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In Violent Waves
On the eve of her arranged marriage, Princess Lyra is bound to the Tidal Tithe, a ritual demanding the sacrifice of a human heart. But before the offering can be made, she is stolen away by a rival kingdom.
Torn from the sea, Lyra enters into a dangerous bargain to appease ancient magic unraveling around her. Her only ally? The enemy she was foretold to hate.
As treachery deepens and tides rise, Lyra must choose: obey the rules of her kingdom, or seize the forbidden magic hidden within her voice—and risk everything to change the tides.
A story of sacrifice, rebellion, and love as fierce as the sea itself.
Torn from the sea, Lyra enters into a dangerous bargain to appease ancient magic unraveling around her. Her only ally? The enemy she was foretold to hate.
As treachery deepens and tides rise, Lyra must choose: obey the rules of her kingdom, or seize the forbidden magic hidden within her voice—and risk everything to change the tides.
A story of sacrifice, rebellion, and love as fierce as the sea itself.
- GenresRomantasy
450 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2025
6 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 21, 2025
Hello?! I NEED BOOK TWO ASAP 😮💨
♡ Mermaid Princess x Elf Prince
♡ Enemies to friends to lovers
♡ Forced Proximity
♡ Slooow burn/Tension
♡ Banter
♡ WHO DID THIS TO YOU!
♡ Spicy exploration 👀
This was my first mermaid read and I looved everything about it — the characters (& side characters), the world building, the slowest of burns and the banter between the two MCs, whew! Lyra and Wilder were so much fun to experience.
When Prince Elf, Wilder, kidnaps Mermaid Princess, Lyra, they both discover that everything they’ve ever been taught about each other’s worlds was full of lies and secrets. Throughout their journey, they learn hard truths, develop friendships and practice patience in learning about each other and their own self discoveries. Even through the tension, they’re both so very caring and understanding when it comes to each other. Wilder had me giggling, kicking my feet but equally wanting me to kick his ass 🤭
💌 Thank you so much J.A. Townsend for the eARC ♡ I can’t wait to continue the journey with these two!! Book 1 releasing Sept 30th!
♡ Mermaid Princess x Elf Prince
♡ Enemies to friends to lovers
♡ Forced Proximity
♡ Slooow burn/Tension
♡ Banter
♡ WHO DID THIS TO YOU!
♡ Spicy exploration 👀
This was my first mermaid read and I looved everything about it — the characters (& side characters), the world building, the slowest of burns and the banter between the two MCs, whew! Lyra and Wilder were so much fun to experience.
When Prince Elf, Wilder, kidnaps Mermaid Princess, Lyra, they both discover that everything they’ve ever been taught about each other’s worlds was full of lies and secrets. Throughout their journey, they learn hard truths, develop friendships and practice patience in learning about each other and their own self discoveries. Even through the tension, they’re both so very caring and understanding when it comes to each other. Wilder had me giggling, kicking my feet but equally wanting me to kick his ass 🤭
💌 Thank you so much J.A. Townsend for the eARC ♡ I can’t wait to continue the journey with these two!! Book 1 releasing Sept 30th!
July 18, 2025
I LOVED this book!!
The banter was *chef’s kiss,* the imagery was fantastic, the tension and spice was 🔥, I loved the humor, the simping MMC, the steadfast resolve of the FMC 💪, found family, the political aspect…EVERYTHING… it was done so well! I haven’t read until 3-4 in the morning in SO LONG. I couldn’t put it down!
This book has 👇
Enemies to Lovers?
Curses
Betrayal
Sooo much banter!
Fierce FMC
Brooding MMC
Slow burn/tension
He can *scent* her and it’s kind of hot.
I am DY!NG to get my hands on the next book! I loved everything about this one and it’s an easy ♾️ 🌟 read for me. It checked all of the boxes and I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
The banter was *chef’s kiss,* the imagery was fantastic, the tension and spice was 🔥, I loved the humor, the simping MMC, the steadfast resolve of the FMC 💪, found family, the political aspect…EVERYTHING… it was done so well! I haven’t read until 3-4 in the morning in SO LONG. I couldn’t put it down!
