In the world of romance, we all have the tropes we love and the ones that drive us crazy. Unfortunately, this story contained two of my least favorite (insta-love and lack of communication). This was also the second book I read this summer that had a treasure hunting storyline and this one just didn’t feel realistic to me given the relative ease with which they had success. I’m willing to give this author another chance given how much I enjoyed Meet Me in Paradise, but this one ultimately fell flat for me.

Thanks to @netgalley and @berkeleyromance for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Libby Hubscher is a great writer and gives us emotionally raw characters who find each other and fall in love. Stella and Huck are no different - each are scarred from their childhood/parents in different ways, one abandonment the other emotional abuse. Stella lives in a world of real life treasure hunting (for at least 2 months a year, anyway) and Huck is a fictional treasure hunter (writer, that is). So when their paths cross they are definitely drawn to each other. It's inevitable that they belong together but what makes the heart of this book pump is the tension, the relationships with others around them, and their efforts to protect not only their own hearts but those of their friends.
I enjoyed this book but I did feel like it was a little long. Maybe I was just impatient, wanting them to rush towards that inevitable HEA. Either way, it was worth the time.
Thanks so much for the ARC!

Bare with me. You know those books that are so hard to review because it feels impossible to summarize everything you loved about them? This was a super soft but adventurous second chance romance following Stella, a determined treasure hunter who is reunited with Huck, the bestselling author who broke her heart after one perfect expedition together.

Divided into two parts, I absolutely loved the use of dual timelines here. It sort of felt like two stories in one. You'll see! The initial feelings between Stella and Huck are definitely fast and intense, but the time jump really adds some emotional weight. And besides, there’s just something about high-stakes adventure that makes heightened emotions feel totally believable!

Stella was such a brave, hyper-focused person, driven by a lifetime of abandonment and a relentless obsession with the treasure that consumed her parents. I loved the mix of her strength and vulnerability! Both she and Huck carry pain from people who made them feel unworthy, and I loved how their need to prove themselves played out in such different but meaningful ways.

The adventure itself with its deep sea dives and explorations was so vivid and fun while still feeling realistic. And the treasure-hunting friend group was such a highlight. I especially loved Teddy, the mischievous charmer who brought a lot of chaos, humour, and conflict. Honestly, I was a little saddened by the finality in the epilogue because I was so hopeful he’d get his own book. I’m just not ready to leave these characters!

4.5 stars

This is the treasure hunting book I wanted to read this summer!

Y'all. I am smitten with this story! Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for the ARC and PRH Audio for the audiobook! These are my honest thoughts.

Stella's whole life has been about treasure hunting, and when both her parents abandoned her as a teenager, she focused even harder to find the treasure they dreamed about, to find value and prove to them she was worth staying for. Instead, she finds an incredible group of friends who journey with her every year to find treasure. They bond, and even though Stella is a stickler for actually hunting for treasure, her friends love her enough to go along with their antics.

This store is split into two: the before and the after.

The before takes place in Iceland, where Stella randomly bumps into her favorite author, Huck Sullivan, in a bar one night. His inspiration has dried up, and there's just something so compelling about Stella. His prep school buddy happens to be Stella's best friend, in that *it's a small world* kinda way, and Huck joins in on the adventure to find the treasure.

Stella and Huck's chemistry is electric. Their banter and the way they communicate brings both of them to life. And then, something afters.

The after takes place a year later, on another treasure hunting adventure. There's heartbreak and miscommunication and tension and DRAMA amongst the one solid crew, and no one really knows what's going on, not fully. But Stella and Huck, one moment at a time, find their way back to each other. And even as things fall apart, heart marks the spot for magic.

I binged the audiobook in 24 hours, and it's dual POV, which I usually LOVE. While the male narrator, Aaron Shedlock, unfortunately really bothered me for Huck, I adored Brittany Pressley as Stella. I felt ALL the feelings that Stella was feeling through Pressley's performance, and I was able to eat those chapters up. I've listened to DOZENS of Aaron Shedlock books... but I just wasn't on board for this performance.

This one is out July 22nd, and I hope people pick it up! I've loved all the books I've read by Libby Hubscher.

I’ve loved every Libby Hubscher book that I’ve read and this one is no exception. Her books are always so beautifully written. Heart Marks the Spot is full of adventure, found family, emotion, and most importantly, romance!

I really enjoyed the treasure hunt plot and reading about all the beautiful locations in Iceland and the Keys. I loved Stella and Huck and thought they had really great chemistry, especially when they first meet in the bar in Iceland. The side characters were great too. Maybe Teddy not as much, but Gus + Zoe FOREVER. I always love found family and it’s a big focus in this book.

I also really enjoyed how the story was written in parts instead of dual timelines. I feel like I’ve been reading a lot of dual timeline books lately, so it was a nice change of pace to not jump back and forth.

This book was so fun and would be the perfect summer read (or any time read)! And Libby Hubscher continues to be one of my favorite authors! I can’t wait for her next book!

Gus, Zoe, Teddy and Stella meet once a year to go treasure hunting. Stella is the one obsessed--it is her goal to find something called the Heart diamond. They have been a close knit group for a long time, then they meet Huck, an old friend of Teddy's and that changes the group dynamic. Not much plot, but lots of talk and lots of sex. Not my favorite kind of combination. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review.

I would have loved to enjoyed this one more than I did, but I ended up DNFing around 40% mark. I was bored and couldn’t connect to the story. This is the third book I read by Hubscher and I’m not sure I’ll pick up anymore.

This dual viewpoint romance introduces two interesting characters. Stella Moore is a treasure hunter. Huck Sullivan is a best-selling author.

Stella was abandoned by her treasure hunting parents when she was a teenager. It left her with the sure knowledge that everyone she loves will abandon her sooner or later. She is hoping that if she manages to find the treasure that her parents will come back because she has proven her worth.

Huck doesn't have abandonment issues, but he does have a deeply rooted sense of insecurity since he had spent most of his life being berated by his father for what his father perceived as "failures". While Huck did write a very successful series of adventure novels, the last tanked while he was dealing with the death of his father and abandonment by his fiancée who was only in it when he was at the top of the food chain.

The two meet in Iceland. Stella is on the hunt for a particular treasure along with her friends Ted, Zoe and Gus. Huck was sent there by his friend/agent in hopes that a new place will inspire his creativity and clear up the writer's block that has plagued him for more than a year.

Introduced by Ted who went to boarding school with Huck and who has been partners in adventure with Stella for a number of years, the two fall in love. But Huck leaves Stella in the night for reasons that aren't explained until a year and a half later. She's managed to patch over a broken heart, and he's written a new instant best seller starring a treasure hunter who greatly resembles Stella.

They meet again in the Caribbean when the four friends are on their annual treasure hunt looking for a lost Spanish treasure ship and all the secrets come out.

This was an engaging romance but not a light and fluffy one. Both main characters have serious therapy worthy issues which is not helped by the presence of Ted who has been keeping secrets of his own. I recommend this one because the struggle to reach a "happily ever after" was real in this story.

This is easily my new favorite Libby Hubscher book and I was already a HUGE fan!! A treasure hunter falls for an author with writer's block on one of her treasure hunting adventures in Iceland. Full of found family, multiple treasure hunting excursions, this was a will they won't they romance that was EXCELLENT on audio narrated by Brittany Pressley and Aaron Shedlock and perfect for fans of books like The reef by Nora Roberts or Something wilder by Christina Lauren. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This book was the perfect mix of adventure, humor, and genuine heart. I went into it expecting a fun treasure hunt story, but what I got was so much more. It’s really about healing, taking chances, and figuring out where you belong. The main character completely won me over. She’s witty, a little stubborn, and so easy to root for. I loved following her as she stumbled through old heartbreak, new beginnings, and the sometimes hilarious chaos that comes with chasing something you didn’t even know you needed. The romance was sweet and well-paced, but what I appreciated most was how the story focused on personal growth just as much as love. The setting also really added to the charm. Hubscher has a way of making the places in her books feel alive, and this one made me want to pack a bag and go on my own adventure.

⭐️ 5/5 🌶️ 2/5
First person POV, dual narrative
Linear timeline
Setting: Iceland and Key West (adventurous, exotic, and full of atmosphere)
FMC: Stella | MMC: Huck
MF Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Adventure

I love adventure + spicy romance books that are written well! I was hooked from the moment treasure hunter Stella Moore sets off on her globe-trotting hunt. When bestselling writer Huck Sullivan shows up and then ghosts her after one unforgettable night on Iceland’s black sand beach, I was fully invested. This story follows them as they chase hidden riches and their way back to each other.

The pacing hits all the right notes. The chapter-to-chapter treasure hunt between Iceland and Key West kept the adventure fresh and the stakes high. The beautiful settings and the promise of a lost motherlode made for perfect escapism.

Stella is strong, resourceful, and chasing both treasure and purpose. Huck carries his own baggage—writer’s block and complicated family drama. Watching him fight his way back to Stella and his creativity was seriously swoon-worthy. The chemistry between them was perfectly balanced with emotion and spice. It was steamy and satisfying without being overly explicit.

What stood out most was the mix of exploration, romance, drama, and emotional growth. There are action-packed dives, stormy seas, and emotional storms. The real treasure is the characters finding themselves and each other again. That kind of heartfelt payoff is exactly what I look for. The friendships they share in the group was really heartwarming and added a pleasant element to the plot.

If you want a summer read that blends adventure, romance, and emotional reunion with a satisfying conclusion, Heart Marks the Spot is a treasure. I’m excited to see what Libby Hubscher writes next.

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for providing me this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own!

DNF @ 30%

This book seemed harmless enough, which is why I requested it. But once I got into reading it, something was rubbing the wrong way. I realized once I looked at other reviews that its the fact that there's a link between colonialism and treasure hunting. I especially noticed this when they were talking about how theres a big diamond from Africa that they may try to hunt. I suppose I felt like since there's such a bad history of the diamond industry and mining for them in Africa (in which the impacts can still be felt today) it felt out of touch.

If I had realized this about treasure hunting prior to, I would not have requested this title but since I did and I don't feel the author did the proper due diligence with some of the things said in this book, I am not going to continue reading this. If you love it, I am happy for you!

Thank you to Berkley for this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

fun and cheery summer romance with a great plot and some joyful romantic fun. i was a bit surprised that the book started with the original romance and then went into the second chance, but it worked. i would like to have had more clarity on their intentions with the items, but eh. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

DNF at 54%

This one just didn’t work for me. It felt very mid and honestly kind of boring. The world felt too polished, like the characters were living in their own happy little bubble with no real depth or stakes.

I really tried to keep going, but I had to DNF. The story just didn’t feel believable to me, and some character choices left me scratching my head. Things happened that didn’t make a lot of logical sense, and a good bit of dialogue felt like filler, which made it hard to stay invested.

What I did like was the concept, it had a lot of potential and sounded like something I’d usually enjoy. But the execution just didn’t land for me.

If you’re looking for something super light and low-stakes for a summer read, this might be more your style.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

First, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book.

Y'all, as someone who holds a degree in archaeology, I have thoughts about treasure hunting, but this book was delightful! It was slow on the uptick and the first part left me a bit disgruntled, but after finishing the book ALL IS FORGIVEN, Libby, you sly author, I see what you did there.

We follow a team of friends, Stella, Teddy, Gus, and Zoe, as they hunt for treasure through Iceland and Key West. We find Stella, the main character, who has fallen deep into treasure hunting after losing both her mother and father to it. Left alone as a young child, she meets Ted and then Gus and Zoe, and the story begins years later as they track down treasure in Iceland. The team stumbles upon a down-on-his-luck author, Huck (who has written adventure novels and is Stella's author crush), who was also Teddy's boarding school roommate. He and Stella begin falling for each other when Huck abruptly leaves her after a tryst. We then pick the story up a year later, and boy, is there drama, tension, secrets, and treasure to be discovered.

I would be doing a disservice to both readers and myself, as a former archaeologist, not to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous cultures affected by the past that this book explores. In addition to understanding that treasure hunting is not legal in the locations featured in this book, it is also essential to recognize that when it does occur, it is typically done destructively and is not beneficial to the cultures involved. The author does acknowledge this in her 'acknowledgement' section of the book as well

💖📍 Book Review: Heart Marks the Spot by Libby Hubscher 📍💖

A charming, heartfelt story about family secrets, small-town vibes, and unexpected love that will warm your soul. Libby Hubscher’s Heart Marks the Spot is perfect for fans of slow-burn romance and cozy reads.

When artist Sam returns to her hometown to care for her grandmother, she discovers a mysterious heart-shaped birthmark linking her to the town’s history—and to a handsome local who might just be the key to her future. Between old secrets and new beginnings, Sam learns that sometimes love is right where you least expect it.

Tropes You’ll Love:
🏡 Small town romance
🎨 Artistic protagonist
💞 Slow burn romance
🕵️‍♀️ Family secrets
✨ Healing and new beginnings

If you’re looking for a sweet, feel-good romance with a touch of mystery, this one’s for you!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#HeartMarksTheSpot #LibbyHubscher #SmallTownRomance #SlowBurnRomance #Bookstagram #FeelGoodReads #FamilySecrets #ContemporaryRomance #BookReview

In Heart Marks the Spot, Libby Hubscher delivers a witty and emotionally resonant romantic adventure that blends hidden treasure with second-chance love. Hubscher captures the tension and thrill of both love and adventure with a deft touch. What makes this story shine is its strong character work. Stella is more than a romantic lead—she’s funny, flawed, and fiercely loyal to her friends. Her journey is about more than love; it’s about self-worth and the courage to confront past wounds. Huck, too, is more than a brooding writer—he’s vulnerable and trying to right a wrong, even if he doesn't always get it right. Their second chance feels earned, layered with real emotional weight and just the right amount of humor and heat.
Ultimately, Heart Marks the Spot is a charming and heartfelt novel that explores how we search for meaning—in our work, our relationships, and ourselves. Hubscher offers readers a story full of adventure, laughter, and tenderness, reminding us that sometimes the real treasure isn’t gold or fame, but the person willing to weather the storms with you.

This one had SUCH potential & I really wanted to love it, but that storyline with her friend absolutely ruined it all. Why can't we just have a core found family group where no one is crushing on someone secretly?! It made absolutely NO sense for Teddy's character given what an absolute man-whore he was. We're supposed to believe he's been in love this entire time? Nooooooo.

I loved the treasure hunting aspect, but unfortunately that drama ruined the book for me.

Read if you like:
💎 Treasure Hunting
💎 Forced Proximity
💎 Second Chance
💎 Found Family

I have loved reading all of Libby Hubscher’s books and Heart Marks the Spot is no different. I loved the mix of treasure hunting with the found family Stella creates for herself and the addition of Huck to their excursions. There’s so much heart in this story- from the feeling of loss and loneliness to being left behind while everyone moves forward as well as love for one’s friends who are family. Huck recognized those emotions in Stella and they shared the hard parts with each other because of the magnetic connection they felt but it wasn’t without heartache.

I loved that Huck (since he’s one of Stella’s favorite authors) channeled his emotions and experience into his book that was basically a love letter to Stella knowing she may or may not ever read what he wrote.


Thank you @berkleyromance @libbyhubscher and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

"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."

You know, hunting for treasure sounds so fun until you get into all the legalities. Stick with romance.