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The Tidal Kiss Trilogy
Vexed: A Tidal Kiss Novella
To tame her darkness. She must accept it.It’s been less than four weeks since Vex received a wedding cake facial, and Azure is close to breaking point. Trapped ruling the Psirens, she feels a rage unlike any she’s ever known, and is certain that both she and her new people are irredeemable.With Poseidon’s voice still ringing in their ears, Vex finally finds the courage to reveal what he was trying to tell her the night of the Fischer wedding, and it might be just in time.Can Vex help Azure become the ruler that Poseidon expects of her;the ruler he knows she can be, and perhaps lay his own past to rest along the way? Or will the darkness consume them as they journey to a small English town in search of Azure’s long-lost daughter?Join this dark duo as they learn not only whether it is possible to fight, but feel, by embracing the very shadow that makes them who they are.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2017
3 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Kristy Nicolle
25 books215 followersHi, I’m Kristy Nicolle, a 27-year-old British writer achieving freedom from the pain of my Ehlers Danlos Syndrome diagnosis by bringing fantasy worlds to life for my readers. I currently enjoy spending time in my fuzzy PJs with my kitty arch nemesis, Moo, and love all things mermaids, unicorns, and glitter! My books centre around high detail, high action fantasy worlds, full of badass female characters who love to get steamy.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 21, 2025
Okay, so Vex and Azure were two of my top favorite characters in The Tidal Kiss Trilogy, so I was really excited to read this novella.
Kristy Nicolle’s writing style is amazing as always, but there was something unique about this one. It was somehow even more raw and gritty than normal, which I loved.
It was also interesting to get a closer look at Vex and Azure, both at their complicated relationship and themselves as individuals.
Vex and Azure have always fascinated me. They have this hate chemistry that I just adore, and while this novella left me wanting more, I’m not sorry I read it. 5 freaking stars!
Kristy Nicolle’s writing style is amazing as always, but there was something unique about this one. It was somehow even more raw and gritty than normal, which I loved.
It was also interesting to get a closer look at Vex and Azure, both at their complicated relationship and themselves as individuals.
Vex and Azure have always fascinated me. They have this hate chemistry that I just adore, and while this novella left me wanting more, I’m not sorry I read it. 5 freaking stars!
December 15, 2017
A dark, passionate masterpiece
Oh how mercy, Kristy Nicolle has yet again! Here she has written a beautiful, dark story that is filled with passion and violence as we follow Zure on her journey to become the Queen of the Psirens.
In this story, Zure has become bored on life and can't seem to decide fully on what she wants. Even a good fight doesn't get her excited anymore and she is left wondering if she even deserves or wants the leadership that has been thrust upon her.
Vex then tells Zure a piece of information that rocks her to core and sends them both on a trip topside to find a part of Zure's past that she thought had been buried and would never be found again. Along the way, Zure and Vex find out that sometimes what we want isn't what we need and what we need can not always be denied.
With a relationship that resembles the tumultuous sea in a storm, these two must find out where they fit in with the roles that has been given to them.
Overall, while still a novella, there is massive character development that takes the story to another level. You fall in love with characters all over again(if you have read the Tidal Kiss Trilogy) or you find new book loves if you are new to this set. It will take you on the emotional roller coaster that has been set out for Zure in a way that will make you cry, laugh and be just as angry with the circumstances.
Overall, this story isn't cute. It isn't just sweet.
What it is, is a marvelous piece that slams into your mind and wrenches at your heart.
It will leave you a bit....Vexed.
If you want more if this feeling (which, who doesn't?) Check out the full series!!
Oh how mercy, Kristy Nicolle has yet again! Here she has written a beautiful, dark story that is filled with passion and violence as we follow Zure on her journey to become the Queen of the Psirens.
In this story, Zure has become bored on life and can't seem to decide fully on what she wants. Even a good fight doesn't get her excited anymore and she is left wondering if she even deserves or wants the leadership that has been thrust upon her.
Vex then tells Zure a piece of information that rocks her to core and sends them both on a trip topside to find a part of Zure's past that she thought had been buried and would never be found again. Along the way, Zure and Vex find out that sometimes what we want isn't what we need and what we need can not always be denied.
With a relationship that resembles the tumultuous sea in a storm, these two must find out where they fit in with the roles that has been given to them.
Overall, while still a novella, there is massive character development that takes the story to another level. You fall in love with characters all over again(if you have read the Tidal Kiss Trilogy) or you find new book loves if you are new to this set. It will take you on the emotional roller coaster that has been set out for Zure in a way that will make you cry, laugh and be just as angry with the circumstances.
Overall, this story isn't cute. It isn't just sweet.
What it is, is a marvelous piece that slams into your mind and wrenches at your heart.
It will leave you a bit....Vexed.
If you want more if this feeling (which, who doesn't?) Check out the full series!!
July 15, 2018
This short story takes on a different vibe to the full length novels. It's gritty and raw, and all that I hoped for in a story about Vex and Azure. Following on from The Kiss that Changed Me, Azure is still reluctant to accept her new responsibilities, she is feeling lost and numb after everything that has happened to her. We get to see vulnerability it not only Azure but also Vex this story. I want to say that Vex rides in like a knight on a white horse to save the day, however that analogy just does not feel right. Vex is more likely to ride in on a Harley and brake your heart, however deep down his heart is in the right place.
I can tell that the author has tried a different writing style, and as she admits in the acknowledgement that she struggled with this story. I really enjoyed this story, it has passion, anger, grief, and raw emotions running through the whole story. There were moments when I laughed out loud (filf), and others where I punched the air and said yes!
I really enjoyed this short insight in to these two characters and really want to read more but I know there is only one more book to read, so beyond the shallows I go.
*I would recommend reading the trilogy first, then Waiting for Gideon, and then this novella.
I can tell that the author has tried a different writing style, and as she admits in the acknowledgement that she struggled with this story. I really enjoyed this story, it has passion, anger, grief, and raw emotions running through the whole story. There were moments when I laughed out loud (filf), and others where I punched the air and said yes!
I really enjoyed this short insight in to these two characters and really want to read more but I know there is only one more book to read, so beyond the shallows I go.
*I would recommend reading the trilogy first, then Waiting for Gideon, and then this novella.
December 21, 2017
There is nothing more fun than seeing life from the eyes of the bad girl, and Azure is the psiren who could take us to the extremes. She's wicked, dark, angry, and lonely, and deep inside, she needs to be loved even if it isn't something she'll admit. Being queen of the psirens isn't an easy job, and she isn't even sure she wants to do it. She certainly doesn't believe it's something she is equipped to do. So, she takes a break to find her future by searching through her heartbreaking past.
Of course, the story isn't complete without the ultimate bad boy, and Vex fills that bill. Being a psiren himself, he chases after her, concerned for her welfare and wishing to help her find what she most desires. And, no one knows more about wicked desires than Vex.
That's all you'll get from me, but it's a story you'll definitely want to follow, full of the history of the two characters, along with heartbreak and soul searching, mixed with some steamy chemistry and excitement. I loved it from the first moment to the last.
Of course, the story isn't complete without the ultimate bad boy, and Vex fills that bill. Being a psiren himself, he chases after her, concerned for her welfare and wishing to help her find what she most desires. And, no one knows more about wicked desires than Vex.
That's all you'll get from me, but it's a story you'll definitely want to follow, full of the history of the two characters, along with heartbreak and soul searching, mixed with some steamy chemistry and excitement. I loved it from the first moment to the last.
September 18, 2018
Another incredible tale by Ms. Nicolle!
Holy cow! Talk about a HUGE change from the original trilogy!
Vexed was a continuation of Azure's story, basically life after everything that had happened with the mer. How she's handling her new life and her new role. We get to see a deeper look at what goes on inside her head after she's given in to her darkness for so long and, I have to say, it's incredible!
This story is not as light and carefree as the rest of the series, not that they were really light and carefree. Though, after this, they sure seem to be. LOL.
In this story, we learn more about Arabella, Azure's daughter, and we take this journey of self discovery right along side her. It's an incredible ride and, while I didn't really like her snarky butt in the beginning, I actually really enjoy her as a character now. Vex too, even despite his little 'thing' with Callie. But that's besides the point.
Needless to say, this was an amazing ride and I am grateful that I got a better understanding of these two characters!
5 out of 5 stars!
Holy cow! Talk about a HUGE change from the original trilogy!
Vexed was a continuation of Azure's story, basically life after everything that had happened with the mer. How she's handling her new life and her new role. We get to see a deeper look at what goes on inside her head after she's given in to her darkness for so long and, I have to say, it's incredible!
This story is not as light and carefree as the rest of the series, not that they were really light and carefree. Though, after this, they sure seem to be. LOL.
In this story, we learn more about Arabella, Azure's daughter, and we take this journey of self discovery right along side her. It's an incredible ride and, while I didn't really like her snarky butt in the beginning, I actually really enjoy her as a character now. Vex too, even despite his little 'thing' with Callie. But that's besides the point.
Needless to say, this was an amazing ride and I am grateful that I got a better understanding of these two characters!
5 out of 5 stars!
September 1, 2020
*3.5/5 stars*
**I received a digital copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
I’m not gonna lie. I forgot about this story, and when I realized I hadn’t read it yet, I got really excited to be back in the Occulta Mirum world!
I really enjoyed this story! It was fun to get to know Azure a little deeper. She really is a good character, even if her brooding gets on my nerves, haha. I was really happy to see Azure get what’s hers and get the respect she deserves.
As always, I enjoyed the writing. Kristy Nicolle just pulls me in immediately. I’m excited to read more of her books in this infiniverse.
I still really like Vex. Man, he can work my nerves, but I really like him! He’s so sarcastic and witty, he’s funny. I like the relationship Vex and Azure have. It’s a hilarious combination, but they work well together.
There’s not too much to sat since this was a novella, but overall I really enjoyed it! It was nice to see all my fave characters again. I’m excited to see them again hopefully soon!
Review and more posted here: https://katelynpdickinson.wordpress.c...
**I received a digital copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
I’m not gonna lie. I forgot about this story, and when I realized I hadn’t read it yet, I got really excited to be back in the Occulta Mirum world!
I really enjoyed this story! It was fun to get to know Azure a little deeper. She really is a good character, even if her brooding gets on my nerves, haha. I was really happy to see Azure get what’s hers and get the respect she deserves.
As always, I enjoyed the writing. Kristy Nicolle just pulls me in immediately. I’m excited to read more of her books in this infiniverse.
I still really like Vex. Man, he can work my nerves, but I really like him! He’s so sarcastic and witty, he’s funny. I like the relationship Vex and Azure have. It’s a hilarious combination, but they work well together.
There’s not too much to sat since this was a novella, but overall I really enjoyed it! It was nice to see all my fave characters again. I’m excited to see them again hopefully soon!
Review and more posted here: https://katelynpdickinson.wordpress.c...
December 4, 2018
This book is all about closure, acceptance, and self-realization for Azure. Closure for her daughter. Acceptance for the new title that's been bestowed upon her. And self-realization in herself that she can actually rule over the Psirens. And she did it with the help of Vex. ::Fanning myself:: Yes!! This is what I was waiting for!! I love Azure. She really gave this series depth. She struggles so hard with her darkness, you can't help but to love it. The author did, indeed, give me exactly what I wanted for Azure and Vex. And as a reader, it doesn't get any better than that.
December 6, 2017
Azures perspective of the new order developing around her. The relationships and responsibilities that she isn't sure she wants. Yes please! I could have happily read a full Kristy Nicolle length novel of this, but it's probably best for Vex that it's just a novella. I'm not sure he could survive a whole novel.
December 21, 2017
I had a feeling that this book only focused on Azure and Vex but I was wrong on who was to be vexed. Azure feels trapped in a prison and goes on a road trip to find out about her past and find closure but found a different revelation. I completely enjoyed reading it. Great plot and story. I definitely recommend it.
December 7, 2017
I loved this book. Azure was one of my favorite characters from the trilogy and was thrilled when I found out this book was going to be written.
The chemistry between Azure and Vex is amazing. The story itself is so deep and emotional you can’t help but feel for Azure.
An absolute must read!
The chemistry between Azure and Vex is amazing. The story itself is so deep and emotional you can’t help but feel for Azure.
An absolute must read!
December 11, 2017
what a great book. I loved it
December 14, 2017
Review to come
December 20, 2017
This was awesome. Azure finally got over her pity party and Vex was Vex. Though y'all should hail Azure mother of the psiren
July 13, 2018
Wow what amazing book that will show you the dark and naught girl and how she can make a story come together. This story will have you hooked and loving that is is part of the kiss series.
July 17, 2018
::..Reviewed for Red's Midnight Readers..::
Vexed picks up a few weeks after the event of The Kiss That Changed me and everybody is adjusting the new way of life, everybody except Azure.
After the death of her sister Starlet Azure has been a little lost and now she has been given the task of ruling the Psirens, a task that Azure wholeheartedly does not want. Cue Vex, a rather annoying English Psiren, who seems to pop up when you least expect him.
Azure and Vex have amazing chemistry together and I was absolutely thrilled when I realized that they had an entire novella together.
I loved every single word of it! This author should definitely be on everybody's autobuy list. She crafts tales with such precision. Her writing style flows perfectly, drawing the reader in to her deep sea world.
If you enjoyed the previous stories, this is one for you!
Vexed picks up a few weeks after the event of The Kiss That Changed me and everybody is adjusting the new way of life, everybody except Azure.
After the death of her sister Starlet Azure has been a little lost and now she has been given the task of ruling the Psirens, a task that Azure wholeheartedly does not want. Cue Vex, a rather annoying English Psiren, who seems to pop up when you least expect him.
Azure and Vex have amazing chemistry together and I was absolutely thrilled when I realized that they had an entire novella together.
I loved every single word of it! This author should definitely be on everybody's autobuy list. She crafts tales with such precision. Her writing style flows perfectly, drawing the reader in to her deep sea world.
If you enjoyed the previous stories, this is one for you!
February 9, 2025
I was told to hold off on reading this one since I’d been jumping around out of order—and wow, I’m so glad I listened! Reading it at the right time made all the difference. I caught Easter eggs I definitely would have missed otherwise, and trust me, you want to catch them. So, take my advice: READ KRISTY NICOLLE’S BOOKS IN ORDER!
It had been a while since I last read anything with Vex, and I totally forgot how much I adore his saucy, snarky self. Seriously, what a character! And even Azule had me feeling things in this one—who saw that coming?
This was a quick, easy, and insanely enjoyable novella. I loved every second of it. A solid 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It had been a while since I last read anything with Vex, and I totally forgot how much I adore his saucy, snarky self. Seriously, what a character! And even Azule had me feeling things in this one—who saw that coming?
This was a quick, easy, and insanely enjoyable novella. I loved every second of it. A solid 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 15, 2025
I have read the whole Tidal Kiss trilogy and I was beyond excited to pick up Vexed. Every once in a while there is a character in a series that you get attached to, even if they seem like the one you might not be supposed to get attached to. For me, that was Azure. Her redemption arc through the trilogy was beautifully written, and her character history hit home for me. Picking up a novella that was focused on more of her redemption was so exciting. When I started reading it and she starts off with saying to Kayla that "not every queen needs a king to rule", I knew more and more that she was going to remain one of my favorite characters from this series.
Vex is truly a well-written morally grey character. He also has a redemption arc just like Azure, even if he remains in the shadows a bit more than we would hope. He helps her find her comfort in her shadows, and he helps her find some peace and closure with her past. A man who goes above and beyond to help a woman find peace with her grief is a man who deserves the world. Vex is one of those men.
Azures grief is a grief that I hold near and dear to me. As a loss mom, I know what she feels all too well. "Speaking her name is always painful, but now it's even closer to home as I must accept I missed it." When I read this line, I admit that I felt my throat close up and tears well up in my eyes. Speaking my sons name is painful every time, but it's up to me to keep his memory alive.
As usual with my reviews, I would like to share some quotes that resonated with me from the book. Rest assured that they are spoiler free.
- "If I can save them from doing the things I've done, I guess that's a good enough reason to try."
- "Scares you, doesn't it? The thought you could ever be close to someone. Just for a moment. Just one more thing for life to take from you, right?"
- "Could it be the more massive the building, the greater the fear of god instilled into the hearts of mortals desperate for his love?"
- "Maybe I've always hoped some mystical force would keep her alive until we could one day be reunited, and I could say everything I've always dreamed of. But as it is, her life passed too fast, cruelly fast, and I never had the chanced to say hello, let alone goodbye."
Vex is truly a well-written morally grey character. He also has a redemption arc just like Azure, even if he remains in the shadows a bit more than we would hope. He helps her find her comfort in her shadows, and he helps her find some peace and closure with her past. A man who goes above and beyond to help a woman find peace with her grief is a man who deserves the world. Vex is one of those men.
Azures grief is a grief that I hold near and dear to me. As a loss mom, I know what she feels all too well. "Speaking her name is always painful, but now it's even closer to home as I must accept I missed it." When I read this line, I admit that I felt my throat close up and tears well up in my eyes. Speaking my sons name is painful every time, but it's up to me to keep his memory alive.
As usual with my reviews, I would like to share some quotes that resonated with me from the book. Rest assured that they are spoiler free.
- "If I can save them from doing the things I've done, I guess that's a good enough reason to try."
- "Scares you, doesn't it? The thought you could ever be close to someone. Just for a moment. Just one more thing for life to take from you, right?"
- "Could it be the more massive the building, the greater the fear of god instilled into the hearts of mortals desperate for his love?"
- "Maybe I've always hoped some mystical force would keep her alive until we could one day be reunited, and I could say everything I've always dreamed of. But as it is, her life passed too fast, cruelly fast, and I never had the chanced to say hello, let alone goodbye."
November 3, 2019
When I was reading the Tidal Kiss Trilogy I loved the interplay between Vex and Azure; therefore, I am so excited that they star in their very own novella!
Azure is a very complex character and Kristy does an excellent job of building her personality. As she is hundreds of years old, and a Psiren who is trying to control her nature, she is very dynamic and special. Vex is much younger but he seems to understand Azure in a way no one else does. I love seeing his character develop more fully as we get to see into his past. Seeing what makes him tick drew me closer to him and I could then recognise how complex his character really is.
The world in Vexed is not as complicated as in the other titles in the Infiniverse; however, I still find it beautifully built. With a basic understanding of what a typical English village looks like I was able to envision their journey to find Azure's daughter's remains. I appreciate the effort Kristy puts into "showing" us where the story takes place.
Why don't you pick this book up and give it a try for yourself? Find out if Vex helps Azure locate her daughter so she can become the queen he knows she has to be. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I do suggest reading the Tidal Kiss Trilogy first as this book falls after them and some events will not make much sense otherwise. Happy Reading!
Azure is a very complex character and Kristy does an excellent job of building her personality. As she is hundreds of years old, and a Psiren who is trying to control her nature, she is very dynamic and special. Vex is much younger but he seems to understand Azure in a way no one else does. I love seeing his character develop more fully as we get to see into his past. Seeing what makes him tick drew me closer to him and I could then recognise how complex his character really is.
The world in Vexed is not as complicated as in the other titles in the Infiniverse; however, I still find it beautifully built. With a basic understanding of what a typical English village looks like I was able to envision their journey to find Azure's daughter's remains. I appreciate the effort Kristy puts into "showing" us where the story takes place.
Why don't you pick this book up and give it a try for yourself? Find out if Vex helps Azure locate her daughter so she can become the queen he knows she has to be. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I do suggest reading the Tidal Kiss Trilogy first as this book falls after them and some events will not make much sense otherwise. Happy Reading!
June 13, 2018
Loved the tidal kiss trilogy and love getting to read into azure's story absolutely loved her it nice getting the bad girls story
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews