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Villainous Heirs #1
Heir of the Tide
The ocean calls to her, but the son of the sea witch controls her fate.
Though her mother was the first mermaid to ever walk among humans, Aryania Undine has always been called to return to the sea. When she left her kingdom behind to live among merfolk, she never expected to wash ashore with a pair of legs.
Nia's desperation to reclaim her tail leads her to make a deal with the sea witch who tore apart her family. But it's Kyan Emrik—the sea witch's son—who is the true danger.
Kyan's touch sets Nia aflame with longing for more than just the sea, and he makes her question everything she thought she knew about the treacherous history their families share.
His mother nearly destroyed hers, and Nia isn't careful, he might destroy her, too.
And she's starting to think she might let him.
Dive into Heir of the Tide, a spicy standalone reimagining of the Little Mermaid with an enemies-to-lovers twist. The explicit content of the Villainous Heirs series is suitable for readers 18+.
Though her mother was the first mermaid to ever walk among humans, Aryania Undine has always been called to return to the sea. When she left her kingdom behind to live among merfolk, she never expected to wash ashore with a pair of legs.
Nia's desperation to reclaim her tail leads her to make a deal with the sea witch who tore apart her family. But it's Kyan Emrik—the sea witch's son—who is the true danger.
Kyan's touch sets Nia aflame with longing for more than just the sea, and he makes her question everything she thought she knew about the treacherous history their families share.
His mother nearly destroyed hers, and Nia isn't careful, he might destroy her, too.
And she's starting to think she might let him.
Dive into Heir of the Tide, a spicy standalone reimagining of the Little Mermaid with an enemies-to-lovers twist. The explicit content of the Villainous Heirs series is suitable for readers 18+.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2023
131 people are currently reading
842 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 19, 2023
This book truly has stuck with me even after days of having read it. It was amazingly good & im thoroughly happy I read it and experienced the twist this author had of the original Little Mermaid. Just trust me & read it yourself.
August 5, 2023
What if the Little Mermaid was evil and had a daughter? That’s pretty much the premise of this. Nia left the surface to be with her merfamily because her mother is horrible. But there’s never really any detail about what her mother did besides telling her daughter she’s never good enough and being condescending to her. When Nia is forced to come back, she teams up with the Sea Witch’s son. She knows their mother’s history (or so she thinks) and knows they can’t be together. Each time when things heat up, right in the middle she just can’t bring herself to keep going and leaves him hanging (so to speak hehe). But seriously, she runs so hot and cold, it drove me nuts. I wasn’t a huge fan of Nia’s and I felt sorry for Kyan and kind of wish he’d just leave her half the time.
The third act really picked up and had me wanting more. But was the last spicy scene necessary? I guess so, because she didn’t leave him this time. But come on…sand gets everywhere. At least take it to the bedroom lol!
Overall, it’s a 3 for me. It was ok. I felt the villain was a bit lacking depth. Just not something I’d read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2023
"Remember, little fish: just as the tides rise and fall without fail, you, too, have the strength to endure life's highs and lows."
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
Recommend if you love:
- Fairytale Retelling
- Enemies to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Slow Burn
- Forced Proximity
- Forbidden Romance
I am absolutely OBSESSED with this book!! Nia and Kyan will forever have my heart ❤️ The story was unconventional and unexpected, and one of the absolute BEST fairytale retellings I've ever read.
"I don't need her love. I'll take all her fury, all her pain, all her passion. Whatever she wants to give me."
I read this in one sitting, as I couldn't put it down. The ending was so perfect and satisfying, and I may have actually squealed and shed a happy tear (or two!) I cannot wait until a physical copy of this book is released, as I will be adding it to my personal library immediately 🥰
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
Recommend if you love:
- Fairytale Retelling
- Enemies to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Slow Burn
- Forced Proximity
- Forbidden Romance
I am absolutely OBSESSED with this book!! Nia and Kyan will forever have my heart ❤️ The story was unconventional and unexpected, and one of the absolute BEST fairytale retellings I've ever read.
