Commanding the Tides

Lords of the Abyss #2

by Michelle M. Pillow

Terminally ill, Cassandra Nevin has come to the ocean to live out her days on a boat with a bunch of scientists who don't even know she's sick--or that she's not even a scientist. When something from the depths of the abyss attacks their boat, leaving her to drown, she knows it's her time. But then the unimaginable happens--she lives.

Iason the Hunter doesn't understand why the woman he's trying to save from death seems insistent he save anyone but her. Duty bound to try and rescue whoever he can; he takes the woman into Deep Ocean, to his home beneath the waves. But it would seem a watery grave wasn't the only thing threatening his new charge's life. To try and save her from her illness would mean possible disgrace and being banned from ever swimming in the ocean again. But what else can he do? From the first moment he saw her, she had command over his heart.

Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Erotica, Shapeshifters, Audiobook

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

📚 New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of All Things Romance
🌎 www.MichellePillow.com

Michelle M. Pillow is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold worldwide. Best known for her paranormal and sci-fi romance and paranormal women’s fiction, she writes captivating stories that blend heart, humor, adventure, and a touch of magic—perfect for readers who love immersive worlds and unforgettable characters.

Her bestselling series include Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var®, Warlocks MacGregor®, Order of Magic, and Merely Mortal.

📖 Printable Booklist: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/42pg25jekx

A relentless explorer of both the real and the supernatural, Michelle has chased history through ancient ruins, climbed Mayan temples in Belize, and investigated haunted locations. She believes life is an adventure best fueled by curiosity, creativity, and copious amounts of coffee.

Now based in the American South, Michelle is involved in film and documentary projects with her talented husband. She is mom to a talented artist, and under the strict supervision of her furry overlords (a dog and a cat) who ensure she meets her deadlines. Most days, she can be found in her office wearing pajama pants, writing, plotting, and occasionally dancing to get the creative juices flowing.

She’s the award-winning author of the historical Maiden and the Monster and paranormal romance Love Potions. If you love dragon shifters, mischievous warlocks, and strong heroines who take charge of their destiny, her books are a perfect fit.

📬 Stay Updated! Sign up for exclusive news, sneak peeks, and giveaways:
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💬 Connect with Michelle:
📖 Facebook: AuthorMichellePillow
🌎 Website: www.MichellePillow.com

Reviews

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was better than the first one, the heroine has cancer so extra issues.

[Lisa Nobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd book in trilogy. Good enough to make me read the third. Start of the book did rehash part of the first but if you had not read it it would be necessary. I will try some of her other novels.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the sea takes on a whole new meaning in this book. I quite adore the uniqueness to this series and this is the second book in the series. I enjoyed the first but like this one even more. A lot of feels all the way through with some dramatic moments. And that ending. Swoon! Loved her reaction! Narrator did well and made the book a pleasant listen as I worked through the day!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way cuter than the first. Less dirty. Slow burn

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series. I hope the author decides to go beyond just the 3 books in this series

[Shawna Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Commanding the Tides is an Atlantis/mermaid romance story. That's probably the first and biggest thing you should know. No spoilers or anything, that's pretty much the premise. If you're a previous Michelle M. Pillow reader, you'll know that her romances aren't clean but full of lots of naughty romping. This one is no different, so beware and/or enjoy. :) This is book 2 in the series and I feel you could probably jump in here and have no issues. The first two characters from the last book are in this one, so you'd know them better if you did, but it's not mandatory to enjoy the story. Written in third person omniscient from both leads' perspectives.

These mermen...they're just giant softies! But I guess a few thousand years without regular female company might make anyone a bit hungry for affection. Iason was super sweet. There's really no other way to describe him properly. There is definitely something of a fated feel to this romance, and he goes whole hog, all in, yes please! I actually feel bad for him when Cassandra says or does things that he doesn't understand (yeah, that trait follows species, apparently).

Cassandra, for her part, is an interesting character. Dying of bone cancer when the boat she's on is sunk, she's quite prepared to die. Her attitude and demeanor throughout the book is tainted by her years of living with such a debilitating degenerating condition and it certainly makes for some interesting misunderstandings. Overall, I liked her much better than Bridget-she felt more well balanced.

Their relationship is a very soft and squishy one that gives you all the feels. They of course face some problems (crazy mermaids again anyone?), but they do eventually get their HEA. There is a small amount of action, a LOT of steam, plenty of gooey moments, and some interesting fish to boot! If you want an interesting merman story with lots of steam, give this a go!

[Kia B · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL RATING –3.5-4 stars

RECOMMENDED FOR: those that like steam with a bit of fantasy story.

First my usual points:

- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a bit of a standalone but part of a series. Definitely best enjoyed in order but not necessary.
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was pretty new to me but I read the first book in the series

BOOK:
- Contemporary fantasy romance
- 1st person with dual POV
Other characters from the series:
-- other characters from the first book make appearances with slight involvement of a supporting, move the story along type involvement
-- main characters’ story mostly concluded

Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK)
· Writing Quality: 4 stars
· Story ingredient: 4 stars
· Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars
· Plot strength: 3.5-4 stars as two people
· Steam Level: 5 stars - open door graphic scenes

Notes/Opinion (personal):
This is a 6 book series that interconnects. I would highly suggest it be read in order. I did enjoy the story but felt more detail could have been added to strengthen the world and make the characters more real. There were some questions left between the main characters that I felt could have been answered to make this more complete. There definitely was steam and I felt at times the steam took over the story and it became mostly about sex, not the relationship. The overall arc of the story is definitely indicative of continuing through the other books (which I have not read at this point). I did like the story but again, feel it left some plot holes.

[Shayay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the story on Audible. The narrator did a great job. She has good emotion in her voice, and she gets into the performance without going over the top.

Entertaining premise with the Mermen, and I love the underwater setting. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to continue on with book 2. I was really enjoying the story and the characters, but then the female lead, Cassandra, started being a moron. Cassandra and Merman Iason had good chemistry; which is good since there is plenty of sex scenes in this story, but I would've liked a bit more depth to the romance. Good passion between them, but the connection in other aspects was missing. Still some hot stuff though! I did feel like Cassandra didn't really care for Iason most of the time; she was just thirsty for some lovin, it made her come across as selfish. She also doesn't even think about the sex slaves being kept prisoner by those skeezy Mermaids; how about sending some help to save them. It would be a great way to add some more action to the story. Iason is great and I loved his protectiveness; he's a sweetie. I gave book 1 a 4 star rating, so I went with a 3 for this one because I enjoyed book 1 more. The ending needed a bit more too. Overall, there's some unique, fun ideas, and the story is interesting. I'd like to continue with the series and read about the other Mermen finding love!

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Commanding the Tides is the second book in the Lords of the Abyss series. It is Iason and Cassandra's story. Cassandra was part of the scientific sea expedition except she wasn't. Cassandra has chosen to die at sea. She knew the cancer was killing her.

When the ship was suddenly attacked and Cassandra found herself drowning and being saved by someone, she made her decision that she wanted to live as long as she can until her disease overcome her.

Iason has made a decision that he was going to heal Cassandra slowly without rising anyone's suspicion. He knew that his decision could have him banished.

Cassandra was a better heroine than Bridget. Of course, Cassandra's circumstance was different. Cassandra wanted to live and hope to keep her condition away from Iason. When Cassandra turned mer, she accepted her situation and made the best of it to survive until Iason rescued her. Whereas Bridget resisted of being mer.

I enjoyed this book a lot better than the the first mainly because I couldn't stand Bridget's attitude.

The narrator, Rebecca Cook is starting to grow on me. Will she become one of my favorite narrators? Time will tell. I do like her female characters' voices. The men's voices, I'm still on the fence. I haven't made up my mind yet.

I was given this audiobook by the author. I have decided to voluntary write an unbiased review of this book. I was not compensated or influenced in any way for writing this review.

