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Wicked Depths
Step into a world where villains reign supreme, their darkness irresistible, their passions untamed.
These are not the stories you remember
These are the ones you'll never forget.
Two queens. One deadly bond.
Nyxara, the fierce Dragon Queen, protects her forest with ruthless fire. Vaela, the cunning Sea Witch, weaves deadly deals with devastating consequences. Captured and betrayed, Vaela becomes Nyxara’s prisoner—a pawn in a game of vengeance against a king who seeks to destroy them both.
But as hatred turns to desire and passion ignites, their bond could save their world—or shatter it.
Wicked Depths is a dark, sapphic fantasy of forbidden love, dangerous bargains, and monstrous power.
These are not the stories you remember
These are the ones you'll never forget.
Two queens. One deadly bond.
Nyxara, the fierce Dragon Queen, protects her forest with ruthless fire. Vaela, the cunning Sea Witch, weaves deadly deals with devastating consequences. Captured and betrayed, Vaela becomes Nyxara’s prisoner—a pawn in a game of vengeance against a king who seeks to destroy them both.
But as hatred turns to desire and passion ignites, their bond could save their world—or shatter it.
Wicked Depths is a dark, sapphic fantasy of forbidden love, dangerous bargains, and monstrous power.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2025
23 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Melissa McSherry
18 books667 followersWhen Melissa isn't writing about delulu men, she is chasing kids, cleaning, or downing her fifth coffee of the day. She loves dark romance, especially dark fantasy romance, with possessive men, lots of gore, and the right balance of 'WTF' moments and spice!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
March 6, 2025
“Let me show you how a siren devours a queen.”
This was like SEXYYY Maleficent x PEARLY Ursula and I. LOVED. IT. Spicy spice. High fantasy. Basically just a good ass time. HIGHLY Recommend!
This was like SEXYYY Maleficent x PEARLY Ursula and I. LOVED. IT. Spicy spice. High fantasy. Basically just a good ass time. HIGHLY Recommend!
March 24, 2025
By far my favourite sapphic read this year.
So well written. The plot was everything you want from a short romantasy and the spice was built up with endless tension and angst.
Both fmc are strong and drop dead gorgeous. Ughh
Nyxara, you had my by the throat from the first page 🥵 Vaela needs to stop looking at me like that I’m a married woman ✋ (siren or not she had me 🧎♀️)
So well written. The plot was everything you want from a short romantasy and the spice was built up with endless tension and angst.
Both fmc are strong and drop dead gorgeous. Ughh
Nyxara, you had my by the throat from the first page 🥵 Vaela needs to stop looking at me like that I’m a married woman ✋ (siren or not she had me 🧎♀️)
March 23, 2025
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
March 3, 2025
Amazing sapphic dark fantasy romance filled with tension and banter.
Both main characters were interesting, one ruling her kingdom under the surface and the other above ground and in the sky. Vaela was more confident, knowing what she wanted and how to get it. Her sassy attitude and comments had me laughing multiple times. Nyxara on the other hand was more reserved and seemed more insecure about herself and her feelings, partially because of her past experiences.
The storyline was fast-paced and filled with action. There was a lot happening but also a lot of time for character and relationship development. The tension between Vaela and Nyxara was amazing! And they definitely had chemistry.
I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it in one sitting.
“I’ve made my move. Now, it’s only a matter of time before our deadly game truly begins.”
“Do you watch all your prisoners sleep? Or should I be flattered?”
“Careful, little siren. You’re in my domain now, and I intend to keep you indefinitely.”
"Well, well. The mighty Dragon Queen bleeds just like the rest of us."
“She’s not just afraid of my power. She’s afraid of me. Afraid of how much she wants me. Afraid of what it means.”
"If you wish to play games, siren, do not be surprised when you get burnt."
"Let me show you how a siren devours a queen."
I had the honor and pleasure of both BETA & ARC reading this book. Thank you so much, Melissa! 🖤
BETA & ARC reading didn’t affect my opinion of the book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Both main characters were interesting, one ruling her kingdom under the surface and the other above ground and in the sky. Vaela was more confident, knowing what she wanted and how to get it. Her sassy attitude and comments had me laughing multiple times. Nyxara on the other hand was more reserved and seemed more insecure about herself and her feelings, partially because of her past experiences.
The storyline was fast-paced and filled with action. There was a lot happening but also a lot of time for character and relationship development. The tension between Vaela and Nyxara was amazing! And they definitely had chemistry.
I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it in one sitting.
“I’ve made my move. Now, it’s only a matter of time before our deadly game truly begins.”
“Do you watch all your prisoners sleep? Or should I be flattered?”
“Careful, little siren. You’re in my domain now, and I intend to keep you indefinitely.”
"Well, well. The mighty Dragon Queen bleeds just like the rest of us."
“She’s not just afraid of my power. She’s afraid of me. Afraid of how much she wants me. Afraid of what it means.”
"If you wish to play games, siren, do not be surprised when you get burnt."
"Let me show you how a siren devours a queen."
I had the honor and pleasure of both BETA & ARC reading this book. Thank you so much, Melissa! 🖤
BETA & ARC reading didn’t affect my opinion of the book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2025
“kneel for me, my little syren, and i’ll show you what power truly feels like”
💥💳🤲🏼 PLEASE I BEG I NEEDED THIS BOOK LIKE I NEED AIR
thank you so much melissa for giving me the chance to arc read 💚 i literally couldn’t put it down omg
this is a sapphic dark fantasy, maleficent x ursula, dragon queen x sea witch banter, tension, enemies to lovers, stockholm syndrome, gothic setting, forced proximity, possessive, dub con, tentacle smut, magical bonding, and duo pov 🧜🏼♀️
POWER MFING COUPLE OMG ❤️🔥
nyxara is the dragon queen and she gives maleficent vibes. vaela the sea witch is literally ursula. they are so beautiful. i absolutely love them so much.
being in a battle with the humans who try to destroy varellith, nyxara is the protector of the forest. she will fight no matter what. vaela was taken by the king during the war. nyxara knows that the sea witch is very powerful and can wield such strong magic. so in order to both protect her forest and everything it contains, nyxara captures holds vaela captive. they strike a deal to join forces to take down the king.
