Veena’s review of Barefoot In The Dark (Samantha and Rick, Book 1) by Suzanne Enoch
Contemporary Romance published by NYLA 15 Aug 18
“A simple pre-wedding getaway for a ‘reformed’ cat burglar and her wealthy British fiancé – what could go wrong? Except for his contentious family, a crumbling Scottish castle, a legendary treasure, and a possible haunting, that is.” This says it all and sets the tone for a delightful story set in the Scottish Highlands.
When Samantha Jellicoe needs to get away from all the limelight, her adoring fiancé takes her to his estate in the Highlands. The crumbling castle is certainly not in the same caliber as billionaire Richard Addison’s other properties. His family also has no qualms about showing their disdain for Rick’s choice of fiancé. Samantha has no trouble finding trouble and soon Rick’s friend and lawyer and Sam’s friend and fellow fence are on the scene as Sam goes on a treasure hunt and Rick tries to save a large deal from crumbling.
Is the castle really haunted? I love the Ghostbusters segment as Sam and Rick set out to flush out not just the ghosts that haunt the castle but the insidious plots that are bubbling under the surface of the day-to-day life. I also love how Sam put together all the puzzle pieces and found an ingenious solution at keeping the secrets that Rick is sworn to keep. Not only did she end up winning over his aunt and uncle, but she’s also a great hit with the villagers under Rick’s protection.
The story sparkles at Sam and Rick’s romance under the brooding eyes of his family and friends.
Grade: B
Summary:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Suzanne Enoch, a new romantic crime thriller featuring fan-favorites Samantha Jellicoe and Rick Addison…
A simple pre-wedding getaway for a “reformed” cat burglar and her wealthy British fiancé – what could go wrong? Except for his contentious family, a crumbling Scottish castle, a legendary treasure, and a possible haunting, that is.
Samantha Jellicoe, jewel thief extraordinaire, is still adjusting to being engaged to Richard Addison, billionaire entrepreneur and very hot British lord. Complicating that is the entire press corps hounding her for an interview – bad news for a mostly retired cat burglar intent on keeping her private life private.
She is ecstatic when Rick suggests they escape to his castle in Scotland; she’s less so when the old pile turns out to be dilapidated, full of Rick’s resentful relatives, and (possibly) haunted. While he navigates the consequences of ignoring his family for the past fifteen years, Sam uncovers a legend of buried treasure – and realizes she isn’t the only one searching for the famous highwayman’s loot.
While Sam is an expert at blending into the very different worlds of patrons and thieves, meeting people important to Rick is way more complicated. Combined with iffy phones, unreliable lights and power, a clandestine treasure hunt, a wannabe reality-star girlfriend, and a rumored “restless spirit,” this vacation in the Scottish Highlands might be more than a self-respecting former thief can handle.
No excerpt available.
