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Island Escape #1

Island Secrets (The Island Escape Series, Book 1): Romantic Suspense

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An Underwater Clue Plunges Zoe and Dane Into a Life Threatening Pursuit in ISLAND SECRETS a Romantic Suspense from R.T. Wolfe

--Present Day, Ibis Island, West Coast of Florida--

When Zoe Clearwater learns that the skull she found in an underwater cave is her missing brother, she sells her scuba diving business, Sun Trips Touring, and dedicates herself to unravelling her brother's mysterious death.

Dane Corbin, the new owner of Sun Trips, is determined to prove to Zoe, now his employee, that he is not the womanizer he once was. But it'll take more than profit to turn Zoe's head.

Her investigation at a standstill, Zoe unearths letters from a secret lover among her brother's possessions, along with plane tickets, a promise to run away to safety, and the painful realization that she'll need Dane's help.

As mercurial clues plunge Zoe and Dane into a life-threatening pursuit and the truth burns brighter and brighter, Zoe recognizes she needs Dane as much as her brother's un-named lover needed him. But Dane will have to make it to safety, first.

Publisher's Note: Known for her intricate plot development and depth of characters, R.T. Wolfe brings loveable characters—and even sea turtles-- to life in her fictitious island setting. This sweet and lively romance will be enjoyed by readers 13+ years.

"Only RT Wolfe can have you fanning yourself while a character is having their hair washed!" ~M.J. Schiller, Author

"I want to move there and be a part of this family!" ~C.C. Pen, Verified Reviewer

The Island Escape Series
Island Secrets
Island Pursuit


249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2015

40 people are currently reading
77 people want to read

About the author

R.T. Wolfe

12 books181 followers
R.T. was born and raised in the Midwest, the youngest of six children. She married at a young age and decided early on she wanted a family herself. With three small boys in tow, she and her husband flipped two houses with R.T. in charge of the landscape design and install. Now, she is rooted in the final home they designed inside and out.

Now that her boys are nearly grown, R.T. spends much of her time on the road traveling from one sporting event to another serving as mom and cheerleader. When at home, she enjoys Pilates, working with her Golden Retriever and digging in the glorious dirt of her landscaping plots.

During one of many busy and restless nights, R.T.’s first novel began to pluck its way onto her laptop. It was a drug, an instant addiction that only grew with time. Moments borrowed and stolen at her laptop are, now, between all of the travel and work and many of those busy, restless nights. After several edits, revisions and versions later R.T.’s first novel, Black Creek Burning, was published by Crimson Romance on September 24th.

R.T. has been honored to be in the top 5 of the Goodreads New Authors to Read list, a guest on USA Today's Happy Ever After blog and my trailer is nearing 1,000 hits. The book has earned a 4.8 star rating on Amazon.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Vera mallard.
459 reviews11 followers
March 2, 2016
This Novel Has It All: Treasure, Love, Abuse and Murder

STORY LINE:

Zoe Clearwater lives in a small gulf community on beautiful Ibis Island off Florida's coast; she had a perfect life. A family that was loving and close; 2 sisters, Raine and Willow, a brother Seth, a thriving diving business and a gift shop. Then her brother, Seth, diving alone disappears. Her world changed. She held herself responsible. She sold her business to Dane Corbin; childhood friend, playboy, and treasure hunter.


As with most small communities everyone knows everyone's business, at least they thought they did. But secrets abound in this small community. Secrets that were the reason for murder.


Zoe has searched the gulf waters for Seth since his disappearance; she suddenly finds a skull with a knife through the eye in a small cavern.


From this point, the story rushes forward. ls this Seth, was it murder, if so, why? All will be answered as secrets are revealed.


CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:

Zoe's character was developed skillfully by Author R. T. Wolfe. Zoe grows throughout the novel as she comes to terms with the death of her brother and to realize Dane is a rock she can lean upon. I enjoyed watching Zoe's growth from an insecure grieving young woman to a secure confident woman who knew her worth and accepted she was responsible for her life choices and Seth was responsible for his life choices. As Dane stated:

you're different, he said......Confident. Calm. Collected. And sexy as hell.


Dane's character has hidden depths. As his depths were revealed, he is not seen as a playboy and fortune hunter but a good man with principles and a giving loving nature. The relationship between Zoe and Dane was skillfully developed by Ms. Wolfe from adversary to love. The love scenes were steamy and intense.

With her, he was a man. He was whole. He would ask her and, if needed drag her off to the nearest desert island and make her say yes.


The interaction with Zoe's family was wonderful. I loved their closeness, yet they were allowed to be individuals by Zoe's parents. Ms. Wolfe's portrayal of this family made my heart sing. Ms. Wolfe's portrayal of Zoe's mother, Harmony, was a hoot. What a woman; I loved her! At times I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.


Ms. Wolfe will keep you guessing in this tale of mystery, treasure, secrets, and murder. The revelation of the secrets was skillfully done by the author. The plots, twists and turns, and pacing in this novel will keep you reading. You will not want to stop until the last page.


Ms. Wolfe has many threads in this story and she did a wonderful job bringing them all together to form a cohesive tale of love, family, treasure, abuse, and murder. When the villain was revealed, I was very surprised along with why the murder occurred. The suspense level was high and kept me glued to the pages.


The information Ms. Wolfe included about the endangered turtle conservation program and the descriptions of the sea life, the island along with Florida's beauty, and the diving in those waters were vivid. I could see the color of sea, the turtles, and flowers from her descriptions.


RECOMMENDATION:

I recommend this book for young adult to adult due to sexual content; it is not graphic sex but love between an emotionally involved couple. This is a good book that was easy to read, had an intriguing plot, and kept my interest. I look forward to book number two in this series.


I received this book from the Author and eBook Discovery Read & Review Club in return for an honest review.


Books reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author's opinion; book reviews on line and on my blog, are my opinion.
7,709 reviews47 followers
July 26, 2022
story of Zoe, who's love for the ocean is heaven and hell. Selling her Sun Trip Tours, after her brother Seth died. Feeling it was her fault, he was inexperience and by himself, diving. Yet, story starts with her diving by herself, looking for clues of what happened to her brother When she comes across a skull, nothing could prepare oneself for this. Tank is caught, she unstraps and heads up too fast. Dana brought her business, and still watching out for her. Out on a tour, he rushes into the water, realizing what has happened to her. She came up to the surface to fast. What was the reason ?. You meet her zany family, and a love that Dane wants to go further,, if only Zoe would be willing.
Enjoyable, interesting read, and holds your attention to the end. Looking forward to the second book.
Profile Image for E..
2,004 reviews20 followers
September 4, 2015
4.25 stars

“Island Secrets” by R.T. Wolfe is part of the ‘Island Escape’ series and centers around Zoe Clearwater, who is determined to expiate her guilt over the loss of her brother during his ill-advised solo dive. Her two-year search culminates in a gruesome discovery that seems to prompt a series of violent episodes that escalate in danger. Her reluctant acceptance of the help offered by her boss, Dane Corbin, is complicated by his refusal to accept that she is no longer an essential part of the business she has sold her share in, and his insistence on watching over her. Both the investigation and their relationship heat up and become more complicated and their lives will change forever, if they live long enough.

This exciting romantic suspense story is a great start to the series. I will say that I am glad that I didn’t read the blurb right before starting the story, or I would have been both frustrated and confused by what it stated. There are great underlying elements, including glimpses of the hard work and regulations involved in conservation efforts aimed at assisting endangered sea turtles. Zoe’s family is filled with memorable characters who provide both lighthearted interludes and emotional impact and I hope to see more of them in future stories. I admit to being a little frustrated by the beginning of the story, as I thought her reaction was illogical since she was searching for a body, but the story picked up in momentum from that point and melded a nice combination of tension, danger and romance. There are some threads that are left unanswered that are a little frustrating, plus an definite invitation to continue following the series to search for the answer which I suspect will involve an even bigger prize, but overall, this was a fun, engaging, and suspenseful story and I look forward to subsequent tales involving these folks and this picturesque setting.

A copy of this title was provided to me for my honest review
Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,715 reviews47 followers
September 8, 2015
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books.

Zoe finds a skull while out diving that later proves to be that of her missing brother. While trying to find out what happened to him, she leans on Dane, who bought her diving business out so she could search for her brother. When letters from an unknown woman to Zoe's brother are discovered, things turn deadly. Zoe will need Dane, in more ways than one.

Once in a while, a book totally blows you off your feet, surprises the hell out of you, and makes you hungry for more, much much more! This is one such beautiful, beautiful book.

There is danger, intrigue, secrets, lost love, new love, passion, oh a little bit of everything, for everyone!

Told from both Zoe and Dane's POV, there is a marked difference in the two voices. I can't word exactly what I want to say, I can't find the words to best describe the difference, but its noticeable. This is a GOOD thing! I loved that Dane was very in touch with his feelings for Zoe, right from the beginning. I loved that Zoe was holding his past against him.

We also get a lot of turtles. OH! I loved the turtle bits, its heavy on the protection and conservation side, and made me wonder if Ibis Island is a real place, because I so wanna go!

Its not violent, although there is the danger element when whodunit is pushed into a corner. It has sex and passion, but its not at all explicit. It is, though, quite beautifully written, and leaves the reader to fill in the blanks.

Its billed as book one in the Island Escapes series. Zoe has two sisters and I could see their stories being laid out within this one. I will, I hope, get to read those two, to see if how I thought they would goes pans out. Although, one I know does, as you get a sneak peak at book two at the end of this one.

I've not read anything by RT Wolfe before. I so love finding new-to-me authors!

5 stars (its not nice ;-p)

**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
Profile Image for Kina.
155 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2015
I give this book 5 fangs I loved it and can't wait for the next book.

Zoe spends every Saturday diving and searching various caves for evidence of her brother Seth that disappeared 2 years earlier while diving alone searching for a long lost treasure. Zoe is a dive instructor and very experienced she blames herself for the disappearance for not being there to save him. Everything changes when she discovers a skull in a hidden cave with a knife through its eye. Soon Dane her boss, former high school flame and island playboy is coming to her rescue and helping her try to solve a murder. Zoe is reluctant to trust him but finds that he's a hard man to resist and maybe that's not such a bad thing... Between brake ins, secret affairs, saving baby turtles, and hot sexy romance a thrill ride set on Ibis island in Florida you won't want to put this book down.
I absolutely loved the time the author took to create the characters the romance between Dane and Zoe felt natural and the plot line was exciting, fast paced and fun even with the sub plots it was never confusing. The secondary characters mostly Zoe's family were great and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them all. I laughed out loud at her mom who was so lovable and kind. I want to move there and be a part of this family!
As a side note the book talks a lot about sea turtle conservation and its importance the blend of that with the romance and murder for this nature loving girl was a perfect fit!
Be aware this is only part one and does have a HEA but also has a cliffhanger. Happy reading

******Reviewer for paranormal romance and authors that rock.
Profile Image for V.B. Winkler.
Author 3 books1 follower
October 9, 2015
**received free copy of this book for review**
Island Secrets is the first of a new series by R. T. Wolfe. I enjoyed her Black Creek series and this new one certainly does not disappoint!

Wolfe excels at slowly building suspense to a boiling point while simultaneously serving up tasty romance, featuring smart, capable but troubled heroines and the strong, supportive men who love them.

"Island Secrets" is set on a fictional Key off Florida's west coast, where several species of sea turtles nest and an eccentric cast of characters live. Zoe, the heroine is a diver and sea turtle protection volunteer, who sold her dive shop to a rival (the hero) a year ago after her brother disappeared while diving. She still works at the shop and leads dive tours, but spends much of her free time searching for her brother's remains. When she finds him, obviously murdered, her efforts to solve the mystery of his death result in a cascade of ominous events that will almost cost her own life.

Interwoven through the story is a lot of information about volunteer efforts to assist in the preservation of endangered sea turtles. Wolfe did first hand research on her settings and on sea turtle conservation, and it shows in the marvelous sense of place the reader will find in this series. The only quibble I had was that the island residents seem to use some rather unique boating terminology. But all in all, it's a marvelous read!

A spicy romance, a mystery with a truly terrifying villain, and cute baby sea turtles? What's not to like!
Profile Image for M.J. Schiller.
Author 43 books183 followers
August 5, 2015
You'll Want In On ISLAND SECRETS!!!
Once again Ms. RT Wolfe blew me out of the water with her latest! I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical. Could RT create a world in this new series as wonderful as the one in her Black Creek Burning Series or her Nickie Savage Series? But I loved ISLAND SECRETS and I adore the Clearwaters and the world they live in. As usual, I enjoyed Ms. Wolfe's way with words, from her witty zingers to pretty passages like this one: "The churning water around her was her life and somehow they had become the calm in the center." Isn't that beautiful? Here's another: "A gust grabbed them, scattering the white petals in a playful dance before landing in the water." I admire the way she shared her knowledge of sea turtles and how she compared their hatching to Dane and Zoe's relationship. And this book contains one of the hottest snorkeling scenes! Okay, so maybe there aren't that many to compare it to, but this scene is mega hot, sizzling! Who knew those kind of fireworks could happen underwater? And the way she ended it--last sentence--was very clever. I also loved the sneak peak at ISLAND PURSUIT, the next book in the series! Only RT Wolfe can have you fanning yourself while a character is having their hair washed! Thank you, RT, for continuing to supply us with quality reads! If you haven't bought it yet, do so!
Profile Image for Pegan Knight.
Author 6 books23 followers
July 28, 2016
WOW!!!! This book was so full of suspense and HOT moments!!!

I love romance books and cut my teeth on Nora Roberts. I can honestly say that this author can compare well as far as keeping the reader hooked on the story from the start, as well as giving just the right amount of detail of the characters that your imagination can fill in the blanks.

I was actually caught a bit off guard by the story, expecting it to be fast paced and exotic, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it had a steady rhythm in a small American beach town.

I very much look forward to reading the next book in this series, as well as other books by this author.

I LOVE the Sea Turtle Conservation!!! That is one of the best parts of this entire story is that the family is such an active voice on the conservation of endangered turtles...it literally had me writing down a remind to do more research on the topic.

I would have liked to see a bit more of the history behind Seth and his treasure hunt. I'm hoping to see that in future books. Also, Lucky Nemo, what's his deal/game?? Is he coming back later on?? I feel like he was a rather misplaced character outside of his spilling the beans about several of Dane's treasure hunts in the past.
1,658 reviews13 followers
June 12, 2016
I received this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started reading Island Secrets, I was apprehensive. I am a creature of habit and usually read authors I have read before, so reading the first book from an auhor I have never read before was a little out of my comfort zone. By chapter 6 I was hooked.

While I understood that Zoe and Dane had history, I wish it would have been detailed more. Because of this, I felt she held on her 'grudge' and preconceived feelings towards him for too long. I did like how open and honest Dane was with his feelings for Zoe. I also liked how he was close to the rest of her family.

The peripheral characters were great and I can't wait fo read future books to see what happens with Zoe's sisters. The mystery of the skull that Zoe found, and the subsequent investigation of who's skull and what happened to the person was intriguing. I liked how strong and supportive Dane was and how Zoe leaned on him (even when she didn't want to).

I thought I had the culprit figured out, and I mostly did. (I can't explain without giving a huge spoiler away). I will definately be reading more from this author.
7 reviews
March 6, 2016
** received this book for an honest review**
This book is about Zoe and Dane. Zoe is trying to come to terms with the death of her brother Seth. She is a diver and a guide. Dane buys her company and is in love with her but it takes Zoe a while to see that he is not the player she thinks he is. He follows her and protects her. Dane and Zoe are both strong characters. I like that.
The story has depth, the characters are well developed and the pace in which the story and the love between Zoe and Dane develops is good, credible. The love and sex scenes are well-written and realistic. The story has action, we wonder what has happened to Seth and feel Zoe's guilt. Her family are colourful characters, they bring a bit of humor to the story and we are already introduced to the characters of the next stories.
Nature preservation also plays a role in the story, but again, it's a natural part of it. It feels as if it belongs there and is a good thing in the character development.
I am looking forward to the rest of the stories.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,243 reviews97 followers
January 12, 2016
When Zoe's brother Seth dies in a diving accident, Zoe blames herself. After all, he was diving alone and no one is suppose to dive alone. With all the guilt she feels, she sells the business to someone that went to the same school they all went to. Now she works for him. Zoe goes diving alone and finds a skull in a cave. She takes a picture of it with her camera, and then get stuck leaving. Dane, the new owner is on another boat and notices that Zoe is below too long. He goes diving to find her. When she gets to the top with Dane's help, and tells them what she found, everyone thinks it is due to lack of oxygen. Then she goes to the police with her camera and it is there. Whose skull is it? Why all of a sudden is her house, her parent's house, and Seth's old apartment being broken into? Do they find the answer to all these questions? Read the book to find out. I received ARC from eBook Discovery Read and Review for an honest review.
1,708 reviews5 followers
June 8, 2016
This is the first book I've read from R.T. Wolfe, and it won't be my last. I love it when I discover a new (to me) author! It's even better when I find an author who writes full length books in a series, especially when I get wrapped up in the characters. That happened here. This is the love story of Zoe and Dane, but that's not all you get. There is mystery and suspense too. What I really liked about this book is that, even though it was Zoe and Dane's story, we got a lot of insight into the other characters. There was enough development of the "supporting" characters that I could guess at who I think might be getting together in future books. You don't always get that with other series. This could be read as a standalone. However, if you want to know more about the mystery, you would need to continue on with the next book. I know I can't wait to read it!
*I received this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for an honest review.*
3,448 reviews38 followers
June 7, 2016
Living in Florida, I always look for books with stories taking place in this lovely state. I was impressed on how well the author describes our natural beauty. As well , as the need to protect our shores and sea creatures.
Our heroine, Zoe, has been trying to figure out the Why and How of her brother’s disappearance. She sells her diving business in order to investigate on her own his disappearance. She doesn’t trust the authorities.
Dane, the man who now owns her business, wants to help and protect her, as well as wanting to pursue a romantic interest.
If you like suspense, romance, and complex characters, plus the sea, this is the book for you.

I received this ARC book from eBook Discovery for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Hanover.
76 reviews
June 26, 2015
She does it again. I love great storytelling and an author very rarely surprises me. When she does, I have to give her credit. Simply loved the atmosphere and the Clearwater family. The progression of the story was timed just right, not too fast, but yet held my interest as it twisted and turned. Great characters kept me interested throughout, as did the wonderful descriptions of the island. The information and love for sea turtles being protected truly enhanced the story and I feel compelled to do more to help.
Great summer read!
Profile Image for Talia Nyx.
Author 4 books3 followers
March 20, 2016
I received this book free for a review.

An excellent story, well written. We go on a journey out of the darkness of grief and fear. The story is set on an island in Florida, so real I could almost feel the sand and hear the turtles.
The romance that brews between the two main characters is a key part of that journey. He helps her to remove the blinkers of fear, and this in turn helps her see more clearly. Add in the quirky cast of her family (a family I wouldn't mind meeting), and we have a brilliant piece of work that I would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Sharon Hibbs.
1 review1 follower
November 15, 2015
RT Wolfe writes another great story! Were introduced to the Clearwater family on Ibis Island in Florida. Zoe's brother has gone missing and she is determined to find him. If you love romance, mystery, sea turtles and fun in the sun, you'll love this book. This smooth reading book makes it hard to put down. The romance and suspense are unbelievable. Actually, this book is first in a three part series. Can't wait to see what unfolds in book two.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,451 reviews47 followers
August 28, 2015
I can't recall if I have read anything else by this author, but if I haven't I sure will be from this point on! This author gives you a well written and thought out book that has a twist of mystery a little bit of romance and a whole lot of page turner! It will diffidently keep you up flipping through the next page. Looks to be a series and a good start to one!


*Received for an honest review*
1,917 reviews6 followers
June 10, 2016
I received a free copy of this book.
First time reading this author

I found this to be a 4.5
This book has suspense and romance and was just a fun read. Okay she finds the skull of her missing brother-that was not so fun, but there is still humor in the book. Fun characters and the family is just amazing. I wish they had been my parents. wow. I think that the majority of romance readers would enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Jewels.
405 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2016
My first book by Author R.T. Wolfe and it want be my last. The characters made me laugh, the story line was right for me, I was swooning over Dane.
I loved the way the details of each of the characters were revealed.
Hopefully I can get more of this series which is not showing on iBooks Australian!!! Sorry iBooks not your problem just checked out R.T.Wolfe.com only to find that again a publisher is telling an author what to write first!!
Profile Image for Caro.
1,776 reviews42 followers
August 3, 2016
This was an awesome freebie. I loved this book. Great characters and personalities, fun family, a dash of suspense, page turning emotions and events, and a great HEA. This book has me wanting to get to know the rest of the family and their stories. It definitely leaves you with a question and what could happen next. It kept me interested and had a good touch with the turtles. I can't wait to read more, but first I'll have to find the others. Totally enjoy anytime!
550 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2016
This book is a wonderful read with it's suspense, action and twist and turns. It is a very romantic story that brings together a whole family and adding a love interest. This book was not what I expected and if I write anymore I will give away some spoilers. I was gifted this book for an honest review and it's a must read and like me you won't put it down until your finished
Profile Image for Karen.
30 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2016
This was a great book! I read it fairly quickly. I enjoyed Zoe and Danes story. It's a clean read. I will be looking forward to new books in this series.
It was well written. There were only a few typographical errors. All in all its a must read
32 reviews
August 21, 2015
I loved this book!! It was awesome. I had no idea who the murder was until they told me!
Profile Image for Sherry Vaughan.
840 reviews11 followers
January 13, 2016
If you like mysteries with a tropical air, a budding romance, and sea turtles, you will love this book.
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
July 19, 2020
4.25 Stars for this romantic suspense book, which takes place on an island off the coast of Florida. Being my first book by this author, it took me a couple chapters to get comfortable with her story telling style. She tells the story of Zoe Clearwater. Zoe is trying to come to terms with her brother’s disappearance, as he never returned from a solo dive in the Gulf Of Mexico. Years later, in those same blue waters where her brother was last seen, Zoe discovers a human skull in a cavern guarded by a Moray eel. This gruesome discovery sets off a chain of events that brings intrigue, grief, and mystery to the Clearwater family.
During this difficult time, Dane comes to Zoe’s side to protect and support her. Dane is the island’s resident playboy and treasure seeker, as well as Zoe’s long term friend and current boss. As the mystery intensified, so do the feelings between Zoe and Dane. Zoe can no longer deny the sexual chemistry they share. Their love scenes are written sensually, without the erotic details. Instead of the typical sex in the shower, Zoe and Dane “take it up a notch”, or should I say “down”, as they share a sexy under water scene.
The supporting cast have key roles and add to the excitement of the plot, especially Zoe’s family. Her mom is a “Hoot”, In between the drama, there is a very educational component to this book, which I found fascinating. The author includes the sea turtles nesting period within the context of the storyline. I was so taken, I had to bookmark my page, and jump on the internet to research this amazing ritual. The book ends on a romantic high note, but the mystery continues. Now I just have to read book 2.
Profile Image for Rebecca Neely.
Author 4 books297 followers
July 26, 2020
I did not finish this book; I barely made it through 3 chapters. The characters felt very immature, and in my opinion, it reads almost like a YA, versus an adult romance. Also, there were some glaring editing errors. For example, the correct word should've been memorizing, instead, mesmerizing was used; same issue, opposing versus imposing. Very frustrating and disappointing to me, the reader. Positive - the author's descriptions of the scuba diving and scenery brought them to life.
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