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The Guardian Angelinos #1
Edge of Sight
The killer she can't escape . . .
The heartbreak she can't forget . . .
The one man who can stop them both.
When Samantha Fairchild witnesses a murder in the wine cellar of the restaurant where she works, the Harvard-bound law student becomes the next target of a professional assassin. Desperate for protection the authorities won't provide, Sam seeks help from Vivi Angelino, an investigative reporter who recruits her brother, Zach, to protect Samantha.
A Special Forces vet with the scars to prove he's equally fearless and flawed, Zach takes the job, despite the fact that he and Sam once shared a lusty interlude that ended when he left for war and disappeared from her life. Now, as they crack a conspiracy that leads to Boston's darkest corners, Sam and Zach must face their fears, desires, and doubts, before a hired killer gets a second shot...
"When it comes to dishing up great romantic suspense, Roxanne St. Claire is the author you want." -- RT Book Reviews
The heartbreak she can't forget . . .
The one man who can stop them both.
When Samantha Fairchild witnesses a murder in the wine cellar of the restaurant where she works, the Harvard-bound law student becomes the next target of a professional assassin. Desperate for protection the authorities won't provide, Sam seeks help from Vivi Angelino, an investigative reporter who recruits her brother, Zach, to protect Samantha.
A Special Forces vet with the scars to prove he's equally fearless and flawed, Zach takes the job, despite the fact that he and Sam once shared a lusty interlude that ended when he left for war and disappeared from her life. Now, as they crack a conspiracy that leads to Boston's darkest corners, Sam and Zach must face their fears, desires, and doubts, before a hired killer gets a second shot...
"When it comes to dishing up great romantic suspense, Roxanne St. Claire is the author you want." -- RT Book Reviews
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
84 people are currently reading
3571 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 249 reviews
October 25, 2010
5 stars – Romantic Suspense
I’m a fan of Roxanne St. Claire’s Bullet Catchers series, and this is a great debut read in the spin-off Guardian Angelinos series. It’s about the Boston-based Rossi family of five siblings and their Italian-born cousins, Zach and Vivi Angelino, who start a private security and investigation company.
In Edge of Sight, Zach is back from fighting the war on terror, but it cost him the woman he loved and an eye and left him scarred, emotionally damaged, hollow, and lost. When Samantha Fairchild witnesses an assassination, Vivi recruits her brother, Zach, to protect Sam while she investigates the case, despite that they share a volatile past. Sam has never gotten over the hurt of being left by Zach three years ago, and she’s worried about keeping a safe emotional distance, now that he’s back in her life and in her company 24/7. But war has left Zach a changed man, and the gap between healing the past and mending the present seems wider and more impossible to cross than ever. He vows to keep things professional in order to keep Sam alive, but can she protect her heart this time?
Zach is such a tortured, brooding hero and thinks he doesn’t deserve love or a second chance, but doesn’t he know that his eye patch, facial scar, and tattoos only make him all the more dark, dangerous, and sexy? Sam’s got her work cut out for her to convince him that she still wants him, damaged though he might be, but can Zach keep them alive long enough to find out if love is better the second time around?
This is a great debut read in what promises to be another thrilling bodyguard and investigative series similar to Bullet Catchers, but that is centered on a large, boisterous, loving crime fighting Italian American family that’s based in Boston. I’m looking forward to the second book in the series, Shiver of Fear, that’s slated for release at the end of Mar’2011. And I can’t wait for Gabriel Rossi’s story (book title TBA) because even though he only played a minor role in this, that brief glimpse has me verrry intrigued indeed.
Be sure to check out some cool features about the Guardian Angelinos series on Roxanne St. Claire’s website (link below), especially the wonderful (and free!) Edge of Sight prequel story, Taken to the Edge, that provides background and deeper insight into Zach’s and Sam’s passionate, emotional past relationship. 5 stars!
Roxanne St. Claire’s Guardian Angelinos
FYI – Even though the Guardian Angelinos is a remote spin-off of the Bullet Catchers, it’s only through a distant family relation and there are only a few references to the Bullet Catchers in this, so it’s not necessary to have read that series before starting this.
I’m a fan of Roxanne St. Claire’s Bullet Catchers series, and this is a great debut read in the spin-off Guardian Angelinos series. It’s about the Boston-based Rossi family of five siblings and their Italian-born cousins, Zach and Vivi Angelino, who start a private security and investigation company.
In Edge of Sight, Zach is back from fighting the war on terror, but it cost him the woman he loved and an eye and left him scarred, emotionally damaged, hollow, and lost. When Samantha Fairchild witnesses an assassination, Vivi recruits her brother, Zach, to protect Sam while she investigates the case, despite that they share a volatile past. Sam has never gotten over the hurt of being left by Zach three years ago, and she’s worried about keeping a safe emotional distance, now that he’s back in her life and in her company 24/7. But war has left Zach a changed man, and the gap between healing the past and mending the present seems wider and more impossible to cross than ever. He vows to keep things professional in order to keep Sam alive, but can she protect her heart this time?
Zach is such a tortured, brooding hero and thinks he doesn’t deserve love or a second chance, but doesn’t he know that his eye patch, facial scar, and tattoos only make him all the more dark, dangerous, and sexy? Sam’s got her work cut out for her to convince him that she still wants him, damaged though he might be, but can Zach keep them alive long enough to find out if love is better the second time around?
This is a great debut read in what promises to be another thrilling bodyguard and investigative series similar to Bullet Catchers, but that is centered on a large, boisterous, loving crime fighting Italian American family that’s based in Boston. I’m looking forward to the second book in the series, Shiver of Fear, that’s slated for release at the end of Mar’2011. And I can’t wait for Gabriel Rossi’s story (book title TBA) because even though he only played a minor role in this, that brief glimpse has me verrry intrigued indeed.
Be sure to check out some cool features about the Guardian Angelinos series on Roxanne St. Claire’s website (link below), especially the wonderful (and free!) Edge of Sight prequel story, Taken to the Edge, that provides background and deeper insight into Zach’s and Sam’s passionate, emotional past relationship. 5 stars!
Roxanne St. Claire’s Guardian Angelinos
FYI – Even though the Guardian Angelinos is a remote spin-off of the Bullet Catchers, it’s only through a distant family relation and there are only a few references to the Bullet Catchers in this, so it’s not necessary to have read that series before starting this.
December 2, 2010
Terrific book! But do yourself a favor before you start this book--read the prequel ("Taken To The Edge") available on the author's website first (http://www.roxannestclaire.com/)--it makes this book soooo much better. I don't know why it wasn't included in the book (publisher's/editor's decision, story length criteria?) since it helps tremendously to establish the relationship between the H/h. After I read that emotional and waaay sexy prequel (thank you to all the GR reviewers who mentioned it!) I was hooked and halfway in love with the characters!
This is the first book in RSC's new romantic suspense series called "The Guardian Angelinos". The "Angelinos" are 31 yr-old twins Vivi and Zaccaria ("Zach"), formerly of Naples, Italy. Orphaned at a young age, they were sent to live with their mother's relatives, the Rossis of the Boston, Mass. area. There's five Rossi cousins that they grew up with: JP, Marc, Gabe, Nicki, and Chessie, (Aunt Fran and Uncle Jim's children), and great Uncle Nino (the Rossi's grandfather) is the family patriarch. Roxanne St. Claire does a terrific job setting up the background of all the characters (and their idiosnycrasies) and the family dynamic--never once was I confused or trying to connect-the-dots.
From the author’s website… Zach
The story begins three years after the prequel. In the prologue, the hero (Drop-dead-gorgeous Army Ranger Zach Angelino) is heading off to Iraq in 3 weeks, (his third tour of duty) and currently staying with his twin, investigative reporter Vivi, at her Boston area apartment. Vivi's having a party--she wants her upstairs neighbor and friend, blonde blue-eyed advertising exec, the beautiful Samantha Fairchild to come to the party and meet her brother. Something tells her they'd hit it off. Well they do, in an extremely hot, intense way. Plenty of hot dialogue and smokin' action in that prequel! They spend most of the next three weeks together (the majority of it in bed). Sam's in love, and she tells Zach the day he's heading off to war. But Zach has no response--he's shut down. Allowing someone to love him just leads to heartbreak. Besides, he's heading off to war and the unknown--Sammi deserves more than waiting for a guy who may never return. So even though his heart is breaking with love for 'Sammi', he makes no promises.
Zach and Sam
Fast forward about three years. Sam is no longer in the advertising business. Due to a life changing event from her past, she's decided on a career change, and is about to attend Harvard law school. She's working at an upscale Boston restaurant for the summer and witnesses a murder of a prominant newspaper columnist in the restaurant's wine cellar. The killer takes a videotape from a security camera, and Sam's picture is on that tape. The local police are less than straightforward with her and have no plans to protect their star witness (Sam has some credibility problems due to a murder she witnessed as a teen where she helped to convict an innocent man, and a couple of policemen lost their jobs due to a bungled investigation). She needs some answers that the police won't give her--is her life in danger? She thinks that her former friend Vivi, who is investigating the murder for her newspaper, may be able to get the answers for her. Sam arrives on Vivi's doorstep and is stunned to see her lost love, Zach, waiting for her. Zach is now scarred and disfigured, and he never got over the worst mistake he made in his life--letting Sammi go. But how can he expect her to want him again, especially the way he looks?
To make a long story short--Vivi, who wants to open her own private security company, convinces Sam to be her company's first client, and to let Zach be her bodyguard, while she investigates the murder of the columnist. The rest of the story finds Zach and Sam getting 'reacquanted', running from a murderer who doesn't want any witnesses left behind, interacting with Zach's extended family, dealing with Zach's survivor's guilt, and helping to investigate who's behind the murder and why. There's plenty of action, a few twists and turns in the plot, and lots of time (and a couple of steamy interludes) for Zach and Sam to realize that they belong together--forever.
I loved Sam and Zach. And Vivi and Uncle Nino. And Gabe and Marc. And Chessie, Nicki, and even pain-in-the-butt JP! I loved the whole extended Rossi family! I thought RSC did an excellent job describing all the characters and the Boston area setting. I even loved her descriptions of Uncle Nino's food! I loved the special relationship the Zach and Uncle Nino shared. I felt that wise Uncle Nino really looked out for him and understood him like a father would. He knew that Zach never felt like he belonged, and he was sensitive to those feelings. And he knew that Sam was the best thing that could ever happen for Zach, and encouraged and nurtured the relationship. While Zach started out with just a little bit too much self-pity, after what he went through, I could hardly blame him. But I liked that he didn't wear that self-pity through the whole book. Once Sam convinced him that his looks didn't bother her, I was glad to see that he didn't dwell on them but focused on winning her back and convincing her that what they had was real.
Sam was a wonderful heroine. Strong, smart, brave, beautiful, and forgiving-- the kind of girl who you'd enjoy being friends with. And her chemistry with Zach? Off the charts. This couple was made for each other--RSC easily convinced me of that.
This was a very easy-to-read first book in what looks to be a long series. Often the first book in a new series suffers because there's so much to establish. But RSC accomplished this seamlessly and practically effortlessly. Everything flowed together perfectly and made sense. There were just the right amount of tense moments (Oh my, that ending...), plot twists, and "a-ha, I knew it" moments. And while the romance wasn't always front and center (how could it be when someone wants you dead?) Zach and Sam did manage to find a way...(*sigh*). "Saro sempre al tuo fianco."
So book one has me hooked on this series. I already am intrigued with Vivi and the Rossi cousins, and can't wait to read their stories. Next up is Shiver of Fear, former FBI agent Marc's story. If it follows the formula of "Edge Of Sight", it should be a good one! 4 1/2 stars (only because that prequel should be in the book!)
This is the first book in RSC's new romantic suspense series called "The Guardian Angelinos". The "Angelinos" are 31 yr-old twins Vivi and Zaccaria ("Zach"), formerly of Naples, Italy. Orphaned at a young age, they were sent to live with their mother's relatives, the Rossis of the Boston, Mass. area. There's five Rossi cousins that they grew up with: JP, Marc, Gabe, Nicki, and Chessie, (Aunt Fran and Uncle Jim's children), and great Uncle Nino (the Rossi's grandfather) is the family patriarch. Roxanne St. Claire does a terrific job setting up the background of all the characters (and their idiosnycrasies) and the family dynamic--never once was I confused or trying to connect-the-dots.
From the author’s website… Zach
The story begins three years after the prequel. In the prologue, the hero (Drop-dead-gorgeous Army Ranger Zach Angelino) is heading off to Iraq in 3 weeks, (his third tour of duty) and currently staying with his twin, investigative reporter Vivi, at her Boston area apartment. Vivi's having a party--she wants her upstairs neighbor and friend, blonde blue-eyed advertising exec, the beautiful Samantha Fairchild to come to the party and meet her brother. Something tells her they'd hit it off. Well they do, in an extremely hot, intense way. Plenty of hot dialogue and smokin' action in that prequel! They spend most of the next three weeks together (the majority of it in bed). Sam's in love, and she tells Zach the day he's heading off to war. But Zach has no response--he's shut down. Allowing someone to love him just leads to heartbreak. Besides, he's heading off to war and the unknown--Sammi deserves more than waiting for a guy who may never return. So even though his heart is breaking with love for 'Sammi', he makes no promises.
Zach and Sam
Fast forward about three years. Sam is no longer in the advertising business. Due to a life changing event from her past, she's decided on a career change, and is about to attend Harvard law school. She's working at an upscale Boston restaurant for the summer and witnesses a murder of a prominant newspaper columnist in the restaurant's wine cellar. The killer takes a videotape from a security camera, and Sam's picture is on that tape. The local police are less than straightforward with her and have no plans to protect their star witness (Sam has some credibility problems due to a murder she witnessed as a teen where she helped to convict an innocent man, and a couple of policemen lost their jobs due to a bungled investigation). She needs some answers that the police won't give her--is her life in danger? She thinks that her former friend Vivi, who is investigating the murder for her newspaper, may be able to get the answers for her. Sam arrives on Vivi's doorstep and is stunned to see her lost love, Zach, waiting for her. Zach is now scarred and disfigured, and he never got over the worst mistake he made in his life--letting Sammi go. But how can he expect her to want him again, especially the way he looks?
To make a long story short--Vivi, who wants to open her own private security company, convinces Sam to be her company's first client, and to let Zach be her bodyguard, while she investigates the murder of the columnist. The rest of the story finds Zach and Sam getting 'reacquanted', running from a murderer who doesn't want any witnesses left behind, interacting with Zach's extended family, dealing with Zach's survivor's guilt, and helping to investigate who's behind the murder and why. There's plenty of action, a few twists and turns in the plot, and lots of time (and a couple of steamy interludes) for Zach and Sam to realize that they belong together--forever.
I loved Sam and Zach. And Vivi and Uncle Nino. And Gabe and Marc. And Chessie, Nicki, and even pain-in-the-butt JP! I loved the whole extended Rossi family! I thought RSC did an excellent job describing all the characters and the Boston area setting. I even loved her descriptions of Uncle Nino's food! I loved the special relationship the Zach and Uncle Nino shared. I felt that wise Uncle Nino really looked out for him and understood him like a father would. He knew that Zach never felt like he belonged, and he was sensitive to those feelings. And he knew that Sam was the best thing that could ever happen for Zach, and encouraged and nurtured the relationship. While Zach started out with just a little bit too much self-pity, after what he went through, I could hardly blame him. But I liked that he didn't wear that self-pity through the whole book. Once Sam convinced him that his looks didn't bother her, I was glad to see that he didn't dwell on them but focused on winning her back and convincing her that what they had was real.
Sam was a wonderful heroine. Strong, smart, brave, beautiful, and forgiving-- the kind of girl who you'd enjoy being friends with. And her chemistry with Zach? Off the charts. This couple was made for each other--RSC easily convinced me of that.
This was a very easy-to-read first book in what looks to be a long series. Often the first book in a new series suffers because there's so much to establish. But RSC accomplished this seamlessly and practically effortlessly. Everything flowed together perfectly and made sense. There were just the right amount of tense moments (Oh my, that ending...), plot twists, and "a-ha, I knew it" moments. And while the romance wasn't always front and center (how could it be when someone wants you dead?) Zach and Sam did manage to find a way...(*sigh*). "Saro sempre al tuo fianco."
So book one has me hooked on this series. I already am intrigued with Vivi and the Rossi cousins, and can't wait to read their stories. Next up is Shiver of Fear, former FBI agent Marc's story. If it follows the formula of "Edge Of Sight", it should be a good one! 4 1/2 stars (only because that prequel should be in the book!)
November 21, 2015
Would you trust your life to a guy who rolled out of bed one day and decided to start his own bodyguard service with no qualifications other than he used to be an awesome soldier? Me either, and that’s one of the things I loved about this story. But I’ll get to that a little later…
I really enjoyed this book, and getting to know the cast of characters. I was glad that I read the free prequel found on the author’s website, because that gives us a real feel for the relationship dynamic between Samantha Fairchild and Zach Angelino. I strongly recommend you do the same and you can find that story here, here: Taken To The Edge . I’m sure you won’t be disappointed, and it will really help you understand Sam’s anger towards Zach, and Zach’s sense of guilt and self denial in Edge of Sight.
Zach Angelino turned out to be an awesome hero, but for awhile there I wasn’t sure I’d see him that way. He had the whole, I’m not good enough, I’m too disfigured, I’m never going to fall in love… thing going and that’s ok, because going into Edge of Sight, I didn’t think he was good enough. I was pretty miffed at him, in fact. And that’s part of why I think it’s important to read the prequel – it makes his redemption so much sweeter. There are too many secondary characters to list, each exciting and having very strong and compelling personas and I’m excited to read their stories in later books.
So, getting back to my opening question, I have to say that I loved how the organization of The Guardian Angelinos was detailed, because it felt very real. Too often we read stories where someone says, “Hey, let’s start a body guard service…” and voila! they’re in business protecting high ranking military personnel, presidents and world leaders. As a reader, I guess that’s ok because we assume they’ll be good at what they do – “assume” being the keyword. We didn’t have to do that with this story, and it made the ending all the more exciting and fulfilling because I really felt like I was right there with Vivi, Alex, Uncle Nino, Zach, Gabe and everyone else in the family as they built the business from the ground up. We saw the excitement, the apprehension, the stumbling blocks and the triumphs that go into making a company that provides serious body guard protection and undercover work successful and to the reader, believable. And as silly as it might sound, that brought a level of realism to the story that I really appreciated. And it was never boring!
Edge of Sight was an action packed, emotionally charged, very sexy story. It was my first read by Ms. St. Claire, and it most certainly won’t be my last. In fact, Edge of Sight is a spin off of her Bullet Catcher series, which I own but haven’t yet read. I plan to remedy that in the very near future!
November 24, 2010
I won this book in the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Whew! What a ride! I enjoyed Roxanne St. Claire’s Edge of Sight so much that I have added ALL of her books to my mountainous to-read pile.
For full enjoyment of Edge of Sight, please go to http://roxannestclaire.com/ and read Taken to the Edge first. It isn’t mandatory, but it will really help you understand the main characters and their motivations a little bit better. Actually take a few minutes and explore her site because Uncle Nino has some very delicious looking recipes posted.
Edge of Sight takes place three years after the prequel Taken to the Edge. Samantha Fairchild witnesses a murder at the restaurant she works at. Her image was captured on camera and she is now a target. To make matters worse, Samantha is not held in high esteem at the Boston Police Department due to a false accusation a few years earlier. Sam turns to her friend Vivi Angelino for help and meets Vivi’s brother Zach after a three year absence. Vivi wants to start a new security company, the Guardian Angelinos.
The action was non-stop and edge of your seat exciting. Sam is being pursued by not only the assassin, but by the people who hired him. There are car chases; there are crashes, and a lot of hairy situations. Luckily, Sam has hired Zach to be her body guard. Zach made an impressive bodyguard due to his military training and Special Forces background.
I loved so many things about this book. I enjoyed the camaraderie within Vivi and Zach’s extended family. With Uncle Nino at its head, the Rossi clan accepted Vivi and Zach into their family after the death of their mother. The family was extremely tight knit, a touch annoying (in a nice way), and extremely caring, supportive, and welcoming.
The main characters were really likable, even when I wanted to smack Zach for being an idiot. This is the part where reading the prequel will help the reader understand the main characters’ motivations. Zach returns from his military duties a scarred man – he has lost an eye and has a scar on his face. As a result, he made no effort to communicate with Samantha upon his return. When Zach meets Samantha, I can understand his agony and his grief, but I as a reader have a hard time forgiving him for leaving Sam.
I loved Samantha’s character. She is smart, down to earth, and resourceful. Samantha was accepted at Harvard Law School and she was to start her studies in the fall. Sam was hurt by Zach’s lack of communication and I like how she confronts him. Their attraction to one other was hot and steamy. Samantha is much more forgiving than I would be.
I must say that when the killer is revealed, I jumped up and shouted “No Way!” I really did not expect that.
I can’t wait to read the next two books in this series Shiver of Fear comes out in April 2011 and Face of Danger will be out May 2011.
Whew! What a ride! I enjoyed Roxanne St. Claire’s Edge of Sight so much that I have added ALL of her books to my mountainous to-read pile.
For full enjoyment of Edge of Sight, please go to http://roxannestclaire.com/ and read Taken to the Edge first. It isn’t mandatory, but it will really help you understand the main characters and their motivations a little bit better. Actually take a few minutes and explore her site because Uncle Nino has some very delicious looking recipes posted.
Edge of Sight takes place three years after the prequel Taken to the Edge. Samantha Fairchild witnesses a murder at the restaurant she works at. Her image was captured on camera and she is now a target. To make matters worse, Samantha is not held in high esteem at the Boston Police Department due to a false accusation a few years earlier. Sam turns to her friend Vivi Angelino for help and meets Vivi’s brother Zach after a three year absence. Vivi wants to start a new security company, the Guardian Angelinos.
The action was non-stop and edge of your seat exciting. Sam is being pursued by not only the assassin, but by the people who hired him. There are car chases; there are crashes, and a lot of hairy situations. Luckily, Sam has hired Zach to be her body guard. Zach made an impressive bodyguard due to his military training and Special Forces background.
I loved so many things about this book. I enjoyed the camaraderie within Vivi and Zach’s extended family. With Uncle Nino at its head, the Rossi clan accepted Vivi and Zach into their family after the death of their mother. The family was extremely tight knit, a touch annoying (in a nice way), and extremely caring, supportive, and welcoming.
The main characters were really likable, even when I wanted to smack Zach for being an idiot. This is the part where reading the prequel will help the reader understand the main characters’ motivations. Zach returns from his military duties a scarred man – he has lost an eye and has a scar on his face. As a result, he made no effort to communicate with Samantha upon his return. When Zach meets Samantha, I can understand his agony and his grief, but I as a reader have a hard time forgiving him for leaving Sam.
I loved Samantha’s character. She is smart, down to earth, and resourceful. Samantha was accepted at Harvard Law School and she was to start her studies in the fall. Sam was hurt by Zach’s lack of communication and I like how she confronts him. Their attraction to one other was hot and steamy. Samantha is much more forgiving than I would be.
I must say that when the killer is revealed, I jumped up and shouted “No Way!” I really did not expect that.
I can’t wait to read the next two books in this series Shiver of Fear comes out in April 2011 and Face of Danger will be out May 2011.
December 22, 2015
Edge of Sight is my first book by Roxanne St. Claire. I’m really picky with my Romantic Suspense books since Cynthia Eden, I guess, I expect a lot from authors and their stories and Roxanne did not disappoint. Edge of Sight was a great RS, I mean, there was suspense and romance: mission accomplished!
Samantha “Sam” Fairchild is a young woman who works at a famous restaurant, one night while she goes in the cellar to get some wine, she witnesses a murder. Thing is, she’s not the most reliable witness (years before she identified the wrong killer in another case and put an innocent guy in prison for like 10 years) and the police won’t give her any protection. She knows she’s in danger, so she goes to her friend’s house, Vivi, to ask for help. Vivi’s not here but her twin is: Zaccaria “Zach” Angelino.
Zach and Sam had a thing 3 years back. They met via Vivi, they were to.ge.ther for 3 weeks [19 days, I remember], non-stop fantastic sex, great talks, big deal you know. Sam fell in love, Zach left to go on a mission in Afghanistan and never called back. No letters, no phone calls, nothing. Like I said, Zach used to be military but he was relieved of his duties when he lost one of his eyes. Now, he’s back, scarred, with no real purpose and Sam needs his help. Will they be able to work together? Will they succumb, once more, to their desire? And, why did Zach never contacted Sam?
I loved Zach, he was a great MC. I loved the fact that he was scarred so badly, it changed and it was interesting to see Sam’s reaction to that and how Zach felt about himself. Underneath his tough demeanor, Zach was very vulnerable and unsure of himself. Roxanne did a great job with this. For once we have a MC who’s not invincible, he’s scared for Sam and he doesn’t think he can protect her. He thinks so badly of himself, it was actually quite sad to read.
But once Zach finally realized certain things, he was even better. Fierce, kind, sweet, protective… I loved it! I also liked how he was with Sam, he knows he made a big mistake in the past but he wants to make up for it, he’s just kind of insecure (because of his missing eye and scarred cheek). Might be a bit stupid but one thing I loved was when he felt relief when he rested his scarred cheek/eye on Sam’s hair. This was so freaking sweet and nice and heartwarming. It was just a tiny scene but I loved it!
Sam was not my cup of tea. I mean, I liked her but ugh, I don’t know, it’s confusing! She had her good moments where I liked her and then she would do something stupid or something that pissed me off and then, bam, I didn’t like her anymore. See? Confusing. She could be really sweet and understanding. I liked her for that, the fact that Zach’s scars didn’t faze her that much, I liked that she touched him, she wasn’t disgusted or anything. She was also courageous and strong when she wanted to be but at times she was doubting herself every 5 minutes and that pissed me off. When she went to do a line-up to identify the possible killer, she spent like 10 minutes on each guy stressing out because she didn’t know if it was the killer but then maybe, but then she wasn’t sure, she was scared, OMG WHAT TO DO. Just shut up, concentrate and try to remember! See? Infuriating. Agreed, it’s not much in the entire book but it’s all those little things that made me not like her.
