Summer Nights by Susan Mallery

Title: Summer Nights by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Book Eight
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he’s determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher’s wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill.

Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can’t understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool’s Gold festival. And maybe while he’s at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too—some lessons, a girl shouldn’t learn from reading a book!

The Review:

Summer Nights by Susan Mallery is a delightfully heartwarming romance. This latest installment in the Fool’s Gold series featuring Annabelle Weiss and Shane Stryker is absolutely divine and utterly captivating.

Annabelle Weiss moved to Fool’s Gold following her divorce. She learned valuable lessons from her first marriage and she is not willing to settle for any man who does not fully accept her as she is. Annabelle is fun, feisty and down to earth. She is a loyal and caring friend and she is willing to do just about anything for her friends.

Shane Stryker is the perfect fit for feminine, girly girl Annabelle. He is a genuinely nice man who is laid back and finds it impossible to say no to anyone. He, too, is divorced but he has a lot more emotional baggage and hang-ups than Annabelle. He is looking for a quiet woman to share his life with, and he is quite adamant that Annabelle is not that woman.

Characters from previous books in the series play prominent roles in Summer Nights. Heidi and Rafe are in the midst of planning their wedding. May and Glen are continually popping in and out. May’s menagerie is ever growing much to Shane’s dismay. Butt model Clay Stryker shows up late in the book and dispenses some pretty sound advice to Shane. Charlie Dixon finally opens up and reveals her painful past.

I really enjoyed watching Shane and Annabelle come together as a couple. The sexual chemistry between them burns hot and their lovemaking is incredibly passionate. The dialogue between them is playful and witty. Their relationship hits quite a few bumps, but they are always honest with one another and for the most part, there is good communication between them. What I like most about Shane is that he is willing to admit when he is wrong and he takes responsibility for his actions.

Strong family ties, close friendships and a sense of community are the heart and soul of Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. You will find all of that and more in Summer Days. The characters are well-developed with realistic flaws and true to life actions. The town pulls together to protect their own and they are always willing to help one another when needed. Always a charming place to visit, I am greatly anticipating Clay and Charlie’s story, All Summer Long.

Find my reviews of the other books in the Fool’s Gold Series HERE.

3 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Fools Gold Series, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Rated B+, Romance, Summer Nights, Susan Mallery

3 Responses to Summer Nights by Susan Mallery

  1. Timitra

    Adding this series to my wishlist-thanks Kathy!

  2. Melissa M

    I really love the close ties in this series also…… The town is one bbig family that will be there for you weather you like it or not!! I just loved Summer Days and Summer Nights. Can not wait for All Summer Long!!! 🙂
    Rah, Rah, Yee-Haw!!

  3. Summer Nights is a great summer read. I love that Annabelle wanted to learn how to ride a horse for her fundraiser for her bookmobile that she cares so much about. I don’t want to give away anything. There was so many twists & turns in this book! I love that so much. There is 1 thing that I absolutely love a lot, but I can not say. My daughter is disabled & she takes horseback riding lessons. Summer Nights is my favorite book in the entire Fool’s Gold series! I give 5 stars! Way to go Susan Mallery!!