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Storms & Sunshine: A Crescent Cove Novella

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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.

208 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 2026

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Kay Leyda

8 books196 followers

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5 stars
30 (22%)
4 stars
54 (40%)
3 stars
36 (26%)
2 stars
12 (8%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Minty Margins.
130 reviews6 followers
July 1, 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!!
Profile Image for Faye Anne.
983 reviews25 followers
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!
Profile Image for Becca (book_lover_xoxo_) Hofmann.
306 reviews6 followers
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.
Profile Image for HomelessMind.
81 reviews
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 ☀️⛈️📚
Profile Image for Haley Shea Jordan.
20 reviews
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.
Profile Image for JuLiterally.
396 reviews16 followers
August 16, 2026
4,5 ⭐
Цей солодкий тритон підкорив моє серце своєю милотою. Дуже хотілося б отримати повноцінну книгу 😍
Profile Image for Puppets & Paperbacks.
129 reviews6 followers
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 entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Luna’s✨magic✨land.
56 reviews1 follower
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!
Profile Image for Liz Young.
369 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐

When it’s still so warm out, I just wish I was in a small beach town, so I’m finishing up my reading of Crescent Cove before the weather changes. This time, I got to spend time with a storm witch and a merman. Like others in this collection, there’s the resounding theme of the environmental impact humans have on the oceans, and I’m always down to read about that. This time, it’s impacting a pod of merpeople, who are experiencing fertility issues due to the pollution and a diminishing food supply.

This was such a sweet story between two people who aren’t understood by their families. Tempest has always been the odd one out as a storm witch among healing witches, and Reed is a lone male among a sea of aging mermaids. Both feel like someone else will always try to force their hand, and it’s nice to see them each find their own paths and happiness.

I need Celeste’s story! I want to know who she met and put together that piece of town lore. Do other merpeople from the pod come on land to find their forever person? I need a whole series about it.

While this is a bit of a rinse and repeat of the author’s holiday story Seashells & Mistletoe, particularly with the merperson in a pod struggling with food availability, coming on land to find a solution, and being warned that humans are mean to merpeople, I think it’s works better here.
Profile Image for Katerina Kuhlmann.
117 reviews9 followers
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!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,921 reviews1 follower
July 6, 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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Reilly AS.
294 reviews7 followers
June 28, 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.
Profile Image for Paola.
26 reviews1 follower
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!
Profile Image for TBRCookieJar.
55 reviews25 followers
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!
16 reviews
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. 🥰
Profile Image for Bridgett Johnson.
56 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Kayleigh Joy.
165 reviews2 followers
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.”
Profile Image for stevieeenyxreads.
129 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2026
(3.5 stars rounded up to 4)

This was such a sweet read! And it’s the perfect length to read in one sitting!

Tempest is a storm witch who isn’t able to control her powers, which often flare up in response to her emotions. Reed is a merman who is tasked with getting married and producing offspring to combat the declining mermaid population. Their paths collide (literally) after Reed ventures to Crescent Cove hoping to find an alternative place for his people to live. Luckily this little beach town is a haven for magical people and shifters!

This was a pretty fast paced romance, but that’s to be expected in a novella. It was so sweet though! And I loved seeing how Reed adjusted to being on land for the first time. And Tempest has some great personal growth!

This is the second book I’ve read in the Crescent Cove series, and I can’t wait to jump into the next one!
Profile Image for Shawna Morrison.
25 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Brit & Books ❤️.
24 reviews
June 16, 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.
Profile Image for Adriana’s Book Corner.
39 reviews3 followers
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. ☀️💛
Profile Image for Chloe Corvin.
Author 0 books
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.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
140 reviews7 followers
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.
Profile Image for Britt Smolinski.
506 reviews3 followers
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! 💚
September 7, 2026
Super cute and short cozy beach read with an actual plot to it.

0 spice. Sort of implied but not entirely? I loved it either way. Sort of made me remember why I still love no spice books.
The entire Crescent Cove series is adorable and I’ve decided I need to buy the books I’m missing of the series.

Bravo for this. Loved it. Read most of it in one day (Had to catch up on ARCs so I had to pause like 10% through)! 💕💕
Profile Image for Alexandra Vlaming.
354 reviews2 followers
June 15, 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.
Profile Image for Eva.
557 reviews
August 28, 2026
Omg this was so cute and wholesome!!! Plus, who doesn’t love a wholesome MMC. 🥹🥹

I loved seeing this small town again and how these two characters would evolve into their romance. I love that there was more to their story than just the relationship as well.

Absolutely adorable and I couldn’t put it down!
Profile Image for Natalia.
494 reviews1 follower
July 24, 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.
Profile Image for Katie Karpowicz.
6 reviews
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!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews