Before We Kiss by Susan Mallery

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you every day of the week, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

As I said earlier this week, I spent the weekend in Fool’s Gold (fictitiously now, not literally…though I wouldn’t say no ^_^).  I got to know Jack and Larissa pretty well (as did you in Monday’s post), but I also met Sam and Dellina because of a reading pit stop I made a point of making.  That’s right.  I was scheduled to review the third book in this author’s recent additions to the series, and although I’d read the first, I hadn’t read the second.  Despite the fact that they can be read as stand alones from my own personal experience…I didn’t want to miss a step!  Yep.  I’m a fan…what can I say?  You’d be too if you gave it a try, if you’re not already in the know of course. (if you are, join me in a happy squee dance….and JUMP! ^_^).  So, ready to read about the latest book to capture my interest?  Pack your bags and your friendly smile, we’re heading to a small-ish town that believes in happy endings for all and that dreams can come true.  Today’s book of choice is…. 

Before We Kiss

(Fool’s Gold #14)

By

Susan Mallery

9780373778812

Harlequin HQN

About the book….

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?

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Alrighty, so we’ve set the stage and now it’s time for the show…and what a show indeed!  From the sparks that fly after the awkward-as-all-get-out air is cleared between Sam and Dellina (picture this, a Valentine’s Day hook-up ending with a room full of wedding gowns and an escape so fast it probably broke the sound barrier) to the embarrassing situations that occur when his dear old parents come to town (no, no, really…you think yours are embarrassing?  Ha!  They win, hands down…. *-*), this story will keep you in stitches, in smiles, in hopes, in wishes, and in frustration, but only in the best way possible. 

Sam has a past dotted here and there with failed relationships that amazingly, were no fault of his own…weird, right?  One of the good guys?  Yeah, I wouldn’t take that moniker from him but he’s got his flaws too…parents that over share BIG TIME, more flight than fight in his step, and oh, the inability to trust pretty much anyone outside his Score (PR company) circle.  Gotta unlock that heart big guy because you’re gonna miss the best thing that ever came your way.  Anyway, then we have Dellina who unlike Sam doesn’t really have a “checkered past” per se, but she did have heartache (parents left her and her sisters orphans at a young age), responsibility thrust upon her early (she raised her sisters and herself when all seemed lost with a little help from this AMAZING town), and the inability to let the love shine in.  Yes, I stole a line from some song or another, but it was warranted.  I get she wants to have her business be a shining star and she’s been getting along just fine thank you very much, but again with the two-by-four to the head…wakey wakey!  There’s a reason you feel all shakey quakey physically and emotionally with Sam and it’s not just that sorts-one-night stand.  *raises eyebrow*

I loved meeting our old friends again and seeing how they’ve been getting along.  Taryn, Angel, Ford, Consuela…need I continue?   It was a blast attending the party thrown for the Score guests and watching the fireworks erupt time and again.  *ahem*  The draw our potential couple had was pretty potent leading to several slip ups, a few steps forward, and several back tracks.  You really didn’t know if they were ever truly going to get out of their ways to give us that happy-ever-after we were rooting for…not that I’m saying they did or didn’t; that’s for me to know and YOU to read yourself!  ^_^

In conclusion, another great addition to a growing series that you’ll be reading about here in future reviews for some time.  Hey, I’m not completely through the current titles available and those forthcoming?  Already on the reading list.  Recommended read for adult readers; the series can be blush worthy at times but nothing too extreme and the whole thing is so sweet, you can’t resist.  Review copy from my own personal library, purchased for my own reading pleasure….as I recommend you do as well.  This title reached publication this past June via Harlequin HQN, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or online retailer of your choosing.

Until next time…happy reading!