there, he finds his interest snagged by a big, friendly, black-haired man. The handsome man brazenly introduces himself as William Roush…then he asks John on a date. While he’s flattered, John laughs it off while declining. Undeterred, William approaches John a second time later that day, so he accepts. Imagine his surprise when John discovers who William actually is—the partial owner of the marine park. John doesn’t understand why a man who’s young, confident, and rich—who could have anyone he wants—would pursue him. When William shares that shifters are real, John wonders at the man’s sanity…until William actually proves it. Can John come to grips with his newfound knowledge and accept William into his life? Or will retiring and running be the decision of the day? less

Colton Martinez is a seahorse shifter and lives a comfortable life at World of Aquatica, a shifter owned and operated marine park. When a number of others find their Fate-given mates, he doesn’t give finding his own much thought—until he scents the most alluring aroma in a big, handsome human named Waylon Davison. Discovering his mate has a boyfriend doesn’t deter Colton. Instead, he lifts Waylon’s wallet and, with the help of friends, plans his strategy for wooing the man... moreColton Martinez is a seahorse shifter and lives a comfortable life at World of Aquatica, a shifter owned and operated marine park. When a number of others find their Fate-given mates, he doesn’t give finding his own much thought—until he scents the most alluring aroma in a big, handsome human named Waylon Davison. Discovering his mate has a boyfriend doesn’t deter Colton. Instead, he lifts Waylon’s wallet and, with the help of friends, plans his strategy for wooing the man. After learning his human is disturbingly cowed by his boyfriend, Colton realizes Waylon has more to overcome than the shock of discovering that shifters exist. Even if Colton can convince Waylon to dump his jerk of a boyfriend, can he convince his human that entering a pairing with a man chosen by Fate isn’t a new prison? less

Arthur Nesky values control and order in his life. Imagine his frustration when he finds himself the focus of a stalker. After a close call, he visits a friend up north, hoping to get away from his pursuer and gain some perspective. Meeting a sexy man who lights up every nerve ending in Arthur’s body is the epitome of bad timing. Then he finds out who Kaiser is…and the secrets he holds…making him wonder if he’s jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire... moreArthur Nesky values control and order in his life. Imagine his frustration when he finds himself the focus of a stalker. After a close call, he visits a friend up north, hoping to get away from his pursuer and gain some perspective. Meeting a sexy man who lights up every nerve ending in Arthur’s body is the epitome of bad timing. Then he finds out who Kaiser is…and the secrets he holds…making him wonder if he’s jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire. Kaiser Roush is nearly three hundred years old, the alpha of his pod, and a successful businessman. Over the years, he’s learned the value of hard work, how to make harder choices, and what it takes to overcome the odds. When Kaiser meets Arthur Nesky, his mate, it comes as no surprise that there will be obstacles to overcome. Even if Kaiser can get Arthur to accept his nature, can he discover and remove the stalker threat as well? less

World of Aquatica: After a mission goes horribly awry, an injured SEAL learns that his road to recovery doesn’t have to be walked alone.Graham Canton’s life has always revolved around his work as a Navy SEAL. When faulty Intel culminates in a mission going horribly wrong, he loses more than just part of his leg. He loses his identity. While Graham knows he should feel grateful he’s returning home alive—after all, some on his team didn’t—all he can think about is how life as he knows it is over... moreWorld of Aquatica: After a mission goes horribly awry, an injured SEAL learns that his road to recovery doesn’t have to be walked alone.Graham Canton’s life has always revolved around his work as a Navy SEAL. When faulty Intel culminates in a mission going horribly wrong, he loses more than just part of his leg. He loses his identity. While Graham knows he should feel grateful he’s returning home alive—after all, some on his team didn’t—all he can think about is how life as he knows it is over. Then, living with his brother as he recovers, Graham meets Eban O’Gillie, and his life turns upside down all over again.As a dominant great white shark shifter, Eban enjoys his role as head enforcer for his pod. His life at World of Aquatica, a marine park owned and operated mostly by aquatic shifters, couldn’t be better. He loves helping his alpha and beta aid those under their care and figuring out their problems. Eban’s first look at Graham is through a security camera, and his attraction is instantaneous. When he meets the human, all becomes clear. The injured veteran is his mate.Can Eban show Graham that his worth is more than his ability as a SEAL while figuring out who’s sending him hate-filled letters? less

