Fool's Gold #9
All Summer Long by Susan Mallery
Ahh... So we finally get to read Charlie's book. I wasn't sure what to make of it, really, it wasn't at all what I expected - though I did like it. The first 1/3 of the book was really slow for me; I usually finish books within a day or two but it took me about two weeks to drill through that first third - needless to say I was disappointed. After passing that, though, All Summer Long soared for me... It was funny and oh-so sweet (as expected from Susan Mallery). I must say, I admired the way Charlie's rape didn't affect her in any way other than...umm, the bedroom; usually I have to wade through a very emotional book about rediscovery and healing, which I don't mind - but they tend to be heavy while All Summer Long remained light-hearted.
Clay was down-to-Earth and uber caring, which I liked. What I didn't like, however, was his annoying tendency to think of his deceased wife. I mean; I understand loss but jeez, I'm reading contemporary romance - I don't want to see him mentally paused on his wife (which was how he seemed at first). Because of said tendency, early on I felt no chemistry between the characters, which added to my boring 1/3. After he mellowed his thoughts and Charlie freed up, though, yowza, it was hot... I totally loved their relationship, they were so cute together with all the tenderness they showed towards each other; I expected a relationship of the more rough-and-tumble variety. Speaking of relationships, I loved the 'little' surprise that came in the graceful package of Dominique. Watching Dominique find herself and try to forge a relationship with Charlie was ultra-entertaining and, in a funny way, touching.
Susan Mallery did a great job with All Summer Long (excluding that first third) and I loved the end (including a certain character's 'visit'). I can't wait to read A Fool's Gold Christmas, after which I can totally focus on anticipating the story of Justice and Patience (which I'm totally feeling, btw, because I loved Justice instantly) that was hinted at.
Clay was down-to-Earth and uber caring, which I liked. What I didn't like, however, was his annoying tendency to think of his deceased wife. I mean; I understand loss but jeez, I'm reading contemporary romance - I don't want to see him mentally paused on his wife (which was how he seemed at first). Because of said tendency, early on I felt no chemistry between the characters, which added to my boring 1/3. After he mellowed his thoughts and Charlie freed up, though, yowza, it was hot... I totally loved their relationship, they were so cute together with all the tenderness they showed towards each other; I expected a relationship of the more rough-and-tumble variety. Speaking of relationships, I loved the 'little' surprise that came in the graceful package of Dominique. Watching Dominique find herself and try to forge a relationship with Charlie was ultra-entertaining and, in a funny way, touching.
Susan Mallery did a great job with All Summer Long (excluding that first third) and I loved the end (including a certain character's 'visit'). I can't wait to read A Fool's Gold Christmas, after which I can totally focus on anticipating the story of Justice and Patience (which I'm totally feeling, btw, because I loved Justice instantly) that was hinted at.
Can a summer fling turn into love that lasts a lifetime? Former underwear model turned entrepreneur Clay Stryker has loved, tragically lost and vowed that he'll never risk his heart again. After making his fortune, the youngest of the rugged Stryker brothers returns to Fool's Gold, California, to put down roots on a ranch of his own. But he's frustrated to discover that even in his hometown, people see him only for his world-famous...assets. Firefighter Chantal (Charlie) Dixon grew up an ugly duckling beside her delicately beautiful mother, a feeling reinforced long ago by a man who left soul-deep scars. Now she has good friends, a solid job and the itch to start a family-yet she can't move toward the future while she's haunted by painful memories. Clay finds an unexpected ally, and unexpected temptation, in tomboyish Charlie, the only person who sees beyond his dazzling good looks to the real man beneath. But when Charlie comes to him with an indecent proposal, will they be able to overcome their pasts and find a love that lasts beyond one incredible summer?
Harlequin HQN
ISBN 0373776942
(ISBN13 9780373776948)
Publication Date: July 31, 2012
Goodreads Page
Harlequin HQN
ISBN 0373776942
(ISBN13 9780373776948)
Publication Date: July 31, 2012
Goodreads Page