NOVL Nation Pink Ribbon Winner: The Wicked Sea
The NOVL Nation has spoken! Fans are loving The Wicked Sea for the true enemies-to-lovers tension and the unique worldbuilding with mermaids and warlock magic! With a brutal cliffhanger that will have you salivating for book two, now is the perfect time to dive in (pun intended). But don’t just listen to us, hear it from readers themselves!
“I was so excited to read this after Jordan Stephanie Gray’s debut Bitten, and it did not disappoint! Warlocks, magic, a bargain, and life or death situations all round out this romantasy that is definitely worth your time. Both characters are morally gray and this is the truest enemies to lovers I’ve seen in quite some time!”
–Briana, Briana’s Book Nook
“Omg this is probably hands down my favorite read of the year and we are only in April. This was so amazing I couldn’t put it down… Omg that cliffhanger!!!! That was so cruel. I love the mermaids and humans and warlock and all the mythical creatures in here. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2. This is 100% most likely going to be my favorite book of 2026 as I don’t think anything can top this one.”
–Kelly, @feyabooks13
“The Wicked Sea by Jordan Stephanie Gray completely consumed me. The mermaids vs. warlocks vs. demons atmosphere was everything I wanted: dark, haunting, magical, and surprisingly emotional. Parts of this story were genuinely spooky, while others were absolutely heartbreaking… The enemies-to-reluctant-allies-to-lovers progression felt so natural, and I absolutely ate it up from beginning to end. The tension, the banter, the slow-building trust… all of it worked for me.”
–Tess, @romantasy_tess
“If you’re into romantasy, especially fans of Carissa Broadbent or Callie Hart, this one needs to be on your radar.”
–Jenna, @book_loverrr99
“If you like enemies to lovers who are tied by a you-die-I-die magical bond, mermaids with siren like abilities, fighting back against a world that wants you dead, I’d recommend this one.”
–Spiri, @pluvioreads
“The Wicked Sea is an engaging fantasy read with a hefty dose of adventure, solid enemies to lovers romance, and strong world-building.”
–Olivia, @onemused
“A unique mermaid romantasy… The instant tension between the two main characters drew me in.”
–Alexandra, @fictionfeedsalex
“If you like mermaids and warlocks this is the book for you… That ending has me wanting to know where the story is going to go for sure.”
–Alyson, @bookish_aly_cat
“This was such an entertaining journey with this book. I had such a lovely and fun time reading this with my bestie Ana… I’m excited to read book 2 because after the ending, I was left FLABBERGASTED, like what just happened?!”
–Sofia, @sofia_winterrnightt
In this dark and sultry romantasy a mermaid battles hatred—and lust—for the wretched warlock who saved her life. Perfect for fans of Callie Hart and Danielle L. Jensen! This gorgeous DELUXE LIMITED EDITION is available while supplies last and features:
- Dazzling gilded edges
- Full color printed case
- Gorgeous endpaper art
- Deluxe effects on the jacket
Arion is as beautiful as he is cold and deadly, only interested in punishing the merrow he views as evil. He has grown as strong as any warlock might, but at great personal cost … which can only be remedied by the heart of the God of Death, lost to a fabled kingdom beneath the ocean’s treacherous depths.
So Arion offers Zephyra a deal she can’t refuse; help him find the mystical heart, and he’ll spare her life. With no other options, Zephyra agrees, entangling their souls and forbidden desires in a magical bargain until death do they part. But Zephyra’s past is catching up to her, and the enemy she fled seeks vengeance. If Zephyra and Arion can’t learn to fight together—and trust each other—there are worse things awaiting them than just death. Of course, in the wicked sea, everyone has secrets, and no one should be trusted.
Perfect for fans of:
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Magic
- Sensual Bonds
- Winged Romantic Leads
- Forced Proximity