Just One Kiss: Susan Mallery
He won't hesitate to put his life on the line...but will he ever risk his heart?
Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw's otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he's back in Fool's Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won't abandon her again-and her daughter, too?
When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He's returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can't resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice's past doesn't make him husband, or father, material.
Patience and Justice think they'll succumb to just one kiss... Then one more... Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone's control.
Thank you Susan Mallery for bringing me back home! There is something comforting in always knowing that the minute I pick up one of her books I will encounter amazing friends and a great story. I absolutely adore this series, and the characters that Mallery has created within this world. Susan is a go to author for me (always), one of my favorites, especially when I am looking to come down from that intense read. Her stories always offer sweet romance, spicy chemistry and just enough drama to keep you coming back for more. I can't remember a time her writing has disappointed me, and Just One Kiss is absolutely no exception. Book 11 is written just as engaging as book 1. The town of Fool's Gold never fails to capture my attention and keep me held hostage until the last page.
Justice and Patience, sigh, just their names alone make me smile. Our hero and heroine were a great addition to the Fool's Gold family and I am so glad to see that the author gave them their own story. At first I wasn't really sure if I liked them as a couple, as individuals yes, but as a couple I wavered on the line a bit. It took some time for them to grow on me, and for me to realize how perfect they actually were for each other. The fact that they knew each other when they were younger (each had a crush but to many obstacles and secrets held them apart), and Justice finding his way back to Patience fifteen years later was an added plus for me. I love stories that rekindle an old crush or love, giving the couple a second chance at not just love but hope and forgiveness.
Patience made a great heroine. I don't think there was anything about her I didn't like. She was a strong role model and her character was fun. Patience was loyal and loving towards her mother, who was sick and needed a little extra TLC and she protected her daughter with a fierceness that comes with being a mother. Our heroine has loved Justice since she was 14, ok maybe back then it wasn't love, but she has felt some form of emotion for him for over fifteen years. Patience is the girl next door, the woman every girl would love to have as a friend. She is likeable, and everyone loves her. Patience was the perfect choice for a bad boy like Justice.
Justice is hot, I didn't think anyone would beat Ethan or Tucker out, but Justice did. I loved his perfect mix of tough and vulnerability. With his screwed up past, Justice wanted nothing more than to stay away from Patience. She was too perfect for him in his eyes, he never felt like he could be worthy of her and the last thing Justice wanted was for his past to come back and touch her. I loved that while he struggled with his self he just couldn't stay away. He had to find her again, reach out to her. Fifteen years ago, Patience was his light, his sunshine in a tunnel of darkness, his comfort in a world that equaled nothing more than pain, betrayal, and unfamiliarity. Fifteen years later, she still meant that to him and her pull was something he couldn't deny either of them. Justice couldn't see past his father, believed that his father's fate was his fate. He didn't feel as though he should be allowed anyone to love, at least not while his past haunts him. There is so much more to Justice than meets the eye, he may be quiet, and to the point, but underneath it all beats the heart of a man looking for something or someone to call his own. Patience and Lillie did this for him. Speaking of Lillie, I think her conversations with Justice were my favorite part of this book! The way he took the time to comfort her over her father made my heart melt, the way he broke it down and explained life to her in terms she would understand made my breath catch. The scenes were perfection and heartwarming. No matter what doubts Justice may have of raising a family, I think he blew them all out of the water in his scenes with Patience's ten-year-old daughter. Another of my favorite scenes happened when he whipped out his camera and started taking pictures of her at the parade. Such a "dad" moment.
I really enjoyed the front row seat I had watching these two grow and develop within their relationship while also meeting some intriguing new characters. I really hope to catch glimpses of them in upcoming books; I can't wait to see Justice settling in to his new life.
On a side note, I have been hanging on now for 11 books hoping to catch a bigger glimpse of Ford, and finally Susan Mallery is giving us all what we want. Ford will be getting his own book! However, before we experience Ford we will be introduced to Felicia's love interest. Did I mention that I think she may just be my favorite Fool's Gold heroine? I loved her quirky personality and ramblings. Also, while I am discussing future books, I really hope that Susan has one planned for Angel! In just the few minutes I spent with him, I knew I had to know the man behind those gray eyes!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Just One Kiss in exchange for my honest opinion.
16 comments
Just One Kiss was fabulous! I l LOVED IT! It is a great book to start off our summer reading! Justice and Patience match perfectly with each other and in the Fool's Gold town. The struggles each face with their families we can find pieces we relate with allowing us closer to the characters in the book. Susan Mallery delivers again! This book is a must read on everyone's summer reading list! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI loved "Just One Kiss". Susan writes characters that that make you wish Fool's Gold is real. This story introduces us with so many great new characters while very satisfying, also leaves me waiting impatiently for the next one.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Just One Kiss. It was great to meet new characters and keep in touch with people from the town of Fools Gold. Looking forward to reading her next two books this summer.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Just One Kiss! Susan has such a talent for writing creative characters and a story that leaves you breathless.
ReplyDeleteAnother great entry into the Fool's Gold series! This is my favorite book of them all so far. I love the reconnection of Patience and Justice and their romance was sweet and steamy! I especially enjoyed the new antics of the older ladies of Fool's Gold. They crack me up! The secondary storyline of Patience's mother who struggles with MS, but also finds love was very poignant and well done. Susan Mallery is one author that never disappoints me and this book is no exception. I highly recommend everyone read this book immediately!
ReplyDeleteWhen I finished this book I wanted to turn the page to Two of a Kind and keep going with my beloved bodyguards. Suysan Mallery knows how to capture us and pull us into Fool's Gold and we never want to leave.
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to summer now, because I know I get three Fool's Gold books. Beach? Well, okay, that's nice, too, but I NEED my Fool's Gold fix! At least we don't have to wait a whole year for the next book in the series! A month... I think I can handle it. Oh, Gideon, I can wait to read all about you! I did really enjoy the additional romance with the mom and her daily battles with MS. Great to see someone rise to the challenge and still maintain a somewhat normal life. I want to move here. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful review! So glad you enjoyed JUST ONE KISS. I do love Justice and Patience, and it's so nice to hear from readers who feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteI love going back to Fool's Gold and the story of Justice and Patience did not disappoint. I also love the cameos of some of my favorites in town. :) The conflicting emotions Justice feels were so heartwrenching. I love this story, just like all the others!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I enjoy reading about other readers getting pulled into the Land of Happy Endings and how it affects them the same as it does me. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteFront row seats, I feel the same way I could so fit into this community. Can't wait for the other ones...
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun read!
Great story and Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteLoved this book and can't wait for Two of a Kind!
I love this book! I give it 5 stars! I know I can't wait till the next one comes out!
ReplyDeleteAlways love returning to Fool's Gold. It is like returning home!! I love starting my summer reading a new Fool's Gold book!! I love the relationship between Patience & Justice. I love how that Susan has a character with MS. I am looking forward to the other 2 new Fool's Gold books!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book!!! This was one of my favorites yet :)
ReplyDeletelove this! cant wait for the next and the next and the next to come out
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