A Shift in Tides

Lost Legacies #7

by Maddox Grey

Fate can be broken.

I am the Merfolk Queen. Through blood and sacrifice—and a little blackmail—I earned it my title. Fate led me here and I willingly followed the path set before me because I know a secret...

I know when the world ends.

But more importantly—I know how to stop it. Nine fae are destined to betray us all. They are the key to preventing the end of our realms. This time anyway. Have I mentioned there is more than one apocalypse on the way? No? Don’t worry about it.

I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. Unfortunately, these aren’t just any fae—they’re the Tuatha Dé Danann. The most powerful of all the fae. I need help if I’m going to pull this off and walk away at the end of it. Fortunately, I know a fae warrior who just so happens to owe me a debt. Connor won’t be happy about it, but his honor won’t let him walk away from this.

But I know another secret. And if he learns what it is... he might tear out my heart.

Dive into this spicy love story about second chances told from Ashling's POV. This is the seventh book of the urban fantasy romance series Lost Legacies and is not a standalone. If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine vibes, fated mates, and merfolk hotties, then you'll love this next installment of the series!

Genres: Fantasy

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

Maddox Grey is a queer nonbinary elder millennial who still remembers vividly what it was like to be emotionally damaged by the season two finale of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

They write morally grey characters who fall for equally unhinged morally grey love interests. And the banter flows as fast as the action in the stories they craft.

When they’re not putting their characters through hell, Maddox is playing video games, reading smut, burying their nose in comic books, or hiding behind a pillow while they watch horror movies.

NOTE FROM AUTHOR:
Hey there! I'm rarely on this site, only popping over occasionally to make sure my books updated correctly. If you have any questions for me, please use the contact form on my website or message me on Instagram : )

If you’re curious about what I’m reading, you can follow my “reviews” here. Personally I’m not comfortable publicly reviewing other authors books. So if I enjoyed it, it gets five stars from me, lol. My taste in books is… chaotic… but mostly some flavor of fantasy.

Reviews

[Pandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little departure from the main characters to get some more insight into the Merfolk world and the dynamic between Connor and Ashling which I've been dying for. As always, Maddox delivers on hilarious banter and delicious spice which certainly wasn't a slow burn. Not to mention it's always funny seeing another perspective on Nemain and how chaotically murderous she is. I can't wait for whatever comes next in this series.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Shift in Tides is book 7 in the fast-paced and clever Lost Legacies series! DON’T let the amount of books scare you. They’re quick reads full of action, humor, a fantastic spice-to-plot ratio, and lovable morally gray (or “grey,” if you spell like the author 😉) characters.

This author once again knocked my socks off. They never cease to amaze me with their storytelling! So many gasps gusped*!

*”Gusped” is not a real word. Please do not use it 😂

Read for:
🌊 unique magic
🌊 mysterious past
🌊 secret powers
🌊 hilarious and witty banter
🌊 saving the world against all odds
🌊 spicy water play 🌶️🌶️
🌊 fake dating
🌊 second-chance romance done right

[Beth’s Book Collection · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Go do what you need to and then come back to me.”
“Nothing would keep me from coming back to you.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

What you’ll find in this book:
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Merfolk Hotties
- Fated Mates
- Royalty
- Only One Bed
- Touch Him/Her and Die
- She’s a Spy and a Queen

This series is such a joy to read and this book is no exception, with the perfect amount of romantasy vibes all packed into a second chances fated mates story where the two main characters are working to save the world, and as burning tensions spark and lines begin to blur they both get more than they’ve bargained for. Having already met Ashling and Connor previously in this series I was so very excited to hear they were getting a story all of their own. This series was genuinely such a wild ride and I’m here for all of it, and this book was of course no exception to the rule. I loved having book focused on Ashling and Connor, whilst still being firmly embedded in the overall storyline of the series; treating us to some of our favourite characters while allowing us to explore this fantasy world further and meet new characters.

Having a story of second chances for the romance between Ashling and Connor was such a thrill to read. Ashling struggles under the weight of all of the information she knows with her magical abilities and struggles not being able to tell those she loves for fear of the negative implications on the future. Her relationship with Connor is complicated at the beginning given their origins and everything that has happened between them and now, however, it is wonderful to watch them break down each others walls even if it is a bumpy road. Connor is such a dominating presence from the start of the book to the end, and when it comes to Ashling he is possessive and protective and I am here for all of it. I know so many people are fans of shadow daddies by let me tell you I have a new found appreciated for water daddies with Connor being at the top of my list.

This story fits so neatly within the rest of the series, providing us with further insight about characters we have already met and ones that are new to us. You can tell while reading the book how this will lead on to the next book in the series, providing a tangible link between this book which is set outside the main characters, for the most part, and the core books within the series. The pace was fast and the story kept me gripped from start to end, I was so totally invested in the characters and the outcome of the story. I can’t wait to read more of this series, there feels like so much more to come with these characters that are so well loved.

Thank you so much to Maddox Grey for sending me an e-ARC to read and review.

Author: Maddox Grey
Series: Lost Legacies
Publisher: Greymalkin Press
Release Date: February 18th, 2025

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 & 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰✨
📖: A Shift in Tides (Lost Legacies Book 7)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫

“𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦, 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.”

Listen, this series may seem intimidating with the length of books but I can attest they are fast-paced and so much fun to read!

In this installment, we follow the Queen of the Merfolk as she continues her mission to take out her enemies and thwart a plot that could bring devastation to the fae kingdoms.

With tensions mounting between her and Connor and establishing herself in the courts, will the tides of fate change in her favor or will she lose her heart and soul in the process?

Tropes:
👀Dual POV
💕Second chance
🛏️One bed
🏰Courtly Intrigue
💫Magic & prophecies
🫂Forced proximity
💞Fated mates
🤫Secrets
🌶️: moderate

I adored Ashling when she was first introduced in the previous book and was so thrilled to learn more about her past. Her complicated history with Connor lent to some major yearning and delicious tension. And you feel all of it through the dual POV.

Our resident grumpy Merfolk Prince finally steps into the spotlight and oh boy does Connor make a strong case for the Water Daddy as being an underappreciated MMC 😮‍💨

All her life, Ash has been plagued by glimpses of the future and groomed to take power. She’s willing to sacrifice everything to keep her kingdom safe, but who will protect her?

A Shift in Tides delivers a tale bristling with suspense, snark, and an incredible found family.
We are gifted with cameos from my favourite unhinged feline shifter Nemain and her rag-tag chosen family and allies. The epilogue has me absolutely chuffed about what’s to come!

Huge thanks to the author for the ARC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review

[Robin.Bookish.Escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I do like the way you apologize.”

As with all Maddox Grey/Alex Frost books, this story has no shortage of hilarious banter, heartwarming friendship, spectacular spice, fantastical creatures, my favorite Nemain and her perfect bunch of beautifully stellar misfits, secret powers and MERFOLK!!! This is book 7 in the Lost Legacies series and is a magically gripping story will be my entire personality for the foreseeable future.

This installment follows the story line of Ashling and Connor, and their enchanting romance. Ashling is the Queen of the Merfolk who through determination, blood, sweat and tears she has gained her crown. With the ability to see glimpses into the future, she has seen how the world ends and what must be done to save it. Fearful of unforeseen consequences, she keeps the secret to herself but seeks for a solution. Connor, the grumpy to Ashling’s sunshine, prince of the Merfolk, is just as possessive and protective of his Queen as he is in love with her. With Connor at her side, she seeks out a resolution to the whole end of days scenario. With Nemain in the mix and the Tuatha De Danann on the horizon, will honor, duty and love be able to save the fate of the world?

A new perspective on the tumultuous world of Nemain and those in her life. Maddox Grey you are a true genius at your craft and you can do no wrong in my book (pun intended)!! Beautifully writing, stellar continued world building that only capitalizes on the previous books, delightfully chaotic and strong characters that are as dynamic and unique as they are fierce in defending those who they love!

“Eyes on me” Connor demanded.

[Read2escape M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured it !! ( ha devour )

What an absolute amazing read and a continuation to a to an already epic series this is book seven and while the series is based around nemain and her group of friends and family I love that every other book lately has been continuing the story line while also giving us povs and other characters stories which are just as hot 🥵 and amazing as nemain story line
But hands down this was the hottest book yet and I can’t wait because we’re only on book seven we still get more mikhail and soon peele and one day I get to hopefully swoon and sweat for magos !! After meeting ashling in a shift in death I knew I would like her and I was right I thinks she’s an amazing addition to the friend list and who knew mermen could be so hot !!!
I highly recommend this series and definitely advise reading them in order
5stars all day and every book you write Maddox grey

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddox Grey’s “A Shift in Tides” is the seventh book in their Lost Legacies dark fantasy romance series, and it is told from the POV of Ashling, the recently appointed Merfolk Queen.

Connor and Ashling were such a fun read, mostly because you could cut the sexual tension with a knife every time they interacted with each other, even when they weren’t officially together.

I really loved that this book had so much snarky banter. It’s one of my absolute favorite things, and “A Shift in Tides” totally delivers. There were also these painfully angsty moments that were extremely well-written.

I don’t know exactly what I was expecting from Ashling and Connor’s story, but I do know that Maddox Grey never lets me down, and in this case, that still holds true! I highly recommend both this book and the Lost Legacies series as a whole!

[Ashley Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Maddox has killed it with this addition to the Lost Legacies series. I love that we had a deeper dive (😄😄) into Conner's story and I loved it from beginning to end. Per usual I can hardly find the words to express my absolute LOVE of this entire series. Thank you again Maddox for blessing the world with your wonderful imagination. Cannot wait for the next installment in this series. Also loved scenes with Levi (IYKYK) I have raved to anyone that will listen that this scene is everything I love about this series 🤌🥰

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series hasn’t disappointed me yet and I was so excited to get a Connor story. Seeing all the moving parts come together, and see the characters role in the big picture has been a fun ride. Getting to know small sections of the group at a time had me attached to all the characters and the bigger role they may play later, while simultaneously getting to be on the outside and watch the circles dynamic grow.

Watching some characters become parental figures, seeing parental figures come back and actually parent 🖤

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashling & Connor
First, I love Mermaids and this one gives me that and more. I enjoyed the couple's story and the romance as well as the spice. The books just keep getting better, and I am here for it. I am excited to see where the final book takes us. I LOVED IT!!! No Spoilers! I Highly Recommend!!!

[Jenn Winning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, we get a new perspective as the battle to stop Balor continues. This time from Ashlings POV, as she struggles to stop a group of powerful fae while also fighting her feelings for Connor. And yes, he’s still an asshole, but knowing more about his inner thoughts and fears made me see him in a whole new light.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I absolutely loved getting to know Connors back story more and seeing how Ashling better played her part in Nemains life. This story had so many amazing little tidbits that brings the other characters back with more information. Definitely a great read

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This series is one of my favourites. Will be rereading many times. Now waiting on the next.

[Madi • SleuthingInk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I read it without reading the others; this made me want to read the whole series. I loved the characters and their chemistry! Definitely a fan of water daddies now!!!

[Amanda Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just keeps getting better! This series is an absolute favorite!

[Rachel Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have listened to this entire series on audio. The narrator is great. The stories draw you in and you always want more. I love the FMC in this book and I am looking forward to her joining the ensemble in the next one.

[FionaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Aisling and Connor’s story. It has more of a romantasy feel than the “main” series. So a bit more spice than Nemain’s books, but still with plenty of proper plot to drive the story forward. Aisling has put her own happiness aside in order to prevent the release of Balor; by taking out key players, identified based on a prophecy she received when she was just five years old. She bears the burden of this knowledge alone, but is begrudgingly helped in her task by her former lover who has never forgiven her for lying to him about her ambitions. The attraction between Aisling and Connor is potent. Their choice to do their duty, even though it might break their hearts, is admirable. Aisling is a great character, one who is clever, strong, and recognises the value of asking others for help. It was great to see Nemain and Co. pop in and, as always, fun to see Nemain and Mikhail from an outside perspective. I can’t wait to read the next book in this excellent series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Beatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 4.5 🌟

This story was awesome! I love the dynamic of Connor and Ashling and was rooting for them to work out their issues, while also dealing with a very serious apocalyptic threat. Plus, mermaids are so fun!

Also, LEVI!!! 😍😍😍 He really is the best boy!

I love this series so much! It's awesome how you have the main character, Nemain, but there are so many incredible supporting characters that you want to get to know, and they get their own books!

Another great thing about that is Nemain and most of her merry band of misfits appear in their stories as well, and you get to see her from the viewpoint of each character. It's just such a unique series in that aspect and I love it!

The magics are unique and there are so many mythical beings and creatures you get to read about. It's just incredible and I highly recommend it. If urban fantasy, folklore, epic fantasy, greek/roman mythology, and gaslamp had the most beautiful baby ever, it would be this series!

This is the series that keeps on giving with no end in sight and I'm here for it!

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Lost Legacies series and couldn’t wait to read this and it did not disappoint! Ashling is the Queen of the Merfolk and she is one hell of a character. With sight to see snapshots of the future, she knows there must be a solution to the end of days but does not know how or where to find it. Whereas Ashling is positive and strong, Connor on the other hand is a little down and grumpy BUT he is in love with his queen and will do anything for her even go to the end of the earth. It’s an incredible read that captivates from the very beginning and the world building is descriptive and so beautiful as we embark on a quest to stop the end of days.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Lost Legacies series and this time it's the Merfolk that take centre stage. A tale of political court intrigue and a plan to remove those seeking to destroy the world order.

A fast paced, violent episode bringing together favourite characters both old and new