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?

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.

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. This story didn’t just entertain me it consumed me. From the very first chapters, I was completely locked in, emotionally invested, and thinking about nothing else but Mayah, Zev, and what on earth was about to happen next.

The banter??? TOP. TIER.
Every exchange between Mayah and Zev was sharp, emotional, and addictive. Their dynamic is everything I love: tension, softness, stubbornness, vulnerability, humor, and that slow, aching pull between two people who absolutely should not be falling for each other. I loved watching their relationship unfold not just romantically, but emotionally. The trust. The clashes. The quiet moments. The way they slowly see each other. It was so sweet, so intense, and so deeply satisfying.

And Zev… oh my god.
I don’t even have proper words. He is officially on my list. Protective, complicated, dangerous, soft in the ways that matter and I adored him. Every layer we got made me love him more, and the way he and Mayah challenge each other just wrecked me in the best way.

The story itself is emotional, gripping, and impossible to put down. I laughed, I hurt, I swooned, I stressed, and I absolutely lived inside this world while reading. The magic, the tension, the twists, the quiet character moments, it all worked for me.

This was heart pulling, page devouring, stay up too late kind of reading. The kind where you close the book and just stare at the wall for a minute because you’re not ready to leave.

Easily one of my favorite reads to kick off 2026, and 100% a book I’ll be screaming about and recommending. Thanks to the author for the gifted ARC.

[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!*

[Kinsey B · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES!! Everything, just yes.
This book sucked me in. By 25% I was enjoying it, by 30% I was IN it. I didn't want to put this down.

Fair warning: I really wasn't sure I was going to like this. It definitely has an insta-love feel at the beginning. Arguably, it is an insta-love story, but also a slow burn...Read it and see what I mean.

The twists and turns and betrayals were so exciting. This book took me on a journey and it was a ride. Zev and Mayah have a love story that defies all the challenges they face. They are imperfect people with brutal pasts and they learn and heal through their experiences together. Every time I thought I knew what to expect, I was thrown another curveball and I LOVED it. This book is exactly what I wanted it to be. The open-door spice was really good.

My only gripe, the use of the word "tidesdammed" was used a lot, but it went along with the storyline and book title.

Tropes:
Enemies to lover
Arranged Marriage
Forced Proximity
Warring Kingdoms
Betrayals (yes multiple)

Quote:
"My wife was not where I left her"
"Sometimes, it's the lies we choose to believe that let us keep moving forward."

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.

I can’t. WHAT WAS THAT?

Leena, if this wasn’t a standalone I would have RIOTED. Thank goodness we got all the story in one go because I might have burned the world down if not.

This was AMAZING. Zev and Mayah are EVERYTHING. When I tell you this wrecked me, I’m so serious. This broke my entire heart and then put me back together again SEVERAL TIMES.

The tension is INSANE AND DELICIOUS. I never got enough. The plot was incredible, and I was literally on the edge of my seat SO MANY TIMES. The screams I scrumped and the gasps I gusped I stg.

Can I just say there was one point that I was RAGING. Like fully ANGRY. And then I was fine. AND THEN I WAS NOT FINE AGAIN? Idk man this was a whole ass rollercoaster.

He’s a 10 BUT HE WRECKED ME IN SO MANY WAYS.

Elemental magic, forced proximity, one bed/one tent, warring kingdoms, MMC is a storm wielder & FMC is afraid of thunderstorms.
This had everything I needed and then some. The execution was phenomenal. This was my first read from Leena and I’ll never be the same. I’m obsessed.

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between Tides & Thunder is a gripping fantasy that weaves love, betrayal, and personal growth into a story charged with magic and emotional intensity. From the first pages, the novel pulls you into a world where feelings are just as powerful and dangerous as spells.

One of the strongest aspects of the story is Mayah’s character development. Her journey from vulnerability to strength feels authentic and earned, as she wrestles with both her past and the powers awakening within her. Watching her grow is deeply satisfying and adds real weight to the narrative.

The emotional depth is another standout. Leena Kazak skillfully infuses the story with high emotional stakes, making it easy to become invested in the characters and the choices they’re forced to make. The emotions never feel forced; instead, they build naturally alongside the plot.

The world-building is richly imagined, blending magical elements with relatable human struggles. This balance creates an immersive setting that feels alive and grounded, even when the story leans heavily into fantasy.

[Ashley Cutshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over shadow daddies...Thunder daddy is moving in!

I have all the emotions in this book. I laughed, I cried, and I got angry. I could not put this book down.

This book had me hooked from page one. I couldn't put it down. All the plot twists that I didnt see coming.

I loved the banter between Mayah and Zev. their chemistry is perfection. Enemies to lovers! and I loved the angst between them

Zev... thunder daddy and I was in love with him since the beginning!

[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.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️

WOW that was a rollercoaster I did not want to get off of! Talk about PLOT TWISTS you didn’t see coming- they really kept coming!

More to come once I’ve sat with the fact that it’s over 🥹

[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!

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Between Tides and Thunder✨

Man, that hurt! And I knew it would hurt because she said it would and all the reviews confirmed it. And they were all right! And equally correct in that it was ALL 👏 WORTH 👏 IT 👏. I read this in 24 hrs because I HAD to know how it could possibly end in our HEA lovers’ favor.

In BTAT, we follow a singular POV from our FMC, Mayah, who is our compassionate, healer princess afraid of storms and being sold off to the neighboring warring country in hopes for peace. When her betrothed sends his brother in his place to escort her to his country, Mayah finds herself face to face with the Dark Commander, aka the lord of storms, aka the murderer of her people, aka Zev. It is on this difficult and perilous journey back that a romance begins to blossom. One that is just to DIE FOR. But, y’all, there are secrets and political intrigue and hidden powers and sooooo much action and mystery that abounds and is revealed throughout these pages. Not to mention a surprise for our arranged marriage- in the best way! We experience heartbreak, betrayal, comfort, loss, support, feeling seen, and desperation: to love, to be loved, to carry that love even when it might not be returned.

I knew by 50% that I was in for a heartbreak when I felt like things were moving so beautifully and WHOA DID LEENA ROCK MY WORLD. I did NOT expect those reveals and my temper had me HOLLERING at Mayah to open her eyes and get with the broody, thunderous program. 🤣 But she tied it all up with such a feral, passionate bow that I forgive her. 😘 …and I can’t wait to read more from her.

Tropes you may find in BTAT are forced proximity, arranged marriage, plot twists, broody thunder daddy, soft for only her, wound tending/comfort, “eyes on me”, he falls first, betrayal, hidden powers, plot twists, action-packed, low spice (open door but minimally descriptive, focus on emotions), and a HARD EARNED HEA.

Leena, thank you so much for this gifted arc. If you’d kindly send back the pieces of my heart to PO Box… 😜

[Marcee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book emotionally wrecked me. It pulled me in right from the start! I cried , I laughed and boy , did I stress. I might have even lost some sleep over it.

Princess Mayah of Tundrayn is heir to the throne. Her father, the King, has promised her in marriage to Crown Prince Faramir, heir to the throne of Albinj, their enemy, in hopes of forming an alliance between the two kingdoms that would help fight the Rebels. On the day of their betrothal Faramir’s brother and second born, Prince Zevayr, shows up instead ( because it is too dangerous for the future king to travel across Rebel lands) His task is to stand in for his brother and then “deliver” Mayah to Albinj for the wedding.

“Stop saying you’re delivering me. I’m not goods you’ve bartered”. And so begins the delicious banter between Mayah and Zevayr that I loved.

Prince Zevayr, also know as the dangerous and ruthless Dark Commander, is a powerful stormwielder. Princess Mayah is a compassionate and powerful healer that is afraid of storms. Both are stubborn and strong willed. Both are guarding their hearts.

As they journey across the land - they from a bond. They both have had great loss in their lives and not much parental love. They are falling for each other but she is his brothers betrothed so…. This is where I stop because no spoilers here. This is a must read.

There are plot twists that I honestly didn’t see coming- so good! There were secrets, lies and betrayals. So much heartbreak.

This is a stand alone book - thank goodness because there is no way I could have survived a cliff hanger.

All the good stuff:
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers to enemies to …….. ( you will have to read it to find this out)
Thunder Daddy
Warring Kingdoms
One bedroll / one horse / one tent
Elemental magic
He falls first ( and hard )
Arranged marriage
Low spice (open door but more emotion than descriptive)
Betrayal
Yearning

Thank you to Leena Kazak and IRIS Influencer Society for the gift of this early ARC.

[Laura Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He isn't wearing a shirt. Tides, why isn't he wearing a shirt?" I know you can picture exactly what this guy might look like just from this one quote. For the Tundrayni Princess, Mayah, it's the largest bag of emotions you get about the Arbinji Prince, Zevayr, that she hates... she knows... she thinks... maybe..hates...

"I'm going to ruin you, the way you ruined me." The intensity; the angst; the hatred; the love made this book unputdownable.

Oh. My. Tides. Let me first say I am beyond grateful to be one to receive an ARC of this standalone romantasy. It's a feat and a skill to be able to write a book that doesn't require more books in a series. Leena has done this that. The way my jaw hit the ground at the twists and turns. The way my heart stuttered and sped up and slowed down; not being able to read fast enough to see what happens next. The way I was crying, laughing, angry, and -insert every other emotion here- throughout the entire book. And this was true all the way until the very. last. sentence. How many books can you say that about.

The story is clever, the writing is great, and the magic system is phenomenal. AND the all time best part ---> the FMC isn't a Damsel in distress or a "I have a hidden talent that I didn't know I possesed and become the badass." NO. Mayah is a badass from the start and she makes sure everyone, especially Zev knows it. She doesn't need to be protected; she can protect herself and she does and even protects others, even Zev a time or two.

Ok so Zev, the thunderdaddy of the story. The formidable stormwielder that is lethal and rough and everyone knows not to cross him. He's everything you want for the morally gray character. Did I mention he's the ultimate thunderdaddy. And yes that term is now coined by Leena and shall be used to describe the best of MMC for romantasy.

[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.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She was raised to hate him. Now she shares his bed.”

Between Tides and Thunder had NO BUSINESS doing this to me! I devoured this in about 24 hour! The street team was lying when they made that survival guide!! I came out emotionally unwell, screaming, kicking my feet, and questioning EVERYTHING!

Princess Mayah is a BADASS yall!!! Shes sassy, full of resilience and way stronger than she realizes! She’s proof that being soft isn’t a weakness! A selfless healer who’s compassionate but when it comes to standing up for herself? SHE SHOWS UP EVERY. DAMN. TIME.

The DARK COMMANDER. THUNDER DADDY OF MY DREAMS👀 Zevayr is tall, deadly, storm wielding, and he doesn’t play about Mayah!! Ruthless on the outside, devastatingly fluffy on the inside, but only for her! The way he protects Mayah without trying to own her? The way he listens? The way he slowly shows her she’s allowed to want more? RUINED ME!! New boook boyfriend? I THINK SO🙈

The tension??? ELECTRIC.
The banter??? DELICIOUS.
The chemistry?? SWOON WORTHY.
The slow realization that the “monster” might actually be a man who would burn the world for her??? TIDES TAKE ME, I WASNT READY FOR IT!

This had me sliding into leenas dms SCREAMING!!! So many plot twists, WTF is happenings moments, betrayals and secrets, my head was spinning!! The court intrigue and the rebellion kept the story constantly moving and full of action! Leena’s writing is so vivid and immersive!! The magic system??? OBSESSED. I loved learning about each wielders powers and how differently magic manifests across the kingdoms! Zev & Mayah may be my new favorite bookish couple! I know this is a standalone but I could read 5 more booke about them!

10/10, no notes, an absolute MASTERPIECE that ill be screaming about forever. 😭

[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!

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Leena Kazak and IRIS Influencer Society for the chance to ARC read for this book. This is the first book in a long time that left me without a solid grasp on how I felt and what words I wanted to write a review with. It’s a bit of a roller coaster! My feelings for the first half differed greatly from the second half. While I love the idea of a standalone fantasy, it’s very difficult to pull off due to the needed world and character building. While this was mostly well done, I do believe it would have been better served as a duet to leave room for more development of those aspects. Otherwise, my only real struggles with it were personal preferences. I’ll write these below since they would be spoilers. I did enjoy the characters. I liked the Avatar sort of magic system, though I would have liked to see that developed more. As someone who predicts most things that happens in books, I LOVE when a book has twists that I don’t see coming and this had several! I do believe that a lot of people will end up loving this one.
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Spoilers:
While I liked the characters, to fit who they were, there needed to be more snarky banter and not falling for each other so fast and so smoothly. While I do love twists, I feel like these were used as a shock factor, because they deviated SO much from the first half. I am not at all a fan of Enemies (but never actually as) to Lovers BACK to Enemies (truly), yet then back to Lovers. Especially after what he does to her supposed best friend and man she loved previously? None of the pat worked for me. Then after her father? Well, the FMC came across as wishy washy extreme.

[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.
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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.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screams cries throws up!! Leena what was that????

I’ll tell you what it was, an absolutely freaking masterpiece. Hands down a million stars. Just take all of them. My heart was thundering out of my chest <— see what I did there.

Plot twist- I screamed. Another twist I screamed again and woke my kids up whoops. I ate up the first half so quickly but the speed at while I inhaled the second should be scientifically studied. Either that or there is actual crack in your writing.

I am insanely swoony over Zev. Like catastrophically down bad. I have no words because I literally felt everything. All the things.

And Mayah my gosh I screamed at her a few times. Like GIRL. Let’s be real she was so strong in situations I would’ve folded. In seconds. Oh and she’s clever. Queue the clever girl quotes because also as unpredictable as a raptor would be too.

The gasps I released so many different times. I catch on to books but honest to goodness I have no idea where this was headed and then that last few chapters. I’m pretty sure I was holding my breath! Did I say a million stars. I misspoke. Infinity because I will think about this one for a long time. I know it’s early in the year but dare I say my top ARC for 2026! I am truly gobsmacked.

Thank you Leena and Iris Influencer Society for the advanced copy! This jumble of words I call a review is all my own.

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five shiny stars for this one! I couldn’t put it down, sucked me in from the start and I read it in a day (that is if the ‘day’ ends at 2:00 AM the following day).

Mayah is a princess and a healer in a nation at war, in order to help broker peace between the warring nations, she is to be married to the crown prince of their enemy. An enemy she has spent her whole life hating. Zev is the younger prince, a storm wielder and the brutal commander who shows up to escort her to his brother and kingdom. Immediately things start going wrong and Mayah learns that not everything is as it seems, not the prince, not the kingdoms and perhaps not even herself. Even the secrets have secrets here.

So many great twists and turns in this story, excellent world building, engaging writing, banter, elemental magic system, slooooowwww burn, betrayals (so many betrayals), arranged marriage, bait and switch, he falls first, fast and HARD, MY WIFE!

Keep an eye on this one it is going to be up there on top reads this year!

Love that this was a stand alone and I'm not sitting here waiting for more - but let's be honest, I'm definitely WANTING more.

Trigger warnings should be read before digging in.

Thank you Leena Kazak and Iris Influencer Society for the early ARC copy.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Leena for sending me an ARC for BTAT. Between Tides and Thunder was one of my most anticipated books of 2026 and it did not disappoint. The first half of the book had me so entertained with Mayah and Zev’s banter and enjoying how the story was unfolding. I was lured into a false sense of security. The second half was filled with so many plot twists my head was spinning. I truly was not prepared. I got to 95% and was worried something else was going to happen before the end. Trust me when I say that you will be on the edge of your seat the entire time. I was second guessing every single character and didn’t know who to trust.

BTAT has everything you want in a book - banter, complex but easy to follow plot, twists and turns to keep you guessing, yearning, amazing characters, emotional moments, betrayal, an epic love story, and beautiful writing that makes you feel like you’re immersed in the story. It’s impressive how much Leena crammed into this book. And get ready to add Zev to your book boyfriend list. He’s brooding, flirty, sweet, romantic, and thoughtful and you’ll be swooning and crying over him by the end.

Does this book have a happy ending? Yes. Was I still emotional after finishing because of the roller coaster Leena took me on? Also yes. This is a book you’ll want to read again and again and again.