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Royal Secrets #3

Caresses Between the Sand

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The secrets of the kingdom are finally unravelling, and now that Maisie knows the truth of why Kappur and Thalassar are at war, she will do everything she can to make it right. Starting with finding out where the missing royal is.

To do that, she’ll need to retrace Princess Odele’s every move, and she knows she can’t do it alone. Not with the queen monitoring her every move. Not with the royal advisor’s cruelty following in her shadow. Not when courtiers are vying for her attention at every corner.

She’ll need the help of shadows, dragons, power, and three mermen who despise each other. Of the Black Blade, Prince Kai, and Captain Saber. But will the mermen she’s come to love put aside their differences for the good of the kingdom?

Or will their hatred for one another doom them all?

This book is a reverse harem fantasy story that may contain scenes unsuitable for readers under the ages of 18. May contain M/M/F scenes.

Caresses Between the Sand was previously published under the same title. This is a second edition with a new blurb, cover, and new scenes.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2019

39 people are currently reading
116 people want to read

About the author

Aleera Anaya Ceres

46 books439 followers
Aleera Anaya Ceres is the International Bestselling author of several series including the Origins of the Six series and the Daughter of Triton series. Like most introverts, Aleera prefers to curl up with a good book, listen to music, paint, read tarot cards, and snack on the tears and heartbreak of her readers.

A proud Mexican-American from the state of Kansas, Aleera currently resides in Tlaxcala, Mexico with her husband and children.

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5 stars
115 (48%)
4 stars
76 (32%)
3 stars
36 (15%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Thahcn.
55 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2019
I loved this book! Honestly, I loved this entire series so far. I’m so happy this is not the end and there will be another book. I’ve loved to see Maisie growing into a person, my mind has been blown with all the secrets being revealed and there are so many more that I need answers to. This is the best mermaid series I’ve read, and I am in love with the mer, but specially Kai. I would totally steal him if I could.
And that ending?! My god. I cannot WAIT for the next book.
Profile Image for Merbabe Kara.
297 reviews43 followers
August 30, 2022
There’s so many things I could say right now but I think the words I LITERALLY yelled reading the ending of Caresses Between the Sand describe my feelings better than anything else could… HOLY MOTHER FUCKING SHIZNUTS!
Profile Image for Theowlsnest.
133 reviews15 followers
November 10, 2019
Love it

I can’t get enough of this series between the story line and the characters the intrigue the murder (or attempted) it is absolutely amazing !!
Profile Image for bookittothelibrary.
126 reviews6 followers
March 25, 2021
This is the third installment in the Royal Secrets Series and let me tell you this one is by far the best one, I was blown away by the character development and the plot revelations. If you thought the second one was steamy oh boy are you in for it in this one, the steam is everything we've been waiting for from the first two books.

Every book I fall more and more in love with Maisie's character, She's brilliantly written and the way she relates to each guy in their own unique way is amazing, Her and Elias have an understanding unlike any other its so deep and loving. Kai really steps it up in this book, not only do things escalade for them and quickly. They reach a new dynamic that even I wasn't expecting, yes i know its an RH but I wasn't expecting what occurred and let me just say I really enjoyed it. Now lets talk about Tiberuis we all know I've been on the fence about him, but he really changed in this book and in such a great way he blew me away. His scenes with Maisie practically leap off the page with passion and intensity. I cant wait for more of my mer-captain.

If you read any RH ever please let it be this one, i completely fell in love with this story.
Profile Image for Maaren.
1,442 reviews10 followers
January 29, 2024
Holy moly the ending of this book has me reeling! I suspected something of this magnitude was going to happen but oh boy, what a cliffhanger to end this book to. I'm so glad I have the next book at hand so I can dive right in.

We learn so much in this book about the history, about the war and about the political unrest that is happening here. Wow. I am in awe. There's a lot that happens in this book but it doesn't upset the pacing at all and I tip my hat to the author for doing such an amazing job with it.

