ARC Review: Forgotten Sins

Forgotten Sins (Sins Brothers #1)

by Rebecca Zanetti

Blurb:

His Secrets Can Destroy Her

From the moment Josie laid eyes on sexy, mysterious Shane Dean, she was in love. Their desire ignited a passionate affair, and within weeks, Shane had slipped a ring on her finger. It seemed her every fantasy was coming true . . . until her new husband disappeared without a trace. Now, two years and one broken heart later, Josie is shocked by the hospital calls: Shane has been found . . . at a crime scene with no memory of how he got there.

Her Love Can Save Him

Shane can't remember the blue-eyed angel at his bedside—or who he even is—but he knows something isn't right. His hearing is razor sharp, his physical strength incredible, and the urge to protect Josie overwhelming. For powerful enemies are hunting him, and Josie is the key to discovering why. As Shane struggles to unravel his past, dangerous new truths come to light. Can he protect the only woman he's ever loved? And can Josie trust a man she thought she knew—one who carries such a deadly secret?

Review:

For the first in a new series by Author Rebecca Zanetti, Forgotten Sins lives up to all its hype and potential.  If you've ever read a Zanetti novel you might be surprised by the new direction of her work.  No Vampires, Demons, or shapeshifters in sight…not to say it’s the plain old world we all live in, by any stretch of the imagination.  Instead we are given a glimpse into a world of three brothers that at each turn leaves you crying, laughing, and lusting for them.

Josie has been working hard to rebuild her life since her husband abandoned her two years earlier when he is suddenly dropped right back into her life.  A head wound has left Shane with Amnesia and Josie with no way to get the answers she’s been waiting two years to find.  Though she is still insanely attracted to him, she is determined to help him get his memories back and then get him out of her life again.  But the chemistry and unforgotten love is still flowing between them and resisting him is harder and harder as he relearns himself and her.

When Josie is attacked—repeatedly—Shane is sure that something from his past has come back to haunt them and is determined to keep her safe at all costs.   As the lies unravel around them, Josie begins to fear not only for her heart but for her very life. Josie is hurt as she realizes that though she’s loved Shane since he burst into her life, she never really knew him.  The action is constant and I don’t think I would ever want to have the week that Josie did.  But luckily with two brothers and a strangely sweet old cop on their side, they are able to pull themselves out of the fire. Is that enough to bring them back together and convince them that they belong together forever?

I will say that I was afraid my ereader would catch fire as I read this story.  From the second their eyes meet to the very last word in the story the heat leaping between them is so intense it’s almost scary.  Shane may not have his memories, but he certainly feels that Josie is his woman and nothing will keep him away from her…not even Josie herself. Josie is having a very confusing time as truths she’d believed from the beginning are shown to be darker in nature and Shane’s betrayal starts to eat at her confidence in him, herself, and their marriage. It was rough seeing her foundation shaken so often, but allowing her strength to shine was a great way to show that she might be the soft woman Shane always thought her, but soft doesn’t mean weak. 

Getting to meet some of the major characters that will be carryed through the series arc was interesting, though some of the characters were so terrifyingly psychotic and well written that I got shivers a few times.   Meeting Shane’s brothers was interesting and seeing them interacting definitely gives you a greater view into their lives and their inner demons.  The outer demons they’re facing, the commander and psycho doctor, are another story entirely.  I can honestly say I’ve never read two characters that needed to die more than these two.  Cannot wait for their ends.

All in all this was an intriguing and worthy beginning to another great series by Ms. Zanetti.  Seeing a bit of the past, working through the dramas of the present, and seeing glimpses of the possible future plots was an artful interweaving of timelines and plot twists. Shane and Josie were both interesting and deeply flawed individuals that were able to overcome their own inadequacies to be what they needed for each other and themselves.  The love and passion between them was always apparent and getting to experience their rediscovery of that love was a welcome gift. I cannot wait for the next in the series and look forward to finding out more about this strange “family”. Another home run Ms. Zanetti. 

Rating:  4 stars

Rose Rating: 

*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided. 

ARC Review: The Hunter

The Hunter (Highland Guard #7)

by Monica McCarty 

Blurb:

The war for Scotland’s freedom continues as King Robert the Bruce battles on. At his command is an elite army of trained warriors, soldiers dedicated to their king, their country—and to the remarkable women they love.

Prized for his unbeatable tracking skills, Ewen “Hunter” Lamont accepts a dangerous assignment: locate a missing undercover courier. But this is no ordinary target. Ewen has met his prey before as “Sister Genna,” a fiery, forbidden woman forever etched in his memory after one stolen, sinful kiss. Now that he knows her real identity, he’s more determined than ever to keep her safe. But without the protection of the veil between them, fighting the allure of the beautiful lass may be the toughest battle this extraordinary warrior has ever faced.

After her ill-fated attempt three years ago to rescue her twin sister, Janet of Mar has found salvation acting as a royal messenger—until she surrenders to a darkly handsome warrior whose rough, sensual kisses stir feelings the woman in her can’t deny. But when betrayal leads to danger, and a crucial communiqué is put in jeopardy, Janet has no choice but to put her faith in the hunter who can find anything—perhaps even her heart.

Review:

I can honestly say I have never seen two people more stubbornly resistant to their perfect mate! The Hunter was an adventure from start to finish with Ewen and Janet working against each other at every turn, until finally coming to the conclusion that working together is the best way to get things done.  McCarty takes us through the emotional turmoil of two individuals working their hardest to make up for the past sins and the sins of their families, while trying to bring change to their world during a war that from the beginning was fraught with danger and had limited chance of ending well. I have followed the Highland Guard since the beginning slowly becoming more invested in the outcome of both the individual couples’s lives and the overall outcome for Robert and his Guard along with the people of Scotland.  Being a proud descendant from a Scottish family I find myself totally engrossed in the lives of these characters and especially the way that Robert found victory (or at least one interpretation).

Ewen has been one of those characters throughout the series that pulled at my heart strings.  He’s always portrayed as a solemn and overly serious member of the team.  His tracking skills have set him apart from the others, leaving him always feeling that the success of missions depend on his ability to keep the team from being hunted and found.  But more importantly we’ve gotten some glimpses of how good of a man he is.  Seeing him interacting with Janet, trying to maintain his ingrained chivalry while keeping her from driving him crazy is hilarious.  The harder she pushes against the constraints he attempts to put on her the more he seems to lust after her.  But the connection between them has always been deeper than just the lust they both feel.  Janet has never felt what Ewen brings out in her, especially in recent years living as a nun while working as a courier for the king’s secret army.  Even though she lets him believe her façade as a nun is fact, Ewen makes her feel like a beautiful woman, but not like an equal, which is her one requirement for a mate.

When the truth of her identity is brought to light, Ewen is angered beyond words, but only after she disappears and Robert sends him after her is Ewen faced with a true dilemma. Does he give in to the desires that rush beneath the surface for them both, or does he perform his duty and fulfill the promise made to his king? Even at the expense of his own heart.

Seeing Ewen and Janet come together was like watching a raging stallion trying to corral a spirited mare.  Not going to happen without significant bruising to both parties.  The passion both of them exhibit to their duty and the protection of their king bleeds through into all parts of their lives, including the emotions that are constantly pushing them together.  Though Ewen tries to resist Janet, she is determined to make him her lover, whatever the cost, because she knows she may never have another chance to experience a true passion like his.  But her heart is leading her down a path that might not be able to be backtracked.   When their passion finally does explode, leaving them both broken and battered, the true depth of their error becomes evident.   But thankfully they are both able to straighten out their priories and find their HEA together, with some intriguing results for their lives and the future of their kingdom.

I loved seeing Hunter meet his match in Janet.  Getting to see the two of them accept their flaws and overcome the challenges they faced as a couple was great.  The action and drama of their escapes and escapades was well written and full of danger and fear for their lives.  Seeing all the other members of the Guard come together to support Hunter and getting glimpses of the lives they are leading is awesome too.  Ewen and Janet come together in a shower of sparks exploding across the page with passion every moment, whether they are loving, fighting each other, or fighting together for their lives. With everything you could ever want in a story you will find yourself laughing, crying and gasping in fear as the couple is faced with challenge after challenge that they have to overcome to find their chance for a bright future. I believe there is another book in the series coming down the line, and I’m intrigued to find out more about several of the men and see them come to terms with their perfect mate as well.  The Highland Guard series is one that will keep you wondering and dying to see just how these men and women will pull off their amazing feats from one moment to the next.  If you’ve missed Monica’s books, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with this series and with this newest addition specifically.

Rating:  4.75 stars

Rose Rating: 

*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided. 

 

ARC Review: Dire Distraction

Dire Distraction (A-Tac #7)

by Dee Davis 

Blurb:

 As the commander for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Avery Solomon is the best of the best. He'll stop at nothing to ensure the safety of his team, but when a mystery from the past resurfaces, he puts himself directly in the line of fire.

PUSHED TOO FAR

After years of covert missions, Avery harbors regrets that continue to haunt him. He still blames himself for his wife's death fourteen years ago-until an A-Tac operative finds a photo that suggests Avery's wife may still be alive. Determined to discover the truth, Avery heads deep into the hostile territory of Southeast Asia, ready for danger and violence-only to find himself captured by desire . . .

Wilderness guide Sydney Price never backs down from a challenge. She has her own reasons for wanting revenge against the men being hunted by Avery. Though she tries to deny her attraction to the tough, handsome warrior, the spirited Sydney soon finds him impossible to resist. Now she and Avery must work together to uncover the truth-and stay alive. But as the enemy closes in and old secrets unravel, the line between partners and lovers vanishes like mist in the jungle . . .

Review:

The story that all A-Tac fans have long anticipated has finally arrived! Avery, our favorite CIA spook and the leader of the elite A-Tac team is finally going to get his chance at his very own HEA. I have been a follower of the A-Tac series since the very beginning of its release and have been dying for Avery’s book the entire time.  The wait was worth every second though, because in the end, for the end, this book was too great for words and finally brought us the ending we needed to close this series. Davis offers us glimpses of Avery’s past, the moments that have shaped him into the man he is and provides us a chance to see the hope for his bright future. If you’ve missed the others in the series I recommend you start there because all the tension and buildup with the Consortium will be mostly lost on you, but if you need a sample first reading Avery’s book will leave you salivating for more.

Avery has received the shock of his life, a photo showing his wife and former partner, a photo dated for only months earlier when his wife was thought to be killed 14 years ago.  Unable to ignore the possibilities, Avery saddles up and heads to Laos to try to find his former partner who has recently turned to the drug trade there.  When he meets his CIA contact, Sydney Price, he’s more than surprised to find Sydney is a woman, young, sexy and full of the spirit that has slowly leaked from his life.  They work together, traveling through the Laos jungles to try to reach the hidden encampment of the drug runners, but obstacles keep jumping up to prevent their arrival.  Unexpectedly, more than just admiration for a fellow agent begins to stir in their hearts and minds. The passion is there for them both, but the ghost of the possibility of Avery’s wife keeps them both from crossing that line…until it doesn’t.  Fire and love explodes then and they have very little time to stop a killer, dismantle an international terrorist ring, and come to terms with their love.  Because if time runs out, neither of them might come out the other side of the war intact.

Avery is still as sexy as he’s been in all the glimpses of him in previous stories in the series.   Strong, sexy, and full of heart, this hero is all that the word implies and more.  Not only intelligent and clever in his work, he is a wealth of love, keeping his late wife with him for almost 15 years and never moving on, until he finally meets his match.  Sydney is young, spirited, and willing to do everything necessary to help Avery get the answers he seeks, even if it might mean the first man she’s wanted in years might not be able to stay with her.  The passion between them is evident in the undercurrents of their every move and we are treated to some seriously interesting combustion because of it. When they finally do come together we get to see not only the deeply passionate side of Avery that we see in all alpha type males, but an inherent sweetness and gentleness that is a core part of Avery.  And seeing Sydney’s cynicism slowly defeated by the depth of Avery’s emotions and the growing depth of her own, like water slowly honing rock, is something that gives even me hope for an HEA for all.

Not to be forgotten is of course the final conclusion of the overall story line of this series: A-Tac’s battle with the Consortium.  The Consortium is a shadowy group of arms dealers, terrorists, and other nefarious types, that have been attacking US assets and attempting to bring terror to citizens.  Attempt after attempt that has been thwarted by A-Tac, mainly Avery, leaving the Consortium scrambling to recover from their failed attempts. We finally get to see the real depth of depravity of these monsters and get to see the personal reasons that Avery and his team have been targeted.  And let me tell you it was a doozy.  But finally getting to see things come to a head and reach an ending was awesome.  I won’t spoil the surprises but needless to say there is a great ending on the way and you’ll love it.

I know it seems like I’m gushing a bit, and maybe the giddy girl crush I’ve had on Avery a while is a part of it, but honestly this was a great read, though certainly shorter than I would have liked.  The adventure Avery and Sydney find themselves on is full of excitement, thrills, and close calls that would make any mystery reader fall in love.  The relationship that builds between Sydney and Avery, transforming from an enforced trust between colleagues to the deep love of true soul mates is enough to make any woman’s heart flutter.  And finally seeing A-Tac solve the great mystery that is the Consortium was a wonderful way to end a series that has grabbed me by the heart and mind since the beginning.  If you’ve never read a Dee Davis or specifically an A-Tac novel now is the time.  You’ll find yourself immersed in a subculture that is so often overlooked by average citizens, but you’ll be reminded that no matter how over-the-top heroic anyone is, at their base they are just people and need love in their lives as much as the rest of us.  Cannot wait for whatever is next for Dee, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for her newest release.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Rose Rating:

*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided. 

ARC Mini-Review: Dragon Mine

Dragon Mine (The Hidden 0.5)

by Jaime Rush

Blurb:

 His Dragon, her magick, a dark mystery, and hot sparks!

Kirin is summoned home to Miami when his father goes missing--the man who ruined his life, and his relationship with Elle, by being a suspect in her mother's disappearance. When he runs into Elle, sparks fly, especially when he discovers her father is missing, too. Suspecting that their disappearances are linked, they must combine his Dragon power and her magick to find the truth in the darkest shadows. But as their desires flare again, can their burning passion overcome their past—or the danger that the future holds?

Review:

Dragon Mine is the beginning to an all new series by Jamie Rush.  “Things that go bump in the night have always fascinated Jaime Rush. Sometimes those things are human; other times, not so much. Now she has twisted them all together in the Hidden, a trilogy about humans with the essence of gods who walk the knife's edge between the glamour of Miami and a place filled with dark magick and dangerous beauty.” (Goodreads)  I’m a big fan of Jaime rush’s Offspring series so when I heard about this new venture I decided I definitely needed to check it out and was thrilled with this short glimpse into her new world.

The story revolves around once-lovers Kirin and Elle as they are reunited in a quest to find their missing fathers.  Several months earlier Elle broke Kirin’s heart, breaking off their relationship at the behest of her father, who has always disliked their being together.  But Kirin has returned at his sister’s urging because his father has been missing for several days.  When he arrives he discovers that Elle’s father is also missing and there is something seriously dark and disturbing revolving around their small community in Miami.

Now you might think this story is pretty simple, but there is one little detail that sets the human drama on its ear… neither Elle nor Kirin are entirely human.  Instead they are part of the Hidden world that exists within the more normal Mundane world of humans. Kirin is a Dragon, one who shares his soul with a dragon making him a shapeshifter and Elle is a Deuce, a magic wielder.  Though there is not a ton of detail about this part there were some interesting hints at their inner workings and I’m looking forward to learning more about what exactly this Hidden world encompasses. 

As the relationship was already fully rooted, it was more of a reunion for the lovers, just letting us see how deeply they already loved one another than getting to see two people fall in love.  But that didn’t diminish the love story angle any for me. It was great to see them come back together and overcome their problems so they can finally get together and stay that way.   They are both in love, but Elle’s courage was seriously lacking until that point, but seeing how great of a man Kirin is finally forces her to face the truth. Being with Kirin is worth rocking the boat and loving him makes her whole.

I cannot wait for the rest of this series.  This was a great novella to begin things.  There is significant world building and we get to see many of the main characters and even get glimpses of what might be coming in the full length novels to come.  Being a fan of Jaime’s work, I was thoroughly happy with every minute of this read.  Though I would have loved to have the story be longer and maybe starting a few years earlier so we could see the couple falling in love.  But seeing as it was just a tease for the coming series it was a great read.  Full of vivid imagination, emotional growth and challenging battles both physical and magical Dragon Mine is a must read.  I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to Lyra in her story coming in December, Dragon Awakened.

Rating:  3.5 stars

Rose Rating: 

*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided. 

ARC Review: It Had To Be You

It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor #7)

by Jill Shalvis 

Blurb:

 Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who's as sexy as he is stern.... 

After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke's own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

Review:

Once again Jill Shalvis takes us on a crazy ride through the small Washington Town of Lucky Harbor. I have loved this series since the very beginning and was THRILLED to find out that it wasn’t ending with the last story.  The Return to Lucky Harbor in It Had to Be You is nothing short of magic.  Full of the intrigue, humor, and emotion I expect from any Shalvis novel and with some seriously fun little twists along the way.  I think if you’ve missed the others in the series it’s never too late to start and you should grab this one right away.

Ali Winters is facing a dilemma and her day goes from bad to worse.  With her life falling down around her she has to find her inner strength and pick herself back up, but just as she’s formulating a plan her life is turned upside down again.  This time by the sexy man waltzing into her house while she’s running around mostly naked.  Luke has finally decided he’s ready for a break from his life.  His professional life is taking hit after hit and his personal life is well…non-existent. When he finds a sexy half naked woman in his kitchen he’s not really sure if things are looking up or continuing to fall around him.   Letting her hang around until she can get her feet under her seems the least he can do since he is kicking her out, but having her around complicates everything.  And when she sinks deeper into the quicksand she ends up pulling him in with her sweetness, light, and sensuality.

Ali Winters is a great character to me.  She’s faced with her world falling apart around her, but never once gives up and keeps her positivity no matter what is thrown at her. She sees Luke and though is instantly attracted to him she knows that he’s not for her.  When Luke decides to offer his help and expertise she is reluctant to depend on him, on anyone really, because she’s been the touchstone all her life, with her mother and sister always depending on her.   

Luke on the other hand is fighting his need for Ali from the beginning.  Though she touches something he thought long dead in him, his heart, he can’t bring himself to offer himself completely.  The strings that a woman like Ali would come with are too much for him at the moment.  As they work together to try to uncover the thief in their midst, Luke finds himself unable to resist her in any way, though he knows he will ultimately end up hurting her and he fears that more than anything.  Only when she runs from him does the true depth of his feelings come to light, giving him the chance to run.  But will he run toward or away from the one woman that can capture and hold his heart.

Our return to Lucky Harbor thankfully allowed us to see and reminisce with some of our favorite characters from previous novels in the series.  Tara and Ford are as cute as ever, and Chloe’s sexy Sawyer is still a favorite lawman for me.  And of course, who can neglect to mention the return of the old timers of Lucky Harbor.  Full of spunk and vitality it is hilarious to see these old timers enjoying their golden years, kinda reminds me of my own grandparents.

If you’re looking for something heavy and dark, you’re looking in the wrong place, but if you want a light and emotionally uplifting love story then you've found your destination.  Jill Shalvis’s books never fail to keeping me laughing and sighing with the sweetness and love.  Ali and Luke are a great mix, completing each other in every way.  The passion they share is evident each moment and the draw between them is like two magnets formed to come together perfectly.   Their weaknesses are the other’s strength and once they finally learn to trust in each other and they see how well they complement we know immediately that they will find a way to be together no matter what.  Now we've gotten another glimpse into this world I cannot wait for what’s next.  And can I just say getting to see a slightly kinkier than expected underbelly to this picturesque little town was AWESOME!

Rating:  4.5 stars

Rose Rating:

*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided. 

ARC Review: Forever

Forever (The World of Nightwalkers #2)

by Jacquelyn Frank 

Blurb:

 After being brought back from death, police officer Jackson Waverly receives the shock of his life: he has become host to a Bodywalker, a spirit that is reborn in flesh and blood, and part of a proud, ancient race that uses its extraordinary gifts to battle dark, evil forces. Jackson’s spirit is a powerful one—none other than the Egyptian pharaoh Menes, who longs to reunite with his eternal love, the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut.

While Menes is obsessed with finding the perfect vessel for his queen, Jackson cannot stop thinking about Dr. Marissa Anderson, the gorgeous precinct shrink who keeps pushing him to confront his grief over the loss of his K-9 partner. But what Marissa really arouses most in Jackson is intense desire, which is exactly what Menes is looking for. To fight a great enemy, pharaoh and queen must join; but to host Hatshepsut, Marissa will first have to die. Fate has given Jackson a profound choice: save Marissa from Menes’ plan or keep an entire species from the brink of extinction.

Review:

Whoa what a rush! The second book in the World of the Nightwalkers series, Forever, takes us on a wild journey of two people destined to be together and the changes that come to them as their souls become joined with another.  Ms. Frank’s work never ceases to amaze me with the wild trips she takes us on through her very vivid and sometimes odd imagination.  The Nightwalkers have always held an intense interest for me, through several different series now, and it is my hope that one day all the series will be joined in some way. But for now we are just focusing on the new wonder that is the Bodywalker breed.  If you read my previous review you’ll know I was waiting anxiously for this book because we’d seen so much of Jackson in the last book.  Well my wait, and yours, is over.

Forever picks up three weeks after the end of Forbidden, with Jackson and Menes’s Blending almost complete.   It has taken a while, but Jackson has come to accept his new life, and the addition of the ancient Egyptian king in his body.  He’s still trying to come to terms with all this new life will cost him though.  Knowing he’s going to have to give up his home, career, and friends, he’s clinging to the last of his existence with all his might.  But the one thing he is determined not to have to give up is Marissa.  Menes has also become very attached to her and the idea that she is the perfect match for his long awaited wife and Queen. Marissa however is no closer to them than she was weeks ago; even though they have given her notice that their coming to take her for their own.  But when circumstances force Jackson to share the truth of his new existence with Marissa, she has to face a terrible choice.  Fleeing for their lives, Marissa and Jackson travel to the new seat of power for the Bodywalkers Politic rulers in New Mexico, whether she likes it or not.  But as the bond between them grows, Marissa can’t deny the appeal of the chance to be with Jackson/Menes forever and rule by his side… all she has to do is die.

Jackson/Menes and Marissa are really too hot for words.  Whether they are together or just thinking about each other the passion between them is palpable.  Jackson has changed a bit, becoming even more of a dominant male and Marissa finds she likes this new side of him.  Her problem is that her emotions are so invested in him that separating her physical and emotional desires is becoming harder and harder for her. Marissa fights the pull, but the magnetism of Jackson, now holding the even more powerfully dominant Menes, is impossible.  When they finally come together there’s no containing the fire and they have to face the fact that they really are meant to be together.

There were also some interesting twists and turns in the overall plot that kept things very interesting.  The side story about Leo was disturbing but it gives us a glimpse into the inner strength that Leo has depended on to help him care for his two younger friends for many years. There was also the entrance of a new villain; one that I fear will cause a lot of trouble for the Bodywalkers.  I have my suspicions about where Ms. Frank is going with this, but it’s purely my own take so I’ll let you read it yourself and develop your own theories.  I’m hoping though that the next book in the series, Forsaken, will be Leo’s book, but there is no info to be found yet so we won’t know for a while, sadly.

If you haven’t read the first in this series I will have to recommend you read it first or you will be very lost, but be that as it may, Forever is a great addition to any library. Marissa and Jackson are one of those couples that you are rooting for from the beginning, obviously meant for each other as their strengths and weakness complement each other perfectly.  Asking for the ultimate sacrifice from Marissa brings out the deepest protective instincts within Jackson and makes their sensual connection even more intriguing to see. I cannot wait for more of this series and to see how Jacquelyn maneuvers the new villain and brings a hero to defeat him.  I will say that seeing the sadistic natures of some of the Templars was a little disturbing to read in detail, but I can see how that was needed to show the true depths of the depravity the Politic Bodywalkers are truly facing. Another shining star and certainly a welcome addition to my personal library.  Give me more please Jackie!

Rating: 4 stars

Rose Rating: 

*eARC provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. No compensation was provided for this review.

Review: Barefoot in the Sun

Barefoot in the Sun (Barefoot Bay #3)

by Roxanne St. Claire 

Blurb:

 When running is all you've ever known . . .

Caught between fight and flight, Zoe Tamarin has always picked flight. Since she was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha, they've been on the move, never staying in one place long enough to risk exposing their precarious past. But now that they've reached the sun-baked shores of Barefoot Bay, Zoe may have to stay and fight--for her aunt's life . . . and for a love she ran from years before.

Sometimes the bravest act of all is to stand still.

Oliver Bradbury came to Florida to start over, as both a doctor and a father to his eight-year-old son. He never expected life to hand him a second chance with the woman he lost years ago--but one look at Zoe Tamarin and he knows he'll do whatever it takes to prove that this time, he can be the man she needs. But when demands of family and friendship threaten to shatter their rekindled passion, Oliver must heal Zoe's lifelong wounds with more than hot kisses . . . but will that be enough to keep her from flying off with his heart?

Review:

The third installment in the Barefoot Bay series is a wonderfully sexy and intensely moving read, full of second chances and the return of lost love, not to mention a wonderful mystery buried deep in the secrets of the past. I have loved all of Roxanne St. Claire’s books since I picked up the first novel in her Bullet Catchers Series. This series is a great addition to the bookshelf of a great author, with heart, redemption, and true and abiding love. Barefoot in the Sun is no exception to the expectation.  If you’re a fan of this author, you will not be disappointed.

Our story begins with a glimpse of the past, showing us the moment that Zoe and Oliver’s love story took its first downward turn.  Her secrets come out and Oliver’s world is rocked by a discovery of his own, leaving the distance widening between them and ultimately Zoe cannot trust her heart enough to stay.  Oliver’s heart is broken, but he’s determined to make the best of his life and moves on, never forgetting the only woman he’s ever really loved.   When their paths unexpectedly cross almost a decade later, Zoe is terrified to have to face the man she’s always loved and her regrets about her sudden exit from his life.   And when Zoe’s need for his help becomes too great to hold back, begging becomes her only option.  Working together to save her Aunt, they quickly realize that the past isn't as far from their hearts as they both thought.   Their passions and emotions are forced to the forefront and when things become even more complicated they have to battle to overcome the odds.

Zoe and Oliver’s passion is explosive from the second they are together again.  She’s keeping secrets from all those she loves, but Oliver knows her biggest secret and seeing him again forces her to accept the past and overcome the fear that has shaped her life.  Zoe is a very flawed person, but that’s what makes her a great character! We get to see her growth as Oliver helps her to move beyond her past and shows her the hope for a bright future; one that hopefully will include him in a major role. She’s still the fun loving, semi-flighty woman that he fell in love with, but as she grows he sees a deeper side to her and comes to love her even more.  Oliver is the perfect mix of alpha and sweet.  His sexiness knows no bounds!  He is determined to make his second chance with Zoe into something they can build a life on together and if that means forcing her to confront some truths about herself and her Aunt, he’s willing to rock the boat enough to do it.   His sensuality and Zoe’s volatility lead to some very interesting challenges between them, arguments leading to passionate embraces and love scenes that make the reader need a cool down before you can return to reading.  

Though there is a great sadness to this story with Pasha’s illness and sordid past darkening everyone’s lives, Roxanne is able to keep those cloudy patches from overcoming the brightness of the love between Oliver and Zoe.  It was great to get to see the interactions between Oliver and his son, as well as Pasha and the little guy.  With Zoe’s help Oliver is able to become a better father and finally see that his son needs his attention and love just as much as he needs his financial stability and care. There were also some great glimpses into past and future characters, revisiting the couples from the previous two stories and seeing Tess’s character as she makes some interesting decisions in preparation for her book. 

Barefoot in the Sun was a terrific read.  Full of emotion and depth, Roxanne takes us on a journey through the human heart with her characters and their return to love.  There were some cloudy days to block the sun for these lovers, but overcoming those obstacles together shows them that sacrificing for love is really no sacrifice at all.  I cried a bit near the end of the story and I think you will too, but in the end everything works out for the best and you’ll be able to see that the love between Zoe and Oliver is stronger for the rollercoaster they've been on.  I would be remiss in neglecting to mention again that the heat between Zoe and Oliver is so strong you might want to be sure to have an ice cold drink handy while you read, just in case.  I personally can’t wait to find out how Tess’s life will be thrown for a loop in her book.  If you’ve missed the first two in the series I recommend you spend a weekend in the sun reading all three of the fabulous Barefoot Bay Novels.   

Rating: 4.25  stars

Rose Rating:

*eBook provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. No compensation was provided for this review