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Barefoot Bay #3
Barefoot in the Sun
A Barefoot Bay Novel
When running is all you've ever known . . .
Caught between fight and flight, Zoe Tamarin has always picked flight. Since she was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha, they've been on the move, never staying in one place long enough to risk exposing their precarious past. But now that they've reached the sun-baked shores of Barefoot Bay, Zoe may have to stay and fight-for her aunt's life . . . and for a love she ran from years before.
Sometimes the bravest act of all is to stand still.
Oliver Bradbury came to Florida to start over, as both a doctor and a father to his eight-year-old son. He never expected life to hand him a second chance with the woman he lost years ago-but one look at Zoe Tamarin and he knows he'll do whatever it takes to prove that this time, he can be the man she needs. But when demands of family and friendship threaten to shatter their rekindled passion, Oliver must heal Zoe's lifelong wounds with more than hot kisses . . . but will that be enough to keep her from flying off with his heart?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
87 people are currently reading
1311 people want to read
About the author
Roxanne St. Claire
265 books1,832 followersI don’t know about you, but when I check out an author's bio, it’s usually because I’ve read a book I liked and wondered about the person behind it. Let's skip the formal bio and I'll give you the inside scoop on who Roxanne St. Claire really is.
First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.
I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.
Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband's gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.
xoxo
Rocki
First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.
I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.
Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband's gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.
xoxo
Rocki
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
May 8, 2013
Barefoot in the Sun is the 3rd book in Ms. St.Claire's Barefoot Bay series. The first two were great reading so I knew that this one would be too. The premise is a familiar one;two people in love, driven apart by circumstances beyond their control who find each other years later. Ms. St.Claire adds enough twists to the story to make it fresh and enjoyable. Zoe is a woman who has spent most of her life running from people, emotions, situations and she isn't sure she can ever stop. She left Oliver when he didn't respond as she would have liked to the true story of her life. Unfortunately for Oliver, he was in the midst of the biggest turning point of his life and the two end up apart. They meet again at a very difficult time for Zoe and as hard as Oliver tries to show that he is there for her, she can't shed the old habits.
Both of these characters have made mistakes in their relationship but the chemistry between them is off the charts. Both of them have resentments to work through and there are outside influences that add pressure to their new beginning. I got exasperated at times with both of them but still wanted them to work it out. There was the possibility of a big cliched end to one of the storylines, but the author didn't take the easy way and upped the emotional level of the story considerably with her resolution.
As always in a series it is nice to see how the other character's lives have moved on and to predict who the next book will feature. I can't wait to read the next book in the series- Barefoot by the Sea.
Both of these characters have made mistakes in their relationship but the chemistry between them is off the charts. Both of them have resentments to work through and there are outside influences that add pressure to their new beginning. I got exasperated at times with both of them but still wanted them to work it out. There was the possibility of a big cliched end to one of the storylines, but the author didn't take the easy way and upped the emotional level of the story considerably with her resolution.
As always in a series it is nice to see how the other character's lives have moved on and to predict who the next book will feature. I can't wait to read the next book in the series- Barefoot by the Sea.
May 2, 2013
A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself...Jim Morrison
Zoe has spent her life living under false pretenses with the keen sensibility to pick up and hide at a moment’s notice. Zoe ran from abuse into the arms of Pasha a woman pretending to be her aunt, but serving in every capacity to secure a life of love and happiness for Zoe.
When Zoe is reunited with her friends she feels it is time to tell them who she really is and why she has been hiding. The one twist in the tale she did not expect was to reunite with the love of her life, Dr. Oliver Bradbury. Zoe sees his presence as a threat to the secrets she has so carefully hidden away and Oliver wants nothing more than to kiss her delectable lips and caress her face while chipping away at the wall around Zoe’s heart. The one thing Oliver can give Zoe is help to Pasha who is dealing with a problem she is convinced is going to kill her.
Secrets held too long and buried truths that are denied the light are eating away at Zoe’s relationship with her friends and Oliver. Can she trust these people with the truth and let them know who she and Pasha really are? It turns out though that Zoe is not the only one with a secret and Pasha may go to jail over what she is accused of doing.
Roxanne St. Claire keeps this series fresh and the characters mesmerizing with stories that are jaw dropping, eye opening, and romance wielding.
Zoe has spent her life living under false pretenses with the keen sensibility to pick up and hide at a moment’s notice. Zoe ran from abuse into the arms of Pasha a woman pretending to be her aunt, but serving in every capacity to secure a life of love and happiness for Zoe.
When Zoe is reunited with her friends she feels it is time to tell them who she really is and why she has been hiding. The one twist in the tale she did not expect was to reunite with the love of her life, Dr. Oliver Bradbury. Zoe sees his presence as a threat to the secrets she has so carefully hidden away and Oliver wants nothing more than to kiss her delectable lips and caress her face while chipping away at the wall around Zoe’s heart. The one thing Oliver can give Zoe is help to Pasha who is dealing with a problem she is convinced is going to kill her.
Secrets held too long and buried truths that are denied the light are eating away at Zoe’s relationship with her friends and Oliver. Can she trust these people with the truth and let them know who she and Pasha really are? It turns out though that Zoe is not the only one with a secret and Pasha may go to jail over what she is accused of doing.
Roxanne St. Claire keeps this series fresh and the characters mesmerizing with stories that are jaw dropping, eye opening, and romance wielding.
May 26, 2013
I really miss Roxanne St Claire's romantic suspense novels. That's where i fell in love with this author. That's where i fell in love with romantic suspense. I was a little upset when she moved on to contemporary romance. Wasn't sure i could love those books like i did her romantic suspense. Then the first Barefoot Bay book came out. I had to read it of course. Curiosity and resignation whirled inside my head and heart. I felt a loyalty to Rocki and her romantic suspense but also hope that she would knock it out of the park with her new venture into contemporary. I started with book one " Barefoot in the Sand" last year and enjoyed it so much. Barefoot in the Sun in the 3rd in this series and wow what a "knock it out of the park" book it turned out for me. Secrets! So many secrets in this story. It's a twisted tale where you think you know what the heck is going on and then there it is... another twist. I just love the characters of the series but Oliver really got to me in this book. It takes a special kind of man to stick with Zoe and love her while she's trying to constantly run away. He has a few bad moments but never really gives up on her. I found myself tensing up the more and more i read the second half of this book. I knew there would be a happy ending but for the life of me could not figure out how it was going to get there. It was a hard journey for Oliver and Zoe to get there, but Roxanne St Claire makes you feel that trip. You take it with them as a spectator really. A front row seat. It's not all a serious, trouble tale though. Zoe is quite funny and bring that out in Oliver who is quite a serious guy most of the time. One of my favorite lines from Oliver to Zoe is this one. "Well cover your headlights instead so i can stop staring and eat". One more " Of course she wanted to plow over the tough stuff with sex. And as much as he wanted to drive that plow, refused." Barefoot in the Sun has it all. A well balanced book with everything need to make it a hit!
August 4, 2013
This is another wonderful story by one of my favorite authors, Roxanne St. Claire. The third in her "Barefoot Bay" series. If you enjoy a contemporary with depth I recommend this book to you.
Zoe is the smart-talking heroine of the book, although she is first introduced in Barefoot in the Sand. She is a layered character--what you see isn't always what you get.
Oliver, the hero, comes across at the beginning a little stiff... perhaps a little serious...but after all he is a doctor. It fits his character. He quickly grew on me.
For me, Oliver's son stole the show. Roxanne knows how to write kids. Evan was a precocious eight year old who I found a sweet addition to the story.
I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did. I have recommended all of the Barefoot Bay books to my friends!
From Amazon:
"Caught between fight and flight, Zoe Tamarin has always picked flight. Since she was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha, they've been on the move, never staying in one place long enough to risk exposing their precarious past. But now that they've reached the sun-baked shores of Barefoot Bay, Zoe may have to stay and fight-for her aunt's life . . . and for a love she ran from years before.
Oliver Bradbury came to Florida to start over, as both a doctor and a father to his eight-year-old son. He never expected life to hand him a second chance with the woman he lost years ago-but one look at Zoe Tamarin and he knows he'll do whatever it takes to prove that this time, he can be the man she needs."
Zoe is the smart-talking heroine of the book, although she is first introduced in Barefoot in the Sand. She is a layered character--what you see isn't always what you get.
Oliver, the hero, comes across at the beginning a little stiff... perhaps a little serious...but after all he is a doctor. It fits his character. He quickly grew on me.
For me, Oliver's son stole the show. Roxanne knows how to write kids. Evan was a precocious eight year old who I found a sweet addition to the story.
I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did. I have recommended all of the Barefoot Bay books to my friends!
From Amazon:
"Caught between fight and flight, Zoe Tamarin has always picked flight. Since she was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha, they've been on the move, never staying in one place long enough to risk exposing their precarious past. But now that they've reached the sun-baked shores of Barefoot Bay, Zoe may have to stay and fight-for her aunt's life . . . and for a love she ran from years before.
Oliver Bradbury came to Florida to start over, as both a doctor and a father to his eight-year-old son. He never expected life to hand him a second chance with the woman he lost years ago-but one look at Zoe Tamarin and he knows he'll do whatever it takes to prove that this time, he can be the man she needs."
May 29, 2013
Barefoot In The Sun
Barefoot Bay Series #3 by Roxanne St. Claire
Once again St. Claire is able to mix sizzling chemistry between the two main characters Zoe and Oliver with intrigue and plot building up to the very last chapter where you find yourself completely engrossed in the lives of all those living in the tropical setting of Barefoot Bay.
Zoe has lived her life on the run with her "great-aunt" Pasha who rescued Zoe from a life-threatening situation as a small girl. Zoe's aunt has a secret mysterious past of her own and yet now desperately needs the life-saving skills of someone Zoe ran from nine years ago....the only man she ever truly loved, Dr. Oliver Bradbury.
Oliver, a smoking hot blend of Dr. McDreamy and George Clooney, has never been able to get over the loss of his former and only true love, Zoe, after she ran from his life nine years previously. He has been haunted by her disappearance and events of his past.
As the two find themselves thrust together in multiple steamy scenes, you find yourself alternating between cheering them on and wanting to shake themselves into waking up - but of course the author has allowed us to see both sides of the story :) Another thrill ride on the contemporary side of romance!
St. Claire is a MASTER at Romantic Suspense!!! I fell in love with her Bullet Catcher Series. Moved right on to her Guardian Angelinos, and she has taken those skills and applied them to the contemporary genre with Barefoot Bay! Her next book in the Barefoot Series - Barefoot By The Sea - will tell us the long anticipated story of Tessa! I'm on the edge of my seat in anticipation! Because that's one of the biggest advantages in her writing and her series...she weaves into the storyline strong secondary characters from which she builds amazing stories. We are as involved in their lives as we are in the main characters. While each of her books easily stands alone, they are made so much richer and more compelling in sequence through reading the entire series.
Barefoot Bay Series #3 by Roxanne St. Claire
Once again St. Claire is able to mix sizzling chemistry between the two main characters Zoe and Oliver with intrigue and plot building up to the very last chapter where you find yourself completely engrossed in the lives of all those living in the tropical setting of Barefoot Bay.
Zoe has lived her life on the run with her "great-aunt" Pasha who rescued Zoe from a life-threatening situation as a small girl. Zoe's aunt has a secret mysterious past of her own and yet now desperately needs the life-saving skills of someone Zoe ran from nine years ago....the only man she ever truly loved, Dr. Oliver Bradbury.
Oliver, a smoking hot blend of Dr. McDreamy and George Clooney, has never been able to get over the loss of his former and only true love, Zoe, after she ran from his life nine years previously. He has been haunted by her disappearance and events of his past.
As the two find themselves thrust together in multiple steamy scenes, you find yourself alternating between cheering them on and wanting to shake themselves into waking up - but of course the author has allowed us to see both sides of the story :) Another thrill ride on the contemporary side of romance!
St. Claire is a MASTER at Romantic Suspense!!! I fell in love with her Bullet Catcher Series. Moved right on to her Guardian Angelinos, and she has taken those skills and applied them to the contemporary genre with Barefoot Bay! Her next book in the Barefoot Series - Barefoot By The Sea - will tell us the long anticipated story of Tessa! I'm on the edge of my seat in anticipation! Because that's one of the biggest advantages in her writing and her series...she weaves into the storyline strong secondary characters from which she builds amazing stories. We are as involved in their lives as we are in the main characters. While each of her books easily stands alone, they are made so much richer and more compelling in sequence through reading the entire series.
April 22, 2013
I've looked forward to going back to Barefoot Bay for months and this book didn't let me down. Zoe's story promised to be interesting as we knew she was hiding from something or someone. The last story ended with her running from Dr. Oliver Bradbury when he recognized her at the resort grand opening while performing the emergency delivery of Lacey's baby.
Zoe's story and past may have been tragic but Oliver certainly was a big payoff. He is smoldering sexy and head over heels in love with this woman who is conditioned to run when people get too close. Time after time he affirms his love (in some really great ways) and commitment to her but Zoe has no frame of reference for loving someone without having them be taken away in some manner. While her behavior is understandable, it got old after awhile (my reason for deducting a 1/2 halo). As if Oliver wasn't a complete enough package, his precocious 8-year old son Evan, brought the best out of him and everyone else around him.
I also continue to be drawn to the close-knit circle of women friends that make this series cohesive. Their relationships with each other aren't always perfect but they're devoted to each other. We don't see enough of these type of relationships between women and they're a great model.
Here I am again, primed and ready for the next book in this refreshing series but will have to wait a few months. You don't have to read these books in order necessarily as you can get up to date pretty easily. But, I wouldn't miss a paragraph about any of the women in this circle and would serve them up in order. It's a sexy, fun romance involving women with some tough issues paired with men you'll just keep dreaming about.
Zoe's story and past may have been tragic but Oliver certainly was a big payoff. He is smoldering sexy and head over heels in love with this woman who is conditioned to run when people get too close. Time after time he affirms his love (in some really great ways) and commitment to her but Zoe has no frame of reference for loving someone without having them be taken away in some manner. While her behavior is understandable, it got old after awhile (my reason for deducting a 1/2 halo). As if Oliver wasn't a complete enough package, his precocious 8-year old son Evan, brought the best out of him and everyone else around him.
I also continue to be drawn to the close-knit circle of women friends that make this series cohesive. Their relationships with each other aren't always perfect but they're devoted to each other. We don't see enough of these type of relationships between women and they're a great model.
Here I am again, primed and ready for the next book in this refreshing series but will have to wait a few months. You don't have to read these books in order necessarily as you can get up to date pretty easily. But, I wouldn't miss a paragraph about any of the women in this circle and would serve them up in order. It's a sexy, fun romance involving women with some tough issues paired with men you'll just keep dreaming about.
May 14, 2013
When she was ten, Zoe Tamarin was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha. They've been running ever since, never staying in one place long enough to grow roots or form attachments. The only exceptions are Zoe's three best friends in Barefoot Bay, and the one man she had to let go. Dr. Oliver Bradbury never got over the day Zoe walked out on him without a word. Now she was back, wanting him to risk everything to save Pasha, the woman who took Zoe from him in the first place. This may just be the second chance he's waited nine years for, but he needs to get Zoe to understand that when running is all she's ever known, sometimes the bravest act is standing still.
These books are part of the Barefoot Bay series, with Barefoot in the Sand & Barefoot in the Rain coming before, and Barefoot by the Sea coming in October 2013.
These Barefoot Bay books are addictive. Ideal, beautiful setting, a close cluster of eccentric friends, and finding love... one by one by one. Admittedly, Zoe's story interested me the least. Until I read it and found out why she was always running. I got to see a deeper side to the flighty woman and completely understand. And wow, Oliver? Hawt. The new secondary characters in this book, like Oliver's son, Evan, were just a delight and moved the plot. I loved that we got to see inside Pasha's head too. This third book was full of humor, heart, and grief. Not to be missed. I cannot wait for Tessa's story.
These books are part of the Barefoot Bay series, with Barefoot in the Sand & Barefoot in the Rain coming before, and Barefoot by the Sea coming in October 2013.
These Barefoot Bay books are addictive. Ideal, beautiful setting, a close cluster of eccentric friends, and finding love... one by one by one. Admittedly, Zoe's story interested me the least. Until I read it and found out why she was always running. I got to see a deeper side to the flighty woman and completely understand. And wow, Oliver? Hawt. The new secondary characters in this book, like Oliver's son, Evan, were just a delight and moved the plot. I loved that we got to see inside Pasha's head too. This third book was full of humor, heart, and grief. Not to be missed. I cannot wait for Tessa's story.
May 6, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B-
The story starts about ten years in the past with Oliver and Zoe young and in love. At least Oliver is but Zoe has a huge secret she’s trying to tell Oliver. She does and it’s the start of a chain of events, including a shocking text from Oliver’s ex-girlfriend, that leads to Zoe running and the couple not seeing each other for years. Oliver ends up getting married to his ex, who was pregnant with their child and Zoe runs away with her great-aunt Pasha. A woman with many secrets of her own, some shared with Zoe about their past and some she’s kept to herself all these years. Cut to the present, Pasha has cancer and needs a doctor but has no ID after years of living on the run with Zoe. Zoe runs into Oliver, an oncologist, and goes to him to see if he’ll help her aunt. This brings up a lot of unresolved issues and feelings between the two, including a love for Zoe on Oliver’s side that never went away and deep feelings from Zoe that make her want to stay in one place, for the first time in her life.
Early on, Zoe really rubbed me the wrong way. We see the history of these two people and how much Oliver loved Zoe years ago and now in present day, Zoe goes to him to see if he’ll treat her aunt off the books and doesn’t really seem to care that it could ruin Oliver’s reputation and his successful practice. She even suggests exchanging sex for his help and right then I didn’t like her. I didn’t like her actions or how she was treating Oliver. To be honest, I almost stopped reading, but there was something about Oliver that drew me to him and made me care about his happiness, even if that meant he was with Zoe. So I kept going with the hope that Zoe would grow on me and eventually she did.
Oliver is a wonderful hero. He loves Zoe, he wants to help her and will do anything to help her aunt and to break down all the walls that Zoe’s built up over the years; walls that include lying to her best friends and living a life on the run, never having a home. I loved seeing Oliver’s relationship with his young son Evan and oh yeah, even seeing Oliver be hot and sexy around Zoe. He kept me in the story and kept my interest throughout. His influence on Zoe was obvious, I just wish that Zoe had come around a little faster.
Zoe was a foster child who was rescued from a bad situation by Pasha and she took Zoe illegally and they lived on the run. That’s all Zoe knows is running. Her stubborn inner voice always tells her to run when things get to be too much to handle and she does, constantly throughout the story. To the point where I was sick of seeing her take off, especially when it was away from Oliver when he was being nothing but supportive and honest with her. She eventually gets to the point where she starts to let people in, telling the truth about who she really is and what happened all those years ago. Her past, and even Oliver’s, is filled with angst and some scary situations, and I liked that they were able to be there for each other when they talked about the things that made them into the people they are today.
I enjoyed catching up with Zoe’s three best friends, Lacey, Jocelyn and Tessa and there’s a nice set up for Tessa’s book, up next. Overall I liked the story, it’s probably the most emotional story of the three in this series so far. After a rocky start with Zoe who I had a hard time liking, she comes around and I liked her journey. Oliver is fantastic, it’s worth reading for him alone and also seeing the good place that Zoe ends up in.
Blog rating: B-
The story starts about ten years in the past with Oliver and Zoe young and in love. At least Oliver is but Zoe has a huge secret she’s trying to tell Oliver. She does and it’s the start of a chain of events, including a shocking text from Oliver’s ex-girlfriend, that leads to Zoe running and the couple not seeing each other for years. Oliver ends up getting married to his ex, who was pregnant with their child and Zoe runs away with her great-aunt Pasha. A woman with many secrets of her own, some shared with Zoe about their past and some she’s kept to herself all these years. Cut to the present, Pasha has cancer and needs a doctor but has no ID after years of living on the run with Zoe. Zoe runs into Oliver, an oncologist, and goes to him to see if he’ll help her aunt. This brings up a lot of unresolved issues and feelings between the two, including a love for Zoe on Oliver’s side that never went away and deep feelings from Zoe that make her want to stay in one place, for the first time in her life.
Early on, Zoe really rubbed me the wrong way. We see the history of these two people and how much Oliver loved Zoe years ago and now in present day, Zoe goes to him to see if he’ll treat her aunt off the books and doesn’t really seem to care that it could ruin Oliver’s reputation and his successful practice. She even suggests exchanging sex for his help and right then I didn’t like her. I didn’t like her actions or how she was treating Oliver. To be honest, I almost stopped reading, but there was something about Oliver that drew me to him and made me care about his happiness, even if that meant he was with Zoe. So I kept going with the hope that Zoe would grow on me and eventually she did.
Oliver is a wonderful hero. He loves Zoe, he wants to help her and will do anything to help her aunt and to break down all the walls that Zoe’s built up over the years; walls that include lying to her best friends and living a life on the run, never having a home. I loved seeing Oliver’s relationship with his young son Evan and oh yeah, even seeing Oliver be hot and sexy around Zoe. He kept me in the story and kept my interest throughout. His influence on Zoe was obvious, I just wish that Zoe had come around a little faster.
Zoe was a foster child who was rescued from a bad situation by Pasha and she took Zoe illegally and they lived on the run. That’s all Zoe knows is running. Her stubborn inner voice always tells her to run when things get to be too much to handle and she does, constantly throughout the story. To the point where I was sick of seeing her take off, especially when it was away from Oliver when he was being nothing but supportive and honest with her. She eventually gets to the point where she starts to let people in, telling the truth about who she really is and what happened all those years ago. Her past, and even Oliver’s, is filled with angst and some scary situations, and I liked that they were able to be there for each other when they talked about the things that made them into the people they are today.
I enjoyed catching up with Zoe’s three best friends, Lacey, Jocelyn and Tessa and there’s a nice set up for Tessa’s book, up next. Overall I liked the story, it’s probably the most emotional story of the three in this series so far. After a rocky start with Zoe who I had a hard time liking, she comes around and I liked her journey. Oliver is fantastic, it’s worth reading for him alone and also seeing the good place that Zoe ends up in.
April 30, 2013
My favorite book from the Barefoot Bay series so far!!!
I’ve wanted Zoe’s story since we first met the best friends in Barefoot in the Sand. When I saw Barefoot in the Sun available on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it early. I can’t say thank you enough to the publisher for approving me for an early review copy.
I really have enjoyed all 3 books in this series so far. That being said, Zoe’s is my favorite to date. I’m a huge Roxanne St. Claire fan and probably say each book of hers I read is my favorite, but there really was just something about Zoe and Oliver’s story that made me love it best.
Zoe has never shared with her 3 very best friends in the world that Zoe Tamarin isn’t her real name…nor is her great-aunt Pasha her real aunt. She has only ever opened up and shared that information with one person, namely Oliver Bradbury. When Oliver didn’t immediately agree with her decision to protect Pasha, Zoe disappeared from his life. 9 years later Zoe needs Oliver to help save Pasha’s life, and keep her secret.
Both Zoe and Oliver still love one another all these years later. Oliver is much more open about his feelings, but even if Zoe wouldn’t say it out loud, it was obvious she loved Oliver. Zoe also fell just as hard for Oliver’s 8-year old son, Evan. I loved how Zoe and Evan connected just as much as Oliver and Zoe. Also loved how Evan gave Pasha a bit of happiness as she was suffering from cancer.
As with all read friends, when Zoe finally shares the truth with her 3 best friends, they are all in full support mode. Zoe, Tessa, Jocelyn, and Lacey are so much like my friends and I, and I love watching their friendship grow stronger and stronger with each book.
Zoe and Oliver still have amazing chemistry 9 years later and I loved watching them each fall all over again. Whether they are making love or working to figure out how to save Pasha, Zoe and Oliver are perfect together.
I think I loved Barefoot in the Sun best because it pulled so many emotions out of me while I was reading it. I love a book that makes me feel big emotion and I went from laughing to crying many times while reading this book. Barefoot in the Sun is another winner from Roxanne St. Claire, and I’m already counting down the days until we get Tessa’s book in October.
I’ve wanted Zoe’s story since we first met the best friends in Barefoot in the Sand. When I saw Barefoot in the Sun available on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it early. I can’t say thank you enough to the publisher for approving me for an early review copy.
I really have enjoyed all 3 books in this series so far. That being said, Zoe’s is my favorite to date. I’m a huge Roxanne St. Claire fan and probably say each book of hers I read is my favorite, but there really was just something about Zoe and Oliver’s story that made me love it best.
Zoe has never shared with her 3 very best friends in the world that Zoe Tamarin isn’t her real name…nor is her great-aunt Pasha her real aunt. She has only ever opened up and shared that information with one person, namely Oliver Bradbury. When Oliver didn’t immediately agree with her decision to protect Pasha, Zoe disappeared from his life. 9 years later Zoe needs Oliver to help save Pasha’s life, and keep her secret.
Both Zoe and Oliver still love one another all these years later. Oliver is much more open about his feelings, but even if Zoe wouldn’t say it out loud, it was obvious she loved Oliver. Zoe also fell just as hard for Oliver’s 8-year old son, Evan. I loved how Zoe and Evan connected just as much as Oliver and Zoe. Also loved how Evan gave Pasha a bit of happiness as she was suffering from cancer.
As with all read friends, when Zoe finally shares the truth with her 3 best friends, they are all in full support mode. Zoe, Tessa, Jocelyn, and Lacey are so much like my friends and I, and I love watching their friendship grow stronger and stronger with each book.
Zoe and Oliver still have amazing chemistry 9 years later and I loved watching them each fall all over again. Whether they are making love or working to figure out how to save Pasha, Zoe and Oliver are perfect together.
I think I loved Barefoot in the Sun best because it pulled so many emotions out of me while I was reading it. I love a book that makes me feel big emotion and I went from laughing to crying many times while reading this book. Barefoot in the Sun is another winner from Roxanne St. Claire, and I’m already counting down the days until we get Tessa’s book in October.
