Burning Sea

by Donna Grant

Desire runs deeper than the ocean…

I was never meant to descend into the world beneath the waves—
never meant to fall into the orbit of a Sea Elf whose power could shatter oceans.

He is danger wrapped in control.
Cold. Commanding. Untouchable.

His city is beauty honed into a weapon. His restraint is legendary. And yet the way his gaze lingers tells me he wants me as much as he fears what I awaken in him.

I don’t belong in his realm of tides and shadows, where ancient magic stirs and secrets are buried deep. But every step closer pulls me under—desire tightening, temptation burning hotter than the sea itself.

The truth I uncover could ignite a war.
Loving him could destroy us both.
Leaving may already be impossible.

Because when the ocean begins to rise and everything he’s sworn to protect is threatened, I understand one dangerous truth—

The sea isn’t the only thing capable of burning.
And I’m done resisting the fire between us.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant weaves a captivating story of forbidden desire, dangerous secrets, and impossible choices in this seductive installment of her acclaimed Elven Kingdoms series.

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 11, 2026

About the author

Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.

She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.

Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.

Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.

You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book where nothing really happens and the storyline doesn’t progress. Most of the book is spent in Varum’s home in the Sea Elf Kingdom where Kaylani is being kept prisoner and interrogated by Varum. A few chapters from other characters trying to figure out how to get Kaylani back but not actually doing anything.

Heavy Spoilers Ahead:

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Kaylani attacks a slave boat to free slaves. The slaves jump in the water and all drown or get eaten by shark-like creatures. Kaylani is beat up, chained and tossed in the water to drown. She has gills though apparently even though she is human. She can breath under water but is unconscious. Varum was collecting intel on which Sea Elves were helping the Masters and sees it all. Kaylani is about to be eaten and he intends to leave her to her fate but decides she might have info he could use so he saves her. What a prince.

He takes her to his home which is against the law. Most of the book is Kaylani healing, sitting around Varum’s home alone unable to leave or Varum interrogating her. As soon as she started complaining she couldn’t keep food down and her legs were numb and she couldn’t walk I clocked that she was going to be revealed to be a mermaid. Not a Sea Elf but something different.

There are some chapters with Dain, Savita, and One but they also don’t really do anything. Dain is pining for Reva and One is crushing on Savita.

There was supposed to be a plot twist that changes everything but I’m scratching my head because nothing happened, nothing changed, no new info was gleaned.

There is also no world building. We are in a brand new kingdom with sea elves we haven’t met before and we only ever get to see the inside of Varum’s home and learn nothing about Sea Elf culture other than they keep themselves seperate from the rest of Zora and don’t let humans into their kingdom but they never explain why they are so isolated. What do they eat? How to they live? What is life like under the water? How did they create their homes? What are their strengths and weaknesses? We’re left learning absolutely nothing about Sea Elves.

I’m struggling with this series because the bulk of the books is just repeating what happened in previous books and characters sitting around talking not doing anything and the storyline is not progressing. We’re not getting new info, nothing is changing. The characters are going from strangers to enemies to allies to lovers too quickly. The relationships are not earned. Love is being declared after one night of sex.

I need more action and I need the couple to spend more time getting to know each other before falling in love. If they wanna angry fuck, cool but I can’t understand why Kaylani would fall in love with someone who kidnapped her, interrogated her, was mean, tried to strangle her and kept her prisoner for weeks.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to shout "THIS IS A MUST READ". I don't want readers to miss out on this book. There is so much going on within the story that closing the book to deal with real life was challenging. The author transports the reader to a new Elven world deep in the ocean that left me in awe of the author's imagination. The description of the Sea Elf city of Tarangarh and how it was created was so fascinating that I found myself writing it all down, not wanting to to forget anything.

Burning Sea is a forbidden romance, not just between a human and an elf, but between someone who lives on the land and someone who lives in deep waters. Sea Elves do not socialize with others. No one but Sea Elves are allowed in their cities. When Varum, a Sea Elf, takes Kaylani, a human, into Tarangarh, he has sentenced them both to death if caught. She has must remain hidden if there is any hope of survival. Who knew forced proximity could be so hot!!!! I found myself reading faster, not wanting to wait to see what was going to happen next.

What happens next left me speechless, blew me away. If you like plot twists; Donna Grant has written a doozy. If you like to have your mind blown; get ready for a wild ride. If you like shock and awe in a story; you can't go wrong with Burning Sea. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series. I was reminded once again why Donna Grant is one of my favorite authors.

[Jayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

NETGALLEY ARC

🩵 I absolutely loved this read.

📖 Kalyani is a human, set out to help her people defeat the Masters in any way she can. Varum is a sea elf determined to keep the Sea Elves safe. When their paths cross he takes her his city to find out more information. Danger surrounds them as humans are strictly forbidden from entering the sea elf city. They must figure out if they can trust each other and find the information they need to protect their people and get out of the city alive.

✨ There are so many things about this book that I loved.
Despite this being the fifth book in a series, it read almost like a standalone. Still connected to the other books however, we were given enough information that it wasn’t hard to follow the connections and the overall goals for the characters.

Kalyani was so strong and determined to help. She is fiery, stubborn and so brave in the face of the dangers around her - everything I want in my FMCS. Varum is reserved and insistent in his intentions to protect the city with a wall up to protect himself from the disappointment of others - a swoon worthy book boyfriend. I loved how their relationship developed, each giving a little bit into their forbidden desire.

🩵 I will absolutely be going back and reading the other books in the series and cannot wait to continue this story further!

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A world full of diverse Elven nations, all with a common purpose to eliminate those who enslave.

Elven kingdoms of the sea mix with the humans of the land in this enemies to lovers adventure fantasy. Kalyani wants to be in amongst the danger, helping to free those enslaved and meting out some justice. But with a big brother who wants to keep her far from danger, Klyani resorts to a "ask forgiveness rather than permission" mindset. Which inevitably leads her into a world of trouble.

Varum is well aware of his lower status among his people. He's found out about some of his people assisting with the trafficking of humans and other Elven people and sets out to get to the bottom of it. Then Kalyani gets in trouble and now he's nursing her back to health as well as keeping her safe from his people.

Add in some unexpected allies, betrayal at all levels and a nicely expanding found family of rebels and this series is fast becoming a firm favourite.

Now this story may not move the overarching storyline along a whole heck of a lot, but sometimes it's a nice change of pace to get to know characters you've already met a bit better, see how the new ones fit into the plan and what the next step may be.

Kalyani is all fire and determination meeting Varum’s stoic, calm but icy façade.

The Masters had best tread carefully, these Elves and their beloved are out to bring them down.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Varum is a sea elf and while in the water he saw a ship and sea elves helping it. The Masters have been kidnapping elves and he knows of sea elves going missing. Varum sees a human swimming up from the deep and bop one of them in the head. A battle begins and the female is hurt so Varum takes her back to his house. No one is allowed in their city except for sea elves so he sneaks her in. Kalyani awakes in a strange house and in pain. She wants to go back to the surface but her captor can’t let her go just yet. Neither trusts the other. They both want to destroy the Masters. Varum starts to interrogate her because he saw something strange and wants her explanation. Kalyani doesn’t know what he is talking about. But when they are discovered, both Varum and Kalyani are taken in and interrogated by the Tidewarden but they both know its death for them. Unless they can escape.

This is such a good story. Suspense. Sea elves. Secrets. Surprises. Steamy. Varum doesn’t trust because his family threw him down and left him when he was young. Kalyani is beautiful and the ocean has always called to her and it gets her in trouble. Voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Netgalley.

[Naomi Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Sea by Donna Grant delivers a gripping blend of elemental magic, tension, and slow-burn intrigue. Set against the mysterious world of the Sea Elves, the story immediately pulls you in with Varum’s quiet fear that isolation may no longer protect his people from the creeping corruption of the Masters.
Kalyani’s fiery determination contrasts beautifully with Varum’s icy restraint, creating a dynamic that feels both dangerous and irresistible. Their relationship simmers with distrust, chemistry, and high stakes, making every interaction feel charged with possibility.
Grant excels at world-building here, expanding the Elven Kingdoms with depth while maintaining a fast-paced, emotionally engaging plot. The looming threat of the Masters adds urgency without overshadowing the character-driven core.
A compelling installment that balances romance, danger, and fantasy, Burning Sea is a must-read for fans of elemental opposites and richly layered magical worlds.

[Laura Cozicar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So many things happen in the telling of this tale. While the total storyline doesn’t seem to advance much, we learn so much within its pages. Kalyani‘s attraction to the sea, the fight against the Masters, who’s capturing the citizens and where are they taking them, who can be trusted?

Most of the story centres around Kalyani, the brave little human with her unique affinity with the sea. She is gravely wounded in an attempt to rescue several prisoners off a ship far from shore. Rescued herself by Varum, a dashing Sea Elf who is also investigating the disappearances and any connection to the Masters, she is bought to a secret underwater city. Most of the adventure takes place between these two but we do learn more about the battle against the growing threat the Masters and all who aid them represent. I can see how this book sets up future challenges and can’t wait to discover where we go from here. But that ending …

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diving into More Elven Kingdom Goodness!
Kalyani is a human who feels drawn to the ocean and can swim under the water for long periods of time. Varum is a sea elf who has never seen anything above the ocean. While trying to free kidnapped people from a ship, Kalyani is injured and Varum brings her to his underwater city, which is forbidden and punishable by death. What happens next gives you all the emotions at once.
It has a slight feeling of the little mermaid but more mature and intense. A slow building relationship, a touch of ex-girlfriend issues, a growing inexplicable evil, and the excitement of becoming something you didn't know you were. I still wonder how that came to be. I wonder if we will ever find out. The climax was perfection! I can't even tell you how much I love this series. I am hoping to see more of this couple in future books.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is off the scales (pun intended) in Donna Grant’s Burning Sea. She weaves a story blending attraction, intrigue, desire, and the growing love between our two main characters. Varum is a Sea Elf working tirelessly to protect his people, who prefer to live in isolation. Kalyani is a human, or is she something else? Varum rescues her after she tries to save passengers on a ship bound for the Masters. He risks everything by taking her to his city below the sea to heal and recover. This mysterious world of the Sea Elves lies deep in the ocean, where no others can survive. If they are discovered, it could mean their deaths. Their attraction, although immediate, grows and develops slowly. Can their love survive their differences? Will they be able to overcome the evil that are the Masters? This installment just keeps the story building…looking forward to the next development!

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding paranormal story. While Kalyani, a human, chained and sinking after trying to save humans from the masters' slave ship, Varium, a sea elf, saves Kalyanii and brings her to his home hidden in the water deep below, and if she is found, both of them killed. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of mystery and intrigue, and another must read riveting and engaging romance story by the phenomenally talented author, Donna Grant.

[Jeanne Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar fantasy romance set within a city under the sea inhabited by Sea Elves on the world known as Zora.
Kalyani, while out swimming became injured during an altercation and Varum, a Sea Elf comes upon this and rescues Kalyani when she is unconscious and trapped.
This sets in motion events that will have far reaching consequences for all inhabitants, plus an epic love story.
This series keeps getting better!

[Fantasy Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kalyani is taken back to Varum's city where he treats her wounds. They have this insta love that I don't really care for. This book also left me with a lot more questions about Kalyani than answers aboyt what she is. Story was good overall. If you like elves of all different varities, this is the book for you!

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling read this is. Kalyani is full of sass, courage and surprises. So many unexpected situations had me eagerly turning pages. Highly recommend it.