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Readers` Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
tony
Finally, finally! I read Sweet Spot years ago and loved it. Raoul, the hero, is from that book. I was really hoping we would get to read his book one day. I didn't want him to end up with his high school girlfriend. I was really happy to finally get his story. This is my first Fool's Gold book, so I didn't know anything about the town. I don't like coming in the middle of the series, but for Raoul I was willing to do it. Glad I did. Great story. I liked the heroine a lot and felt her pain. I thought the story was interesting and different. I'm going to order the other two books now.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
sanjukta basu
Finding Perfect was an odd read for me. I couldn't identify with either of the main characters and some of the things that happened were just odd to me. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't the book for me.
This book starts with Pia learning that her friend left her her frozen embryos. Pia doesn't understand why she would have done that. They had never talked about it and she doesn't think she is the right one for the job. She pretty instantly knows she has to have her friends kids and raise them as her own. I cannot imagine a friend doing that to me. If we would have talked about it and they knew I wanted kids sure. Not some surprise! I am giving you my embryos! Yey! Now go spend many years taking care of them! It is just very odd to me. I don't get it, and I don't 100% get why Pia would feel the need to do this. Maybe it is just I don't want kids myself, but Pia is just that amazing I guess. Of course she would love to get married and have kids, but this suddenly thrust upon her was just...I didn't like it. I would be a little annoyed with my friend honestly if they did something like this.
Raoul is new-ish in town and after a bad marriage he has sworn off women. His ex did something terrible to him, and it just made him not want to do that again. It takes forever to get to what she did, and yes I would be very angry if I were him but I think he overreacted a bit. I mean people lie and cheat and do horrible things to other people all the time. That doesn't mean everyone does...but he feels how he feels. He keeps meeting Pia for business when she is having a melt down over these frozen embryos. He wants to help her so he offers his services as a pregnancy buddy. He wants to take her to the doctors and help her any way he can. Really he seems like a great guy.
Some spoilers ahead now. So then pretty quick, he proposes to Pia. Not in a I love you and want to be with you forever kind of way, but in a I will always be there for you and these kids kind of way. In a business arrangement kind of way. They had slept together already and both thought it was amazing, but really to just get married to have someone else there? It was a strange scene, and then Pia says yes! I was just like what? Really? I don't get it. Of course she falls in love with him and doesn't want the marriage of convenience, she wants a real marriage so there are issues. Everything works out in the end, but the whole thing was a bit strange for me. I didn't get why she would agree to marry him like that. I just...it wasn't the book for me. The writing was good and everything, but the story was just not something I understood.
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
This book starts with Pia learning that her friend left her her frozen embryos. Pia doesn't understand why she would have done that. They had never talked about it and she doesn't think she is the right one for the job. She pretty instantly knows she has to have her friends kids and raise them as her own. I cannot imagine a friend doing that to me. If we would have talked about it and they knew I wanted kids sure. Not some surprise! I am giving you my embryos! Yey! Now go spend many years taking care of them! It is just very odd to me. I don't get it, and I don't 100% get why Pia would feel the need to do this. Maybe it is just I don't want kids myself, but Pia is just that amazing I guess. Of course she would love to get married and have kids, but this suddenly thrust upon her was just...I didn't like it. I would be a little annoyed with my friend honestly if they did something like this.
Raoul is new-ish in town and after a bad marriage he has sworn off women. His ex did something terrible to him, and it just made him not want to do that again. It takes forever to get to what she did, and yes I would be very angry if I were him but I think he overreacted a bit. I mean people lie and cheat and do horrible things to other people all the time. That doesn't mean everyone does...but he feels how he feels. He keeps meeting Pia for business when she is having a melt down over these frozen embryos. He wants to help her so he offers his services as a pregnancy buddy. He wants to take her to the doctors and help her any way he can. Really he seems like a great guy.
Some spoilers ahead now. So then pretty quick, he proposes to Pia. Not in a I love you and want to be with you forever kind of way, but in a I will always be there for you and these kids kind of way. In a business arrangement kind of way. They had slept together already and both thought it was amazing, but really to just get married to have someone else there? It was a strange scene, and then Pia says yes! I was just like what? Really? I don't get it. Of course she falls in love with him and doesn't want the marriage of convenience, she wants a real marriage so there are issues. Everything works out in the end, but the whole thing was a bit strange for me. I didn't get why she would agree to marry him like that. I just...it wasn't the book for me. The writing was good and everything, but the story was just not something I understood.
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Evening Stars (Blackberry Island) :: Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold, Book 12) :: Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold, Book 21) :: Book One of The Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett (2009-03-10) :: Kiss Me (Fool's Gold, Book 19)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
connie b
Ok, I’ll admit it. Mallery had me crying crocodile tears with this one. This is definitely the most emotional novel in the series to date. She tackles so many touchy subjects from cancer to foster children to not-so-natural disasters in a manner that makes you realise that they really are part of everyday life. I really like how Mallery jogs our memory about past stories. When the characters from previous novels come up in a pertinent way she quickly gives the key points of their stories and then moves on, just enough to remind you who’s who in Fool’s Gold.
I loved Pia more than I ever thought I would. I knew her before & well after this novel, but right now she's unforgettable & unstoppable. And she grows a backbone. She also becomes easier to understand as more of her background & personality comes to light. I was completely floored as to how Mallery pulled it all off. Raoul's droolworthyness is definitely helping the story out as well. Seeing him reckoncile who he is with what he believes was quite enlightening. All the while, Mallery treats readers to a fantastic budding romance that makes you want to move to Fool’s Gold.
I do feel like this is the most emotional novel in the series, to date anyways. I loved every aspect of it and wouldn’t hesitate for a second to recommend it to others, or to re-read it again & again.
I loved Pia more than I ever thought I would. I knew her before & well after this novel, but right now she's unforgettable & unstoppable. And she grows a backbone. She also becomes easier to understand as more of her background & personality comes to light. I was completely floored as to how Mallery pulled it all off. Raoul's droolworthyness is definitely helping the story out as well. Seeing him reckoncile who he is with what he believes was quite enlightening. All the while, Mallery treats readers to a fantastic budding romance that makes you want to move to Fool’s Gold.
I do feel like this is the most emotional novel in the series, to date anyways. I loved every aspect of it and wouldn’t hesitate for a second to recommend it to others, or to re-read it again & again.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
denisse haz
Pia's dilemma with what to do with her best friend's embryos is compelling and I adored this heroine. She is gobsmacked with grief and life. She just goes but is such a lovely person. She is in later books in the series and I am huge fan of hers.
Her backstory was not so believable or at least could have been better integrated.
The hero is great when he is with Pia and less so when he isn't. He needs to be smacked up side the head at the end of the book. Honestly, I think he should have come to some understandings without the ultimatum the women of this town seemed destined to give. I think there was enough emotional mountains in this book that he could have realized his love without so much drama.
The book tips into soap opera here and there and not in a good way. We get info dumps about the town like its a holiday weekend and we are just tuning in for example.
Yet, I love Peter, a kid, and the issues of reproductions are examined for many angles in moving ways. And then, yea! Pia. lol
So, I am enjoying the series (reading it all out of order as usual) but need a little break after this one I think.
Her backstory was not so believable or at least could have been better integrated.
The hero is great when he is with Pia and less so when he isn't. He needs to be smacked up side the head at the end of the book. Honestly, I think he should have come to some understandings without the ultimatum the women of this town seemed destined to give. I think there was enough emotional mountains in this book that he could have realized his love without so much drama.
The book tips into soap opera here and there and not in a good way. We get info dumps about the town like its a holiday weekend and we are just tuning in for example.
Yet, I love Peter, a kid, and the issues of reproductions are examined for many angles in moving ways. And then, yea! Pia. lol
So, I am enjoying the series (reading it all out of order as usual) but need a little break after this one I think.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
rukiye cengiz
Yep, I liked this one too! Just as unorthodox as the book information promised. Sure I questioned a few thing but just went with it. I enjoyed every minute of it. Even the town who is outnumbered with women; women who had taken on the traditional roles that men usually filled. They enjoyed it and were good at it. It was mentioned once again the unique bar that Jo owned. Men were shocked when they walked into the girly bar , that of course had girly colors and catered to women with even soap operas and shopping channels on T.V. And they were on Big Screen TVs no less. They only started breathing again when they scurried to the back where it was more like a man cave. I really liked both Raoul and Pia. Pia told Raoul he was a really nice guy, and then she told him she really didn't trust nice guys. Yes, they had some interesting conversations. One of my favorites was when he asked her if she had coffee today and she said, "No. This isn't me hyped on caffeine. I'm doing this all myself." Yes, they will have a HEA but it sure will be fun getting there. And hint, hint, they won't be there alone!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
ballinstalin
Finding Perfect by Susan Mallery 3★
Book 3 of the Fool's Gold series, and though I'm reading it out of order, I thought Finding Perfect was an ok read. The romance wasn't an instant-love, which I thought was a good thing. The subplots were just ok. The description of the Fool's Gold was nice, even if a little unrealistic with the girly bar, and the vast majority of the characters all female.
This is the second book of Mallery's that I completely read (just finished Tempting). Before those, I tried reading Only Mine (book 4 of the Fool's Gold series) but didn't finish it. Finding Perfect is the 3rd book and I enjoyed that so much more than Only Mine.
As with the one other Mallery book I completely read, Finding Perfect had a lot of subplots going on. I think it was a little too much. There was the current going-ons of the town Fool's Gold, the bachelor auction and female auditions. Then there was issues of a school that got burned down and being relocated. And then there was issues of foster children, sports (being that Raoul the hero was a star football player), and so forth.
And all those subplots had just a small amount to do with Pia and Raoul - the main characters. They had drama of their own. Pia had to worry about Crystal's embryos and Raoul had trust issues.
So through the giant cloud of subplots that almost made this feel like I was reading a soap opera, the story of Pia, Raoul, Peter and the three embryos was nice.
Book 3 of the Fool's Gold series, and though I'm reading it out of order, I thought Finding Perfect was an ok read. The romance wasn't an instant-love, which I thought was a good thing. The subplots were just ok. The description of the Fool's Gold was nice, even if a little unrealistic with the girly bar, and the vast majority of the characters all female.
This is the second book of Mallery's that I completely read (just finished Tempting). Before those, I tried reading Only Mine (book 4 of the Fool's Gold series) but didn't finish it. Finding Perfect is the 3rd book and I enjoyed that so much more than Only Mine.
As with the one other Mallery book I completely read, Finding Perfect had a lot of subplots going on. I think it was a little too much. There was the current going-ons of the town Fool's Gold, the bachelor auction and female auditions. Then there was issues of a school that got burned down and being relocated. And then there was issues of foster children, sports (being that Raoul the hero was a star football player), and so forth.
And all those subplots had just a small amount to do with Pia and Raoul - the main characters. They had drama of their own. Pia had to worry about Crystal's embryos and Raoul had trust issues.
So through the giant cloud of subplots that almost made this feel like I was reading a soap opera, the story of Pia, Raoul, Peter and the three embryos was nice.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
humphrey
This book just didn't do it for me. Like many others I too thought the premise was ridiculous. Not only was it thoughtless and stupid to leave the embryos to Pia it made no sense. If having the embryos actually carried and brought into fruition was so imporant to Charity why would you not talk with the proposed "mother" before hand? And why choose a single woman? For triplets? Just stupid!
And as I'm writing this review and thinking about the story I'm just thinking boring. With so much going on - the fire, the influx of men, almost weekly festivals, a semi-abused foster child, an auction, a possible reality show - yet somehow it was still blahh.
I stopped just shy of the ending. I can't stand when a character is taken to task for actions they have every right to take. Being blasted for being a "hero" but not doing quite enough. So he shouldn't have been nice to Peter and help protect him from a possible abuser, just because he didn't want to personally be a foster-parent? Just stupid.
And as I'm writing this review and thinking about the story I'm just thinking boring. With so much going on - the fire, the influx of men, almost weekly festivals, a semi-abused foster child, an auction, a possible reality show - yet somehow it was still blahh.
I stopped just shy of the ending. I can't stand when a character is taken to task for actions they have every right to take. Being blasted for being a "hero" but not doing quite enough. So he shouldn't have been nice to Peter and help protect him from a possible abuser, just because he didn't want to personally be a foster-parent? Just stupid.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
sherrycormier
I love Susan Mallery, and her Fool's Gold series is fabulous. It's a small, quirky town with a man shortage. And yet, the men they do have are always top-of-the-line.
In this story, Pia is a sweetheart with a lot to make up for--she was the town mean girl in her teens. Her best friend has just died of cancer and she's shocked to discover she left 3 frozen embryos to her, along with the funds for IVF.
Raoul was a homeless teen who made it through school and all the way to the NFL with the help of his high school coach. He's always wanted a family, but after the betrayal of his first wife, he's unwilling to give his heart to anyone else. He decides to offer his help, then marriage to Pia, so they can have and raise the babies together.
All is going well until one of them breaks the rules.
In this story, Pia is a sweetheart with a lot to make up for--she was the town mean girl in her teens. Her best friend has just died of cancer and she's shocked to discover she left 3 frozen embryos to her, along with the funds for IVF.
Raoul was a homeless teen who made it through school and all the way to the NFL with the help of his high school coach. He's always wanted a family, but after the betrayal of his first wife, he's unwilling to give his heart to anyone else. He decides to offer his help, then marriage to Pia, so they can have and raise the babies together.
All is going well until one of them breaks the rules.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
elizabeth roughead
In a twist on the pregnancy-marriage-love trope, the pregnancy is via a friend's IVF legacy, the marriage is with a random nice-guy (and is just a proposal), but love eventually blossoms. Oddly, Pia spends little time thinking about or preparing herself (emotionally or practically) for a multiple pregnancy--and then wonders why she hasn't bonded with the babies immediately after implantation--but twists herself in knots after accepting the marriage-of-convenience proposal. I guess the unifying theme is jump first, think later, when it comes to major life commitments. The main characters are nice, though tortured by their pasts; the niceness comes through, the tortured past not so much. We're told they're emotionally tortured, but the big reveal in each case is fairly bland. Perfectly readable, perfectly pleasant, but not all that memorable. Good for a library loan, not a keeper.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
duane turner
Fool's Golds a delightful setting for the kind of love stories which remind us how magical love can be. The story of Pia and Raoul goes even further than just a romance. It's a story of friendship, of family, and most of all, a story of hope. It will leave you smiling, but maybe with a tear in your eye as well.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
albert hakimi
The concept of this book a little strange (I think) - Pia's best friend has died and left her frozen fertilized eggs. Now Pia has to decide what she should do and has a break-down in front of handsome ex-football player Raoul. Raoul character was difficult to believe but while I waited for his true colors to show - I enjoyed this crazy story.
There is a part in the book where Pia deals with the issue of having a miscarriage in her youth and how the Dr. handled that situation brought tears to my eyes.
It wasn't my favorite plot line by this author - but the quality writing gets me to come back everytime...
If you enjoy this genre I would also sugguest; Falling for Gracie,Compromising Positions,Burning Up (Hqn) and Sister of the Bride (short story by Susan Mallery).
There is a part in the book where Pia deals with the issue of having a miscarriage in her youth and how the Dr. handled that situation brought tears to my eyes.
It wasn't my favorite plot line by this author - but the quality writing gets me to come back everytime...
If you enjoy this genre I would also sugguest; Falling for Gracie,Compromising Positions,Burning Up (Hqn) and Sister of the Bride (short story by Susan Mallery).
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
kristi
A truly wonderful romantic story. Pia O`Brian is left 3 embryos in her best friend`s will. She has poor self-esteem and can't figure out why her friend would entrust her with the lives of her unborn children. Pia is freaking out about all of this when she is supposed to be meeting with one of the business owners in town, Raoul Moreno, former NFL player. Pia has a meltdown during the meeting and thus begins an unusual friendship. It's a marvelous story about opening your heart to others even though past experiences have made you question your own judgment and not want to endanger your heart again.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
d u s child
I LOVED that the author brought Raoul back. His storyline in Sweet Spot totally saved the book for me. What really bothered me was that in Sweet Spot, published in 2008, Raoul is 18 years old. Now, in Finding Perfect, published in 2010, Ms. Mallery has shoved him into an age-progression machine and he is 30 or so. (His age isn't specified, but Pia makes reference to herself being 28 and Raoul as being "a few years older.") It's true that there is no time setting specified in Sweet Spot, but still... There is a time reference in Finding Perfect that points to the setting being not too much before the year 2012, there isn't anything in Sweet Spot to make it seem to the reader that it is set in the late 90's, and it's natural for a reader to think of an novel of unspecified date of storyline as happening near the year of publication. As much as I love, love, LOVE the character of Raoul, loved reading more about him, and loved him having his own story, I wonder why the author did what she did.
I agree with the review opining that the IVF portion of the storyline wasn't the most realistic. But, I'm guessing most readers won't be familiar enough with IVF and other artificial reproductive technology procedures to be TOO bothered by the fact that Pia not only became pregnant on the first attempt, but also had all three embryos take. I'm atributing her outcome to her relatively young age and lack of fertility problems.
Overall, I REALLY liked this book and highly recommend it. (I would have given it 4 1/2 stars if that was a possibility. If it hadn't been for the author's "break in the space-time continuum," I would have rated it as 5 stars.) This story was very moving and uplifting. I personally really go for storylines involving characters being shoved through the ringer emotionally and physically, and overcoming obstacles and their pasts with the help of friends, family, and an amazing significant other.
I agree with the review opining that the IVF portion of the storyline wasn't the most realistic. But, I'm guessing most readers won't be familiar enough with IVF and other artificial reproductive technology procedures to be TOO bothered by the fact that Pia not only became pregnant on the first attempt, but also had all three embryos take. I'm atributing her outcome to her relatively young age and lack of fertility problems.
Overall, I REALLY liked this book and highly recommend it. (I would have given it 4 1/2 stars if that was a possibility. If it hadn't been for the author's "break in the space-time continuum," I would have rated it as 5 stars.) This story was very moving and uplifting. I personally really go for storylines involving characters being shoved through the ringer emotionally and physically, and overcoming obstacles and their pasts with the help of friends, family, and an amazing significant other.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
abo salman
This was a tug at the heartstrings story, but it was very good. I don't know if I could have done what Pia did. My only complaint is past issues keep getting repeated through out the story. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
heather miller
I borrowed this book through my local library for the kindle and found it very enjoyable! This book had many of the elements I've come to love about Susan Mallery books. This book was well written, funny, with sharp and witty dialogue. Characters were fun , not much drama going on, but it worked.
Pia was stunned to learn that her friend had left her 3 frozen embryos, instead of the cat she thought she was going to get. Completely shocked by the situation, and going into a full panic attack, she runs into Raoul who is the new guy in Fool's Gold and a famous celebrity. Raoul seemed genuinely concern about this girl. She was panicking and in the midst of everything, she tells a complete stranger the whole story about the embryos.
Raoul came to live in Fool's Gold after he retired from pro-football. He wanted to settle down and make something good of his life by opening a camp for children. He was once married and ever since his divorce, his view of love and marriage were stilted. He swore he would never marry for love because it never works out in the end, so when he finds himself involved in Pia's situation, he decides to help.
There are a bunch the secondary characters that are part of this small town. There are the nuisances of living in a small town were everyone knows each other and take care of each other. I found this story really cute and enjoyable, another fun read by Susan Mallery!
Pia was stunned to learn that her friend had left her 3 frozen embryos, instead of the cat she thought she was going to get. Completely shocked by the situation, and going into a full panic attack, she runs into Raoul who is the new guy in Fool's Gold and a famous celebrity. Raoul seemed genuinely concern about this girl. She was panicking and in the midst of everything, she tells a complete stranger the whole story about the embryos.
Raoul came to live in Fool's Gold after he retired from pro-football. He wanted to settle down and make something good of his life by opening a camp for children. He was once married and ever since his divorce, his view of love and marriage were stilted. He swore he would never marry for love because it never works out in the end, so when he finds himself involved in Pia's situation, he decides to help.
There are a bunch the secondary characters that are part of this small town. There are the nuisances of living in a small town were everyone knows each other and take care of each other. I found this story really cute and enjoyable, another fun read by Susan Mallery!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jeanneluke
A refreshing depiction of the humanity and community that a small town existence can offer! So well written the characters feel like your own neighbors and loved ones!the commitment and loyalty that is displayed is well thought through and displayed to reader in a way that makes them NOT want to put the book down and feel aa loss at its find! Can't wait to read #4only mine which is next in this delightful communal series!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
azadeh davoodi
Finding Perfect by Ssusan Mallery
Pia O'Brien has inherited Crystals eggs and Raoul offers to be her pregnancy buddy. He was best friends with Keith who was married to Crystal who came down with cancer and gave the eggs to Pia after her death.
He is an ex football player and has the time and money to make things happen, besides having a heart of gold. We also get to catch up with the others in the town.
Due to the fire Raoul has offered his camp to the town to use for their school til it can be made habitable.
Dakota helps with that coordinating and transforming the camp.
Denise talks about dating again at her age!
She is having 3 babies at one time and he's wrapped up with the foster system as a boy's foster parents are nowhere to be seen/heard from.
News spreads fast about the upcoming wedding and the town is ready for the auction-men are put on the block and are auctioned off for one night. Then the dinner and dance for the rest of the night. And the mayor
meets a reality TV show producer that wants to bring bachelors to the town and tape it.
Pia O'Brien has inherited Crystals eggs and Raoul offers to be her pregnancy buddy. He was best friends with Keith who was married to Crystal who came down with cancer and gave the eggs to Pia after her death.
He is an ex football player and has the time and money to make things happen, besides having a heart of gold. We also get to catch up with the others in the town.
Due to the fire Raoul has offered his camp to the town to use for their school til it can be made habitable.
Dakota helps with that coordinating and transforming the camp.
Denise talks about dating again at her age!
She is having 3 babies at one time and he's wrapped up with the foster system as a boy's foster parents are nowhere to be seen/heard from.
News spreads fast about the upcoming wedding and the town is ready for the auction-men are put on the block and are auctioned off for one night. Then the dinner and dance for the rest of the night. And the mayor
meets a reality TV show producer that wants to bring bachelors to the town and tape it.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
stephan esterhuizen
I think Susan Mallery outdid herself Finding Perfect!
Finding Perfect is my favorite of the three, mostly because I feel like I relate to Pia the most. More in regards to attitude and how she deals with situations at hand. But ill say this, I wouldn't think twice if a hunky millionaire tells me he wants to take care of ME! Ill be all for it!
So in Finding Perfect Pia finds out her "BFF" Crystal leaves her 3 embryos. That put Pia in a predicament of what to do. She kept thinking and asking herself, why would Crystal leave her those embryos? And what was she going to do with them? As she finds herself pondering on what to do, she meets Raoul and he becomes intrigued by her. Everyone treats him like hes a celebrity, but Pia, and he couldnt make himself not think of her. After finding out about Pia's situation, he couldnt help admiring her even more now. Giving her an option he felt she could not refuse, only opened up something even more intriguing. Love.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Susan Mallery is a master at what she does. Hooking us into a world where love is everywhere and a place where happiness is always found. 5 stars out 5...and a definite Good Choice for Reading.
[...]
Finding Perfect is my favorite of the three, mostly because I feel like I relate to Pia the most. More in regards to attitude and how she deals with situations at hand. But ill say this, I wouldn't think twice if a hunky millionaire tells me he wants to take care of ME! Ill be all for it!
So in Finding Perfect Pia finds out her "BFF" Crystal leaves her 3 embryos. That put Pia in a predicament of what to do. She kept thinking and asking herself, why would Crystal leave her those embryos? And what was she going to do with them? As she finds herself pondering on what to do, she meets Raoul and he becomes intrigued by her. Everyone treats him like hes a celebrity, but Pia, and he couldnt make himself not think of her. After finding out about Pia's situation, he couldnt help admiring her even more now. Giving her an option he felt she could not refuse, only opened up something even more intriguing. Love.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Susan Mallery is a master at what she does. Hooking us into a world where love is everywhere and a place where happiness is always found. 5 stars out 5...and a definite Good Choice for Reading.
[...]
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
heather perkins
Devastated at the loss of her friend and expecting to inherit custody of her cat, Pia O'Brien instead discovers that she has been given custody of Crystal's three embryo's. At first she is not sure she is up to the task, but soonhas second thoughts. And when hunky former football star Rauol makes her an offer she cannot refuse - to marry him and raise the children together, she wonders if she should settle (can one really settle for a millioanire jock?) or hope for a happily ever after.
Mallery's third in the Fools Gold series will leave readers with a couple tears as they follow Pia's journey from the ultimate single gal to potential mother, while revisiting Raoul's troubled past. And no one makes sexy heroes like Mallery - Raoul is no exception. The dialogue is realistic with lots of humor and the overall plot line is very touching. I thoroughly enjoyed the enitre series.
Mallery's third in the Fools Gold series will leave readers with a couple tears as they follow Pia's journey from the ultimate single gal to potential mother, while revisiting Raoul's troubled past. And no one makes sexy heroes like Mallery - Raoul is no exception. The dialogue is realistic with lots of humor and the overall plot line is very touching. I thoroughly enjoyed the enitre series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
courltyn
Finding Perfect Book 3 in Susan Mallery's Fools Gold series was the perfect romance and perfect beach read. Such an interesting love story about taking a chance on love and happiness and what lengths each character would go to please a friend. Plus again I was reminded of the wonderful secondary characters which inhabited Fools Gold, a small town with a huge heart. A town that took care of their own and were fierce about those they loved.
From the first book in the series we were introduced to Pia who grew up in Fools Gold. She was rich, popular and as she stated in each book the "mean girl" until she suffered the suicide death of her father and the retreat of her mother leaving her behind to graduate from high school, never to be heard from again. Pia was the town's events planner and worked for their wonderful mayor. She was very good at her job, had a ton of friends, old and new and one special friend had recently passed away from cancer. At the reading of the will, Pia faced a shock. Instead of inheriting her friend's cat, she inherited her friend's embryos. In earlier books one learned that Crystal had harvested her embryos because her husband was a soldier and she wanted to make sure she could have his children. As fate would have it, her husband died and then the worst thing happened, Crystal had cancer and passed away.
If you read Mallery's Sweet Spot Sisters series, you were introduced to Raoul Moreno who relocated to Fools Gold and was a retired Dallas Cowboy football player. Like Pia, Raoul was not only honorable; he was loyal and respectful due to his old friend and mentor "Coach" or Hawk as he called him. He owed Hawk and his friend gave him good advice, Hawk told him to get involved in his new town and get a cause. When Raoul learned from Pia about her situation when they had a scheduled meeting, he could understand her loyalty to Crystal because he felt the same way about Hawk. So Pia and Raoul's friendship developed, he listened and she talked. And then events unfolded in Fools Gold a fire, a young boy having family difficulties and Pia decided to have Crystal's babies.
Like all of Susan Mallery's books, Finding Perfect was about love, honesty, loyalty and more. It was also about how two very similar people who had overcome so much hurt and anguish from their past childhoods could honestly become friends and be there for each other. Raoul offered to be her "pregnancy buddy" and the entire town offered her assistance as well. Just like in the other books in this series, Fools Gold's town folks helped their own! Raoul admired Pia's decision to have the babies and he took his job of caring for her seriously. So seriously, that their friendship grew to be more and in the end he wanted to marry Pia.
Reading Pia's and Rauol's story sincerely tugged at my heartstrings. They had both endured so much heart ache during their youth and to live in this marvelous community who loved them and wanted to pitch in, took my breath away. Pia was amazing, to actually be selfless and have Crystal and Kent's babies. Then there was Raoul who gave so much to the community, the youth of Fools Gold and to Pia herself. But could he give her his love, all he was, forget his past marriage and risk his heart?
Finding Perfect was all about the emotion and the love of the town. It was also about now both Pia and Raoul had become better people. And you'll adore reading about the ladies of Fools Gold and how they scold Raoul, how Raoul realizes Pia's "the one" and how he totally gives his heart to he woman he adores. It's so typical of Susan Mallery to write such charming and entertaining romance. I'm so looking forward to reading the next Fools Gold Romance which will be "Sister of the Bride" featured in Summer Brides!
Behind the Book:
[...].
From the first book in the series we were introduced to Pia who grew up in Fools Gold. She was rich, popular and as she stated in each book the "mean girl" until she suffered the suicide death of her father and the retreat of her mother leaving her behind to graduate from high school, never to be heard from again. Pia was the town's events planner and worked for their wonderful mayor. She was very good at her job, had a ton of friends, old and new and one special friend had recently passed away from cancer. At the reading of the will, Pia faced a shock. Instead of inheriting her friend's cat, she inherited her friend's embryos. In earlier books one learned that Crystal had harvested her embryos because her husband was a soldier and she wanted to make sure she could have his children. As fate would have it, her husband died and then the worst thing happened, Crystal had cancer and passed away.
If you read Mallery's Sweet Spot Sisters series, you were introduced to Raoul Moreno who relocated to Fools Gold and was a retired Dallas Cowboy football player. Like Pia, Raoul was not only honorable; he was loyal and respectful due to his old friend and mentor "Coach" or Hawk as he called him. He owed Hawk and his friend gave him good advice, Hawk told him to get involved in his new town and get a cause. When Raoul learned from Pia about her situation when they had a scheduled meeting, he could understand her loyalty to Crystal because he felt the same way about Hawk. So Pia and Raoul's friendship developed, he listened and she talked. And then events unfolded in Fools Gold a fire, a young boy having family difficulties and Pia decided to have Crystal's babies.
Like all of Susan Mallery's books, Finding Perfect was about love, honesty, loyalty and more. It was also about how two very similar people who had overcome so much hurt and anguish from their past childhoods could honestly become friends and be there for each other. Raoul offered to be her "pregnancy buddy" and the entire town offered her assistance as well. Just like in the other books in this series, Fools Gold's town folks helped their own! Raoul admired Pia's decision to have the babies and he took his job of caring for her seriously. So seriously, that their friendship grew to be more and in the end he wanted to marry Pia.
Reading Pia's and Rauol's story sincerely tugged at my heartstrings. They had both endured so much heart ache during their youth and to live in this marvelous community who loved them and wanted to pitch in, took my breath away. Pia was amazing, to actually be selfless and have Crystal and Kent's babies. Then there was Raoul who gave so much to the community, the youth of Fools Gold and to Pia herself. But could he give her his love, all he was, forget his past marriage and risk his heart?
Finding Perfect was all about the emotion and the love of the town. It was also about now both Pia and Raoul had become better people. And you'll adore reading about the ladies of Fools Gold and how they scold Raoul, how Raoul realizes Pia's "the one" and how he totally gives his heart to he woman he adores. It's so typical of Susan Mallery to write such charming and entertaining romance. I'm so looking forward to reading the next Fools Gold Romance which will be "Sister of the Bride" featured in Summer Brides!
Behind the Book:
[...].
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
martin87f
I just recently discovered Susan Mallery's books and gave read three this week. They are all very well-written with strong characters and plots that keep you interested. I am on my way to find more !!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
suebleau
Not as good as books 1 and 2, but still a series I enjoy reading. I'm reading book 4 now and it's better than #3, too. Fools Gold sounds like a peaceful, wonderful place to live. If only life could really be so great! A well-written book with good characters. I would recommend the entire series to anyone who likes a good romance novel.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
neurotocat
Finding Perfect is well balanced with great characters, humor,seriously real situations that give the reader an understanding of emotional lives of fictional, caring adults in a small town called "Fool's Gold in California. Good ending! Author has written a series of "Fool's Gold stories with the
characters finding their place in the community.
characters finding their place in the community.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
gerilyn
Pia O'Brian is still grieving over the losing her best friend Crystal to cancer. She is shocked to learn that Crystal didn't leave her the cat as planned, but her frozen embryo. What is a single girl to do with a bunch of frozen embryos? To make things more complected, here come the sexy and sweet ex-NFL player Raoul Moreno. Can Pia handle balance being a single mother? Can she handle being just friends with Raoul?
Pia was the popular girl who had everything, that was until her parents died when she was still in high school. She lost everything, and had to rebuild her live in Fool's Gold. She became a totally different person. She grew leaps and bounds emotionally. It takes a special kind of person to have the children you best friends was never allowed to have.
I read Susan Mallery's Sweet Spot a few years ago. I immediately fell in love with Raoul. He was this sweet, sensitive teen who just wanted a family to belong to. He found all that and more. Now Raoul is all grown up, and he's lost none of his charm. He has only one big character flaw: He wants to do the right thing all the time, but he doesn't always go about it in the best way. He see starts to see Pia and her embryo's as his family. He wants to help her and her children. They just don't make them like Raoul, cause if they did I'd snatch him right up.
This book is my favorite of the Fool's Gold series! It's a very sweet and uplifting story. It's a story of learning to trust and love someone. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, Susan Mallery is my favorite reading guilty pleasure! When she releases a new series, I run right out to purchase it. This series was no different. I enjoyed this series as a whole, and would really recommend this book for anyone looking for a very sweet contemporary romance. I'm hoping that this isn't the end of the series, because I would love to see some of the lose ends tied up. I really do love this town! If you enjoyed Raoul, I would also recommend picking up Susan Mallery's Sweet Spot Series.
Pia was the popular girl who had everything, that was until her parents died when she was still in high school. She lost everything, and had to rebuild her live in Fool's Gold. She became a totally different person. She grew leaps and bounds emotionally. It takes a special kind of person to have the children you best friends was never allowed to have.
I read Susan Mallery's Sweet Spot a few years ago. I immediately fell in love with Raoul. He was this sweet, sensitive teen who just wanted a family to belong to. He found all that and more. Now Raoul is all grown up, and he's lost none of his charm. He has only one big character flaw: He wants to do the right thing all the time, but he doesn't always go about it in the best way. He see starts to see Pia and her embryo's as his family. He wants to help her and her children. They just don't make them like Raoul, cause if they did I'd snatch him right up.
This book is my favorite of the Fool's Gold series! It's a very sweet and uplifting story. It's a story of learning to trust and love someone. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, Susan Mallery is my favorite reading guilty pleasure! When she releases a new series, I run right out to purchase it. This series was no different. I enjoyed this series as a whole, and would really recommend this book for anyone looking for a very sweet contemporary romance. I'm hoping that this isn't the end of the series, because I would love to see some of the lose ends tied up. I really do love this town! If you enjoyed Raoul, I would also recommend picking up Susan Mallery's Sweet Spot Series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
suzel
when you read a great author you expect greatness and Susan Mallery delivered again. Finding Perfect is a great story of people sacrificing their own lives to help a friend, even when the friend is no longer living. the characters are so fun and seem so real. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
yz the whyz
Once again Susan Mallery delivers another heart-warming story! I never expect anything less from her. I'm sure I've mentioned it before, from the other two books in this series, but it never fails that while reading a Fool's Gold novel I want to pack my bags and move there.
In Finding Perfect, Pia has decided to carry the embryos her late best friend Crystal has left to her. While she's struggling to wrap her head around this, Raoul steps up and offers to be her "pregnancy buddy." Pia and Raoul seemed to be the perfect match from the start, but Raoul has trust issues when it comes to women due to a betrayal by his ex-wife. So when Pia breaks the cardinal rule of their agreement by falling in with him, they go their separate ways. But how can he resist Pia? she's strong, loyal, bright, and funny. So Raoul takes Josh's advice and quietly hands over to Pia "his heart, his soul, and his balls."
Oh and Peter! He's such a wonderful little boy who has suffered way too much for such a young age. He added some very tear-jerking scenes to the overall story.
I very much hope to see more of Fool's Gold in the future. I want to see the triplets (Dakota, Montana, and Nevada) find love. And more than that, I want their mother Denise to find love again. I'm hoping Denise's "Max" is her daughter's new boss. If you haven't read a Fool's Gold novel, I recommend that you do. You won't be disappointed.
In Finding Perfect, Pia has decided to carry the embryos her late best friend Crystal has left to her. While she's struggling to wrap her head around this, Raoul steps up and offers to be her "pregnancy buddy." Pia and Raoul seemed to be the perfect match from the start, but Raoul has trust issues when it comes to women due to a betrayal by his ex-wife. So when Pia breaks the cardinal rule of their agreement by falling in with him, they go their separate ways. But how can he resist Pia? she's strong, loyal, bright, and funny. So Raoul takes Josh's advice and quietly hands over to Pia "his heart, his soul, and his balls."
Oh and Peter! He's such a wonderful little boy who has suffered way too much for such a young age. He added some very tear-jerking scenes to the overall story.
I very much hope to see more of Fool's Gold in the future. I want to see the triplets (Dakota, Montana, and Nevada) find love. And more than that, I want their mother Denise to find love again. I'm hoping Denise's "Max" is her daughter's new boss. If you haven't read a Fool's Gold novel, I recommend that you do. You won't be disappointed.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
anupriyo
Pia O'Brien is the city event planner for Fool's Gold, a small town in California. Pia's life is organized to the minute. When her friend Crystal dies before realizing her dream of giving birth to a child from the husband that died in Iraq, Pia's stunned to learn that Crystal left three fertilized embryos to her. Pia's orderly, planned-to-the-minute life is thrown into chaos as she tries to figure out how she's going to fit triplets into her schedule.
Raoul Moreno retired from the NFL at the top of his game. Through a series of odd coincidences, he settles in Fool's Gold, meets the lovely and vivacious Pia, and learns her secret: How will she ever handle being a single parent to triplets? Raoul has spent a lifetime running from commitment, but finds himself longing to "be there" for Pia, first as a "pregnancy buddy", and then as much more.
Susan Mallery is a terrific author, but she is at her best when she's exploring the topics we all grapple with: Families - the ones we're born into, and the ones we make ourselves. Pia and Raoul's family expands as a result of meeting another young man who needs them, too. Friendship: What would any of us be willing to do for a friend? Love: What makes each of us decide that, despite having our hearts broken, we're willing to try it again?
I defy anyone to make it through the last five pages of this book without a few tears. I'm wondering what a few of the other reviewers read, because it wasn't Susan's book. I enjoyed "Finding Perfect," and I think you will, too.
Raoul Moreno retired from the NFL at the top of his game. Through a series of odd coincidences, he settles in Fool's Gold, meets the lovely and vivacious Pia, and learns her secret: How will she ever handle being a single parent to triplets? Raoul has spent a lifetime running from commitment, but finds himself longing to "be there" for Pia, first as a "pregnancy buddy", and then as much more.
Susan Mallery is a terrific author, but she is at her best when she's exploring the topics we all grapple with: Families - the ones we're born into, and the ones we make ourselves. Pia and Raoul's family expands as a result of meeting another young man who needs them, too. Friendship: What would any of us be willing to do for a friend? Love: What makes each of us decide that, despite having our hearts broken, we're willing to try it again?
I defy anyone to make it through the last five pages of this book without a few tears. I'm wondering what a few of the other reviewers read, because it wasn't Susan's book. I enjoyed "Finding Perfect," and I think you will, too.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
celine
It looks like some readers here enjoy Susan Mallery but I can't get past the ridiculous premise. Pia, our heroine, finds out that her best friend left her frozen embryos. Without much thought, she of course decides "okay. I guess I'll become a mom then." With almost no thinking of the consequences to her health, finances, life, etc.
Then the romance...there really is no character development here. Pia meets someone who decides to marry her. No romance, etc.
I didn't finish reading this book. Very unbelievable premise and plot.
Then the romance...there really is no character development here. Pia meets someone who decides to marry her. No romance, etc.
I didn't finish reading this book. Very unbelievable premise and plot.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
eugene
Wow! What a great story. I would definitely recommend this book to readers looking for a great read.Susan Mallery is a marvelous writer. I have read several of her novels and have not been disappointed in any of them.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
imran
Susan Mallery's books are just so nice! I really enjoy her writing style and the character development that happens throughout a great plot. Being a romance novel, the ending are a bit predictable, but I wouldn't want it to end any other way and the means to the end is usually a good story.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
lovin
I really liked this story, even if it took forever to find a real direction. my only complaint is that the ending was so abrupt. An epilogue or something would have been great. Maybe we'll find out more about what follows in the next book!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
khalid
Either it's me, not understanding this author, or this author has a strange way of telling a story. I looked forward to the book ending because the story went in weird directions in a short time. The story line is very good and the ending is good.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
shadowspun
Omgosh I read some reviews for this continuation of the fools gold series that were not so good and I must say I'm glad those people are nothing like me because I loved it! My heart felt so happy when reading the final chapter. I hope you read and enjoy it as much as I did.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
daniel escasa
Susan Mallery is very hit or miss with me. The first book of the Fool's Gold series was pretty good, the second was awful, this book--the third installment of the series was better than the other two.
Pia was a great herione. A flawed, insecure woman trying to make up for past mistakes, she was a genuinely nice person. She took on a lot of responsiblity that most people would balk at. Her decision to have her friend's babies was one of the most selfless things I've ever come across. I don't think I could do it.
Raoul was a decent hero. He too was flawed, had been burned by love before, etc.. Fans of Susan Mallery's Bakery Sisters series will recognize him from "Sweet Spot". I didn't realize it until halfway through this book but I kept thinking he seemed very familiar.
All in all, I thought it was one of Mallery's better books. I enjoyed it and look foward to her next one.
Pia was a great herione. A flawed, insecure woman trying to make up for past mistakes, she was a genuinely nice person. She took on a lot of responsiblity that most people would balk at. Her decision to have her friend's babies was one of the most selfless things I've ever come across. I don't think I could do it.
Raoul was a decent hero. He too was flawed, had been burned by love before, etc.. Fans of Susan Mallery's Bakery Sisters series will recognize him from "Sweet Spot". I didn't realize it until halfway through this book but I kept thinking he seemed very familiar.
All in all, I thought it was one of Mallery's better books. I enjoyed it and look foward to her next one.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
halah rahmam
I disagree with some of the other reviews. This is a really good book and I'm liking the series. I like that we see people from other books. That makes me want to read more. I liked Pia and really understood why she was willing to have her friend's babies. I don't know if I could do that, but I like to think I could. Raoul was what my daughter calls one of my "typical sexy hero guys." I just smile. I mean why would I read a romance about an ugly guy who wasn't sexy? She'll figure it out when she's a little older.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
mark heising
Finding Perfect, 3rd novel (but not the last!), features Pia O'Brian and Raoul Moreno (from Sweet Spot). Pia is the hometown party planner of Fool's Gold and Raoul is an ex-football player trying to run a camp for troubled youth. Pia, still in an emotional state over loosing her friend, learns her deceased friend bequeathed her 3 frozen embryos, so Pia can be their Mom! If you want to read more of the review please visit [...]
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
william dooling
I am only seven chapters into this book, and I'm ready to just give it up. The premise is SOOOOOOO IMPLAUSIBLE!!!
The heroine, Pia is mourning the loss of her friend when she finds out that she has inherited her FROZEN EMBRYOS??? Her friend didn't tell her in advance, and she's supposed to drop everything, with NO HUSBAND, no house, and not much money to have TRIPLETS??? SOMEONE ELSE'S TRIPLETS?!? That's just ridiculous and unbelievable. Especially for a character who is described as not even being able to take care of a house plant. I kept feeling like my intelligence was being insulted. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for outrageously romantic, unbelievable story lines, but this was just too much. I liked the first book in the series...The second, not as much, but ok...But this one? I'm not even sure I'll make it to the end...
The heroine, Pia is mourning the loss of her friend when she finds out that she has inherited her FROZEN EMBRYOS??? Her friend didn't tell her in advance, and she's supposed to drop everything, with NO HUSBAND, no house, and not much money to have TRIPLETS??? SOMEONE ELSE'S TRIPLETS?!? That's just ridiculous and unbelievable. Especially for a character who is described as not even being able to take care of a house plant. I kept feeling like my intelligence was being insulted. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for outrageously romantic, unbelievable story lines, but this was just too much. I liked the first book in the series...The second, not as much, but ok...But this one? I'm not even sure I'll make it to the end...
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
thedees
This is a sweet story about a man who is looking to change his life in a new town, and a woman gifted with embryos when her best friend dies. They come together in a touching story about love, happiness, forgiveness, and striving for a better life. A lovely story.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
gregory booker
Love this book. Pia was fun and a little desperate, which made for a really good book. I know a couple of people who have had trouble getting pregnant, so this plot really worked for me. Raoul is a great hero. I don't usually like sports heroes--or former sports heroes--but the author convinced me to love him. Can't wait for more in the series.
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
stephanie cohen
This is a quickly written (not quickly read) frothy book based on an unrealistic premise: because a woman is friends with (not even best friends) with a woman who dies, the friend is willing to impregnate herself with three eggs. She isn't married; has a low income paying job and is in a small apt. She is not even sure she likes kids or wants to have them herself. Come on! Nobody is that nuts.
Mallery use to be great: witty, sharp, interesting characters and situations. Apparently she has run out of steam. I will pass on her next Fool's Gold book, because like the series title, the books are publicized as modern well written romance, but in reality are just rot.
Skip this one.
Mallery use to be great: witty, sharp, interesting characters and situations. Apparently she has run out of steam. I will pass on her next Fool's Gold book, because like the series title, the books are publicized as modern well written romance, but in reality are just rot.
Skip this one.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
gina lorax
I was looking forward to this book, but was very disappointed. It has a very unbelievable storyline. Are we supposed to believe that this fantastic perfect man is going to fall in love with this woman who wants to have three babies. Yes she was admirable but to marry her for it, where are these men from Fool' Gold, I would like to meet one of them. I hope Susan Mallery does a better job in the future!
Please RateBook 3), Finding Perfect (Fool's Gold
This was the nd book in a series and I really enjoyed it. I love books that are series and keep your interest.