May 2, 2013
I have read the first two in the series and thought they were great. But holy hell!!!! This one mad me laugh, cry, and on the edge the whole time!. It was amazingly plotted and the story line was beyond expected! I loved it and soooo obsessed and by far my all time favorite in this series!!! Would completely recommend it!!!!!' And I don't write reviews so it's THAT amazing!!
October 22, 2015
18/10 - I love the interactions between Zoe and Evan and Evan and Pasha. Evan is just precocious enough to be cute, but not so much that he's a brat. Oliver is a fantastic hero, smoking hot, passionate, and immediately ready for a long term relationship with Zoe. My favourite romances tend to include a hero who knows what he wants, rather than one who dithers about whether he's good enough for the heroine.
When I came to GR to start an interim review I noticed that I had it shelved under 'books I own', which is pretty self-explanatory - I own it as a physical book. I thought "That's strange, I wouldn't have put it on that shelf by accident. Don't tell me that I actually own it and have been furiously reading it (along with six other books) in order to get it back to the library by its final return date of Tuesday!" That would be highly frustrating because it would mean that I don't have to read this one by Tuesday, I could be concentrating on some of the other books that I don't already own. SO irritating, and it also means I will have to put a pause on this one until I've read at least one of the other books. To be continued...
23/10 - Finally able to get back to this and it continued to impress and amuse me so much that I was able to finish it within the day. Definitely the best book of the series so far. I was disappointed when Pasha died and not just because it happened before her revolutionary gene therapy treatment could be completed and the results published, it seemed tragic that she died just as Zoe finally found her HEA and Pasha never really got to see her happy (or maybe even attend her wedding). The first chapter of Tessa's book, Barefoot by the Sea was included after the end of the feature story and I couldn't help myself. I had so much fun with Barefoot in the Sun that I was eager to see if the final book would be as good, the first chapter certainly looks promising. From reading the first chapter (not the blurb/summary) my theory of the plot is: Tessa's 'one night stand sperm donor' turns into something a bit more permanent, possibly when it turns out she's not infertile after all. Getting it back from the library ASAP (it was one of the seven books I was attempting to get read before their library due date came up, I managed three of the seven and Barefoot by the Sea was not one of them).
When I came to GR to start an interim review I noticed that I had it shelved under 'books I own', which is pretty self-explanatory - I own it as a physical book. I thought "That's strange, I wouldn't have put it on that shelf by accident. Don't tell me that I actually own it and have been furiously reading it (along with six other books) in order to get it back to the library by its final return date of Tuesday!" That would be highly frustrating because it would mean that I don't have to read this one by Tuesday, I could be concentrating on some of the other books that I don't already own. SO irritating, and it also means I will have to put a pause on this one until I've read at least one of the other books. To be continued...
23/10 - Finally able to get back to this and it continued to impress and amuse me so much that I was able to finish it within the day. Definitely the best book of the series so far. I was disappointed when Pasha died and not just because it happened before her revolutionary gene therapy treatment could be completed and the results published, it seemed tragic that she died just as Zoe finally found her HEA and Pasha never really got to see her happy (or maybe even attend her wedding). The first chapter of Tessa's book, Barefoot by the Sea was included after the end of the feature story and I couldn't help myself. I had so much fun with Barefoot in the Sun that I was eager to see if the final book would be as good, the first chapter certainly looks promising. From reading the first chapter (not the blurb/summary) my theory of the plot is: Tessa's 'one night stand sperm donor' turns into something a bit more permanent, possibly when it turns out she's not infertile after all. Getting it back from the library ASAP (it was one of the seven books I was attempting to get read before their library due date came up, I managed three of the seven and Barefoot by the Sea was not one of them).
April 4, 2013
I loved this book, just like the rest of the Barefoot Bay books. I loved Zoe's free spirit and I loved Oliver's determination, but I think I ended up loving Evan the best! Such a wonderful boy.
This book was a little more emotional that the first two but I still enjoyed it. I love this series and I cannot wait for the next one!
This book was a little more emotional that the first two but I still enjoyed it. I love this series and I cannot wait for the next one!
May 2, 2013
wow another good read, loved Zoe and oliver's story, even if at times I could have smacked Zoe. LOL !It was good to catch up with the other couples, looking forward to Tessa's story.
May 2, 2013
WOW!!! I think I experienced every emotion there is at one point or another throughout this book! The characters in this series continue to be real to life and oh so believable. I absolutely love Oliver however it took me awhile to get there for Zoe...but it took Zoe a while to get there too!!! And Evan, such a sweet, loving child...he stole my heart! Awesome character development! Not as many tears as BAREFOOT IN THE RAIN but just as emotional. Now, can't wait to see what Rocki has in store for Tessa!!!! This is definitely a MUST READ book in a MUST READ series!!
May 3, 2013
Love this series! Love the friendships and the uniqueness of them all that work together to make the perfect non-family, family! Oliver is super yummy and loves fiercely! Zoe and Pasha's circumstances are so out of the ordinary that this one kept me on my toes! I didn't know what to expect! Evan was such a inquisitive child. He loves with all his wart and it's so very touching! Can't wait for Tessa's story
May 22, 2013
Absolutely loved this story!! Wonderful characters!!
May 3, 2013
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/05/01/...
I was really excited to read Zoe’s story, because her history was so shrouded in secret and mystery. Given the interaction we got to see between her and Oliver in the first two books in the series, I knew we were in for a second chance love story treat.
Zoe has been running her whole life. From her childhood, the law and Oliver. The one thing she wants most in life (a home), is the one thing she continues to run from. Now that her great-aunt Pasha is sick, Zoe knows that they will have to stay in one place for a while so that they can get her the kind of care she needs. Since only Oliver knows her secret, she is going to have to confront him once again, and see if he will be willing to treat a woman on the run.
Oliver never stopped loving Zoe, despite going on with his life. Coming to Florida to work in a practice at the cutting edge of cancer research, and having his son for the summer is everything he could want. But when Zoe walks in his door, he knows that he still has feelings for her. But getting Zoe to admit those feelings and stick around to try and make it work will be the great challenge of Oliver’s life.
I loved getting the chance to finally get all the details about Zoe’s backstory, and what an amazing story it is. I couldn’t believe the things she had been through, and the secrets she was keeping. I adored her, and the more that her story unfolded, the more I understood her reactions to events from past books. I was a little bummed that it took her so long to realize that she didn’t have to run forever. I wanted her to rely on her girlfriends, her security in their love and friendship and realize that she had a safe haven with them.
I liked Oliver and his son. I thought they were super sweet and made a wonderful little pair. Oliver was a little clueless about being a father, but I liked that he was able to figure it out as he went. I also liked that his son was a super genius. It let St. Claire play with the fact that his dialogue was older than a normal child, and he was a little more perceptive than most children, and yet he had an air of innocence about him as well. It was very well done.
The relationship between Zoe and Oliver was frustrating at times. It was obvious that Oliver was head over heels in love with Zoe, yet Zoe was so quick to run. It was almost as if she was afraid of life itself. I was glad that Pasha and all of Zoe’s friends tried to push Zoe toward Oliver, I was glad to see so many positive influences in her life trying to force her into the land of the living.
All in all I really enjoyed the third installment of the Barefoot Bay series. I loved getting Zoe’s backstory, and I liked once she and Oliver finally were able to settle down with one another. I’m so excited and anxious to read Tessa’s story. I adore her, and can’t wait to see how her HEA ends.
I give Barefoot in the Sun a B
I was really excited to read Zoe’s story, because her history was so shrouded in secret and mystery. Given the interaction we got to see between her and Oliver in the first two books in the series, I knew we were in for a second chance love story treat.
Zoe has been running her whole life. From her childhood, the law and Oliver. The one thing she wants most in life (a home), is the one thing she continues to run from. Now that her great-aunt Pasha is sick, Zoe knows that they will have to stay in one place for a while so that they can get her the kind of care she needs. Since only Oliver knows her secret, she is going to have to confront him once again, and see if he will be willing to treat a woman on the run.
Oliver never stopped loving Zoe, despite going on with his life. Coming to Florida to work in a practice at the cutting edge of cancer research, and having his son for the summer is everything he could want. But when Zoe walks in his door, he knows that he still has feelings for her. But getting Zoe to admit those feelings and stick around to try and make it work will be the great challenge of Oliver’s life.
I loved getting the chance to finally get all the details about Zoe’s backstory, and what an amazing story it is. I couldn’t believe the things she had been through, and the secrets she was keeping. I adored her, and the more that her story unfolded, the more I understood her reactions to events from past books. I was a little bummed that it took her so long to realize that she didn’t have to run forever. I wanted her to rely on her girlfriends, her security in their love and friendship and realize that she had a safe haven with them.
I liked Oliver and his son. I thought they were super sweet and made a wonderful little pair. Oliver was a little clueless about being a father, but I liked that he was able to figure it out as he went. I also liked that his son was a super genius. It let St. Claire play with the fact that his dialogue was older than a normal child, and he was a little more perceptive than most children, and yet he had an air of innocence about him as well. It was very well done.
The relationship between Zoe and Oliver was frustrating at times. It was obvious that Oliver was head over heels in love with Zoe, yet Zoe was so quick to run. It was almost as if she was afraid of life itself. I was glad that Pasha and all of Zoe’s friends tried to push Zoe toward Oliver, I was glad to see so many positive influences in her life trying to force her into the land of the living.
All in all I really enjoyed the third installment of the Barefoot Bay series. I loved getting Zoe’s backstory, and I liked once she and Oliver finally were able to settle down with one another. I’m so excited and anxious to read Tessa’s story. I adore her, and can’t wait to see how her HEA ends.
I give Barefoot in the Sun a B
May 11, 2013
Barefoot in the Sun was a terrific read. Full of emotion and depth, Roxanne takes us on a journey through the human heart with her characters and their return to love. There were some cloudy days to block the sun for these lovers, but overcoming those obstacles together shows them that sacrificing for love is really no sacrifice at all. I cried a bit near the end of the story and I think you will too, but in the end everything works out for the best and you’ll be able to see that the love between Zoe and Oliver is stronger for the rollercoaster they've been on. I would be remiss in neglecting to mention again that the heat between Zoe and Oliver is so strong you might want to be sure to have an ice cold drink handy while you read, just in case. I personally can’t wait to find out how Tess’s life will be thrown for a loop in her book. If you’ve missed the first two in the series I recommend you spend a weekend in the sun reading all three of the fabulous Barefoot Bay Novels.
Rating: 4.25 stars
full review can be found on my blog at:
http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...
May 17, 2013
I have enjoyed the entire Barefoot series so far and this was the book I anticipated the most. I could not wait to read about Zoe and Oliver! The story was about more than just the romance, covering past secrets that kept the couple apart. Second chance romances are always a good read and this one did not disappoint. This book was emotional, funny and even hot at times. Many of the side characters are very entertaining and add a great deal to the depth of the book. Roxanne is very good at describing details and it is easy to picture Barefoot Bay in my mind. I look forward to more books in this series.
May 9, 2013
Loved it!! Cannot wait for the next book in this series!!
May 12, 2013
I think I loved this book the most (so far). I loved Zoe and it was great to finally be able to read about Oliver who has appeared in the past 2 books!! Can't wait till the next one!!
May 7, 2013
enjoyment plus-smile
November 3, 2013
What can I say...I love Roxanne St. Clair. I loved all her Bullet Catcher books ( and wish she would write more)
May 27, 2013
Another one of this series that I loved, can't wait for the last one, have it pre-ordered.
July 28, 2018
Am Anfang tat mich mir schwer mit Zoe als Protagonist, doch nach einigen Seiten wurde ich warm mit ihr und mochte sie richtig gerne, auch wenn ich nicht immer ihrer Meinung war.
4 Sterne
4 Sterne
May 1, 2013
My Review:
Over the past couple of books, we've seen glimpses of Zoe's hero, Oliver. As a married man, they haven't necessarily been good ones...so I admit that I was really surprised by the beginning of this book and the whole backstory between Oliver and Zoe....and really everything about Zoe's story. Wow!
Zoe has a past that goes to her childhood, that no one knows about besides her Aunt Pasha and Oliver. She's never even told her best friends...the girls that are the heroines of this series. It was a past that tore Zoe and Oliver apart, even though they were both desperately in love. Circumstances were such so that everything fell apart....and Zoe ran not knowing the full truth of Oliver's actions. Oliver couldn't find her again so when they've run across each other the few times over the last couple of years, it's been a shock for both of them.
At the beginning of this book, Oliver was the doctor on hand who delivered Lacey's baby. He's an oncologist and has just gotten a divorce. Signs show that Zoe's 80+ year old Aunt Pasha has cancer, but with their circumstances they can't go to a normal doctor for treatment...so Zoe tries to make a deal with Oliver for treatment, without records. Oliver is a very by-the-rules kind of guy so this doesn't set real well with him.
I'll admit that I didn't relate as closely to these two characters as I normally do with Rocki's books, but that was a purely a personality thing...nothing to do with the writing. Zoe isn't a person who sticks. Things get tough and she runs....that's what she's done her entire life. With her past, it's extremely difficult for her to connect with people. She has walls....big, huge ones! Oliver wants to get past those walls, desperately, but there was one point in the book where he pulled back and as a reader, I was so disappointed with him. He's pushed and pushed and pushed at Zoe and then basically abandons her. I did not like that. But what I did love was the addition of Oliver's son and the way that he and Zoe connected. It was so sweet.
The other things I loved about this book...the discussions between Zoe and Tessa about foster children and then Tessa's realization about what Zoe's been through. These two friends have a really interesting dynamic...they seem to clash more than they get along. Since Tessa's book is next, it will be interesting to see if that plays out even further.
I still love this series. The resort is an INCREDIBLE backdrop for the stories and provides wonderful ambiance. I like the four friends and reading the books is very compelling. They are simply great contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Over the past couple of books, we've seen glimpses of Zoe's hero, Oliver. As a married man, they haven't necessarily been good ones...so I admit that I was really surprised by the beginning of this book and the whole backstory between Oliver and Zoe....and really everything about Zoe's story. Wow!
Zoe has a past that goes to her childhood, that no one knows about besides her Aunt Pasha and Oliver. She's never even told her best friends...the girls that are the heroines of this series. It was a past that tore Zoe and Oliver apart, even though they were both desperately in love. Circumstances were such so that everything fell apart....and Zoe ran not knowing the full truth of Oliver's actions. Oliver couldn't find her again so when they've run across each other the few times over the last couple of years, it's been a shock for both of them.
At the beginning of this book, Oliver was the doctor on hand who delivered Lacey's baby. He's an oncologist and has just gotten a divorce. Signs show that Zoe's 80+ year old Aunt Pasha has cancer, but with their circumstances they can't go to a normal doctor for treatment...so Zoe tries to make a deal with Oliver for treatment, without records. Oliver is a very by-the-rules kind of guy so this doesn't set real well with him.
I'll admit that I didn't relate as closely to these two characters as I normally do with Rocki's books, but that was a purely a personality thing...nothing to do with the writing. Zoe isn't a person who sticks. Things get tough and she runs....that's what she's done her entire life. With her past, it's extremely difficult for her to connect with people. She has walls....big, huge ones! Oliver wants to get past those walls, desperately, but there was one point in the book where he pulled back and as a reader, I was so disappointed with him. He's pushed and pushed and pushed at Zoe and then basically abandons her. I did not like that. But what I did love was the addition of Oliver's son and the way that he and Zoe connected. It was so sweet.
The other things I loved about this book...the discussions between Zoe and Tessa about foster children and then Tessa's realization about what Zoe's been through. These two friends have a really interesting dynamic...they seem to clash more than they get along. Since Tessa's book is next, it will be interesting to see if that plays out even further.
I still love this series. The resort is an INCREDIBLE backdrop for the stories and provides wonderful ambiance. I like the four friends and reading the books is very compelling. They are simply great contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 23, 2013
Rating 4.5 Stars
Posted on What I'm Reading
Anyways, this is the third book in the Barefoot series. In this book, we focus on Zoe Tamarin and her relationship with Dr. Oliver Bradbury. Now these two have a past together. I'm not going to lie, in the previous books Ms. St. Claire kind of gave the impression that Zoe was the "other" woman. Which by reading the prologue, I learn wasn't the case. However, they did have a fast relationship and looking like it was meant to be. Yet, life had other plans for these two. Which I did get little choked up with the prologue and I really did thought the story was going to be rough.
Of course life has away of righting itself (which I love in romance, because you pretty much guarantee to get the happy ending. However, there are exceptions and I'm not a fan of the exceptions). Let's continue. First off Zoe is a bit impulsive and will run when she feels uncomfortable. She has the fight or flight response down pact, more likely the flight. She has a really has hard time staying in one place and grounded. Some people might have a hard time with her character, but I think Oliver makes up her. LOVE Oliver. He's a fantastic guy who is willing to try to keep Zoe grounded. I mean he puts up a fight to get her to admit she loves him, which isn't an easy task for either of them.
Of course, the story wouldn't be complete without a complication and I must say that Ms. St. Claire does a fabulous job. So, you end up more of a deeper level of the story. I love how she has so many dynamics to the story. With Barefoot in the Sun you have Oliver and his son, Oliver and Zoe, Zoe and Pasha, and we can't forget the friends. The friends have been a constance since book one, by the way I adore how their friendship and how they have been able to conquer anything. The bottom line is: if you are looking for a read with a lot of dynamics, I would suggest checking out Barefoot in the Sun. Plus, you can read this as a stand alone, but I think you would appreciate it more if you read in order.
Copy provided by the publisher
Posted on What I'm Reading
Anyways, this is the third book in the Barefoot series. In this book, we focus on Zoe Tamarin and her relationship with Dr. Oliver Bradbury. Now these two have a past together. I'm not going to lie, in the previous books Ms. St. Claire kind of gave the impression that Zoe was the "other" woman. Which by reading the prologue, I learn wasn't the case. However, they did have a fast relationship and looking like it was meant to be. Yet, life had other plans for these two. Which I did get little choked up with the prologue and I really did thought the story was going to be rough.
Of course life has away of righting itself (which I love in romance, because you pretty much guarantee to get the happy ending. However, there are exceptions and I'm not a fan of the exceptions). Let's continue. First off Zoe is a bit impulsive and will run when she feels uncomfortable. She has the fight or flight response down pact, more likely the flight. She has a really has hard time staying in one place and grounded. Some people might have a hard time with her character, but I think Oliver makes up her. LOVE Oliver. He's a fantastic guy who is willing to try to keep Zoe grounded. I mean he puts up a fight to get her to admit she loves him, which isn't an easy task for either of them.
Of course, the story wouldn't be complete without a complication and I must say that Ms. St. Claire does a fabulous job. So, you end up more of a deeper level of the story. I love how she has so many dynamics to the story. With Barefoot in the Sun you have Oliver and his son, Oliver and Zoe, Zoe and Pasha, and we can't forget the friends. The friends have been a constance since book one, by the way I adore how their friendship and how they have been able to conquer anything. The bottom line is: if you are looking for a read with a lot of dynamics, I would suggest checking out Barefoot in the Sun. Plus, you can read this as a stand alone, but I think you would appreciate it more if you read in order.
Copy provided by the publisher
May 9, 2013
Zoe Tamarin has been on the run for years. She believes her “Aunt Pasha” has saved her from an abusive father and knows the true reason why they must keep moving from place to place – because Aunt Pasha is wanted by the law. Now she meets Oliver Bradbury when she shows up at his cancer clinic in Florida, a place where they are using experimental treatment protocols to save the lives of terminally ill cancer patients.
Oliver lost the one true love of his life and only has an 8 year-old son whom he seems to avoid all the time, working away his grief over his wife’s death. Oliver’s son, Evan, is a pip of a boy who has a sharp tongue for almost everyone as he quickly picks up the “lines” all use on him with strength but without much compassion or empathy. His Dad works himself silly and has little time for his son.
Zoe meets Evan and they click together immediately, having the same irreverent and realistic sense of humor. When Zoe asks Oliver’s help for Pasha who is very ill with cancer, we aren’t sure how that will turn out as Pasha wants help without any hospital involvement. For she’s got a shocking secret that the reader will not learn for quite a while. Meanwhile, after much back and forth hassling arguments about her medical condition, Pasha finally agrees to be treated by Dr. Oliver. Things become intensely complicated for her when the law arrives and says she’s wanted for murder!
As the story continues, so does the hesitant care and attention Dr. Oliver and Zoe begin to tentatively allow themselves to feel. It’s definitely hair-raising for both and we are not sure if so much resistance and fear can surmount the relationship that would so obviously benefit both. They truly are hot for each other. Can they surmount the resistance that has them constantly thinking about immediately escaping or completely and permanently embracing each other? Barefoot in the Sun is a very good romance worth spending pleasurable hours with. Nice job, Roxanne St. Claire!
Oliver lost the one true love of his life and only has an 8 year-old son whom he seems to avoid all the time, working away his grief over his wife’s death. Oliver’s son, Evan, is a pip of a boy who has a sharp tongue for almost everyone as he quickly picks up the “lines” all use on him with strength but without much compassion or empathy. His Dad works himself silly and has little time for his son.
Zoe meets Evan and they click together immediately, having the same irreverent and realistic sense of humor. When Zoe asks Oliver’s help for Pasha who is very ill with cancer, we aren’t sure how that will turn out as Pasha wants help without any hospital involvement. For she’s got a shocking secret that the reader will not learn for quite a while. Meanwhile, after much back and forth hassling arguments about her medical condition, Pasha finally agrees to be treated by Dr. Oliver. Things become intensely complicated for her when the law arrives and says she’s wanted for murder!
As the story continues, so does the hesitant care and attention Dr. Oliver and Zoe begin to tentatively allow themselves to feel. It’s definitely hair-raising for both and we are not sure if so much resistance and fear can surmount the relationship that would so obviously benefit both. They truly are hot for each other. Can they surmount the resistance that has them constantly thinking about immediately escaping or completely and permanently embracing each other? Barefoot in the Sun is a very good romance worth spending pleasurable hours with. Nice job, Roxanne St. Claire!
June 4, 2013
Zoe is used to moving from place to place. She has never put roots down enough to have a real home. She did however fall in love with someone, but when he got too close she and her great aunt ran away in fear of him finding out the truth. But when Zoe moved closer to her three best friends, her past came back. The one man that she loved found his way back into her life. She just had to figure out if she can put down roots long enough to fall back in love with him.
Oliver thought he was dong the right thing when the love of is life left. He married the mother of his unborn child. After his divorce he moved and opened his on specialty practice; where he was happier than being in a hospital like he was. He just never thought that he would fine his true love again. He never thought that he would still love her same. He just hoped that he was enough for her to stay around this time.
Throughout the book both of the characters were thrown together by her friends and various events. They always had the tension when they were in the same room with each other. But they did not really do anything about it because they were both afraid of what was going to happen when they did.
When Zoe found out something’s about her great-aunt; she did not know who to turn to. She turned to the one person she knew who could help and knew her whole story. She turned to Oliver. It was the best decisions she ever made. He was her rock when she needed him to be.
By the end of the book, Zoe realized that she did not need to run anymore. And Oliver realized that if Zoe ever ran again, he would follow her wherever she went.
I fell in love with these books from the very beginning and am not disappointed at all with this book. It just made me fall in love with the author and her Barefoot Bay series more. I would still recommend these books. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Oliver thought he was dong the right thing when the love of is life left. He married the mother of his unborn child. After his divorce he moved and opened his on specialty practice; where he was happier than being in a hospital like he was. He just never thought that he would fine his true love again. He never thought that he would still love her same. He just hoped that he was enough for her to stay around this time.
Throughout the book both of the characters were thrown together by her friends and various events. They always had the tension when they were in the same room with each other. But they did not really do anything about it because they were both afraid of what was going to happen when they did.
When Zoe found out something’s about her great-aunt; she did not know who to turn to. She turned to the one person she knew who could help and knew her whole story. She turned to Oliver. It was the best decisions she ever made. He was her rock when she needed him to be.
By the end of the book, Zoe realized that she did not need to run anymore. And Oliver realized that if Zoe ever ran again, he would follow her wherever she went.
I fell in love with these books from the very beginning and am not disappointed at all with this book. It just made me fall in love with the author and her Barefoot Bay series more. I would still recommend these books. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
May 5, 2013
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
Sometimes the most heartwarming love stories are about couples who find one another again. Barefoot in the Sun is that sort of story and what I liked best about it was the reason for the couple not getting together in the first place. Sometimes those storylines are contrived, and without giving too much away, let’s say this one isn’t. It’s all part of a backstory that’s intriguing and has you cheering on not only Zoe, but her great aunt too.
I found myself wanting Zoe and Oliver to find their happily ever after but at the same time wanted everything to be okay for her aunt too. However, Ms. St. Claire did a great job keeping me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen to not only the hero and heroine, but just about everyone else in this book.
The setting is also nicely portrayed and perfect for the level of sensuality of the story. I also enjoyed being introduced to the other characters who I believe will feature in another Barefoot book.
Mostly because of its suspense and the secondary story thread, it’s a quick read because you find yourself reading another chapter and then another one. The romance is hot; the setting is scorching which I think makes this a good candidate for a beach or swimming pool read this summer.
Sometimes the most heartwarming love stories are about couples who find one another again. Barefoot in the Sun is that sort of story and what I liked best about it was the reason for the couple not getting together in the first place. Sometimes those storylines are contrived, and without giving too much away, let’s say this one isn’t. It’s all part of a backstory that’s intriguing and has you cheering on not only Zoe, but her great aunt too.
I found myself wanting Zoe and Oliver to find their happily ever after but at the same time wanted everything to be okay for her aunt too. However, Ms. St. Claire did a great job keeping me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen to not only the hero and heroine, but just about everyone else in this book.
The setting is also nicely portrayed and perfect for the level of sensuality of the story. I also enjoyed being introduced to the other characters who I believe will feature in another Barefoot book.
Mostly because of its suspense and the secondary story thread, it’s a quick read because you find yourself reading another chapter and then another one. The romance is hot; the setting is scorching which I think makes this a good candidate for a beach or swimming pool read this summer.
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