The Taste of Salt

by Danielle Nelson

Naia Valtameri feared nothing and no one. Left alone in the world after the sudden death of her mother. With the exception of her best friends, Naia didn't have anyone else, and she was fine with that. She had an amazing career and she had nothing but freedom to do as she pleased. As far as she was concerned, life was as good as it was going to get.

King of Atlantis, Ari Blackwater, was known as a cold-blooded ruler. A tyrant and a scourge on his own kingdom. He likes it that way. Taught it was better to be feared than loved, he rules with an iron fist. Everyone beneath him lives in fear of his wrath. That is, until the most beautiful mermaid he has ever met refuses to bow to him in fear. Intrigued, he begins to pursue her, and soon, finds himself in her thrall.

However, when a plot to overthrow the monarchy is uncovered, they must work together to stop a coming revolution. But can their relationship survive the coming conflict?

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

Danielle Nelson is a born and raised Ohioan. She currently resides in Central Ohio with her husband, their daughter, and three dogs.

Danielle has been writing since she was ten years old. What started as short horror stories, evolved into steamy romances. She is the author of the Eternally Yours novels.

Reviews

[Alexander Ashwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably one of the cutest mermaid romances I’ve read in a while. I love the world building Danielle managed and the society she created. Ari and Naia are something else, even if Danielle successfully made me groan out loud and cuss her for a couple chapters. Lol. If I hadn’t gotten the sick shortly after starting it I probably would’ve read the entire thing in less than a day because I couldn’t put it down. I loved it and wouldn’t mind more of this story or world if she ever decided to continue it and make it a series! 100% recommend!