Maisie's relationships with Kai, Elias and Tiberius all take major steps forward in this one and the spice is present. The electricity with all of them is sizzling and I adore those dynamics we get to see here! For me, I love the love between Kai and Maisie and it's my favorite in this book. But all her men and gorgeous and amazing and I love that they are eager to share.
Profile Image for thetbrhoarder.
171 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2021
Caresses Between The Sands
- this is the third instalment of the Royal Secrets series and I was lucky enough to receive an arc of the new edition with the spicy new chapters!! I loved this instalment, it’s all starting to come together and that spice is definitely worth the wait. Maisie is growing into her own and even though she’s still completely conflicted with her feelings I have a sneaky suspicion we will find out soon just who she chooses!!! The anticipation is making it all that more sweeter when we find out. Aleera smashes it once again!!! One of my favourite authors of all time
Profile Image for Raina.
4,193 reviews34 followers
March 4, 2019
Talk about getting pulled into a story. I had to force myself to put it down ever so often. Danger and even more danger. She pretends to be the princess but her life is now in more danger. She will have to trust someone. Can she trust the three men she has feelings for? A prince, a criminal and a guard. Who will love her, save her and win her heart. Quite a few twists and an ending that will make you start the next book as soon as possible.
Profile Image for Country Goose.
1,131 reviews12 followers
March 4, 2019
I knew it!

Still enjoying the series, and I plan to continue through its conclusion. I am not a fan of M/M, and the development of these relationships are not as well played as they could have been. I'm just saying Prince Kai and Tiberius are too possessive to share or be a show for others. It doesn't match their characters. The main plot is really well thought out, so it really does make up for its shortcomings.

There are a few errors, but they are not very prominent.
520 reviews14 followers
May 19, 2019
So we learned a bit more of some secrets here. I sort of had inkling at the same time did not really expected that. Speaking of the relationships here. I actually read the synopsis for all books before I started reading the series and didn’t see that coming if I haven’t read it. Still, it was another great read and so glad that the guys were totally accepting except one needs a bit more push.
90 reviews
June 27, 2019
More revealed!

-Secrets revealed this book but the cliffhanger (all books are out in series as of now) and other unanswered questions have me excited for the final book next
-Multiple POV 1 female MC, 3 men/loves
-Steam increases a lot this book !!!
*spoiler* some m/m kissing, but main focus is on female mc
Read this series, it’s great.
Profile Image for Genoveva.
1,483 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2023
mind blown

Check TW and CW. The way this series has me in its grips and how fast I’m eating it up is crazy. Aleera is such an amazing storyteller. The way these relationships are developing is giving me life. Finding out more of the missing princess and other royal family members is so gripping.
Profile Image for Christina.
902 reviews36 followers
March 21, 2019
The adventure continues in book 3

This book picks up right where book 2 leaves off. The story is compelling. It is filled with adventure and mystery with a side of romance. I look forward to the final book in the series.
Profile Image for scavenging the parallel universes.
45 reviews
October 25, 2021
✓ mermaids
✓ hot and steamy
✓ Pseudo-princess x bodyguard
✓ arranged marriage to a royalty
✓ dragon mate
✓ political and societal issues
✓ brilliant world building
✓ mystery

Definitely my favorite series by the author.
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,772 reviews85 followers
May 1, 2022
good

You can see what the end of this entire tale is, as it’s rather obvious, but the journey is twisty and offers up some surprises. Like the final chapter - I honestly didn’t expect THAT.
Profile Image for thebookcritic_.
860 reviews24 followers
May 24, 2022
good read

More juicy secrets revealed. This story didn’t go how I’d suspected. Still not here for Tiberius. I was on the edge of my seat at the end. Good story. Can’t wait to read the last book of the series.
Profile Image for Betteroffwithbooks.
920 reviews14 followers
August 16, 2019
Caresses between the sand

So many secrets are brought to light in this book. I seriously couldn’t put it down. I’m in love! I’m not ready for the series to end yet.
Profile Image for Angelica Young.
290 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2022
so good!

They keep getting better!!! I’m so excited to read more

Amazon says ten more word to be a full review
Profile Image for Leah (lay-ah).
214 reviews5 followers
October 4, 2022
this series is not well written, at all. 😅 I probably won’t finish it.
Profile Image for Dani Clark - Clark Book Reviews.
136 reviews18 followers
April 8, 2021
"You are the light to my shadows, the truth to my lies."

Oh. My. Goodness.

My jaw hit the ground reading this one. The third book in the Royal Secrets series was jam packed with steam, romance and heat. I couldn't put this one down!

Maisie wants nothing more than to stop the war looming over Thalassar, to find out the secrets that made Princess Odele go missing and to actually FIND her. In addition to the steam of this book, there was plenty of action as well. Maisie shows everyone just want kind of leader "Princess Odele" can be. She grows stronger in her pretend role every day.

As each day passes Maisie grows more conflicted with the feelings and secrets she's been holding in. Does she give in and let her feelings and secrets come to light? Not only that, but her feelings are for more than one merman. How does she fight what she wants, without anyone getting hurt?

This book was a great read, this is one of my first reverse harem romances I've read and I absolutely loved it. Again, make sure to have the next book ready. That ending will have you wanting more!
Profile Image for Sea.
9 reviews
February 1, 2022
oh my god

Just read it, honestly. Just do it.
I’m still reeling from the ending I don’t have the strength to write much else!
Profile Image for Yeri (wildflowerreader).
1,511 reviews78 followers
January 11, 2022
I think this one is my favorite

The twist and turns just get more and more crazier! A few things I predicted came to pass but I’m sure the picture isn’t quite complete yet.
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
April 27, 2021
The mystery is starting to come together

My theories from book 1 and 2 are starting to prove to be true with this book. Even though I still had my theories proven correct, the author still managed to throw a few curve balls into the plot that I hadn’t expected which kept me on my toes.

I was curious as to how the author would manage to bring Maisie’s harem into play and I was pleased with how she executed it. Three mermen from different facets of life within the kingdom and not even friendly towards each other. I had my doubts on how effective the author would be able to write the moment where the harem truly formed with acceptance of sharing Maisie but she proved me wrong. I was also concerned about the Captain’s relationship with Maisie especially after the first book where it was obvious he had feelings for the missing princess. I remember telling myself that he has his work cut out for him to get me in his corner but the author surprised me yet again and had me loving him by the end of this book. It wasn’t a quick resolution or revelation but one that expanded over the entirety of this book which helped me change my opinion of him and his true intentions.


I did notice a few more typos in this book compared to the first 2, mainly just omitted words but nothing that really affect the flow of my reading. Regardless, I’m still curious to read book 4 to see this whole mystery come together and Maisie get her happy ending.
Profile Image for Raja.
Author 25 books358 followers
March 29, 2021
Aleera has done it...AGAIN!!!!

Following up right where Whispers Beneath the Deep left off, the store of Maisie takes us on another whirlwind ride!!

OMG! This book had soooooo many oh💩moments that I was not expecting but welcomed with open arms! This has got to be the HOTTEST mermaid story I’ve ever read! Okay so there is another that’s pretty hot (Riptide) but that’s a story for another day!

Aleera has turned one of my favorite mythological creatures into something that I love as a grown up! The world of mer people is soooooo amazing, yes I know it’s not real but let me believe it is while I read lol!

Vividly describing the under water world is one of my fave things about this series. I get to picture it all in my mind and it’s amazing! Now the cuss words are even better and I can’t get enough of them lol!

Oh but the cliffy! I’m not against it and I welcome it because it gives me something to look forward to and that cliffy that was dropped at the tail end of the story....ahhhhh I just LOVE it!!

This book is definitely a 10 out of 10 ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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