A beautifully written and engaging read from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, the plot is compelling, and the writing style draws you in immediately. A perfect choice for anyone looking for a story that’s both heartfelt and memorable. Highly recommended!

A beautiful continuation of the Heirs of Elydor series. I loved the first book Whisper of War and Storms and I think this second book was even better! I loved Nerys as a character and we got to know Rowan much better. I absolutely loved them as a duo! Highly recommend reading this series if you like easy Romantasy.

2.5/5 stars! I've said it once and I'll say it a million times. STOP comparing your stories to other mainstream authors, such as JLA, Rebecca Yarros, and SJM. It sets an unrealistic expectation and if you're going to put that expectation into place in your own marketing, then I'm going to hold the story to that level... without that, this probably would have been a solid 3.75/4 star read. But upon comparing the depth of characterization, world building, and plot development to the authors the work was compared to, it was lacking.

This is the second book in the Heirs of Elydor series by author C.L. Mecca. It doesn't work well as a standalone, despite having mostly unique characters, so I encourage readers to start with book one. I did like the journey of Rowan and the way he grew across the story, but didn't buy the romance.

C.L. Mecca's Tide of Waves and Secrets, the second in the Heirs of Elydor series, offers a rich fantasy world and a compelling forbidden romance that can be enjoyed independently. Human keeper Rowan journeys to Thalassaria, the realm of water wielders, to seek aid from Queen Lyra and finds himself drawn to his escort, the powerful Nerys. Despite their different worlds and destinies, their connection is undeniable, leading to a captivating slow burn with satisfying spice.

Mecca vividly portrays Thalassaria and its unique magic. The plot is intriguing, filled with twists that keep the pages turning. While some deeper world-building might be desired, the core story of Rowan and Nerys's yearning is beautifully executed.

Tide of Waves and Secrets is a delightful blend of fantasy and romance, perfect for those who enjoy slow-burn tension, loyal characters, and a touch of political intrigue within a magical setting. Recommended especially for people whose English is not their first language, good writing style!
Thank to the author and net galley for this.

Tide of Waves and Secrets | C. L. Mecca
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/7

Tide of Waves and Secrets is the second book in the Heirs of Elydor series. It can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone (I did not realize it was the second in a series at first and still followed the storyline and thoroughly enjoyed the book!) but, I would recommend that you read Whisper of War and Storms first, I think it would have made it even more enjoyable for me.

Elydor is made up of three separate clans, plus the human kingdom made up of humans trapped in Elydor when the gate between the realms was shut. We follow Sir Rowan, a human keeper (a sort of secret society that no one but other keepers knows about) as he visits Thalassaria to convince the queen to aid in reopening the gates. Humans, while not treated badly, are not exactly welcomed in Thalassaria, and during Rowans’s time there he is monitored by his assigned escort, Nerys, a powerful and immortal water wielder, who has differing views from the queen she serves. Nerys and Rowan are inexplicably and undeniably drawn to each other, but both have their own destinies, not to mention drastically different lifespans, pulling them in separate directions.

Tide of Wave and Secrets weaves a vivid world with a unique magic system, forbidden love, slow burn, protective MMC, and spice that delivers!

”You will enjoy this because I intend to worship you, Nerys, as you deserve.”

I loved Nerys and Rowan. They had a genuinely strong relationship where they both wanted the best for each other and desperately wanted a way for that to include them being together. There was a strong foundation, slow burn, spice 🔥, and yearning.

There were twists and turns in the magic system and the plot kept me turning the pages! I do wish I had read the books in order, as it seems like some characters reappear and I think I would have had a better understanding from the start of Rowan. But even with that, I was sucked into the book from the first chapter.

Therese are some inconsistencies and times where I think the world and characters could have been built out more, but that might have partly been due to me starting on the second book.

I definitely recommend picking up the heirs of Elydor and I’m looking forward for the next in the series!

