Between Tides & Thunder

by Leena Kazak

She was raised to hate him. Now she shares his bed.
Princess Mayah of Tundrayn isn’t allowed to want. Not freedom. Not love. Not even her own future. Instead, she’s spent her life healing others’ pain and swallowing her own. But when her father strikes a fragile alliance with enemy-kingdom Arbinj to crush a rising rebellion, she is bartered into a marriage she didn’t choose for a crown she doesn’t want.

She expects a prince. She gets the Dark Commander.
Zevayr is ruthless, unyielding, and a stormwielder with a reputation soaked in blood. He is everything Mayah was taught to fear. Yet as they race across rebel-torn lands, the less certain she is of where the monster ends and where the man begins.

In Arbinj’s glittering courts, the Rebellion surges and dangerous secrets stir from Mayah’s past—secrets that could shatter her kingdom, and her heart, if she lets them.

The question is not if Mayah will betray, but who: her people, her love, or herself?

Genres: Fantasy

496 pages, ebook

Expected publication March 31, 2026

About the author

Leena Kazak has been spinning stories since she was ten years old, when she wrote her first short story and never looked back. A lifelong reader, she’s devoured everything from fantasy and thrillers to historical fiction and contemporary romance—but these days, she’s happily tumbled down the romantasy staircase and shows no sign of climbing out. (Send help).

She writes fantasy romance with fierce heroines, impossible choices, and immersive worldbuilding. When she’s in the thick of drafting, Leena wakes up between 4:30 and 5 a.m. to chase that magical, half-asleep window when words flow freely and the world is still quiet.

Leena lives in the frigid Northeast with her brooding, handsome husband and their two adorable, half-feral sidekicks. (Leena and her husband are actually the sidekicks, but don’t tell her kids that.)

Reviews

[lilbookgoblin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I screamed, I cried, I blushed, I swooned. so many feels you’ll finish thinking how the hell was that fulfilling of a story wrapped up in one book.

[Bri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾️
(The book that broke my rating system..)

This book consumed my every thought from start to finish. All I wanted to do was dive back into this new world Leena gave us.

The prologue hooked me so fast I was instantly in Leena's DMs. I then found myself saying "just one more chapter" so many times that I finished the book within 3 days (that's fast for this snail paced reader over here).

There are so many plot twists that I didn't see coming. And trust me, I tried. I actually sent my (maybe unhinged?) theory to Leena and I'm sure she got a kick out of it. Not being able to predict what was coming was so much fun! I love when I'm completely surprised by plot twists.

One of my favorite things was the banter between Zev and Mayah. It was absolute perfection. Their chemistry is undeniable but that doesn't mean sunshine and roses (insert emotional damage).

Mayah's got some sass and isn't taking crap from anyone. And Zev may be all rough and gruff (and buff, hello biceps!), but he stole my heart from the beginning. He has been through his own hurts in the war and I totally cried when he tells Mayah one of his stories. New favorite MMC hands down!

There is so much in this standalone book and I feel like I could go on and on with how much I genuinely LOVE it. 

Tropes you'll find:

🌩️ Forced proximity 
💙 Enemies to lovers
🌩️ A Thunder Daddy 
💙 A strong princess (also afraid of storms)
🌩️ Warring Kingdoms
💙 One bedroll/horse
🌩️ Elemental powers

I hope you'll go to the Tundra and fall in love with Zev and Mayah as much as I have. 

A huge thank you to the author for trusting me with an early ARC and for letting me be a part of her Street Team.

✨ Interested in an ARC? There is still time to apply! Head over to the author's page and comment "ARC" on any of her posts to get the application link ✨

This is also the ONLY book I've immediately started over. I just can't move on yet. 

Key words: Romantasy | elemental powers | Bookstagram | book review| ARC Review | early ARC | street team | indie author | upcoming release | forced proximity | enemies to lovers 

#arcreview #romantasy #standalonebook #bookreview

[Tash Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️x10) ARC review - Between Tides & Thunder by Leena Kazak.

Book of the year for sure! This book will stay with me for a very long time and easy top 3 books ever read.
It’s everything you ever wanted in a standalone fantasy romance novel. The amount of emotions I felt while reading was insane and it’s just one of those you want to finish in one sitting and you will loose sleep over it.

I loved the characters, both Mayah and Zev were strong main characters. Both stubborn and never one to back down from anything or anyone. But both looking after their hearts.

Leena’s writing is always easy to follow and very entertaining it was an honor to be able to read this early ARC.

I highly suggest this book to any person who can read!!! Fantasy, romance and romantasy readers, you do not want to miss out on this one.

[Mere.Dragon.Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sooooo good! It’s got kingdoms, evil kings, awful princes, a broody, gorgeous prince, and a princess that was to avenge her mama and make life better for her people. She’s afraid of storms, his magic is stormwielding. She’s a healer, he’s a killer. She’s got a smart mouth, he has rope and a gag. Its enemies to lovers to enemies to frenemies to… well you have to read to find out. There’s a really cool magic system, court intrigue, plot twists, A LOT of emotion, secrets, betrayal, yearning, suspense, and some delicious (light) spice. Highly recommend this infinity star read!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this absolutely genius novel by the incomparable Leena Kazak, and wow. Just.... WOW!

Between Tides & Thunder is a delicious blend of heart, heat, and holy sh*t plot twists, which I binged in 48 hours with zero regrets.

*full review to come!*

[Stephanie Manzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY TIDES, how do I go on after this book?!

Leena crafted a masterpiece that expertly balances heartbreak and hope. Mayah and Zev's complexities drew me in, and the plot twists had me on the edge of my seat. I was swooning, crying, screaming, gutted and then repaired (barely). The story unfolds effortlessly with intense twists and turns that you will not be able to predict. I couldn't stop reading even though I was going through it while reading it. The world building and attention to detail with the powers depicted in this book were amazing. I felt every emotion, from the lows to the highs, and I'm still trying to process it all.

PLEASE don't hesitate and read this book. I HIGHLY recommend this torture.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE. I am broken. Full review to come when I recover.

[Rutuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book had me in a complete chokehold. I started it and genuinely could not put it down. Leena just keeps proving that she knows exactly how to craft stories that pull you in and refuse to let go.

Zev is officially one of my new top-tier book boyfriends. The man that he is. And Mayah? An absolute badass in every sense of the word. I loved watching her grow into her power and her choices. And the way Leena writes female rage is absolutely iconic! I cannot get enough of it.

The emotional depth of this story surprised me in the best way. Lines like “Some wounds never close. No matter how many times you pass glowing hands over them.” and “Sometimes, it’s the lies we choose to believe that let us keep moving forward.” stayed with me long after I read them, adding so much weight and humanity to the characters and their choices.

The romance absolutely wrecked me. From Zev’s quiet, steady respect “Because I know you wouldn’t tolerate anything less than being treated as my equal.” to his fierce devotion “You know I’d burn down all of skiesdamned Arbinj to protect you, right?” I was completely gone.

And Mayah’s internal journey is just as powerful. Her realization “I trust him. It scares me, but I trust him.” felt so raw and earned, and it made their relWow. This book had me in a complete chokehold. I started it and genuinely could not put it down. Leena just keeps proving that she knows exactly how to craft stories that pull you in and refuse to let go.

Zev is officially one of my new top-tier book boyfriends. The man that he is. And Mayah? An absolute badass in every sense of the word. I loved watching her grow into her power and her choices. And the way Leena writes female rage is absolutely iconic! I cannot get enough of it.

The emotional depth of this story surprised me in the best way. Lines like “Some wounds never close. No matter how many times you pass glowing hands over them.” and “Sometimes, it’s the lies we choose to believe that let us keep moving forward.” stayed with me long after I read them, adding so much weight and humanity to the characters and their choices.

