Review: Barefoot at Sunset (Barefoot Bay Timeless #1)

Barefoot at Sunset (Barefoot Bay Timeless #1)

by Roxanne St. Claire

Blurb:

When widower Mark Solomon arrives in Barefoot Bay for his 30th high school reunion, he’s not quite prepared for the onslaught of memories or the attention from interested single women who’ve gathered for the annual event on the beach. He’s ready to ditch the whole thing and resume his life as an adventure-seeking world traveler until he discovers a woman sobbing on his doorstep…and has an idea.

By her own admission, advertising copywriter Emma DeWitt is jaded, jilted, and jobless, but she goes over the edge when she learns that the resort villa that was supposed to be the site of her romantic honeymoon is occupied by a single man. But when the sexy silver fox who's staying in the villa surprises her with an irresistible offer to pose as his fake fiancée, Emma sees a way to have her week in paradise and begin healing her broken heart.

Themes:  contemporary, silver fox

Rating: 4.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 Ok, for those of you that think love ends when you hit the age of 40 (or whatever number), Roxanne St. Claire’s new trilogy within the Barefoot Bay series is here to prove you wrong.  These next three novels are all about men some might consider past their prime, but that have finally gotten to a place in their lives where the right woman can make their lives fully complete.  Mark Solomon has returned to his small hometown of Mimosa Key for his high school reunion, even though he dreads the experience. He has so many memories of the home he left long ago, primarily revolving around the love of his life, whom he lost to cancer many years before.  He has had his one chance at a soul mate so even though he is not a monk, he knows no other woman will ever compare to his Julia; or at least he knows that until Emma Dewitt bursts into his life.  Emma’s life has seriously gone downhill in the past month, but she is determined to have a vacation where she can rethink her life goals and hopefully find her true place in the world.  She never imagined she would find herself drawn into Mark’s world as his fake fiancé, and she certainly never imagined the attraction between them could be so intense. The moment they are alone together the passionate chemistry between them becomes something that is impossible to deny, but neither of them are willing to risk their hearts. Soon though their attraction and friendship leads to an even more fiery desire and giving in to that heat is the only way to stay sane.  But can two people so obviously looking for different things in life find a way to come together and share their hearts?  Or is that soul deep connection truly only once in a lifetime?

True to her previous novels, Rocki is the type of author that rips out your heart with pain and sorrow before giving you the HEA that makes a truly great love story.  Mark has lived his life freely for a long time now, but he has never forgotten the woman that captured him, heart and soul, when he was just a teenager.  I loved how devoted he was to her memory, but I am glad he was finally able to release his pain and finally appreciate the true happiness that his memories could provide him with. He is a sexy, alpha, but sweet gentleman reminiscent of a time gone by when men actually cared about their women and devoted themselves to their love.  Even though he is much older than I, even I could appreciate how sexy he was and wouldn’t have minded having him fall in love with me.  Seeing him get a second chance at love, truly proving that the space in our hearts is unlimited and immeasurable was beyond perfect.  Emma has not been having much luck in the romance department lately—or to be honest in the life department. Finding herself on Mark’s doorstep changes her life forever though and he is just what she needs to prove to herself that she is a woman to be reckoned with.  I enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell professionally and once Mark convinced her to trust herself she was able to find her place professionally.  These two have it all going for them: passion, friendship, and the understanding of two people that are ready for the next stage in their lives to begin.  Having the chance to begin that next phase of life with their perfect mate is just the ticket.  I recommend this book to anyone who thinks romance novels are just for the young and highly recommend you come prepared with a whole box of tissues.  I LOVED this book and cannot wait for the next one in the trilogy, Barefoot at Moonrise.  Keep the magic coming Rocki!

*ebook provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.