Category Archives: Susan Mallery

June 18, 2012 · 3:56 am

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

May 28, 2012 · 3:57 am

Summer Days by Susan Mallery

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

21 Comments

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