The romance absolutely wrecked me. From Zev’s quiet, steady respect “Because I know you wouldn’t tolerate anything less than being treated as my equal.” to his fierce devotion “You know I’d burn down all of skiesdamned Arbinj to protect you, right?” I was completely gone.

And Mayah’s internal journey is just as powerful. Her realization “I trust him. It scares me, but I trust him.” felt so raw and earned, and it made their relationship feel deeply emotional rather than just dramatic.

The twists kept coming at exactly the right moments, every side character felt meaningful, and every arc felt purposeful. This book had me staying up way too late because I just had to know what happened next and I ended up highlighting half the pages.

Truly an amazing read and easily one of my favorites. Such a brilliant job.ationship feel deeply emotional rather than just dramatic.

The twists kept coming at exactly the right moments, every side character felt meaningful, and every arc felt purposeful. This book had me staying up way too late because I just had to know what happened next and I ended up highlighting half the pages.

Truly an amazing read and one of my favorites. Such a brilliant job.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He kisses me as if he’s been waiting for me his entire life.”

Oh my tides. I was on the absolute edge of my seat the whole time I was reading this! Just when I thought I had the plot figured out, Leena was like “NOPE, PLOT TWIST.”

This story had me in its grasp from the get go, Leena’s writing is emotional and articulated so wonderfully. The setting of the book is unique, the world building is rich and imaginative. I also really loved the magic system, again unique in a sense and I enjoyed learning about the different types of wielders and how they are presented across the realms. We also get a taste of courtly intrigue, with power dynamics and imbalances being explored throughout the story.

Being a standalone, this is packed with action and the pacing is perfect. Nothing felt rushed, each scenario was well thought out and had depth to it. I’ve not read too many standalone’s as I’m worried there will be gaps, but Between Tides and Thunder does not have this issue.

The dynamic between Mayan and Zev is so heartwarming and absolutely heartbreaking at the same time. Why do you do this to us Leena?! It was such an emotional rollercoaster but it was a ride I was thoroughly enjoying. There is banter, love, hate and everything in between and it’s the perfect mix of tension that has me sitting on the edge of my seat.

Now, my favourite bit. Mayah and Zev. Mayah, our fierce, outspoken Mayah. I adore her, I really enjoyed watching her character blossom throughout the book. I thought I had her all figured out and then we have a little shake up and I feel as if my whole world has been blown apart. Mayah is smart, fierce, loyal and flawed all at once, truly a captivating FMC.

I now present to you… ZEV. Or “bicep,” as I like to call him. I think I might be obsessed with him. He’s broody, intelligent and throws casual thunder tantrums. We love an emotional man, okay?! No seriously, in all honesty, I loved him. I loved the his character unravels throughout the story and we see a softer, more gentle side, still extremely broody and flawed but it’s a beautiful balance.

I am feeling so incredibly thankful to have been able to read this as an ARC, thank you Leena! I am quite little giving this infinite stars.

[Eren Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this story knowing that Leena's writing is amazing and everything I need. My goal was to have this as my last book of 2025, but that didn't actually happen. I'm glad that it didn't. This is the first book I've finished in 2026 and it starts my year off with an amazing read that completely destroyed everything in me.

The banter in the book was top tier. I love the biting words and everything that Zev and Mayah have between each other. I have literally spent so much of the book loving, being mad at, liking and loving Mayah again. I have also spent my time being like I like Zev and I love him. Yeah, there's no middle ground here for me with him. He's everything.

Mayah is a character I went back and forth with a lot. I like her tenacity and fierceness she displays. She's also great with the biting comebacks and being the other half of the banter between her and Zev. She's also afraid of thunderstorms and I totally relate to this. I am also afraid of thunderstorms and react much the same way. In the end though I came to absolutely love her rather than just like her. Her journey has brought tears, laughter, anger, joy to me while reading it.

Zev... oh boy. He has earned every point I can give him. I absolutely adore his character even if he was in the wrong. Because honestly this man I feel cannot do wrong. He's everything. I won't say to much because I could just gush about him and I'd then be giving away the plot. But he's at the top of my list right now for 2026.

The story was heart wrenching, endearing, engrossing, passionate. If I could have chosen to not sleep or life, then I'd have easily finished this book FAR faster but I'm glad that I didn't. This story is devour worthy but also deserves to be read at an adequate pace to really enjoy it. There is no wanting to rush through reading it. Yes, it's a page turner. But it's emotional. It's thoughtful. It's consuming. Learning the truths with the characters and finding out so much about this world and them and powers was fantastic and really kicked off my 2026 reading to a great start. This is easily gonna be in my recommendations and will be sitting on my shelf ASAP when it's released!

[Plot_Twist_Momma -Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review

Between Tides and Thunder
by Leena Kazak

This was hands down one of my best reads of 2026 so far-and honestly, Leena Kazak never misses for me.

Between Tides and Thunder follows Mayah, a fierce, resilient princess from a frozen, starving kingdom, forced into an arranged marriage with the prince of a prosperous rival land in an attempt to end a devastating war. What should be a political solution quickly becomes something far more dangerous as secrets, rebels, and court intrigue begin to unravel. As with all Kazak stories, nothing is as it seems, and every revelation adds another layer of tension.

The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, with a beautifully crafted magic system centered around elemental wielders-storm, earth, water, and more. The political dynamics feel sharp and intentional, and the pacing is excellent: action-packed without ever feeling rushed, with twists that land exactly when they should.

Mayah is a standout heroine-strong, emotionally complex, and driven by both duty and heart. And Zev… a morally gray, storm-wielding force of nature. Protective, loyal, and intense in all the right ways. Their enemies-to-lovers arc is filled with slow-burn tension, emotional depth, and unforgettable chemistry.

This story is powerful, raw, and at times heartbreaking, with themes of sacrifice, healing, and resilience woven seamlessly into the romance. It kept me fully invested from start to finish.

Tropes & Highlights:
• Enemies to lovers
• Arranged marriage
• Elemental magic
• Morally gray MMC
• One bed / one horse / close proximity
• Political intrigue & rebellion

If you love romantasy with high stakes, deep emotion, and characters that stay with you long after the final page, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Amanda | escapetoerilea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Leena for an extra early street team copy!

Between Tides and Thunder by Leena Kazak
Releases 3/31!

Standalone romantasy
Enemies to feels to ?, forbidden feelings, feminine rage, slow burn to steamy, arranged marriage between warring kingdoms, elemental magic + others, cuddle for warmth, thunder daddy but she is scared of storms, healer FMC who won't stand for being locked in her room, touch her and find out, so many secrets, my wife, lies and betrayal, they take care of each other, rebellion, non-magic users looked down on, so many twists and reveals!
Do please check the content warnings

I was completely enthralled and also yelling at Leena in her DMs! Well. The enthralled part was early. The yelling started around 50ish percent I think. I don't know what she put into this book but hit juuuuust right and wouldn't let me go. This was such an amazing, devastating, triumphant, jaw dropping read that twisted a knife in my heart, but then put me back together again perfectly! What a fantastic first read of the year! It will absolutely take you on an emotional roller coaster, but it is so worth the ride. Mayah and Zevayr both were so strong, but had vulnerabilities that they tried to hide at first and I loved them getting to know each other. And their chemistry!! This is more of a high steam situation and I thought the balance of tension and fade to black/less details was perfection! I have to stop raving now because I can't say more without giving things away, and you DO NOT want me to do that. So just trust me and add this to the tippy top of your towering TBR stack!

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I would love to thank Leena for sending me an e-copy of this fantaboulous book of hers.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT !!!!

Between Tides And Thunder is a standalone romantasy, with lots of magic, unique abilities and a love that could break the planet in a million pieces. This book, is purely a masterpiece, a true rollercoaster ride through all the feelings possible.

It is so well written, that you actually feel like you are being there inside the story, living alongside the characters. It is full of twists and surprises through every chapter, that you can barely grasp them. The story flows so easy, that you lose track of time.

Our characters are strong, well build, sometimes sarcastic, stubborn and naughty.

For one, we have our FMC, princess Mayah of Tundrayn, a young beautiful girl, who also is a healer. Even if she is a princess, her life isn't easy, since she has to marry her enemy in order to strike an alliance between the two countries : Tundrayn and Arbinj.
Her peaceful life, will take a drastic turn, once she leaves her home.

On the other hand, we have, Zevayr, or the Dark Commander, as they are referring to him. He also bears abilities, he's a storm wielder. Yeah, he can summon a storm anywhere, anytime. His life will too, change. Like a lot.

If you want to read something that will ravage you and make you run straight for the author's DM, then this is the book you are looking for.

[Leapoldnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighting strike me! This was an incredible read!

Goodreads, I need more than 5 stars.

I wish I was a better writer so I could do this story justice in this review, but just know, I read it in one sitting because it was captivating and I had to know what was going to happen next.

The characters were beautifully complex and the slow burn build up was delicious. I truly wish all men had to read the way that the MMC built his relationship with the FMC in this book. I don't want to give anything away but Zev is totally my new book boyfriend. SWOON.

The banter was so fun, the world building was lovely, and the tension was almost too much at times. The author wrote such a deep progression of the relationships and characters that I could not help but feel what they were feeling myself. I find it rare that I am so connected with the characters in the story, but this one had me smiling and laughing as they found joy and biting my nails and yelling at my kindle when they were grieving and struggling.

At one point I think I actually kicked my feet and squealed. I'm sure my family thought I was nuts without the context of being completely engrossed in this story, so fair warning to all of you planning to read this in public.

Leena Kazak is on my auto buy list and this story will more than prove to you why. What a true privilege to read. I'm obsessed.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book… wow…. Ok so there are three parts. Part 1 - mostly everything Leena has been teasing on IG. Part 2 - one twist but it will make you happy and you will be in a good place. Part 3 (and the lead up to it) - take everything you know, throw it in a barrel and light a match because dang there is so much going on. You are getting the kind of information that makes you go from “I’m going to bed by 11 to be prepared for work” to “eff it can’t go to sleep until I finish because I NEED to know how it ends even though I know it’s gonna be 1 am”

Mayah and Zevayr are perfect. I love watching the two of them develop feelings for each other. The scenes traveling to the castle, watching them start to yearn but also fight it (and the second time Zev ties Mayah up is hilarious but you’ll have to read to find out why).

I love how she shows this war isn’t one side suffering or the other (Or just Zev or Mayah) that it’s both, especially the non wielders (those without magic) who don’t get treated well in either kingdom.

I don’t want to say more about the book itself because you need to find out as you read but prepare for an emotional rollercoaster, for revelations to come out that make all sorts of things click into place, and for the ending to come like the end of a ride - you’ve felt all over the place but you are completely satisfied and want to do it again.

[glubglubimafish_2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tides. Drown. Me.
Months. It was months of having pieces of this book dangling in front of my face. The slow agony of waiting for the chance to finally read this book. Was it worth the wait? BEYOND worth it. Once again Leena pulled me in and did not let me go, putting this book down to do anything else was pure torture.
My husband asked me to rate it I said 200/5 stars.
⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
The man who control storms and the woman who is afraid of them, forced together. Between Mayah and her “He is handsome. Objectively. Irritatingly. Doesn’t mean I hate him any less.” and Zev’s thunder tantrums I could not get enough of their banter. Right when you start getting a taste of everything is coming together, everything is ripped apart and then you’re tossed and turned in so many directions you no longer know which way is up. BTAT had my emotions all over the place; my kids wondering about my outbursts, my poor kindle getting slammed against my knees or pillows.
It’s so hard to put into words exactly without giving any spoilers!
⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Leena hyped this book up for me but I was NOT ready. Emotionally unwell but will eventually recover… it’s the lies we tell ourselves that keep us moving forward.
There was serious growth in her writing and I truly cannot wait to see what’s to come. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your amazing street team.

[ThatBook Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started Between Tides and Thunder with high expectations, and it far surpassed each and every one of them.

I love Leena's writing, and was eagerly awaiting the arc release of this book. I knew I'd love it, but I had no idea just how much. I was completely engaged from chapter one, and I fell hopelessly, irrevocably in love with Zev and Mayah!

This was the absolute perfect standalone, but I wish it was a series because I just can't get enough. Zev is the thunder daddy I never knew I needed! Mayah was such a likeable, relatable FMC who is terrified of thunderstorms, yet finds herself trapped with a storm wielder.

The banter was top notch, the chemistry was sizzling, and the story was the perfect mix of anticipation, slow burn romance, and satisfaction.

As always, Leena's world building and pacing are sheer perfection. Her characters are well-developed, and I couldn't help but become invested in each and every one of them. I'm jealous of everyone who gets to read this for the first time, because I'm already itching to reread it.

Tropes:
⚡Enemies to lovers
⚡Forced proximity
⚡One bed / one horse / one cloak
⚡Elemental magic system
⚡Warring kingdoms
⚡Arranged marriage
⚡He falls first and hard
⚡Slow burn
⚡Thunder daddy
⚡“My wife”
⚡Storm wielder / Phobia of storms

[Sarah's Always Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely 6 star- INFINITY read. While I have read previous books by Leena Kazak ( Moon's Daughter series) this was the book that caused me all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I was DOWNRIGHT SHOCKED AT PARTS. It was a masterclass in how a standalone can absolutely rip your soul to pieces and still give you a HEA without 6 books and 3 years to finish.

First off Zev is my new TOP 3/ Top Tier book boyfriend club. Give me a man with all the loyalty, pain and pinning. The betrayal and plot twists made me want to hug him. Every time there was a thunderstorm my heart melted for him more.

Mayah had layers and I truly enjoyed and sometimes hated her. If you are worried for a standalone you won't feel connected to the characters I can assure you that will not be the case with this book. Kazak reels you in slowly as we watch Zev and Mayah feelings grow and how their tremulous journey goes. I was IN IT from page 1 and could barely put the book down till I finished.

Add to TBR immediately!!!!!

Infinite stars
Low level 2 spice

[Kaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Leena for the advanced copy. Easily 5 stars. Easily! I loved it. So freaking good. A Romantasy standalone?! Yes please!

There’s banter, tension, chemistry oh my! Enemies to lovers and you know it’s good when the author tells you to send a lightning bolt every time the main character is tied up. 🤭

I loved Leena’s writing and easily got lost in this world. And if you think the story is going to lead down a predictable path? Nope, you’d be wrong. There were a few parts that left my jaw on the floor. I truly didn’t see it coming.

Warring kingdoms plus a rebel faction and political arranged marriage? I ate it up with a spoon. I had such a good time with this book. And there is still time to be an ARC reader.

I loved Mayah’s fierceness. I love her so much. Please go read this book and then all caps hop into my DMs.

[Aly | Thealylifestyle ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ ⏦ﾟ♡︎ ⋆ 𐙚 ̊. · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️ INFINITE STARS!! My goodness, Mayah and Zev are everything, I love them soooo much 🥹🫶🏻 This book was everything you would want in a romantasy, the enemies to lovers, the yearning ahhhh.

The author created an incredible world that has be wishing I could wield thunder or water, just absolute masterpiece!!

I have annotated most of the book because everything had me either laughing, crying or falling in love with these characters. Mayah is such a baddie and I love how strong she is, Zev is just chefs kiss molded into perfection, THE one and only thunder daddy 🤤 The power sharing was just 🔥😉

I loved every second of it and it is a MUST read for anyone who wants forced proximity and slow burning romantasy 🩵

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standalone success! Romantasy at its best without the pining for the next book. This book will have you in your feels. All. Of. Them.

An ice princess married off to a neighboring kingdom's prince might sound like something you've read before, but that is not where this story ends. The twists and turns are so fun, I found myself jaw dropping, giggling, and enjoying this ride.

A broody handsome MMC that you'll absolutely love. Tides, I love him. A thunder daddy enters the chat!

Mayah is just so good. A healer with trauma stuck in her father's war. She'll do anything for her people.

Their adventure is full of drama, so you're never bored! How soon is too soon to reread?

The author provided an early copy to me, but all opinions are my own.

[Haeli S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to wait a few days to gather my thoughts before writing this review because it utterly ruined me! But it the best way. The chokehold this book has me in.

The plot twists were plot twisting! The banter was delicious. It has my all time favorite trope- forced proximity. We have a thunder daddy, Zev, who is tasked with taking a princess, Mayah, (who is scared of storms!!) back to his kingdom to marry his brother. Need I say more?

I don’t know what was in this book but I COULD NOT put it down. I finished it in one day and I’m still recovering. It was an emotional rollercoaster. I’m so glad this was a standalone because there is no way I could take anymore! I can’t tell you how many times I said WTF or OMG or just literally gasped out loud.

INFINITE STARS.

[Kierstin Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I experienced so many emotions with Between Tides & Thunder. This beautifully written standalone romantasy had me crying, laughing, and yelling. Sometimes in the author's DMs. Some unexpected plot twists had me chucking my Kindle across the room. I absolutely did not want to set this down but my emotions were so high at some points that I had to walk away and sit in my feelings for a minute. Thank you so very much to Leena for the honor of being an early reader of Between Tides & Thunder. I loved it!

[Kimberly Zeidner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Leena Kazak's best book yet! Her writing, as always, is so immersive, but Between Tides & Thunder has the added bonus of clever weather expletives and metaphors. This is a slow burn, but does not have overly descriptive spicy scenes. Again, another thing the author does beautifully. I loved the twists and turns, especially the first one because when it happened, I thought to myself, "Wait! Did we know this??" And then when it got explained, I was mind-blown! BTAT is a very satisfying stand alone that any Romantasy lover will enjoy!

[Allison M || allisreadingbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Leena for the eARC!

Starting off 2026 strong with a 6* read!!!

I am OBSESSED with Mayah & Zev! This book is so good I DEVOURED it in 2 days!

I laughed, I cried, I could not put it down.

Mayah & Zev are the princess and prince of rival kingdoms, he’s a storm weilder and she’s afraid of thunder & lightning. I loved every part of their story and highly highly recommend adding to your TBR to read when it’s released!

[Brandihreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts:
This romantasy standalone consumed me in every way! There was so many plot twists that had me gasping and going WTF?
The banter between Zev and Mayah was absolute perfection. Their chemistry is undeniable. Maya is one of my favorite FMC, she's sassy and I loved watching her character grow. This is filled with action, evil kings, rebellion, unique magic system, court intrigue, and YEARNING! I could not put this book down!

Thank you so much for a chance to read this early as part of your team! 🫶🏼

[Anne Levitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say Leena Kazak is a genius is an understatement. I literally couldn't have guessed any of the plot twists! I tried so hard but I didn't see anything coming! The tension was absolutely delicious. And she did all this in one book! It's a freakin standalone!!! 🤯🤯🤯 Like what?! If you are on the fence about this book I really don't know why! Read the dang book!!!

[CopperpieceReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review, received from author.

I was up until 3am with this one because I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED! The yearning, the banter it was top notch. Leena girl this one is amazing and I'm so excited to read it again and have my sister read it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I think I’ve ever read, and I even waited a full week to review to make sure.

This book is going to break the internet!!!

[Kandace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly don’t know how Leena packs so much angst, yearning, banter, betrayal, and emotion into one book but she did just that 👏🏼 another amazing story!!!