Title: Island Detour
Author: Maria Imbalzano
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Enemies to Lovers Romance
Book 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.
My Review:
Sophie Kearns is falsely accused of wrongdoing at the prep school where she teaches, just as she’s about to rise to an elevated position and reach her dream. She escapes to an environmental school in Florida owned by an old friend who offers her a temporary position while she awaits the verdict. She’s totally out of her element, and one of the biology teachers, Max, finds every excuse to clash with her over her ineptness at the outdoor activities. He mistakenly concludes she’s there to hinder his goals at the school, and he’d like to drive her away.
Physically, Max and Sophie are attracted to each other from day one. But Max is arrogant, and a hot head focused only on his aspirations. Sophie is uptight and not suited for the layback atmosphere and outdoorsy routine at the school. Plus, Max has a huge trust problem.
As Sophie falls in love with a style of life she didn’t know she even liked, she also falls for Max. Max of course falls for her too, but he can’t get over his fear that there is something she isn’t disclosing. They come together, and they fall apart. Several times. When Sophie finally comes to the realization she can never be a prep school teacher again, she has to make a decision what path to follow. Max wants her to stay and work with him on his dreams, but he’s afraid of holding her back and won’t tell her.
The biggest problem for both of them is their reluctance to communicate openly, to make assumptions without full disclosures, and to run from what will make them really happy. Will they finally admit their true feelings? Will the pathways open for Max to complete his dreams? Will Sophie turn her back on the way of life for which she yearns?
If you’re up for a lot of angst and some well-done love scenes, this book is for you.
My Rating: 4 stars
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Author Biography:
Maria Imbalzano is an award-winning contemporary author who writes about strong, independent women and the men who fall in love with them. She recently retired from the practice of law, but legal issues have a way of showing up in many of her novels. When not writing, she loves to travel both abroad and in the states. Maria lives in central New Jersey with her husband--not far from her two daughters. For more information about her books, please visit her website at http://mariaimbalzano.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
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Reviewed by: Brenda