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Triple Trouble #1

The Girl of His Dreams

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Kayla Bedford had lofty visions of running off to Paris and marrying the prince of her dreams. But before she left, she needed to find a significant other for her conservative boss and best friend, Patrick Walcott….

And who better than her older�by twelve minutes�identical sister? Kayla was sure they'd get along famously. But as the seconds ticked down for her sister's big date with Patrick, a wave of jealously washed over Kayla. Suddenly it seemed her Prince Charming had been right beside her all along. But how was she going to convince Patrick that SHE was the girl of HIS dreams?

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 1997

64 people are currently reading
534 people want to read

About the author

Susan Mallery

865 books15.5k followers
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

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5 stars
232 (20%)
4 stars
376 (33%)
3 stars
399 (35%)
2 stars
103 (9%)
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27 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Barb.
1,203 reviews
February 28, 2017
A DATE WITH DESTINY
The moment she turns twenty-five, Kayla Bedford is going to grab her trust-fund money and take off for Paris. She'll drink wine, read at quaint cafés and meet a handsome prince who'll sweep her off her feet. It's been her dream since she was twelve. And now she's so close to realizing it, she's counting down the days.
But first she's got to do something for her boss-slash-landlord-slash-best-friend. Patrick is a handsome, caring vet. But he needs someone to love, even if he doesn't think so. Yet, just as she finds the perfect person to set him up with, Kayla gets a last-minute case of blinding jealousy. Does she have feelings for Patrick? Should she abandon her dreams to find out?
And how can he hold her back if he feels the same?
A sweet, innocent story. Love how two people are great friends then it turns into love. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Bailey Burt.
3 reviews
May 22, 2017
Susan Mallery is one of the best romance writers out there. From the series of Fools Gold to the random books here and there. Despite her quality decline over the years, her stories and the quality never fail to leave me disappointed. I’ve enjoyed each and every book of hers I’ve read so far and I hope to continue to read and enjoy them!
The book itself is predictable, because it’s a romance you know straight off the bat that they are going to end up together. However, the twist and turns they take to get to that love are the parts you really want to read, the parts you can’t tear your eyes away no matter how hard you try. Not only because you want to see the characters make it to love, but because it’s so well written that visualizing the scenes is easy to do and make you feel like you’re right there watching it. Like when Susan Mallery writes. “As they watched the rest of the show together, he felt a certain “rightness” in their being each other’s arms. He also wrestled with concern. He knew better than most the cost of loving and losing. He’d watched his father slowly die for 24 years after his wife died.” (74) The story itself is fiction, about two random, made up characters, but she still manages to make you feel like they’re real and so is their story.
I really enjoyed this book, it was cute and pleasant to read. The character Kayla, made a complete turnaround in her live when she finally realized she loved Patrick and I enjoyed getting to read her character develop from one who was stuck as a 12-year-old with a dream. To one that was 22 and realizing she loved her best friend. I would recommend this to younger women especially those who specifically enjoy romances. This is one of the better ones I’ve read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Madison ✨.
940 reviews18 followers
September 22, 2014
As a young girl, Kayla always dreamed of traveling to Paris. Now, at 26, she how has the means to make this dream a reality but finds that what seemed to be her ultimate dream when she was young, doesn't hold the same appeal now that she is older and has to leave all her friends and family behind. She realizes that her best friend, Patrick, who is also her boss at the vet clinic she works at, has become more than just a friend to her. Patrick and Kayla are both too scared to share their growing feelings to each other, for fear that it would ruin their friendship. This book shows Patrick and Kayla's story of becoming friends to lovers and finally taking the risk of falling in love.

This book made a trip to Paris feel a bit more dramatic than it needed to be. Throughout the book Kayla speaks of "when she returns" yet Patrick and Kayla make it seem that visiting Paris (even if it is for a few months) will be life changing and their relationship will never be the same when she returns. This is another story of miscommunications, or lack of communicating, causing the majority of the conflict. It was an entertaining book and the characters were sweet, overall a pleasant book to read on a Sunday afternoon.
Profile Image for ANGELIA.
1,384 reviews12 followers
September 22, 2023
Well, it's happened again! A story with a lot of potential that didn't live up to it, where the author goofed up a good premise. I like the originality of the triplets series, with this novel about Kayla, and two to follow, one focusing on Elissa, the other on Fallon. The whole showbiz background, with that Sally McGuire show was good, too. something different. But then this book falls flat.

The idea starts out good, with Kayla working for veterinarian Patrick, which she's been doing since she started college and needed a part-time job. She had feelings for him from the start, but with a 7-year age difference, she felt out of his league, and the two developed a close friendship, instead.

That's where the first goof starts. Ms. Mallery stretched the time too long. She made seven years go by before these two dim bulbs have an inkling that they're meant for each other, which makes her a bit dim too, sorry to say. If that much time goes by, then it's pretty obvious that these two are permanently friend zoned. She should have made the change from friends to lovers come in about half the time, like waiting until Kayla graduated college and started working for Patrick full-time. She'd be 22, a college grad (no longer a student) and he'd have been 29. Perfect!

Of course, they both have issues. Patrick's mom died when he was a kid and his dad was heartbroken without her and never really recovered from her death, so Patrick never wanted to care that much about anyone. Kayla was badly injured in a car accident when she was 12, and she still has scars, both physically and emotionally. She wants to escape real-world doldrums, and go on a fantasy trip to Paris, and plans to do so with the trust fund money she gets on her 25th birthday. She plans to meet a rich, handsome "prince" and get a HEA.

Here's where the story had possibilities, but the author goofed it bad. While Kayla's gone, another young woman, Meg would be taking her place. She's a pretty redhead, and Patrick had joked about finding redheads attractive. It could have been written where, while Kayla's gone, Patrick starts dating Meg but finds himself thinking about Kayla in Paris, wondering if she's found that prince she's dreamed of, and surprised to find himself feeling jealous. Meanwhile, Kayla does meet a wealthy, handsome Frenchman, but instead of being swept off her feet, finds her thoughts turning to Patrick and Meg, wondering if they've fallen for each other, surprised to discover she's not too happy about that prospect, etc. Then, when she returns (earlier than expected), things fall into place for a HEA.

That's how it could have been. Instead, you get an amusing bit where Kayla decides to fix him up with her sister, Elissa, but ends up taking Elissa's place on the date, thinking she's fooling Patrick, but he knew from the start it was her! This eventually leads to them admitting their attraction (not ready to admit to love) and they end up in bed, but boy was that scene lame! Between dumb remarks about spankings, Patrick asking why she wore stockings instead of pantyhose (she should have asked him why he wore briefs instead of boxers) and being shocked that she was a virgin (usually guys in love are glad about that), the whole thing was about as romantic as a fart attack after a bowl of chili. Maybe that's why they continued to act friend zoned afterwards.

Ms. Mallery also goofed up some facts. At first, she implied that Kayla hardly ever dated, while Patrick would see someone a few times, just casual dates, then move on to someone new. But then, she does an about-face and says that Patrick slept with quite a number of women, but only if they weren't virgins. (He must have been charming on a first date: "If you've got a hymen then no second date unless you get rid of it somewhere else.") To each his own, I guess, no matter how crummy.

As for Kayla, though her vagina was innocent, her mouth was another story! Apparently, she was pretty orally active with the guys she was dating (suddenly, there were a number of them, and she seemed to keep her tongue pretty busy down south)! I guess she went to the Bill Clinton School of Sex, and didn't think that counted??? Since she was self-conscious of her scars, she didn't let the guys reciprocate, at least not with their lips, but their hands were busy stroking her lady bits!

All this added a YUCK!!! factor, making the lovebirds kind of poopy! Even though all their physical activity with others was going on while they thought of themselves as just friends, it still bothers me. I prefer the H and h, once they've met, not to have sex with anyone but each other. To me, it feels like cheating, even though they hadn't gotten together yet.

And then the story gets to be dullsville, with neither admitting their feelings, she not wanting to go to Paris anymore but thinking he doesn't care if she does, while he doesn't want her to go, but doesn't want to stand in her way, etc., ad nauseum. And nothing was duller than when she does get to Paris, and finds it wasn't much fun by herself. (The closest she got to meeting a prince was a handsome Frenchman who approached her at a cafe, hoping to hook up.) Of course, she cuts her trip short, prelude to the HEA, but by now it's like, "Who cares!!!!"

I didn't and will take a chance that maybe her sisters are better subjects for a book than Kayla. We'll see. Meantime, I recommend skipping this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,529 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2018
Fun story, but I just wanted to slap both of the characters and yell at both of them that the other one loves you. Don’t let them go!!! Hey we’re both trying to be so noble but neither wanted to say what they really wanted to say, that they loved the other person. Loved the story regardless.
Profile Image for ShannonCC.
469 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2020
Ok, I technically skimmed, but I still feel I read enough to give it a star rating and that rating is 1. And that's being generous.

I should have listened to the reviews. It was one of those books that hinges completely on the fact that two full grown adults can't TALK TO EACH OTHER.

I mean, not little miscommunications, but outright stupidity.

They hook up one night. Really hot and steamy, but stop before the penis enters the vagina so it apparently doesn't count as anything?

Really, I totally hate that trope in so many straight romances (and in too many Mallery stories) where unless we actually put tab A into slot B, then nothing else counts as sexual activity. Mallery heroines are constantly getting kissed or having guys get all hot and heavy and then going home thinking about how the guy can't actually find her attractive despite that fact that he just plunged his tongue down her throat while feeling her up. But they're obviously just friends and he's not attracted to her. Right.

So in this book for waaaay too long they both go around thinking well, s/he isn't really attracted to me. S/he doesn't really like me. That hot, steamy night we had was just a fluke.

Ok, so it was stupid and eye rolling but up til then it was unobjectionable, so I kept reading.

Then we get to the really convoluted plot which involves deception.

So at that point I almost stopped reading. I put the book down for awhile and finally skimmed a bit thinking maybe it gets better after this part.

Nope. Then we have the sex scene.



Did I mention Patrick is one of those Mallery heroes who has learned that love is bad and hurts and has vowed never to love? Or something? Blah.

Ok, honestly, I skimmed a LOT after this. Just the deceptive date, the cringey sex, and the complete lack of ability to talk to each other was too much to handle.

A few more back and forths of her thinking Patrick hates her (why? No clue. It made ZERO sense but whatever) and finally they both grow up, admit their feelings and are together.

Really, just the stupidest thing I've read in awhile and that's saying a lot.
Profile Image for Brandi Jo.
60 reviews
February 13, 2025
This cute, quick rom-com is a delightful read that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The story has a charming premise and delivers some unexpected twists that really surprised me, especially when I thought I had it all figured out. It's refreshing to see a plot that defies predictability!

However, I felt that the inclusion of two spicy scenes was unnecessary. While some readers might appreciate the added heat, I personally found it detracted from the overall experience. I would have preferred if the narrative left more to the imagination, allowing the romance to unfold without those explicit scenes. In fact, I ended up forwarding through those parts.

Overall, I'd rate it a 3 because the spice, but I still recommend it for its engaging storyline and lighthearted fun. If you're looking for a rom-com that balances humor and romance without overdoing the spice, this could be a great choice!
Profile Image for Jules.
61 reviews
October 7, 2022
I love this book. Kayla is my type of girl with the no-care attitude about what she wears but has a huge heart. I also love Patrick- a sexy vet. The way the two of them banter makes me laugh. Anyone who has evert had a huge crush on a friend knows how it goes - do i admit the feelings at the risk of destroying an amazing friendship? I know I’ve been there!
I laughed out loud and Kayla and Patrick. I cried when Kayla goes to meet Allison- a little girl in a really sucky situation. I let out an annoyed breath when they were being dumb for hiding things from each other. Love this book!
2,396 reviews
July 3, 2024
An okay simple romance with the usual misunderstandings and mixed emotions and fear to commit, etc., etc., and so sweet and predictable. Of course, I want a romance that ends happily and because it is so predictable, no spoiler alert. An easy, summer-type read with a touch of spice done, of course, very sweetly.

I listened to this with Audible and Tanya Eby narrated with skill this very sweet story.
Profile Image for Courtney Venskus.
3 reviews
August 22, 2018
This book was very predictable. Girl gets ready to move away falls in love with boy and the saga continues. It however was very well written. This is the first novel I have read by this author. However I will try another because of her writing skill. Hopefully a different book will have a better plot.
224 reviews
June 2, 2019
Kayla was one of identical triplets just biding her time till her trust fund would free her to take off to Paris working for Patrick in his Animal clinic. They were best of friends until one day everything started to change and now neither knew where things would lead for them.
232 reviews
September 1, 2022
Repetitive. Rehashed the same feelings over and over and over and over. You get the idea. Heroine was immature and hero — well lets just say he wasn’t all that. I love this author but this missed the mark.
1,279 reviews
August 15, 2023
Interesting dynamic with the triplets. I enjoyed Kayla and Patrick's story although Kayla was a bit too immature in not being able to even have an adult conversation with Patrick. Looking forward to finding the other triplet's stories.
Profile Image for Dewey.
2,069 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2023
Interesting characters; good dialogue; loved Kayla's visits to the seniors and the injured child. But torturous, long drawn out, miscommunications because both characters are afraid of 'love' for differing reasons became tedious and left me just wishing this story would end.
Profile Image for Yodamom.
2,210 reviews216 followers
December 2, 2024
It was an okay quick short romance. I thought the characters were a little too much, the story a bit silly but it was an okay little audiobook for doing my gardening it didn't require any concentration.
Profile Image for Jann.
709 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2018
It was an okay read. I’ve always liked this author’s writing but her latest stuff is much preferable for me.
63 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2019
Fun book. I think I’ll read more of her books!
Profile Image for Laura D.
1,113 reviews
September 23, 2019
I didn't realize this was an older release when I picked it up for my kindle. It was a fun read. It has all the feels of Susan Mallery's older works. It is a best friend to lovers tale. Great read.
Profile Image for Dawn.
102 reviews
March 14, 2020
Great book!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the characters and their story. I can’t wait to read the next book in time series.
995 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2022
Meh. They've both got issues with communication, and the fact that he signs her paycheck never comes up.
Profile Image for Linda.
158 reviews
February 2, 2023
Good except for not telling each othe feelings upfront…wasted time
157 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2023
soooo cheesy. I’m bummed because I loved the boardwalk book shop. Maybe I’ll need to stick with her newer books!
Profile Image for Victoria Meblin.
226 reviews
July 7, 2023
Listened to audiobook through Libby. Cute, lighthearted best friends to lovers story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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