Book Review: Summer Days by Susan Mallery

Title: Summer Days (Amazon)
Series: Fool’s Gold, #7
Author: Susan Mallery 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: NetGalley
Published: May 2012 by HQN Books

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.

Why I Read this Book: I’m in love with the town of Fool’s Gold. I love the sense of community and the bond between the people who live there. And I like ‘catching up’ with the characters whose stories I’ve already read.

What I Liked: Heidi is a good person and I wanted her to have a HEA. Her grandfather made a huge mistake and she takes the brunt of the responsibility for his actions. She’ll do whatever it takes to keep the ranch, the only place she wants to call home. And as much as she may have wanted to hate May for being in the position they all were in, she couldn’t. She knows May is a good person.

May was a sweetheart. A little too nice (and maybe a little too naïve) but her heart was in the right place. And speaking of Rafe’s family, I’m glad his brother Shane is getting his own book and I can’t wait to read it. I’d like to read more about Clay as well. Clay’s a butt model ;)

The author paints the town of Fool’s Gold so vividly. I get such a true feel of belonging, like I’m right there in the book. I want to live there.

What I Didn’t Like: Heidi’s lawyer advised Heidi to sleep with Rafe in hopes of him dropping the law suit, thus giving Heidi the ranch. It was a despicable suggestion, even for a lawyer.

 Rafe, being the successful business man that he is, doesn’t read legal-binding contracts before signing them? This was hard for me to swallow. The first time he made this mistake, he ended up in a battle over the ranch. Then he does it again when his mother sells her condo? I get that he’s a busy man and may not have the time to go over and read every single important legal document that comes his way but isn’t that what he has Dante for? Dante is, after all, his lawyer (and business partner).

Memorable Moment:

“You’re not going to start peeing on trees to mark everything, are you?”

He laughed. “Maybe when we know each other better.”

Overall Impression: Summer Days was a great addition to the Fool’s Gold series. It works as a stand alone read as well but it’s nice to start from the beginning to get familiar with the town and its residents. Susan Mallery is my go-to author when I’m in the mood for a cozy contemporary romance. Fans of Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series will appreciate the small town setting and the bond between the community as well as a blooming romance between two people as they fall in love.

Brianna’s Rating: