Cruise of Desire by Evelyn Marais -review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2025

Geneviève Moreau has spent the last decade pouring her heart into her charming Montréal café—serving croissants by day and avoiding heartbreak by night. But when she wins an unexpected ticket aboard the opulent *Queen Celestia*, sailing through the golden waters of the Caribbean, she sees it as nothing more than a sun-drenched escape.

Until she meets Alistair Wrenford—a devastatingly handsome Englishman with old money, sharp suits, and a secret restlessness that mirrors her own. Their chemistry is instant, their flirtation electric… but so are the complications.

Alistair is the object of every woman’s gaze, especially the dangerously seductive socialite Sienna Delacourt, who is used to getting what she wants. As champagne flows and passions rise, Geneviève is drawn into a glittering world of glamour, jealousy, and high-stakes emotion where one wrong step could sink more than just her heart.

Can love bloom amidst the waves, or will the tides of desire pull them apart?

Set against sunsets and scandal, Cruise of Desire is a bold, sultry romance of passion, betrayal, and second chances.

•••••••

REVIEW: Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean, we are on the luxurious Queen Celestia, Evelyn Marais’ “Cruise of Desire” takes us on a whirlwind journey of passion, betrayal, and self-discovery.

The story centers around Geneviève Moreau, a devoted café owner in Montréal who suddenly finds herself in an unexpected sun soaked adventure after winning a ticket for a cruise. (Lucky girl🤭) What follows is a tale of romance in high society.

From the very first page, we are given the vibrant atmosphere of the cruise, immersing us in the sights and sounds of the tropical setting. The descriptions are lush and vivid, painting a picture of a world filled with elegance, champagne, and stunning sunsets.

But not all is as it seems in this beautiful paradise…..

Geneviève is a great character, we watch as she struggles to adjust to the rich lifestyle onboard the cruise liner. Her life hasn’t been easy…. Putting everything into her little cafe, love has had to take a back seat.

But this is her moment to grab, and she does it with both hands….

Her chemistry with Alistair Wrenford, the dashing Englishman shrouded in mysteries of his own, crackles off the pages. Their flirtation is fun to read, and i do wanted them both to size the moment, but as with most stories, it’s not that simple!

Alistair’s character had both charm and hidden vulnerabilities. I wouldn’t say he’s been my most favourite of male characters, but he had a certain way with him. 😉

However, when the introduction of Sienna Delacourt, is added (oh she definitely likes to make both an entrance and a statement) sparks of jealousy can be seen across the room! (She wants Alistair, and will have him at any cost!)

The plot unfolds with twists that kept me engaged. I loved the twists, jealousy and how sometimes we don’t always get what we want.

In summary, “Cruise of Desire” is a lighthearted and sultry tale that navigates life, love and ambition against a stunning, sun-drenched backdrop.

Filled with emotional depth and great characters, the author delivers a story that is as intoxicating as a glass of fine champagne.

It’s a perfect pick for fans of romantic escapism who seek a story that balances passion with a quest for identity and belonging.

Copy supplied for review

Review by Julie🦋