Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery
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
This sounds like a good series though there are certainly a lot of books! I am currently reading the Hope's Crossing series by RaeAnne Thayne and her book Sweet Laurel Falls has a similar story only the man returns to Hope's Crossing and finds out about the daughter he never knew he had.
I like the idea of a series set in a small town where you get to know the secondary characters. I know this series is popular at my library and I'll have to check it out sometime.
I love the Fool's Gold series. I am reading Three Little Words right now. I am one of the Fool's Gold Cheerleaders. I am loving TLW. I loved Almost Perfect. I love reading series.
Such a fun series to read. I also have not read some of the very early ones but am playing catch up.
Enjoy,
Julie
Aren't these books great. I am currently reading Three Little Words and love it. Your review of Liz and Ethans story took me right back in time. That's the best part of Fools Gold, always building on the town and characters.
So glad that you like the book. You will love to read the other books in the series because you will be able to see the rest of the characters that you met get their own story!
Wow, that's a long series! I've never read this author, so I guess I should begin at the beginning. Thanks for sharing.
I have read the entire series so far. Love them all. Even though it is a series you can read as a stand alone book also.
The series just keeps getting better and this year's books have been the best yet!
Always love returning to Fool's Gold. It is like returning home!! I love starting my summer reading a new Fool's Gold book!! Just One Kiss, Two of a Kind, & Three Little Words are all great books to read.