Until We Touch (Fool’s Gold), by Susan Mallery

After a family tragedy, former football hero Jack McGarry keeps the world at arm's length—a challenge now that his PR firm has moved to neighborly Fool's Gold, California.

Larissa Owens knows where she stands—Jack sees her as just another one of the guys. No matter what her heart wishes, Jack's her boss, not her boyfriend. But then Larissa's big secret is revealed…by her mother!

When Jack discovers the truth about Larissa's feelings, her touch suddenly becomes tantalizing, and he's not sure he wants to resist. But if he gives in to desire, heartache is sure to follow. Friendship or true love—will Jack go for the ultimate play?

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.

Review

The 15th Fool’s Gold romance features ex-quarterback Jack and his personal assistant Larissa in an enjoyable best-friends romance. One of the highlights for me was Larissa’s enthusiasm for her causes, including both pet and wildlife rescues. I did feel the ending was a little rushed and forgiveness came too easily.

Here’s what I loved about Until We Touch:

• Larissa. She’s a rescuer, a bleeding heart, and I love her for it. Whether it’s kids with cancer to animals (tame or wild) in need of shelter or rescue, Larissa’s got a big heart and an urge to help that sometimes overwhelms her common sense.
• Larissa and Jack’s cluenessness. Jack is Larissa’s best friend as well as her boss – she’s his personal assistant and masseuse. He puts up the money and the famous face for their charitable work; she finds the worthy causes and handles the personal side. And neither of them has a clue that they’re really in love with each other – until Larissa’s mom outs her. They go to some lengths to deny it to themselves as well as each other, but, well, this is a romance so you know how well that’s going to work.
• Jack. For a while, I didn’t understand why Jack keeps anyone from getting close. Oh, he’s friends with his teammates-turned-business partners, but he doesn’t let anyone, even Larissa, inside. Once I realized why, I hurt for the boy he was, but at the same time, it makes him more likable and much more human.
• The humor. That’s one of the things Susan Mallery does really well. There were scenes that had me chuckling, even laughing out loud. Omigosh, the scene in the massage room. . .
• A young man they both take under their wing. I don’t want to give too much away, but Jack was so good with him – and then there was a scene that broke my heart.
• Larissa’s cat. And her relationship with it. She’s never actually had a cat before, and seeing her fall in love with this beautiful Ragdoll was really sweet. (Even if I did have to Google Ragdolls to see what they look like.)
• The intensity. Once Larissa and Jack do start acknowledging their attraction, if not their deeper feelings, they’ve got really good chemistry. Enough said.
• Fool’s Gold and the people in it. Especially Jack’s teammates, who have his back as long as he doesn’t hurt Larissa. And the mayor, who I’m convinced is psychic.

And the not so much:

• Larissa’s plan to get over Jack. Seriously? How on earth could she think that was going to work?
• Jack’s behavior, when he starts running scared. Oh, if I could only have given him a piece of my mind! Again, I’m trying to avoid spoilers — but you had to figure he was going to back away, right? Actually, the guy-backing-off  theme is one of Mallery’s favorite tropes. It usually stems from the guy’s past trauma, but it’s getting a little too predictable. 

Bottom line: A fun and funny, light-but-not-too-light romance, great for summer reading. Kick of your sandals, order up a tall iced tea, and enjoy!

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