Fool's Gold: Best of My Love by Susan Mallery

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  Today, I'm BEYOND excited to share the title on deck. Any idea as to WHY that might be?  Hey, no cheating and looking at the POST TITLE again.  If you didn't see it the first time, let me have my thunder.  ^-^  *ahem* 

The reason for my exuberance is because I had the immense pleasure of reading an ARC of a particular title that releases THIS TUESDAY from one of a few of my favorite authors via the illustrious Harlequin Books team.  Why was my joy so immense?  Look at YOU with all the questions today!  (JK!)  The height of my joy was due to the fact that this is a pretty big author, and her series has a HUGE following, and I being one of many that probably requested the chance to peek behind the cover....managed to score a copy. 

*looks at precious on bookshelf...smiles*

  So, thanks to the Harlequin team (THANK YOU!), I now how the pleasure of tantalizing you with the soon-to-hit-bookstore-shelves title in today's spotlight and my book of choice...

Best of My Love

Fool's Gold, Book 20

by

Susan Mallery

9780373789191

Harlequin Books

About the book...

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!

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This is me.

This is me when I found out about a NEW Susan Mallery book in the works.

This is me when the ARC for same said book arrived in my mailbox.

This is me when I turned the first page as well as the last.

For those initiated into the Fool's Gold "club" as it were, you already know the deal.  Each book builds upon the last in the series and while any of the titles CAN be read alone, fans know the real question is...WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO?  I can answer that....you don't and while I've not read all the books in the series as of yet, but all that I have, I've devoured and with the enjoyment from each came the knowledge of another corner, another couple, another piece of the overall Fool's Gold puzzle.  They've all been a joy to behold before and this one certainly lives up to it's predecessors. 

This time around, we've an un-couple...a not couple...a friends-not-lovers scenario?  Okay, so it's hard to put a label on it, but it makes sense to me...though the same couldn't be said about MOST of the townspeople.  Shelby has a past that is painful, a past she'd like to overcome in order to meet the guy of her dreams, marry, and start a family.  Aiden is one of the last Mitchell brothers in Fool's Gold and though content to not dig any relationship roots of his own, also doesn't want to be the town womanizer.  They both need to see the opposite sex in a whole new light, gain trust, confidence, and a way to get beyond their past experiences in order to become the people they were truly meant to be.  What better way than two somewhat lost souls coming together in friendship to help guide each other through?  So you see, MEGA-AWESOME plan!  No one gets hurt (not).  No one gets attached (not).  No one crosses the boundaries or challenges the ground rules set at the start (not and not, again).  Easy peasy, lemon squeezy....or not.  *wink wink*  Hey, the heart wants what the heart wants even if the heart doesn't seem to know from the start.  Sometimes the best relationships are those that grew from friendship to something more...and boy do these two have a shot at something special.

Shelby and Aiden are truly memorable characters.  Their journey from acquaintances to friends to something more was touching...and humorous.  Hey, as much as we THINK we know about the opposite sex, it really only hits at what goes on behind closed doors....sort of like the iceberg that took down the Titanic.  *-*  They both are in for an eye-opening experience (as is the town for that matter) from the start as they try to explain what they are doing but not the entire reason behind why.  Shelby is honest about her past with Aiden and a few select others, but she's not about to shout it from the mountaintops.  It's dark, it's unfortunate, but it was totally out of her control and reliving it is not something anyone should have to do.  Aiden's history is more well known, as is the New Year's "showdown" that started him on this path of change, but his intentions are good.  Together they discover if "Mars and Venus" are really so different, while digging out the roots of their own "issues" in order to gain a fresh start for their hearts.

In the end, I truly adored Aiden and Shelby.  The journey they took together was really moving and the final outcome, all we could have hoped for. Oh, and did I mention Charlie was a sweetheart?!  The addition of this little fur-baby was the perfect touch to balance out our manly man and how he stole his heart will seriously break your own.  Yes, my friends, unbeknownst to Aiden, there are doggy beds, coats, and booties in his future.  Recommended read for Fool's Gold fans, and Contemporary Romance readers round the globe.  There's a lot of spark and a bit of sizzle, but you know you're in place where it's safe to set your heart free.

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About the author...

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women's lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, and always uplifting, Susan's books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a tattletale toy poodle. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they're an integral component to a happy life.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK

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ARC for review received courtesy of the Harlequin Books team.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the series, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to release TUESDAY, APRIL 26th, 2016, so mark your calendar (if it isn't already) and be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  Of course, you can always avoid the rush and pre-order it.  Just a thought...

Until next time...happy reading!



BLOG TOUR: Thrill Me by Susan Mallery

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're welcoming back the second leg of a TLC Book Tour starring the 18th addition to the infamous Fool's Gold series.  What?  You think I went too far with the use of the word "infamous"?  Think again.  There's a following larger than you could imagination and fans chomping at the bit (much like the Yellow Fairy in yesterday's review) to get their hands on the latest.  I proudly count myself among them.  Though I've not read EVERY book in the series, I'm slowly working on it, and the newest additions I've devoured cover to cover, including today's featured title and book of choice...

Thrill Me

(Fool's Gold #18)

by

Susan Mallery

9780373788989

Harlequin Books

About the book....

Meet the Mitchell brothers of Fool’s Gold, California—five gorgeous men who’ve left a trail of broken hearts in their wake… 

Maya Farlow learned the hard way to depend only on herself, so when she fell too deeply for the bad-boy charms of Del Mitchell, she did the only thing she could—she ran. Stunned, Del left Fool’s Gold to make his name and fortune in extreme sports.

Now ten years later, Maya’s been hired to promote her hometown’s new slogan, The Destination for Romance. The celebrity spokesman is none other than Del, the man she dumped but never forgot. Awkward!

Although Del’s not the type to hold a grudge, he’s determined to avoid falling a second time for the woman who broke his heart. He’s a daredevil, not an idiot. Trouble is, in all his adventures, he never found a rush as exhilarating as Maya’s kiss. Maybe risking his heart will prove to be the biggest thrill of all…

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Oh me, oh...Maya!

You've got your hands full now don't you?

Ladies and gents, it's time to get to know the Mitchell brothers, and family because as my fellow readers of this series know, every story is about more than just the possible couple to be, but about the heart that beats behind them.  

This particular installment features the once upon a time romance of Del and Maya.  From high school sweethearts with enough passion to light the fires of the gods to virtual strangers...wait a second, THAT'S not suppose to happen!  Ah, but happen it did.  You see, Maya didn't have the most secure and loving upbringing.  Without those to model her behavior after appropriately, she grew to fear the dependence and love she felt for him and ran as fast and far as she could...but not before breaking his heart.  Yes, my fair readers...the breaking of hearts is fair play for BOTH sexes in Fool's Gold, but so is the mending.  

Fast forward those ten years and we find Maya (sweet yet sassy with trust issues that's she's learning to move past) back in Fool's Gold with a sweet job as the Director of Communications (funny how they've never had one before...hmm, I sense a mayoral figure behind its creation)...and then who lands in her backyard?  None other than Del (business minded, man of the world with a heart of gold...*sigh*).  Do you smell smoke?  Hmm, perhaps well concealed smoke, but where there is smoke there's fire.  Their interactions are unavoidable as they are pushed into working together on a project for the town and work they do, until those sparks begin to catch up with them.  Will they be able to give love a second chance?  Need there really be a second chance anyway considering the truth behind their first "ending"?  All good questions and things that will certainly be answered...when you read it.  *hehe*  Let's move forward though...

As tantalizing as that story sounds (because truly it is) and as captivating as the leads are (because they are!), there is so much more going on here.  That's one of the many things I love about this series.  With every new story, we get to know people we've met in some way previously while adding to the relationships we've built along the way.  We get cameos, if you will, from other couples and characters connected from previous installments, from Justice to Phobe, Zane to Jo, Mayor Marsha to the infamous septuagenarians, Eddie and Gladys (those two...surprising in SO many ways!).  It's great to "see" familiar faces again, catching up like we're one of the gang meeting at Brew-Ha-Ha for the afternoon giggles and gossip, but it's also fun to say high to new characters, in this case the Mitchell clan.

While all eyes are focused on Del (and with good reason!), he's one of five brothers and as different as they all are (and I can't wait to find out all about them!), they've a rather unique set of parents too.  Their father, Ceallach, is a glass artist and that's his primary focus in life, even above his family.  How he and Elaine, his magnanimous wife, have stayed together all these years is beyond me but their relationship works and that really comes out when things take a turn for the worst and secrets come flying out of the woodwork.  What secrets?  Oh buddy, wouldn't you like to know!  One in particular though really creates a wedge between our potential lovebirds and it almost broke my heart in the process.  I sorta saw it coming but the ending I was so on edge about the entire way through.  My thanks to the author for the way she turned that story because I was really worried I was gonna need tissues.  Enough said, potentially too much, but I had to say my piece.  Marching on...

Oh dear.  I see that my review is becoming a book on its own so I'll try to draw things to a close.  If you're a fan of the series, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!  If you've not yet sampled the series, no time like the present!  That's the beauty of Fool's Gold.  You can jump in at any point and still feel like a lifelong resident.  The more you read, the deeper your roots become and that's something no reader can turn down.  Did I enjoy getting to know Del and Maya?  Yes indeed!  I loved the different sides to their story as well as how everyone else's drama played out alongside their own.  There were surprises aplenty, tears to be almost shed, laughs to be had, and endings to hope for.  You were never quite sure where things were going to end up but you never gave up hope for the happily-ever-after.  Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

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About the author...

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has won the hearts of millions of readers around the world with books described as “immensely entertaining, intensely emotional” (RT Book Reviews), “hilarious” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram), and “heartwarming” (Publishers Weekly). One major retailer recently described her as “the queen of romantic fiction.” While she deeply appreciates the accolades of critics and booksellers, Mallery is even more honored by the enthusiasm of her readers and the word-of-mouth that catapults her toward the top of the bestsellers lists time and again.

Mallery lives in not-so-sunny Seattle with her husband and a toy poodle who makes her laugh every day and who’s not even a little bit impressed by her growing fame.

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER

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Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you and the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the growing series, the author, the publisher, or those tours on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title recently made its IN STORE debut via Harlequin Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing!  Be sure to check out the other stops on THIS TOUR as it makes its way through the blogosphere!

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Thrill Me by Susan Mallery - Book Excerpt + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining a Blog Tour already in progress starring none other than the latest addition to the Fools Gold series from Susan Mallery, Thrill Me.  It's a two part tour (of which I shall be participating in both...hehehe) celebration with the first half featuring excerpts of the book that when read post by post add up to a pretty good start on the novel.  So, if you're ready to travel back to the fabulosity that is this Contemporary Romance series, glue your eyes to the screen as we present excerpt number 12....

BOOK EXCERPT #12

Thrill Me by Susan Mallery

 

The Nicholson Ranch had been in the Nicholson family for something impossible like five generations. Maya wasn’t sure of the exact number. What she knew for sure was how impressed she’d been when she’d first seen it twelve years ago. She’d been a scared sixteen-year-old who’d only ever lived in Las Vegas. Going from barren desert that grew neon rather than actual trees to the ranch had been like something out of a PBS miniseries.

The two-story house had seemed impossibly huge. There had been acres of grass and trees, horses and cattle, along with cashmere goats.

Her mother had hit the jackpot when she’d met Rick Nicholson. They’d dated for two weeks, then had married in a drive-through church. Less than a month later, Maya and her mother were leaving everything behind and moving to California. Maya hadn’t known what to expect, but every hope and dream had been fulfilled when she’d first seen the ranch.

It didn’t matter that Rick wasn’t especially friendly. Being ignored by her mother’s new husband was far preferable to the attention from some of the woman’s previous boyfriends. She’d had her own room, with a bathroom! Three meals a day and two stepbrothers. While the older brother, Zane, had glared at her with contempt, little Chase had been adorable.

Even more incredible, had been the town. 

Fool’s Gold had been clean, friendly and welcoming. She’d made friends, she’d had teachers who not only knew her name but cared about how she was doing. For the first time in her life, Maya had allowed herself to hope she could have a future. She’d dared to whisper the possibility of going to college.

Now she drove onto the ranch property and headed for the main house. After her mother and Rick had divorced, Maya had stayed in touch with both Zane and Chase. While her relationship with Zane had been more adversarial than familial, she hadn’t given up on him. The previous month, they’d reconciled, helped by Zane falling totally and completely in love with Maya’s best friend, Phoebe.

Maya parked and grabbed her oversize bag before heading toward the house. She knocked once on the front door, then stepped inside.

“It’s me,” she called.

Phoebe, a petite, curvy brunette, stepped out of the kitchen and smiled. “Yay. I love it being you.”

They hugged, then walked into the kitchen, where Phoebe poured them glasses of iced tea.

Maya sat at the old, battered table and watched her friend collect a salad from the refrigerator, along with tiny sandwiches.

“You didn’t have to feed me,” Maya said, knowing Phoebe couldn’t help herself. She was born to take care of the world.

“I thought you might be hungry.”

Phoebe set the food on the table, then collected napkins and flatware.

She moved easily—as if she’d always lived in the old house. Even better, Phoebe looked content. Happiness radiated out of her brown eyes. She was relaxed. Every now and then, she glanced at the diamond ring sparkling on her left ring finger. The beautiful solitaire would soon be joined by a wedding band.

Phoebe sat across from her and grinned. “The ranch closed. I got my commission check.”

It took Maya a second to make the transition.

Recently, Phoebe had sold a nearby ranch to action movie superstar Jonny Blaze. It had been Phoebe’s last real estate deal before moving in with Zane and probably the only one where she’d made any money. Until the unexpected deal with Jonny Blaze, Phoebe had specialized in starter homes—a challenge in the expensive LA real estate market.

“You’re rich,” Maya teased gently.

“I am for me.” Phoebe sounded thrilled. “I have no idea what to do with the money. Zane told me to keep it in a separate account. That I earned it before the wedding, so it’s mine rather than ours.”

Because Zane would always take care of her, Maya thought, still amazed at how falling in love had mellowed her usually tight-ass brother.

“Are you going to listen to him?” Maya asked.

Phoebe nibbled on her bottom lip. “I think it should be ours.”

“Zane has the ranch. Keep the money. You’ll feel better having a nest egg.”

“Maybe.”

“You’re going to buy him something, aren’t you?”

Phoebe laughed. “I haven’t decided. So what’s going on with you?”

Maya told her about the videos planned for the town. “I’ll be working with Del.”

Phoebe’s brown eyes widened. “Del, the guy you knew after high school? The one who wanted to marry you?”

Maya shifted on her seat. If only it was that simple. “He’s the one,” she said, hoping her tone sounded light rather than guilty.

“What’s that like?”

“I don’t know. I thought it would be awkward, but he seems fine with us handling the project together.”

“How do you feel?”

“Confused.” Maya pulled the tablet out of her bag. “I told you that Del and I fell crazy in love that summer.”

“Uh-huh. It was after high school, right?”

Phoebe knew enough about her past that Maya didn’t have to explain about her mother or how difficult times had been before the move to Fool’s Gold.

“I loved him,” Maya said, feeling the guilt forming a knot in her stomach. “But I was so scared. Scared of what getting married would mean. Scared of getting stuck.”

“Scared you’d turn into your mom.”

Maya nodded. “I always knew that there wasn’t going to be a white knight on a horse riding in to rescue me. I knew I’d have to rescue myself. But with Del, I started to believe.”

“Loving him wasn’t enough,” Phoebe said quietly.

“It wasn’t. The closer we got to the date when we were going to run off, the more I started to freak. I finally had an opportunity to break free. To make something of myself. Was I really going to give that up for a guy?”

Phoebe leaned toward her. “Did you ask him about that? About going to college with you or finding some kind of compromise? Did you tell him you were scared?”

“No.” Maya swallowed. “I dumped him. I told him he was boring and this town was boring and that I didn’t want anything to do with him. Then I left.”

The truth was, she’d run. Away from Del, away from Fool’s Gold. Part of her wondered if she was still running. Fear was a powerful motivator.

“Ouch. You never talked to him again?” Phoebe asked.

“Not until a few days ago, when he walked into Mayor Marsha’s office.”

“How was he?”

“Fine. Friendly. Charming. He didn’t say a word.”

“How do you feel?”

“Guilty,” Maya admitted. “Like I have to apologize. But the timing is tricky. We’re working together. I don’t want it to be weird, but I owe him an apology and an explanation. Even if he has completely moved on, I need to do it for myself.”

“Then you have a plan.”

“I do. I also need you to look at a video I did. It’s a story about him. I have no idea how Mayor Marsha ever saw it, but she did and mentioned it to Del. So I’m going to have to show it to him. Can you watch it and tell me if it’s okay?”

What she really meant was, were there signs of unrequited love or anything else remotely humiliating? But she wouldn’t have to say that to Phoebe. Her friend would understand what she meant.

“I love watching your work,” Phoebe told her. “Let’s see what brilliance you’ve created.”

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Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for the chance to participate in this promotion.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this leg of the tour (as well as the chance to read all the excerpts!), the title, author, publisher, or future bookish fun on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to release July 28th, 2015 via Harlequin Books, so add it to your wish list now or pre-order it at your favorite brick-and-mortar or online store.

                        
                         
                         
                         
                                  

Be sure to stay tuned for the REVIEW portion of the tour kicking off July 27th and if you happen to be in the Chicago area, at the end of July there will be a 2-day reader retreat called the Susan Mallery Fool’s Gold Getaway. It’s going to be a fantastic event and ticket sales have been brisk – but there are still some remaining!  For more details or to find out how to get yours, CLICK HERE!

 BUT WAIT!

 One more thing before you go.
You see this little picture?

THAT is what YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN!
It's a fun little Fool's Gold prize pack which includes...


...a AUTOGRAPHED copy of UNTIL WE TOUCH
(an earlier book in Susan Mallery's Fool’s Gold Series)
...Susan Mallery lip gloss (to make your lips “Kiss Me” kissable)
...a map of Fool’s Gold
...a heart shaped Susan Mallery notepad and matching pen


 ...and all you have to do to win is fill out the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Until next time...happy reading!

Fool's Gold #17: Kiss Me by Susan Mallery

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

It's Friday!  Time to PAR-TAY, right?  Am I right?  *looks around*  Okay, well for some of you anyway.  As for me, I'll be burning the midnight oil (i.e. working and then reading when I can) but that won't stop me from sharing my latest adventure through the pages with you.  No, siree.  So, let's get a move on...or should I say giddy up?  ^-^

Okay, even trying to work that into my intro here for post's sake, sounded funny.  What can I say?  I'm not the girl that falls to her knees at the sight, thought, or appearance of a cowboy...but the rancher in today's featured title, would give even ME pause.  Ladies and gents, but mostly the ladies, get ready for an adventure you weren't expecting with a potential couple you won't forget...and it all takes place right outside a lovely little place called Fool's Gold.  That's right.  Today's book of choice is...

Kiss Me

(Fool's Gold #17)

by

Susan Mallery

9780373780129

Harlequin

About the book...

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 that convinces him 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?

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I loved it.

I loved it...oh, who am I kidding?

I LOVED IT!

Despite my aversion to the cowboy image (my issue, not yours), this is one of my favorite additions to the series to date.  Phoebe is a kind soul.  She loves animals (she and Manny were so cute!), fights for the underdog (chooses to help first time homeowners versus the movie stars), and is just so genuine (she wanted to meet with the raccoon that kept stealing she shiny objects to negotiate) you can't help but want to be her friend.  Her only flaw...learning to say "no" once in a while (a problem we share) and letting others save themselves. Well, as far as flaws go, that's not that bad in my book...and apparently not in Zane's either.  *ahem*  Zane is the man with the plan.  He's the strong, silent type, much more comfortable with taking action than showing emotion, just the way his father was.  They say we learn from the examples we're given and he's got an unfortunate past that shadows his every move but in his heart of hearts, he's a kind soul too...who just might need saving more than he realizes.  *wink wink*  The two of them together seem HIGHLY unlikely and yet...the more they open up to each other, the more you start to like the idea.  Will it come to pass?  Can't say...there's a long journey ahead with danger (flash flood!), heartbreak (unspoken emotions can sting just as much as rejection), and unavoidable distance (Phoebe is technically only vacationing....).  You'll have to read it to find out.

Now, the whole time we're getting to know Phoebe and Zane, the rest of the story is still brewing.  Take Andrea and Martin, the vegetarians that seem to clash like oil and water personally as well as with their chosen venue, though they'd gladly calm down if they could just avoid eating meat.  C.J. and Thad, who may be filling in for other foster parents that couldn't make it but will learn a lot about the children (Lucy and Tommy) and themselves before this cattle drive is over.  Gladys and Eddie, Fool's Gold oldest busy bodies is one way to describe them but tough times have a way of bringing out the best in people and we get to see another side to dear old Gladys...not that they were bad to begin with but they do have a keen eye for the fellas. (*chuckle*)  Maya, Phoebe's best friend, and Chase, his/her half brother (and ladies man though he's in his teens!), are both in for a lot of surprises and lessons they didn't know needed to be learned.  In fact, one of the scenes between Chase and Zane actually brought me to tears. *sniff*  You see?  There's the love story for two but also the love of many and THAT'S a big part of the magic that is Fool's Gold.

Overall, a GREAT addition to a series that just keeps getting better and better.  With characters you grow to love, situations that leave their mark, and lessons of the heart coming at you from every corner, each time you journey to Fool's Gold, you're guaranteed to leave satisfied.  So, if you haven't started this series yet, I highly suggest you do as it just keeps growing and growing and...well, you get the picture.  There's not a bad place to jump in because they all work as stand alone titles but the journey is THAT much better when you already have your feet wet so to speak.  Recommended read for adult Contemporary Romance fans.

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About the author...

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women. Publishers Weekly calls Susan's prose "luscious and provocative," and Booklist says "Novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling." Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, her tiny but intrepid toy poodle, and two ragdoll cats who are not at all impressed with her growing fame. 

SITE   |   TWITTER   |   FACEBOOK   |   PINTEREST   |   FOOL'S GOLD

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Special thanks to Lisa at Harlequin for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title celebrated its book birthday this past Tuesday via Harlequin, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf (CLICK HERE for a $1 off coupon good through July 31st) or virtual retailer of your choosing.  For fans of the series (and let's face it, you KNOW you are one of them), stay tuned for the next release, Thrill Me, in just a few weeks!

Until next time...happy reading!

Hold Me by Susan Mallery

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're traveling to California with a fangirl-ish review of the latest release from author Susan Mallery.  Excited?  You should be and from the rest of this post, I think you'll see that I was/am too.  Consider this intro the virtual postman knocking on your INBOX.  

Letter received and ready to read....

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Dear Ms. Mallery,

Thank you so much for yet another wonderful page turner through the cozy town of Fools Gold.  If ever there was a realistic fictitional place I wish were a reality, this would certainly be it.  

The people are so welcoming, making a place for both newcomers and life longers alike.  Mayor Marsha is a real hoot; the power she wields through acts of kindness is incredible (still pushing with my fellow fans for a book focused on HER story!).  Then we have visits and drop ins from familiar faces that we've met previously, and yet even if this is your first venture to town, you won't be lost without the backstory (though I definitely recommend getting the backstory because seriously, why miss out on the fun?!).  

Our new potential couple to be is a memorable addition as well.  I really enjoyed getting to know both Destiny and Kipling.  Destiny is strong in her belief that love can wait; a strong and dependable partner is more important.  She's got no time for the romance of it all what with her job and newest "dependent", Starr...her half sister (watching this relationship blossom was an added bonus!). Kipling lives by the seat of his pants with a new girl every few months, and he has no plans on changing those habits even though he's landing in the town of "happy endings".  They are as different as can be in so many ways and yet at heart, they connect.  That is truly what made this one so special.

My only hesitation was towards book's end when a sudden shotgun-less marriage came to pass.  I was a bit surprised, especially by how fast things transpired, BUT I should have known things would turn out all right in the end, and guess what?  They did!  Of course you already knew that, having written the book.  *ahem*  Anywho, my point is this...

Fools Gold is a remarkable series that brings love, friendship, and relationships to the page in its

many colors.  There's not a story that readers can't find themselves in in some way.  There's not a heart that won't flutter at the connections made at least a time or two (with a little blushing now and then too).  Picking a favorite character or couple is near impossible (for me at least) because their stories are unique and memorable, leaving impressions that last well off the page.  I'll tell you, I'd love to sit down with the girls and chat in Jo's bar.  I wouldn't even mind visiting The Man Cave to hear the karaoke on an off night.  Of course, one would have to be there during at least one of the many festivals to see the town really dressed up and what visit would be complete without a cameo from Priscilla!  In other words, if ever a day comes that our favorite fictions become reality, consider my bags packed and ready to go.

THANK YOU from my bookish heart to yours for sharing your gifts with readers near and far....and LONG LIVE FOOLS GOLD!  

With fondest regards,

Gina

(aka the Insatiable Reader)

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ARC for review received courtesy of Lisa at Harlequin.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, those forthcoming, the author, or the publisher, please feel free to click through the links above. Hold Me was released just this month and is the first of FOUR titles coming this year from author Susan Mallery (woo-hoo!) via Harlequin.  Be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery

Happy holidays, everyone!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're ushering in the month of December (OMG!  Can you believe it's DECEMBER already?!?) with the book review spotlight shining directly on a holiday enhanced addition to a fan favorite series.  Oh and I DO count myself among those fans!  Pack your bags and get ready to be snowed in!  Today's book of choice is....

Christmas on 4th Street

A Fool's Gold Romance

by

Susan Mallery

9780373778997

Harlequin

About the book....

Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of it. That's why she's opening her own store in Fool's Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that's magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush. 

Gabriel's memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugarplums, thanks to his drill sergeant father. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from an injury sounds as appetizing as last year's eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle…and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can't stop sharing. 

Gabriel didn't think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse….

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This was another wonderful visit to the town of Fool's Gold and to tell you that truth, if I could move there, I SO WOULD!  Beyond it's picturesque beauty and well situated location, it's endearing small town qualities really take the cake.  Everyone may know everything about everybody, but they also look out for one another.  You can feel the love that surrounds, whether it be in the simple undertaking of finding the PERFECT Christmas tree (okay, not really so simple and with SURPRISING results), the plotting and planning of a secret wedding or three (so sweet!), or supporting the broken heart of a friend WITH friends, distractions, and margaritas.  Whether you're conventional (Isabel), independent (Noelle), or nontraditionally charming (Felicia), there's a place for you within this town and apparantly, a person as well.  *wink wink*  Now, how easy it is to connect with that potential person is another story altogether, but that's part of the fun...

In regards to the characters featured in this particular book, I must say....they are some of my favorites.  Gabriel with his misunderstood, war weary soul on display for the world...well, maybe just Noelle...to see.  Try as he might, he can't hide all that is eating him up inside but with the right touch, healing is within reach.  Now, Noelle is fairly opposite this gent with her firm believe in living life to its fullest, experiencing as much love as possible, and of course her ability to faint at the sight of blood (a funny coincidence considering her past).  As shares her love of life and Christmas with all of Fool's Gold from the threshold of The Christmas Attic (her awesomely adorable store), we learn that there is more to this great friend, and wonderful woman than meets the eye...as does Gabriel.  Sparks fly but will they catch fire?  Not likely with their differences of opinion but then again, Fool's Gold is the Land of Happy Endings....

So, if you're into Contemporary Romance or just seeking a convenient reason to travel back to the town of Fool's Gold, this is the perfect book to add to your Christmas reads or wish list.  Author Susan Mallery really knows how to build a sense of community (fictional or not!) that's both inviting, complicated, and filled with love stories in their many forms.  Trust me, you won't be left high and dry in this one....nor will you be wanting for story.

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About the author...

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Publishers Weekly calls Susan's prose "luscious and provocative," and Booklist says, "Novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling." While Susan appreciates the critical praise, she is most honored by the enthusiastic readers who write to tell her that her books made them laugh, made them cry, and made the world a happier place to live. Susan lives in Seattle with her husband and her tiny but intrepid toy poodle. She's there for the coffee, not the weather.

SITE    |    FOOL'S GOLD

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Special thanks to Lisa at Harlequin for the review copy as well as the chance to bring this title to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this release as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook, pin your favorite covers over on Pinterest, or connect with them on Twitter.  This title celebrated its paperback release just last month with a special novella (Yours for Christmas) at book's end!  Be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time....happy reading!