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Belize Dreams #1
Romancing Miss Stone
His perfectly planned life is about to go wild.
By-the-numbers Bo Ferguson has his future all planned. Then his archaeologist fiancée dumps him. Via text. From Belize. Navigating the rainforest to win her back is way out of Bo’s comfort zone, but so is the idea of starting over. Fortunately, he’s secured a tour guide willing to lead him into the unmapped jungle. Unfortunately, she’s annoying, impulsive—and attractive as hell.
Jungle expert Alexandra Stone is in no position to turn down a job after her regrettable ex stole everything from her family business and ran. Sure, Bo might be frustratingly uptight, but Alex needs the money. And besides, there’s something…fun about pushing the guy’s adorably rigid buttons, especially when it clearly gets a rise out of him.
But the close confines of their shared camp make it hard to ignore the tension beneath the bickering, prompting the sweltering heat between them to erupt into sweaty, wild passion. Bo can’t deny his brief time with Alex has been the most exciting of his life. But the journey they’re on still leads to one place—his ex-fiancée—forcing Bo and Alex to confront their pasts, their fears and the question of just where this adventure will take them…
By-the-numbers Bo Ferguson has his future all planned. Then his archaeologist fiancée dumps him. Via text. From Belize. Navigating the rainforest to win her back is way out of Bo’s comfort zone, but so is the idea of starting over. Fortunately, he’s secured a tour guide willing to lead him into the unmapped jungle. Unfortunately, she’s annoying, impulsive—and attractive as hell.
Jungle expert Alexandra Stone is in no position to turn down a job after her regrettable ex stole everything from her family business and ran. Sure, Bo might be frustratingly uptight, but Alex needs the money. And besides, there’s something…fun about pushing the guy’s adorably rigid buttons, especially when it clearly gets a rise out of him.
But the close confines of their shared camp make it hard to ignore the tension beneath the bickering, prompting the sweltering heat between them to erupt into sweaty, wild passion. Bo can’t deny his brief time with Alex has been the most exciting of his life. But the journey they’re on still leads to one place—his ex-fiancée—forcing Bo and Alex to confront their pasts, their fears and the question of just where this adventure will take them…
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2024
41 people are currently reading
4416 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Vaughan
10 books56 followersM.C. Vaughan is a Baltimore-based author of contemporary romance riddled with humor and local flavor. So, if you want to giggle throughout your sexy stories, welcome! You’ll root for her characters as they fall for their perfect people...and you’ll simultaneously shake your head as they stumble along the way.
She grew up in a house crowded with family, friends, books, music, and the occasional ghost. After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in English literature (and an unofficial major in student-run theatre), she worked in sports marketing, higher education, toy production, and software development.
Currently, she lives in Maryland with her husband and three delightful kids.
She grew up in a house crowded with family, friends, books, music, and the occasional ghost. After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in English literature (and an unofficial major in student-run theatre), she worked in sports marketing, higher education, toy production, and software development.
Currently, she lives in Maryland with her husband and three delightful kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
August 15, 2024
Boaz Jasper Ferguson- the man that you are. 🙏😻
Guys. This book is so good. Please read it. It’s short and fun and humorous and everything good.
I love love love Bo. This is man is so sexy. He’s hot and competent and observant and respectful and sexy. He also has sinewy biceps AND wears glasses. Definition of proper in the streets but animal in the sheets. Sigh. So perfect.
Alex has some issues she needs to work through but she is pretty cool though she does suffer from quirky contemporary FMC syndrome. Please get better Alex. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
The characters relationship might seem a bit sudden but Vaughn makes it work. Bo and Alex have deep meaningful conversations while simultaneously admiring the other’s attractive qualities. 😛 Let’s hope these two don’t break up anytime soon…
Guys. This book is so good. Please read it. It’s short and fun and humorous and everything good.
I love love love Bo. This is man is so sexy. He’s hot and competent and observant and respectful and sexy. He also has sinewy biceps AND wears glasses. Definition of proper in the streets but animal in the sheets. Sigh. So perfect.
