"Sea of Evil and Desire" by J. Strelou is a captivating dive into a world brimming with dark mer fantasy and irresistible romance. While it started off a little slow for me, once the story picked up, it became absolutely unputdownable! This debut is a strong 4 out of 5 stars, and I'm already eager for more.

What truly set this book apart and kept me utterly hooked was the rich blend of folklore and mystery. The way J. Strelou weaves in Scottish and Celtic mythology around Mer, Selkies, and ancient feuds is simply masterful. It creates an incredibly atmospheric and unique setting in Ruadán's Port that felt both eerie and enchanting. The underlying mystery, revolving around an ancient prophecy and a hidden world beneath the waves, kept me constantly guessing and eager to uncover the truth.

The romance between Morgana and Finn is another major highlight. It's a slow-burn with palpable chemistry, building from intriguing tension to a truly compelling connection. Finn, the dark and enigmatic Mer, is utterly captivating, and Morgana's journey of self-discovery as she's drawn into his world is incredibly engaging. Their dynamic is the heart of the story, making every interaction count.

While the initial chapters felt a touch slow as the world was being established, this minor point quickly faded into the background as the plot gained momentum. The lyrical prose and immersive descriptions are beautiful, pulling you deep into this dangerous and alluring underwater realm.

Overall, if you're looking for a dark fantasy romance that blends unique folklore, a gripping mystery, and a tantalizing slow-burn romance into an addictive read, then "Sea of Evil and Desire" is definitely one to pick up. J. Strelou has crafted an impressive debut that promises an epic saga!

at the start I was immersed and I did enjoy it but the more I read the more red flags were popping up for me. the characters in this did not read their age. the main character is 20 and she felt 16. one of the love interests is 28, and again he read 16/17. other than the romance, this book read like a middle grade book: the plot, the writing, the characters.

the story took so long to begin and it felt like I was reading set up for the first 40%.

it did pick up around the 60% mark but unfortunately it was not enough for me to rate the book as a whole higher.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this book, but I DNFd at 46%. I feel like the writing was familiar and the concept was interesting it was overall wasn’t for me. There were a few spots where I felt like there was logic that didn’t add up, like the fmc age was ambiguous bc she said the girl was supposed to be going to college but also said she was 4 yours younger than another character that they said was 20 and she was from the modern US where a majority of college students start at at least 18. A 16yr old fmc is too young for me. They also reference Instagram and Netflix and chill and that wasn’t a major ick for me but it’s not preferred. And there’s a line where the mmc compares fmc eyes to aquamarine and then also calls them emeralds in the same line… and those are 2 very different things imo. I also felt like it was kind of slow for an urban fantasy. Overall I just wasn’t enthusiastic about it unfortunately. I might come back to it later but for now I would just prefer to read something I I'm really captivated by

Sea of Evil and Desire gets a solid 3.5 stars from me! I was completely drawn in by the *incredible lore and world-building*, especially the fascinating underwater society of the Mer and the Drowned – their ancient feud, politics, and unique culture were the absolute highlight. The atmospheric setting on a superstitious Scottish isle was perfectly moody and immersive, too. Morgana's empathy power was an intriguing hook, and Finn was suitably mysterious.

Why not higher? While the world shone, the central romance between Morgana and Finn felt "rushed". Their fated connection lacked the deep development needed to feel truly earned, making it harder to invest. The pacing also dragged a bit in the middle before picking up for the climax. Ultimately, the rich mythology and unique premise make this worth a read for fans of dark, folklore-inspired fantasy, and it feels like a promising series start – I just wanted "more" depth in the romance and a smoother flow.

Unfortunately I had to DNF this story because I couldn't get into the writing and the FMC annoyed me. She seemed very immature and it drove me nuts.

Was unsure when i first started the book then got sucked into a world of mer, selkie and drowned. The story keeps you wanting to know more, finding out the secrets that have been hidden for years.
I look forward to the next book as we are left of on a cliffhanger.

I was lucky enough to receive a PR box from the author, and everything was stunning from the packaging to the divine book cover and beautiful chapter headings. This was my first adult mermaid book, and it truly delivered!

