Hunter’s Treasure: A high-stakes action adventure rom-com, perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Fool’s Gold

by Olivia Jackson

A brand new spicy forced proximity action adventure romcom set on a desert island!Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Jo Segura and Meghan Quinn. One treasure map. Two total opposites. A romance they never saw coming…

When Sydney York ends up shipwrecked on a remote island, the last thing she expects is to end up on a treasure hunt. But when she meets Hunter Holden, the island’s sole inhabitant, who just happens to be searching for a legendary treasure, she ends up drawn into an adventure that leads across treacherous terrain, fighting venomous snakes and facing an enemy also searching for gold.

Will the two treasure hunters find the gold they’re searching for, or is it possible their unlikely partnership might turn into something more priceless?



Remote desert island Forced proximityChance encounterSpicyPraise for Olivia Jackson‘A fun, spicy adventure romance perfect for readers who adore puzzles and action mixed in with their love stories… a wild ride that had me grinning the whole way through!’ Lauren Connolly, author of PS I Hate You

'Packed with thrilling treasure hunts and sizzling chemistry, this romantic adventure is impossible to put down… a must-read!’ Annie McQuaid, author of Crash Landing

‘A fun, sexy thrill ride that gave me all The Lost City vibes. I dig this book!’ Carlie Walker, author of Code Word Romance

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Adult

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 12, 2026

Reviews

[rosie (jason todd's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

.ᐟ.ᐟ 8/01/26 — review:

╰› (⭐4)

⋆｡°✩ 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍

ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED RELEASES THIS YEAR, AND IT ABSOLUTELY HIT 🤭🤭

olivia jackson's debut, digging dr jones is still my favourite book of hers, but i'm so happy that hunter's treasure has the same vibes!!

⋆｡°✩ 𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒕

i really love this adventure-style romcom subgenre! it brings the stakes higher and adds layers of tension and excitement to the romance!

in a similar way to digging dr jones, the puzzle solving aspect was genuinely really interesting to me! i loved how each little riddle was presented, and i will admit i guessed one of the solutions before the characters did lol!!

the third act conflict was so exciting and interesting! i really couldn't put the book down, i was ENRAPTURED. 🤭

⋆｡°✩ 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔

𝘴𝘺𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘳𝘬 ⭑.ᐟ 🌊

i mostly enjoyed sydney's character! i admired her love for those around her, especially her late father - and she was really emotionally mature! i loved how she was able to make her choice at the end of the book (no spoilers hehe) regarding her friend! i liked the commentary regarding that part of adult life 🙂‍↕️

the epilogue was soooo sweet too, i'm still kind of in shock that this book was over so fast! i wanna see hunter and sydney happy for longer 🤭

although... she does need to step up her marvel/DC knowledge, because she did say that wonder woman was from marvel... then boasted about being a marvel stan... i, personally, am a DC stan... and i can tell you she's incorrect 🤓☝️ (it's literally the smallest thing. it's the fangirl in me that can't let this slide LOL)

but right at the end, i really liked how she was so strong and had that GENIUS idea. cuz i really did NOT see that coming!! i would trust her to get me off a deserted island 🙂‍↕️


𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘯 ⭑.ᐟ 🏝️

awww i really liked hunter! he was such a golden retriever man, such a cutie patootie 🤭

THE LITTLE NOTES IN BETWEEN CHAPTERS??? THE LIL DRAWINGS??? oh i'm in LOVE. he's so adorable 😭😭😭 don't even get me STARTED.

i was going to mention how he'd taken so long to untangle the riddles, but then i thought about it for a little longer and found a new appreciation for this couple, because sydney basically had the perfect skillset to help solve them LOL!


⋆｡°✩ 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈

some of the humour didn't hit for me, but overall the writing was really lovely! i could clearly picture the tropical island in my mind, and all of the (slightly creepy) locations and landmarks! ❤️


⋆｡°✩ 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔

(im)patiently waiting over here for olivia jackson's next book... (i need to calm down, this one hasn't even been actually released yet...)

i still crave more hunter x sydney, and i finished this book literal minutes ago... 🤭

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·


.ᐟ.ᐟ 17/11 — pre-read:

THE INHUMAN SHRIEK I JUST LET OUT. OMG.

Thank you so so so much to HarperCollins UK for granting me access to the e-ARC copy of Hunter’s Treasure, which releases on the 12th Feb, 2026.

I’m so incredibly excited. You have NO idea. No, I will not shut up about this. Prepare to be annoyed by me 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

.ᐟ.ᐟ 17/8 — pre-release:
AGH NEW OLIVIA JACKSON BOOK!!! i’m so excited heheh

i absolutely adored her debut — ‘digging dr jones’ — and am so happy to see another work of art start cooking 🤭💕

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, everything about this book was completely up my alley. It was on my 2026 TBR for a reason...and thank you so much to the publisher for offering me an advanced copy!

First off, the title is so witty and clever! Hunter's Treasure...Treasure Hunter...get it? And...his name is Hunter! It was perfect!!!

Anyway, this book follows Hunter and Sydney, two people trapped on a deserted island that might also be the location of a fortune in treasure.

This book put a different twist on the shipwrecked trope in that Sydney is the only one who is shipwrecked on the abandoned isle. Hunter lives there and is basically a hermit. This was a unique spin on the trope, and it also meant they had a little more in terms of supplies, which leant a sense of believability that other similar books lack.

Hunter was giving me Sam Drake energy with his love of treasure and his dogged determination to find it even though those around him have all failed. I loved him. He was a bit rough around the edges from living on his own for so long but was still charming (if a tad roguish).



The romance was really well done, as Sydney goes from not trusting Hunter at all to becoming his ally. I liked both of them as individual characters and I also loved them together.

There were also some adventurous aspects that came into the story later. I loved that too, since I love books that are a mix of adventure and romance. The little notes they wrote each other added a nice touch and were cute as well.

I will most definitely be on the lookout for this author's next book. She does adventure romance really well.
______________________________________
The treasure hunting book of my dreams!

review to come

[Shanna - Cozy Grey Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you HarperCollins for the ARC!

I think my new nightmare is being stuck on a deserted island with only fish, coconut, and pineapple to eat... because I am allergic to all three! (Massive bummer I know)

But being stuck with a super hot man would not be the worst thing. And the buried treasure adventure was honestly so fun!

There are so many twists and turns in this story and the suspense works so incredibly well. I was on edge the entire time wondering what would happen next. The mix of romance and mystery is perfectly balanced and kept me on edge!

I can also see how much Olivia’s writing has grown between her books. I love that this was originally supposed to be her first but she took the time to make it even better before giving it to us. It is perfection!

[_booktique2_ D Amora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best part was how much it reminded me of the movie fools gold. Iconic. Loved this.

[Sydney Gessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture this: you decide to go on a huge, long boat adventure to scatter your dad’s ashes. Fast forward—your captain is gone, the boat has sunk, and now you’re marooned on an island with a hot treasure hunter named Hunter (really on the nose there, hey). Sydney and Hunter work to survive with no means of leaving or communicating with the outside world.

Let’s talk about the characters. Sydney (who I share a name with) is an IT girly with an analytical brain. I loved how she solved the riddles and girlbossed her way through island life.
Hunter is our off-the-grid treasure hunter whose family has been searching for this treasure for generations. He’s quite the survivalist, and bonus—he’s taller than Henry Cavill.
Sparks fly between these two, and the slow burn, I swear, almost killed me.

Things I loved:
• Tuesday and Monday, the island cats
• Sydney’s inventor’s mind
• Decoding and riddles

Things I would have really loved:
• Dual POV—there’s just something about reading the yearning from both sides

Overall, this adventure-style rom-com delivered on its promises! It definitely gives Fool’s Gold vibes and that peak early-2000s magic that made romantic comedies so good. If you haven’t added this to your TBR, you are seriously missing out.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
Thank you to One More Chapter, HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the advanced copy of Hunter’s Treasure! I love a fun adventure story, and this certainly delivered.

I will say, you have to get over the unrealistic aspect of Sydney just happening to wash up on an island with a hot single man on it, but once you do this is very fun! I really enjoyed the whole treasure hunting storyline, it added exactly what the story needed in terms of adventure and mystery. I would have loved more history on the treasure and the past hunt for it though.

Hunter was a rare MMC with, in my opinion, no red flags. Some people might say that not telling Sydney about his debts was a red flag but let’s be real, would you tell someone this after knowing them less than a month? Probably not.

I didn’t love how fast both of them suddenly decided they were in love with each other, like I get that there are literally no other options on this island but to me it seemed more like extended forced proximity than love… but what do I know?

This whole situation would be my nightmare but I’m glad Sydney was braver than me!

(Finally I think comparing Sydney to Gal Gadot is a big ick)

[Síle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Olivia Jackson and One More Chapter for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a wholesome little adventure. Two strangers meeting on a deserted island sounds dramatic, but Hunter already living there gives the whole setup a warm, slightly offbeat charm. And the banter? Absolutely delightful. It’s the kind of teasing that softens your ribs from smiling too much.

