Summer Sundays- Summer Nights

I’ve never read Susan Mallery before so when I had a chance to read Summer Nights through NetGalley’s ARC program, I wanted to give her a try. Wow, I am so glad I did. I loved Summer Nights and all of the wonderful characters in Fools Gold. I am kicking myself for never reading her before, a situation that will shortly be remedied as I plan on devouring the rest of the Fools Gold series.

In Summer Nights Annabelle Weiss and Shane Stryker have both been burned by past relationship and they are still carrying the scars to prove it. When Annabelle seeks out Shane’s help in teaching her how to ride for a festival to raise money for her Bookmobile program, Shane warily agrees. Shane is looking for safe and comfortable and he’s seen the fiery red-head dance and knows she isn’t it.

As they begin to train, a friendship blossoms, but neither can fight the attraction they feel for each other. When they finally give it to the passion that is evident between them, Shane thinks he’s finally gotten Annabelle out of his system but he’s not prepared for the feelings he has for her. Can they heal the scars of the past and find a love that lasts – together?

In Summer Nights (Fools Gold #8), Mallery gives the reader two fantastic characters in Annabelle and Shane. They are both trying to move on from their pasts and forge a new future. She lets the attraction simmer and brings it to a slow boil, but when it finally starts roiling, it’s impossible to let go.

There is also an array of secondary characters that I fell in love with, all from previous books or soon-to-be books. It makes me want to go back and read all of their stories. Whenever I read a series or a trilogy, I love seeing past characters. I fell in love with in little glimpses of their lives together that Mallery delivers with a flourish. She has created a perfect town in Fools Gold and an amazing cast of characters.

Nothing takes away from Annabelle and Shane’s relationship. Mallery has done a fantastic job in developing these characters and giving their love story an honest portrayal.

Susan Mallery has a new fan in me. I can’t wait to read Charlie and Clay’s story in the next installment of the Fools Gold series, All Summer Long.  I’ve been lucky enough to receive an ARC and will be ripping through it in no time.