Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: May 27th
How I got this book: NetGalley
Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool’s Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.
Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend’s bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her “wild youth” to raise her sisters. She doesn’t want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would’ve been nice.
His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam’s luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?
*Blurb from Goodreads*
I have such a fangirl crush on Susan Mallery and the Fool’s Gold series. I think I say that every time I review one of her books, but it’s so true!
Sam has terrible luck with women, and although he was intrigued by Dellina, their one night together ended when he misinterpreted a room in her house and bolted in the middle of the night. But months later, Sam finds that he desperately needs Dellina’s help to plan a big party for some of his clients, and he will have to swallow his pride and face her once again.
Dellina enjoyed her night with Sam, and wished he would have stuck around for another round or two. Planning a big party for him puts Dellina in Sam’s path day and night, and the chemistry between them is stronger than ever. After trying to keep their distance, they realize the attraction is too strong. Now that Sam’s finally found a good one, he realizes that Dellina might not be ready for the happily ever after he wants.
I was excited to see what Mallery was going to do with Sam and Dellina, because I really liked their interesting backstory. I loved the idea of Dellina helping out a friend or two, and having that inadvertently driving away the first guy she was interested in keeping around for the night. Likewise, I thought it was hilarious that Sam was so quick to tuck and run at the idea of Dellina potentially looking for her own happily ever after.
I loved both the hero and heroine, I thought they were wonderful characters. I thought it was great that Dellina made Sam grovel quite a bit for not allowing her to explain. Likewise, I liked that Sam was able to let his guard down and see what a healthy adult relationship could be like. These two weren’t without their own problems, but I thought they not only grew together as individuals, but they also helped each other grow as a couple.
Their romance was super sweet. Although they waited a little while before getting naked again, I liked the fact that they were okay with having a physical relationship, and keeping the labels out of their romance. Neither one cared about having a boyfriend or girlfriend, and instead they were just happy with spending time together. There was no stress or drama, and I liked that about them.
I’m super excited for the rest of this trilogy. I love the guys that work together for the agency, and I think they each have so much story to tell. One of the things Mallery does so well in each book is set up a group of secondary characters that are just as engaging and exciting as the main characters. They pull you in and get you hooked and I am so excited to read more.
All in all, I thought the 14th book in the Fool’s Gold series was great. I love that Mallery is still able to keep the series fresh, and hasn’t fallen into a repetitive nature with each new set of books. Again, I can’t wait for the next and will continue to gobble up these books as long as she writes them!
I give Before We Kiss a B
Great review, adding this one to my wishlist as well! I like the sound of the heroine, she sounds fun and sweet and would be a great friend.