Set in Florida, this entertaining novella is part of the ‘States of Love’ series that offers stories of romance that span every corner of the United States. If all of them contain the same interesting and informative flavor of the state they are set in as ‘Treasure Trail’, this will be a great series to read. It will almost be like taking a tour encompassing the entire USA, only much cheaper than actually traveling there! Having been to St. Augustine many years ago, it was nice to “revisit” and see it through someone else’s eyes. And with the flavor of the Annual Pirate Festival, mock battles included, the scene is set for a lively story with lots of fun events.

Derick owns a brewpub-tavern named Matey’s Tavern, and as shy as he is on a personal level, for his job he has no problem acting the part of a jovial host. He likes all the pirate pub walking tour groups who make a stop at his place, and not just because it’s good business. Chris, one of the tour company’s guides, a “captain” who styles himself after none less than Captain Jack Sparrow, has Derick’s particular attention. Too bad Derick is too shy to do something about his attraction.

Then one day Chris takes the first step, and they discover mutual interests, a similar shyness where personal relationships are concerned, and a shared love of riding their bicycles. One thing leads to another, and Derick creates a very special treasure hunt for Chris that has both of them enjoying some teasing, lots of innuendo, and more than one shared kiss.

If you like stories with lots of local flavor, if pirates are your thing, and if you’re looking for a light, entertaining read with a few puzzles, then you will probably enjoy this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )