In modern contemporary romance, few authors capture the comforting, gossipy warmth of a small town quite like New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery. Nestled beautifully in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, her fictional town of Fool’s Gold has become a legendary sanctuary for romance readers worldwide. Known humorously at the start of the series for its severe man shortage and an abundance of fiercely independent women, the town serves as a vibrant backdrop for high-stakes career changes, deep healing, and legendary town traditions orchestrated by its colorful matchmaking mayor, Marsha.
Mallery’s genius lies in her interconnected world-building. Though each full-length novel features a completely self-contained, standalone romance with a guaranteed Happy Ever After (HEA), the characters share gym memberships, run local boutiques, and act as bridesmaids for one another across the books. To get the absolute most out of the town’s evolving history, navigating the series group-by-group is the ultimate strategy. Below is the definitive guide to reading Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold books in order.
Why the Fool’s Gold Series Hooks You In
- The Power of Small-Town Community: Fool’s Gold isn’t just a setting; it’s an active character where neighbors genuinely care, festival themes are taken with absolute seriousness, and everyone is invested in your love life.
- Brilliantly Packaged Trilogies: Mallery uniquely organizes the series into structural cycles of three, usually focusing on a specific group of siblings, best friends, or visiting professionals.
- The Unforgettable Mayor Marsha: As the town’s eccentric, brilliant mayor, Marsha’s sneaky, strategic corporate recruitment and matchmaking schemes provide a delightful, comedic thread connecting every single book.
1. The “Perfect” Trilogy (The Foundations)
This introductory trio sets up the initial premise of Fool’s Gold, focusing on the town’s efforts to revitalize its economy and the early newcomers who find unexpected roots.
- Chasing Perfect (2010) – City planner Charity Jones arrives in town looking for a fresh start, only to find herself clashing with the impossibly handsome, defensive former pro-cyclist Josh Golden.
- Almost Perfect (2010) – Focuses on Ethan Hendrix, who is stunned when his first love, Liz, returns to town with the deeply hidden secret of the son he never knew existed.
- Sister of the Bride (2010) – Novella (#2.5) – A charming, brief wedding-themed short story detailing second chances and sudden family chaos.
- Finding Perfect (2010) – When logic-driven numerical expert Pia O’Brian accidentally inherits a set of genetic embryos instead of a family cat, she finds an unexpected companion in a rugged local.
2. The “Only” Hendrix Triplets Trilogy
This fan-favorite arc shifts the focus directly to the Hendrix family triplets—three incredibly close but wildly different sisters navigating high-profile town developments.
- Only Mine (2011) – Maya Hendrix has zero intentions of settling down, but a massive man shortage event brings a handsome, protective structural engineer into her immediate orbit.
- Only Yours (2011) – Follows triplet Montana Hendrix and her therapy dog as they work to heal the deep emotional scars of a guarded, visiting surgeon.
- Only His (2011) – The third triplet, Nevada Hendrix, thinks she has her life fully mapped out until her devastatingly attractive first love rides back into town.
- Only Us (2011) – Holiday Novella (#6.5) – A sweet Christmas addition exploring simmering passions that finally unlock beneath a festive layer of mistletoe.
- Almost Summer (2012) – Novella (#6.75) – Tracks a traveling British surgeon whose temporary pit stop in the Sierra Nevadas risks turning into a permanent stay.
3. The “Summer” Trilogy
Drenched in sunshine and outdoor adventures, this cycle follows characters exploring the stunning natural landscape, lakes, and local tourism of Fool’s Gold.
- Summer Days (2012) – Focuses on a rugged search-and-rescue worker who finds his structured, calculated life turned completely upside down by a vibrant romantic pairing.
- Summer Nights (2012) – A delightful, high-chemistry romance proving that some lessons are meant to be experienced firsthand rather than read about in a library book.
- All Summer Long (2012) – Explores whether a passionate, short-term summer fling can truly transition into a lifetime of small-town devotion.
- A Fool’s Gold Christmas (2012) – Holiday Novel (#9.5) – A heartwarming seasonal tale showing that even the most cynical hearts can experience miracles when winter arrives in town.
- Halfway There (2013) – Novella (#9.75) – Young love and high ambitions collide in a quick, deeply engaging transition story.
4. The “Kiss & Tell” Trilogy
This arc brings high-stress security professionals, bodyguards, and brilliant academic minds into town, leading to immediate corporate and personal friction.
- Just One Kiss (2013) – When a highly protective, elite bodyguard relocates to the quiet streets of Fool’s Gold, a single, impulsive kiss rapidly escalates into a major commitment.
- Two of a Kind (2013) – Centered on Felicia, a freakishly brilliant woman who understands complex data effortlessly but has everything to learn about the messy realities of romance.
- Three Little Words (2013) – A man who completely gave up on the concept of domestic bliss finds a permanent reason to stay—if he can just find the courage to say three little words.
- Christmas on 4th Street (2013) – Holiday Novel (#12.5) – Set within a charming holiday shop, two emotionally guarded people find an unexpected forever love amidst the winter snow.
5. The “Touch” Trilogy
Focusing heavily on public relations, security training, and intense workplace proximity, this set ups the banter and contemporary style of the series.
- When We Met (2014) – A tough-talking, quick-witted Fool’s Gold PR expert meets her match when an alpha bodyguard trainer targets her for a masterclass in seduction.
- Before We Kiss (2014) – Explores what happens when heavy professional boundaries begin to completely blur during close corporate collaborations.
- Until We Touch (2014) – A high-friction, deeply emotional romance centered on breaking down personal walls and finding ultimate trust.
- Yours for Christmas (2014) – Holiday Novella (#15.5) – A festive, fast-paced holiday romance celebrating winter weddings and cozy snowstorms.
6. The “Me” Trilogy & The Grand Finale
The final major full-length book cycle in the core series brings the sweeping small-town saga to a beautifully satisfying and festive conclusion.
- Hold Me (2015) – A gorgeous, emotionally rich contemporary look at unexpected connections and finding a true home in the mountains.
- Kiss Me (2015) – High-energy banter and sweet domestic chemistry define this fan-favorite late-series entry.
- Thrill Me (2015) – A deeply satisfying, high-stakes romance that proves small towns hold the biggest adventures.
- Marry Me at Christmas (2015) – Holiday Novel – A glittering, festive masterpiece focusing on a bridal boutique owner organizing a high-profile winter wedding.
- Best of My Love (2016) – The definitive twentieth full-length novel in the main timeline, wrapping up the core social circles of the town.
- A Kiss in the Snow (2016) – Holiday Novella – A beautiful, snowy companion piece exploring the romance of wintertime traditions.
- A Fool’s Gold Wedding (2020) – The Grand Epilogue – A special, long-awaited return to the town to celebrate a highly anticipated community wedding.
Companion Cookbooks & Extras
- Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold Cookbook (2013) – A highly unique companion piece containing 150 delicious recipes interwoven with a brand-new, exclusive companion short story titled Sweeter with You.
About the Author: Susan Mallery
Susan Mallery is an absolute titan in modern women’s fiction and contemporary romance literature. With millions of copies of her books in print globally, she is widely celebrated for her deeply nuanced understanding of female friendships, complex family dynamics, and the comforting allure of small-town communities.
Mallery is famously prolific, frequently appearing at the very top of the New York Times bestseller list. Known for her warm humor, approachability, and deep love for animals (which frequently play major roles as therapy dogs or town pets in her series), she lives in Washington state with her family. Her ability to craft expansive, multi-year fictional towns like Fool’s Gold and its successor series, Happily Inc, has earned her a permanent place in the hearts of romance readers everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I absolutely have to read the Fool’s Gold series in exact order?
No, you do not have to. Mallery intentionally writes each full-length novel so that the central romantic mystery and pairing are entirely resolved by the final page. However, because recurring town characters like Mayor Marsha and the Hendrix family play heavy roles across multiple books, reading them out of order will cause you to miss out on the fun progression of local businesses and ongoing family developments.
Is the Fool’s Gold series officially finished?
Yes. Susan Mallery concluded the main, overarching timeline of the series with Best of My Love and the festive short stories in 2016, later returning for a special celebratory wrap-up novel, A Fool’s Gold Wedding, in 2020. Fans looking for a similar vibe should immediately jump into her spin-off/companion town series, Happily Inc.
Which Fool’s Gold book was adapted into a movie?
Her beloved holiday novel, Marry Me at Christmas, was officially adapted into a smash-hit, highly rated television movie by the Hallmark Channel as part of their famous “Countdown to Christmas” programming event.
What other small-town romance series are similar to Fool’s Gold?
If you have completely read through the entire Fool’s Gold catalog and crave a similar blend of matchmaking, gossipy small towns, and tight-knit families, you should immediately dive into Sherryl Woods (Sweet Magnolias series) and Robyn Carr (Virgin River series).
Conclusion: Find Your Spot in the Sierra Nevadas
The Final Verdict: Susan Mallery didn’t just write a romance series; she built a warm, fictional haven where readers can escape the chaos of the real world. To experience the maximum emotional payoff and watch this legendary community take shape from the ground up, start your journey directly with Chasing Perfect (2010) and follow the town’s trail all the way to its grandest celebrations.
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