Three Little Words, by Susan Mallery (review)

Description:  

Isabel Carlisle thinks she's cursed in the romance department. Her teenage crush, Ford Hendrix, ignored all her letters. Her husband left her for another...man. So Isabel has come home to dust off her passion for fashion and run the family bridal shop until her parents are ready to sell it. Then she'll pursue her real dreams. At least, that's the plan, until sexy, charming Ford returns and leaves her feeling fourteen all over again....

Seeing Isabel all grown up hits bodyguard trainer Ford like a sucker punch. Back when heartbreak made him join the military, her sweet letters kept him sane. Now he can't take his eyes-or his lips-off her. The man who gave up on love has a reason to stay in Fool's Gold forever-if three little words can convince Isabel to do the same....

Review:

I enjoyed Three Little Words, which is the first Fool's Gold romance I've read.  Isabel and Ford have great chemistry, and I loved that he had read and remembered all her letters.  The fake-dating scenario is a little overused, but it works reasonably well in this case, particularly given how over-the-top Ford's mother is when it comes to seeing him marry and settle down.  That said, I felt that Isabel's character is more three-dimensional than Ford's, which was a little frustrating at times. 

To be honest, the relationship that interests me the most in Three Little Words is the developing one between Ford's co-worker Consuelo and his math-teacher brother, Kent.  Consuelo is a fascinating character.  Petite and incredibly beautiful, she's also a fierce fighter and a martial arts expert, and fit enough to take on even the six-foot-plus Ford.  As a former Army special operative, Consuelo used whatever she had to to get the job done, but she's clueless and terrified when it comes to a normal relationship with someone like Kent.  For his part, Kent is patient and determined despite being intimidated by Consuelo's beauty and appeal.  He's a thoroughly decent man with an unusual degree of empathy and understanding, and a very good match for Consuelo.  As much fun as the relationship between Isabel and Ford was, I would have been even happier if the book had focused on Kent and Consuelo.

I've enjoyed the other books I've read by Susan Mallery, and the premise of this series -- a town with a shortage of men (though they do seem to keep moving in!) -- is amusing.  The series also features strong friendships between the women characters, which is something I appreciate.  I'll probably visit Fool's Gold again. 


Rating: 3 stars

About the author: 

With more than 25 million books sold worldwide, New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery is known for creating characters who feel as real as the folks next door, and for putting them into emotional, often funny situations readers recognize from their own lives. Susan’s books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. RT Book Reviews says, “When it comes to heartfelt contemporary romance, Mallery is in a class by herself.” With her popular, ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestsellers lists and has won the hearts of countless new fans.

Susan grew up in southern California, moved so many times that her friends stopped writing her address in pen, and now has settled in Seattle with her husband and the most delightfully spoiled little dog who ever lived.  (biography source: author's website)

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Category: Contemporary romance

Series: Fool's Gold #12
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Release date: July 30, 2013
Book source:  digital review copy from the publisher

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