Fool’s Gold, in California’s Gold Rush foothills, is everyone’s hometown. If you aren’t lucky enough to be born there, you get there as soon as you can.
I just finished Susan Mallery’s latest Fool’s Gold novel, Two of a Kind*.
Felicia and Gideon were introduced in Just One Kiss and now we get to read their story.
Felicia is scary smart and socially awkward. She thinks literally and often responds to others’ words, forgetting about the meaning and intent behind the words. She moved to Fool’s Gold to put down roots and make a family. She assigns herself the task of learning how to fit in. After a few months, the community has taken her in and made her one of their own. She loves Fool’s Gold and feels she finally has a home.
Gideon was a military hotshot who spent nearly two years in Taliban custody being tortured and disavowed by his own government. His body was rescued but his mind is still a prisoner. He moved to Fool’s Gold on a friend’s recommendation and bought a couple of radio stations. He spins oldies on the night shift and keeps to himself, an arrangement he likes and has no intentions of changing.
Four years ago Felicia and Gideon had a one night stand in Thailand. They never expected to see each other again. When they do, sparks fly again.
Felicia and Gideon agree their relationship is only to help Felicia learn to relate to men so she can go on and fall in love with someone more suitable.
Before you can say “Meet me at Brew-ha-ha,” their plan unravels. A son named Carter, whom Gideon never knew he had, arrives in Fool’s Gold and Felicia steps in to help out during their adjustment period. She doesn’t expect to fall in love with the teenager much less know how to mother him. She’s surprised at the depth of her feelings for both the father and the son.
Gideon is overwhelmed by his sudden fatherhood and retreats into his own mind, convinced he’s too damaged to love or be loved by anyone.
Carter yearns for a family and conspires to get Felicia and Gideon to realize their feelings for each other. His plan backfires in a way. And it also succeeds in a way. You’ll have to read Two of a Kind to find out how.
I love Susan Mallery and I love Fool’s Gold. As with Just One Kiss, the sex is a bit graphic for me. I like closed door love scenes. But that’s just me. I know plenty of other readers feel differently. So for my friends and regular blog and review readers, remember that caveat, and go on and enjoy Two of a Kind.
* I received a free copy of Two of a Kind in exchange for an honest review. We both kept our end of the bargain.
Writer of Sweet Small Town Stories of Love and Family 
Great review. I loved it too! Very enjoyable visit to Fool’s Gold…..can’t wait for the next one. It’s like a TV series, each has it’s own story but keeps you up to date on the other characters as well. Love how Susan does this each summer (and Christmas) with a visit to Fool’s Gold.
I agree, Darla! I’m ready for the next one!
Once again I am in love with Fools Gold. Susan has an awesome gift! With each story she builds the community while keeping the story unique. I love Gideon and Felicia. If I’m completely honest mostly Felicia, she is so painfully honest I adore her. My favorite to date.
I love Felicia too! I’m in awe of her self-awareness and transparency.
I loved Felicia and gideons story but what got me the most was carter…there was just something about him that tugged at my heart 🙂
I think Carter will have his story in a few years!
I love how Felicia talks, I also wish I was as smart as she. Over all I think this book was really great.
Oh, me too, Lisa! If you’ve never heard of Adventures in Odyssey, see if you can listen to an episode with Eugene. They talk the same!
LOVE Felicia. She has few filters and calls it as she sees it…or how she thinks it is! Gideon is dreamy and understands Felicia. Just a very fun read.
You’re right about her filters. She has them, but they always click into place a half second too late!
I loved this book and I’m giddy for Gideon! He and Felicia are the perfect couple and I can’t wait for Three Little Words!
Me, too! or three? 🙂 I’m ready for my next trip to Fool’s Gold.
I Loved Felicia and Gideon’ s Story This was one of my Favorite Yet and Carter( my son’s name) completely tugged at my heart strings I just loved his strengths!! I am really looking forward to Three Little Words 🙂
Oh, I’ll say! Good thing it’ll be out in just a few weeks. It’s fun to get them close together.
I love Felicia and Gideon. Looking forward to Three Little Words.
Oh, I CAN. NOT. WAIT! I’m dying to see Isabel and Ford’s story!
Love these books and I am glad you like them too. I agree with the sex scenes but I think the really good storyline and writing make up for that.
I agree, that’s why I recommend them so enthusiastically. But if I had my druthers … I prefer my sex behind closed doors, thank you very much! 😉
Simply put, Felicia Rocks this book! Felicia’s dialogue was hilarious! Gideon was attached to Felicia from the start of this book, he just had to realize it!!
Isn’t that the truth!?!?! You are exactly right!