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Tempest Tossed Trilogy #1
Stowaway and Silent Song
A selkie, a siren, and a sea captain walk into a tavern...
After building a reputation for herself as one of the best cargo-runners in the Winding Way, Captain Miranda Cardonna finally feels at home on the deck of her own ship, the Tempest Tossed. But when a tempting stowaway with one hell of a secret ends up in her cabin, she's plunged headfirst into a world of shifters, waveborns, and prophesy that pulls her in like the tides.
As selkies, sirens, and assassins seep into her once-mortal life, can Miranda find her footing in a new world where magic, love, and lust flow freely?
Stowaway and Silent Song is the first of three books in the Tempest Tossed Trilogy, with the additional two books slated for release by late 2021 / early 2022. This is a fantasy paranormal reverse harem title, which means the heroine has multiple love interests and doesn't need (or want!) to choose between them. There are also many M/M scenes woven throughout, so enjoy!
This book, as well as the rest of the trilogy, is intended for adult audiences only, and contains explicit content / potential triggers, including but not limited to BDSM / Power Exchange, General Violence, Alcohol, Cursing, Knives, Murder, Drowning, Allusions to Past Assault, and Group Sex.
After building a reputation for herself as one of the best cargo-runners in the Winding Way, Captain Miranda Cardonna finally feels at home on the deck of her own ship, the Tempest Tossed. But when a tempting stowaway with one hell of a secret ends up in her cabin, she's plunged headfirst into a world of shifters, waveborns, and prophesy that pulls her in like the tides.
As selkies, sirens, and assassins seep into her once-mortal life, can Miranda find her footing in a new world where magic, love, and lust flow freely?
Stowaway and Silent Song is the first of three books in the Tempest Tossed Trilogy, with the additional two books slated for release by late 2021 / early 2022. This is a fantasy paranormal reverse harem title, which means the heroine has multiple love interests and doesn't need (or want!) to choose between them. There are also many M/M scenes woven throughout, so enjoy!
This book, as well as the rest of the trilogy, is intended for adult audiences only, and contains explicit content / potential triggers, including but not limited to BDSM / Power Exchange, General Violence, Alcohol, Cursing, Knives, Murder, Drowning, Allusions to Past Assault, and Group Sex.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2021
80 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 20, 2023
Seriously so precious
Ronen and Miranda together were adorbs. His mixture of seductive and devoted was addictive. Add in Lyric? Well, I’m a little in love.
Miranda is an engaging FMC and I am eager to learn more about her background as the series continues, hopefully in the near-ish future.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: attempted murder, murder, voyeurism
Ronen and Miranda together were adorbs. His mixture of seductive and devoted was addictive. Add in Lyric? Well, I’m a little in love.
Miranda is an engaging FMC and I am eager to learn more about her background as the series continues, hopefully in the near-ish future.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: attempted murder, murder, voyeurism
July 20, 2022
First thing’s first: I love a gender-bended trope! Adore! Fawn over! Am ecstatic about!
This starts with a young man slipping into the captain’s quarters and wrapping himself in red silks attempting to seduce a young morally gray male captain in exchange for safe passage, only to find the captain is a woman and he may also be on the wrong boat! But hey, he’s flexible with the situation. Love it!
There’s selkies, and sirens, and maybe more creatures too. Most of the book takes place on a ship, and I was rather entranced by the moments. The author did a good job of giving the beauty of the sea, both above and below. There were a few moments in particular, like an underwater fight scene, which gave me a very visceral image of what that looked and felt like, and it was very pretty. If it was more popular, I’d search for fantasy art. I hope in the next book we get more of a sense of the sea creatures, because I feel like there’s a lot of potential there.
Now, the gender bending.
The captain is the most alpha person in the book, and for that I adore her, especially the way she holds a knife up to the most dominant of her men. There’s also a man that’s a vicious powerful killer and also a fairly giving and submissive partner. Surprisingly? I almost never see this. I don’t know why there isn’t more variety, but there’s not, and it’s a shame, because it makes life more interesting to read something different.
