TITLE: The Kidnapped Bride
SERIES #: Desert Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Dora & Khalil
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Swept away by the passionate Prince Khalil Khan, Dora Nelson reveled in her new fairy-tale life as princess of El Bahar. But once she learned that the love and affection Khalil had showered her with were a sham, she refused to bend to his will. For he’d tricked her, and she couldn’t forgive him….
But she also couldn’t stop loving him. More than anything else, Dora wanted a happy home and an adoring husband. Still, when Dora’s feistiness met Khalil’s arrogance, sparks flew. And unless Dora and Khalil agreed to meet halfway, this fiery marriage threatened to consume them both!
REVIEW:
So this is a re-release from Susan Mallery and she has come a long way since this book. While it might have been better if I wasn’t comparing it to Mallery’s current reads this just didn’t add up to me.
I am not a fan of the whole sheik romance but since this was Mallery I picked it up. And to tell you the truth it was a bit cheesy and I believe unintentionally funny.
Not one of my favorite but still an ok read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Second Chance Girl
SERIES #: Happily Inc #2
CHARACTERS: Mathias & Carol
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A touching modern fairy tale that won’t let go of your heart, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances!
Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.
Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Welcome back to Happily Inc, California. A town only Susan Mallery could dream up and make you want to move there. As a fan of her Fool’s Gold series I grabbed this book and the first in the series and really enjoy learning the new town as well as the new characters.
We met Mathias in Fool’s Gold a while ago and now it is his turn to find is Happily Ever After. And to do that we meet Carol. Carol has lived in Happily Inc for a while now and this town is just not a normal town. It has an animal sanctuary near the recycle center/dump and Carol is the gamekeeper. Her latest addition is a giraffe named Millie. And the book wraps around Carol trying to get money to purchase more giraffes so Millie has a herd.
Mathias is love shy. After watching his parents relationship and then dealing with his un-twin brother pulling away he just can’t trust. But when he meets Carol he wants to.
There is also a background story of Carol’s sister Violet and Ulrich her teenage crush and current Duke. This background story was just as enjoyable.
This is another great trip to Happily Inc. Having read every single Fool’s Gold book reading this series was a no brainer. But it did take book one and some of book two to get into the feel of the new town. It is quirky and friendship/family based like Fool’s Gold. But then how can you go wrong with anything Mallery writes?
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Title Of Book
SERIES #: Happily Inc #1
CHARACTERS: Nick & Pallas
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/22/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances invites you to visit Happily Inc., a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale
Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits on a new commission, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a theme wedding venue. The job has its perks—mainly the venue’s captivating owner, Pallas Saunders. Although he won’t let love consume him, for ecstasy with an expiration date, he’s all in.
Pallas adores Weddings in a Box. But if she can’t turn the floundering business around, she’ll have no choice but cave to her domineering mother and trade taffeta for trust funds working at the family’s bank. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her. Nick knows she doesn’t belong behind a desk, and she knows in her heart that he’s right—where she really belongs is in his arms.
REVIEW:
If you enjoy visiting Fool’s Gold than Happily Inc will be your next favorite locale.
As a huge fan of Mallery and Fool’s Gold I was a bit apprehensive about starting this series mainly because it is in the same vein as Fool’s Gold. Mallery writes stories other than FG but they are a different, they fall more under Women’s Lit while FG would fall under Contemporary Romance. But I picked up the new story and I am so glad I did.
We met Nick in a previous FG story but he and his two brothers have moved to Happily Inc. Nick is good looking and talented. And he knows it. Pallas is the new owner of a local business learning how to be her own person professionally and personally.
As are all of Mallery’s characters this couple and the background characters are well formed and enjoyable. Knowing her writing we have a lot of new characters to befriend and this story is just the beginning.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Secrets Of The Tulip Sisters
CHARACTERS: Kelly, Olivia, Griffith & Ryan
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/11/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A wonderful story full of romance, forgiveness and the unavoidable ties that bind, SECRETS OF THE TULIP SISTERS is Susan Mallery at her very best.
The relationship of sisters Kelly and Olivia Van Gilder has been, well… complicated ever since their mother left them as teens, though it’s the secrets they have been keeping from each other as adults that have unwittingly widened the chasm. But one thing they do share is the not-so-secret torch they carry for the Martin brothers.
In the small enclave of New Holland, Washington, Griffith and Ryan Martin were demigods. While Griffith was the object of Kelly’s high school crush and witness to her mortal teenage humiliation, Ryan was for Olivia the boy who got away-something she’s never forgiven Kelly for-and the only person since her mother who appreciated her wild streak.
Now, ten years later, both brothers are newly returned to town. Believing they’re destined to be together, Olivia’s determined to get Ryan back, until she discovers that she’s not the only one keeping secrets…and that perhaps he’s not the handsome prince she remembered. And even though Griffith has grown up to be more irresistible than ever, Kelly’s impulse is to avoid him and the painful memory he represents, despite his resolve to right the wrong he caused her long ago-and her desire to let him.
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts When someone asks me my favorite author Susan Mallery is the first author that comes to mind. If someone asks me my favorite series Fool’s Gold is the answer. This was not a Fool’s Gold book that is for sure.
I never seemed to connect with any of the characters in this story. I thought the story was good and enjoyed the dynamics of the sisters and brothers being so different than they were in school but I just didn’t understand a lot of why’s in this story. I mean I get the concept of the “why” but the why’s in this story just didn’t work for me. Just because Griffith got a divorce he will never love again? Why? There are a lot of secrets in this story too which didn’t make sense. I could go on and on of things that I just didn’t get but I won’t.
But I will say that any Mallery book is worth the read. I based this review on what I know of her writing. If I was to compare it to all the authors I read the number would have been much high. Now on to Happily, Inc. (a spin off of Fool’s Gold).
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: A Million Little Things
SERIES #: Mischief Bay #3
CHARACTERS: Zoe, Jen & Pam
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the bestselling author of The Girls of Mischief Bay and The Friends We Keep comes a twisty tale of family dynamics that explores what can go terribly, hysterically wrong when the line between friendship and family blurs
Zoe Saldivar is more than just single-she’s ALONE. She recently broke up with her longtime boyfriend, she works from home and her best friend Jen is so obsessed with her baby that she has practically abandoned their friendship. The day Zoe accidentally traps herself in her attic with her hungry-looking cat, she realizes that it’s up to her to stop living in isolation.
Her seemingly empty life takes a sudden turn for the complicated-her first new friend is Jen’s widowed mom, Pam. The only guy to give her butterflies in a very long time is Jen’s brother. And meanwhile, Pam is being very deliberately seduced by Zoe’s own smooth-as-tequila father. Pam’s flustered, Jen’s annoyed and Zoe is beginning to think “alone” doesn’t sound so bad, after all.
Friendship isn’t just one thing-it’s a million little things, and no one writes them with more heart and humor than book club sensation Susan Mallery!
REVIEW:
This is the third in the series. I am not sure if there will be more. Mallery usually has an added trilogy beyond her Fool’s Gold series so I wonder if this will be the last one. These stories are more real than the Fool’s Gold books. These aren’t really about romance even though romance is involved. The trilogy stories are about life. This is the story of Pam, Zoe and Jen. Each dealing with their own life and loss.
I enjoy these extra series books. However, I am more of a fan of Fool’s Gold series. These books make you think and have some inner reflection. You can never go wrong with Susan Mallery. Nothing she writes will ever be a disappointment… how could it be when she is the queen of romance?
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Daughters Of The Bride
CHARACTERS: Courtney, Sienna & Rachel
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/12/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With Joy, Love, and a Little Trepidation Courtney, Sienna and Rachel Invite You To the Most Emotional Wedding of the Year… Their Mother’s
Courtney ~ The Misfit ~
As the awkward one, Courtney Watson may not be as together as her sisters, but she excels at one thing—keeping secrets, including her white-hot affair with a sexy music producer. Planning Mom’s wedding exposes her startling hidden life, changing her family’s view of her—and how she views herself—forever.
Sienna ~ The Free Spirit ~
When Sienna’s boyfriend proposes—in front of her mom and sisters, for crying out loud—he takes her by surprise. She already has two broken engagements under her belt. Should she say “I do” even if she’s not sure she does?
Rachel ~ The Cynic ~
Rachel thought love would last forever…right up until her divorce. As Mom’s wedding day draws near and her ex begs for a second chance, she’s forced to acknowledge some uncomfortable truths about why her marriage failed, and decide if she’ll let pride stand in the way of her own happily ever after.
A must-read for anyone who has survived the wedding of a sister, a mother, a daughter—as told by #1 New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Susan Mallery!
REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
4.25 Hearts As a HUGE fan of Susan Mallery I couldn’t wait to grab this book. I adore the Fool’s Gold series but this is not part of that series but I loved it just as much.
This is the story of well the bride’s three daughters. These girls each have their own way of dealing with love or the lack of it. One has been in love with her first love for forever but when he cheats on her her life falls apart but does she still love him? One of the daughters wants to be in love. She has been engaged three times but were any of them love? And finally the last daughter doesn’t believe love exists at all. So how do these three deal with seeing their mother fall in love again and get married.
I really found I liked Courtney the most. Maybe because she is the youngest and had the hardest time but I really found myself wanting to read her story the most. I enjoyed the sisters as well and I wish Sienna’s ending had come a little earlier so we could have see more of her HEA.
There is just something about the way that Mallery writes that draws you in from the very first sentence and you find yourself not wanting to stop reading. I don’t think there is a way to make this into a series but I know Mallery will be bringing us back to Fool’s Gold soon but in the meantime meeting these great sisters was wonderful!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Best Of My Love
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #20
CHARACTERS: Shelby & Aidan
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An irresistible new love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold series, set in a town Library Journal calls “so appealing, readers will want to start scoping out real estate.”
To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend—a male friend—to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool’s Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her?
Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the “adventure” in Mitchell Adventure Tours…and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he’s inadvertently become that guy—the one-night Casanova—and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby’s boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect.
As Aidan and Shelby explore the secret lives of men and women, the heat between them fires up the Fool’s Gold rumor mill. If no one will believe they’re just friends, maybe they should give the gossips something to really talk about!
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful visit to my favorite fictional town in the world, Fool’s Gold. I have visited Fool’s Gold 20 times now and never tire of the people, the history, or the romance. Thank you Susan Mallery for making this town my special place even if it is just in my mind… and heart.
This visit was all about watching Shelby and Aidan fall in love… but more than that we watched them grow. Shelby has seen and felt what no child ever should and her trust issues are nil but being the strong woman she is she decides its time to learn to trust men. And that is where Aidan comes in. He is a player. But he only plays with women who will leave town but when one comes back for a second round and he can’t remember her. Well he realizes just exactly what he has become. And in walks Shelby with a proposition he can’t say no to.
Most of the time I seem to fall in love with the men in Fool’s Gold but this time I think I might have a girl crush. Shelby is just perfect in her imperfection. She is so strong and yet as sweet as the desserts she makes. To find the courage to even walk to Aidan made me love her but to watch her grow so much and have so many light bulb moments during her experiment was amazing. Yes Aidan grew too. He learned about himself and, as they say, got in touch with his feminine side but Shelby is the one who made me fall in love with this story.
As a fan of Fool’s Gold I have watched the women of the town come to the house of each broken hearted woman and wish I could join them for margaritas but this story had a bit of a different ending that had me “awwwing” out loud and smiling ear to ear.
Susan Mallery, my message to you is never stop writing about Fool’s Gold. We would be heartbroken.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Best Of My Love
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #20
CHARACTERS: Shelby & Aidan
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An irresistible new love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold series, set in a town Library Journal calls “so appealing, readers will want to start scoping out real estate.”
To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend—a male friend—to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool’s Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her?
Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the “adventure” in Mitchell Adventure Tours…and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he’s inadvertently become that guy—the one-night Casanova—and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby’s boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect.
As Aidan and Shelby explore the secret lives of men and women, the heat between them fires up the Fool’s Gold rumor mill. If no one will believe they’re just friends, maybe they should give the gossips something to really talk about!
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful visit to my favorite fictional town in the world, Fool’s Gold. I have visited Fool’s Gold 20 times now and never tire of the people, the history, or the romance. Thank you Susan Mallery for making this town my special place even if it is just in my mind… and heart.
This visit was all about watching Shelby and Aidan fall in love… but more than that we watched them grow. Shelby has seen and felt what no child ever should and her trust issues are nil but being the strong woman she is she decides its time to learn to trust men. And that is where Aidan comes in. He is a player. But he only plays with women who will leave town but when one comes back for a second round and he can’t remember her. Well he realizes just exactly what he has become. And in walks Shelby with a proposition he can’t say no to.
Most of the time I seem to fall in love with the men in Fool’s Gold but this time I think I might have a girl crush. Shelby is just perfect in her imperfection. She is so strong and yet as sweet as the desserts she makes. To find the courage to even walk to Aidan made me love her but to watch her grow so much and have so many light bulb moments during her experiment was amazing. Yes Aidan grew too. He learned about himself and, as they say, got in touch with his feminine side but Shelby is the one who made me fall in love with this story.
As a fan of Fool’s Gold I have watched the women of the town come to the house of each broken hearted woman and wish I could join them for margaritas but this story had a bit of a different ending that had me “awwwing” out loud and smiling ear to ear.
Susan Mallery, my message to you is never stop writing about Fool’s Gold. We would be heartbroken.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Best of My Love
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #20
CHARACTERS: Aidan Mitchell & Shelby Gilmore
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: April 26, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An irresistible new love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold series, set in a town Library Journal calls “so appealing, readers will want to start scoping out real estate.”
To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend—a male friend—to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool’s Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her?
Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the “adventure” in Mitchell Adventure Tours…and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he’s inadvertently become that guy—the one-night Casanova—and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby’s boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect.
As Aidan and Shelby explore the secret lives of men and women, the heat between them fires up the Fool’s Gold rumor mill. If no one will believe they’re just friends, maybe they should give the gossips something to really talk about!
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I always love to visit Fools Gold California!!! And in Best of My Love another wonderful visit. I love that Ms. Mallery writes us a story that makes us want to cry, laugh and slap someone upside the head at least once while reading. I loved Aidan & Shelby’s journey.
We have got to see both Aidan and Shelby over the last few stories and it was great to get to know them both more. I loved the social experiment that Shelby talks Aidan into. I love the boy thing and girl thing. I loved the interventions, the margarets and the acceptance. I really enjoyed this story and the segway into Ms. Mallery’s new (hopefully soon) spin off. I for one can’t wait to visit Happily Inc.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQN Books & Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Friends We Keep
SERIES #: Mischief Bay #2
CHARACTERS: Gabby, Hayley & Nicole
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/23/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this insightful and compelling story from book club favorite Susan Mallery, three close friends test the boundaries of how much a woman can give before she has nothing left
After five years as a stay-at-home mom, Gabby Schaefer can’t wait to return to work. Oh, to use the bathroom in peace! No twins clamoring at the door, no husband barging in, no stepdaughter throwing a tantrum. But when her plans are derailed by some shocking news and her husband’s crushing expectations, Gabby must fight for the right to have a life of her own.
Getting pregnant is easy for Hayley Batchelor. Staying pregnant is the hard part. Her husband is worried about the expensive fertility treatments and frantic about the threat to her health. But to Hayley, a woman who was born to be a mom should risk everything to fulfill her destiny—no matter how high the cost.
Nicole Lord is still shell-shocked by a divorce that wasn’t as painful as it should’ve been. Other than the son they share, her ex-husband left barely a ripple in her life. A great new guy tempts her to believe maybe the second time’s the charm…but how can she trust herself to recognize true love?
As their bonds of friendship deepen against the beautiful backdrop of Mischief Bay, Gabby, Hayley and Nicole will rely on good food, good wine and especially each other to navigate life’s toughest changes.
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the second in the Mischief Bay but you do not need to read that one first to read this. I love Mallery’s work. The Fool’s Gold series is one of my favorite series of all time. But every year Mallery throws in one book from another series and while I enjoy them they just aren’t the same as the FG series.
These books are not as light hearted and easy as the FG series. There is more to these. There is a moral to these stories for lack of a better word. There is more life to these stories… More reality. The characters from Mischief Bay have a lot going on. First there is Gabby. Gabby is just ready to go back to work after her twins start school. Heck she is just ready to go to the bathroom alone without interruption which any mom understands. But her husband, step-daughter and his ex just seem to add so much drama in her life that I have to say I wondered why she wanted to be there. Her hubby is wrong for the way she is treated versus the way the daughter is treated and I really just wanted to slap him.
Then there is Nicole. Really I didn’t like her at first. She had a preconceived notion of her son’s favorite author and I was just bored with this part of the story. Yes we end up with HEA of course but it is pretty predictable.
And finally there is Hayley. This was a hard part of the story for me. Having gone through fertility treatments I got it. I understand her want of a child but to risk her life for one was just idiotic and I wanted to slap her as well. Again it works out. Hayley hits rock bottom and starts to rise again with a new lease on life but in the meantime she was so desperate that I had a hard time.
Now after all of this I want to say I enjoyed the story. I love anything that Mallery writes but I am glad to get back to Fool’s Gold and visit with the town I love.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Marry Me at Christmas
SERIES #: Fools Gold #19
CHARACTERS: Jonny Blaze & Madelin Krug
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wish upon a Christmas star with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s sparkling Fool’s Gold romance!
To bridal boutique owner Madeline Krug, organizing a Christmas wedding sounds like a joy—until she finds out she’ll be working closely with the gorgeous brother of the bride, movie star Jonny Blaze. How will a small-town girl like her keep from falling for the world’s sexiest guy? Especially with mistletoe lurking around every corner!
Jonny came to Fool’s Gold looking for normal, not for love. Happily-ever-after only happens in the movies. Still, nothing about this quirky town is quite what he expected, and “ordinary” Madeline is the most extraordinary woman he’s ever met. Refreshingly honest, disarmingly sweet. Achingly beautiful.
Planning the perfect wedding leads to candlelit dinners and strolls through snow-covered streets. And Madeline finds Jonny in real life even more captivating than her celebrity crush. But will the action star be brave enough to risk his heart and step into the role of a lifetime?
KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another fun trip to Fool’s Gold. Like every trip to Fool’s Gold we find ourselves immersed into the life of the town folk. In Marry Me at Christmas we get to see how Madeline reacts when she comes face to face the her celebrity crush. It has been fun over the last few books to see how star struck she is. But I don’t think Madeline was ready for the man behind the action hero facide.
Jonny Blaze is use to people wanting him, but for all the wrong reasons. Being a superstar comes with it’s downfalls. But in Fool’s Gold everyone (well almost everyone) treats him as if he is just a person. When Jonny asks for help to plan his sister’s wedding he never in his wildest dream thought he would meet someone like Madeline. Now all he has to do is keep her arms lenght.
I always love my visits to Fool’s Gold. The character are always so much fun. One great thing about this series is that you can pick up any book and read them. You do not have to read these in order. So if you have not picked up a Fool’s Gold book go do it now 🙂
Until my next trip stay out of trouble Fool’s Gold.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is my favorite (fictional) vacation spot and visiting at Christmas makes it even more special. The city comes alive with holiday activity. The snow falling makes you want to look out your own window to see the flakes. Even if you haven’t read the rest of the series (why the heck haven’t you?) you will be pulled right in and feel you are a part of the town. Mallery is one of today’s best contemporary romance writers and books like this prove why. Grab the book, sip some hot cocoa, curl up in a soft blanket and enjoy your visit to Fool’s Gold.
We have heard about Madeline’s movie boyfriend (come on you know we all have one) being Jonny. When he comes to town she is star struck but as she works with him he becomes real to her and her heart. Jonny expects to be treated like a movie star but at the same time would prefer to not be and he really gets his wish in Fool’s Gold. The connection between Madeline and Jonny is immediate. Maybe because we already know of her crush from this years summer books but watching it happen to Jonny is a lot of fun. I enjoyed the way Jonny is written so playfully. The scene with Gladys and Eddie at the first nativity meeting is priceless.
I loved the “easter eggs” in the story. Mallery asked her readers to give her items they wanted in the book and she choose some from all the suggestions. Usually the list is online about the time the book comes out but reading it early I didn’t have the list to search through but I could find some just by having them mentioned. I look forward to seeing the list and counting how many I actually figured out. Watch for those “easter eggs” hidden around the book.
Another wonderful visit to Fool’s Gold. Romance in winter is magical and having it take place in Fool’s Gold makes it even better. This book will certainly put you in the holiday mood. You will feel like breaking out the Christmas decorations in September.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Harlequin (US & Canada) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Kiss Me
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #17
CHARACTERS: Phoebe & Zane
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery creates the small-town destination for romance in charming Fool’s Gold, California—where a loner cowboy finds the one woman who can capture his heart…
After Phoebe Kitzke’s kind heart gets her suspended from her job in LA, she swears off doing favors—until her best friend begs for help on the family ranch in Fool’s Gold. Unfortunately, sexy cowboy Zane Nicholson isn’t exactly thrilled by the city girl’s arrival.
Thanks to his brother’s latest scheme, Zane has been roped into taking tourists on a cattle drive. What Phoebe knows about ranching wouldn’t fill his hat, but her laughter is so captivating that even his animals fall for her. One slip of his legendary control leads to a passionate kiss, but she’s exactly the kind of woman a single-minded loner needs to avoid.
In his arms, Phoebe discovers she’s a country girl at heart. Yet no matter how much the small town feels like home, she can’t stay unless Zane loves her, too…but is this cowboy interested in forever?
REVIEW:
Fool’s Gold is one of my favorite fictional places to see… I mean read about. I can’t wait to go visit every time a new book comes out. I enjoyed this book but it really was a bit different than most Fool’s Gold books.
Let me say that Phoebe is a hoot. Yes I said a hoot… the story is about cowboys after all. Phoebe is odd and sweet and maybe close to certifiable but all in all she is a great character. Zane well he takes some getting used to. I didn’t fall for him like I usually do with the men of Fool’s Gold and to be honest I think it was because this really didn’t feel like a Fool’s Gold story to me. There were a few reasons it doesn’t feel like Fool’s Gold. First we never actually set foot in Fool’s Gold. Second we only had a couple of cameos from residents in Fool’s Gold (I mean really Mayor Marsha only had like 2 whole lines). And finally this story was about a bunch of strangers. Yes the crazy two-some (Eddie & Gladys) were there but even they didn’t have the humor they normally have.
Now all that being said I enjoyed the story. It was a great romance and the couple was perfect together. I loved how Phoebe talks to the animals and Manny is so adorable. And I love that she brings out the softer side of Zane. The background story of the kids is really touching as well.
Susan Mallery never disappoints and I can’t wait for my next adventure when a movie star comes to Fool’s Gold. Roll out the red carpet!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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