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Barefoot Bay Undercover #2
Barefoot with a Stranger
Francesca Rossi might be the youngest in a long line of badass siblings, but this computer whiz would rather hack a database than pack a pistol for the family business in Barefoot Bay. When an assignment forces her out of her comfort zone and into the field, Chessie decides to amp up the excitement quotient and has her first one night stand with a sexy stranger she’ll never see again.
Former CIA agent Malcolm Harris is fresh out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and knows the government is watching his every move, waiting for him to slip up. But the only mistake he makes is to assume the sexy, sassy woman he seduces on the way to Barefoot Bay is a spy. He learns too late that the beauty he’s bedded is really his best friend’s sister…and his undercover partner on a risky mission.
Chessie and Mal have to stay one step ahead of the CIA, navigate their way through a perilous country, and fight the insane chemistry that sizzles between them. It doesn’t take long for this hacker and spy to discover the power of their unplanned partnership…and learn that falling in love might be the riskiest business of all.
Former CIA agent Malcolm Harris is fresh out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and knows the government is watching his every move, waiting for him to slip up. But the only mistake he makes is to assume the sexy, sassy woman he seduces on the way to Barefoot Bay is a spy. He learns too late that the beauty he’s bedded is really his best friend’s sister…and his undercover partner on a risky mission.
Chessie and Mal have to stay one step ahead of the CIA, navigate their way through a perilous country, and fight the insane chemistry that sizzles between them. It doesn’t take long for this hacker and spy to discover the power of their unplanned partnership…and learn that falling in love might be the riskiest business of all.
346 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2015
212 people are currently reading
422 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 93 reviews
March 3, 2016
Francesca (Chessie) Rossi is on her way from Boston to see brother Gabe in Barefoot Bay after discovering he may have a child by his deceased former lover and colleague, Isadora Winter. She's grounded in Atlanta due to weather and has a chance encounter with Malcolm (Mal) Harris that turns into a one-night stand. He doesn't know she's Gabe's sister, she doesn't know he's Gabe's closest friend and neither realizes their headed to the same destination. Great start to an interesting relationship.
I loved that there were so many layers to this story...Gabe's relationships with Mal and Chessie, Mal's past that figures strategically in this story and Chessie's discovery of her identity outside of the Rossi family. Not to mention the smoldering romance between Mal and Chessie where, despite their bizarre start, they proceed down a pretty good path. I really liked that there weren't any tedious and protracted misunderstandings. Their relationship developed honestly, realistically and with maturity.
Much of this story takes place in Cuba and I got quite the education about the current environment, both political and otherwise, and the realities faced by its people. This was an unexpected and welcomed aspect of the story, especially as it was in the context of changing US political policy towards the country. Very well done.
Loved the story, the characters and the setting. The underlying mystery regarding Gabe's maybe son and Mal's past just made an interesting book even better. And, given how it ended, I'm glad I've got the next book in the queue.
4.5 stars
I loved that there were so many layers to this story...Gabe's relationships with Mal and Chessie, Mal's past that figures strategically in this story and Chessie's discovery of her identity outside of the Rossi family. Not to mention the smoldering romance between Mal and Chessie where, despite their bizarre start, they proceed down a pretty good path. I really liked that there weren't any tedious and protracted misunderstandings. Their relationship developed honestly, realistically and with maturity.
Much of this story takes place in Cuba and I got quite the education about the current environment, both political and otherwise, and the realities faced by its people. This was an unexpected and welcomed aspect of the story, especially as it was in the context of changing US political policy towards the country. Very well done.
Loved the story, the characters and the setting. The underlying mystery regarding Gabe's maybe son and Mal's past just made an interesting book even better. And, given how it ended, I'm glad I've got the next book in the queue.
4.5 stars
February 25, 2017
4.5 stars
Francesca (Chessie) Rossi. Planner. Computer genius and Gabe Rossi's baby sister.
Malcolm (Mal) Harris. Ex-con. Former spy and Gabe's friend.
Their paths crossed when their flight to Florida got delayed, and their attraction ignited into a night of pleasure... Until Mal learned of Francesca's last name and bolted from their hotel room.
Little do they know that they're both needed by Gabe to work together to search for his son. We learned from the last book that Gabe had loved and lost a woman, then finding out that he has a son, who is somewhere in Cuba. Only problem is, Gabe can't set foot in Cuba or risk death. So he needs someone who knows Cuba like the back of his hand, and his sister with her computer skills to locate his son.
Mal is an experienced spy. Chessie on the other hand, is a rookie in all things undercover, including one night stands. She may have been raised in a family full of agents/cops/spies but she feels more comfortable in front of a computer. Now she has to use her wit to work with Mal to find her nephew. But how does she feel about working with a former criminal?
This book is packed with tension, emotion and suspense. I liked Mal and Chessie separately and together. Mal thinks that finding his happiness is hopeless while Chessie is determined to help him clear his name from a crime he didn't commit. For a rookie in the field, I thought Chessie handled herself and their dire situations quite well. She was just as badass as her brother!
It was heartbreaking and promising to learn more about Gabe's little family. Which is why I'm diving right into his book next!
Great read. You don't have to read the first book to understand what's going on in this one but it makes a better impact of the characters to read it in order.
Francesca (Chessie) Rossi. Planner. Computer genius and Gabe Rossi's baby sister.
Malcolm (Mal) Harris. Ex-con. Former spy and Gabe's friend.
Their paths crossed when their flight to Florida got delayed, and their attraction ignited into a night of pleasure... Until Mal learned of Francesca's last name and bolted from their hotel room.
Little do they know that they're both needed by Gabe to work together to search for his son. We learned from the last book that Gabe had loved and lost a woman, then finding out that he has a son, who is somewhere in Cuba. Only problem is, Gabe can't set foot in Cuba or risk death. So he needs someone who knows Cuba like the back of his hand, and his sister with her computer skills to locate his son.
Mal is an experienced spy. Chessie on the other hand, is a rookie in all things undercover, including one night stands. She may have been raised in a family full of agents/cops/spies but she feels more comfortable in front of a computer. Now she has to use her wit to work with Mal to find her nephew. But how does she feel about working with a former criminal?
This book is packed with tension, emotion and suspense. I liked Mal and Chessie separately and together. Mal thinks that finding his happiness is hopeless while Chessie is determined to help him clear his name from a crime he didn't commit. For a rookie in the field, I thought Chessie handled herself and their dire situations quite well. She was just as badass as her brother!
It was heartbreaking and promising to learn more about Gabe's little family. Which is why I'm diving right into his book next!
Great read. You don't have to read the first book to understand what's going on in this one but it makes a better impact of the characters to read it in order.
October 18, 2015
Barefoot With a Stranger by Roxanne St Claire
A contemporary romance with a bit of suspense. Spies, adventure and romance.
If you've read some of the author's earlier suspense novels (approximately 2006 to 2011), you will recognize the Rossi name. But you don't need to have read those to fully appreciate this return to the suspense genre. I love the Barefoot Bay series but this one has a bit more depth and passion and lots more danger that I find highly engaging and readable.
Chessie Rossi and Malcolm Harris meet in the Atlanta airport on the way to Barefoot Bay. They share an instant attraction although Mal is convinced at first that she's a spy following him. The compulsion they share to touch and be together is stronger as they head to Cuba, under cover, to find Gabe Rossi's son. Their work goes from difficult to dangerous as old allies and traitors emerge and engage. Chessie proves that although she is the youngest in the family with no field experience, she can run, chase, manipulate, lie, shoot, evade and win with the best of them.
Gabe is grieving for Isadora, the lover he has lost. He's depressed. He's angry. He's not eating. But this isn't Gabe's story. It's Chessie's. And it's exciting and satisfying although we still feel for Gabe and hope that he will get his own happily ever after eventually.
A contemporary romance with a bit of suspense. Spies, adventure and romance.
If you've read some of the author's earlier suspense novels (approximately 2006 to 2011), you will recognize the Rossi name. But you don't need to have read those to fully appreciate this return to the suspense genre. I love the Barefoot Bay series but this one has a bit more depth and passion and lots more danger that I find highly engaging and readable.
Chessie Rossi and Malcolm Harris meet in the Atlanta airport on the way to Barefoot Bay. They share an instant attraction although Mal is convinced at first that she's a spy following him. The compulsion they share to touch and be together is stronger as they head to Cuba, under cover, to find Gabe Rossi's son. Their work goes from difficult to dangerous as old allies and traitors emerge and engage. Chessie proves that although she is the youngest in the family with no field experience, she can run, chase, manipulate, lie, shoot, evade and win with the best of them.
Gabe is grieving for Isadora, the lover he has lost. He's depressed. He's angry. He's not eating. But this isn't Gabe's story. It's Chessie's. And it's exciting and satisfying although we still feel for Gabe and hope that he will get his own happily ever after eventually.
October 9, 2015
She has done it again..Roxanne St. Claire has given more excitement like any other...She will have you laughing, crying, turning the pages so fast, stealing your breath away..Heart pounding..and wanting more..She delivers all of that..
Not being able to go himself Gabe sends Chessie and the one man he knows that is the best for the job...Mal Harris..
When a sexy stranger gives up his seat at the airport she thinks ok a little fun won't hurt...Gabe said nothing about talking to strangers. Then she comes to face to face with Mal Harris again in Barefoot Bay...Now there supposed to work together? Oh so not good. The minute Chessie sees him again she turns completely white. Gabe has some suspicions of the looks there giving each other. He knows something is up..things spiral after he finds out what they were hiding. No back up plan he has to send them to get the information...it's too important...
Chessie and Mal know the significance of the assignment Gabe has given them...
What they find out in Cuba is so not good. It's dangerous to say the least. They need to go in, and get the information and get out of there. Nothing more.
Can Chessie and Mal keep the attraction under bay?
Well I suggest you buy this book..It's the second book in the Barefoot Bay Undercover Series..
Not being able to go himself Gabe sends Chessie and the one man he knows that is the best for the job...Mal Harris..
When a sexy stranger gives up his seat at the airport she thinks ok a little fun won't hurt...Gabe said nothing about talking to strangers. Then she comes to face to face with Mal Harris again in Barefoot Bay...Now there supposed to work together? Oh so not good. The minute Chessie sees him again she turns completely white. Gabe has some suspicions of the looks there giving each other. He knows something is up..things spiral after he finds out what they were hiding. No back up plan he has to send them to get the information...it's too important...
Chessie and Mal know the significance of the assignment Gabe has given them...
What they find out in Cuba is so not good. It's dangerous to say the least. They need to go in, and get the information and get out of there. Nothing more.
Can Chessie and Mal keep the attraction under bay?
Well I suggest you buy this book..It's the second book in the Barefoot Bay Undercover Series..
October 26, 2015
"Barefoot with a Stranger" by Roxanne St. Claire is Book 2 of her 'Barefoot Bay Undercover' series. It is the BEST story that I've read so far this year, and once I started it I didn't want to put it down. You do not need to read the previous book to understand what is going on but I recommend it as it introduces some the characters to the series, and it explains why the family is important.
In this story we have Francesca Rossi (Chessie) and Malcom Harris (Mal.) They meet in an airport when their flight is delayed and they end up hooking up. They think it is a one night stand, but neither one realizes that they are embarking to the same destination. It takes the reader on an adventure through an undercover mission through Cuba. Their one night stand seems to be turning into much more, and each person is more than who they thought they were on their first night.
What I wrote is leaving much of the story out because it's one of those books that deserves to be read rather than someone tell you about what is going to happen. I can't wait for the next adventure....which at the end of this book leaves you wanting more.
In this story we have Francesca Rossi (Chessie) and Malcom Harris (Mal.) They meet in an airport when their flight is delayed and they end up hooking up. They think it is a one night stand, but neither one realizes that they are embarking to the same destination. It takes the reader on an adventure through an undercover mission through Cuba. Their one night stand seems to be turning into much more, and each person is more than who they thought they were on their first night.
What I wrote is leaving much of the story out because it's one of those books that deserves to be read rather than someone tell you about what is going to happen. I can't wait for the next adventure....which at the end of this book leaves you wanting more.
October 19, 2015
This story is awesome from the beginning. I always say you cannot go wrong with a Roxanne St. Claire book and this continues the winning streak. In this story Malcolm and Francesca meet when their flight is cancelled. The attraction is instant and sparks fly. Francesca has decided to throw caution to the wind and have her first one night stand, Malcom is wondering if she is a beautiful spy sent to trap him. Once he realizes the truth, things become very tricky. I love how the book involves multiple stories. While Francesca and Malcolm deal with one another, they embark on an investigation to find Gabe's lost son, while Gabe comes to grip with the idea of having a son he knew nothing about. This story is not boring to say the least and keeps you constantly engaged.
October 17, 2015
Francesca Rossi, Chessie to friends and family, works as a tech specialist for her cousins’ security firm, Guardian Angelinos. She travels from Boston to Florida on her brother’s behest to assist him on a personal assignment. On her way to Barefoot Bay, and stranded at the airport because of weather, Chessie meets a chivalrous and sexy stranger who entices her into a one-night stand. She is surprised to find her runaway lover at her brother’s home and that he is also Gabe’s trusted friend. Chessie learns Malcolm is to accompany her on an important field mission in Cuba. Malcolm does not fit the criteria she set for her prospective spouse and he tempts Chessie to deviate from her need to formulate plans. Danger follows the duo to Cuba’s shores threatening Malcolm and Chessie’s search for vital clues on a certain four-year-old boy’s whereabouts.
Malcolm Harris is an ex-CIA agent. He has spent the last four years of his life in a federal prison for a crime he did not commit. Malcolm suspects Chessie of being a CIA plant meant to monitor his every move and seduce him into disclosing the stolen money’s whereabouts. He realizes belatedly his suspicions of Chessie are groundless after learning her surname, a name he knows all-to-well. Malcolm fears his friend’s wrath for seducing the former spook’s baby sister and encourages her to keep quiet about their passionate night together. To complicate things further, Gabe Rossi entrusts him to keep Chessie safe while in Cuba. Malcolm acknowledges that a future with Francesca Rossi is futile but he is unable to resist her. His complicated past with Gitmo threatens to undermine their hunt for Gabe’s son and puts Chessie’s life in jeopardy.
Chessie is an awesome heroine. I honestly do not think I could ever tire of her type being the main female lead in either romance, urban fantasy or fantasy books. She is equal parts weak and strong, knows her limitations, and she is confidant in her own skin. Chessie prefers the safety of plans rather than flying off the seat of her pants like her adrenaline-loving family. She made such an impact on me from her little cameo in BAREFOOT WITH A BODYGUARD that I immediately read the first two books in the GUARDIAN ANGELINO series to learn more about her and the Rossis. The GUARDIAN ANGELINO books really helped me understand the kind of family Chessie came from. I did commiserate with her for having such a protective family, yet she never once questioned or resented their need to protect her. That, however, did not mean Chessie tolerated their bossiness. I like how she did not follow in her family’s footsteps but instead, Chessie chose a career that does not involve too much danger or puts her life at risk.
Malcolm strikes me as the closeted knight-in-shining-armor type. His armor is a little dented and tarnished in places but that does not stop him from doing what he can for others. His childhood, when compared next to Chessie’s, may have been unhappy and cold, yet Malcolm never allows it to corrupt his need to help others in need or distress. I understood and sympathized with his cynical outlook in the start of the book. Prison changes even the most stubborn of people but it did not destroy or corrupt the core of Malcolm’s person. I like how Chessie steadily chisels down his pessimistic viewpoint and gives him new reason to harbor hope, to the point Malcolm sees her as the epitome for that fragile, easily destroyed emotion.
BAREFOOT WITH A STRANGER is the second book in Roxanne St. Claire’s BAREFOOT BAY UNDERCOVER series, a clever spin off from her contemporary BAREFOOT BAY and her romantic suspense GUARDIAN ANGELINOS books. I like how BAREFOOT BAY UNDERCOVER allows the author the chance to give characters from her GUARDIAN ANGELINOS series their happily ever after.
BAREFOOT WITH A STRANGER does have the same tone and feel as the author’s BULLET CATCHERS and GUARDIAN ANGELINOS series. The book really shows Roxanne St. Claire’s comfort and flare for writing romantic suspense. The only complaint I had, and it is miniscule, is that the characters I have come to associate and expect to find in Barefoot Bay were noticeably absent.
BAREFOOT WITH A STRANGER is a riveting ride full of adventure and suspense. I like how Roxanne St. Claire set this book to take place mostly in Cuba, a place I never really gave much thought to until this story. I really cannot wait for the next installment, the most anticipated book in the entire series, Gabriel Rossi’s story.
Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies
Malcolm Harris is an ex-CIA agent. He has spent the last four years of his life in a federal prison for a crime he did not commit. Malcolm suspects Chessie of being a CIA plant meant to monitor his every move and seduce him into disclosing the stolen money’s whereabouts. He realizes belatedly his suspicions of Chessie are groundless after learning her surname, a name he knows all-to-well. Malcolm fears his friend’s wrath for seducing the former spook’s baby sister and encourages her to keep quiet about their passionate night together. To complicate things further, Gabe Rossi entrusts him to keep Chessie safe while in Cuba. Malcolm acknowledges that a future with Francesca Rossi is futile but he is unable to resist her. His complicated past with Gitmo threatens to undermine their hunt for Gabe’s son and puts Chessie’s life in jeopardy.
Chessie is an awesome heroine. I honestly do not think I could ever tire of her type being the main female lead in either romance, urban fantasy or fantasy books. She is equal parts weak and strong, knows her limitations, and she is confidant in her own skin. Chessie prefers the safety of plans rather than flying off the seat of her pants like her adrenaline-loving family. She made such an impact on me from her little cameo in BAREFOOT WITH A BODYGUARD that I immediately read the first two books in the GUARDIAN ANGELINO series to learn more about her and the Rossis. The GUARDIAN ANGELINO books really helped me understand the kind of family Chessie came from. I did commiserate with her for having such a protective family, yet she never once questioned or resented their need to protect her. That, however, did not mean Chessie tolerated their bossiness. I like how she did not follow in her family’s footsteps but instead, Chessie chose a career that does not involve too much danger or puts her life at risk.
Malcolm strikes me as the closeted knight-in-shining-armor type. His armor is a little dented and tarnished in places but that does not stop him from doing what he can for others. His childhood, when compared next to Chessie’s, may have been unhappy and cold, yet Malcolm never allows it to corrupt his need to help others in need or distress. I understood and sympathized with his cynical outlook in the start of the book. Prison changes even the most stubborn of people but it did not destroy or corrupt the core of Malcolm’s person. I like how Chessie steadily chisels down his pessimistic viewpoint and gives him new reason to harbor hope, to the point Malcolm sees her as the epitome for that fragile, easily destroyed emotion.
BAREFOOT WITH A STRANGER is the second book in Roxanne St. Claire’s BAREFOOT BAY UNDERCOVER series, a clever spin off from her contemporary BAREFOOT BAY and her romantic suspense GUARDIAN ANGELINOS books. I like how BAREFOOT BAY UNDERCOVER allows the author the chance to give characters from her GUARDIAN ANGELINOS series their happily ever after.
BAREFOOT WITH A STRANGER does have the same tone and feel as the author’s BULLET CATCHERS and GUARDIAN ANGELINOS series. The book really shows Roxanne St. Claire’s comfort and flare for writing romantic suspense. The only complaint I had, and it is miniscule, is that the characters I have come to associate and expect to find in Barefoot Bay were noticeably absent.
BAREFOOT WITH A STRANGER is a riveting ride full of adventure and suspense. I like how Roxanne St. Claire set this book to take place mostly in Cuba, a place I never really gave much thought to until this story. I really cannot wait for the next installment, the most anticipated book in the entire series, Gabriel Rossi’s story.
Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies
December 20, 2015
I am a big fan of Roxanne St. Claire, especially her Romantic Suspense book. I've read all her books, and I am honoured to read a review an ARC for her latest book, Barefoot with a Stranger. I received this ARC as a member of her Review Crew for an honest review.
From the opening scenes, I was hooked on Francesca (Chessie's) Rossi, the little sister of Gabe Rossi, a favourite character of mine, and Malcolm (Mal) Harris. It sizzled, and the tension was quite palpable. St. Claire's voice hooked me right away, and I was immediately sucked. I must admit that though I was really excited about reading this story, I was a bit apprehensive. I remember meeting Chessie when she was younger in St. Claire's other series, the Guardian Angelinos, and I wasn't sure I would be sold on Chessie as a lead character. I was so wrong. She got a chance to grow up, and become her own woman. To be honest, I wasn't sure how St. Claire was going pull it off.
I'm so glad I didn't let that stop me from reading. At first, I want d to see what St. Claire had done, but at all fell by the wayside once I started reading. Mal and Chessie's story was amazing. I loved watching Chessie and Mal's character change and develop through each conflict they faced. Chessie was not your stereotypical computer "geek", though she might appear to be so. Her mind is incredible, and she's very good at not only reading data and circumventing networks, but she is also great at reading people. That's why she was the perfect match for Mal. He wore so many masks, and put up seemingly impenetrable walls, that Chessie was able to tear down little by little, in a manner very much like she would when trying to find information that is "lost" in cyberspace. It makes perfect sense the path her life takes in the final scenes of the book.
Mal is such a tragic hero. We first hear of him in Barefoot with a Bodyguard, St. Claire's previous book, and I want quite sure how he would fit in this story. But, after meeting him at the airport, and finding out who he really was throughout all the conflicts he and Chessie encountered in Cuba, it was clear. Deep down, he is a caring and loving man with honor and pride. He loves his country, and wants to do what's best, but he is also willing to take the blame for others, if it means saving their lives. Mal is a very realistic and likeable character. Though he feels unloveable, working with Chessie enabled him to find some hope in the darkness of his mind. Watching them fall in love was wonderful. They had their moments of panic and doubt, which made it easy to believe their relationship. I could actually visualise them as real people.
After reading Barefoot with a Stranger, it was hard to come back to the real world. I didn't want the story to end. It took me a couple of days to finally let it go. It's right back at the top of the to be read pile. This book reminded me of the bey first Bullet Catcher book I read by Roxanne St. Claire. There is no shed scene in this one, but a small beat up car in the middle of nowhere, during a rainstorm in a foreign country, is pretty close. One hing about this book is that, things aren't always what they seem. The old adage still stands: You can't judge a book by its cover. Check it out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
From the opening scenes, I was hooked on Francesca (Chessie's) Rossi, the little sister of Gabe Rossi, a favourite character of mine, and Malcolm (Mal) Harris. It sizzled, and the tension was quite palpable. St. Claire's voice hooked me right away, and I was immediately sucked. I must admit that though I was really excited about reading this story, I was a bit apprehensive. I remember meeting Chessie when she was younger in St. Claire's other series, the Guardian Angelinos, and I wasn't sure I would be sold on Chessie as a lead character. I was so wrong. She got a chance to grow up, and become her own woman. To be honest, I wasn't sure how St. Claire was going pull it off.
I'm so glad I didn't let that stop me from reading. At first, I want d to see what St. Claire had done, but at all fell by the wayside once I started reading. Mal and Chessie's story was amazing. I loved watching Chessie and Mal's character change and develop through each conflict they faced. Chessie was not your stereotypical computer "geek", though she might appear to be so. Her mind is incredible, and she's very good at not only reading data and circumventing networks, but she is also great at reading people. That's why she was the perfect match for Mal. He wore so many masks, and put up seemingly impenetrable walls, that Chessie was able to tear down little by little, in a manner very much like she would when trying to find information that is "lost" in cyberspace. It makes perfect sense the path her life takes in the final scenes of the book.
Mal is such a tragic hero. We first hear of him in Barefoot with a Bodyguard, St. Claire's previous book, and I want quite sure how he would fit in this story. But, after meeting him at the airport, and finding out who he really was throughout all the conflicts he and Chessie encountered in Cuba, it was clear. Deep down, he is a caring and loving man with honor and pride. He loves his country, and wants to do what's best, but he is also willing to take the blame for others, if it means saving their lives. Mal is a very realistic and likeable character. Though he feels unloveable, working with Chessie enabled him to find some hope in the darkness of his mind. Watching them fall in love was wonderful. They had their moments of panic and doubt, which made it easy to believe their relationship. I could actually visualise them as real people.
After reading Barefoot with a Stranger, it was hard to come back to the real world. I didn't want the story to end. It took me a couple of days to finally let it go. It's right back at the top of the to be read pile. This book reminded me of the bey first Bullet Catcher book I read by Roxanne St. Claire. There is no shed scene in this one, but a small beat up car in the middle of nowhere, during a rainstorm in a foreign country, is pretty close. One hing about this book is that, things aren't always what they seem. The old adage still stands: You can't judge a book by its cover. Check it out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
October 16, 2015
Barefoot with a Stranger
This is the second novel in the exciting romantic-adventure series, Barefoot Bay Undercover, which continues to mellifluously mingle our favorite tropical locale, Barefoot Bay, with steamy romance, familial love and devotion, and edge-of-your-seat suspenseful scenes that St. Claire is a master at writing!
In Barefoot with a Stranger, we are captivated by an unlikely hero in the sexy, ex-CIA spook, Malcolm "Mal" Harris, and one of our very favorite characters from the novella, Barefoot Bound, who also made an appearance at the end of the first novel in the trilogy, the gorgeous and highly intelligent Francesca "Chessie" Rossi, who first appeared in St. Claire's "Guardian Angelino", romantic-suspense novels. (A highly recommended trilogy!!)
Chessie is the baby in the very large Italian Rossi/Angelino family and as such has also been extremely sheltered and protected by all of her older siblings in the family. She is also the youngest sister of the legendary former spy, Gabriel "Gabe" Rossi, who we learned in the first novel of this series, "Barefoot with a Bodyguard", is desperately searching for what may be his son in Cuba. Because Chessie is incredibly skilled with computer hacking and has worked for the family business in Boston for the Guardian Angelinos, Gabe not only trusts her implicitly but also needs her special skill set to help him track down and locate this boy in Cuba to determine whether or not he truly is his son.
Gabe cannot trust just anyone with this highly sensitive information and in addition to pulling in his baby sister, he also brings in his most trusted friend from his days with the CIA, Mal Harris, who has just finished serving a four-year prison sentence. Mal is also something of a legend within the CIA and Gabe would trust no one else with his baby sister's safety. Gabe and Mal worked closely undercover together and no one knows Cuba better than Mal. And of course, we also have our favorite secondary characters - Uncle Nino, the always lovable grandfather, Italian Chef Extraordinaire/Business Partner and Poppy, the very clever, devoted and outspoken Jamaican Maid/Covert Operative, who both add their own special qualities to each story.
More than just the tropical heat can be felt sizzling from the very beginning as Mal and Chessie set the pages to blazing on their pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled, love-inspired mission! And yet always interspersed throughout the entire novel are the elements that I love most about St. Claire's characters and stories... romance, family, love, sacrifice, honor and intrigue, that keep you coming back again and again never to disappoint!
While this novel can easily stand alone, I would recommend you start with the novella, Barefoot Bound, and the first novel in this series, Barefoot with a Bodyguard, before reading Barefoot with a Stranger, as all the characters are introduced previously - although it's not required as St. Claire lays it all out in each novel to easily follow along.
(The author provided me with an advanced reading copy for an honest review.)
This is the second novel in the exciting romantic-adventure series, Barefoot Bay Undercover, which continues to mellifluously mingle our favorite tropical locale, Barefoot Bay, with steamy romance, familial love and devotion, and edge-of-your-seat suspenseful scenes that St. Claire is a master at writing!
In Barefoot with a Stranger, we are captivated by an unlikely hero in the sexy, ex-CIA spook, Malcolm "Mal" Harris, and one of our very favorite characters from the novella, Barefoot Bound, who also made an appearance at the end of the first novel in the trilogy, the gorgeous and highly intelligent Francesca "Chessie" Rossi, who first appeared in St. Claire's "Guardian Angelino", romantic-suspense novels. (A highly recommended trilogy!!)
Chessie is the baby in the very large Italian Rossi/Angelino family and as such has also been extremely sheltered and protected by all of her older siblings in the family. She is also the youngest sister of the legendary former spy, Gabriel "Gabe" Rossi, who we learned in the first novel of this series, "Barefoot with a Bodyguard", is desperately searching for what may be his son in Cuba. Because Chessie is incredibly skilled with computer hacking and has worked for the family business in Boston for the Guardian Angelinos, Gabe not only trusts her implicitly but also needs her special skill set to help him track down and locate this boy in Cuba to determine whether or not he truly is his son.
Gabe cannot trust just anyone with this highly sensitive information and in addition to pulling in his baby sister, he also brings in his most trusted friend from his days with the CIA, Mal Harris, who has just finished serving a four-year prison sentence. Mal is also something of a legend within the CIA and Gabe would trust no one else with his baby sister's safety. Gabe and Mal worked closely undercover together and no one knows Cuba better than Mal. And of course, we also have our favorite secondary characters - Uncle Nino, the always lovable grandfather, Italian Chef Extraordinaire/Business Partner and Poppy, the very clever, devoted and outspoken Jamaican Maid/Covert Operative, who both add their own special qualities to each story.
More than just the tropical heat can be felt sizzling from the very beginning as Mal and Chessie set the pages to blazing on their pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled, love-inspired mission! And yet always interspersed throughout the entire novel are the elements that I love most about St. Claire's characters and stories... romance, family, love, sacrifice, honor and intrigue, that keep you coming back again and again never to disappoint!
While this novel can easily stand alone, I would recommend you start with the novella, Barefoot Bound, and the first novel in this series, Barefoot with a Bodyguard, before reading Barefoot with a Stranger, as all the characters are introduced previously - although it's not required as St. Claire lays it all out in each novel to easily follow along.
(The author provided me with an advanced reading copy for an honest review.)
October 14, 2015
From the opening pages of this book, I could forecast what was going to go down. I couldn’t look away as I watched the collision of gorgeous computer whiz Francesca Rossi and ex-con, ex-CIA Malcolm Harris cause fireworks! Enthralled, I kept reading because I just knew big brother Gabe Rossi was going to find out……and there would be more fireworks! This book just grabs your attention from the start with Chessie and Mal’s mission - enter a not-really-welcoming Cuba and find a little boy who may be Gabe’s son. Fasten your seat belt as Ms. St. Clair sends you careening across Cuba in a 1958 Ford Prefect with Chessie and Mal as they seek the answers for Gabe. As Chessie wonders what Gabe is thinking sending her in the field with a convicted embezzler, Mal is trying to figure a way to keep his hands off Chessie. And Gabe….*sigh* Gabe is in mourning, grieving for his lost love but determined to find out what happened to her and her son that bears the name “Gabriel.”
I fell in love with the Rossi Family from the Guardian Angelinos series, so I remember Chessie as the smart “baby” of the family. But now she is a grown woman, craving love and children to nurture. Much like the “stuck in the 1950s” Cuba they encounter on the mission, Chessie longs for old-fashioned life of the house with white picket fence, adoring husband and 2.5 kids. Mal Harris, on the other hand, never stayed in one location very long as a child nor as a spy - his 4 years in federal prison was the longest time at one address. Still being watched by the government he served, and never knowing the stability of family, Mal harbors no thoughts of happily-ever-afters.
I love Roxanne St. Clair’s romance and romantic suspense books, but Barefoot with a Stranger is one of my new favorites from her! The many facets to the story were so well-written and kept you on your toes. Chessie and Mal’s emotions and thoughts were so well depicted, I became invested in their struggles and triumphs, both with the mission and their feelings for one another. The wittiness was there as well, along with some glimpses of our favorite, Nino and the efficient, observant Poppy. Descriptions of Cuba and the US base at Guantanamo Bay were evocative - I really felt the atmosphere in Caribien and on the base. I could not put this book down until the end…...
And what an ending it was! It created for me what Chessie created for Mal - hope. And hope seemed to be fluttering to life in a heart-broken Gabe as well. My Gabe Rossi was a the level-headed spy who could appear and disappear at whim, with a sharp retort containing a vulgarity and a devil-may-care attitude. This Gabe Rossi is a soulful shell of man being consumed by sorrow. Yet the mystery that hovers near him at the end - so many questions! I eagerly await Gabriel’s ("...as in the Angel...")story up next to learn some answers.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I fell in love with the Rossi Family from the Guardian Angelinos series, so I remember Chessie as the smart “baby” of the family. But now she is a grown woman, craving love and children to nurture. Much like the “stuck in the 1950s” Cuba they encounter on the mission, Chessie longs for old-fashioned life of the house with white picket fence, adoring husband and 2.5 kids. Mal Harris, on the other hand, never stayed in one location very long as a child nor as a spy - his 4 years in federal prison was the longest time at one address. Still being watched by the government he served, and never knowing the stability of family, Mal harbors no thoughts of happily-ever-afters.
I love Roxanne St. Clair’s romance and romantic suspense books, but Barefoot with a Stranger is one of my new favorites from her! The many facets to the story were so well-written and kept you on your toes. Chessie and Mal’s emotions and thoughts were so well depicted, I became invested in their struggles and triumphs, both with the mission and their feelings for one another. The wittiness was there as well, along with some glimpses of our favorite, Nino and the efficient, observant Poppy. Descriptions of Cuba and the US base at Guantanamo Bay were evocative - I really felt the atmosphere in Caribien and on the base. I could not put this book down until the end…...
And what an ending it was! It created for me what Chessie created for Mal - hope. And hope seemed to be fluttering to life in a heart-broken Gabe as well. My Gabe Rossi was a the level-headed spy who could appear and disappear at whim, with a sharp retort containing a vulgarity and a devil-may-care attitude. This Gabe Rossi is a soulful shell of man being consumed by sorrow. Yet the mystery that hovers near him at the end - so many questions! I eagerly await Gabriel’s ("...as in the Angel...")story up next to learn some answers.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2015
So freaking good!!!!
Review copy provided by publisher
I've said over and over again I'm a huge fan of Roxanne St. Claire. I found her books when she started her Bullet Catchers series, so her romantic suspense books have always been my first love. I'm so glad we are getting new romantic suspense books with the Barefoot Bay Undercover books from Roxanne St. Claire!
I absolutely loved Barefoot with a Stranger from the first page to the very last page. I've loved Francesca Rossi (Chessie) since we met her in the Guardian Angelinos books, and loved her pairing with Malcolm Harris, who just happens to be her brother Gabe's best friend. I loved Chessie and Mal had no idea who the other was when they first met and loved their smoking-hot chemistry together. Seriously loved Chessie's chance for a one-night stand was with a super hot ex-spy. I also loved when Malcolm said Francesca, as in my head it was in a super hot, super sexy voice.
I honestly expected Gabe to explode when he found out about Chessie and Mal. I mean hello, this is his baby sister, even if she is 30 now. I loved that both Mal and Chessie stood up not only for being together, but being the right team to go to Cuba to take care of business for Gabe. I love me some Gabe and absolutely loved watching him realize his baby sister was no longer a baby, but a woman with her own goals and ideas for her life. Chessie and Mal were an awesome team and work well together to complete their mission while in Cuba. Their chemistry as a couple only grew stronger the more time they spent together and I completely fell for Mal and Chessie as a couple. I loved how hard they worked to find Gabe's child that he never knew existed. As Mal and Chessie worked together to find Gabe's child, they ended up having to go all over Cuba and even back to Gitmo where Chessie worked hard to clear Mal's name and Mal was able to locate a secret message for Gabe.
I honestly felt every single emotion possible while reading Barefoot with a Stranger. I was laughing one minute and crying another. Roxanne St. Claire gave her fans another winner with Barefoot with a Stranger. Her romantic suspense chops are as awesome as ever, and I'm so excited for the next book in the series. For readers who loved the Guardian Angelinos books, we are finally getting GABE ROSSI'S BOOK!!! Barefoot with a Bad Boy is Gabe's book and the end of Barefoot with a Stranger set up Gabe's book perfectly. Thank you Rocki for another awesome story!
Review copy provided by publisher
I've said over and over again I'm a huge fan of Roxanne St. Claire. I found her books when she started her Bullet Catchers series, so her romantic suspense books have always been my first love. I'm so glad we are getting new romantic suspense books with the Barefoot Bay Undercover books from Roxanne St. Claire!
I absolutely loved Barefoot with a Stranger from the first page to the very last page. I've loved Francesca Rossi (Chessie) since we met her in the Guardian Angelinos books, and loved her pairing with Malcolm Harris, who just happens to be her brother Gabe's best friend. I loved Chessie and Mal had no idea who the other was when they first met and loved their smoking-hot chemistry together. Seriously loved Chessie's chance for a one-night stand was with a super hot ex-spy. I also loved when Malcolm said Francesca, as in my head it was in a super hot, super sexy voice.
I honestly expected Gabe to explode when he found out about Chessie and Mal. I mean hello, this is his baby sister, even if she is 30 now. I loved that both Mal and Chessie stood up not only for being together, but being the right team to go to Cuba to take care of business for Gabe. I love me some Gabe and absolutely loved watching him realize his baby sister was no longer a baby, but a woman with her own goals and ideas for her life. Chessie and Mal were an awesome team and work well together to complete their mission while in Cuba. Their chemistry as a couple only grew stronger the more time they spent together and I completely fell for Mal and Chessie as a couple. I loved how hard they worked to find Gabe's child that he never knew existed. As Mal and Chessie worked together to find Gabe's child, they ended up having to go all over Cuba and even back to Gitmo where Chessie worked hard to clear Mal's name and Mal was able to locate a secret message for Gabe.
I honestly felt every single emotion possible while reading Barefoot with a Stranger. I was laughing one minute and crying another. Roxanne St. Claire gave her fans another winner with Barefoot with a Stranger. Her romantic suspense chops are as awesome as ever, and I'm so excited for the next book in the series. For readers who loved the Guardian Angelinos books, we are finally getting GABE ROSSI'S BOOK!!! Barefoot with a Bad Boy is Gabe's book and the end of Barefoot with a Stranger set up Gabe's book perfectly. Thank you Rocki for another awesome story!
October 19, 2015
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in Roxanne St. Claire's latest trilogy, Barefoot Bay Undercover, and let me say, this is the best one yet. Ever since her Bullet Catchers and Guardian Angelino series, I had been hooked on her suspense books and I'm so glad she is back to writing them with this series. Yet another spinoff of her fabulous Barefoot Bay books, she has not lost her touch in suspense.
For those who have read the Guardian Angelino series, you will recall the mysterious and sexy bad boy Gabriel Rossi. Although these first two books and the preceding novella center around him, he does not get his own story until the final book which can't come soon enough. In Barefoot with a Stranger, we get Chessie's story, Gabe's baby sister and computer whiz. Although Francesca is thirty years old, Gabe still thinks of her as the baby of the big Italian Rossi/Angelino clan and feels the need to protect her. He's not too happy when he finds out she's slept with his former CIA buddy, Malcolm Harris, while delayed overnight in Atlanta. Neither Mal nor Chessie are aware that they are both going to Barefoot Bay to meet with Gabe to help him find the little boy he believes is his son with the woman he once loved and lost with her death. Nor are they aware they will be going to Cuba to find her.
This story has all the adventure, danger and intrigue that you could ask for. Join Mal and Chessie for a wild ride in a Ford Prefect through a Cuba still stuck in the 1950s as they try to unfold the mystery behind the child they are trying to find. From a secret school to Gitmo, you will enjoy every hot and sizzling step of the way as you watch them become a team in more ways than one.
I highly recommend this book as I do all of Roxanne's previous books. If you haven't read them yet the Barefoot Bay Undercover series is a great place to start. You will definitely want to go back and catch up on them all.
This is the second book in Roxanne St. Claire's latest trilogy, Barefoot Bay Undercover, and let me say, this is the best one yet. Ever since her Bullet Catchers and Guardian Angelino series, I had been hooked on her suspense books and I'm so glad she is back to writing them with this series. Yet another spinoff of her fabulous Barefoot Bay books, she has not lost her touch in suspense.
For those who have read the Guardian Angelino series, you will recall the mysterious and sexy bad boy Gabriel Rossi. Although these first two books and the preceding novella center around him, he does not get his own story until the final book which can't come soon enough. In Barefoot with a Stranger, we get Chessie's story, Gabe's baby sister and computer whiz. Although Francesca is thirty years old, Gabe still thinks of her as the baby of the big Italian Rossi/Angelino clan and feels the need to protect her. He's not too happy when he finds out she's slept with his former CIA buddy, Malcolm Harris, while delayed overnight in Atlanta. Neither Mal nor Chessie are aware that they are both going to Barefoot Bay to meet with Gabe to help him find the little boy he believes is his son with the woman he once loved and lost with her death. Nor are they aware they will be going to Cuba to find her.
This story has all the adventure, danger and intrigue that you could ask for. Join Mal and Chessie for a wild ride in a Ford Prefect through a Cuba still stuck in the 1950s as they try to unfold the mystery behind the child they are trying to find. From a secret school to Gitmo, you will enjoy every hot and sizzling step of the way as you watch them become a team in more ways than one.
I highly recommend this book as I do all of Roxanne's previous books. If you haven't read them yet the Barefoot Bay Undercover series is a great place to start. You will definitely want to go back and catch up on them all.
February 19, 2016
Intrigue, romance and mystery rolled into a phenomenal storyline with great character development. That is what this book is all about. The friction in this book between Mal and Chessie takes what could be a normal love story and makes it an exciting cat and mouse game. Even better is the mystery surrounding their top secret assignment.
Chessie is a beautiful computer nerd and the over protected younger sister who starts a one time rebellion creating a big problem for herself. You'll laugh at some of her scenes and actually feel bad for her with all the testosterone that surrounds her and tries to control her life. I fell in love with her compassion and creative computer genius during Mal and her assignment. It was engaging following her through her change of heart in many areas of her life and watching her stand up for herself against her brother and Mal.
Finally I get Mal's story. I became enthralled with him in Barefoot with a Bodyguard and wondered what his story was. This book sure opened my eyes to him for what he did and how he suffered. I loved his rough edges and the soft side of him that he didn't want others to see. There are so many facets to his personality that where further developed throughout the book and I found myself understanding how a women could love him more and more as she got to know him.
This author time and time again creates such intricate stories while keeping the series strongly connected by the main characters. Her unique writing style will continue to draw me in with a desire to continue reading future books. Come join me as I head over to the next book of this series Barefoot with a Bad Boy.
I give this 5 STARS for her well developed storyline and characters.
VISIT MY BLOG FOR MORE REVIEWS: SPORTOCHICK'S MUSINGS
Chessie is a beautiful computer nerd and the over protected younger sister who starts a one time rebellion creating a big problem for herself. You'll laugh at some of her scenes and actually feel bad for her with all the testosterone that surrounds her and tries to control her life. I fell in love with her compassion and creative computer genius during Mal and her assignment. It was engaging following her through her change of heart in many areas of her life and watching her stand up for herself against her brother and Mal.
Finally I get Mal's story. I became enthralled with him in Barefoot with a Bodyguard and wondered what his story was. This book sure opened my eyes to him for what he did and how he suffered. I loved his rough edges and the soft side of him that he didn't want others to see. There are so many facets to his personality that where further developed throughout the book and I found myself understanding how a women could love him more and more as she got to know him.
This author time and time again creates such intricate stories while keeping the series strongly connected by the main characters. Her unique writing style will continue to draw me in with a desire to continue reading future books. Come join me as I head over to the next book of this series Barefoot with a Bad Boy.
I give this 5 STARS for her well developed storyline and characters.
VISIT MY BLOG FOR MORE REVIEWS: SPORTOCHICK'S MUSINGS
October 16, 2015
Francesca (Chessie) Rossi is on her way to Barefoot Bay to help her brother Gabe when a stranger offers her a seat at the airport when her plane is delayed. Chessie finds the stranger very attracted and when he asks her to go for a drink with him. Chessie accepts knowing that she is out of her comfort zone.
Malcolm Harris has just been released from prison for supposedly stealing half a million dollars from the government. He knows that he is being followed, and he thinks that Chessie is one of them. Until he realizes that she hasn’t been sent to watch him at all. It turns out that Malcolm Harris is Gabe’s friend. The reason why Mal and Chessie are in Barefoot Bay is to go to Cuba to find Gabe's son that he recently found out that he existed. He needs the help of Mal, who knows his way around Cuba and the ways of the Cuban people plus Gabe trusts him to protect his little sister.
This story is about misunderstandings, deception, and second chances, with romance. Roxanne St. Clarie, has done it again by writing such a very exciting story. This was such a page turner; it only took me a few hours. This is a must read book.
Malcolm Harris has just been released from prison for supposedly stealing half a million dollars from the government. He knows that he is being followed, and he thinks that Chessie is one of them. Until he realizes that she hasn’t been sent to watch him at all. It turns out that Malcolm Harris is Gabe’s friend. The reason why Mal and Chessie are in Barefoot Bay is to go to Cuba to find Gabe's son that he recently found out that he existed. He needs the help of Mal, who knows his way around Cuba and the ways of the Cuban people plus Gabe trusts him to protect his little sister.
This story is about misunderstandings, deception, and second chances, with romance. Roxanne St. Clarie, has done it again by writing such a very exciting story. This was such a page turner; it only took me a few hours. This is a must read book.
October 8, 2015
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
In the past few months I have gotten more and more into romantic suspense. That is largely thanks to authors like Roxanne St. Claire. Specifically through the Barefoot Bay Undercover series. Her heroine's are normal people put in situations they never expect to face. For me that is a crucial to these stories. It allows the character to prove to themselves what they are capable of and it allows the reader to take that journey with them. I am also a fan of a woman not playing the victim or the damsel in distress. Barefoot with a Stranger in Francesca has a smart girl thrust into an adventure she never saw coming. An adventure born out of love, leads to her finding answers, falling in love and standing on her own. Ms. St. Claire created two characters that complimented each other in personality and the chemistry was heated no matter how you slice it. A really good read. I received an ARC of Barefoot with a Stranger in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2015
Francesca "Chessie" Rossi is at the airport on her way to Barefoot Bay to help her brother locate a young boy in Cuba who could be his son. Mal Harris is just out of Allenwood Federal Prison for stealing from the Federal Government. They meet at the airport and sparks fly. At first Mal thinks she is following him for the government. The money he supposedly stole is still missing and one man in the government is determined to find it or put Mal back in jail. They have a night of incredible sex, but when Mal hears her last name he takes off leaving Chessie thinking he was only in it for the sex. When they meet up in Florida Chessie realizes that Mal is a friend of her brother and he intends to send them undercover into Cuba to find the child. Besides worrying about the Cuban government, other people have their own agenda and it isn't to help Mal and Chessie. If you like reading romantic suspense you will enjoy this book. It has just the right blend of suspense and romance. Also check out the other Barefoot Bay books for more good romantic suspense.
October 12, 2015
Barefoot With a Stranger, #2 in the new Barefoot Bay Undercover series, takes the reader for only a short time to the beautiful venue of Barefoot Bay and then to Cuba, with Mal and Chessie, in search of her brother's, Gabe, son. Besides looking for the child, Mal is being chased by the CIA, who still believes he'll take them to the money he, supposedly, stole.
It was good to read about Cuba and the lives of the Cubans who have no freedom. I enjoyed knowing, little by little, what happened to Gabe's child and his mother, it was an emotional reading.
Mal and Chessie weren't the most romantic of couples, their relation was more based on sex than anything else, but they worked well together, as a team, in their search and, at the same time, dealing with their pursuers.
I missed terribly the Barefoot Bay and seeing some of the previous characters. I got used that place, which is so beautiful and full of romance.
It was good to read about Cuba and the lives of the Cubans who have no freedom. I enjoyed knowing, little by little, what happened to Gabe's child and his mother, it was an emotional reading.
Mal and Chessie weren't the most romantic of couples, their relation was more based on sex than anything else, but they worked well together, as a team, in their search and, at the same time, dealing with their pursuers.
I missed terribly the Barefoot Bay and seeing some of the previous characters. I got used that place, which is so beautiful and full of romance.
October 23, 2015
3.5 Stars. Fun, breezy, well written; but nothing really memorable unless you've read the other books.
March 5, 2019
Phenomenal book!!!
I love Roxanne’s books, she is one of my favourite authors.
I love this series.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
I love Roxanne’s books, she is one of my favourite authors.
I love this series.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
October 15, 2015
Roxanne St. Claire is a master at weaving unforgettable characters you will fall in love with over and over again, Barefoot with a Stranger is no exception!
Chessie Rossi isn’t like her siblings, she doesn’t live for the adrenaline rush of chasing down a bad guy. She is much more comfortable with problems that can be solved with the perfect string of binary code on her computer. She lives life by a plan, never going off script. Until everything goes off script one night stranded in an airport with a sexy stranger. When she throws caution out the window and decides that a one night stand is the perfect cure for nursing her broken heart she thinks she’ll never see Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome again. Until he’s standing in her brother, Gabe Rossi’s, kitchen the next morning as Gabe tells them he needs them to go to Cuba and find his son for him.
For Malcom Harris a call for help from none other than Gabe Rossi is not something to be ignored, even if you just got out of prison. He knows the CIA has eyes on him, they’re not about to let that half a million dollars he went to prison for embezzling disappear without a trace. Only, he doesn’t have it, and he’s not about to tell them who does. Four long years without a woman makes Chessie irresistible to him—okay so she would be irresistible no matter when they met. But the last thing he expects is to find out Gabe is her brother and for the two of them to be partners on the most dangerous mission of his life.
Chessie is determined to not let anything get in the way of helping her brother find his son, and since Gabe can’t go to Cuba himself she’s the next best thing. Computers won’t help her on this mission, and she has to trust the untrustworthy Mal to help her find her nephew.
Their chemistry is combustible, and not even the danger of being in Cuba under false pretenses, and being watched by a CIA agent on the wrong side of the law can keep them apart. In the end, it all comes down to whether or not Mal will believe he can have the family and happiness that he grew up without, or if he believes he’s destined to live his life alone.
Either way they will end up back in Barefoot Bay giving Gabe the news they know may be the final straw for the strongest man either of them know.
Roxanne is an amazing storyteller who has the talent of drawing you into a world she creates, filled with characters you wish you could continue getting to know long after the last page is turned. Chessie and Mal’s story is almost too good for words, and you will find yourself gasping on the edge of your seat as they play out their love story for you in this book. Like all of Roxanne’s books it will find its home on your “keeper” shelf, and you’ll read it again, and again telling all your friends they must read it for themselves to believe it! Be sure to warn them their house may fall down around them as they read, and they’ll never notice a thing.
If you, like me, are a longtime fan of Roxanne St. Claire you will be thrilled to see the character of Gabe Rossi back on the pages of her novels, but I should forewarn you that the conclusion of this book will leave you begging for more!
I received an ARC in exchange for this review, it did not influence my review in any way. Review originally published on http://writermomblog.com
Chessie Rossi isn’t like her siblings, she doesn’t live for the adrenaline rush of chasing down a bad guy. She is much more comfortable with problems that can be solved with the perfect string of binary code on her computer. She lives life by a plan, never going off script. Until everything goes off script one night stranded in an airport with a sexy stranger. When she throws caution out the window and decides that a one night stand is the perfect cure for nursing her broken heart she thinks she’ll never see Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome again. Until he’s standing in her brother, Gabe Rossi’s, kitchen the next morning as Gabe tells them he needs them to go to Cuba and find his son for him.
For Malcom Harris a call for help from none other than Gabe Rossi is not something to be ignored, even if you just got out of prison. He knows the CIA has eyes on him, they’re not about to let that half a million dollars he went to prison for embezzling disappear without a trace. Only, he doesn’t have it, and he’s not about to tell them who does. Four long years without a woman makes Chessie irresistible to him—okay so she would be irresistible no matter when they met. But the last thing he expects is to find out Gabe is her brother and for the two of them to be partners on the most dangerous mission of his life.
Chessie is determined to not let anything get in the way of helping her brother find his son, and since Gabe can’t go to Cuba himself she’s the next best thing. Computers won’t help her on this mission, and she has to trust the untrustworthy Mal to help her find her nephew.
Their chemistry is combustible, and not even the danger of being in Cuba under false pretenses, and being watched by a CIA agent on the wrong side of the law can keep them apart. In the end, it all comes down to whether or not Mal will believe he can have the family and happiness that he grew up without, or if he believes he’s destined to live his life alone.
Either way they will end up back in Barefoot Bay giving Gabe the news they know may be the final straw for the strongest man either of them know.
Roxanne is an amazing storyteller who has the talent of drawing you into a world she creates, filled with characters you wish you could continue getting to know long after the last page is turned. Chessie and Mal’s story is almost too good for words, and you will find yourself gasping on the edge of your seat as they play out their love story for you in this book. Like all of Roxanne’s books it will find its home on your “keeper” shelf, and you’ll read it again, and again telling all your friends they must read it for themselves to believe it! Be sure to warn them their house may fall down around them as they read, and they’ll never notice a thing.
If you, like me, are a longtime fan of Roxanne St. Claire you will be thrilled to see the character of Gabe Rossi back on the pages of her novels, but I should forewarn you that the conclusion of this book will leave you begging for more!
I received an ARC in exchange for this review, it did not influence my review in any way. Review originally published on http://writermomblog.com
October 16, 2015
Barefoot With a Stranger is book two in the Barefoot Bay Undercover trilogy.
It is another good story by Roxanne St. Claire Fans of her earlier series, the Bullet Catchers will be very happy with the Barefoot Undercover books since they take us back to the suspense and action she is known for with the BC books.
I feel Barefoot With a Stranger has even more of a sense of danger than book one, Barefoot With a Bodyguard. For me, anytime a book is set in Cuba I think “yikes.” We are kept in the action and adventure right to the end.
St. Claire writes a mean alpha hero . . . as in awesome not cruel. Her hero, Mal Harris is a former spy who has served time . . .he’s HOT. I like him not only because he is strong and sexy but he is also a stand-up guy. He is smart and we see a sweet and vulnerable side to him without it jeopardizing his manhood. To me that is the quintessential hero.
Chessie Rossi is a confident, smart young woman who puts her family above her own wants and needs. Compassionate and feisty. I got the impression she is sort of a nerd . . . a brilliant computer hacker with glasses.
What I enjoy most about all of the author’s books is the fun and sassy banter between her characters. This book didn’t disappoint me in this respect. Chessie and Mal have charisma right from the start.
The conclusion is satisfying and we are led into book three. St Claire dangles a tiny morsel of bad boy Gabe Rossi’s long awaited love story and like a lion with a ribeye . . . her readers (myself included) will ferociously gobble every clue until the book comes out in early 2016.
Synopsis from author's website:
Francesca Rossi might be the youngest in a long line of badass siblings, but this computer whiz would rather hack a database than pack a pistol for the family business in Barefoot Bay. When an assignment forces her out of her comfort zone and into the field, Chessie decides to amp up the excitement quotient and has her first one night stand with a smokin’ hot stranger she’ll never see again.
Former CIA agent Malcolm Harris is fresh out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and knows the government is watching his every move, waiting for him to slip up. But the only mistake he makes is to assume the sexy, sassy woman he seduces on the way to Barefoot Bay is a spy. He learns too late that the beauty he’s bedded is really his best friend’s sister…and his undercover partner on a risky mission.
Chessie and Mal have to stay one step ahead of the CIA, navigate their way through a perilous country, and fight the insane chemistry that sizzles between them. It doesn’t take long for this hacker and spy to discover the power of their unplanned partnership…and learn that falling in love might be the riskiest business of all.
Barefoot with a Bodyguard Book One
For more information about Barefoot With a Bad Boy, Book Three http://www.roxannestclaire.com/book/b...
It is another good story by Roxanne St. Claire Fans of her earlier series, the Bullet Catchers will be very happy with the Barefoot Undercover books since they take us back to the suspense and action she is known for with the BC books.
I feel Barefoot With a Stranger has even more of a sense of danger than book one, Barefoot With a Bodyguard. For me, anytime a book is set in Cuba I think “yikes.” We are kept in the action and adventure right to the end.
St. Claire writes a mean alpha hero . . . as in awesome not cruel. Her hero, Mal Harris is a former spy who has served time . . .he’s HOT. I like him not only because he is strong and sexy but he is also a stand-up guy. He is smart and we see a sweet and vulnerable side to him without it jeopardizing his manhood. To me that is the quintessential hero.
Chessie Rossi is a confident, smart young woman who puts her family above her own wants and needs. Compassionate and feisty. I got the impression she is sort of a nerd . . . a brilliant computer hacker with glasses.
What I enjoy most about all of the author’s books is the fun and sassy banter between her characters. This book didn’t disappoint me in this respect. Chessie and Mal have charisma right from the start.
The conclusion is satisfying and we are led into book three. St Claire dangles a tiny morsel of bad boy Gabe Rossi’s long awaited love story and like a lion with a ribeye . . . her readers (myself included) will ferociously gobble every clue until the book comes out in early 2016.
Synopsis from author's website:
Francesca Rossi might be the youngest in a long line of badass siblings, but this computer whiz would rather hack a database than pack a pistol for the family business in Barefoot Bay. When an assignment forces her out of her comfort zone and into the field, Chessie decides to amp up the excitement quotient and has her first one night stand with a smokin’ hot stranger she’ll never see again.
Former CIA agent Malcolm Harris is fresh out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and knows the government is watching his every move, waiting for him to slip up. But the only mistake he makes is to assume the sexy, sassy woman he seduces on the way to Barefoot Bay is a spy. He learns too late that the beauty he’s bedded is really his best friend’s sister…and his undercover partner on a risky mission.
Chessie and Mal have to stay one step ahead of the CIA, navigate their way through a perilous country, and fight the insane chemistry that sizzles between them. It doesn’t take long for this hacker and spy to discover the power of their unplanned partnership…and learn that falling in love might be the riskiest business of all.
Barefoot with a Bodyguard Book One
For more information about Barefoot With a Bad Boy, Book Three http://www.roxannestclaire.com/book/b...
October 16, 2015
Barefoot with a Stranger is Francesca Rossi's story, better known as Chessie to her family, and the youngest of the Rossi siblings. Gabe has asked Chessie to come to Barefoot Bay to help him find out what happened to the love of his life, Isadora Winter and the possible child she had, which his assumes would be his. While at the airport, Chessie sees this man, Malcom Harris, that she is instantly attracted to and decides to flirt a little. What Chessie doesn't know is that 1. Mal has just gotten out of jail and 2. he is actually a friend of Gabes! Mal also thinks that Chessie is a CIA agent who is suppose to cozy up to him to keep apprised of where he always is. LOL After the airport cancels their flight they decide to go to a hotel for the night. One thing leads to another and they end up sleeping together. Afterwards while they are talking Chessie tells Mal her last name. OMG! Mal's reaction was too funny and he couldn't high tale it out of there any quicker. As Chessie is getting dressed to leave she finds a listening bug in the room and is horrified to think someone was listening to everything they were doing. Chessie decides to rent a car and just drive to Barefoot Bay.
Chessie arrives and Gabe starts explaining to her that she will have to go to Cuba and he has a great cover for her. She will be going with a friend of his, an ex-CIA guy, who happens to arrive just then. Mal, her one-night stand is the person going with her to Cuba! The story line of these two in Cuba was great. They had such great chemistry together. Chessie and Mal were two people both missing something in their lives that they both ended up finding. It was interesting learning about the way things are in Cuba. Some parts of it were really sad. The suspenseful ending part really kept me intrigued though....and even shocked during some parts of it! Chessie and Mal's happy ending was perfect too! I hope we get to hear more about these two!
As for the little peek into Gabe's story...OMG! I so cannot wait for this story!
Overall, another great story from Roxanne St. Claire. I just adore the characters and love the comedy with Poppy and Nino! Thanks for a great read!
Chessie arrives and Gabe starts explaining to her that she will have to go to Cuba and he has a great cover for her. She will be going with a friend of his, an ex-CIA guy, who happens to arrive just then. Mal, her one-night stand is the person going with her to Cuba! The story line of these two in Cuba was great. They had such great chemistry together. Chessie and Mal were two people both missing something in their lives that they both ended up finding. It was interesting learning about the way things are in Cuba. Some parts of it were really sad. The suspenseful ending part really kept me intrigued though....and even shocked during some parts of it! Chessie and Mal's happy ending was perfect too! I hope we get to hear more about these two!
As for the little peek into Gabe's story...OMG! I so cannot wait for this story!
Overall, another great story from Roxanne St. Claire. I just adore the characters and love the comedy with Poppy and Nino! Thanks for a great read!
November 24, 2015
Roxanne St. Claire once again impressed me with her latest Barefoot Undercover story, Barefoot with a Stranger. Gabe Rossi did what he does best in Barefoot Bay. This time, he invited his sister Francesca (Chessie) and his former CIA colleague Malcolm (Mal) Harris and gave them covers to do a favor for him in Cuba.
Right off the bat, I loved this story. The meet-cute for Chessie and Mal was brilliantly written and the irony of it all had me in awe a bit later in the story. The chemistry between the two was great, although it was apparent to everyone that their circumstances weren’t going to lead to a happily ever after. How St. Claire pulled their HEA off was due to the brilliance of both Chessie and Mal, doing what they do best, and their willingness to get the other to think differently about life.
I loved the mystery intertwined into Barefoot with a Stranger as well. I have come to enjoy the edge to St. Claire’s love stories that difficult and scary situations can provide. Where the bad guys were apparent in this tale, how it played out was where the mysterious nature was able to shine through in the book.
I have been known to criticize the quick endings of prior books in Barefoot Bay, but felt the pacing was great throughout and didn’t find this one rushed at all. In fact, I loved the way in which it ended, and how it gave us an important glimpse into Gabe’s story, one that was being quietly built throughout this entire book.
Rating: A- (4½ stars)
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the author.
Right off the bat, I loved this story. The meet-cute for Chessie and Mal was brilliantly written and the irony of it all had me in awe a bit later in the story. The chemistry between the two was great, although it was apparent to everyone that their circumstances weren’t going to lead to a happily ever after. How St. Claire pulled their HEA off was due to the brilliance of both Chessie and Mal, doing what they do best, and their willingness to get the other to think differently about life.
I loved the mystery intertwined into Barefoot with a Stranger as well. I have come to enjoy the edge to St. Claire’s love stories that difficult and scary situations can provide. Where the bad guys were apparent in this tale, how it played out was where the mysterious nature was able to shine through in the book.
I have been known to criticize the quick endings of prior books in Barefoot Bay, but felt the pacing was great throughout and didn’t find this one rushed at all. In fact, I loved the way in which it ended, and how it gave us an important glimpse into Gabe’s story, one that was being quietly built throughout this entire book.
Rating: A- (4½ stars)
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the author.
October 13, 2015
wow another great addition to a series that continues to break my heart, make me laugh, make me cry, and remind me to always believe in love.
Barefoot with a Stranger is one of those stories that sucks you in from the very first moment and leaves you dying for more as you turn the last page. Full of vivacious characters, flawless storytelling, and the obvious love between the characters, Roxanne manages to keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will be around the next corner and how the H/h will cope with the next disaster. Chessie is one of the best female leads I have found in a while, her strength and vulnerability matched perfectly by her wit and intelligence, she is simply the whole package. Chessie really grows in this story as she discovers her abilities are not actually restricted to cyberspace and she can kick butt as well as the next guy (or gal). Mal too is a great character, though at times readers will find themselves ready to punch him; he is the kind of guy that has been through so much all his life, but really just needs to embrace the love offered to him and find a way to accept that while his past definitely sucked, his future doesn’t have to. A lone wolf finding his perfect mate, Mal is ready to be the true man he is ready to be once Chessie shows him his true place in the world—right by her side. I and many of the other fans of this series are dying to read Gabe’s story and I am pleased to say it is coming next, sometime in early 2016 according to Roxanne, but the important moments in this story for Gabe will leave reader ready to tear their hair out. The message I always share with new Roxi Fans remains true: “if you don’t want to go insane waiting, don’t read the Epilogue.” Because of course that is where Roxi likes to give us hints to the future stories that will make any true fan rabidly crazy waiting. Barefoot with a Badass is coming soon though and I for one will be first in line for a copy!
for full review check out the blog tomorrow.
Barefoot with a Stranger is one of those stories that sucks you in from the very first moment and leaves you dying for more as you turn the last page. Full of vivacious characters, flawless storytelling, and the obvious love between the characters, Roxanne manages to keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will be around the next corner and how the H/h will cope with the next disaster. Chessie is one of the best female leads I have found in a while, her strength and vulnerability matched perfectly by her wit and intelligence, she is simply the whole package. Chessie really grows in this story as she discovers her abilities are not actually restricted to cyberspace and she can kick butt as well as the next guy (or gal). Mal too is a great character, though at times readers will find themselves ready to punch him; he is the kind of guy that has been through so much all his life, but really just needs to embrace the love offered to him and find a way to accept that while his past definitely sucked, his future doesn’t have to. A lone wolf finding his perfect mate, Mal is ready to be the true man he is ready to be once Chessie shows him his true place in the world—right by her side. I and many of the other fans of this series are dying to read Gabe’s story and I am pleased to say it is coming next, sometime in early 2016 according to Roxanne, but the important moments in this story for Gabe will leave reader ready to tear their hair out. The message I always share with new Roxi Fans remains true: “if you don’t want to go insane waiting, don’t read the Epilogue.” Because of course that is where Roxi likes to give us hints to the future stories that will make any true fan rabidly crazy waiting. Barefoot with a Badass is coming soon though and I for one will be first in line for a copy!
for full review check out the blog tomorrow.
October 15, 2015
I was lucky to receive an advanced readers copy of Barefoot with a Stranger by Roxanne St Claire, and I can honestly say that this is one awesome romantic suspense novel that kept me gripped in its pages.
Francesca (Chessie) Rossi is on her way to Barefoot Bay to help her brother Gabe, when a stranger offers her a seat at the airport when her plane is delayed Chessie is instantly attracted to the stranger who's name is Malcolm Harris and when he asks her to go do a drink with him - she accepts.
Mal Harris has just been released from prison for supposedly stealing half a million dollars from the government and knows that he will be being followed but he is instantly attracted to the woman he thinks they have sent to watch him, one thing leads to another until Mal realises his mistake and leaves Chessie in his hotel room.
Chessie is upset that Mal just left and decides to hire a car and drive to her brother though the night instead of waiting for her flight, on arriving at Gabe's home she is shocked that a few minutes after arriving, Mal Harris turns up and turns out to be Gabe's friend. The reason why Mal and Chessie are in Barefoot Bay are to go to Cuba to find Gabe's son that he has recently found out existed, he needs the help of Mal, who knows his way around Cuba and the ways of the Cuban people and Gabe trusts him to protect his little sister.
This story is about attraction, alpha men, misunderstandings, deception, second chances, romance and love. I loved how Roxanne managed to drop hints into the storyline that will now lead onto Gabriel Rossi's book. I can not wait for the next instalment of the Barefoot Bay books, I hope I don't have to wait to long. . This is a DEFINITE MUST READ.
Francesca (Chessie) Rossi is on her way to Barefoot Bay to help her brother Gabe, when a stranger offers her a seat at the airport when her plane is delayed Chessie is instantly attracted to the stranger who's name is Malcolm Harris and when he asks her to go do a drink with him - she accepts.
Mal Harris has just been released from prison for supposedly stealing half a million dollars from the government and knows that he will be being followed but he is instantly attracted to the woman he thinks they have sent to watch him, one thing leads to another until Mal realises his mistake and leaves Chessie in his hotel room.
Chessie is upset that Mal just left and decides to hire a car and drive to her brother though the night instead of waiting for her flight, on arriving at Gabe's home she is shocked that a few minutes after arriving, Mal Harris turns up and turns out to be Gabe's friend. The reason why Mal and Chessie are in Barefoot Bay are to go to Cuba to find Gabe's son that he has recently found out existed, he needs the help of Mal, who knows his way around Cuba and the ways of the Cuban people and Gabe trusts him to protect his little sister.
This story is about attraction, alpha men, misunderstandings, deception, second chances, romance and love. I loved how Roxanne managed to drop hints into the storyline that will now lead onto Gabriel Rossi's book. I can not wait for the next instalment of the Barefoot Bay books, I hope I don't have to wait to long. . This is a DEFINITE MUST READ.
October 16, 2015
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have been a fan of Roxanne St. Claire’s books for some time and am excited about this new series set in Barefoot Bay.
Gabe Rossi’s little sister, Francesca (aka Chessie) is a bit of a geek…she likes the comfortable predictability of working with computers and she lives her life accordingly. Everything according to a plan is her motto. Until one fateful chance meeting in an airport derails that comfortable life she lives…. Enter Malcolm Harris!
Malcolm is fresh out of prison and unbeknownst to Chessie, is headed to Barefoot Bay to do a favor for his friend (and her brother) Gabe. He and Chessie throw caution to the wind and spend a passionate night together all due to a freak storm that grounds all the outgoing flights.
Little does she know that this mysterious and oh so sexy stranger that she spends the night with is going to be her partner in a thrilling and dangerous escapade. Gabe needs their help in trying to locate his son and they are off to Cuba under the pretense of filming a documentary. Mal is familiar with the island and the culture but to Chessie it is all new and overwhelming. While trying to uncover the whereabouts of Gabe’s son, they are caught up in a web of deceit, of passion, of intrigue and of danger.
This book is one you will not want to put down. The story is a captivating one that is well written and one you will enjoy. The ending will leave you wanting more and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Kudos to Roxanne St. Claire for another winner!
I have been a fan of Roxanne St. Claire’s books for some time and am excited about this new series set in Barefoot Bay.
Gabe Rossi’s little sister, Francesca (aka Chessie) is a bit of a geek…she likes the comfortable predictability of working with computers and she lives her life accordingly. Everything according to a plan is her motto. Until one fateful chance meeting in an airport derails that comfortable life she lives…. Enter Malcolm Harris!
Malcolm is fresh out of prison and unbeknownst to Chessie, is headed to Barefoot Bay to do a favor for his friend (and her brother) Gabe. He and Chessie throw caution to the wind and spend a passionate night together all due to a freak storm that grounds all the outgoing flights.
Little does she know that this mysterious and oh so sexy stranger that she spends the night with is going to be her partner in a thrilling and dangerous escapade. Gabe needs their help in trying to locate his son and they are off to Cuba under the pretense of filming a documentary. Mal is familiar with the island and the culture but to Chessie it is all new and overwhelming. While trying to uncover the whereabouts of Gabe’s son, they are caught up in a web of deceit, of passion, of intrigue and of danger.
This book is one you will not want to put down. The story is a captivating one that is well written and one you will enjoy. The ending will leave you wanting more and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Kudos to Roxanne St. Claire for another winner!
October 22, 2015
Superb!!
Roxanne does it again. Oh, my heavens, what can I say about Barefoot with a Stranger. It all started with a chance meeting in an airport in Atlanta. Mal Harris is on his way to Barefoot Bay to meet up with his best friend Gabe Rossi. Also waiting to board the same flight is Chessie, Gabe's sister. When the flight is delayed and the have to wait till next morning for another flight, circumstances conspire to put Chessie in Mal's way. He thinks she's a spy sent to keep an eye on him. Chessie just thinks he's hot. One hot encounter later and they are both on their way.
When they reach their destination each are shocked to discover Gabe's plan. They have to go undercover to Cuba and searching for the son never even knew he had.
Events are piled one on top of another. Chessie and Mal fall harder each moment they spend together and danger is dogging their heels. From flash floods to tiny crop-duster airplanes. Bad guys to strip-tease. Love and affection to ice-cold water. It's an emotional rollercoaster of a ride for our too lovers with plenty of steam and romance. Chessie is definitely a match for Mal. She may come across as a computer geek and girl to boot, but she's got nerves of steel when it matters.
You'll love this story and how it pans out. Fans of Gabe will cry their hearts out for him with each piece of news he receives. Will he have the HEA he deserves? I guess we'll have to wait until early 2016 to find out. But for now. One-click this book today.You won't be sorry.
Roxanne does it again. Oh, my heavens, what can I say about Barefoot with a Stranger. It all started with a chance meeting in an airport in Atlanta. Mal Harris is on his way to Barefoot Bay to meet up with his best friend Gabe Rossi. Also waiting to board the same flight is Chessie, Gabe's sister. When the flight is delayed and the have to wait till next morning for another flight, circumstances conspire to put Chessie in Mal's way. He thinks she's a spy sent to keep an eye on him. Chessie just thinks he's hot. One hot encounter later and they are both on their way.
When they reach their destination each are shocked to discover Gabe's plan. They have to go undercover to Cuba and searching for the son never even knew he had.
Events are piled one on top of another. Chessie and Mal fall harder each moment they spend together and danger is dogging their heels. From flash floods to tiny crop-duster airplanes. Bad guys to strip-tease. Love and affection to ice-cold water. It's an emotional rollercoaster of a ride for our too lovers with plenty of steam and romance. Chessie is definitely a match for Mal. She may come across as a computer geek and girl to boot, but she's got nerves of steel when it matters.
You'll love this story and how it pans out. Fans of Gabe will cry their hearts out for him with each piece of news he receives. Will he have the HEA he deserves? I guess we'll have to wait until early 2016 to find out. But for now. One-click this book today.You won't be sorry.
October 24, 2015
The two most anticipated books for me in this series is Chessie and Gabe's. I loved these two characters from the moment I met them in Edge of Sight with Zach. I love Roxanne's Romantic suspense stories, I love the action, the mystery and intrigue and of course the sexy as hell parts too.
In this story Chessie Gabe's sister has to go on a assignment in the field for her brother and Chessie is not the typical Guardian Angelino she is the computer geek in the family and can get in and out of any computer system known to man but being shot at and on the run is so not her thing. I love how Roxanne wrote Chessie out of her comfort zone and her planning and making her think on the fly and enjoy life for once without knowing what is going to happen next or planning everything to death was fun to read. Mal....he's sexy, courageous, wild and smart...and did I say Sexy??? I felt for him from the beginning you will learn that there are people out in the world that put themselves out there for others and unfortunately sometimes get screwed for their efforts. I loved how much these two characters bonded, needed each other and were on the same wave length. Love them together! They both needed someone special in their lives and I am so glad they found it.
I cannot wait for Gabe's story! I was at the edge of my seat through this one and I know his story will be even more crazy and wild. A lot of surprises throughout this story and some damn sexy too!. Great story. 4.5 to 5 stars
In this story Chessie Gabe's sister has to go on a assignment in the field for her brother and Chessie is not the typical Guardian Angelino she is the computer geek in the family and can get in and out of any computer system known to man but being shot at and on the run is so not her thing. I love how Roxanne wrote Chessie out of her comfort zone and her planning and making her think on the fly and enjoy life for once without knowing what is going to happen next or planning everything to death was fun to read. Mal....he's sexy, courageous, wild and smart...and did I say Sexy??? I felt for him from the beginning you will learn that there are people out in the world that put themselves out there for others and unfortunately sometimes get screwed for their efforts. I loved how much these two characters bonded, needed each other and were on the same wave length. Love them together! They both needed someone special in their lives and I am so glad they found it.
I cannot wait for Gabe's story! I was at the edge of my seat through this one and I know his story will be even more crazy and wild. A lot of surprises throughout this story and some damn sexy too!. Great story. 4.5 to 5 stars
October 15, 2015
Barefoot With A Stranger is one of those books that gets it hooks in you from the very first page. The youngest of the Rossi siblings (Chessie) is on her way to help her big brother (Gabe… and if you don’t know who Gabe is I highly recommend reading the Guardian Angelinos series asap.) find a child who they think is his son. Only problem is the boy is in Cuba and Gabe isn’t able to go into Cuba. While at the airport Chessie meets a man who she immediately knows she has a chemistry with. Mal is fresh out of prison for stealing money from the US government. When he sees Chessie he thinks she is a spy trying to find out where they money is, once he is sure she isn’t with the CIA he decides to see where things lead. Chessie decides she doesn’t want them to be total strangers and tells him her last name. Mal takes off in the middle of the night because he knows he last name. Gabe Rossi is his friend. The same friend he was on his way to help. When they both get to Barefoot Bay Gabe lets them in on the fact they are going to Cuba together to find his child.
The two must go to Cuba, stay one step ahead of the CIA, find Gabe’s child and find out what happened the that child’s mother. A tall order in a place where communism tends to keep people quite. I did not want this book to end. Also if you are like me and been waiting for Gabe’s book since Edge of Sight it’s almost time!
The two must go to Cuba, stay one step ahead of the CIA, find Gabe’s child and find out what happened the that child’s mother. A tall order in a place where communism tends to keep people quite. I did not want this book to end. Also if you are like me and been waiting for Gabe’s book since Edge of Sight it’s almost time!
October 16, 2015
Francesca Rossi hooks up with a hot stranger in an airport after flights are cancelled only to meet up with him again when she arrives at her brother, Gabe’s place, in Barefoot Bay. Imagine the surprise in store for Malcom Harris when he arrives in Barefoot Bay.
Gabe has lost the woman he loves and when he finds out that there is a child that may be his somewhere in Cuba he trusts only Francesca and Malcom to handle finding him.
What was supposed to be a spur of the moment, one hot night with a stranger turns into a wild adventure in Cuba. As Francesca and Malcom become less and less strangers to each other, can the love that sneaks up on them be permanent?
Once again Roxanne St. Clair has taken us to Barefoot Bay with another strong romance that keeps you wanting the Hero and Heroine to get their happy ever after no matter what it takes! What I love about Roxanne’s Heroes are that they are very strong, alpha type men who are not overbearing in going after what they want. The Heroines are strong but not bossy and hard to like because of that. There is a very fine line that authors “walk” in getting the characters to come together in that manner. Roxanne manages to do it every time. I have read all the Barefoot Bay books and there isn’t a one that I don’t love!
Check out Barefoot With a Stranger!!!
I was given an ARC for an honest review!
Gabe has lost the woman he loves and when he finds out that there is a child that may be his somewhere in Cuba he trusts only Francesca and Malcom to handle finding him.
What was supposed to be a spur of the moment, one hot night with a stranger turns into a wild adventure in Cuba. As Francesca and Malcom become less and less strangers to each other, can the love that sneaks up on them be permanent?
Once again Roxanne St. Clair has taken us to Barefoot Bay with another strong romance that keeps you wanting the Hero and Heroine to get their happy ever after no matter what it takes! What I love about Roxanne’s Heroes are that they are very strong, alpha type men who are not overbearing in going after what they want. The Heroines are strong but not bossy and hard to like because of that. There is a very fine line that authors “walk” in getting the characters to come together in that manner. Roxanne manages to do it every time. I have read all the Barefoot Bay books and there isn’t a one that I don’t love!
Check out Barefoot With a Stranger!!!
I was given an ARC for an honest review!
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