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Wicked Waves #1

Twisted Tides

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Growing up beneath the firm grasp of the evil Kraken Queen is all Lyn has ever known. Under her harsh gaze, Lyn’s every move is watched and scrutinized, waiting for her to make a mistake. Should she place even a fin out of line, she will suffer the wrath of the Kraken’s Kiss.
Unable to endure the Queen’s envious stare any longer, Lyn escapes with the help of her only friend.
In her plight for freedom she flees to the one place she feels safe, her island. Unbeknownst to Lyn, two strangers await her there, determined to change her fate.

Meanwhile, a war between the underwater kingdoms escalates as the opposing princes continue to search for their missing mate.

Will Lyn find her freedom away from the tentacles of the Kraken Queen? Or will she forever be ensnared in the constant shifting of the twisted tides?

*Twisted Tides is the first book in the Wicked Waves Series. This is a medium burn, fantasy, reverse harem romance. This book is for adult audiences only. There will be an HEA at the conclusion of the series.*

A Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2019

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About the author

Erin O'Kane

68 books489 followers
Erin O'Kane is an independent author from the UK. She used to work within healthcare, but now is able to follow her dream as a full time author. Writing is her escape and a dream she never thought possible until she was given a push from her friends and family.

She has an addiction to coffee, Lucozade and baked goods. When not writing she will be found on adventures with her husband, reading a book or watching bad romance movies.

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5 stars
182 (37%)
4 stars
128 (26%)
3 stars
103 (21%)
2 stars
48 (10%)
1 star
19 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Katie.
2,033 reviews16 followers
May 31, 2019
Oh I love mermaids. Absolutely love them. I really hope book 2 comes out soon cause that cliffhanger is killing me. Storyline is awesome. The twin part was a surprise. Was not expecting that. Love the story and seriously need book 2 like now. Cannot wait to read more!!!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews135 followers
Want to Read
April 4, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/4/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Brianna Belbin.
478 reviews15 followers
October 3, 2020
I’ve been dying to read this book since I found it last year! I love mermaids and reverse harems so it seemed like a perfect match. Loxley is a new author for me so I was glad to be able to read some of her work alongside Erin! I was definitely getting The Little Mermaid vibes, but this book is still very different and unique.
Lyn is a defective mermaid, at least that’s what she’s been told for as long as she can remember. She’s a slave and is ostracized in a Kingdom full of outcasts. Arabella, the Kraken Queen, is your typical villain, but slightly more sadistic. I found Arabella’s human form terrifying... you’ll have to read it to figure out what I’m talking about. But honestly, that chapter I did not need to read. My favorite character is probably Horatio- I loved the father/ daughter relationship he had with Lyn. I’m not sure if I have a favorite out of her guys yet, but I think I like the freshwater and salt water princes the best between them and the twins.
This is the second book I’ve read that has freshwater and saltwater mermaids and I’ve honestly never really thought about it before- mermaids have always just been mermaids to me. I loved Aquanox, a place for humans and others, and loved that we got to explore it for a little bit. I think Loxley and Erin did an amazing job with this co-write and their writing flowed so well together. I find the world building and politics between the kingdoms really intriguing and the characters are well developed. This book ended on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Jenny (jennyluvslitbooks).
773 reviews12 followers
June 13, 2019
As this is the first time these two authors co-authored a book, I was both excited and curious at the same time on how the story will come out. I have read both of these authors work individually and their co-written books with other authors so I can say I have a feel of their writing style.

Since this is book 1 in the series, it is mostly laying the groundwork with its very colorful, vivid world building and a bit of backstory for its intriguing characters while giving us a taste of a great story. The writing resonates both the authors style with a slight tease of dark, sexy tone (I guess more on book 2?) courtesy of Ms. Savage (hello there Santiago, wink wink).

Oh, Santiago. I mean, who doesn't love a gruff, alpha male with a sexy Latin accent? Not this mami! So, dibs on Santiago ladies. Although, Octavius is not very far behind with his smirks and swaggers (fanning myself), sexy broody and smart Leir (I adore an intellectual guy) and sensitive but full of mischief Latino, Arroyo (If only that mischief extends to dirty talk in that sexy accent of his *dreamy sighs*).

I would describe Lyn as a sweet and innocent (as innocent as she can be in her situation) young woman. Given what she is going through, I admire her strong will to survive, counting small blessings as they come and at the end, getting her confidence and strength to fight back. I hope that book 2 is not too long to be released because I'm dying to read what will happen next!

