Title: Until We Touch

   

Author: Susan Mallery

   

Series: Fool's Gold, #15

  

Publisher: Harlequin

  

Publication date: June 24th, 2014

  

  

My rating: 3.5 of 5

  

  

(Book read on May 12th to May 13th, 2014,  from a review copy received from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.)

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?

 

My Thoughts on the Book:

Larissa & Jack are friends. They complement each other without actually having a relationship, and they don't actually realise it. Larissa is in love with Jack, even though she isn't aware of it, and when her mom goes to Jack, demanding from him to fire her, so she can get over him, things start to get south for Jack. He starts to notice her more, and even though he tries to stay away from her, he can't resist her, and he can't actually deal with all of that.

I really liked Jack from the previous books, but in this one, that changed. With the exception of one quite amazing & romantic evening (which shows that he can be a great guy), mostly he was acting like a jerk. I started not liking him more & more, and I really hated the way he lashed out to everyone, especially to Taryn. I don't think I'd be able to forgive him in her shoes.

Anyway, Larissa is sweet character, and quite nice & likable, and Jack doesn't deserve her. The attraction between them was obvious, and they seemed to fit together nicely.

Of course, there were the set ups for the upcoming books that I quite liked. And the story had its humorous situations, and with all those adorable & funny characters in Fool's Gold, they're expected, and I loved the situations featuring the other characters.

Until We Touch is another nice addition to the lovely Fool's Gold series. Not as good as the previous two books, but I still liked it a lot, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. Actually, I can't wait! I already love Kenny & Bailey (and her little girl), and I'm dying for their book!

If you're a fan of lovely contemporary romances full of lovable characters & lots of funny situations, then the Fool's Gold series is for you & I highly recommend it!

 

 

 

Challenges:

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

   

Title: Before We Kiss

  

Author: Susan Mallery

  

Series: Fool's Gold, #14

 

Publisher: Harlequin

 

Publication date: May 27th, 2014

 

 

My rating: 4 of 5

 

 

(Book read on May 12th, 2014,  from a review copy received from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.)  

  

 

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?

 

  

My Thoughts on the Book:

Before We Kiss - the 14th full-length Fool's Gold novel - is Sam & Dellina's story. The whole beginning of their story (which we learn about in When We Met) is absolutely hilarious, so I was really looking forward to see how they'll handle working together, especially Sam, I wanted to see him grovel when he learned the truth, because I know that he has been avoiding Dellina for months.

But, that being said, I could understand Sam. He has been burned more than once & in a bad way, so when he saw all of that, I understand how & why he freaked out, but it's still hilarious. Sam is a private guy, and really likable, despite his predisposition to bolt now & then ;)

As for Dellina, she's one great & fun character. She's great at her job, as well as how she handles everything & everyone in her life, really likable, and her banter & chemistry with Sam was really fun & sizzling.

I have to mention of course Sam's parents. They were unexpected, but so funny. Poor Sam, I'd probably be private when it comes to my personal life in his shoes, too. But, they definitely brought the charm & the laughs. Also, that's why I think the way he made up to Dellina in the end was so sweet. Maybe not original, but so sweet & quite a big deal because of his personality.

We also saw a lot of all the different characters we love, and they were so much fun. Of course, there's the secondary romance problem - Dellina's sister's Fayrene's problem - she was so silly, but so funny, and I was happy that in the end it all worked out for her. I loved how Sam handled her ;)

That being said, Before We Kiss is another great addition to the Fool's Gold world, that will leave you eager for more, especially for the HEAs of the characters that their stories are yet to come, and I can't wait. Before We Kiss will make you laugh, it will make you smile, just overall make you feel happy, and that's what a contemporary romance should be like, and once again Susan Mallery delivers, so I highly recommend this book!

 

 

 

Challenges:

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

Clean Sweep ARC Challenge May 2014

Title: When We Met

Author: Susan Mallery

Series: Fool's Gold, #13

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication date: April 29th, 2014

My rating: 5 of 5

(Book read on May 11th, 2014,  from a review copy received from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.)  

  

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.

 

My Thoughts on the Book:

When We Met is another addition to the sweet & fun Fool's Gold series. But, this time, for me, Susan Mallery hit all the right spots. When We Met is the best Fool's Gold novel so far, and the only one of the full-length ones that I gave my top rating. It was tiny bit different, not your usual Fool's Gold romance, and that's why I loved it so much. I've pretty much enjoyed all the stories in the series, but sometimes they're just too much, just too fluffy & fuzzy & too warm & too nice, and even though I love that, sometimes less is more.

But, don't worry, there's still plenty of heart & sweetness in this book, and fun & romance, and everything completed almost a perfect package that I loved, and couldn't stop reading.

First of all, I loved the characters. Both Angel & Taryn are forces to be reckoned with, and they're so perfect for each other. I admire both of them, especially Taryn, she's so amazing! The chemistry between Angel & Taryn is sizzling, their banter & overall interactions are so much fun, and I loved the way they opened up to each other, and I loved watching them getting close. I totally loved them! I must admit that more than once I got tears in my eyes. There were so many sad parts, but now I'm looking forward to see all of those characters's happily ever afters, and I can't wait!

Other things I loved are the interactions between Taryn & her boys, I love their family, and I loved getting to know them, and I can't wait to read their stories. Actually, I'm jumping right into Sam's story Before We Kiss next, and the whole Dellina situation is hilarious, and I can't wait to see how it will play out :)

If you're a fan of contemporary romances with lots of heart & soul, than When We Met is the book for you, and I can't recommend it enough!

 

 

 

Challenges:

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

Clean Sweep ARC Challenge May 2014

 

 

Title: A Fool's Gold Christmas

Author: Susan Mallery

Series: Fool's Gold #10

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinHQN

Publication date: September 25th, 2012

ISBN: 9780373777020

(Book read from an e-copy acquired through NetGalley from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.) 

My rating: 4 of 5 

 

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery brings you a heartwarming tale for the holidays!

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… 

 

 

My Thoughts on the Book:

As was the case with the other Fool's Gold novels, I enjoyed it a lot. After meeting both Evie & Dante in the previous novels, I was looking forward to reading their story.

I already liked a lot Dante as a character, and of course I wanted him to have his HEA, and I was hoping it will be with Evie, and yeah, they were perfect for each other.  

The chemistry & the romance between them was great, and so fun & yummy & sweet, so I really enjoyed reading about it. Of course there are the problems they needed to overcome and all that, but it was really fun book, and perfect for the holidays.

And, yeah, the title A Fool's Gold Christmas was perfect, because it wasn't only about the romance between Dante & Evie, but also about how everyone in Fool's Gold celebrates Christmas. 

A Fool's Gold Christmas is another good addition to the Fool's Gold series, that you don't want to miss, and a perfect read for the winter holidays, so I recommend it a lot!    

 

   

Challenges:

100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012

 

 

Title: Summer Days

Author: Susan Mallery

Series: Fool's Gold #7

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinHQN

Publication date: May 29th, 2012

ISBN: 9780373776832

(Book read from an e-copy acquired through NetGalley from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.) 

My rating: 4.5 of 5 

 

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns with a new Fool's Gold trilogy featuring three rugged cowboys who will find love in the unlikeliest of places....

Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to-the Castle Ranch in Fool's Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could've prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he's finding Heidi-and life as a cowboy-much more compelling than he wants to admit. 

For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she's always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won't give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less...wholesome. 

As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they'll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.

 

 

My Thoughts on the Book:

I've read nine of Susan Mallery's ten Fool's Gold novels, and Summer Days is definitely my 2nd favourite. I loved it so much.

It was fun, with lots of funny situations, Heidi, Glen & May cracked me up, May with her animals & Heidi with her goats - hilarious! So, yeah, I loved all the characters in this book, the main & the secondary.  

The interactions & the chemistry & the romance between Rafe & Heidi was so great, I loved it. And it was also sexy & sweet, and you gotta love that ending :) I so didn't expect for Heidi to react like that :)

So, yeah, I loved this book, one of my favourites, and a book I'm planning to buy, so I can read it again & again. Summer Days is definitely a perfect summer read for the hot summer days, so I highly recommend it!    

 

   

Challenges:

100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012

Summary:

Jesse Keyes has done some serious growing up. With a steady job and a vibrant four-year-old son, Gabe, she's in a far better place than when she left Seattle five years ago.pregnant and misunderstood by almost everyone in her life.
Now it's time to go home and face her demons. But her sisters, Claire and Nicole, aren't exactly impressed with the new and improved Jesse. And then there's Matt, Gabe's father, who makes it clear that he never wants to see her again despite the lust that still smolders between them.
Jesse doesn't know if she can make up for all the mistakes of her past. But the promise of sweet nights with Matt might just give her the extra incentive she needs to make it worth the trouble...

My rating: 3.5/5

Challenges:

• 100+ Reading Challenge
• Summer Reading Challenge 2010
• Finish That Series Challenge 2010
• The Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2010 (Muggle Studies)

Summary:

"Responsibility" should be Nicole Keyes's middle name. After all, not many people would sacrifice their lives to run the family bakery and raise a younger sibling. But with Nicole's twin sister now blissfully married and her younger sis turning out more femme fatale than girl-next-door, super reliable Nicole is getting sick of putting everyone else's needs first!
Enter Hawk. The deliciously sexy former NFL player offers Nicole a taste of the freedom she craves. Hawk may know the way, blindfolded, to her sweet spot, but Nicole's not about to let him get close enough to break her heart. Of course, she might not have a choice in the matter if Hawk's past keeps getting in the way of their present..

My rating: 4.5/5

Challenges:

• 100+ Reading Challenge
• Summer Reading Challenge 2010
• Finish That Series Challenge 2010
• The 2nd Reading Challenge 2010
• The Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2010 (Muggle Studies)

Summary:

Don't ask Claire Keyes. The twenty - eight - year - old piano prodigy has never had a regular boyfriend, much less a real romance. Her music career has left little room for friends or family - which is just part of the reason she hasn't seen the family bakery or her two sisters in years.
But now Nicole is sick, and Jesse is AWOL. Despite the fact that Claire can't boil water, she's determined to play caretaker. Connecting with her sisters tops her to - do list.along with falling in love, or at least in lust, for the first time.
Ruggedly sexy Wyatt just might fit the bill. Although he keeps saying that he and Claire come from entirely different worlds, he lights up hotter than a bakery oven whenever Claire is near. If this keeps up, she just might sweet - talk him into her bed.and her life.

My rating: 4/5

Challenges:

• 100+ Reading Challenge
• Summer Reading Challenge 2010
• Finish That Series Challenge 2010
• The Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2010 (Muggle Studies) 

Summary:

Welcome to Fool’s Gold, California, a charming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. There’s lots to do and plenty of people to meet, especially women. Because there’s just one tiny problem in Fool’s Gold: the men don’t seem to stick around. Maybe it’s the lure of big-city life, or maybe it’s plain old bad luck, but regardless of the reason, the problem has to be fixed, fast. And Charity Jones may be just the city planner to do it.
Charity’s nomadic childhood has left her itching to settle down, and she immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer — everything, that is, except its sexiest and most famous resident, former world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters, she’s not about to take a chance on another bad boy, even if everyone else thinks he’s perfect just the way he is. But maybe that’s just what he needs — someone who knows the value of his flaws. Someone who knows that he’s just chasing perfect.

My thoughts on the book: 

I enjoyed it! It's fun contemporary romance, that's first in new series!

My rating: 3.5/5

Finished: 6 May 2010

Challenges:

• 100+ Reading Challenge 2010
• Romance Reading Challenge 2010
• New Authors Challenge 2010
• The Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2010 (Muggle Studies)