The selkies on the whole have a matriarchal society. Wait, what? Now, have I read a fantasy series with a matriarchal society… thinking, thinking, thinking… ugh, one gay fantasy novel with an island, and like maybe that one society in Dune? How is this not more done? Like seriously, it’s fantasy! Can we just fantasize about a matriarchy every once in a while, because most of the time we can imagine dragons and wizards, but can’t imagine a world without a total patriarchy.
It’s a crossed swords reverse harem, and it doesn’t follow the typical pattern for a reverse harem — namely finding all the men who are already friends, instead it’s closer to a harem structure where the group grows slowly with time. There are reverse harems that break that mold of course, but it’s rare.
There’s the fated mate trope, but unlike some books I won’t mention, men can be fated mates with men, women with women, etc. There’s still homophobia in this world, so I won’t say it’s a break from that particular grind, but it’s better, at least. Additionally, the captain wears a binder, which at least partially suggests to me there may be some gender play in other ways as well.
The book ends sort of suddenly, but builds up court intrigue, a few different quests for various items, and queues up an eventual battle boss.
This was an incredibly unique story and had a feel I haven’t seen captured in other books. For that, it’s complete win for me.
5 / 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This starts with a young man slipping into the captain’s quarters and wrapping himself in red silks attempting to seduce a young morally gray male captain in exchange for safe passage, only to find the captain is a woman and he may also be on the wrong boat! But hey, he’s flexible with the situation. Love it!
There’s selkies, and sirens, and maybe more creatures too. Most of the book takes place on a ship, and I was rather entranced by the moments. The author did a good job of giving the beauty of the sea, both above and below. There were a few moments in particular, like an underwater fight scene, which gave me a very visceral image of what that looked and felt like, and it was very pretty. If it was more popular, I’d search for fantasy art. I hope in the next book we get more of a sense of the sea creatures, because I feel like there’s a lot of potential there.
Now, the gender bending.
The captain is the most alpha person in the book, and for that I adore her, especially the way she holds a knife up to the most dominant of her men. There’s also a man that’s a vicious powerful killer and also a fairly giving and submissive partner. Surprisingly? I almost never see this. I don’t know why there isn’t more variety, but there’s not, and it’s a shame, because it makes life more interesting to read something different.
The selkies on the whole have a matriarchal society. Wait, what? Now, have I read a fantasy series with a matriarchal society… thinking, thinking, thinking… ugh, one gay fantasy novel with an island, and like maybe that one society in Dune? How is this not more done? Like seriously, it’s fantasy! Can we just fantasize about a matriarchy every once in a while, because most of the time we can imagine dragons and wizards, but can’t imagine a world without a total patriarchy.
It’s a crossed swords reverse harem, and it doesn’t follow the typical pattern for a reverse harem — namely finding all the men who are already friends, instead it’s closer to a harem structure where the group grows slowly with time. There are reverse harems that break that mold of course, but it’s rare.
There’s the fated mate trope, but unlike some books I won’t mention, men can be fated mates with men, women with women, etc. There’s still homophobia in this world, so I won’t say it’s a break from that particular grind, but it’s better, at least. Additionally, the captain wears a binder, which at least partially suggests to me there may be some gender play in other ways as well.
The book ends sort of suddenly, but builds up court intrigue, a few different quests for various items, and queues up an eventual battle boss.
This was an incredibly unique story and had a feel I haven’t seen captured in other books. For that, it’s complete win for me.
5 / 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
December 8, 2021
Magical and sexy
Can't wait for more! Loved the characters and the little hints about what's coming. Please don't make us wait too long! 🥲
Can't wait for more! Loved the characters and the little hints about what's coming. Please don't make us wait too long! 🥲
August 15, 2024
Plot 3 Spice 2.5 FMC 4 MMCs 4
Sea Fantasy, Triple 1st POV, MMF, MCs in their 30s, tall badass Captain FMC, Golden Retriever Selkie MMC, Cinnamon Roll Siren MMC, Intsalove, Fates Mates, D/s, FemDom, knife play, praise, dirty talk
The writing voice was clumsy, the world building & mate dynamics were often unclear, the grammar poor, and the plot fluctuated between too forced & too convenient to be plausible. I also did not like the idea of introducing a hierarchy within the relationship, as that is the opposite of a healthy polyamorous situation. However, if you don’t think about the logistics too much the story overall held my interest and the characters and their relationships were sweet.
Sea Fantasy, Triple 1st POV, MMF, MCs in their 30s, tall badass Captain FMC, Golden Retriever Selkie MMC, Cinnamon Roll Siren MMC, Intsalove, Fates Mates, D/s, FemDom, knife play, praise, dirty talk
The writing voice was clumsy, the world building & mate dynamics were often unclear, the grammar poor, and the plot fluctuated between too forced & too convenient to be plausible. I also did not like the idea of introducing a hierarchy within the relationship, as that is the opposite of a healthy polyamorous situation. However, if you don’t think about the logistics too much the story overall held my interest and the characters and their relationships were sweet.
August 17, 2022
I came here after the balloon animal book from this author (highly recommend, and yes, it's weird), hoping for a longer novel vs the short story.
I have to say, I am completely blown away. This was a beautiful book, and I am terribly sad that the additional two books, promised for late 21/early 22, are not out at the time of this review in mid 22. The story is creative, the dialogue is snappy, the spice scenes are great, the magic world building is simple enough that it doesn't take up the majority of the book, and I am possibly in love with every single one of the characters.
The FMC is a strong captain with her own boat, and in this book collects two of her MMC RH members. One is being pursued, the other is cast out from his own people, and together they start to make their own little family. We have a hint of who a third MMC may be, and it's possible there will be one or two more that we haven't met yet.
A comment on one of the other reviews on this page, which I read prior to reading the book: there's no "gender bending" in this book, at least in the true definition of the word. There are certainly some gender role stereotypes that are pushed against and subverted, but there are no characters who don't present as something other than their gender. I was really excited by that review because I am always excited to read books about people who identify outside of the binary, but don't get your hopes up for this book. (That is not to take away anything from this book, btw, just that the review is inaccurate and misleading.)
Fingers crossed that the second and third books appear shortly!
I have to say, I am completely blown away. This was a beautiful book, and I am terribly sad that the additional two books, promised for late 21/early 22, are not out at the time of this review in mid 22. The story is creative, the dialogue is snappy, the spice scenes are great, the magic world building is simple enough that it doesn't take up the majority of the book, and I am possibly in love with every single one of the characters.
The FMC is a strong captain with her own boat, and in this book collects two of her MMC RH members. One is being pursued, the other is cast out from his own people, and together they start to make their own little family. We have a hint of who a third MMC may be, and it's possible there will be one or two more that we haven't met yet.
A comment on one of the other reviews on this page, which I read prior to reading the book: there's no "gender bending" in this book, at least in the true definition of the word. There are certainly some gender role stereotypes that are pushed against and subverted, but there are no characters who don't present as something other than their gender. I was really excited by that review because I am always excited to read books about people who identify outside of the binary, but don't get your hopes up for this book. (That is not to take away anything from this book, btw, just that the review is inaccurate and misleading.)
Fingers crossed that the second and third books appear shortly!
December 25, 2021
4.5 stars
So this new author that's new to me as well definitely crew me into this story. It has lots of world building and layers and something interesting wherever you look. I love the underlying theme of flavor of you will, it has a pirate meets historical/ alternate world meets paranormal vibe all tied together with a burgeoning romance. And the romance is my favorite kind being why choose, rh, poly where it's like a group dynamic (including m/m). And there is some spice and shifting dynamics of you will. This story you do find out that our captain and leading lady will be getting more mates than the ones we meet in this story.Overall it's a good and interesting story told through multiple POV's. I only really have one issue and it may just be a me issue but there was a moment of two where it felt a little like Captain Miranda was being pushed out of or not included in the same ways as some of the rest of their current trio, and while I'm team why choose I'm also team keep it to the group while being as open and honest as possible to try to keep everyone in equal footing. Like I said I may have read something weird or misunderstood what was trying to be gotten a cross at the moment but that was what I felt so. That being said it's still a very good book and start to a series. This book does end on a happy ish ending in more ways than one lol. I can't wait to see how our group solves their problems, what other mates will come along and just how everything will unfold. Good book would recommend.
So this new author that's new to me as well definitely crew me into this story. It has lots of world building and layers and something interesting wherever you look. I love the underlying theme of flavor of you will, it has a pirate meets historical/ alternate world meets paranormal vibe all tied together with a burgeoning romance. And the romance is my favorite kind being why choose, rh, poly where it's like a group dynamic (including m/m). And there is some spice and shifting dynamics of you will. This story you do find out that our captain and leading lady will be getting more mates than the ones we meet in this story.Overall it's a good and interesting story told through multiple POV's. I only really have one issue and it may just be a me issue but there was a moment of two where it felt a little like Captain Miranda was being pushed out of or not included in the same ways as some of the rest of their current trio, and while I'm team why choose I'm also team keep it to the group while being as open and honest as possible to try to keep everyone in equal footing. Like I said I may have read something weird or misunderstood what was trying to be gotten a cross at the moment but that was what I felt so. That being said it's still a very good book and start to a series. This book does end on a happy ish ending in more ways than one lol. I can't wait to see how our group solves their problems, what other mates will come along and just how everything will unfold. Good book would recommend.
February 24, 2023
I am obsessed with this book. The heroine is strong and dominant- only complaint (slight spoiler coming up)- I'm not personally a fan of the "character denies their magical heritage" thing, I find it insufferable, and I was nervous we were getting into that with the heroine, but it was only very briefly dwelled upon, so I had no problem with it. There are two romantic heroes in this book, and both are wonderful. We have "bloodthirsty hero who will destroy your enemies but also is completely unschooled in the pleasures of the flesh and is awaiting your instruction" and "just the most likable guy who is kind of a switch."
There are intended to be more heroes, at least one or two of which are teased at the end of the first book. I suppose technically it's a cliffhanger, but it's enjoyable in and of itself. Looking forward to a continuation, though.
There are intended to be more heroes, at least one or two of which are teased at the end of the first book. I suppose technically it's a cliffhanger, but it's enjoyable in and of itself. Looking forward to a continuation, though.
November 25, 2023
So I actually read the well book first and only read this because she mentioned it was set in the same universe. It VERY loosely was so if you’re here looking for more Tira and Moss, you will not find it. But and however this was SO MUCH BETTER. First of all, Vera this was your first book? You did such a good job. You are proof that readers can become successful novelists.
Miranda? Excellent. Ronen? Sexy. Lyric? My babygirl forreal. The world building? The plot? Amazing. I’m obsessed. Fated mates is one of my favorite tropes and to have FOUR is beyond my wildest dreams. This is the why choose to end all why choose.
The only thing wrong with this book is that it came out TWO years ago and we still don’t even have a sequel. Vera if you see this… please give me the second one.
Miranda? Excellent. Ronen? Sexy. Lyric? My babygirl forreal. The world building? The plot? Amazing. I’m obsessed. Fated mates is one of my favorite tropes and to have FOUR is beyond my wildest dreams. This is the why choose to end all why choose.
The only thing wrong with this book is that it came out TWO years ago and we still don’t even have a sequel. Vera if you see this… please give me the second one.
December 20, 2021
This was an absolutely delightful read and I am always here for more water-based creatures. I love the lore and world Vera's made and I can't wait to learn more about it all in the upcoming books! Miranda's lovely and we stan a badass lady. I'm super jazzed for this harem to grow and already love Ronen and Lyric :D
March 9, 2022
I need more selfies and sirens
Omg. I won this book in a giveaway and went in without any idea of the story. I am blown away. This is a fascinating story of a female ship captain. I am compeltly in love with Lyric and was a siren of my very own now. Cannot wait for the series to continue.
Omg. I won this book in a giveaway and went in without any idea of the story. I am blown away. This is a fascinating story of a female ship captain. I am compeltly in love with Lyric and was a siren of my very own now. Cannot wait for the series to continue.
February 11, 2024
Really Dig this full-length VV book, wish there was more!
