#48: Barefoot in the Sand - Roxanne St. Clair (With Interview & Giveaway)

When all you hold dear is taken away . . .
When a hurricane roars through Lacey Armstrong's home on the coast of Barefoot Bay, she decides all that remains in the rubble is opportunity. A new hotel is just what Mimosa Key needs, and Lacey and her teenage daughter are due for a fresh start. And nothing, especially not a hot, younger architect, is going to distract Lacey from finally making her dreams a reality.
A second chance is the only thing you have left.
Love has already cost Clay Walker everything. And if he's going to have any chance of picking up the pieces of his life, he needs the job as Lacey Armstrong's architect. What's not in the plans is falling for the headstrong beauty. Her vision of the future is more appealing than anything he could have ever drafted for himself. Will Clay's designs on Lacey's heart be more than she can handle, or will she trust him to build something that will last forever?

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (April 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455508217
• ISBN-13: 978-1455508211

Author Bio:
 Roxanne St. Clair is a New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels. She currently writes romance for Grand Central/Forever, including the popular "Guardian Angelinos" series and also penned an eight-book award winning series called The Bullet Catchers. Next year, Delacorte Press will release her first Young Adult novel, which has been optioned as a feature film.  She resides in Florida. Sexy contemporary. Romantic Suspense.

My Review of Edge of Sight is HERE.
My review of Shiver of Fear and Face of Danger are HERE.


My Opinion:
I give kudos to Roxanne for venturing into the contemporary romance world, a job well done!
I have to admit, I prefer the scary stuff though just a tad. I'm not sure if that's just a generalization of my tastes or of her writing, but it didn't make me want more romance versus the edge-of-your-seat suspense. I just keep thinking back to her earlier books I have read and wished it was more like that.
With that said, if I hadn't been such a fan of the Guardian Angelinos series, without those thoughts I would have enjoyed it more. I realize that too.
I liked the story, it was quite charming with the setting... minus the hurricane.... and the love triangle was nice. I found it a little predictable, but those who read my reviews know in a romance, I like predictability.
So in all afterthought, I like it. I think Roxanne did a good job venturing out of scaryland, and I would give another book a go.

3/5

Recommend? Yes! Romance fans would enjoy it.


DISCLAIMER: I received a copy for review. I was not compensated for this post or my opinion.


A Word with Author, Roxanne St. Clair.....

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Everywhere, honestly. For BAREFOOT IN THE SAND, the inspiration started when I spent time at my parents’ retirement home on the Gulf Coast (I based Barefoot Bay on their deserted, gorgeous beach), then lost my home in Hurricane Andrew a few years ago (that’s how the book opens), and continues today since I still live in Florida, constantly soaking up the atmosphere of sun, sand, and surf. But the setting and situation is only part of the story, of course. The characters come from my imagination, although I will admit a few of the people who live on Mimosa Key (a fictional island and home to “Barefoot Bay”) are drawn from real life. I hope one of my neighbors doesn’t recognize herself!

 

Do you have a favorite book of your own writing?

I do, and I’m always surprised when authors can’t pick favorites. I have several; most of them were books that were what I call “gimmes” -- quite easy to write. For some reason, the characters just popped on the page and the process was fun instead of painful. (Yes, writing can be painful!) My favorites include HIT REPLY, my one and only “chick lit” book, FACE OF DANGER, my last romantic suspense, and DON’T YOU WISH, my upcoming Y.A. BAREFOOT IN THE SAND was most definitely a favorite because I got to try my hand at a new genre and launch a new series -- always fun!

 

What would you say to aspiring writers in the romance genre?

Oh, there’s so much to say! Read, of course, and write what you love to read. That’s probably pretty obvious. I’d also say don’t listen to the “rules” because they’ll just quiet your voice, but don’t be stubborn when multiple critique partners or agents tell you what’s wrong with your story. Lastly, I’d say this is truly the most exciting time EVER to be a writer. There have never been more options for publication and I think the ereaders have really increased the number of people buying and loving books. Oh, and grow a thick skin and make true friends -- you’ll need both!

What are you reading now?

I’m about to start THE WEDDING DRESS by my incredibly talented and very dear friend, Rachel Hauck. Cannot wait!!

Thanks for answering a few of my burning questions Roxanne! 

And now for the giveaway......

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