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RomantiSea Serenades #3
Scarlet Wave: Second chance, found family contemporary romance
Scarlet Bellari has built a life that sparkles on paper. A thriving career, a glamorous Miami address, and the kind of polish that looks enviable from the outside. What no one sees is the exhaustion beneath the shine. Years spent climbing the ladder left little room for romance, and she long ago decided she was better off avoiding the gym bros and finance guys who clutter dating apps. When her best friend drags her on a singles cruise, Scarlet braces herself for sunburns, umbrella drinks, and a week of forced small talk she has no interest in.
Then she meets Jerry Duncan, a single dad and soldier whose quiet steadiness unsettles her in a way she never expected. His soft humor, worn-in dad-bod, and patient attention are unlike anything she has found in the endless scroll of dating profiles. What starts as teasing banter quickly turns into something deeper, the kind of connection that feels too real to dismiss as just vacation fun.
Scarlet is independent to her core, but Jerry’s presence makes her question whether she has been performing success instead of living it. The cruise becomes more than poolside flirting and late-night cocktails. It becomes a chance to practice vulnerability, to glimpse what found family could feel like, and to remember that joy does not have to be earned. Falling in love at sea is effortless, but Scarlet knows the real test will come when the ship returns to port and life demands more than escape.
Scarlet Wave is the companion to Golden Shores, each telling one side of a slow-burn romance that blends grumpy with sunshine, strangers to lovers, and the magic of discovering something real in the last place you expected. Read together or alone, they reveal how true connection can change the tide of everything.
Then she meets Jerry Duncan, a single dad and soldier whose quiet steadiness unsettles her in a way she never expected. His soft humor, worn-in dad-bod, and patient attention are unlike anything she has found in the endless scroll of dating profiles. What starts as teasing banter quickly turns into something deeper, the kind of connection that feels too real to dismiss as just vacation fun.
Scarlet is independent to her core, but Jerry’s presence makes her question whether she has been performing success instead of living it. The cruise becomes more than poolside flirting and late-night cocktails. It becomes a chance to practice vulnerability, to glimpse what found family could feel like, and to remember that joy does not have to be earned. Falling in love at sea is effortless, but Scarlet knows the real test will come when the ship returns to port and life demands more than escape.
Scarlet Wave is the companion to Golden Shores, each telling one side of a slow-burn romance that blends grumpy with sunshine, strangers to lovers, and the magic of discovering something real in the last place you expected. Read together or alone, they reveal how true connection can change the tide of everything.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2025
About the author
J.D. Harbor
6 books26 followersJ.D. Harbor is a romance author who blends love, self-discovery, and adventure in his cruise-themed novel series, RomantiSea Serenades. The series takes place aboard the luxurious fictional ship Elysian Serenade, with each pair of companion novels following a different couple as they navigate emotional growth and unexpected connection at sea.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 15, 2025
I’m wrecked, but in the best possible way. Please have tissue on hand if you’re going to read this. Because it will have you all up in your emotions. Scarlet is on a singles cruise, by the insistence of her sister and best friend. She needs this, and they know it. So what the heck, Scarlet hops on board. She isn’t looking for love, but just to wind down from life in general.
But she runs into Jerry. A single military man with two special needs sons. And she’s finding herself really drawn to him. But she starts thinking about if she gets involved win she be able to handle everything that comes with him?
This story was so sweet, so heartfelt. I absolutely fell in love with both main characters. It’s a definite must read for sure. I’m so glad that I was able to arc read this book. It was spectacular.
But she runs into Jerry. A single military man with two special needs sons. And she’s finding herself really drawn to him. But she starts thinking about if she gets involved win she be able to handle everything that comes with him?
This story was so sweet, so heartfelt. I absolutely fell in love with both main characters. It’s a definite must read for sure. I’m so glad that I was able to arc read this book. It was spectacular.
March 29, 2026
A story of finding love in a cruise ship!
Letting go of what you think your perfect life should be and finding the family you should have always been a part of . I enjoyed this so much and look forward to reading the rest of the series
Letting go of what you think your perfect life should be and finding the family you should have always been a part of . I enjoyed this so much and look forward to reading the rest of the series
December 9, 2025
Workaholic Scarlet is convinced to go on a singles cruise with her best friend. There she meets Jerry, a handsome military man. How will they manage this new relationship once the cruise ends?
