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All Summer Long (Fool's Gold #9)

by Susan Mallery (Goodreads Author)

4.1 of 5 stars 4.10 · rating details · 2,508 ratings · 243 reviews

Former underwear model turned entrepreneur Clay Stryker has loved, tragically lost and vowed that he'll never risk his heart again. After making his fortune, the youngest of the rugged Stryker brothers returns to Fool's Gold, California, to put down roots on a ranch of his own. But he's frustrated to discover that even in his hometown, people see him only for his world-fam...more

Paperback, 384 pages

Published July 31st 2012 by Harlequin HQN (first published January 1st 2012)

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2012 Contemporary Romance Novels

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Aug 10, 2012 willaful rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, heroine-is-chubby-zaftig-or-amazon, damsel-in-distress-knight-in-armor, pos-the-world-revolves-around-heroi, o-farmer-gardener, sexy-beta, romance-makes-me-swoon, made-me-laugh, springfield-syndrome, mayberry-syndrome

I went into this book pretty dubious. I haven't been that crazy about the series, I didn't really like the heroine from previous books, the hero sounded improbable, and I tend to get put off by the "abused heroine must be gently coaxed into liking sex" plot. To my surprise, I liked almost everything about it.

I just loved the characters. Charlie (she eschews her birth name, Chantel) is a tall, strong woman who's always felt oversized and unfeminine, especially next to her tiny ballerina mom. The...more

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Nov 04, 2012 steph rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2012, contemporary-romance, favorites, fiction-contemporary, fiction-family, lots-of-characters, library-la-county, made-me-grin-like-a-lovesick-fool

Ok, so I was not expecting to like this book AT ALL. I have liked Charlie since she popped up in the earlier books and I was intrigued by her back story and her skittish with men was well explained by the time she got her own book. But I figured that, in order for Charlie to get her HEA, Mallery was going to add a makeover and a few dresses to get her there. NOT so. In fact, there is no makeup. No makeover. No dresses. Mallery keeps my favorite five foot ten firefighter exactly how she is the en...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Marcia Berg Haskell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, family, love-the-series, romance, series, woman-to-woman

"Former underwear model turned entrepreneur Clay Stryker has loved, tragically lost and vowed that he'll never risk his heart again. After making his fortune, the youngest of the rugged Stryker brothers returns to Fool's Gold, California, to put down roots on a ranch of his own. But he's frustrated to discover that even in his hometown, people see him only for his world-famous assets.

Firefighter Chantal (Charlie) Dixon grew up an ugly duckling beside her delicately beautiful mother, a feeling r...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Harper rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've always loved Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold stories. Having said that, it's been a long time since I loved a book as much as I loved Falling for Gracie years ago. All Summer Long did that for me. It has the usual ensemble of Fool's Gold residents that you love to see updates on, even the dirty old women (I hope I am one in 30 years!). The latest story follows firefighter and resident tough girl Chantal "Charlie" Dixon and retired underwear model / movie butt double, Clay Stryker, a recent addi...more I've always loved Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold stories. Having said that, it's been a long time since I loved a book as much as I loved Falling for Gracie years ago. All Summer Long did that for me. It has the usual ensemble of Fool's Gold residents that you love to see updates on, even the dirty old women (I hope I am one in 30 years!). The latest story follows firefighter and resident tough girl Chantal "Charlie" Dixon and retired underwear model / movie butt double, Clay Stryker, a recent addition to Fool's Gold. Both are scarred from life's often chilling and devastating events: Charlie, from a college rape, and Clay from the loss of his wife, whom he loved dearly.

I loved Charlie's determination and fierceness. Despite her toughness, hard edges and blunt manner of speaking, Charlie has a secret. She is really and truly a vulnerable woman with a problem. Intimacy. She can't bear it. But she knows to move forward in life she is going to have to find a way to be "normal" again. She has to learn to bear a man's touch and like it, want it even. Is that possible after such a traumatic event?

Enter Clay. Clay's marriage and ultimate retirement make him yearn for family. Family is in Fool's Gold and that is what brings him there. He has a sense of longing for normalcy as well. He is more than the "butt" guy whose hunky bottom was insured for millions of dollars. :) All he wants is to be near his mother and brothers. Love comes once in a lifetime and he simply isn't interested in loving again. He had a cherished romance with his late wife. Time for him to be something other than the hunky, hot guy with the 6 pack abs and unbelievable ass.

Add in an unlikely agreement between two people who seemingly couldn't be more different, and you have an unusual story that I simply couldn't put down. Clay's kindness and gentleness as he teaches lesson after lesson on the intricacies of intimacy reminded me of how special falling in love is.

I love reading about emotionally scarred people who aren't perfect but who have the guts and determination to keep moving on with hope.

Don't me wrong, there is hot and steamy sex. But, Susan Mallery reminds us all of how hot the tantalizing, yearning part can be before the hot and steamy happens. The slight feel of a kiss on the neck. The touching without going getting to home plate. Holding hands. Verbal sparring. Promises, promises, promises and then the threats to come.

Despite all this, is it enough to heal the wounds or does it simply seal the deal of normalcy?

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Sep 05, 2012 Jessi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, 2012-challenge, appealing-characteristic-story, contemporary, part-of-a-series, romance

Okay, quick admission, while I auto-add all Susan Mallery books to my TBR pile, she's not necessarily one of my all-time favorite authors. Her books are always good books that I enjoy, but nothing I've devoured in one sitting. Until this book. Seriously, it's been a long, long time since I've had a five-star book and I was delighted to read a book that made me ignore the phone, laugh out loud, and invest a little bit of myself in the characters and their lives.
Charlie is a firefighter who, we le...more Okay, quick admission, while I auto-add all Susan Mallery books to my TBR pile, she's not necessarily one of my all-time favorite authors. Her books are always good books that I enjoy, but nothing I've devoured in one sitting. Until this book. Seriously, it's been a long, long time since I've had a five-star book and I was delighted to read a book that made me ignore the phone, laugh out loud, and invest a little bit of myself in the characters and their lives.
Charlie is a firefighter who, we learned in this last book (this is not a spoiler), was raped and hasn't had a "normal" (her word) relationship since.
Clay Stryker is a god. Incredibly handsome, he's made his fortune by being a butt-double. Yep. You read that right. I love it.
So, Charlie knows that Clay will never go for her. But he's making her long subdued libido stir. Not a huge reaction, but he's the first man in a long time who's even made a ripple. And they've become friends, so she feels like she can ask him to help her with her problem.
Clay is attracted to Charlie. Not like super-in-love or even lusting-after-majorly (in a romance novel? Neither of these? How... novel), but he admires her, especially when he learns about her past. Still, he knows that Charlie has issues and he's not sure if he can help. Love it. p. 85 "Heal her? How? With his incredible magnificence?" I wanted to cheer. It's not his magic wang that heals Charlie but rather his affection and help. Also, he's not arrogant enough to believe that he can "fix" her, he just wants to help.
Do I think that Charlie should have gotten some therapy? Of course. I'm a big believer that everyone will need to talk to a therapist at some time. But she finds what works for her and it was, based on how her character has been set up, believable for her to act in this manner.
We learn more about both Clay and Charlie through the supporting cast. Yes, there are a few people from previous books that are wedged into this one, but it's not obnoxious. And really, we get to see Charlie and Clay grow through their relationships with each other but through unraveling their tangled connections with their own families as well.
Other high points? Charlie helping out Clay and him accepting it graciously, not being a giant douche because "he's the man" blah, blah blah.
All plot points being wrapped up (this shouldn't be have to be mentioned, but I've been reading a rash of books that have had that issue lately)
Perfect setup for many minor characters to get their own stories. Can't wait to read about Clay's sister but now am curious about Patience as well as Rafe's business partner. (less)

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Aug 31, 2012 Lisa Tsuruda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Summer Lovin’ Part II
Posted on August 31, 2012

I love Susan Mallery! She’s one of my favorite contemporary Romance novelists today!!! She is very personable and available via her website and social media! She will respond to your questions, comments, and insights! She even has an official cheerleading squad made up of some of her best readers who promote her books!!! Isn’t that great?

She loves to write about families and siblings and their search for love and this summer was no exception! We were...more Summer Lovin’ Part II
Posted on August 31, 2012

I love Susan Mallery! She’s one of my favorite contemporary Romance novelists today!!! She is very personable and available via her website and social media! She will respond to your questions, comments, and insights! She even has an official cheerleading squad made up of some of her best readers who promote her books!!! Isn’t that great?

She loves to write about families and siblings and their search for love and this summer was no exception! We were treated to her “Summer” books: ‘Summer Days,’ ‘Summer Nights,’ and ‘All Summer Long.’ The novels focused on three best friends Heidi, Annabelle, and Charlie who eventually pair off with the handsome and conflicted Stryker brothers. All three are engrossing and romantic, (and yes, heartbreaking at times). They are each able to stand alone, but it was the final book in the trilogy, ‘All Summer Long’ that captured my heart.

Readers who had been following the previous two novels already know Charlie. She marches to her own drumbeat as she is firefighter and is known for her strength and sometimes brutal honesty. She also has a heart of gold and is as loyal as they come. She loves Fool’s Gold, the setting of this series, and is secure in her place there. Surprisingly, she wants to have a child; biologically or through adoption and feels that she will need to “heal” herself before she is able to give a child a true home.

Charlie’s facade of toughness comes as a result of being raped while in college and not being believed by anyone, not even her world-famous ballerina of a mother. She comes to the conclusion that she will need to get over her aversion to men by spending time with one and possibly getting naked (gasp!). She decides to ask Clay Stryker, brother of her best friends’ husbands and former model and butt-double who has returned to town. They aren’t friends, exactly, but, in her straightforward manner, she asks if he could help her.

And he does with much patience, understanding, and dare I say, attention to detail.

When Clay decides to apply to be a volunteer fireman, Charlie is able to return the favor. No one expects to develop feelings. They are friends; nothing more. But what happens when we have two people both in need of healing? Clay, who seems to have everything, must deal with being seen as more than just a pretty face (or body in this case) and his belief that true love can only happen once in a lifetime. He had that with his photographer wife, now deceased. She was 14 years older than him (I’ve noticed this convention in a couple of books I’ve read this summer. See my review of ‘On The Island’) and he doesn’t feel that he has it in him to love anyone else. Ever.

I could not help but pull for Charlie. She was such an amazing character. She made the effort to close the rift between her mother and herself through forgiveness. She looked for ways to help Clay realize his plans for helping the community. She was so strong and brave, yet she learns to find strength in her vulnerability and capacity to love. Please take the time to visit Fool’s Gold and read Charlie and Clay’s story.

Note: Clay’s sister Evie’s story is coming this Fall in ‘A Fool’s Gold Christmas’ and I can’t wait!!!!!(less)

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Aug 30, 2012 Molly rated it 3 of 5 stars

It is rare that I don't enjoy Susan Mallery's books (there have been a few...). What I like best, her characters don't have to be perfect, they are wonderful, flaws and all. Charlie and Clay are no exception. The great thing about the Fools Gold series is that people you have come to know, pop up again. It's like hanging out with a bunch friends. Charlie and Clay have a very sweet romance. Charlie has been traumatized by her first sexual encounter, a college rape that no one believes because of...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Amanda rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I tried this Mallery title because she joined the blog "The Goddess Blog". Before this book, I really hadn't read any of her work. So, I was willing to give it a try. I don't know why, but this book didn't have any punch for me. Part of the lack of excitement on my part is that I have no life experiences as the characters were described as having. She is a firefighter and he is a model. I, personally, have no experience in either field. Then, there is the plot. It seems the whole meddling town i...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

I think I read too fast :O

REALLY good. I got sucked in from the beginning as usual.

Charlie (or Chantal, if you're her mother) is a firefighter.
Clay is a former butt model. *snicker*

Charlie was raped in college, and no one believed her, including her mother. She wanted to get over the fear, and enlisted Clay into helping her. It worked ;)

Charlie's mom, a former dancer, famous dancer, comes to Fool's Gold and tells Charlie that she's not good enough for Clay. Clay's mom even told Dominique that sh...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I can say what I want about this book since I was not given a copy of it in exchange for regurgitating the plot as printed on the back cover. Sorry, I just prefer to read reviews where people express their opinions about the plot, characters, etc and not give a synopsis that is available on goodreads.

That being said, I really liked this book. There was a moment when the cheese factor threatened to overwhelm me, but I came back from it enjoying the main characters immensely. Charlie and Clay wer...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Suzanne Barrett rated it 4 of 5 stars

Chantal Dixon, Charlie to her friends, feels like an ugly duckling compared to her petite and beautiful ballerina mother. She’s a firefighter in the small California community of Fools Gold. She’s also single, a situation she feels is not likely to change, however that isn’t going to deter her from fulfilling a desire to become a mother. Painful memories from her past must be overcome before she can move forward, and who else to help her out than Clay Striker?

The former underwear model has his o...more

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Aug 04, 2012 JoAnne rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the last of this summer's trilogy in Fool's Gold that had the Stryker family at its center. There was so much depth and reality to this story - especially the layers that we peeled away from many of the characters to see the real them. Clay and Charlie stole my heart. Clay was more than a pretty face who made his fortune as an underwear model. He had heart. He was so caring in the way he treated Charlie until the end but that resolved itself in a great way but I wanted more. The chemistr...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, romance

Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by Ashleigh
Review Copy Provided by Netgalley

Charlie Dixon wasn’t looking for love, and yet love is just what is coming around for a lot of people these days. Watching her two best friends fall under the spell of cupid has Charlie contemplating whether it is something she really wants or not. Old trust issues from some bad family and even worse memories from college make her a hard person to get to, but that is just what Clay Stryker is determined to do...more Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by Ashleigh
Review Copy Provided by Netgalley

Charlie Dixon wasn’t looking for love, and yet love is just what is coming around for a lot of people these days. Watching her two best friends fall under the spell of cupid has Charlie contemplating whether it is something she really wants or not. Old trust issues from some bad family and even worse memories from college make her a hard person to get to, but that is just what Clay Stryker is determined to do. Will Charlie be able to deal with her past baggage in order to take the hand of an amazing man? Or will her fear from the past and of the unknown future continue to push him away until he can’t hold on anymore?

Clay Stryker is determined to change himself. After coming back home from being a successful underwear/butt model, he has lost just about all respect from his brothers and more importantly his mother. It will be an up hill battle to prove that he is the same guy underneath all the hype that he always was. One thing that Clay wasn’t anticipating is Charlie. She is bristly as a cactus and yet he can’t seem to stay away from her. The more that she pushes him away the more he wants her. But Clay isn’t going to have an easy ride with her, because when Charlie decides that he is the man for her there is no stopping her. They will have to work together to overcome the past and embark on a future together, in another installment of Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series.

I have been a big fan of Susan Mallery since back before she was cool to other readers. Getting to watch her characters unfold again in the Fool’s Gold series is a pleasure each time, and one that is easily shared. Her works are great easy reads and something that just about anyone can enjoy. So far the Fool’s Gold series is my favorite, just because the heroes are hot and loving in the same measures. If you are looking for a great series of books, about hot men, the women they love and quirky little town than this is a great series to add to your collection!

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Jul 26, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the 9th book in the Fools Gold series by Susan Mallery. So far it's not getting old. I read this in one day. Lost some sleep but it was worth it. lol You meet the Stryker boys a couple of books ago and this is one inlcudes the youngest, underwear model and but double Clay Stryker. Clay did really well as a model. Made some really good money and went to college for business. Loved and lost a woman he deeply loved. He's decided it's time to move on and do something else. He moves to the fa...more This is the 9th book in the Fools Gold series by Susan Mallery. So far it's not getting old. I read this in one day. Lost some sleep but it was worth it. lol You meet the Stryker boys a couple of books ago and this is one inlcudes the youngest, underwear model and but double Clay Stryker. Clay did really well as a model. Made some really good money and went to college for business. Loved and lost a woman he deeply loved. He's decided it's time to move on and do something else. He moves to the family ranch to be closer to family and join the fire dept as a volunteer and start a new business. Problem is no one sees how serious he is. They only see the sexy gorgeous model and think he's all about fun and games and sex or they hope anyway. Clay gets up close and person with resident firefighter Charlie Dixon when she falls on him from a later saving a cat. Charlie is kind of a tom boy but part of the reason she is the way she is is because her mother was a prima ballerina and never thought Charlie was pretty enough or good enough adn was downright just jealous of her daughter. Let her know it at every turn. She is one of those self obsorbed people who think nothing is good enough for them. She also was raped in college and no one believed her so her self esteem and her heart were ravaged on two fronts. Charlie asks Clay to help her be normal whatever that is. She wants to be able to be intimate with a man and at some point either have a child of her own or adopt one. What starts out as help turns into passion and even though neither one was looking for love it finds them anyway. I loved this one. Clay is a sweetheart until he figures out he's in love with Charlie and scares himself. Clays lessons for Charlie are HOT to say this least. You have to insert Charlie's mom into the story some too. She finally realizes she alone and she wants to have a relationship with her daughter. It takes almost the entire book for her to get a clue and i wanted to kick her butt several times but she finally comes through. Looks like she's sticking around Fools Gold so it should be interesting having her around. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars for All Summer Long by Susan Mallery.

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Jul 23, 2012 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review written for www.books-n-kisses.com

This is the ninth in the Fool’s Gold series. And the last of the Stryker Brother trilogy. And I think Mallery saved the best brother for last. This is the story of Clay and Charlie. We met Charlie a few books back. She is a Fool’s Gold firefighter and Clay is a NYC underwear model.

I will be honest, I could not imagine these two together. I imagined Charlie something like Kristen Johnston from “3rd Rock from the Sun” tv show. And Clay something like Matthe...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Cynthia D'Alba rated it 5 of 5 stars

ALL SUMMER LONG brings together Charlie Dixon, a muscular, tough, firewoman, with underwear model and movie butt double Clay Stryker. Talk about opposites.

Charlie is tough—physically and mentally—because she thinks she has to be. When her biological clock alarm begins ringing, she realizes that she has some issues from her past that must be dealt with before she can raise a mentally healthy child (i.e. not pass on her own fears and phobias to her child.)

Clay is a pretty face…or at least that’s...more ALL SUMMER LONG brings together Charlie Dixon, a muscular, tough, firewoman, with underwear model and movie butt double Clay Stryker. Talk about opposites.

Charlie is tough—physically and mentally—because she thinks she has to be. When her biological clock alarm begins ringing, she realizes that she has some issues from her past that must be dealt with before she can raise a mentally healthy child (i.e. not pass on her own fears and phobias to her child.)

Clay is a pretty face…or at least that’s what everybody sees but he wants more. He’s retired from his butt double work (that’s a young man’s game, says the 30 y/o hero!). He hold a college degree and has some ideas of what he’d like to do next. One is moving to Fool’s Gold to be near his family (mother and two brothers, heroes of books 7 (Summer Days) and 8 (Summer Nights).) The next is starting a vacation business based in Fool’s Gold, if he can get the town council (all women) to stop looking at his butt and take him serious. And third, he wants to join the volunteer fire department.

Clay has the assets necessary to help Charlie get past her traumatic history. Charlie has the connections, not to mention does the training for, the volunteer firemen recruits. Tit for tat, so to speak. A simple trade of favors that of course finds each of them falling for the other.

I have to also mention Charlie’s mother, Dominique Guerin. Maybe one of the most selfish, self-centered, egotistical characters I’ve read in a while. I figure some readers will complain that Mallery went over the top with Dominique but no. I’ve know women like Dominique. Mallery does a brilliant job getting into the character’s head, into her thoughts… really understanding how women like Dominique think. Kudos. That fact that Dominique’s daughter, Charlie, is nothing like her galls Dominique. Where Dominique is petite, Charlie is tall and muscular. Where Dominique is very feminine in appearance, Charlie prefers pants, boots and chopped hair. There has been a mother-daughter split for all of Charlie’s life, something else that has to be dealt with before Charlie can really take solid hold of her mothering reins.

A very good book.
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Jul 22, 2012 Rhonda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Review: All Summer Long by Susan Mallery
3 STARS
It was nice to go back to Fool's Gold and visit old friends and meet new ones.
Charlie in collage was raped and no one believed her, even her mom. So Charlie has a hard time even being close to a guy. She wants a family or at least children and does not want to pass on her fear of guys.
Clay wants to be close to his family and get them involved in a business plan for a haycation. Clay has made lots of money with his butt modeling and movie double wor...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Julie Barrett rated it 5 of 5 stars

All Summer Long A Fool’s Gold Romance by Susan Mallery
ISBN: 9780373776948
Clay Stryker, model movie butt double was just trying to help the firewoman get the cat out of the tree.
Charlie is the towns firewoman and has a handle on things.
The Stryker family wants to go into business where families come to stay at their houses and work on the farm to see/feel how things are done in that environment with no deadlines, called haycations with some modern conveniences.
Clay was still considering joining t...more

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May 27, 2012 Manda Collins rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Jill Shalvis, Rachel Gibson, Susan Donovan

Shelves: contemporary

I think this is my favorite Fools Gold book ever. Yep, you heard that right. This is what? Number 12? I've enjoyed almost all of the FG series, but this is by far the best. Why? Two words: Opposites Attract! (An alternate title for this one might have been The Firefighter and the Underwear Model.) What I liked most about this one was the fact that Clay (former butt-double/underwear model) was not your typical Susan Mallery hero. I love her books, but dang her heroes can be total a-holes sometime...more

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May 16, 2012 Bodea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, netgalley

All Summer Long was such a well written story. It was also sweet and romantic. It gave me squishy feelings! I really liked the way the story developed. The pacing was just right and there was never a dull moment. Once I started I didn't want to stop.

The two main characters are realistic and well written. I could identify a lot with Charlie's practical and straight forward nature. I thought she had a really good sense of humor. It's nice to see a female character trying to face her issues head....more

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Aug 29, 2012 Minna rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1-star, annoying-characters, blech, contemporary-romance, did-not-like-at-all, emotional-manipulation, i-hate-the-main-character, meh, unappealing-characters, when-mary-sues-attack, wish-i-could-give-negative-stars

Did NOT enjoy this. Why oh why oh why did I finish it? I am cursed with the kind of disposition that hates not finishing books, I guess.

Clay is a former underwear model, who now wants to do other stuff with his life. Clay is also the male epitome of my good friend, Mary Sue, and can do no wrong. He never acts in anger, his temper never rises, he can take heaps of bad behavior and abuse from strangers, acquaintances and his quasi-lover with equanimity, he is the world's best lover, a grieving wid...more Did NOT enjoy this. Why oh why oh why did I finish it? I am cursed with the kind of disposition that hates not finishing books, I guess.

Clay is a former underwear model, who now wants to do other stuff with his life. Clay is also the male epitome of my good friend, Mary Sue, and can do no wrong. He never acts in anger, his temper never rises, he can take heaps of bad behavior and abuse from strangers, acquaintances and his quasi-lover with equanimity, he is the world's best lover, a grieving widower who loooooooooves monogamy (he just doesn't have that itch [to the point that he doesn't even glance up]), isn't stuck up, is nice, loves animals, wants to be a farmer and a volunteer firefighter, is nice to old people and mothers, blahblahblahblahblah gag me.

CHARLIE on the other hand is no such saint. Rude, abrasive, and bossy, Charlie has put her emotions away on the shelf following being raped in college, her father's death, and poor parenting from her mother. Charlie has decided she would like to be a mother, and so to prepare herself for this, should find some poor schmuck to teach her to like to have sex again (as she calls it, "heal her"). You know, like a SEX THERAPIST might. But why do anything the logical way? No, Charlie selects poor sweet Clay to "heal" her. Clay agrees to this inane proposal and they get underway extremely quickly for someone with such serious issues.

Meanwhile, the rest of the town - which, improbably, is almost all women - can't stop slobbering over Clay. I found it hard to believe that an entire town full of women would continually catcall a man in that fashion and he would continue to find it funny without at least speaking up about it. Whatevs. Anyway, into the mix comes Charlie's evil mom Dominique, who never believed Charlie's story of her rape and disapproves of everything Charlie does and has ever done. Dominique was a truly annoying character, in that the author made her say the most heinous, hideous things (so you hated her) but then gave her this sad, pathetic, regretful, wistful, poor-me inner voice to make you feel sorry for her. I felt like, as a character, Dominique was extremely unsubtle and I disliked both her and Charlie more for being such dummies. Neither one of them had very good people skills.

Charlie, during the course of her "therapy" sessions (*trying not to snicker*), is an absolute jackass to Clay. She constantly threatens to hit him or beat him up, she judges every thing he says, she tries to dump him repeatedly, she is embarassed to be seen with him, and she makes him jump through every possible hoop. What a treat, right? I get she had legitimate issues, but I didn't buy into her "treatment method" and I thought she seemed kind of humorless and rude in general.

So where's the appeal? What is Clay crazy about her? What exactly does Charlie offer to Clay? She never was affectionate or even kind towards Clay once (her method of showing affection? Talking to other people on his behalf. Be still, my heart). Fine, she was good with animals and kids. But she wasn't dating animals or kids, she was dating Clay, and not once was she particularly loving towards him.

This book was a blatant set up for the next in the series. I will not bother backtracking, and I am sure not going to keep reading. This just did nothing for me, and I have better things to read. (less)

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Aug 11, 2012 Jenny E rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have a lot of thoughts about this book. It was the first Susan Mallery book I've ever read. I found her writing style to be enjoyable and easy to read.

I liked this book okay overall, but there were just SO MANY things going on in this book...like almost too much plot in one book. It sort of bordered on "chick lit" and the romance took a backseat to so many other issues. Some may like this, I didn't. I skimmed over stuff that didn't pertain to the actual romantic relationship. I came in mid-se...more I have a lot of thoughts about this book. It was the first Susan Mallery book I've ever read. I found her writing style to be enjoyable and easy to read.

I liked this book okay overall, but there were just SO MANY things going on in this book...like almost too much plot in one book. It sort of bordered on "chick lit" and the romance took a backseat to so many other issues. Some may like this, I didn't. I skimmed over stuff that didn't pertain to the actual romantic relationship. I came in mid-series with this book and a lot of the extra stuff was her throwing in updates of characters from past books, I think.

Charlie (Chantal) was a victim of a rape and wanted to "heal" herself, so she hatched a plan to have sex with Clay, to get over her sex phobia or whatever, because she had kids with who knows who/what, so she didn't pass any of her "baggage" down to her kids. Clay was a prior underwear model who had just moved home to start a "haycation" business, but no one took him seriously and only saw him as a piece of hot ass (literally).

I actually loved that HE was the gorgeous underwear model that no one took seriously and SHE was the firefighter, who was tall and "big boned"... but I'm pretty sure that you don't "heal" from rape on your own by having sex. Also, they set up this arrangement, but the flawed logic was that just because she could be comfortable and have sex with Clay didn't necessarily mean that she could move on and have sex with just anyone! The fact that they were having "healing" sex and no romance-y love or emotions were attached to it ruined it for me and they were going through the motions. I couldn't get into it because it was "healing" sex instead of love sex, although, of course, they end up falling in love, all of the sudden there's a lightening bolt and "I'm in love!" The grand gesture at the end had me rolling my eyes BIG TIME!

Like I said, there are a lot of things that irked me about this book, but a lot of things I really liked...it was sort of split 50/50. I might try another book, but it I had the same problems with that one, not any more.

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Aug 02, 2012 Becky Moe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, netgalley

I really enjoyed Charlie and Clay's story. They are great characters and clearly bring out the best in each other. However, Charlie's "solution" to her problem was realllllly far-fetched; though I have to admit that it was ultimately handled well and of course seemed way more fun than traditional therapy. The story definitely hinged on it as a plot point, so I was more than willing to suspend belief this time in the name of fiction. Two things bothered me just a bit, though. One is that the trea...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley-arcs, romance-favorites

**ARC provided by Netgalley**

Charlie Dixon is a firefighter in Fools Gold. She discovered the small town on vacation and fell in love with the beautiful, welcoming town and stayed for good. Charlie carries demons from her past and she is finally ready to confront them and heal so she can move forward towards her dream of having a family.

Clay Stryker is a retired model. He’s come home and plans to stay for good. He has a dream to enrich his and his family’s way of life by putting his own mark on...more **ARC provided by Netgalley**

Charlie Dixon is a firefighter in Fools Gold. She discovered the small town on vacation and fell in love with the beautiful, welcoming town and stayed for good. Charlie carries demons from her past and she is finally ready to confront them and heal so she can move forward towards her dream of having a family.

Clay Stryker is a retired model. He’s come home and plans to stay for good. He has a dream to enrich his and his family’s way of life by putting his own mark on his family’s rich involvement with the Fools Gold community. He wants to give back and one way is to dedicate his time as a volunteer firefighter, but first he will have to pass Charlie’s rigorous training. Clay is also still carrying scars on his heart.

Clay has always been misjudged and valued for his looks alone. Charlie knows the feeling and is drawn to Clay, as a friend, from his arrival in town. The two can relate and appreciate each other’s personalities. When Charlie bares her soul to him and asks him to help heal her, he agrees but will they be able to heal each other’s broken hearts or will they do more damage to each other?

Let me count the ways in which I loved All Summer Long. I was immediately drawn into Charlie and Clay’s story. They are both rich, multi-layered characters and easily lovable. Aside from the stark masculinity of Clay, he is also vulnerable and isn’t afraid to let Charlie see what he perceives as his weaknesses.

Charlie had a bad experience in her youth that damaged her for a long time but she is now ready to face her fears and she opens herself up to Clay, trusts him with more than herself and although she is scared, Clay is patient and takes his time healing her. The dedication and desire he showed Charlie from the beginning was so incredibly sweet and endearing. I loved Charlie, she was scared of being hurt but she was determined and when she decided to stop running from her fears, she gave herself whole-heartedly. She was tough, sweet, loyal and courageous.

The chemistry between Charlie and Clay jumps off the page and springs to life, both of them open themselves up to intimacy that leaves nothing left to hide and both are strong enough to revel in it instead of hiding from it.

There are also family issues when Charlie’s estranged mother, Dominique comes to Fools Gold, hoping to forge a closer relationship with her daughter. Dominique was a really hard character to like, she was the most selfish and self-centered character I have had the displeasure of reading in a long time. But though she makes tons of mistakes, by the end of the book, she had grown on me. Mallery did a brilliant job when she created that character, as she was able to write a hugely flawed, egotistical character and develop her well enough to eventually be a semi-redeemable character. I imagine with more time spent in Fools Gold, she may turn into a decent character.

What I’ve discovered and love about Susan Mallery is her ability to deliver not only complex and well-drawn characters, but to give the readers a story with heart and soul. The book is character driven, but the issues are relatable and realistic, making the book that much more enjoyable.

I just started reading Susan Mallery with her last release, Summer Nights and I loved that as well. I’m late to the scene as the Fools Gold series is now up to the ninth book with the release of All Summer Long, but I think Mallery has a new lifelong fan in me. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next, I don’t know if she will be able to top Charlie and Clay, who are now up there in my favorites, but I do hope she tries.(less)

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Dec 17, 2012 Maandoe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: small-town

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. love charlie and clay!!! opposites really do attract! physically and emotionally they may be different and it is mostly due to their backgrounds yet they complement each other pretty well. i liked how the "deal" was resolved in the middle of the story which led to the natural progression of their relationship. charlie had a lot of insecurities, mostly due to her being raped when she was in college and i'm glad she met clay, who admired her and loved her for who she was. i know charlie is very st...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Raelene rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a cute light easy read, perfect for sitting by the pool. The story is about Clay Stryker, a hunk who was a former model, a hum derriere movie double to be exact. He was married and was deeply in love and his wife was tragically killed in an automobile accident. He is an entrepreneur, and as the youngest of the Stryker Brothers has returned home to start a business venture of his own to prove his worth to the rest of the family. Different twist in this book as the man is viewed as just a...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Deanna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Charlie (Chantal) Dixon is Fools Gold's 2nd in command firefighter. She was raped as a teen, doesn't trust men and is afraid of intimacy. Clay Stryker is a former New York model who's moved to Fools Gold to be with his family and begin a business adventure. In the meantime he decides to apply to be a volunteer firefighter but unfortunately isn't taken seriously because of his looks. Charlie wants to be "normal" and Clay wants to be accepted, so they strike up a deal. In exchange for Clay's help...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Jenn Cunha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

Another great book by Susan Mallery. I'm not sure why, but I had pictured Charlie as an older woman every time she's been mentioned in previous books (I think I had confused her with Police Chief Barns in my mind). Clearly, I was wrong because she and Clay are perfect together. Their friendship was really the best part of the book.

Charlie's mother really really really pissed me off and I'm still not entirely sure that I got the closure I wanted with that relationship. I needed Dominique to stop...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Karen rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a really sweet story but didn't quite resonate with me. I loved how nice Clay was despite being a hunky former "underwear/ass model". He wasn't arrogant and in fact has his own problems being taken seriously as a business man and volunteer firefighter when he returns home to Fool's Gold.

Charlie is so damaged from her rape 10 years ago and especially how her cold, callus mother reacted to it that she hasn't been able to let a man even kiss her. She just wants to feel normal and have a fu...more

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Aug 16, 2012 CAL rated it 5 of 5 stars

Once again Susan does a fantastic job of bringing her characters to life. Her story telling is like a movie unfolding to the point where you can almost see each person. For sure you can feel their emotions. Like Charlie (short for Chantal) who is a Firefighter who has always felt lime they ugly duckling next her famous ballerina mom. Then when she was raped in college those scars have never gone away. When she meets the brother of a good friend who has just moved to town they become good friends...more

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About Susan Mallery

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Publisher’s Weekly calls Susan’s prose “luscious and provocative,” and Booklist says, “Novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.” While Susan appreciates the crit...more

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“I'm a forever kind of guy," he murmured, right before he kissed her. "That's how long I want.” — 1 person liked it

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All Summer Long (Fool's Gold #9)

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