While we’re all still counting down the days until Jordan Stephanie Gray‘s big debut, Bitten, is released, the author has been making some big moves behind the scenes. In fact, she already has her next book and official adult debut already planned out and announced, this time to Requited, a brand new imprint that will be launching in 2026. And with a mermaid and a winged warlock involved, let’s just say that we’re already absolutely obsessed.
Cosmopolitan has an official first-look at Jordan Stephanie Gray’s The Wicked Sea, which is set to be released on April 7, 2026. While Zephyra dreams of living freely, her life quickly takes a turn when she is taken and sentenced to death by Arion Stone. But his hopes to find the heart of the God of Death lead him to change his own and he works with the mermaid in order to find the legendary item or risk losing everything. Here’s some more info from our friends at Requited:
In this dark and sultry romantasy a mermaid battles hatred—and lust—for the wretched warlock who saved her life.
Mermaid Zephyra of the Syl dreams of freedom. On the run from a dangerous captor and years of abuse, she’s shed her tail, grown legs, and hidden herself on land in the merrow-loathing kingdom of Mortia, left to steal and barter on the dirty streets. But her freedom is short-lived when she’s caught and sentenced to death by the brutal warlock, Arion Stone.
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
For Fans of:
Enemies-to-lovers
Magic Sensual Bonds
Winged Romantic Lead
Forced Proximity
“The Wicked Sea features arrogant warlocks, vengeful mermaids, enchanted heists, evil sorcerers, bloodthirsty sea monsters, flying pirate ships, vicious gods, ancient mythology, and many unhinged mermaid antics. I’ve been asked about comps a few times, and I can only compare this to Barbie Mermaidia meets Pirates of the Caribbean meets A Court of Silver Flames,” Jordan Stephanie Gray exclusively told Cosmopolitan.”While this book is definitely spicy, full of banter and ripe with enemies to lovers tension, it is also a story about feminine rage, reclaiming one’s destiny, and what it really takes to survive in a man’s world. If I had to offer readers advice before diving into this one, it would be: don’t believe everything you read. Don’t trust anyone. I really hope people love this story! It’s definitely the book of my heart.”
Of course, a book this exciting needs a gorgeous special edition that you’re absolutely going to show off on your shelf. Just when you thought that the cover was absolutely stunning, wait until you see these sprayed edges! Here is the first exclusive look at the cover:
Requited
The Wicked Sea, by Jordan Stephanie Gray will be released on April 7, 2026 from Requited. To preorder the book, click on the retailer of your choice:
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