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iason is happy to have found a woman but she has a disease that is unknown to their healer and he will do what he must to help her to heal but he will have to take Cassandra to his country estate the healer is not sure she is not contagious so he must take her away from their people. As a warrior, he would do anything to protect his people and anything for this beautiful woman he saved. When she awakes all she can think about is the handsome man pulling the cart. Iason and Cassandra find they are very much attracted but she is frightened because she knows what is happening to her body even though she is feeling better she also remembers what she was told by her doctor but she also had an omen from her grandmother. Cassandra knowing her prognosis and not believing a word that Iason has told her about Atlantes she runs away and is captured by the Olympians. Iason is going crazy trying to find Cassandra he knows the Olympians have her but cannot find her but he can for some reason hear her. Very intriguing storyline and characters. Mystery, suspense, danger, love, sexual content. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from Booksprout; this is my honest review.
-I liked the first one better. This one has too many repeats (copy/paste mostly) from book one. The descriptions are almost word for word. The healer's desk, the walls, the waiting room, etc. Then the caves and how Cassandra felt about her cancer.
-I really like how the men - Hunters - take their responsibilities seriously. The problem is that they can also be as baffled as the reader when it comes to their woman. They all run when things get too hot for them. There are other solutions to fix issues.
-I didn't think Cassandra brought much to the people, unlike Aidan and Bridget. We didn't get to see if she was "worthy" or just a wifey-wife.
-The author was good at getting us to feel Iason's desperation when he lost Cassandra and felt guilty by not protecting her in the abyss, which is too bad because she brought it on herself.
-I was wishing we'd get a bit further with the Olympians but not enough. Also, there must be another way to meet the Olympians than having the wives running away from their husbands.
-I'm curious to see where the next book will bring us but I hope that Lyra won't run away too.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I've read some of her Intergalactic Dating Agency, Call of the Lycan, and her Lords of the Var, this was a brand new series for me which is strange since I have the first book in this series and truly have enjoyed her other books and I love mermaid stories. (Maybe I read it in paperback) This book starts with Iason the Hunter and his team hunting scylla and are now trying to rescue humans from the ocean's depths from a sinking boat. Seeing another boat approaching Iason and his team swim toward it. Cassandra Nevin dying from cancer floating in the ocean accepting her death is saved by Iason who takes her under the sea to his home. When Iason discovers Cassandra is sick, they partake in a dangerous journey to find the cure. What occurs in this story is a well detailed undersea world with likable characters with steamy chemistry and romance, drama and a interesting storyline that I enjoyed reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Now to check out the first book in this series. ARC

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed every bit of this second story in the "Lords of the Abyss" series. It is a stand alone read with some connected characters. The story is fast paced and starts out with a bang and a kiss. This is a good story and I like the different take on Mer folk and Atlantis. I listened to the audiobook of this story and I thought the narrator did a good job reading. This is about Cassandra and Iason. He rescues her after the ship she is on sinks. She fights him at first because she wants her death to come quickly instead of the painful way her life has been wasting away. He is a mer and hunter when she kisses him back he is shocked. However, the healer urges him to take her to the country because she is very ill. Slowly Iason heals her but Cassie has know idea. I love how the relationship grows and develops between them. This is a very interesting and intriguing story with drama, suspense, action and very hot and steamy scenes. The chemistry between Iason and Cassie is off the charts and these two set the pages on flames.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I liked the first book in this series "The Mighty Hunter," which I also listened to in audiobook, and was happy to get my hands on this one. I loved this one so much better. Great world building and wonderful characters. I didn't care for the heroine in the first book, but really liked this one. Cassandra was dying from bone cancer and already in a lot of pain from when we are introduced to her. Nearly dying at sea and being rescued by mer Iason weakens her, but can also be her salvation. I found the storyline captivating and I couldn't put it down. But of course I do have my issues with Cass a bit in this book at her logic of easily accepting some paranormal/mythology, but dismissing others as crazy talk.

Rebecca Cook did a fantastic job narrating. I was impressed with her variety of voices and thought she did a great job for Iason as well.

Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars.

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

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can He Save Her From Death?

Cassandra talks her friend into letting her on his research vessel as she waits to die. She has bone cancer and will welcome death when it comes. When their ship is destroyed by a sea monster, she gives herself over to the end. Only a merman catches her and keeps her alive until they reach the underground city of Ataran deep in the Ocean.

Iason knows Cassandra is his mate so when the healer tells him she can’t save her from what is killing her he takes her to his home in the country. He must give some of his life essence to her. This is forbidden and if he is caught he will lose his status as a hunter. He is willing to risk anything to save her.

This is the second book in the series and I loved it! It’s intertwined with the characters from the first book, but can be read as a standalone. A great romp with some twists and turns!

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

[Lauren Erzsebet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iason tries to save mortals after a ship has a disaster and other than pushing them towards the surface, there is little else he can do. He is a merman and a hunter who can't understand why Cassandra is so ready to die in the water.
He doesn't know why she fights him and believes he should help the others over her.
Taking her back to his home, he learns she is not healthy and since the mermen can only heal their wives... He has to make a decision which would break the laws set in place.
What will he choose?

I loved this story even though mermen are not my preferred heroes... I think the storyline was well thought out and I was hooked from the first page.
It was an emotional story and his saving of her made all my fantasies come alive in words.
This was a sweet read with moments to melt the heart and moments to heat the blood.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful addition to the series, captivating read
Cassandra had not expected she would find herself drowning, Jason sees her and comes to her assistance and he takes her to his home where he feels fairly drawn to her,
She discovers she has feelings for Jason and the story which has been very well written and the plot which keeps you the reader guessing and as I do not want to spoil the read for future readers, I do not like to give away the story spoiling it for future readers.
This is a dramatic read and you will enjoy the supernatural element to the books and the way in which the happening is explained so well that you can actually picture the story in full and that is not without a fact.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the Lords of the Abyss series. I read this when it first came out and enjoyed it so was a bit apprehensive about reading it again. But I didn’t have to worry it was just as good as I remembered. The first part of the book was a bit of a rehash of book #1 but it did pick up as it went along. When terminally ill Cassandra’s boat is attacked she is saved by Iason, a merman, and taken to his home Atlantes, beneath the ocean. He tries to save her but the Mer healers cannot help. Will he forsake everything in order to save this human that he loves? You will have to read this thrilling book to find out. This book contains danger, violence and passion in fact all you need for a good read.

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

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iason and Cassandra have a rough introduction as her science ship was destroyed by a sea monster. He saved her and brought her down to Atlantes. She had terminal cancer, so bad that she wanted to end her life that night. Iason and the healer worked their magic on her and she was getting better. Now comes the tales of where she is and what has happened to her and him, along with their future.
The characters are full of intense emotion and feelings. Their backstories are terrific and answer so many questions that develop this world beautifully in your mind. Loved their romance and the mind-talk, which helped them find her later. The people she met were so different, yet they all worked well together. The ending was great and I can not wait to read more of this group.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the series. Loved it, such a fun series! Iason and Cassandra’s story.
The story rehashes some important points in the beginning. This is valuable if you had not read the previous book, or it’s been a while. It sets the story off to a good start. In this story the hunters save 3 women and capture 2 of the sea beasts. Cassandra is dying of cancer when the ship sank. These two have chemistry. It’s clear they are meant for each other, even though Cassandra fights it. Iason is willing to put his reputation and profession on the line to win her. Several hot scenes in this romance. The Olympians are up to their tricks causing mayhem. The story and characters are well developed. The narrator is great, I truly enjoy listening to her performance. I am looking forward to book 3!

I received a free copy of this audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the Series

What I enjoy most is that each book can be read as a stand alone or in sequence! Those series book that rely on another and leave the reader confused is not this series - however it is beneficial to read in order where it allows more history and background to the events and characters. So book two is Iason and Cassandra's story. We are introduced to these two in the first book with Caderyn and Bridget now we learn what happens next. Three females and two ancient scylla's retrieved and currently two of three females married. Enjoyable read. Now onto book 3 with our last female survivor who is not happy about the mermen hunters destroying her boat. This should've an interesting story.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra has come to terms with her fast-approaching end. Her terminal illness has robbed her of a lot but she has determined that she'll go out her own way. But when she is the only survivor of a shipwreck she thinks fate has a twisted sense of humour - why save her when she is going to die anyway?

Iason may have been her rescuer but he wants so much more. There is no way he will allow her to die! Cassandra is determined to enjoy the limited time she has with Iason, telling herself she'll leave him so he doesn't have to watch her die.

A terrific little story. There are plenty of things to keep you occupied between the steamy interludes.
We even get a cameo appearance from Bridgette and Caderyn. Well worth a read!

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terminal cancer patient, Cassandra, finds herself in the care of Iason, a mer hunter, when her boat sink in the ocean. Lucky for her, curing her disease is a lot more fun in Atlantes than it is above water. There was even a bit of an adventure with a villainess thrown in for good measure.

This is book two of a six book series. I like the mer-people world the author created. Each novel reads as a stand-alone but there is an overarching storyline of the mer-people as a whole that carries throughout the series. I think it is worth the time to read to the end of the series. It has a very happy ending for all the mer-folk.

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iason and Cassandra's Story . . .

Cassandra is aboard a friend’s research vessel waiting to die from the aggressive bone cancer that cannot be cured. A sea monster attacks and destroys the ship, but Cassandra is taken by a merman to an underground city in the Ocean, where he is hoping a healer can help her.

Iason recognizes that Cassandra is his mate. She is very important to him. Because the healer is unable to save her, being unfamiliar with the cancer, Iason takes Cassandra to his country home where he will give up some of his own life essence to save her life. If he is found doing this, there are serious consequences. But he will do whatever he must to save his mate. Will she survive? Or has this all been for nothing?

[Kirsten Pardini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassandra is a nth stage cancer patient. She decides to spend her last bit of time at sea, which a bunch of scientists. Her boat sinks and as she's plummeting to her death she gets caught. She just wants the pain to stop. So this is definitely not a good time to find her mate ... right? Or to find out all the myths about God's and goddesses and Atlantis is real! Too late.

This is so sweet, love at first sight! Plus some ego driven crazies who think they have to right to kill what's less then. Adventure? Check. Love and steamy scenes? Check and check!

Also the narrator for the audiobook is phenomenal! I've also become such a fan over all Michelle's paranormal/scifi romances!!.

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

[Mitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It starts off by repeating the same scenes from book 1, just with a different characters perspective. Such a waste of words when authors do that. Also I don't think the length of this on Goodreads is accurate, no way in hell is this 280 pages.

I'm enjoying this series, still dreading only having two more books left though. Highly doubt too much will happen or resolve as a result, which is depressing. This series has such potential!

Anyway, this is very similar to book 1 plot wise, with lots of steamy sex scenes thrown in to keep you panting. The villains look more and more interesting too.

[Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this better than the first book. There is overlap since the stories happen simultaneously. I found myself skimming over those things. They are needed if you are reading out of order. I would recommend reading in order just to help place characters but it may not be an issue. There are still things I could do without but overall not a bad read. I still feel as though some things are very glossed over. Because of that, the reactions surrounding such things aren't as authentic. I know that statement is not clear but I didn't want to spoil the story. I want to know what happens to the Olympians and their slaves. I feel bad for Lysander in particular. 3.5 stars

I received a free copy from BookSprout in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Phyllis Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing Waters

Michelle M. Pillow’s second book in her ‘Lords of the Abyss’ series is swimming right up the charts. Iason and Cassandra, the main characters, have a very poignant love connection. Iason is a merman who tries to save Cassandra’s life when her ship starts sinking. She begs him to save the other passengers first but he doesn’t and takes her to his home. He soon finds out she’s dying from cancer and does everything in his powers to save her even if it means giving up his underwater swimming abilities. This story was full of adventure, suspense, mystery and romance. The book was so good it was hard to put down. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!

[April Mollenkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second story in the series but with all in this series, could be read as a standalone. When Iason rescues Cassandra from a sinking oceanic research vessel, he doesn't know that the girl he is saving is already dying. Cassandra is not well and she knows it and just wants to be left alone. So this story is full of tense moments as Iason rushes to save her more than once. The sirens of Olympus continue to cause trouble and I can’t wait to see if any of them are worth redemption. Looking forward to the next book

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