{Review} Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery
Labels:
4 Stars,
Book Review,
Contemporary Romance
·
Series: Fools Gold #10
Author: Susan Mallery
Published: 28th May 2013
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC provided by Harlequin HQN via Netgalley for honest review
Rating: 4/5
BLURB:
He won't hesitate to put his life on the line...but will he ever risk his heart?
Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw's otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he's back in Fool's Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won't abandon her again-and her daughter, too?
When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He's returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can't resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice's past doesn't make him husband, or father, material.
Patience and Justice think they'll succumb to just one kiss... Then one more... Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone's control.
A Cute Romantic Story With Quirky Secondary Characters
REVIEW:
The story:
I have to admit I don't normally like romance stories with children in them. It's not that I don't like kids, but the characters are often dealing with issues that I simply don't relate to. But this book didn't have that issue for me. At 29 Patience is a single mother after the father of her daughter Lillie ran off a few months after she was born. But with the help from her own mother Ava, she has created a warm and loving home for the three of them.
But Patience's stable life gets a massive shake up when Justice comes back to town Fool's Gold years after he mysteriously disappearing back in high school. At the time Patience was hopelessly in love with him, although never had the chance to tell him. Now that he's back the attraction between them is still there, the question is can they overcome their pasts to find happiness together?
The characters:
Patience is a strong and dedicated woman. She'd do anything to protect her daughter and her mother (who is suffering from MS), and is very driven at giving her daughter a good future. She's a small town girl and could never dream of leaving Fool's Gold.
Justice has had a rough life, with a dangerous and violent father making his life hell. Even after he escaped, he was still tormented by the fear of turning out to be just like him. He pushes people away and avoids any real emotional connections in fear of hurting people. Although in truth he is the exact opposite of his father - he's kind, caring and committed to protecting the one's he loves.
There was also a fun and colourful cast a characters from the small town of Fool's Gold. Everyone knows everyone's business here and they all have interesting things going on in their own lives. I have to give special mention to Felicity, who is the oppitomy of social awkwardness, and I'm looking forward to reading her story, I think it will hilarious!
The romance:
Even after 15 years apart, the powerful connection between Patience & Justice is still there. At first they are a little reluctant to start anything - Patience is concerned to bring a new man into her and her daughter's like, worrying that he too might abandon them. And Justice believes he's not good enough for her, afraid he'll turn out just like his father and hurt the woman he loves.
The writing:
The pacing of this book was very effective. It's a quick and fun romance with plenty of little side stories, that there was always something going on. It has a very similar vibe to a lot of British chick lit novels.
FINAL WORD:
Just One Kiss was a quick and cute romantic story. The small town setting and interesting and quirky side characters made some fun scenes. Overall a great little chic lit novel!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / sex scenes
Violence: mild-medium / a shooting (not overly descriptive)
Language: very mild / occasional sh*t
Drugs & alcohol: mild
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Wonderful Review Amy! This sounds like such a sweet and romantic story! I love small town romances, and I'm glad that this story had a colorful cast and good side stories. I love it when the main characters have a strong connection-it pulls me right in to the story!
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
Great review! This looks cute! It seems like everyone's only reading new adult these days, so it's nice to read about that the heroine is a single mother. :)
ReplyDeleteI love her stuff, it's very wonderful <3 I absolutely enjoy her writing and characters! something very sweet about her stories.
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