Tides that Bind

Wicked Waves #2

by Erin O'Kane, Loxley Savage

Lyn’s whole life has been turned upside down. One minute she’s dying from the Kraken's Kiss, about to be filleted at the hands of Queen Arabella, and the next she’s safe in the arms of two strange mermen who claim she’s their fated mate.

Meanwhile, the twins from Lunos are frantically searching for Lyn after she was rescued and taken by two unfamiliar mermen, the same men they saw in the Drunken Turtle.

Lyn has a decision to make. She can drown in the pain from her past, or she can choose to overcome it and become who she was born to be.

Fate has brought the five of them together, but the Wicked Waves are still churning.
Will they be able to look past their differences and unite to form the Tides that Bind?

*Tides that Bind is book two, the final book in the Wicked Waves series. This is a reverse harem, fantasy romance. This book is intended for adult audiences of 18+, containing explicit scenes that some might find upsetting. If such material offends you, please do not read this book.*

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romance, High Fantasy, New Adult

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2020

About the author

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.

Reviews

[dais · Rating 5 out of 5]

sobbing.
this duet was absolutely incredible 😭
it was hot, romantic, thrilling, dark, heartbreaking, super spicy and all round phenomenal.
I miss Lyn and her merman harem already!!! I wasn’t ready for their story to end. I would pay any amount of money to have more of them, bonus scenes, an epilogue, an extended epilogue… ANYTHING.
Lyn is a BAD BITCH. If you want a strong af fmc, READ THIS
The shit she went through tore my heart to shreds. Nothing will prepare you for the torture she goes through.
That fucking kraken bitch… she makes me SICK. She got exactly what she deserved. God even speaking about her makes me want to throw up.
Leir & Octavius, I loved them so much. I wouldn’t mind bumping into them the next time I’m swimming in the ocean.. (sorry Lyn xo)
Arroyo & Sandy, istg these men were proper fishy at first and their plot twist I DID NOT SEE THAT SHIT COMING… but boy did they grovel and earn the love of Lyn.
The mating scenesssssss, the romance and spice was off the charts 🔥… don’t even get me started on Sandy and Lyn finally mating 🥹 I swooned sooooo flipping hard man, he loves her so much 😭
I loved the way all 4 mermen loved her and wouldn’t have just fought for her, they’d die for her. Fated mates is by far one of the BEST tropes and this fucking smashed ittttt!!
For real tho; you’re gonna need tissues, blankets, chocolate and ice cream… these plot twists will make your head spin and it’ll turn you inside out. Enjoy xoxoxo

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a huge fan of mermaid tales, but these two authors make me want to be. What a great series this was and left me a fan of mermaid stories, of course this is not your typical mermaid story.

This is more of a darker read then most would think. Which is probably why I enjoyed it more.

So Tides that Bind picks up where we left off with the cliffhanger. Jocelyn discovers more of her past, and does not have an easy time of things. But what I really liked was her growth, not just on herself but to love and trust others. Namely her men.

Everything put together made this a great duet, one that I would definitely recommend to any RH paranormal reader.