"I don't need her love. I'll take all her fury, all her pain, all her passion. Whatever she wants to give me."
I read this in one sitting, as I couldn't put it down. The ending was so perfect and satisfying, and I may have actually squealed and shed a happy tear (or two!) I cannot wait until a physical copy of this book is released, as I will be adding it to my personal library immediately 🥰
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
October 27, 2024
LOVED IT!!❤️🧜♀️
How ironic that the villainess was a mermaid instead of the sea witch as we know the tale to be - it was a nice twist. I'm almost sad to see the story end, and I look forward to any other stories the author might add to this series, hopefully Del's.
NIA is what you'd expect a mermaid Princess to be - beautiful, strong, proud and willful. 5 years ago, she chose to abandon the human realm and her conniving mother for the ocean, only to be dragged into a horrible mess. After losing her tail and washing up ashore, she was found by Kyan, the sea witch's son. Clearly he was untrustworthy, and Nia had more pressing matters to deal with - mostly mother dearest who won't rest until she's had her daughter back.
KYAN is what you'd expect of a protective, alpha male character to be. Being in his circle of loved ones seemed a bliss, because he didn't strike me as a man who trusted easily. He's also ruthless towards enemies. When he found Nia, he didn't realise her identity, although being a mermaid, he was quick to try and use her. After bringing her to his mother's hut and discovering she was the Princess they needed to fulfil their revenge, Kyan was tasked to tag along the Princess while she wraps up loose ends in the mer-realm before returning to shore.
Clearly, the lines between enemies and lovers start to blur.
OVERALL now that I've written the above, I realise how TYPICAL and CLICHE this whole story seems, but sometimes, the usual and classic is best. The chemistry between Nia and Kyan was delicious, and I lament that there were only 2 hot and heavy scenes worth mentioning. I wouldn't have minded this to be more erotica than not. Also, the plot was pretty simple. If you're afraid this would be a damsel in distress kinda romance, fret not - Nia was kickass all on her own, after all THIS IS HER STORY.
How ironic that the villainess was a mermaid instead of the sea witch as we know the tale to be - it was a nice twist. I'm almost sad to see the story end, and I look forward to any other stories the author might add to this series, hopefully Del's.
NIA is what you'd expect a mermaid Princess to be - beautiful, strong, proud and willful. 5 years ago, she chose to abandon the human realm and her conniving mother for the ocean, only to be dragged into a horrible mess. After losing her tail and washing up ashore, she was found by Kyan, the sea witch's son. Clearly he was untrustworthy, and Nia had more pressing matters to deal with - mostly mother dearest who won't rest until she's had her daughter back.
KYAN is what you'd expect of a protective, alpha male character to be. Being in his circle of loved ones seemed a bliss, because he didn't strike me as a man who trusted easily. He's also ruthless towards enemies. When he found Nia, he didn't realise her identity, although being a mermaid, he was quick to try and use her. After bringing her to his mother's hut and discovering she was the Princess they needed to fulfil their revenge, Kyan was tasked to tag along the Princess while she wraps up loose ends in the mer-realm before returning to shore.
Clearly, the lines between enemies and lovers start to blur.
OVERALL now that I've written the above, I realise how TYPICAL and CLICHE this whole story seems, but sometimes, the usual and classic is best. The chemistry between Nia and Kyan was delicious, and I lament that there were only 2 hot and heavy scenes worth mentioning. I wouldn't have minded this to be more erotica than not. Also, the plot was pretty simple. If you're afraid this would be a damsel in distress kinda romance, fret not - Nia was kickass all on her own, after all THIS IS HER STORY.
January 22, 2025
Thank you for the ARC opportunity and I apologize for the extremely delayed feedback. I loved the idea of the enemies to lovers but they didn't feel like they were really enemies which was ok with me. So you may want to adjust your expectations going into the book.