The romance itself is more adorable than scorching, though the spice that is there works… clearly, since she walks away pregnant. Honestly, if the man looked like Henry Cavill’s long-lost twin, I wouldn’t be resisting either. Some temptations simply aren’t meant to be fought.

Beyond the romance, the treasure-hunting aspect adds a fun layer. Riddles, clues, little bursts of tension without ever tipping into true danger. It’s a cosy adventure with heart, sunshine, and just the right touch of mystery.

A light, warm story perfect for when you want an easy escape with sweet chemistry, soft moments, and a handsome island man who knows exactly how to charm.

[Megan ✨️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

✨️ ARC REVIEW✨️

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me early access to this book!

Oh dear, I really really wanted to love this book. The plot line for me seemed right up my ally; forced proximity, some adventure mystery! but unfortunately it just didn't hit.

Belive me, I loved Hunter's character though, as book boyfriends go he was great he was masculine and gentle and just perfect 👌🏻.

But the story just felt like it dragged out for too long. Also, with the current global and political state of the word, referencing that Sydney is meant to look like Gal Gadot on more than one occasion, is possibly not a great idea

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting adventure rom-com book. It had funny moments, even if the sense of humor wasn’t always my favorite. While the premise was interesting, I didn’t always feel fully engaged with the story. It also includes instant love and has some open-door scenes. It’s an easy and quick read, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you may enjoy it.

Rating: 3⭐️
Release Date: February 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Mimi Gunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sidney York doesn't do sports, but she will hire a sketchy captain, take a mysterious journey to the Cook Islands to spread her fathers ashes and travel to unknown destinations in search of a treasure with a thirst trap explorer, no problem.

After the stress of holidays, this book was a much needed escape to the tropical Cook Islands, where Holden and Sidney begin their journey. However, a soft girl like me was very squeamish at all the outdoor living happening in this book. Cold showers, lack of wifi and an outhouse got me thinking wait... did I just pick up a horror novel? Alas, no. Sidney was just learning the harsh reality of ocean living when a storm washed her up on Hunter Holden's island. Miraculously, Hunter had enough supplies to care for injured Sidney while they worked to fix a boat that would take them to the mainland. But you know how life is, put two hot and thirsty people on an island together and something is gonna happen. It has to! Still reeling from a painful divorce, Sidney wasn't looking for a man, but she could not keep her eyes -or hands- off Hunter. It must have been fate that brought them together, because their passion for each other was the key to turning their lives around. Taking a leap for love - and sometimes to get away from bad guys- is always worth it. Pick up this book if you like single POV, being lost on a tropical island, strangers to lovers, hunting for lost treasure, snakes (not the good kind), a little suspense and a man who will check you for fever with a kiss.🤭

Favourite quote from
"Wonder Woman, I don't think I ever lived until you walked into my life."
See my full review @mimigunnbooks

[Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for providing me with an eARC copy. All opinions are my own.

I was so excited to read this adventure romance, and it ended up being such a letdown. I was in the mood for something fun and sweet and this missed the mark completely.

The two leads had all the chemistry of tap water and were just as bland and boring. It’s not that I disliked them, exactly–they weren’t interesting enough for that. They were so unremarkable and dull I found it impossible to get emotionally invested in them.

Furthermore, if you’re a fan of witty banter, this book will NOT scratch that itch. The humor and dialog was painfully derivative, and felt like the author had taken multiple lines from a “365 of the best one-liners” desk calendar. (Who actually quips, “That’s what she said” without a trace of irony. C’mon.)

As adventure romances go, while I didn’t find this one particularly heart-pounding, I can see it doing well with mom book club groups who are looking for an easy read. Not particularly exciting or challenging, but a hint of escapism while leaning heavily into “girl boss” femininity. Clearly, I was not the target audience for this, but just as clearly, others have enjoyed it. Just go into it with appropriate expectations.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! The creativity of the author’s storyline and characters are something I will be thinking about for a long time! This is a must read of 2026 for all of the romance and adventure lovers. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for early access!

[Rachael Stray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escaping to a hot, faraway island during a bleak January in the North East of England was exactly what I needed, and Hunter’s Treasure by Olivia Jackson delivered that sunshine-soaked getaway in spades.

The story follows Hunter and Sydney, two strangers brought together on a deserted island that may also be hiding a long-lost fortune.

While it leans into the classic shipwrecked trope, this book cleverly twists it—Sydney is the only one who ends up shipwrecked, while Hunter already lives on the island as a reclusive hermit.

That detail alone gives the story a fresh, slightly offbeat charm and adds a level of believability you don’t always get with island survival romances.

There are supplies, routines, and a sense that this island has already been lived in, which made the whole setup feel warmer and more grounded.

The romance is a delicious slow burn. Sydney’s initial mistrust of Hunter feels completely natural, and watching that tension gradually soften into trust, partnership, and something much deeper was incredibly satisfying.

I really liked both characters individually, but together? The sparks fly.

Their banter is delightful, teasing, playful, and full of heart and it’s the kind of back-and-forth that leaves you smiling without even realising it.

There’s also a surprising amount of suspense woven through the story. The treasure hunt, the clues, and the constant question of what might happen next kept me on edge the entire time.

The balance between romance and mystery is spot-on; neither ever overshadows the other, and both work together to keep the pace moving.

Sydney’s personal journey was another highlight for me.

After losing both her parents and going through a divorce, she decides to charter a boat in honour of her dad—only for things to go wildly wrong when Captain Bambi falls off the wagon, leaving them both overboard and separated.

Watching Sydney learn new skills, adapt to island life, and grow in confidence was genuinely satisfying. Seeing her and Hunter work together to solve the clues and hunt for the treasure made their connection feel earned and meaningful.

I also loved the little extras, especially the Spotify playlist included before the story begins. Listening along between reading enhanced the atmosphere and made the whole experience feel even more immersive.

Overall, this was such a wholesome little adventure. Two strangers meeting on a deserted island might sound dramatic, but Hunter already living there gives the story a cosy, slightly quirky feel that I adored.

It’s light, warm, and perfect when you’re craving an easy escape filled with sweet chemistry, soft moments, and a handsome island man who knows exactly how to charm.

Thank you to One More Chapter, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of Hunter’s Treasure. I love a fun adventure story, and this one absolutely delivered.

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to arc read this book. I truly appreciate it.

I've had the absolute privilege of being able to previously arc read Olivia Jackson's Digging Dr Jones, and I loved it, but I have to say I absolutely loved Hunters Treasure more!

The description makes this book sound even more wilder than the first, and makes you really question how everything could work out that way. But please ignore it and read this book because it completely works so well and in the best way! This was such a truly fantastic treasure adventure and romance! The romance is slow burn, and works perfectly in this story, and it was so beautiful to watch it occur. The treasure adventure side is going to steal your heart! This book was exactly like if you combined National Treasure/ and the Mummy but more National Treasure with Cast Away! It was just so much fun! The history and lore was so well thought out, there's no plot holes or gaping questions. It was just so fantastic and I honestly need to see this book on the big screen! It and Digging Dr Jones need to be the next big treasure adventure movies!

This whole book was everything I love about treasure hunting movies, it is non-stop action, adventure, combined with actual puzzle and mystery solving with romance and spice mixed so well and appropriately throughout and I loved it! I also absolutely loved Sydney and Hunter. They're both so incredibly smart and not in a condescending way, and genuinely despite the circumstances, realistic people. Their chemistry and how they work together is so amazing and everything you want to see. The epilogue though is really going to steal your heart! It too was everything I was hoping for and more! There is so much that goes on and it never feels rushed or too slow and it was just so much fun. I know I've said that a lot but it was. I honestly couldn't put it down, I needed to see how it would end!

Thank you so very much again from the bottom of my heart to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to read this book. I absolutely loved it and I can't wait for Olivia Jackson to write more adventure romance books if she chooses too! I'm in love with them, and I've found my favourite author for the category!

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Premise: A shipwreck, a treasure map, and two complete opposites stranded together on a remote island. This book promises adventure, danger, and romance in equal measure. Sydney unexpectedly finds herself drawn into a high-stakes treasure hunt alongside Hunter, the island’s lone inhabitant. Between venomous snakes, treacherous terrain, and rival treasure seekers, the duo must navigate both peril and the possibility of an unexpected connection.

What Worked:

🔺Adventure-driven plot: The treasure hunt setup delivers plenty of action and keeps the story moving with puzzles, danger, and exploration.

🔺Tropes readers love: Remote desert island, forced proximity, and chance encounter are all front and center, making this a fun pick for trope enthusiasts.

🔺Atmosphere: The deserted island setting is vivid, with its dangers and isolation adding tension to the romance.

🔺Spice factor: For readers who enjoy a dash of heat in their adventure romances, Jackson doesn’t shy away from chemistry.




What Didn’t Work as Well:

🔺Character connection: With only two main characters for most of the book, the lack of a strong emotional bond between Sydney and Hunter feels more noticeable. Their relationship sometimes comes across as underdeveloped, which weakens the impact of the romance.

🔺Pacing: Certain stretches of the island adventure feel repetitive or drawn out, making the storytelling drag at times.

🔺Comparisons to Jackson’s debut: Having read both of her books, this one doesn’t quite reach the same level of engagement or character depth as her earlier work.

Overall Impression: Hunter’s Treasure is a lighthearted, trope-filled adventure romance that will appeal to readers who enjoy treasure-hunt plots, forced proximity dynamics, and escapist island settings. While the central romance may not fully deliver the emotional punch some readers expect, the book still offers a fun mix of danger, puzzles, and spice.



Recommended For:

🔺Fans of adventure romances who like their love stories mixed with danger and treasure maps.

🔺 Readers who enjoy forced proximity as the main driver of romantic tension.

🔺Those seeking lighter escapist reads with a blend of action and romance.

(thanks to NetGalley for the copy of the book)

🎶 fly away by lenny kravitz

[kimberley (thearieslibrary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney is shipwrecked on a remote island, where Hunter is the only inhabitant and he’s hunting for legendary treasure. Will the two treasure hunters find what they’re looking for or will their unlikely partnership turn into more?

After loving Digging Dr Jones, I was so excited to get to this book and it didn’t disappoint! I absolutely loved the vibes of this book - the atmosphere was so gorgeous and I had such a fun time picturing how lush this island looked! Also, the description of the storm and how Sydney became shipwrecked was great at setting the mood for the book. I love Olivia’s writing and how she can make you feel all of the character’s emotions, specifically Sydney’s!

I really enjoyed getting to learn more about the main characters, Hunter and Sydney, and seeing not only the adventures they got up to but also becoming closer as time passed. I loved the notes that they would write each other, which were sprinkled throughout! I do wish that we got more character development from Hunter as his felt more subtle and because Sydney’s was such a joy to see over the course of the book! They made such a good team and as a cat lady, I loved seeing the little parts where Monday and Tuesday would appear and seeing their personalities, whilst learning how Hunter managed to find them. Completely selfish of me but I would have loved the epilogue to be longer, just to see what their life was like after everything that had happened. I also would have loved to meet Tina, instead of in passing because she seemed like a friend that everybody needs!

⚠️ CWs: cursing, alcohol use, person with alcohol use disorder, injury detail, grief, abandonment, absent parents, mental health illness, derogatory language, misogyny, toxic relationship, sexual content, blood, vomit, gun use, physical assault, fire, pregnancy; mentions illness, parent death, gore, spiders, cancer, murder, colonisation, gambling ⚠️

[SelkieReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first action adventure book from Olivia and I loved this one too!!!
Seriously though, poor Sydney!
Our FNC is just trying to honor her father, grieve and get over, not only the breakdown of her marriage, but the fact that her piece of crap ex-husband who was nothing but a mooch that kept her down took half of everything
You go into this book knowing that they’re gonna be some kind of treasure hunt judging from the cover, but you really don’t expect to go on the emotional journey that you do with Sydney. She’s such a “average Joe “character that she could literally be any of us.

This is a single point of view book so we don’t get any of Hunter‘s point of view
And I cannot tell you how much I wish the epilogue was written in his point of view!
What we learn about him from Sydney he seems like such a sweet guy who just got dealt one bad hand after the other and finds it easier to live on an island alone.
I don’t know if it was Olivia‘s intention, but as somebody with high functioning autism, that was definitely the vibe I got from Hunter. The needing to be away from people, the getting obsessed with things, etc.
I loved both of the characters because even though he didn’t want to be around people, and even though she was not this uber capable FMC, who could fight with a sword after one training montage…. they were both really hard workers and willing to sacrifice for someone they cared about .
That to me is so human and it made the character so real because not all of us are the superheroes we read in books. Some of us are just normal people who would say f**k too many times when finding out your stranded on an island

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book truly said: What if The Lost City, Pirates of the Caribbean, and a spicy forced proximity romance all had a sunburned, chaotic baby?

And honestly? I was seated. Buckled in. Hydrated. Ready.

We open with Sydney York, whose vacation plans go from “cute tropical getaway” to “accidentally shipwrecked on a remote island and probably going to die.” Relatable!

But instead of death she finds… Hunter Holden. The sole inhabitant. The himbo-hermit treasure hunter with survival skills, suspiciously good abs, and exactly zero awareness of personal space.

The treasure hunt?
Oh it SLAPS.

We’re talking:

🥵 forced proximity in the tropical wilderness

🐍 venomous snake encounters (10/10 romantic ambiance)

🌴 trekking across a booby trapped island

💥 bad guys also hunting the same treasure

💎 and the slow, inevitable realisation that the REAL treasure was the hot grumpy/sunshine dynamic we made along the way

Sydney is chaotic in the best way, Hunter is the perfect blend of rugged + soft, and their banter had me cackling like a dehydrated seagull. By the time they had to huddle for warmth (yes, on a literal tropical island)I was fully feral.

This book is fun, spicy, adventurous, and surprisingly heartfelt. Perfect if you want your romance with sand in uncomfortable places and your action scenes laced with flirting.

Did they find the treasure? Maybe.
Did I find joy watching two opposites reluctantly fall in love while running for their lives? Absolutely.
Would I survive any of what they endured? No. But I loved watching them do it.

A wild, charming, utterly escapist ride.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This was a good fun romance. Our female main character finds herself stranded on a small island in the Pacific after her boat sinks during a storm. She’s found by the Male MC who looks after her, but his own boat was also damaged in the storm. They’re going to have to wait until another boat comes past to signal for help, and in the meantime they’ll have to learn to live with each other. Our female MC is a bit of a fish out of water, she’s divorced, she’s grieving her father and she was only out saving to try and live out one of her father’s dreams after he passed. She’s terrified by the spiders and snakes on the island and she’s revolted by the only toiletries being limited and coconut scented, something she’s not a fan of. The male MC inherited the home on the island from his uncle who also passed away. As she spends more time with him, she learns he’s been searching for a treasure his uncle was looking for. They try to help each other as they wait for rescue, and of course the forced proximity, only one bed and isolation lead to growing feelings…

These were two nice people and I was rooting for them to have a happy conclusion. The island was a fun setting, particularly as we watch our cyber security female MC try to get used to basic living. It was a beautiful setting with the local (and mischievous) cats, the ocean and beaches, the caves, jungles and lagoons. It was entertaining watching them improvising with what they had. The search for the treasure was an entertaining premise and enjoyable to watch them solve the clues to find it. There are some heartfelt moments and we learn more about their back stories and the trauma they’ve both faced that they need to heal from.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏴‍☠️ Forced Proximity
🏴‍☠️ Opposites Attract
🏴‍☠️ Shipwrecked on a remote island

Sydney Is shipwrecked and trapped on a remote island after a tumoltuous journey when she comes across the charming and handsome Hunter, who has been living on the island for years and is shrouded in ✨mystery✨.

Firstly I am always up for an adventure and throwing in a treasure hunting aspect? As an Uncharted fan you have my attention. Secondly Olivia Jackson? Phenomenal and I will read anything she writes because every character shes written feels very thoughtfully planned out around the story. Finally? I too would fall in love with Hunter and change any and all plans to live on a remote island with him, so I found Sydney to be an incredibly relatable character.

The romance in this book felt incredibly genuine because as they build trust they morph into unlikely allies , which then progresses into a relationship quite naturally. I really enjoyed Sydney and Hunter as a couple and I think the conflicts that arose were dealt with in a very believable and genuine way which made me love them more (again, Olivia Jackson’s characters are always crafted so beautifully).

While Digging Dr Jones was giving Indiana jones, Hunters treasure was giving me fools gold vibes and I LOVE that movie so this was right up my alley. I love this book so much and enjoyed how well this book was written from the pacing to how genuine I found the characters. Olivia Jackson has become an insta buy author and I cannot wait to read what she writes next.

A massive thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collin’s UK, One More Chapter for the earc, all opinions are my own.

[Sam Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the eARC - this is my honest review*

I love a shipwreck story where it becomes a romance. I used to love Blue Lagoon and the 2012 remake, and I could only dream of being rescued by a tall, handsome, single man on a sexy deserted island in the pacific. Hunter’s Treasure is pure wish fulfilment.

When Sydney tries to sail from Australia out to the pacific to honour her late dad, she gets caught in a storm and washes up on the island of Teaku populated solely by Hunter Holden. Hunter, who used to live on the island part time with his treasure hunter uncle, is temporarily marooned until he can fix his boat and get both he and Sydney back to the mainland. But a couple of weeks in paradise with just a sweet, hot golden retriever of a man searching for buried treasure becomes a welcome pursuit for Sydney and soon things are hotter than the island’s sun. But once they find the lost Treasure of Lima, fix the boat and it’s time to go home will Sydney be able to leave?

I really enjoyed this. It was fun, sexy, adventurous and held just a little bit of danger that the stakes felt real enough. I was happy with how the story panned out and where it ended wouldn’t hesitate to add this one to my physical library.

The only thing I didn’t love was the comparison of Sydney to Gal Gadot - but mostly because I don’t really like GG and I was like ok I get it, Sydney is hot.

Great for fans of films like Blue Lagoon, Lovewrecked and Fools Gold.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a lovely mix of cuteness and excitement, which I really enjoyed.

Let's start with the fact that Hunter was so freaking cute I swooned, and I don’t usually swoon, even though I read only romance books.

I really enjoyed the little details like the naming of pretty much anything - especially the cats - and
the scribbled notes between chapters.

It played really well on my emotions, evoking precisely the ones I was meant to feel without being tell-y, which was great. The tension was on point and the adventure part was exciting, especially when things went sideways and the characters were actually challenged, having to figure out another way out instead of being masterminds who could predict any- and everything.

The side characters didn’t feel too cartoonish, which I was worried would happen, because I remember having that issue reading Digging Dr Jones (it was still a fun experience, but the characters were a little too on the nose in that one).

Also, the dirty talk was *chef's kiss* for me, as well as the amount of spice itself (not too much).

The only thing I'd maybe consider lacking was the ending. I’m not sure if I’m satisfied with it. After all the adventure and fast-paced action of the last few chapters, it felt somehow rushed.

I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for some adventure-style romance, because it hits the spot.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read about a lady who gets shipwrecked on an island with a hunky guy. Sydney is sailing around spreading her father’s ashes when a storm hit’s the boat she’s on. She goes overboard and wakes up in a hut on an island owned by Hunter.

Hunter leads deep sea fishing tours for half the year, and spends the other half on this island. The storm that wrecked Sydney’s boat also damaged his, so they’re stuck there until someone comes by. After a few days Sydney learns that Hunter’s family is searching for treasure in the area and she wants to help. Of course attraction blooms along the way, and they start sleeping together.

Hunter took such good care of Sydney and I really liked that. Sydney’s ex husband was mentally abusive to her, so when Hunter supported her ideas it was so sweet. Their spicy times were great, and they worked really well to solve the puzzle and find the treasure. Of course it’s not all easy going when a threat comes to island in the third act.

The writing for this book was decent, but felt stilted at times. Rather than use the contraction of “he’s” or “it’s” the author used the full words and that’s just not how normal speech goes. It took me out of the book a few times. I want to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I voluntarily chose to leave a review.

No third act breakup

4/5 on the Spicy Scale

M/F

Violence

Contemporary Romance

[rosana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

It was surprising to say that Hunter's Treasure was a quick read. I've been in a bit of a reading slump for a few weeks and nothing I've tried to read before has worked, but this book brought a breath of fresh air.

Hunter's Treasure is a fun, adventure-filled story set on a remote island, where our MMC, Hunter, is trying to find a long-lost treasure. Sydney, unfortunately (or perhaps not), has an accident and ends up stranded on the same island as Hunter, and the chemistry between the two begins to grow as the days go by. I really enjoyed getting to know our two main characters and following them in an almost survival mode as they tried to explore and find all the items they needed.

However, I did not expect the plot twist, and I must say that it lowered my rating a little. I think that after the plot twist, the story just dragged on and added nothing to the story and the relationship between our main characters. As the epilogue took place three years later, I was sure that the incident with Tom and the other man was not really necessary.

It was a cute, fun, quick read, and I will recommend it to my friends. Even though I didn't like the plot twist, I understand that other readers will, and that's part of the fun too!

[Sarah Higginbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter’s Treasure was such an enjoyable read. I went in expecting a straightforward adventure, but Olivia Jackson adds enough heart, tension, and small emotional surprises that it stuck with me more than I expected. The story has that satisfying blend of mystery and momentum—each chapter pulls you a little deeper, and I kept wanting to see what clues would unfold next.

I really liked the dynamic between the characters, especially the way their motivations slowly come into focus. Jackson gives them just enough nuance to feel real without slowing down the plot. The setting was another highlight for me—descriptive without becoming heavy, and full of the kind of quiet details that make the world feel lived-in.

A couple of scenes wrapped up a bit faster than I would’ve liked, but overall the pacing kept me hooked. It’s a warm, adventurous, and ultimately uplifting story that leaves you with a sense of discovery.

If you enjoy treasure hunts with heart, found-family vibes, and a touch of suspense, this is definitely worth picking up.

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Olivia Jackson and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

[NariaS · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun! I love a little adventure with my romance!

Sydney doesn't know she hired a recovering alcoholic as her captain when she sets off to spread her dad's ashes in the South Pacific. When that captain falls off the wagon, and they both fall off the ship in a terrible storm Sydney's adventure really begins! She ends up stranded on an almost deserted island. Hunter lives alone on his own private island and has been searching for treasure for years, could Sydney's skills be what he needs to finally find it?

This is definitely a romance first, but the adventure and mystery is great. Especially toward the end, I was very invested in the adventure/treasure hunt aspect. Also totally hooked right off the bat. The alcoholic captain pulled me in right from the beginning.

The chemistry between Sydney and Hunter was fantastic, I love a guy who's a bit shy sometimes and very sweet. This is an open door romance.

I checked out the author's website and it says English is not her first language, which wow impressive, but does explain the fact that she used fewer contractions than I would in everyday speech.

Overall a fun five star read for me!!

Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter via NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜 Blurb -
romcom set on a desert island!Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Jo Segura and Meghan Quinn.One treasure map. Two total opposites. A romance they never saw coming…
When Sydney York ends up shipwrecked on a remote island, the last thing she expects is to end up on a treasure hunt. But when she meets Hunter Holden, the island’s sole inhabitant, who just happens to be searching for a legendary treasure, she ends up drawn into an adventure that leads across treacherous terrain, fighting venomous snakes and facing an enemy also searching for gold.
Will the two treasure hunters find the gold they’re searching for, or is it possible their unlikely partnership might turn into something more priceless?
💖 Review -
This was such a fun and cute read. It's perfect for when you want something light and fluffy to read. I loved Sydney and Hunter's characters and I wanted them to have the happy ending that they deserved. I also loved the place settings in the story. Plus there were some spicy scenes. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
🩵 Release date -12th February.
💛 Thank you to Netgalley, One More Chapter and the author Olivia Jackson for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this lighthearted adventurous romance that really has it all: shipwrecks, cats named for days of the week, a skeleton named John, treasure hunt codes and riddles, snakes that won’t not kill you (probably not), boats with punny names, shelter that’s giving the main Lost beach, nursing back to health trope (multiple times!!), and of course, two cuties that fall in love right away (even if they don’t say it)!!

While not the deepest of stories, this was absolutely such a fun and easy quick read! When Sydney washes up on Hunter’s private island (sounds fancier than it is when phrased that way, lower your expectations okay) unconscious from a shipwreck during a major storm, the two develop a fun rapport as they adjust to being stuck on this island together with no way to get off, no way to contact the outside world, and oh yeah, there’s hidden treasure somewhere on the island to find!!! Hunter loves this island lowkey lifestyle, and Sydney learns to love it through her weeks on the island. I’ve got to commend her for not just giving up and being willing to explore and be adventurous in the face of such a terrible circumstance for her!

Thanks so much to Olivia Jackson and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Dcharmreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shipwreck on an almost deserted island is exactly what happens to Sydney after a bad storm. After going on an adventure to see the world through her dad's eyes. a huge storm wrecks those plans and leaves her stranded. When she wakes up she notices that she's in a house and there's a man there named Hunter there and he is the only other person on this island. What starts as a sketchy situation turns into a whirlwind romance and it all starts with a missing treasure. With a little bit of force proximity, one bed, treasure, hunting and in bad guys this book has it all. It definitely reminds me of a shipwreck and national treasure mixed together. Sydney helps Hunter decipher the map and along the way romance occurs.
I enjoyed this book and couldnt put it down. not only did it have a treasure hunt but it also has an element of lost at sea on a deserted island with limited supplies and the unknowing of when someone will be around to save them. With a spice rating of 1.5/5 for me personally. I absolutely loved this adventure romance!

[María Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been far too long since a book had carried me so completely into the heart of adventure. Readers who loved Something Wilder by Christina Lauren or the adventure-driven spirit of Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean will fall in love with this story.

From the opening page, the narrative unfolds with an irresistible pull, drawing the reader into Sydney’s arrival on Hunter’s island-an unfamiliar world where danger and discovery walk hand in hand. As the journey deepens, trust is forged slowly, almost inevitably, and affection blooms with a quiet intensity. And, with a man like Hunter James Holder, one can hardly blame the heart for surrendering.

At its core, this novel is an invitation to lose yourself: in remote islands, in the promise of hidden secrets and high-stakes adventure. It is a story where grief, courage, and desire collide, where nothing is quite as it seems, and where each turn of the page leaves you eager to discover what lies just beyond the horizon.

*Thanks NetGalley, HarperCollins and Olivia Jackson for this ARC!!!