Susan Mallery - Best Of My Love

An irresistible new love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold series, set in a town Library Journal calls “so appealing, readers will want to start scoping out real estate.”

To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend—a male friend—to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool’s Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her?

Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the “adventure” in Mitchell Adventure Tours...and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he’s inadvertently become that guy—the one-night Casanova—and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby’s boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect.

As Aidan and Shelby explore the secret lives of men and women, the heat between them fires up the Fool’s Gold rumor mill. If no one will believe they’re just friends, maybe they should give the gossips something to really talk about!

Praise for Susan Mallery and her New York Times bestselling Fool’s Gold series Praise Title Page Dedication CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX CHAPTER SEVEN CHAPTER EIGHT CHAPTER NINE CHAPTER TEN CHAPTER ELEVEN CHAPTER TWELVE CHAPTER THIRTEEN CHAPTER FOURTEEN CHAPTER FIFTEEN CHAPTER SIXTEEN CHAPTER SEVENTEEN CHAPTER EIGHTEEN CHAPTER NINETEEN CHAPTER TWENTY CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE Extract Copyright

“Susan Mallery is one of my favorites.”

—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

“Romance novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.”

—Booklist

“Touching, insightful, and funny, this lively romance addresses some serious relationship issues as it delivers another satisfying, page-turning winner.”

—Library Journal on Kiss Me

“Heartwarming... Deft characterization and an absorbing story line will keep readers coming back.”

—Publishers Weekly on When We Met

“Ms. Mallery masterfully weaves new characters into the fabric of Fool’s Gold, but always catches us up on the lives of its very unique residents. Fool’s Gold has a certain rhythm that makes it a warm, homey place with a little bit of magic.”

—Fresh Fiction on Thrill Me

“Mallery delivers another engaging romance in magical Fool’s Gold.”

—Kirkus Reviews on Just One Kiss

“The wildly popular and prolific Mallery can always be counted on to tell an engaging story of modern romance.”

—Booklist

“Mallery infuses her story with eccentricity, gentle humor, and small-town shenanigans.”

—Publishers Weekly on Summer Days

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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This book is dedicated to Sarah S. You are adorable and charming and I hope you love Aidan and Shelby’s story as much as I do. This one’s for you...

* * *

Being the “mom” of an adorable, spoiled little dog, I know the joy that pets can bring to our lives. Animal welfare is a cause I have long supported. For me that means giving to Seattle Humane. At their 2015 Tuxes and Tails fund-raiser, I offered “Your pet in a romance novel” as a prize.

In this book you will meet a bichon frise named Charlie. He has a sparkling personality and couldn’t be cuter. Every time he appeared in the book, I had the biggest smile. What a sweetie! I loved everything about him—from his trying to drive to his insistence that meals be on time.

One of the things that makes writing special is interacting in different ways with people. Some I talk to for research. Some are readers who want to talk characters and story lines, and some are fabulous pet parents. Charlie’s real-life family adore him and he brings hours of pleasure to them.

My thanks to Charlie’s family, to Charlie himself and to the wonderful people at Seattle Humane ( SeattleHumane.org). Because every pet deserves a loving family.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text An irresistible new love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold series, set in a town Library Journal calls “so appealing, readers will want to start scoping out real estate.” To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend—a male friend—to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool’s Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her? Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the “adventure” in Mitchell Adventure Tours...and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he’s inadvertently become that guy—the one-night Casanova—and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby’s boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect. As Aidan and Shelby explore the secret lives of men and women, the heat between them fires up the Fool’s Gold rumor mill. If no one will believe they’re just friends, maybe they should give the gossips something to really talk about!

Praise Praise for Susan Mallery and her New York Times bestselling Fool’s Gold series Praise Title Page Dedication CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX CHAPTER SEVEN CHAPTER EIGHT CHAPTER NINE CHAPTER TEN CHAPTER ELEVEN CHAPTER TWELVE CHAPTER THIRTEEN CHAPTER FOURTEEN CHAPTER FIFTEEN CHAPTER SIXTEEN CHAPTER SEVENTEEN CHAPTER EIGHTEEN CHAPTER NINETEEN CHAPTER TWENTY CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE Extract Copyright “Susan Mallery is one of my favorites.” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber “Romance novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.” —Booklist “Touching, insightful, and funny, this lively romance addresses some serious relationship issues as it delivers another satisfying, page-turning winner.” —Library Journal on Kiss Me “Heartwarming... Deft characterization and an absorbing story line will keep readers coming back.” —Publishers Weekly on When We Met “Ms. Mallery masterfully weaves new characters into the fabric of Fool’s Gold, but always catches us up on the lives of its very unique residents. Fool’s Gold has a certain rhythm that makes it a warm, homey place with a little bit of magic.” —Fresh Fiction on Thrill Me “Mallery delivers another engaging romance in magical Fool’s Gold.” —Kirkus Reviews on Just One Kiss “The wildly popular and prolific Mallery can always be counted on to tell an engaging story of modern romance.” —Booklist “Mallery infuses her story with eccentricity, gentle humor, and small-town shenanigans.” —Publishers Weekly on Summer Days

Title Page Best of My Love Susan Mallery www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dedication This book is dedicated to Sarah S. You are adorable and charming and I hope you love Aidan and Shelby’s story as much as I do. This one’s for you... * * * Being the “mom” of an adorable, spoiled little dog, I know the joy that pets can bring to our lives. Animal welfare is a cause I have long supported. For me that means giving to Seattle Humane. At their 2015 Tuxes and Tails fund-raiser, I offered “Your pet in a romance novel” as a prize. In this book you will meet a bichon frise named Charlie. He has a sparkling personality and couldn’t be cuter. Every time he appeared in the book, I had the biggest smile. What a sweetie! I loved everything about him—from his trying to drive to his insistence that meals be on time. One of the things that makes writing special is interacting in different ways with people. Some I talk to for research. Some are readers who want to talk characters and story lines, and some are fabulous pet parents. Charlie’s real-life family adore him and he brings hours of pleasure to them. My thanks to Charlie’s family, to Charlie himself and to the wonderful people at Seattle Humane ( SeattleHumane.org ). Because every pet deserves a loving family.