I did like the MCs and thought they were a good match in the end. I loved the idea of the main characters being the son of the sea witch and daughter of the mermaid. They both felt like their own people, slightly influenced by their mothers but ultimately have their own opinions which I admire. The steamy scenes were fun and I like that we get a little variety in the scenes. I did not love the pushing or running away the FMC kept doing multiple times and found it frustrating and repetitive. I do like that the FMC had more of a role than just being a princess. I would have liked to see more with the MMC too.
The pacing and writing of the story was ok, I did find myself skipping some parts and the timing in the story could be better. We occasionally would skip ahead in time with little important scenes going on but found myself curious and kept reading to learn more.
I would have liked to see more world building but enjoyed what we experienced underwater. I did have some questions with the world underwater like how was it organized? Was there only on ruler? Were there other mer-cities? Why did they accept Kyan so easily? I think the MMC's magic should be explained more, it felt like it was kind of thrown in at the end.
Overall I enjoyed the story once the two MCs decided to team up and work together.
2.5 out of 5 rating for me!
(An ARC was provided for an honest review. I leave this review voluntarily.)
I did like the MCs and thought they were a good match in the end. I loved the idea of the main characters being the son of the sea witch and daughter of the mermaid. They both felt like their own people, slightly influenced by their mothers but ultimately have their own opinions which I admire. The steamy scenes were fun and I like that we get a little variety in the scenes. I did not love the pushing or running away the FMC kept doing multiple times and found it frustrating and repetitive. I do like that the FMC had more of a role than just being a princess. I would have liked to see more with the MMC too.
The pacing and writing of the story was ok, I did find myself skipping some parts and the timing in the story could be better. We occasionally would skip ahead in time with little important scenes going on but found myself curious and kept reading to learn more.
I would have liked to see more world building but enjoyed what we experienced underwater. I did have some questions with the world underwater like how was it organized? Was there only on ruler? Were there other mer-cities? Why did they accept Kyan so easily? I think the MMC's magic should be explained more, it felt like it was kind of thrown in at the end.
Overall I enjoyed the story once the two MCs decided to team up and work together.
2.5 out of 5 rating for me!
(An ARC was provided for an honest review. I leave this review voluntarily.)
February 24, 2024
I was obsessed with The Little Mermaid when I was a kid, like to the point where I stole the VHS tape from a friend and cried when my mom made me return it a week and 20 viewings later.
It makes sense that I love books having anything to do with the movie years later.
Though, I’ll be honest, this one was a struggle to get into. I could already tell from the writing that I would have trouble staying focused, but I pushed through and it DID get better.
I thought I was jumping into a retelling of the classic tale, so if you’re like me, just know that it’s not that. This girl, Nia, is the opposite of Ariel in the sense that she wants to stay a mermaid.
Also, this series is called Villainous Heirs for a reason. If you move the ‘a’ from ‘Ryella’ to the front, it kind of sounds like Air-ee-el. Aryell. Just saying.
As for the romance! It’s supposed to be an enemies-to-lovers, but there’s immediate attraction on both sides and they’re not nearly as mean to each other as they could be, being so called enemies and all. So that was a bummer.
While I enjoyed the story, the characters fell a little flat and it was predictable. I want tragic histories and depth and mind blowing twists and… more. I dunno.
It’s an easy, spicy book though.
I would recommend it to anyone who ran out of adult The Little Mermaid retellings to read because this one is a nice change from that.
It makes sense that I love books having anything to do with the movie years later.
Though, I’ll be honest, this one was a struggle to get into. I could already tell from the writing that I would have trouble staying focused, but I pushed through and it DID get better.
I thought I was jumping into a retelling of the classic tale, so if you’re like me, just know that it’s not that. This girl, Nia, is the opposite of Ariel in the sense that she wants to stay a mermaid.
Also, this series is called Villainous Heirs for a reason. If you move the ‘a’ from ‘Ryella’ to the front, it kind of sounds like Air-ee-el. Aryell. Just saying.
As for the romance! It’s supposed to be an enemies-to-lovers, but there’s immediate attraction on both sides and they’re not nearly as mean to each other as they could be, being so called enemies and all. So that was a bummer.
While I enjoyed the story, the characters fell a little flat and it was predictable. I want tragic histories and depth and mind blowing twists and… more. I dunno.
It’s an easy, spicy book though.
I would recommend it to anyone who ran out of adult The Little Mermaid retellings to read because this one is a nice change from that.
June 9, 2023
I was happy to find this book! After the recent release of the live action Little Mermaid, talk about right time, right story. Imagine if the Little Mermaid becomes an evil queen, and her daughter rebels. We follow the daughter, Nia, and her love interest Kyan, the sea witch’s son.
This was described as having an enemies to lovers storyline and I’m a sucker for that trope. It was not as harsh as some enemies start out, as they don’t meet under hostile circumstances. They had more of a forced proximity thing going on and I’m still here for that. It was a fluffy read with a short trigger warning, and I definitely recommend it!
This was described as having an enemies to lovers storyline and I’m a sucker for that trope. It was not as harsh as some enemies start out, as they don’t meet under hostile circumstances. They had more of a forced proximity thing going on and I’m still here for that. It was a fluffy read with a short trigger warning, and I definitely recommend it!
August 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I do wish it had been a bit more “enemies to lovers”, but what we got was great. I also wish there would have been more tension between Nia and Kyan. It was also refreshing to get spice when they were merpeople and humans. Having both made the book feel inclusive and like I wasn’t missing anything.
Some of the twists were a bit obvious, but I still enjoyed reading all of the drama and revelations.
My most favorite thing is Nia’s growth. I was also very thankful that she did not fall for her mother’s schemes. So many times we see the heroine believing the worst of the hero, but Nia had so much faith in Kyan and in her feelings for him.
Some of the twists were a bit obvious, but I still enjoyed reading all of the drama and revelations.
My most favorite thing is Nia’s growth. I was also very thankful that she did not fall for her mother’s schemes. So many times we see the heroine believing the worst of the hero, but Nia had so much faith in Kyan and in her feelings for him.
October 24, 2023
"Forgive yourself for the dark thoughts you had in the depths of your despair. Your actions alone determine who you are."
"Remember, little fish: just as the tides rise and fall without fail, you, too, have the strength to endure life's highs and lows."
Cute easy read. It had some spice in it, but not overbearing. I flew through this novel because there wasn't much to it. The plot was predictable. The characters lacked depth and background, but I still liked them. The villain was boring, but I still enjoyed how the story played out. I don't think I'll ever re read Nia and Kyan's story, but it was a nice break from insane books I've been reading.
"Remember, little fish: just as the tides rise and fall without fail, you, too, have the strength to endure life's highs and lows."
Cute easy read. It had some spice in it, but not overbearing. I flew through this novel because there wasn't much to it. The plot was predictable. The characters lacked depth and background, but I still liked them. The villain was boring, but I still enjoyed how the story played out. I don't think I'll ever re read Nia and Kyan's story, but it was a nice break from insane books I've been reading.
May 24, 2023
“I swear to you… In this world and whatever follows it, I am yours.”
Holy moly, I am obsessed with this book. We need more mer-stories in our lives. This was a very well done and creative rendition on the classic story of ‘The Little Mermaid’(or what came after the original Happily Ever After). The characters were well developed, the story was paced well, and it left me wanting more. Do yourselves a favor and experience the world Louise Shepard created…. You’ll thank me later 😊.
Holy moly, I am obsessed with this book. We need more mer-stories in our lives. This was a very well done and creative rendition on the classic story of ‘The Little Mermaid’(or what came after the original Happily Ever After). The characters were well developed, the story was paced well, and it left me wanting more. Do yourselves a favor and experience the world Louise Shepard created…. You’ll thank me later 😊.
June 19, 2023
This book is part of the Villainous Heirs series. It’s an enemies-to-lovers Little Mermaid retelling. This story is about the little mermaid’s daughter who wants to be a mermaid and the sea witch’s son. . It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. Amazing world building that is detailed and imaginative and so well done that you're drawn into a fantastic world unlike any other. Strong, interesting, and fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse
June 21, 2023
This book was absolutely amazing. I could not get enough of it. Nia and Kyan had my attention and heart from the very beginning and it was one of the best retellings I’ve read.
I’m a sucker for mermaid so the fact that this was basically a Little Mermaid retelling but with a villain gets the girl kinda deal sealed it for me.
The storyline, the characters everything kept my attention and had me eagerly reading non stop.
I’m a sucker for mermaid so the fact that this was basically a Little Mermaid retelling but with a villain gets the girl kinda deal sealed it for me.
The storyline, the characters everything kept my attention and had me eagerly reading non stop.
January 22, 2024
It's been a while since I've read a book I enjoyed this much! I'm soooo excited for book two! It sounds so good already! I'm trying to wait until it comes out in print though. The artwork was a nice touch. Loved the chemistry between Nia and Kyan. The book was emersive and really pulls you in and at your heart. You can definitely feel the triumphs and the heartbreaks they experience. I hope the next book is just as well written. Also already hoping this more than 2 books haha.
October 16, 2024
An interesting spin in the little mermaid
I really enjoyed this book and the twist it put on the popular plot for The Little Mermaid. Nia and Kyan really grew into their relationship, and frustrating as some of their progress sometimes was to me I understood it. There were so many layers to take into account. I think this book also touched very accurately on narcissistic parents and how manipulative they can be in contrast to healthier family dynamics.
I really enjoyed this book and the twist it put on the popular plot for The Little Mermaid. Nia and Kyan really grew into their relationship, and frustrating as some of their progress sometimes was to me I understood it. There were so many layers to take into account. I think this book also touched very accurately on narcissistic parents and how manipulative they can be in contrast to healthier family dynamics.
March 1, 2025
I'm not usually into retellings, but this was an interesting take. Think of the little mermaid as the villain, and her daughter falls for the sea witch's son.
3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶🌶🌶
Tropes
✅️Little Mermaid Retelling
✅️Enemies-to-Lovers
✅️Humans/Mermaids
✅️Political Intrigue
✅️Betrayal
✅️Princess FMC
✅️One Bed
✅️Forced Proximity
✅️He Falls First
Triggers
☑️Death
☑️Imprisonment
☑️Violence
Loved that this retelling was the polar opposite of the usual narrative.
3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶🌶🌶
Tropes
✅️Little Mermaid Retelling
✅️Enemies-to-Lovers
✅️Humans/Mermaids
✅️Political Intrigue
✅️Betrayal
✅️Princess FMC
✅️One Bed
✅️Forced Proximity
✅️He Falls First
Triggers
☑️Death
☑️Imprisonment
☑️Violence
Loved that this retelling was the polar opposite of the usual narrative.
May 23, 2023
Great Read!
I thought it was an original and fun storyline! A different take on The Little Mermaid.
There was a little humor, a bit of action and suspense and steam.
There were also a few revelations that surprised me, so it definitely kept my attention.
I loved both Kyan and Nia. I loved seeing their relationship change from enimies to lovers.
Overall, I really enjoyed it!
I thought it was an original and fun storyline! A different take on The Little Mermaid.
There was a little humor, a bit of action and suspense and steam.
There were also a few revelations that surprised me, so it definitely kept my attention.
I loved both Kyan and Nia. I loved seeing their relationship change from enimies to lovers.
Overall, I really enjoyed it!
June 19, 2023
I do love a good fairytale and this one really works. This is an originally written tale that brings about a great story. I like the way that the enemies to lovers aspect played out. I love all the way the action and steam played out, making this a story that I Loved!!! No Spoilers!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2023
Great fairytale retelling! Read it all in one sitting.
