When Crime Confronts Romance on the High Seas, a Sea Cruise Becomes a Nightmare

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Retired architect and semi-reformed criminal Victor Harding, now in his 70’s, finds late-life romance after his sister-in-law suggests he visit extradition-free Cape Verde to meet her mother. Alva Batek is brilliant and beautiful, a skilled Sri Lankan money launderer who also hasn’t quite reformed. Victor and Alva hit it off and are enjoying their new romance―until several of Alva’s scam victims, bent on revenge, track Alva down and attack her at her house.

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Victor and Alva decide to escape to the open ocean, buying a luxurious sailboat in the Caribbean. But this isn’t your typical romance on the ocean. Their sea cruise becomes a life-threatening nightmare when a Venezuelan drug cartel, desperate to deliver an enormous load of cocaine to the U.S., turns to an old smuggling tactic: hijacking a civilian sailboat.

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Victor and Alva’s sailboat.

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Their journey immediately spirals out of control, and unexpected events turn the couple’s dream cruise into a terrifying battle for survival.

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When it becomes clear love alone won't save them, Victor and Alva are forced to take survival into their own hands, relying on their wits, nerves and raw courage as events race to a shocking climax.

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Fall in love. Fight for survival. Pray the ocean doesn't claim you both.

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From the exotic beauty of Cape Verde to the deadly expanse of the open ocean, Sea Cruise explodes with pulse-pounding maritime action, psychological sparring, and shocking surprises as late-life love collides with ruthless international crime. Sharp wit meets relentless danger in this fast-paced adventure that sails straight into your worst fears.

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Awards & Recognition:

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• 🏅 2025 American Fiction Award – Finalist – Adventure: General

• 🏅 2025 American Fiction Awards – Finalist – Mystery/Suspense: Multicultural & Diverse

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