Wicked Sea and Sky Review

Wicked Sea and Sky (Curse of Ever) by Jenna Collett
on June 16, 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy & Magic, Retelling, Romance, Romantasy
Pages: 353
Format: eARC
Source: Provided by author for honest review
Goodreads

She’s a treasure hunter bound by dark magic. He’s the thief who shattered her trust. And now? He’s her only shot at survival.

Betrayed during a treasure hunt and sentenced to a watery prison, Marin has spent the last few years trapped beneath the waves. Now she’s back on land with three weeks to break her curse or die trying. Her only hope lies in a mythical artifact lost to the sky realm, and in the hands of the charming thief she vowed never to forgive.
Gavin was the only man she ever let close. This time, she wants revenge. He swears he never betrayed her and only wants to help, but every stolen glance and lingering touch feels like another trap.
With time running out, they'll have to hunt together one last time. Through crumbling ruins, sky mazes, and battles with deadly creatures, their search will test more than just their skills. But as their partnership heats up and secrets unravel, Marin must face the truth: the man who broke her heart might be the one fighting to keep it.

Wicked Sea and Sky
is a sizzling fantasy romance packed with thrilling adventure, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a love worth fighting for. Perfect for fans of fairytale retellings, dark curses, and high-stakes heists.

 

I received this ARC of Wicked Sea and Sky (Curse of Ever Book 1) for review from The Realm Studios. I requested it because the book intrigued me (did I maybe find it on Instagram?), and I’m glad I requested it. I’ve since added all the other books by the author to my TBR. Sorry not sorry for growing your TBR.

 Julie’s Review:

This book is for you if you love:

• Banter and Teasing
• Friends to Enemies to Lovers
• Plot that is non stop
• Slow burn sizzling tension
• A strong FMC who is the one to drag her feet
• A MMC that falls hard and never wavers
• Mermaids, Sea Witches, Sea Queens
• Jack and the Beanstalk, and Giants
• High stakes, might die at any moment situations
• Curses and hidden magical abilities
• Found family
• Treasure hunting and tomb raiding
• A standalone romantasy

 

Plot: The book drops you in the middle of a heist, so you don’t have to wait for the action to start. This wins points with me immediately. It’s non stop action for the most part (minus the imprisonment and underwater surprises). Every action was life or death – fighting to survive the next set back. It’s a standalone in that it is a full story start to finish, with a satisfying ending. The next book will focus on one of the other characters, so you’re not left hanging off a literal cliff over the sea.

Relationships: The found family in this book is strong – partnerships that rely on each other to have their backs. The determination to succeed together or not at all. And the guilt over betrayals that drives the wedge is tragic. And then the coming back together as a family again arc.

Romance: The tension between our FMC and MMC is palpable. She’s the one dragging her feet, afraid to only be a notch on his belt. The teasing back and forth is delicious. It’s not really enemies to lovers, because they are friends and partners first. Then an assumed betrayal turns her against him – only to give him the opportunity to prove himself to her again and again. And boy does he. And the spice is gently spicing when they finally give into their feelings. I highlighted so many quotes but here’s some for your enjoyment:

“I knew you were mine the day you left sea glass in my pocket.”

and

“But it’s time you learned the first rule of Gavin Blackwood: you’re my compass, and I’ll follow you to the end.”

FMC: Marin is a great main character – strong and fierce. Never giving up. Living by her code and promises made (down to leaving behind some sea glass after each treasure heist – a trade, not a theft). All while dealing with trauma and distrust. Everything she does is for others over herself.

If a fast-paced magical heist book with and a deliciously lovable MMC is your thing – and why wouldn’t he be – you’ll enjoy this read. I read it mostly over one weekend, which is saying a lot for my schedule. Solid 4.5 stars.

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