I quite liked Play for Me by this author, but I could NOT get into this one. I felt the characters were very cringey and the plot was weird. I would perhaps try this again on a trip to Iceland, but overall - a miss for me.

Content warnings: parental abandonment, emotionally abusive parent

Stella, Ted, Gus, and Zoe have been hunting for treasure since they met in college. Stella's parents left her with maps and legends and not much else. On their expedition to Iceland, Stella meets Huck at a bar. Huck Sullivan is a bestselling author whose last book was panned. His agent books him a trip to Iceland hoping the author will be inspired to write something new. Huck joins the crew and they find treasure. Huck and Stella have obvious chemistry, which comes to a head their last night in Iceland. And then Huck disappears.

A year later, Stella has barely picked up the pieces of her heart when Huck's new book comes out... And she's on the cover. Huck has turned her into Lucky Malone, the main character in his new treasure-hunting adventure romance series. But Huck needs material for the next book, and he agrees to finance Stella's next hunt if he can join the crew.

This is the first novel I've picked up in a long time that grabbed me in the first chapter. I instantly liked both Huck and Stella despite them being flawed characters. I wanted to go on this journey with them, and loved every minute of it.

I loved this! The space between the "Then" and "Now" sections really worked for me; I was originally unsure that they'd be able to find their way back together, but I loved how it was finally resolved! I'm not usually a love-triangle person, but I thought this was beautifully done!

Stella is a treasure hunter with a goal in mind, and Huck is an adventure novelist with writers block. When these two meet serendipitously in Iceland, it's immediate fireworks but when Stella wakes up, Huck is gone. A year later she's still heartbroken and he's back in the picture. Will it be happily ever after? Or all-out war?

This is a really fun book, and you fall in love with the characters easily (though I was very mad at Huck for nearly the entirety of the book, I felt he needed to be put in cold storage). This is a delightful read and was made to be brought with you to the beach, because who knows, maybe you'll find an adventure novelist to fall in love with.

This book is the perfect blend of adventure, angst, and swoon-worthy romance. Stella and Huck’s chemistry is electric, charged with years of unresolved feelings and sharp, lingering tension. Every glance, every moment between them carries the weight of their past, making their second chance all the more intoxicating. I loved how their journey is about more than lost riches. It is about trust, ambition, and the courage to open their hearts again. With compelling characters, adventure, and a romance that burns slow and deep, this book is pure escapism in the best way.

3 stars

Did you like Outer Banks on Netflix? Then give this a try! A treasure hunting adventure meets a cozy romance.

However, for a book about treasure hunting it wasn’t very exciting. The pacing of the book felt rushed and the ending was disappointing.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

Wait wait wait. Second chance romances are usually at the bottom of the list for me but I enjoyed this one. I don't think it was a typical second chance. Will be recommending,

Listen… I LOOOOVE me an adventure book and this one gave allll the adventure! I was enthralled, captivated, hooked from the very first page! I loved this group of friends, I loved their wild treasure hunting adventures, I even loved the drama with Teddy and Stella. I can’t wait to get my hands on this when it comes out because I know it’s gonna be one of those that I can reread and get something new from every time. Brilliant work.

“Heart Marks the Spot” was a really fun take on the treasure hunt and romance genres that have been coming out a lot recently. First we see Stella and Huck, the MC’s, in Iceland hunting for Viking treasure as they become lovers. Then we see them in a boat off the coast of the Florida Keys as exes with some enemy tendencies.

I don’t normally love a second chance romance trope but this one was very creatively done to the point where it almost didn’t feel like one. I loved the settings of the story and the mix of touristy sightseeing and treasure hunting adventure. Zoe and Gus’ side storyline was a lot of fun, but I struggled with the interactions between Teddy, Stella and Huck. Teddy as a character was not my favourite although I saw him in a better light by then end. The main conflict I have mixed feelings about as it felt a little third act break up adjacent for me. It was quite a unique way to create a main conflict and the twist at the end was alluded throughout the book but still a shock. I ended up really liking how the author finished the story. All in all a fun read and one I really enjoyed in general.

This was undoubtedly one of the special second-chance stories I adore. Hubscher creates a captivating tale about love, ambition, and having the guts to take chances through witty banter, indisputable chemistry, and a large treasure hunt. I was on edge and in all my emotions while reading this book.

I love me a unique second chance story and this was definitely one of them. I adored this. I will be reading more of libby's books.

Devoured this on the beach in one day!

Treasure hunting, now and then timeline, Iceland, Florida, boats, forced proximity, adventure, friends/found family, parental abandonment, death of a parent.

A failed writer, Huck, is hiding out in Iceland waiting for inspiration when he bumps into his friend from boarding school, and his friend Stella. They are on a treasure hunt and it's just the inspiration he needs for his next book series.

Stella ropes her 3 friends into wild treasure hunts each summer and this summer is no different. except for the location, the dynamics, the well...everything. And Stella isn't good with change.

Huck joins Stella & crew the next summer while searching for a sunken ship off the coast of Key West. Except everything is different this time.
The slow burn, second chance romance is everything I ever wanted in a romance. The setting and premise is different than any other romance I've read and I love the adventure & self discovery themes.

Libby Hubscher’s Heart Marks the Spot is a swoon-worthy blend of adventure, romance, and second chances. Treasure hunter Stella Moore is used to chasing riches, but after a whirlwind romance and heartbreak with novelist Huck Sullivan, she’s determined to leave the past behind. That plan is derailed when Huck joins her latest expedition, forcing them to navigate not just shipwrecks and storms but their unresolved feelings.

With sharp banter, undeniable chemistry, and a high-stakes treasure hunt, Hubscher crafts an irresistible story about love, ambition, and the courage to take risks. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren, this novel is an absolute gem.

Libby Hubscher does it again with another 5 star read! I have loved each of her novels but this one may be my new favorite!

This is in my opinion the perfect contemporary romance read. Treasure hunter Stella meets NY Times best seller, Huck and their relationship is nothing short of magical fate and a love that brims with hope and understanding.

Apart from the romance the treasure hunting story line is a fun twist and the found family friendship among the tight knit group is the perfect mix.

This book had me in all of my feels and on edge that I could not put it down but also didn't want it to be over. It's fun, emotional and ever so lovely! 📖✨

Treasure hunter, Stella, and adventure author, Huck, meet by chance in Iceland. Stella is on the hunt and Huck is looking for inspiration to write again. They instantly hit it off and grow close. Stella lets him join the treasure hunting and after a rare find they share a magical night together. But come the next day Stella wakes up alone. A year later Huck is coming on her next adventure, this is last minute news for her. It seems like the magic between is still there. But why did Huck leave? And what’s to stop him for doing it again?

This was a super fun adventure romance. I loved that it started off quick with the romance. Page one the fmc and mmc meet. The adventure side was fun. I’ve never read books with treasure hunting before but this was exciting and super engaging. A good mix of adventure and romance. The reasoning for Huck leaving was a bit dramatic for me, but overall I really enjoyed this read!

Dual POV
Treasure Hunting
Second chance romance

This breaks my heart to write as I love Libby Hubscher but unfortunately her latest release is a Dnf for me.

I loved the idea of treasure hunting but I made it to the 50% mark and was still waiting for action, adventure or somethingggggg. The entirety of what I read was incredibly boring and the characters weren’t special enough for me to care about what happened.

However, I’ve seen lots of five stars so maybe I’m
Missing something; or just love her previous works too much

Modern day treasure hunting with romance? Yes, please! This story is well crafted and entertaining. I enjoyed reading about the two main characters and how their connection grows. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review.

This was a solid three stars, and probably my least favorite book from the author. I think this is definitely a "me: issue because I am overall not a fan of adventure romance. I also did not like being stuck on a jewel, gold, treasurer hunting adventure in these seas with a truly vile side character "friend".

The plot is Stella is a professional (?) treasurer hunter desperate to find the treasure her Dad had his heart set on. She has friends with real jobs and one who is a consummate party boy but has the wealth to bankroll their trips. They meet up for these hunts. The book starts in Iceland and Stella meets Huck at a bar, instantly smitten and discovers he's the writer of one of her favorite book series. He also happens to be a former schoolmate of the party boy friend. He has writers block and his drawn by Stella's manic, pixie girl adventurous spirit, so he joins their quest. Maybe there is something there?

Anyways, the book continues with the adventures and heartbreak and trauma bonding. Maybe I'm just not into romances this early in 2025?

🏴‍☠️✨ Heart Marks the Spot by Libby Hubscher ✨🏴‍☠️

If you love treasure hunts, forced proximity, second chances, and adventure fueled romance, this one’s for you! 🌊🔎💖

💔 One summer. One unforgettable night. One very public betrayal.

Treasure hunter Stella Moore is used to chasing riches, but when it comes to love? Not so lucky. Last year, she found both—hidden treasure and Huck Sullivan, the broody adventure novelist who swept her off her feet… then disappeared without a trace. 😤

Fast-forward a year, and every bookstore is screaming his name. His new, bestselling novel? Basically their entire story. 🔥 And now, on her latest expedition, guess who shows up uninvited, looking for material for his sequel?

👀 Huck. Freaking. Sullivan.

💖 What I loved:
✔️ High stakes adventure meets sizzling romance – think National Treasure vibes but way more tension 👀
✔️ Childhood friends turned found family crew – Stella’s squad is EVERYTHING 🏴‍☠️
✔️ The forced proximity & reluctant truce – being stuck on a boat together? YES PLEASE!
✔️ Top tier groveling – Huck has a lot to make up for, and it delivers

🙄 What frustrated me:
🚫 Huck, why did you do that to Stella?! 😤
🚫 The emotional whiplash – the back and forth hurt at times
🚫 I wanted more of the treasure hunt itself! 🏝️

This is an adventurous, emotional, and totally gripping second chance romance with high seas, hidden treasures, and heartache. If you love epic love stories with equal parts angst and adventure, this book marks the spot! 💘

Thank you to NetGalley, Libby Hubscher, and Berkley for the eARC of this book.

4.5 stars, rounded up. This is such a fun summer adventure rom-com, perfect for fans of Outer Banks!

This book follows treasure hunter Stella and novelist Huck; they first meet in Iceland where they have instant sparks, but Huck leaves Stella behind without explanation. To add insult to injury, Huck turns their encounter into a bestseller, not that Stella is willing to read it. Roughly a year later, the pair are forced together on another adventure hunting for treasure in the ocean.

I loved the high-stakes situations, cast of characters, and unique and entertaining plot! I felt that the elements kept hidden from the reader were revealed in a satisfying way that kept me interested and wanting to know more about what went wrong during the couple’s first encounter and the intervening period between parts 1 and 2 of the book.

I enjoyed this one a lot, but I do wish there would have been more time spent on the characters’ emotional connection and pining.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review!