Former underwear model turned entrepreneur Clay Stryker has loved, tragically lost and vowed that he’ll never risk his heart again. After making his fortune, the youngest of the rugged Stryker brothers returns to Fool’s Gold, California, to put down roots on a ranch of his own. But he’s frustrated to discover that even in his hometown, people see him only for his world-famous…assets.
Firefighter Chantal (Charlie) Dixon grew up an ugly duckling beside her delicately beautiful mother, a feeling reinforced long ago by a man who left soul-deep scars. Now she has good friends, a solid job and the itch to start a family — yet she can’t move toward the future while she’s haunted by painful memories.
Clay finds an unexpected ally, and unexpected temptation, in tomboyish Charlie, the only person who sees beyond his dazzling good looks to the real man beneath. But when Charlie comes to him with an indecent proposal, will they be able to overcome their pasts and find a love that lasts beyond one incredible summer?
Download and start listening now!
"I love this series! I always feel good and even get a chuckle or two from these books. An interesting proposition to help Charlie get over her phobia of men. Clay is just the man for the job. As a former underwear model no one takes him seriously. In comes Charlie who befriends him and asks for his help. I am not gonna spoil the story for you but it's a good story and well worth the read. The only problem I have with this series is that if this is supposed to be a small town. How do they have a Starbucks and 5 fire stations???"
— Sue (5 out of 5 stars)
" I love all the Fools Gold Novels. "
— Mary, 2/4/2014" I was looking for something Nicholas Sparksy and read a couple different books prior with disappointment. I wasnt expecting much out of this either, but was pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoyed it. :) "
— Jennifer, 1/27/2014" I LOVE Charlie's story....and feel like much of what she hides behind is something many of us can related to. "
— Candace, 1/23/2014" Another wonderful visit to Fool's Gold. It was wonderful the way two people looked beyond what others saw on the surface to the person underneath. "
— Maryann, 1/18/2014" It was a quick read, with a strong female lead character. The banter between the main characters is well done and funny, there is some plot running in the background, you care about the characters. One of the better modern romance books. "
— Diane, 1/13/2014" I really enjoyed the story. Then end snuck up on me. But left me happy. Of course I wanted more but I suppose that is part of a series like this always wanting more. "
— Hope, 12/6/2013" Lovely seductive story. Clay did wonders for Charlie. "
— Josie, 9/4/2013" Great book for the series! "
— Kelli, 8/24/2013" I loved it! I have to agree with Manda; it's possibly my favorite fools gold book. "
— Josie, 8/23/2013" I loved this story. By far my favorite in the Fool's Gold series "
— Amy, 7/18/2013" Nice read fast read I enjoyed it. "
— Denise, 7/15/2013" Still not really a huge contemporary romance fan, but I really liked Charlie. This ALMOST got shelved under angst but it really isn't quite that significant. It was a little too sweet for me, really, but not bad. "
— PNR, 7/8/2013" Clay Stryker came home to Fool's Gold to put down roots of his own. When he meet Firefighter Charlie Dixon sparks started to fly. This was a GREAT BOOK! I loved it as well as all the Fool's Gold books! I'm excited for the next Susan Mallery book! "
— Crystal, 6/19/2013" I have enjoyed all the books in the Fool's Gold series, but I think I liked this one the best. "
— Rhonda, 2/25/2013" This book reminds me why I loved Susan Mallery. Sweet love story together with some great ancillary characters. "
— Bungluna, 11/18/2012" Another great book by Susan Mallery. This is 9th in the Fool's Gold Series. "
— ReadingWench, 10/31/2012" reading the series backwards! This is #9 and deals with Charlie, a date rape victum scared of any relationship with men, making a pact with former male model, Clay Stryker, to help her recover from her fears. But nreither expects to fall in love with one another. "
— Nancynova, 10/26/2012" great series to read cant wait for the next one "
— Teresa, 8/8/2012Susan Mallery is a critically acclaimed author of more than one hundred romance and women’s fiction novels, which have made the New York Times bestsellers list and been listed in Booklist’s Top 10 Romances for four consecutive years. Her books have been translated into twenty-eight languages. Because she is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books.
Tanya Eby is a novelist and an audiobook narrator who has earned several AudioFile Earphones Awards and been nominated for the Audie Award. She has a BA degree in English language and literature and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.