Read this book courtesy of NetGalley.

Alas, this third volume of Rocha's series about sexy gods was only alright. I think it does the book a disservice to describe it as the first one in a new series - I know, the original duology is a complete story, but this one is closely related to it and does not work well, in my opinion, on its own. Even knowing the previous two volumes I was a little at sea [sorry] at the beginning, before I remembered more about the plot.

This is a story about an emerging throuple: two gods who are strongly attracted to each other and their matchmaker who is also strongly into both of them, but convinced he shouldn't step in. Fortunately, things will work out, though trials and tribulations will need to happen first, before the happy ending [sorry again].

I admit the book didn't quite meet my expectations. For one thing, I just liked the characters of the previous two books better, and found their chemistry hotter. For another, this time the pacing was somewhat disappointing. I admit I expected the sexy parts to start earlier, so maybe that's partly on me, too, but the plot also starts slow, and then it takes a while for everything to find its shape. In fact, if the whole book was as fun as the last thirty pages, I would have given it more stars. Fortunately, the next volume will have the advantage of starting of on a really interesting plot twist. I'll probably check it out.

Einar is The Kraken. He and his immortal crew sails the seas endlessly. He is ancient and powerful. Naia is a new God. She was born full of power. She controls the water. Aleksi is the God of Love. He is traveling with Einar and Naia to the island of Akeisa on a diplomatic journey. But secrets and lies will cause them nothing but trouble. Will their journey be successful or will their mission end in failure in more ways than one?

There is a lot I don’t want to give away about this story. First, this is a continuation of the story started in the first two books of the series. I don’t know if you have to read the first two books but I think it will help to understand the main characters better. The story gives a lot of background on Einar. I was glad that the authors decided to give him such a rich history since he was born mortal and became a God centuries ago. Naia is still learning her powers and how to use them to her best advantage. Her attraction to Einar makes sense on many levels. I like that the authors chose to show Naia learning the art of diplomacy. Sadly, Aleksi is still depressed. At the beginning of this story, a newly seated queen expresses her interest in him. His reaction isn’t what she expected given his history. His natural charm is in short supply throughout the story. I don’t know what the authors have planned for him but I hope it’s good. Sachi, Zanya and Ash only make a brief appearance in this story because they are off handling another issue brewing in another part of the world.

This book ends in a cliffhanger. I enjoyed the character development in this story. I will definitely read the next book in the series.

Daughter of Tides is a romantasy that throws you headfirst into a world of sea gods, forbidden magic, and a love triangle that’s… well, not really a triangle by the end….and it’s glorious. If you’re into slow-burn chemistry, mythological worldbuilding, and characters navigating both palace politics and stormy emotions, this one’s for you.

We’ve got Aleksi, the God of Love, who’s literally dying but still trying to complete one final mission: a diplomatic visit to the ice kingdom of Akeisa. Naturally, he’s joined by two very different companions, Einar, the broody Kraken pirate god with serious “don’t touch me” energy, and Naia, a sweet but secretly fierce water nymph. Together, they set sail into danger, secrets, and… longing. Lots of longing.

What starts as a political mission slowly transforms into something much more personal. Naia and Einar have the most immediate tension—they’ve clearly been circling each other forever—but Aleksi’s presence adds this tender, knowing layer. He’s flirty and observant, but also carrying his own heartbreak beneath the charm. Watching their connection shift from a will-they-won’t-they pair to a fully realized throuple? Chef’s kiss. Einar brings the intensity, Naia the emotional spark, and Aleksi the heart, and when things finally heat up, it’s absolutely worth the wait. The spice is perfectly timed, not rushed, and deliciously character-driven.

Is the political side a bit undercooked compared to the romance? Sure. One or two plot moments resolve a little too cleanly, but honestly, you’re here for the gods and the yearning and the forbidden tension…and on that front, it delivers. The side characters and deeper mythology also hint at a lot more to come in future books, and I’m very much along for the ride.

If you love a romantasy with sea-soaked vibes, emotionally complex characters, and a love story that doesn’t shy away from being messy and magical, Daughter of Tides is your next read. It’s sensual, heartaching, myth-heavy, and just the right amount of chaotic. Basically? Throuples, pirates, and ice queens—oh my.

I gave this a shot, but did not make it very far before realizing that, even though this is listed as book 1, it seems to be part of a larger universe and some knowledge of what happens in other books would be beneficial before starting this one. I think I will need to read the authors' backlog and revisit Daughter of Tides in the future because the synopsis does sound really interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Kit Rocha for the opportunity to review this title.

My first read from this author but definitely not my last. Full of intrigue, intensity and mystery, this was a truly fascinating read and has made me want to read more from this author.

The story centres on Naia who is a nymph, Aleski the god of love and Einar who is a pirate but also a Kraken.
They have to travel together when they are entrusted with a diplomatic visit. Einar and Naia are attracted to each other but they seem to already know one another although there is no explanation of this. Aleski is also attracted to Einar and they also seem to have history of some sort.
There is a three way romance going on here.
I didn't realise that this world was shared in other books which might be why I'm late to the party.
Maybe there will be more explanation in the next book.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher.

For all that the books in this setting are dealing in world level stakes, there's such a foundation of comfort, of tenderness, of pure hope behind every word. The first duology quickly became comfort rereads for me and this one joins them right off.

Kit Rocha has officially become one of my "auto-buy" authors. Navigating a "throuple" relationship on top of the fantasy world building, this book was the ultimate romantasy read! I am absolutely obsessed with Einar,Naia, and Aleksi's relationship. It's not a full on spicy romance right off the bat, but waiting for those scenes and reveling in the world building is so worth it! I also loved the little bit of mystery thrown into the mix! I absolutely loved this book and if you love a good romantasy read, then this one's for you!

I enjoyed this story. I found the different POVs to be well-done and compelling each in their own way. I also enjoyed that this was open door---If I'm going to read romance/romance-fantasy, I would rather it be open door than fade to black. I am shrieking about the cliffhanger ending because I am so impatient and bad at waiting, I just want to know what happens next!

As much as I loved Einar, Naia, and Aleksi, it's difficult for anyone to live up to the original throuple in my eyes! But I also love the dynamic created between these three, as well as the continuing story that's set up in terms of the greater conflict in this world and the threat that's yet to be fully vanquished — not just the Betrayer, but whatever Aleksi is still going to be dealing with! (Also, this book honestly had me at sexy kraken pirate king.)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Daughter of Tides,” by Kit Rocha

Despite Aleksi dying he needs to fulfill his last diplomatic mission. Joining the mission is Einar, the pirate lord, and Naia, a water nymph. Together they go through the Ice Queen’s dangerous court. Navigating their emotions and the seas to come out alive.

I would say that I think readers who prefer character focused story and less importance on the plot overall. I liked the poly relationship and the characters and how they all fit together. In my opinion this book fits more a cozy side. 4 out of 5 stars.

-Gods
-Chosen One
-Poly
-Character Focused

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

I loved reading Daughter of Tides by Kit Rocha it was an interesting read and can't wait to read more by this author

Daughter of Tides is a compelling blend of beachy vibes and thought-provoking storytelling. The characters are intriguing, and the world building captures both the beauty and dangers of the oceanic setting. The story moves at a steady pace, but some plot developments felt a bit predictable. Still, the mix of romance, adventure, and mystery keeps it engaging. I’d rate it 4 stars. Great for readers looking for a lively, atmospheric read with a strong sense of place.

really good mystery. Kept me on my toes and loved all of the characters and what they went through on this journey. Loved that they a happy ending happened.

This book was a quick read but there were sections that felt like they were slightly out of place.
I love being dropped into the action and having to catch up with the characters but this felt somewhat slow and then rushed.

Aleski is the living embodiment of the God of Love and enjoys playing matchmaker. How can he resist finding the perfect love interest for the Kraken, the Ocean’s protector and an entity thought to have lost his heart millennia ago. Naia is a new godling born from the dreams of men, goddess of the sea, it seems only fitting she is also the only one capable of capturing the heart of one of its fiercest creatures. In Daughter of Tides, the first book in the Born to Sea and Storm duology, set in the same world as the Bound to Fire and Steel duology, we begin our journey to see if the sea will capture the heart of the Kraken and if the God of Love will find his perfect match along the way.

