I loved this book! This is the dual POV semi-instalove, slightly spicy, open-door fantasy romance that I needed to read right now. This is the second book in the series, but can be read alone. Enough background is included to give you a sense of what is going on in the big picture.

Nerys (love that name!) is a long-lived water magic user quietly living her diplomat life and is reluctant to challenge the status quo despite her moral disagreements with her queen. Then Sir Rowan, a smart, handsome, and sly human with a secret, comes to her queen, requesting the use of a priceless artefact (which they all know she won't grant) to help the human world. As a diplomat, Nerys is assigned to entertain, occupy, and keep an eye on him. Rowan can tell how powerful Nerys truly is and that she is destined to rule. They both feel the attraction between them, but they can never work for so many reasons. Do they have to put their feelings aside for destiny, or does fate have bigger plans?

I wouldn't call this an instalove, but I would say that they both fall fast and I freaking loved it! I'm a yearning girlie, and there's some of that too. The spice is open-door and relatively mild, I think there are three scenes total. This book is classified as Adult Fantasy Romance, but you could call it New Adult as far as maturity level. Although the characters are late 20s, I think, maybe early 30s, they are still grappling with new responsibilities. This is a fantasy romance, not romantasy so while the romance is prominent, it isn't the entirety of the book.

If you want a solid fantasy romance with an interesting world/lore, MCs who fall fast for each other, and a deeper overall fantasy storyline, Tides of Waves and Secrets is for you.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and the author for providing a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligation. I reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.

Goodness me, this was such a good book. Highly entertaining. Would definitely recommend to others, that's for sure!

A good second instalment of the series. While I did prefer the first book, the tension, adventure and relationship between Rowan and Nerys kept me engaged throughout and I’d definitely recommend giving it a go

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this gifted eArc in exchange for honest feedback.

When I got this book I noticed it was the second book in the series so I thought I would read the first one before starting this. Absolutely loved the first one! A really easy read and interesting characters story etc!

Now this book I did struggle with abit. It didn’t capture tire my attention as much as the first book! I feel like it took a while for anything to really happen.

I did finish the book however found myself skimming through sections in order to get to something happening! I’m not usually one to leave negative reviews which is why I have rated 3 stars as I still think it’s a good book with amazing writing and character backgrounds however it just didn’t gel with me!!

I am definitely enjoying this series so far!

This story follows a new couple in the Heirs of Elydor universe, continuing off the overarching storyline of book 1, but introducing a new cast of characters (I definitely disagree with other reviewers who say this can be read as a standalone! Book 1 is definitely essential for laying the groundwork of the world building, and understanding our characters' motivations.)

This story follows Rowan (our recurring character from book 1) and his escort Nerys, a noble-born woman in the kingdom, as he visits Thalassaria in an attempt to convince their Queen to allow the use of their relic, the Tidal Pearl. Naturally, Rowan immediately falls for Nerys, and chooses to back her as she challenges the queen for the throne.

I very much enjoyed the chemistry and rapport between Rowan and Nerys, and this story introduced some additional side characters and fleshed out the world building much more thoroughly than book 1.

I have few critiques of this story, but several things did keep this from being a 5-star read for me:

Firstly, if you aren't a fan of an insta-love story, this series may be a skip. I will digress, the progression of the characters' relationship felt much more natural and less rushed than it did in the series debut, but that's saying something. If you're after slow-burn, this is not it.

Additionally, I'm struggling with some aspects of the world-building. Particularly the argument that time progresses differently between Earth, and Elydor. The characters continually cite the time difference as a way to keep Mev from panicking about her sudden disappearance from Earth by saying time passes differently, stating she's only been missing briefly to those on the other side (we were given in this book an approximate ratio of 1:3000 for the passage of time) However at the same time, all of our characters describe this near 30-year closure of the portal the same way on both sides.

Speaking of the gate to Earth- I'm going to need a much more solid reason why we are so desperate to open the gate again- especially at the risk of starting a war. The logic behind this being the BIG TASK for the whole series doesn't feel overly compelling. As the only reason we're given is currently the Air clan's missing queen, and the off chance that a few humans ~may~ want to leave?

Lastly, the final battle as Nerys challenged the queen did feel a little anti-climactic to me. I was expecting much more drama- especially given how fiercly the queen was trying to dissuade the challenge from even happening.

Ovrerall, I did enjoy this story, and given how much stronger this story was than book 1, I am really looking forward to where this series goes!

I have to admit, Tide of Waves and Secrets caught me off guard in the best possible way.

C.L. Mecca’s world-building is incredible, transporting you straight into a realm where magic is as natural as the tides. Thalassaria feels alive, with its rich landscapes and political tensions that make you feel as though you're part of the intricate web of court politics and ancient secrets.

What really stood out for me was the dynamic between Nerys and Rowan. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I love how the author takes her time with their relationship. The pacing does take its time, which I think might be a bit slow for some readers. But for me, it allowed the characters to grow, especially Nerys as she wrestles with her loyalties and feelings.

If you’re a fan of romantic fantasy with a solid plot, complex characters, and an immersive setting, Tide of Waves and Secrets will not disappoint!

When a mysterious human, Sir Rowan arrives in the immortal realm of Thalassaria seeking the legendary Tidal Pearl, Thalassarian guard Nerys is assigned as his escort and to keep close whilst he’s in the palace.
Trapped within the palace while the queen decides the humans' fate, Nerys realizes her allegiances are shifting. With the tidal peal at risk, there is only one way to protect it… by challenging the Queen’s crown. But as the moment approaches, Nerys and Rowan are forced to confront a choice between loyalty to their realms or a love that defies the laws of mortality.
The second book in the series & I’d recommend reading in order to fully appreciate it. The author is one of my must read authors & so I decided to try this series. I’m not a fan of romantasy & can’t see that changing but I’m enjoying the series & look forward to the rest of it. I really liked both Rowan & Nerys & enjoyed their insta love story. The pace is good, the characters well portrayed, also the next book was set up nicely
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

The second book of the Heirs of Elydor was worth the wait. While I enjoyed the first book, this one I did not want to put down. I loved Rowan and Nerys as a couple. There are so many new characters to enjoy and a surprise visit from characters in the previous book. Well written, it kept me engaged to find out what would happen next. This book also ends with a tease of what is coming in the next book. I can’t wait.

Thank you to Boldwood books and netgalley for my the chance to read an ARC of this book.
I didn't realise when starting this book that this is the second book in the series. While I feel like you can read this one as a standalone its probably better to read them in order as a way to come familiar with the world.
The world seems like a beautiful place, I would have liked some more world building but I think that's where the first book might come in. It gave Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes with the different elements.
The thing that let me down was the insta love between the two main characters, well it was insta everything, insta love, insta telling each other secrets, insta trust etc. There was no build up to their trust in one another, there was no relationship developing.
Overall this book wasn't for me.

Thank youto Netgalley and the author for giving me an earc for review. This book comes out May 11.

I enjoyed this book. This book is the second book in a series so I would recommend rIt was fun and entertaining however I find bored at some points and this wasn't as action packed as the first book. I thought the romance was cute but felt a lhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7514505021

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the Heirs of Elydor series, following Whisper of War and Storms. While a continuation of the story in the same world, the focus for this book is on Rowan and Nerys. Given the plot carries through from book one, it is recommended you read the series in order but the details provided in this book would likely allow you to follow along.

This story involves multiple realms, and an intriguing magic system with quests and trials. This is definitely a “vibe” read, as a lot is happening in a book which is on the short side and so it can seem rushed resulting in some plot and characters being underdeveloped and some jumping around. Likely recommended for readers looking to try fantasy without a complex magic system/ fantasy world.

The MMC and FMC are forced to be together while the MMC is on a quest to obtain the royal artifact of the Thalassarian clan, the Tidal Pearl, to assist with the opening of the portal between the immortal and human realms which has been closed. During this time, the FMC realizes her true path in a kingdom that is on the verge of war. Unfortunately the relationship between the MMC and FMC was a bit too “insta-love” for my preferences, but the overall story and magic system were interesting and made it relatively easy to read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️.5

This was such a gripping and interesting read from the very start. I was intrigued by the blurb of this book and as soon as I had started reading the book I was very invested. The writing style within this book was amazing and I definitely didn’t want to put the book down. The characters in this book was written amazingly. Especially the two main characters Rowan and Nerys, they had there challenges in which they needed to face including the many twists and turns that occurred within this book. They developed within this book and it was such an amazing read. The way in which the book was duo pov allowed you to see the story from both there povs. And with how the end of this book occurred I was completely shocked and very surprising. And I would definitely want to read more from this author.

I initially thought I needed more backstory to understand the intricacies of this world, but the author did a fantastic job weaving in the history of Elydor and took me on a discovery journey with the characters that made me feel part of the story. The magic system was unique and complex, and very enjoyable to learn more about. The main and supporting characters were likable, memorable and each saw growth through the story in their own ways. I absolutely loved the way Nerys and Rowan’s love story unfolded and how they each gained strength from one another to move forward. The end left me ready for the next book!

Will post this review on Amazon, Fable, StoryGraph and will share the rating on Instagram.

Unfortunately I didn’t finish this one. I just couldn’t get into it despite loving the author’s other novels.

ARC review
Publication date 11 May 2025

3,5 stars

“Tide of Waves and Secrets” by C.L. Mecca is the second book in the "Heirs of Elydor" series.

I received an ARC from Boldwood Books (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

Even if it is a continuation of the action from “Whisper of War and Storms”, this book follows different characters.
Sir Rowan is a mysterious human that arrives in the immortal realm of Thalassaria seeking the legendary Tidal Pearl that can open the portal between realms.
Nerys is a powerful guard, assigned as his escort while he is in the palace.

The attraction between them is there from the start (you could say it's insta-love).
I liked the magic and the story from this book. Nerys had to prepare to fight for her place in the kingdom and I liked her journey of accepting her power.
There was more romance ands spice than in the previous book and the pace was medium to fast.
Still, even if the book is quite short (under 300 pages), it did not keep me engaged as much as the 1st one and some actions felt repetitive.

What I also liked is that Mev and Kael make an appearance and there is more action towards the end.

Overall it was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book.

Tide of Waves and Secrets by C.L. Mecca

What a great sequel to Whisper of War and Storms! I loved how fast-paced the story was, and it was the right combination of adventure, magic, spice, trials, and romance.

✨ Elemental Magic
✨ Prophecies
✨ Humans and Immortals
✨ Love at first sight
✨ Challenge for the throne

Nerys was a great FMC. She was brave, unprejudiced, strong, and loyal. Her character development was interesting especially because she stayed true to her goal.

As the MMC, Rowan was amazing. He was loyal to Nery and his family. His bond with his grandfather was touching. I was looking forward to his story from when he was introduced in the first book. I can say that C.L. Mecca did Rowan’s story justice.

If anything, I wish the battle with the queen and the subsequent betrayal with the pearl were made a little longer. This part of the story felt a little rushed, and everything was resolved in the background.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I am eagerly awaiting for the next one with Marek!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

I was instantly swept away into the mesmerizing world of Tide of Waves and Secrets. As the second instalment in the series, this book not only deepens the narrative established in the first volume but also introduces fresh layers of magic, intrigue, and emotional complexity that invigorate the entire saga. From the moment I turned the first page, I felt as though I had been transported to Thalassaria—a realm where elemental forces ebb and flow like the tides, and every secret hints at profound mysteries and dangers.

The story follows the enigmatic Sir Rowan, a human adventurer whose quest for the legendary Tidal Pearl leads him straight into the heart of this immortal domain. Along the way, he encounters Nerys, a devoted Thalassarian guard assigned to escort and protect him. As they journey through opulent yet treacherous palace corridors and navigate a labyrinth of shifting allegiances and ancient rituals, the tension between duty and forbidden desire simmers beneath every interaction. Their story is not just a quest for a mystical artifact—it’s a personal journey that challenges the boundaries between loyalty and the longing for something beyond the prescribed roles set by their worlds.

What truly sets Tide of Waves and Secrets apart is C.L. Mecca’s impeccable blending of high-stakes mystery with an intimate character study. The rich, immersive world-building is complemented by vividly drawn characters who evolve with each twist and turn in the plot. As political intrigue and ancient magic coalesce, I found myself reflecting on how our own desires often pull us between the demands of duty and the yearning for love and freedom.

This book is a brilliant addition to the series; it not only builds on the foundations laid in the first installment but also sets up tantalizing possibilities for the future. Every page is infused with both wonder and the promise of more secrets to uncover, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

For me, Tide of Waves and Secrets is a masterful exploration of epic romance and adventure, richly layered with intrigue and the beautiful clash of personal passion against the backdrop of larger-than-life mythical quests.

Thank you so much to Boldwood Books & Netgalley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for honest feedback.

I did a typical Maggie and didn't realise that The Tide of Waves and Secrets was the second book in the series...oops! However, I believe this story follows different characters so you can read the second without reading the first.

The world sounds beautiful & it was definitely intriguing. It was different to anything else I have read recently which was great!

I was really excited to read this but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I like a wee bit of insta love but this was too much. A human & an immortal, instantly telling secrets and trusting each other after they literally just met? It felt a bit too soon for me.. Maybe I'm just too much of a sucker for enemies to lovers lol

It felt like there wasn't much happening to pique my interest & keep me reading, so I ended up skimming a lot, which is a shame.

I hate leaving a negative review as I completely appreciate how much time and effort goes into writing, editing, etc, but this just wasn't for me.

Loved following Rowen's journey in this. Found it very gripping, exciting and intriguing and really can't wait for more.

Oh this book. This was a book I loved reading. Tide of Waves and Secrets by C.L. Mecca is a once in a lifetime book. I LOVED IT SO MUCH! I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.