When We Met
4 Stars

PR Executive Taryn Crawford has relocated to Fool's Gold with her business partners, former NFL players, and is trying her best to fit into the quirky town. When former special ops soldier Angel Whittaker, challenges her to a game of seduction, Taryn is more than willing as long as there are no hearts involved. Soon the emotionally and physically scarred Angel is getting under her skin, and the rules of the game have changed ... or have they?

Angel and Taryn's romance is sweet and sexy, but it is actually Taryn's interactions with her "boys" and Angel's heartwarming scenes with his delightful Acorns that steal the show - you will have to read these to see what I mean ( )

4.5 stars.

With When We Met Susan Mallery whisks readers back to the charming town of Fool's Gold where Angel Whittaker and Taryn Crawford find not only love, but their places, in the close-knit community.

Finding herself outvoted by her PR firm partners (lovingly referred to as "the boys"), fashion loving Taryn grudgingly relocates from LA to Fool's Gold. Completely out of her comfort zone amongst the happy and super friendly residents, she is starting to make friends and settle into her new life when super sexy ex-soldier and former Special Ops Angel makes his interest in her known. Neither Taryn nor Angel is looking for a long term commitment but both are more than happy to indulge in a sizzling fling.

Taryn and Angel are carrying emotional scars from their pasts. Angel is still grieving the loss of his family while Taryn's problems stem from her abusive childhood. Their relationship begins as a light-hearted, casual flirtation but there is no denying their heated attraction for one another. Angel quickly begins his slow seduction and although impatient to move things along, Taryn eagerly anticipates his unpredictable invitations.

Their casual fling is just heating up when Taryn and Angel turn to one another for help in their personal lives. Angel is out of his depth with his community service volunteer position while city girl Taryn learns she is expected to join "the boys" on a camping trip to woo a client. As they give one another a hand, Angel and Taryn begin to open up about their respective pasts. Angel easily reveals his secrets but he continues to carefully guard his heart. Taryn's trust issues run deep but she finds it easier to admit to her growing feelings.

The relationship between Taryn and Angel is based on mutual respect for one another. They are complete opposites but they appreciate their differences. Angel is rugged and outdoorsy but he finds Taryn's love of clothes and shoes sexy. Taryn might never have been in love before but she admires Angel's devotion and affection for his lost family and she always a sympathetic listener.

When We Met is another enchanting novel in Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold series. It is a sexy and playful romance between two wounded people who help one another recover from their painful pasts. Old and new fans are going to love this sweet yet saucy addition to the endearing and highly addictive series. ( )

As usual one of my favorite authors didn't let me down with a novel that satisfied me emotionally and I was intrigued with the beginning, and I can't help but wonder WHAT book 14 will be like? I liked Angel Whittaker from the start with his cockiness! I sided with Taryn Crawford as she was the under dog as she worked PR with pro-football superstars and her toughness that would not let her back down from the meanest players, even though Angel was not into football any more but worked as a bodyguard. ( )

The couple in this romance are both strong, independent people. They both have come through a lot. Mallery tells the tale without over playing her hand, mostly. The ending is a little too dramatic for my taste. I was really into the book until those last two chapters. I still enjoyed it a lot. I just wish we were told a little more about how Angel got that scar. You don't have a scar like that without being deeply affected by the events that caused it. ( )

Would make a good beach read, if I was in Hawaii. Unfortunately, it's -14F outside. Not memorable, but entertaining. ( )