Romance

Overall it was a good book. I feel like things went really fast or really slow the progression of events was very uneven. Overall wasnt a bad read. ( )

Hold Me
1 Star

Destiny Mills has come to Fool's Gold to work with its search and rescue team headed by former Olympic skier, Kipling Gilmore. For Destiny, a lifetime of her infamous parents' intense emotions has made her wary of passion and romance. Likewise, Kipling, who has come to town to recuperate both in body and spirit after a horrific accident, is reluctant to risk his heart. Can these two lost souls find each other?

The compelling introduction of Kipling's character several books prior had me eager to read his book. Unfortunately, this book does not live up to expectations.

Kipling and Destiny have both been damaged by their parents' behavior, and their issues are not conducive to a healthy relationship. Moreover, not only do they have zero chemistry, but Kipling's actions having sex with Destiny when she is drunk and his desire to "fix" her dislike of sex are reprehensible and completely undermine the romance.

The minor conflict focusing on the rivalry between Kipling and Jo's bars is contrived and ridiculous. The town is more than large enough to support two bars catering to such different clientele, and the way in which Jo and the other women react does not present them in a positive light.

Overall, this book does neither Fool's Gold nor Susan Mallery any favors. ( )

4.5 stars.

Hold Me is the sixteenth (sixteenth!!!!) installment in Susan Mallery's warm and inviting Fool's Gold series and it is just as fresh and appealing as the novels that proceed it. In this heartwarming addition, it is newcomers Destiny Mills and Kipling Gilmore turn to find their happily ever after.

Destiny, along with her teenage sister Starr, temporarily move to Fool's Gold while Destiny sets up the software for the town's new search and rescue program. Her job requires frequent travel, so she really has no permanent ties or friendships but she immediately connects with many of the women in town. As Starr's newly appointed guardian, Destiny slowly realizes that it might be time to put down some permanent roots and Fool's Gold might be her final assignment. Her tempestuous and unsettled childhood with her country music star parents has given her a rather unique outlook on sex, love and marriage and by choice, Destiny has never had a serious relationship.

After a career ending skiing accident, Kipling moved to Fool's Gold to head up the new search and rescue team. He is also partners with several of the men in town and they are about to open a bar where the men can hang out and watch sports. He is a firm believer that actions speak louder than words so when someone he cares for runs into a problem, he springs into action and finds a way to fix things for them. His younger sister Shelby is often the recipient of his problem solving and despite her exasperation with him, the two have a close relationship.

Destiny and Kipling end up spending a lot of time together professionally and slowly but surely, an unexpected friendship forms between them. Kipling is attracted to her right from their first meeting, but he is only interested in a short term fling. Since Destiny witnessed firsthand how destructive strong emotion and passion can be, she decided to avoid romantic entanglements altogether. She does not recognize the strange yearnings that she feels around Kipling, but she does enjoy spending time with him. However, the one night Destiny unleashes her passion for music, their friendship takes an unexpected detour that could change the course of their relationship.

In Hold Me, Susan Mallery once again works her magic and provides readers with another enchanting addition to the Fool's Gold series. All of the characters are multi-faceted with relatable flaws and believable problems to overcome. The setting is, as always, idyllic with a homey atmosphere. The storyline is realistic and delightfully angst free. It is another fun and heartfelt novel that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys sweet and steamy contemporary romances. ( )

Susan Mallery is a masterful storyteller. She writes stories that are emotional and humorous reads that come from the heart. Hold Me is the story of two individuals that have been hurt by circumstances that life has bestowed on them. Now they are looking for ways to move beyond the hardships and find happiness. I loved this story. Can't wait to read the next book in the Fool's Gold series. Received this book for an honest review. ( )