I've been slowly but surely trying to get the Fool's Gold series under my belt. I've managed to find some around my town but I just had never gotten the opportunity to grab them. It's so hard having so many good books around, how do you choose?! I picked this book up as one of my "grab a random book" challenges to switch up my reading flow. I wanted something light, fluffy and romantic so I figured this was the way to go. And I was right! It had a perfect dose of romance and comedy.

Dellina and Sam take the lead in this one. Sam, a former hot shot football player, and Dellina who is an event planner. What could possibly go wrong here? Maybe Sam's parents being travelling sex-perts/sex therapists? Maybe Dellina's room full of wedding dresses? Maybe a really cute dog? Maybe Sam's jerk of an ex? There's so much going on in this book, yet it doesn't feel too long! It feels just right.

This book moves at a fast enough pace to keep me interested. That can be a major downside for some romance books with me. I need the book to keep moving to keep me in check. This book did it and had me wanting more. I'll definitely be grabbing a few more Fool's Gold books when I get my hands on them.

I really like this book and series so far. You don't need to read any of the other books in the series to understand this one. If you're nervous, just grab one! It's an easy enough story to understand. Unless, you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to know all the background Easter eggs (I didn't care).

Four out of five stars. ( )

Before We Kiss
2.5 Stars

Together with his fellow former NFL partners, Sam Ridge has come to Fool's Gold to establish his PR firm. Despite his success on the field and in business, Sam has notoriously bad luck when it comes to women. So, he isn't all that surprised when his initial encounter with local events planner, Dellina Hopkins, ends in disaster due to a misunderstanding. But when his firm hires Dellina to help plan a party for their clients, Sam is forced to admit that there is more to her than meets the eye. Will he be willing to take a chance?

The Fool's Gold series is turning into a hit-and-miss for me. Some of the books are an absolute delight while others fail to live up to their potential. Unfortunately, this installment falls into the latter group.

Dellina and Sam's disastrous one-night stand sets the stage for an excellent second chances romance, However, there is too much focus on the party planning and not enough on the romance. It is exceedingly difficult to engage with them as a couple as they have zero chemistry. Sam's parents are much more compelling despite their shenanigans and provide several moments of hilarity.

The secondary storyline focuses on Dellina's sister, Fayrene's attempts to get her boyfriend to propose. This is exceedingly irritating as she was the one who wanted to wait, but has since changed her mind. She expects him to "prove his continued love and devotion" by guessing that she wants to get married sooner rather than later. Her behavior is childish and petulant, and Ryan could seriously do better.

Nevertheless, the hints at future relationships for Sam's partners, Jack and Kenny, are intriguing and I also want to find out more about Kipling Gilmore and his sister, Shelby. Hopefully, these books will be better.

Finally, I really want to know how Mayor Marsh knows so much about everyone - is she psychic? ( )

4.5 stars.

In the previous novel in Susan Mallery's captivating Fool's Gold series, Sam Ridge's intriguing avoidance of event planner Dellina Hopkins left me dying to read their story and I am delighted to say Before We Kiss exceeded all of my expectations!

Following her parents' untimely deaths, Dellina gladly took on the responsibility of raising her teenage twin sisters. Both of them are now grown up and Dellina is not looking for a serious or permanent relationship when she meets Sam. She is wildly attracted to the very sexy retired football player, but Dellina maintains a professional distance until their smoldering passion explodes in an unexpected encounter. Sam and Dellina agree to a casual fling, but love has a funny way of sneaking in when least expected, but will Sam's lingering trust issues from his previous disastrous relationships keep them from finding their happily ever after?

Dellina and Sam are wonderful characters and they are very well suited as a couple. At this point in her life, Delinna's primary concern is getting her event planning business on firm financial ground and this event could be just what her struggling company needs. Sam likes Fool's Gold, but unlike his business partners, he has kept his distance from the rest of the town. Sam and Dellina work well together and while they like and respect one another, neither of them is looking for a lasting relationship. A family is the last thing on Dellina's mind and while Sam does dream of having kids one day, a wife does not really fit into the picture.

In addition to Dellina and Sam's burgeoning romance, Before We Kiss has a few secondary storylines as well. A story arc with one of Dellina's sisters provides an unexpected revelation for Dellina. Mayor Marsha is on vacation but she is quite busy maneuvering events behind the scenes and the introduction of two new characters sets the stage for future novels in the series.

Although Before We Kiss is a light-hearted and very entertaining addition to the Fool's Gold series, Susan Mallery does address some a few serious topics as well. Sam's trust issues are realistic and a visit from his family is quite hilarious, but also shows the importance of respecting other people's boundaries and need for privacy.

Before We Kiss is another lovely romance set in the warm and inviting town of Fool's Gold. This sentimental and heartwarming story gives fans a chance to catch up with their favorite characters as Dellina and Sam fall in love. A few tantalizing tidbits about Jack's mysterious past leave me eagerly awaiting, Until We Touch, the next novel in this wonderful series. ( )

I loved this book, Sam's parents are a riot. Though if it happened to me I would of been embarrassed as well. I couldnt stop laughing ( )

Before We Kiss by Susan Mallory
Have read the other books in this very long series and feel that most of the story is playing catch up with the characters.
There is a town where it's run by all women. New charcters come into Fool's Gold and we catch up with the older ones still living there.
Sam Ridge, football star, hasn't made it very well with other females. Delina Hopkins, party planner and helps at the dress shop and she's raised her younger sisters. They had a past life together, 5 months earlier. They talk about that night and move on-he needs her as a party planner, in 4 weeks time.
Parents and their views was a bit much at times, I think the shock factor comes into play for the theme of the book. Book follows many of the other characters in town and their relationships. At times, if you have not followed the book from #1 you'd be lost as to who everybody is.
Story is very predictable, sex scenes are good. Like the ideas of the party and how the animals play a part and charity work.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). ( )