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!
Synopsis from susanmallery.com
Paperback, Harlequin, 381 pgs.
This is the second book of the latest Fool’s Gold trilogy about the Stryker brothers. Shane Stryker has come to Fool’s Gold to start a horse ranch adjacent to the property his mother and brother Rafe own. Shane is divorced, having been in a hellacious marriage, and wants his next serious romance to be with a nice, faithful woman.
Annabelle Weiss is the Fool’s Gold Librarian and is also divorced from a man who belittled and controlled her. She is looking for someone to love her unconditionally. Unfortunately for her, the first time Shane meets her is when she impulsively jumps upon the bar in Jo’s place to demonstrate the dance of the happy virgin from the Maa-zib. Shane immediately paints with the same brush as his ex-wife. When Annabelle turns up at his ranch for riding lessons, Shane manages to insult her in short order. He apologizes and the riding lessons continue and they get to know each other as time goes along. Annabelle does find immediate unconditional love from someone on the ranch- a beautiful horse named Khatar!
Both of the people in this romance have baggage from previous relationships that shapes how this one develops. Shane is definitely interested but he keeps acting like a jerk and messing things up. Annabelle has feelings for Shane but she keeps getting rebuffed and forgives him but then it happens again. Both people get lots of advice from well- meaning friends but the changes have to come from inside for the relationship to really work out.
Fool’s Gold works its magic again with Shane and Annabelle. Favorite characters from previous books make frequent appearances and we get to see how their lives are progressing which is always nice. We also get a hint of who the next lucky couple will be. This is a great summer romance that has a little drama, a little humor and keeps the readers interest all the way through.
This was very well put describing the Fool's Gold magic. Summer Nights is one of Susan's perfect summer reads!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the humor in this book and getting to catch up with the other characters was great without taking away from the story!!! I really loved Summer Nights and can't wait for All Summer Long!!
ReplyDeleteRah, Rah, Yee-haw!!
it was nice to catch up with previous characters
ReplyDeleteSummer 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!!
ReplyDeleteI am reading All Summer Long right now & I am loving it!!
DeleteGreat review. Summer Nights is a great read. I loved Shane and Annabelle's story! Susan did a great job and I enjoy returning to Fools Gold with each book.
ReplyDelete