What do you think?
Rate this book
Storms and Sunshine
Welcome to Crescent Cove!
A hidden witchy town by the seaside, where you can find magical creatures of all kinds. Join our authors for eight charming shifter romantic comedies that range from sweet to extra spicy.
Tempest, a storm witch, has never quite fit in anywhere. Her family of green witches can't handle her big emotions and solitary nature. She lives alone in a ramshackle cottage on the beach, spending her days working as a marine life rescuer, where she can use her storm magic to influence nature and help others. She might be alone, but she isn't lonely.
Reed, a young merman trying to help his family adapt to the changing seas. Between global warming, rising sea levels, advancing technology, and over-fishing, it's becoming evident that the merfolk can't continue the way they always have. He must seek help and supplies from the nearby magical town of Crescent Cove. But he never saw Tempest coming.
A swoony romantic comedy about finding love by the ocean in the midst of a storm.
A hidden witchy town by the seaside, where you can find magical creatures of all kinds. Join our authors for eight charming shifter romantic comedies that range from sweet to extra spicy.
Tempest, a storm witch, has never quite fit in anywhere. Her family of green witches can't handle her big emotions and solitary nature. She lives alone in a ramshackle cottage on the beach, spending her days working as a marine life rescuer, where she can use her storm magic to influence nature and help others. She might be alone, but she isn't lonely.
Reed, a young merman trying to help his family adapt to the changing seas. Between global warming, rising sea levels, advancing technology, and over-fishing, it's becoming evident that the merfolk can't continue the way they always have. He must seek help and supplies from the nearby magical town of Crescent Cove. But he never saw Tempest coming.
A swoony romantic comedy about finding love by the ocean in the midst of a storm.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 3, 2026
Finished out June with another book from the Crescent Cove series!!! Thank you so much to the wonderful author of Storms and Sunshine, Kay Leyda, for the ARC!!! I’ll say it again, I just adore this fun summer series.
Storms and Sunshine is centered around Reed, a merman from a pod that is desperately trying to survive but they are stuck in their older traditions. Reed takes it upon himself to try and find a way to save his pod, but also retain the choice to marry who he wants. He discovers Crescent Cove after witnessing a marine life rescue and learns that it’s a sanctuary for magical folk— something his pod desperately needs. It’s through this he also has a meet cute with Tempest, our storm witch!!! Tempest works in marine life rescue and is really powerful! Love that for her. She’s not entirely sure how to control her powers though because she’s the only storm witch in a family full of healers & earth witches. She’s working through some tough emotions! However, Reed comes stumbling into her life and suddenly things are a lot brighter.
This is a closed door romance with LOTS of swoony and sweet chemistry!! Seriously, all it took was a whisper in an ear and I’m over here blushing & giggling myself lmaooo. Reed is so selflessly devoted to Tempest and takes every opportunity to let her know how special she is. Tempest is such a sweetheart and is so patient with Reed as he learns about life on land. Seriously, it’s just so sweet and cute.
I can’t wait to revisit Crescent Cove again with the remaining books in this series!!
Storms and Sunshine is centered around Reed, a merman from a pod that is desperately trying to survive but they are stuck in their older traditions. Reed takes it upon himself to try and find a way to save his pod, but also retain the choice to marry who he wants. He discovers Crescent Cove after witnessing a marine life rescue and learns that it’s a sanctuary for magical folk— something his pod desperately needs. It’s through this he also has a meet cute with Tempest, our storm witch!!! Tempest works in marine life rescue and is really powerful! Love that for her. She’s not entirely sure how to control her powers though because she’s the only storm witch in a family full of healers & earth witches. She’s working through some tough emotions! However, Reed comes stumbling into her life and suddenly things are a lot brighter.
This is a closed door romance with LOTS of swoony and sweet chemistry!! Seriously, all it took was a whisper in an ear and I’m over here blushing & giggling myself lmaooo. Reed is so selflessly devoted to Tempest and takes every opportunity to let her know how special she is. Tempest is such a sweetheart and is so patient with Reed as he learns about life on land. Seriously, it’s just so sweet and cute.
I can’t wait to revisit Crescent Cove again with the remaining books in this series!!
July 20, 2026
Storms and Sunshine is the third book that I've picked up in the Crescent Cove series of novellas, each written by a different author. This one focuses on a female storm witch and a merman. I'm currently reading the serious back to back, and this one does feel quite different to the previous two novellas I've read from the series, Coffee and Kelpies and Sunscreen and Spellbooks. Storm and Sunshine is a no-spice romance, whereas the previous two are open-door. Storm & Sunshine has a more formal writing style to it too. That seems intentional, as the isolated merpeople have a very formal way of talking, but FMC Tempest seems more reserved and prim and proper in this novella than I remember her being in Sunscreen and Spellbooks too.
If you're looking for a spice-free, cozy paranormal romance, this one is short and sweet!
If you're looking for a spice-free, cozy paranormal romance, this one is short and sweet!
July 20, 2026
I really loved this couple, but I wish we got more. It was very short and had zero spice, which surprised me since the rest of the authors wrote spice, which was my bad for expecting it. And that doesn’t reflect my rating; I just wish we got more. It was very fast, and I just didn’t quite connect with the characters, but they were great characters. I could have if we would have gotten more? Idk if that makes sense to anyone else. I still really enjoyed this story though.
July 10, 2026
Storms and Sunshine felt like exactly what the title promises…moments of chaos balanced by warmth, healing and the kind of comfort that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
This story had such an easy flow to it while still delivering emotion in all the right places. I loved the contrast between the heavier moments and the softer ones and how the relationships carried so much of the heart of the story. There’s something really special about books that remind you that storms don’t last forever… but the people, places and moments that bring sunshine often stay with you.
This one is worth picking up ☀️⛈️📚
This story had such an easy flow to it while still delivering emotion in all the right places. I loved the contrast between the heavier moments and the softer ones and how the relationships carried so much of the heart of the story. There’s something really special about books that remind you that storms don’t last forever… but the people, places and moments that bring sunshine often stay with you.
This one is worth picking up ☀️⛈️📚
July 14, 2026
Key has outdone her self once again with this spellbinding book about Tempest and Reed. I love that she mentions Aly Hollis’s book as well as Rebecca F Kenney’s book from the same series.
I can’t wait to read what’s next for this amazing author.
I can’t wait to read what’s next for this amazing author.
July 5, 2026
This is a late ARC review
This is a paranormal novella that is part of the Crescent Cove Series. It is also a closed door romance and the only in this series, I believe that is closed door.
This is probably the most wholesome story in the series with lots of kissing and gentle touches and clothes bed sharing 🤭
We were leaning on 3.5 stars for this one, but opted for 4 because it is beautifully written. A lot of themes are touched on in the story and there is so much love between Tempest and Reed that it didn’t feel right giving it a 3 star because it didn’t have open door smut didn’t seem appropriate.
Reed is the mermaid MMC and if you’ve read the series you know he is the FIRST, and it’s like kind of a big deal. He is going through a lot with his mermaid people. In him and his familial struggles themes of climate change, over harvesting, humans treatment of the environment all comes up. It’s done really well and for those who don’t like IRL stuff in stories it’s told from Reeds POV. Meaning it’s his family that is in trouble and so if you relate to the boardwalk you’d be fine.
Tempest, is the FMC witch and we kind of wanted more of her backstory. She comes from a family of earthen witches and she the only water witch with immense water magic. There’s maybe a family secret in there that relates to Reed, but not clear. Like Reed Tempest also has familiar drama, so they relate as being the black sheep of the family.
Another thing that maybe we wanted to see what a bigger or maybe more powerful Tempest ARC when it came to her mastering her powers. Though, it was very precious that it was to save some bay sharks and also very Tempest. We wanted more of her self actualizing that and have that bleed into her relationship with Reed.
However, how it’s written is very sweet and later we see Reeds POV and it’s even more romantic because you see him fall even more in love with her.
If you’ve read any of the smother stories in this series you’ve seen Tempest, so it was really fun to see her in this story and have it be all about her.
We are hoping that this story opens it up to more mermaids in Crescent Cove
This is a paranormal novella that is part of the Crescent Cove Series. It is also a closed door romance and the only in this series, I believe that is closed door.
This is probably the most wholesome story in the series with lots of kissing and gentle touches and clothes bed sharing 🤭
We were leaning on 3.5 stars for this one, but opted for 4 because it is beautifully written. A lot of themes are touched on in the story and there is so much love between Tempest and Reed that it didn’t feel right giving it a 3 star because it didn’t have open door smut didn’t seem appropriate.
Reed is the mermaid MMC and if you’ve read the series you know he is the FIRST, and it’s like kind of a big deal. He is going through a lot with his mermaid people. In him and his familial struggles themes of climate change, over harvesting, humans treatment of the environment all comes up. It’s done really well and for those who don’t like IRL stuff in stories it’s told from Reeds POV. Meaning it’s his family that is in trouble and so if you relate to the boardwalk you’d be fine.
Tempest, is the FMC witch and we kind of wanted more of her backstory. She comes from a family of earthen witches and she the only water witch with immense water magic. There’s maybe a family secret in there that relates to Reed, but not clear. Like Reed Tempest also has familiar drama, so they relate as being the black sheep of the family.
Another thing that maybe we wanted to see what a bigger or maybe more powerful Tempest ARC when it came to her mastering her powers. Though, it was very precious that it was to save some bay sharks and also very Tempest. We wanted more of her self actualizing that and have that bleed into her relationship with Reed.
However, how it’s written is very sweet and later we see Reeds POV and it’s even more romantic because you see him fall even more in love with her.
If you’ve read any of the smother stories in this series you’ve seen Tempest, so it was really fun to see her in this story and have it be all about her.
We are hoping that this story opens it up to more mermaids in Crescent Cove
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2026
What a wonderfully sweet, cozy, and wholesome read!
This novella felt like a full-length novel in the best possible way: it was exceptionally well structured and beautifully paced. The character development was spot on, making it easy to connect with and root for every one of them.
Tempest and Reed are the perfect embodiment of the story’s title. She is intense, strong, deeply emotional, and wears her heart on her sleeve—the kind of force that is as alluring as it can be dangerous when left unchecked. He is sunshine personified: inquisitive, optimistic, and, at times, wonderfully “in your face.” (His suggestion that they shower together the first time they met had me bawling with laughter.) There’s never any malice behind his actions, though—only genuine warmth and unwavering care for those he loves.
Together, they learn to grow, navigate their feelings, and discover how to coexist despite their differences. In a world increasingly divided by borders, ethnicity, creed, and politics, Storms and Sunshine is a breath of fresh air. More than that, it’s a beautiful reminder that we are stronger together and more capable of facing even what seems irreversible.
Thank you, my dear Kay Leyda, for the absolute pleasure of receiving an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This was an easy five stars!
This novella felt like a full-length novel in the best possible way: it was exceptionally well structured and beautifully paced. The character development was spot on, making it easy to connect with and root for every one of them.
Tempest and Reed are the perfect embodiment of the story’s title. She is intense, strong, deeply emotional, and wears her heart on her sleeve—the kind of force that is as alluring as it can be dangerous when left unchecked. He is sunshine personified: inquisitive, optimistic, and, at times, wonderfully “in your face.” (His suggestion that they shower together the first time they met had me bawling with laughter.) There’s never any malice behind his actions, though—only genuine warmth and unwavering care for those he loves.
Together, they learn to grow, navigate their feelings, and discover how to coexist despite their differences. In a world increasingly divided by borders, ethnicity, creed, and politics, Storms and Sunshine is a breath of fresh air. More than that, it’s a beautiful reminder that we are stronger together and more capable of facing even what seems irreversible.
Thank you, my dear Kay Leyda, for the absolute pleasure of receiving an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This was an easy five stars!
June 12, 2026
ARC Review
Reed is a merman desperately trying to find a way to save his pod from extinction. Tempest is a storm which who never felt like she belonged. One day they collided into each other in the cozy little town of Crescent Cove!
This was such a cute summer read! Both characters had challenges of feeling misplaced by family. Reed’s family treated him like a child yet put saving his whole pod on his shoulders. Tempest being a storm which from a family of healers caused a lot of tension in her own family. Tempest is such a sweet FMC who works saving sea creatures and she has such a big heart for helping others. The way she helped Reed understand living on the land without getting frustrated melted my heart. Them becoming each others home was so sweet! I cannot wait to read the rest of this Multi-Author collection!
This particular one focused more on their connection and didn’t include spice other than kissing. However, I still enjoyed it!
Reed is a merman desperately trying to find a way to save his pod from extinction. Tempest is a storm which who never felt like she belonged. One day they collided into each other in the cozy little town of Crescent Cove!
This was such a cute summer read! Both characters had challenges of feeling misplaced by family. Reed’s family treated him like a child yet put saving his whole pod on his shoulders. Tempest being a storm which from a family of healers caused a lot of tension in her own family. Tempest is such a sweet FMC who works saving sea creatures and she has such a big heart for helping others. The way she helped Reed understand living on the land without getting frustrated melted my heart. Them becoming each others home was so sweet! I cannot wait to read the rest of this Multi-Author collection!
This particular one focused more on their connection and didn’t include spice other than kissing. However, I still enjoyed it!
July 7, 2026
3 1/2 stars
Sweet story of a young merman whose species is facing extinction due to climate change and other human failings. He learns of a coastal town where supernaturals live and decides to investigate. He meets Tempest, a storm witch who rescues animals from the sea and they are immediately attracted to one another. His naiveté is endearing as is his wonder at things people take for granted.
His family is opposed to outsiders, especially those who exist on land. He eventually convinces them to reconsider. Tempest also mends her relationship with her sisters and HEA is assured.
My only complaint is that the layout on Kindle was atrocious. The beginning of a word would show one letter and the remainder would appear on the next line or even the next page. The cute sign indicating a new chapter would stand alone on a page instead of where a normal header would appear.
Sweet story of a young merman whose species is facing extinction due to climate change and other human failings. He learns of a coastal town where supernaturals live and decides to investigate. He meets Tempest, a storm witch who rescues animals from the sea and they are immediately attracted to one another. His naiveté is endearing as is his wonder at things people take for granted.
His family is opposed to outsiders, especially those who exist on land. He eventually convinces them to reconsider. Tempest also mends her relationship with her sisters and HEA is assured.
My only complaint is that the layout on Kindle was atrocious. The beginning of a word would show one letter and the remainder would appear on the next line or even the next page. The cute sign indicating a new chapter would stand alone on a page instead of where a normal header would appear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2026
These two feel like they are meant to be.
As her name kind implies, Tempest's magic is base off of her temperament. She is a storm witch. When her emotions are us of wack then so is the weather. She is the first storm witch in her family for many generations, and no one has formally trained her on how to use her magic properly.
Reed is a fun-loving merman who also happens to be the youngest and remaining male heir of his pod. He feels this pressure to not only save the pod but also find someone who he loves instead of being forced into a marriage.
This book made me look at our world from a different perspective. To us, we know how to use our legs, toaster, money, etc. What would it be like for someone coming on land or our planet for the first time not knowing what or how to do all those things.
Thank you, Kay Leyda, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
As her name kind implies, Tempest's magic is base off of her temperament. She is a storm witch. When her emotions are us of wack then so is the weather. She is the first storm witch in her family for many generations, and no one has formally trained her on how to use her magic properly.
Reed is a fun-loving merman who also happens to be the youngest and remaining male heir of his pod. He feels this pressure to not only save the pod but also find someone who he loves instead of being forced into a marriage.
This book made me look at our world from a different perspective. To us, we know how to use our legs, toaster, money, etc. What would it be like for someone coming on land or our planet for the first time not knowing what or how to do all those things.
Thank you, Kay Leyda, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2026
Review of ARC received by author.
Storms and Sunshine is a sweet summer romance to relax by the sea.
Tempest is a storm witch struggling to control her powers and to find her place in the world. Her struggle is very relatable to anyone trying to fit in in a place where they are different. This books reminds us that we will find ourselves.
Reed is a merman that wants to be able to choose his life and help his family. Anyone that feels trapeo will understand him.
They find in each other exactly what they need, even if they did not know it.
I really liked that it does not only focuses on their romance, but also their lives and problems outside of it! And I really liked Elliot!
This was a fast easy read, that lets you with a sweet aftertaste and the need for a chocolate croissant!
Storms and Sunshine is a sweet summer romance to relax by the sea.
Tempest is a storm witch struggling to control her powers and to find her place in the world. Her struggle is very relatable to anyone trying to fit in in a place where they are different. This books reminds us that we will find ourselves.
Reed is a merman that wants to be able to choose his life and help his family. Anyone that feels trapeo will understand him.
They find in each other exactly what they need, even if they did not know it.
I really liked that it does not only focuses on their romance, but also their lives and problems outside of it! And I really liked Elliot!
This was a fast easy read, that lets you with a sweet aftertaste and the need for a chocolate croissant!
July 6, 2026
Storms and Sunshine by Kay Leyda was such a heartwarming story! This is the 2nd novella I've read in this 8 book novella series, and I'm falling more in love with Crescent Cove with every story. Reed is a merman who discovers a hidden magical town filled with shifters, witches, and all kinds of magical creatures. He meets Tempest, a kind storm witch who helps him navigate life on land. His childlike excitement and wonder over every new experience made me smile from ear to ear. The romance between Reed and Tempest was wholesome, tender, and had me kicking my feet with every sweet moment as their relationship blossomed. If you're looking for a cozy romance with no spice and all the warm, fuzzy feelings, this is the one. I can't wait to continue reading the rest of the series!
June 24, 2026
Advanced Copy provided by the author!
Storms and Sunshine is such a cute novella that made my heart feel fuzzy warm and smile so wide at the interactions between our main characters.
Tempest is a girl with a lot of feelings and to have someone like Reed come along, support her through them while never making her feel less than she deserves is so beautiful to read.
Reed is having family issues of his own but wants the best for everyone in his pod.
I’m so glad that the best for his pod is finding Tempest and their love story blooms from there.
Can’t wait to read more of the Crescent Cove series. 🥰
Storms and Sunshine is such a cute novella that made my heart feel fuzzy warm and smile so wide at the interactions between our main characters.
Tempest is a girl with a lot of feelings and to have someone like Reed come along, support her through them while never making her feel less than she deserves is so beautiful to read.
Reed is having family issues of his own but wants the best for everyone in his pod.
I’m so glad that the best for his pod is finding Tempest and their love story blooms from there.
Can’t wait to read more of the Crescent Cove series. 🥰
June 30, 2026
Thank you so much Kay Leyda for allowing me to have an
ARC for this book! Storms & Sunshine was such a cozy fun novella.
I absolutely loved the characters. Tempest and Reed are the main characters. Tempest is a storm witch trying to find her place. Reed MMC is a “Merman” looking for his pod family.
I loved how both characters struggled with feeling accepted by their families and how they were finally able to comfort one another.
I can’t wait for the rest of the Crescent Cove Novellas. I am so excited for them all.
Thank you again for the ARC. I hope to be apart of your upcoming Halloween novella.
ARC for this book! Storms & Sunshine was such a cozy fun novella.
I absolutely loved the characters. Tempest and Reed are the main characters. Tempest is a storm witch trying to find her place. Reed MMC is a “Merman” looking for his pod family.
I loved how both characters struggled with feeling accepted by their families and how they were finally able to comfort one another.
I can’t wait for the rest of the Crescent Cove Novellas. I am so excited for them all.
Thank you again for the ARC. I hope to be apart of your upcoming Halloween novella.
July 2, 2026
Hes sweet for her and the cakes
Finished this fun short read. After reading some of the other's in the series.
Glad to see Tempest's story.
Hes sweet for her as soon as hes bumps into her. Their chemistry starts straight away. She is a storm witch who wants to be accepted, and finds it in the dark haired merman.
Loved this read. Love it more if 100 pages longer, didn't want it to end.
Only comment the kindle version has quite few formatting errors and several typos.
Book quote:
“If I didn’t know better, I would swear that you are a siren,” Reed muttered, his voice rumbling and deep. “You captivate me so, Tempest. As bright as the stars and as mercurial as the sea.”
Finished this fun short read. After reading some of the other's in the series.
Glad to see Tempest's story.
Hes sweet for her as soon as hes bumps into her. Their chemistry starts straight away. She is a storm witch who wants to be accepted, and finds it in the dark haired merman.
Loved this read. Love it more if 100 pages longer, didn't want it to end.
Only comment the kindle version has quite few formatting errors and several typos.
Book quote:
“If I didn’t know better, I would swear that you are a siren,” Reed muttered, his voice rumbling and deep. “You captivate me so, Tempest. As bright as the stars and as mercurial as the sea.”
July 1, 2026
Although closed door romance is not my typical thing I did enjoy this read. It was a cute, cozy, magical little novella. Both Tempest and Reed feel like the outliers in their families that no one else can relate to, until they find each other. Reed offers the comfort and support that Tempest needs and Tempest offers Reed the opportunity to express and expand upon who he’s ment to be. I also appreciated the tie in to the lack of ocean conservation, over fishing, climate change and all the resulting environmental impacts because of them.
June 21, 2026
Storms & Sunshine was such a cozy, feel good read. Tempest is a storm witch trying to find where she belongs.. Reed a merman searching for a way to save his pod.. These two were so easy to root for.
I loved how both characters struggled with feeling accepted by their families and how they slowly became the home and comfort the other needed. Their connection was sweet, heartfelt, and full of charm.
This romance is very gentle and closed door, with only kissing and no spice, which fit the soft, cozy tone of the story perfectly.
Between the magical coastal town, adorable boardwalk meet cute, and all the Crescent Cove magic, this story completely WON me over. If you're looking for a cozy paranormal romance with lots of heart, this is the perfect little escape.
Thank you to Kay Leyda for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I loved how both characters struggled with feeling accepted by their families and how they slowly became the home and comfort the other needed. Their connection was sweet, heartfelt, and full of charm.
This romance is very gentle and closed door, with only kissing and no spice, which fit the soft, cozy tone of the story perfectly.
Between the magical coastal town, adorable boardwalk meet cute, and all the Crescent Cove magic, this story completely WON me over. If you're looking for a cozy paranormal romance with lots of heart, this is the perfect little escape.
Thank you to Kay Leyda for the opportunity to read this ARC.
July 8, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
This book was the perfect mix of emotional and beautifully romantic.💛
Tempest and Reed felt so genuine, they were very relatable! Watching them go through life’s storms while finding moments of sunshine together had me tearing up, smiling, and rooting for them with every page I read.
Storms and Sunshine reminded me that even after the darkest storms, a little sunshine can change even the smallest of things. ☀️💛
This book was the perfect mix of emotional and beautifully romantic.💛
Tempest and Reed felt so genuine, they were very relatable! Watching them go through life’s storms while finding moments of sunshine together had me tearing up, smiling, and rooting for them with every page I read.
Storms and Sunshine reminded me that even after the darkest storms, a little sunshine can change even the smallest of things. ☀️💛
July 4, 2026
Sweet Summer Paranormal Romance
This is a super sweet, spice free summer romance for readers who love mermaids, storm witches, and magickal places. Guaranteed HEA.
This is a super sweet, spice free summer romance for readers who love mermaids, storm witches, and magickal places. Guaranteed HEA.
July 1, 2026
Merman and Storm Witch
This was a quick read and very enjoyable. It has some little mermaid vibes. Small town romance in a hidden costal town.
This was a quick read and very enjoyable. It has some little mermaid vibes. Small town romance in a hidden costal town.
July 5, 2026
This is a super sweet, spice free summer romance for readers who love mermaids, storm witches, and magickal places. Guaranteed HEA.
June 27, 2026
4⭐️
This was such a cute read! I loved how both Tempest and Reed are fairly shy and seeing them find their person. I do wish we got more of Tempest’s magic, it was there in the beginning and then seemed unimportant. Overall a very cute summer read!
Thank you Kay for an eARC! 💚
This was such a cute read! I loved how both Tempest and Reed are fairly shy and seeing them find their person. I do wish we got more of Tempest’s magic, it was there in the beginning and then seemed unimportant. Overall a very cute summer read!
Thank you Kay for an eARC! 💚
August 16, 2026
4,5 ⭐
Цей солодкий тритон підкорив моє серце своєю милотою. Дуже хотілося б отримати повноцінну книгу 😍
Цей солодкий тритон підкорив моє серце своєю милотою. Дуже хотілося б отримати повноцінну книгу 😍
June 26, 2026
Storms and Sunshine is so cute!! This trip to Crescent Cove is so sweet, and I absolutely love this take on mermaids! Tempest and Reed are both so sweet, and so well matched, I love their romance. Both characters are really well written, and have so much heart, this short story felt like so much more than its page count.
I really appreciated the attention paid to ocean environment and conservation, this added another layer to a great story. The conclusion is so satisfying, I was so happy. Thank you to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really appreciated the attention paid to ocean environment and conservation, this added another layer to a great story. The conclusion is so satisfying, I was so happy. Thank you to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2026
Reed is such a cutie; he wants to save his family and be with her mate. He just goes and is direct, tries to understand her, help her, and show her that she is everything to him, while Tempest is trying her best to feel some balance in her life and control her powers while trying to decipher her feelings for Reed.
July 23, 2026
This book was so sweet (totally YA, no spice!!) and very heartwarming. Tempest (a storm witch) and Reed (a merman) fell for each other instantly with no uncertainty. The conflict resolution with both of their families was cathartic. It reminded me a little of the movie where the woman falls in love with the snowman-turned- human!
July 13, 2026
Week Four ☀️
Another adorable Crescent Cove read! This one gave me strong The Little Mermaid vibes, except our mermaid was a merman.
This was a tough one to review because I’m definitely a mood reader, but I also want to be honest. While it was cute and enjoyable, it lacked the emotional depth. I never really formed a connection with either of the main characters or became invested in the story.
I think the novella length worked against it a bit? It felt like the author was trying to keep the story short, but there just wasn’t enough time to fully develop the characters or their relationship. Because of that, parts of the story felt more like a children’s book than the cozy fantasy romance I was expecting.
Week 5 review coming soon! 💙🐚
Another adorable Crescent Cove read! This one gave me strong The Little Mermaid vibes, except our mermaid was a merman.
This was a tough one to review because I’m definitely a mood reader, but I also want to be honest. While it was cute and enjoyable, it lacked the emotional depth. I never really formed a connection with either of the main characters or became invested in the story.
I think the novella length worked against it a bit? It felt like the author was trying to keep the story short, but there just wasn’t enough time to fully develop the characters or their relationship. Because of that, parts of the story felt more like a children’s book than the cozy fantasy romance I was expecting.
Week 5 review coming soon! 💙🐚
July 18, 2026
A closed door summer romance featuring a storm witch desperate to find where she belongs and a merman who yearns to save his people.
Tempest feels alone in her family of green witches. She was given the storm witch gene that allows her to manipulate weather that nobody living in her family possesses. Reed is the youngest merman in his group and he is expected to get married and carry on the mermaid bloodline. He is desperate to do anything to save his people, but he'd rather not marry a woman ten years his senior that he has little connection with. When he hears of the mythic town of Crescent Cove that is rumored to hide magical beings from humans, Reed goes to investigate. After accidentally running into Tempest, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. As Tempest shows Reed around her hometown, she begins to wonder if he might just be what she's been looking for all along.
I've seen Kay Leyda's mermaid books floating around and they've always intrigued me. I was super excited to return to Crescent Cove and discover if her work was for me in one book. As you can tell, I absolutely loved this one! Also, I didn't end up reading the ARC before I ended up buying my own copy, but thank you Kay Leyda for the gifted copy regardless!
Tempest and Reed are both living through some stuff. Tempest possesses a powerful magic that she doesn't know how to control and that no one in her family can teach her about. Reed is expected to bear children to keep his tribe alive, but that's obviously not his number one priority. Both parties care deeply about ocean conservation and strive to help our oceans every single day.
It was cool getting to read Tempest's story, as she was mentioned quite a few times in "Sunscreen and Spellbooks." She is Elliot's colleague, so it also makes sense that Elliot is an important character in this one. Elliot is an absolute ray of sunshine, so I absolutely loved the fact that he was a major character in this one.
Speaking of reoccuring characters, chapter three is bursting with cameos from the other books, which is awesome. Juniper, Marlowe, Rick, and Selena all make appearances, which is so fun. Octavius also shows up down the road (go octopus man!). I love little easter eggs like this in interconnected stand alone series. The best part is, everyone experiences them a little different depending on the order they read the books in.
This is the only book in the "Crescent Cove" series that is closed door, which gives it a very different vibe from the others. Leyda usually writes YA, so this makes perfect sense to me. I honestly thought it was super sweet that this one focuses more on the little things they do for one another rather than explicit physical chemistry. And don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of physical yearning and even a shower scene (it's just off-page).
Reed is a bit obsessed with Tempest from the get-go, which can be a bit much. He is super sweet about it and is possessive in the most positive way I think I've ever seen portrayed. I definitely wasn't mad by his behavior towards Tempest, I just found it a tad interesting that he was calling her "my Little Storm" within days of knowing she existed. Coming on a little strong there, but I digress. At least Tempest seems to be a big fan of his devotion.
I am saddened that this novella wasn't a tad longer. I would have loved to see Tempest and Reed explore the ocean together, as well as a more in-depth ending for the mermaids. I fear this one ended rather abruptly. As it is though, this book is super sweet, it's just not the most developed.
Overall, "Storms and Sunshine" is a closed door summer romance between a sea witch and a merman. I absolutely ate up all the shout-outs towards the other books and was happy to see Tempest finally find her happy ending. Reed comes on a bit strong at times, but he is such a cinnamon role that it barely even comes off as possessive. The summer vibes are impeccable and I'm so glad that I still have half of this series to go, because I'm not ready to say goodbye to Crescent Cove yet!
Tempest feels alone in her family of green witches. She was given the storm witch gene that allows her to manipulate weather that nobody living in her family possesses. Reed is the youngest merman in his group and he is expected to get married and carry on the mermaid bloodline. He is desperate to do anything to save his people, but he'd rather not marry a woman ten years his senior that he has little connection with. When he hears of the mythic town of Crescent Cove that is rumored to hide magical beings from humans, Reed goes to investigate. After accidentally running into Tempest, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. As Tempest shows Reed around her hometown, she begins to wonder if he might just be what she's been looking for all along.
I've seen Kay Leyda's mermaid books floating around and they've always intrigued me. I was super excited to return to Crescent Cove and discover if her work was for me in one book. As you can tell, I absolutely loved this one! Also, I didn't end up reading the ARC before I ended up buying my own copy, but thank you Kay Leyda for the gifted copy regardless!
Tempest and Reed are both living through some stuff. Tempest possesses a powerful magic that she doesn't know how to control and that no one in her family can teach her about. Reed is expected to bear children to keep his tribe alive, but that's obviously not his number one priority. Both parties care deeply about ocean conservation and strive to help our oceans every single day.
It was cool getting to read Tempest's story, as she was mentioned quite a few times in "Sunscreen and Spellbooks." She is Elliot's colleague, so it also makes sense that Elliot is an important character in this one. Elliot is an absolute ray of sunshine, so I absolutely loved the fact that he was a major character in this one.
Speaking of reoccuring characters, chapter three is bursting with cameos from the other books, which is awesome. Juniper, Marlowe, Rick, and Selena all make appearances, which is so fun. Octavius also shows up down the road (go octopus man!). I love little easter eggs like this in interconnected stand alone series. The best part is, everyone experiences them a little different depending on the order they read the books in.
This is the only book in the "Crescent Cove" series that is closed door, which gives it a very different vibe from the others. Leyda usually writes YA, so this makes perfect sense to me. I honestly thought it was super sweet that this one focuses more on the little things they do for one another rather than explicit physical chemistry. And don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of physical yearning and even a shower scene (it's just off-page).
Reed is a bit obsessed with Tempest from the get-go, which can be a bit much. He is super sweet about it and is possessive in the most positive way I think I've ever seen portrayed. I definitely wasn't mad by his behavior towards Tempest, I just found it a tad interesting that he was calling her "my Little Storm" within days of knowing she existed. Coming on a little strong there, but I digress. At least Tempest seems to be a big fan of his devotion.
I am saddened that this novella wasn't a tad longer. I would have loved to see Tempest and Reed explore the ocean together, as well as a more in-depth ending for the mermaids. I fear this one ended rather abruptly. As it is though, this book is super sweet, it's just not the most developed.
Overall, "Storms and Sunshine" is a closed door summer romance between a sea witch and a merman. I absolutely ate up all the shout-outs towards the other books and was happy to see Tempest finally find her happy ending. Reed comes on a bit strong at times, but he is such a cinnamon role that it barely even comes off as possessive. The summer vibes are impeccable and I'm so glad that I still have half of this series to go, because I'm not ready to say goodbye to Crescent Cove yet!
July 1, 2026
This book was a bit of a surprise to me. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would honestly. I got invested in the story from the beginning and it kept bf attention the entire time. I was really looking forward to a merman and storm witch match up. And this book did not disappoint at all. We got steam and tension and drama. It had a little bit of everything. I could have easily read three times as many pages of this story. Tempest and Reed are the embodiment of storm and sunshine. They complement each other so well. Tempest is a serious force to be reckoned with. She’s a beautiful storm that looks alluring but will shatter your foundation like glass. Reed is sunshine and optimism. He’s a bit of chaos and a bit of curiosity. There isn’t a malicious bone in his body. He is such a genuine and caring individual. Put those two together and you’ve got a force that can destroy just as easily as it build up. Tempest and Reed are much stringer together and watching them grow into that was so endearing. The connection they share is so heartwarming. And the ending they get was pure perfection for these two, and for all the other characters involved in their story too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Kay Leyda for allowing me to have an ARC for this book! It's my first ever time getting and ARC, and I couldn't have asked for a better book for it.
This book is so fun and cute and I loved it! This was the first book I read in the Crescent Cove novella series, and it made me eager to read more of them. I was particularly excited for this one because I love mermaids, and Reed, the merman MMC, has the most adorable personality. He is so sweet and genuine and such a perfect match for Tempest, the FMC. Also, I love Tempest’s attitude and personality, and I love the progression the author was able to give her in such a short story. I’m planning to read the book again soon because I loved it so much! It was perfectly paced for a novella and I love how the story played out and ended. I hope to continue the adventure sometime in another novella or longer book with these new characters in the charming Crescent Cove.
This book is so fun and cute and I loved it! This was the first book I read in the Crescent Cove novella series, and it made me eager to read more of them. I was particularly excited for this one because I love mermaids, and Reed, the merman MMC, has the most adorable personality. He is so sweet and genuine and such a perfect match for Tempest, the FMC. Also, I love Tempest’s attitude and personality, and I love the progression the author was able to give her in such a short story. I’m planning to read the book again soon because I loved it so much! It was perfectly paced for a novella and I love how the story played out and ended. I hope to continue the adventure sometime in another novella or longer book with these new characters in the charming Crescent Cove.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews