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Bare
Healing takes strength. Trust takes courage. Love takes everything.
Rosemary Cashman is ready to reclaim her life. After battling cancer and years spent wrapped in her family’s care, she’s determined to prove she doesn’t need anyone—not even the hot, mysterious man she literally runs into on the street. But when he asks her out, she says yes. Because dating a stranger sounds like a pretty good way to start living again.
Aleksei Thompson has one bring down the mafia kingpin responsible for his best friend’s death. When intel points to an unassuming accountant named Rosemary as a potential key in the case, Aleksei sets up a chance encounter. His plan? Get close, gather evidence, and disappear.
But things get complicated when Rosemary stumbles onto incriminating invoices at work—proof that puts a target on her back. Now she and Aleksei are on the run, and the lines between truth and lies, strategy and seduction, begin to blur.
As the danger deepens and secrets unravel, Rosemary must should she trust the man who lied to protect her—or walk away to protect herself?
Perfect for fans of slow-burn romantic suspense, undercover intrigue, and heroines who fight for their own second chance.
Rosemary Cashman is ready to reclaim her life. After battling cancer and years spent wrapped in her family’s care, she’s determined to prove she doesn’t need anyone—not even the hot, mysterious man she literally runs into on the street. But when he asks her out, she says yes. Because dating a stranger sounds like a pretty good way to start living again.
Aleksei Thompson has one bring down the mafia kingpin responsible for his best friend’s death. When intel points to an unassuming accountant named Rosemary as a potential key in the case, Aleksei sets up a chance encounter. His plan? Get close, gather evidence, and disappear.
But things get complicated when Rosemary stumbles onto incriminating invoices at work—proof that puts a target on her back. Now she and Aleksei are on the run, and the lines between truth and lies, strategy and seduction, begin to blur.
As the danger deepens and secrets unravel, Rosemary must should she trust the man who lied to protect her—or walk away to protect herself?
Perfect for fans of slow-burn romantic suspense, undercover intrigue, and heroines who fight for their own second chance.
272 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 21, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This was an incredible read from the very start to the end! Rosemary is a cancer survivor in it hit mom as my mom is also a cancer survivor!! She was trying to find her place in life as a survivor! The chemistry between her and Aleksei, an ex FBI agent was phenomenal!! The dangers and the chaos that they went through was on point!! Absolutely loved this storyline and it will forever live with me!! Chefs kiss Elisabeth!
“As the danger deepens and secrets unravel, Rosemary must decide: should she trust the man who lied to protect her—or walk away to protect herself?
Perfect for fans of slow-burn romantic suspense, undercover intrigue, and heroines who fight for their own second chance.”
“As the danger deepens and secrets unravel, Rosemary must decide: should she trust the man who lied to protect her—or walk away to protect herself?
Perfect for fans of slow-burn romantic suspense, undercover intrigue, and heroines who fight for their own second chance.”
July 14, 2026
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to City Press for choosing me.
This is a story that burrowed under my skin and I know it will stay there. It will remind me from time to time that it's there. Always just a step away if I want to revisit it. Aleksei and Rosemary made me remember that life is short and we have to embrace it no matter what gets thrown our way. It dealt with HEAVY topics. From death and grief, to a battle with cancer and finding the strength to not only endure the treatment but the aftermath too. It was written with grace and respect. Elisabeth Caldwell has very quickly become an author I want to read more from. She has taken these subjects and created a masterpiece. One that will wreck you in the best of ways before mending your broken pieces and putting you back together. I'll be thinking of this one for a long time to come.
This is a story that burrowed under my skin and I know it will stay there. It will remind me from time to time that it's there. Always just a step away if I want to revisit it. Aleksei and Rosemary made me remember that life is short and we have to embrace it no matter what gets thrown our way. It dealt with HEAVY topics. From death and grief, to a battle with cancer and finding the strength to not only endure the treatment but the aftermath too. It was written with grace and respect. Elisabeth Caldwell has very quickly become an author I want to read more from. She has taken these subjects and created a masterpiece. One that will wreck you in the best of ways before mending your broken pieces and putting you back together. I'll be thinking of this one for a long time to come.
June 27, 2026
Bare was such a good read! The beginning was a tad slow for me, but that only lasted about two seconds because once the story found its rhythm, it just kept getting better and better.
The MMC was everything you could want—supportive, protective, and full of unconditional love even when it took him a second to get it together . Watching him stand by the FMC through everything she had endured made my heart melt. She’s an accountant who’s been through absolute hell, surviving cancer not once, not twice, but three times, making her resilience one of my favorite parts of the story.
If you enjoy:
✨ Slow burn romance
🕵️ Undercover elements
📊 A strong female accountant
🎗️ A cancer survivor FMC
🔎 Murder mystery
🖤 A hint of mafia intrigue
The MMC was everything you could want—supportive, protective, and full of unconditional love even when it took him a second to get it together . Watching him stand by the FMC through everything she had endured made my heart melt. She’s an accountant who’s been through absolute hell, surviving cancer not once, not twice, but three times, making her resilience one of my favorite parts of the story.
If you enjoy:
✨ Slow burn romance
🕵️ Undercover elements
📊 A strong female accountant
🎗️ A cancer survivor FMC
🔎 Murder mystery
🖤 A hint of mafia intrigue
October 2, 2026
She has spent the years in and out of drs offices and treatment facilities. Now she’s free and wants to start living again. When the handsome stranger suggests a date she agrees. Now the two of them are tangled in a dangerous situation due to what she uncovers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2026
I received an advance copy of this book thank you
I really enjoyed this book; it grabbed my attention right away and kept it right through the end. The story is action packed and suspenseful, which is a nice change from traditional romances, where the only suspense is when are their clothes going to come off, ha. Yes, there were a few steamy scenes, but that wasn't the main focus of the book. This book has a storyline and the storyline is good and important.
The two main characters are Rosemary and Aleksei. Aleksei is ex FBI and only ex because he's been completely devasted when his partner and friend is killed during a mission. Aleksei is wrought with guilt, feeling he failed his friend. The investigation into his partners murder was squashed by the FBI and this drove him away.
Rosemary is a newly hired accountant at a firm and has just been given an account of one of their biggest clients. Rosemary is determined to shine and goes through everything with a fine-tooth comb, and this is where the trouble begins.
Aleksei gets a tip that could expose new evidence on who was responsible for his partners death, it is the firm where Rosemary works. Aleksei plans to stake out the firm and see if he can get an in, and that's how he meets Rosemary.
Of course, his first and main mission is to find out who murdered his partner, but it doesn't take long for sparks to fly between Rosemary and Aleksei.
As the story unfolds, both open themselves up to each other and both find new strength.
Great Read!
I really enjoyed this book; it grabbed my attention right away and kept it right through the end. The story is action packed and suspenseful, which is a nice change from traditional romances, where the only suspense is when are their clothes going to come off, ha. Yes, there were a few steamy scenes, but that wasn't the main focus of the book. This book has a storyline and the storyline is good and important.
The two main characters are Rosemary and Aleksei. Aleksei is ex FBI and only ex because he's been completely devasted when his partner and friend is killed during a mission. Aleksei is wrought with guilt, feeling he failed his friend. The investigation into his partners murder was squashed by the FBI and this drove him away.
Rosemary is a newly hired accountant at a firm and has just been given an account of one of their biggest clients. Rosemary is determined to shine and goes through everything with a fine-tooth comb, and this is where the trouble begins.
Aleksei gets a tip that could expose new evidence on who was responsible for his partners death, it is the firm where Rosemary works. Aleksei plans to stake out the firm and see if he can get an in, and that's how he meets Rosemary.
Of course, his first and main mission is to find out who murdered his partner, but it doesn't take long for sparks to fly between Rosemary and Aleksei.
As the story unfolds, both open themselves up to each other and both find new strength.
Great Read!
July 1, 2026
Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
First I have to say I love the cover of this book. I just think it’s so pretty and really eye catching. I just don’t think book covers ever get the love they deserve!!!
I really liked this read. I thought it was a little slow at the start but once I kept going the story picked up right away. I really loved Aleksei he was seriously the best he was supportive protective it was crazy and
Rosemary was so beautiful especially when she had cancer not only once or twice but 3 times. Cancer is awful. My mom had it and fought hard but I mean it she didn’t have the support it would have been a really lonely scary ride. So I loved this. Truly made the book.
Also what made this book was that is was super suspenseful and I love a romantic thriller it’s such a fun plot twist if I do so say myself !!
So we have Aleksei who’s friend from the FBI is murdered and well he is feeling so guilty and responsible so he is gonna try and help cause he thinks he knows The Who done it part but I don’t know if he really does. This was such a good book.
The writing was so good and I loved everything about this read. I mean beating cancer 3 times is proof enough that miracles do happen and can be cured.
Absolutely can’t wait for more from this author.
First I have to say I love the cover of this book. I just think it’s so pretty and really eye catching. I just don’t think book covers ever get the love they deserve!!!
I really liked this read. I thought it was a little slow at the start but once I kept going the story picked up right away. I really loved Aleksei he was seriously the best he was supportive protective it was crazy and
Rosemary was so beautiful especially when she had cancer not only once or twice but 3 times. Cancer is awful. My mom had it and fought hard but I mean it she didn’t have the support it would have been a really lonely scary ride. So I loved this. Truly made the book.
Also what made this book was that is was super suspenseful and I love a romantic thriller it’s such a fun plot twist if I do so say myself !!
So we have Aleksei who’s friend from the FBI is murdered and well he is feeling so guilty and responsible so he is gonna try and help cause he thinks he knows The Who done it part but I don’t know if he really does. This was such a good book.
The writing was so good and I loved everything about this read. I mean beating cancer 3 times is proof enough that miracles do happen and can be cured.
Absolutely can’t wait for more from this author.
July 5, 2026
Thank you to Owl City Press and to LBT for the gifted copy and for having me on tour!
Cancer survivor Rosemary Cashman stumbles onto incriminating invoices linking her employer to the mafia, forcing her and undercover operative Aleksei Thompson to go on the run as danger and deception blur the lines between them.
Bare, available now on KU, was my first Elizabeth Caldwell book and I want to go back and read Rose’s sister, Sage’s, story now!
“Love isn’t control, even when it’s well-intentioned. Love is letting people make their own decisions, even when it’s hard.”
This was such a beautiful story about imperfect people that end up being perfect for each other. Both the FMC and the MMC were strong characters, I enjoyed them very much. We get a raw and vulnerable look into their lives and get a chance to watch them heal. Rosemary was a strong female lead and Aleksei was intense in a good way. I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. Other than the romance, I also enjoyed the slowburn suspense and action towards the end! The story was written well and had great pacing. I love the title of the book after having finished and fully grasping the importance of the word “bare!”
Cancer survivor Rosemary Cashman stumbles onto incriminating invoices linking her employer to the mafia, forcing her and undercover operative Aleksei Thompson to go on the run as danger and deception blur the lines between them.
Bare, available now on KU, was my first Elizabeth Caldwell book and I want to go back and read Rose’s sister, Sage’s, story now!
“Love isn’t control, even when it’s well-intentioned. Love is letting people make their own decisions, even when it’s hard.”
This was such a beautiful story about imperfect people that end up being perfect for each other. Both the FMC and the MMC were strong characters, I enjoyed them very much. We get a raw and vulnerable look into their lives and get a chance to watch them heal. Rosemary was a strong female lead and Aleksei was intense in a good way. I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. Other than the romance, I also enjoyed the slowburn suspense and action towards the end! The story was written well and had great pacing. I love the title of the book after having finished and fully grasping the importance of the word “bare!”
July 2, 2026
If you're on the search for a romantic suspense that will make you constantly second guess your thoughts and gasp out loud with the twists and turns, well don't I have the PERFECT book for you!
We get to follow two absolutely amazing people find love after very different traumatic life experiences. The strength, love, growth, and just overall amazingness of both Rosemary and Aleksei was so amazing to read through. Honestly, I don't know how to write this review without giving spoilers, because seriously, I am just beyond blown away.
Not only were the main two characters mind-blowing, but every single side character was brilliant. I was able to fully immerse myself into their shoes and see how every single person reacted, felt their emotions and pain, and UGH I cannot get enough of this story, I need more!
I have a tendency to forgo all of my tasks and responsibilies in order to read, and this was absolutely no exception - honestly, I may have gone overboard and read almost the entire book in a single sitting - but who am I to put down a book when all I need to do was some laundry?
We get to follow two absolutely amazing people find love after very different traumatic life experiences. The strength, love, growth, and just overall amazingness of both Rosemary and Aleksei was so amazing to read through. Honestly, I don't know how to write this review without giving spoilers, because seriously, I am just beyond blown away.
Not only were the main two characters mind-blowing, but every single side character was brilliant. I was able to fully immerse myself into their shoes and see how every single person reacted, felt their emotions and pain, and UGH I cannot get enough of this story, I need more!
I have a tendency to forgo all of my tasks and responsibilies in order to read, and this was absolutely no exception - honestly, I may have gone overboard and read almost the entire book in a single sitting - but who am I to put down a book when all I need to do was some laundry?
July 3, 2026
A thoroughly enjoyable and refreshing detective romance.
Rosemary has beaten cancer three times and works as an accountant, she bumps into Aleksei who is trying to get over the death of his FBI partner.
Rosemary isnt aware that Aleksei sought her out undercover as she is working for a company that has links to a mafia he thinks played a part in the death of his partner. But what he didnt expect was to have such an attraction to Rose.
I really enjoyed the Accountancy detective part of this storyline (as someone who has a degree in accountancy) and the best tension between the two main characters. Although this is marked as a slow burn romance I wouldn't necessarily say it is a slowburn as things happen between Rosemary and Aleksei within a handful of chapters.
The emotional journey that both of these characters go through and thebtrust they have to put in one another is heartbreaking but also joyful.
A really enjoyable read. I look forward to reading about Rosemary's sisters story.
Rosemary has beaten cancer three times and works as an accountant, she bumps into Aleksei who is trying to get over the death of his FBI partner.
Rosemary isnt aware that Aleksei sought her out undercover as she is working for a company that has links to a mafia he thinks played a part in the death of his partner. But what he didnt expect was to have such an attraction to Rose.
I really enjoyed the Accountancy detective part of this storyline (as someone who has a degree in accountancy) and the best tension between the two main characters. Although this is marked as a slow burn romance I wouldn't necessarily say it is a slowburn as things happen between Rosemary and Aleksei within a handful of chapters.
The emotional journey that both of these characters go through and thebtrust they have to put in one another is heartbreaking but also joyful.
A really enjoyable read. I look forward to reading about Rosemary's sisters story.
July 24, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was my first romantic suspense/crime novel, and I was completely hooked. The story had me invested from the very first page with its fast pace, compelling characters, and perfectly timed twists that kept me guessing until the end.
Rosemary and Aleksei were such a great pair. Rosemary’s resilience as a cancer survivor embracing her second chance at life was inspiring, while Aleksei’s broody, haunted past made him impossible not to root for. Their slow-burn romance blended seamlessly with the mafia suspense, creating a story that felt both emotional and action-packed.
What I loved most was how immersive this book was. The characters felt genuine, the suspense never let up, and I found myself flying through the pages because I couldn’t put it down. If you enjoy romantic suspense with a strong emotional core, layered characters, and twists that keep you on your toes, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I’ll definitely be reading more from Caldwell.
This was my first romantic suspense/crime novel, and I was completely hooked. The story had me invested from the very first page with its fast pace, compelling characters, and perfectly timed twists that kept me guessing until the end.
Rosemary and Aleksei were such a great pair. Rosemary’s resilience as a cancer survivor embracing her second chance at life was inspiring, while Aleksei’s broody, haunted past made him impossible not to root for. Their slow-burn romance blended seamlessly with the mafia suspense, creating a story that felt both emotional and action-packed.
What I loved most was how immersive this book was. The characters felt genuine, the suspense never let up, and I found myself flying through the pages because I couldn’t put it down. If you enjoy romantic suspense with a strong emotional core, layered characters, and twists that keep you on your toes, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I’ll definitely be reading more from Caldwell.
September 18, 2026
Bare by Elisabeth Caldwell is a fast-paced romantic thriller about a woman on the run from the mafia and the secret agent assigned to protect her.
Rosemary, a cancer survivor craving a normal, independent life, stumbles onto illegal files at her accounting job and is immediately marked for death. Forced to flee with Aleksei—an undercover agent who has been using her for information on a powerful mob boss—she must survive while he guards both her and his own secrets.
The romance is a true slow burn, with steamy payoff once the walls finally come down. Rosemary is a relatable, determined heroine who fights hard to stay alive, even as the story begins with the hero deceiving her about who he is and what he wants.
Perfect for readers who enjoy high-stakes action paired with a passionate, slow-building romance. A solid pick for fans of romantic suspense.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rosemary, a cancer survivor craving a normal, independent life, stumbles onto illegal files at her accounting job and is immediately marked for death. Forced to flee with Aleksei—an undercover agent who has been using her for information on a powerful mob boss—she must survive while he guards both her and his own secrets.
The romance is a true slow burn, with steamy payoff once the walls finally come down. Rosemary is a relatable, determined heroine who fights hard to stay alive, even as the story begins with the hero deceiving her about who he is and what he wants.
Perfect for readers who enjoy high-stakes action paired with a passionate, slow-building romance. A solid pick for fans of romantic suspense.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2026
While this story started off a tad bit slow it quickly got my attention. It was a necessary slow burn that led to a really good mystery and love story. I quickly became full of admiration at Rosemary’s strength. She’s a cancer survivor wanting to reclaim her life and her confidence. After getting herself in the path of dangerous mobsters her and Aleksei meet. He’s trying to find and avenge his best friend’s death. He’s full of secrets but slowly they both fall for each other. The chemistry grows even hotter as the danger gets closer. Full of twists and turns but must importantly a huge lesson for them both. You can be your own hero and someone’s hero but that doesn’t mean you have to bed overprotective the other one can’t breathe or live up to their strength. Let them be and simply be with them. Together you both are stronger.
July 3, 2026
Bare was a really enjoyable read. It starts off a little slow, but once the story finds its footing, it's hard to put down. The mix of romance, suspense, and mystery kept me invested, and I loved how the plot unfolded.
The MMC was caring, protective, and incredibly supportive, making him easy to root for. The FMC was equally compelling—her resilience after surviving cancer three times made her a strong and inspiring heroine. Their relationship developed naturally with a satisfying slow burn that felt worth the wait.
I also enjoyed the undercover elements, the murder mystery, and the subtle mafia intrigue, which added just the right amount of tension without overshadowing the romance, it's an emotional, heartfelt romance with memorable characters, and I'd definitely recommend it to fans of slow-burn romantic suspense.
The MMC was caring, protective, and incredibly supportive, making him easy to root for. The FMC was equally compelling—her resilience after surviving cancer three times made her a strong and inspiring heroine. Their relationship developed naturally with a satisfying slow burn that felt worth the wait.
I also enjoyed the undercover elements, the murder mystery, and the subtle mafia intrigue, which added just the right amount of tension without overshadowing the romance, it's an emotional, heartfelt romance with memorable characters, and I'd definitely recommend it to fans of slow-burn romantic suspense.
September 21, 2026
Rosemary Cashman is a very smart accountant who has fought and won three times against cancer. Now Rosemary works for Pannetone & Associates . She finds a receipt from a client that doesn’t make sense and shows her boss Armando Pannetone. The client Mr Moresco is who is very secretive about his finances. Aleksei Thompson is a retired FBI agent. He retired after his best friend and partner got killed. Aleksei hasn’t been able to find his killer yet. His old boss calls him and tells him that Rosemary might know something about his murdered. Aleksei finds Rosemary to be very captivating and falls for her. When her office buildings and his apartment get bombed Aleksei knows he will do anything to keep Rosemary safe. This is a great book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25
Rosemary has had cancer three times and is only alive because she received an experimental drug. While this drug saved her life, it had some significant side effects that make her self-conscious and uncomfortable.
Aleksei's friend and partner in the FBI is murdered and he feels guilty and responsible even though he wasn't there when his friend was killed. He thinks he knows who murdered his friend but does he really?
Rosemary and Aleksei meet under misleading circumstances and sparks fly but both are hiding things that may complicate or even end their relationship before it really gets started.
Can they be honest with each other about their feelings and work together to keep each other safe and solve the mystery? This was a good read!
Rosemary has had cancer three times and is only alive because she received an experimental drug. While this drug saved her life, it had some significant side effects that make her self-conscious and uncomfortable.
Aleksei's friend and partner in the FBI is murdered and he feels guilty and responsible even though he wasn't there when his friend was killed. He thinks he knows who murdered his friend but does he really?
Rosemary and Aleksei meet under misleading circumstances and sparks fly but both are hiding things that may complicate or even end their relationship before it really gets started.
Can they be honest with each other about their feelings and work together to keep each other safe and solve the mystery? This was a good read!
July 2, 2026
This story was absolutely jaw dropping. It brings two people both that had heartbreak and trauma in their lives and pulled them together.
Rose has spent a lot of her life sick with cancer, having to depend on her family to help her while she was to sick to do anything. Now that she is healthy she wants to do things independently, leading her to meet Aleksie.
Aleksie is a former FBI agent who left the borough only after his best friend was killed. He didnt want to get close to anyone afterwords, thinking hes failed to protect his partner. And then he meets Rose.
This story leaves you broken, watching the two characters push and pull against one another. The ending mends you and showing you people can overcome the things they fear and believe. It is a story of hope and love.
Rose has spent a lot of her life sick with cancer, having to depend on her family to help her while she was to sick to do anything. Now that she is healthy she wants to do things independently, leading her to meet Aleksie.
Aleksie is a former FBI agent who left the borough only after his best friend was killed. He didnt want to get close to anyone afterwords, thinking hes failed to protect his partner. And then he meets Rose.
This story leaves you broken, watching the two characters push and pull against one another. The ending mends you and showing you people can overcome the things they fear and believe. It is a story of hope and love.
July 11, 2026
This romantic suspense novel has great main characters - our couple, Rosemary and Aleksei.
Rosemary is a cancer survivor trying to live her life to the fullest that discovers some shady accounting practices. Aleksei is an ex fbi agent that is trying to get over the death of his FBI partner.
Aleksei needs to meet her as part of his investigation in efforts to take down a mafia kingpin. He quickly starts to be bad at investigating because he’s so into Rosemary, and frankly, it’s adorable. They have immediate chemistry and Rosemary is able to get past his barriers. She just has to decide if she can trust him when things go south.
I loved the intrigue, suspense and action in this book. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Rosemary is a cancer survivor trying to live her life to the fullest that discovers some shady accounting practices. Aleksei is an ex fbi agent that is trying to get over the death of his FBI partner.
Aleksei needs to meet her as part of his investigation in efforts to take down a mafia kingpin. He quickly starts to be bad at investigating because he’s so into Rosemary, and frankly, it’s adorable. They have immediate chemistry and Rosemary is able to get past his barriers. She just has to decide if she can trust him when things go south.
I loved the intrigue, suspense and action in this book. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
July 23, 2026
🤔Not quite what I expected...
During a meeting with a client, Rosemary struggled to keep herself from scratching her head.
Her wig was unbearably itchy...
She had only been on the job for six months and couldn't afford any slip-ups...
>>>>>
Ultimately, it’s more of a crime novel with a romantic subplot, all set against the backdrop of cancer and grief.
I didn't like the character of Rosemary.
Between the constant mentions of her unbearably itchy wig and her sweaty scalp, I found her annoying throughout the entire book.
I did like the character of Aleksei, though he felt a bit too much in the background as a result.
That said, I really enjoyed the final third of the book—which was full of plot twists—as well as the resolution.
To discover for fans of the genre.
During a meeting with a client, Rosemary struggled to keep herself from scratching her head.
Her wig was unbearably itchy...
She had only been on the job for six months and couldn't afford any slip-ups...
>>>>>
Ultimately, it’s more of a crime novel with a romantic subplot, all set against the backdrop of cancer and grief.
I didn't like the character of Rosemary.
Between the constant mentions of her unbearably itchy wig and her sweaty scalp, I found her annoying throughout the entire book.
I did like the character of Aleksei, though he felt a bit too much in the background as a result.
That said, I really enjoyed the final third of the book—which was full of plot twists—as well as the resolution.
To discover for fans of the genre.
July 3, 2026
A slow burn romance with just the right amount of everything. I was hooked from the first few chapters. The storyline is really good with wonderful characters. I liked the pacing of the story. The plot is well drawn out. And there's all kinds of suspense that kept me invested in the narrative. Plus the twists and turns were so good. I couldn't put this down. This is a lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to Love Books Tours and the author for a copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely expressed.
July 4, 2026
This was my first romantic suspense crime novel and I really enjoyed it! It was quite the page turner and kept me hooked from the first page! The characters are very compelling and well developed and the story is intricately woven with a great balance of romance with the mafia-crime plot. The FMC is a cancer survivor and the way she embraces her second-chance was inspiring to read. The MMC is broody and has a tragic past so if you love that kind of thing this book is for you! The plot twists were great as well and the ending was satisfying. Looking forward to reading more by this author!
July 14, 2026
'As the danger deepens and secrets unravel, Rosemary must decide: should she trust the man who lied to protect her—or walk away to protect herself?'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2026
Bare by Elisabeth Caldwell.
This was a really good read. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I got into this book straight away. I couldn't put it down. I loved Rosemary's character. I also liked Aleksei. The chemistry between them. I liked the writing style and the story. I loved everything about this book. There was nothing I didn't like. I do hope there is more to come. I definitely recommend this book.
This was a really good read. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I got into this book straight away. I couldn't put it down. I loved Rosemary's character. I also liked Aleksei. The chemistry between them. I liked the writing style and the story. I loved everything about this book. There was nothing I didn't like. I do hope there is more to come. I definitely recommend this book.
July 5, 2026
This was such a good story of healing and overcoming grief. Rosemary is a cancer survivor trying to stand on her own. Aleksei is trying to move past his grief and guilt after his FBI partner is murdered.
Their connection is beautiful, if a little instant. The suspense was great and I loved how strong Rosemary was.
Thank you so much to Elisabeth Caldwell, City Owl Press, and Love Books Tours for the physical copy to read and review!
Their connection is beautiful, if a little instant. The suspense was great and I loved how strong Rosemary was.
Thank you so much to Elisabeth Caldwell, City Owl Press, and Love Books Tours for the physical copy to read and review!
July 19, 2026
A wonderful romantic suspense story that reminds us life is short so we need to live every day to the fullest. Can our main characters work together and solve the mystery?
This is a well written slow burn romance blended with a murder mystery and a touch of mafia mixed in. The characters are well developed and memorable. This is one emotionally charged and intriguing story you don't want to miss.
This is a well written slow burn romance blended with a murder mystery and a touch of mafia mixed in. The characters are well developed and memorable. This is one emotionally charged and intriguing story you don't want to miss.
September 17, 2026
Bare is an intriguing romantic suspense that holds you captive as the story unfolds. It is a well written narrative that is thought-provoking along with arousing characters that had me connecting with them all throughout. I loved Rosemary and her tenacity. She was willing to take a chance but is it the right one for her path to happiness.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of Bare.
Even though Rosemary and Aleskei both had their fair share of trauma in their lives, as well as all the plot twists (don’t want to give away anything), their love for each other grows stronger. Bare is a must read and definitely needs to be bumped to the top of your TBR.
Even though Rosemary and Aleskei both had their fair share of trauma in their lives, as well as all the plot twists (don’t want to give away anything), their love for each other grows stronger. Bare is a must read and definitely needs to be bumped to the top of your TBR.
July 6, 2026
This book is emotional, high stakes, and captivating. I did not see the twist coming and was completely blown away when it did. I thought it was someone else completely. A MUST read.
If you want to know her sisters story before reading BARE make sure you read STRIP.
If you want to know her sisters story before reading BARE make sure you read STRIP.
July 15, 2026
This was such an intense and captivating read. I loved Rosemary and Alexsi right from the start. I loved how this immediately pulled me in and kept me turning pages. These two went through so much. The danger and chaos. I was happy to see they finally got to a good place.
July 29, 2026
This was a great book. It had mafia, mystery and love. It hit a little too close to home for me. I definitely could relate
September 13, 2026
This is a slow-burn that delivered when it needed to. Rosemary has had some bumps in her life along the way but things were looking up. With Aleksei entering her life things were looking up but of course life had to continue to throw wrenches her way. I enjoyed the suspense part of this story as it kept me on my toes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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