Completely Smitten

Completely Smitten by Susan Mallery is a romance novel that follows the journey of Haley Foster, a sheltered preacher's daughter, as she navigates her way out of her restrictive life in a small town. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Plot Summary

Haley Foster has always lived her life according to the expectations of her preacher father and the residents of her tiny hometown. However, she has begun to feel suffocated by these constraints and decides to take a bold step by running away to do all the "bad" things she's never done. Her adventure leads her to a hotel room where she meets U.S. Marshal Kevin Harmon, who is injured and in need of a ride from Kansas to Texas.

Haley, who owes Kevin a favor, offers to drive him in her tiny convertible. As they embark on their road trip, they find themselves in intimate hotel rooms, sharing moments of passion and discovery. Despite Kevin's initial reluctance to get involved with Haley due to his fear of commitment, they both begin to realize that they have been missing something in their lives. The journey becomes a wild adventure of self-discovery and love.

Key Themes

1. Self-Discovery: Haley's journey is about finding herself and living on her own terms. She seeks to break free from the expectations placed upon her by her father and the community.
2. Love and Desire: The novel explores the blossoming romance between Haley and Kevin, highlighting the red-hot desire that edges them towards falling in love.
3. Integrity and Commitment: Kevin's integrity and deep-rooted fear of commitment serve as a significant obstacle in their relationship, but ultimately, they both find a way to overcome these challenges.
4. Personal Growth: Both characters undergo significant personal growth as they navigate their feelings and learn to trust each other.

Critical Reception

While detailed reviews are scarce, the book has been well-received by readers. Here are some snippets from available reviews:

• Goodreads: The book is described as a "lovely story" about Haley's journey to stand up for herself and learn about love.
• Harlequin: It is praised as a "fan-favorite tale of growing up, finding yourself, and falling in love" from a New York Times #1 bestselling author.
• Maldivian Book Reviewer: The review mentions that along the way, Kevin and Haley both find in each other what they have both been missing in their lives, as friendship tinged with red-hot desire.

Publication Details

Completely Smitten was originally published in February 2003. It has since become a popular romance novel, often recommended for its engaging storyline and character development.

Overall, Completely Smitten is a heartwarming and passionate romance that explores themes of self-discovery, love, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of a thrilling road trip adventure.