Dream Casting Books to TV: Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold Franchise (Part 3)

By Rueben | August 14, 2018

Over the last two months, I have brought our readers a new series of articles, focusing on my dream casting if the Fool’s Gold book franchise by author Susan Mallery were ever to be made into a TV series. If you haven’t done so already, please check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this Dream Casting article series.

The next set of books and the actors and actresses who I think would be terrific in the lead roles, based on the Who’s Who description page for the Fool’s Gold books, are below:

Halfway There
Released: May 2013

Fayrene Hopkins may be only twenty-four years old, but she runs her own business and has big plans—plans that don’t involve falling in love yet. She’s determined to make her mark on the world before settling down.

She thinks she’s got life all figured out—until she meets Ryan Patterson on her latest job. Fayrene senses his interest in her, and she has to admit he gets her pulse racing. Luckily, starting a relationship with Ryan is safe—he’s leaving Fool’s Gold when his work contract is up.

Ryan has goals of his own and a job waiting for him in Texas. He doesn’t expect to get waylaid by a sassy blonde and cozy town. But what started out as temporary is starting to look like the real thing. If only he can convince Fayrene that some plans are made to be broken.

MY CASTING:

Fayrene Hopkins – Hayden Panettiere (Nashville and Heroes)

Ryan Patterson – Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf and Supergirl)

Just One Kiss
Released: June 2013

Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw’s otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he’s back in Fool’s Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won’t abandon her again—and her daughter, too?

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He’s returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can’t resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice’s past doesn’t make him husband, or father, material.

Patience and Justice think they’ll succumb to just one kiss… Then one more… Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone’s control.

MY CASTING:

Justice Garrett – Andrew Walker (When Calls the Heart and 12 Hallmark Channel movies, including Love Struck Café, Date with Love and The Perfect Catch)

Patience McGraw – Marie Avgeropoulos (The 100 and the box office movie Tracers)

Two of a Kind
Released: July 2013

Felicia Swift never dreamed she’d hear a deep, sexy voice from her past in tiny Fool’s Gold, California. The last time Gideon Boylan whispered in her ear was half a world away…on the morning after the hottest night of her life. Her freaky smarts have limited her close friendships, and romance, but she came to Fool’s Gold looking for ordinary. Gorgeous, brooding Gideon is anything but that.

Black Ops taught Gideon that love could be deadly. Now he pretends to fit in while keeping everyone at arm’s length. Felicia wants more than he can give—a home, family, love—but she has a lot to learn about men…and Gideon needs to be the man to teach her.
As these two misfits discover that passion isn’t the only thing they have in common, they just might figure out that two of a kind should never be split apart.

MY CASTING:

Felicia Swift – Bridget Regan (The Last Ship, Jane the Virgin and Legend of the Seeker and the Hallmark Channel movies Getaway Christmas and Magic Stocking)

Gideon Boylan – Brandon Routh (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and Chuck and the Hallmark Channel movie The Nine Lives of Christmas)

Three Little Words
Released: August 2013

Isabel Beebe thinks she’s cursed in the romance department. Her teenage crush, Ford Hendrix, ignored all her letters. Her husband left her for another…man. So Isabel has come home to dust off her passion for fashion and run the family bridal shop until her parents are ready to sell it. Then she’ll pursue her real dreams. At least, that’s the plan, until sexy, charming Ford returns and leaves her feeling fourteen all over again.

Seeing Isabel all grown up hits bodyguard trainer Ford like a sucker punch. Back when heartbreak made him join the military, her sweet letters kept him sane. Now he can’t take his eyes—or his lips—off her. The man who gave up on love has a reason to stay in Fool’s Gold forever—if three little words can convince Isabel to do the same….

MY CASTING:

Isabel Beebe – Katie Cassidy (Arrow and Supernatural and the box office movies Taken and Monte Carlo)

Ford Hendrix – Bradley James (Merlin and iZombie and the box office film Underworld: Blood Wars)

Fool’s Gold Cookbook
Released: September 2013

Fool’s Gold is known as the Land of Happy Endings, but it’s also the land of heart appetites. Throughout the series, the residents of Fool’s Gold have found joy, comfort and good times through food. Now two local Fool’s Gold chefs will also find love through food! Join Ana Raquel and Greg as they flirt, fight, and fall in love, one season at a time, in a heartwarming love story woven throughout the recipes.

With chapters for summer, spring, fall and winter, you can find the perfect recipe for everything from holiday get-togethers to cozy date nights, always using the freshest ingredients. The more than 150 recipes and dozens of gorgeous photographs in this book will inspire you to find perfection in the simple and the seasonal. And with all of Fool’s Gold with you in the kitchen, your every celebration will have a happy ending!

MY CASTING:

Ana Raquel Hopkins – Sammi Hanratty (Pushing Daisies, Salem and Shameless and the made-for-TV movie Seeds of Yesterday)

Greg Clary – Dominic Sherwood (Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments and the box office film Vampire Academy)

When We Met
Released: May 2014

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can’t be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool’s Gold, California he’s cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he’s not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing – she can go toe-to-toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops soldier Angel targets her for seduction and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in 4-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

MY CASTING:

Taryn Crawford – Sarah Lancaster (Chuck and Everwood and four Hallmark Channel movies, including Fir Crazy and Looking for Mr. Right)

Angel Whittaker – Paul Greene (Bitten and When Calls the Heart and seven Hallmark Channel movies, including Christmas in Angel Falls and Campfire Kiss)

Before We Kiss
Released: June 2014

Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women – from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at a bar in Fool’s Gold looks harmless – until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.

Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend’s bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped “wild youth” to raise her sisters. She doesn’t want forever from Sam, but all night would’ve been nice.

His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires her to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam’s luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?

MY CASTING:

Dellina Hopkins – Elena Satine (The Gifted and Revenge)

Sam Ridge – Keegan Allen (Pretty Little Liars and Major Crimes)

Until We Touch
Released: July 2014

After a family tragedy, former football hero Jack McGarry keeps the world at arm’s length – a challenge now that his PR firm has moved to neighborly Fool’s Gold.

Larissa Owens knows where she stands – Jack’s her boss, not her boyfriend. No matter what her heart says. But then Larissa’s big secret is revealed…by her mother!

When Jack discovers Larissa’s feelings, her touch suddenly becomes tantalizing, and he’s not sure he wants to resist. But if he gives in to desire, heartache is sure to follow. Friendship or true love– will Jack go for the ultimate play?

MY CASTING:

Larissa Owens – Claire Holt (The Originals and Aquarius)

Jack McGarry – Robbie Amell (The Tomorrow People and The Flash and the Netflix movie When We First Met)

Christmas on 4th Street
Released: November 2014

Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of every minute. That’s why she ditched a frustrating legal career to open her own store in Fool’s Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that’s magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush.

Gabriel’s memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugar plums, thanks to a drill sergeant father who ran his home like a boot camp. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from injury sounds as appetizing as last year’s eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle…and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can’t stop sharing.

Gabriel didn’t think he was made for happily-ever-after. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse.

MY CASTING:

Noelle Perkins – Cindy Busby (Cedar Cove and Heartland and the Hallmark Channel movies Unleashing Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy)

Gabriel Boylan – Ryan Paevey (General Hospital and three Hallmark Channel movies Unleashing Mr. Darcy, Marrying Mr. Darcy and Harvest Love)

Yours for Christmas
Released: November 2014

Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot, he’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together.

MY CASTING:

Kenny Scott – Zachary Levi (Chuck and Alias Grace, the box office movie Thor: The Dark World and the upcoming box office movie Shazam!)

Bailey Voss – Sophie Skelton (Outlander and the streaming series Ren)

Please be on the look-out soon for the last part of this article series about making Susan Mallery‘s books into a TV series.