Book Review: Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery

Title: Just One Kiss
Series: Fool’s Gold, Book 10
Author: Susan Mallery
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sensuality Rating: Sensual
Source: review copy provided by publisher
Published: May 2013 by Harlequin

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.

Why I Read this Book: This small town romance series is on my auto-read list.

What I Liked: The prologue hooked me in; there was a little bit of mystery and suspense going on that I was anxious to get to the bottom of. It also set the stage for a reunited friends who become lovers romance.

Both Patience and Justice are each in the process of opening their own business. I love the idea of Justice opening a defense training academy. Can you just imagine the type of male clientele that this establishment will bring into Fool’s Gold? I sure can!!

I love speculating on what's going to happen in the town of Fool's Gold, including soon-to-be couples. I do it every time I read a book in this series. One of my speculations is that someone is pregnant, someone who has had their own book already. As far as couplings go, we know who Ford and Gideon end up with but who does Angel pair up with? Hmmm.......

Speaking of Ford, I am so excited that he is finally coming home. Series readers have heard about him in many of the Fool’s Gold books and we’re finally going to get his book!

What I Didn’t Like: There were inconsistencies regarding the timeframe when Lillie's birth father left the picture. At first Patience tells Justice that the father left when "Lillie was three weeks old". Later on, Patience tells Justice it was "a couple of months after Lillie was born". Also, at first Patience 'does the math' for Justice and provides the breakdown on when Patience got pregnant and how old she was when Lillie was born. A little later on, Justice 'does the math' for himself during a conversation with Patience.

There was one aspect that was entirely too predictable and the way it played out was too over the top.

Felicia’s personality rubbed me the wrong way. Her perceived mental prowess came up in just about every single conversation she was a part of and it was a tad annoying. For instance:

“There are some subtleties I can’t explain to your ordinary intellect.”

Overall Impression: Just One Kiss was not my favorite book in the series but it was still an enjoyable read.

Brianna’s Rating:

 

Brianna’s reviews for other books in this series:
Chasing Perfect, Book 1
Almost Perfect, Book 2
Only Mine, Book 4
Only Yours, Book 5
Only His, Book 6
Summer Days, Book 7
Summer Nights, Book 8
All Summer Long, Book 9
A Fool’s Gold Christmas, Book 9.5
Halfway There, Book 9.6