Fool's Gold #9.5
A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
Fool's Gold has yet to disappoint me - I'm happy to say. Opening the book, I expected two grouchy individuals, with some sarcastic humour, uniting to battle against the cheery christmas-lovers - I got almost the exact opposite. A Fool's Gold Christmas, from the very first pages, was funny and light. Unlike most contemporary romances, Susan Mallery's focus was more on Evie's coming into herself - coming into her family, her place in the world and shedding deep pain - rather than the raw romance. Evie and Dante formed a relationship more quickly than usual - an easy, carefree relationship that had me smiling and sighing at every other turned page - which made for a lot of acclimating; a good thing. Dante made an excellent counterpart for Evie; he was sweet and very encouraging - always cheering her up and motivating her, which made for added cuteness. Evie, who I thought would be Scrooge herself, was tenderhearted and very giving. Though Evie was a little bitter, she was still very open and accepting - reluctantly, at first - of her family's love. Since I hadn't liked May in Summer Days, I had expected to have my initial dislike amplified while reading her previous crimes. Not so. I actually empathized a good deal with May and found myself rooting for the relationship that began forming with Evie.
What I loved as well, was that we finally got to be properly introduced to the mysterious Gideon, whose cameo was significant enough to point towards him being a future hero. In addition to Gideon; Ford was, again, mentioned heavily - hinting at a book coming up. Think it stops at Gideon and Ford? Wrong. A new female, Tammy, was introduced and another male, Angel, was mentioned. There was a little telling scene with Lillie, Patience's daughter, as well, and Patience was pointed out often enough that I'm still holding out for her and Justice's story - which is, perhaps, next.
Some things I didn't like - it's great that Evie and May moved on, but I felt like the past wasn't really 'hashed out'; it felt like some shouting and then a 'well, let's move on', which wasn't vey satisfying. **SPOILER** Susan Mallery tends to write romances where, towards the end, the hero realizes 'oh, snap! This is getting deep, I must break it off', he does, then realizes he can't go on without her and wins her back. I don't mind these endings at all, but I was hoping for something different this time and, technically, it was a little different but I was hoping, with Evie and Dante's relationship being so easy, it would have been a little smoother. I did like, however, that the breakup happened a little earlier on than usual (and I do mean little), because it showed that Evie, though heavily attached emotionally, did not die without a man - it showed that she was independent and strong, even while having a broken heart.**SPOILER**
Though they had sex, there were no love scenes which did not take away from the novel (although it may disappoint some persons).
What I loved as well, was that we finally got to be properly introduced to the mysterious Gideon, whose cameo was significant enough to point towards him being a future hero. In addition to Gideon; Ford was, again, mentioned heavily - hinting at a book coming up. Think it stops at Gideon and Ford? Wrong. A new female, Tammy, was introduced and another male, Angel, was mentioned. There was a little telling scene with Lillie, Patience's daughter, as well, and Patience was pointed out often enough that I'm still holding out for her and Justice's story - which is, perhaps, next.
Some things I didn't like - it's great that Evie and May moved on, but I felt like the past wasn't really 'hashed out'; it felt like some shouting and then a 'well, let's move on', which wasn't vey satisfying. **SPOILER** Susan Mallery tends to write romances where, towards the end, the hero realizes 'oh, snap! This is getting deep, I must break it off', he does, then realizes he can't go on without her and wins her back. I don't mind these endings at all, but I was hoping for something different this time and, technically, it was a little different but I was hoping, with Evie and Dante's relationship being so easy, it would have been a little smoother. I did like, however, that the breakup happened a little earlier on than usual (and I do mean little), because it showed that Evie, though heavily attached emotionally, did not die without a man - it showed that she was independent and strong, even while having a broken heart.**SPOILER**
Though they had sex, there were no love scenes which did not take away from the novel (although it may disappoint some persons).
The unrelenting cheer in Fool's Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. She learned early on that Christmas miracles don't happen, at least not for her. And this year seems like no exception. An injury has forced her to return to the family fold, no matter that they're estranged. She won't add to the awkward scenario by being seduced by the bad-boy charms of her brother's best friend, the last man she should ever want to date. Even when she's recruited to stage Fool's Gold's winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move forward with her life anywhere but here.
Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers' feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he's unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend's sister-off-limits unless he's willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen....
Harlequin HQN
ISBN 0373777027
(ISBN 9780373777020)
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Goodreads Page
Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers' feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he's unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend's sister-off-limits unless he's willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen....
Harlequin HQN
ISBN 0373777027
(ISBN 9780373777020)
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Goodreads Page