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Beneath the Starlit Sea
Previously published as Beneath the Starlit Sea by Nicole Bea, this updated version of the fairytale romantasy features even more sparkling magic, romantic entanglements, and atmospheric elements.
The best way to understand a monster is simply by listening to their story.
When sorceress Illyse is pulled into a conflict amongst those with magic and those without, the last thing she expects is to develop feelings for one of the humans supporting the king. Dragged into Castle Thorn by the royal guards and coerced into helping with a monster hunt under the guise of a thousand-coin reward, Illyse reluctantly agrees to tap into her abilities.
Garit is a medical practitioner and a mystery unto himself, determined to finish his royal service contract before leaving the kingdom of Moningrad behind for good. After his partner was killed by the beast in the Kincade Sea, he stopped believing in the power of love or enchantments. But when Illyse appears at Castle Thorn with knotted hair and shackles on her wrists, Garit realizes they’ve met before—and that emotions and magic might not be as horrible as he’s thought.
As Garit and Illyse hide their forbidden relationship, it isn’t long before they must decide between duty, desire, and the decrees of a king who might be more interested in wielding power than serving his people.
Beneath the Starlit Sea is a standalone fantasy romance with alternate historical elements and atmospheric storytelling. If you've ever wished for The Witcher as an age gap romance between a human and a sorceress (who is paired with a sweet fox familiar!), then you’ll love meeting Garit and Illyse.
Content warnings can be found on Nicole Northwood's website.
The best way to understand a monster is simply by listening to their story.
When sorceress Illyse is pulled into a conflict amongst those with magic and those without, the last thing she expects is to develop feelings for one of the humans supporting the king. Dragged into Castle Thorn by the royal guards and coerced into helping with a monster hunt under the guise of a thousand-coin reward, Illyse reluctantly agrees to tap into her abilities.
Garit is a medical practitioner and a mystery unto himself, determined to finish his royal service contract before leaving the kingdom of Moningrad behind for good. After his partner was killed by the beast in the Kincade Sea, he stopped believing in the power of love or enchantments. But when Illyse appears at Castle Thorn with knotted hair and shackles on her wrists, Garit realizes they’ve met before—and that emotions and magic might not be as horrible as he’s thought.
As Garit and Illyse hide their forbidden relationship, it isn’t long before they must decide between duty, desire, and the decrees of a king who might be more interested in wielding power than serving his people.
Beneath the Starlit Sea is a standalone fantasy romance with alternate historical elements and atmospheric storytelling. If you've ever wished for The Witcher as an age gap romance between a human and a sorceress (who is paired with a sweet fox familiar!), then you’ll love meeting Garit and Illyse.
Content warnings can be found on Nicole Northwood's website.
345 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2022
7 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Northwood
7 books71 followersNICOLE NORTHWOOD writes love stories for adults that are atmospheric, intimate, and alluring. By daylight, she works as a project manager for an international medical company, while by starlight, she writes down all the little adventures taking up space in her head.
Nicole and her husband share their home in Eastern Canada with a collection of multi-colored cats, a cupboard stuffed with tea, and a lifetime’s worth of books.
Nicole and her husband share their home in Eastern Canada with a collection of multi-colored cats, a cupboard stuffed with tea, and a lifetime’s worth of books.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 11, 2025
Beneath the starlit sea is a beautiful story. I really enjoyed the premise and setting of this novel. The beginning that reads like a fairytale is the perfect introduction into the world and the characters.
The mystery builds nicely and the conclusion was a really fun twist to the romantic story.
While I did enjoy the book I am just not the intended reader for this work. I greatly dislike stories with Instalust/instalove tropes. I need the tension and angst and emotional turbulence that comes with a slow burn story to really help me engage with the characters. I liked the characters and development but I just didn’t love it hence my rating.
Beneath the starlit sea is a gorgeous romantic fantasy for someone who wants a cozy feel with a mystery setting and is ready to dive straight into a relationship.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion
The mystery builds nicely and the conclusion was a really fun twist to the romantic story.
