The Wicked Sea

By: Jordan Stephanie Gray

Narrated by: Natalie Van Sistine, Oscar Reyes

In this dark and sultry romantasy a mermaid battles hatred—and lust—for the wretched warlock who saved her life.

Mermaid Zephyra of the Syl dreams of freedom. On the run from a dangerous captor and years of abuse, she’s shed her tail, grown legs, and hidden herself on land in the merrow-loathing kingdom of Mortia, left to steal and barter on the dirty streets. But her freedom is short-lived when she’s caught and sentenced to death by the brutal warlock, Arion Stone.

Arion is as beautiful as he is cold and deadly, only interested in punishing the merrow he views as evil. He has grown as strong as any warlock might, but at great personal cost ... which can only be remedied by the heart of the God of Death, lost to a fabled kingdom beneath the ocean’s treacherous depths.

So Arion offers Zephyra a deal she can’t refuse; help him find the mystical heart, and he’ll spare her life. With no other options, Zephyra agrees, entangling their souls and forbidden desires in a magical bargain until death do they part. But Zephyra's past is catching up to her, and the enemy she fled seeks vengeance. If Zephyra and Arion can't learn to fight together—and trust each other—there are worse things awaiting them than just death. Of course, in the wicked sea, everyone has secrets, and no one should be trusted.

Perfect for fans of:

• Enemies-to-lovers
• Magic
• Sensual Bonds
• Winged Romantic Leads
• Forced Proximity

Critic reviews

Advanced Praise for The Wicked Sea:

"Sexy, treacherous, and deeply romantic, this is the mermaid series we've all been waiting for."—Shelby Mahurin, New York Times bestselling author of Serpent & Dove

Advanced Praise for Bitten:

“Luminous and exhilarating…Bitten casts a spell with the first page. Full of all my favorite things—a heroine I would fight for, a world brimming with magic, and a romance that sizzles—Jordan Gray’s debut is not to be missed. This book will sink its teeth into you, and you’ll be eager for the next.”—Rebecca Ross, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals

"A deliciously dark and viciously sexy romance. You will want to devour Jordan Gray's stunning paranormal debut. But beware, this book bites back."—Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart

“A wonderfully imaginative tale of cutthroat politics and deadly romance that revels in its nostalgic evocations of classic paranormal YA. Packed with suspense, intrigue, humor, and heart, Bitten is destined to be a beloved YA classic.” —Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning

"An enchanting start to your newest fantasy addiction. Get ready to sink your fangs into a debut that’s as alluring as it is cutting, full of deadly magic, betrayal, and characters that bite. Readers will have a howling good time with this unforgettable tale.” —Adalyn Grace, #1 NYT bestselling author of Belladonna

“Darkly alluring with a forbidden romance, Bitten is a captivating read, perfect for anyone who loves their stories with banter, bite, and a brooding hero. Highly recommend curling up with this whimsical tale on a gloomy, windswept day."—Isabel Ibañez #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A dark and sexy romance. Jordan Gray weaves a vicious yet whimsical world filled with vibrant characters, knife-sharp banter, and deadly secrets, while her portrayal of Vanessa’s grief and rage is timely and powerful. An explosive start to an addictive new series—my favorite book of the year!"—Shelby Mahurin, New York Times bestselling author of Serpent & Dove

"A delectable and dark paranormal escape you can really sink your teeth into, Bitten captivates with deadly court politics, scorching hot romance, and breathtaking twists that leaves you craving more. Meet your newest obsession."—Katherine Quinn, New York Times bestelling author of To Kill A Shadow

Disappointing

I had high hopes. I've been looking for a dark romance mermaid book. it started a bit slow for me and then really started to pick up in part 2. It held my interest for most of the parts that follow. The end is what killed it for me. maybe it's forgivable if a volume 2 is in the works..... but if it's a cliff hanger, it's not very clear if the story will continue or not...

mermaids & warlocks

This is the mermaid book I didn't know I wanted, but I really needed. Zephrya is a fiery, pink-haired mermaid whose life is threatened by execution from the broody warlock named Arion. When he saves her, he creates a magical bond between them. That not only connects their lives to each other but makes them feel each other's emotions and feelings. These two enemies go on a quest to find a stone only read about in books to help heal Arion. I couldn't put this book down. The world-building was phenomenal. It felt magical and ethereal. The contrast between the land and ocean kingdoms was beautifully done. It was constantly action-packed, and the pacing of this was so well done. What I loved most of all was the true enemies-to-lovers romance between Zephrya and Arion. Arion has a learned hatred for mermaids, so when he finally falls for Zephrya, it's absolutely divine. The banter between the two is my favorite part of the book. The spice! Just throw a bucket of water on me because, goodness, it is hot!

Arion ❤️

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pacing: 🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️
Main Characters:
Arion Stone and Zephyra
This was better than I expected. Mermaids, Warlocks, and Sirens. What’s not to love? Definitely ENEMIES to lovers. These two have it out for one another. I did enjoy this but for some reason I’m still not sure if I will read book 2. I’m going to read Bitten and then my decision.


SPOILERS POSSIBLE IN TROPES

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Tropes and Triggers:
✍️ M/F
✍️ Dual POV
✍️ Enemies to Lovers
✍️ Forbidden Romance
✍️ Forced Proximity
✍️ Opposites Attract