Heart Marks the Spot - by Libby Hubscher (Paperback)

About the Book

"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"--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Adventure, vibrant second-chance romance, and a wonderful cast of friends - Libby Hubscher treats us to it all in the delightful Heart Marks The Spot. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll sigh happily when you finish it, then want to start rereading all over again."--India Holton, internationally bestselling author of The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love

"Heart Marks the Spot is a swoon-worthy treasure trove of romance, adventure, and heart. Libby Hubscher whisks readers away to breathtaking settings while weaving a story of high-stakes treasure hunting, deep friendship, and love that will keep you turning pages late into the night. Fun, romantic, and utterly unforgettable!"--Ali Brady, USA Today Bestselling author of Until Next Summer

"A globetrotting adventure wrapped up in secrets, friendship, hope, and the promise of treasure, Heart Marks the Spot should be in every romance reader's beach bag this summer."--Harlequin Junkie

"Hubscher (Play for Me) returns with a tale destined to be enjoyed on a beach with its mismatched but charming duo."--Library Journal

Praise for the Novels of Libby Hubscher

"Funny, butterfly-inducing and full of heart, Play for Me has it all. Libby Hubscher has solidified her spot as one of my favorite authors with this one!"--Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Wager

"I would say Play for Me had me at baseball, but really it had me at Libby Hubscher because I love her warm, heartfelt writing. How could I not fall head over heels for this New England boarding school setting, the grumpiest reluctant roommate, and a woman on a mission to prove something to herself? This book is like a cup of hot cider on the coldest day."--Alicia Thompson, national bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers

"Outrageously charming and brimming with feisty, lovably flawed characters, Play for Me is as hilarious as it is tender and will stick with you long after the last page. Libby Hubscher is a master of portraying the messy beauty of emotions and love, every word chosen with care and gentleness. I'll read anything she writes."--Mazey Eddings, author of Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake

"I gasped, I ground my teeth, and I cheered along with Violet as she gathered the smashed pieces of her life and used them to build something better than before."--Jesse Q. Sutanto, author of Dial A for Aunties, on If You Ask Me

"Full of southern charm and self-discovery. Libby Hubscher brings a light touch to heavy emotions in this witty novel about starting over in life and in love."--Virginia Kantra, author of Beth & Amy, on If You Ask Me

"A funny, feminist, feel-good novel about making mistakes, asking for advice, and writing your own happy ending. I laughed and I cried--this novel is an absolute joy!"--Freya Sampson, author of The Last Chance Library, on If You Ask Me

"Brimming with hilarious moments and heartwarming characters, this rom-com stars Violet Covington, the writer of an advice column called Dear Sweetie."--Women's World on If You Ask Me

"Meet Me in Paradise is such a compelling read! By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, Libby Hubscher truly takes us on a journey as Marin learns to find happiness on her own terms. Her adventures are brought so vividly to life that I want to start a #ProjectParadise of my own!"--Jen DeLuca, USA Today bestselling author of Well Traveled

"Meet Me In Paradise is a stunning tale of love, loss, and the capacity for wonder. Marin's adventure will touch anyone who has ever felt adrift in a sea of responsibility and decided to swim toward the shore. Hubscher expertly crafts a delicious blend of humor, whimsy, and raw emotion that left me laughing, crying, and unable to put it down."--Denise Williams, author of Technically Yours

"Both a romantic escape and an ode to sisterhood, Meet Me in Paradise made me swoon, laugh, and then sneaked up on me and made me cry. Marin and Sadie are the beating heart of this story--I adored them in all their wild, wonderful messiness. A radiantly hopeful book."--Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk

About the Author

Libby Hubscher is an author and scientist. She studied biology at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and holds a doctorate 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.