Monday, August 1, 2011

Only Mine, by Susan Mallery

Only Mine (Fool's Gold #4)
Susan Mallery

Publisher: HQN
Release Date:
July 26, 2011
Genre:
Contemporary Romance
Pages:
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Source:
Netgalley
Rating:
5/5 (Avg 4/5)
You can’t win if you don’t play…

Her town’s lack of men may make headlines, but it isn’t news to Dakota Hendrix. The beautiful blonde has bigger problems to deal with, such as overseeing the romance reality competition filming in Fool’s Gold. Screening eligible bachelors is a difficult enough task, but Dakota hits an unexpected snag when a sexy stranger comes to town.

Finn Anderssen will do anything to keep his twin brothers—the perfect contestants—off the show. Despite Dakota’s better judgment, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious outsider. Like her, Finn knows about heartbreak and how a family can fall apart, so she doesn’t dare to hope for anything more than a fling. After all, even in the Land of Happy Endings, finding true love is never as easy as it looks on TV.

FYI for anyone that reads my blog, this is most definitely not a YA read. Every once in a while, I step away from YA to read some quality fiction reads, and this is one of those times.

I haven't read any of the books in the Fool's Gold series before this one, but I can definitely say that I will be sure to remedy that soon. On the same note, even though I've never read any of the books before, this book was easy to read as a stand-alone and I was never once confused for reading the books out of turn.

If there ever was such a place as Fool's Gold, I would most definitely want to visit there.. if not move there. Even though the main part of this story was about one specific girl, there was this overwhelming sense of community with all of the characters from this town - everyone knows each other and, in seeing so, it makes you feel as though you know them too. Plus, all of the characters, no matter how minor, really sprung to life off of the pages of this book. There were all unique with their own voice and personality. I loved it.

Dakota is a female lead that you won't soon forget. She's smart, funny and very charming... yet she has a vulnerable side, too. She's a real go-getter and her sense of independence is absolutely mind-boggling. I love how her attitude is really, "I would like to have a husband, but I don't need a husband to be able to have a great life," unlike most characters that either don't need a man at all or are completely dependent on a man. She's the perfect role model for a strong woman in control of her life. And I did fall in love with Finn right along with Dakota. He was pretty great. Independent himself, though he had a few selfish streaks that I could have done without. In the end, he made things right, so I won't be too upset with him.

There was definitely a bit of the reality show storyline thrown in but I really liked how the book concentrated on Dakota more than anything. Plus, we also get some perspective and growth on some of the other characters as well, which really add another layer to the story that made it that much more enjoyable. This is definitely a great read for all of the romance lovers out there. I will definitely be picking up more from Susan Mallery, especially the other books in her Fool's Gold series.



Also, be sure to enter Susan's Only Mine... All Mine contest for an exclusive first look at the Fool's Gold Christmas ebook and a Man Shortage shirt! Click the banner below and be sure to sign up for Susan's newsletter to become a member. All it takes is an e-mail address and a zip code! Offer ends September 1, 2011!

7 comments:

StaceyC4 said...

I loved the reality show sub-plot and how Susan captured something that is clearly all the rage in our culture. The Fool's Gold books are all good and at this point, it's hard to pick a favorite!

Taylor said...

I just love this series and am so glad you discovered it! Like Stacey said it is hard to pick a favorite because they are all so good and individualized. I love all of Susan Mallery's books I have gotten my hands on, it is really easy to fall in love with her characters.

Jenn3128 said...

I have enjoyed all the Fool's Gold books, but I CAN pick a favorite! Chasing Perfect still is my fav Fool's Gold book.

Charlotte said...

Susan has captured many hearts with her Fools Gold series and many new ones as we Cheer her books on as VARSITY CHEERLEADERS which is a awesome honor. As we meet new people and encourage them to read Susan's books and make a few friends in the process.

Angela MacIntyre said...

With so many reality shows on TV now, it was fun to read a behind-the-scenes book and discover how it affects "real" lives. The subplot was fun and added so much to the story. I can't wait to get the next book in the series!!

Julie said...

I have so enjoyed this series. Love the characters Dakota and Finn in this latest installment. Looking forward to the next story....Montana....

Anonymous said...

You hit it right on the mark! Great review! It's great how the book can be read as a stand-alone yet by hearing about the other characters you're running out the door to buy thier stories! LOL. Love it!

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