Review: When We Met by Susan Mallery

Title: When We Met by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book 13
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery invites you back to Fool’s Gold, where a newcomer to town might finally meet the man she never knew she needed…

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can’t be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool’s Gold, California, he’s cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he’s not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe to toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

The Review:

With When We Met Susan Mallery whisks readers back to the charming town of Fool’s Gold where Angel Whittaker and Taryn Crawford find not only love, but their places, in the close-knit community.

Finding herself outvoted by her PR firm partners (lovingly referred to as “the boys”), fashion loving Taryn grudgingly relocates from LA to Fool’s Gold. Completely out of her comfort zone amongst the happy and super friendly residents, she is starting to make friends and settle into her new life when super sexy ex-soldier and former Special Ops Angel makes his interest in her known. Neither Taryn nor Angel is looking for a long term commitment but both are more than happy to indulge in a sizzling fling.

Taryn and Angel are carrying emotional scars from their pasts. Angel is still grieving the loss of his family while Taryn’s problems stem from her abusive childhood. Their relationship begins as a light-hearted, casual flirtation but there is no denying their heated attraction for one another. Angel quickly begins his slow seduction and although impatient to move things along, Taryn eagerly anticipates his unpredictable invitations.

Their casual fling is just heating up when Taryn and Angel turn to one another for help in their personal lives. Angel is out of his depth with his community service volunteer position while city girl Taryn learns she is expected to join “the boys” on a camping trip to woo a client. As they give one another a hand, Angel and Taryn begin to open up about their respective pasts. Angel easily reveals his secrets but he continues to carefully guard his heart. Taryn’s trust issues run deep but she finds it easier to admit to her growing feelings.

The relationship between Taryn and Angel is based on mutual respect for one another. They are complete opposites but they appreciate their differences. Angel is rugged and outdoorsy but he finds Taryn’s love of clothes and shoes sexy. Taryn might never have been in love before but she admires Angel’s devotion and affection for his lost family and she always a sympathetic listener.

When We Met is another enchanting novel in Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. It is a sexy and playful romance between two wounded people who help one another recover from their painful pasts. Old and new fans are going to love this sweet yet saucy addition to the endearing and highly addictive series.