Contemp Review: Barefoot in the Sun (Barefoot Bay) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Barefoot in the Sun the 3rd book in her Barefoot Bay series by Roxanne St. Claire.

Product Description

A Barefoot Bay Novel

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?

About the Author

First published in 2003, Roxanne St. Claire is a RITA® Award-winning author of thirty novels, including her bestselling Bullet Catchers and Guardian Angelinos series. Her critically acclaimed books have been published in numerous languages and recognized with multiple awards including the National Readers' Choice Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and the HOLT Medallion, all for best romantic suspense. She currently lives on the east coast of Florida with her husband and two teenagers.

You can learn more at:
RoxanneStClaire.com
Twitter @roxannestclaire
Facebook.com/roxannestclaire

My Review:

Zoe Tamarin has been on the run with her Aunt Pasha (who isn't really her aunt) since childhood and they have temporarily settled down in Barefoot Bay with her three best friends.  She never expected to run into her ex and the love of her life Oliver Bradbury.  When she finds out her aunt has cancer the only person she can turn to is Oliver who she run away from 9 years ago.

Oliver Bradbury is an oncologist and recently gotten a divorce.  He has moved to Barefoot Bay to start a new life with his 8 year old son Evan.  Oliver has never gotten over Zoe and all he wants to do is thaw the frost around her heart and make her stay this time.


4/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

RS Review: Now You Die (Bullet Catchers) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Now You Die" the 6th book in her Bullet Catcher series by Roxanne St. Claire.

Product Description

Former Bullet Catcher and lone wolf investigator Jack Culver is on a mission. Thirty years ago, an innocent woman was convicted of murder. Jack believes he's found the real killer -- but to take down one of the highest legal authorities in the land, he needs access. Serious access. Unfortunately, the one person he knows with that kind of power is his ex-boss and ex-lover, the woman who still haunts his dreams.

Bullet Catchers owner Lucy Sharpe realizes she's being used for her connections, and she intends to use Jack Culver right back. She's determined to see justice served, even if that means partnering with the man who once found his way past her iron shields. This time, she'll be strong enough to avoid Jack's persuasive touch.

But when passion flares, and they become the killer's target, Lucy and Jack don't just break some rules -- they shatter them. And that means risking everything: their jobs, their hearts and their lives.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star; Reprint edition (May 26, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439149488
ISBN-13: 978-1439149485

My Review:

"Now You Die" is the last book in this trilogy series with "First You Run" and "Then You Hide" that follows a 30 year span with the Bullet Catchers tracking triplet sisters adopted in the black market.  The birth mother was involved with an influential politician who is the father.

Then she is arrested for murder she has not committed.  He has power and has connections that helps him convict an innocent women.  Jack Culver needs Lucy Sharpe's connections to help prove her innocence.  Lucy doesn't think much of Jack and thinks he's scum of the earth until he proves himself worthy.

This book had high-octane action, sexual tension and a well written complicated storyline.

4/5

RS Review: First You Run (The Bullet Catchers) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "First You Run" the 4th book in her Bullet Catchers series by Roxanne St. Claire.

Product Description

AN UNSTOPPABLE BODYGUARD ON THE HUNT.

A WOMAN HIDING A SECRET EVEN SHE DOESN'T KNOW. A PASSION THAT BEGINS WITH DANGER

Bullet Catcher Adrien Fletcher is on a mission to track down a baby given up in a black market adoption thirty years ago. He has a list of possible names and one tantalizing clue: the infant girl had been marked with a tiny tattoo. And since tattoo-hunting will mean getting up close and personal with the women on his list, he's the perfect man for the job. But when Fletch meets Miranda Lang, he knows she can never be just a name on his list. If she's not his target, he should move on and find the right woman, despite their electrifying attraction. But Miranda is on her own mission, and every step takes her closer to a deadly trap. Fletch may be the only man who can protect her forcing him to choose between duty and desire.

About the Author

Roxanne St. Claire left her PR career to write full time. She lives in Florida with her husband and children.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star; Reprint edition (May 26, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439149364
ISBN-13: 978-1439149362

My Review:

Bullet Catcher Adrien Fletcher is on a mission to find a black market adoption baby thirty years ago. The only clue he has is a tattoo on her butt and the date when she was adopted. He has a list of women who he has to get up and personal with to actually see the tattoo. Her birth mother is imprisoned and is dying from cancer and is hoping her bone marrow will save her.

When Adrien first meets anthropologist Miranda Lang at a book speaking event it erupts into chaos with cult like members and he has to help her escape. He is on the verge of seducing Miranda when he smells blood at her apartment door and they notice a dead bird which means death. As Adrien digs deeper threats and stolen books indicate something more sinister against the professor. This complicates his investigation to locate the tattoo as he gets closer, spends more time in her company and starts having feelings for her.

Adrien is charming but quite deceptive and a mercenary while Miranda was smart but fearful. I really liked how Adrien changed from being deceptive to protective and receptive to Miranda's needs.

This is a very fast paced and deals more with the action suspense mystery than the romance. You can feel the sexual chemistry between the hero and heroine though it took awhile for them to get to the action and it was hot and steamy.

3/5

ARC Review: Face of Danger (Guardian Angelinos) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Face of Danger" the third book in her Guardian Angelinos trilogy by Roxanne St. Claire.

Product Description

Private investigator Vivi Angelino loves living life on the edge, but stepping into the shoes of a movie starlet to bait a serial killer isn't just a thrill . . . it's a ticket to the big time for her fledgling security firm. That is, as long as a certain risk-averse FBI agent stays out of her way-and out of her fantasies.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang isn't above using his well-worn rulebook to stop Vivi's latest walk on the wild side. But when they learn her client is involved in something far more insidious than bad acting, Vivi and Colt must work together despite the electrifying attraction arcing between them. For each new clue is bringing them closer to a high-profile crime with a dark and deadly truth at its core . . . and a cold, calculating murderer with nothing left to lose.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Forever (April 26, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446566578
ISBN-13: 978-0446566575

My Review:

Storyline:  Private investigator Vivi Angelino loves living life on the edge, but stepping into the shoes of a movie starlet to bait a serial killer isn't just a thrill . . . it's a ticket to the big time for her fledgling security firm. That is, as long as a certain risk-averse FBI agent stays out of her way-and out of her fantasies.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang isn't above using his well-worn rulebook to stop Vivi's latest walk on the wild side. But when they learn her client is involved in something far more insidious than bad acting, Vivi and Colt must work together despite the electrifying attraction arcing between them. For each new clue is bringing them closer to a high-profile crime with a dark and deadly truth at its core . . . and a cold, calculating murderer with nothing left to lose.

Characters:  Vivi has a past. Her traumatic experience in her teen years changed her from a cheerleader/ballet dancer adolescent just coming into the exploration of her sexuality to a pierced tomboy who dressed in baggy clothes doing her best to hide her feminine side.  She's very loyal to her family, determined for the firm to grow and prosper, quite stubborn and a risk taker.

Colt after the death of his fiancee many years ago has left him scarred and determined to ignore any attraction or feelings he may have for Vivi!  His agenda and his motivation for his need for rules and control is spelled out very early in the book that's it's a surprise when he breaks some rules once he partners up with Vivi.  She makes him lose his control and heart!

Romance: Wow the love scenes were very hot from the plane trip to bathroom to the wall, etc.  I literately thought the pages were going to go up in flames!

Killer(s): Wow were they very cold hearted and would kill anyone that got in their way without blinking an eye or showing any remorse.

4/5

Thanks Brianne from Hachette Book Group for sending me this ARC to review, greatly appreciated!

ARC Review: Shiver of Fear (The Guardian Angelinos) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Shiver of Fear" the 2nd book in her Guardian Angelino series by Roxanne St. Claire.

Product Description

The legacy that haunts her . . .


The mystery she must solve . . .


A man who threatens to reveal her secrets . . .


and break her heart.

Burned by a failed marriage, former FBI agent Marc Rossi wants back in the investigation game with no emotional strings attached. Taking an assignment for his enterprising Angelino cousins, he heads to Northern Ireland to pry a key piece of evidence from a missing socialite-any way he can. But when the ice queen turns out to be warm, beautiful, and on a secret mission of her own, the job becomes a passionate reminder of what happens when duty and desire mix. The daughter of an infamous fugitive, Devyn Sterling has survived betrayal only to find that her mother has mysteriously disappeared. When her search uncovers secrets, lies, and threats, Devyn and Marc must trust each other when every instinct says they can't . . . and a terrorist wants to make sure they won't live to try.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Forever (April 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780446566599
ISBN-13: 978-0446566599

My Review:
 
Storyline: Former FBI agent Marc Rossi wants back in the investigation game so he joins his cousin's  security and investigation firm, The Guardian Angelinos as an consultant.  Heading to Northern Ireland, his mission is to extract information from a missing socialite and get her out of there. But the ice queen turns out to be a warm and beautiful woman -- a woman with a mission of her own. As the daughter of an infamous fugitive, Devyn Sterling wants to find her biological mother and hopefully find the connection she never had with her adoptive parents. But her mother may just be one of the bad guys. When their investigation uncovers lies, secrets, and international terrorism, Devyn and Marc must trust in each other to survive.

Characters: Mark is a very sexy alpha male who's very charming, funny, dreamy and who's very calm and collected in dire situations.  He's very caring and protective of his woman. 

Devyn is a very beautiful, smart, stubborn and feels very alone since her adoptive parents are the ones to show their affections. 

It was a delight to see Vivi, Zach, Uncle Nino and even Agent Lang who seems like an intriguing character. 

Romance: The relationship starts off slowly but is very believable and tense.  When they finally get together it was so hot and sexy you really want them to end up with each other.  When they finally admit they love each other it was very sweet.

Killer:  The killers are quite vicious and will kill anything or anyone to accomplish their goal. 

Can't wait to read Vivi's story "Face of Danger".

5/5

Edge of Sight (The Guardian Angelinos) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Edge of Sight" the 1st book in her Guardian Angelinos series by Roxanne St. Claire.

Product Description

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 ...

About the Author

First published in 2003, Roxanne St. Claire is a RITA-award winning author of twenty-five novels, including her bestselling Bullet Catcher series. Her critically-acclaimed books have been published in numerous languages and recognized with multiple awards including The National Reader's Choice Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award and the HOLT Medallion, all for best romantic suspense. She currently lives on the east coast of Florida with her husband and two children. Excerpts, contact information, and free reads are available via her website, http://www.roxannestclaire.com/.
 
Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Forever; Original edition (November 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446566586
ISBN-13: 978-0446566582

My Review:
 
Storyline:  Samantha Fairchild is a part-time night waitress at a upscale restaurant Paupiette situated in Boston and future Havard Law student who witnesses a murder one night in the basement of the restaurant.  She has become a #1 target for the assassin and an organization when they find out she is on camera which they took before leaving the room.

She is tired of being afraid and alone so she decides to call her friend and reporter Vivi Angelino to help her.  When she goes over to Vivi's apartment she runs into her former lover and Vivi's twin  Zaccaria Angelino.

Characters:  Sam is such a fiesty and fiery heroine and Zach is such a hot and spicy Italian.

Romance:  Sam and Zach shared a steamy three day sex-filled days before Zach was shipped off to Iraq.  He never called or even wrote a postcard so Sam hates but still loves him.  I can understand why she wouldn't trust him anymore!

Zach hasn't forgotten his steamy time with Sam but he isn't the same guy as before.  He nearly died and lost his eye from a close call with a mortar shell.  He wears a patch and has a disfiguring scar on his face.  He doesn't want to take the job but he doesn't trust anyone else to keep Sam alive!

Killer(s):  The main killer didn't have any remorse or had any trouble killing anyone that got in his way!  Wait until you find out who he is!

4/5

Make Her Pay (The Bullet Catchers) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished reading "Make Her Pay" the 5th book in her Bullet Catcher series by Roxanne St. Claire.

Product Description

Bullet Catcher and former Navy SEAL Constantine Xenakis has infiltrated a dive ship to discover who's plundering priceless gems from a legendary sunken Spanish galleon. When he catches Lizzie Dare red-handed in the locked treasure room, her story of a stolen ancestral legacy convinces him to work with the sexy thief instead of turning her in -- and not just because he wants to find the real culprit. Lizzie is willing to risk everything to save the Bombay Blue Diamonds from her sworn enemy, even if that means giving in to an irresistible desire to get closer to her accomplice. But when passion hits them like a rogue wave and danger surrounds them like a school of hungry sharks, their adventure on the high seas turns treacherous...and deadly.

About the Author

Roxanne St. Claire is a bestselling, RITA-Award winning author of twenty-two novels of romance and suspense. She currently writes a popular romantic suspense series called ?The Bullet Catchers? featuring a cadre of bodyguards and security professionals. In addition to the RITA, her books have won the National Reader's Choice Award, the Daphne Du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best, the Book Buyers Best, The HOLT Medallion, multiple Awards of Excellence, and Borders! Top Pick for Romance in 2007. Currently readers are enjoying the first Bullet Catcher Trilogy? featuring three connected stories titled First You Run, Then You Hide and Now You Die. Up next, back-to-back Bullet Catcher adventures: Hunt Her Down (Sept. 2009) and Make Her Pay (Oct. 2009.) Prior to launching a full-time career as a novelist, Roxanne managed a large marketing and public relations business with international clients including Fortune 500 businesses and high-profile celebrities. She lives in Florida with her husband and two children and can be reached via her web site, http://www.roxannestclaire.com/.
 
Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star; Original edition (September 29, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439102228
ISBN-13: 978-1439102220

My Review: 
 
I highly recommend this fast paced series with great heroes/heroines, psycho villians and great storylines.
 
Con is such a great character because people think he is a thief (he's a reformed one) of beautiful things.
 
I admire Lizzie because she wants to protect what she believes belongs to her family (jewels), etc. and will do anything to ensure that happens!
 
You can feel the heat and it was quite steamy between Lizzie and Con (two/three shower scenes) and when they finally get together (you know what I mean)!!!!!
 
4/5

Hunt Her Down (Bullet Catchers) (Mass Market Paperback)

I've just finished reading "Hunt Her Down" the 8th book in her Bullet Catcher series by Roxanne St. Claire.

Product Description

Fourteen years ago, undercover FBI agent Dan Gallagher watched his lover, Maggie Varcek, flee into the Miami night as gunfire exploded around them. Now a Bullet Catcher, Dan has learned that drug lord Ramon Jimenez is out of prison after the FBI bust Maggie unwittingly aided, and is looking for revenge. Determined to protect the woman who still haunts his memory, Dan tracks Maggie down, undercover once again -- until his identity is stunningly blown. Furious at his past betrayal, Maggie refuses Dan's help, yet the passion between them still burns irresistibly hot. Then Ramon strikes terrifyingly close. The Jimenez family will do anything to gain the key they believe Maggie holds to their hidden fortune, and the rejoined lovers are forced into a race against time, trying to unlock the secret before everything they hold most dear is destroyed...forever.

About the Author

Roxanne St. Claire is a bestselling, RITA-Award winning author of twenty-two novels of romance and suspense. She currently writes a popular romantic suspense series called ?The Bullet Catchers featuring a cadre of bodyguards and security professionals. In addition to the RITA, her books have won the National Reader's Choice Award, the Daphne Du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best, the Book Buyers Best, The HOLT Medallion, multiple Awards of Excellence, and Borders Top Pick for Romance in 2007. Currently readers are enjoying the first Bullet Catcher Trilogy? featuring three connected stories titled First You Run, Then You Hide and Now You Die. Up next, back-to-back Bullet Catcher adventures: Hunt Her Down (Sept. 2009) and Make Her Pay (Oct. 2009.) Prior to launching a full-time career as a novelist, Roxanne managed a large marketing and public relations business with international clients including Fortune 500 businesses and high-profile celebrities. She lives in Florida with her husband and two children and can be reached via her web site, http://www.roxannestclaire.com/.
 
My Review:
 
Storyline: I thought it was a pretty good storyline and it was well written!  Glad to see a smart and strong heroine for a sexy and funny hero!

Characters: Most of the characters were well written especially Dan, Maggie, Quinn, Ramon, etc.

Romance: I really liked the romance between Dan & Maggie and it was done well. I enjoy books where the characters are previous lovers and re-connect in the future! I also enjoy seeing characters from previous books (Max, Cori, Peyton, Lucy Sharpe).

Killer(s): The killers were well written and I definately wouldn't want to run into them in real life.  One of them you didn't know who they were until near the end!

I really enjoy the sexual banter between Dan & Maggie!  Also enjoyed reading the man to man talk between Dan & Max!

5/5