It has so many things I love; a forbidden slow-burn enemies to lovers romance, forced proximity and an original and creative retelling of ‘The Little Mermaid’ ( more like what happens after the happily ever after.)
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It has so many things I love; a forbidden slow-burn enemies to lovers romance, forced proximity and an original and creative retelling of ‘The Little Mermaid’ ( more like what happens after the happily ever after.)
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2024
What if the little mermaid was evil and had a daughter? Then the daughter is mortal enemies with the sea witches son? This ‘little mermaid’ retelling meets ‘Romeo and Juliet’ influence.
The mmc gives the fmc a pet nickname! ‘What do you want?’ ‘She is mine!’ Micro tropes!
Enemies to lovers, banter, one room/one bed, Spicy!
Could not put this book down!
The mmc gives the fmc a pet nickname! ‘What do you want?’ ‘She is mine!’ Micro tropes!
Enemies to lovers, banter, one room/one bed, Spicy!
Could not put this book down!
June 8, 2024
So, this isn't so much a retelling of The Little Mermaid as it is more about the daughter of said mermaid. It also isn't exactly an enemy to lovers - more like Romeo and Juliet, maybe.
The book is a good read and definitely worth the time. If you want a mermaid story with more adult themes, give it a go.
The book is a good read and definitely worth the time. If you want a mermaid story with more adult themes, give it a go.
June 27, 2024
The writing was good and the plot had potential, but it almost had no enemies to lovers action, which was what was advertised in the Facebook ads I saw. I am also over the spoiled, rich, princess thinks she is trapped in a cage and hates her parents, yet then miraculously decides she can be the Queen and save the world later trope. I also didn't like the reversed roles of certain characters.
July 9, 2025
This was an unexpected addition to the story of the Little Mermaid. Having the main characters be the daughter of Ariel and the son of the Sea Witch. With Ariel being the actual evil one was an interesting twist to the classic story.
This was a very cozy read and though I didn’t feel the enemy energy between the MCs, I am happy they won in the end and got their happily ever after.
This was a very cozy read and though I didn’t feel the enemy energy between the MCs, I am happy they won in the end and got their happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
Fantasy romances, so good, so...yummy. There's just something about them that keeps us coming back for more, isn't there? And this one by Shepard is no exception!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2023
~Enemies to lovers but are they? Or is it that there mothers are the enemies.
~Forced proximity
~Fae familiar 🦈
~Magic/witchcraft
Little mermaid sequel with a twist! Enjoyed this version. Nia daughter of the little mermaid and kyan son of the sea witch. A nice quick read with a HEA.
~Forced proximity
~Fae familiar 🦈
~Magic/witchcraft
Little mermaid sequel with a twist! Enjoyed this version. Nia daughter of the little mermaid and kyan son of the sea witch. A nice quick read with a HEA.
August 11, 2023
A great book! Was hard to put down. A well done retelling full of twists you wouldn't expect. Amazing world building, great character dynamics and a well balanced pace! I enjoyed the authors creativity and well written style.
March 20, 2024
I’m glad I finished this book and I am glad I read it. It had a very predictable and underwhelming ending though for me. Overall it was a solid adult fairy tale retelling and I enjoyed enough to give it an “okay” rating.
May 28, 2023
I’ve been waiting for a while to read a fairy tale retelling with a son of the sea witch. Yes.
July 23, 2023
Way cute! A quick enjoyable read! And an adorable love story! I'll definitely read more books from her.
Read
August 15, 2023Fun retelling
I really enjoyed this take on a retelling of the Little Mermaid with a twist. I'd love to see an extended epilogue for this couple
I really enjoyed this take on a retelling of the Little Mermaid with a twist. I'd love to see an extended epilogue for this couple
September 29, 2023
Nicely done
Was a wonderful reimagining of the little mermaid. A very nice read. Little to no grammatical errors that slowed reading. Would recommend!
Was a wonderful reimagining of the little mermaid. A very nice read. Little to no grammatical errors that slowed reading. Would recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews