Review: All Summer Long by Susan Mallery

Title: All Summer Long
Author: Susan Mallery
Series: Book Nine in the Fool's Gold Series
Published By: HQN Books (July 31, 2012)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads Description:
 Can a summer fling turn into love that lasts a lifetime? 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?

My Review:

I think out of all the Fool's Gold books, Charlie's story is the one that I have been anticipating the most.

I couldn't help but like Charlie's gruff exterior and heart of gold in past books and I couldn't wait to see her get past her demons and have a happily ever after. And to know that HEA might be with one of the fabulous Stryker brothers and the most handsome one at that? Well that made this read all the better.

And I wasn't wrong, Charlie was everything I thought she was going to be and I am so glad I read her story. I loved watching her character grow and learn and feel again.

I think out of all the woman in the Fool's Gold series, she is by far my favorite so far. I just loved how honest and down to earth she was.

And Clay, well Clay couldn't have been more perfect for her. I liked Rafe, really loved Shane, but Clay? Clay may have stolen the Stryker brother lime light. I loved how he handled Charlie and how he helped her and loved her.

This was a great addition to the Fool's Gold series and the Stryker Family story too.

I can't wait for the next one!