Summer Nights
4 Stars

Burned in the past by passion, Shane Stryker has sworn off sexy women, so the fiery red-head at the local bar is definitely off-limits. Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has no idea why Shane keeps pushing her away, but she is nothing if not determined, and the cowboy doesn't stand a chance.

Series note: There are numerous references to characters and events from previous books. As such, it is recommended that the series be read in order.

Fool's Gold has been hit/miss for me, but Shane and Annabelle's story is one of the better installments with very little angst in the relationship although Shane does tend to jump to conclusions a bit too often. Nevertheless, both are appealing characters and their romance is engaging with strong chemistry and entertaining banter.

The subplot focusing on Charlie's past is heartbreaking and I look forward to her getting her own HEA, which is appears will be with Shane's sexy brother, Clay. ( )

Recently divorced, Annabelle Weiss is rebuilding her life as a librarian in Fool's Gold. She left her marriage because her husband didn't really know her and expected her to fill a role that wasn't really her. She hasn't given up on love, but her next romance will be with someone who lets her be herself.

Shane Stryker has come back to Fool's Gold to open his horse breeding operation in a town he loves. He is also divorced. In his case, his wife was serially unfaithful to him. For his next relationship, he wants a woman who will be faithful and maybe even a little boring. He isn't looking for drama in his next relationship.

Shane first sees Annabelle when he walks into Jo's Bar and sees her dancing on the bar. It really was innocent; she's demonstrating a Maa-zib dance. But Shane sees a woman that reminds him too much of his ex-wife.

They meet when Annabelle needs to learn to ride a horse in order to take part in a fundraiser for a new bookmobile for her library. They are attracted to each other but their conflicting desires for new relationships and baggage both are still carrying means a lot of difficulties for the couple.

I like that there are strong friendships among the characters. I really like the time spent at Castle Ranch where Shane's mother is building quite a menagerie including an elephant named Priscilla who is lonely and in need of companionship. Shane's Arabian stallion Khatar is also a great character. He has a bad reputation but falls in love with Annabelle and follows her around like a puppy.

This is a great entry into a long-running series which catches the reader up on characters from earlier books and spends time with characters who were side characters in earlier books who might have their own romances in future books. ( )

1. I loved Annabelle. As a librarian, I could tell that careful research was done to make sure her job descriptions and attachment to the library was accurate. Awesome portrayal.

2. Shane was a dope. He kept beating Annabelle over the head with one incident that was proven to be interpreted in error.

3. The secondary story about rape survivor Charlie was downright offensive. Here's a woman who was deeply scarred many years ago by rape, and had given up dating and sex as a result. Yet, so many people especially Annabell, who knows about the rape, keep telling her that she should date and have sex although Charlie keeps saying she doesn't want to. That is her choice. Why are people in this book so preoccupied with her getting laid. Because of this, I couldn't stomach finishing this book. ( )

I love Susan Mallery's books. But I would check into the water in Fool's Gold. Babies are popping up like dandelions. ( )

4.5 stars. 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. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/2012/06/18/summer-nights/ ( )