This was a fun and engaging read. Spice aside, the plot was rather cool! But it’s def spice and def Vera Valentine. Loved the dynamic between the three primary MC’s… It ended in kinda a cliffhanger, and I’d love to see more in this universe.
This was a fun and engaging read. Spice aside, the plot was rather cool! But it’s def spice and def Vera Valentine. Loved the dynamic between the three primary MC’s… It ended in kinda a cliffhanger, and I’d love to see more in this universe.
Read
December 2, 2024DNF 45%
MFM or MMF I’m not sure
Kick ass female pirate/ship captain, merman who fated mates by giving his pelt, and a third guy we haven’t really met yet. Things moved too slow. The writing was very descriptive. Nothing seemed to be happening for such a short book.
Would return if there’s an audiobook.
MFM or MMF I’m not sure
Kick ass female pirate/ship captain, merman who fated mates by giving his pelt, and a third guy we haven’t really met yet. Things moved too slow. The writing was very descriptive. Nothing seemed to be happening for such a short book.
Would return if there’s an audiobook.
January 15, 2022
Great take on a selkie story! I loved the world building in particular, particularly with how the siren who has been silenced fits into the story. Good narrative flow and pacing--I really enjoyed this and look forward to the rest of the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2023
Raunchy jaunt at sea
Got this book on "Stuff your Kindle Day" and well let's just say there was a lot of Stuffing!
Looking forward to reading the next books, a great way to take a break from the emotionally heavy books I have been into recently.
Got this book on "Stuff your Kindle Day" and well let's just say there was a lot of Stuffing!
Looking forward to reading the next books, a great way to take a break from the emotionally heavy books I have been into recently.
January 21, 2024
Donde estuvo este libro toda mi vida??♡♡♡
Me encantó este libro. Tiene to lo que me encanta...
Puede que sea algo rápido en temas 🌶 , pero también tiene romance, historia, idas y vueltas. Me gusta todo🥰🥰🥰
Me encantó este libro. Tiene to lo que me encanta...
Puede que sea algo rápido en temas 🌶 , pero también tiene romance, historia, idas y vueltas. Me gusta todo🥰🥰🥰
May 26, 2024
The steam was delicious. I’m excited to read more.
The writing is so divine and descriptive.
We love a tall woman.
What other mythical beings live in this world?
I hope to find out more background in the future.
-high spice
-polyamory
-selkies and sirens
-queer
-tall woman
-pirates
The writing is so divine and descriptive.
We love a tall woman.
What other mythical beings live in this world?
I hope to find out more background in the future.
-high spice
-polyamory
-selkies and sirens
-queer
-tall woman
-pirates
November 21, 2021
Hooked!
This book really pulled me in from the beginning. I love the way this is written, the characters and the plot!
This book really pulled me in from the beginning. I love the way this is written, the characters and the plot!
March 15, 2022
Intersting and unique PN characters and good base for series
Altogether enjoyable RH with PN characters which aren't often seen - Selkies and Sirens. Looking forward to the next book.
Altogether enjoyable RH with PN characters which aren't often seen - Selkies and Sirens. Looking forward to the next book.
October 1, 2022
When does the next one come out?!
January 21, 2024
Usually RH has a bunch of toxic alpha-type people, but this was kinda adorbs and had some decently healthy relationships in it. This is more of a poly romance. It was adorable and I loved it.
December 22, 2024
While there is plenty that I really enjoy in this book, including having a female captain of a ship, the crew not being pirates and the why choose angle in general, the fact that there is a hierarchy within the men just soured my experience with the book. I’m glad they sort of did it away but to think that it was on the table and in place for a while didn’t feel too good.
December 2, 2021
This was pretty good! It was a bit to 'insta' for me to give it 5 stars, but I quite enjoyed the read. For people not into MM-- I would avoid it, though it was well done. All in all it was just a great sex positive book. I really enjoyed that it didn't fall into familiar sexist tropes and the MFC was thirty with her own established life. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
November 29, 2023
I really liked this one. I cannot wait for more to come out in the series. Obsessed with this world that's being built.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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