Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: June 25th
How I got this book: NetGalley
Felicia Swift never dreamed she’d hear a deep, sexy voice from her past in tiny Fool’s Gold, California. The last time Gideon Boylan whispered in her ear was half a world away…on the morning after the hottest night of her life. Her freaky smarts have limited her close friendships, and romance, but she came to Fool’s Gold looking for ordinary. Gorgeous, brooding Gideon is anything but that.
Black Ops taught Gideon that love could be deadly. Now he pretends to fit in while keeping everyone at arm’s length. Felicia wants more than he can give-a home, family, love-but she has a lot to learn about men…and Gideon needs to be the man to teach her.
As these two misfits discover that passion isn’t the only thing they have in common, they just might figure out that two of a kind should never be split apart.
*Blurb from Goodreads*
I was so excited to read Felicia’s story, because I loved that her character was so incredible smart, and more than a little socially awkward. She reminded me of the character TV character Bones.
Felicia didn’t think she would stick around in Fool’s Gold after helping to set up her friend’s business, but when she runs into her first flame, Gideon, and then begin seeing each other once again, the pull of the town is too much for Felicia to resist. Add in the offer of a new job in town, and Felicia finds herself pulled into and falling in love with the small town life.
Gideon likes the small town atmosphere of Fool’s Gold, but does his best to keep himself separate from the town. If he doesn’t get too close, then he doesn’t have to worry about getting attached. But with Felicia walking back into his life, Gideon discovers that there is something to be said about falling in love, with both a woman and his town.
Although this wasn’t exactly a second chance love story, since Felicia and Gideon never really had a chance to fall for each other after their first sexual encounter, in many ways this story felt like a second chance. Both Felicia and Gideon were greatly impacted by their one and only night together, and the chance to rekindle that spark between them was something that they were both excited about, and that excitement and tension came across beautifully.
I think one of my favorite parts in this story was the beginning, when Felicia and Gideon meet again for the first time. Felicia was caught off guard and out of her element, bringing out that sweet and innocent personality she had when she wasn’t overthinking everything. And Gideon got the chance to really see her, be swept away by her and take her out of her comfort zone. It was cute and sweet and so well done, that it might be my favorite moment in that book between these two.
Although I heard a lot of people on twitter talking about how nervous they were to read Felicia’s story, I loved and adored her. I have only read a few books in which the main character is too smart for their own good, but every book I have read has blown me away. I love watching Felicia’s thought process as she blurts out the random information in her head, and then realizes that she has lost everyone else, and fights with herself to fit within the social norm. I also loved that her friends didn’t want her to change. They loved her random facts, the way her brain processed things, and her ability to blurt out every thought. I loved it about her too and way so glad to see that she had support from other strong female characters.
Poor Gideon was a tough nut to crack. I wasn’t 100% pleased with the way his story went. I don’t want to give anything away, but Mallery certainly threw me for a loop with the introduction of a sub-plot that I was absolutely NOT expecting. And because of it, I felt as if Felicia and Gideon’s relationship suffered, just a little bit. I wanted to get a chance to see them rely on each other more, instead of focusing so much of their time and energy on this secondary point.
All in all I did really enjoy this book in the series. I loved Felicia, thought she was such an incredible heroine, and I loved the way she had to navigate between her book smarts and lack of social skills. While I never really felt as if I got to know Gideon as well as I would have liked to, the relationship between him and Felicia was rock solid by the end of the book, and I couldn’t ask for anything more.
I give Two of a Kind a B.
Great review, I am really curious about this series now. Will have to kick them higher on my wishlist 🙂
I really enjoy the too smart heroine, but haven’t found too many. The only one that comes to mind is Nora Robert’s book from last year, The Witness. Very good book. Anyone have recommendations for other books with a similar theme? I have pre ordered this one.
Nice review – I’m currently reading it and loving it. Life keeps getting in the way so I can’t finish it as quickly as I hoped so I’m savoring each moment. Great series. Give all the Fool’s Gold books a try if you haven’t already.
Love reading Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. She writes such strong characters that make you care, so it’s nice to get a view into their happy-ever-after as you read the next release in the story. TWO OF A KIND may just be my favorite (but I said that about JUST ONE KISS when I read it). This is a great book….5 stars from me.
I was surprised by that sub plot as well. Didn’t see it coming
This book may be my favorite of the series. Loved Felicia!
Love all the twist and turns in this book.
@Tiffany, One of the Mackenzie (Mackenzie’s Mission) books by Linda Howard. Very smart female lead.
Loved this book and they keep getting better and better. Just when you think you know the ending. you don’t!
Love the story of Gideon and Felicia. These books just keep getting better!
I love this book along with all of the other fools gold books, Felicia is so smart and awkward it just draws you in.
Susan Mallery gave us a spectacular read in, “Two of a KInd”. Felicia and Gideon reunite in “Fool’s Gold”, each with a past that they feel have left them unable to be ‘normal’. They rediscover each other and their romance and love grows, I believe the subplot was essential for this story, it helped both characters grow emotionally as individuals and as a couple. The dialogue is outstanding in this book, I love the way Susan Mallery creates Felicia through her written voice, she’s shockingly bold, funny, and you can’t wait to see what she’s going to say/do next!
@xaurianx – Yes you do!
@Tiffany – The Witness is my other favorite. I will have to think on other recs for you.
@JoAnne – I hope you get to finish it soon!
@Brenda Rumsey – Glad to see you loved it.
@Beccie – I didn’t either, and I wasn’t a huge fan either, unfortunately. 🙁
@Gabrielle – I loved her as well!
@Charlotte – They were some good ones, huh?
@Regina – Thanks for the rec!
@julie barrett – I’m glad that Mallery is still able to throw me for a loop!
@Shari – Agreed!
@Lisa Gregory – She absolutely does draw the reader in. Loved Felicia!
@Dee Myers – I’m glad the subplot worked well for you!
Sounds like an excellent read. Cannot wait. Love Susan’s books.
I too love Susan’s books! Can’t wait for Tuesday!
I love all of the Fool’s Gold books!! I am reading Two of a Kind right now & I am loving it. When I was reading Just One Kiss, I was curious by Felicia.
I loved this book and I thought Just One Kiss was my fave until I read this one. Felicia is a great character!
I love having a visit back to Fool’s Gold. I really loved this book!! You can jump right into the storyline and you feel as though you are visiting old friends. Felicia, the main character, is new to town and wants to fit in. Due to a different childhood and her over the top brilliance, she has a hard time trying to fit in. Because the town is made up of such nice people, she is taken in right away. Her biggest problem is with love. She has a history with Gideon and needs to see if they can start over. With lots of town events and a few surprises, this is an amazing visit back to Fool’s Gold. I just can’t wait for Three little words next!!!!
@Patoct – Happy reading!
@Shannon – I hope you loved it!
@Melissa – Felicia is a character, I’m glad that Mallery did her justice!
@The Book Momster – Felicia is fabulous!
@melissa – I am very excited for Three Little Words!
I love the town of Fools Gold So cool! Cant wait for the next book!