Profile Image for Charlotte Grimley.
32 reviews
July 18, 2022
An okay short read if you like reserve harem type stories.
I like the world created around shape shifting sea creatures (though the humanoid versions of some of them are horrific sounding).
4 MLs is a bit much for such a short book as it makes it difficult to get to know the characters fully or care about them.
I will read the second book as this one ends on a rather large cliffhanger and I am curious to know how the Love Pentagon (?) ends up.
Profile Image for Natasha Maltman.
665 reviews8 followers
April 28, 2020
3

1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was good. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & will definitely pick up next in the series!
5 Star = Bloody LOVED it! ❤️
Profile Image for Dara Horcasitas.
11 reviews
June 2, 2020
Loved this unique mermaid story, but that cliffhanger ending was not nice!
Profile Image for Myriam.
645 reviews26 followers
June 2, 2019
Wow what a book this was! One of the authors is my big love and the other I’ve never read before but I will now. I’ve had very high expectations of being amazed. I deliberately did not read the blurb or teasers and I had no idea what the book was about. I wanted to be surprised. And I was… Wow!
The authors created a colourful beautiful underwater world, with all kinds of dangers and evil lurking deeper beneath the surface. This beautiful world is diseased with war, mistrust and secrets. The other, uglier side of the world is ruled by a ruthless malicious creature who thrives in suffering of others. She is violent and unpredictable, as ugly on the inside and she is on the outside. And Lyn is her captive, a slave really.
Lyn is an extremely lovable but somewhat tragic character. Raised as a slave in captivity of Kraken Queen, she has little knowledge of the world outside of the Queen’s castle. She is being severely mistreated, emotionally, mentally and physically, yet she manages to maintain her beautiful warm and caring personality. At the moment, she is someone who can’t save herself as she is lacking any skills and knowledge to do so, however, I have a feeling this is about to change in future.
Santiago and Arroyo are identical twins, supposedly humans, it is not clear, and I am curious to find out. While Arroyo is a sweet and lovable one, Santiago is an arrogant prick and I haven’t warmed up to him yet, but who knows, he did start showing his softer side. Octavius and Leir are princes destined to inherit the two warring kingdoms, and who would have been best friends in any other circumstances. All four of them are racing to find and save Lyn.
The story is amazing, as is the multiple point of view narrative. The level of character development the authors achieved here is impressive. The writing style, the hot and steamy stuff, the ugly stuff, the violence, the tension, the love and friendship, everything in this book is done to perfection.
I have to warn about the most horrible cliffhanger in history of cliffhangers, but I loved it immensely. I would have been disappointed with any other ending. I will be anticipating the next book so much. Wow, what a roller coaster of emotions and adventure!
Profile Image for Angelique .
325 reviews
June 1, 2019
Loxley and Erin did an amazing duo novel on their take of a Mermaid’s story. Lyn is the MC and is held prisoner by the Kraken Queen Arabella. She has lived all her life as a slave, and to be punished by the Queen just to satisfy the Queen’s sadist needs. As mermaid and mermen it is known you find your true mate by the color of your tail. The Prince of saltwater Leir and Prince of freshwater Octavius both have a unique color teal tail and know of only one mermaid who has the same color teal tail but was kidnapped as a baby and has not been seen for 20 years but the Prince’s still have hope. Then one day a warrior for the kings see a mermaid with the legendary teal tail, which happens to be the same day Lyn escapes the grasp of the Sadistic Kraken Queen.
Now let’s get to Arroyo and Santiago (Santiago is my favorite). Lyn was told by the Kracken Queen she has a disease which Makes it hard for her to breath and has her scales fall off and mark up her body. The only thing that helps this so called incurable disease is going on land to a small island and letting her tail become legs. This is were she comes across the very hot twins Arroyo and Santiago, and the moment they see Lyn they know she is their mate and refuse to be without her.
You have two Prince’s and a set of twins out looking for their destined mate, a sadist Kraken Queen who refuses to let Lyn go, secrets that have yet come to light and a deadline that they are all working against. This book had me captivated from the beginning and the cliffhanger will have you cursing these ladies because you will want more!
Profile Image for Mel G.
395 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2022
O’Kane and Savage have created a dark and sexy RH retelling of the little mermaid and it’s really quite unique!

You have a story set on both land and under water, with a variety of interesting sea creatures, a kraken sea queen who is pure nightmare fuel, a tortured slave mermaid (our main girl, Lyn), and last but absolutely not least, a set of sexy mermen that will come to her rescue.

The story was short but certainly not all sweet.
There were moments that had me on the verge of gagging from disgust; that kraken queen is something else…

Lyn does give me juvenile vibes but I feel like I have to cut her some slack because she’s been a captive for 20 years;
But it bothers me to no end when her narrative comes across as childish and indecisive.
Something I have loved about this book is the wonderful combination of various POV’s throughout the story; for instance the queen’s, the twins, and the princes.
These help to break things up a bit, however, I would love for the characters themselves to feel more fleshed out.

