Book Review: Summer Days by Susan Mallery

Summer Days
Author: Susan Mallery
Series: Fool's Gold (Book 7)
Publication: HQN Books; Original edition (September 13, 2021)

Description: Welcome back to Fool’s Gold, California where summer love between two foes just may last a lifetime from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery!

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.

My Thoughts: Things are looking up for Heidi Simpson. She has bought a ranch in Fool's Gold, is raising goats and selling milk, cheese, and soap, and finally feels like she has a home after years on the carnival circuit with her grandfather. Things take a turn for the worse when her grandfather "sells" the farm to Rafe Stryket's mother for $250,000 which he needs to help a friend fight cancer.

The main problem is that it isn't his ranch. Heidi's name is the one on the mortgage and she can't afford to reimburse Mrs. Stryker. Rafe wants the money or the ranch. He grew up very poor on that same ranch but has become a multimillionaire businessman. His mother would be willing to work something out but Rafe is eager to get things settled so that he can leave the town he never wanted to return to and get back to San Francisco.

Rafe has other priorities. He has hired a matchmaker because he is looking for a wife who will check off all the correct boxes. He essentially wants a business relationship since he isn't willing to risk his heart. When he is forced to spend time in Fool's Gold, he gradually readjusts his attitude toward the town and toward Heidi. But plans to develop the ranch into new housing for the upcoming casino and resort cause a real conflict between Heidi and him.

Neither Heidi nor Rafe have much faith in love. Rafe had a bad marriage and Heidi watched her best friend fall in love, get her heart broken and commit suicide. Watching them build a romance was intriguing. 

It was nice to return to Fool's Gold and catch up with some of the other characters who had their own romances in early books in the series. This is book 7. I'm also eager to continue reading in the series to see the romances Rafe's brothers and sister have. 

Favorite Quote:

"If you could have anything in the world," she said. "Anything. Money, fame, sixteen children who adored you, what would it be?"

He hesitated. "Can I get back to you?"

"Sure. But if you asked me that question, I would have an answer. I want the ranch. I want to live here for the rest of my life. I want this to be my home."

He dropped his hands to his sides. He didn't back away, but he didn't have to. His actions were enough.

I bought this one December 27, 2013. You can buy your copy here.