Summer's Desire

by Kathleen Ball

Summer Fitzgerald is a person of interest in the robbery and murder of her former boss. With no resources she is forced to take a job as a nanny. To her surprise the job consists of watching four, almost full grown, cowboys and helping their handsome, older brother Holden O’Leary. Veterinarian Holden O’Leary moves his family to a Montana ranch for a fresh start. His time is soon consumed rescuing neglected horses and he needs help with his bothers. Despite wishing otherwise, he soon finds that Summer holds his heart. Will scandals and old secrets keep them from trusting each other or will Summer finally get her desire?

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Western Romance, Ebooks, Historical

154 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2013

About the author

USA Today Best Selling Author of
Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.

Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.


Sign up for my newsletter
https://www.kathleenballromance.com

Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/kathleenball...
Feel free to friend me!!

Reviews

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer's Desire was one fast paced novella! I have to say I kind of hate Ms Bell this morning, because I was up until 3:30AM finishing Summer's Desire. I had to find out what was going to happen. Murder, robbery, salacious rumors, past secrets... man this book kept you on the edge of your seat.
I adored the characters. I fell in love with the O'Leary boys. One question I'd like to ask the author though is why the name Holden for the hero? The other boys all have bible names, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I thought that odd, but it's probably just me. lol. The supporting characters were great too and I sure hope she has plans to give Caleb, Cole, Stone and Jonas books. (hint, hint)
I truly enjoyed the book as a whole, but I did have a few problems. I felt the characters acted... well out of character a few times, and that serious issues were accepted and resolved a little too easily. However, the likeability of the cast and the complex plot line overshadowed these minor issues.
If you like western romance, family drama, suspense and hot cowboys, I would recommend picking up Summer's Desire.

[Maranda Prigmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great romance story. The characters had real problems. I absolutely loved this novella. All around a wonderful love story with twists & turns to keep you guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed the suspense of some of the characters. A must read for anyone who loves a sexy hero & beautiful heroine.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOLVING TWO MYSTERIES

I enjoyed the story that will take place in Montana with ties to Texas. Holden O’Leary moved his younger brothers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to start a new life. Holden is the new veterinarian and will be kept busy with many cases of abused or neglected horses. He is so busy, he needs help at the ranch and places an ad for a nanny/housekeeper which Summer Fitzgerald answered.

What a shock when Summer arrives and discovers that these aren’t little boys—but nearly grown teenage men ages twelve to eighteen. But, she sees the need, and it is going to be a challenge to clean up this house and feed them—but she does it. For Summer, this is her last chance to earn an income. Not everyone believes her innocent, and they enjoy spouting off their hatred.

The story is a fascinating tale with not one, but two mysteries. One will surround Summer involving a murder and robbery. Even with her battered by the assailant, many people believe she is a guilty party to the heinous crime. The O’Leary’s will leave Texas, and move to Montana with the encouragement of Colt. While Holden thinks he has left the nightmare in Texas—that may come back to haunt him and cause more trouble.

I like when you know just enough of a mystery to want to learn more—and Ms. Kathleen Ball does a great job of doing just that. The fact there was a murder and robbery isn’t a secret, but the motive and people involved will play out later in the story. As for the second mystery, we know that Holden brings his brothers to start over in Texas and a black cloud is hanging over them—the truth will come out later.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just okay for me.

I liked the ideas of the Hero as a single "parent" & the heroine accepting the position as the nanny. I'm always a sucker for those tropes & how heartwarming they can be, thanks to the adorable kids that come along with them! (And they certainly were in this book.) The mystery surrounding the robbery/murder kept things interesting too.

I didn't like the constant "she's innocent but wait, she might be a lil' bit guilty" waffling that Holden did. He pissed me off so much when he believed town gossip (even for a hot second) & the secrets he kept from Summer. And don't get me started on the hussy that was his Ex! Put that b*tch in her place, man. Do NOT indulge her!

So, yeah... It was cute how things wrapped up in the very end but the story was a bit was confusing & had too much forced-angst for my liking. I'm curious about the next book but it's not at the top of my TBR list.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I also purchased a copy as I love this author.

What a fabulous start to a series! I adore cowboys and this is the perfect reason why. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!!!

This is written in a dual POV format. For me, I love getting that glimpse into the main characters' thoughts. Without that, I can have a hard time understanding the characters.

I will say that the author MUST have a devious mind to come up with such stories. I mean she really threw almost everything at this duo!

If you love a well-crafted plot with charming young men, then you have come to the right place.

Will Summer stay with Holden and his brothers as their housekeeper? Did Summer kill her pseudo-father / employer? Will the real murderer, come after Summer? Why did Holden up root his brothers from Texas and move all the way to Montana?

If you love an excellently written story, then you MUST try this!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The development of the characters is well done but the story arc moves at an uneven pace. There’s a long build up on the back story belonging to each main character and the two crisis moments related to each are anti-climatic. There’s a huge unresolved issue with the Sheriff who doesn’t do his job which never gets addressed. (Hugely frustrating as a reader) additionally there are some parts that are just ridiculous or make no sense...the female MC really believes the 14 year old can fire her?!

There is a brief introduction of the characters who will clearly play a role as MCs in subsequent books and a brief hint at the female MC for the next book.

Story was ok but nothing that really grabbed me. Not sure if I’ll read the next books.

[Garth Mailman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summer's Desire (Cowboy Seasons, #1)
by Kathleen Ball

Summer shows up to an interview for a nanny position and discovers her potential charges are a quintet of hunky lads the youngest almost into his teens and the eldest her senior by a few years. Her employer, a Vet, horse doctor, who needs a housekeeper and cook. His brothers need minding. What could possibly go wrong here, this is Western Romance.

The essential romantic plot twist here is misunderstanding. Mars and Venus will ever see things differently. But when your 12-yr-old brother tells you need to take care of your girlfriend’s sexual needs? The boys are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; how could I be so dense. After the usual crises it all ends with an HEA. And we are introduced to Autumn, subject of volume two.

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I am reading it through the Cowboy Seasons collection. Kathleen Ball is the Queen of Cowboy Romance. I loved all of the brothers in the O'Leary family and Holden is the perfect match for Summer.
There is drama and suspense for the family and their new housekeeper. The plot is strong and the flow is excellent for a strong read. I am anxious to read the next story in the Season series. I have read two of the books as stand alone but now have the chance to re-read those and the two other books to the collection.

[Sandra Whittiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer's Desire (Cowboy Season Book 1)

Summer and Holden had a rocky start, but Lord bless little brothers who really need a good woman who's willing to take on the whole bunch and give them everything that they need. It takes a lot of love to be is good cook and more love to wash dirty socks and clean the floor after muddy boots drag it in. Some women are just made that way, and if Holden can keep this one from getting killed, he just might get her to stay. BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO Great 👍 Read!!!!

[Dawn Pressel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drama, drama, drama...by chapter 9 there were so many unanswered issues between these 2 it was exhausting. Chapter 11...MORE DRAMA, totally unnecessary return of said drama too, honestly the story could have been told without the return.

The book was good and since I have the bundle I will continue

[Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holden and Summer

The day she answered the add for a Nanny was the luckiest day of her life. Holden was desperate to get help with his brothers but it didn't take him long to realize the gem he had hired. This story has more twists and turns. It was very easy to get into and very hard to put down

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, fun, fast-paced book . I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline kept me on my toes . I loved the book from first page to the end. I'm excited to read the rest of the stories in this series .

[Karen Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, action, uncertainty...

Wow, if you like a little action, a lot of excitement and romance, this is the book for you. Even when it seems hopeless, love remains.

[Gwen Hight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer's Desire (Cowboy Seasons Book1)

A very good story about love and family and a young woman that does not think she is good enough for the man she loves

[Mary Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uprooted

Veterinarian packs and leaves to another state. Raising four brothers , thinking that it will be a good change for the family. He purchased a ranch and office for his practice. Needing help with the family of boy's. Keeping eyes on them and doing general maintenance around the house. Cooking meals, cleaning the place. Time he doesn't have. Hires a young lady who desperately needs a job and place to stay. Things are working out gives her two hundred dollars to buy groceries. Hears she's been arrested, chain of events start to happens. Clean of all wrong doings and ex girlfriend comes to visit. Different chains of events h

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Cowboys Seasons series by Kathleen Ball. It was the first I have read by the author. I chose this book because I have been on a bit of a cowboy kick lately and it looked like it would be a good fit for me. It is a good thing I always read blurbs, because this cover really doesn't do anything for me. It mostly looks like a hot mess of blues and browns swirled together.

The story begins with Summer Fitzgerald showing up at the O'Leary ranch, having answered an advertisement for nanny/housekeeper. It turns out that the boys she will be nanny to are nearly grown. Matthew is 18, Mark is 16, Luke is 14 and John is 12. Their older brother, Holden is 26, the new veterinarian and their guardian. The O'Leary's have just recently moved from Texas to Montana to start over after some recent trouble. Holden wants someone at the ranch to run the house and keep an eye on the boys while he is busy with his new practice and taking emergency calls.

Summer is looking for a fresh start of her own. Her parents had drowned a couple of years prior and the father figure who gave her a job and taught her to cook and tend bar was recently killed in a robbery attack that left her beaten. It also left her under suspicion of being an accomplice since the attacker was a former boyfriend of Summer's. All she really wants is to find a job and steer clear of any relationships.

There was a lot to like about this book. I liked the boys, the vet tech Mindy Sue and the neighboring ranchers. The secondary relationships worked really well. I liked that both of the characters had issues to work on and over come. However there were also some things that I didn't like. Such as Summer's inability to really stand up for herself. I understand she has had some tough times, but she felt a little wimpy to me. There were a couple times that I actually wanted to smack her and tell her to stand her ground. I also thought Holden was a bit of an arrogant jerk wad a couple of times. He finds out about Summer's history, says he understands and then uses it against her not once, but twice. If he says he trusts her then he should trust her and not just give it lip service.

The sheriff really ticked me off. His behavior was harassing and nearly criminal and nobody called him on it. I can only hope that in one of the later books his behavior will be addressed and is being used specifically for a coming plot point. I am giving this book 3 stars on Goodreads, primarily because while my perception of the wimpy-ness of Summer and the jerky-ness of Holden aggravated me, that also means that the author did her job. She wrote such a good story that I made an emotional connection with the characters. You really can't ask for more than that.

[Gloria Antypowich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has a past; some are darker than others.

Young veterinarian, Holden O`Leary has fled a difficult past in Texas and moved his four younger brothers, Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John to ranch near a small town in Montana. This is where they will build a new life for themselves, far from the ugliness of the past. Holden places an ad for a nanny/housekeeper to look after the domestic chores while he works as a vet.

Summer Fitzgerald is running from the demons of her own when she shows up at the ranch in answer to the job opportunity. Imagine her shock when she realises that the boys she is going to be nanny to are not small children, but strapping young males who range in age from adolescence to late teens. The nanny role goes out the window quickly and she gradually becomes their friend and confidant.
The attraction between Holden and Summer is strong, but just when you think they`ve finally got it all together something else would come up.

All the characters are well rounded, the plot is complex and twists and turns as their pasts come back to haunt them.

If you enjoy simmering cowboy romances, with a strong dash of family drama, murder, robbery and suspense don`t miss this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Snarky Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Summer's Desire", by Kathleen Ball, is a 150+ page read for $4.99. It's a "Cowboy Romance" - and a really fun one! Summer is trying to leave her small town so she answers an ad to watch four boys for the new vet in town - not realizing that the four boys are actually bigger than her and aged 12-19! So obviously, we all know that she & Holden, the vet (& oldest brother - not father) are going to fall in love. However, Holden has a past that comes back to haunt him, and Summer has been accused by some in the small town of being complicit in the beating death of her former boss, and mentor -- and the person who actually committed the murder is still at large. It's interesting to see how Summer and Holden face these obstacles while trying to figure out their relationship -- and really, the fact that I said "Cowboy Romance" should have sold you right then & there. And should I mention that the cowboys are shirtless when she meets them? 'Nuff said.

Please note: I received a copy of this in exchange for an unbiased review. This review was originally published on Snarky Mom Reads.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer's Desire is the first book by Kathleen Ball that I have read, and I'll definitely be coming back for more of this series. I loved the setting and secondary characters, Holden and his brothers had such a great family dynamic. I loved the small town feel to it, even though it takes place in ranch country, you still have the small town busybodies. I think the secondary characters were really well developed, you learn enough about them to connect to them, but there's enough mystery to them that makes you hope they have their own story. I did have some issues with Holden and Summer's relationship. Summer waivers very quickly from her no men policy with no pressure from Holden, and that seems unrealistic to me if she truly had issues resulting from her past. I also had moments when I didn't like Holden, he didn't respect Summer's no men policy, but he had no problem keeping his feelings and his story from her, it felt a little one-sided to me. Overall, I thought this was a great book and I look forward to reading more from Ms Ball.

[J.P. Grider · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again! Kathleen Ball had my stomach doing those butterfly twists over Summer and Holden's romance. Right from page one I was lured into Ms. Ball's Western World. Her characters were realistic, and I love that Holden was in charge of his younger brothers. You usually don't see a story with orphaned boys where the older brother is the guardian. This was a nice change from the usual woman/girl in charge of domestic responsibilities. Though he hires Summer to do these domestic chores, she becomes much more than his Nanny/housekeeper - she becomes their sister (except for with Holden), their mother, and their friend. This was definitely a different type of family, and I enjoyed Kathleen Ball's delivery of it.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I'm hoping it comes out really soon.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good "chick-flick" book....I was looking for something that was easy reading, flowed well, and had a little bit of romance after reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Summer's Desire dealt with Holden ( a new Veterinarian in town) and his brothers---all of which had biblical names, and Summer, who was hired on as a nanny. It dealt with strong family ties. It was a short read. It was predictable. It was a good book to pick up, for what I was looking for at the time. I felt that some of the storylines could have been better developed. I read this from a Kindle Unlimited download and I think there was more than 154 pages. I would read another by this author.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this book. I typically enjoy this author but the story was loosely written with too many gaps. And the writing deteriorated as the story progressed, with lots of grammatical errors, and omitted words and misplaced words. Maybe the author was on a deadline and wrote the book too quickly. Still, it’s not the best way to gain and keep fans/readers. She hasn’t lost me yet but if this continues, I’ll skip her books in the future.

06/19/2023 I mistakenly started reading this book again, it was that unremarkable. Stopped after the first chapter, as it was starting to sound familiar. Still not compelling enough to continue reading it.

[Cindy Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book by Kathleen Ball. The emotions in this book even had me tearing up when I was reading. It has romance, some mystery and a very interesting cast of characters. Our heroine has been accused of a crime that she was innocent of and at every turn it seemed like she got accused of something she did not do, all while falling in love with our hero who was raising his brothers. Buy the book and you will not be disappointed on how love comes through at the end. A good buy.

[Tiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Kathleen's writing. The sex isn't explicit, but you know its going to happen. There was alot of intrigue in this book. Thwere several factors. First was Summer's problem with being a victom in a murder and being accused of being an accessory. Then there was Holden's past and a woman who had turned a family upside down. Then there are the neighbors who helped. I hope they get a story too. Another great book by Kathleen.

[The TBR Pile *Book review site* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer’s Desire read like a soap opera set on a ranch. Ms. Ball combined love, danger, and plenty of secrets. There was never a shortage on tension, or obstacles appearing to pop up in the path of love.

To read the rest of the review, please see http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...

[Chris Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a beautiful love story

It is so wonderful to read a story that is strong with a loving family. I love that Holden and Summer follow a pathway to find the truth. This is an excellent story.

[Judy Esposito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance On The Ranch!

Enjoyed this book and liked the hero, Holden and the heroine, Summer. The storyline kept me very interested in the characters and what was happening in their lives. Looking forward to reading Autumn's Hope next. JudyE

[Marie Mckenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story.

This was a cute love story with bit Summer and Holden having issues in their pasts to come back and haunt them. The brothers were awesome and the town was a fun small town. Loved it.

[Robin Malek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short

I didn't want the story to end! Love the characters and their intriguing story lines. With the addition of each new character, the book started to come to life with all the possibilities. Wonderful beginning! 4 more brothers and all of their friends, nice!