When We Met by Susan Mallery

• Title:  When We Met
• Series:  Fool’s Gold; #13
• Author:  Susan Mallery
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Published:  April 29, 2014 – Harlequin HQN
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery invites you back to Fool’s Gold, where a newcomer to town might finally meet the man she never knew she needed… 

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can’t be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool’s Gold, California, he’s cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he’s not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe. 

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe-to-toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses. Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

My take:  This is the story of two people who vow never to give themselves over to a relationship. Taryn because of the devastating rejection she felt as a young girl and Angel because of the unimaginable loss he suffered in the not so distant past.

Taryn and Angel are very likable characters. They are confident yet also vulnerable. Determined to just enjoy dating, will they be able to keep it at that level?  I enjoyed Susan Mallery’s latest addition to the Fool’s Gold series. I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for both Angel and Taryn. Their reluctance to give themselves over to a chance for love was understandable yet I hoped for more. Mallery didn’t disappoint. She also added comedy in the form of Angel leading a group in a local organization. At the time he volunteered he had no idea his group would be made up of 7 year old girls. It was a fun storyline. There’s exciting drama near the end of the book that kept me turning the pages. All in all, if you’re a fan of the series I think you’ll like When We Met.