Series: Fool's Gold, #2
HQN
June 2010
Format: Paperback, 379pages
Source: Library
Back in high school, Liz Sutton was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Then she'd stolen the heart of the most popular boy in town, and their secret romance helped her through the worst of times. Until Ethan Hendrix betrayed her and everything they'd ever meant to each other. Devastated and pregnant, Liz left Fool's Gold, California - forever, she thought…
Now Liz must return to town and face the man who doesn't know of their son's existence. And this time she won't have the option of making a quick getaway. Ethan and Liz can't deny their passionate attraction, even after all these years. But will their desire be enough to spark a second chance at love?
My thoughts: This is the second in Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold series and I am loving the stories so far. Plus, they are quick reads, and since this is one of the series I am trying to finish, a fast read is most welcome!
In this second installment, the story focuses on Liz and Ethan. We met Ethan in book one, but Liz is a new character. She left Fool's Gold years ago and while she did come back twice to let Ethan know about his child, circumstances prevented that knowledge from reaching Ethan both times. Having to return suddenly to Fool's Gold to take care of her nieces, she also needs to settle things with Ethan.
I loved all the interactions between Liz and Ethan. They are emotionally charged and, while the spark is there from the onset, it's fun watching the journey to their HEA. I also found the interactions between Liz and her nieces to be quite heartwarming. Those girls were able to really get under Liz's skin at times, causing her to see things more clearly.
We also get to see some of the townspeople that we've already met in the first book. A few of the minor storylines that were introduced in that book are continued, one completely heartbreaking! Ethan's family gets more of the spotlight in this book and I'm hoping that some of his sisters get their own stories in upcoming books. I absolutely loved Mama Hendrix - she tells Ethan, when he goes to her about the discovery of his son, to stay calm and be rational...then she goes running over to Liz's house guns blazing!!! Love a fiercely protective mama bear!
There's a hint as to who the next story might focus on, and if I'm right, the book will prove to be even more emotional than this one...can't wait to find out if I'm correct!
Books in this series:
1. Chasing Perfect 8. Summer Nights
2. Almost Perfect 9. All Summer Long
2.5 Sister of the Bride 10. A Fool's Gold Christmas
3. Finding Perfect 11. Just One Kiss
4. Only Mine 12. Two of a Kind
5. Only Yours 13. Three Little Words
6. Only His
6.1 Only Us
6.2 Almost Summer
7. Summer Days