While I did enjoy the book I am just not the intended reader for this work. I greatly dislike stories with Instalust/instalove tropes. I need the tension and angst and emotional turbulence that comes with a slow burn story to really help me engage with the characters. I liked the characters and development but I just didn’t love it hence my rating.
Beneath the starlit sea is a gorgeous romantic fantasy for someone who wants a cozy feel with a mystery setting and is ready to dive straight into a relationship.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion
January 11, 2025
In BENEATH THE STARLIT SEA we meet sorceress Illyse and royal physician Garit, both of whom have their own baggage and issues to deal with as they’re brought together for the same purpose: to find the beast that’s killing people in the kingdom of Moningrad and put a stop to it. As you can expect, forced proximity has sparks flying between these two characters, but there’s one little problem. In Moningrad, it’s forbidden for those with magic to intermingle with those without. And since they’re both staying in the royal palace, they’re not in the best position to be sneaking around.
One thing I really love about Nicole’s books is the spice. The spice, Renée? But you don’t like reading smut! This is very true — I am very much not a smut reader, which is why I appreciate the way Nicole writes it so much. Rather than telling you how long a character’s impressive dick is, she lets you sink into these scenes by experiencing the emotions the characters are feeling in the moment, which I find to be a much more enjoyable read. I find most sex scenes to be cringy, and just because one person likes something doesn’t mean the next person will, so I feel that by writing certain actions and kinks you risk turning half your readers off while showing them your FMC is turned on. By focusing more on emotions, I feel Nicole is able to get around this really well. Don’t get me wrong, she’ll absolutely give you a scene, but if you’re not a spice reader you’ll still find something to appreciate!
Another pro to her work (in particular Beneath the Starlit Sea and previous release The Night Garden) is that while it’s considered fantasy/romantasy, she doesn’t go heavy on the world-building. I love a good high fantasy, but sometimes you don’t have the mental capacity to get to know a while new world and the rules that come with it. Nicole builds her worlds simply, gives you only what you need to understand the story, and leaves the rest to your imagination. She often describes her settings as “the not at all historically accurate [insert IRL location here]” and I LOVE it!
But I can’t not tell you about my favourite part of this novel: Illyse has a fox familiar!
I LOVE FOXES!
One thing I really love about Nicole’s books is the spice. The spice, Renée? But you don’t like reading smut! This is very true — I am very much not a smut reader, which is why I appreciate the way Nicole writes it so much. Rather than telling you how long a character’s impressive dick is, she lets you sink into these scenes by experiencing the emotions the characters are feeling in the moment, which I find to be a much more enjoyable read. I find most sex scenes to be cringy, and just because one person likes something doesn’t mean the next person will, so I feel that by writing certain actions and kinks you risk turning half your readers off while showing them your FMC is turned on. By focusing more on emotions, I feel Nicole is able to get around this really well. Don’t get me wrong, she’ll absolutely give you a scene, but if you’re not a spice reader you’ll still find something to appreciate!
Another pro to her work (in particular Beneath the Starlit Sea and previous release The Night Garden) is that while it’s considered fantasy/romantasy, she doesn’t go heavy on the world-building. I love a good high fantasy, but sometimes you don’t have the mental capacity to get to know a while new world and the rules that come with it. Nicole builds her worlds simply, gives you only what you need to understand the story, and leaves the rest to your imagination. She often describes her settings as “the not at all historically accurate [insert IRL location here]” and I LOVE it!
But I can’t not tell you about my favourite part of this novel: Illyse has a fox familiar!
I LOVE FOXES!
January 7, 2025
I had the honor of receiving this as an eARC. My third one to date and honestly I love being able to document such amazing authors and their fabulous works.
“The best way to understand a monster is by listening to their story.”
Right away I am getting Thomas King vibes from this line. His way of creating stories that submerged the reader into the world transposes to Nicole’s world of fantasy, mystery and romance.
Illyse and Garit are our players on this stage and they are tasked by the King to look into a series of murders that are taking place on his kingdom’s shores.
Illyse is fierce, she is sassy, and her familiar Thierry is a precious bakery bun of fox adorableness. Garit is burdened by his past and doesn’t see the gorgeous woman he is partnered with.
This story has acceptance. This story has just the right amount of spice to keep you hooked and my goddess did I love every part of this novel.
I could go on for hours but please read this amazing novel. Read their romance. Join them on their journey because it’s truly inspiring and all of it’s beneath a beautiful starlit sea.
“The best way to understand a monster is by listening to their story.”
Right away I am getting Thomas King vibes from this line. His way of creating stories that submerged the reader into the world transposes to Nicole’s world of fantasy, mystery and romance.
Illyse and Garit are our players on this stage and they are tasked by the King to look into a series of murders that are taking place on his kingdom’s shores.
Illyse is fierce, she is sassy, and her familiar Thierry is a precious bakery bun of fox adorableness. Garit is burdened by his past and doesn’t see the gorgeous woman he is partnered with.
This story has acceptance. This story has just the right amount of spice to keep you hooked and my goddess did I love every part of this novel.
I could go on for hours but please read this amazing novel. Read their romance. Join them on their journey because it’s truly inspiring and all of it’s beneath a beautiful starlit sea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2025
This was a great fantasy romance novel with a little bit of mystery solving, steamy banter, and forbidden love. It was also a will they/ won’t they. Loved reading Garit and Illyse’s love story. I was so happy when they gave in to their desires and let go of all their fears and worries. They definitely deserved to be happy.
In the beginning they felt an attraction to each other but kept brushing it off because it was forbidden. Until they couldn’t resist anymore and finally gave it. From there, their relationship starts to grow and their feelings become stronger.
Doctor Garit Darling is grieving the pain and loss of the death of his partner Lor. He didn’t think he would fall in love again until he met Illyse. She made him feel alive again. She captured his attention and his heart.
Illyse is a sorceress with a sweet fox familiar. She’s never been in love before until Garit catches her attention. He’s different than the other guys she has met before. He’s kind, caring, gentle and patient. She’s willing to break the laws for him and doesn’t care about the consequences.
In the beginning they felt an attraction to each other but kept brushing it off because it was forbidden. Until they couldn’t resist anymore and finally gave it. From there, their relationship starts to grow and their feelings become stronger.
Doctor Garit Darling is grieving the pain and loss of the death of his partner Lor. He didn’t think he would fall in love again until he met Illyse. She made him feel alive again. She captured his attention and his heart.
Illyse is a sorceress with a sweet fox familiar. She’s never been in love before until Garit catches her attention. He’s different than the other guys she has met before. He’s kind, caring, gentle and patient. She’s willing to break the laws for him and doesn’t care about the consequences.
January 6, 2025
"And it certainly doesn’t compare to the moment where we told the laws of the realm that they could go **** themselves because whatever we have—lasting or temporary—is worth more than some nonsensical directive by a king who likely has no capacity for love."
This book is for anyone, like Illyse, on the outskirts, whose been told they don't belong. And it's for anyone like her and Garit who's been told their love shouldn't exist. This is a book about finding yourself by finding someone who sees all of you and loves it, no matter the risk, no matter the cost.
It's also a book about magic. There are Fae, and harpies, and magical murders to be solved and a kingdom to be saved. But the most important kind of magic is the small, intimate kind. The fires Illyse lights with her spells so she and Garit can be warm together in the night. The bond she has with her fox. The bond she forges with Garit.
This is a story about being accepted and being loved.
This book is for anyone, like Illyse, on the outskirts, whose been told they don't belong. And it's for anyone like her and Garit who's been told their love shouldn't exist. This is a book about finding yourself by finding someone who sees all of you and loves it, no matter the risk, no matter the cost.
It's also a book about magic. There are Fae, and harpies, and magical murders to be solved and a kingdom to be saved. But the most important kind of magic is the small, intimate kind. The fires Illyse lights with her spells so she and Garit can be warm together in the night. The bond she has with her fox. The bond she forges with Garit.
This is a story about being accepted and being loved.
January 23, 2025
This is a fast paced mystery full of magic and romance! I loved how quickly I was thrown into this world with Illyse and Garit. The introduction had me hooked with the mysterious murders, I had no idea what could have been causing them.
Books with dual POVs are some of my favorites because you get insight into what’s happening from multiple perspectives. While I didn’t expect the love story to be so prominent, I’m happy it was. It shows how love is unexpected and can takeover.
There was foreshadowing about what was really happening in the sea so the main twist didn’t take me by surprise. The secondary plot twist did though, even though the actions of the characters shouldn’t have surprised me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story!! Thank you, Nicole, for the gift of reading it!
Books with dual POVs are some of my favorites because you get insight into what’s happening from multiple perspectives. While I didn’t expect the love story to be so prominent, I’m happy it was. It shows how love is unexpected and can takeover.
There was foreshadowing about what was really happening in the sea so the main twist didn’t take me by surprise. The secondary plot twist did though, even though the actions of the characters shouldn’t have surprised me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story!! Thank you, Nicole, for the gift of reading it!
January 31, 2025
Nicole has done it again!
Beneath the Starlit Sea is a beautifully woven story full of atmosphere, inner strength, and mystery. It’s all intwined so well - the mystery of who (or what) is taking out people on the sea, a deep love and the need to be seen and understood, and finding one’s way despite your circumstances.
I also loved that the end was not at all what I expected. I thought for sure it was headed in one direction… and then I got swerved!
In my own time of grief, I also found much of the commentary by Garit relatable. Particularly “After a loss, sometimes we find ourselves at the intersection between grief and love.”
All things said, I savored this book! If there’s ever an expansion of this world… I’d love more Thierry and Caleb! And someone else, but I don’t want to spoil anything!
Beneath the Starlit Sea is a beautifully woven story full of atmosphere, inner strength, and mystery. It’s all intwined so well - the mystery of who (or what) is taking out people on the sea, a deep love and the need to be seen and understood, and finding one’s way despite your circumstances.
I also loved that the end was not at all what I expected. I thought for sure it was headed in one direction… and then I got swerved!
In my own time of grief, I also found much of the commentary by Garit relatable. Particularly “After a loss, sometimes we find ourselves at the intersection between grief and love.”
All things said, I savored this book! If there’s ever an expansion of this world… I’d love more Thierry and Caleb! And someone else, but I don’t want to spoil anything!
February 27, 2025
Overall I really enjoyed this story. The author did a great job blending elements of magic, romance, and mystery. I would absolutely recomend for readers looking for a lighter standalone romantasy w/ a HEA.
The mystery is relatively low stakes and perfect for readers that don't enjoy anxiety inducing reads. The story navigates through grief, love, and revenge. It has an easily digestable magic system complete w/ an adorable pet fox. The writing and pacing was consistent through out the book.
My only qualm with this book is it does have a bit of the insta-attraction / insta-lust trope. That personally isn't my cup of tea. However, it was done tastefully with the addition of the forbidden love trope intertwined. It didn't ruin the read for me. It's just not my preference.
Format: Gifted Paperback
Thank you Nicole Northwood for the ecopy and PR box in exchange for an honest review!
The mystery is relatively low stakes and perfect for readers that don't enjoy anxiety inducing reads. The story navigates through grief, love, and revenge. It has an easily digestable magic system complete w/ an adorable pet fox. The writing and pacing was consistent through out the book.
My only qualm with this book is it does have a bit of the insta-attraction / insta-lust trope. That personally isn't my cup of tea. However, it was done tastefully with the addition of the forbidden love trope intertwined. It didn't ruin the read for me. It's just not my preference.
Format: Gifted Paperback
Thank you Nicole Northwood for the ecopy and PR box in exchange for an honest review!
December 15, 2025
I really wanted to like this book 😭 it had everything I like; a fantastical historical setting, magical creatures, a cute animal sidekick, a healthy shot of romance.
And yet … I felt like nothing really happened? It was just so slow. And even when finally something was happening it was still just: a character telling her story. You never really got immersed in any action.
I also felt a total disregard of priorities of the mmc and fmc. They were supposedly solving murders together, trying to catch a serial killer. So let’s just hide away in a tower for 3 days having s* and then after you’ve gone on expedition? Repeat + read some fictional books.
Like, come onnnn
A pity because all of the base elements were there but I felt it lacking in execution.
And yet … I felt like nothing really happened? It was just so slow. And even when finally something was happening it was still just: a character telling her story. You never really got immersed in any action.
I also felt a total disregard of priorities of the mmc and fmc. They were supposedly solving murders together, trying to catch a serial killer. So let’s just hide away in a tower for 3 days having s* and then after you’ve gone on expedition? Repeat + read some fictional books.
Like, come onnnn
A pity because all of the base elements were there but I felt it lacking in execution.
January 14, 2025
Beneath the Starlit Sea was such a breathtaking and romantic novel! I loved the way this truly felt like a fairytale. Despite definitely being a cozy romantasy, there was an additional element of mystery to this book that really drove the plot forward.
The banter between Illyse & Garit was playful and adorable, and I was so invested in them as a couple. I was kicking my lil feet almost the entire book! I also lowkey got Witcher vibes while reading this, which was 👀😮💨.
BONUS: There is a precious fox familiar in this book, and I’m obsessed!
Thank you to the author, Nicole Northwood, for an earc of this book: 4.5⭐️
The banter between Illyse & Garit was playful and adorable, and I was so invested in them as a couple. I was kicking my lil feet almost the entire book! I also lowkey got Witcher vibes while reading this, which was 👀😮💨.
BONUS: There is a precious fox familiar in this book, and I’m obsessed!
Thank you to the author, Nicole Northwood, for an earc of this book: 4.5⭐️
January 15, 2025
If you need a quick but beautiful tale that will constantly remain on your mind, look no further! This romantasy has an easy-to-digest magical system with a HEA. And a fox who is cute and sassy and I want one.
Nicole Northwood's writing is beautiful. The characters are well-developed and beautifully flawed, and watching the MCs' relationship develop had me completely engrossed. Their banter is chef's kiss, so so so good!!! And my goodness the MMC has a dirty mouth on him when it's warranted (one line had my jaw on the ground and yelling OMG).
This standalone is one that I'll be thinking about for a loooong time.
Nicole Northwood's writing is beautiful. The characters are well-developed and beautifully flawed, and watching the MCs' relationship develop had me completely engrossed. Their banter is chef's kiss, so so so good!!! And my goodness the MMC has a dirty mouth on him when it's warranted (one line had my jaw on the ground and yelling OMG).
This standalone is one that I'll be thinking about for a loooong time.
January 25, 2025
Magical and romantic, two of my favourite things!
Illyse is a spitfire—literally!—with an attitude, and Garit is a grieving sweetheart. These two collide in terrible circumstances and learn to love and love again, respectively. They fall hard and deep in a world where it’s illegal to fraternize with magical folks and the King has a close eye on them.
Woven throughout is an interesting murder mystery plot with a fantastical twist. I loved every second of this romp, the beautiful prose and heavy sensuality that I knew I would find in a Nicole Northwood novel. Gorgeous and cozy, 10/10!
I received an advanced review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Illyse is a spitfire—literally!—with an attitude, and Garit is a grieving sweetheart. These two collide in terrible circumstances and learn to love and love again, respectively. They fall hard and deep in a world where it’s illegal to fraternize with magical folks and the King has a close eye on them.
Woven throughout is an interesting murder mystery plot with a fantastical twist. I loved every second of this romp, the beautiful prose and heavy sensuality that I knew I would find in a Nicole Northwood novel. Gorgeous and cozy, 10/10!
I received an advanced review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this story.
The story telling keeps you gripped. The characters are swoony and really draw you in, you feel like they are your friends and Garit, oh dear Garit 😍
I love that although this book as spice it's not written in a way to make you blush, it doesn't go into graphic(is that the word I'm looking for?) detail it's just perfect. You definitely get the point but you'll be able to read it in public and not have to worry about having a poker face (imo and I absolutely love smut books too)
Also there's a fox!
Definitely recommend you pick this one up.