This book is told from Scarlet’s pov and I loved that there is a companion novel - Golden Shores told from Jerry’s pov. I haven’t read a book with a companion before so I really enjoyed that aspect.
This was a lovely journey of self growth with Scarlet. I loved watching her character develop and how she embraced the changes she was facing.
I liked her relationship with Jerry. It wasn’t plain sailing and I enjoyed the rollercoaster.
I loved her sister and best friend. They were such a cute group together and they were great supporting characters with their own dramas.
I thought the disability representation was done really well and liked that the story was inclusive.
Overall, this was a funny & emotional rollercoaster. I did really enjoy it and rate it 4 stars.
This book is told from Scarlet’s pov and I loved that there is a companion novel - Golden Shores told from Jerry’s pov. I haven’t read a book with a companion before so I really enjoyed that aspect.
This was a lovely journey of self growth with Scarlet. I loved watching her character develop and how she embraced the changes she was facing.
I liked her relationship with Jerry. It wasn’t plain sailing and I enjoyed the rollercoaster.
I loved her sister and best friend. They were such a cute group together and they were great supporting characters with their own dramas.
I thought the disability representation was done really well and liked that the story was inclusive.
Overall, this was a funny & emotional rollercoaster. I did really enjoy it and rate it 4 stars.
November 5, 2025
✨✨ARC REVIEW✨✨
This book DESTROYED ME! I put a blue tab in the book every time it made me cry/ sob, there are 6 tabs. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a sexy cruise ship romance and totally ignored the rest of the description ( AND TWS) which warned me I would be ✨✨emotionally damaged✨✨
My gosh this was such a great book though! This book is the first in a duology the second book is going to be from the MMCs pov (which I’m so damned excited and curious for) this book is from the FMC Scarlet’s pov.
Scarlet is working a soul sucking job where people get wrongfully promoted instead of her when she’s the one doing all the work (we’ve all been there haven’t we?) her love life is a little desolate and when she isn’t working she’s thinking about work or hanging out with her sister Jade and her life long friend Cami. Cami convinces her to take a vacation and go on a singles cruise with her.
Scarlet goes expecting to unwind a little and have fun and doesn’t go seeking romance but romance finds her anyways. Our MMC Jerry is a soldier and is single dad with two sons. When they get off the cruise Jerry and Scarlet figure out how to maneuver real life together.
I absolutely loved this book! If you’re looking for a romance book that is going to have you kicking your feet one moment and then ugly crying the next, you’re going to want to pick this book up! This book and its companion novel come out November 11th! Once again thank you to JD Harbor for sending me your books in exchange for my review they have been a real treat!
This book DESTROYED ME! I put a blue tab in the book every time it made me cry/ sob, there are 6 tabs. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a sexy cruise ship romance and totally ignored the rest of the description ( AND TWS) which warned me I would be ✨✨emotionally damaged✨✨
My gosh this was such a great book though! This book is the first in a duology the second book is going to be from the MMCs pov (which I’m so damned excited and curious for) this book is from the FMC Scarlet’s pov.
Scarlet is working a soul sucking job where people get wrongfully promoted instead of her when she’s the one doing all the work (we’ve all been there haven’t we?) her love life is a little desolate and when she isn’t working she’s thinking about work or hanging out with her sister Jade and her life long friend Cami. Cami convinces her to take a vacation and go on a singles cruise with her.
Scarlet goes expecting to unwind a little and have fun and doesn’t go seeking romance but romance finds her anyways. Our MMC Jerry is a soldier and is single dad with two sons. When they get off the cruise Jerry and Scarlet figure out how to maneuver real life together.
I absolutely loved this book! If you’re looking for a romance book that is going to have you kicking your feet one moment and then ugly crying the next, you’re going to want to pick this book up! This book and its companion novel come out November 11th! Once again thank you to JD Harbor for sending me your books in exchange for my review they have been a real treat!
November 1, 2025
Reading Scarlet Wave by J.D. Harbor felt like being swept out to sea in the best possible way. From the first page, I connected with Scarlet Bellari. She’s smart, capable, and driven to the point of exhaustion the kind of woman who keeps everyone else afloat but never lets herself come up for air. When she’s passed over for yet another promotion and reluctantly agrees to a singles cruise thanks to her meddling best friend and sister, I thought I knew where the story was going. Spoiler: I didn’t.
What unfolds is a beautifully heartfelt journey about rediscovering yourself when your perfectly curated life suddenly feels empty. Scarlet’s voice felt so raw and real her need for control, her fear of slowing down, her aching desire to matter to someone not because of what she does, but simply because of who she is.
And then there’s Jerry Duncan. A quiet, steady soldier and single father who sees right through Scarlet’s polished armor. The chemistry between them isn’t fireworks it’s something deeper and steadier, like a tide pulling her toward the life she didn’t know she needed. Their connection is tender, grown-up, and grounded in vulnerability and trust.
By the end, I was completely invested not just in Scarlet’s love story, but in her becoming. J.D. Harbor captures that complicated blend of fear, hope, and courage that comes with letting go of who you thought you had to be.
What unfolds is a beautifully heartfelt journey about rediscovering yourself when your perfectly curated life suddenly feels empty. Scarlet’s voice felt so raw and real her need for control, her fear of slowing down, her aching desire to matter to someone not because of what she does, but simply because of who she is.
And then there’s Jerry Duncan. A quiet, steady soldier and single father who sees right through Scarlet’s polished armor. The chemistry between them isn’t fireworks it’s something deeper and steadier, like a tide pulling her toward the life she didn’t know she needed. Their connection is tender, grown-up, and grounded in vulnerability and trust.
By the end, I was completely invested not just in Scarlet’s love story, but in her becoming. J.D. Harbor captures that complicated blend of fear, hope, and courage that comes with letting go of who you thought you had to be.
November 24, 2025
I stayed up late reading this, and that's something.
If a book could be a warm blanket and a cup of hot chamomile tea this was that book.
Let me preface and say this is not my usual genre, and as such takes a bit more to pull me in....
Pull me in it did.
The way Harbor writes is stunning. His ability to paint the picture not just physically but emotionally as well is perfection. The relatability these characters have to the reader while also maintaining their separate identities is lovely, we all can relate with the feelings they are feeling, its general yet specific at the same time.
The story of Scarlet and Jerry is comical, sweet and also a little angst.
Meeting the love of your life on a cruise ship, living across the country from each other? finding out he's a dad with some very special children? That's a lot for a woman, Scarlet takes it in stride, eventually shedding her buttoned up and strict habits for some that are a bit more fluid as she finds her happy.
The journey both characters went on, their growth and them slowly learning to open back up again was beautiful. It's practically 2 stories in one because you get their meeting on the ship, and then what happens after.
Not often do books keep me up late at night reading, and when they do its 5 stars!
If a book could be a warm blanket and a cup of hot chamomile tea this was that book.
Let me preface and say this is not my usual genre, and as such takes a bit more to pull me in....
Pull me in it did.
The way Harbor writes is stunning. His ability to paint the picture not just physically but emotionally as well is perfection. The relatability these characters have to the reader while also maintaining their separate identities is lovely, we all can relate with the feelings they are feeling, its general yet specific at the same time.
The story of Scarlet and Jerry is comical, sweet and also a little angst.
Meeting the love of your life on a cruise ship, living across the country from each other? finding out he's a dad with some very special children? That's a lot for a woman, Scarlet takes it in stride, eventually shedding her buttoned up and strict habits for some that are a bit more fluid as she finds her happy.
The journey both characters went on, their growth and them slowly learning to open back up again was beautiful. It's practically 2 stories in one because you get their meeting on the ship, and then what happens after.
Not often do books keep me up late at night reading, and when they do its 5 stars!
December 3, 2025
✨ BOOK REVIEW — Scarlet Wave by J.D. Harbor
⭐️ 4⭐️
This book felt like:
🌊 high emotion + high tension
💘 forbidden pull
🩹 two people trying to outrun their past
🔥 chemistry simmering under every scene
😮💨 heavy moments but so worth it
Tropes:
— Forced proximity
— Emotional healing
— Opposites attract
— Slow-burn intensity
— Guarded MMC / strong FMC
My Thoughts:
This one hits harder and darker — the emotions roll in like a storm. Scarlet brings this fierce strength, and Jerry’s guarded, tortured energy makes the connection feel tense and magnetic. The pacing stays tight, the atmosphere stays moody, and the payoff feels earned.
If you like: emotional waves, guarded characters, and romance that grows through pain + connection, this one’s for you.
⭐️ 4⭐️
This book felt like:
🌊 high emotion + high tension
💘 forbidden pull
🩹 two people trying to outrun their past
🔥 chemistry simmering under every scene
😮💨 heavy moments but so worth it
Tropes:
— Forced proximity
— Emotional healing
— Opposites attract
— Slow-burn intensity
— Guarded MMC / strong FMC
My Thoughts:
This one hits harder and darker — the emotions roll in like a storm. Scarlet brings this fierce strength, and Jerry’s guarded, tortured energy makes the connection feel tense and magnetic. The pacing stays tight, the atmosphere stays moody, and the payoff feels earned.
If you like: emotional waves, guarded characters, and romance that grows through pain + connection, this one’s for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
Another wonderful book in the Romantisea Serenades. This time around, we meet Scarlet, who, after a terrible long-term relationship, has sworn off love and is only focused on work and her family. However, after being passed over for a position at work that she most definitely deserved, she begins to reevaluate the direction her life is taking and opens her heart to love again. Feeling burnt out and finally deciding that she needs a break, she joins a cruise. What's the worst thing that could happen? From there, she begins to examine her past relationships and how they have shaped her personality and actions so far. A chance meeting with someone with whom she feels a connection is about to turn her life upside down.
November 7, 2025
Received an ARC copy of this book and Golden Shores which is the male POV. I think I was supposed to read her version first but either way these two books tell such an amazing love story that you will enjoy it no matter which one you read first. I love when stories give you a look into the mind of both the male and female lead but with the entire story being told from both perspectives in separate books afford us an almost 3D picture of this couple, these two special little boys and their love story. Just when you find yourself asking "I wonder what he was thinking during this part" or "I wonder how she felt then this happened" you read the other book and get the answer. This book provides us with Scarlet's view during the "ghosting" which was a big question mark for me when I was reading Golden Shores. I highly recommend reading them both in order to paint the entire beautiful picture that is this couple with these extra special kids.
October 22, 2025
Book was good.
October 22, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this story.
This is Jerry and Scarlet's story. They met on a singles cruise and somehow managed to finally build a life together with Jerry's two boys both with special needs.
This is Jerry and Scarlet's story. They met on a singles cruise and somehow managed to finally build a life together with Jerry's two boys both with special needs.
October 29, 2025
Wow, this book had me in tears by the end of it. I cant wait to read the next book and the other POV to this story. I have enjoyed every book so far in this series!!!
November 16, 2025
ARC read -
The emotions I got from this book!!! Joy, sadness, happiness, peace and all the rest of the emotional spectrum!!
The characters are so relatable and struggle through life the way the majority of us all do, hating work and having personal life issues that can either build or break us!
Their love story wasn’t a big punch to the gut, it was a slow building thing that grew with their character development and was made even more special by Jerry’s kids.
Scarlett and Jerry make the emotional journey together and I loved being taken along for the ride with them!!
‼️ Thank you to the author for allowing me to read it early, I am voluntarily leaving an honest review
The emotions I got from this book!!! Joy, sadness, happiness, peace and all the rest of the emotional spectrum!!
The characters are so relatable and struggle through life the way the majority of us all do, hating work and having personal life issues that can either build or break us!
Their love story wasn’t a big punch to the gut, it was a slow building thing that grew with their character development and was made even more special by Jerry’s kids.
Scarlett and Jerry make the emotional journey together and I loved being taken along for the ride with them!!
‼️ Thank you to the author for allowing me to read it early, I am voluntarily leaving an honest review
November 12, 2025
This story was amazing. I loved how Scarlett grew throughout the story.
November 21, 2025
4.5 this was a wonderful book with relatable characters. The character growth and entire book feels very organic and not forced.
December 9, 2025
I enjoyed this so much! The writing, the characters, the setting, everything flowed together perfectly and I couldn’t stop reading. The details just added even more magic to the story.
November 11, 2025
First I want to say Thank You to J.D. Harbor for letting me be part of ARC team.
This book had me in tears. Scarlett is smart but she’s working her she to the ground, so Scarlett’s sister and friend convince Scarlett to go on vacation on a singles cruise. That’s where she meets Jerry he’s a single dad and a solider and they hit it off. The chemistry and connection was everything. I loved both books and i loved both of the points of views.
This book had me in tears. Scarlett is smart but she’s working her she to the ground, so Scarlett’s sister and friend convince Scarlett to go on vacation on a singles cruise. That’s where she meets Jerry he’s a single dad and a solider and they hit it off. The chemistry and connection was everything. I loved both books and i loved both of the points of views.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews