Dive Deeper into
RomantiSea Serenades FAQs

FAQs

ABOUT THE SERIES

  • RomantiSea Serenades is a contemporary romance series set aboard the luxurious Elysian Serenade, a fictional cruise ship designed to be the ultimate setting for connection, self-discovery, and unexpected romance. Each pair of companion novels follows two main characters on the same sailing—told from two unique perspectives.

  • Each pair of companion novels tells a complete love story from both characters’ points of view. While each novel can be read on its own, reading both gives you the full emotional depth of their shared journey. Future pairs of books will introduce new couples, but all of the stories are interconnected through the Elysian Serenade and the Mingle at Sea group sailings.

  • There’s no wrong way to dive in! You can read Emerald Tide (Aidan’s story) or Sapphire Seas (Harper’s story) first. Or, for a deeper experience, you can alternate between the two—chapter by chapter or in short sections. It’s like a choose-your-own-itinerary adventure through the same romantic cruise.

  • The current plan is 15 books. But honestly? As long as I’ve got creative juice to keep creating new characters and fun, meaningful stories—I’m all in. There’s no telling how many love stories the Elysian Serenade will inspire.

  • Yes! Since the stories share the same ship and Mingle at Sea group sailings, you’ll often catch characters crossing paths—and some fan-favorites may return in later books. Whether it's a cameo, a background mention, or a full storyline, you never know when a familiar face might show up again.

ABOUT THE CHARACTERS

  • Some are. Many characters and moments are inspired by people I’ve met and stories I’ve heard—especially from my time sailing with solo travel groups. I’ve drawn from real conversations and shared experiences, but the characters ultimately take on a life of their own.

  • No. I can't say that none of my wife's personality made its way into Harper, but she's not based on my wife. If anything, Harper actually shares more similarities with me—her inner dialogue, ambition, and creative struggle definitely borrow from my own personal journey.

  • Absolutely. One of the beautiful things about the Mingle at Sea group cruises is the diversity of people it brings together—across cultures, races, orientations, and life experiences. I want that reflected in the RomantiSea Serenades series. Everyone is welcome on the Elysian Serenade—no matter your background, lifestyle, or identity.
    That said, it’s important to me that representation is done thoughtfully. I don’t include LGBTQ+ characters (or any characters of underrepresented groups) just to check a box. I believe in telling authentic stories that honor each character’s full humanity.

  • Yes. I’ve already planned future couples that reflect a variety of cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences. The Elysian Serenade is a global experience, and I want that same richness to be present in my stories.

  • They just might. While each pair of books focuses on a different couple, I love the idea of revisiting characters readers fall in love with. Whether it's a quick cameo or a full-circle moment, don’t be surprised if you see Aidan and Harper again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  • I’m a former military journalist turned romance writer who believes in real connection, unexpected beginnings, and the kind of stories that stay with you long after the last page. I fell in love with my wife on a cruise, and I’ve been chasing that spark ever since—both in real life and on the page.

    Read more here.

  • Because my own love story began on the open water. There’s something magical about being untethered from land—about the possibility and vulnerability that comes with new experiences and new people in an unfamiliar setting. A cruise is like a floating reset button, and that makes it the perfect backdrop for love.

  • Yes and no. Mingle at Sea is fictional, but it's inspired by my own experience traveling with solo cruiser groups. It’s a tribute to the people I met—many of whom found love and lifelong friendships on the ocean.

BUYING & FORMATS

  • Both Emerald Tide and Sapphire Seas are now available in paperback and eBook formats at major retailers. I encourage you to purchase through Bookshop.org to support independent bookstores.

    Purchase Emerald Tide here: Print or E-Book

    Purchase Sapphire Seas here: Print or E-Book

  • Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. For every purchase made through their site, a portion goes directly to independent bookstores and community sellers across the U.S. It’s a great way to buy online and give back to the small, passionate shops that keep the literary world thriving. You can read more at bookshop.org/about-us.

  • Not at this time, but if enough readers request it, I might have a hard time saying no. So… never say never.

  • Not necessarily. You can absolutely enjoy either story on its own—but reading both will give you a more complete emotional experience. Each book fills in the blanks of the other, especially during key scenes. Seeing how Aidan and Harper each interpret the same moments gives their story a richer texture.

CONTENT & TRIGGER WARNINGS

  • Yes—let’s call it medium spice with emotional depth. These books contain open-door romance scenes that are sensual, character-driven, and designed to serve the emotional arc of the story. They’re steamy, but not gratuitous. Think slow-burn tension that pays off once the heart’s fully involved. If you like romance that balances steam with genuine emotional connection, you’re in the right place.

  • The RomantiSea Serenades stories focus primarily on joy, personal growth, and emotional vulnerability, but some characters do grapple with realistic challenges. Topics may include:

    • Parental pressure and generational expectations

    • Workplace burnout and career crises

    • Past emotional betrayal (i.e., broken engagements, toxic relationships)

    • Grief or loss referenced in backstory (not graphic)

    • Anxiety, stress, and self-worth struggles

    There is no sexual violence, no abuse depicted on-page, and no harm to children or animals. These are ultimately hopeful, heart-forward stories with satisfying, uplifting endings—but I always want readers to feel informed about what to expect emotionally.

  • Yes. As new characters and stories are introduced, any additional or significant content warnings will be noted on the individual book pages and in the front matter of the books themselves.

FOR BOOK CLUBS & READERS

  • Yes! In fact, it’s a perfect series for group discussions. I encourage clubs to divide into two groups—half read Emerald Tide, half read Sapphire Seas—and then come together to compare perspectives. You’ll see how the same moment feels entirely different depending on who’s telling the story.
    If your club takes this approach, I’d love to hear about it—feel free to reach out on Instagram @jdharbor.

  • The best way to stay in the loop is by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Instagram: @jdharbor. I post regular updates, sneak peeks, writing tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses at life onboard the Elysian Serenade.