Category Archives: Fools Gold Series

October 26, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Yours for Christmas by Susan Mallery

for christmasTitle: Yours for Christmas by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book 15.5
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 98 pages
Book Rating:

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool’s Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot…he’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together…

Yours for Christmas can be purchased as a novella (HERE) but it can also be found in the re-release of Christmas on 4th Street (HERE).

The Review:

Yours for Christmas by Susan Mallery is the much anticipated romance between retired football player Kenny Scott and single mom Bailey Voss. Fans of the Fool’s Gold series are going to love this sweet and sigh-worthy love story that brings together two favorite characters in this captivating series.

Thrown together working the Fool’s Gold toy drive, Bailey and Kenny enjoy an easy friendship that also includes Bailey’s daughter Chloe. There is also a simmering attraction between them, but Kenny has an ironclad rule that he has no intention of breaking: he does not date single moms. He is upfront with Bailey that he does not want anything more than friendship and although she is disappointed, she understands his position. Of course, it does not take long before they are hanging out together on a fairly regular basis, and their feelings soon go much deeper than friendship.

Bailey has been interested in Kenny for quite some time, but she feels like she has nothing to offer a man who has dated super models and movie stars. Although she cannot help yearning for a little more with him, she is a practical woman and she is happy with his friendship. She steps out of her comfort zone when Kenny invites her to some rather posh events, but Kenny is still the same down to earth man she has always known.

Kenny has a very good reason for not wanting to get seriously involved with Bailey and by extension, Chloe. His fear of getting hurt and some major trust issues are the driving force behind his decision but he does not let that stop him from caring about both Bailey and Chloe. He continues to help Chloe with projects and Christmas shopping for her mom and it goes without saying that this super nice man is first to volunteer to help Bailey when she needs a helping hand. But a sudden realization that his heart is at risk causes Kenny to withdraw from both Bailey and Chloe.

Kenny and Bailey’s relationship slowly evolves from their friendship but most of their interactions include their mutual friends and Chloe. The gradual shift in emotions is believable given their longstanding acquaintance and various encounters from earlier books in the series. Their conflict is also understandable considering Kenny’s fears and I really like how Bailey was not afraid to speak up about her feelings when he pulled away.

Yours for Christmas is a very charming romance that fans of Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series are going to love. This enchanting story is quite engaging and full of heartwarming holiday cheer. As always, it is a true delight catching up with characters from previous novels and in true Fool’s Gold fashion, the whole community pulls together and works a little holiday magic when needed. It is another warm and entertaining addition to a beloved series that I highly recommend.

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Filed under Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery, Yours for Christmas

June 22, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: Until We Touch by Susan Mallery

touchTitle: Until We Touch by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book 15
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length:384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery comes the story of secret desires finally fulfilled…

After a family tragedy, former football hero Jack McGarry keeps the world at arm’s length—a challenge now that his PR firm has moved to neighborly Fool’s Gold, California.

Larissa Owens knows where she stands—Jack sees her as just another one of the guys. No matter what her heart wishes, Jack’s her boss, not her boyfriend. But then Larissa’s big secret is revealed…by her mother!

When Jack discovers the truth about Larissa’s feelings, her touch suddenly becomes tantalizing, and he’s not sure he wants to resist. But if he gives in to desire, heartache is sure to follow. Friendship or true love—will Jack go for the ultimate play?

The Review:

Until We Touch, the newest addition to Susan Mallery’s wildly popular Fool’s Gold series, is a delightful friends to lovers romance between enigmatic Jack McGarry and his personal assistant Larissa Owens.

Larissa and Jack are more than co-workers-they are close friends who spend a lot of time together both in and out of the office. Their feelings for one another have always been platonic but after Larissa’s mom has a heart to heart chat with Jack, he and Larissa become uncomfortably aware of one another in a more than friends capacity. Not wanting to ruin their friendship, Larissa and Jack try ignoring their unexpected passion, but their desire becomes impossible to resist.

In addition to working as Jack’s personal assistant, Larissa is also a massage therapist for the owners of the PR firm. She is big-hearted and generous with her both her time and money when it comes to her numerous causes. Most of her friends have stepped in to help whenever she needs it, but Jack is the person who Larissa turns to most often.

Jack is a retired football player and co-owner of a PR firm that has recently moved to Fool’s Gold. He is very indulgent with Larissa and her numerous causes but he never really becomes involved beyond donating money or a little time.   Jack is quite charming and friendly, but he keeps everyone at arm’s length.

The romance between Jack and Larissa is slow growing and it takes a while for either of them to figure out their feelings run deeper than friendship. They have some very awkward encounters and at different times throughout the novel, they spend a lot of time avoiding one another. Larissa and Jack decide to explore the attraction that is simmering between them, but when emotions enter the picture, a major conflict becomes a huge turning point for both of them personally and professionally.

Until We Touch is another marvelous addition to the Fool’s Gold series. The storyline is fresh and unique and although the plot twist at the end was very unexpected, it is just the push both Larissa and Jack need to make some much need changes in their lives. Susan Mallery brilliantly works her magic and brings the novel to a lovely happily ever after ending (but I think one of those characters needed to grovel just a little bit more 😉 ).

Another fun and emotion-filled stop in Fool’s Gold that old and new fans are going to love!

4 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HQN Books, Rated B, Review, Romance, Until We Touch

May 13, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: Before We Kiss by Susan Mallery

beforeTitle: Before We Kiss by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book 14
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

New York Times bestselling sensation Susan Mallery returns to Fool’s Gold, California, where it’s true that sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs…

Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool’s Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.

Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend’s bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her “wild youth” to raise her sisters. She doesn’t want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would’ve been nice.

His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam’s luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?

The Review:

In the previous novel in Susan Mallery’s captivating Fool’s Gold series, Sam Ridge’s intriguing avoidance of event planner Dellina Hopkins left me dying to read their story and I am delighted to say Before We Kiss exceeded all of my expectations!

Following her parents’ untimely deaths, Dellina gladly took on the responsibility of raising her teenage twin sisters. Both of them are now grown up and Dellina is not looking for a serious or permanent relationship when she meets Sam. She is wildly attracted to the very sexy retired football player, but Dellina maintains a professional distance until their smoldering passion explodes in an unexpected encounter. Sam and Dellina agree to a casual fling, but love has a funny way of sneaking in when least expected, but will Sam’s lingering trust issues from his previous disastrous relationships keep them from finding their happily ever after?

Dellina and Sam are wonderful characters and they are very well suited as a couple. At this point in her life, Delinna’s primary concern is getting her event planning business on firm financial ground and this event could be just what her struggling company needs. Sam likes Fool’s Gold, but unlike his business partners, he has kept his distance from the rest of the town. Sam and Dellina work well together and while they like and respect one another, neither of them is looking for a lasting relationship. A family is the last thing on Dellina’s mind and while Sam does dream of having kids one day, a wife does not really fit into the picture.

In addition to Dellina and Sam’s burgeoning romance, Before We Kiss has a few secondary storylines as well. A story arc with one of Dellina’s sisters provides an unexpected revelation for Dellina. Mayor Marsha is on vacation but she is quite busy maneuvering events behind the scenes and the introduction of two new characters sets the stage for future novels in the series.

Although Before We Kiss is a light-hearted and very entertaining addition to the Fool’s Gold series, Susan Mallery does address some a few serious topics as well. Sam’s trust issues are realistic and a visit from his family is quite hilarious, but also shows the importance of respecting other people’s boundaries and need for privacy.

Before We Kiss is another lovely romance set in the warm and inviting town of Fool’s Gold. This sentimental and heartwarming story gives fans a chance to catch up with their favorite characters as Dellina and Sam fall in love. A few tantalizing tidbits about Jack’s mysterious past leave me eagerly awaiting, Until We Touch, the next novel in this wonderful series.

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Filed under Before We Kiss, Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HQN Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery

April 27, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: When We Met by Susan Mallery

metTitle: 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.

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Filed under Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery, When We Met

May 27, 2013 · 3:56 am

Review: Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery

Title: Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book Ten
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

He won’t hesitate to put his life on the line…but will he ever risk his heart?

Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw’s otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now he’s back in Fool’s Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won’t abandon her again—and her daughter, too?

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He’s returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can’t resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice’s past doesn’t make him husband, or father, material.

Patience and Justice think they’ll succumb to just one kiss… Then one more… Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone’s control.

The Review:

Just One Kiss is another heartwarming and charming installment in Susan Mallery’s fabulous Fool’s Gold series. In this outing, Patience McGraw and Justice Garrett take center stage but as with other books in the series, readers get the opportunity to catch up with favorite characters from previous novels.

Fifteen years after he disappeared without a trace from Fool’s Gold, Justice Garrett is back in town to open a new business. He immediately looks up his old friend Patience McGraw and they pick up their easygoing friendship without missing a beat.

Patience was on the verge of confessing her feelings for Justice when he vanished from Fool’s Gold. While she always wondered what happened to him, Patience married young and gave birth to daughter, Lillie. After her marriage fell apart, she moved back in with her mom, Ava, went to beauty school and settled into life in her beloved hometown. Thrilled with Justice’s return, Patience is a little wary of giving her heart to a man whose future in Fool’s Gold is uncertain.

As with the other characters in this series, Patience and Justice are well-developed with realistic imperfections. Patience is sweet and infinitely upbeat and cheery. She is a little bit quirky, but that is what makes her so likable.

Justice has a complicated past and he has serious doubts about not only staying in Fool’s Gold but whether he is husband and father material. His conflict is believable and I like that he did not jump into a relationship with Patience without putting a lot of thought into his decision beforehand.

Ms. Mallery does a wonderful job keeping the series fresh with the addition of new characters. Newcomers Felicia and Isabel are quite intriguing and they blend right in with Patience and her friends. Their books are the next two in the series and I am very excited to read their stories.

An interesting plot with just a hint of suspense along with some very steamy love scenes keep Just One Kiss moving at a brisk pace. Susan Mallery has created a wonderful, tight-knit community for her colorful cast of eclectic characters. All in all, another light-hearted and appealing romance that I highly recommend to old and new fans of the delightful Fool’s Gold series.

Read my reviews of the other novels in the Fool’s Gold series HERE.

4 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Just One Kiss, Rated B, Review, Romance

September 18, 2012 · 3:59 am

Review: A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

Title: A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Series Book 10
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinHQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The unrelenting cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. She learned early on that Christmas miracles don’t happen, at least not for her. And this year seems like no exception. An injury has forced her to return to the family fold, no matter that they’re estranged. She won’t add to the awkward scenario by being seduced by the bad-boy charms of her brother’s best friend, the last man she should ever want to date. Even when she’s recruited to stage the Fool’s Gold winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move forward with her life anywhere but here.

Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers’ feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take! When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he’s unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend’s sister—off-limits unless he’s willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen…

The Review:

In A Fool’s Gold Christmas, Susan Mallery completes the Stryker siblings saga. The tantalizing glimpses of Evangeline “Evie” Stryker in the previous books reveal the strained relationship she shares with her siblings and her mom. Can Evie find it in her heart to forgive the mistakes of the past?

I have been looking forward to Evie’s story ever since her character was introduced in the previous Fool’s Gold novels starring her brothers Rafe, Shane and Clay. My heart positively ached for her when I read about her dysfunctional and neglectful childhood and her current estrangement with her family. I was eager to see if there was any possible way to mend the horrible rift between Evie, her brothers and her mother, May. Much to my delight, not only does Evie resolve her issues with her family, but she finds love with Rafe’s business partner, Dante Jefferson.

Conceived during a one night stand, Evie Stryker is a half-sister to Rafe, Shane and Clay. May and her three sons shared a close relationship and Evie was forever on the outside looking in while growing up. Leaving home at age seventeen, Evie has had little contact over the years with her brothers or mother. That is until she breaks her leg and her family moves her back to Fool’s Gold. Biding her time until she can leave, Evie maintains a uneasy truce with her siblings and the women in their lives. With good reason, she avoids May as much as possible. But in true Fool’s Gold fashion, the town slowly works its way into her heart, and she finds that leaving it and her family behind may not be possible after all.

Dante Jefferson is as wounded as Evie. A love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy, Dante protects his heart at all costs. He is always upfront that there is a shelf life to his relationships and he is careful to maintain an emotional distance. With neither one of them looking forward to the upcoming Christmas holiday, Dante and Evie embark on a casual, no strings attached affair.

Evie and Dante share so much in common that they really are perfect for each other. Neither gives their trust easily, both cannot wait to leave Fool’s Gold behind and Christmas is a holiday they would much rather avoid than celebrate. Throw in an incredible sexual attraction and it is little wonder they decide to indulge in some hot between the sheets action. A genuine friendship emerges as they spend their free time together helping out in various activities around Fool’s Gold. Dante is incredibly supportive of Evie, and he gives her some pretty good advice about dealing with her mother. Of course neither plans on falling in love and it shakes up both their lives when they discover their hearts have become in involved.

In Summer Days, May Stryker was quite whimsical but she gradually becomes more grounded during the following three novels. In All Summer Long, the cracks in her status as perfect mother become readily apparent as she reveals the mistakes she made with Evie. How someone could be such a wonderful, caring mom to her three sons yet be so neglectful of her daughter is absolutely astonishing. In A Fool’s Gold Christmas, she is ready to make amends for her mistakes and she is genuinely remorseful for how she treated Evie over the years. Evie and May have a long-awaited discussion about their past and both women are at last able to see things from each others’ perspectives.

The town and citizens of Fool’s Gold figure prominently in A Fool’s Gold Christmas. The sense of community is always obvious and I love how they always pull together to help one another when needed. Fans will love catching up with their favorite characters and once again, Ms. Mallery tempts us with glimpses of the characters in upcoming novels. I am especially intrigued with Gideon Boylan and I think it is incredibly cruel I have to wait until next year to read his story ;)!

Once again, Susan Mallery brings her readers a captivating story of forgiveness that is quite heartwarming and touching. Witty banter, lovable characters and a charming town make A Fool’s Gold Christmas a must read for anyone who loves a good story that is full of heart.

I highly recommend this latest installment in the Fool’s Gold series.

Read my reviews of the other novels in the Fool’s Gold series HERE.

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Filed under A Fool's Gold Christmas, Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Rated B+, Romance