What do you think?
Rate this book
Dancing Barefoot
Naked photographs plastered on a book cover remind Jessica Moriarty that the past isn't as dead as she'd assumed. Her carefully constructed life as an architect on the fast track to partnership is threatened by a love she'd abandoned five years ago when responsibilities had trumped dreams.
World-renowned photographer, Jacques Sinclair, could have chosen anywhere in the world for his book signing and photography exhibit, but he'd come to Boston to shake things up. He wanted answers, but they aren't what he expected.
Reunions aren't always happy—sometimes they stir up unwanted pain and forgotten passion. As Jacques and Jessica stumble their way back to one another for a second chance at love, they're ensnared in a web of conspiracy, manipulation, and sabotage designed to keep them apart. Will they be able to break free of the ties that bind them to seize the love of a lifetime? Or will the pressure to conform rip them apart forever?
**This is the conclusion of the two part Dancing Barefoot series. It can be read as a stand-alone, however, to get the full impact of the love story, the author recommends reading book one, In Between.**
World-renowned photographer, Jacques Sinclair, could have chosen anywhere in the world for his book signing and photography exhibit, but he'd come to Boston to shake things up. He wanted answers, but they aren't what he expected.
Reunions aren't always happy—sometimes they stir up unwanted pain and forgotten passion. As Jacques and Jessica stumble their way back to one another for a second chance at love, they're ensnared in a web of conspiracy, manipulation, and sabotage designed to keep them apart. Will they be able to break free of the ties that bind them to seize the love of a lifetime? Or will the pressure to conform rip them apart forever?
**This is the conclusion of the two part Dancing Barefoot series. It can be read as a stand-alone, however, to get the full impact of the love story, the author recommends reading book one, In Between.**
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2014
193 people want to read
About the author
Amber Lea Easton
34 books179 followers Amber Lea Easton is a multi-published fiction and nonfiction author. For twenty years, she's worked in the fields of journalism and advertising with a brief detour into the financial industry. Although she holds a BA in Communications & Journalism, she is a perpetual student of life who enjoys taking classes on a wide variety of subjects when time allows.
Smart is sexy, according to Easton, which is why she writes about strong female characters who have their flaws and challenges but ultimately persevere. She currently has three romantic suspense novels out in the world, Kiss Me Slowly, Riptide and Reckless Endangerment, and a contemporary romance novella, Anonymity.
Her memoir, Free Fall, released on September 1, 2013, and is dedicated to suicide prevention, awareness, and helping others navigate the dark journey of grief.
In addition to fiction writing, Easton also edits and freelances. She also speaks on subjects ranging from writing to widowhood. Some of her videos on romance writing have appeared on the international Writers & Authors television network. Current radio appearances are linked via this site and her blog Kisses, Caresses & Whispers in the Night.
Easton currently lives with her two teenagers in the Colorado Rocky Mountains where she gives thanks daily for the gorgeous view outside her window. She finds inspiration from traveling, the people she meets, nature and life’s twists and turns. At the end of the day, as long as she's writing, she considers herself to be simply "a lucky lady liv'n the dream."
Smart is sexy, according to Easton, which is why she writes about strong female characters who have their flaws and challenges but ultimately persevere. She currently has three romantic suspense novels out in the world, Kiss Me Slowly, Riptide and Reckless Endangerment, and a contemporary romance novella, Anonymity.
Her memoir, Free Fall, released on September 1, 2013, and is dedicated to suicide prevention, awareness, and helping others navigate the dark journey of grief.
In addition to fiction writing, Easton also edits and freelances. She also speaks on subjects ranging from writing to widowhood. Some of her videos on romance writing have appeared on the international Writers & Authors television network. Current radio appearances are linked via this site and her blog Kisses, Caresses & Whispers in the Night.
Easton currently lives with her two teenagers in the Colorado Rocky Mountains where she gives thanks daily for the gorgeous view outside her window. She finds inspiration from traveling, the people she meets, nature and life’s twists and turns. At the end of the day, as long as she's writing, she considers herself to be simply "a lucky lady liv'n the dream."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 4, 2014
I have read everything written by Amber Lea Easton and I know that each time I am in for a ride like no other. This book was certainly no exception. One of the author's strongest gifts is the ability to create characters that you either love, hate, want to be, or all of the above. Even the characters that I wanted to dislike had a humanity about them that drew me in While this story is no doubt a romance at heart, it is also a mystery, travel guide, study in human nature, and all around amazing story. At its most basic level, this is the journey of those who choose to throw caution to the wind and follow their hearts instead of their heads, regardless of the cost. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
July 19, 2014
Once again, Ms Easton hit this one out of the ballpark! I found myself teary-eyed at times because I was so caught up in the drama of this highly emotional story that doesn't shy away from topics like co-dependency, addiction, and the darker side of humanity. The romance is vivid and realistic, all-consuming and raw. I loved it. This is a book that crosses the genres of romance, drama, and women's fiction--bordering on literary at times with passages that spoke of the very real issues Jessica Moriarty struggles with with her alcoholic mother. Riveting read! Sexy romance! Just "wow."
July 14, 2014
One of the best couples I've ever read! The love story completely captivates. One reason I love this author and why she's on my favorite list is her readiness to tackle edgy topics without sacrificing the romance. She does an amazing job with it and Dancing Barefoot is no exception. I read the prequel, which is published as a free read on her blog, and it blew me away, too. I know this is a new release, but I'm already wishing for another.
July 14, 2014
Heartbreaking and intense romance! I felt pulled in from the first word and could not put it down. I read the prequel AFTER reading the novel, but that was okay. I didn't see the link to it until afterward, but I'm happy I did. I really couldn't get enough of these characters and the story was completely riveting. Can you say DRAMA? Definitely worth your time--all of it, the story 'In Between' is the story of Jacques and Jessica in Italy 5 years prior to the beginning of Dancing Barefoot and is a free blog read--and the novel Dancing Barefoot itself is amazing. I love the way the story unfolds with its character depth, some mystery thrown in, a lot of complications, and a romance that truly made me smile. This is what romance novels should be! I really liked it.
July 18, 2014
I'm a lover of romance--all genres of it from sweet to hot erotic. This book is one of those I can't stop thinking about even though it's over. It had drama, sex, and mystery. I can't recommend it high enough. Very well-written, thought-provoking, twists that will shock you, and a hero and heroine that make you believe in honest to goodness true love.
July 14, 2014
Well, I'm actually jealous of a fictional character! Ha. Jessica Moriarty is one of those characters that I wish I knew in real life. She's smart, feisty, authentic, and loyal. Love her…and I'm jealous of her because Jacques is…well…he's a man worth loving. Seriously one of the best romance I've read and will remain on my keeper shelf. Well-written as always, Easton delivers her standard emotional roller coaster, grip the side of the kindle, squirm in your seat, and cry when it's over read. I highly recommend this book and her other books, if you haven't been following her yet. Well done, Ms Easton! Keep 'em coming!
July 15, 2014
Dancing Barefoot by Amber Lea Easton is an excellent book of emotions, (much like a roller coaster ride)!
Steam rolling right over many other romance novels, Amber Lea Easton has a very clever story-line!
Many things can go south with relationships and with miscommunication there will always be misunderstandings. Wrap this up into a romance that is destined to be and still things can go wrong!
With great chemistry between our characters Jacques and Jessica, you will love this wonderful love story!
I borrowed this copy from my daughter who is planning on reviewing also. She said, "Dancing Barefoot, read it mom, it's outstanding!" I totally agree so here are my 5 stars for the author!
Steam rolling right over many other romance novels, Amber Lea Easton has a very clever story-line!
Many things can go south with relationships and with miscommunication there will always be misunderstandings. Wrap this up into a romance that is destined to be and still things can go wrong!
With great chemistry between our characters Jacques and Jessica, you will love this wonderful love story!
I borrowed this copy from my daughter who is planning on reviewing also. She said, "Dancing Barefoot, read it mom, it's outstanding!" I totally agree so here are my 5 stars for the author!
July 12, 2014
Suggested by a dear friend of mine, this is the first romance novel I read from Ms Easton.
It's a sweet, involving love story with some tension, tenderness and a lot of passion, never falling into soft erotica.
A beautiful romance story I would suggest to any romantic stories lover.
It's a sweet, involving love story with some tension, tenderness and a lot of passion, never falling into soft erotica.
A beautiful romance story I would suggest to any romantic stories lover.
July 17, 2014
I was a quite disappointed with Amber Lea Easton's latest novel, "Dancing Barefoot." While I loved her other works, "Anonymity" and "Riptide," this one fell short. While it is an engaging story of romance, with some very interesting characters, there were a few issues that didn't feel at all plausible. I know this is a work of fiction, but still, it didn't work for me.
The story is that Jessica fell in love and got engaged with Jacques when she spent a summer in Italy five years ago. While Jacques was off doing whatever, Jessica gets a call that her mother's in a coma back home in the states. After waiting all day for Jacques to return, Jessica takes off. She leaves everything at their apartment, her clothes, her paintings, her valuables because she has every intention to return. She ends up staying by her mother's side for five weeks. Here's the problem. THERE'S NO NOTE! She never left Jacques a note when she took off. Are you kidding me? Who the hell doesn't leave a note? I'd like to know who would do this? It's beyond ridiculous. She didn't even call him when she was in the states because she didn't have his phone number, or email for that matter. WTF?! She doesn't even have Ava (Jacques' sister) or Carter's (Jacques' best friend) phone number. Here's an idea, dial 411, or the operator to get his number. I guess it would have been too hard for Jacques himself to call her or the operator because I'm guessing he doesn't have her number. When Jessica does return to Italy, Jacques is no longer at their apartment. In fact, Jacques didn't even know that she had returned. And we're to believe that these two are madly in love. Yeah, right.
As time marches on, turns out that Jacques and his girlfriend at the time got into some major trouble in Thailand.
""We were held in a Thai prison for almost a year. Simone was raped repeatedly. I was beaten. We were starved. I refused to use my family's diplomatic connections because I didn't want to shame them. I have money of my own... or had... from the trust fund. I hired an attorney who bribed the right people and made sure any attempts to find me were blocked but... it took time.""
Are you fucking kidding me? He's too proud to ask for help? He'd rather be beaten and starved? Subject his girlfriend to being raped repeatedly? I'm sorry, am I the only one who has a problem with this? Again, yes, I know, this is fiction, but come on! There is no way in hell this could ring true. This is not a hero. I don't care if he loves or doesn't love his girlfriend. He's a fucking asshole is what he is. This is not a personality trait that I find endearing no matter how good looking he is.
When Jessica finds out that her so-called best-friend of ten years, Marc, is out to sabotage her partnership at the firm, is clearly responsible for the setting the fire, sets her up to make it look like she's the arsonist, and is responsible for getting her mother all doped up with heroine on her big night and to further embarrass her in front of her bosses by getting the police involved, what does she do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Seriously? I've officially lost count on the number of eye-rolls.
So what did I think of the book in the end? I think the author could've taken a different and better route when it came to the H/h splitting up, or where Jacques was for a year. Needless to say, I was very happy when I reached the end as there were times I wanted to chuck it. These issues I've mentioned, they're too major to be ignored. Maybe you can, but I just couldn't get past it they were so ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2014
Appearances can be deceiving. On the surface, Jessica Moriarty seems to have it all—a successful career, friends, an apartment, but she struggles with lost dreams, a lost love, and an alcoholic mother. When that lost love comes back into her life, it’s not all smooth sailing for Jessica and Jacques. Along with the renewed passion come trust issues, and other problems. The obstacles make for riveting reading. I experienced every emotion along with the characters, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
July 19, 2014
One of the best couples I've ever read in a romance novel. Believable, likable, sexy, smart…they both had it all going on and I loved them. The story is electric, breaking a lot of the stereotypes that come along with second chance love stories. In fact, I don't even know if that is what I would call this novel. It is so much more than that. It flows seamlessly and exquisitely as it takes the reader into the minds and hearts of these characters as they find their way through a maze of obstacles to try to find their way toward a life together. The author doesn't pull any punches--it's an intense story. I am glad she didn't shy away from the tough issues because that made it so much "more." Definitely a keeper!
July 20, 2014
If you love romance, then you will absolutely love this book, and Amber Easton will become one of your absolute favourite writers, if you do. I have to confess, even as a hardened lover of horror literature, I'm changing, and it's because of great writers like Amber Lea Easton who write books such as this.
Not only does she delve deep into the hearts and emotions of two people, but she tackles many tough issues in her stories, which give them an added edge and validation. I never give spoilers, but you can take my word for it, this will not disappoint you. This is one of those books that doesn't have any bad reviews. Get it, and see why.
Not only does she delve deep into the hearts and emotions of two people, but she tackles many tough issues in her stories, which give them an added edge and validation. I never give spoilers, but you can take my word for it, this will not disappoint you. This is one of those books that doesn't have any bad reviews. Get it, and see why.
July 23, 2014
An amazing story of mystery and romance
Definitely my kind of genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing story of mystery romance, full of suspense, chemistry, conflicting emotions, and well-developed, interesting characters.
Definitely my kind of genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing story of mystery romance, full of suspense, chemistry, conflicting emotions, and well-developed, interesting characters.
August 6, 2014
A very good story which wonderfully detailed characters that sweep you along in an epic tale.
March 30, 2016
What a great Follow up to In Between
After a HUGE misunderstanding and 5 years apart Jessica has been living her life. Focusing solely on her career to be the best architect possible. And she has climbing the corporate ladder at her firm, Jessica is making a name for herself. Then out of nowhere she sees Jacques will be in Boston for a book signing.
Jessica can't stand the thought of never talking to Jacques and goes to his book signing to try to see him, talk to him. What she didn't expect to find were a bunch of half naked photographs plastered in the book. Now she has decisions to make and she has to be smart about them. What does she do? She has her career at stake, and this is what she's worked so hard for. She just can't walk away and give it all up?
I don't want to give too much away and spoil this for anyone. Its so hard to describe everything that happens in this book. All I can say is it is fantabulous and READ IT. Seriously. From the second Jacques and Jessica lay eyes on each other, that love connection is still there. maybe even stronger than ever. But what will they do about it, knowing it's 5 years later and they both have separate lives they've been living.
I loved both Jessica and Jacques characters' in Dancing Barefoot just as much, if not more than in In Between. Even the supporting characters were very well thought out and had their own personalities. I couldn't have been happier with the way this series turned out. Even though this can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading In Between first, so you can get further insight into their relationship. I loved this series and won't be the last of what I read from this author! Def recommend picking these books up.
After a HUGE misunderstanding and 5 years apart Jessica has been living her life. Focusing solely on her career to be the best architect possible. And she has climbing the corporate ladder at her firm, Jessica is making a name for herself. Then out of nowhere she sees Jacques will be in Boston for a book signing.
Jessica can't stand the thought of never talking to Jacques and goes to his book signing to try to see him, talk to him. What she didn't expect to find were a bunch of half naked photographs plastered in the book. Now she has decisions to make and she has to be smart about them. What does she do? She has her career at stake, and this is what she's worked so hard for. She just can't walk away and give it all up?
I don't want to give too much away and spoil this for anyone. Its so hard to describe everything that happens in this book. All I can say is it is fantabulous and READ IT. Seriously. From the second Jacques and Jessica lay eyes on each other, that love connection is still there. maybe even stronger than ever. But what will they do about it, knowing it's 5 years later and they both have separate lives they've been living.
I loved both Jessica and Jacques characters' in Dancing Barefoot just as much, if not more than in In Between. Even the supporting characters were very well thought out and had their own personalities. I couldn't have been happier with the way this series turned out. Even though this can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading In Between first, so you can get further insight into their relationship. I loved this series and won't be the last of what I read from this author! Def recommend picking these books up.
August 10, 2014
"Dancing Barefoot" by Amber Lea Easton is another great of her beautiful romance stories. I don't often get excited about romantic novels but Easton has a talent to draw interesting characters with believable conflicts and she has a unique grasp of writing convincing chemistry that just seems to strike a nerve with me.
Jessica Moriarty just has a major breakthrough in her career as architect when a former love, Belgian photographer Jacques Sinclair, comes into town for an exhibition. The couple separated five years ago but their whirlwind romance then has left deep marks on both of them and left many questions unanswered.
Conflicting emotions and unsurmountable chemistry cause both of them to reassess the past, their current lives and priorities. Easton shows the magnetic and hypnotic effect of physical and emotional attraction very well and the gradual crumbling of outer facades and deep inner resolve. This is a romantic fantasy written in a convincing and heart warming manner and with enough complications thrown in to make for a very entertaining and gripping read.
Jessica Moriarty just has a major breakthrough in her career as architect when a former love, Belgian photographer Jacques Sinclair, comes into town for an exhibition. The couple separated five years ago but their whirlwind romance then has left deep marks on both of them and left many questions unanswered.
Conflicting emotions and unsurmountable chemistry cause both of them to reassess the past, their current lives and priorities. Easton shows the magnetic and hypnotic effect of physical and emotional attraction very well and the gradual crumbling of outer facades and deep inner resolve. This is a romantic fantasy written in a convincing and heart warming manner and with enough complications thrown in to make for a very entertaining and gripping read.
July 19, 2014
I loved everything about Dancing Barefoot from the strong willed Jessica Moriarty who struggles to find the right balance between helping her alcoholic mother and living for herself and the sexy Jacques who is the ultimate in romantic leads (sexy, NICE, funny, and loyal). A major miscommunication and missed opportunity separate these two five years ago, but they're suddenly thrown together again to sort out all the confusion and hurt feelings. It's so realistic that I felt like an eavesdropper at times. Very well done. I guess that's what I'm trying to say. This is a book that makes you FEEL. I felt for them from the very beginning and can't shake it now. Excellent read! Definitely put this on your TBR list. It has all the elements for a great story: romance, sex, mystery, high stakes emotional blackmail, edgy story twists, and characters that feel so real you ache for them.
October 5, 2014
After five years apart, Jessica has buried herself in her work as a Boston architect and nearly forgotten Jacques and their whirlwind love affair in faraway Italy. When Jacques shows up in Boston for a book signing and to do a photographic exhibit, she can’t stop herself from dropping by. If you want to know what happens next, I suggest you download the book. I highly suggest you grab it now anyway if you like books that draw you in so much you wouldn’t notice if the walls fell down around you. I loved the tangled web of relationships, the realistic emotional battles going on inside the characters, and the non-stop surprises that kept me bouncing uncomfortably in my seat until the final page, where the HEA was delivered and left me sighing with delight. Fantastic read.
July 19, 2014
I'm thrilled that I recommended this for my book club who at first doubted my decision to bring a romance to the group. Dancing Barefoot is a timeless romance about so much more than "will they get together or not." The author manages to weave subplots about addiction, family responsibility, and choices without ever subtracting from the romance that burns up the pages. This is as much a drama as it is a romance. You will not be disappointed by this book that takes you right up to the edge and challenges your preconceived notions. Loved it! I will re-read it again and again, I have no doubt.
August 2, 2014
Dancing Barefoot by Amber Lea Easton is an excellent book of emotions. One of the author's strongest gifts is the ability to create characters that you either love, hate. It's a sweet, involving love story with some tension, tenderness and a lot of passion, never falling into soft erotica. A highly Recommended read. This book was gifted to me for an honest review
Read
October 1, 2016DNF at 15%. Sorry, but I felt right away that this book just wasn't for me. Why was she so desperate now to reconnect with the love of her life? Why was she begging? Too many other books to be read.
July 30, 2015
l finished book 1 in two days and immediately read book 2. Love the series and the wonderful writing continued. The authors flow of words kept me flipping pages and glued to the story throughout. I plan on reading more from Amber Lea!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews