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Fool's Gold #6.1
A Christmas Bride: Only Us / The Sheikh and the Christmas Bride
Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday Pet groomer Carina Fiore wants nothing more than to confess her feelings to the man she loves. She's drawn to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie's good looks, caring nature and especially his devotion to his young daughter. There's just one problem – he's her boss. Putting her heart on the line could cost Rina both her job and their friendship forever. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the simmering passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all. The Sheik and the Christmas Bride When Prince As'ad of El Deharia agrees to adopt three orphaned American girls, he does so on one condition – that their beautiful teacher, Kayleen James, become their nanny. His plan is to leave her to deal with the children as he continues his life, undisturbed. But all that changes when Kayleen and the girls invade the palace – and As'ad's heart.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
794 people are currently reading
2023 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
870 books15.6k 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
January 11, 2013
I'm pretty tough on this one, honestly this author is better than the material I read. It wasn't horribly written but the first story should have been removed it was an elaborate plot outline, no meat. The second story was better, but frankly the whole I'm a prince and what I say goes was boarderline insulting. Nope not my kind of tale, but I finished both but like empty calories it didn't even satisfy that long.
February 28, 2015
Two-haiku review:
Warning: Two old books
Repackaged as a new one
That said, I loved them
Hadn't read either
One was Fool's Gold novella
One old Silhouette
Warning: Two old books
Repackaged as a new one
That said, I loved them
Hadn't read either
One was Fool's Gold novella
One old Silhouette
July 2, 2019
Very short and sweet.
January 30, 2026
I love going to fools gold where the town has more women than men and it is run mainly by women. There were two short stories in here and I libeled the one in fools gold and felt like a vet and groomer who has known each other was a good one for a short romance. The other one in the dessert with kings and princes was a little fast for a romance and I wasn’t really a fan of the MMC. I felt like he wasn’t fully developed. Overall, cute Christmas stories but nothing that is life changing.
September 30, 2020
Love this series !!!
November 29, 2014
This book has a novella, Only Us, about pet groomer Carina Fiore and Fool’s Gold veterinarian Cameron McKenzie and a full length story, The Sheik and the Christmas Bride about Prince As’ad of El Deharia and teacher Kayleen James. Both these stories were very good and take place in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday.
In Only Us, Carina “Rina” Fiore is in love with Dr Cameron McKenzie and his daughter. In addition to being the groomer at the veterinary clinic, Rina doubles as a care giver for Cameron’s daughter, Kaitlyn. The problem is that Rina hasn’t let Cameron know about her feelings. Her friend finally convinces her that she can’t go on loving them from a distance. She needs to tell Cameron about her feelings.
Cameron is happy going along in his life with his daughter being his main concern and no entanglements with the opposite sex. Cameron’s wife left shortly after the birth of their daughter, Kaitlyn, saying that she didn’t want to be a mother. That abandonment threw Cameron “for a loop”. He had no idea that his wife felt that way and he felt betrayed by her. Since then, he has made it a point not to get involved with anyone.
Rina eventually “spills her guts” to Cameron but doesn’t get the reaction she was hoping for. Now she needs to pull herself together and find a way to go on with her life. Cameron doesn’t want the status quo to change and can’t see why things can’t go back the way they were. Rina doesn’t want to upset Kaitlyn but gives notice to Cameron that she’ll be getting her own place of business and that he’ll need to find a care giver for Kaitlyn in the new year.
Will Rina be able to move on without Cameron and Katilyn in her life? Will Cameron come to realize that Rina is more than a care giver and friend, before it’s too late?
In The Sheik and the Christmas Bride, Kayleen James has only known abandonment from her biological family and solace and belonging in the orphanage run by nuns in her old mid-west home town. She has been sent by the Mother Superior to go experience the world outside the orphanage gates. Kayleen finds herself in El Deharia at an orphanage as a teacher. She has also taken it upon herself to look out for 3 young half-American girls who recently lost their father after their mother had died almost a year before.
Prince As’ad is one of six sons to King Mukhtar. The King is always bemoaning the fact that he has no grandchildren yet since none of his son’s has seen fit to get married. His sister, Princess Dana, is enlisted to help see at least one of his sons settled down. Lina decides that Kayleen will be the perfect bride for As’ad, now how to get them together without seeming like they are being maneuvered into a relationship?
In Only Us, Carina “Rina” Fiore is in love with Dr Cameron McKenzie and his daughter. In addition to being the groomer at the veterinary clinic, Rina doubles as a care giver for Cameron’s daughter, Kaitlyn. The problem is that Rina hasn’t let Cameron know about her feelings. Her friend finally convinces her that she can’t go on loving them from a distance. She needs to tell Cameron about her feelings.
Cameron is happy going along in his life with his daughter being his main concern and no entanglements with the opposite sex. Cameron’s wife left shortly after the birth of their daughter, Kaitlyn, saying that she didn’t want to be a mother. That abandonment threw Cameron “for a loop”. He had no idea that his wife felt that way and he felt betrayed by her. Since then, he has made it a point not to get involved with anyone.
Rina eventually “spills her guts” to Cameron but doesn’t get the reaction she was hoping for. Now she needs to pull herself together and find a way to go on with her life. Cameron doesn’t want the status quo to change and can’t see why things can’t go back the way they were. Rina doesn’t want to upset Kaitlyn but gives notice to Cameron that she’ll be getting her own place of business and that he’ll need to find a care giver for Kaitlyn in the new year.
Will Rina be able to move on without Cameron and Katilyn in her life? Will Cameron come to realize that Rina is more than a care giver and friend, before it’s too late?
In The Sheik and the Christmas Bride, Kayleen James has only known abandonment from her biological family and solace and belonging in the orphanage run by nuns in her old mid-west home town. She has been sent by the Mother Superior to go experience the world outside the orphanage gates. Kayleen finds herself in El Deharia at an orphanage as a teacher. She has also taken it upon herself to look out for 3 young half-American girls who recently lost their father after their mother had died almost a year before.
Prince As’ad is one of six sons to King Mukhtar. The King is always bemoaning the fact that he has no grandchildren yet since none of his son’s has seen fit to get married. His sister, Princess Dana, is enlisted to help see at least one of his sons settled down. Lina decides that Kayleen will be the perfect bride for As’ad, now how to get them together without seeming like they are being maneuvered into a relationship?
October 28, 2012
1. Love going back to Fool's Gold. Can't go wrong with that little town and it's inhabitants.
2. Fun little story - a little more character development would make it a better read for me, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. We got to learn about the one son and the Aunt, Now what about the King and the other 5 sons?
2. Fun little story - a little more character development would make it a better read for me, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. We got to learn about the one son and the Aunt, Now what about the King and the other 5 sons?
November 16, 2014
This one is two separate Christmas romances. The first is a short story, very well written and definitely Christmas centered. The second is a full book, a wonderful romance, but not as focused on the holidays. this is the second book by Susan Mallery that I've read and I am definitely adding her to my list of preferred authors.
September 24, 2012
This was a very cute novella by Susan Mallery. It is part of the Fool's Gold series and was a fun read!
June 5, 2013
Not the most spectacular romance, I think I'll stick to Nora Roberts or R.L. Matheson
September 8, 2025
This review is only for the Only Us novella.
***MINOR SPOILERS ***
This novella is connected to the Fool’s Gold series.
This novella tells the story of Rina and Cameron. Rina has been in love with Cameron since she met him a year ago. She is hoping that he will “see” her, but he has been emotionally scarred by the mother of his child leaving suddenly and permanently.
Rina is integrated into Cameron’s life. She is a dog groomer at his vet clinic. She also takes care of his 8 year old child before and after school. They have a good relationship and are friends. Cameron is afraid of opening himself up to more.
In several places, the book transitions from one sentence to the next to a different point of view or a different scene. It can take a minute to realize that. In addition, there are places where editing mistakes are made. For example, Rina is referred to as Kaitlyn (Cameron’s daughter).
Simon, from another book in the series, makes an appearance.
The novella is ok. The author is not able to convey much depth which you can blame on it being a novella, but I have found this to be true in her books lately. There isn’t a lot to the story.
For those who like her books, this novella will suit. She tends to write in a consistent fashion.
***MINOR SPOILERS ***
This novella is connected to the Fool’s Gold series.
This novella tells the story of Rina and Cameron. Rina has been in love with Cameron since she met him a year ago. She is hoping that he will “see” her, but he has been emotionally scarred by the mother of his child leaving suddenly and permanently.
Rina is integrated into Cameron’s life. She is a dog groomer at his vet clinic. She also takes care of his 8 year old child before and after school. They have a good relationship and are friends. Cameron is afraid of opening himself up to more.
In several places, the book transitions from one sentence to the next to a different point of view or a different scene. It can take a minute to realize that. In addition, there are places where editing mistakes are made. For example, Rina is referred to as Kaitlyn (Cameron’s daughter).
Simon, from another book in the series, makes an appearance.
The novella is ok. The author is not able to convey much depth which you can blame on it being a novella, but I have found this to be true in her books lately. There isn’t a lot to the story.
For those who like her books, this novella will suit. She tends to write in a consistent fashion.
July 7, 2018
This had two books in it.
Only Us: While I vaguely remember the vet being mentioned in a previous book he did not really make an impression. However, the story was quick and because of Rina and her love for him it was hard not to love him. He was stubborn, but eventually got with the program. I liked that Rina put herself out there and was then strong enough to not settle.
The Sheik and the Christmas Bride: I have not read anything from this series until now so I was not familiar with the characters, but I did enjoy the story. Kayleen was open and honest and deserved to have a good life. As'ad was stubborn but not spoiled and needed someone to show him there was more to life than work, and the importance of feelings. The king meant well by finding her long lost mother, but Kayleen did not deserve to have her, especially when she turned out to just be after money. I enjoyed this book and will be going back to the beginning of the series!
Only Us: While I vaguely remember the vet being mentioned in a previous book he did not really make an impression. However, the story was quick and because of Rina and her love for him it was hard not to love him. He was stubborn, but eventually got with the program. I liked that Rina put herself out there and was then strong enough to not settle.
The Sheik and the Christmas Bride: I have not read anything from this series until now so I was not familiar with the characters, but I did enjoy the story. Kayleen was open and honest and deserved to have a good life. As'ad was stubborn but not spoiled and needed someone to show him there was more to life than work, and the importance of feelings. The king meant well by finding her long lost mother, but Kayleen did not deserve to have her, especially when she turned out to just be after money. I enjoyed this book and will be going back to the beginning of the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
Only Us: a very short Fool’s Gold novella. Pet groomer Rina has been holding a torch for the veterinarian Cameron, with whom she shares the office. Not to mention she’s the nanny for his preteen daughter. When she finally speaks up and tells him her feelings, will he reciprocate or will she scare him off?
Sheik and the Christmas Bride: Kayleen is a teacher in an orphanage in a small country in the middle east. When three young girls are threatened to be taken away by a tribe, Prince As’ad offers to take them in as long as Kayleen comes along as their nanny. The fiery Kayleen charms As’ad even with all their cultural differences.
Both were cute stories.
Sheik and the Christmas Bride: Kayleen is a teacher in an orphanage in a small country in the middle east. When three young girls are threatened to be taken away by a tribe, Prince As’ad offers to take them in as long as Kayleen comes along as their nanny. The fiery Kayleen charms As’ad even with all their cultural differences.
Both were cute stories.
June 8, 2017
this is book 6.1 in series. It's the story of Carina Fiore a pet groomer and Cameron McKenzie a vet. Cameron is a single father of Kaitlyn young girl. Carina ends up secretly falling in love with him. She has become very close with Kaitlyn and feels like her mom. She finally gets the courage to tell Cameron how she feels and he is surprised and scared to feel his own feelings about Carina. At first, he tries to fight the feelings and ends up pushing Carina away. Kaitlyn is so sad and Cameron finally admits to his feelings for Carina. HEA
November 16, 2017
Cute stories
Rina is happy working as a veterinarian tech with Cameron Mckenzie in Fool's Gold. She loves how he is warm and caring and especially devoted to his young daughter. She's just afraid to act on her feelings because, after all, he is her boss. But a judiciously placed sprig of mistletoe helps both Rina and Cam find their way.
The second story is about a sheik who is used to getting his own way - love or any other emotion having no place in his life - until he meets 3 orphans and their teacher.
Rina is happy working as a veterinarian tech with Cameron Mckenzie in Fool's Gold. She loves how he is warm and caring and especially devoted to his young daughter. She's just afraid to act on her feelings because, after all, he is her boss. But a judiciously placed sprig of mistletoe helps both Rina and Cam find their way.
The second story is about a sheik who is used to getting his own way - love or any other emotion having no place in his life - until he meets 3 orphans and their teacher.
December 6, 2025
I normally love Susan Mallery but these two stories felt so rushed and there was so little meat to the stories I was really disappointed. It was almost like a writing project where the writer was just getting ideas out or exploring a character or setting.
I really wish the first story had been a whole book because I loved the characters and idea but it was basically just the end! I want the 200 pages of build up!
I really wish the first story had been a whole book because I loved the characters and idea but it was basically just the end! I want the 200 pages of build up!
December 27, 2018
Two fun, romantic stories. The first one is a novella set in Fool's Gold. The second is a full-length novel from Mallery's Shiek series. Though very different settings and characters, both involved women who had to leave before their men realized what it meant to love someone. A must-read addition to any Mallery fan's collection.
October 6, 2019
Carina "Rina" Fiore, pet groomer, has loved the town vet since she first laid eyes on him. She has also bonded with his daughter. This year, for Christmas, Rina decides she's going to give herself the gift of love and let Cameron know her feelings. His reaction is a little shaky at first but they eventually figure it out..
November 22, 2020
2.5 stars
Only Us: 3 stars. Short, sweet, and festive.
The Sheikh and the Christmas Bride: 2 stars. It started out okay. The whole nanny and the surly father is very Sound of Music and I'm very into that. But the more I read the less I liked it. It just lacked any relationship development and I really disliked the whole mom storyline at the end
Only Us: 3 stars. Short, sweet, and festive.
The Sheikh and the Christmas Bride: 2 stars. It started out okay. The whole nanny and the surly father is very Sound of Music and I'm very into that. But the more I read the less I liked it. It just lacked any relationship development and I really disliked the whole mom storyline at the end
November 27, 2017
This series rocks !!!! Fools Gold sounds absolutely perfect and the characters are phenomenal. Susan Mallery does an excellent job putting this whole series together and it seems like she never leaves a character out. I love it !!!
December 7, 2017
Meh. I should have realized this was part of two separate series I am unfamiliar with. I really need a light, clean, happy Christmas read, a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. This was not it. Any suggestions?
May 30, 2018
I enjoyed this short story. It was well written -however, the title is deceiving.
There was NO bride. There was an engagement- the wedding was to be in the spring. The book ended before Christmas. Thus, no "Christmas Bride".
There was NO bride. There was an engagement- the wedding was to be in the spring. The book ended before Christmas. Thus, no "Christmas Bride".
December 23, 2023
2 stories in 1 book. First is a short, undeveloped story. Second is better but kinda cliche with the arab royalty rags-to-riches romance instigated by meddling aunt. Both very meh...second better written and developed.
Not sure why the title is Christmas bride as neither romance really have such.
Not sure why the title is Christmas bride as neither romance really have such.
February 28, 2024
i read this through my local library leaning program. i've not read others from this series. but glad i read this one ...love a good Christmas read ...fun times. gorgeous book cover. will read more from SM soon enough.
January 1, 2025
At first I was disappointed that this was a book of short stories. In actuality, it was one short story and one longer one. Both stories were enjoyable with the second one having a little "heat" to it.
Fun romance stories that can make you blush and kind of wish they wouldn't end.
Fun romance stories that can make you blush and kind of wish they wouldn't end.
June 15, 2017
Good story with Rina, and vet dr. Cameron, but like all the Fool's Gold novellas, just too short.
November 29, 2017
This made me want to read a series of hers that I have never read before. Wonderful book!
October 16, 2018
Not a lot of character development in either of the stories. Overall, a quick read.
December 8, 2018
it was OK. It was a novella so it was very short.
December 31, 2018
I read this a while ago. It was a fine story but the couple wasn't my favorite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews