Have pandemic restrictions kept you grounded this holiday season? How about an armchair travel on a luxury yacht or a cruise to a tropical destination? Hop aboard the Cleobella and see for yourself – paradise isn’t all it’s made out to be.

Sam and Charlotte set their sights on living the high life – villas and luxury yachts – but when their job on a cruise line doesn’t provide enough income to fund their dreams, they look for easier ways to make it happen! Convincing each other that their plan is harmless, they relieve wealthy cruise passengers of their money and expensive possessions. It’s going well until….it isn’t.

When they divorce, the reformed con-artist, Charlotte, starts up her own business. However, it isn’t long until she discovers that her past has come back to haunt her. She can ignore the menacing texts, but when the towel art on her bed takes on a sinister meaning, she realizes she’s trapped in paradise on a superyacht and a former victim is seeking revenge!

The author has crafted an intricately plotted narrative, stuffed it with glitz, glitter and glam, and just when readers are dazzled by the trappings of a luxury lifestyle, she pivots to show that everything isn’t as it seems. When the tension ramps and a foreboding atmosphere sets in, you’ll realize that being trapped on the high seas isn’t anything you’d like to experience. I was desperately flipping pages trying to find out who was behind the threats and why Sam dropped his nefarious gig so quickly. What happened to him? Who can Charlotte trust?

This domestic thriller is the perfect escapist read and needs to be on your radar come January 18, 2022.

I was gifted this advance copy by Karen Hamilton, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.