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The Siren's Kiss
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Pirates of the Caribbean meets The Little Mermaid in this swashbuckling Sapphic fantasy!
Three years ago, Dead Shot Rayleigh laid hands on the legendary ruby the Siren’s Kiss andsuffered the wrath of the sea god, Red-Handed Roger.
Now bound as captain of his cursed ship, The Revenant, eighteen-year-old Rayleigh hatches a plan to win her freedom. Everyone knows that Red-Handed Roger’s heart was stolen by the Sea Witch. If she can get it back, she can barter her release.
But Rayleigh isn’t the only one with a score to settle. Fiery mermaid Maren lost her brother to the Sea Witch, and she’s come to the surface to get him back and save the last remaining mermaids at all costs.
When Maren runs afoul of the infuriating cursed pirate Rayleigh, sparks fly, and all her plans go up in flames. Now the only chance they have is each other.
Swashbuckling, sea monsters, pirate kings, siren songs, and stolen hearts!
Red-Handed Roger and the Sea Witch were once friends, before they both fell for the same mermaid and almost destroyed the world. Will Rayleigh and Maren’s love set things right, or just finish what the old gods started?
Some hearts are meant to be stolen...
Three years ago, Dead Shot Rayleigh laid hands on the legendary ruby the Siren’s Kiss andsuffered the wrath of the sea god, Red-Handed Roger.
Now bound as captain of his cursed ship, The Revenant, eighteen-year-old Rayleigh hatches a plan to win her freedom. Everyone knows that Red-Handed Roger’s heart was stolen by the Sea Witch. If she can get it back, she can barter her release.
But Rayleigh isn’t the only one with a score to settle. Fiery mermaid Maren lost her brother to the Sea Witch, and she’s come to the surface to get him back and save the last remaining mermaids at all costs.
When Maren runs afoul of the infuriating cursed pirate Rayleigh, sparks fly, and all her plans go up in flames. Now the only chance they have is each other.
Swashbuckling, sea monsters, pirate kings, siren songs, and stolen hearts!
Red-Handed Roger and the Sea Witch were once friends, before they both fell for the same mermaid and almost destroyed the world. Will Rayleigh and Maren’s love set things right, or just finish what the old gods started?
Some hearts are meant to be stolen...
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Leslie Vedder
10 books438 followersLeslie Vedder (she/her) is a queer ace author who loves girl adventurers and heroes! She grew up on fantasy books, anime, fanfiction and the Lord of the Rings movies, and met her true love in high school choir. She currently lives in Colorado with her wife and her cat Fox Mulder, who believes the treats are out there.
When she's not reading or writing, you can find her watching anime and sci-fi shows, walking in the woods and pretending they're enchanted forests, or playing old video games. She always collects all the Skulltulas in Zelda and all the Dalmation puppies in Kingdom Hearts.
Her debut YA THE BONE SPINDLE was an ABA indie bestseller.
When she's not reading or writing, you can find her watching anime and sci-fi shows, walking in the woods and pretending they're enchanted forests, or playing old video games. She always collects all the Skulltulas in Zelda and all the Dalmation puppies in Kingdom Hearts.
Her debut YA THE BONE SPINDLE was an ABA indie bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 15, 2026
ARC Review. Thank you NetGalley
✨ The Siren's Kiss ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book honestly felt like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Little Mermaid had a sapphic romantasy baby and I ate it UP 🌊⚓️🖤
From the very beginning, I was completely pulled into the atmosphere. Leslie Vedder’s writing makes the world feel so vivid—the salty sea air, pirate taverns, sea monsters, curses, dangerous magic… it all felt cinematic in the best way. I genuinely felt like I was sailing alongside these characters.
What really made this story stand out to me though was the emotional depth underneath all the action and adventure. Both Rayleigh and Maren are carrying so much grief and anger, and I loved that their journeys weren’t just about romance, but also healing, revenge, family, and learning how to trust again.
And THE TENSION????
The reluctant alliance between a cursed pirate and a mermaid who absolutely does not trust pirates was everything to me 😭 Their banter was so fun, but the softer moments hit even harder because both of them were constantly holding parts of themselves back.
Mild spoiler:
The scenes where they begin opening up to each other while still keeping dangerous secrets had me stressed OUT. Every time they started getting close, another betrayal or reveal would happen and I was sitting there like “please just communicate for FIVE MINUTES” 💀
I also really appreciated that this book didn’t shy away from the darker side of piracy and grief. Even with the fun banter and romance, there were real emotional stakes throughout the story that made the characters feel layered and believable.
The pacing dragged just a tiny bit for me in the middle, which is why this wasn’t a full 5 stars, but the world-building, romance, action scenes, and emotional payoff absolutely made up for it.
If you love:
⚓️ pirates
🧜♀️ mermaids & sirens
🖤 sapphic slow burn
🌊 sea monsters + curses
✨ yearning, banter, and emotional tension
…definitely pick this one up.
Also that epilogue?? SO cute 😭
✨ The Siren's Kiss ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book honestly felt like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Little Mermaid had a sapphic romantasy baby and I ate it UP 🌊⚓️🖤
From the very beginning, I was completely pulled into the atmosphere. Leslie Vedder’s writing makes the world feel so vivid—the salty sea air, pirate taverns, sea monsters, curses, dangerous magic… it all felt cinematic in the best way. I genuinely felt like I was sailing alongside these characters.
What really made this story stand out to me though was the emotional depth underneath all the action and adventure. Both Rayleigh and Maren are carrying so much grief and anger, and I loved that their journeys weren’t just about romance, but also healing, revenge, family, and learning how to trust again.
And THE TENSION????
The reluctant alliance between a cursed pirate and a mermaid who absolutely does not trust pirates was everything to me 😭 Their banter was so fun, but the softer moments hit even harder because both of them were constantly holding parts of themselves back.
Mild spoiler:
The scenes where they begin opening up to each other while still keeping dangerous secrets had me stressed OUT. Every time they started getting close, another betrayal or reveal would happen and I was sitting there like “please just communicate for FIVE MINUTES” 💀
I also really appreciated that this book didn’t shy away from the darker side of piracy and grief. Even with the fun banter and romance, there were real emotional stakes throughout the story that made the characters feel layered and believable.
The pacing dragged just a tiny bit for me in the middle, which is why this wasn’t a full 5 stars, but the world-building, romance, action scenes, and emotional payoff absolutely made up for it.
If you love:
⚓️ pirates
🧜♀️ mermaids & sirens
🖤 sapphic slow burn
🌊 sea monsters + curses
✨ yearning, banter, and emotional tension
…definitely pick this one up.
Also that epilogue?? SO cute 😭
Read
April 2, 2026Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!
March 29, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy!
Absolutely loved this, i’ve been searching for a sapphic pirate/mermaid book and this lived up to my expectations! The only thing is, i wish it was longer 😭 I loved the word building and the characters were both so headstrong, i loved seeing them take on this story!
Cover is so stunning, definitely need to get a physical copy to showcase 🤩
Pub Date: September 1, 2026
Thank you to ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Absolutely loved this, i’ve been searching for a sapphic pirate/mermaid book and this lived up to my expectations! The only thing is, i wish it was longer 😭 I loved the word building and the characters were both so headstrong, i loved seeing them take on this story!
Cover is so stunning, definitely need to get a physical copy to showcase 🤩
Pub Date: September 1, 2026
Thank you to ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
April 2, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
The perfect story for the gays who grew up on The Little Mermaid and Pirates of the Caribbean. A light, swashbuckling romp of a book, that also manages to be a moving meditation on grief and love. Come for the fun, stay for the wholesomeness.
The perfect story for the gays who grew up on The Little Mermaid and Pirates of the Caribbean. A light, swashbuckling romp of a book, that also manages to be a moving meditation on grief and love. Come for the fun, stay for the wholesomeness.
July 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
The Siren’s Kiss is an adventurous, romantic YA fantasy.
I had a blast with this one. Leslie Vedder’s prose was witty, addictive, heartfelt, and cinematic. The characters were vibrant and well-developed. Rayleigh and Maren’s romance was beautiful, tender, and swoon-worthy. The exploration of grief and family was thoughtful, and the ending was heartwarming. I also appreciated the exploration of the effects of poaching and the destruction wrought on the ocean’s ecosystem by humans. The plot was propulsive, and the pacing was engaging, although it felt a bit rushed at times. The world-building was immersive, vivid, and lush. I loved Vedder’s spin on mermaids and pirates.
Thank you to Leslie and her publisher for the free ARC!
The Siren’s Kiss is an adventurous, romantic YA fantasy.
I had a blast with this one. Leslie Vedder’s prose was witty, addictive, heartfelt, and cinematic. The characters were vibrant and well-developed. Rayleigh and Maren’s romance was beautiful, tender, and swoon-worthy. The exploration of grief and family was thoughtful, and the ending was heartwarming. I also appreciated the exploration of the effects of poaching and the destruction wrought on the ocean’s ecosystem by humans. The plot was propulsive, and the pacing was engaging, although it felt a bit rushed at times. The world-building was immersive, vivid, and lush. I loved Vedder’s spin on mermaids and pirates.
Thank you to Leslie and her publisher for the free ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing a DRC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Alright, I'm torn. I have good news and bad news. The good news: I liked this story. The bad news: I didn’t love it. I'll just fast forward past the "the premise was so outrageously good" and the "I wish I did love it, damn it" and move on to what did work for me and what didn’t, shall I? Let’s.
Character-wise, this was a mixed bag for me. I loved Rayleigh, her laidback, cocky nature, I liked most of the pirates with a few obvious exceptions that weren’t meant to be likeable, I liked Rhianne, and Julian...more or less everyone who was intended as a likeable character...except for Maren. That’s a bummer, considering I had high hopes for this romance. As a rule, I tend to prefer prickly characters over overly good-natured ones, so I'm baffled that most of my responses to Maren landed somewhere in the range of "indifferent to moderately annoyed". It’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason, but I'd say it has to do with how childish the character reads for a (in human years) 17-ish years old. How she gets annoyed at the drop of a hat. I get that she has extenuating circumstances and all that, I get that her characterization evolves throughout the story, but still: as a whole, Maren, especially during her own POVs, tends to piss me off. I had trouble connecting with her, and on that note, I had trouble connecting on a deeper level with most of the character cast and the story.
Some things that I did enjoy quite a lot, on the other hand, were the action scenes as well as most instances of Rayleigh’s POV. For some reason, the banter between the girls also hit better for me during the action scenes. Maybe it’s a matter of tempo? Maybe action is the author’s strong suit? Dunno.
I think I would have enjoyed this more as a romance if the girls had started off more obviously leaning towards falling in lust with each other, rather than developing an emotional attachment quite so fast, given their personalities (especially Maren, but I could see that angle working for Rayleigh as well at the very start). It would have made the whole thing more believable, and would have added some lovely tension as a slow burn.
For the record, though? The premise was outrageously good. Sapphic pirate/mermaid romance sounds like it was meant to be.
Alright, I'm torn. I have good news and bad news. The good news: I liked this story. The bad news: I didn’t love it. I'll just fast forward past the "the premise was so outrageously good" and the "I wish I did love it, damn it" and move on to what did work for me and what didn’t, shall I? Let’s.
Character-wise, this was a mixed bag for me. I loved Rayleigh, her laidback, cocky nature, I liked most of the pirates with a few obvious exceptions that weren’t meant to be likeable, I liked Rhianne, and Julian...more or less everyone who was intended as a likeable character...except for Maren. That’s a bummer, considering I had high hopes for this romance. As a rule, I tend to prefer prickly characters over overly good-natured ones, so I'm baffled that most of my responses to Maren landed somewhere in the range of "indifferent to moderately annoyed". It’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason, but I'd say it has to do with how childish the character reads for a (in human years) 17-ish years old. How she gets annoyed at the drop of a hat. I get that she has extenuating circumstances and all that, I get that her characterization evolves throughout the story, but still: as a whole, Maren, especially during her own POVs, tends to piss me off. I had trouble connecting with her, and on that note, I had trouble connecting on a deeper level with most of the character cast and the story.
Some things that I did enjoy quite a lot, on the other hand, were the action scenes as well as most instances of Rayleigh’s POV. For some reason, the banter between the girls also hit better for me during the action scenes. Maybe it’s a matter of tempo? Maybe action is the author’s strong suit? Dunno.
I think I would have enjoyed this more as a romance if the girls had started off more obviously leaning towards falling in lust with each other, rather than developing an emotional attachment quite so fast, given their personalities (especially Maren, but I could see that angle working for Rayleigh as well at the very start). It would have made the whole thing more believable, and would have added some lovely tension as a slow burn.
For the record, though? The premise was outrageously good. Sapphic pirate/mermaid romance sounds like it was meant to be.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m a sucker for sapphic, high seas, and aquatic creatures. This combines all those things so naturally I was delighted. It follows Rayleigh, the captain of a cursed ship, and Maren, a mermaid with a grudge, who have to begrudgingly work together.
There is tension, banter, and a chemistry that is quick to build. Along with the romance, this is an action packed adventure story. It is fast paced with very few dull moments.
If I had a complaint, I would say the book struggles a bit with tone. There are serious moments that are undermined a bit by the characters' banter and jokes. I would have preferred the characters be allowed to sit with their grief rather than the author trying to keep the story light.
That said, overall this is a very sweet romance with great build up. I also appreciate the effort the author put into researching sea travel and adding little details that really brought it all together. I see too many YAs skating through with little to no research or making certain elements flat backdrops but the setting, combat, and sea navigation in this really put you in it. Bonus points too because the cover is gorgeous.
Predicted rating after the first few chapters : 4 ★
I already know this author, so going in I had an idea of expectations.
Final rating : 4.5★
Correct prediction? Yes, and I think this is her best one yet.
🎧. It took the narrators a few chapters to find their stride but I enjoyed listening to them, especially once they did.
Recommended for : Those who want a well researched high seas YA sapphic adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor, and RBmedia for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
There is tension, banter, and a chemistry that is quick to build. Along with the romance, this is an action packed adventure story. It is fast paced with very few dull moments.
If I had a complaint, I would say the book struggles a bit with tone. There are serious moments that are undermined a bit by the characters' banter and jokes. I would have preferred the characters be allowed to sit with their grief rather than the author trying to keep the story light.
That said, overall this is a very sweet romance with great build up. I also appreciate the effort the author put into researching sea travel and adding little details that really brought it all together. I see too many YAs skating through with little to no research or making certain elements flat backdrops but the setting, combat, and sea navigation in this really put you in it. Bonus points too because the cover is gorgeous.
Predicted rating after the first few chapters : 4 ★
I already know this author, so going in I had an idea of expectations.
Final rating : 4.5★
Correct prediction? Yes, and I think this is her best one yet.
🎧. It took the narrators a few chapters to find their stride but I enjoyed listening to them, especially once they did.
Recommended for : Those who want a well researched high seas YA sapphic adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor, and RBmedia for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGallery for the eARC! 4.5 ⭐️
Omgggg pirate x mermaid sapphic goodness!! This book is an absolute must read for my queer/queer loving readers.
Rayleigh and Maren are both very angry; Rayleigh losing her mother (turning her reputation into something dark) and Maren losing her brother (making her untrusting, especially of those pirates). The two end up crossing paths while in search of the Sea Witches dungeon keys, ending up in a reluctant deal that benefits them both. There are battles, pirate scandals and saloons, romantic moments under the stars, and so so much more offered in this tale.
What makes this book so well-rounded is the importance of Rayleigh and Maren together, but also their separate journeys. They both are dealing with a heavy grief that drive them into seeking out revenge and attempting bargaining instead of acceptance. As the reader, we get to walk through both of their experiences of grief, as well as the grief of the other affected people around them. The grief isn't central to just their characters, but their friends and family alike, as well as potentially connecting with the reader. This is a story of grief, but most importantly overcoming said grief and rediscovering love.
Moving onward, beyond the points of grief, there were also beautiful connections to romance and falling in love, loving the sea and wanting to protect the ocean, re-kindling familial relations, and understanding that you are not alone in this world. This was such a well-rounded plot that it also aided in bringing each of these themes forward.
They also don't shy away from the violence of piracy, and I really appreciate that!! Especially as a YA novel
Omgggg pirate x mermaid sapphic goodness!! This book is an absolute must read for my queer/queer loving readers.
Rayleigh and Maren are both very angry; Rayleigh losing her mother (turning her reputation into something dark) and Maren losing her brother (making her untrusting, especially of those pirates). The two end up crossing paths while in search of the Sea Witches dungeon keys, ending up in a reluctant deal that benefits them both. There are battles, pirate scandals and saloons, romantic moments under the stars, and so so much more offered in this tale.
What makes this book so well-rounded is the importance of Rayleigh and Maren together, but also their separate journeys. They both are dealing with a heavy grief that drive them into seeking out revenge and attempting bargaining instead of acceptance. As the reader, we get to walk through both of their experiences of grief, as well as the grief of the other affected people around them. The grief isn't central to just their characters, but their friends and family alike, as well as potentially connecting with the reader. This is a story of grief, but most importantly overcoming said grief and rediscovering love.
Moving onward, beyond the points of grief, there were also beautiful connections to romance and falling in love, loving the sea and wanting to protect the ocean, re-kindling familial relations, and understanding that you are not alone in this world. This was such a well-rounded plot that it also aided in bringing each of these themes forward.
They also don't shy away from the violence of piracy, and I really appreciate that!! Especially as a YA novel
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Siren’s Kiss follows Rayleigh, a cursed pirate on a mission to win her freedom, and Maren, a mermaid desperate to get her brother back from the Sea Witch. As they reluctantly join forces, the girls face sea monsters, pirate kings, and heart-pounding danger as they realize they might be falling for one another.
This was such a fun one!! I love Leslie Vedder and had the best time reading this. It’s very much Pirates of the Caribbean meets The Little Mermaid, but sapphic. It was super fast-paced and engaging. I was sold from the beginning. I really do love the way Vedder describes her worlds and how she builds these fascinating places with intriguing magic systems. Her prose is also beautiful! It’s the perfect standalone and wrapped up so beautifully.
Another strong point with Vedder is her ability to craft such complex characters that are so easy to root for and have such depth. I loved the arcs the girls went on. I especially loved how sassy and fierce Maren was. The banter between Rayleigh and Maren was top notch and had me giggling. And their romance was perfect. It developed really well and was absolutely precious! The epilogue was sooooo cute!
If you love pirate stories or sapphic romantasies, definitely go check this one out!
🏴☠️ Pirates
🧜♀️ Mermaids
❤️🔥 Sapphic romance
😂 Funny banter
⚔️ Action
Thank you to ABRAMS Kids and Netgalley for the arc
This was such a fun one!! I love Leslie Vedder and had the best time reading this. It’s very much Pirates of the Caribbean meets The Little Mermaid, but sapphic. It was super fast-paced and engaging. I was sold from the beginning. I really do love the way Vedder describes her worlds and how she builds these fascinating places with intriguing magic systems. Her prose is also beautiful! It’s the perfect standalone and wrapped up so beautifully.
Another strong point with Vedder is her ability to craft such complex characters that are so easy to root for and have such depth. I loved the arcs the girls went on. I especially loved how sassy and fierce Maren was. The banter between Rayleigh and Maren was top notch and had me giggling. And their romance was perfect. It developed really well and was absolutely precious! The epilogue was sooooo cute!
If you love pirate stories or sapphic romantasies, definitely go check this one out!
🏴☠️ Pirates
🧜♀️ Mermaids
❤️🔥 Sapphic romance
😂 Funny banter
⚔️ Action
Thank you to ABRAMS Kids and Netgalley for the arc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Vibes: Sapphic Pirates of the Caribbean. Yum!
Rayleigh is a cursed pirate captain and Maren is a mermaid, the two meet when Rayleigh takes Maren hostage while the two are going after the same treasure, the three keys of Red-Handed Roger. They form a partnership of convenience so that they can each get what they need from the Sea Witch. Rayleigh needs to bargain with the sea god who cursed her to get her heart back and Maren wants to free her brother from the Sea Witch’s prison.The two have to work together against poachers, rival pirate gangs, and their own distrust in order to achieve their goals. This is a fun read for people looking for a seafaring summer adventure!
I enjoyed this book, the over the top pirate adventures and fight scenes were exactly what I hoped for when I picked it up. I also think that the mermaid lore that the author built out was beautiful and well done. The characters spend a lot of time distrusting each other and coping with their respective grief and loss, learning some important lessons along the way. All that said, this is YA. The characters are teenagers who act like teenagers. The narrative structure is not super complicated. But, neither of these things interfered with me enjoying all the things that were good about this book and I would still recommend it for the person who was looking for it.
Rayleigh is a cursed pirate captain and Maren is a mermaid, the two meet when Rayleigh takes Maren hostage while the two are going after the same treasure, the three keys of Red-Handed Roger. They form a partnership of convenience so that they can each get what they need from the Sea Witch. Rayleigh needs to bargain with the sea god who cursed her to get her heart back and Maren wants to free her brother from the Sea Witch’s prison.The two have to work together against poachers, rival pirate gangs, and their own distrust in order to achieve their goals. This is a fun read for people looking for a seafaring summer adventure!
I enjoyed this book, the over the top pirate adventures and fight scenes were exactly what I hoped for when I picked it up. I also think that the mermaid lore that the author built out was beautiful and well done. The characters spend a lot of time distrusting each other and coping with their respective grief and loss, learning some important lessons along the way. All that said, this is YA. The characters are teenagers who act like teenagers. The narrative structure is not super complicated. But, neither of these things interfered with me enjoying all the things that were good about this book and I would still recommend it for the person who was looking for it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a read.
I chose this because I loved the cover, the thought of a female pirate falling in love with a mermaid.. I'm a sucker for pirate stories mixed with fantasy.
I guess, this is a good beginner book for f/f fans and new teens looking for a light romance. If you're more adjusted to f/f and fantasy books, this will be lacking somewhat. There isn't a lot of depth or real pirate things done per-se. The story revolves around the pirate looking for all the keys that link to a pirate's chest that holds his heart. Very pirates of the Caribbean (davey jones). However, this chest lies with the sea witch. The mermaid, too, is looking for the sea witch because her brother sacrificed himself and turned into sea foam (she wants to bring him back to life). So, both of them team up and head off to find the sea witch.
It was just a really cute, tame book. I've read more YA with depth, but then again it could be me just wanted to see something with a bit more grit.
I liked the two characters but I felt they had no chemistry besides from friendship. Again, comes with the lack of depth.
All in all, if you're looking for general enjoyment and no real 'yo-ho-ho' escapades and what not, then a new reader for f/f stories would like. But if you're looking for something with depth, this is a bit of a miss.
I chose this because I loved the cover, the thought of a female pirate falling in love with a mermaid.. I'm a sucker for pirate stories mixed with fantasy.
I guess, this is a good beginner book for f/f fans and new teens looking for a light romance. If you're more adjusted to f/f and fantasy books, this will be lacking somewhat. There isn't a lot of depth or real pirate things done per-se. The story revolves around the pirate looking for all the keys that link to a pirate's chest that holds his heart. Very pirates of the Caribbean (davey jones). However, this chest lies with the sea witch. The mermaid, too, is looking for the sea witch because her brother sacrificed himself and turned into sea foam (she wants to bring him back to life). So, both of them team up and head off to find the sea witch.
It was just a really cute, tame book. I've read more YA with depth, but then again it could be me just wanted to see something with a bit more grit.
I liked the two characters but I felt they had no chemistry besides from friendship. Again, comes with the lack of depth.
All in all, if you're looking for general enjoyment and no real 'yo-ho-ho' escapades and what not, then a new reader for f/f stories would like. But if you're looking for something with depth, this is a bit of a miss.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🌊✨ Oh my goodness, this book is an absolute treasure! Think Pirates of the Caribbean meets The Little Mermaid with a fierce, sapphic twist, what’s not to love? 💖🏴☠️ The adventure is so thrilling, filled with sea monsters, pirate kings, siren songs, and stolen hearts—basically everything you could wish for in a high-seas fantasy! ⚓️🌊
Rayleigh, the rebellious captain cursed to her ship, is such a captivating heroine, strong, determined, and secretly longing for freedom. Her plan to win her release by stealing the Sea Witch's heart is so daring and exciting! 💔🔥 And then there's Maren, the fiery mermaid who’s fighting to save her kind and get her brother back, her passion and bravery truly stole my heart. 🧜♀️💕
The chemistry between Rayleigh and Maren is swoon-worthy, full of sparks, tension, and undeniable attraction. Their journey from enemies to allies, and maybe lovers, is both heartwarming and exhilarating. Plus, the lore and old gods add a layer of magic and mystery that kept me hooked! ✨🌙
This story is a perfect blend of adventure, romance, and myth, an enchanting tale about love, redemption, and the power of hearts that are meant to be stolen. If you love fierce heroines, sea battles, and a dash of magic, this book is a must-read! 💕🌟
Rayleigh, the rebellious captain cursed to her ship, is such a captivating heroine, strong, determined, and secretly longing for freedom. Her plan to win her release by stealing the Sea Witch's heart is so daring and exciting! 💔🔥 And then there's Maren, the fiery mermaid who’s fighting to save her kind and get her brother back, her passion and bravery truly stole my heart. 🧜♀️💕
The chemistry between Rayleigh and Maren is swoon-worthy, full of sparks, tension, and undeniable attraction. Their journey from enemies to allies, and maybe lovers, is both heartwarming and exhilarating. Plus, the lore and old gods add a layer of magic and mystery that kept me hooked! ✨🌙
This story is a perfect blend of adventure, romance, and myth, an enchanting tale about love, redemption, and the power of hearts that are meant to be stolen. If you love fierce heroines, sea battles, and a dash of magic, this book is a must-read! 💕🌟
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
rating: 4.25★
“The only thing we know for sure is that it never works out between a pirate and a mermaid—at least not without wrecking half the sea.”
i had sm fun with this! adventurous, funny, with a few emotional moments.
i rarely say this, but this is one of the few cases where i wish for this to have been a duology bc i would've loved to explore both of the worlds more (above and below sea)!
maren and rayleigh were such fun, feisty fmc's and their dynamic had me giggling and kicking my feet at points. the whole atmosphere and setting was just perfectly written to make me feel transported to the high seas on my own little pirate adventure.
bc it was only one book, i did feel the relationship was quite fast for the ending BUT i had a lot of fun along the way and a lot of parts were juggled well imo so i'll take it!
this is out in september, so it's the perfect send off for summer before digging into spooky reads!
“What happened to the heartless pirate who swore she wouldn’t come rescue me?”
“She was no match for you.”
an honest arc review <3
“The only thing we know for sure is that it never works out between a pirate and a mermaid—at least not without wrecking half the sea.”
i had sm fun with this! adventurous, funny, with a few emotional moments.
i rarely say this, but this is one of the few cases where i wish for this to have been a duology bc i would've loved to explore both of the worlds more (above and below sea)!
maren and rayleigh were such fun, feisty fmc's and their dynamic had me giggling and kicking my feet at points. the whole atmosphere and setting was just perfectly written to make me feel transported to the high seas on my own little pirate adventure.
bc it was only one book, i did feel the relationship was quite fast for the ending BUT i had a lot of fun along the way and a lot of parts were juggled well imo so i'll take it!
this is out in september, so it's the perfect send off for summer before digging into spooky reads!
“What happened to the heartless pirate who swore she wouldn’t come rescue me?”
“She was no match for you.”
an honest arc review <3
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🧜🏾♀️🌊⚔️ The Siren’s Kiss ⚔️🌊🧜🏾♀️
Sapphic Pirates 🫱🏽🫲🏽 Sapphic Mermaid
I NEED more sapphic pirate romances and now I also need more sapphic mermaid romances!
The Siren’s Kiss was such a fun, high seas adventure 🗡️🌊
I loved Rayleigh and Maren immediately. They’re both so determined and headstrong in their own ways. Maren especially stood out to me. She’s fiery, scrappy, and fully ready to throw down at any moment and I was here for it.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and honestly just wish this book was longer because I would have stayed in this story way longer.
Also the cover?? GORGEOUS. I will absolutely be grabbing a physical copy when it releases.
💙 What to Expect
• Pirate x mermaid
• Sapphic romantasy
• Enemies to lovers
• Reluctant allies
• Cursed ship
• Quest for a Sea Witch
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
📝 Thank you to ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Sapphic Pirates 🫱🏽🫲🏽 Sapphic Mermaid
I NEED more sapphic pirate romances and now I also need more sapphic mermaid romances!
The Siren’s Kiss was such a fun, high seas adventure 🗡️🌊
I loved Rayleigh and Maren immediately. They’re both so determined and headstrong in their own ways. Maren especially stood out to me. She’s fiery, scrappy, and fully ready to throw down at any moment and I was here for it.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and honestly just wish this book was longer because I would have stayed in this story way longer.
Also the cover?? GORGEOUS. I will absolutely be grabbing a physical copy when it releases.
💙 What to Expect
• Pirate x mermaid
• Sapphic romantasy
• Enemies to lovers
• Reluctant allies
• Cursed ship
• Quest for a Sea Witch
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
📝 Thank you to ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Abrams/Amulet, because this book knocked my socks off. The Siren's Kiss is a YA adventure Sapphic romance aimed at older teens. The story begins with Rayleigh, a heartless pirate, cursed to sail a ghost ship as punishment for crossing the sea god Red-Handed Roger. On her quest to retrieve the keys to retrieve her heart Rayleigh runs afoul of a beautiful yet cantankerous mermaid called Maren. Though they ruffle each other's feathers, the pair quickly realizes they can achieve their goals best if they work together. What ensues is a touching story that explores the complexity of grief and self-blame. What starts as a begrudging partnership evolves into deep mutual understanding, and a very sweet romance. The setting is absolutely gorgeous with colorful descriptions of a lively ocean and there is positive and believable character development. I absolutely loved this book and would highly suggest it. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will love it.
April 20, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!! I was so excited to receive this.
I took my time reading this book because I loved it so much and didn’t want it to end.
One thing I noticed right from the get go was the author’s descriptions. To me they were great tools to get the reader into the world of the book, not just a jumble of words to be page fillers. I felt engaged in the first 5 pages, and almost like I was sailing along the sea with the characters.
The action was so much fun and had my heart pumping - just needs a Hans Zimmer score.
I knew from the moment Rayleigh and Maren met that their romance was going to be delicious and make me giggle like a school girl - and I sure was right. Their love story is beautiful, honest, and fearless from the first page to the last.
I would read 500 more pages of this book and even though this hasn’t been released yet - I am already yearning for a sequel!
I took my time reading this book because I loved it so much and didn’t want it to end.
One thing I noticed right from the get go was the author’s descriptions. To me they were great tools to get the reader into the world of the book, not just a jumble of words to be page fillers. I felt engaged in the first 5 pages, and almost like I was sailing along the sea with the characters.
The action was so much fun and had my heart pumping - just needs a Hans Zimmer score.
I knew from the moment Rayleigh and Maren met that their romance was going to be delicious and make me giggle like a school girl - and I sure was right. Their love story is beautiful, honest, and fearless from the first page to the last.
I would read 500 more pages of this book and even though this hasn’t been released yet - I am already yearning for a sequel!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
Being a little mermaid and pirates of the Caribbean fan this romantasy was life. It had treasure hunts, bar brawls, revenge, adventure, and plenty of heart.
Maren and Rayleigh were fantastic protagonists. Their banter was adorable, their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved that they actually communicated instead of relying on frustrating miscommunication. They were strong both individually and together.
What surprised me most was how thoughtfully the book handled grief and loss. Both characters are driven by heartbreak and revenge, but their journeys are ultimately about healing, love, and finding hope again. The themes of family, friendship, and protecting the ocean added even more depth to the story.
This was a fun, emotional, and well-rounded read that delivered everything I'd been hoping for in a pirate-and-mermaid romance. My heart is full, and I'll definitely be rereading it when it's released. Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Being a little mermaid and pirates of the Caribbean fan this romantasy was life. It had treasure hunts, bar brawls, revenge, adventure, and plenty of heart.
Maren and Rayleigh were fantastic protagonists. Their banter was adorable, their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved that they actually communicated instead of relying on frustrating miscommunication. They were strong both individually and together.
What surprised me most was how thoughtfully the book handled grief and loss. Both characters are driven by heartbreak and revenge, but their journeys are ultimately about healing, love, and finding hope again. The themes of family, friendship, and protecting the ocean added even more depth to the story.
This was a fun, emotional, and well-rounded read that delivered everything I'd been hoping for in a pirate-and-mermaid romance. My heart is full, and I'll definitely be rereading it when it's released. Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
Overall this really was a super fun read! The characters definitely read a little more on the younger spectrum of YA for my taste but overall it worked for the story. I think the author did an exceptionally good job with Rayleigh and Maren’s character development both as a couple and individuals and I especially loved her portrayal of their own struggles with grief and how neither one let their own sadness overwhelm the others.
The plot though could use a *little* bit more polishing. Like it was not bad by any means but there was definitely some places that she could have expanded the world building a bit to really give it that oomph. This is a shorter read so I was expecting minimal world building in general but just a couple of extra pages here and there would have pushed this into 5 stars for me easily.
Overall this really was a super fun read! The characters definitely read a little more on the younger spectrum of YA for my taste but overall it worked for the story. I think the author did an exceptionally good job with Rayleigh and Maren’s character development both as a couple and individuals and I especially loved her portrayal of their own struggles with grief and how neither one let their own sadness overwhelm the others.
The plot though could use a *little* bit more polishing. Like it was not bad by any means but there was definitely some places that she could have expanded the world building a bit to really give it that oomph. This is a shorter read so I was expecting minimal world building in general but just a couple of extra pages here and there would have pushed this into 5 stars for me easily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
The Siren’s Kiss was such a fun, gay read. A cursed pirate captain falls for an ornery mermaid and heist hijinks on the high seas ensue…what more could you ask for? It was the perfect mix of Pirates of the Caribbean and The Little Mermaid, plus a little something extra. Maren and Rayleigh had me blushing, giggling, and tearing my hair out in a couple of places as they got closer to each other, and the epilogue was the cherry on top of it all. Obviously, stealing the Pirate Kings’ keys was their main focus, but their detours to save a turtle or explore a pirate hangout were both endearing and great chances to fill in their personalities.
I need a Ghost Pearl so I can wish for a Julian spinoff/prequel/sequel. I want every last drop of that swashbuckling romance and angst.
The Siren’s Kiss was such a fun, gay read. A cursed pirate captain falls for an ornery mermaid and heist hijinks on the high seas ensue…what more could you ask for? It was the perfect mix of Pirates of the Caribbean and The Little Mermaid, plus a little something extra. Maren and Rayleigh had me blushing, giggling, and tearing my hair out in a couple of places as they got closer to each other, and the epilogue was the cherry on top of it all. Obviously, stealing the Pirate Kings’ keys was their main focus, but their detours to save a turtle or explore a pirate hangout were both endearing and great chances to fill in their personalities.
I need a Ghost Pearl so I can wish for a Julian spinoff/prequel/sequel. I want every last drop of that swashbuckling romance and angst.
August 20, 2026
4.25 stars
Thank you to Abrams Kids and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
I am LOVING pirate stories at the moment and this one did not disappoint.
I really loved both Rayleigh and Maren. They were both so fierce and strong and stubborn. Both hurting so much, driven by grief, drowning in guilt. I loved the small ways they softened for each other over the course of this book, the moments where their feelings obviously shifted just a little, until they were so in love it became their driving force. I LOVED this romance.
The plot was really exciting and so well-paced. I love a quest, and a pirate quest was extra fun. I loved all the pirate lore woven throughout this story, some from tales we know and some that belongs entirely to this story.
I could see more stories existing in this world 👀 I’d definitely read them.
Thank you to Abrams Kids and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
I am LOVING pirate stories at the moment and this one did not disappoint.
I really loved both Rayleigh and Maren. They were both so fierce and strong and stubborn. Both hurting so much, driven by grief, drowning in guilt. I loved the small ways they softened for each other over the course of this book, the moments where their feelings obviously shifted just a little, until they were so in love it became their driving force. I LOVED this romance.
The plot was really exciting and so well-paced. I love a quest, and a pirate quest was extra fun. I loved all the pirate lore woven throughout this story, some from tales we know and some that belongs entirely to this story.
I could see more stories existing in this world 👀 I’d definitely read them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
What a treat! An adventurous, heartwarming love story between a pirate and a mermaid. The love felt real. The stakes were high. The writing was beautiful. I devoured this book in a couple days. Every time I put it down, I was itching to pick it right back up again. Kayleigh and Maren are my kind of protagonists. They're independent and rugged but still know when to lead with their heart, even if one of their hearts is currently in the shape of a bird.
I'd highly recommend this one to readers who love a sweet story with equal parts adventure and heartache. I laughed and I cried, but I leave this book with a big smile on my face.
What a treat! An adventurous, heartwarming love story between a pirate and a mermaid. The love felt real. The stakes were high. The writing was beautiful. I devoured this book in a couple days. Every time I put it down, I was itching to pick it right back up again. Kayleigh and Maren are my kind of protagonists. They're independent and rugged but still know when to lead with their heart, even if one of their hearts is currently in the shape of a bird.
I'd highly recommend this one to readers who love a sweet story with equal parts adventure and heartache. I laughed and I cried, but I leave this book with a big smile on my face.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I had the best time binging this book, "The Siren's Kiss" has all the signature chaos and angsty, pining, swoon that Leslie Vedder's books always have <3 it was so much fun to read the MCs bickering, and grumpily pining for each other, and fiercely protecting each other! I actually had to start underlining lines after a point because I got so in my feels :") also the mermaid x pirate trope slaps so hard 😭
I really want to call out the action scenes too, they were written so well! Legit dying to see this book in any format on screen, the fight scenes and the MCs' exaggerated teasing of each other would do so well in video form 😭
-- ty to the author and the publisher for a gifted physical ARC!
I really want to call out the action scenes too, they were written so well! Legit dying to see this book in any format on screen, the fight scenes and the MCs' exaggerated teasing of each other would do so well in video form 😭
-- ty to the author and the publisher for a gifted physical ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
such a fun experience!
i'm a sucker for anything that could serve sibling angst so when i read the description and saw that maren's goal was finding her lost brother, i was already enticed, and it didn't disappoint!
the romance developed quite fast but it's a pretty short book and i still kicked my feet during their little moments building up to it so i didn't mind.
because of both the writing and the narration, there wasn't a dull moment in the book. it's filled with action, adventure, and emotion. i especially liked maren's internal narration, with her emotions regarding her brother. it was so easy to fall into this story and world. if there were more stories set in this universe, i definitely wouldn't complain!
i'm a sucker for anything that could serve sibling angst so when i read the description and saw that maren's goal was finding her lost brother, i was already enticed, and it didn't disappoint!
the romance developed quite fast but it's a pretty short book and i still kicked my feet during their little moments building up to it so i didn't mind.
because of both the writing and the narration, there wasn't a dull moment in the book. it's filled with action, adventure, and emotion. i especially liked maren's internal narration, with her emotions regarding her brother. it was so easy to fall into this story and world. if there were more stories set in this universe, i definitely wouldn't complain!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Such a great book! The book keeps you hooked from the start, with adventure after adventure, and the scenes are so well described I can picture them perfectly like they're in a movie. The romance is sweet and not instant love, there's a bit of enemies to lovers development that happens. But when they do fall, the pining is absolutely adorable.
Overall, this is such a fun, sweet, page-turning YA book. This is definitely a serious contender for my favorite ARC of the year. 5/5 stars, highly reccomend!
Such a great book! The book keeps you hooked from the start, with adventure after adventure, and the scenes are so well described I can picture them perfectly like they're in a movie. The romance is sweet and not instant love, there's a bit of enemies to lovers development that happens. But when they do fall, the pining is absolutely adorable.
Overall, this is such a fun, sweet, page-turning YA book. This is definitely a serious contender for my favorite ARC of the year. 5/5 stars, highly reccomend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Abrams Kids for this ARC book.
This is such a fun adventure that has such great world building. I loved the setting and how the pirate lords operate in their cursed corner of the ocean. The magic system was so well done and tied everything together so well. This all also played into the main characters excellently, from the beginning you get such a great sense of who they are and as the details of how they came to be working together and the past events that put them on this path really make the characters shine. I had such a great time reading this book it's a wonderfully done adventure, rich world, and stellar romance.
This is such a fun adventure that has such great world building. I loved the setting and how the pirate lords operate in their cursed corner of the ocean. The magic system was so well done and tied everything together so well. This all also played into the main characters excellently, from the beginning you get such a great sense of who they are and as the details of how they came to be working together and the past events that put them on this path really make the characters shine. I had such a great time reading this book it's a wonderfully done adventure, rich world, and stellar romance.
August 22, 2026
I received an advance listening copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
I was drawn to The Siren’s Kiss because of the cover, and I’m so glad I took a chance on it. I loved Maren and Riley’s romance, and the pirates reminded me of Gabe Cole Novoa’s books. I really loved the mythology and the weaving of Red-Hand Rogers’ story and legend through the book. The story of Rogers and his great love and the Sea Witch also reminded me of Amy Bellow’s Omega from the Ocean and the new anime, Goodbye, Lara. Unique takes on The Little Mermaid are delightful, and I love Leslie Vedder’s take on it.
I was drawn to The Siren’s Kiss because of the cover, and I’m so glad I took a chance on it. I loved Maren and Riley’s romance, and the pirates reminded me of Gabe Cole Novoa’s books. I really loved the mythology and the weaving of Red-Hand Rogers’ story and legend through the book. The story of Rogers and his great love and the Sea Witch also reminded me of Amy Bellow’s Omega from the Ocean and the new anime, Goodbye, Lara. Unique takes on The Little Mermaid are delightful, and I love Leslie Vedder’s take on it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
1.5 rating
Unfortunately, this just wasn’t for me.
The premise was absolutely great and I definitely thought I would like this based on the description. However, I just felt like it was too clunky and didn’t have great pacing. It felt as if the scenes were rushed and we moved on way too quickly from one to another.
The characters were great but I truly didn’t feel connected to them whatsoever, making their thoughts and feelings hard to believe. I can absolutely see this appealing to a younger audience and I do believe they would enjoy this!
Thank you to ABRAMS/Amulet publishing for the ARC.
Unfortunately, this just wasn’t for me.
The premise was absolutely great and I definitely thought I would like this based on the description. However, I just felt like it was too clunky and didn’t have great pacing. It felt as if the scenes were rushed and we moved on way too quickly from one to another.
The characters were great but I truly didn’t feel connected to them whatsoever, making their thoughts and feelings hard to believe. I can absolutely see this appealing to a younger audience and I do believe they would enjoy this!
Thank you to ABRAMS/Amulet publishing for the ARC.
April 6, 2026
Thank you ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
A sweet and adventurous story with a lot of heart!
I love the way the author wrote the main characters, their individual development, and their relationship together. It was the perfect pace as they hesitantly started to trust one another to eventually realizing their feelings. It wasn’t slow paced—it was gradual and made sense within the narrative.
The world building was also great, and the action sequences were particularly thrilling.
A sweet and adventurous story with a lot of heart!
I love the way the author wrote the main characters, their individual development, and their relationship together. It was the perfect pace as they hesitantly started to trust one another to eventually realizing their feelings. It wasn’t slow paced—it was gradual and made sense within the narrative.
The world building was also great, and the action sequences were particularly thrilling.
August 24, 2026
This YA book truly has it all- mermaids, pirates, and adventure. The romance between our FMCs is fantastic. I loved both characters. This book also tackles grief in a beautiful and unexpected way. I especially love Maren’s lesson about loss, choices, and living alongside grief. My only complaint is that I wish this was a series- I want more of Maren and Rayleigh’s adventures! 4⭐️
This book was enhanced even more by the brilliant narration by P. J. Morgan and Darcey Rhoads.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook The Siren's Kiss.
This book was enhanced even more by the brilliant narration by P. J. Morgan and Darcey Rhoads.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook The Siren's Kiss.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"The Siren's Kiss" is a romantic yet exciting adventure aboard the seas and perfect for fans of "Pirates of the Caribbean". I was immediately intrigued because of the beautiful cover art and enjoyed the story just as much. The banter at the beginning will suck you in and leaving you wanting more of the girls as the story progresses and we learn more about each one's secret.
Thank you Netgalley for the copy!
Thank you Netgalley for the copy!
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