i love both nyxara and vaela !! they are such badass babes and i literally couldn’t get enough of them 😩 THEIR CHEMISTRY !!??! im down bad
🌶️🌶️
💥💳🤲🏼 PLEASE I BEG I NEEDED THIS BOOK LIKE I NEED AIR
thank you so much melissa for giving me the chance to arc read 💚 i literally couldn’t put it down omg
this is a sapphic dark fantasy, maleficent x ursula, dragon queen x sea witch banter, tension, enemies to lovers, stockholm syndrome, gothic setting, forced proximity, possessive, dub con, tentacle smut, magical bonding, and duo pov 🧜🏼♀️
POWER MFING COUPLE OMG ❤️🔥
nyxara is the dragon queen and she gives maleficent vibes. vaela the sea witch is literally ursula. they are so beautiful. i absolutely love them so much.
being in a battle with the humans who try to destroy varellith, nyxara is the protector of the forest. she will fight no matter what. vaela was taken by the king during the war. nyxara knows that the sea witch is very powerful and can wield such strong magic. so in order to both protect her forest and everything it contains, nyxara captures holds vaela captive. they strike a deal to join forces to take down the king.
i love both nyxara and vaela !! they are such badass babes and i literally couldn’t get enough of them 😩 THEIR CHEMISTRY !!??! im down bad
🌶️🌶️
March 8, 2025
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️4/5
If you guys are seeing the series name and thinking “another villain re-telling?”… I’m gonna stop you right there.
This isn’t just another villain re-telling… it’s a sapphic romance between two powerful women who should be enemies, but are bound to be together in more ways than one.
This is one of my favorite Melissa novels, I can’t wait to read the other two in the series… all three will immediately be on my physical wish list because I need these bad babies in my hands.
If you’re looking for an enemies - lovers, sapphic romance villain re-telling that’s reminiscent of Maleficent and Ursula, filled with powerful women, spice and whitty banter… this is for you.
🌶️4/5
If you guys are seeing the series name and thinking “another villain re-telling?”… I’m gonna stop you right there.
This isn’t just another villain re-telling… it’s a sapphic romance between two powerful women who should be enemies, but are bound to be together in more ways than one.
This is one of my favorite Melissa novels, I can’t wait to read the other two in the series… all three will immediately be on my physical wish list because I need these bad babies in my hands.
If you’re looking for an enemies - lovers, sapphic romance villain re-telling that’s reminiscent of Maleficent and Ursula, filled with powerful women, spice and whitty banter… this is for you.
March 11, 2025
As someone who is constantly put off by fantasy literature, I found this story's writing to be rather impressive.
Although I’m leaving in a state pure amazement, let it be known I do not know how to pronounce a single characters' names.
All of its splendor—rules, war, magic, dragons, and sea witches—was a straightforward comprehension of false claims and tactics meant to secure success and that always bodes well for me in a story.
And then things took a very seductive alluring hot arousing turn and I was so captivated I forgot my bearings for a few.
I can confidently say with the lack of familiarity in this genre that this was a magnificent book and I enjoyed every bit of it.
Although I’m leaving in a state pure amazement, let it be known I do not know how to pronounce a single characters' names.
All of its splendor—rules, war, magic, dragons, and sea witches—was a straightforward comprehension of false claims and tactics meant to secure success and that always bodes well for me in a story.
And then things took a very seductive alluring hot arousing turn and I was so captivated I forgot my bearings for a few.
I can confidently say with the lack of familiarity in this genre that this was a magnificent book and I enjoyed every bit of it.
March 11, 2025
This is totally different to what you would normally see from Melissa, and I devoured it! Vaela and Nyxara are both headstrong, stubborn, and dominating queens of their lands. The banter between these two is everything. Their love is so forbidden, so consuming. I loved every bit of this story😍
June 18, 2025
5 stars. Now this was a fantastic enemies to lovers romance! Vaela is a sea witch and Nyxara is a dragon queen. Vaela becomes Nyxara’s prisoner and holy hell the sexual tension between them was delicious. They absolutely hated each other but ended up having to work together take a down the king (with Nyxara shifting into her dragon form and Vaela traveling on her! *dolphin noises*) and it was so good.
I loved the animosity between them, both characters are smart and absolute badasses and when they finally gave into temptation and got together it was extremely satisfying. The sex scenes are hot as hell and both women are possessive and dominant and I loved it. The third act drama was genius and very well done because Nyxara ends up with the upper hand and I really love how the author handled the battle scene. So good. I really loved this. It was sexy as hell, action packed, and the main characters are both so swoon worthy. Would absolutely read this again.
I loved the animosity between them, both characters are smart and absolute badasses and when they finally gave into temptation and got together it was extremely satisfying. The sex scenes are hot as hell and both women are possessive and dominant and I loved it. The third act drama was genius and very well done because Nyxara ends up with the upper hand and I really love how the author handled the battle scene. So good. I really loved this. It was sexy as hell, action packed, and the main characters are both so swoon worthy. Would absolutely read this again.
March 9, 2025
“Craw to me, little siren”
Wow, this book was actually perfection. Everything in this book was just perfectly written from the very first page it draws you in.
Nyxara and Vaela are two badasses, there connection and chemistry was amazing. Also this spice in this was was 🥵🥵🥵.
100% recommend this book and anything by this author she is amazing. I would read anything Melissa writes.
5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow, this book was actually perfection. Everything in this book was just perfectly written from the very first page it draws you in.
Nyxara and Vaela are two badasses, there connection and chemistry was amazing. Also this spice in this was was 🥵🥵🥵.
100% recommend this book and anything by this author she is amazing. I would read anything Melissa writes.
5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 20, 2025
Wicked Depths
By Melissa McSherry
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always remember to read your trigger warnings!
Tropes:
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Slow Burn
🖤Possessive Love
🖤Morally Grey Characters
🖤Gothic Setting
🖤Stockholm
This is a beautifully dark fantasy sapphic Novel by Melissa McSherry.
It’s filled to the brim with wonderful witty and sassy banter, tension, forbidden love, heart palpitating action and lots of spicy spice, enemies to lovers and a fast paced plot-line bursting at the seams with twists and turns, as well as fantastic character development and dynamics.
A magically fresh take or retelling of two villainous queens…
Melissa really knows how to spin a narrative and this is so beautifully written and in such vividness the reader will experience this fantastical world with ease!
It is immersive and complexly captivating you will be on the edge of your seat for the entirety of the journey within this dark high fantasy!
A must read for all fantasy/romance fans
Yet another unputdownable read from Melissa!
Quotes:
I was born of shadow and flame, forged in loss and vengeance. And tonight, the humans will remember why the Bloodline of Drakara is never forgotten.
“Careful, little siren,” she growls, her voice like embers in the dark. “You’re in my domain now, and I intend to keep you indefinitely.”
“If you wish to play games, Siren, do not be surprised when you get burnt."
“kneel for me, my little Siren, and I'll show you what power truly feels like.”
“That’s it, siren. Show me how much you crave the burn,”
“Careful, Dragon Queen,” I murmur, voice silk and smoke. “You might make me think you care.”
By Melissa McSherry
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Always remember to read your trigger warnings!
Tropes:
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Slow Burn
🖤Possessive Love
🖤Morally Grey Characters
🖤Gothic Setting
🖤Stockholm
This is a beautifully dark fantasy sapphic Novel by Melissa McSherry.
It’s filled to the brim with wonderful witty and sassy banter, tension, forbidden love, heart palpitating action and lots of spicy spice, enemies to lovers and a fast paced plot-line bursting at the seams with twists and turns, as well as fantastic character development and dynamics.
A magically fresh take or retelling of two villainous queens…
Melissa really knows how to spin a narrative and this is so beautifully written and in such vividness the reader will experience this fantastical world with ease!
It is immersive and complexly captivating you will be on the edge of your seat for the entirety of the journey within this dark high fantasy!
A must read for all fantasy/romance fans
Yet another unputdownable read from Melissa!
Quotes:
I was born of shadow and flame, forged in loss and vengeance. And tonight, the humans will remember why the Bloodline of Drakara is never forgotten.
“Careful, little siren,” she growls, her voice like embers in the dark. “You’re in my domain now, and I intend to keep you indefinitely.”
“If you wish to play games, Siren, do not be surprised when you get burnt."
“kneel for me, my little Siren, and I'll show you what power truly feels like.”
“That’s it, siren. Show me how much you crave the burn,”
“Careful, Dragon Queen,” I murmur, voice silk and smoke. “You might make me think you care.”
May 27, 2025
2.5
I didn't have Wicked Depths but I didn't really enjoy my time reading it. It has the potential to be really really good. There has not been enough editing done in the way of repetition. So many phrases reused in too close a proximity of each other. i.g cloak billowing, magic thick like, and a few others. Cloak billowing was used far too much and an example was: “Cloak billowing behind her as she strides” then two sentences later “cloak billowing behind her like a storm.”
Also, I think Melissa literally left out a few sentences in different parts of the book. I came across this twice where one of the MCs was reacting to something but the part before (explaining what happened for them to react said way) was left out and it confused me. On top of that the sentence structure was just really weird and clipped.
Another example: Nyxara and Vaela were standing face to face with some sexual tension happening and they were interrupted by Morrin but the very next thing from Vaela's POV she says she pushed up off the chaise - implying she was sitting. Idk that stuff really took away from me enjoying the story for what it was.
I did like that there is an array of different fae characters and the two MCs are written well and I like their dynamics and personalities. The idea for the story was fun, I just think there were some consistency issues.
I didn't have Wicked Depths but I didn't really enjoy my time reading it. It has the potential to be really really good. There has not been enough editing done in the way of repetition. So many phrases reused in too close a proximity of each other. i.g cloak billowing, magic thick like, and a few others. Cloak billowing was used far too much and an example was: “Cloak billowing behind her as she strides” then two sentences later “cloak billowing behind her like a storm.”
Also, I think Melissa literally left out a few sentences in different parts of the book. I came across this twice where one of the MCs was reacting to something but the part before (explaining what happened for them to react said way) was left out and it confused me. On top of that the sentence structure was just really weird and clipped.
Another example: Nyxara and Vaela were standing face to face with some sexual tension happening and they were interrupted by Morrin but the very next thing from Vaela's POV she says she pushed up off the chaise - implying she was sitting. Idk that stuff really took away from me enjoying the story for what it was.
I did like that there is an array of different fae characters and the two MCs are written well and I like their dynamics and personalities. The idea for the story was fun, I just think there were some consistency issues.
March 16, 2025
If you are looking for a fast paced, hot, dark sapphic romance look no further. This villainous retelling had me flipping pages and giggling at the banter between Nyxara and Vaela. It’s got all the components you love tossed into a novella you can easily devour.
💚Enemies to Lovers
💜Forced Proximity
💚Slow Burn
💜Possessive Love
💚Morally Grey Characters
💜Gothic Setting
💚Stockholm
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Quotes:
"FOR THE WICKED SOULS WHO DARE TO LOVE IN THE SHADOWS. THIS ONE'S FOR YOU."
"WHOEVER THIS PRISONER IS, THE HUMANS ARE DESPERATE TO CONTAIN HER FOR THEIR PRECIOUS KING. THAT MAKES HER VALUABLE AND DANGEROUS. IT ALSO MAKES HER MINE."
"OH, SHE MAY PRETEND SHE'S DIFFERENT, ABOVE IT ALL, BUT I SEE THE WAY SHE LOOKS AT ME. THE WAY HER CLAWS TWITCH AND HER DRAGON FIRE BURNS WHEN I GET TOO CLOSE. SHE'S FIGHTING IT. AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE MOMENT SHE STOPS."
"THIS IS OURS. AND I WILL FIGHT FOR HER, NOT BECAUSE I MADE A DEAL.
BUT BECAUSE I WANT TO. BECAUSE SHE IS MINE, AND I AM HERS."
"NYXARA BELIEVES SHE HAS CAST ME ASIDE. THAT SHE HAS REMOVED ME FROM THE BOARD. BUT THE GAME HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN."
“KNEEL FOR ME, MY LITTLE SIREN, AND I’LL SHOW YOU WHAT POWER TRULY FEELS LIKE.”
💚Enemies to Lovers
💜Forced Proximity
💚Slow Burn
💜Possessive Love
💚Morally Grey Characters
💜Gothic Setting
💚Stockholm
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Quotes:
"FOR THE WICKED SOULS WHO DARE TO LOVE IN THE SHADOWS. THIS ONE'S FOR YOU."
"WHOEVER THIS PRISONER IS, THE HUMANS ARE DESPERATE TO CONTAIN HER FOR THEIR PRECIOUS KING. THAT MAKES HER VALUABLE AND DANGEROUS. IT ALSO MAKES HER MINE."
"OH, SHE MAY PRETEND SHE'S DIFFERENT, ABOVE IT ALL, BUT I SEE THE WAY SHE LOOKS AT ME. THE WAY HER CLAWS TWITCH AND HER DRAGON FIRE BURNS WHEN I GET TOO CLOSE. SHE'S FIGHTING IT. AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE MOMENT SHE STOPS."
"THIS IS OURS. AND I WILL FIGHT FOR HER, NOT BECAUSE I MADE A DEAL.
BUT BECAUSE I WANT TO. BECAUSE SHE IS MINE, AND I AM HERS."
"NYXARA BELIEVES SHE HAS CAST ME ASIDE. THAT SHE HAS REMOVED ME FROM THE BOARD. BUT THE GAME HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN."
“KNEEL FOR ME, MY LITTLE SIREN, AND I’LL SHOW YOU WHAT POWER TRULY FEELS LIKE.”
March 22, 2025
Wicked Depths by Melissa MCSherry
Please check your trigger warnings and content warnings before reading
I'm going to start off by saying that I loved this book so much! I loved the world building and the characters and how well they went together.
Nyxara is the Dragon Queen and she has been in a battle with the humans who are trying to take control of her forest. She is going to do anything in her power to stop them from taking over the forest. Vaela is the Sea Witch and she is found in the forest and they end up taking her prisoner in Nyxara castle.
As she is prisoner Vaela and Nyxara make a bargain and then that means there souls are bound. I loved the banter between them, it was everything. One minute there were sparks flying then the next they were walking away from each other.
I loved how through out the book there relationship developed and they were helping each other when it seemed like one was betraying the other.
Please check your trigger warnings and content warnings before reading
I'm going to start off by saying that I loved this book so much! I loved the world building and the characters and how well they went together.
Nyxara is the Dragon Queen and she has been in a battle with the humans who are trying to take control of her forest. She is going to do anything in her power to stop them from taking over the forest. Vaela is the Sea Witch and she is found in the forest and they end up taking her prisoner in Nyxara castle.
As she is prisoner Vaela and Nyxara make a bargain and then that means there souls are bound. I loved the banter between them, it was everything. One minute there were sparks flying then the next they were walking away from each other.
I loved how through out the book there relationship developed and they were helping each other when it seemed like one was betraying the other.
March 7, 2025
absolutely devoured this! which is the usual for a book by melissa mcsherry. she just knows how to do it all 😩
vaela and nyxara, the women you both are 😮💨 i absolutely adored the connection between these two. the plot kept my attention and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
if you love sapphic, dark, villain retellings, this is the book for you 😍
thank you for the chance to arc read for you!🖤
vaela and nyxara, the women you both are 😮💨 i absolutely adored the connection between these two. the plot kept my attention and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
if you love sapphic, dark, villain retellings, this is the book for you 😍
thank you for the chance to arc read for you!🖤
March 5, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
The banter in this is top notch. I wasnt sure how I saw this retelling going but it works so well. I couldn’t put it down. I am so obsessed with Nyxara and Vaela. I loved the fantasy elements and the twists on the stories and the 🌶️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This was so much more than I was expecting!! I need more sapphic stories from Mel because this was perfection
The banter in this is top notch. I wasnt sure how I saw this retelling going but it works so well. I couldn’t put it down. I am so obsessed with Nyxara and Vaela. I loved the fantasy elements and the twists on the stories and the 🌶️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This was so much more than I was expecting!! I need more sapphic stories from Mel because this was perfection
March 10, 2025
4.75⭐️
4🌶️
Nyxara and Vaela were two badass queens!!! I really enjoyed reading this, the plot was absolutely amazing war and spice such a perfect combination. I loved the stubbornness Nyxara had and how she absolutely refused to acknowledge her attraction to Vaela, but when she did it was explosive and seeing them both fight for dominance was intense. Watching them navigate this pull together, along with gearing up for a war was perfect.
Though I understood Nyxara’s inability to trust it did get quite stressful when Vaela showed her in every way that she could be trusted, but right up until the end when it mattered the most was when Nyxara finally fully realized how much Vaela could be trusted and seeing her grovel at the end was so dang spicy!!!
4🌶️
Nyxara and Vaela were two badass queens!!! I really enjoyed reading this, the plot was absolutely amazing war and spice such a perfect combination. I loved the stubbornness Nyxara had and how she absolutely refused to acknowledge her attraction to Vaela, but when she did it was explosive and seeing them both fight for dominance was intense. Watching them navigate this pull together, along with gearing up for a war was perfect.
Though I understood Nyxara’s inability to trust it did get quite stressful when Vaela showed her in every way that she could be trusted, but right up until the end when it mattered the most was when Nyxara finally fully realized how much Vaela could be trusted and seeing her grovel at the end was so dang spicy!!!
March 10, 2025
ARC
Nyxara the dragon queen and protector of the forest of Varellith. She has been stuck in a battle against the humans, who try to destroy the forest and all that dwell inside, for far too long. Her only goal in life is to protect the forest no matter the cost, that is until she strikes a bargain with the sea witch.
Vaela the sea witch. She was taken from her home by the human in an effort to try to win the war. That is until Nyxara captures her and holds her captive in her castle. But what happens when the bargain no longer stand their way?
This is the first sapphic romance I have read and Melissa did not disappoint. Both Nyxara and Vaela taunted each other to make the first move. As a reader you can feel the push and pull of the characters. I loved watching their relationship develop beyond the terms of the contract.
“She wanted to kill him. She wanted to burn him alive. Not because he was a threat. No. It was because I was the one toying with him. Because I had looked at someone else the way I sometimes -unintentionally- look at her.”
Nyxara the dragon queen and protector of the forest of Varellith. She has been stuck in a battle against the humans, who try to destroy the forest and all that dwell inside, for far too long. Her only goal in life is to protect the forest no matter the cost, that is until she strikes a bargain with the sea witch.
Vaela the sea witch. She was taken from her home by the human in an effort to try to win the war. That is until Nyxara captures her and holds her captive in her castle. But what happens when the bargain no longer stand their way?
This is the first sapphic romance I have read and Melissa did not disappoint. Both Nyxara and Vaela taunted each other to make the first move. As a reader you can feel the push and pull of the characters. I loved watching their relationship develop beyond the terms of the contract.
“She wanted to kill him. She wanted to burn him alive. Not because he was a threat. No. It was because I was the one toying with him. Because I had looked at someone else the way I sometimes -unintentionally- look at her.”
July 4, 2025
loved
In a world of paranormal warfare between magical creatures and men of greed. Love finds its way to two powerful beings. Together they form an alliance to defeat the men that tries to destroy the beauty of magic.
In a world of paranormal warfare between magical creatures and men of greed. Love finds its way to two powerful beings. Together they form an alliance to defeat the men that tries to destroy the beauty of magic.
March 7, 2025
i could not put this down!! ursula meets maleficent inspired absolutely perfect forbidden relationship vibes! i wholeheartedly appreciate two STRONG fmc’s and their chemistry was wonderful. highly recommend this one!!
June 20, 2025
Such a good detailed read. Both of the characters are amazing and complex 10/10 in my opinion🙌
March 16, 2025
ARC review for 'Wicked Depths' by Melissa McSherry
It's refreshing to step outside your comfort zone every now and then and dive into something different. 'Wicked Depths' was an excellent choice for exploring new territory—it's undeniably sexy and filled with fantastic fun... and ahem, intriguing activities.
This dark fantasy novel offers a loose retelling of the tales of Ursula and Maleficent, weaving together a romance between a dragon queen and a sea witch against a gothic backdrop. To put it mildly, this story left me utterly speechless! I even struggled with the pronunciation of the characters' names, Vaela and Nyxara—let's just say I had a comical moment trying to read through the fantasy lingo!
Now, onto the fantasy elements: we have war, magic, dragons, and sea witches. As someone still getting acquainted with this genre, I found the blend of these elements to be a delightful and engaging combination.
As for the characters, Nyxara and Vaela are fierce queens! Both are headstrong, stubborn, and fiercely dominant in their realms. Their banter is everything you could hope for. Their love is forbidden and all-consuming. I thoroughly enjoyed this arc; Nyxara's stubbornness and her initial refusal to acknowledge her attraction to Vaela made for some intense moments. When she finally did embrace her feelings, it was explosive, and watching them both compete for dominance was exhilarating. Their journey as they navigated their connection while preparing for war was perfectly executed.
Finally, the plot. Well, let's just say when things heated up, I lost all track of time and what was happening—especially when the tentacles came into play! Sorry, not sorry about that!
If retellings are your jam, and you enjoy enemies-to-lovers stories featuring two fierce, headstrong queens, then you absolutely need to read this book. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
It's refreshing to step outside your comfort zone every now and then and dive into something different. 'Wicked Depths' was an excellent choice for exploring new territory—it's undeniably sexy and filled with fantastic fun... and ahem, intriguing activities.
This dark fantasy novel offers a loose retelling of the tales of Ursula and Maleficent, weaving together a romance between a dragon queen and a sea witch against a gothic backdrop. To put it mildly, this story left me utterly speechless! I even struggled with the pronunciation of the characters' names, Vaela and Nyxara—let's just say I had a comical moment trying to read through the fantasy lingo!
Now, onto the fantasy elements: we have war, magic, dragons, and sea witches. As someone still getting acquainted with this genre, I found the blend of these elements to be a delightful and engaging combination.
As for the characters, Nyxara and Vaela are fierce queens! Both are headstrong, stubborn, and fiercely dominant in their realms. Their banter is everything you could hope for. Their love is forbidden and all-consuming. I thoroughly enjoyed this arc; Nyxara's stubbornness and her initial refusal to acknowledge her attraction to Vaela made for some intense moments. When she finally did embrace her feelings, it was explosive, and watching them both compete for dominance was exhilarating. Their journey as they navigated their connection while preparing for war was perfectly executed.
Finally, the plot. Well, let's just say when things heated up, I lost all track of time and what was happening—especially when the tentacles came into play! Sorry, not sorry about that!
If retellings are your jam, and you enjoy enemies-to-lovers stories featuring two fierce, headstrong queens, then you absolutely need to read this book. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
March 22, 2025
Thank you Melissa McSherry ❤️🔥
ARC Review - Dark Fantasy Sapphic Novel / Villainous Romance
⚠️ CHECK TW'S ⚠️
" FOR THE WICKED SOULS WHI DARE TO KNOW TO LOVE , IN THE SHADOWS , THIS ONE'S IS FOR YOU."
This was such a beautiful dark fantasy. The banter, tension and forbidden love chef kisses. I laughed so much.
I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading this book , but I read it one day . It was amazing and I will highly recommend it. It's fast paced and the dynamic between Nyxara and Veale ...
The perfect Sapphic Villain Retelling.
Veale was definitely more outspoken and she was sassy. she was confident and it showed in the way she held her own through the story.
Nyxare was confident in her own way and held her own but she was more reserved, which makes sense . She was just keeping her heart from breaking. Being betrayed before definitely left scars.
The chemistry between them was amazing and now my favourite Retelling. It's a 10 from me!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
" Careful , Dragon Queen. You might find it hard to let me go."
"She is dangerous, that much is clear . But I've dealt with monsters and men before . One more threat doesn't scare me."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Tropes
💚 Enemies to Lovers
💜 Slow Burn
💚 Sapphic Retelling
💜 Gothic Setting
💚 Villainous Romance
💜 Tentacles
💚 Possessive Love
💜 Shape Shifting
💚 " Little Siren"
💜 Stockholm
💚 Fiesty FMC
💜 I don't care
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Wicked Depths
Author: Melissa McSherry
Genre: Dark Fantasy Sapphic Retelling
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
My Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
⚠️ CHECK TW'S ⚠️
ARC Review - Dark Fantasy Sapphic Novel / Villainous Romance
⚠️ CHECK TW'S ⚠️
" FOR THE WICKED SOULS WHI DARE TO KNOW TO LOVE , IN THE SHADOWS , THIS ONE'S IS FOR YOU."
This was such a beautiful dark fantasy. The banter, tension and forbidden love chef kisses. I laughed so much.
I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading this book , but I read it one day . It was amazing and I will highly recommend it. It's fast paced and the dynamic between Nyxara and Veale ...
The perfect Sapphic Villain Retelling.
Veale was definitely more outspoken and she was sassy. she was confident and it showed in the way she held her own through the story.
Nyxare was confident in her own way and held her own but she was more reserved, which makes sense . She was just keeping her heart from breaking. Being betrayed before definitely left scars.
The chemistry between them was amazing and now my favourite Retelling. It's a 10 from me!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
" Careful , Dragon Queen. You might find it hard to let me go."
"She is dangerous, that much is clear . But I've dealt with monsters and men before . One more threat doesn't scare me."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Tropes
💚 Enemies to Lovers
💜 Slow Burn
💚 Sapphic Retelling
💜 Gothic Setting
💚 Villainous Romance
💜 Tentacles
💚 Possessive Love
💜 Shape Shifting
💚 " Little Siren"
💜 Stockholm
💚 Fiesty FMC
💜 I don't care
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Wicked Depths
Author: Melissa McSherry
Genre: Dark Fantasy Sapphic Retelling
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
My Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
⚠️ CHECK TW'S ⚠️
May 8, 2025
I can see the potential in this. The writing was great and at a high level, the story was fun.
That said, it kind of didn’t work for me. I needed more world-building at the start: how did humans capture Vaela? How did they think they could force her to use her power on their behalf? Then how did Nyxara think she could force Vaela to use her power on her behalf? Why does anybody here think they can make a prisoner use magical power on their behalf? Without understanding those kinds of things, I just kind of felt untethered, like it’s impossible to tell what someone might or should do, or where the story might go.
The questions just built over the course of the story.
So, the writing was really smooth and it was an enjoyable ride, but I guess I just didn’t really believe in the decisions being made in the story, and that makes it a little tough to recommend. 🤷♂️
That said, it kind of didn’t work for me. I needed more world-building at the start: how did humans capture Vaela? How did they think they could force her to use her power on their behalf? Then how did Nyxara think she could force Vaela to use her power on her behalf? Why does anybody here think they can make a prisoner use magical power on their behalf? Without understanding those kinds of things, I just kind of felt untethered, like it’s impossible to tell what someone might or should do, or where the story might go.
The questions just built over the course of the story.
So, the writing was really smooth and it was an enjoyable ride, but I guess I just didn’t really believe in the decisions being made in the story, and that makes it a little tough to recommend. 🤷♂️
March 30, 2025
This one had a lot of things that worked for me and some things that didn't. First of all, I really enjoyed the prose. The descriptions of the scenery and dresses the characters wore were everything (because of course characters inspired by Maleficent & Ursula would rightfully be fashion icons). I really liked Nyxara. I think she was a very powerful character, and you could really see the respect she garnered from those in her land. I really enjoyed the whole war plot and her making hard decisions in order to win. So why 3 stars? Well, my issue lied with Vaela.
I just didn't really care for her character, and I'm pretty sure if we didn't get her pov, I would have hated her. Thankfully, she does get a tiny better by the end of it, but I'm still not really a fan. The heart of this novella is Nyxara's and Vaela's relationship, but personally I couldn't see the chemistry. I just don't think their two dominant personalities meshed well with each other and I have seen better examples of this sort of relationship. Is it wrong to say Nyxara can do better?
I also found some things to be quite repetitive, such as Nyxara threatening to burn Vaela alive if she betrays her with the exact same threats she used three chapters ago, Vaela dismissing any threat and telling Nyxara that if she keeps this up she will mistake her for liking her. I think if we got different kinds of conversations between them, then I could believe their tenuous relationship growing into something more.
I wished I loved it more than I did, especially since I was pretty excited for this one, but I just found it to be a pretty mixed read as a whole.
I just didn't really care for her character, and I'm pretty sure if we didn't get her pov, I would have hated her. Thankfully, she does get a tiny better by the end of it, but I'm still not really a fan. The heart of this novella is Nyxara's and Vaela's relationship, but personally I couldn't see the chemistry. I just don't think their two dominant personalities meshed well with each other and I have seen better examples of this sort of relationship. Is it wrong to say Nyxara can do better?
I also found some things to be quite repetitive, such as Nyxara threatening to burn Vaela alive if she betrays her with the exact same threats she used three chapters ago, Vaela dismissing any threat and telling Nyxara that if she keeps this up she will mistake her for liking her. I think if we got different kinds of conversations between them, then I could believe their tenuous relationship growing into something more.
I wished I loved it more than I did, especially since I was pretty excited for this one, but I just found it to be a pretty mixed read as a whole.
March 8, 2025
𝔚𝔦𝔠𝔨𝔢𝔡 𝔇𝔢𝔭𝔱𝔥𝔰 𝔟𝔶 𝔐𝔢𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔰𝔞 𝔐𝔠𝔖𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔯𝔶 (𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴)
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
-
Fav Quotes:
“ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪᴄᴋᴇᴅ ꜱᴏᴜʟꜱ ᴡʜᴏ ᴅᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴏɴᴇ’ꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ.”
“ᴡʜᴏᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴘʀɪꜱᴏɴᴇʀ ɪꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴜᴍᴀɴꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴅᴇꜱᴘᴇʀᴀᴛᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴ ʜᴇʀ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴋɪɴɢ. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇꜱ ʜᴇʀ ᴠᴀʟᴜᴀʙʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜꜱ. ɪᴛ ᴀʟꜱᴏ ᴍᴀᴋᴇꜱ ʜᴇʀ ᴍɪɴᴇ.”
“ᴏʜ, ꜱʜᴇ ᴍᴀʏ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴇɴᴅ ꜱʜᴇ’ꜱ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴛ, ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ɪᴛ ᴀʟʟ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ꜱᴇᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ꜱʜᴇ ʟᴏᴏᴋꜱ ᴀᴛ ᴍᴇ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ʜᴇʀ ᴄʟᴀᴡꜱ ᴛᴡɪᴛᴄʜ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ ᴅʀᴀɢᴏɴ ꜰɪʀᴇ ʙᴜʀɴꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪ ɢᴇᴛ ᴛᴏᴏ ᴄʟᴏꜱᴇ. ꜱʜᴇ’ꜱ ꜰɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ ɪᴛ. ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴀɪᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏᴘꜱ.”
“ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴏᴜʀꜱ. ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜰɪɢʜᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ʜᴇʀ, ɴᴏᴛ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ɪ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴀ ᴅᴇᴀʟ. ʙᴜᴛ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ. ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ꜱʜᴇ ɪꜱ ᴍɪɴᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴀᴍ ʜᴇʀꜱ.”
“ɴʏxᴀʀᴀ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇꜱ ꜱʜᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ᴄᴀꜱᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴀꜱɪᴅᴇ. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ʀᴇᴍᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴀʀᴅ. ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ʙᴇɢᴜɴ.”
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Review:
My first ever retelling and I’m glad it was a Melissa that wrote it. Nyxara and Vaela had me giggling the whole book because of how much banter these two ladies had from the very beginning. While Nyxara is broody and hardheaded, Vaela is flirty and sultry. It was truly an amazing Sapphic novella retelling. I highly recommend as a whole and hope yall enjoy it as much as I do. Can’t say much more since I don’t want to spoil it for yall but be sure to read the TW/CWs since this is a dark read after all, happy reading!
-
Tropes:
* Sapphic Romance
* Enemies To Lovers
* Gothic Setting
* Tentacle Smut
* Power Couple
* Forced Proximity
* Magical Bonding
* MMC Characters
* Possessive Love
* Dubious Consent
-
Releases March 10th!
-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
-
Fav Quotes:
“ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪᴄᴋᴇᴅ ꜱᴏᴜʟꜱ ᴡʜᴏ ᴅᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴏɴᴇ’ꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ.”
“ᴡʜᴏᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴘʀɪꜱᴏɴᴇʀ ɪꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴜᴍᴀɴꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴅᴇꜱᴘᴇʀᴀᴛᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴ ʜᴇʀ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴋɪɴɢ. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇꜱ ʜᴇʀ ᴠᴀʟᴜᴀʙʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜꜱ. ɪᴛ ᴀʟꜱᴏ ᴍᴀᴋᴇꜱ ʜᴇʀ ᴍɪɴᴇ.”
“ᴏʜ, ꜱʜᴇ ᴍᴀʏ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴇɴᴅ ꜱʜᴇ’ꜱ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴛ, ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ɪᴛ ᴀʟʟ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ꜱᴇᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ꜱʜᴇ ʟᴏᴏᴋꜱ ᴀᴛ ᴍᴇ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ʜᴇʀ ᴄʟᴀᴡꜱ ᴛᴡɪᴛᴄʜ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ ᴅʀᴀɢᴏɴ ꜰɪʀᴇ ʙᴜʀɴꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪ ɢᴇᴛ ᴛᴏᴏ ᴄʟᴏꜱᴇ. ꜱʜᴇ’ꜱ ꜰɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ ɪᴛ. ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴀɪᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏᴘꜱ.”
“ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴏᴜʀꜱ. ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜰɪɢʜᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ʜᴇʀ, ɴᴏᴛ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ɪ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴀ ᴅᴇᴀʟ. ʙᴜᴛ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ. ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ꜱʜᴇ ɪꜱ ᴍɪɴᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴀᴍ ʜᴇʀꜱ.”
“ɴʏxᴀʀᴀ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇꜱ ꜱʜᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ᴄᴀꜱᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴀꜱɪᴅᴇ. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ʀᴇᴍᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴀʀᴅ. ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ʙᴇɢᴜɴ.”
-
Review:
My first ever retelling and I’m glad it was a Melissa that wrote it. Nyxara and Vaela had me giggling the whole book because of how much banter these two ladies had from the very beginning. While Nyxara is broody and hardheaded, Vaela is flirty and sultry. It was truly an amazing Sapphic novella retelling. I highly recommend as a whole and hope yall enjoy it as much as I do. Can’t say much more since I don’t want to spoil it for yall but be sure to read the TW/CWs since this is a dark read after all, happy reading!
-
Tropes:
* Sapphic Romance
* Enemies To Lovers
* Gothic Setting
* Tentacle Smut
* Power Couple
* Forced Proximity
* Magical Bonding
* MMC Characters
* Possessive Love
* Dubious Consent
-
Releases March 10th!
March 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Star Rating
Multi First Person POV (Vaela & Nyxara)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Age Rating: 18+
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🖤
I didn’t know I NEEDED sapphic romance between Maleficent and Ursula until I read this because wow! 🔥🔥🔥 these are two re-imaginings of two beloved powerful villains that are bound to each other in more ways than one. Everything from the banter to the spice just draws you into the story even more. If this is book one in the series, I am looking FORWARD to what the next two books have in store!
🖤 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽 🖤
A sapphic romance retelling of two of your favorite villains in a very tentacle smutty book. The way these powerful women were written made them extremely badass and I could not flip away from the banter and chemistry that built up around them. If you’re looking for a naughty retelling, WICKED DEPTHS is your choice.
🖤 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼 🖤
Nyxara is the powerful dragon queen who has trust issues when it comes to Vaela captive. Vaela is a sassy Sea Witch with a whole lot of attitude. Their relationship is a non-stop rollercoaster of affection, spice, and banter and I was living for it!
🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 🖤
🖤 sapphic romance
🖤 maleficent x ursula
🖤 witchy banter
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 tentacle smut
🖤 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷 🖤
WICKED DEPTHS brings your favorite villains to life in a seductive retelling with lots of tentacle spice. I’m no stranger to McSherry’s work as I’m a fan of Carving for Cara, and this book just left my jaw on the floor. It’s a fast-paced dark romance that gets 🔥🔥🔥 these further you go and leaves you in anticipating for the next book in the series.
Multi First Person POV (Vaela & Nyxara)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Age Rating: 18+
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🖤
I didn’t know I NEEDED sapphic romance between Maleficent and Ursula until I read this because wow! 🔥🔥🔥 these are two re-imaginings of two beloved powerful villains that are bound to each other in more ways than one. Everything from the banter to the spice just draws you into the story even more. If this is book one in the series, I am looking FORWARD to what the next two books have in store!
🖤 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽 🖤
A sapphic romance retelling of two of your favorite villains in a very tentacle smutty book. The way these powerful women were written made them extremely badass and I could not flip away from the banter and chemistry that built up around them. If you’re looking for a naughty retelling, WICKED DEPTHS is your choice.
🖤 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼 🖤
Nyxara is the powerful dragon queen who has trust issues when it comes to Vaela captive. Vaela is a sassy Sea Witch with a whole lot of attitude. Their relationship is a non-stop rollercoaster of affection, spice, and banter and I was living for it!
🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 🖤
🖤 sapphic romance
🖤 maleficent x ursula
🖤 witchy banter
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 tentacle smut
🖤 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷 🖤
WICKED DEPTHS brings your favorite villains to life in a seductive retelling with lots of tentacle spice. I’m no stranger to McSherry’s work as I’m a fan of Carving for Cara, and this book just left my jaw on the floor. It’s a fast-paced dark romance that gets 🔥🔥🔥 these further you go and leaves you in anticipating for the next book in the series.
March 19, 2025
As always Melissa did a phenomenal job with this dark fantasy retelling of our beloved Ursela (Sea Witch) and Maleficent (Dragon Queen) fairytale. I have always been a fan of the Little Mermaid so when I got the chance to read this, I jumped with no hesitation knowing it was a spin on Ursela. I’m a huge fan of the villains in our beloved fairytales and the way Melissa brought this story to life was just amazing and honestly it was nice to see the villain get the girl in this slow burn.
When the King comes after Nyxara our Dragon Queen wanting her land and power he captures the ferocious Sea Witch Vaela in hopes to take her down. The once hostage Vaela gets rescued by Nyxara just to become a pawn in the game of power. How far will one go to get the power they so desperately want.
With high tensions and past heartbreaks boundaries are tested but only one; the King or Dragon will remain on top. Will Nyxara win over the Sea Witch or will she just become another pawn in Vaela’s game?
If you love badass women, villain retellings and an enemies to lovers sapphic romance, go get yourself a copy and read all about the banter, boundaries being tested and the chemistry to find out for yourself.
When the King comes after Nyxara our Dragon Queen wanting her land and power he captures the ferocious Sea Witch Vaela in hopes to take her down. The once hostage Vaela gets rescued by Nyxara just to become a pawn in the game of power. How far will one go to get the power they so desperately want.
With high tensions and past heartbreaks boundaries are tested but only one; the King or Dragon will remain on top. Will Nyxara win over the Sea Witch or will she just become another pawn in Vaela’s game?
If you love badass women, villain retellings and an enemies to lovers sapphic romance, go get yourself a copy and read all about the banter, boundaries being tested and the chemistry to find out for yourself.
March 20, 2025
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
POV: dual
Tropes: dark sapphic romance, enemies to lovers, Stockholm Syndrome, gothic, forced proximity, possessive, dübc0ń, tenticle smut, fantasy/retelling, slow burn, forbidden love
Fast paced, full of action and character development!
This was my first sapphic romance and again Melissa has set the bar high! I loooove Melissa’s writing and could hardly put this one down! I love the character development and seeing the relationship between Nyxara and Vaela! These two were different in Vaela was confident and didn’t have any issues going after what she wants and making those desires known. While Nyxara, most likely because of her past, seemed quieter and less sure of herself.
I def got Mañificent and Ursela vibes from these two! Nyxara, the Dragon Queen
Vaela, the Sea Witch, was captured by the King. Nyxara, who vows to protect her forest no matter the costs and knowing the magic that Vaela has, captures her! Both wanting to take down the king, they partner in lore ways then on to bring him down.
The way the banter between both FMCs is woven in will have you giggling while on the edge of your seat wanting to know what will happen next! If you aren’t a typical fantasy reader, you do not need to be familiar to enjoy this!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
POV: dual
Tropes: dark sapphic romance, enemies to lovers, Stockholm Syndrome, gothic, forced proximity, possessive, dübc0ń, tenticle smut, fantasy/retelling, slow burn, forbidden love
Fast paced, full of action and character development!
This was my first sapphic romance and again Melissa has set the bar high! I loooove Melissa’s writing and could hardly put this one down! I love the character development and seeing the relationship between Nyxara and Vaela! These two were different in Vaela was confident and didn’t have any issues going after what she wants and making those desires known. While Nyxara, most likely because of her past, seemed quieter and less sure of herself.
I def got Mañificent and Ursela vibes from these two! Nyxara, the Dragon Queen
Vaela, the Sea Witch, was captured by the King. Nyxara, who vows to protect her forest no matter the costs and knowing the magic that Vaela has, captures her! Both wanting to take down the king, they partner in lore ways then on to bring him down.
The way the banter between both FMCs is woven in will have you giggling while on the edge of your seat wanting to know what will happen next! If you aren’t a typical fantasy reader, you do not need to be familiar to enjoy this!
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