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A Sea of Doubt and Desire
Cordelia’s life has never been her own. Guided by visions and bound to prophecy, every step she takes leads toward the same inevitable fate. As the Sea Witch, she carries a centuries-old curse—one that drains her body, haunts her mind, and demands an impossible price. Breaking it would mean freedom. Failing would mean condemning herself to the same tragic cycle as the women before her. But when fate delivers a ruthless, power-hungry pirate into her path, even her iron resolve begins to waver.
Amaro Villiers has spent his life chasing power, bending the sea and its dangers to his will. Beneath the sharp edge of his ambition lies a singular obsession—immortality. When his pursuit leads him to Cordelia, he expects a bargain. Instead, he finds a woman who defies him at every turn, a force as untamable as the ocean itself. She is the key to the future he craves… but each moment in her presence forces him to question the cost of the life he’s always wanted.
As they sail toward the heart of Cordelia’s past, an ancient terror rises from the depths—a monstrous entity bound to her blood, seeking to claim what was promised long ago. The sea churns with the echoes of a curse centuries in the making, and with each passing moment, the line between destiny and choice blurs.
Magic alone will not save them. And love may not be enough to rewrite the ending that’s been waiting for them both.
A Sea of Doubt and Desire is a sweeping fantasy romance filled with high-seas adventure, dark bargains, and a love that defies fate itself. While it can be read as a standalone, it is the second installment in the interconnected Love from the Deep series—perfect for readers who crave passion, peril, and a touch of magic in their romances.
Amaro Villiers has spent his life chasing power, bending the sea and its dangers to his will. Beneath the sharp edge of his ambition lies a singular obsession—immortality. When his pursuit leads him to Cordelia, he expects a bargain. Instead, he finds a woman who defies him at every turn, a force as untamable as the ocean itself. She is the key to the future he craves… but each moment in her presence forces him to question the cost of the life he’s always wanted.
As they sail toward the heart of Cordelia’s past, an ancient terror rises from the depths—a monstrous entity bound to her blood, seeking to claim what was promised long ago. The sea churns with the echoes of a curse centuries in the making, and with each passing moment, the line between destiny and choice blurs.
Magic alone will not save them. And love may not be enough to rewrite the ending that’s been waiting for them both.
A Sea of Doubt and Desire is a sweeping fantasy romance filled with high-seas adventure, dark bargains, and a love that defies fate itself. While it can be read as a standalone, it is the second installment in the interconnected Love from the Deep series—perfect for readers who crave passion, peril, and a touch of magic in their romances.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2025
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
E. M. Barne
4 books4 followersE. M. Barne has been captivated by storytelling and romance ever since she picked up her first romance novel as a teenager. She loves creating passionate tales where love conquers all—and happily ever afters are non-negotiable. A hopeless romantic at heart, her books offer readers a thrilling escape into love’s most beautiful stories. E. M. Barne currently resides in Minnesota, where she’s hard at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 29, 2025
This was definitely a step up from Book 1. I really liked the direction the story took, especially the dynamic between the sea witch and the pirate—it added a fresh and engaging twist. Their chemistry brought a new energy to the narrative, and I found myself more invested in their storyline than I expected.
The character development also felt stronger this time around, and the world-building continued to be a highlight. While it’s not a perfect read, it had enough depth and intrigue to keep me turning the pages.
Overall, A Sea of Doubt and Desire is a solid continuation of the series, and worth picking up if you enjoyed the first book or are looking for a fantasy romance with a unique edge.
The character development also felt stronger this time around, and the world-building continued to be a highlight. While it’s not a perfect read, it had enough depth and intrigue to keep me turning the pages.
Overall, A Sea of Doubt and Desire is a solid continuation of the series, and worth picking up if you enjoyed the first book or are looking for a fantasy romance with a unique edge.
May 12, 2025
The second book in the Love from the Deep series follows Cordelia, the Sea Witch, after her deal with Aurelia. Left on her island with the vicious pirate Amari Villiers, Cordelia must convince him to help her break the curse that has bound her bloodline for centuries. She has manipulated fate for decades to get this man on her shore, and she knows exactly what price to dangle before him, but can they handle everything else fate has in store on their journey to release her from the pursuit of the Kraken?
I received an ARC of this novel and am leaving an honest review.
This book builds off the first one so well. I found the characters to be much more captivating and rounded. They are both complex. Cordelia and Amaro both go after what they want without restraint, but this instinct stems from different places in them both, giving them individuality in their similarities. Even the side characters have depth.
The characters react to the settings really well too. We get a lot of their personalities through how they interact with the world around them. I enjoyed every time they entered a new place because it was beautifully written and we learned something new about the characters each time.
There was some unnecessary smut, not too much, but that is just catering to a certain audience that I wouldn’t necessarily say I fall into. It wasn’t bad or anything, but I feel like smut should serve a purpose, and this was smut for the sake of smut.
In terms of plot, unlike the first book, the story was always going somewhere. It was logical and there was never a lag, which I greatly appreciated. All of the events built off each other in ways that made sense with the story and the characters as I had grown to know them. Sometimes things felt like they were wrapped up a little too perfectly, but it was kind of nice. E.M. Barne writes romance, so that is to be expected in some ways.
The third book comes out later this year, I believe, and I hope to have the opportunity to read it. Thank you!
I received an ARC of this novel and am leaving an honest review.
This book builds off the first one so well. I found the characters to be much more captivating and rounded. They are both complex. Cordelia and Amaro both go after what they want without restraint, but this instinct stems from different places in them both, giving them individuality in their similarities. Even the side characters have depth.
The characters react to the settings really well too. We get a lot of their personalities through how they interact with the world around them. I enjoyed every time they entered a new place because it was beautifully written and we learned something new about the characters each time.
There was some unnecessary smut, not too much, but that is just catering to a certain audience that I wouldn’t necessarily say I fall into. It wasn’t bad or anything, but I feel like smut should serve a purpose, and this was smut for the sake of smut.
In terms of plot, unlike the first book, the story was always going somewhere. It was logical and there was never a lag, which I greatly appreciated. All of the events built off each other in ways that made sense with the story and the characters as I had grown to know them. Sometimes things felt like they were wrapped up a little too perfectly, but it was kind of nice. E.M. Barne writes romance, so that is to be expected in some ways.
The third book comes out later this year, I believe, and I hope to have the opportunity to read it. Thank you!
May 30, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cordelia is a witch with a bloodline curse. Captain Amaro Villiers wants immortality. And she is the one who can give it to him.
But first, he has to help her break the curse.
And, of course, NOT fall in love in the process.
Cordelia needs three items to break her bloodline curse: a mermaid's tear, a selkie's pelt, and the blood of the Kraken. Every full moon, the pull of the sea and the monster is so strong that she cannot control it. Her visions guide her where she needs to go. She knows what the future holds - but only up to a certain point, and she doesn't know why. All she knows is that whatever that moment is, it will be her fate.
Cordelia is a wonderful character, full of deep inner thoughts and determination. She knows what she has to do, and while some of the decisions she has to make hurt others, she tries to offer something in return. The lore behind Cordelia's curse, I think, is the best part of the whole book. It's the part that grabbed me and made me read more. It had its own life, and Cordelia knew she would succumb to or conquer it with or without romance.
Amaro is the typical MMC. Conflicted, attached to no one, vicious and ruthless with his crew, he falls fast.
The book is well paced. At first, I thought the rhyming spell thing was a bit cheesy, but I didn't mind it too much when I realized how well the stanzas were done. The romance was believable, and the ending was perfect. Great read!
I didn't know there was a first book; if I had, I would have had a bit more context for the start of Cordelia's journey, but it's summed up enough for you to know what happened. This can be read as a stand-alone.
Cordelia is a witch with a bloodline curse. Captain Amaro Villiers wants immortality. And she is the one who can give it to him.
But first, he has to help her break the curse.
And, of course, NOT fall in love in the process.
Cordelia needs three items to break her bloodline curse: a mermaid's tear, a selkie's pelt, and the blood of the Kraken. Every full moon, the pull of the sea and the monster is so strong that she cannot control it. Her visions guide her where she needs to go. She knows what the future holds - but only up to a certain point, and she doesn't know why. All she knows is that whatever that moment is, it will be her fate.
Cordelia is a wonderful character, full of deep inner thoughts and determination. She knows what she has to do, and while some of the decisions she has to make hurt others, she tries to offer something in return. The lore behind Cordelia's curse, I think, is the best part of the whole book. It's the part that grabbed me and made me read more. It had its own life, and Cordelia knew she would succumb to or conquer it with or without romance.
Amaro is the typical MMC. Conflicted, attached to no one, vicious and ruthless with his crew, he falls fast.
The book is well paced. At first, I thought the rhyming spell thing was a bit cheesy, but I didn't mind it too much when I realized how well the stanzas were done. The romance was believable, and the ending was perfect. Great read!
I didn't know there was a first book; if I had, I would have had a bit more context for the start of Cordelia's journey, but it's summed up enough for you to know what happened. This can be read as a stand-alone.
June 4, 2025
This book was alright. It wasn't "Oh my gosh this is amazing!" and it wasn't "Ugh this book absolutely SUCKS." it was just mid. The story started slow in my opinion and for a book that claims it can be read as a stand alone it makes SO MANY references to occurrences, and characters from book one that it was a drag and while at first raised some curiosity just made me grow increasingly frustrated as I read. It felt like the author was relying too heavily on things from book one, while also trying to keep it sort of vague, for anyone who hadn't read it. I know it's meant to pique interest and get book one picked up.
It's had the exact opposite effect on me in any case and I will NOT be reading book one, three, or any others. The slow burn enemies to lovers felt less than realistic at times, and sort of shoe horned into the story at others. In all just not one of my favorite reads but your mileage may vary.
There's some smut that I guess makes some sense, close/semi forced proximity aboard and ship and all and the lone female passenger of course Amaro is going to lay claim to a fairly willing Cordelia but on the same note I don't know that the story necessarily NEEDED these scenes. It felt like chapter filler more than anything, but that could just be me. I read a lot of spicy books and I usually skip over the spice for the main story (you can only read spicy scenes so many times before they're samey after all.)
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
It's had the exact opposite effect on me in any case and I will NOT be reading book one, three, or any others. The slow burn enemies to lovers felt less than realistic at times, and sort of shoe horned into the story at others. In all just not one of my favorite reads but your mileage may vary.
There's some smut that I guess makes some sense, close/semi forced proximity aboard and ship and all and the lone female passenger of course Amaro is going to lay claim to a fairly willing Cordelia but on the same note I don't know that the story necessarily NEEDED these scenes. It felt like chapter filler more than anything, but that could just be me. I read a lot of spicy books and I usually skip over the spice for the main story (you can only read spicy scenes so many times before they're samey after all.)
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
April 27, 2025
A swashbuckling, magical romance! I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written, detailed, and beautifully paced story, from its evocative beginning to its thrilling (and satisfying) end. This is a classic romance novel, with a twist: the exciting bad-boy hero is in fact a devastatingly sexy pirate captain with a lust for immortality, and the virginal heroine is a powerful sea witch who is using him to break a family curse. If that's not exciting enough, throw in some magical sea creatures, a mystery to unravel, and plenty of romantic shenanigans, and all together it makes for a really fantastic read.
I received an advance copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily to share my honest opinion with others. That opinion is: READ IT! I loved the relationship with this sexy pirate captain (I'd definitely sit on his knee, for sure), and the strong, yet human character of Cordelia herself. The plot is exciting, with a surprise in every chapter, and I kept eagerly reading on to find out how the characters got through each challenge. In fact, I think I have found a new favorite historical-fantasy romance author, and I'll certainly be checking out more of her work.
I received an advance copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily to share my honest opinion with others. That opinion is: READ IT! I loved the relationship with this sexy pirate captain (I'd definitely sit on his knee, for sure), and the strong, yet human character of Cordelia herself. The plot is exciting, with a surprise in every chapter, and I kept eagerly reading on to find out how the characters got through each challenge. In fact, I think I have found a new favorite historical-fantasy romance author, and I'll certainly be checking out more of her work.
May 2, 2025
**ARC Review**
Someone get me a first-class cabin on the SS Amaro, stat—preferably one with a view of his smolder. I don’t just want to be near the man, I want to be within dramatic-sighing distance. Look, I’ve always been a “touch her and die” kind of reader, but Amaro takes it to a whole new obsessive alpha with a map and murder in his eyes level. Cordelia could sneeze near another man and Amaro would declare war.
Their relationship? It unfolds like a spicy, slow-burn treasure hunt—think National Treasure, but if Nicolas Cage had cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass and couldn’t stop growling “she’s mine” every five pages. It’s adventurous, it’s whimsical, and honestly? It gave me all the feels.
The characters? Instantly likable. The backstory? Chef’s kiss. The whole book feels like it was wrapped up in an enchanted pink bow and handed to me by a mischievous sea nymph.
Final verdict: if you like your romance with magic, mystery, and a man who would absolutely burn the world down for his woman, this Romantasy is calling your name.
Someone get me a first-class cabin on the SS Amaro, stat—preferably one with a view of his smolder. I don’t just want to be near the man, I want to be within dramatic-sighing distance. Look, I’ve always been a “touch her and die” kind of reader, but Amaro takes it to a whole new obsessive alpha with a map and murder in his eyes level. Cordelia could sneeze near another man and Amaro would declare war.
Their relationship? It unfolds like a spicy, slow-burn treasure hunt—think National Treasure, but if Nicolas Cage had cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass and couldn’t stop growling “she’s mine” every five pages. It’s adventurous, it’s whimsical, and honestly? It gave me all the feels.
The characters? Instantly likable. The backstory? Chef’s kiss. The whole book feels like it was wrapped up in an enchanted pink bow and handed to me by a mischievous sea nymph.
Final verdict: if you like your romance with magic, mystery, and a man who would absolutely burn the world down for his woman, this Romantasy is calling your name.
May 11, 2025
A Sea of Doubt and Desire by E.M. Barne is the story of Cordelia, a witch who is cursed and who wants the help of Pirate Amaro to lift this curse. In return she will make him immortal.
Reading this book was a lovely surprise. The story is engaging and as there is a lot a mystery and magic, I loved reading it. Both Cordelia and Amaro are great characters and their interaction and growing relationship was wonderful. There is an enemies to lovers trope and that made for great reading. The things Cordelia needs to lift her curse are not easy to find and she finds it hard to hurt people. Amaro thinks she is just a cruel witch, but as he spends more time with her, he gets to know her more. The writing style is great, flowing and the world-building is amazing.
Although this book is the second book in a series, it is a standalone. I will definitely look out for that book and other books E.M. Barne has written or will write in the future, as I loved reading A Sea of Doubt and Desire a lot.
Reading this book was a lovely surprise. The story is engaging and as there is a lot a mystery and magic, I loved reading it. Both Cordelia and Amaro are great characters and their interaction and growing relationship was wonderful. There is an enemies to lovers trope and that made for great reading. The things Cordelia needs to lift her curse are not easy to find and she finds it hard to hurt people. Amaro thinks she is just a cruel witch, but as he spends more time with her, he gets to know her more. The writing style is great, flowing and the world-building is amazing.
Although this book is the second book in a series, it is a standalone. I will definitely look out for that book and other books E.M. Barne has written or will write in the future, as I loved reading A Sea of Doubt and Desire a lot.
April 28, 2025
Wow! This book has everything you could want. This strong sea witch wields lifetimes of magical wisdom carried down through mothers to daughters. Cursed by a family fate she will take you along her journey to brake the curse holding her captive. Of course she meets a sexy bad boy pirate captain who is looking to change his fate as well. He seeks immortality. Being the wicked sea witch she is, she promises just that, as long as he can help her on her journey. The love story that comes from the intertwined fates will leave you feeling the magic. The mystical sea creatures they meet along the way and family members, seem to help fate takes it course. With a decision at the end that can only be made by the shaping of our past lives and the want for the best future. No vision could have told you the truth about how the story ends.
I absolutely recommend this beautiful novel. It’s a classic with all its twists and mysteries along the way.
I absolutely recommend this beautiful novel. It’s a classic with all its twists and mysteries along the way.
June 22, 2025
I enjoyed the first book I bought in paperback, and was hesitant to read this second book because of how Amaro was portrayed in the first book as well as the synopsis here. Still, I purchased the paperback anyway. I am EVER so glad that I gave this book a chance! Building on the first story, and focusing on Cordelia and her curse, I found this novel to be FAR better than the first and I couldn't put it down! A quick favorite on my shelf with a spicy romance that sizzled on the page! The author kept me guessing just when I thought I had things figured out during the course of Cordelia's quest to procure the items needed to break her curse and Amaro's desire for immortality. It also appears that the author is working on a THIRD in this series..... and I will snap it up as soon as it is available, to be certain!
May 12, 2025
This is the second book in a series, and I did not read the first -- I love a good sequel/follow-up that brings threads from the first to reward those readers, but can also be an enjoyable ride for a new reader just jumping in! This story was just that, and I really liked the character arcs of Cordelia and Amaro. This series is inspired by the little mermaid, but told from the POV of the sea witch. Some tropes were overused, but I found it an easy and enjoyable read overall. Slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance with nods to mythology throughout. Moderately spicy, with open-door scenes in the latter half of the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2025
A beautiful story filled with raw emotion and contemplation on how our past shapes our lives, but does not have to define them forever.
As it has been some time since I read the first publication in this series, I did have a little trouble recalling the events mentioned in the early chapters of this book. So I'd recommend reading the books in succession for it to be more enjoyable.
I cannot wait for further entries to this series and absolutely adore the blend of romance and fantasy elements.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
As it has been some time since I read the first publication in this series, I did have a little trouble recalling the events mentioned in the early chapters of this book. So I'd recommend reading the books in succession for it to be more enjoyable.
I cannot wait for further entries to this series and absolutely adore the blend of romance and fantasy elements.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
May 2, 2025
I had really enjoyed the Tides of Loss and Longing, it was a strong opening chapter and was excited for the sequel in this series. Love from the Deep does a fantastic job in creating a second book that I was hoping for and the characters were used perfectly in this world and had that magic that I enjoyed from this story. E. M. Barnes has a strong writing style and was glad it had that feel that I enjoyed from the first book and improved on this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2025
Wow, what a fantastic story! A deal is made between the Sea Witch and a feisty pirate. Each is content to use the other anyway possible to attain their goal. I enjoyed the pirate storyline. Amaro is an authentic pirate, sailing the seas and living life as he chooses, no holds barred. Cordelia is the Sea Witch bound by a family curse, one which she endeavors to break. Can they each get what they desire or does fate have something else in store for them? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 15, 2025
A Sea of Doubt of Desire was such an incredible book to read! From the pirates to the spicy scenes to the storyline, this book completely had me in a chokehold. I didn't want to put it down because I didn't want to miss a single second of Amaro and Cordelia's adventure on the sea. Cordelia wants to break a curse with a deadly creature and needs Amaro's help along the way.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next book!
I received a advanced copy for free and this is my honest review
I'm definitely looking forward to the next book!
I received a advanced copy for free and this is my honest review
April 24, 2025
When the characters in a story stick with after you’ve finished the book, those are my favorites. This book did that. A wonderful story that is never boring. I found it hard to put down. It has it all, action, mystery, fantasy, romance, lifelong friendships, and complex characters. I look forward to this authors next book in the series.
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May 14, 2025Honestly was one of the best slow burns I have read. The way both their lives alligned gave me the cutests vibes ever. Her being a marine biologist and him being a sailor just allinged in life and proves the string theory works. The author put their all into this making the book lyrical and emotional for all the readers to see. If you do enjoy a thoughtful slow burn you're gonna love this one.
May 19, 2025
She is a sea witch and she wants to break the curse she is now under. Meanwhile he wants to live forever and he knows she may be just what he needs but there will be a twist. He finds he wants more of her especially as she fights against his need. See where it will all go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a delightful read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a delightful read
May 21, 2025
Reading A Sea of Doubt of Desire was an amazing experience! I was totally engrossed in this novel, from the premise to the steamy parts to the pirates. Not wanting to miss a moment of Amaro and Cordelia's maritime journey, I didn't want to put it down. Cordelia will need Amaro's assistance in order to break a curse with a terrible beast. Looking forward to the next book 📚💙
May 21, 2025
I enjoy a lot when a story surprises me: Not only there are elements this read promised here but also action, worldbuilding - with a logic -, mystery, magic. I've loved Cordelia and Amaro - the main characters - and how complex are.
June 23, 2025
This book was a good read, it kept my attention and was hard to put down, wanting to see want came next.
Great imagination into the other world where there are Sea Witches, Krakens and other creatures.
Kris P.
Great imagination into the other world where there are Sea Witches, Krakens and other creatures.
Kris P.
May 14, 2025
Slow burn, but once it starts.... oh my! Let's just say I would like a pirate captian of my own ;)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 21, 2025
this story pulled you in and entraped you into their world. lots of action and adventure to keep you wanting more. a fantastic story !
May 25, 2025
I loved the writing of this second book! The idea of the sea witch having a love interest was so exciting to me! The MMC was fabulous and he reminded me a lot of kingfisher if he was a pirate haha! This FMC was so much fun too! She was strong and I loved seeing her internal battle with herself as she is fighting to overcome something that has completely ruled the generations before her. I think this would have been a five star for me if the solution to their problem was a bit more complicated?! Perhaps?! Overall really enjoyable and I did not expect to love a pirate romance as much as I did!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews