What do you think?
Rate this book
Salt & Bone: A British Paranormal Romance with Selkie Shifters and Fated Mates
Some storms bring more than rain to shore.
Marine biologist Dr Isla Tremaine had a plan: hide in Cornwall, lick her wounds, and forget London ever happened. Then she found a half-dead man on the beach with scars that matched her birthmark and eyes like a winter sea.
Cian Blackwater is selkie. Cursed. And running out of time.
For two centuries, he's been trapped in human form while his people slowly die in the waters around Saltmere. The curse that binds him was cast by Isla's ancestor—and she might be the only one who can break it.
If she believes in magic. Which she doesn't.
If she trusts him. Which she shouldn't.
If she's willing to risk everything. Which is looking increasingly likely.
Because the connection between them isn't just about breaking curses—it's about two people finding home in each other whilst the ocean itself holds its breath.
A British paranormal romance
Actual selkie folklore (no aggressive alphas here)A hero who believes in consentCornish coastal atmosphereFound family and village secretsMagic that makes sense to scientists Salt & Bone is the first in The Saltmere Chronicles, a steamy British paranormal romance series set in coastal Cornwall, featuring selkie shifters, fated mates, and village secrets steeped in Celtic folklore.
Contains mature content. Written in British English with authentic Cornish setting and dialect.
Marine biologist Dr Isla Tremaine had a plan: hide in Cornwall, lick her wounds, and forget London ever happened. Then she found a half-dead man on the beach with scars that matched her birthmark and eyes like a winter sea.
Cian Blackwater is selkie. Cursed. And running out of time.
For two centuries, he's been trapped in human form while his people slowly die in the waters around Saltmere. The curse that binds him was cast by Isla's ancestor—and she might be the only one who can break it.
If she believes in magic. Which she doesn't.
If she trusts him. Which she shouldn't.
If she's willing to risk everything. Which is looking increasingly likely.
Because the connection between them isn't just about breaking curses—it's about two people finding home in each other whilst the ocean itself holds its breath.
A British paranormal romance
Actual selkie folklore (no aggressive alphas here)A hero who believes in consentCornish coastal atmosphereFound family and village secretsMagic that makes sense to scientists Salt & Bone is the first in The Saltmere Chronicles, a steamy British paranormal romance series set in coastal Cornwall, featuring selkie shifters, fated mates, and village secrets steeped in Celtic folklore.
Contains mature content. Written in British English with authentic Cornish setting and dialect.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
About the author
Toria Howell
10 books4 followersToria Howell writes atmospheric paranormal fiction rooted in the folklore of the British Isles — the kind of stories where ancient creatures stir beneath coastal waves and old magic lingers in the landscape. Her books span paranormal romance and cosy mystery, drawing on the real myths and legends of Cornwall, Wales, and beyond rather than anything found in a Hollywood special effects department.
A cunning woman herself, Toria brings an insider's understanding of folk magic to her writing — no sparkly wands or dramatic midnight rituals required. Born in the UK but shaped by life in several countries, Toria writes with British spelling and slightly confused pronunciation. She finds inspiration in mist-covered hills, crumbling castles, local gossip, and the peculiarities of rural life—some of which find their way into her books if she’s not paying attention.
When she isn't dreaming up ways to weave selkies, Cŵn Annwn, and standing stones into love stories and mysteries, she can be found in her home in the Welsh Valleys with a cup of tea, a good book, and her two black cats, Salem and Nyx, who are far more destructive than they sound. When she’s not writing, Toria’s most likely reading in a patch of sun, manipulating the weather for better driving conditions, or losing horrendously at tri-dominoes to her family, though she maintains that she's improving.
A cunning woman herself, Toria brings an insider's understanding of folk magic to her writing — no sparkly wands or dramatic midnight rituals required. Born in the UK but shaped by life in several countries, Toria writes with British spelling and slightly confused pronunciation. She finds inspiration in mist-covered hills, crumbling castles, local gossip, and the peculiarities of rural life—some of which find their way into her books if she’s not paying attention.
When she isn't dreaming up ways to weave selkies, Cŵn Annwn, and standing stones into love stories and mysteries, she can be found in her home in the Welsh Valleys with a cup of tea, a good book, and her two black cats, Salem and Nyx, who are far more destructive than they sound. When she’s not writing, Toria’s most likely reading in a patch of sun, manipulating the weather for better driving conditions, or losing horrendously at tri-dominoes to her family, though she maintains that she's improving.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 18, 2026
Toria Howell completely won me over with Stormbound and Sea Touched, so diving into The Saltmere Chronicles felt like the obvious next step and Salt & Bone reminded me exactly why I love her writing.
There's something so immersive about the way she blends folklore with romance. The Cornish setting feels alive, the sea is as much a character as anyone else, and the atmosphere is beautifully eerie without ever losing the emotional heart of the story.
I loved the contrast between Isla's scientific mind and the ancient magic woven through Saltmere. Watching her question everything she thought she knew made the story incredibly compelling. Cian is a fascinating character, and together they create a story that's full of emotion, mystery, and just the right amount of magic.
Toria has such a gift for writing characters who are healing as much as they're finding love, and that's what always keeps me coming back. Her stories are rich with atmosphere, emotion, hope, and a touch of magic that stays with you.
I'm so glad I finally started the Saltmere Chronicles. If this first book is anything to go by, I'm going to love returning to this magical little village where the sea always has another story to tell.
There's something so immersive about the way she blends folklore with romance. The Cornish setting feels alive, the sea is as much a character as anyone else, and the atmosphere is beautifully eerie without ever losing the emotional heart of the story.
I loved the contrast between Isla's scientific mind and the ancient magic woven through Saltmere. Watching her question everything she thought she knew made the story incredibly compelling. Cian is a fascinating character, and together they create a story that's full of emotion, mystery, and just the right amount of magic.
Toria has such a gift for writing characters who are healing as much as they're finding love, and that's what always keeps me coming back. Her stories are rich with atmosphere, emotion, hope, and a touch of magic that stays with you.
I'm so glad I finally started the Saltmere Chronicles. If this first book is anything to go by, I'm going to love returning to this magical little village where the sea always has another story to tell.
April 1, 2026
Love this Author, this is the second book of hers I've read and what a ride. The first was Stormbound which was too good to put down. Salt and Bone takes you by the hand to begin with then grabs you by the throat, what a ride 😁
January 15, 2026
A Delightful Read
From dangerous storms to mysterious history, this paranormal romance offers up a delightful story, highlighting the transformative power of love and sacrifice.
From dangerous storms to mysterious history, this paranormal romance offers up a delightful story, highlighting the transformative power of love and sacrifice.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews