Title: Summer Days by Susan Mallery
Fool’s Gold Book Seven
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+
Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns with a new Fool’s Gold trilogy featuring three rugged cowboys who will find love in the unlikeliest of places…
Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to—the Castle Ranch in Fool’s Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could’ve prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he’s finding Heidi—and life as a cowboy—much more compelling than he wants to admit.
For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she’s always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won’t give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less…wholesome.
As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they’ll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.
The Review:
Susan Mallery once again gives her readers an emotionally complex story that is quite captivating and tremendously entertaining. Summer Days is a welcome addition to the heartwarming and remarkable Fool’s Gold series.
Summer Days is full of thoroughly charming (but slightly unrealistic) characters. Heading up the list is Heidi Simpson. Heidi is just so darn cute! She is devastated to learn that her grandfather Glen illegally sold part of Castle Ranch to May Stryker. Desperate to keep the home she has always longed for, she and May’s son, Rafe continually butt (sorry, I couldn’t resist!) heads while alternately fighting and giving into their simmering passion for one another. The romance between her and Rafe is understated and love between them grows slowly and naturally throughout the novel. Her friendship with Charlie and Annabelle is fun and their advice leads Heidi to make a decision she instantly regrets, but cannot easily undo.
Rafe Stryker grew up too fast following his father’s death. He became the man of the house, taking care of his mom, two brothers and sister. His expectations for his siblings are high, and when they inevitably fail to live up to them, he easily dismisses them from his life. He is easily exasperated by his mom’s shenanigans, but his love for her makes it easy for him to give in to her. Revisiting Fool’s Gold gives Rafe a new perspective on his past and his relationships with his siblings. Of all of the characters, Rafe has the most growth as he comes to terms with his past.
May Stryker and Glen Simpson are probably the most unrealistic but most delightful characters in Summer Days. May is quite whimsical and she has an air of innocence that I found irresistible. Glen is equally charming and his storyline with May is so incredibly sweet!
Summer Days is a truly wonderful story about family, friendship and love. The sex scenes between Rafe and Heidi are deliciously steamy and filled with passion. The tantalizing glimpses of Rafe’s siblings are quite intriguing and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Mallery has planned for them.
The Fool’s Gold series is one of my favorites and Susan Mallery does a wonderful job keeping it fresh and unique. I am eagerly awaiting Shane and Annabelle’s story, Summer Nights which will be in stores June 19th.
Find my reviews of the other books in the Fool’s Gold Series HERE
I like the sound of this-thanks Kathy!
It’s a FABULOUS Novel! Love, love, love Ms. Mallery! Been reading her for a long time!
Love Susan Mallery’s “Fool’s Gold” series and am excited about the 3 new ones coming out this summer. She is so great at bringing the characters and story to life as she weaves a tail of romance, humor and true love.
The series just gets better and better :-). I cannot wait to read Summer Nights!
I love Susan Mallery’s books, but the Fool’s Gold series is my favorite. I am looking forward to reading the books coming out this summer. I just wish I could read Summer Days on the beach with some kind of drink with an umbrella in it!! I love series because you learn more & more about the characters & Susan does a great job at that. Fool’s Gold a great town to live in where everyone helps each other out! Keep on Reading (Susan Mallery)!!
LOL! I agree! So looking forward to the next two books. LOVE the Stryker family!
I love Susan’s books and this one was great! I can’t wait to read the next two released this summer.
I am really looking forward to them too!
Susan’s Fool’s Gold series is my absolute favorite. Not only do you wish the town and characters were real, you feel like it all is. Susan goes above and beyond other authors by giving us updates between the stories and after the HEA through her website http://foolsgoldca.susanmallery.com/ I really enjoyed Rafe and Heidi’s story. Their love bloomed gradually and they were both really real characters. I look forward to reading more about our favorite fictional town this summer 😀
I have to confess I’m really looking forward to Clay’s story!!!
Looking forward to getting to this book. I have gotten through the first 3 books and love them so far.
Shelly, the series just gets better and better. Love, love, love the Stryker family!
I love the Fool’s Gold series by Susan Mallery. All of the books are different–some are more serious, and some are downright hilarious! It keeps the story line fresh and I don’t feel like “Oh, I’ve read this before; this is just like the last one.” I really enjoyed getting to know this new family and can’t wait to meet the other siblings. Now, I just wish there was a real Fool’s Gold!
I agree completely! I’ve been reading Ms. Mallery for a long time and Summer Days is a perfect example of why.
Susan Mallery delivers again in the next Fool’s Gold Series! Summer Days is a great summer read and should be on your must read list for the summer. Susan writes wonderful books, but the Fool’s Gold series has you always looking forward to the next book. I enjoyed Rafe, his family and can’t wait to meet his siblings in the books to come. Come on, who doesn’t love hot cowboys!!! If you’re looking for a series or even a fun summer read than Fool’s Gold is for you! Happy Reading!
Ms. Mallery hit the jackpot with this series. The next 2 books are going to be fabulous and I am very much looking forward to reading and reviewing them! Happy reading to you too.
Great review!!! Love this book and Fool’s Gold in general!
Thank you, Taylor. Visiting Fool’s Gold always leaves me with a smile on my face and eager for the next story.
She is one of my favorite authors and I love how she makes the characters come to life. We are lucky she is so proficient! I’m super excited for the next book this Summer!
So glad to have found your site!
Me too, Claire! I can’t wait for the next 2 books in the series. I am really looking forward to Clay’s story :P! And I am glad you found my site too :D!
SUMMER DAYS is the perfect beach read. It’s funny, romantic, sexy, and it’s light both in tone and in actual weight – you can toss the paperback into your beach bag and go. It should be on everyone’s must read list!