I highly recommend reading the Bound to Fire and Steel duology as it sets the foundation of this story and I don’t think the reasons for the trios diplomatic duties to a small Island will make sense otherwise. There is a history and enemy well defined in the first duology along with some interactions with the trio that set up the crux of the story in Daughter of Tides. During the battle in Queen of Dreams, Aleski was damaged when he was cut off from the dream for a time. He feels his mortality for the first time in thousands of years. Wanting to leave a mark before his eventual death, he is determined to help his friends by solidifying an alliance with a powerful Ice Mage who rules an Island of legend. If he can also facilitate stoking the embers of heat between Einar and Naia, all the more fun.

***A hardened pirate warrior who had seen over two thousand years of life was certainly too old to blush just because a man smiled at him— even if that man was the manifestation of desire and passion. Especially if that man was also wholeheartedly playing matchmaker. Only the Lover could half seduce a man while throwing him at someone else with both hands.***

Aleski might have accidentally seduced both Naia and Einar a little too well as the embers of desire surrounding them catch flame he finds himself caught in the burning fire of their desire. Aleski doesn’t believe he is long for this world, but to be loved by two such powerful hearts might just make his last days some of the best in his long life. That is if he can stay alive against the plot that seems to be afoot on the Island and the dangers that surround them all.

Not many authors can write a thruple situation I’m on board for. But, Kit Rocha has written three of them now that I have really enjoyed and were fun to read. The spice level of the book grows and grows until it explodes near the end of the story. Naia is somewhat adorable as she is enjoying so much of her new life as a god and the adoration of the people who dreamed her into being. The Kraken is fierce, brave and you can see how his entire life he has never truly been excepted for everything he is, until now. I am the most intrigued by the transformation that Aleski seems to be going through and what that will mean to the overall story arc.

I enjoyed the book, however I think it could be edited down a little to flow slightly better. The end quarter of the book was a lot of sex stacked up, which while hot didn’t really move the plot along. Still really steamy scenes, back to back to back. I also think they may have done a disservice to the reader by trying to set it up as a stand alone duology. It makes much more sense to put it in the Bound to Fire and Steel series, since you really should read those books first to have the right context for the story. I don’t think on its own it stands well enough. If you liked Consort of Fire and Queen of Dreams this is a fun expansion into the lives of gods and the ongoing political drama set in that world.

***The goddess once told me that death is not the enemy. I waited for her to elaborate, but she did not. Finally, unable to stop myself, I asked. She told me there are many enemies. I asked for their names, and she gave me several. “Greed. Fear. Anger.” Her eyes met mine. “Pain.”***

A well written story. That kept me glued to my kindle.
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

This wasn’t a horrible read, it just wasn’t a very good one. The pacing is very uneven, with a chaotic opening where we’re dumped into a lot of names and facts (apparently it makes much more sense if you’ve read her other series, which the blurb does not mention), a middle that is so slow as to feel stalled, and then an ending that is frantic and fierce, but all sex and no plot.

The poly/throuple aspect was fun, and I was glad to see it explored, but everything felt instalove sudden and rushed, with nothing to build a relationship, just the fact of relationships we were expected to accept and follow through. Again, maybe there’s history to these characters, I don’t know, but I felt like much was missing.

Romantic Fantasy with a cliffhanger. This series tied to the Bound to Fire and Steel series, so if you haven't read that one, you might want to so you have the background for this world. Kit Rocha has come a long way since the Beyond series and they keep getting better.

Spicy, mmf (swords cross), 3rd person multiple point of view, paranormal romance. This story is the first in the duology Born to Sea and Storm. If you read the Bound to Fire and Steel duology first some things will make more sense but it isn't necessary to enjoy this book. Great story telling and worldbuilding. I really enjoy the main characters and their relationship(s). I'm looking forward to reading the next book!