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The Song of The Tide

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372 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2026

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Rachel Lynn

8 books49 followers

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5 stars
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7 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
222 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 4, 2026
The Song of the Tide felt to me like a combination of The Little Mermaid (for an older audience), Robin Hood (but make them pirates), and The Princess Bride (true love and devotion). It is a breathtaking, heartbreaking, and bittersweet love story. It's also about being true to yourself, and finding the place where you belong and the people who love you unconditionally.

Killian is a master sailor who turns to benevolent piracy after becoming bored of being a merchant. He is infamous on the high seas and is known to others only by his earned name of Tideking. Seren is a mermaid and middle daughter to the sea king. With a war going on between humans and mermaids it is illegal to be in contact with each other. But love has other plans for the Tideking and the Princess.

I really loved this book. The author said she wanted to make her readers cry, and to write a story that felt like a classic fairytale. The lyrical writing, along with beautiful world building, enchanting atmosphere, and loveable characters all came together perfectly. She definitely achieved her goals for this book! Seriously, if you like fairytales and love that is tested time and again then pick up this book!
Profile Image for Carrie.
1 review
April 6, 2026
The author said she wanted to write a book that will hurt your feelings and she absolutely did and in the best way possible! This will be a book I read more than once. The writing was beautiful and poetic and heartbreaking.


It’s a dual POV from Seren and Killian (The Tideking) and my god I love that name for him. I enjoyed getting the inside on both of their feelings, but I LOVED Killian’s chapters. The yearning! For the sea, for something more, for HER. Ugh. It was beautiful.


The Will and Elizabeth song from Pirates of the Caribbean (One Day/Marry Me/Epic Love Song) it seems to have a lot of names, the “Keep a weather eye on the horizon” song. THAT ONE, played on a loop in my head at the beginning of the book! So did Romantic Flight from How To Train Your Dragon.



Some of my favorite quotes (there we so many good ones):


“What is it you search for then?” Seren pressed, drifting closer. “A happy man has no need to look.” She was right about that. He knelt in the surf, letting the warm water soak through his shirt and pants. He didn’t want to stand over her. He wanted to face her, as equals. “For more,” he confessed softly. “To find a place that I do not wish to run from all the time.”


“As long as I can swim, I’ll find a way to get to you,” she promised. “I’ll always find you, Killian.”


There would be no rest on land for him. He would crawl through his grave to drop himself into the waves below, if only it kept him close to her.




Thank you Rachel for allowing me to be an ARC reader!
Profile Image for Sarah Ashley.
31 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2026

Seriously, five stars all the way! This book wrecked me in the best possible way. It's a total Romeo and Juliet vibe, but with a Tideking and a mermaid princess. Rachel really knows how to twist the knife, making you fall head over heels for this couple only to rip your heart out.
I'm officially obsessed with Killian and Seren.
Their love story is EVERYTHING. Killian, who's sailed every ocean, finally goes back home to deal with his past, and BAM, he finds Seren in his old swimming spot. Turns out, he saw her five years ago and thought she was some kind of sea goddess! The fact that Seren is a mermaid princess and it's totally forbidden for humans and mermaids to even talk just makes their connection even more intense.
Seriously, though, be prepared to feel ALL the feels. This isn't your typical fluffy romance.
It's a story about impossible choices, sacrifices, and a love that's fighting against the whole world. Rachel Lynn wrote this book to hurt my feelings and she did a damn good job. If you're looking for a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading, "Song of the Tide" is it. Just grab some tissues first!
Thank you so much for allowing me to read this arc copy. I enjoyed every freaking second of this book so much. It was an honor to read this for you!
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 27, 2026
“We are not the same.” He laid a hand over her heart. “We are here.” She pressed her hand above his, holding him tight against her. “And is that not enough?” “Yes,” she agreed, forehead touching his. “It’s everything.”
A quote that had me both kicking my feet and tearing up.

Rachel has truly done it again! This has instantly become my favorite book of the year.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, and I am writing this at 3:30 a.m. because I physically could not put it down. This story consumed me. The yearning woven through every page is achingly beautiful, and the devotion he has for her is so raw and unwavering it honestly hurt in the best way.

This book made me cry, laugh, and completely swoon. It’s the kind of romance that lingers, the kind that reminds you love stories like this are very much alive.

I already know I’ll be buying a finished copy, because this deserves a permanent trophy spot on my bookshelf.

I cannot thank the author enough for letting me get my hands on this before the release!
Profile Image for Jessica.
26 reviews
April 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the second I’ve read from this author, and I’m eager to pick up more of her work.

It has Little Mermaid energy, but with a twist—a mermaid princess and a pirate. Two people from different world’s- separate from years of conflict.

The story is full of love, sacrifice, and the hope that two people from different worlds can find each other again.

The ending stood out to me: not a tidy happy ending, but a bittersweet one that felt right.

This review froman advanced copy received from the author.
Profile Image for storieswithlizzy.
108 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2026
Rachel Lynn truly did it again. If I could give this more than five stars, I would without hesitation.

This story follows Seren, a mesmerizing mermaid princess, and Killian, a morally grounded pirate, in a tale that begins with tension and friendship and grows into something far deeper. In a world where mermaids and humans exist in constant conflict, where mermaids are hunted for their scales and peace feels impossible. Yet through forbidden love, soul-deep connection, and unwavering loyalty, an epic journey unfolds that challenges everything both worlds believe.

The world-building is vivid and immersive. I felt transported between ocean depths and pirate ships, fully living alongside these characters. The story is layered with yearning, heartache, tragedy, devotion, and adventure, all wrapped in prose that feels almost poetic. Rachel’s writing doesn’t just tell a story, it makes you feel it.

Lines like “his soul would fracture without her” and “he never burned before, but he was beginning to think he could burn for her, hot and bright like a star” absolutely wrecked me. I was crying well into the early morning hours.

At its core, this is a story about devotion. The kind of love that defies boundaries, prejudice, and even entire worlds. If you love The Little Mermaid inspired tales, forbidden romance, soulmate energy, and aching, all-consuming yearning, this book will capture your heart.

Thank you to Rachel Lynn for the opportunity to beta read and share my honest review.
Profile Image for Hannah.
21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 18, 2026
“He would crawl through his grave to drop himself into the waves below, if only it kept him close to her.”

I would give this book 6 stars if I could, absolutely phenomenal.

In this world, humans and mermaids are at odds, with mermaids being murdered and ships being sunk. After ages of violence there is finally a peace treaty, but it still gets broken in secret, making humans a great danger to mermaids. Despite each facing a death penalty for being seen together, Killian and Seren - a moral pirate and a mermaid princess - meet and start to build a relationship together. Eventually in an act of desperation Seren appeals to the sea goddess and is granted just one day with legs to be with Killian. After that, well you’ll just have to read and find out.

This story is beautifully written, tragic, heart wrenching, full of yearning, and still manages to pack in a HEA which suits the mood of the story instead of detracting from the characters’ journeys. This is one of those books where you don’t finish it, it will finish you. I cried so many times while reading, especially at the end. If you love a sad and poetic yet deeply romantic story with a beautiful ending, two adult main characters who give each other nothing but endless devotion, and a Little Mermaid meets Romeo and Juliet inspired story? LOOK NO FURTHER and prepare your tissues 🥰

Thank you again to Rachel Lynn for allowing me to read this book early!
Profile Image for Courtney.
10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 29, 2026
Review of a ARC copy from the Author Rachel Lynn.

Rachel definitely did it again with this book!. I absolutely love her writing style, she definitely makes you not want to put the book down at all!. It’s absolutely binge worthy and most definitely a five star without hesitation!.

The story is beautiful, romantic with a little bit of spice 🌶️, and definitely heart wrenching at times!. In a world where mermaids and humans are constantly in conflict with each other. The humans are hunting the mermaids for their scales and ships are being sunk. Finally one day there is somewhat of peace but humans still chose to break the peace treaty in silence just to get rich from mermaid scales. This story follows a princess mermaid named Seren and a moral pirate named killian, there’s tension, there’s a relationship that develops an much more but it’s forbidden for humans an mermaids to be together and they are faced with possibly a death sentence for being seen together!.

The character build is so good and the details she adds into her writing and the feelings she expresses throughout the book just makes you truly feel those emotions she puts into her writing. The world building was so vivid I could picture it all throughout reading, she definitely keeps you engaged and won’t let you put the book down. This story was beautifully written.

Thank you Rachel for letting me be a ARC reader for your new book! You did such an amazing job and I can’t wait to read the rest of your books!.
Profile Image for Caitlin Titman.
Author 2 books14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 4, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book, and I can already say I will be buying a hard copy because I cannot imagine it not having a permanent spot on my bookshelves. This story felt like the best kind of ballad, tender and haunting, full of love, loss, and beauty that echoed long after the last page. It had the kind of rhythm and emotional pull that made it feel timeless, like an old song you somehow already know by heart. It was the sort of story that does not merely entertain, it stays with you.
What made it even more special was the incredible character development. Every character felt layered, purposeful, and deeply human, and watching them grow over the course of the story made every emotional moment hit that much harder. I became so invested in them that by the end, it felt less like I had finished a book and more like I had said goodbye to something real.
And there were lines in this book that will live in my head for a long time. My favorite was, “Hers, the wind would say. I was hers.” That line alone captures so much of the aching beauty and devotion woven through this story. This is one of those rare books that earns a lasting place on the shelf, not just because it is beautifully written, but because it leaves a hauntingly beautiful mark.
Profile Image for Gyula.
186 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 22, 2026
What a lovely, refreshing read

**ARC READ**

4.75⭐️
2/5🌶️
Dual/third person POV
Standalone
Format: e-arc

Spoiler free

Thank you to the author for allowing me to arc read something so gorgeous!

This book is all about the writing itself. It’s a sort of loose little mermaid retelling with a simple, easy to understand world revolving around a cozy fantasy romance. The prose is so lyrical & atmospheric, it’s like the words are being sung into my head. This felt light & airy but also achingly tender. It reads quick but the pacing feels like being lulled while being on a boat (pun intended🤭)

I love a classic mermaid forbidden romance & here it comes with a very healthy dose of aggressive yearning from both MCs. They’re both so open & honest. Yes, I’d say this is a fast burn but here, it’s more like good old fashioned love at first sight. Even the spice fits the context perfectly & is written tastefully. This will evoke all of your deep emotions because it’s just so sweet & ethereal & will make you believe in a timeless love that knows no bounds.

I will add though, there is a lot of telling/explaining here as opposed to showing. But it fits the context of the plot & romance. Also, the ending will stomp on your heart then put it back together🥹

**Releases 05/04/2026**
Profile Image for Jasmin.
110 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 22, 2026
Thank you for letting me have a copy for a review.

I literally just finished the book and I’m in tears. This was perfect and so beautiful.

Seren and Killian their love was so breathtakingly beautiful. The longing to be together, staying true to one another even though they physically cannot be together amazed me. He sailed all the seas and sacrificed so much to make their lives better for both mer and human. He proved his love in so many ways. This was like a perfect fairytale. It’s so beautiful their love for one another. How they cherished every moment together. Seren loved him for who he is. Loved him when he got old and grey and still loved him when he was no more.

The side characters were nice as well. I enjoyed Killians friendship with his best friend Ronan. He was so caring and understanding about everything happening and just wanted Killian to be happy.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Seren and Killians relationship unfold from friends to lovers. This is a story I will not forget in a long while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Esmeralda Leyva.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 10, 2026
Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. I feel very lucky and honored to have been chosen as an ARC reader and to have had the chance to read this before its release.

I was given fair warning that this book was going to make me cry, and I was still not prepared. This was such an emotional read. The writing was phenomenal and unlike anything I’ve read in a very long time. The author has a way of writing that makes you feel everything.

I really enjoyed that this was a dual POV, where we got to see the backstories of each character and what they were feeling and going through, and watch the different worlds collide.

This was forbidden romance taken to a new level. The way they both fought for each other’s love was so powerful. This is not your average fantasy romance. It definitely gives whimsical fairytale vibes.

I definitely recommend this if you’re looking to read something different and unique.
Profile Image for Summer | TBR Tangled.
31 reviews
July 6, 2026
A Mermaid. A Pirate. True Forbidden Love. 🌊🏴‍☠️

Some stories entertain you.

Others leave you sitting in silence after the final page, trying to process everything you just experienced.

The Song of the Tide was one of those books for me.

Rachel Lynn created a world that felt magical, emotional, and impossible to leave behind. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story, and before I knew it, I was completely invested in these characters and their journey.

Killian absolutely stole my heart. His loyalty, vulnerability, and love made him one of those characters I’ll be thinking about long after finishing this book.

The romance was beautifully written, the emotions felt genuine, and the ending had me fighting back tears. It’s rare for a book to leave me with a true book hangover, but this one definitely did.

If you enjoy fantasy romance, forbidden love, unforgettable characters, and stories that make you feel every emotion, I can’t recommend this one enough.
Profile Image for Starr.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 30, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

​The Song of the Tide is beautifully written! Rachel perfectly captured a story of forbidden love and yearning. She did say she wrote this story to hurt our feelings and she delivered! The emotional weight of the ending is heavy but in the best way. It stuck with me long after I closed the book.

​Humans and mermaids have been divided by years of conflict. Our FMC, Seren, is a mermaid princess. Our MMC, Killian, is a human pirate. Despite their interaction being forbidden, they're still drawn to each other. Two hearts from two different worlds experiencing such a deep longing for each other.

The whole story was highly immersive. You can truly feel their emotions while reading. The ending wasn't just heartbreaking. It's a bittersweet reminder of the lengths one will go for love, even when the cost is everything.

This was my first impression of Rachel's writing. I was left very impressed! The way she's able to write with such detail and emotion made the world/character's feel so touching. There's a poetic quality to her writing style as well. I won't be able to easily forget this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of Rachel's stories!
Profile Image for Brittney.
16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 26, 2026
📚ARC Review 📚

Can I cry now?

I was given the opportunity to read this by Rachel herself and omg I cannot stress it enough how much I absolutely loved this story. I will not give any spoilers because I want everyone to experience this book for the first time. But it broke me reading the end.

This is essentially THE better version of Little Mermaid but with more tragedy. Instead of a prince, it's a pirate similar to Robin Hood and the love between the Seren and Killian is far more beautiful. The story, characters, the world itself is all beautifully written. All I can say is WOW. Rachel why must you break me like this? I know you said it would ruin us but dang, I didn't think it would hit this hard. I wish I could say more but again, this is something you need to experience for yourself. So please, go check this book out. Then we can cry together.
Profile Image for Glory.
11 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 28, 2026
Thank you so much to Rachel for the arc copy of this beautifully written love story. I absolutely loved this book! It was tragic but satisfying because no matter the outcome I just knew in my heart where I wanted this to end and even when we got there my heart still broke into a million pieces. Not because I was sad more so because I felt all the feelings that Seren and Killian felt. I especially loved how the love between Seren and Killian was not forced it came naturally and all at once. I knew the moment these two fell in love. That is how good Rachel wrote this. When Rachel said she wrote this book to hurt your feelings she was not kidding lol and honestly I don’t cry much while reading but I cried about halfway through this book and the entire ending. I would definitely recommend everyone reads this. Going forward I would say that will be reading anything Rachel Lynn writes.
Profile Image for Chaos.
4,062 reviews127 followers
May 11, 2026
I found this author through an arc reader group I'm in. I fell head over heels in love with the cover and decided to sign up. Unfortunately life got in the way and I wasn't able to pick up this book until now, way past the release day. This story was perfect in every way. The writing poetic and gorgeous. But more so, what I loved, is the YEARNING in this story. So many romance novels now only talk about the lust and sec, which is fine, but sometimes I want Mr. Darcy level yearning. Killian gives that in spades. But not only yearning for Seren, but for life and the sea. This book gave me the good cry I think my body needed. Its so beautiful in so many little ways. Books on the sea will never not be a hit for me if done right. Everything in this story was done RIGHT! And the yearning I wont get over that anytime soon. This is what I want in my romance novels
18 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2026
** Review of advanced copy received from Author**

This book pulls at every emotion you have. Seren and Killian’s love and devotion is something to yearn for. To have a MMC that is in tune with his emotions is incredibly refreshing, and it makes the moments when Killian and Seren are separated hit like a rip current.

Rachel Lynn’s writing is so lyrical, moving seamlessly through enchanting world-building, creating characters to root for, and creating devistation when they are ripped apart. This was a book that I put down to try to sleep, but was so invested in the story that I just had to pick it back up and finish it right then and there. If you like books with raw emotions, and an enchanting love that feels timeless and epic, pick up this book!
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 22, 2026
Review Of Advanced Copy Received From Author 

This is the second book I have ARC read for this author. I will forever read anything she sends my way. This one hurt! It had me tearing up in the doctor’s office while waiting for my son’s appointment. I stopped and finished it off at home. This book will hurt you but don’t worry, the ending is SO GOOD. I sad cried and I happy cried. I LOVE how she write yearning and again just the right amount of spice!! She is fast becoming one of my favorite authors!

Thank you for trusting me to ARC read for you again!!! I will happily volunteer to read anything you write!!
12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 28, 2026
I'll be honest, it took me 100+ pages to get into it. I was super excited to read about a pirate and mermaid love story but for some reason, I couldn't get into it. Must have been my mood but eventually I got into the story and it definitely broke my heart. It was a great read and I enjoyed it.

There are some minor things that caught my eyes. 1) Minor errors. i.e., your instead of you're. At first, I thought I misread so I reread the part and I was not. 2) For some reason, a new section or chapter, starts with 4 words in CAPS. For me personally, I didn't like it but these 2 points do not impact my choice for this rating!
2 reviews
April 5, 2026
I’m so grateful to have received an ARC of this book. Seren and Killians story is one that will stick with you. Just like Celena had us all sharing our nice shampoos because of Sam,I found myself thinking often of Seren and being thankful for the time I have to be with those I love. The way Rachel took inspiration from Romeo and Juliet and the little mermaid was so unique. She really captured the essence of those stories without being too on the nose. This book will rip your heart out in the best way
Profile Image for Annette Pena.
48 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 6, 2026
Normally I wouldn't read a book about mermaids and pirates, but I am so glad I did!

The story of Seren and Killian changed everything for me. I am so sad that I am done with this book. It tore my heart out a few times but always seemed to put it back whole.

This book had me wishing that the story was true. The characters and the story are very well written and I am sad that it is over.

I highly recommend this book who wants a wonderful love story that will break you and then make you whole again.
Profile Image for morgan Kozlik.
29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 3, 2026
This book has me in a chokehold from the first chapter. The world building was absolutely amazing. Rachel does such a good job of putting you in the world, it almost felt like I was there right along with the characters experiencing what they were going through.

The story gave me Little mermaid vibes, and I loved it. Seren is such a wonderful character. She just wants to be loved and will do whatever she needs to, to make it happen.

I can't wait to read more of Rachel's work! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 12, 2026
A hauntingly beautiful tale of forbidden love between a mermaid and a pirate, woven with adventure, longing, and an undeniable, soul-deep connection. It stirred something in me the way The Notebook did, aching, romantic, unforgettable. The writing was so vivid I could taste the salt in the air and feel the ocean wind against my skin. This story didn’t just stay with me… it lingered, completely impossible to let go
Profile Image for MeLiSsA.
120 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 2, 2026
One of the sweetest books I have read!
How do you rate a book that was so sweet and so sad? How can it be both? I don't know ask Rachel Lynn, because she did it! This book captures longing and yearning like no other book ever has! Seren and Killian's love story is one that is written in the sea and stars. They are the Romeo and Juliette of the sea, if Romeo and Juliette were able to live their love story. This love story captures fated love and soul mates! It was everything I didn't know i needed! This is the second book I have read by Rachel Lynn and have enjoyed both and both are 5 star reads. Thank you, Rachel Lynn for trusting me with your sweet love story ❤️. Can't wait for it to come out and order a physical copy to go on my bookshelf. Everyone go grab you a copy and settle in for a fabulous love story!
May 3, 2026
What an incredible book! I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Rachel Lynn. The Song of the Tide is a fairytale like romance that echoes The Little Mermaid but leans deeper into longing and heartbreak. Seren and Killian’s love is tender, forbidden, and filled with quiet ache. The writing is lyrical and atmospheric. A slow, emotional read that lingers long after the final page. Basically it wrecked me 🥹🤍
Profile Image for Desirae.
51 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 16, 2026
This story was absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. I received this as a Beta from Rachel and I cannot wait for others to be able to read this! I was sobbing at 12am I loved the characters! Rachel is such a wonderful human, her writing is incredible, and her books will constantly have you rubbing your chest to ease the ache (in the best possible way)!
Profile Image for Julie Sechrist.
130 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 2, 2026
I LOVED this story! Rachel promised a ballad with lots of heartache and she delivered! I wanted Seren and Killian to have the moon and stars, and have the life they wanted, but life doesn't always work out like you invision. Their story together was beautiful and real, and I cried when the book was over. So good, highly recommend for your next tear-jerker read.
9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 26, 2026
Romantasy is not my usual read. But for a Rachel Lynn story I was willing to try. And oh my goodness was it worth it!
Longing, yearning and gut wrenching love is just the tip of the emotional iceberg. Killian and Seren have an incredible story that will make you cry. Multiple times. The ending? Big ugly cry. For me anyway 😅 a beautiful ending to an amazing story.
Profile Image for Vicki Lynn.
Author 4 books14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 4, 2026
This book was so wonderful. The author did a great job bringing the reader into the world she painted, not just through descriptions and world building but also through language and terminology. As soon as I started to read, I felt immersed in this book sat on my brain anytime I wasn’t reading it! Absolutely an outstanding job ♥️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews