Barefoot in the Sand (Barefoot Bay, #1) by Roxanne St. Claire

Apr 08, 2012 ♡KarLynP♡ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-contemporary, 2012-05-may, netgalley, arc-copy, published-2012

A quick light read that won’t tax your thought processes, which is great for an easy beach read. This had a chick-lit feel to it, especially in the beginning as so much is about Lacey and her friends, life, dreams…etc., but in the end it does pull out a good romance story too.

There were some enjoyable parts of this book, but unfortunately they were too far and few between for my liking. I would have liked more humor and more focus on the romance with Clay. I felt he got washed away with too man...more

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Jun 06, 2013 Paula Robinson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Roxanne St. Claire's Barefoot in the Sand is one of those books I fell into. I loved all the characters, and I could relate to them in some way. This story is the first in St. Claire's Barefoot Bay series. It is about Lacey Armstrong and Clayton "Clay" Walker. The opening scene blew me away, pun intended. I lived that scene as if I was present in that storm. The emotions and questions Lacey had and felt we're realistic, and I could see each move that she made. Re-reading Barefoot in the Sand aft...more Roxanne St. Claire's Barefoot in the Sand is one of those books I fell into. I loved all the characters, and I could relate to them in some way. This story is the first in St. Claire's Barefoot Bay series. It is about Lacey Armstrong and Clayton "Clay" Walker. The opening scene blew me away, pun intended. I lived that scene as if I was present in that storm. The emotions and questions Lacey had and felt we're realistic, and I could see each move that she made. Re-reading Barefoot in the Sand after watching the news coverage of the damages and tremendous loss people suffered in Moore, Oklahoma made the scene even more poignant; even though the natural disasters differed, the emotions people felt were probably synonymous.

Lacey Armstrong is a very strong female character, but when we first meet her, she lacks the confidence she needs to pick up the pieces. It wasn't until meeting Clay, that she found a new sense of purpose and developed a drive to follow through, to fight for what she wanted. As their relationship grew, you, the reader got to experience the changes Lacey goes through. You got to see her shed that meek demeanour, and put on her own armour. She became an intrepid force. It was great watching the love between her and Clay grow and blossom like that mimosa plant that survived the hurricane. The conflicts in the novel were driving forces throughout the whole plot line. St. Claire wove them in expertly, leaving no loose threads, and she didn't make it easy for Lacey and Clay to overcome them. Her relationship with her daughter was very realistic as well. I could hear the angst from the teenager and the little girl who still needs her mom in Ashley. Her choices and motivations were very much like those I have experienced in real life. She is also a likeable character, but oh is she a burgeoning teenager. She added another necessary dimension to Lacey's character. Ashley is the reason why Lacey is the person she is when we first meet her. It was great to watch Lacey grow and change through her relationship with Ashley as well.

When you first meet Clay, you weren't sure what you were going to get. Was he some scavenger looking for treasures he could sell for profit? Was he a predator or another lost soul trying to come up for air after the storm? It wasn't until you turned the pages, and watched him grow and develop as a character, that you got to see him for who he truly was, a caring individual who felt deeply, a man who knew what he wanted, and wasn't afraid to dream. Clay is a talented architect and designer whose hidden talent is what I found most intriguing. I won't ruin it by telling you what that talent was; you have to read the book to find it out. I fell in love with him upon first meeting him. I mean, who wouldn't? :) Clay was the perfect hero choice for Lacey, and despite his best qualities, he was a bit scarred. And when juxtaposed to the ex, he was a diamond in the rough. He is a much deeper well than first believed, and I loved how when St. Claire peeled away the layers, the more we got to know him.

Together, both Lacey and Clay were explosive. From the first moment they meet, the tension between them was quite palpable. St. Claire used this attraction expertly. The sexual tension pervaded the scene, and just knowing how much they sparked off each other, made you anticipate them coming together, it also helped to bind the foundation of their newly discovered love for each other. When they both came to the realisation of that love, their attraction became more potent. It took tragic circumstances for both to realise the depth of their feelings for each other. The major external conflict, to me, the overarching one, was a good way to drive the plot of the book. It forced Clay and Lacey to work together, and caused the reader to wonder and question his motives, when Lacey faces an unforeseen opponent in her desire to build a new life, rife with possibilities. I loved that they had to fight for what they wanted, and when they did it together, it was hard to defeat Lacey and Clay.

I really enjoyed Barefoot in the Sand, and the girlfriend theme throughout made it even better. Having the support system of her girlfriends around created an interesting tapestry in this book. They are all unique and different in their own ways, and I can't wait to read their stories.(less)

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Jun 11, 2013 Sadie Carrieri rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am a new fan of Roxanne St.Claire and thorough enjoyed reading Barefoot in the Sand an appropriate title for the setting. Lacy and Clay the heroine and hero are a perfect match. They love each other from the start but both have to overcome the past before they can fully commit to each other and the future. Lacy's friends are a great encouragement to her. Her daughter is somewhat antagonistic towards Clay and has secretly contacted her father whom she has not seen in six years. All adds up in t...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Shelley Wall rated it 5 of 5 stars

Roxanne St. Claire was recommended to me by one of the judges in a contest I entered recently. It was a great read. I loved the way the characters were developed, not just the main ones but the sub-characters also.

It was a definite feel-good love story that had some interesting little twists and turns. I certainly will read more of Roxanne's work.

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May 30, 2013 Janette Bouerly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Roxanne St. Claire has done it again! I will admit I was skeptical when I heard she would be writing something other than romantic suspense - as I LOVED the Bullet Catchers and Guardian Angelinos. However, Roxanne did not disappoint with her debut contemporary novel. In fact, I found Barefoot in the Sand to be in my top five books ever! I could not love this book more! Barefoot Bay is a serene place on the island of Mimosa Key, just off the coast of Florida. The location was fabulous, and very o...more

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May 29, 2013 Denise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Barefoot In The Sand
Barefoot Bay Series #1 by Roxanne St. Claire

I have to be honest in saying that I was a tad skeptical jumping from St. Claire's romantic suspense series' Guardian Angelinos and Bullet Catchers (my personal favorites in this genre) to her foray into contemporary romance. But I should have had more faith in her ability to bring brilliantly written characters to life on the page, sexual chemistry that has you anticipating and holding your breath like a teenager, and pulse poundin...more Barefoot In The Sand
Barefoot Bay Series #1 by Roxanne St. Claire

I have to be honest in saying that I was a tad skeptical jumping from St. Claire's romantic suspense series' Guardian Angelinos and Bullet Catchers (my personal favorites in this genre) to her foray into contemporary romance. But I should have had more faith in her ability to bring brilliantly written characters to life on the page, sexual chemistry that has you anticipating and holding your breath like a teenager, and pulse pounding excitement from the very first page that hooks you in to the story line until before you know it, you've become so invested that you can't put the book down until the very end! A particular specialty of Ms. St. Claire ;)

The story pulls you into the lives of single mother Lacey Armstrong and her teenage daughter Ashley fighting to survive the ravages of a hurricane that has completely decimated everything they have ever had in terms of material possessions. As they begin trying to rebuild they their lives, enter onto the the scene one very determined and super sexy architect, Clay Walker, who is a tad younger than Lacey, but manages to push all of her hot buttons while also helping to envision a life of what "could be" if only she can continue to fight what appears to be insurmountable obstacles including those within herself.

I like that St. Claire touches on the topic of the age difference of the slightly older woman, but doesn't drag it out throughout the book. Lacey is a strongly written heroine to Clay's "don't take no for an answer" hero. The two together light up the page as both characters are full-dimensional with the authenticity so prevalent in St. Claire's books you feel an instant connection.

St. Claire singes the pages with her writing style and also introduces us to Lacey's closest friends, Jocelyn, Zoe, and Tessa from college who come in like the cavalry to help Lacey and Ashley recover their lives but add so much fun and laughter to the book you'll find yourself laughing, crying, and wishing you were the fifth wheel in this entourage of characters. But each friend, thankfully, has their own powerful story in the Barefoot Bay series, with Barefoot in The Rain, Barefoot in The Sun, and Barefoot By The Sea! Like any great series....I highly recommend you start at the beginning and then kickback and enjoy the ride! It is truly St. Claire at her absolute FINEST!
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Apr 21, 2013 Kati rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, 2012-reviews, 3-stars, books-with-reviews, books-i-own, contemporary, own-on-kindle, reviewed-by-jamie, netgalley

**original review by Jamie posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance**

Lacey Armstrong survived a hurricane in a bathtub with her teenage daughter Ashley. With her home completely destroyed she decides that it is the perfect time to fulfill her dream of build a bed and breakfast. That is until a hot, young architect shows up with his washboard abs and tries to change her mind.

Clay Walker has no designs on love even if he finds himself attracted to the redhead with killer curves. The only...more **original review by Jamie posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance**

Lacey Armstrong survived a hurricane in a bathtub with her teenage daughter Ashley. With her home completely destroyed she decides that it is the perfect time to fulfill her dream of build a bed and breakfast. That is until a hot, young architect shows up with his washboard abs and tries to change her mind.

Clay Walker has no designs on love even if he finds himself attracted to the redhead with killer curves. The only thing he wants to design is Lacey’s B & B, but his vision is more of a resort. But not only does he have to fight Lacey for a chance to prove himself but also the town who is against the idea of a large resort.

As if facing the town council isn’t scary enough, Lacey is facing the possibility of falling for Clay. However, Ashley doesn’t like that thought and decides to call for back up, her dad. David has been out exploring the world for as long as Ashley has been alive but now has decided to be a father, and get Lacey to love him again.

Good thing Clay has the support of Lacey’s friends because even though he says he doesn’t want love he can’t seem to stop thinking about the sexy redhead. Now he just has to win her over, beat the town council and get in the good graces of a fourteen year old girl.

Favorite Quote:

“Here’s all you have to know about me, Lacey.” He brushed her knuckles with his fingertips, ostensibly to underscore the point he was about to make, but the touch sent chills up her skin and made her curl her toes around the barstool. “I don’t believe in obstacles, barriers, roadblocks, or anything else that says I can’t. I get what I want and I don’t quit until I have it. Now, can I have the job to design and build your resort?”

Overall:
There was much going on that it almost took away from the story. I really wanted it to focus more on Lacey and Clay and their relationship especially with Lacey’s issue of their age difference. I really enjoyed Clay and Lacey but I wished more time was spent on just them.

So, not only did you have Lacey and Clay’s issues but also you had Clay and his daddy issues, Ashley and her daddy issues, exes showing up and three best friends with issues of their own. It’s a lot to keep tract of. Towards the middle of the book was when I really got into it. It was a good read, not one of my favorites but it would be a great beach read.

***review copy provided by Netgalley***(less)

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Apr 20, 2013 Golfmagic rated it 2 of 5 stars

SPOILERS AHEAD

Well, this is a tough one. Maybe I'd like to give it 2.5 stars. This was a light read, and I actually kept reading because there were some tension elements that I liked, but overall I thought the characters were pretty cardboard and their reactions were over the top in some places, which left me rolling my eyes at the melodrama. Also, Clay is too creepy for me to consider hot. Allow me to elaborate.

One problem was the timeline. This hero and heroine were swoony over each other with...more

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Mar 13, 2013 CoffeeTimeRomance andMore rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

It takes a near death experience for Lacey Armstrong to find finally the courage to do something she has always dreamed of. The hurricane has taken everything she and Ashley owned, yet it has given her the perfect excuse to build a B&B finally.

Architecture is in Clay Walker’s blood, although that is where the similarities between him and his father end, unless you count the woman who is now his father’s wife.

Will Clay Walker please stand up? Lacey has no idea how this gorgeous, way too young...more

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Feb 21, 2013 Diana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really liked St. Claire's YA novel Don't You Wish (which I gave 4 stars) and thought Kill Me Twice (Bullet Catchers #1) was OK (3 stars). So I searched my local library for other St. Claire downloads. This was all they had- as an audio book.
Barefoot was a disappointment. I can't exactly put my finger on one thing, but this is why it might not have been satisfying.
Maybe because:
1. St. Claire should switch to YA permanently. Her writing is not very adult.
2. I don't have much experience with a...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Kulsuma (sunshine and stardust) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Barefoot In The Sand by Roxanne St. Claire is the perfect summer read. What a fantastic book! I am so glad I came across it! The story begins when Lacey Armstrong is victim to a hurricane that completely obliterates all her and her teenage daughter's material possessions, including their home. Lacey takes the opportunity of a clean slate to take a chance and build the hotel she's always wanted to have. All she needs is the best architect to build her dream. The architect that arrives, though, is...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: guiltypleasures-amanda, publishersent

Amanda's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

I picked up Roxanne St. Claire’s Barefoot in the Sand because it looked like a good summer read for me. I haven’t read anything by this author before and I thought I would with this new contemporary romance series. It was a pleasant surprise that I got a well written story that was jammed packed with a plot and subplots, good main characters, drama unfolding throughout, funny scenes with secondary characters, and a growing romance. She definitely hooked...more Amanda's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

I picked up Roxanne St. Claire’s Barefoot in the Sand because it looked like a good summer read for me. I haven’t read anything by this author before and I thought I would with this new contemporary romance series. It was a pleasant surprise that I got a well written story that was jammed packed with a plot and subplots, good main characters, drama unfolding throughout, funny scenes with secondary characters, and a growing romance. She definitely hooked me and I look forward to more stories in the Barefoot Bay series. The story starts off with a roar when a hurricane destroy everything that Lacey Armstrong owns and almost takes her and her daughter Ashley life as well. In the aftermath she feels this would be the best opportunity for her to start over and build her dream of a bed and breakfast on the same property. She contacts a well renowned architecture firm and gets more in the bargain when Clay Walker shows up.

Clay looks at Lacey’s bed and breakfast design as the perfect opportunity to strike out on his own from his father’s hold on his life and career. He’s got a lot riding on this job and will do anything to get it, even if means seducing the client. At first I didn’t like Clay because he came off a little cocky but he grew on me over time and eventually I admired him by the end of the story. There is a pivotal scene near the end of the story with Clay and his father in which I thought the author let Clay stay true to his feelings. Clay couldn’t say something back to his father and it made it more believable to me and I am grateful to her.

Lacey was also a believable character that grew into her own throughout the story. She is definitely a momma bear at first but decided to walk a little on the wild side with Clay. She was torn between the two because she is like any woman, trying to balance raising a daughter, providing a living for the two of them, and being a woman. Thank goodness she has the support of her friends and they show up to help her in her time of need. Each of them will eventually get their own story and we got a glimpse of what is ahead for them.

The book may have gone a little overboard with all the drama because I felt there wasn’t much Clay and Lacey time together. They had a smoking hot attraction for each other and it would have been nice to have seen more of them sexing it up. Regardless, I still can’t wait for more stories in the Barefoot Bay series and hopefully we’ll see if any or all of Clay’s sketches actually do come true.(less)

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Jun 17, 2012 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a new author for me, so going in blind.
This book started out so,so. I thought about dropping it.
The author was setting up some of the main character, Lacey's backstory;
I got that, but the dialog between Lacey and her female "pack" of buds was boring, silly, and didnt add to the story much. "Where is the plot?", I kept asking. I found myself skimming over some pretty useless chatter. Once I got past that...after the first 40 pages or so, the story really begins.
At that point, it pulled...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Margaret rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have always been a fan of this author. Her books are always the type of book that just sucks you in. This book is no different. It completely sucked me in.
Lacy is a single mother with a teenage daughter. She has completely lost everything due to a hurricane. So she decided that instead of re-building her home the way it was, she was going to do something different with it. She was going to fulfill her dream of opening a bed and breakfast. She just needs to get the whole town’s approval before...more

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May 11, 2012 Joyfully Reviewed rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, joyfully-reviewed-miranda, recommended-read, series, heartwarming

As a hurricane sweeps through Mimosa Key it takes everything single mother, Lacey Armstrong owns and almost takes the life of her and her daughter. When the storm breaks Lacey and her daughter emerge to see their life in shambles but Lacey also sees something else. Lacey sees an opportunity to start the business she has always dreamed of, a Bed and Breakfast.

Clay Walker is stepping out from his successful fathers shadow and Lacey’s Bed and Breakfast is the perfect architectural job for him to st...more As a hurricane sweeps through Mimosa Key it takes everything single mother, Lacey Armstrong owns and almost takes the life of her and her daughter. When the storm breaks Lacey and her daughter emerge to see their life in shambles but Lacey also sees something else. Lacey sees an opportunity to start the business she has always dreamed of, a Bed and Breakfast.

Clay Walker is stepping out from his successful fathers shadow and Lacey’s Bed and Breakfast is the perfect architectural job for him to start with. It will give him the credibility he needs to disassociate himself from his father’s business. However, there are a few obstacles in the way like a sexy mother with small plans and a town full of busy-bodies who don’t want the competition Lacey’s Bed and Breakfast might bring. Oh and let’s not forget the complication of a certain ex and long-lost daddy stepping back into the picture to claim the woman Clay has his eyes on.

Things heat up in Barefoot Bay as Lacey mixes it up with Clay but can their relationship survive the hounds that are circling? Will Lacey’s dream come to fruition or will she buckle under pressure?

Roxanne St. Claire hits a homerun with Barefoot in the Sand her first installment of the new Barefoot Bay contemporary romance series! It is impossible not to be completely enthralled from page one of this outstanding story. After a hurricane rips apart the life of the heroine and her daughter the reader gets a front row look at how Lacey puts it back together. One of the themes throughout Barefoot in the Sand is second chances. After the destruction Lacey has the chance to do what she has always wanted if she is brave enough to go after it. I love Lacey’s journey throughout the story. Not only does she get a chance to realize her dreams of her own B&B but she also gets a second chance at love. But will that chance be with the man that left her so long ago to chase his dreams or the young stud out to make a name for himself? Lacey’s inner battle is so real, “should she do what seems right or should she do something for herself that might not make everyone else happy?” I love this aspect of the story!

Let’s not forget the drop dead gorgeous men that prowl around Barefoot Bay. Clay is sexy and smart he thinks he wants a fling but his heart seems to have other ideas. I also like the fact that Clay’s life is also in transition. In a sense, he is also rebuilding his life only it wasn’t a hurricane that took everything he owned. I love his struggle with his feelings regarding his situation…and yes, I’m being purposefully vague. You just have to read this beautiful story to find out why I love these characters so much! For goodness sake I even like the ex-David. He’s hot, adventurous and as much as I wanted to hate his guts I couldn’t!

If that isn’t enough to have you curious let me tell you a little about the coolest girlfriends a girl could ask for. Lacey has some really cool chicks as friends and they each have mysterious pasts that I cannot wait to dig into. Jocelyn, Zoe and Tessa bring on the laughs in Barefoot in the Sand. Every time these ladies make their way onto the page be prepared to giggle! I felt a part of their group while reading. They remind me of my friends the ones you turn to when in trouble or when you need to cry or when something amazing happens. Basically I can’t wait to see who they fall in love with in the series!

Ms. St. Claire does an excellent job of creating endearing characters that feel like family by the time you hit the last page. I eagerly anticipate my next trip to Barefoot Bay.

Barefoot in the Sand is a modern heartwarming romance with style!

Reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed
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May 11, 2012 Misty rated it 5 of 5 stars

Roxanne St Claire’s Barefoot in the Sand is the perfect Summer time read! There is nothing I didn’t love about this book, from the wacky secondary characters to Lacey and Clay themselves. Barefoot in the Sand comes in with a roar, when Lacey’s because house is blown to bits by a hurricane. Rather than falling apart Lacey sees this as a chance to rebuild her life for herself and her teenage daughter, so she decides to take a chance and do what she has always dreamed of doing, running a bed and br...more

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May 08, 2012 Janga rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’m not a great reader of romantic suspense/thrillers, but Roxanne St. Claire is one of a handful of writers in that subgenre whose books I never miss. I was excited when I learned that she was writing a quartet of contemporary romance and placed my request as soon as the first book was available via NetGalley. Barefoot in the Sand did not disappoint. It has the strong characterization and steamy romance that I look for in this author’s books. Lacey is an engaging mix of optimism and fear, of st...more

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May 06, 2012 Christi Snow rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Review:
Okay, I'll admit it. I was really upset when Roxanne said that she was going to start writing a contemporary series versus her normal romantic suspense. Not because I don't love contemporaries, because I do, but because I've always loved Roxanne St. Claire's romantic suspense writing. But I am OKAY WITH IT NOW, because this book WAS SO GOOD!

Lacey, the heroine of the story...OMG, I love her. I want to be friends with her!! She's thirty-seven years old and the mother of a fourteen year o...more My Review:
Okay, I'll admit it. I was really upset when Roxanne said that she was going to start writing a contemporary series versus her normal romantic suspense. Not because I don't love contemporaries, because I do, but because I've always loved Roxanne St. Claire's romantic suspense writing. But I am OKAY WITH IT NOW, because this book WAS SO GOOD!

Lacey, the heroine of the story...OMG, I love her. I want to be friends with her!! She's thirty-seven years old and the mother of a fourteen year old teenage girl. Clay is much younger than her and nothing that she ever expected. He's gorgeous and sexy and their chemistry is through the roof. She wants him...desperately, but she's scared of what she feels for him and the way that he pushes her to go after her dreams. She's lived a quiet sedate life for the last 14 years and she wants and NEEDS some adventure, but finds it so hard to let go of her safety net and leap to where she wants to go...directly into Clay's arms. And of course, there are all kinds of other distractions pulling her in a million different stressful directions.

Then there is Clay...seriously, sexy, sweet Clay. He has been really, really hurt and NEVER wants to be in that situation again. He's very upfront about that fact too. He wants sex from Lacey, but nothing else...at least that's what he's telling her and himself. I love that his true feelings come through in his art...such a gorgeous little detail of the story. I loved how much his passion for architecture came through in this story. He is truly passionate about his designs for Lacey. He loves architecture and the heartbreak about his career is such an emotional part of the story...both for him and for me as a reader. I loved that connection to his character. I adore architecture and even studied it in college for a while so that was a fun aspect to the story for me.

There's a huge cast of characters in this book and they all add great dimension to the story. I love Lacey's three friends and look forward to learning more about their stories. There are some serious secrets among these girls and we have just seen hints about them so far. I definitely look forward to more from this series...enough so that Roxanne St. Claire is officially forgiven for changing genre's. She writes contemporary romance just as well as she writes romantic suspense....PERFECTLY!(less)

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May 05, 2012 Rachel Kall rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm a huge fan of this author, and have read all her romantic suspense books. When I found out she was doing contemporary, I couldn't wait to see what she did with it. And I was not disappointed! St. Claire takes you into the wonderful world of Barefoot Bay, and you can almost feel the sand between your toes. Things I really loved about this book: 1) Clay, the hero, is amazingly done. He talks and thinks like a man and not many authors can really capture the male voice which she does SO WELL (I...more

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May 04, 2012 SOS Aloha rated it 4 of 5 stars

“Empty-handed I entered the world
Barefoot I leave it.
My coming, my going --
Two simple happenings
That got entangled.”

Kozan Ichikyo

I have known Roxanne St. Claire as a romantic suspense author. I was pleasantly surprised to learn she had written a “small town” romance set in my home state of Florida. St. Claire delivers the heartwarming charm that rings true with authenticity. Having survived a handful of hurricanes, I could relate to Lacey’s resilience as she rebuilds her business – and life...more

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May 04, 2012 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone~

Recommended to Molly by: FOREVER Romance

Never reading a Roxanne St. Claire novel before, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was happy to learn, though, that this is the first book in a series, so I was getting to start fresh with both a new-to-me author and a brand new series. My surprise? I loved both the book and the author's skills! Ms. St. Claire took humor, single parenthood and fun loving characters, whipped them together with a rocking great plot line and turned out a batch of fantastic reading.

Lacey Armstrong is a character that...more Never reading a Roxanne St. Claire novel before, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was happy to learn, though, that this is the first book in a series, so I was getting to start fresh with both a new-to-me author and a brand new series. My surprise? I loved both the book and the author's skills! Ms. St. Claire took humor, single parenthood and fun loving characters, whipped them together with a rocking great plot line and turned out a batch of fantastic reading.

Lacey Armstrong is a character that I can totally relate with. She's a single mom, doing her best to make ends meet for her and her 14 year old daughter, Ashley. I'm a single mom of two boys doing the same thing. Each struggle she went through, I felt as if it was my struggle because I knew exactly how Lacey felt. When a cat-5 hurricane sweeps through Mimosa Key, however, I couldn't relate to the pain and devastation that Lacey and Ashley felt. But, grateful to be alive, the make the best of it, and Lacey decides it's the chance to begin her true dreams of building a B & B.

Clayton "Clay" Walker enters the picture and whoa! Holy smokes, that is one hot architect! Or atleast Lacey felt like he was. Trouble is, he's not who she wanted for the job. But, Clay wants to be the one that works on this dream of Lacey and show her that there is so much more to be gained that just a simple 5 room B&B. He wants to show her the fun of living life and not worrying. But, will his past hinder that or will he be able to move on and show Lacey that love can conquer all, barefoot in the sand? Or, will he be able to show Lacey that he's the guy to get the girl, and not her ex, David?

From fun loving Casablanca quotes to laughable moments with 4 college girlfriends to steamy spark-flying romance, Ms. St. Claire has hit a home run in my book with this awesome 5 Book worthy series debut. I didn't want the story to end, and I wanted to find myself waking up on Barefoot Bay beach next to a hunky architect and lots of great friends! But, sadly, it ended and I had to wake up to my life :). The good news is, it's not the end! I can't wait to read the next installment in this awesome new series from a new favorite author!(less)

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May 02, 2012 Pat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Roxanne St. Claire’s newest novel starts out with a bang! Maybe it should be called a roar! In either case Lacey Armstrong is trying to save her daughter Ashley’s life, as well as her own! She is in the middle of a hurricane, in the rickety beach house left to her by her Grandparents. It’s the only home she and her daughter have, and it’s falling apart around them. She drags them into a huge heavy bath tub, pulls a mattress over them, and rides out the storm. When the storm is gone, all that’s l...more

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Apr 28, 2012 Rachel Kall rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm a huge fan of this author, and have read all her romantic suspense books. When I found out she was doing contemporary, I couldn't wait to see what she did with it. And I was not disappointed! St. Claire takes you into the wonderful world of Barefoot Bay, and you can almost feel the sand between your toes. Things I really loved about this book: 1) Clay, the hero, is amazingly done. He talks and thinks like a man and not many authors can really capture the male voice which she does SO WELL (I...more

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Apr 28, 2012 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

PJV QUICKIE: Barefoot in the Sand is a cute summer read – an older woman/younger man steam up the pages in this story of family, friends, and new beginnings.

Lacey Armstrong stared down death and lived to tell about it. After deciding to ‘ride out’ a hurricane in her home in the Keys, she and her teenage daughter emerge from the protection of their bathtub to…nothing. The house is destroyed; all their possessions gone, leaving only memories, the bathtub, and a stuffed unicorn.

Lacey has always wan...more

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Apr 24, 2012 Mary Gramlich rated it 5 of 5 stars

Is love the one thing that can never be taken away?

Lacey Armstrong has spent her life chasing dreams that seemed so close yet like the horizon so far away. She was running a small but successful baking business until a hurricane came and took everything she owned away. Lacey is grateful that she and her daughter survived to build another day, but now the question looms what is she going to build and where?

A dream does answer her call in the form of Clay who is offering to help her build an exp...more

8 likes · like · see review

Mar 29, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I absolutely loved this book, I fell in love with it right away. I thought Lacey was was a strong, resilient heroine, and she felt very real and honest to me. Her relationship with her daughter Ashley was a lot like many single mothers and daughters, including myself; both the conflicts and the strenghts of it showed incredible reality to it. And when a hurricane literally turns her house (and her life) upside down, her relationship with her daughter always remains a priority.

Clay Walker, the h...more

10 likes · like · see review

May 25, 2013 Sarah Eiseman rated it 1 of 5 stars

Originally posted on Sarahsbookshelf.com:

I want to preface this post by saying that I really, really, really wanted to like this book. I even gave it more of a read than I usually do when I’m on the fence about whether I like a book or not. Unfortunately, my reading ultimately had to end because the story just went in a direction that I could not follow.

The story follows Lacey Armstrong as she decides to rebuild her family’s home in the Florida Keys. She ends up meeting, and hiring, sexy archite...more

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Apr 30, 2013 Melody May rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romance

Rating 4.5 stars

Originally posted on What I'm Reading

All right, I just finished Barefoot in the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire. I really liked this story. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I could relate to the story; not my life, but my friends life. This would be the book to launch the this is the Barefoot series.

Barefoot in the Sand is where we meet Lacey, Jocelyn, Zoe, and Tessa. They have been best friends since college. They all come together after a hurricane tares through Bar...more Rating 4.5 stars

Originally posted on What I'm Reading

All right, I just finished Barefoot in the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire. I really liked this story. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I could relate to the story; not my life, but my friends life. This would be the book to launch the this is the Barefoot series.

Barefoot in the Sand is where we meet Lacey, Jocelyn, Zoe, and Tessa. They have been best friends since college. They all come together after a hurricane tares through Barefoot Bay. Very devastating event leaving Lacey and her daughter homeless, but willing to make a dream come true. The friends pull together to help Lacey make these dreams a reality.

Clay Walker sees an opportunity to get the experience he needs to make his dream of being an architect come true. All he needs is a chance to prove himself. He might be able to get that chance with Lacey.

As I said I liked this book. I think a lot has to do with the story really reminded me of my friends life in so many ways. I think when you can relate to a story, it makes the story better. There's a lot of layers that go into this book, so a person may get overwhelm with all the information present. However, I think all the layers really make the story a little more real. Sometimes life isn't like a cookie cutter where every cookie is perfect. Even they we may want it to be, but that would be just boring.

I really like the different relationships that are in this story and they really make the story come to life. We have the relationship with Lacey and her friends, Lacey and Clay, Lacey with her daughter, and Lacey with her ex-boyfriend. These relationships make the foundation of the story. Plus, in one way or another they intergrade with one another. Real life relationships tend to intergrade with one another and this is the reason I really liked this story.

The bottom line is: It's a pretty darn good book. Really worth the read to see how friends pull together when the going gets tough. I can't wait to read the other girls stories (except Jocelyn since I have already her story). If you are looking for some beach time and no where near a beach, you might want to checkout Barefoot in the Sand.(less)

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Jun 29, 2012 Visionary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Okay so I had a bit of a dilemma on what to read. Two authors that I really liked and my friend Keeshe “highly” suggested Roxi’s book.

Now I am NO stranger to Roxi’s work, having fallen head over heels for her Bullet Catcher books. (And sadly have not read the spin-off series).

Roxanne really starts this new series off in a bang: her heroine and her daughter experiencing the uncertainty of a hurricane of all things. Quite new; quite different take for me. The heroine looses basically all her ear...more

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May 30, 2012 Jennah Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Best.Summer.Read.So.Far! I'm serious I love this book. I picked it up at RT when I met Roxanne. She, by the way, is made of awesome too. This book starts out with a bang and keeps you going until you read the last page. Oh, and I can NOT wait for the next Barefoot book which appears to be coming out in October (Barefoot in the Rain).

Lacey starts out losing everything. She and her daughter barely survive an unexpected hurricane, and Lacey takes what could be a very good excuse to wallow in miser...more

6 likes · like · see review

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Barefoot in the Sand (Barefoot Bay #1)

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