ISLAND DETOUR by Maria Imbalzano

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, 283 pages

Expected Publication Date: 2/19/2024 – up for preorder now!

4****

Blurb: Falsely accused of wrongdoing at a Princeton Prep school, Sophie Kearns accepts a temporary teaching position at an environmental school in the Florida Keys to wait out her suspension. The time away is meant to be an anxiety-free escape, but her clashes with the hot but arrogant marine biology teacher, Max Heaton, are anything but tranquil.Max is determined to start an environmental research institute at the school, but he suspects the gorgeous new Lit teacher, who lacks even the most basic outdoor skills, is there to hinder that dream. Yet something about her tames the demons from his past, and he can no longer ignore the fire she’s lit inside him.

Thoughts: I loved the character of Sophie! She is a brilliant lit teacher but is so out of her element in the outdoors. Even her clothing at the beginning of the story doesn’t fit her new surroundings. She has no idea how to kayak, swim, camp, or do any of the other outdoor activities required at her temporary school. But she forges on, learning it all—even how to clean fish (that she had to catch). And all the while, fighting with the handsome environmental specialist Max. The only tiny glitch I had about everything was when Kristin takes her out to learn how to kayak—without a life jacket. Any experienced boater knows not to take a newbie—or anyone really—out into the ocean without one. But Sophie does eventually learn how to do it all and even falls into a hot relationship with Max. And, since this is a romance, it all works out in the end. Both Sophie and Max grow and change throughout the story.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”