This book has 👇
Enemies to Lovers?
Curses
Betrayal
Sooo much banter!
Fierce FMC
Brooding MMC
Slow burn/tension
He can *scent* her and it’s kind of hot.
I am DY!NG to get my hands on the next book! I loved everything about this one and it’s an easy ♾️ 🌟 read for me. It checked all of the boxes and I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
December 23, 2025
Thanks to the author JA Townsend and bookfunnel for access to this ARC electronically. I read the book on Kindle.
I gave the book a 4 stars because I did buy into the world building and I stayed with the book, it kept me engaged and I want to see this book published as well as the series continued.
There are some minor spoilers in this review.
What worked for me:
I REALLY love the title!
I like the characters, I like the world building, I like the plot. It was an extremely enjoyable read. It is a compelling story.
I liked the slow burn. I like the writing style for the most part.
I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys fantasy/romantasy, a reimagined little mermaid type story, fae and elf fantasy, adventure, and generally likable but grumpy arguing flawed main characters. It is somewhat enemy to lovers, we have found family, and self discovery as the characters develop over the course of the book.
I don't really have a "what doesn't work for me" section because the book obviously did work for me but I do have a few minor structural based comments mostly for the author due to this being in ARC.
The travel portion to get from the first meet of MCs to the castle dragged a bit. I think that portion could be condensed a tad.
There were a few confusing incidents in the book:
I did not understand how she could keep walking if her feet were rubbed to the bone and her shoes were full of blood.
This was written basically looking at the POV of the two main characters, but at least twice I believe it slipped unexpectedly to a side character pov.
There was a couple of sections of confusing dialogue where I didn't know who was speaking and I read over several times, but had to just move on. It did not impact the structure of the book or the story overall.
There were also a couple of incidents of other unclear dialogue, thoughts, and descriptions. I also came across a couple of points where the character brought up something that had already been discussed as if they didn't know. Again, I had to read over these elements more than once, but just moved on. The book continued to be engaging, however.
Now for personal opinion rather than structure:
I did have a problem buying into that she was so weak physically. Yes, I get the leg thing, but that she was weak from inactivity in her real form was hard to buy into. Because she had swam to the land to start with and was fine doing that, and she knew how to catch fish in the sea, and she had to swim generally just to live.
I really felt myself immersed in this world and enjoyed it, and I look forward to the 2nd book. I was not surprised by the two reveals at the end. But that is not a criticism, that means the book followed general genre structure, and came to a logical conclusion to prepare for the next book in the series – for the most part the plotting, pacing, and flow worked. The author left us waiting and wanting more in the next book in the series. The author gave a hint earlier in the book about the first reveal, and opening world building of the FMC's world circled around to give us a satisfying reveal of the big bad to set up the second book in the series.
I gave the book a 4 stars because I did buy into the world building and I stayed with the book, it kept me engaged and I want to see this book published as well as the series continued.
There are some minor spoilers in this review.
What worked for me:
I REALLY love the title!
I like the characters, I like the world building, I like the plot. It was an extremely enjoyable read. It is a compelling story.
I liked the slow burn. I like the writing style for the most part.
I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys fantasy/romantasy, a reimagined little mermaid type story, fae and elf fantasy, adventure, and generally likable but grumpy arguing flawed main characters. It is somewhat enemy to lovers, we have found family, and self discovery as the characters develop over the course of the book.
I don't really have a "what doesn't work for me" section because the book obviously did work for me but I do have a few minor structural based comments mostly for the author due to this being in ARC.
The travel portion to get from the first meet of MCs to the castle dragged a bit. I think that portion could be condensed a tad.
There were a few confusing incidents in the book:
I did not understand how she could keep walking if her feet were rubbed to the bone and her shoes were full of blood.
This was written basically looking at the POV of the two main characters, but at least twice I believe it slipped unexpectedly to a side character pov.
There was a couple of sections of confusing dialogue where I didn't know who was speaking and I read over several times, but had to just move on. It did not impact the structure of the book or the story overall.
There were also a couple of incidents of other unclear dialogue, thoughts, and descriptions. I also came across a couple of points where the character brought up something that had already been discussed as if they didn't know. Again, I had to read over these elements more than once, but just moved on. The book continued to be engaging, however.
Now for personal opinion rather than structure:
I did have a problem buying into that she was so weak physically. Yes, I get the leg thing, but that she was weak from inactivity in her real form was hard to buy into. Because she had swam to the land to start with and was fine doing that, and she knew how to catch fish in the sea, and she had to swim generally just to live.
I really felt myself immersed in this world and enjoyed it, and I look forward to the 2nd book. I was not surprised by the two reveals at the end. But that is not a criticism, that means the book followed general genre structure, and came to a logical conclusion to prepare for the next book in the series – for the most part the plotting, pacing, and flow worked. The author left us waiting and wanting more in the next book in the series. The author gave a hint earlier in the book about the first reveal, and opening world building of the FMC's world circled around to give us a satisfying reveal of the big bad to set up the second book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
I am blown away, this book was amazing! I absolutely loved it and could not put it down! The plot, the characters, I can't gush about it enough!
In Violent Waves has so many things I love in a fantasy; banter, mystery, kidnapping, found family, secrets, really good evil characters, growing feminine rage, love, longing, and finding of one's self.
Lyra is the FMC, a mermaid in an oppressive and male dominated world where knowledge for females is restricted but her curiosity and love for books makes her strong enough to find her own way. I absolutely love her character growth in this book. She is not as strong per se as a lot of fantasy FMCs but she slowly builds confidence and she is slowly learning what she wants, which makes her strong.
Wilder. Oh the things I could say about Wilder. I love him and his POV chapters had me blushing and giggling because this dude, he has it hard for her and his denial is obvious. I absolutely love his character growth in this book as well. He starts off so grumpy on the outside but once you get his POV you realize he has a completely different side to him. It's adorable and I absolutely need more.
There isn't too much spice in this book, the spice that is in here is delicious and for sure I need more come book 2! As a banter girlie, I was in love! The banter between Wilder and Lyra is so adorable, I was giggling and kicking my feet.
And not only are the main characters so good, the side characters are too!! This little found family is a beautiful read and I just cannot wait for book 2! It cannot come soon enough because that cliffhanger was brutal!
In Violent Waves has so many things I love in a fantasy; banter, mystery, kidnapping, found family, secrets, really good evil characters, growing feminine rage, love, longing, and finding of one's self.
Lyra is the FMC, a mermaid in an oppressive and male dominated world where knowledge for females is restricted but her curiosity and love for books makes her strong enough to find her own way. I absolutely love her character growth in this book. She is not as strong per se as a lot of fantasy FMCs but she slowly builds confidence and she is slowly learning what she wants, which makes her strong.
Wilder. Oh the things I could say about Wilder. I love him and his POV chapters had me blushing and giggling because this dude, he has it hard for her and his denial is obvious. I absolutely love his character growth in this book as well. He starts off so grumpy on the outside but once you get his POV you realize he has a completely different side to him. It's adorable and I absolutely need more.
There isn't too much spice in this book, the spice that is in here is delicious and for sure I need more come book 2! As a banter girlie, I was in love! The banter between Wilder and Lyra is so adorable, I was giggling and kicking my feet.
And not only are the main characters so good, the side characters are too!! This little found family is a beautiful read and I just cannot wait for book 2! It cannot come soon enough because that cliffhanger was brutal!
November 13, 2025
I am honored to have been a beta reader for this book and author! I am so impressed by how clearly she brings a world to life and details things like the scenery without just throwing it on the page. The world is so vivid and fun and magical. Mermaids, elves of all sorts, unicorns, on and on.
Lyra, our main character, is kidnapped while performing a ritual for Atlantis. She’s smart and witty and has a lot of bite, but she can also be vulnerable and reluctantly accepts help. I love that her character is realistic, she’s not a pro with a sword or strong in the physical sense but she is ferocious and can hold her own.
The love interest in this had me blushing several times. I love that it’s a slow burn and feels natural not rushed. He’s protective and grumpy at times and I loved him! The side characters also felt important to the plot and characters. I loved Lyra’s relationship with Daisy and Maelys!
If you’re looking for a content packed book with magic, themes of self discovery and f*** the patriarchy, badass female characters and found family this is def for you!
Lyra, our main character, is kidnapped while performing a ritual for Atlantis. She’s smart and witty and has a lot of bite, but she can also be vulnerable and reluctantly accepts help. I love that her character is realistic, she’s not a pro with a sword or strong in the physical sense but she is ferocious and can hold her own.
The love interest in this had me blushing several times. I love that it’s a slow burn and feels natural not rushed. He’s protective and grumpy at times and I loved him! The side characters also felt important to the plot and characters. I loved Lyra’s relationship with Daisy and Maelys!
If you’re looking for a content packed book with magic, themes of self discovery and f*** the patriarchy, badass female characters and found family this is def for you!
September 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book pulled me in right from the start with its dark and atmospheric premise…arranged marriage, brutal ritual, and a heroine stolen into enemy territory. The worldbuilding was lush, with sea-soaked imagery that gave the story a haunting, almost mythic quality. Lyra is a strong and determined heroine, and the slow-burn tension between her and the brooding MMC kept me invested. Their dynamic had just the right balance of push-and-pull, and the forbidden romance element added an extra layer of intensity. Also the banter?🔥
I will say the pacing dragged a *tad* in the middle, but overall, the blend of betrayal, curses, and rebellion against tradition made this SUCH an engaging read. The writing was vivid, the romance compelling, and the stakes felt high enough to keep me turning pages.
If you like arranged marriages with a twist, enemies-to-lovers energy, and magic that feels as dangerous as it is beautiful, this one is worth picking up!
This book pulled me in right from the start with its dark and atmospheric premise…arranged marriage, brutal ritual, and a heroine stolen into enemy territory. The worldbuilding was lush, with sea-soaked imagery that gave the story a haunting, almost mythic quality. Lyra is a strong and determined heroine, and the slow-burn tension between her and the brooding MMC kept me invested. Their dynamic had just the right balance of push-and-pull, and the forbidden romance element added an extra layer of intensity. Also the banter?🔥
I will say the pacing dragged a *tad* in the middle, but overall, the blend of betrayal, curses, and rebellion against tradition made this SUCH an engaging read. The writing was vivid, the romance compelling, and the stakes felt high enough to keep me turning pages.
If you like arranged marriages with a twist, enemies-to-lovers energy, and magic that feels as dangerous as it is beautiful, this one is worth picking up!
September 19, 2025
As someone who has been begging for more mermaid Romantasy books I felt that this one very much delivered. This boarders the line of Romantasy and high fantasy (at least from what we have so far) as a majority of the book is journeying across the realm or training for physical strength and mental control of magic that could possibly corrupt our MMC with a single use.
Overall I found this one enjoyable and easy to binge read. If you like tension, fantastical creatures and journeys around beautifully written lands then you should pick this one up!
Overall I found this one enjoyable and easy to binge read. If you like tension, fantastical creatures and journeys around beautifully written lands then you should pick this one up!
November 12, 2025
5 ⭐️
This is my second J.A. Townsend book and I am quickly becoming obsessed with her. Her writing has a way that just sucks you in and the endings will leaving you gasping everytime. I definitely recommend this book and her other ones. I can’t wait to read the second book because I can’t believe she left it off like that.
This is my second J.A. Townsend book and I am quickly becoming obsessed with her. Her writing has a way that just sucks you in and the endings will leaving you gasping everytime. I definitely recommend this book and her other ones. I can’t wait to read the second book because I can’t believe she left it off like that.
November 4, 2025
So we got a powerful mermaid whose on land and is kidnapped by an Elf Prince? Oh and it’s a slow burn?! Like all they did was kiss?! And maybe one other thing… BUT STILL holy slowburn I’m here for this
December 7, 2025
Goddamn wilder is so hot help, that carriage scene 🤪🧎🏼♀️ ending was mean(lovingly, it was so good I am just sad abt it) I need the next one pls hurry
October 17, 2025
I devoured this book in 2 days. It was so enjoyable. Can’t wait for the next one. 🧜♀️
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews