Three Little Words (Fool's Gold Romance, #12) (Fool's Gold)

by Susan Mallery

[kimbacaffeinate]

I was a little apprehensive going into Three Little Words by Susan Mallery as it is the twelfth book in a series, but just as promised this delightful romance worked perfectly as a standalone. Three word review: small-town, charming, and romantic.

Isabel Carlisle hasn’t had much luck when it comes to romance. As a teen she had a huge crush on Ford Hendrix her sister’s boyfriend. When he joined the military she wrote him letters and he never once responded. Now her husband has left her for another man! I mean how sad is that? So Isabel once again finds herself back in her hometown and handling the affairs at her parent’s bridal shop. She plans out her life as she works when suddenly her plans are turned upside down. Ford is back in town and sexier than ever and Isabel is feeling fourteen and awkward again. The tale that unfolds is sweet, hot and oh so romantic as these two tango!

Ah, how so many of us will be able to relate to Isabel, especially as a teen. She was awkward, shy, a little chubby and madly in love with her sister’s beau. She is down to earth, has a witty personality and you just identify with her and want her to get her HEA. Ford is smexy, a military man; some may say a ladies’ man and he is a little nervous about returning home. I loved the banter between these two, while there is a physical attraction this was a friendship to romance courtship. We meet other characters, deal with Ford’s marriage minded mama and sink into the small town charm.

I adore pretend relationship troupes and Mallery made this convincing. The sparks, banter and personalities of the characters allowed me to slip right into the tale. I laughed, grinned, and giggled my way through this. Isabel was truly delightful, I do however wish Mallery peeled back Ford’s layers a little more but as a couple they felt genuine. Seeing them work out issues, have personal growth and form a bond was deliciously romantic. I enjoyed this so much, that I picked up Chasing Perfect the first book in the series, I want to meet all of the characters in Fool’s Gold , California.

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer