Barefoot Chaos

Beach Squad #3

by Marika Ray

Chaos - a state of complete disorder and confusion; unpredictable; a gaping void I spend my days a buttoned up schoolteacher coordinating the CareDare program for my high school English students and my nights with my book boyfriends, not daring to think I could procure one in real life. It's precise, it's controlled....and boring as hell. The tide shifts and I find myself with a hippie lifeguard who provokes me as much as he turns me on, a Senior class in upheaval, a crazy Beach Squad that wants to befriend me, a wild twin sister back in my business, and a public challenge to expose my long-held secret for the greater good. Do I deduce this chaos is all serendipitous, meant to thrust me into my true place in the world? Ultimately, I have to decide if I can kick off my shoes, dig my toes in the sand, and trust in love again.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Contemporary Romance

216 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2018

About the author

Marika is a USA Today bestselling author writing steamy RomComs to make your heart explode and bring a smile to your face. She lives by the beach and posts a delightful number of hot lifeguard pictures.

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Reviews

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barefoot Chaos caused me to want to do two things: One, take off my shoes and walk on the beach; and, Two, find a beach bum as hot and wonderful as Kai. Honestly, there were times when I laughed out loud and then there were times that I got totally frustrated – with both characters. But, all in all, Barefoot Chaos was a fun read with a little bit of mystery.

Hessa was an uptight woman until she met Esa, Bailey, Brinley and Shasta. Then her totally orderly and boring life took a major turn. All of a sudden, she’s out with a personal shopper, drinking Hot Chocolate on Wednesday nights with the Beach Squad and finally letting lose. The only thing bothering her is the dares being carried out and her being blamed for it. Until her secret is out and she is being dared to let everyone know about it.

Kai is ready for his happily ever after and has asked the universe to send him the one. He loves his beach, he loves meditating and he can’t get that sexy teacher out of his mind. But, when he finds out that she is charge of the CareDare Program, he has to wonder why she would be allowing her students to perform such dangerous dares. Well, they can’t keep happening so it’s up to him to confront her and find out what the real deal is. One things leads to another which leads to some fun times on the beach which leads to the real person who wreaking havoc in a lot of people’s lives. What it also leads to is Kai finding the love of his life. Well, when they aren’t arguing.

This really was a fun read. Watching Hessa come out of her shell and finally trusting her heart, letting her sister back into her life and letting Kai into her heart, pushing her boundaries and totally supporting her in completing her dare, was wonderful. I always love seeing the transformation of a person and them getting the HEA that they deserve. But, what I liked most about this story was how much fun it was. It’s a wonderful, light, summer read … not a whole lot of drama, not a whole lot of sex but, two people finding each other and falling in love. It was sweet, loving, amusing and got me hooked on this series by Marika Ray.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book three in the Beach Squad series by Marika Ray is officially my favorite book.

I loved Kai and Hessa. The seemingly straight laced school teacher with a love of the book boyfriends on her Kindle and the sad past. She was an instant connection in the story for me. Kai was this great combination of relaxed and yet serious about certain things.

They were complete opposites on the surface but something about them just worked so well. I loved the instant chemistry and then everything that followed as their relationship developed. Of course visiting with previous characters in the series was fun for me and one of the things that I love about a series like this. I am very intrigued by the new character that was introduced and was so happy when my suspicion didn't turn out the way I was afraid it would. But I can't wait to read the next book and those after that. There are still a few members of the Beach Squad that I would love to see get a HEA.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/19/2020)! 🎁

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hessa loves her job as a high school English teacher and she enjoys working with the seniors, getting them ready for their journey into the real world. She spends her evenings grading papers and when she is done, she relaxes with a sexy romance novel featuring a different book boyfriend every night. A girl can dream, right? Hessa is tired of meeting boring guys and sometimes she feels like giving up on dating because it is just too much work. One of her favorite places to go is Chocolate Dreams, where they have the most delicious hot chocolate and on this night, the most delicious group of lifeguards she had ever seen. Hessa thought they were all outrageously sexy, but one in particular, caught her eye. He had the most beautiful greenish-brown eyes that sparkled when he smiled, and when he paid for her hot chocolate, all she could do was smile as he walked out the door. She thought about him all the way home and hoped that their paths would cross again.

Kai runs on the beach every day after his lifeguard shift is over. He meditates after his workout where he reflects upon his day, his life, and how thankful he is for having a job that he loves. He feels at peace on the beach and in the ocean, and he wouldn’t dream of doing anything else. The only thing missing in his life is the right woman to love and cherish. Kai would like to meet someone who loves the outdoors, wants a family and who would be agreeable to traveling up the coast in his vintage VW bus. He spends a lot of time with his lifeguard brothers and every Wednesday they go to Chocolate Dreams for hot chocolate. It is always busy, and as usual they were blocking the counter when he noticed a cute blonde trying to place her order. As she reached for her wallet, he quickly whipped out his credit card and paid for her drink. She stared up at him wistfully, without uttering a word. Maybe he made her nervous but something about her intrigued him and he knew he needed to see her again.

What happens when Hessa and Kai meet again? What will she think of his philosophy on life, and will he be able to help her when she needs him the most?

I love the Beach Squad series and the latest book “Barefoot Chaos”, is a love story about being happy with who you are and finding your soulmate who will always be by your side. I love going to the beach and Marika accurately and vividly describes how special and reaffirming it feels to listen to the waves while you walk along the sand. I hope everyone will read her new book and the rest of the series and I know you will enjoy the books as much as I do.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix an uptight teacher with a laidback lifeguard? I can tell you it’s not what you’re expecting. This is a story that breaks down stereotypes.
It shows what can happen when you’re willing to open yourself to new experiences and take a chance and go against your own preconceived notions. It’s also a story about balance in your life and true friendship. You get to meet real people, all types of people and watch the blending of their personalities and watch them grow. Relationships don’t always just happen they grow or devolve depending on many things and we get to witness this in this book.
This story follows the saying of, “Expect it when you least expect it”, because life has a way of doing just that.
Don’t worry there’s fun and sun as well as drama, smiles, laughs (there’s one scene that is hilarious but written so truthfully you may say to yourself, “oh yeah totally get this”) intrigue, and heat ( built up beautifully throughout the book).
Trust, not just in others but in yourself and be willing to put yourself out there, is a major component in this story.
I have to tell you when I started reading this series (this is my second book by this author) I was surprised because I figured hey it’s fun in the sun, but when I delved into these stories I learned we all have preconceived ideas and we shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. Yes, pun intended! There is definitely more than meets the eye to us all. I really want to talk about situations that happened in this book but I don’t want to give any spoilers away so I’ll just say read this book. You will definitely enjoy it. If for no other reason, the diversity of the characters are lovely, entertaining, fun and it’s a good story. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t stop and neither will you. I’ll just say one thing...we all need a Kai in our life!

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wouldn't necessarily call this a RomCom, it is an amusing and engaging read and even has a bit of suspense to keep the pages turning. In the beginning, Kai and Hessa don't appear to have much in common, other than terrific chemistry, but even when I got a little frustrated with their push and pull, I still found myself rooting for them. It's impossible not to fall a bit in love with the sexy, laid-back Kai and Hessa's serious teacher side is the perfect contrast to make for an interesting love story. I haven't read the previous books in the series, but this one works well as a standalone. The thing I liked most about Barefoot Chaos was all the terrific characters. Even the secondary characters were interesting - so much so that I will be checking out those earlier books to get to know them better.

[Cindy Fong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kai is my new book boyfriend. What is not to like, a mellow hot Hawaiian lifeguard that plays the ukelele, yes please! I really liked this story. It was fun to watch Hessa come out of her shell with Kai's prompting. I need a Beach Squad of my own to hang out with. This book has all the feels. Now I need to go back and read the other stories.

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. This was a good book. I really liked Kai and Hessa together. I also really liked the way Esa and her friends welcomed Hessa into their group. Esa's squad is #squadgoals. The little mystery woven throughout kept me entertaining and guessing the whole way through.

Reviewed by: Clare M.

[Britt Chaotic Creatives · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m quickly becoming addicted to this series. Barefoot Chaos has been my favorite addition yet! Outrageously funny, incredibly sweet, and deliciously hot every bit of this book is a joy to read. Marika Ray perfectly balances fantastic humor with sweet romance in a way that completely captivates. I devoured this book in a matter of hours!

Kat and Hessa are the perfect opposites attract. Kat with his laid back island vibe and Hessa with her proper English teacher style may seem like they clash, but they are truly the perfect pair. I loved Hessa’s personality! Bouncing from flat out saying what she’s thinking without hesitation to being shy and proper she was the perfect new member for the beach squad. Kai was more than insanely hot, he was also a total sweetheart. Perfect book boyfriend material here! I can’t wait for more in this series!

[Bex Dane · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Chaos...

[KarenJo Custodio · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ★ – Chaotically Swoony, Sweet and Delightfully Entertaining

This book made me smile throughout the entire time. Just like Sweet Dreams and Beach B!tch, Barefoot Chaos was funny, swoony, and a wonderfully entertaining read.

The storyline was not as dramatic or emotionally intense as the first two books, but there was a bit of mystery and the concept of Care Dare kept the plot interesting. I enjoyed catching up with the beach squad again and seeing how much they had gotten closer together. I think it’s absolutely great that the author continually shows women supporting and empowering each other. That’s definitely one of the reasons why I’m so fond of this series. And the adorable couples, sweet romance, humor, swoony scenes, and awesome lovable characters certainly make this book addictingly fun.

Hessa and Kai are so adorable together and I really loved their chemistry! Hessa was someone I could picture myself being friends with. I liked her from the start and adored all her quirks. She’s also smart, beautiful, talented and very caring. Kai was ridiculously charming and swooned his way into my heart. He was honest, patient, supportive and did everything to make Hessa feel comfortable and confident. I surely enjoyed getting to know them as individuals and as a couple. They had this cutesy but also sexy relationship that made me feel warm and fuzzy and tingly all at the same time.

Barefoot Chaos by Marika Ray is a pleasantly fun read that will make you laugh, aww, and smile. It’s lighthearted, funny, romantic, and satisfyingly entertaining until the end. I’m definitely crossing my fingers for more books in the Beach Squad series.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the Enticing Journey Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want my own beach squad! When Hessa comes face to… muscles with the HB lifeguard patrol, she also gets adopted by Esa and her entire Beach Squad. Hessa’s a curvy bookworm with some serious trust issues when it comes to the male of our species thanks to an absentee hippie father. Hawaiian-born lifeguard Kai pushes all of her buttons – good and bad – making her want to run from him as hard as she wants to hold on to him. A spate of injuries resulting from dares amongst her students puts Kai and Hessa on opposite sides of the issue. It’s a good thing Hessa has the whole Beach Squad backing her because she’s going to need all their combined wisdom and talents to get out of this mess with her reputation and heart intact. I adore all the messages of body-positivity that fill this book, along with the encouragement to take ‘safe’ risks to break out of your everyday box. I’m also pretty partial to the fact that Hessa is a word-nerd. That made me love her all the more. Kai’s almost too good to be true. He’s sweet, he’s funny, he worships the ground Hessa walks on, and he’s a smokin’ hot Hawaiian-born lifeguard. Like I said, too good to be true, but he’s exactly the man Hessa needs. I can’t wait to see who’s the next Squad member to find their forever.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, the talented Marika Ray has taken me to the beach with Barefoot Chaos, as her writing style is so rich in description that I could smell the sand, while transporting me completely so couldn't get enough! Hessa is a High School English Teacher, who loves her students by day, and book boyfriends by night. She's tired of meeting boring guys, and loves spending time at Chocolate Dreams. One night she gets lucky enough to see a group of hot lifeguards come in, and one in particular catches her eye. Kai enjoys running after his lifeguard shift is over, as the beach is where he finds peace. He wants to meet a girl who loves & wants the sames things he does. It's on one of his usual Wednesday Nights at Chocolate Dreams that he sees a cute blond there, and he buys her drink. Hessa can't speak, and Kai wants to see her again. And that's all that I'll say about that. Every book in this series has a ton of humor, that keeps me laughing, and this story is no exception. Drama, chemistry, and characters that are always less than perfect but put a smile on my face, follow per usual, so there is literally nothing not to like. I will never get enough of this Beach Squad, and this time around the theme seems to be, expect it when you least expect it. Hopefully there are many more in this series, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Laura Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barefoot Chaos Is the third in the beach squad series. Each of these books are stand-alone books that can be read in the series. I first read the second book and immediately bought the first and as soon as I have finished the first book this one was available so I was very happy girl.

Hessa is a conscientious caring teacher is in charge of a high school senior class project called caredare. This is supposed to be where high school students are challenged to do things that scare them that will make them grow as a person. Things like take part in debates if they didn’t like public speaking that kind of thing to allow personal growth. However, things get complicated when there is an incident at the beach. A kid jumps of the pier and concerns amounted when He is revived in and says he was dared to do it.

This leads the hot hippie lifeguard Kai to come to the school and confront Hessa.
When it comes apparent that it is not her project That is endangering students, friendship develops.

As Hessa has had a hard life she finds it difficult to trust and does not have many friends. When the beach squad are introduced to her life she discovers what true friendship is.

There are lots of twists and turns in this book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
#books2blog
Well worth a read five stars.

[Gavinsmommaloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and while this is the third book in this series it completely standalone but after reading I want the other books as I am in love with this series. hessa is a teacher who teaches seniors and getting them ready for real life. She leads a very predictable life grading papers and then a new book boyfriend everynight! She loves to go to her special place for hot chocolate and on one night there a group of hot lifeguards but one strikes her more than the others and when he pays for her got chocolate and leaves she can't help wishing she'll see him Again. Kai loves his job being a lifeguard and when he sees hessa they have this instant connection. But can't the laidback hippie lifeguard really get the struck by the book teachet. I loved how this book showed us that stero types aren't always right and body positive image. Can't wait for more of this series.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked by the author for an honest review. I would like to give Barefoot Chaos 4.5 stars.

I liked the themes of liking your body as-is, not being perfect and girls having each others' backs. Overall I really enjoyed the book. I would recommend reading the other Beach Squad books first because the setting and characters overlap, but there aren't any cliff hangers so you could read it on its own if you really wanted to.

I did question why, with all the emphasis on being comfortable in your own skin with imperfect bodies, why every one of the male lifeguards is so incredibly good looking. While I like the message that even though a girl doesn't think she's physically perfect, that she can still catch the eye of a hot guy, I hope there's at at least one book in the series where the guy isn't crazy hot so it seems more real.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAN'T GET ENOUGH!!!
Marika strikes again! I love this series with all its drama and problems. Marika has a way of making her characters so life like and real that you're drawn into the tale as if you're a part of the plot. With all the twists, unpredictable surprises and emotional whirlwind she reaches staggering heights. I was mesmerized as I followed the characters on their journey and thrilled as their personalities bloomed and blended beautifully. One thing I have come to expect from Marika is a guaranteed incredible read. With scenes so detailed and vivid it was easy to picture it in mind the picturesque surroundings as they played out. Just like everything else I've read of her work I couldn't out it down until the last word. Excellent job Marika. Thanks for sharing.

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ladies of snark are back in the third installment of The Beach Squad.

This time around we meet Hessa, a high school English and Literature teacher, and Kai, the laid back Hawaiian transplant lifeguard, that keeps rescuing people who have been dared to complete unsafe acts. As the story progresses the readers are drawn into the mystery of who is causing people to complete dares that are far from safe, getting a chuckle or five from the snarky Beach Squad, rooting for Hessa and Kai to get their HEA and loving the different relationships that form between the squad, Hessa and Hessa's estranged sister.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book that I received for free.

[Didi Ps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa & Kai meet in unusual circumstances... He thinks that her Dare program is enticing young people to do dangerous dares, but she doesn't want to think this is a possibility, until she gets a strange dare directed her way.

I realize that this dare is a huge part of the story, but really, dares by a total stranger (& what amounts to a bully, really) should really not be done... I understand the importance of why she did it at the end (for very good reasons), but to right away agree to a dare from a stranger/bully? I don’t agree with that.

Also, it was unrealistic that she gave an interview to a reporter about all this without her boss knowing. It was also unrealistic that the culprit so easily accepted her offer to help him after his punishment was served...

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author. So we meet another hottie Lifeguard Kai. Kai is a down to earth lifeguard some would even say that he is a hippie he meet Hessa a straight laced teacher and is intrigued but wonders why she is so different than the woman that he is normally attracted to as he continues to bump into her he decides that he wants to have more with her now he just has to convince her. Hessa is immediately attracted to Kai but he is a hippy and she does not want to go that route when her father was one, but the attraction is too much and next thing you know these are head over heels.. She is now another member of the Beach Squad...Enjoy

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract and each finds out that stereotypes are not always accurate. Kai is a steamy lifeguard with a heart of gold and Hessa was an uptight high school english teacher. Her closest thing to a boyfriend was one in a book. Her life went from boring and predictable to exciting and chaotic when she met Kai. This book was humorous and fun to read. Well written with likeable characters who come to life. The setting is beautiful and you'll feel like you're right there. A great read that I read as a reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, sweet, touching. Loved Kai, I’d follow him to Hawaii!
Hessa took a bit to warm up to, just because of my personality, not the character. Wanted to slap her a few times when she became stuck a few times. But her Beach Squad did it for me!
Loved the ending of story.
One thing I’m puzzled over is how the person that took over her account, dared her to sing, knew that she wrote songs. According to story only one that knew were her Sister and Kai when it was posted.
Can’t wait to Jack and Bailey story comes out. Love both characters. I think she is my favorite of the BS.

[Elizabeth Mularski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectation for leaving a review. This review is being left voluntarily and any and all opinions are my honest thoughts on this book and the authors work. This is the third book in a series of standalones. I have read all three and the books are great. They are laced with humor and Summer hotness in more ways than one. Loved the story line that was refreshing and different from other rom-coms. Read in one afternoon and was left feeling lighted hearted and in a good mood.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured Kai and Hessa's story. He was a strong and supportive male character and she was a strong and independent female character. I really enjoyed watching Hessa grow and find her confidence and come out of her shell throughout the book. Kai was such a huge support and full of encouragement in helping Hessa realise what she was capable of. I also loved seeing her interactions with the beach squad. They gave her so much love and support and gladly accepted her into the fold. I truly recommend this book and the other books in the series. I can't wait to read the next one.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Kai and Hessa’s sweet story. Hessa is a secondary school English teacher, who helps organise Dares to challenge her students into pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. Kai is the local life guard who Hessa instantly likes the minute she sees him. I liked the Beach Squad, they were a fun empowering group of women. I also liked that there was a small mystery with the Dares it added a bit more to the book. Overall it’s a lovely story but doesn’t give you all the feels so couldn’t give it more than 3 stars.

[Linda Lassman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book. I thought the premise and plot were interesting and I liked the characters. Unfortunately, it just wasn't what I had been expecting, based on the dedication and the opening chapters. I have a great deal of sympathy for women who have body image issues because of societal expectations and applaud those who are able to work through those issues to develop a healthy relationship with their bodies. I just find it more interesting to read about plus-sized women who are able to work through those issues because they have so much more societal pressure ranged against them.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this amazing series. Hessa is an English teacher by day and a bookworm by night. Kai is a laid back lifesaver, who is looking for the missing part of his life. These two are total opposite, but attracted to each other. No spoilers; this is a must read, you will not be disappointed! This story is entertaining, fun, humorous, filled with diverse characters, and is a definite page turner. I was hooked throughout, and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally swoon worthy!

The latest beach squad addition Hessa is a high school teacher that’s an introvert. She meets the sexy lifeguard Kai and she tries to figure out how to get to know him better. She enlists her new beach squad pals to give her some pointers. Kai takes one look at her and finds her irresistible. I enjoyed reading how they went from checking each other out to being soul mates. Excellent read!

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Hessa, a high school teacher, runs the Care Dare as the senior project. Kai, born and raised in Hawaii, is a lifeguard. Kai rescues 2 people who mentioned doing their dare. Hessa’s account is hacked and she is publicly dared. These dares have nothing to do with the school’s Care Dare program. Things are escalating and the police become involved. Meanwhile Hessa needs to decide if furthering a relationship with Kai is really what she wants. The Beach Squad must get involved.

[Paganalexandria]

08/03/21 currently free in Sizzling Summer: An Opposites Attract Romantic Comedy Collection
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