🪸ARC Review 🪸

The ocean’s waves call to you, the wind begins to howl as you step into the water, an eerie tune drifting to your ears…luring you in. This is a story filled with magical kingdoms deep below the sea, immortal pirates, Mer, selkies, and so much more. If you’re a fan of forbidden love, ancient prophesies, and coming of age storylines this may be for you.

What I loved:
🪸 The concept of the drowned, the unfortunate souls who are taken by the sea, stuck in a purgatory of sorts was fascinating. Their storyline gave me vibes similar to the tv show School Spirits.
🪸 The kingdoms under the sea are what drew me to this story and they were indeed magical. Libraries, castles, sunken ships to explore deep in the depths? Yes, please!
🪸 Myths and Legends abound in this novel. We don’t just have one or two we have five separate legends all living right under our very noses. I wanted more!

What I didn’t love:
🪸 Our main character is supposed to be 20 but how she talks and thinks is closer to a 16 yr old. She comes off as immature and naive for her age and it grated on me. To be fair, I do tend to judge my heroines with a harsher scale.
🪸 The love story was just okay for me. We had moments of beautiful prose and one line declarations that were great. However, they spent most of the time thinking about how hot they found each other. Not in the manner I love in a romantasy but in a cringe horny teenager style with no true substance. 🥴
🪸 No spoilers just know a character goes through a “transformation” and the description of it was unappealing. I adore all things shifters and found myself completely surprised I was so put off by this one. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Overall, I give it major points for creativity but the storyline lacked complexity or depth. This should have been a YA book. If you’re a vibe reader this might not bother you. I just found myself wanting so much more from the story and ultimately it was not my cup of tea. 2 STARS. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sea of Evil and Desire by J. Strelou is an addictive plunge into a dark, atmospheric fantasy romance that masterfully blends small-town mystery, ancient prophecies, and irresistible slow-burn tension. Morgana is a relatable and compelling heroine, and the windswept Isle of Islay setting adds a haunting, immersive backdrop to her journey of self-discovery and danger. Strelou weaves in layers of folklore, fate, and emotional depth, while the chemistry between Morgana and Finn crackles with just the right mix of mystery and spice. With morally grey characters, unexpected twists, and a lush, eerie atmosphere, this is a 4-star read that will leave fans of dark fantasy romance desperate for the next tide to roll in.

*4.5* Thank you to J. Strelou and NetGallery for giving me an earc. This book comes out May 6th and I have to say I've really enjoyed this. I love the mythlogies and the world. Being in the ocean. Mermaids, etc. So much fun. I liked Morgana and how she is smart. Finn, I like him but I'm not too keen on the romance. I mean I like it but not obsessed with it as I feel like they like each other a little fast. But I really love the character development we have with Finn and Morgana so I am excited to continue on the series.

I really wished I liked this since I have been a junkie for seafolk / mermaid lore for almost the entirety of my life. But it fell flat for me.

I know this takes place in an urban setting, but it felt really hard for me to visualize the worldbuilding, as well as the locations of places.

I also thought Morgana and Finn’s dynamic felt quite forced, and it was almost a dnf for me.

The plot has potential, but I don’t think I could move onto the sequel.

Thank you Netgalley

WOW! I absolutely loved reading this book, I loved the unique magic system and the plot and romance was perfect.

Will definitely read the next book and cant wait to see how the story continues.

Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this book before release. I was really drawn to the concept and thought the blend of romance and fantasy sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the writing style and the characters, and the story just didn’t end up hooking me the way I thought it would. I think I expected the fantasy element to be incorporated a little bit different. However, I can definitely see the appeal for readers who enjoy a slower build, but personally, it didn’t quite work for me. I think fans of the show H2O would probably enjoy this one.

This book is unique and interesting, it is so much more than just a story about mermaids. I loved how easy it was to get into the story. The book is original because of the settings and the folklore included in it; I have never heard of some of the creatures included in this book. The story was engaging and immersive. The characters had depth, and you could feel for them. I would say, if you dislike books with a lot of description, it might not be for you. So much happened in that book, it could have benefited from being a bit slower at times and more developed. The ending was a bit of a letdown for me, because it was left in the middle of the main quest. However, I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

✨ Ever had a moment where a book just calls your name? 📚 When I first saw this one filled with Scottish folklore and mythical tales, I knew I had to dive in! Julia has this amazing talent for painting the story with her words. From the very first paragraph, I felt like I was living in the pages 🌊

Even though the writing style wasn’t my favorite, the story truly swept me away. I loved exploring the world of mermaids, Selkies, and the legends of the drowned. Have you ever read a book that took you on a magical journey?

Sea of Evil and Desire had an intriguing premise and delivered a romance that kept me turning the pages. The chemistry between the leads was definitely the highlight — full of tension, longing, and just enough angst to keep things interesting. I found myself rooting for them even when the plot itself felt a bit uneven.

While the worldbuilding and pacing didn’t always fully pull me in, the emotional pull between the characters made up for a lot. I especially enjoyed the moments where their connection deepened through small, vulnerable exchanges. It’s the kind of romance that simmers under the surface, which I really appreciated.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, especially for romance lovers looking for a story that blends danger, desire, and a hint of darkness. I just wish the plot had been a little tighter to match the strength of the romance.

This. This is the summer vibe.
Magic. Mermaids. Selkie. Secrets. Romance. Those 'bubbly' best friends that come around at the right times. Adventure!

I ate this book up. Enjoyed every moment. Loved the character development and the slow romance that blossomed between the two main characters. A 'can't be romance' but totally there.

This is a tale 'for those who want to believe magic exists. This could happen to you.' The moment I read that in the beginning of the book - I just knew it was going to be a good one.

Morgana is the name of the FMC - a young women who ends up going across sea to essentially live with her grandfather after her grandmother was murdered. While she's there she discovers the secrets within her family. Not only that but what she can become.

A whole new world is beneath the surface of the great blue and it is magical.

As much as I want to word vomit details. I don't want to spoil.
Overall I was so excited to read this. I know it'll be a book I read again but no on the kindle.

This is a story filled for more than one book but where this first one sets the pause is at a perfect point.

3.75 stars rounded up. This was a really unique story with great world building. I liked the ties to various mythologies, but the characters felt a bit flat for me. We get introduced to probably a dozen side characters and only 1 or 2 of them are important. There isn't really any time in the story dedicated to building emotion connections with the characters or between them and there are a lot of questions left unanswered. I think book 2 has the potential to be really great now that the world building is out of the way and there will be more time for emotional connections during their traveling. Overall, I think this was a decent debut novel with great potential for the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the free ARC.

Thank you NetGalley & Julia Strelou for an ARC of A Sea of Evil and Desire; I am humbled & honored to have been chosen!!

I really enjoyed Julia’s descriptive writing throughout the book. Descriptions of being underwater and the surroundings were beautifully done.

I felt like the attraction between Morgana and Finn was random and not fully developed besides an “insta love”. This made it challenging to understand their desire for each other and their love scene felt forced to me.

There were a lot of paragraphs and monologues - Edward with tons of history of everything and the journals. Feels like information is being forced at the reader rather than learned in a more digestible way.

Too many “parts” (on part 5 at only 64% through) with no real reason to why they begin. They don’t seem like they need to be there.

Morganas powers are super cool but the fact she was able to harness them right away (although not quite control them properly) seemed a bit far fetched. She didn’t have any training and seemed to be able to find the glowing orb within her super quickly.

Okay hear me out. Keri lake vibes but with mermaids. The suspenseful mystery lured me in and I was shooookith at that plot twist!!! I mean…can I get the 2nd one now??? Please 🖤

🌊 Welcome to Ruadán’s Port, where ancient curses sleep beneath the waves, and love might just be the most dangerous magic of all...

Sea of Evil and Desire is a moody, seductive plunge into dark Mer folklore, tangled prophecies, and forbidden romance. Set against the haunting backdrop of a windswept Scottish isle, this fantasy romance blends Celtic myth with slow-burn tension, otherworldly secrets, and a heroine with a heart as open as the sea.

Morgana Scott arrives in Islay grieving the death of her grandmother, only to find herself caught in a tide of eerie legends, whispers of Selkies, and a deepening connection with Finn—a magnetic stranger with secrets inked into his soul. The chemistry between them simmers, but fate has other plans, and a centuries-old feud between Mer and Drowned threatens to drag them both under.

The atmosphere is where this book truly shines: wild cliffs, crashing waves, and festivals steeped in superstition. As Samhain approaches and the veil between worlds thins, Morgana is forced to confront the truth of her family, her powers, and the ancient feud that threatens to pull her beneath the waves—heart first. Think eerie, salt-drenched settings, and Celtic folklore woven into a modern-day mystery.

✨ Perfect for fans of:
- Dark coastal folklore
- Tragic love stories wrapped in seafoam and prophecy

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gripping from the first page, this thriller delivers a fast-paced ride packed with suspense, twists, and tension that never lets up. With sharp writing and a plot full of dark secrets and unexpected turns, it’s the kind of book you’ll race through in one sitting.

This first book in what I’m sure will be a wonderful series is chock FULL of vibrant and magical world building. The whole ocean is well developed into different realms with different creatures and lore and characters.

I was entranced by the plot and each moment spent under the sea. I do wish Morgana was a bit older, the market is saturated with new adult romantasy stories, so having a more mature main character would be a bit different and more appealing to readers in outside of their 20s.

Would love to read the next book, it ends on a cliffhanger, so I hope there’s a second one in the works!

Thank you to NetGalley & the author for a copy to read and review!

Morgana travels to a tiny town in Scotland after her dear grandmother dies. She meets the locals and wants to help care for her grandfather during this challenging time, while also escaping her life in Kansas. She meets dark and mysterious Finn and feels an attraction that he quickly dismisses.
Fast forward, and Morgana is drawn to the sea and quickly learns she has a gift to shape-shift and spend time underwater where she meets the Drowned and learns about the various kingdoms and fiefdoms. Finn is essentially a mermaid and their underwater worlds collide.
This was out of my genre comfort zone and I enjoyed the fantastical environment and underwater descriptions.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance eARC.

This was a good book for sci fi romance. It is worth a read. I really couldn't get into it at first, but it got interesting.

I gave this book 2.5/5 stars! I enjoyed learning about the Irish / Scottish mythology and mer lore that encapsulates this novel. I just wish we had some more world building to flush out the storyline more and the character development. It felt like a lot was squished into one book and it left me confused a lot of the time.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review of my experience.

LORD HAVE MERCY ON MY SOUL. I am soooooooooooo mad at you author. How dareeeeeee... You left me on a cliffhanger. Now I have to wait for the next books.. because there will be next books *stare*.

Morganna, our FMC, starts the book out living in America. When her grandmother passes away and her grandfather is left on his own (because he doesn't do travel or even leaving the town), Morganna makes her way to the sleepy town of Ruadan's Port in Scotland. Little does she know, her family has a rich and mysterious history in this town.. and that rich and mysterious history comes out to play. Morganna finds out that nothing is as it seems.. not even our hunk of an MMC, "Finn". Morganna is about to embark on a journey that will literally have her questioning her sanity (and the confusing feelings in her pants).

This book is not a high spice book, but rather a very slow burn, tension filled story that will have you on the edge of your seat (I finished this in one sitting). The world building in this story is succinct and incredibly well thought out. I did not hate a single moment. The characters are all 3D and they grow together. Even the imagery is incredibly vivid.

I will, however admit that the ending was rushed and it could definitely have used some fleshing out. I would have liked to have seen a more cliffhangery cliffhanger, rather than just a story cutoff.

Genuinely.. if I have to wait years for the next book, I am going to be upset.