Alex has some issues she needs to work through but she is pretty cool though she does suffer from quirky contemporary FMC syndrome. Please get better Alex. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
The characters relationship might seem a bit sudden but Vaughn makes it work. Bo and Alex have deep meaningful conversations while simultaneously admiring the other’s attractive qualities. 😛 Let’s hope these two don’t break up anytime soon…
March 20, 2024
3.5/5 🦜 Romancing Miss Stone 🦜
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Hurt-Comfort, Insta Love, Grumpy Sunshine 🌞
Bo Ferguson is a quiet homebody who suddenly receives a notification from his fiance that she's breaking up with him...over text. Not taking the break-up text as the end of his relationship, Bo decides to be spontaneous and book a flight to Belize to confront his destiny (capital 'D' Destiny that is - his fiance).
Alex Stone is a fiery tour guide in desperate need of money to pay back a loan she took out on her travel company after the loss of her father. In dire need of funds, she might have just found her meal ticket in sweet and simple Bo.
But when sparks fly between the two will they discover the missing piece they've been looking for in each other or will Bo's mission and Alex's own past heartbreak get in the way?
I enjoyed the banter and how Alex walked Bo through his panic attacks - they had good chemistry and were sarcastic with each other but they also knew when to stop pushing and be real.
Overall this was a cute rom-com reminiscent of its parodied namesake, Romancing The Stone, with lower stakes and a fun role reversal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for the eARC copy!
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Hurt-Comfort, Insta Love, Grumpy Sunshine 🌞
Bo Ferguson is a quiet homebody who suddenly receives a notification from his fiance that she's breaking up with him...over text. Not taking the break-up text as the end of his relationship, Bo decides to be spontaneous and book a flight to Belize to confront his destiny (capital 'D' Destiny that is - his fiance).
Alex Stone is a fiery tour guide in desperate need of money to pay back a loan she took out on her travel company after the loss of her father. In dire need of funds, she might have just found her meal ticket in sweet and simple Bo.
But when sparks fly between the two will they discover the missing piece they've been looking for in each other or will Bo's mission and Alex's own past heartbreak get in the way?
I enjoyed the banter and how Alex walked Bo through his panic attacks - they had good chemistry and were sarcastic with each other but they also knew when to stop pushing and be real.
Overall this was a cute rom-com reminiscent of its parodied namesake, Romancing The Stone, with lower stakes and a fun role reversal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for the eARC copy!
February 26, 2025
From spreadsheets to Belize this takes Bo Mr Planned his entire life out and pairs him with Alex Stone, guide and self entitled muppet on caffeine, on a quest to get to his fiancée Destiny who dumped him via text then ghosted him.
Quite a few things surprised me with this book, how she's taken an ordinary bloke and made him sexy as hell but more than that the level of pettiness from the fmc in calling his ex Density the entire time which made me chuckle and also totally approve of.
Perfect amount of spice, a strong fmc who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty, a hot man who knows how to read an instruction manual (iykyk) and a buddy reader who kept pointing out every weenie made this a fun read.
Quite a few things surprised me with this book, how she's taken an ordinary bloke and made him sexy as hell but more than that the level of pettiness from the fmc in calling his ex Density the entire time which made me chuckle and also totally approve of.
Perfect amount of spice, a strong fmc who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty, a hot man who knows how to read an instruction manual (iykyk) and a buddy reader who kept pointing out every weenie made this a fun read.
February 6, 2025
Loved the cover and the shout out to the great 80s movie.
The book was fine. Nothing super good or superbad.
No great romance or great adventure.
Bo's ex is a horrid human, and I was Alex's ex got what was coming to him.
Light and easy read
The book was fine. Nothing super good or superbad.
No great romance or great adventure.
Bo's ex is a horrid human, and I was Alex's ex got what was coming to him.
Light and easy read
August 29, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️ I really liked the concept of the book and enjoyed the setting being in Belize. I visited Belize a few years ago so the novel took me back to fun times. I overall really enjoyed the book just wish it was in first person point of view instead of 3rd person.
February 25, 2025
This was such a super fun, easy read packed full of adventure and a little bit of spice!
June 10, 2025
This book was such a fun read 🥰 pacing was good and just the right amount of adventure and romance. I went in with low expectations as I have tried to read similar romance adventure books but have not found anything that really held my interest. So this book was a breath of fresh air. Looking forward to reading next book in the series
September 5, 2024
2.5 stars, rounded up
I love the cover and the punny title of this book. I also love reading adventure romances. This was very much on the romance end of the spectrum as compared to the adventure end of the spectrum. There wasn’t really any excitement at all, which I think was to the book’s detriment. It was more about Bo chasing down his ex-fiancée in Belize to try to find out why she ended their engagement. The setting of Belize was wonderful and I loved seeing all the animals in the jungle, but on the whole, the stakes were pretty low. I also didn’t like that Alex’s ex who stole her money was never found and brought to justice. It made the ending more open than I would have liked. Maybe the ex boyfriend plotline will continue in the second book? It was still a cute read, though definitely more romance focused than adventure focused.
**Read for Book Scavenger Hunt — read outside**
I love the cover and the punny title of this book. I also love reading adventure romances. This was very much on the romance end of the spectrum as compared to the adventure end of the spectrum. There wasn’t really any excitement at all, which I think was to the book’s detriment. It was more about Bo chasing down his ex-fiancée in Belize to try to find out why she ended their engagement. The setting of Belize was wonderful and I loved seeing all the animals in the jungle, but on the whole, the stakes were pretty low. I also didn’t like that Alex’s ex who stole her money was never found and brought to justice. It made the ending more open than I would have liked. Maybe the ex boyfriend plotline will continue in the second book? It was still a cute read, though definitely more romance focused than adventure focused.
**Read for Book Scavenger Hunt — read outside**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
This is a cute and quick read with my favorite part being that the FMC, Alex, is the adrenaline junkie adventurer instead of the guy! Bo is a strait laced planner so they are complete opposites but of course it works for them, as they both help each other be the best versions of themselves.
I was hoping for a little more suspense, and there ended up being none, but there is a lot of action as they venture through the Belizean jungle. This never bothers me personally, but it is a little on the insta love side, as although they go through a lot together, it’s in a short amount of time. Perfect book if you would like to read about others going on a crazy adventure as you lounge at the beach or pool!
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
This is a cute and quick read with my favorite part being that the FMC, Alex, is the adrenaline junkie adventurer instead of the guy! Bo is a strait laced planner so they are complete opposites but of course it works for them, as they both help each other be the best versions of themselves.
I was hoping for a little more suspense, and there ended up being none, but there is a lot of action as they venture through the Belizean jungle. This never bothers me personally, but it is a little on the insta love side, as although they go through a lot together, it’s in a short amount of time. Perfect book if you would like to read about others going on a crazy adventure as you lounge at the beach or pool!
September 11, 2024
Alex is a down-on-her-luck adventure guide, and when Bo shows up willing to pay a premium to get to his destination fast, she thinks the tide has finally turned. Plus, Bo's hot. Never mind that Bo's destination is the archaological site where his ex-fiancée is working...and that he wants to get his ex back.
I read this for the cover and the Belize setting. I'll keep this review short, because...well, because I don't have that much to say. The book is a very quick read and a good bunch of fun, though some of the more adventurous stuff happens off-page—e.g., Bo's travels through the wilds near the end of the book. As usual, I found myself disappointed by how unpleasant the ex is made out to be: it's not enough that she and Bo just weren't a good match; she also has to be disinterested in animals and disinterested in Bo's feelings and selfish and unethical and generally kind of a bitch. I know, I know; it's so that the reader knows that Bo will actually get over her and not have unresolved feelings. But that's...not how feelings work? This isn't a comment specific to this book (I have complained many a time about the proliferation of evil exes in romance), but it always brings a book down for me.
Fun enough otherwise, but not particularly memorable; I doubt I'll be continuing with the series.
I read this for the cover and the Belize setting. I'll keep this review short, because...well, because I don't have that much to say. The book is a very quick read and a good bunch of fun, though some of the more adventurous stuff happens off-page—e.g., Bo's travels through the wilds near the end of the book. As usual, I found myself disappointed by how unpleasant the ex is made out to be: it's not enough that she and Bo just weren't a good match; she also has to be disinterested in animals and disinterested in Bo's feelings and selfish and unethical and generally kind of a bitch. I know, I know; it's so that the reader knows that Bo will actually get over her and not have unresolved feelings. But that's...not how feelings work? This isn't a comment specific to this book (I have complained many a time about the proliferation of evil exes in romance), but it always brings a book down for me.
Fun enough otherwise, but not particularly memorable; I doubt I'll be continuing with the series.
April 18, 2024
This was a fun adventure romance. It gave me The Lost City vibes (without the bad guys), and I gobbled it up. It might have benefitted from a little more character development, but it made up for that with the amazing Belize setting.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
July 3, 2024
This was the cute romance I needed. I devoured this book. Thank you to Edelweiss for giving me access to the ARC. I love a badass heroine and a cinnamon roll nerdy man!
July 6, 2024
Really did not like either of the MC's, which is a moderate problem...
January 3, 2025
Trouncing through the jungle of Belize doesn’t sound like fun to me but I liked this!
Read
July 11, 2025Dnf at page 188
I didn’t really care ab the story much
I didn’t really care ab the story much
July 15, 2025
3.5 stars. The adventure portion was fun and the story was well written but the heroine was kind of awful to the hero.
April 13, 2024
I saw the title and cover and knew I had to read this since I LOVE Romancing the Stone, and this book delivered. I love how the author took the movie and swapped the gender roles for the book - Alex Stone is our impulsive, jungle savvy tour guide while Bo is our stoic, has a 10 year plan man on the hunt for closure from his ex-fiancee who dumped him over text. Both of our main character have been hurt by love and find themselves opening up to each other on their journey through the jungle to confront Bo's ex.
Now I do wish there was more of a mystery aspect like Romancing the Stone and wish they focused more on the culture and the artifacts found at the dig site. However, Mare - I'm obsessed with her best friend, the dancing scene - I literally screamed, and all the parts I laughed out loud made me enjoy this book. Plus there was some great spice if you're looking for that! Cannot wait for book 2!
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review
Now I do wish there was more of a mystery aspect like Romancing the Stone and wish they focused more on the culture and the artifacts found at the dig site. However, Mare - I'm obsessed with her best friend, the dancing scene - I literally screamed, and all the parts I laughed out loud made me enjoy this book. Plus there was some great spice if you're looking for that! Cannot wait for book 2!
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review
July 31, 2024
RATING: 2/5⭐️
REVIEW
I was excited to read this book because adventure and archeology are big buzzwords for me. Unfortunately, I was just bored the whole time. This book didn’t make me angry or happy, I just felt indifferent.
REVIEW
I was excited to read this book because adventure and archeology are big buzzwords for me. Unfortunately, I was just bored the whole time. This book didn’t make me angry or happy, I just felt indifferent.
April 14, 2024
Romancing Miss Stone was a really fun and quick read. Bo and Alex had sizzling chemistry from the get-go. Their banter was great and their attraction was immediate. Bo learns how to take adventures and Alex’s walls around her heart start to crumble.
Also….Only one tent! Then only one bed! Jungle adventures! Spicy scenes that were hot and communicative! I loved how Bo learned about himself over the course of a week, and how he started thinking about now versus planning ten years ahead. He was vulnerable, and he had that nerdy hot thing going. I also really loved how Alex brought out the fun side of Bo. She took charge, and enjoyed her life.
It was a perfect read for a Saturday afternoon with just enough spice, sweetness, and happily ever after. I also think there is potential for a series here, with Bo’s sister being next up…
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Also….Only one tent! Then only one bed! Jungle adventures! Spicy scenes that were hot and communicative! I loved how Bo learned about himself over the course of a week, and how he started thinking about now versus planning ten years ahead. He was vulnerable, and he had that nerdy hot thing going. I also really loved how Alex brought out the fun side of Bo. She took charge, and enjoyed her life.
It was a perfect read for a Saturday afternoon with just enough spice, sweetness, and happily ever after. I also think there is potential for a series here, with Bo’s sister being next up…
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2024
oh, this book was so FUN. it was short and to the point, but it managed to avoid feeling insta-lovey. the author’s writing is refreshing, and they described things in ways that truly scratched an itch in my brain.
i loved alex and bo. they were too cute, and their banter and chemistry was on point the entire time. i was hooked on their little adventure through the jungle.
i usually don’t care but i want to say that the smut was well-done and didn’t feel cringey at all. i can’t fucking STAND when i’m reading a novel with smut in it and i don’t even know what’s happening because the author is being vague and cryptic about body parts and positions. it’s sex, not a sacrificial ritual.
my only problem was the confrontation with bo’s ex-fiancée. it was a bit of a let down and felt like he didn’t resolve shit??? other than that, i really have no complaints. i devoured this in a couple days and i can’t wait for the second book in the series!
i loved alex and bo. they were too cute, and their banter and chemistry was on point the entire time. i was hooked on their little adventure through the jungle.
i usually don’t care but i want to say that the smut was well-done and didn’t feel cringey at all. i can’t fucking STAND when i’m reading a novel with smut in it and i don’t even know what’s happening because the author is being vague and cryptic about body parts and positions. it’s sex, not a sacrificial ritual.
my only problem was the confrontation with bo’s ex-fiancée. it was a bit of a let down and felt like he didn’t resolve shit??? other than that, i really have no complaints. i devoured this in a couple days and i can’t wait for the second book in the series!
September 8, 2024
This book was my Sunday well spent! I couldn’t put it down and loved being transported to Belize!
We meet Bo (from the city) and Alex (from the jungle) as they go on an adventure through the jungle to find Bo’s ex fiancée!
What an adventure it was and so much fun, I loved it! Who doesn’t love a few aww moments and cute one liners! Today, I was here for it!!
I also enjoyed how different the two main characters were. Alex was adventurous, outdoorsy and impulsive whereas Bo is a planner, cautious and a little uptight. This made it very entertaining, it was so much fun watching these two together. I had some laugh out loud moments and some heart racing moments too!
The banter and tension build up was perfect, a couple of spicy scenes and a great story overall.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a romance read with a bit of spice, some laughs and a trip to Belize!
Thank you so much @romanceanz and @harlequinaus for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Bo (from the city) and Alex (from the jungle) as they go on an adventure through the jungle to find Bo’s ex fiancée!
What an adventure it was and so much fun, I loved it! Who doesn’t love a few aww moments and cute one liners! Today, I was here for it!!
I also enjoyed how different the two main characters were. Alex was adventurous, outdoorsy and impulsive whereas Bo is a planner, cautious and a little uptight. This made it very entertaining, it was so much fun watching these two together. I had some laugh out loud moments and some heart racing moments too!
The banter and tension build up was perfect, a couple of spicy scenes and a great story overall.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a romance read with a bit of spice, some laughs and a trip to Belize!
Thank you so much @romanceanz and @harlequinaus for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2024
The cover of this book is so beautiful, which is what initially drew me in. I also was intrigued by the title, because I figured it would be like Romancing the Stone, which is a 1984 with the same looking style and a book about adventure, which I figured this was as well. It definitely reminded me of the movie, a modern day take on it, with the romance prominent. The romance is so well done, as is the adventure aspect of the book, and the author does well with combining the two elements. It was a wildly entertaining book with just a lot of fun and low stakes adventure. This is such a fun rom com that is dripping with chemistry, spice, funny moments and of course, a wild ride!
Thank you to NetGalley, M.C. Vaughan, and Harlequin for the eARC of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, M.C. Vaughan, and Harlequin for the eARC of this book!
July 2, 2024
Delightful summer adventure romance romp. Bo, who is laced up and plans everything, gets a breakup text from his fiance from Belize. When she doesn't return his phone calls or texts, he decides to go after her to discover why she ghosted. Alex is his guide once he arrives in Belize and she very much lives in the moment and finds adventure everywhere. Through many shenanigans along the way, they each balance the other out in ways they'd not realized they needed. I loved how Bo learned to enjoy the moment and also how Alex let someone care for her by the end.
CW: panic attacks on page, parent death prior to story
CW: panic attacks on page, parent death prior to story
September 30, 2024
I ran across this book in my library app and thought I'd give it a try and I'm glad I did. This was a feel good HEA. It's a boy meets girl, girl dumps boy and then boy tries to get her back. But along the way, he falls in love with someone else. I love the chemistry between these two characters. I loved the MMC. He was genuine and different. Most MMC men are rugged a holes but this is a really nice guy. And he has no idea he is a really nice guy which makes him so sexy. The banter btw these characters are great and the story line is original. This was a quick read that I really enjoyed.
July 23, 2024
Silly goofy fun
September 11, 2024
This was cheese city but did I love it - yes. I love the adventure thru Bolivia and all the spice and the chocolate festival- this was pure cotton candy fluff and an excellent plane read :)
November 13, 2024
Love love a good destination book and this really makes me want to visit Belize! The plot was so cute and love a he falls first!
January 12, 2025
Absolutely devastated that there weren’t guys with guns hunting them in the jungle of Belize
May 12, 2024
Goodreads bestowed this book upon me when I won a Giveaway for a Advanced Reader Copy! This is everything you want in a romance adventure novel! Witty banter, steamy encounters, and an adventure quest into the unknown. I am excited that this will lead to more Belize Adventures series and cannot wait to see how people enjoy this when it comes out in June! A fun, feel good read with clueless and befuddled characters just looking to heal themselves. No spoilers here, read for yourself! 🐒⛰️🍹🏍️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews