UNTIL WE TOUCH is Book fifteen in the Fools Gold
series that just
keeps getting better and better. My love affair with Fools
Gold and Susan Mallery began with Chasing Perfect which
only
succeeded in whetting my appetite for more and more. Just
as
Fools Gold has grown over the years so has my
expectations.
I have never been disappointed and candidly look forward
to
each new installment with great anticipation. Susan
Mallery
has done something few authors manage successfully and
that
is to create an entire town replete with amazing recurring
characters that have basically developed a relationship
with
you the reader.
In UNTIL WE TOUCH Susan Mallery brings
together two characters that have a friendship that is to
be
envied. Mallery's goal is to get these two wonderful
caring
characters to the next level. Tough task but if anyone can
do it -- Mallery can.
We've met Jack McGarry and his assistant Larissa Owens
before. Larissa is Jack's right hand person as well as the
company Score's personal masseuse. As the company masseuse
Larissa is quite up front and personal physically as well
as
emotionally with the guys and gal at Score. Small talk
abounds and Larissa takes her job seriously. These are ex-
football players with injuries that need her gentle and
sometimes not so gentle touch. There is a line that never
gets crossed in this capacity. And here's where the
problem
lays in UNTIL WE TOUCH.
Jack has always appreciated all the things Larissa does
for
him and in return he graciously supports her humanitarian
efforts some of which have definitely been more demanding
than others. Jack is always ready to lend a hand and money
to any of Larissa's many causes. But all of a sudden the
dynamic between them is changing. At first the difference
is
subtle -- but once Pandora 's Box is opened -- well you
get the picture.
Candidly any sort of relationship between Jack and Larissa
would not be supported or appreciated by any of their
friends or co-workers. Jack has spent most of his pro and
post pro days as a player. Larissa is fully aware of this
since she is often called upon to purchase the break up
gift.
The team at Score realize that any relationship between
co-
workers could cause major issues at the office especially
given past performance and expectations.
Larissa getting hurt by Jack is definitely scorned upon
and
neither Jack nor Larissa really want their friendship hurt
by something that has no future.
But the more they both balk at the very idea of them as a
couple -- the more tempting it becomes.
Love is the carrot being dangled in front of Larissa but
she
is too smart to fall for any of Jack's lines. She is too
smart to think there is any future with the man who
invented
relationship exit strategy.
Who ever said being in love is smart?
Once again we are drawn into a story that commands our
attention and grabs our heart. There are many supporting
players in this game and the stakes couldn't be higher.
UNTIL WE TOUCH illustrates how complicated relationship
can
be but also reminds us that the rewards are great. Susan
Mallery is such a romantic. She just can't stand to see
unrequited love and works diligently to get her characters
to a point where love is the answer. If you are looking
for
lovely characters, town filled with charm, witty dialog
and
a story that demands your attention -- look no further
than
UNTIL WE TOUCH. Needless to say it stands alone and should
be on your must read list.
From New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery comes the story of secret desires finally fulfilled. 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?