Title: Summer Nights
Series: Fool’s Gold, #8
Author: Susan Mallery
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: review copy from author
Published: June 2012 by HQN Books
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!
Why I Read this Book: I’m hooked on this series! I have read just about every Fool’s Gold book.
What I Liked: The friendship between Annabelle, Heidi, and Charlie. They’re somewhat the ‘newbies’ in town and have formed a bond with one another.
It’s nice that even though Shane is successful (and rich) because of his race horses and breeding business, he doesn’t act like a douche. He’s well off but doesn’t throw dollar bills around.
We find out what happened in Charlie’s past.
What I Didn’t Like: Annabelle’s ex-husband came into the picture to stir up some drama. It didn’t do anything for the story for me since it really didn’t create any kind of conflict. This same plot device was also used in Only His.
The phrase “stroke for stroke” was used in just about every single make out session between Annabelle and Shane. It was greatly overused; I counted at least 5 scenes where the phrase was used.
There was a lot of focus on Charlie’s character in Summer Nights. I want to read about her story, and hopefully her HEA, but I want it to happen in her own book. It felt like there wasn’t enough substance for Annabelle and Shane’s story and that’s why Charlie got so much page time.
The convo between Clay and Annabelle was inappropriate. Annabelle, knowing that Shane’s ex-wife cheated on him, should have known how uncomfortable (and angry) her actions would make Shane feel. It made ME uncomfortable.
Memorable Moment:
[Josh] held up his plastic cup of beer. “Every man who got some last night, raise your glass.”Shane and Kent groaned as all the married men, and Rafe, lifted their beers.
“And that, gentlemen,” Josh said to Shane and Kent, “is why it’s good to be married.”
Overall Impression: Summer Nights was not my favorite book in this series but it was still a fun read.
Brianna’s Rating:
Really? I enjoyed it more than Summer Days... but less than All Summer Long. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the next one!!
ReplyDeleteThe 'Summer' books were not my favorite in the series but I look forward to reading more books in the Fool's Gold series. Especially Dante and Evie's book ;)
DeleteI've been wanting to read this series for a long time! The covers are always cute and the stories sound fun. I like that the character in this one is a librarian, just like me! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a fun series to read :)
DeleteI am a longtime fan of Susan Mallery books, but have noticed that her books now are all the same in that they resemble each other in the same type of story line. You can almost predict what will happen, not a lot of creativity. But great review.
ReplyDeleteYeah, there's a bit of a 'formula' to the stories. But I still enjoy reading them. Maybe because I kind of know what to expect :)
DeleteNice, I still have to start reading her books though.
ReplyDeleteYou should. This is one of my favorite series :)
DeleteSummer Nights is a great 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!
ReplyDeleteSince July, I have also read Summer Nights. It has became my favorite of all of the Fool’s Gold books. Summer Nights is another great summer read. Annabelle is caring, a great friend, & so sweet! I love that Annabelle wanted to learn how to ride a horse for her fundraiser for her bookmobile. There is 1 thing that I absolutely love a lot & it has to do with Shane, but I am not going to give it away. In Summer Nights, we find out more about Heidi & Rafe's story!! I am reading All Summer Long right now & I am loving it!!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed them :)
DeleteWait til you read A Fool's Gold Christmas; I loved it!