The romance. It was good! Like Roxanne said to me when I complained about wanting sex: “No rushy. Enjoy the build-up!” and I did, I enjoyed it and it was so worth the wait! Roxanne did a great job with the build-up, she took her time but it was necessary because they had a past, their previous relationship didn’t end well and they both needed time (especially Sam) to trust the other once more. But let me tell you, once Roxanne decided that it was time for mister sex to appear it was great. I loved it, it was very well done and from this point forward the romance was even better.
The plot now, it’s a bit complicated because there isn’t just one killer. It was good though, it was surprising and well done. The suspense part was not forgotten and it was present throughout the book. There were some great scenes with lots of action and craziness, I loved it. Like I said, the plot was great because Roxanne made something interesting and a bit complicated, so it was impressive–for us–but also a job well done–for her!
In general the story was consistent and entertaining but I noticed that, at times (not a lot), there were some inconsistencies. Like, at one point the person was completely unable to talk because he/she was gagged but all of a sudden she could talk and then, two sentences after, she couldn’t. It was just little things like that, it wasn’t often but I noticed.
The secondary characters were nice! I loved Vivi, she was fun and an interesting character and I cannot wait to read her story! The rest of the family was awesome too. I would have wanted more about Gabe though, I hope I’ll be able to read more about him in the other two. Overall, a good story with a great romance, a great plot and an awesome hero! Read it!!!
Samantha “Sam” Fairchild is a young woman who works at a famous restaurant, one night while she goes in the cellar to get some wine, she witnesses a murder. Thing is, she’s not the most reliable witness (years before she identified the wrong killer in another case and put an innocent guy in prison for like 10 years) and the police won’t give her any protection. She knows she’s in danger, so she goes to her friend’s house, Vivi, to ask for help. Vivi’s not here but her twin is: Zaccaria “Zach” Angelino.
Zach and Sam had a thing 3 years back. They met via Vivi, they were to.ge.ther for 3 weeks [19 days, I remember], non-stop fantastic sex, great talks, big deal you know. Sam fell in love, Zach left to go on a mission in Afghanistan and never called back. No letters, no phone calls, nothing. Like I said, Zach used to be military but he was relieved of his duties when he lost one of his eyes. Now, he’s back, scarred, with no real purpose and Sam needs his help. Will they be able to work together? Will they succumb, once more, to their desire? And, why did Zach never contacted Sam?
I loved Zach, he was a great MC. I loved the fact that he was scarred so badly, it changed and it was interesting to see Sam’s reaction to that and how Zach felt about himself. Underneath his tough demeanor, Zach was very vulnerable and unsure of himself. Roxanne did a great job with this. For once we have a MC who’s not invincible, he’s scared for Sam and he doesn’t think he can protect her. He thinks so badly of himself, it was actually quite sad to read.
But once Zach finally realized certain things, he was even better. Fierce, kind, sweet, protective… I loved it! I also liked how he was with Sam, he knows he made a big mistake in the past but he wants to make up for it, he’s just kind of insecure (because of his missing eye and scarred cheek). Might be a bit stupid but one thing I loved was when he felt relief when he rested his scarred cheek/eye on Sam’s hair. This was so freaking sweet and nice and heartwarming. It was just a tiny scene but I loved it!
Sam was not my cup of tea. I mean, I liked her but ugh, I don’t know, it’s confusing! She had her good moments where I liked her and then she would do something stupid or something that pissed me off and then, bam, I didn’t like her anymore. See? Confusing. She could be really sweet and understanding. I liked her for that, the fact that Zach’s scars didn’t faze her that much, I liked that she touched him, she wasn’t disgusted or anything. She was also courageous and strong when she wanted to be but at times she was doubting herself every 5 minutes and that pissed me off. When she went to do a line-up to identify the possible killer, she spent like 10 minutes on each guy stressing out because she didn’t know if it was the killer but then maybe, but then she wasn’t sure, she was scared, OMG WHAT TO DO. Just shut up, concentrate and try to remember! See? Infuriating. Agreed, it’s not much in the entire book but it’s all those little things that made me not like her.
The romance. It was good! Like Roxanne said to me when I complained about wanting sex: “No rushy. Enjoy the build-up!” and I did, I enjoyed it and it was so worth the wait! Roxanne did a great job with the build-up, she took her time but it was necessary because they had a past, their previous relationship didn’t end well and they both needed time (especially Sam) to trust the other once more. But let me tell you, once Roxanne decided that it was time for mister sex to appear it was great. I loved it, it was very well done and from this point forward the romance was even better.
The plot now, it’s a bit complicated because there isn’t just one killer. It was good though, it was surprising and well done. The suspense part was not forgotten and it was present throughout the book. There were some great scenes with lots of action and craziness, I loved it. Like I said, the plot was great because Roxanne made something interesting and a bit complicated, so it was impressive–for us–but also a job well done–for her!
In general the story was consistent and entertaining but I noticed that, at times (not a lot), there were some inconsistencies. Like, at one point the person was completely unable to talk because he/she was gagged but all of a sudden she could talk and then, two sentences after, she couldn’t. It was just little things like that, it wasn’t often but I noticed.
The secondary characters were nice! I loved Vivi, she was fun and an interesting character and I cannot wait to read her story! The rest of the family was awesome too. I would have wanted more about Gabe though, I hope I’ll be able to read more about him in the other two. Overall, a good story with a great romance, a great plot and an awesome hero! Read it!!!
September 23, 2010
Roxanne St. Claire kicks off her first in a new series full of action, suspense, mystery and romance. Fans of her Bullet Catcher series will be delighted to jump right in this romantic thriller.
Samantha Fairchild is a magnet for trouble. Since she was a witness to a crime years ago, she hopes to stay away from all dangers. But it is hard when she witness a murder of a well known journalist in the basement of the restaurant she works at. The cops are not trying to help her so she turns to the only person she can think of–Vivi Angelino, her former friend and investigative reporter. Instead of enlisting Vivi’s assistance, she gets the help of Vivi’s brother, Zach― the man that Samantha loves.
Walking away from Samantha years ago after she had confessed that she was in love with him, was one of the hardest things Zach has ever had to do. But he was in the military and he didn’t want to ask her to wait for him, though he knew she would have if he asked. Now he’s back and he wants to help her with whatever danger is after her. The problem is that he can’t help her and keep his heart guarded at the same time.
I love a scarred hero. Call me crazy but I think the scar makes the character more interesting and a bit more human. He’s not “so perfect”. However, I became annoyed with Zach’s injury because it became such a focus for him and every other character in the book that it almost became distracting. While in the service, Zach lost his eye and is badly disfigured on one side of his face. He has a very hard time dealing with the scar and the fact that he let down his men and some of them died based on his decisions. Not to mention, he is hurt because he don’t believe he can be the same man that he was.
I really like Samantha because she was very patient with Zach. She sees past the scarred face and to the core of the man. She is very guarded at times in the book which is understandable since he left her before but she never becomes cold. There is an equal balance to her emotions.
I even appreciate Vivi’s character. She is hip and funky. I love that she supports Zach (her twin) and jump starts the Guardian Angelinos, a private investigation firm so that way Zach could have a new career focus and Vivi could snoop around which she thoroughly enjoys. She enrolls her family members to jump aboard and help Samantha and Zach.
I love the family dynamics of the Angelinos and their extended family. The characters interact realistically and show that they were a close knit family but they are flawed. There is a bit of tension between certain family members. I look forward to learning how the issues will be resolved in upcoming books. At the end, I appreciated how they all came together and use one another strengths to figure out who the villain was.
My biggest problem with this book was that there is a lack of action and the story moves slowly at times. Samantha and Zach did more hiding in different locations than anything else. Vivi takes the role of the investigator while they hid and that was very frustrating. Zach should have been more aggressive in my opinion.
Overall, if you need a fast entertaining romantic suspense story, Edge of Sight is a good place to start.
Samantha Fairchild is a magnet for trouble. Since she was a witness to a crime years ago, she hopes to stay away from all dangers. But it is hard when she witness a murder of a well known journalist in the basement of the restaurant she works at. The cops are not trying to help her so she turns to the only person she can think of–Vivi Angelino, her former friend and investigative reporter. Instead of enlisting Vivi’s assistance, she gets the help of Vivi’s brother, Zach― the man that Samantha loves.
Walking away from Samantha years ago after she had confessed that she was in love with him, was one of the hardest things Zach has ever had to do. But he was in the military and he didn’t want to ask her to wait for him, though he knew she would have if he asked. Now he’s back and he wants to help her with whatever danger is after her. The problem is that he can’t help her and keep his heart guarded at the same time.
I love a scarred hero. Call me crazy but I think the scar makes the character more interesting and a bit more human. He’s not “so perfect”. However, I became annoyed with Zach’s injury because it became such a focus for him and every other character in the book that it almost became distracting. While in the service, Zach lost his eye and is badly disfigured on one side of his face. He has a very hard time dealing with the scar and the fact that he let down his men and some of them died based on his decisions. Not to mention, he is hurt because he don’t believe he can be the same man that he was.
I really like Samantha because she was very patient with Zach. She sees past the scarred face and to the core of the man. She is very guarded at times in the book which is understandable since he left her before but she never becomes cold. There is an equal balance to her emotions.
I even appreciate Vivi’s character. She is hip and funky. I love that she supports Zach (her twin) and jump starts the Guardian Angelinos, a private investigation firm so that way Zach could have a new career focus and Vivi could snoop around which she thoroughly enjoys. She enrolls her family members to jump aboard and help Samantha and Zach.
I love the family dynamics of the Angelinos and their extended family. The characters interact realistically and show that they were a close knit family but they are flawed. There is a bit of tension between certain family members. I look forward to learning how the issues will be resolved in upcoming books. At the end, I appreciated how they all came together and use one another strengths to figure out who the villain was.
My biggest problem with this book was that there is a lack of action and the story moves slowly at times. Samantha and Zach did more hiding in different locations than anything else. Vivi takes the role of the investigator while they hid and that was very frustrating. Zach should have been more aggressive in my opinion.
Overall, if you need a fast entertaining romantic suspense story, Edge of Sight is a good place to start.
December 9, 2010
If you like this author's Bullet Catcher's series you will like this one too, it is a slight spin off, but if you haven't read them it won't matter or detract one bit.
The Guardian Angelinos are a misfit family, thrown together by tragedy and kept together by choice. Things weren't always easy for them, but with a common goal you can see where this family is going and boy what a ride their adventures are going to be!
At the heart of this story is Samantha, who used to be best friends with Vivi, and has a super hot fling with Zach, Vivi's twin, that ended badly years ago, throwing the girls friendship out of whack. Trouble seems to follow Sam, and she finds herself in the cross hairs of a murder investigation. With zero credibility among the police, due to an incident some years before, she turns to her old BFF, who is an investigative reporter. When she gets to Vivi's apartment she is stunned to see Zach, who she hasn't seen in over 3 years after he walked away without a glance, crushing her in his wake. She is forced to lean on both Vivi and Zach for help, all the while her emotions are out of control, and soon she is too, unsure if she dares to take a chance on Zach again. Zach has his own issues and you understand where Sam is coming from, but you still hope that they end up together.
Soon the bad guys ramp up their actions, coming after Sam and all that she holds dear and all you can do is hold on to your seat. Vivi is desperate to flesh our her dream for the Guardian Angelinos, enlists all the family members to help out, some are more willing than others, but soon they all get into the action. Each one leans towards their strengths. During the investigation there are all sorts of twists and turns, and it is hard to know who is the bad guy and how is the good guy.
But the heart of the story is the family and seeing them pull together. I have a feeling that in future books this family dynamic is going to expand and we will have a great time!
The Guardian Angelinos are a misfit family, thrown together by tragedy and kept together by choice. Things weren't always easy for them, but with a common goal you can see where this family is going and boy what a ride their adventures are going to be!
At the heart of this story is Samantha, who used to be best friends with Vivi, and has a super hot fling with Zach, Vivi's twin, that ended badly years ago, throwing the girls friendship out of whack. Trouble seems to follow Sam, and she finds herself in the cross hairs of a murder investigation. With zero credibility among the police, due to an incident some years before, she turns to her old BFF, who is an investigative reporter. When she gets to Vivi's apartment she is stunned to see Zach, who she hasn't seen in over 3 years after he walked away without a glance, crushing her in his wake. She is forced to lean on both Vivi and Zach for help, all the while her emotions are out of control, and soon she is too, unsure if she dares to take a chance on Zach again. Zach has his own issues and you understand where Sam is coming from, but you still hope that they end up together.
Soon the bad guys ramp up their actions, coming after Sam and all that she holds dear and all you can do is hold on to your seat. Vivi is desperate to flesh our her dream for the Guardian Angelinos, enlists all the family members to help out, some are more willing than others, but soon they all get into the action. Each one leans towards their strengths. During the investigation there are all sorts of twists and turns, and it is hard to know who is the bad guy and how is the good guy.
But the heart of the story is the family and seeing them pull together. I have a feeling that in future books this family dynamic is going to expand and we will have a great time!
September 21, 2014
Totally loved this book. Before I get into how get the book was and I loved Zack and Sam. Let me take a moment to say I LOVE UNCLE NINO!!!!! Everyone should have an Uncle Nino. I don't but I want one! Love him!!!! ok ok ...
So Sam witnesses a murder while working at a restaurant. She is the only true witness and so of course the hit man is after her. Because of something that she did when she was 16 the police are not offering her protection ( which is such crap), so she goes to good friend Vivi. But Vivi isn't there but her twin brother Zack is. They have a history together. Three years before he left her broken hearted . Zack left for Afghanistan he never wrote a letter, or a phone call or even a post card. That damn post card she mentioned a lot. lol Gezz he never let her know when he came back to visit. Now he has been back for a year and still no word until now. Poor girl.
Zack has a lot going on , and as mean as he was to her my heart went out to time time and again. He is so angry and hurting in so many ways. Made me want to just hug him. Sam would reach out and embrace him, touch his face and tell she doesn't care about the scars none of it. Even when he hurts she by recoiling from her or says something nasty to push her away. I loved her for that. Sweet Uncle Nino was the same way.
Man there was so much going on with the whole who done and and why . I was totally floored by the end. Saying huh?? Really holy crap! It was intense and so good!!! I really loved the writing style as well. And cant wait to read the next one.
So Sam witnesses a murder while working at a restaurant. She is the only true witness and so of course the hit man is after her. Because of something that she did when she was 16 the police are not offering her protection ( which is such crap), so she goes to good friend Vivi. But Vivi isn't there but her twin brother Zack is. They have a history together. Three years before he left her broken hearted . Zack left for Afghanistan he never wrote a letter, or a phone call or even a post card. That damn post card she mentioned a lot. lol Gezz he never let her know when he came back to visit. Now he has been back for a year and still no word until now. Poor girl.
Zack has a lot going on , and as mean as he was to her my heart went out to time time and again. He is so angry and hurting in so many ways. Made me want to just hug him. Sam would reach out and embrace him, touch his face and tell she doesn't care about the scars none of it. Even when he hurts she by recoiling from her or says something nasty to push her away. I loved her for that. Sweet Uncle Nino was the same way.
Man there was so much going on with the whole who done and and why . I was totally floored by the end. Saying huh?? Really holy crap! It was intense and so good!!! I really loved the writing style as well. And cant wait to read the next one.
May 5, 2017
2.75 stars
December 5, 2010
Amy and Tracy are chatting about Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Clarie today.
Amy: So, Tracy. I read the first two chapters of Edge of Sight before knowing about the prequel (available for free at Roxanne St. Claire’s website). Then found out about it and read it. I recommend that everyone read it before starting Edge, don’t you? The prequel gave a lot of information as to the individuality of the characters and how their relationship began.
Tracy: I completely agree and appreciate you telling me about the prequel before I started. The novella gives a great introduction to Sam and Zach’s initial short, but passionate relationship. It was interesting to see how they both changed as individuals while they were separated for three years. I liked that Sam was a smart woman who didn’t play the helpless damsel in distress, but sought help and put her safety above her reluctance to be close to Zach again.
Amy: Yes, and while her feelings were still intense for Zach, she was cautious and did not immediately act on them even though she was dying to jump his bones!
Tracy: Well Zach did have that ex-military, protective alpha male thing going on, so I’d probably want to jump him too. I also liked that Sam was cautious. However, it felt like their relationship turned on a dime. One minute they were uncertain of one another and the next Zach bares his soul, all is forgiven and clothes hit the floor.
Amy: And once the clothes hit the floor, there were no inhibitions from either one. They were definitely hungry……….for each other!
Tracy: Yes, the passion was definitely there. Roxanne St. Claire also added a good dose of suspense. The journey to find who was after Sam kept me engaged throughout the book. And I don’t know about you, but I was surprised by the identity of the killer.
Amy: Totally surprised! Not knowing who she/he was kept the suspense on the front burner of the story. I also liked that Zach teamed up with his former military cousins to execute some clever strategies to identify the murderer and protect Sam.
Tracy: I always love stories that show a family banding together to support one another. This was particularly true in Edge of Sight as you saw siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles pitching in their expertise to help keep Sam safe.
Amy: Yes, and an Italian family to beat! I’m talking manicotti and ziti galore! And homemade vino made by Uncle Nino!!
This was my first read of Roxanne St. Claire, however her writing style has definitely “hooked” me and I am excited to continue this series. Ms. Claire defines a well rounded set of characters with an exceptional whodunit plot combined with steaming hot love scenes. I mean, the “self-pleasuring” scene alone had me drooling for more!
Tracy: Ditto on all counts!! I definitely fanned myself a few times reading.
I’d wanted to read some of her work, but was hesitant to start the Bullet Catcher series which already has 10 books. And while Bullet Catchers was mentioned, it didn’t play a significant role in the current series. However, after getting a taste for Ms. St. Claire’s writing, I’m sure I’ll work the Bullet Catchers into my to-read shelf along with the upcoming Guardian Angelinos books.
Favorite Quote:
Amy:
“I won’t lie and tell you I knew I loved you when I got on that plane to Kuwait.” Her eyes, even lit by the candles, showed he’d mad a direct hit. “But I think I did by the time I landed.” She lifted her fork, then set it down again. “That must have been some flight.”
Tracy:
“He tried to speak but nothing came out of his mouth, and his throat was so tight, he knew all he was good for was a sob. He pulled her up to him so they were kneeling face-to-face and this time he took her face in his hands and kissed her. He kissed her as gently as he could, trying to use his mouth against hers to say all the words she deserved to hear. Appreciation. Adoration. Affection. Love.”
Amy: So, Tracy. I read the first two chapters of Edge of Sight before knowing about the prequel (available for free at Roxanne St. Claire’s website). Then found out about it and read it. I recommend that everyone read it before starting Edge, don’t you? The prequel gave a lot of information as to the individuality of the characters and how their relationship began.
Tracy: I completely agree and appreciate you telling me about the prequel before I started. The novella gives a great introduction to Sam and Zach’s initial short, but passionate relationship. It was interesting to see how they both changed as individuals while they were separated for three years. I liked that Sam was a smart woman who didn’t play the helpless damsel in distress, but sought help and put her safety above her reluctance to be close to Zach again.
Amy: Yes, and while her feelings were still intense for Zach, she was cautious and did not immediately act on them even though she was dying to jump his bones!
Tracy: Well Zach did have that ex-military, protective alpha male thing going on, so I’d probably want to jump him too. I also liked that Sam was cautious. However, it felt like their relationship turned on a dime. One minute they were uncertain of one another and the next Zach bares his soul, all is forgiven and clothes hit the floor.
Amy: And once the clothes hit the floor, there were no inhibitions from either one. They were definitely hungry……….for each other!
Tracy: Yes, the passion was definitely there. Roxanne St. Claire also added a good dose of suspense. The journey to find who was after Sam kept me engaged throughout the book. And I don’t know about you, but I was surprised by the identity of the killer.
Amy: Totally surprised! Not knowing who she/he was kept the suspense on the front burner of the story. I also liked that Zach teamed up with his former military cousins to execute some clever strategies to identify the murderer and protect Sam.
Tracy: I always love stories that show a family banding together to support one another. This was particularly true in Edge of Sight as you saw siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles pitching in their expertise to help keep Sam safe.
Amy: Yes, and an Italian family to beat! I’m talking manicotti and ziti galore! And homemade vino made by Uncle Nino!!
This was my first read of Roxanne St. Claire, however her writing style has definitely “hooked” me and I am excited to continue this series. Ms. Claire defines a well rounded set of characters with an exceptional whodunit plot combined with steaming hot love scenes. I mean, the “self-pleasuring” scene alone had me drooling for more!
Tracy: Ditto on all counts!! I definitely fanned myself a few times reading.
I’d wanted to read some of her work, but was hesitant to start the Bullet Catcher series which already has 10 books. And while Bullet Catchers was mentioned, it didn’t play a significant role in the current series. However, after getting a taste for Ms. St. Claire’s writing, I’m sure I’ll work the Bullet Catchers into my to-read shelf along with the upcoming Guardian Angelinos books.
Favorite Quote:
Amy:
“I won’t lie and tell you I knew I loved you when I got on that plane to Kuwait.” Her eyes, even lit by the candles, showed he’d mad a direct hit. “But I think I did by the time I landed.” She lifted her fork, then set it down again. “That must have been some flight.”
Tracy:
“He tried to speak but nothing came out of his mouth, and his throat was so tight, he knew all he was good for was a sob. He pulled her up to him so they were kneeling face-to-face and this time he took her face in his hands and kissed her. He kissed her as gently as he could, trying to use his mouth against hers to say all the words she deserved to hear. Appreciation. Adoration. Affection. Love.”
May 4, 2017
THE EDGE OF SIGHT is one of my favorite books by Roxanne St. Claire. It's the first in her Guardian Angelino's series, but Zach and Samantha's story really starts in the prequel, "Taken to the Edge".
This one starts with Samantha witnessing a murder making herself the target of a professional hitman. She must go into hiding if she wants to keep herself alive. She turns to her old friend Vivi Angelino for help which also puts Zach back in her life. The man who broke her heart when he went back to the Middle East and never contacted her again after their three week whirlwind affair.
There are twists, turns, danger, intrigue and... a second chance at love. This is a spinoff of the Bullet Catcher's series, featuring the Rossi family who are related to Vivi and Zach Angelino. Great story. Fully developed characters, very well written plot line and a promise of more cases to be solved! I listened to the audible version the second time I "read" this book and was pleased with the quality of the narration. 4.5 stars
This one starts with Samantha witnessing a murder making herself the target of a professional hitman. She must go into hiding if she wants to keep herself alive. She turns to her old friend Vivi Angelino for help which also puts Zach back in her life. The man who broke her heart when he went back to the Middle East and never contacted her again after their three week whirlwind affair.
There are twists, turns, danger, intrigue and... a second chance at love. This is a spinoff of the Bullet Catcher's series, featuring the Rossi family who are related to Vivi and Zach Angelino. Great story. Fully developed characters, very well written plot line and a promise of more cases to be solved! I listened to the audible version the second time I "read" this book and was pleased with the quality of the narration. 4.5 stars
August 1, 2012
Good story! Nice quick read. This is the first book I've read by Roxanne St. Claire, and I really enjoyed her writing and story telling.
Look forward to reading Marc & Devyns story.
Look forward to reading Marc & Devyns story.
December 28, 2010
Nice spinoff from "The Bullet Catcher" series by this author! Set in Boston, 2010 and focused on all new characters with subtle mention of Lucy from the other series.
Enjoyed following the main characters, Zaccaria Angelino "Zach" and Samantha Fairchild "Sam/Sammie" as they were both good souls. Zach and Sam met three years prior and fell in lust fast. After a whirlwind three weeks together, Zach departed for a classified military assignment and never contacted Sam again. She was crushed. He was injured. When they reconnected things were understandably strained, but it all worked out in the end.
I enjoyed reading Zach's character develop and open up emotionally as the story progressed. I also enjoyed reading about the rest of "the family" and introduced to all the new characters for upcoming books in this series.
I have to agree that the series' name is kinda silly. That was a major peeve of Zachs as the business got started, and every time he said it, I agreed.
Nice plot, good twists, good characters, mild, and nicely written. :-)
4 1/2 stars.
Enjoyed following the main characters, Zaccaria Angelino "Zach" and Samantha Fairchild "Sam/Sammie" as they were both good souls. Zach and Sam met three years prior and fell in lust fast. After a whirlwind three weeks together, Zach departed for a classified military assignment and never contacted Sam again. She was crushed. He was injured. When they reconnected things were understandably strained, but it all worked out in the end.
I enjoyed reading Zach's character develop and open up emotionally as the story progressed. I also enjoyed reading about the rest of "the family" and introduced to all the new characters for upcoming books in this series.
I have to agree that the series' name is kinda silly. That was a major peeve of Zachs as the business got started, and every time he said it, I agreed.
Nice plot, good twists, good characters, mild, and nicely written. :-)
4 1/2 stars.
January 7, 2011
I have to say I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this! I read RS's first Bullet Catcher book and thought it was ok. I tried two others but lost interest fast. Her characters didn't really interest me and the story line's didn't pull me in either.
However I figured I'd give this new (silly-named) series a try. I read the prequal and liked it enough to buy the book.
Wow. Great romantic suspense, great family, great characters. As with most romantic suspense, you do need to be able to suspend belief and keep in mind that it's a work of fiction. But there were no plot devices that I dislike and the romance and story both flowed beautifully.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
Oh as I noted above, I thought the name for the series was silly. Well in the book it seems everyone agrees what a silly name Guardian Angelinos is. I loved that. I liked that fact that maybe Ms. St. Clair can laugh at herself a bit. IMO, that's an important characteristic to have in life. :)
However I figured I'd give this new (silly-named) series a try. I read the prequal and liked it enough to buy the book.
Wow. Great romantic suspense, great family, great characters. As with most romantic suspense, you do need to be able to suspend belief and keep in mind that it's a work of fiction. But there were no plot devices that I dislike and the romance and story both flowed beautifully.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
Oh as I noted above, I thought the name for the series was silly. Well in the book it seems everyone agrees what a silly name Guardian Angelinos is. I loved that. I liked that fact that maybe Ms. St. Clair can laugh at herself a bit. IMO, that's an important characteristic to have in life. :)
September 28, 2011
I won an ARC of "Edge of Sight" on Roxanne's Facebook page today. So excited! Love her books and became a fan from the first one "Tropical Getaway."
Super debut in St. Claire's first book in the new "Guardian Angelinos" series. Wonderful new characters in this closely knit Italian family. Great excitement and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. The first book will touch your heartstrings with its wonderful reunion romance. Book releases in October and I'll complete my review then. Another winner from Roxanne St. Claire!!
Super debut in St. Claire's first book in the new "Guardian Angelinos" series. Wonderful new characters in this closely knit Italian family. Great excitement and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. The first book will touch your heartstrings with its wonderful reunion romance. Book releases in October and I'll complete my review then. Another winner from Roxanne St. Claire!!
April 1, 2014
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK & REREAD; APRIL 1, 2014:
Narrator: Violet Grey
2.8 stars for story; 4 stars for narrator
The Story: What a disappointment this reread was! This second time around, I found the story and characters annoying and the suspense thread just wasn't suspenseful at all. I read the short, free prequel and like Jane Stewart, found it sensual, and a better read than the main story.
I gave this book 4 stars when I read it back in 2011 (see earlier review) and I struggle to give it 3 today.
Perhaps it's just the mood I'm in presently, but I find MCs that won't communicate, or choose to hang on to their hurts and peeves extremely tiresome. This was what Edge of Sight was for most part of the book. Up to chapter 7 Sam was still taking digs at Zach for not contacting her during the three years he disappeared, even though she was told, not just by the man himself, but by Vivi, his sister and Sam's best friend, that Zach was on a black ops-type mission, that it was classified, and he wasn't allowed outside contact. Instead of doing some very basic research (if a twenty-seven or eight year old is that clueless) about black ops missions, she opts for badgering the man to death.
I don't know how Zach lasted 6 chapters without killing Sam, no matter how fantastic the sex was in the prequel. I skipped as much of the parts after chapter 6 that was about Sam bitching at Zach and playing the hard-done-by damsel. By the time the audio ended, I couldn't care less if there won't be anymore of this series. What a waste of my Audible credit.
Looks like I'm going to have to go back to serial killers. Bummer:(
The Narrator: I've not heard any of Violet Grey's work but I liked her. Warm, mellow, expressive voice. Excellent pacing.
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REVIEW OF EBOOK; APRIL 26, 2011: 4 STARS
Note: I recommend reading the free prequel, Taken to the Edge before you start Edge of Sight.
Very good debut for St Claire's new series. I enjoyed Edge of Sight much more than most of the Bullet Catcher books. In this one, I found I was emotionally-invested in the romance . Whilst the Bullet Catchers appealed as a series - I'm a sucker for covert ops/private security heroes - somehow I felt distanced from the MC's romance and I never quite took to Lucy.
If Vivi is going to be the head of the Guardian Angelinos security agency, she makes for a much more appealing one and one whose own romance I look forward to reading in Face of Danger. She's a major secondary character here in EoS and I got to know her much more than Marc who happens to be the male lead in the 2nd installment, Shiver of Fear. I don't want my MCs upstaged by another character who's already going to have his own book but Marc figures so superficially in EoS that I never got to develop a desire to read his story. In fact, it's JP who intrigues me and I wish it was his book that's next.
But...I like the way this series opens that I definitely will be read Marc's story as soon as I take a break to read an MM romance. There's a wonderful balance of action and romance and we all know how hard that is to find! The only complaint I have about EoS is that St Claire does That Thing That I Hate - the couple having sex while on the run! Ugh. I'd have thought St Claire's experienced enough to know most of us RS fans find that unrealistic. In this case, Sammi also has an injured foot when she stepped on some piece of wood while they were on the run in the forest. When she pulled out the offender, "blood spurted out." Hey, whoa. Plus, they've just plunged into the cold waters of the river after being run off the road by one of the villains and they have to escape the sinking car. After all this, they could stop to have sex? I just wanted them to get to safety! I adore Zach and while I thought his fear of love was a tad overblown, at least once he made up his mind to keep Sammi, he didn't vacillate.
I'd totally forgotten about the prequel, Taken to the Edge, and had to stop and read the prequel first. I'd realized, as I was reading EoS, that I was being pulled out of the story by my questions about what was so wonderful about those 3 weeks of nothing but sex that made it so hard for Sam to let go of Zach, why didn't/couldn't she have accepted it as "just great sex". I needed to read Taken to the Edge to find out and as I did, I couldn't help thinking it ought to have been included in EoS as its Prologue.
The suspense thread was good enough and kept me intrigued as to how it all fit together since there wasn't just a single villain. As I said, a very good intro to her new series and yes, I'll be waiting for JP's book:)
Narrator: Violet Grey
2.8 stars for story; 4 stars for narrator
The Story: What a disappointment this reread was! This second time around, I found the story and characters annoying and the suspense thread just wasn't suspenseful at all. I read the short, free prequel and like Jane Stewart, found it sensual, and a better read than the main story.
I gave this book 4 stars when I read it back in 2011 (see earlier review) and I struggle to give it 3 today.
Perhaps it's just the mood I'm in presently, but I find MCs that won't communicate, or choose to hang on to their hurts and peeves extremely tiresome. This was what Edge of Sight was for most part of the book. Up to chapter 7 Sam was still taking digs at Zach for not contacting her during the three years he disappeared, even though she was told, not just by the man himself, but by Vivi, his sister and Sam's best friend, that Zach was on a black ops-type mission, that it was classified, and he wasn't allowed outside contact. Instead of doing some very basic research (if a twenty-seven or eight year old is that clueless) about black ops missions, she opts for badgering the man to death.
I don't know how Zach lasted 6 chapters without killing Sam, no matter how fantastic the sex was in the prequel. I skipped as much of the parts after chapter 6 that was about Sam bitching at Zach and playing the hard-done-by damsel. By the time the audio ended, I couldn't care less if there won't be anymore of this series. What a waste of my Audible credit.
Looks like I'm going to have to go back to serial killers. Bummer:(
The Narrator: I've not heard any of Violet Grey's work but I liked her. Warm, mellow, expressive voice. Excellent pacing.
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REVIEW OF EBOOK; APRIL 26, 2011: 4 STARS
Note: I recommend reading the free prequel, Taken to the Edge before you start Edge of Sight.
Very good debut for St Claire's new series. I enjoyed Edge of Sight much more than most of the Bullet Catcher books. In this one, I found I was emotionally-invested in the romance . Whilst the Bullet Catchers appealed as a series - I'm a sucker for covert ops/private security heroes - somehow I felt distanced from the MC's romance and I never quite took to Lucy.
If Vivi is going to be the head of the Guardian Angelinos security agency, she makes for a much more appealing one and one whose own romance I look forward to reading in Face of Danger. She's a major secondary character here in EoS and I got to know her much more than Marc who happens to be the male lead in the 2nd installment, Shiver of Fear. I don't want my MCs upstaged by another character who's already going to have his own book but Marc figures so superficially in EoS that I never got to develop a desire to read his story. In fact, it's JP who intrigues me and I wish it was his book that's next.
But...I like the way this series opens that I definitely will be read Marc's story as soon as I take a break to read an MM romance. There's a wonderful balance of action and romance and we all know how hard that is to find! The only complaint I have about EoS is that St Claire does That Thing That I Hate - the couple having sex while on the run! Ugh. I'd have thought St Claire's experienced enough to know most of us RS fans find that unrealistic. In this case, Sammi also has an injured foot when she stepped on some piece of wood while they were on the run in the forest. When she pulled out the offender, "blood spurted out." Hey, whoa. Plus, they've just plunged into the cold waters of the river after being run off the road by one of the villains and they have to escape the sinking car. After all this, they could stop to have sex? I just wanted them to get to safety! I adore Zach and while I thought his fear of love was a tad overblown, at least once he made up his mind to keep Sammi, he didn't vacillate.
I'd totally forgotten about the prequel, Taken to the Edge, and had to stop and read the prequel first. I'd realized, as I was reading EoS, that I was being pulled out of the story by my questions about what was so wonderful about those 3 weeks of nothing but sex that made it so hard for Sam to let go of Zach, why didn't/couldn't she have accepted it as "just great sex". I needed to read Taken to the Edge to find out and as I did, I couldn't help thinking it ought to have been included in EoS as its Prologue.
The suspense thread was good enough and kept me intrigued as to how it all fit together since there wasn't just a single villain. As I said, a very good intro to her new series and yes, I'll be waiting for JP's book:)
August 29, 2014
**Update - May 17 2012** On sale now for $2.99 (Kindle link)
When Samantha Fairchild witnessed a murder as a young girl it changed her life. Now bound for law school at Harvard history repeats itself and Samantha can’t believe it when she sees yet another person killed – with her as the only witness. To make matters worse apparently the killer knows she saw him, and she’s just become his next target.
Desperate for help that the police won’t provide Sam turns to her old friend Vivi Angelino, an investigative reporter, hoping she can get some information and stop cowering in her apartment. But when Vivi recruits her brother, Zach, for protection duty, Samantha isn’t sure what’s worse. The danger to her life, or the danger to her heart because she and Zach share an intense history full of heat and ending in heartbreak.
Zach is a Special Forces vet, scarred and struggling to find his footing out of the military. After disappearing from Sam’s life when he left for war, he never thought to be back in it. But now that circumstances have pushed them together again, Zach’s realized that the one thing he can’t stand is losing her again. Now Sam and Zach have to face the painful past, and the dangerous present in order to have a chance of a future together…
It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a new romantic suspense novel, and I thought I was burned out on them. I’m glad to say that Roxanne St. Claire proved me wrong. Edge of Sight delivers an action-packed, emotion-filled, hot, reunion romance.
Zach is a truly tortured hero, with scars not only on the inside, but that are visible to the world too. Then there’s the PTSD and survivor’s guilt that he’s living with day in and day out. Floundering, he’s not sure what to do, not sure where to go from here. The one thing he is sure of is that he doesn’t deserve happiness. Or love. Especially not the kind of love Sam offered to him before he left her three years prior.
Sam’s life took a hard left turn, and then a few more, after Zach left. She’s grown and is determined to help those that are left without recourse. But due to one significant mistake she has trouble trusting her instincts. So when things start to heat up again between her and Zach, she’s doesn’t know what to think. Is it just the close proximity that him protecting her is engendering this renewal of emotions? Or is it something more? And how can she ever be sure?
I really loved watching Zach and Sam work towards each other. They both have issues, they both aren’t sure all the time. They question. And then they talk. Which is one of the things I love most about this book. The hero and heroine don’t let themselves, or each other, stew in what could potentially turn into a Big Misunderstanding. No, they take a moment to actually discuss what’s going on with each of them, keeping the lines of communication not only open, but flowing.
The suspense part of Edge of Sight has a lot to do with Vivi wanting to start up her own private investigative and protection agency. She’s trying to talk a lot of her, rather large, family into joining her in this venture. And Samantha’s their first client. The plot moves at a quick pace, never dragging, instead it’s pulling you along down the paths the characters travel as they try to unravel the truth.
This is obviously the first of, probably, a long series. There are already a lot of extra characters that will need their own stories, and I’m sure that they will only continue to come. But the nice thing here is that even though I knew this, it never felt like sequel-bait. The family is an important part to the series and they’re all really well fleshed out so that I simply want to see more of them.
Edge of Sight is a smart, exciting, edge-of-your-seat, sincere love story that will have you rooting for Zach and Sam. And eager to see what Vivi will find for the Guardian Angelinos next.
Won through the firstreads program
When Samantha Fairchild witnessed a murder as a young girl it changed her life. Now bound for law school at Harvard history repeats itself and Samantha can’t believe it when she sees yet another person killed – with her as the only witness. To make matters worse apparently the killer knows she saw him, and she’s just become his next target.
Desperate for help that the police won’t provide Sam turns to her old friend Vivi Angelino, an investigative reporter, hoping she can get some information and stop cowering in her apartment. But when Vivi recruits her brother, Zach, for protection duty, Samantha isn’t sure what’s worse. The danger to her life, or the danger to her heart because she and Zach share an intense history full of heat and ending in heartbreak.
Zach is a Special Forces vet, scarred and struggling to find his footing out of the military. After disappearing from Sam’s life when he left for war, he never thought to be back in it. But now that circumstances have pushed them together again, Zach’s realized that the one thing he can’t stand is losing her again. Now Sam and Zach have to face the painful past, and the dangerous present in order to have a chance of a future together…
It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a new romantic suspense novel, and I thought I was burned out on them. I’m glad to say that Roxanne St. Claire proved me wrong. Edge of Sight delivers an action-packed, emotion-filled, hot, reunion romance.
Zach is a truly tortured hero, with scars not only on the inside, but that are visible to the world too. Then there’s the PTSD and survivor’s guilt that he’s living with day in and day out. Floundering, he’s not sure what to do, not sure where to go from here. The one thing he is sure of is that he doesn’t deserve happiness. Or love. Especially not the kind of love Sam offered to him before he left her three years prior.
Sam’s life took a hard left turn, and then a few more, after Zach left. She’s grown and is determined to help those that are left without recourse. But due to one significant mistake she has trouble trusting her instincts. So when things start to heat up again between her and Zach, she’s doesn’t know what to think. Is it just the close proximity that him protecting her is engendering this renewal of emotions? Or is it something more? And how can she ever be sure?
I really loved watching Zach and Sam work towards each other. They both have issues, they both aren’t sure all the time. They question. And then they talk. Which is one of the things I love most about this book. The hero and heroine don’t let themselves, or each other, stew in what could potentially turn into a Big Misunderstanding. No, they take a moment to actually discuss what’s going on with each of them, keeping the lines of communication not only open, but flowing.
The suspense part of Edge of Sight has a lot to do with Vivi wanting to start up her own private investigative and protection agency. She’s trying to talk a lot of her, rather large, family into joining her in this venture. And Samantha’s their first client. The plot moves at a quick pace, never dragging, instead it’s pulling you along down the paths the characters travel as they try to unravel the truth.
This is obviously the first of, probably, a long series. There are already a lot of extra characters that will need their own stories, and I’m sure that they will only continue to come. But the nice thing here is that even though I knew this, it never felt like sequel-bait. The family is an important part to the series and they’re all really well fleshed out so that I simply want to see more of them.
Edge of Sight is a smart, exciting, edge-of-your-seat, sincere love story that will have you rooting for Zach and Sam. And eager to see what Vivi will find for the Guardian Angelinos next.
Won through the firstreads program
December 9, 2010
Originally featured at Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Amy and I had a little chat about Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Clarie.
Amy: So, Tracy. I read the first two chapters of Edge of Sight before knowing about the prequel (available for free at Roxanne St. Claire’s website). Then found out about it and read it. I recommend that everyone read it before starting Edge, don’t you? The prequel gave a lot of information as to the individuality of the characters and how their relationship began.
Tracy: I completely agree and appreciate you telling me about the prequel before I started. The novella gives a great introduction to Sam and Zach’s initial short, but passionate relationship. It was interesting to see how they both changed as individuals while they were separated for three years. I liked that Sam was a smart woman who didn’t play the helpless damsel in distress, but sought help and put her safety above her reluctance to be close to Zach again.
Amy: Yes, and while her feelings were still intense for Zach, she was cautious and did not immediately act on them even though she was dying to jump his bones!
Tracy: Well Zach did have that ex-military, protective alpha male thing going on, so I’d probably want to jump him too. I also liked that Sam was cautious. However, it felt like their relationship turned on a dime. One minute they were uncertain of one another and the next Zach bares his soul, all is forgiven and clothes hit the floor.
Amy: And once the clothes hit the floor, there were no inhibitions from either one. They were definitely hungry……….for each other!
Tracy: Yes, the passion was definitely there. Roxanne St. Claire also added a good dose of suspense. The journey to find who was after Sam kept me engaged throughout the book. And I don’t know about you, but I was surprised by the identity of the killer.
Amy: Totally surprised! Not knowing who she/he was kept the suspense on the front burner of the story. I also liked that Zach teamed up with his former military cousins to execute some clever strategies to identify the murderer and protect Sam.
Tracy: I always love stories that show a family banding together to support one another. This was particularly true in Edge of Sight as you saw siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles pitching in their expertise to help keep Sam safe.
Amy: Yes, and an Italian family to beat! I’m talking manicotti and ziti galore! And homemade vino made by Uncle Nino!!
This was my first read of Roxanne St. Claire, however her writing style has definitely “hooked” me and I am excited to continue this series. Ms. Claire defines a well rounded set of characters with an exceptional whodunit plot combined with steaming hot love scenes. I mean, the “self-pleasuring” scene alone had me drooling for more!
Tracy: Ditto on all counts!! I definitely fanned myself a few times reading.
I’d wanted to read some of her work, but was hesitant to start the Bullet Catcher series which already has 10 books. And while Bullet Catchers was mentioned, it didn’t play a significant role in the current series. However, after getting a taste for Ms. St. Claire’s writing, I’m sure I’ll work the Bullet Catchers into my to-read shelf along with the upcoming Guardian Angelinos books.
Favorite Quote:
Amy:
“I won’t lie and tell you I knew I loved you when I got on that plane to Kuwait.” Her eyes, even lit by the candles, showed he’d mad a direct hit. “But I think I did by the time I landed.” She lifted her fork, then set it down again. “That must have been some flight.”
Tracy:
“He tried to speak but nothing came out of his mouth, and his throat was so tight, he knew all he was good for was a sob. He pulled her up to him so they were kneeling face-to-face and this time he took her face in his hands and kissed her. He kissed her as gently as he could, trying to use his mouth against hers to say all the words she deserved to hear. Appreciation. Adoration. Affection. Love.”
Amy and I had a little chat about Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Clarie.
Amy: So, Tracy. I read the first two chapters of Edge of Sight before knowing about the prequel (available for free at Roxanne St. Claire’s website). Then found out about it and read it. I recommend that everyone read it before starting Edge, don’t you? The prequel gave a lot of information as to the individuality of the characters and how their relationship began.
Tracy: I completely agree and appreciate you telling me about the prequel before I started. The novella gives a great introduction to Sam and Zach’s initial short, but passionate relationship. It was interesting to see how they both changed as individuals while they were separated for three years. I liked that Sam was a smart woman who didn’t play the helpless damsel in distress, but sought help and put her safety above her reluctance to be close to Zach again.
Amy: Yes, and while her feelings were still intense for Zach, she was cautious and did not immediately act on them even though she was dying to jump his bones!
Tracy: Well Zach did have that ex-military, protective alpha male thing going on, so I’d probably want to jump him too. I also liked that Sam was cautious. However, it felt like their relationship turned on a dime. One minute they were uncertain of one another and the next Zach bares his soul, all is forgiven and clothes hit the floor.
Amy: And once the clothes hit the floor, there were no inhibitions from either one. They were definitely hungry……….for each other!
Tracy: Yes, the passion was definitely there. Roxanne St. Claire also added a good dose of suspense. The journey to find who was after Sam kept me engaged throughout the book. And I don’t know about you, but I was surprised by the identity of the killer.
Amy: Totally surprised! Not knowing who she/he was kept the suspense on the front burner of the story. I also liked that Zach teamed up with his former military cousins to execute some clever strategies to identify the murderer and protect Sam.
Tracy: I always love stories that show a family banding together to support one another. This was particularly true in Edge of Sight as you saw siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles pitching in their expertise to help keep Sam safe.
Amy: Yes, and an Italian family to beat! I’m talking manicotti and ziti galore! And homemade vino made by Uncle Nino!!
This was my first read of Roxanne St. Claire, however her writing style has definitely “hooked” me and I am excited to continue this series. Ms. Claire defines a well rounded set of characters with an exceptional whodunit plot combined with steaming hot love scenes. I mean, the “self-pleasuring” scene alone had me drooling for more!
Tracy: Ditto on all counts!! I definitely fanned myself a few times reading.
I’d wanted to read some of her work, but was hesitant to start the Bullet Catcher series which already has 10 books. And while Bullet Catchers was mentioned, it didn’t play a significant role in the current series. However, after getting a taste for Ms. St. Claire’s writing, I’m sure I’ll work the Bullet Catchers into my to-read shelf along with the upcoming Guardian Angelinos books.
Favorite Quote:
Amy:
“I won’t lie and tell you I knew I loved you when I got on that plane to Kuwait.” Her eyes, even lit by the candles, showed he’d mad a direct hit. “But I think I did by the time I landed.” She lifted her fork, then set it down again. “That must have been some flight.”
Tracy:
“He tried to speak but nothing came out of his mouth, and his throat was so tight, he knew all he was good for was a sob. He pulled her up to him so they were kneeling face-to-face and this time he took her face in his hands and kissed her. He kissed her as gently as he could, trying to use his mouth against hers to say all the words she deserved to hear. Appreciation. Adoration. Affection. Love.”
November 2, 2010
I don’t know if Roxanne St. Clarie plans on writing any more books in her Bullet Catcher series (maybe they’re just on temporary hiatus), but her new series featuring the men/women of the Rossi/Angelino families are sure to entice, excite and get your heart pounding if Edge of Sight is any indication.
So au revoir Bullet Catchers and hello…Bring on the Guardian Angelinos.
It’s like a murder mystery dinner theatre gone bad at the upscale Boston restaurant Paupiette the night part-time waitress and future Harvard Law student Samantha Fairchild witnesses a murder for real. This game of Clue gone wrong…it was the assassin…in the wine cellar…with a gun… has a decidedly bad ending for Sam. Now she’s become the #1 target on more than one person’s hit list after it’s discovered that her image - smile you’re on Candid Camera - was caught on the security camera which the killer thoughtfully removed before leaving the scene of the crime.
Tired of being alone, afraid and holed up in her apartment, Sam decides to call in reinforcements and contacts her good friend and reporter Vivi Angelino for help. Showing up under the cover of night at Vivi’s apartment, Sam gets more than she bargained for when she has a run in with a blast from her past in the form of Vivi’s twin brother and the stuff wet dreams are made of...Zaccaria Angelino. Doesn’t that name conjure up a hot, spicy Italian dish? Yummy...I’ll take an Angelino to go!
Sam and Zach share a steamy past. Three non-stop hot, off the charts weeks of sex before Zach shipped out for active duty to Iraq (for the 411 on how this relationship began, check out the prequel, Taken to the Edge on Ms. St. Claire's website). It’s been three years and in all that time, Sam has never heard from the Zach, not even a measly postcard. It’s very obvious that what transpired between these two in the past is far, far from over.
Zach’s never forgotten the time he shared with his Sammi but he’s not the same guy she knew. He’s not only changed mentally, but physically. A close call with a mortar shell, almost cost him his life and did cost him an eye and left him with a disfiguring scar on his face. Dude’s even sporting a black eye patch a la Captain Jack Sparrow. The last thing Zach wants is to take on the job of Sam’s bodyguard, but deep down he knows there’s no one else he can trust with her protection and safety. And Sam’s going to need Zach on her side since the bad guys will stop at nothing including using friends and family to get at Samantha. Being around each other 24/7 and keeping their hands (and mouths) off each other is going to test even the strongest of wills.
St. Claire writes the Rossi/Angelino family members as real, likable (well except maybe JP) characters that we come to know and care about and have a vested interest in their well-being while giving us just enough information to wet our appetite for future books in the series. She has a lot of characters to draw from as the Rossi family consists of 5 siblings (Gabe, Marc, JP, Nicki and Chessie) and then of course the 2 honorary members of the family, adopted cousins - twins Zach and Vivi Angelino.
With twists and turns Edge of Sight is an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish. Chills galore, taunt, gut wrenching action and a compelling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page is turned.
What a fantastic beginning to what is sure to be a great new series from Roxanne St. Claire starring the men and woman of The Guardian Angelinos. Next up is Marc Rossi’s story in Shiver of Fear due out next year.
So au revoir Bullet Catchers and hello…Bring on the Guardian Angelinos.
It’s like a murder mystery dinner theatre gone bad at the upscale Boston restaurant Paupiette the night part-time waitress and future Harvard Law student Samantha Fairchild witnesses a murder for real. This game of Clue gone wrong…it was the assassin…in the wine cellar…with a gun… has a decidedly bad ending for Sam. Now she’s become the #1 target on more than one person’s hit list after it’s discovered that her image - smile you’re on Candid Camera - was caught on the security camera which the killer thoughtfully removed before leaving the scene of the crime.
Tired of being alone, afraid and holed up in her apartment, Sam decides to call in reinforcements and contacts her good friend and reporter Vivi Angelino for help. Showing up under the cover of night at Vivi’s apartment, Sam gets more than she bargained for when she has a run in with a blast from her past in the form of Vivi’s twin brother and the stuff wet dreams are made of...Zaccaria Angelino. Doesn’t that name conjure up a hot, spicy Italian dish? Yummy...I’ll take an Angelino to go!
Sam and Zach share a steamy past. Three non-stop hot, off the charts weeks of sex before Zach shipped out for active duty to Iraq (for the 411 on how this relationship began, check out the prequel, Taken to the Edge on Ms. St. Claire's website). It’s been three years and in all that time, Sam has never heard from the Zach, not even a measly postcard. It’s very obvious that what transpired between these two in the past is far, far from over.
Zach’s never forgotten the time he shared with his Sammi but he’s not the same guy she knew. He’s not only changed mentally, but physically. A close call with a mortar shell, almost cost him his life and did cost him an eye and left him with a disfiguring scar on his face. Dude’s even sporting a black eye patch a la Captain Jack Sparrow. The last thing Zach wants is to take on the job of Sam’s bodyguard, but deep down he knows there’s no one else he can trust with her protection and safety. And Sam’s going to need Zach on her side since the bad guys will stop at nothing including using friends and family to get at Samantha. Being around each other 24/7 and keeping their hands (and mouths) off each other is going to test even the strongest of wills.
St. Claire writes the Rossi/Angelino family members as real, likable (well except maybe JP) characters that we come to know and care about and have a vested interest in their well-being while giving us just enough information to wet our appetite for future books in the series. She has a lot of characters to draw from as the Rossi family consists of 5 siblings (Gabe, Marc, JP, Nicki and Chessie) and then of course the 2 honorary members of the family, adopted cousins - twins Zach and Vivi Angelino.
With twists and turns Edge of Sight is an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish. Chills galore, taunt, gut wrenching action and a compelling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page is turned.
What a fantastic beginning to what is sure to be a great new series from Roxanne St. Claire starring the men and woman of The Guardian Angelinos. Next up is Marc Rossi’s story in Shiver of Fear due out next year.
October 5, 2012
Narrated by Violet Gray
Originally published at Audiogals:
http://audiogals.net/2012/10/edge-of-...
Story: C+
Narration: B+
In this first installment of St. Clair’s new series, the reader witnesses the birth of the Guardian Angelinos security firm. As with many first-in-series books, it feels top heavy with characters who will no doubt show up in subsequent books. The writing was serviceable but not great, with too much pondering by both main characters, and too much rehashing of past events. While the first half of the book dragged, the second half was much more interesting. The story’s slow beginning wasn’t helped by Violet Gray’s moderately-paced reading, but her narration worked well in the action-packed second half.
The story begins as Samantha witnesses a murder in the wine cellar of the restaurant where she’s a waitress. The killer doesn’t see her, but he takes the tape from the security camera. Sam realizes her face is on that video camera and is scared. The police aren’t interested in protecting her due to an old case where Sam made the department look bad. When she seeks out her old friend Vivi Angelino, she instead runs into Zach, Vivi’s brother and Sam’s former lover. Zach never contacted her after he went to Iraq, and Sam is still trying to get over the hurt and anger of his abandonment. Now, Zach is determined to protect Sam while still trying to keep her at arm’s length.
Samantha’s character is too wishy-washy for my tastes. Due to sending an innocent man to prison with her eyewitness account years earlier, Sam is unable to trust her judgement. But while her fear of big decisions fits the story, her reluctance to trust any of her own decisions is less believable. In every other way Sam feels a little too perfect. Even so, I appreciate that Sam doesn’t act “too stupid to live” when she does choose a course of action.
Zach comes across as a jerk for leaving Sam hanging the way he did. St. Clair fails to make a case for Zach decisions not to contact Sam after he left. And his “I’m not good enough for her” reaction now that he’s home from war feels overly dramatic. Zach also refuses to accept his adopted family’s love, making him appear even more obstinate and ungrateful. Zach redeems himself somewhat as the book progresses and he is forced to look at things from other perspectives besides his own. Gray manages to get across Zach’s conflicted feelings in the tone of her voice without sounding like a female reading a male part. Some readers may enjoy Zach’s tortured hero persona, but I found both Zach and Sam a little too self-absorbed for my tastes.
Violet Gray is a new-to-me narrator. I’m pleased to say her narration style is quite enjoyable, with solid male voices and good NY accents. There were a few minor problems, such as Zach’s cousin Mark’s voice, which is too slow and measured even during action scenes. But Ms. Gray’s strengths were also evident. The main characters in Edge of Sight spend a lot of time thinking as well as speaking, and Ms. Gray is able to keep that distinction clear for the listeners by changing the tone of her voice without actually changing the volume. I’ll be looking for more books narrated by Violet Gray.
Originally published at Audiogals:
http://audiogals.net/2012/10/edge-of-...
Story: C+
Narration: B+
In this first installment of St. Clair’s new series, the reader witnesses the birth of the Guardian Angelinos security firm. As with many first-in-series books, it feels top heavy with characters who will no doubt show up in subsequent books. The writing was serviceable but not great, with too much pondering by both main characters, and too much rehashing of past events. While the first half of the book dragged, the second half was much more interesting. The story’s slow beginning wasn’t helped by Violet Gray’s moderately-paced reading, but her narration worked well in the action-packed second half.
The story begins as Samantha witnesses a murder in the wine cellar of the restaurant where she’s a waitress. The killer doesn’t see her, but he takes the tape from the security camera. Sam realizes her face is on that video camera and is scared. The police aren’t interested in protecting her due to an old case where Sam made the department look bad. When she seeks out her old friend Vivi Angelino, she instead runs into Zach, Vivi’s brother and Sam’s former lover. Zach never contacted her after he went to Iraq, and Sam is still trying to get over the hurt and anger of his abandonment. Now, Zach is determined to protect Sam while still trying to keep her at arm’s length.
Samantha’s character is too wishy-washy for my tastes. Due to sending an innocent man to prison with her eyewitness account years earlier, Sam is unable to trust her judgement. But while her fear of big decisions fits the story, her reluctance to trust any of her own decisions is less believable. In every other way Sam feels a little too perfect. Even so, I appreciate that Sam doesn’t act “too stupid to live” when she does choose a course of action.
Zach comes across as a jerk for leaving Sam hanging the way he did. St. Clair fails to make a case for Zach decisions not to contact Sam after he left. And his “I’m not good enough for her” reaction now that he’s home from war feels overly dramatic. Zach also refuses to accept his adopted family’s love, making him appear even more obstinate and ungrateful. Zach redeems himself somewhat as the book progresses and he is forced to look at things from other perspectives besides his own. Gray manages to get across Zach’s conflicted feelings in the tone of her voice without sounding like a female reading a male part. Some readers may enjoy Zach’s tortured hero persona, but I found both Zach and Sam a little too self-absorbed for my tastes.
Violet Gray is a new-to-me narrator. I’m pleased to say her narration style is quite enjoyable, with solid male voices and good NY accents. There were a few minor problems, such as Zach’s cousin Mark’s voice, which is too slow and measured even during action scenes. But Ms. Gray’s strengths were also evident. The main characters in Edge of Sight spend a lot of time thinking as well as speaking, and Ms. Gray is able to keep that distinction clear for the listeners by changing the tone of her voice without actually changing the volume. I’ll be looking for more books narrated by Violet Gray.
January 27, 2011
When Samantha Fairchild witnesses a murder in the wine cellar of the restaurant where she works, the Harvard-bound law student becomes the next target of a professional assassin. Desperate for protection the authorities won't provide, Sam seeks help from Vivi Angelino, an investigative reporter who recruits her brother, Zach, to protect Samantha. A Special Forces vet with the scars to prove he's equally fearless and flawed, Zach takes the job, despite the fact that he and Sam once shared a lusty interlude that ended when he left for war and disappeared from her life. Now, as they crack a conspiracy that leads to Boston's darkest corners, Sam and Zach must face their fears, desires, and doubts, before a hired killer gets a second shot.
I decided to read Edge of Sight based on Tori at Smexy Books review of the book, which I liked and thought the book would appeal to me. Sadly although the beginning of the story was great I just couldn't get into the book the way I wanted to. The character's that appealed to me the most were Sam, Vivi and Vivi's extended family. However, I couldn't connect to Zack nor Zack and Sam together. I can't pinpoint my reasoning for this because the writing was good, the storyline was appealing and kept drawing you in to the rest of the book and the characters. Which is what I want as a reader, although I didn't enjoy the book as much as I wanted too or thought I would I was unable to put the book down because I needed to know how it ended.
Although I don't plan to read the rest of this series I do plan to try and read something else by Ms St. Claire some point this year as I did enjoy her writing and characters and I don't plan to let one book put me off a new to me author.
I do adore the cover for this book because from looking at the front of it you wouldn't know straight away what genre someone was reading. I also adore it because it really is something different from a semi naked guy on the front cover which after a while I do get slightly sick of. Also the scene/background behind the cover guy really adds an eerie mystery element which I quite like.
Edge of Sight is a sweet, interesting and different read. It's a nice set up to a new series about the Angelino family starting a new family business with romance, investigation and mystery elements involved.
I decided to read Edge of Sight based on Tori at Smexy Books review of the book, which I liked and thought the book would appeal to me. Sadly although the beginning of the story was great I just couldn't get into the book the way I wanted to. The character's that appealed to me the most were Sam, Vivi and Vivi's extended family. However, I couldn't connect to Zack nor Zack and Sam together. I can't pinpoint my reasoning for this because the writing was good, the storyline was appealing and kept drawing you in to the rest of the book and the characters. Which is what I want as a reader, although I didn't enjoy the book as much as I wanted too or thought I would I was unable to put the book down because I needed to know how it ended.
Although I don't plan to read the rest of this series I do plan to try and read something else by Ms St. Claire some point this year as I did enjoy her writing and characters and I don't plan to let one book put me off a new to me author.
I do adore the cover for this book because from looking at the front of it you wouldn't know straight away what genre someone was reading. I also adore it because it really is something different from a semi naked guy on the front cover which after a while I do get slightly sick of. Also the scene/background behind the cover guy really adds an eerie mystery element which I quite like.
Edge of Sight is a sweet, interesting and different read. It's a nice set up to a new series about the Angelino family starting a new family business with romance, investigation and mystery elements involved.
August 7, 2011
3 ½ stars. Above average for romantic suspense, but nothing special, surprising, or different from other romantic suspense.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
There were none of my pet peeves. Most of the plot was well developed. I enjoyed reading it. The ending is nicely done - feel good, sweet love, and wrapping everything up. All of this sounds good but I couldn’t say “I really liked it,” which is my definition for 4 stars, but it’s close. This author has written many romantic suspense novels. I feel like this was just the next one on her to do list, she finished it, and now she’s on to another.
The motivations of what was going on with various bad guys was vague. Some of it didn’t make sense. But I could live with it. Most of the story was about Sam, Zach, and the killer which worked well enough.
THE SERIES & PREQUEL:
This is the start of a new series called Guardian Angelinos. There is a free short story online (23 pages) which is the prequel called “Taken to the Edge.” The prequel is very good, very sensual. It’s where Sam (she) meets Zach at a party and they have an intense lustful nineteen days before he leaves for military duty. It’s fun. You don’t have to read the prequel before the book, but I liked the prequel better.
STORY BRIEF:
This book “Edge of Sight” starts three years later when Zach returns to the States, missing an eye and with scars on his face. He never contacted Sam after he left – partly because he didn’t feel good enough due to his injuries. Sam loved him and is hurt that he never contacted her. She quit her advertising job and is about to start law school. She is working as a waitress. She witnesses a murder in the wine cellar of the restaurant. Someone is now trying to kill her.
Zach is visiting his sister Vivi. Sam goes to Vivi’s home for help. When she sees Zach there she decides to leave. As she is leaving someone tries to kill her but Zach protects her. From then on Zach and Vivi are helping Sam.
DATA:
Story length: 376 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 5. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 9. Setting: current day Boston and elsewhere in Massachusetts. Copyright: 2010. Genre: romantic suspense.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
There were none of my pet peeves. Most of the plot was well developed. I enjoyed reading it. The ending is nicely done - feel good, sweet love, and wrapping everything up. All of this sounds good but I couldn’t say “I really liked it,” which is my definition for 4 stars, but it’s close. This author has written many romantic suspense novels. I feel like this was just the next one on her to do list, she finished it, and now she’s on to another.
The motivations of what was going on with various bad guys was vague. Some of it didn’t make sense. But I could live with it. Most of the story was about Sam, Zach, and the killer which worked well enough.
THE SERIES & PREQUEL:
This is the start of a new series called Guardian Angelinos. There is a free short story online (23 pages) which is the prequel called “Taken to the Edge.” The prequel is very good, very sensual. It’s where Sam (she) meets Zach at a party and they have an intense lustful nineteen days before he leaves for military duty. It’s fun. You don’t have to read the prequel before the book, but I liked the prequel better.
STORY BRIEF:
This book “Edge of Sight” starts three years later when Zach returns to the States, missing an eye and with scars on his face. He never contacted Sam after he left – partly because he didn’t feel good enough due to his injuries. Sam loved him and is hurt that he never contacted her. She quit her advertising job and is about to start law school. She is working as a waitress. She witnesses a murder in the wine cellar of the restaurant. Someone is now trying to kill her.
Zach is visiting his sister Vivi. Sam goes to Vivi’s home for help. When she sees Zach there she decides to leave. As she is leaving someone tries to kill her but Zach protects her. From then on Zach and Vivi are helping Sam.
DATA:
Story length: 376 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 5. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 9. Setting: current day Boston and elsewhere in Massachusetts. Copyright: 2010. Genre: romantic suspense.
May 14, 2011
Ms St. Claire is a consistant winner with me. I like the way she blends the suspense and romance in her novels. There is a prequel, a short story on Ms St Claire's website that introduces the hero and heroine and gives us a little insight into their relationship. I recommend reading it but its not necessary for the story.
In the 1st of the series Guardian Angelinos, Samantha Fairchild, the heroine, is working as a waitress but has aspirations of something greater. Harvard law school. Zach Angelino, the hero, is back from the horrors of war in Iraq, scarred and tortured. They shared a interlude three years prior and Samantha has not been able to forgive Zach for his desertion and lack of communication during that time. In many ways this is a story of letting go of the past and embracing the present. The creation of Guardian Angelinos takes place during this time and sets the stage for the coming additions to the series. But it doesn't take away from the swift and riveting pace of the story. I felt that the story was well developed along with the characters. I highly recommend to those fellow readers who love romantic suspense.
In the 1st of the series Guardian Angelinos, Samantha Fairchild, the heroine, is working as a waitress but has aspirations of something greater. Harvard law school. Zach Angelino, the hero, is back from the horrors of war in Iraq, scarred and tortured. They shared a interlude three years prior and Samantha has not been able to forgive Zach for his desertion and lack of communication during that time. In many ways this is a story of letting go of the past and embracing the present. The creation of Guardian Angelinos takes place during this time and sets the stage for the coming additions to the series. But it doesn't take away from the swift and riveting pace of the story. I felt that the story was well developed along with the characters. I highly recommend to those fellow readers who love romantic suspense.
March 30, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, even though it's not perfect.
The characters' mutual attraction and deeper feelings for each other was obvious from the beginning - and I didn't even read the prequel before. Considering the story short timeframe, I didn't feel like Sam held a grudge for too long over Zach's past disappearance. And Zach's behaviour was convincingly explained later on. The overall plot was good, with a gripping suspense that made it difficult to put the book back on the table at night to sleep. However there are a few things that were not really explained and which didn't seem perfectly consistent, regards some of the bad guys' behaviours and intents. Not a major snag though.
I also thought the opening of the series and the introduction of further characters, especially Vivi, lacked some subtlety.
The characters' mutual attraction and deeper feelings for each other was obvious from the beginning - and I didn't even read the prequel before. Considering the story short timeframe, I didn't feel like Sam held a grudge for too long over Zach's past disappearance. And Zach's behaviour was convincingly explained later on. The overall plot was good, with a gripping suspense that made it difficult to put the book back on the table at night to sleep. However there are a few things that were not really explained and which didn't seem perfectly consistent, regards some of the bad guys' behaviours and intents. Not a major snag though.
I also thought the opening of the series and the introduction of further characters, especially Vivi, lacked some subtlety.
April 8, 2011
Roxanne St. Claire writes my favorite kind of romantic suspense--heavy on the passion and snappy dialogue. EDGE OF SIGHT is one of her best, with high-stakes suspense and page-turning tension, as well as a hero to die for! The emotion blew me away, and made me super excited for the rest of the Guardian Angelinos books!
November 25, 2010
Awesome first book in a new series by Roxanne St.Claire. If you liked her Bullet catcher series you'll love this. Before reading this book read the short prequel on her website. Can't wait for the next one in the series this spring.
Read
March 21, 2019DNF somewhere around 40% mark.
I think I've actually tried to read this and have already DNF'ed it but I was still willing to give it another go. Unfortunately (well, actually...fortunately) I just scored a bunch of awesome books/ARCs and I'd rather read them instead of something that feels like a bit of a chore. I'd like to say I'll definitely come back for the third time and try harder to get through it...but yeah. Probably not.
April 14, 2019
I read the prequel to this story and loved it. However, the narrator killed EDGE OF SIGHT for me. I am not sure if the author is friends with the narrator or Violet Grey has a special relationship with the publisher because I do understand why she narrators more of Roxanne St. Clarie's books. The narrator's voice is just blah. Good luck!!!
November 22, 2010
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2010/11/rev...
Favorite Quote: “Us. Love. Forever. Sight. Wholeness. You.”
When Sam Fairchild witnesses the murder of a local celebrity, she becomes the target of a professional assassin. Not trusting the local authorities, she turns to her friend, investigative reporter Vivi Angelino. When Vivi recruits her brother Zach to help protect Samantha, the sparks fly. Zach, a Special Ops war vet, and Sam had a passionate 3 week affair that ended when Zach went to war and never contacted her again. As Zach and Sam are swept into a conspiracy that corrupts the entire city; they will have confront all that happened in the past in order to secure their future.
Edge Of Sight is an exciting fast paced romantic premier thriller that grabbed a hold of me and didn’t let go. This is my first time reading Roxanne St. Claire. Having heard so many wonderful things about her Bullet Catcher series, I decided to give her Angelino series a try.
The beginning starts out with a bang, when our heroine, Samantha Fairchild, witnesses a murder. When she discovers that the murderer has her picture she goes to the police. But the Boston PD doesn’t consider her a “reliable” witness due to a situation from Sam’s past. With no where to go and no one to help her, Sam turns to the only person she can trust-Vivi Angelino. A tough as nails investigative journalist; she and Sam had once been best friends till Vivi’s twin brother Zach came between them. When Vivi suggests Zach become Sam’s bodyguard; her and Zach both balk. Even though Sam hasn’t seen nor heard from Zach since he left her after an intense 3 week affair; once she sees him again it’s like the he never left. The feelings she thought were buried flares white hot and painful.
Zach Angelino never meant to see Sam again. After their affair and his subsequent injuries in Iraq, he felt it best to stay out of her life. But he has come home to recuperate at his sister Vivi’s apartment and can not resist being even a small part of Sam’s life once again
Sam and Zach, connected with me from their first scene together. Since their affair, they have each experienced devastation and heartbreak in their lives that has changed them physically and emotionally. Their reunion tightened my throat and hurt my heart-so much emotion packed into the words they spoke and didn’t speak to each other. Their scenes together build slowly-allowing us and them to see and understand what they have each gone through. I enjoyed their exchanges. They don’t fall immediately in to bed together. They each have their secrets and Ms. St. Claire uses the revealing of those secrets to help facilitate the storyline. Sam is a very likable heroine. She doesn’t “fall” apart easily and shows intelligence, strength, and courage in dealing with Zach and her life. She is cautious with Zach, as she should be. He hurt her very badly, plus, someone is trying to kill her.
Zach is an alpha hero who has been dealt a bad hand in life. Solitary by nature; when he is wounded in war he pushes everyone away in his efforts to deal. I had a problem with him in the beginning because I don’t due tortured heroes well. But as Ms. St. Claire draws out his background and cultivates his personality-you see a different side of him and understand why he is as he is.
Our secondary characters were a joy to meet. Vivi is a trip-very outgoing, smart, and scared of nothing. She charges in where angels fear to tread. Nobody stands a chance against her. Uncle Nino bring humor, love, and a strong sense of family to the story. I enjoyed getting to know the whole Angelino/Rossi family and look forward to seeing them in their own books.
The suspense of the story was a twisted thrilling ride with enough misdirection to keep me guessing till the very end. Ms. St. Claire does a fabulous job keeping the romance and suspense running side by side without sacrificing either. Towards the end they intertwine and race towards a climatic conclusion. I will definitely be returning to the Ms St Claire’s Guardian Angelinos series with her next in the series, Shiver Of Fear, which releases Marc 28, 2011.
Rating: B
Favorite Quote: “Us. Love. Forever. Sight. Wholeness. You.”
When Sam Fairchild witnesses the murder of a local celebrity, she becomes the target of a professional assassin. Not trusting the local authorities, she turns to her friend, investigative reporter Vivi Angelino. When Vivi recruits her brother Zach to help protect Samantha, the sparks fly. Zach, a Special Ops war vet, and Sam had a passionate 3 week affair that ended when Zach went to war and never contacted her again. As Zach and Sam are swept into a conspiracy that corrupts the entire city; they will have confront all that happened in the past in order to secure their future.
Edge Of Sight is an exciting fast paced romantic premier thriller that grabbed a hold of me and didn’t let go. This is my first time reading Roxanne St. Claire. Having heard so many wonderful things about her Bullet Catcher series, I decided to give her Angelino series a try.
The beginning starts out with a bang, when our heroine, Samantha Fairchild, witnesses a murder. When she discovers that the murderer has her picture she goes to the police. But the Boston PD doesn’t consider her a “reliable” witness due to a situation from Sam’s past. With no where to go and no one to help her, Sam turns to the only person she can trust-Vivi Angelino. A tough as nails investigative journalist; she and Sam had once been best friends till Vivi’s twin brother Zach came between them. When Vivi suggests Zach become Sam’s bodyguard; her and Zach both balk. Even though Sam hasn’t seen nor heard from Zach since he left her after an intense 3 week affair; once she sees him again it’s like the he never left. The feelings she thought were buried flares white hot and painful.
Zach Angelino never meant to see Sam again. After their affair and his subsequent injuries in Iraq, he felt it best to stay out of her life. But he has come home to recuperate at his sister Vivi’s apartment and can not resist being even a small part of Sam’s life once again
Sam and Zach, connected with me from their first scene together. Since their affair, they have each experienced devastation and heartbreak in their lives that has changed them physically and emotionally. Their reunion tightened my throat and hurt my heart-so much emotion packed into the words they spoke and didn’t speak to each other. Their scenes together build slowly-allowing us and them to see and understand what they have each gone through. I enjoyed their exchanges. They don’t fall immediately in to bed together. They each have their secrets and Ms. St. Claire uses the revealing of those secrets to help facilitate the storyline. Sam is a very likable heroine. She doesn’t “fall” apart easily and shows intelligence, strength, and courage in dealing with Zach and her life. She is cautious with Zach, as she should be. He hurt her very badly, plus, someone is trying to kill her.
Zach is an alpha hero who has been dealt a bad hand in life. Solitary by nature; when he is wounded in war he pushes everyone away in his efforts to deal. I had a problem with him in the beginning because I don’t due tortured heroes well. But as Ms. St. Claire draws out his background and cultivates his personality-you see a different side of him and understand why he is as he is.
Our secondary characters were a joy to meet. Vivi is a trip-very outgoing, smart, and scared of nothing. She charges in where angels fear to tread. Nobody stands a chance against her. Uncle Nino bring humor, love, and a strong sense of family to the story. I enjoyed getting to know the whole Angelino/Rossi family and look forward to seeing them in their own books.
The suspense of the story was a twisted thrilling ride with enough misdirection to keep me guessing till the very end. Ms. St. Claire does a fabulous job keeping the romance and suspense running side by side without sacrificing either. Towards the end they intertwine and race towards a climatic conclusion. I will definitely be returning to the Ms St Claire’s Guardian Angelinos series with her next in the series, Shiver Of Fear, which releases Marc 28, 2011.
Rating: B
November 1, 2010
An exciting, heart pumping start to a new series
Life is all about second chances and taking the lessons learned and figuring out how to make you better. Zach Angelino has had second, third and fourth chances during the many life altering changes in his life and has built a life around guarding his heart and keeping secrets. But Zach though war torn and a little more than beat up is now being given the chance of a lifetime to correct the mistake he made when he walked away from Samantha Fairchild for one of his secret military missions. He told himself he was doing the right thing when he left but seeing her in the flesh again he realizes it was the one fear he could not conquer that made him run, losing what you love.
But Sammi is not so sure she wants Zach in her life even though right now she really needs him more than ever. She was a witness to a murder and now the killer is after her to tie up all the loose ends and the Boston police have marked her as a bad witness due to prior mistakes. Sammi best friend and Zach’s twin sister Vivi has come up with a great idea to solve everyone’s problem, she wants to start a security firm similar to her cousins’ that does personal protection and investigation. Vivi decides their first case will be Sam and Zach can be the guard protecting her. No one likes the idea but quickly the entire extended family that Zach and Vivi grew up with are on board and Sam is overrun and outmaneuvered and getting way more protection than she asked for or wanted again in her life.
Zach tries to keep it professional but too soon he takes it personal and Sam has to decide if she is willing to run the risk of this hurt again. But before any major decisions can be achieved they have to find the person or persons trying to kill her, figure out who set all this mess into motion and stay alive which is getting more difficult by the minute.
Heartache and pain can take you down or make you grow and seeing how it not only made Sam and Zach grow as individuals is what a well written story is all about. Roxanne St. Claire has allot to live up to following her Bullet Chaser series but I believe this group of individuals that she has created in the new series will be up for the challenge. This particular story lays the ground work and does in with an amazing plot, twists and turns you don’t see coming and main characters you are rooting for. I am grateful that Ms. St. Claire found her muse with this group it is going to be a great run.
Life is all about second chances and taking the lessons learned and figuring out how to make you better. Zach Angelino has had second, third and fourth chances during the many life altering changes in his life and has built a life around guarding his heart and keeping secrets. But Zach though war torn and a little more than beat up is now being given the chance of a lifetime to correct the mistake he made when he walked away from Samantha Fairchild for one of his secret military missions. He told himself he was doing the right thing when he left but seeing her in the flesh again he realizes it was the one fear he could not conquer that made him run, losing what you love.
But Sammi is not so sure she wants Zach in her life even though right now she really needs him more than ever. She was a witness to a murder and now the killer is after her to tie up all the loose ends and the Boston police have marked her as a bad witness due to prior mistakes. Sammi best friend and Zach’s twin sister Vivi has come up with a great idea to solve everyone’s problem, she wants to start a security firm similar to her cousins’ that does personal protection and investigation. Vivi decides their first case will be Sam and Zach can be the guard protecting her. No one likes the idea but quickly the entire extended family that Zach and Vivi grew up with are on board and Sam is overrun and outmaneuvered and getting way more protection than she asked for or wanted again in her life.
Zach tries to keep it professional but too soon he takes it personal and Sam has to decide if she is willing to run the risk of this hurt again. But before any major decisions can be achieved they have to find the person or persons trying to kill her, figure out who set all this mess into motion and stay alive which is getting more difficult by the minute.
Heartache and pain can take you down or make you grow and seeing how it not only made Sam and Zach grow as individuals is what a well written story is all about. Roxanne St. Claire has allot to live up to following her Bullet Chaser series but I believe this group of individuals that she has created in the new series will be up for the challenge. This particular story lays the ground work and does in with an amazing plot, twists and turns you don’t see coming and main characters you are rooting for. I am grateful that Ms. St. Claire found her muse with this group it is going to be a great run.
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