World of Aquatica: When one thoughtless comment drives away a shifter’s mate, he finds his patience tested as he attempts to correct the misunderstanding.When Westram McKinley met Noah Redruvian, an uncouth offer for a roll in the hay has Noah painting him with the same brush as his ex-boyfriend—an unfaithful playboy. As a nearly two-century-old longnose saw-shark shifter, he did have plenty of experience, but nothing could have been further from the truth. Noah was his mate... moreWorld of Aquatica: When one thoughtless comment drives away a shifter’s mate, he finds his patience tested as he attempts to correct the misunderstanding.When Westram McKinley met Noah Redruvian, an uncouth offer for a roll in the hay has Noah painting him with the same brush as his ex-boyfriend—an unfaithful playboy. As a nearly two-century-old longnose saw-shark shifter, he did have plenty of experience, but nothing could have been further from the truth. Noah was his mate. Westram would never stray from the man. As weeks without his mate turn into months, Westram’s shark begins to pine, becoming increasingly volatile, only calmed with the help of his alpha, Kaiser. The continued updates about Noah from Kaiser’s mate, Arthur—who is good buddies with the man—also help keep Westram from losing his mind. When Arthur comes to Westram and shares that Noah hasn’t answered his calls in two days, Westram doesn’t waste a second. He heads to Noah’s, ready for any type of vitriol the distrustful human throws at him. To his dismay, when he arrives, Noah is injured and nearly catatonic, fear oozing from every pore. Can Westram figure out how to soothe Noah and get his mate to talk to him before whatever danger had terrorized him returns? less

Price Litner has been in and out of the military more times than he cares to remember. Every decade it becomes harder and harder to keep his vampire nature hidden. When a silly mistake drags his nature into question, Price knows he needs to find a safe place to lie low. He turns to the one man he can trust—ex-team member Graham Canton.Even though Price is aware Graham lives at a marine park with a bunch of shifters, he knows he has no choice... morePrice Litner has been in and out of the military more times than he cares to remember. Every decade it becomes harder and harder to keep his vampire nature hidden. When a silly mistake drags his nature into question, Price knows he needs to find a safe place to lie low. He turns to the one man he can trust—ex-team member Graham Canton.Even though Price is aware Graham lives at a marine park with a bunch of shifters, he knows he has no choice. He has to put his life in the hands of other paranormals—something he hasn’t done in over one hundred fifty years. Price trusts Graham, so he takes the chance.One of the men who accompanies the shifter pod alpha when he comes to question Price—after all, he could be bringing trouble their way—is none other than his beloved—a giant octopus shifter named Dare Winterwall. Can Price help the shifters save not only him but their anonymity, too? Oh, and will he be able to work past his queasiness of all things…tentacled? less

World of Aquatica: A sea lion shifter recognizes his mate in a soldier and must get creative to woo him.Ovram loves his job as the tech guy for World of Aquatica... usually. The only problem is that hiding behind a computer monitor doesn’t give him much of a chance to meet new people. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself drooling over a human even through his screen. Walking into the room the man had occupied reveals why—Sergeant Louis Ferrara is his mate... moreWorld of Aquatica: A sea lion shifter recognizes his mate in a soldier and must get creative to woo him.Ovram loves his job as the tech guy for World of Aquatica... usually. The only problem is that hiding behind a computer monitor doesn’t give him much of a chance to meet new people. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself drooling over a human even through his screen. Walking into the room the man had occupied reveals why—Sergeant Louis Ferrara is his mate. Too bad the soldier was at their marine park as part of an investigation into a vampire that their shifter pod was hiding—not that Louis knows Price is a vampire.That means Ovram has to be patient, waiting until after the case is closed to approach Louis. It gives him time to research his human, discreetly delving into his history and military service. What Ovram finds leaves him confused about Fate’s thinking. They don’t have anything in common.Can Ovram step out of his comfort zone enough to make a connection with his mate? Or will when Louis learns the truth of what had actually happened to Price drive too great a wedge between them? less

World of Aquatica: When a man swims in private waters, he discovers more than he ever thought possible.Deckart Waldorf knows he’s not supposed to be swimming there, but he needs to get away. Sneaking onto the private beach seems like a good idea. His ex would never think to look for him there. After all, Deckart has always followed the letter of the law, in every area of his life. He’s never even had a parking ticket... moreWorld of Aquatica: When a man swims in private waters, he discovers more than he ever thought possible.Deckart Waldorf knows he’s not supposed to be swimming there, but he needs to get away. Sneaking onto the private beach seems like a good idea. His ex would never think to look for him there. After all, Deckart has always followed the letter of the law, in every area of his life. He’s never even had a parking ticket.While snorkeling, Deckart spots what looks like the largest sea snail he’s ever seen. He figures it has to be almost five feet in diameter. Unable to help himself, he takes a closer look. Deckart swims around it and even touches the animal. After a few minutes, the beast reaches out to him, revealing tentacles that help it move swiftly, telling him it isn’t a snail.Deckart has no idea what it is, but it doesn’t seem dangerous, joining him in playful acrobatics. When he tires and heads to shore, it follows... and turns into a man... a huge light-browned skinned man named Rawlins who claims they’re mates. Can Deckart come to grips with Rawlins’s nature before his ex tracks him down again? less

World of Aquatica: During a milking for his venom, a sea snake shifter catches a whiff of the one person who’ll change his life forever—his mate.Kenny hates getting milked—the process where Doc Anthony eases his snake’s fangs through a thin lid covering a cup in order to collect his venom. Still, he knows it’s a necessary evil if he expects to live in a shifter pod... moreWorld of Aquatica: During a milking for his venom, a sea snake shifter catches a whiff of the one person who’ll change his life forever—his mate.Kenny hates getting milked—the process where Doc Anthony eases his snake’s fangs through a thin lid covering a cup in order to collect his venom. Still, he knows it’s a necessary evil if he expects to live in a shifter pod. The doc needs it so he can always have anti-venom on hand, and since he used his last vial to save a human Kenny had bitten, he needs to make more.Imagine Kenny’s surprise when, as Doc Anthony sinks his fangs through the paper, an amazing scent teases his senses. The distraction causes him to pop his head up, and he nearly stabs a fang into the doc. In the doc’s shock, he fumbles Kenny’s snake form, dropping him to the counter.A set of hands Kenny doesn’t recognize grabs him. He struggles for an instant until he catches his new holder’s scent. Stilling, Kenny realizes the big human holding him with a firm and confident hand is his mate. He listens for a moment, learning the man is Renaldo Martinez, and he’s a snake enthusiast.When Kenny shifts, revealing what he is and declaring their connection—that Renaldo is the other half of his soul—will he be able to convince his human to be just as enamored with him in human form? less

World of Aquatica: When a jaded Navy SEAL turns to a friend for aid, he meets a man who wants to show him that there are still wonders in the world.When Britt O’Connor’s targeted by a group of mercenaries for reasons unknown, he realizes it’s time to cash in a big favor. Britt heads to World of Aquatica. He knows that’s where his ex-SEAL buddy, Price, has secretly holed up after Britt helped him flee the military police... moreWorld of Aquatica: When a jaded Navy SEAL turns to a friend for aid, he meets a man who wants to show him that there are still wonders in the world.When Britt O’Connor’s targeted by a group of mercenaries for reasons unknown, he realizes it’s time to cash in a big favor. Britt heads to World of Aquatica. He knows that’s where his ex-SEAL buddy, Price, has secretly holed up after Britt helped him flee the military police. Britt also knows that Price isn’t human, and he could use a little of the man’s paranormal abilities right about then.Getting there is easy. Getting inside and locating Price is a bit more difficult. Still, Britt manages it, only to discover that Price isn’t the only paranormal thing at the park. Vampires and shifters are real. In fact, not only does Price vouch for him, but Britt meets Gerard, a shifter who claims he’s the other half of his soul.When Gerard scents Britt as he’s on his way to meet with Alpha Kaiser, he immediately recognizes him as his mate and follows him. Discovering that Britt already knows about the paranormal, he declares that Britt is his mate, but Britt will need some convincing.While Britt can accept being attracted to the shifter, after all the depravity Britt has seen, how can he trust in something as fickle as love? less

World of Uncertain why, a shifter keeps getting drawn back to a particular coffee shop... until he’s approached by the busboy and everything becomes clear. Working as a high-profile lawyer for his shifter pod, Saul Davison keeps prying eyes away from his wealthy Alpha Kaiser Rush’s affairs. His position earns him wealth and prestige due to being a cutthroat in the courtroom... moreWorld of Uncertain why, a shifter keeps getting drawn back to a particular coffee shop... until he’s approached by the busboy and everything becomes clear. Working as a high-profile lawyer for his shifter pod, Saul Davison keeps prying eyes away from his wealthy Alpha Kaiser Rush’s affairs. His position earns him wealth and prestige due to being a cutthroat in the courtroom. The fact that he’s secretly a lion’s mane jellyfish and won’t settle down for anyone but his mate, earns him the reputation of a playboy. Saul enjoys both—the finer things the money buys, as well as the plethora of floozies attracted to his bed. When Saul finds himself repeatedly returning to a small coffee shop, he can’t understand the allure. He doesn’t even like coffee. Sitting at a table, drinking chai tea, Saul is pondering the oddity when a young Hispanic human approaches him... and asks if he can join Saul. Saul’s knee-jerk reaction is to say no, but there’s just something so earnest and sweet in the human’s expression—not something that normally attracts him. Buying time, Saul offers his hand. As the human slides his palm against Saul’s—introducing himself as Mateo—a zing of awareness rushes through Saul’s body, and it all becomes clear. Mateo is his mate. Can Saul win his sweet young human’s heart and share the world of shifters with him, or will his reputation get in the way? less

World of After spotting something troubling on the job, a paramedic turns to the paranormal for help and gets more than he bargained for. Peter Silverman found out about paranormals the prior year when one of his best friends—Waylon—bonded with a seahorse shifter. For the most part, he doesn’t think much of the fact that other beings exist right alongside humans as it doesn’t affect his job as a paramedic. That all changes when he begins running across injured people with holes in their necks... moreWorld of After spotting something troubling on the job, a paramedic turns to the paranormal for help and gets more than he bargained for. Peter Silverman found out about paranormals the prior year when one of his best friends—Waylon—bonded with a seahorse shifter. For the most part, he doesn’t think much of the fact that other beings exist right alongside humans as it doesn’t affect his job as a paramedic. That all changes when he begins running across injured people with holes in their necks. To Peter, they look suspiciously like a vampire’s bite. Bringing his suspicions to Waylon’s shifter lover, Peter is introduced to Pisces, who’s supposed to be one of the shifter pod’s best trackers. The bottlenose dolphin shifter immediately claims that Peter is his mate. Peter knows that means he’s supposed to be the other half of Pisces’s soul, but he insists on a date. The scent of a shifter on Peter has the unexpected repercussion of drawing the attention of the rogue vampire. Can Peter evade the rogue’s clutches while accepting a reality that has changed yet again? less

World of While enjoying a wine tasting with his friends, a shifter notices unruly behavior that puts his future in his path.Geoff Ignatius knows his irritable behavior is caused by jealousy, but he can’t seem to help himself. Watching friend after friend find their mate—the other half of their soul—while he still hasn’t found his is driving him nuts. At over three hundred years old, Geoff desperately wants that peace in his own life... moreWorld of While enjoying a wine tasting with his friends, a shifter notices unruly behavior that puts his future in his path.Geoff Ignatius knows his irritable behavior is caused by jealousy, but he can’t seem to help himself. Watching friend after friend find their mate—the other half of their soul—while he still hasn’t found his is driving him nuts. At over three hundred years old, Geoff desperately wants that peace in his own life.Trying to help Geoff keep busy when he’s not working, his friends take him to a nearby winery. While he’s enjoying a tasting, his attention is drawn to an altercation across the patio. One of the patrons is chastising a server. Unable to ignore it, his annoyance spiking, Geoff stalks toward the altercation. As he approaches, he scents the most hypnotic aroma, and realization strikes him—the human waiter is his mate.Unfortunately, the aggressive behavior Geoff uses against the belligerent patron also scares his mate. Can he prove to his human that he’s not a danger and win his heart? less