Here’s my CAWPILE review breakdown for Tide of Waves and Secrets. Thank you so much to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and C.L. Mecca for the eARC, in exchange for my honest review!

Characters: 7
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 6
Plot: 7
Intrigue: 7
Logic/relationships: 7
Enjoyment: 7

Average: 7/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Romance, Magic, and a Fight for the Crown
Rowan arrives in the immortal realm of Thalassaria on a mission to find the Tidal Pearl and open the gate between worlds. Nerys, assigned to guard him, quickly finds herself drawn to the mysterious and powerful mortal. The attraction between them is undeniable, but Rowan harbors secrets he believes should keep them apart. Nerys, meanwhile, must navigate her own high-stakes challenge—one that could shift the balance of power in the realm.
I enjoyed exploring this magical world of elemental power, palace intrigue, and forbidden romance. With strong characters, tension-filled moments, and steamy chemistry, Tide of Waves and Secrets delivers a satisfying fantasy romance. I'd recommend it to fans of slow-burn tension, loyal friendships, and court politics woven with magic and desire.

I want to start off by saying that I read this book as a stand alone but it is the second in the series, Heirs of Elydor. It follows different characters and has a different storyline, so it can definitely be read as a standalone but I will definitely be going back to read the first book before the third one is out!
The first thing that caught my attention was the cover, it’s beautiful and really fits the story.
The descriptions of the lands in this book were beautiful! There was a lot of description about the characters and their clothing and their surroundings and it made for a much more visual experience.
The writing in general was easy to follow so you could appreciate the story fully. The characters were well developed, and even though insta love is one of my least favourite tropes, I appreciated the fact that they didn’t act on their feelings right away.
I love how Mecca is able to write this book with enough details from the first one to feel like you understand what is happening without having spoiled the first book. Thank you so much for this book and so can’t wait to read the others in the series!

Rowan may be human but he has a few extra …talents. While visiting Thalrassia these talents increase after a tragedy and he's left to navigate all these new things without the back up of his fellow secret keepers.

Nerys has been hiding just how strong she is from almost everyone she knows.  She's never challenged her queen before but having met Rowan and understanding his cause, she's ready to put herself out there. Their attraction has been fast and furious but they were both open about not wanting to start something that couldn't go anywhere once Rowan left.  But the heart wants what the heart wants and soon they can't bank that passion any more.

Nerys had a strong found family with Marer, Aneria and Caelum and Rowan and his network of secret keepers, essentially all distant relations are no slouches in the support department.  The banter between Marek and Nerys is very familial and I really enjoyed it when he started to include Rowan in the banter.

It was a nice change for the fmc to be the one who is the powerful and long lived partner and the mmc the lesser powered half.  There are a few super steamy moments but they didn't get in the way of the fantasy story.

I'm really invested in finding out what is in store for the irrepressible Marek in book 3!

Totally Fascinating!!

A world where different clans control elements. We focus on water in this story. Nerys is a stormcaller, and escort to human Sir Rowan of Estmere who is here to ask a favor of the queen. The characters come to life, the aspects of this world are captivating, and plausible as presented.

Politics, power, emotions, secrets, destiny, attraction, romance, and an epic battle are just some of the highlights of this story. I found myself completely immersed and entertained.

This series is just WOW!
First what you can expect:
🌊Water Magic
🔮Visions
☠️Danger
🫆Mysteries
🏴‍☠️Pirates (well kind of)
🚫 Forbidden Love
🫂 Friends To Lovers
..... and so much more.

Rowan who we met in book one is on his way to try to retrieve the Tide Pearl from Thalassaria, and it's Queen who everyone knows does not trust humans.
Nerys who is part of the Queen's court and also a Stormcaller is now Rowan's escort while he visits the clan that wields water magic.
Upon their first interaction both notice they are drawn to each other and immediately begin to form a bond. Even if they aren't keenly aware of it.
I have really enjoyed all the new characters but having the water play a character added more depth to the story as well and made it easier to see how Rowan would be so easily attached to each place he visited.
There isn't much more I can divulge without spoiling things but this is truly an adventure you won't want to miss.

My first book by C.L. Mecca! I was sent this widget by the publisher, and did not know it was book two in a series... whoops.

This book is mulit POV, but mainly follows Rowan, a human, and Nerys, and immortal guard. Rowan is sent to find an artifact in Nerys' realm, and Nerys is tasked with guarding him.

Nerys and Rowan’s relationship was great and it was nice to join them as they navigate a challenge that could change the fate of the Thalassarian realm.

I did love getting to know all the other characters and it did seem to leave room for more books!

This is a multi-POV story following Nerys and Rowan as Rowan searches for access to the Tidal Pearl. This is Book 2 of the Heirs of Elydor series. I did not read book 1, but I didnt feel it was necessary to understand the plot.

As a standalone, this book has a fairly simple magic system and simple world building. It is possible that there is more complexity in the first book, but this book on its own is lackluster for me.

The insta-attraction between main characters disallows the high-stakes tension and yearning that I really want from a romantic fantasy book. There are a few open-door scenes, but they are tame. I'd give this 2/5 on spice. This book may be good for new readers to the genre, but wasn't quite my scene.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC! This was my first ARC and it was a great one. It’s a quick and easy read with likeable characters and a truly beautiful setting. I didn’t even realize this was book 2 in the series but I had no problem diving into this magical world. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

After really enjoying the first book I can say the second one didn't disappoint!

It took a little bit to get into it, but once we got going it was really fun! It wasn't quite as action packed as the first book but I did still enjoy it.

Excited to see what's next in the series as it continues.

This is the second installment of the Heirs of Elydor series which began with Whispers of War and Storms a few months ago. I was so happy to rejoin the characters of the world created by the author CL Mecca. The author writes with a flowing, easy to read style and I enjoyed this insta-love couple's story as well as the return of characters from book #1. The storyline for book #3 has been well set up. I cannot wait for conclusion of the series.

I didn’t realize this was the second book when I got it so I decided to pick up the first before reading. I really enjoyed the first characters story and everything. While i enjoyed this book. I did find myself bored at some points . This wasn't as action packed as the first book and sometimes it just dragged on. All in all I did enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley and CL Mecca for this ARC

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was another enjoyable instalment in the series. It took a little bit to get into, I struggled to remember who was who, but it was good once it got going.

Romantasy adventure; not a typical trope for me, but I love this author and enjoy everything she writes!

I was happy to be back in Thalassaria with her characters.
The adventure continues.
The mysteries continue to unravel!

Nerys and Rowan have captivated me!

Excited to see what's next for Ms. Mecca!

I have read every book that this author has written and have always enjoyed her writing. However, I was confused and bemused by this romance and struggled to keep up with the plot and the characters. I understand that the author is an incredibly creative writer and pours herself into her books, however, I found this fantasy romance very difficult to follow. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I would like to thank Netgalley, the publishers and C.L. Mecca for the opportunity to read this book in advance!

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

I was really excited to read book two in this series because I really loved Mev and Kaels story in book one! And let me start off this review by saying I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a Romantasy full of interesting characters, a strong but reserved FMC, a charismatic and charming MMC who loves deeply, beautiful world building, a slow burn, reverse bodyguard, forbidden romance between an immortal water magic user and a non-immortal spy human, a few spicy moments and while this can be read as a stand alone it definitely has a plot that carries over from book one.

I will say that I did enjoy Rowan and Nerys story, the insta romance was great, there banter was funny, and I enjoyed so much of watching these characters grow and develop and there was definitely more spice in Waves and Secrets, but still there was just something that made I didn’t connect with when reading Tide of Waves and Secrets. For me personally I think the pacing was just a little to slow for me in this book as well as there being a lot of new world building as beautiful as it was for me going into the second book in this series. I think I was just hoping for a faster punch into the action of things this go round. Overall I enjoyed this book, and am interested to see where things go next though!