There's really nothing wrong with Tempest Rising. In fact, I quite liked it. Tracy Deebs has created a wonderful new world, where humankind and those who live under the sea come together. Tempest is half-mermaid so on her 17th birthday, she has to make a decision on whether she wishes to stay on land or return to the sea. It's a brilliant concept, and she even added other new bits such as Tempest going through a physical transformation, such as her skin becoming more sensitive, her body starts growing gills, etc. 
 Tempest is a realistic character. The anger she feels over her mother's abandonment and the protective streak she has developed with regard to her father and brothers were written with such precision and sympathy. Readers too, I feel, will feel equally confused as to whether Tempest should stay on land or return to the sea. 
 The writing is fluid and moves effortlessly between chapters. There is action going on as well, so there's never a dull moment. My only real problem is the romance. (It's almost always the romance) Here is where things get a little weird. I like the romance; it was passionate, innocent, sweet, tempestuous, all wrapped up in one nice package. I don't mind the pairing; I'm quite fond of the guy as well. What I don't like is how they get together in the beginning. Tempest meets this guy and in 5 minutes, she decides that she's falling in love with him already? It'd make more sense if they were the same species and it's like some sort of a supernatural pull, but it's not. I don't get it at all. She actually has a BOYFRIEND and she meets this one guy and all of a sudden, she's attracted to him and can't stop thinking about him? Makes no sense. 
 Still, the ending isn't too bad and it clearly leaves room for a sequel. It's a more-than-decent start to a series, so I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel, but please, scale down the romance nonsense.