Barefoot Beach by Debbie Mason is a lovely romance novel filled with suspense, a sexy firefighter and one headstrong female lead.

I honestly wish I had read the full series before I got to this book. Even though it works as a stand alone, I felt like I wanted to know more of the background story. For one, there's a ghost in this story that made me really want to know how the supernatural made it into this book. There's also so many other romances that are hinted at that I would have love to see come together. Either way, the book is still good but I highly suggest reading the full series to make it to this book.

Theia and Marco are the two leads - a headstrong pilot who finds out more about herself in this journey and a sexy firefighter who does not want to have his family play matchmaker for him. Well, turns out that whole matchmaking idea is thrown out of the window when he meets Theia. We learn a fair bit about Marco's ex in this story too, which had me wondering if there was a previous book about her.

The duo definitely have a sexy, slow burn romance story. When we do get to the romance, it's pretty darn hot and suggestive. It honestly felt like the best of both worlds for me - I like slow burn where their relationship builds over time but I also love the sexy and steamy romances. Also, they weren't the "typical" couple (let's be honest though, this type of couple is becoming more common...) where he doesn't want a relationship and she is headstrong, secure with her life and doesn't need no man. Well, until they meet each other and spend a lot of time with each other. But who doesn't want a sexy firefighter/paramedic with rock hard abs, amazing cooking skills and a sweet heart?

There's also this fun "side story" with Theia being related to one of the major families of this series. I'm sure there's a lot more to this story line throughout the series, especially with the whole ghost thing, but I found it interesting. It's something I would have loved to know the back story for. The book does give you enough information to get along though.

Overall, this book is full of fun banter and witty comments. I really enjoyed this novel and hope to read more in this series. Debbie knows how to make an entertaining romance book that moves fast enough to keep you interested but slow (burn) enough to leave you grasping onto the novel.

Four out of five stars!

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. ( )

Barefoot Beach is full of love, surprises, drama & family. The characters are well written & mesh together perfectly. Small town living was well documented from the gossipy women’s club to the intrusive matchmakers. This is an entertaining clean romance that brings family love, history & drama into the forefront. It grabs your attention from the first page & keeps you involved until the end.

Marco wants to find his significant other but something holds him back. Until he meets his match. Theia is determined to stay single, until she meets Marco. The attraction between them is apparent from the beginning. With the betrayal, surprises & danger, along with all the family drama, Marco & Theia have to also overcome their past fears to find a way to trust each other & fight for their future. I loved Caine & hope his story is coming up! ( )