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Barefoot

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Dive into the poignant, humorous, and heartwarming journey of Barefoot, Michelle Holman’s captivating novel that has captured the hearts of readers since its first publication. Now in its second edition, this story continues to resonate with its compelling characters and relatable themes, ensuring its place on your must-read list for 2024.

Barefoot follows the story from Bonkers, featuring Lisa and Dan Brogan, and introduces us to the Brogan family from America, and their extraordinary dynamics. Sherry, Lisa’s pragmatic and resilient sister is a police officer back in New Zealand, Sherry's interactions with Dan's brother, Glenn, a retired pro-basketball player with a storied past, introduce an unexpected romantic tension, further enriching the narrative.

Glenn’s struggle with his own identity after a career-ending injury is poignantly depicted. His relationship with Sherry evolves from mutual antagonism to a complex dance of attraction and resistance, adding layers of complexity and emotional intensity to the story. Holman expertly captures their banter, inner conflicts, and eventual understanding, making their journey as compelling as the central plot.

Holman’s storytelling is not just about the main characters. The supporting cast, including the doting grandparents and their humorous attempts to help, adds warmth and relatability. The interplay between family members, the cultural nuances, and the vividly described settings create a rich tapestry that readers can easily immerse themselves in.
Barefoot stands out as a testament to Michelle Holman’s skill in blending humor, drama, and romance. This novel is more than just a story; it’s a journey through the complexities of family, love, and personal growth. Whether you're revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, Barefoot promises to be a memorable addition to your collection.

Grab your copy of Barefoot today and step into a world where laughter, tears, and love intertwine in the most unexpected ways. Join the Brogan family on their unforgettable journey and see why Barefoot remains a beloved favorite among readers.

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2010

3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Holman

9 books78 followers
I live in Cambridge, New Zealand and write contemporary women's romance. My books have all been bestsellers so thank you to all those people who bought them. Cambridge is in the province of Waikato which is famous for cows and horses. We've got two of them - horses, that is. We've also got an over-energetic dog, and a cat that drinks out of the toilet. I'm a lapsed nurse (you never stop being one, you just lapse). I know that because I stand in supermarket queues and give people marks out of ten for how good their veins are and how easy it would be to get a line into their arms. If I'm making you feel faint - Sorry.

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5 stars
49 (34%)
4 stars
48 (34%)
3 stars
31 (21%)
2 stars
9 (6%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Susana.
1,054 reviews266 followers
July 16, 2016
DNF at 32%
What I thought while reading it was that surely I was insane for reading more than ten percent of this crap.

Warning:
Strong language and spoilers ahead!

What makes this a clusterfuck of epic proportions:
1st- Well the main characters are two fucking idiots, who happen to hate each other but who want to bang one another... just because... which was okay as long as the author realized that they no had no spark whatsoever when it comes to ROMANCE.
2nd- Still related to the first point, I really don't find "hedgehog romance" all that interesting: honestly they were just better of killing one another. Also, she's a cop, she could probably get rid of the body somewhere... despite the guy being "family".
3rd- If a woman says that she doesn't want to have kids, and that she wants to focus on her career, the author should STAY ON THAT PATH, and not give her a FORCED PREGNANCY.
4th-The whole thing becomes even more UGH, when the main character reaches the time limit for an abortion without having a clue that's she's PREGNANT, because she's one of the special ones who bleeds while pregnant!
5th- The guy who got her pregnant suspecting that he may have gotten her pregnant in the first place, but what the hell! Maybe she isn't, so why should he say anything?!
YOU FUCKER!
6th-The idiot above saying that SHE IS GOING TO KILL HIS BABY!

You know what? If you want to write a book about how pregnancy can change a woman "for the best". And how "pro-life" you are, go ahead and write it. Just know that I refuse to be preached about it. And as such, I'll just throw the damn thing in the garbage.
Profile Image for Jojo.
432 reviews71 followers
January 3, 2016
A opinião não tem spoilers mas pode demover outros leitores de lerem este livro. Leiam por vossa conta e risco!

Barefoot é uma sequela que me desiludiu por completo! Depois do excelente, Do Céu com Amor (Bonkers), este volume é um autêntico desastre. A narrativa é despropositada e quanto tenta ser engraçada, cai no ridículo ou no inconsequente. Sherry e Glenn tem uma relação que tem de tanto estúpida como inverossímil! Além de que, se torna obsessiva e demasiado abusiva para o meu gosto literário no final do livro.

Michelle Holman opta pela história banal e vulgar, ao invés, de algo original como no primeiro livro. Barefoot torna-se tedioso e embaraçoso de se ler sendo que, George, uma das personagens mais intrigantes do primeiro volume torna-se dispensável e os seus diálogos e "aparições" são tudo menos surpreendentes e importantes para a evolução da história.

As personagens secundárias são as únicas que brilham neste livro... Ben e Starr são os que me dão esperança para voltar a este mundo de Holman. Esperemos que o próximo livro me volte a cativar tanto como o primeiro.

http://devaneiosdajojo.blogspot.pt/20...
Profile Image for Preet.
3,386 reviews233 followers
January 27, 2012
Michelle Holman has very quickly become one of my favorite writers. So much so, that I am willing to pay a lot to buy them brand new from New Zealand because publishers in America have not been smart enough to get the rights to her books. Is anyone out there listening?

Barefoot is laugh out loud, hilarious and equally touching and sweet as well. Sherry Ann Jackson is a serious but gorgeous police officer working in the family crimes unit. Glenn Brogan is an ex-NBA player, who is also gorgeous but also world famous, and very loose and relaxed. These two do not, can not, get along, and it just so happens their siblings happen to be married to each other. So they can't avoid each other, and trying to ignore the tension between isn't working, leading to some serious and unexpected consequences.

I loved this book. It has the wonderful humor and romance I've come to associate with Michelle Holman's books, but it also covers the serious topics that you usually don't find in romantic comedies. After reading Barefoot, I am REALLY hoping Ben Jackson gets a book, so we see him finding love too! I'd also love to read more about the "Lavender Fairy" and midwife Starr. They sound like they'd make a wonderful couple! [Hint hint! ;)]
Profile Image for Nikki.
584 reviews18 followers
September 20, 2025
1/5 Stars

Sad, because I enjoyed Bonkers, but this one just wasn’t for me. It’s quite obvious what’s going to happen between Sherry and Glenn from reading the back of the book. What doesn’t make sense is why it took 400 pages to happen.
Profile Image for Shelfish Twitch.
Author 5 books67 followers
June 6, 2011
In a similar fashion to Michelle Holman’s Bonkers, this book opens with a hell of a scene, which I just did not expect. Michelle Holman had me on the back foot before I even knew it, and I was dragged into the scenes of this book – feet first. I love the strength of Michelle’s writing, and I honestly cannot wait to read more of her work. It is light-hearted, funny, and she takes the micky out of her characters.

Sherry thinks Glenn is an emotional lightweight, while Glenn thinks that Sherry is a ball-breaking Ice Queen. Not exactly your usual match made in heaven. Glenn’s not the only person to hold this opinion of Sherry; some of her clients do too.

Both Sherry and Glenn are two very headstrong individuals, from different walks of life. Sherry’s walk of life is a hard-hitting beat cop, fighting the good fight for the victims referred to the Family Violence Unit. Glenn’s walk is on the basketball court, golf course, or showing off his limitless talents in front of the paparazzi.

This book is jam-packed for of hilarious one-liners as these two believable characters rake each other over the hot coals at every chance, much to the disbelief of the their families, and to the detriment of their own relationship.

This book will take you on an emotional journey of two characters that are just not ready for the new journey that they are embarking on. The characters had me laughing, squirming, crying, and rattling along on their emotional roller-coaster ride. They are witty, pithy, and funnier than I ever expected.

When Michelle emailed me asking if I would like to review her latest book, I jumped at the chance. When the book arrived last week, I felt irritated that I had to finish off reading a novel that I had been meaning to read and review since last November, and believe me when I say this… Barefoot sat there and taunted me the whole time. My eye would stray to where it was situated in the room. I would even carry it around with me, in anticipation. Needless to say, I was banking on this book.

And when I finally got the chance to pick it up on Friday, I devoured it quickly. Not only could I not wait to delve into Michelle Holman’s new book, but I did it with such a ferocity that has now left me feeling bereft that it’s already over! My goodness. What a ride! I wish that I had savoured the novel just a little longer, because for some reason, I’m feeling unsatisfied sense that I need to know more. This book by far exceeded my expectations. Not only was putting this book down extremely hard to put down, but so was turning the last page.

Barefoot has secured a rating in my books as a 4.5 star rating. I highly recommend this book, because it was amazing, and I couldn’t put it down. After reading both Bonkers and Barefoot, I am really looking forward to reading Michelle Holman’s other two books now as well.
Profile Image for Ngaio.
407 reviews45 followers
June 11, 2011
I liked this book and i loved seeing glenn and sherrys story! but i did think that some of it was rushed especially the ending. I did like how michellle holman included george in this story though. I absolutely loved bonkers and im glad i got to read their story but i think it only deserves 3.5 stars but since that can't happen i gave it a 4.
1 review
April 28, 2012
Hmm liked it ..wasn't as good as bonkers though .Thought that Glenn and sherry spent too much time fighting ... Is there a 3rd book ? 3 stars overall :)
Profile Image for Sarah Underwood.
24 reviews5 followers
August 2, 2012
Loved the book, was super glad that Michelle had a sequeal to "Bonkers", can't wait for the next sequeal :) Keep up the brilliant work Michelle, you are amazing
Profile Image for Susan Eagar.
9 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2012
Funny and enjoyable follow on from bonkers....good summer read
Profile Image for Teresa Peacock.
24 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2013
Enjoyed the read to be simple and slow in some chapters but a good beach day read
29 reviews
June 25, 2014
A very very funny part 2 from Michelle, can't wait to read about Ben's love life with Starr!!!
Profile Image for Mariana.
808 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2015
Basketball. Favourite NZ chick lit author. Next book has to be about Ben and Starr. That is all.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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