HEART MARKS THE SPOT by Libby Hubscher
Publication Date: July 22, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance
A treasure hunter and the bestselling adventure novelist who broke her heart after one successful expedition reunite for a summer to search for lost riches.
Treasure hunter Stella Moore dreams of having it all—wealth, love, and a flourishing career—but knows she’ll never be that lucky. Every summer she and her childhood friends travel to search for hidden treasure, but she can barely manage her bills, let alone a relationship. Then, a chance encounter with alluring novelist Huck Sullivan during an expedition in Iceland has Stella thinking maybe her fortune has changed.
After his last book bombed, Huck hasn’t written a word. Joining Stella and her crew on an adventure seems like the perfect distraction from his problems, and when the crew finally uncovers hidden treasure, he is certain that he’s found more than just inspiration for his next novel. Huck and Stella’s undeniable connection gives way to an unforgettable night on a black sand beach.
After Huck disappears without a goodbye, Stella vows to put the heartbreak behind her—but that’s easier said than done when, a year later, every bookstore has a life-size cutout of her ex-lover next to stacks of his latest record-breaking bestseller. Good thing it’s time for another summer treasure hunt. Stella throws herself into mapping the path to a shipwreck off Key West, but the last thing she expects is an extra crew member showing up in search of material for a sequel and a second chance.
Stella and Huck are prepared for storms, sharks, sea sickness, even a tentative truce. But facing the feelings they buried and confronting the devastating truth about why Huck left is the only way to find what their hearts have been searching for all along.
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Somehow it was too much, it was not enough, it was perfect all at once.
I enjoyed this contemporary romance wrapped around treasure hunts. There is no swashbuckling danger, but it held my attention all the same. I think it was the group dynamic and banter with the treasure hunters. Huck fit right in with the easy camaraderie, making the romance seem natural. The world building and backstory seemed effortless and pulled me in.
I liked Stella’s personality, independence and strength, despite issues from her past. I also liked Huck, though I thought an author would be capable of explaining his feelings better. They were great together in part 1 of the story. Their growing relationship was a delight to watch. Part 2 had their behavior rather tense and confusing. Again, Huck, an author, could not find the words to communicate? The only reason I knew that he still loved her was because he told me. How was she to know enough to trust him? However, like a treasure hunt, it takes time for all to be revealed.
*Review copy provided by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.
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Kindle | Hardback
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Libby Hubscher is an author and scientist. She studied biology at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine and holds a doctor of philosophy in molecular toxicology from North Carolina State University. Her work has appeared online and in textbooks, scientific journals, and literary journals. Her short story “The Unwelcome Guest” was long-listed for the Wigleaf Top 50 in 2018. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two young children, and a menagerie of pets.
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