While not exactly a sequel, this book follows on from "Sex and the Serial Killer" which won the 2006 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence. It was the second of four quirky comedy romances which this author has so far published under the name Jennifer Skully. These are - Sex and the Serial Killer Fool's Gold Drop Dead Gorgeous Sheer Dynamite The fifth, "It must be magic" is due out in June 2007, and the sixth, "Your Heart or Mine," in April 2008. These books are not part of a series, and each stands on its own with one partial exception, which is this book. One of the main supporting characters of "Sex and the Serial Killer" is the hero of this book, "Fool's Gold." Shortly after the conclusion of the first book, Sherriff Tyler Braxton (Brax) goes away on holiday to stay with his sister. A few of the comments in "Fool's Gold" refer to events in the previous book and might be considered mild spoilers. So if you are minded to read both "Sex and the Serial Killer" and this novel, tackle the former book first. Brax arrives at the home in Goldstone of his sister Maggie to find that her marriage to her husband Carl is in trouble. He can't fully understand why; one possiblity is that his brother-in-law is having an affair with the town's so-called "Porn Queen," author Simone Chandler. (She has acquired this nicknme because she writes custom erotica on the internet.) When he meets Simone to investigate, Brax soon decides that his brother-in-law is not in fact playing around with her - but he can't get her out of his own mind, a sentiment which is reciprocated. Then one of the characters in the book turns up dead in unusual circumstances - and Simone's famous and overbearing mother turns up very much alive - and suddenly things get even more complicated ... One of the good things about Jennifer Skully's books is that you can't usually tell what's going to happen. When similar situations arise in more than one of her books, it's quite possible that they can turn out one way in one novel and the opposite way in another. The villain or villainess is rarely who you think it's going to be. But you can rely on it that the outcome will be manic, sexy, and funny. These books are capable of providing amusement to readers of both sexes; I originally bought all four of these books as presents for my wife and ended up reading them myself. If you like a quirky,funny, madcap romance novel, you will very probably like "Fool's Gold." N.B. Jennifer Skully also writes under two other pen names; as J.B. Skully she has written the "Max" series of dark romances which begins with "Dead to the Max"; as Jasmine Hayes she writes or contributes to adult fantasy books such as "Resolutions," "One Night Only" and "Somebody's Lover."
A surprise from beginning to end
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Fool's Gold was a surprise from beginning to end. It was not the usual romance, it was unique...as unique as the town of Goldstone itself. The setting and the people came to life through Skully's writing. Simone's job as an erotic storywriter on the internet was very unusual. Brax, the sheriff, was a hero any woman could fall for. The cast of many in this small town all added flavor to the story. Well done.
Another winner by Skully!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I look forward to each new Jennifer Skully novel. She creates quirky, loveable characters and dumps them in a heap of trouble. It's fun turning the pages to see how they'll get out of the next mess. I wasn't disappointed in FOOL'S GOLD and heartily recommend it!
A "Keeper".
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Tyler "Brax" Braxton is a sheriff in Cottonmouth, California. When he receives a frantic phone call from his sister, Maggie Felman, he decides to use some vacation time and visit her. Maggie believes her husband of ten years, Carl, is having an affair and plans to leave her. Brax arrives in Goldstone, Nevada, and cannot believe his eyes. Goldstone is like a ghost town. The nearest grocery store is thirty miles away and all the buildings fell to ruin during a fire catastrophe and then a flood catastrophe long ago - never to be rebuilt. Brax can't figure out how the few people that reside in Goldstone exists. As Brax and Carl chat in the only local bar, Brax finds his attention riveted by hot Simone Chandler. Then he learns that she earns her living by writing erotica fantasies for internet clients. Of course, his own imagination jumps to life. He soon realizes that people came to Goldstone to forget or be forgotten. Brax has plenty he would like to forget and found the idea fascinating. One thing is for sure, he finds Simone VERY fascinating and is soon finding time see her. All is going well, until Carl turns up murdered. Simone may live in a trailer and write erotica for a living, but everyone in the small town knows she would never harm a fly. Not even the sleazy Jason Lafoote, who is trying to get the permits needed to open a gambling resort in the area. But then the most horrible thing possible happens, her MOTHER comes to visit with the intention of making Simone move back home! ***** Romance, humor, mystery, hot scenes, and suspense ... it's all in here. HQN struck gold (no pun intended) when they got a contract with author Jennifer Skully. As much as I liked her previous book "Sex and the Serial Killer", I enjoyed this one even more! This is one novel you will not trade into a used a book store. It will head straight to you Keeper Shelf to be enjoyed again at a later date. Wonderful story that I highly recommend to all. ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
Don't Make Me Bring Out The Flying Monkeys
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Sheriff Tyler Braxton, Brax to friends and family, is visiting his sister Maggie in the small town of Goldstone. Nobody visits Goldstone for pleasure, it's a place people go when there's nowhere else to go. But Maggie needs Brax. She's sure her husband Carl is having an affair and wants Brax to investigate. Brax's snooping leads to more questions than answers. For example, why is Carl exchanging e-mails with Simone Chandler, internet erotica author? Although Brax finds Simone deliciously desirable, he is still suspicious of her. Why is she living in Goldstone and why is she e-mailing his sister's husband? Brax wants to learn more about Simone, a lot more. But before he can, Carl is found murdered! I love a heroine I can relate to. Simone is easy to connect with and immensely likable. She is voluptuous, smart, has a domineering mother, a fun sense of humor, and has lived through failure to try again. That Brax should find her fascinating is a given. Brax has known failure too, which makes him lovable but strong. He's clever, handsome, funny and very diplomatic. Their interaction is funny and sexy. Readers will enjoy Brax and Simone's love story but they will also be intrigued by Carl's activities, and later the mystery of his murder. Jennifer Skully has written Fool's Gold with plenty of plot twists and turns to keep the reader on edge wondering who the murderer could be. A funny, smart mystery with a healthy dose of romance, Fool's Gold is a sure bet! Annabelle Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
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