The story was whimsical, immersive, and rich with world-building that felt natural and engaging. The underwater setting mixed with a small coastal town vibe gave it the perfect eerie-yet-cosy atmosphere

Tropes I loved: Dual POV, Dark & Mysterious MMC, Slow Burn, Political Intrigue, Unique Lore, Romantasy, and a magical Scotland setting. The mix of mer, selkies, sirens, and Drowned was fascinating, and I’m already eager to learn more in book two!

With layered twists, compelling characters, and a dark, mythical edge, this romantasy is a must-read for fans of sea lore and emotional depth. I’m already counting down to the sequel!

I love the world in this story! This book focuses on the relationships that matter to the story and I don’t find myself overly attached to any side characters. It’s really fun to read more about the history and the secrets of this new home for Morgana.

This is the first time I've ever read a mermaid inspired novel so it took me a little to get my head around the system and lore and different characters. Because of this, I really appreciated that it was a bit slower paced and I kind of felt I was learning along with Morgana (MMC) which gave me time to make sense of it all.

I did enjoy the storyline and I still have so many unanswered questions! The setting was absolute perfection and the descriptions and imagery were spot on.

I did feel that Finn and Morgana's relationship developed a little too quickly and I would have liked to see a little more angst or drama. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops in the next book as I still have trust issues when it comes to Finn! I liked Morgana as a strong, action driven FMC who still has doubts about Finn.
Overall it was a fun read that kept me reading and has me invested in what will happen next!

What an incredible debut novel full of such mystery and intrigue. Set in a rocky coastal town, this story literally will sweep you away! The world and the characters are so utterly enchanting that I felt like I was sucked into the story. This was so beautifully written.

Morgana and Finn have such magnetic chemistry together, I honestly look forward to reading about them more in book 2!

This novel had so much promise with the super unique interesting story line (mermaid tale set in a little Scottish town), but the main characters still needed some work and development.

Set against the rugged, myth-soaked beauty of the Scottish coast, this underwater fantasy featuring mermaids had so much potential. I really liked the stunning setting, both on land and beneath the water.
However, the pacing felt a bit uneven at times, and the romance between Finn and Morgana lacked the depth/ emotion I was hoping for. Their relationship needed more development, and I’m hopeful that the second book will explore their characters and development further.

Despite these issues, I still enjoyed the book, particularly the interesting curse that adds an extra layer of mystery to the story. While the first book had its flaws, I’m optimistic that the next book will build on this world and address the aspects that I felt were underdeveloped, and be an even better book.


3.25 stars

I was so lucky to receive a very special PR box from Julie that included the arc copy of this book, so before I get into this review, I just want to say a massive thank you to Julie. Hearing about this novel before I even received this PR box, I was very intrigued and excited to read. Who doesn’t want a dark fantasy that features Mermaids?

Right from the beginning, we immediately get swept away into an atmospheric, beautiful setting. Immediately, I was swept in and needed to know what was going to happen, so I flew through this book in no time.

You are thrown immediately into some action, and the plot continues to ramp up the more you read. It is so easy to get sucked in and never want to leave this world. Although the romance didn’t do a lot for me in this book due to not trusting a word out of Finn’s mouth, I am so intrigued to see where Julie takes us in book two. I want to love Finn, but I am giving him a serious side eye, and I believe this is what the author wants from us as we read this book.

I am so excited to read book two.

Rating: 4 ⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️

Sea of Evil and Desire is a unique spin on mermaid tails. I was absolutely hooked on the storyline and the mythology included. While some of the mythology is rooted in Scottish culture but there are also some interesting spins on common nautical lore.

I was fully immersed in the underwater world and ate it up. The imagery provided was absolutely gorgeous and I enjoyed the differences between different mythical creatures being explored.

Character wise, I really enjoyed Morgana and her resilience but Finn was...okay. Some of the internal dialogue from his POV was cringe. I also really didn't like some of the side characters - Skye just rubbed me the wrong way at times. That being said, I can see the potential for some character growth so I'm in.

Highly recommend checking out this book and I can't wait for book two.

So much went into the crafting of this book! And the storytelling was excellent, but it was a DNF for me because I just couldn't get into it. This isn't my normal genre, and I tried--I really did. In order to rate it, I read a few pages from each section and sort of assessed everything. I think people who like the genre will love it.

Thank you NetGalley and J Strelou for this ARC in exchange for a review. Sea of Evil and Desire had some genuinely compelling ideas. The underwater setting was rich with potential; moody, mysterious, and steeped in ocean mythology. These aspects gave the book a unique flavor and initially sparked my curiosity but unfortunately, the execution fell flat for me. The writing felt choppy and often awkward, making it difficult to stay engaged. The narrative flow was uneven, and the pacing seemed off throughout. Relationships between characters developed too quickly to feel believable, often coming across as superficial, emotionally immature and naïve. I really wanted to enjoy this book, and I still think it had the makings of something great but in the end, it just didn’t come together for me.

Throw me overboard with the fishes, because I absolutely devoured Sea of Evil and Desire.

When I heard there was going to be a smorgasbord of Mer people, gods, ghosts, drowned I was ready to fully immerse myself into the "under the sea" experience that was this book. This story is so unique in the way that it is set primarily in the depths of the ocean, and the worldbuilding and descriptions surrounding that underwater world were nothing short of brilliant.

The beginning of the story really captured my attention and had me utterly fixated, I just had to know how the story was going to progress and what sort of twisted tales were going to unfold.

Finn. Is he trustworthy? Is he actually a good guy? I've never been more conflicted on a character, because I want to trust him, but there's just something that doesn't sit quite right...? I'm intrigued to see how the relationship between Finn and Morgana develops over the next installment of this series, because I feel like there is still so much that we do not know.

Julia's writing is so poetically beautiful, making Sea of Evil and Desire such an easy world to be immersed into. I cannot wait to be able to dive right back into the world of the deep in the next book xx

Sea of Evil and Desire was an absolute roller coaster, and I am beyond grateful to have received an ARC- thank you J. Streulou and NetGalley for this opportunity!
Let’s start with the most important thing: this book deserves so much more love than it’s getting. This is my opinion, others may not like the book as much as I did.
This dark romantasy dives deep into grief, loss, self-discovery in your twenties, while also weaving in a forbidden romance and a vibrant new world in the sea. Morgana Scott, a quiet empath, feels others’ emotions as if they were her own. Raised by her cold, logic-bound mother Anna- who insists her ability is a “condition” needing treatment- Morgana’s life has been one of suppression and survival. But when her grandmother Iona dies under eerie ocean-scented circumstances, Morgana seizes the chance to escape the Midwest city life and move to her late grandmother’s coastal hometown in Scotland.

“The sea has a way of growing on you. It’s in your blood, whether you know it or not.”

There, in the remote fishing village of Ruadan’s Port, Morgana supports her grandfather Robbie and seeks the freedom she’s never had. As she settles in, working at a local tourist shop and befriending locals, she feels deeply drawn to the ocean- and to something ancient calling from its depths. Haunted by dreams of blood, red eyes, and a beautiful man with obsidian eyes, Morgana begins to unravel secrets long buried.

“Come, ye drunken sailors, to the bottom of the sea.
Come, ye sunken traitors, to swim eternally.”

When she meets Finn- the very man from her nightmares, and the only person immune to her empathic gift- their magnetic, forbidden connection ignites something powerful. As sea folklore, mysterious music beneath the waves, and chilling drownings begin to close in, Morgana must uncover the truth behind her family’s past, her grandmother’s death, overcome a dangerous attraction, and a prophecy that could change everything.

“Amor perdot nos. Love will destroy us.”


This book had me in a headlock from start to finish. I was constantly questioning not only Morgana’s choices, but my own assumptions. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, I realized I’d missed key clues- making each twist hit even harder. The tension between Morgana and Finn was unreal; I caught myself holding my breath during their scenes, heart skipping with every piece of dialogue and banter.

“I’ve never been scared of death, but now I’d go happily just knowing that we’ve had this.”

This story is rich with diverse, colorful characters, including LGBTQ+ representation, and an immersive world steeped in folklore: selkies, mermaids, sea monsters, and ancient gods that will leave you both haunted and enchanted. Each chapter builds suspense, layering secrets and emotions until the jaw-dropping ending that left me desperate for book two.
I had to pause between reading sessions just to breathe. The emotional depth, the heavy truths, and the fragile, blooming hope all made this truly a visceral experience. Morgana’s character development, in particular, stood out to me- especially given her age. She’s in her twenties, stumbling through identity, desire, and trauma, and that’s what makes her feel real.
Do we truly grow up, or just convince ourselves we have? She’s relatable to anyone who’s ever had a complicated past, struggled with love, or made impulsive, messy choices- because that’s what growth looks like. The “kicking my feet in the air” feelings, the emotional highs and lows, the naivete- we’ve all been there. Being legally an adult doesn’t mean you’ve figured out how to feel things you were never allowed to before.
And to those leaving harsh reviews or DNFing the book because Morgana “acts like a teenager” or the story “isn’t adult enough”- I’d challenge that perspective. This book is adult. It explores trauma, emotional suppression, and personal transformation. Morgana was raised in a controlling, emotionally sterile environment. Her growth isn’t immediate or clean- it’s raw, flawed, and incredible human. If you expect perfect maturity from page one, you’ll miss the entire point of her journey. That’s what real character development looks like: messy, gradual, and honest. But you have to finish the book to see it.

“I know I don’t deserve you- deserve this. I have tried to fight it, to focus on my duty, but you haunt me all the time, like the most beautiful fucking ghost.”

Fair warning: at times, you may resent both Finn and Morgana. Theres an arranged marriage, secrets, and moments where you’re not sure who or what to trust. But that only deepens the emotional stakes. You’ll be torn between love and duty, fate and freedom, and wondering whether Finn is part of the darkness beneath the waves- or trying to break free from the destiny that’s chained him.
Sea of Evil and Desire is a haunting, romantic, and myth-soaked journey through the unknown. If you’re looking for a predictable romantasy with tidy answers, this isn’t it. But if you’re open to a wild, emotional ride full of longing, lore, flawed humanity, and fate-twisted love- DIVE IN!




Content Warnings:
Explicit sexual scenes
Torture
Violence
Death/killing
Physical assault
Reference to domestic violence (not between MCs)
Sexual assault (not between MCs)
Mild sexualizing violence (not between MCs)
Mentions of rape (not between MCs)
Failed rape attempt
Murder
Descriptions of child abuse
Descriptions of abuse for sexual orientation
Explicit language

Tropes:
Dual POV
Small Scottish town
Slow burn romance
Age gap
Who did this to you?
Fate and prophecy
Mysterious and dark MMC
Relatable FMC
Mythology and Folklore of the sea

3.5 ⭐️An underwater mermaid romantasy set in an old little Scottish fishing town filled with myths and legends - how could I resist?!

I think there is so much potential and loves all the mythology with mermaid, selkies, sirens, and the drowned but I think the FMC and MMC need more development as I just wasn’t connecting with them as much as I would like but I have hope for future books that they will grow.

This is the first book (not sure how many there will be) so I did find the first half a little slow as we set the scene and got through the world building. I think the reveals could have been a little faster as I felt myself just wanting to get to the plot.

Overall I liked it and it was an enjoyable read especially for someone who absolutely loves anything to do with the ocean.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Julia Strelou for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m looking forward to the next book and diving back into Finn and Morgana’s world (sorry I couldn’t resist 😂)

Sea of Evil and Desire swept me off my feet and into a world of folklore fantasy and romantic chaos that I never wanted to leave. From the very first page, I was hooked — the plot is gripping, the world-building is lush and immersive, and the tension between characters crackles with every word. This book is flawlessly paced — not too fast, not too slow — just perfectly balanced to keep you turning pages without even realizing you're doing it.
The writing is beautiful, lyrical, and haunting in all the best ways. The main character was everything I hoped for — strong, complex, and emotionally grounded. And the romance? Utterly addictive.
"Love destroys us in the most devastatingly beautiful way… and I would destroy myself a thousand times for you.”
(That line lives in my head.)
I couldn’t stop reading it, and when I did, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I already need the next book.