Summer Nights with a Cowboy: A Kittredge Ranch Novel

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it. I am so torn on how to rate this book. There were some places that just dragged for me. Also I would have to re-read some sections as I felt like I was missing the point in the scene. Then there were other scenes that were just so deep and filled with angst and not just between the two main characters. Zack had some serious issues with his father. These issues where what led Zack to become the man that he is. They shaped how he lived his life and interacted with others. To him things were black and white with no grey areas. The author really built a solid foundation for Zack that she had to break down the walls that were built around him. Then you have Janie the traveling nurse/caretaker. She comes to town to care for elderly Damaris. She also has an ulterior motive for coming to Cold River. The secret that she carries is one that will shape her interaction with Zack. I loved so many things about this book. How people interact with each other. How something can shape and mold a person. How relationships can be so complex and yet so simple at the same time. Yes, this book is one that can take some getting though but it is one that shouldn't be missed. There are so many lessons here. This is a sexy book so just a word of caution if you don't like reading that. The way the end was written and how the author wrapped up the characters almost brought a tear to my eye. I did get a little depressed as it almost felt like I was saying good-bye to some really good friends. I hope there are more book set in Cold River (HINT, HINT!!!!)

I know several reviewers found Zack Kittredge to be too gruff and self-righteous, but frankly, that's what I found appealing about him in this book. The contrast between his grumpiness and Janie Atwood's cheerfulness just seemed to really work for me. Janie is a traveling nurse who has been adrift from place to place with her jobs since the loss of her grandparents. Zach Kittredge is very much a law man who has become set in his ways. Their original meeting was a meet cute that left me smiling big, and there were many more moments like that during their first few meetings. It made for an enjoyable story to read how both Janie and Zach grow during the course of the story. This is a standalone, but book 3 in the series, but I had no trouble just jumping right into this and following along, but I'm happy now about the previous books in the series that I can jump into for some of the other Kittredge's stories.

I did enjoy this story with Jamie the traveling nurse who has a small secret for being in town. She is caring for and older women and Zack, the sheriff doesn't trust she is only there for that reason. He thinks she is up to no good. Janie was really great at understanding people and their feelings and she knows Zack is holding on to hurt and he will never get past it if he doesn't face it. But Zack is button up tight until he decides to have a little fun with Jamie. I really was happy to see some answers were revealed about certain things and although this is part of a series, you could read as a standalone. You will be spoiled some about previous characters thought