Synopsis:
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 review:
When We Met is the 13th book in author Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold Series an admittedly the first in the series I have read. That being said, I never once felt lost while reading and I really appreciate authors who can write a book in that manner. Especially a book being 13th in a series! Angel and Taryn’s story was enjoyable from start to finish and I will certainly be reading the others in this series.
Non nonsense and tough as any ex-NFL player she knows, PR guru Taryn Crawford is used to life in the city, being in charge, and taking control of things. What she isn’t used to is this new life in Small Town, USA. Sure she may dress girly, with killer heels and amazing wardrobe anyone fashion lover would covet, that’s about where her girliness ends. She doesn’t like to be close to many people. Doesn’t squee and fawn over babies and weddings. That’s not her stlye and she knows herself too well at this point in her life to pretend otherwise. So when she meets Angel she sees him exactly for what he is…her perfect counterpart. He’s equally no-nonsense, says what he means and means what he says, which makes what they have perfect. No strings attached and no delusions of a happy-ever-after works for both of them….for now.
Angel Whittaker not only has numerous physical scars from years as a soldier, but two very indelible emotional ones that he’s almost certain he will never fully heal from. Ever. Which makes his strong and cut-to-the-chase Taryn perfect for him. She just gets him. He can be himself with her and make no apologies that he will never be ready to give his heart to anyone ever again. So he thinks. What started out as a light and fun physical game for both of them slowly turns into much more…and it scares Angel to death.
One of the things I loved most about this book was that Taryn and Angel have a very open and honest relationship from the start without any need to decipher what he or she meant and if there was some greater meaning behind what they say to one another. They are both very up front about having pretty messed up pasts and the inability (they think) to love again.
Taryn has many one liners in this book that made me appreciate how well she knows herself. She knows damn well that her addiction to expensive clothes and accessories has to do with making up for a childhood where oftentimes she went without food and certainly never had nice things to wear. But the fact that she doesn’t try to hide it and calls it what it is was really refreshing. Angel is equally refreshing and knows he may never move on from the loss he suffered while serving his country. Along with the occasional heavy moments were plenty of laughs when Angel finds himself leading a group of young girls in a sort of scout group. Young girls…which he has no experience in. He had plenty of outdoors experience but none whatsoever with French braiding or girl bonding. Thankfully he’s got Taryn to help. Of course, that only strengthens their bond and moves things from the temporary status to the more permanent. The ending to this story totally played out like a movie in my mind while I was reading it and I loved that!
Overall, if you’re looking for a no-nonsense romance with a few laughs along the way then get When We Met on your list. Thank you, Susan, for a fabulous read!
Four Loves
Book links:
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About the author:
SUSAN MALLERY is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 80 novels, with more than 25 million books sold worldwide. Mallery is known for creating characters who feel as real as the folks next door, and for putting them into emotional, often funny situations readers recognize from their own lives. Susan’s books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. RT Book Reviews says, “When it comes to heartfelt contemporary romance, Mallery is in a class by herself.” With her popular, ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestsellers lists and has won the hearts of countless new fans. Susan grew up in southern California, moved so many times that her friends stopped writing her address in pen, and now has settled in Seattle with her husband and the most delightfully spoiled little dog who ever lived. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.