The story telling keeps you gripped. The characters are swoony and really draw you in, you feel like they are your friends and Garit, oh dear Garit 😍
I love that although this book as spice it's not written in a way to make you blush, it doesn't go into graphic(is that the word I'm looking for?) detail it's just perfect. You definitely get the point but you'll be able to read it in public and not have to worry about having a poker face (imo and I absolutely love smut books too)
Also there's a fox!
Definitely recommend you pick this one up.
February 15, 2025
If you’re a huge Witcher fan, check out this book! It’s inspired by the Witcher 3 game. It’s cozy meets m*rder mystery with romance. There’s a little bit of spice and alllll the yearning. The banter was bantering and I loved the tenderness as well. I loved the characters and the beautiful writing. There’s an adorable companion fox named Thierry and no shortage of delicious foods in this story to add to the coziness.
Thank you Nicole for sending me this stunning book! Can’t wait to read more from this author 💕
Thank you Nicole for sending me this stunning book! Can’t wait to read more from this author 💕
December 3, 2025
Love it! ♡
Positive Key Points:
• The banter between the FMC and MMC is chef’s kiss — sexy, sassy, and full of emotion.
• The world-building is gorgeous; the whole universe feels ethereal and immersive.
• The murder mystery is intriguing and well executed, with a satisfying unraveling.
• Every character is beautifully written
Negative Key Points:
• It ended way too fast for me! I need more! I’ll definitely be picking up the second book and exploring more from this author.
Positive Key Points:
• The banter between the FMC and MMC is chef’s kiss — sexy, sassy, and full of emotion.
• The world-building is gorgeous; the whole universe feels ethereal and immersive.
• The murder mystery is intriguing and well executed, with a satisfying unraveling.
• Every character is beautifully written
Negative Key Points:
• It ended way too fast for me! I need more! I’ll definitely be picking up the second book and exploring more from this author.
April 23, 2025
Oh my gosh this book. It’s is atmospheric and ethereal in its descriptions. It has a really tangible quality to the writing. And then the characters! Oh man. Garit? I love him. He’s dealing with grief and an impossible seeming task and this gorgeous, flirty, kind redhead is brought into his life. And the way they develop over the course of this book? It’s beautiful. I adore this book. So much
January 19, 2025
Beneath the Starlit Sea was an enchanting and cozy read.
Nicole Northwood has done an incredible job at detailing an enchanting atmosphere that drew me in. I was captivated by the mystery and the romance. This charming dual POV fairytale-like story has a slower build filled with passion, tension, and hope. As the pace picked up in the back half, I found found myself continuing to fall deeper in love with the characters as they navigated their forbidden romance.
The story was consistent and satisfying. I did not want to put it down. There was a balance of heartache, melancholy, and humor with just a touch of darkness and some spice. I was more than happy to curl up under a blanket by the fire with my cup of tea and immerse myself in a beautifully crafted world.
I would absolutely recommend Beneath the Starlit Sea, and it is a book that I will undoubtedly read again.
Nicole Northwood has done an incredible job at detailing an enchanting atmosphere that drew me in. I was captivated by the mystery and the romance. This charming dual POV fairytale-like story has a slower build filled with passion, tension, and hope. As the pace picked up in the back half, I found found myself continuing to fall deeper in love with the characters as they navigated their forbidden romance.
The story was consistent and satisfying. I did not want to put it down. There was a balance of heartache, melancholy, and humor with just a touch of darkness and some spice. I was more than happy to curl up under a blanket by the fire with my cup of tea and immerse myself in a beautifully crafted world.
I would absolutely recommend Beneath the Starlit Sea, and it is a book that I will undoubtedly read again.
January 16, 2025
Northwood's elegant prose combined with scintillating mystery prompt quick turns of the page to devour this magical romantasy filled with adventure, an adorable fox, and a passionate secret love affair.
October 18, 2025
Take this with a grain of salt. I liked the story.
I personally don't like the style of writing and I figured out the 'twist' long before the end.
I'm also not the biggest fan of, what I feel, is unnecessary sex scenes.
I personally don't like the style of writing and I figured out the 'twist' long before the end.
I'm also not the biggest fan of, what I feel, is unnecessary sex scenes.
January 26, 2025
Such an immersive and beautiful read! I wanted it to never end!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews