Book & Audio Review: Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery

Just One Kiss
Author: Susan Mallery
Narrator: Tanya Eby
Series: Fool's Gold (Book 10)
Publication: HQN; Original edition (May 28, 2013); Brilliance Audio (May 28, 2013)
Length: 379 p.; 9 hours and 21 minutes

Description: He won’t hesitate to put his life on the line...but will he ever risk his heart?

Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw’s otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he’s back in Fool’s Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won’t abandon her again - and her daughter, too?

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He’s returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can’t resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice’s past doesn’t make him husband, or father, material.

Patience and Justice think they’ll succumb to just one kiss.... Then one more.... Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone’s control.

My Thoughts: Patience McGraw fell in love with Justice Garrett when she was sixteen. When he disappeared on day, her heart was broken. 

Justice Garrett was eighteen when he entered the Witness Protection program because his career criminal father had vowed to kill him. Posing as two years younger than he was, he made friends in Fool's Gold including Patience. When his father was spotted nearby, he was moved.

Justice joined the military and served in the Special Forces. After leaving the Service, he became a bodyguard. Now he and some military friends are coming to Fool's Gold to open their bodyguard school. 

Justice and Patience, who married, had a daughter, and divorced, reconnect. They both remember the friendship and are heading to a romance. But Justice is afraid that he is too like his father and wouldn't be a good bet as a husband.

Patience is building a new business after an unexpected inheritance from a great aunt and Justice is building his business too. But the past isn't finished with them. Patience's daughter Lillie's grandfather wants to get to know her. Although he abandoned his family like his son abandoned Patience and Lillie, he says he's a changed man. But can Patience trust him with her daughter? And maybe Justice's father isn't as dead as he was believed to be.

This was a great story with intriguing characters and a wonderful cast of supporting characters. Tanya Eby did a wonderful job narrating. 

Favorite Quote:

Somehow dreaming was a whole lot easier than facing the possibility of trying and failing.

I got the paperback from Paperback Book Swap in December 2013. I recently added the Kindle and Audiobook. You can buy your copy here.