[Brianna Belbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read too many duologies before so I was a little worried of how this book would wrap up Lyn’s story. Overall the pacing was great, but the last 20% felt rushed. This book had so much emotion, action, and bonding and the darker themes are more descriptive.
Lyn definitely grows within this story. She learns how to stand up for herself, voice her opinion, and learns how to be loved and give love in return. I still like Octavius and Leir more than Arroyo and Sandy, but my favorite characters were the seadragons, Zeke and Zephyr. I really loved Queen Olivia and Queen Lilly because they were the voice of reason in the fresh and salt water kingdoms and showed Lyn so much lover, understanding, and compassion.
I wish we could’ve met the twin’s family and seen their kingdom. This one was more emotional than the first and my heart was constantly breaking for each character. I had this twisted theory that King Lazarus was in cahoots with Arabella, but I guess it’s a good thing I was wrong. Erin and Loxley did an amazing job with this duology and I hope they’ll do another co-write in the future!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tides that Bind, the second and final book in the Wicked Waves Series, picks up from the end of book one with Lyn under the Kraken’s hateful kiss the two Princes rush in to save her and whisk her away to their mutual lands, Mangata castle, where they begin to tend to her wounds and help her recover. As she begins to learn more about the two Princes, they fill her in on her past as Jocelyn, as well as the legend of their matching tail colors. Meanwhile, the twins are frantically searching the lands for their newly discovered mate as well, but will the Princes believe them once they arrive? With Lyn/Jocelyn beginning to discover more and more about her life before she was kidnapped, will she be able to adapt to her new life as a Princess? And what will happen when she learns that her human twins are actually mermen?
I really loved this two book series, and sadly wish there were more books coming so we could read more about some of the other characters we meet along the way during this book.

[Mel G · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @39%.

The story had a fuck ton of amazing potential.
Unfortunately, I can’t get into the writing.
When I say that, I mean that the characters didn’t feel fleshed out, the two princes had minimal personalities, and the FMC Lyn has no clue what is going on and is completely helpless it seems.
The narration is repetitive which I really couldn’t stand.
For instance something would happen, which we would experience as the reader and then in the next POV, that exact thing would be explained as if we didn’t just experience it for ourselves…..
Idk this may have something to do with the dual authors but it’s definitely not adding to the story.
I highlighted one of the passages that made me especially aware of this (ch. 11 *see highlights*)

I also did not enjoy how the voice of each character (ie twins, princes, lyn, kraken queen) all come across extremely juvenile and unrealistic in the way they speak. I found myself just skipping and skimming through dialogue, which tells me I’m not having a great time lol.

I held on as long as I could and this one was just not for me!

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great conclusion to the first book, Twisted Tides and it was so worth the wait. I loved the fact that the authors added a short recap at the beginning of the story just to get you back up to date with what is going on. After the cliffhanger ending of the first book with the Kraken Queen trying to kill Lyn and her men fighting to come to her rescue, it was all go go go at the beginning of book two. I loved watching Lyn's character progress more throughout the story as she finds out more about not only herself but also her mates. Everything was tied up in the story nicely at the end but it was definitely a rollercoaster ride of emotions from start to finish. I honestly wish there had been more between Sandy and Lyn, but I also get why there wasn't, I just thought they were super cute together.

[B ~ modern day bookworm~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a wave to ride.....

The adventure Lyn goes on with finding, bonding, and rescuing her mates is an edge of your seat, page turning, sequel to the first book that left on a book hangover and cliffhanger.

We finally really start to get to know Arryo, Sandy, Leir, and Octavius. Seeing their dynamic and that love really can overcome any obstacle and the fears they had/have and the reason they are the way they are. We finally get some backstory to all the mystery and answers to all the why’s and how’s.

I have to say sweet victory is the highlight of this book. Our villains are disgusting, gag worthy, and well written that, as a reader, I cannot even like just a smidge, and root for their demise.

*beware the torture, rape, sex scenes, and foul play is stronger in this book than the first one*

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really wanted to love this series but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me - I just didn’t feel invested in the story or the characters enough. Had moments with some great banter but lost me when the Kracken pulled a Little Mermaid on the harem and despite their magical bond (which sometimes seemed to be almost a form of telepathy while at other times it was more an empath bond) they failed to realise it wasn’t their mate Lyn. Then having spent 75/80% of the duet getting to that point the fighting / winning the day was all over in a matter of pages and the kracken’s harem were let off Scott free with no explanation of why Lyon’s mother was the reason they were still alive. Few too many plot holes trying to wrap it in a bow with a HEA. Sorry Erin.

[R.M. Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So worth the wait!

I bought Twisted Tides when I walked by Erin's table at a signing and saw the cover. I started it during lunch and I very nearly didn't go back to the signing because I didn't want to put it down. I waited what felt like a lifetime for this book (plot twist, it was a year if that) and Tides that Bind totally delivered!
All of the characters grow so beautifully and the world building is phenomenal. Everything I could possibly have wanted from this book has been delivered and I couldn't ask for more.

Final thought: I want to cry because I'm not a mermaid and I want Erin and Loxley to write me because their characters are just mind blowing!

[Mika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series!!

The ending to this duet was just everything I could have imagined. These two amazing authors have yet to leave me unsatisfied with any of their books. There's dark spots especially when it involves the kraken queen, but if your like me that is definitely NOT a deterrent. Lyn changes so much though the duet. Following her story as she discovers who she is, how to handle her mates, and becoming truly free from the Kraken Queen was just....wow. I hate to admit I got super invested in them getting their Happily ever after lol.
Overall this book is a must read.
Do it. Now.

[Brenda K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I absolutely loved this series!

The mermaid thing is what drew me to read these. I am an occasional fantasy reader. And WOW! So it is a 2 book series and after reading the first book I had to go right into the second. The story just pulled me in and had me mesmerized. All the characters... The whole story line.. It all came together into a interesting, steamy, mind blowing story.

I really don't have anything bad to say about this book. There are some parts I wished was touched on more but it in no way took away from the story. I am really interested to see what other books the authors have seeing I am not familiar with their books.

[Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent conclusion to this fantastic duet!!!! I was not only on the edge of my seat for the entire ride, but my heart was beating out of my chest! I couldnt have been happier with the way this story ended. There for a minute I thought "oh no. Am I going to have to wait for another book???? Poor Sandy!" There were SO many twists and turns going on. I was over the moon with how close they got with this story. It was so good. I just want to read every book both authors have ever written now. And I was so happy with the revenge Kraken queen got. 5 stars!!!!!

[Cassandra C Guerrero · Rating 1 out of 5]

What happened?! With this book??

I can accept this book. Lol! Lyn is so out of Everything it just kills me how naive she really is. The Princes explain to her what mate bond is and she goes and seals the deal with Tav. But they kept the twins a secret and she forgives them but won't forgive the twins like she really is hurt by the lie and that she opened her legs willing but not knowing. In this book she annoys me. The guys are doing their best to gain trust from her and she has been the one with all the secrets. Double standards here. Disappointed.

[Ange Bennetts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast moving and action packed sequel is an amazing escape into an underwater world. Emotional bonds and ties are explored. The lines between good and evil are more clearly defined. Jocelyn has had such a cruel and difficult upbringing, finding out her own past and embracing her future is definitely the focus of this tale. With differing points of view, I really enjoyed seeing things from every angle. Steam factor was med burn, tension was brilliant. Mermaids rock!

[Heather Schles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to this series!! I thought this book was very complete, it had all the things, I hope to get in a last book, sexy times, adventures, romance, battle, and reunions. What I loved the most was her transformation from Lyn to Jocelyn and all that entales (pun intended). In book 1 we see what Arabella does to her people and her slaves and how as Lyn she, is almost broken after Horation.......but then together with her prince's and twins, she finally sees her true strength and worth through there eyes and it is Beautiful and we get to see how Jocelyn was always meant to be!!! Thank you Loxley and Erin for a great Mermaid Tale!!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great duet!

This book, which I found better than the first, completely rounded out all the issues I found with the first. Likely, because I knew all the characters, the amount of POVs wasn’t as overwhelming. The bonds that were made was descriptive, yet sweet, and I liked the slow burn of how she built her harem. The final conflict- I LOVED. Without spoilers, everything comes full circle. So sweet.

[Lindsay Merrill]

I don't even know what to rate this book lol. I don't know how it has so many 4-5 star ratings. I usually don't leave negative reviews but I'll say this - the writing isn't good, the characters have no depth, the story isn't enjoyable... but for some reason you can't put it down. I felt this way reading the first one and for some reason came back for the second... so I guess it has that going for it!

[Alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the duet kept me on the edge of my seat just as much, if not more, than the first one! There's more action and steam and twists, ensuring you'll be entertained from start to finish. And of course there's more darkness and depravity from Arabella too. These characters were given a worthy ending, but still one I was sad to see. I could stay in this world even longer and be totally happy with that!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful conclusion to the story of Lyn and her mermen. Picking up from the moment book one finishes you are immediately drawn back in by Loxley and Erin's fantastic storytelling. Lyn's story is both heartbreaking and beautiful to read.
Throw in the Evil Kraken, romances between Lyn and her mermen, and dark scenes you have a great read that kept me hooked til the last word

[Kassandra Gauthier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing conclusion

I wasn't sure how ladies were going to recover from the cliffhanger from the previous book but did amazing. I loved the imagery and scenes in this book. Lyn is a great character who is both strong and weak in the most appropriate ways and her men all complement her. Highly recommend this series

[Samantha Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌊 Merdick
🌊 Badass FMC
🌊Fated Mates
🌊Dick count 4
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Holy freaking merdick I loved this book so hard it was amazing. If you want to have your heart riped out and shaved back in every few chapters grab this baby. I loved this so hard I'm so sad it's ending but what an epic ending it was. I've been #savaged yet again. Ps. Erin you need a badass hashtag too.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ending to a story, that checks all the boxes. I wasnt sure two books would be enough to cover Lynn's story, but it was a perfect set.

In my opinion book two is even better than book one, we get deeper into each of the memen and learn the secrets of the past.

You will want to pick up this conclusion to Twisted Tides for sure!

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, wow, I could not believe how good this book is and I could not put it down. I was walking around reading it as I just could not put it down to do stuff. I had to take it with me. It moves along at a great pace, has amazing characters and a story that wont let you down. This book needs to be read, you will not be sorry that you did. I look forward to reading more.

[Dayzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!! It doesn’t miss a heart beat! We are taken into an underwater whirlwind adventure!! Love, action, heartbreak, and redemption! IT HAS EVERYTHING!! especially sexy merman! must read! This is book two and final! so must read in order however it does a great job recapping at the beginning 💙#SandyIsMine

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tides that bind is the second and final book in the twisted tides series. I loved it! All of Jocelyn's mates are so very appealing and all have great character. And I cant forget the wonderful seahorses 😁 Arabella is such a horrible creature, I've never been so glad to see someone get their comeuppance. Great read

[Michaella Dieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧜‍♂️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜‍♂️

Tides That Bind is the conclusion to the Wicked Waves duet - and it is one action packed, dark, twisted roller coaster ride!

Well written with plenty of darkness, there are rays of hope and happiness along the way, with a HEA that will leave you smiling. Looking forward to reading more by these talented authors! ❤

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely Not Ariel

Don’t think your getting the little mermaid. This twisted RH fairytale is an original adventure that is not for the faint of heart. Excellent world building that sucks you in - sexy characters will make you swoon and others that will haunt your nightmares. These two writers have seriously twisted imaginations, and I love it! Consider me a fan ❤️👍

[Margaux Espinosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! There was so much turmoil and emotion, action, drama, great characters and so much more. This is probably one of the absolute best mermaid reads I’ve ever had the pleaser of getting my hands on. It’s sexy, and dangerous and the evil Queen is beyond what I expected! So good can’t wait to read more works by these amazingly talented authors.

[Libby Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, i love the storyline. I like Lyn as a character and i did like the guys but you didnt get to know much about them only the main things.
It had a nice ending but it did seem so rushed!
I'm shocked that this is over as i think their could of been alot more to add to this story.

[Charlotte Grimley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice neat ending to the story - it picks up where the first book left off and has a good pace through to the end. The 4 MLs are more developed in this book and their differences in personality are more pronounced.
I give this book 4 stars as I found it more enjoyable than the first instalment.
I would definitely read other books from these authors.