In the end of the book there’s a cliffhanger that is pretty predictable; but what I didn’t expect were all the harem members to meet in this book..
so it will be interesting to see the fall-out of that encounter.

I wasn’t blown away and I wasn’t utterly disappointed.
The writing wasn’t spectacular but the imagery and world building itself was well done and quite fun!
Im absolutely interested to see where things lead in the second book!

~3 stars~
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,447 reviews27 followers
September 28, 2020
Twisted Tides, the first book in the Wicked Waves Series follows a mermaid slave named Lyn along with the four mermen who later become her mates, identical twins Arroyo and Santiago along with the Princes of the saltwater and freshwater kingdoms, Leir and Octavius.
Growing up under the hateful Kraken Queen Arabella, Lyn is constantly watched and picked on for her every action since the vile Queen, and since she is the only mermaid with a teal tail, she is easy to pick out as a target. Unknown to Lyn, mermaids with the same color tails are known to be true mates, so when the two Princes hear word of a mermaid with a teal tail, they begin frantically searching for Lyn. When her one true friend, Horatio, offers her a chance to escape, they flee the castle where Lyn returns to “her grotto”, an island she discovered and uses as a sanctuary, where she meets the twins for the first time. But when Lyn is once more returned to Arabella, the four mermen find themselves racing towards Arabella’s kingdom to save their mates. Will the group make it in time? Or will Lyn be forced to live under the hateful Queen forever?
Profile Image for Naurarwen.
1,051 reviews8 followers
April 19, 2020
Not your average mermaid tale

Lyn isn’t your average mermaid. She’s diseased, her beautiful teal scales become itchy and flake from her body. The only time she is able to heal is when the Kraken Queen lets her go above water which isn’t often when she loves to see Lyn in pain. She’s been a slave for as long as she can remember, one of the queens harem, Horatio is the only one who has ever shown her any compassion. But it turns out Lyn doesn’t know everything about herself and when she surfaces onto her island she sets off a chain reaction.

I really felt for Lyn, she is used and abused by the Queen and those within her kingdom, they call her names and make fun of her diseases scales.

The story is fast paced and thrilling, taking you on a rollercoaster ride as you join Lyn on her journey as she discovers things outside of her life as a slave.

The book left me excited for the next one as I want to see what happens to Lyn now her fated mates, and the mysterious twins have found.
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews22 followers
May 31, 2019
Twisted Tides

Twisted Tides - Loxley Savage & Erin O' Kane
_______

I devoured Twisted Tides in the blink of an eye and it had me feeling all the possible different emotions.
__
Lyn is being held as a slave by the Kraken Queen where she endures horrible things. One day she escapes with the help of Horatio, one of the Queen's 'mates'. She encounters a set of twins that claim to be her mates. In the meanwhile others are looking for Lyn too.
__
This book isn't as dark as Loxley's previous books, meaning it's less 'gore' and less graphic, but rest assured, the dark vibe is still strong in this one, albeit less pronounced. The Kraken Queen is twisted and her actions made my stomach roll on multiple occasions. The introduction to the different characters and the world building are on point. If the mystery surrounding Lyn isn't enough to keep you invested in the story, than the cliffhanger certainly does the trick. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Alli.
281 reviews19 followers
June 6, 2021
I enjoyed this story from the beginning! The world building in this is so interesting, but not so complex that it's confusing. It's so cool to see Loxley and Erin's picture they paint of this underwater world with fascinating characteristics and fantastic creatures. Lyn's harem is made of a well-rounded group of guys that each have a defined personality. They are each lovable in their own ways and I can't wait to see how their relationships develop. This story definitely keeps you guessing in the best of ways, and I'm so here for it. It does have a big cliffhanger, but for those of you who aren't fans of those, the second and final book is already out! I'm excited to dive into it and see what happens next.

Quick & Dirty Details:
- Lyn - 20yrs, mermaid, virgin
- Reverse Harem (4 guys) - Twins & Princes in their 20's
- Dark Fantasy, Fated Mates
- Steamy - fast burn (m/m outside of the harem)
- Multi POV including villain
- Completed Duet
- Triggers
Profile Image for Irena Storm.
116 reviews
May 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this take on Mermaids. It’s not like anything I have read before and the story was refreshing.

Lyn is the MC of this series and just so happens to be a mermaid that has been enslaved by an evil Kraken. This Kraken lady is just terrible and treats Lyn worse than dirt.

Luckily Lyn does escape and meets two mysterious hotties on ‘her island’. There she finds love and begins to shake the abuse of the evil kraken b****. However her adventure is only getting started and she still needs to unravel the mysteries of her past.

This is the first book in the series so there was a lot of setup and I really can’t wait to find out more about these characters. I think Lyn has already gotten stronger by the end of this book and yes there is a cliffhanger that will make you ready for the next book. So looking forward to book #2!

13 reviews
June 1, 2019
Seriously Amazing Read

Mermaid RH? Yassss!

Lyn is a captive mermaid held by the seriously nasty Kraken. Of course she escapes, although I feel like some logic could have been used on her part while running away. Lyn is a bit naive in my opinion but I guess that's what happens when you're under lock & key the way she is.
It's presented early on that she has 4 mates. Her twin mates though... goodness. Strong male characters willing to teach her. I'm beyond thrilled to find out what her princes do once they finally have their hands on her too.
As the first book there's lots of character development and story set up which I love. It's not an orgy fest every 2 pages (which don't get me wrong has a time in place)
It is a cliff hanger ending but it is soooooo worth it. I want it. I need it. I wanna be a mermaid!
8 reviews
June 5, 2019
Great Set Up!

This book was soo good! I found myself devouring it very quickly after I started.

There are tons of POVs, which I really liked. This book is mostly setting us up for the rest of the series, so I'm definitely still left with a ton of questions. Don't get me started on the cliffhanger.. lol

This book will not disappoint. You get pulled in from page one, and being able to see the story unfold for every character is a real treat. Sometimes when you read a book with a lot of POVs it can seem a little disjointed, or you're reading the same scene happening to four different people and it gets old. I found that every POV was very fresh and progressed the story in some way. The ladies who wrote this definitely have a real talent.

Pick up this book! You won't regret it.
Profile Image for B ~ modern day bookworm~.
331 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2020
These two wonderful authors created one magical world and story.

The world building, the different POV, the plot twists, the suspense, the gag worthy villain puts Ursula to shame.

The main leading lady Lyn does not know her past, dreads her future, and wishes for a different present.

Leir and Octavius are the salt and fresh water princes, opposites by all means, and united by fate.

Arryo and Santiago are twins, with secrets of their own, and a dream to fulfill their destiny.

Erin O’Kane as a magical ability to take readers on an adventure, that’s long, tedious, and so one of a kind, and leaves me craving more.

Loxley Savage has the magical ability to create one of a kind worlds, give you scenes of utter horror, and screaming for justice.

I’m happy, beyond thrilled these two created this book. It did not disappoint.
32 reviews
April 5, 2023
DNF

Couldn’t finish. The writing is fine and the story is intriguing, but I don’t like relationship build where the girl is harassed, on the run for her life, and runs into a man (or men) who instantly find her so irresistible that it’s acceptable to kiss and grope regardless of circumstance . She’s written as attracted but unsure and pulling away, but that hardly matters. There’s an undeniable draw between them, so clearly molesting is a great way to express attraction and protectiveness and the fact she pulls away is ignored. Even if she is intrigued, or “her body responds” does not consent make. I understand (and can even at times appreciate) a good dominance role, but this isn’t for me.
Profile Image for Margaret.
24 reviews
May 31, 2019
An amazing mermaid story

Normally I don’t pick up books about mermaid. However, I really enjoy the work of both of these authors so I have it a go, and I am so glad that I did. Lyn has been living under the rule of the cruel kraken queen as an outcast. When an opportunity for a better life comes to her, she takes it. She then runs into a set of dashing twins who take an interest in her. Later in the story we hear about a pair of royals who lost their mate at the age of five, and when they get a tip they rush off to find her. I blew through this book and was in awe the entire time.
Profile Image for Ivy Wilson.
350 reviews
June 2, 2019
WOW... that was amazing

Alright, I fell for this book so hard by its unique storyline that I haven’t seen yet!

I loved reading about Lyn, a slave mermaid to a kraken Queen who escapes and finds a little part of herself, only to have her dreams smashed once more.

It has perspectives from all main characters, which I enjoyed to get an idea for their motives. Also... It does has a cliffhanger where you’re going to be like “what!? Come on!! Don’t end! Not yet... I need to know!!”

But it’s so worth it and know I’m going to be stalking both of the authors Facebook and instagrams to find out when the next book is coming out.
Profile Image for Danyelle Williams.
984 reviews8 followers
June 3, 2019
Teal tails

Lyn is the slave of a kraken queen and has been since she was born. After her escape she sets out to find a safe place, but is any place safe? But she is not the only one who is looking for something there are two princes that are also looking for their mates. Specifically for a mate with their matching teal tail. There is also Santiago and arroyo a set of twins who are also looking for their mate and wind up on lyns coveted island.

Erin and loxley did a fantastic job creating this underwater world for us to enjoy. I loved that all the characters had different personalities and look forward to book 2
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,801 reviews86 followers
September 3, 2019
Darker than some, but not overly so

Seeing Loxley Savage’s name on this book led me to believe this would be a truly dark tale, yet it veered from my expectations and presented a story that is just getting started - shadowy, certainty, but not emotionally morbid. It does pack a punch and the Kraken is no joke - and this is far from a light read - yet it reads a touch lighter, in the best possible way. I enjoyed this novel, but be warned - it does end on a cliffhanger.

Pros:
- Intriguing world building.
- Dark(ish)
- The fast paced relationships make sense at the closing.

Cons:
- Little too Rushed places.
Profile Image for C. L..
Author 10 books235 followers
April 24, 2020
I loved the characters in this book as well as the plot. There was a good build and the imagery was beautiful. I loved the character ARC with Lyn becoming stronger and more assertive.





Spoilers
I was hoping for a little more at the end with the cliff hanger. I don’t mind cliff hangers, but this felt like it stopped in the middle of a scene.

I also was thrown with the human mates becoming mermen. Not a bad thing, but i thought there would be more of a meet up with the other two mermen and at least a convo about them all being her mates.

At times, I felt some of the side characters took away from the main players, but overall a good read.
Profile Image for dais.
862 reviews95 followers
December 15, 2022
OH MY GOD…
THAT KRAKEN BITCH.
I am in absolute awe of this book, it is one of THE best I have EVER read. Erin and Loxley have created a world that I NEVER want to leave.
Okay so imagine the little mermaid BUT make it dark & twisted, add in a fated mate reverse harem, add in secrets, lies and betrayal and then take away king triton and the sisters…
the only difference is that Ursula has got nothing on this Crazy Kraken Bitch, Jesus Christ she is VILE.
I message bombed Erin and then rang her ranting at raving about how much I love this book… depending on how book 2 goes, Erin and Loxley will be receiving a bill for my therapy 🤣
Please just read this book!!!! Ya’ll are missing out!!!! 💜
Profile Image for Jo.
136 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2019
Lyn is a down-trodden "slave" who spent her entire remembered existence as a barnacle on the Kraken Queen's tenticle. Belittled and made to believe she is one of the outcasts of society, because of an uknown illness, Lyn has only had miniscule moments of happiness -- until she meets the twins. They show Lyn that her life has value and take her to heights she's never experienced before.
Now it's up to the twins and two royal mermen to save her from the wicked Queen, and an untimely execution. I'm anxious to sea (get it?) how they fare!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
22 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2019
FAN-AQUA-TASTIC!! An amazing twist on mermaids and other supernatural sea creatures! A MUST READ!!!!

you had me at MERMAIDS! I've yet to read a book about mermaids and was excited and hesitant about reading this, but of course Loxley & Erin have done an amazing job...again! I was captivated by the first chapter, there was so many twists, turns and mysteries and I was craving more and more trying to put the pieces together, there is still more to discover and I'm so ready for book 2! This book will not disappoint and I recommend it to all!
Profile Image for BookSLoth.
1,627 reviews51 followers
June 2, 2019
Swimming thru darkness toward the light

What a great plot. Full of intrigue and drama, pain and longing, hope and possible new beginnings. . . if fate can bring the lives of four mermen together to save their destined mate before she is killed by a tyrannical, crazed Kraken Queen. Time it may not be on their side. Will poor Lyn finally know love after a lifetime of abuse and pain? I can't wait for the next installment. The cliffhanger left me on wiggling on a fish hook with anticipation as to what will happen next.
Profile Image for Alyrica.
555 reviews17 followers
June 6, 2019
Interesting Start

This book was an interesting start to the series. Since it is the first book, there are too many puzzle pieces missing to determine whether this will be a good series or a great series. The characters were fine based on the little information given. The heroine's actions were a bit frustrating and unsatisfying to read but they made sense with her backstory. I do wish this book was a little bit longer so that I wasn't left with so many questions. This book does end on a cliffy but that is to be expected in a series.
33 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2019
Not the greatest

I liked the story initially, but I was not fond of how some of it was written. Mainly I thought parts of it could have been more interesting. I also hope there is a sequel to this book because if not the book is worse than I thought and the ending was just not well done. It made it feel like it was all for nothing and there was no redeeming parts in the rest of the book to support that type of ending. I was not super impressed with this book, I feel the story has potential but could vastly improve.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews