Black Wake

by J.F.O. Black

Aeva wrecked the ship. Dane is the fool who dives into a storm to save her.

For centuries, Aeva has hunted the Shattersea from above, alluring sailors into rocks. But when her latest kill nearly drowns her, the crew of the Black Wake pulls her aboard in human shape. If they discover what she is, the captain will never let her walk away; if her sisters discover how much she is changing, neither will they.

Dane Calloway should be easy to avoid. Instead, he is the one Aeva cannot stop watching. Her voice can bend human choices, but she refuses to use it on him, leaving them with something far more desire neither can blame on magic.

Dane knows she is hiding something. Aeva knows the truth should make him run. Yet trapped aboard the same ship, wanting him becomes the first thing in centuries she cannot simply take.

She has taken countless lives.

Dane may be the first thing she wants to be given.

Step aboard Black Wake, a dark nautical romantasy of monstrous desire, dangerous trust, and freely chosen love.

🌊 Human × siren
🔥 Slow burn
⚓ Forced proximity
🖤 Morally gray monster heroine
🌶️ Open-door, high heat
📚 Book One of the Shattersea Duology • HFN

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2026

About the author

Hi! I'm a fiction writer who's passionate about crafting intimate, atmospheric worlds where magic and emotion drive my characters' decisions. I write romantasy with depth, stories brimming with longing, resilience, and the quiet power that blossoms between people who never give up on each other. When I'm not writing, you can usually find me outdoors, experimenting in the kitchen, enjoying a great show, or getting lost in a game. I believe the most impactful stories are those that make us feel seen, and that belief is the foundation of every book I write.

https://www.instagram.com/jfo.black/

Reviews

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first 7 chapters were hard for me to get through. Learning the ship phrases and what a siren was (I thought was like a mermaid, nope a bird/human) But then I was hooked. This takes place on a ship and Dane saves a woman in a ship wreckage but he knows she had feathers and suspects her of being something else. as you go further along the captain and a few crew members start suspecting Aeva as something else. You have twist and turns, who do you trust, a very slow burn but when it happens...WOW! Its a fight for the one you love, I got so attached to Willard and his kindness. The writing is good, you get caught up in what's going to happen next and didn't see the ending coming but also like okay, I am here for it. This was my third monster/human romance and I am loving it! I will so recommend this book to others.
I received a free copy of this book via Book sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting concept, as far as a siren being a harpy/human, instead of the traditional take on a siren. It was just a bit too slow for me personally, too much of a slow burn.

I think the writing style wasn't really my cup of tea either, but the story was good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[꧁Brutally Honest꧂ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh