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Night Tide

Not yet published
Expected 25 Feb 27
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan makes her adult romantasy debut with this sultry, gothic-infused tale of a magic-wielding princess bound to a shadow-cursed kingdom—and the dangerously irresistible prince whose secrets could destroy them both—in the vein of Fourth Wing meets The Vampire Diaries. Embrace the dark.

Aurora Evanselier’s graduation from Invictus Mage Academy is meant to be the most unforgettable night of her life. The glittering ball is supposed to begin with music and dancing and end with a single which of the empire’s four ruling kingdoms she’ll serve with her formidable magic.

As the emperor’s daughter, everyone expects Aurora to choose Daybreak, the most powerful kingdom in the empire. But when her father collapses, only one man can save him—Malek Ravenstorm, the brooding, magnetic prince of Night Tide. Malek has never forgiven the emperor for executing his brother, but he offers Aurora a his healing magic, in exchange for her allegiance. Desperate to save her father, she agrees.

Now Aurora is bound to a kingdom rumored to harbor witches and vampires, where the castle hides forbidden wings, and nothing is what it seems—especially Malek. He’s infuriating. Irresistible. Dangerous. And determined to keep her in the dark.

But Aurora didn’t trade her freedom to become a pawn. As whispers of a curse stir and Night Tide’s mysteries deepen, she uncovers a truth that threatens everything she thought she knew. Because the darkest secret of all isn’t Malek’s. It’s hers.

Night Tide begins a steamy, high-stakes romantasy trilogy where magic is power, desire is dangerous, and the shadows hold answers that can’t survive in the light.

TROPES YOU'LL FIND IN NIGHT TIDE:

Magical academyBrother rivalry (with Vampire Diaries' Stefan-Damon vibes)Enemies-to-lovers romanceFound friendshipRoyals with secret identitiesMysterious creatures that roam the nightBound by curses and fate

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 25, 2027

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About the author

Lexi Ryan

63 books8,547 followers
Award-winning author Lexi Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of hot contemporary romance and sexy, action-packed YA fantasy. Her books have sold over a million copies. A former English professor, she considers herself lucky to have traded stacks of grading for emotionally charged storytelling. She is happiest when at home in Indiana with her husband and two children, where you can find her lifting weights, reading copiously, hanging out with her family, and thanking her lucky stars.

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5 stars
14 (58%)
4 stars
10 (41%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Amelia.
238 reviews7 followers
September 11, 2026
No because you don’t understand. One of the characters name is Malek Ravenstorm and he has shadows. Like how more on the nose can you get? 10/10 living for it I am fucking sat😭😭

Wow, actual wow reaction!! The last chapter left me speechless and screaming in despair on the floor, raising my shaking fist and asking “whyyyy oh whyyyy did I have to read this early and be stuck with this cliffhanger for what seems to be an eternity???”

Now that the dramas out of the way, let’s move on to what I loved 😂 first of all, THE STORY. There is a slight Medusa aspect to it that I won’t be explaining further, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the definition of a new adult romantasy imo. It’s very fast paced, with a ton of giggling kicking your feet moments, and even the slow parts aren’t that slow. I felt like we had definitely cooled off around the middle a bit, but even then I was completely engaged with the events and the details.

I guessed some of the big reveal at around 60% and had to wait till the end of the book to actually get into it and all the details, but honestly I wasn’t bothered by it. It’s just one of those stories where you want to keep reading regardless because you’re genuinely having a good time with the characters themselves. And there was a lot more to it than just what I expected, which really helped secure the plot and make me 100% sure I will be reading the next book the moment it’s available to me. There was a bit of predictability, but like I’ve mentioned, for me this was very NA and I’m a seasoned reader in the genre. In the end I was still left wanting for more and with zero regrets about the time I spent reading. I didnt think the book was too tropey or formulaic which are usually my biggest icks.

Now, the love triangle. The part I feel most entitled to speak about, as a love triangles self appointed connoisseur *flicks hair with misplaced self importance*. It’s delicious. Both the MMCs are very flirty and forward, and it’s veeeery TvD coded. I think I know where this is headed but at the same time I love that I can’t pick either way. The only part Im iffy about, even tho it’s been used to promote the book, knowing about the type of triangle it is is a minor spoiler and yet one more reason why I heavily dislike trope marketing. It didn’t ruin it at all thankfully and I don’t know which team I am, I just know I am eating this shit up every single time like a starving hedgehog. There is so much tension id need my fancy Japanese filet knife to cut it with and it hits so good every single time.

Minor spoiler ahead don’t read.

As final thoughts, FALLEN *obscure reference*. Spectacular, give me 14 more.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
202 reviews3 followers
September 12, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for an arc of this book.

I really enjoy Lexi Ryan’s books and writing, so I had high expectations for this book. It did not disappoint. Dark, intriguing, fun book. The story drew me in right away, and I just wanted more. I don’t think I agree with the enemies to lovers trope in this book, but I get why it’s marked as it is, but don’t go in expecting a true enemies to lovers. I did also guess the major plot of the book, but it actually made it more fun, because I wasn’t sure, I just couldn’t see another way. This ending though had me more surprised, and now I have a problem. I have to wait a long time until the next book. I need it now.
Profile Image for Hannah.
106 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2026
5 whole stars. No notes. Perfection. Did I stay up until 2am absolutely devouring this? Yes I did and I have 0 regrets!

The world building was so easy to follow and I found myself fully immersed almost instantly. I love it when an author trickles in the world building throughout the story, and this is exactly what Lexi does.

How on earth am I able to talk about the characters without addressing the tension first?! Like whaaaat!? I loved the interactions between Malek and Aurora, their chemistry was everythingggg! And to make this book a love triangle too?! I mean, we all know who is right for Aurora, that’s pretty obvious, but I still ate it up 👏🏻

This book really took turns that I wasn’t even expecting and kept me guessing right up until the ending (I’m still guessing now not gunna lie) I loved the atmosphere, the characters, the tropes, the magic, literally everything about this book, I loved!

This is exactly what I want and need in a romantasy, and I’m so glad I found it in this book.

I cannot thank the publisher enough for accepting my NetGalley request for this as I think I have found my book of the year! The only downside is that I have to wait so long to find out what happens next 😭
Profile Image for mrsandersonreads .
63 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 14, 2026
As soon as I realised Lexi Ryan had a new book in Night Tide, I was desperate to read it, so massive thanks to Harper Voyager for accepting my request! And boy, I was not disappointed. If you loved the These Hollow Vows series like I did, you are almost certainly going to love this too. I know I did!

Set in an incredible world with a rich Gothic atmosphere, a unique magic system and including intriguing supernatural elements, I was hooked from the first page. Our FMC, Aurora is a Princess who has her entire life mapped out - until a grave situation means she is forced to accept a bargain with Prince Malek that totally destroys all of her plans. Now forced to enter a magical academy in a part of her world notoriously closed off and reviled, she soon comes to realise things are not as she expected, or as they seem. As tensions rise between her and Malek, she will need to navigate her new normal to discover the secrets of the new world she is forced to inhabit, whilst trying to save her old existence...and nothing is as it seems.

I devoured this book. The world building is immaculate. The distrust of Night Tide, the wilful ignorance of people's suffering, the general ignorance surrounding other cultures and beliefs all feels very adjacent to our own reality. There are so many layers to this book, I know I will need to read it again just to delve deeper! As a FMC, Aurora's character development is spot on. She grows and evolves throughout the novel, coming to realise that what she has been taught may not necessarily be the truth. Malek being unable to explain anything to her - instead having to try and subtly guide her to her own realisations, means that we are as in the dark about what is happening as Aurora. This leads to some incredible tension throughout the book, and we have no idea who we can trust. The narrative is full of twists and secrets, and although I guessed some of them, many still came as a surprise. And the ending? I am distressed I will need to wait so long for the next book since this isn't released until February 2027!

If you are a sucker for magical academies, slow burn tension, political manoeuvrings and magical curses, do yourself a favour and pick this up as soon as it releases. I don't think you will regret it!
Profile Image for Second Chapter Books .
266 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 7, 2026
Every once in a while, a romantasy comes along that reminds me exactly why I read so many of them. Night Tide is THAT book.

I loved this. Not liked it. Not “this was pretty good.” Loved it. This was an easy five stars for me, and I already know I'm going to be impatiently waiting for Book Two.

Forbidden magic. Witches. Vampires. Curses. Dangerous royalty. Secrets everywhere. A brooding prince. Enemies-to-lovers tension. Give me all of it.

Aurora and Malek completely sucked me in. Malek is dangerous, secretive, infuriating, and exactly the kind of man I want lurking around a romantasy. Their chemistry was fantastic, but what really sold me was that the romance didn't have to carry the book. There is an actual story here. I was just as invested in figuring out the secrets of Night Tide and Aurora's own story as I was in the romance.

I loved the supporting characters, especially Tru. The friendships brought some warmth to an otherwise dark and mysterious world, and I genuinely cared about these characters.

And the atmosphere was SO good. The castle, the forbidden wings, the curse, the politics, the magic, the witches and vampires. Every time I thought I had something figured out, there was another secret waiting.

This is exactly what I want when I pick up a romantasy: a world I can disappear into, characters I care about, romance that keeps me invested, and enough mystery that I don't want to put the book down.

My biggest complaint?

It's Book One of a trilogy, and now I have to WAIT.

Five huge stars. I absolutely loved Night Tide, and Book Two cannot get here fast enough.
Profile Image for Cally.
324 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 2, 2026
A solid romantasy read that kept me engaged from the start.
We follow Aurora, our fmc, who has always devoted herself to pledging to Daybreak, one of the four kingdoms that everyone has to choose from. Once they pledge to a kingdom they will study and craft their powers and eventually tie their magic to that land. However, she ends up having to made a deal with the dark and mysterious mmc Malek - pledge to Night Tide instead in exchange for his help. And on top of that she is hiding a secret that could get her killed - she is a witch.
While at Night Tide Aurora learns things aren’t all as they seem, there is a supposed curse over the kingdom and she could be the key to ending it. Not only that, whilst there she begins to realise that maybe the rumours about Night Tide aren’t what they seem.
I loved the tension and brooding between Aurora and Malek, the magical academy setting was fun and meant we saw a lot of the side characters who were likeable. The plot with the witches being forbidden and also the curse over the Night Tide kingdom kept the story engaging and I was guessing the whole time what might happen.

- down bad mmc
- he falls first
- acadamia setting
- witches
- curses
- magical academy
- found family

Definitely pick this one up if you want something fun and enjoy an academy / academia setting with a mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for organisedchaosbooks.
395 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
September 2, 2026
I was genuinely thrilled when HarperVoyager emailed me an ARC of Night Tide. I honestly thought I’d hit the jackpot. A super early copy of one of my favourite authors’ books landing straight in my inbox. And now I get to wait months for release and even longer for book two, because they clearly know I enjoy the torture of a six‑star read.

I’ve loved Lexi Ryan’s writing since the These Hollow Vows series, and seeing her move into adult romantasy suits her so well. The plot in Night Tide is genuinely incredible. Thought provoking, layered, and so carefully crafted that chapter by chapter it tightens its hold on you. Such a good ride.

The characters are unreal. The FMC has real emotional depth and growth, and the MMCs are chaotic, addictive, and the exact kind of trouble you know you shouldn’t get attached to but absolutely do. They have that perfect mix of intensity and charm that makes you lose your mind a little. And the spice is sprinkled in exquisitely. Just enough to hit, never too much, always placed with purpose.

Everything feels deliberate and immersive, and by the time I reached the end, I absolutely wasn’t ready to get off the rollercoaster. I’m not saying I’m debating attempting divergence just to acquire book two early. I’m also not saying I’m not.

A strong, intentional adult romantasy with gripping pacing, complex characters, and a world you immediately want more of.
Profile Image for Ashley.
24 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 30, 2026
​Hands down the best fantasy I’ve read all year!

​Lexi Ryan has crafted an engaging, highly readable plot that kept me hooked from page one. The character dynamics are a massive highlight—the supporting cast adds so much life to the story, and Tru is easily top-tier best friend material. I loved her energy and the genuine warmth she brings to the narrative. Another huge plus: the story actually addresses the classic trope of withholding information, making it so satisfying when everyone finally acknowledges how annoying it is to just give the main character breadcrumbs to solve the mysteries around her!

​I will say there are a few very noticeable similarities and phrasing overlaps with other mainstream fantasy hits (Fourth Wing, From Blood and Ash, etc.) that I genuinely hope get polished or tweaked a bit before final publication so this book can fully shine on its own.

​Even with those recognizable elements, the storyline is fantastic, the pacing is addictive, and the world is so fun to fall into. I honestly can’t believe I have to wait so long for book 2! Highly recommend grabbing this one as soon as it drops.
Profile Image for bells.
169 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 7, 2026
Okay, this was a pretty fun read. I loved how magical this world felt, especially with each kingdom having its own power speciality. It gave everything such a distinct flavor and added more depth the lore.

I also really liked how layered the characters were, and I mean all of them. The side characters actually have personalities and important roles instead of just floating around in the background looking decorative.

And Aurora and Malek’s chemistry was highkey lethal. They match each other’s freak to an honestly ridiculous degree. The constant ogling and tension, like oh my god okay GET A ROOM.

One of the twists was a little predictable for me. I didn’t figure out all the details, but the general direction was pretty obvious. HOWEVER. That other twist was chef’s kiss. The mythology-esque element woven into the story was so peak. As someone who is absolutely obsessed with a certain myth that I will NOT name because ✨spoilers✨, I was so seated.

Mkay. Now the real question is… sequel when? Gimme. Gimme. GIMME.


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Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the ARC!
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 3, 2026
This was chefs kiss perfection and I really wasn't expecting it. I read this in two days.

Aurora goes to pledge herself to Daybreak, but a bargain with Malek sends her to Night Tide instead. She is also hiding that she is a witch, so think of Heartless Hinter vibes but spicier.

The chemistry between Aurora and Malek was a highlight, with a seriously obsessed MMC and plenty of sexual tension. I also enjoyed the magical academy, forbidden magic, mystery and found-family elements. If you love romantasy with an academy setting and a slow-burn romance, this is definitely one to add to your list!

Thank you for this arc and I can't believe I have to wait now. This isn’t out until March and I need the next book!
Profile Image for Abi.
2,066 reviews659 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 3, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and Lexi Ryan for the ARC.

Night Tide was my first book by this author, and it's absolutely left me wanting more!

This was such a fun read. I loved some of the characters, they were so full of life and their humour had me chuckling a few times. The pacing felt perfect for me, and the story kept me interested throughout.

I really wasn't expecting some of the things that happened, and I definitely needed to pick my jaw up from the floor near the end.

I'm really looking forward to seeing where the series goes next, and I'll definitely be reading more by the author soon.
Profile Image for Pawsandpagesonthecoast .
69 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 12, 2026
I loved this one! It had so many of my favourite tropes, especially enemies to lovers, honestly I was hooked pretty much straight away.

I loved Aurora and Malek together and the tension between them was so good. I also definitely got the Vampire Diaries vibes and then throw in a magical academy, secret identities, curses and I’m up way later than what I should be reading

Such a fun romantasy and I flew through it. I already need the next book!
Profile Image for mavi.
55 reviews
September 6, 2026
I loved the worldbuilding in this book. I was swept away by this new universe almost immediately. As for the characters, Aurora and Malek's chemistry shone through every single time they were near each other. I really enjoyed this read and am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Profile Image for Emily F.
386 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 8, 2026
Okay, OKAY!!! A huge thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this early. This book is absolutely amazing! The character development, the unfolding of secrets, the plot twists? Such a different tone than Ryan's previous YA series. What a great adult debut!

That ending KILLED me!
132 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 3, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for my arc, I really appreciate it.

Lexi Ryan is one of my favourite authors, I loved her Cursed Stars series so I was really looking forward to reading this.

As expected it was a five star read. I was hooked from the beginning, in fact I was late for work because I couldn't put it down. It had one of my all time favourite tropes, but it's a major spoiler so I'm keeping my mouth shut!

The world building was perfect, not too complicated, and the magic system was really original. I loved both our MCs, Aurora and Malek, their romance was everything. Having said that I am really looking forward to learning more about Rourke, he is delicious!

A brilliant start to the series.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews