REVIEW: Secrets on the Sand by Roxanne St Claire

In Secrets on the Sand (Billionaires of Barefoot Bay #1) by Roxanne St. Claire, Years of hard work has made Zeke Nicholas, former geek, into a handsome, wealthy man who has everything he could ever dream of…except a loving woman with which to share his life. He’s grown tired of his mother trying to play matchmaker and wishes he could find someone who will love him for who he is, not for his bank account.

“You think you know men like me. But I guarantee you, Mandy, you have never met anyone like me.”

Zeke arrives in Barefoot Bay for a family function not expecting to come face-to-face with his high school crush, Mandy Mitchell, who now works at the resort he’s currently staying in. When the opportunity comes up to spend time with Mandy in a way that will mutually benefit them both, Zeke realizes she is the one he wants in his life forever. But getting her to understand his sincere intent may take some time for the skittish beauty to accept.

‘She’d had so much pain, so many fears. But he didn’t care. He’d conquer every one of them. He’d beat anything and anyone down to have her in his arms, afraid of nothing.’

Amanda did not foresee herself working as a maid when she was crowned homecoming queen in high school, but she’s become quite humbled over the years. Especially after her disastrous marriage to a powerful man with control issues. Mandy has since sworn off wealthy businessmen and is sticking to her guns. Until she runs into her gorgeous and sweet former classmate Zeke at Casa Blanca and then all bets are off.

‘A billionaire with a good heart? Was this even possible? Could she trust him?’

I LOVED Secrets on the Sand. I mean, who wouldn’t love a romance where the geek finally gets his teenage crush after so many years of hoping for such an outcome? (And I use the term “geek” lovingly!) Roxanne St Claire has not disappointed with this first novella in a spinoff trilogy set once again in beautiful Barefoot Bay.

There was just something about Zeke and Mandy’s story that I connected with very easily. I loved that Zeke was able to take what he excelled in, math, and use it to his benefit while still remaining a caring, genuine person. He didn’t let his wealth go to his head and Mandy could sense that in him. And poor Mandy, who was like royalty in school, turned out to have a rough go of it during the course of her marriage. But she becomes a better person for it and it was wonderful to see her gain confidence and show what an incredible person she’s always been beneath the cool exterior.

Their romance, to me, was extremely swoon-worthy. It was such a joy to see two deserving people who longed for someone to connect with on a deep level finally find each other. Now this being a novella, it didn’t allow for a lot of sexy time between them, but there were some memorable passionate scenes–one in particular being on the balcony in the rain. *sigh* There were also some funny moments between them that were so sweet and cute it yet again made me want to sigh happily. I don’t know how Roxanne does it, but she always creates characters that are so flawed and realistic that it keeps me hooked until the very last page.

I highly recommend Secrets on the Sand if you’re a Roxanne St Claire fan or even if she’s a new author for you. This would be a great introduction into her fabulous writing style. And don’t worry…each of her books can be read independently so you don’t have to read them in order. Enjoy!

Book Info:

Published December 9th 2013 by South Street Publishing | Series: Billionaires of Barefoot Bay #1

Zeke Nicholas has turned his mathematical genius skills into a mountain of money. But Zeke sits on that mountain all alone, longing for the one thing money cannot buy: the true love of a lifelong partner. Zeke grew up near Barefoot Bay and is staying at the resort for a week while he’s in town for a family event. Enter Mandy Mitchell…the maid. Except to Zeke, Mandy is much more than that—she was the object of his every teenage fantasy back in the days when she was known as “Mandy the Magnificent” and he had the unflattering high school nickname of “Ezekiel the Geekiel.”

Zeke is no longer a geek—he’s gorgeous. And Mandy doesn’t feel so magnificent since her marriage fell apart and left her up to her eyeballs in debt and despair. One look at Zeke, and she knows he’s exactly the kind of trouble she should avoid. One look at Mandy, and Zeke turns his relentless ability to get what he wants into a full-on seduction. But can Mandy face down the secrets of her past to find a fairy-tale future with Zeke?