Review: The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller

Publish Date: May 27, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.384}
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publist
Hadleigh Stevens, Tripp Galloway

The women of Bliss County are ready to meet the men of their dreams! See how it all begins in this enthralling new series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller...

Ten years ago, Hadleigh Stevens was eighteen and this close to saying "I do," when Tripp Galloway interrupted her walk down the aisle. Now that she's recovered from her youthful mistake and Tripp's interference, Hadleigh and her single friends form a marriage pact. She doesn't expect Tripp to meddle with her new plan to find Mr. Right—or to discover that she's more attracted to him than ever!

Divorced and eager to reconnect with his cowboy roots, Tripp returns to Bliss County to save his ailing father's ranch. He's not looking for another wife—certainly not his best friend's little sister. But he's never been able to forget Hadleigh. And this time, if she ends up in his arms, he won't be walking away!

The premise of this book is what pulled me in. But I just couldn't get into the story line or the characters. There seemed to be very little interaction between Tripp and Hadleigh in the first half of the book. A good chunk of the book was one of the other thinking about or talking about the other, but not them together. Not much dialogue between each other.

I did find myself losing interest in this one, and had to put it down numerous times throughout reading it. I'm not sure if I was just getting bored with these characters or if the plot just seemed to recycled from previous Miller novels. It felt like a far cry from her McKettrick and Creed series, which I absolutely adore.

The ending felt wrapped up too quickly and neatly, that I felt like I had missed something along the way. This was not one of my favorites by this author, and I'm unsure if I'll continue on with this new series. If I do, I won't be in a hurry to do so.

Review: Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller

Publish Date: August 27, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p.376}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Parable, Montana #5
Source: Publisher
Brylee Parrish, Zane Sutton

Wedding bells are ringing in Parable, Montana, but Brylee Parrish hasn't enjoyed the sound since being jilted at the altar by Hutch Carmody. She's over Hutch now, and running a multimillion-dollar business is challenging enough for this country gal. So she should avoid falling head-over-boot-heels for A-list actor Zane Sutton. He's come home to his rodeo roots, but Hollywood lured him away once and just might again. Yet everything about him, from his easy charm to his concern for his young half brother, seems too genuine to resist....

Zane didn't come to Parable for love-but count on a spirited woman to change a jaded cowboy's mind. Problem is, Brylee's not convinced he's here to stay. Good thing he's determined to prove to her, kiss by kiss, that she's meant to be his bride.

Zane and Brylee had an instant connection. They were immediately attracted to one another upon meeting, although it took them a while before acting on that attraction.

The one thing that I did find fault with, was that Brylee upon meeting Zane was now cured of her funk/depression of previously being left at the alter. This connection with Zane seemingly brought her back to life. I felt that a another man giving her meaning in place of the other was a little off.

The secondary characters in this installment were just as good as the previous secondary characters, but Zane's little brother Nash stood out the most. I really enjoyed this character and hope to see him grow as the series progresses. Zane's other brother, Landry, was and odd character. I'm not sure how he's going to be hero material for the next installment.

The ending felt a lot rushed. It was like six months compressed into one chapter. That was a big let down because I would have liked to see more of Brylee and Zane's courtship after they starting dating. Not just them dancing around each other leading up to their dating.

Review: Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller

Publish Date: May 28, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p. 313}
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Parable, Montana #4
Source: Publisher
Casey Elder, Walker Parrish

With his father's rodeo legacy to continue and a prosperous spread to run, Walker Parrish has no time to dwell on wrecked relationships. But country-western sweetheart Casey Elder is out of the spotlight and back in Parable, Montana. And Walker can't ignore that his "act now, think later" passion for Casey has had consequences. Two teenage consequences!

Keeping her children's paternity under wraps has always been part of Casey's plan to give them normal, uncomplicated lives. Now the best way to hold her family together seems to be to let Walker be a part of it-as her husband of convenience. Or will some secrets-like Casey's desire to be the rancher's wife in every way-unravel, with unforeseen results?

I went into this book wondering who Casey's children's father was and why she was hiding it. My immediate thought was some abusive criminal, because why else would she deny them their father. When it was revealed who the father was, I was like why hide it. It was like a bad episode of Murray. With that, my fondness and little respect for Casey declined. No matter how she tried to spin it, I couldn't agree with her or her decision to keep it hidden.

Walker was a nice guy, although a bit more reserved than I'm used to from Miller. I would have never expected a man like Walker to go along with Casey's foolish plan. Although I liked Walker, he doesn't rank up there with Miller's other cowboys. He and Boone have fallen short on the swoon-worthy scale.

Review: Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller

Big Sky Mountain
Linda Lael Miller
Series: Swoon-Worthy Cowboys #2
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: July 31, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.378}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Contemporary, Western
Kendra Shepherd, Hutch Carmody
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he's done some growing up—making peace with his illegitimate half brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his. These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can't buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcée Kendra Shepherd.

Kendra's quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most—a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet. She can't get Hutch Carmody out of her mind. But a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.

This insatllment picks up at least nine months down the road. Hutch is engaged to Brylee, whom I don't recall from the previous novel. Of course that doesn't work out because he's still in love with Kendra. As she is with him.

The story opens up great, but then starts to lag. It didn't quite hold my attention like the previous one. Kendra and Hutch are both great, as is Madison, Kendra's daughter, but I never really warmed up to them or became invested. I was glad things worked out for them, but I didn't feel they resolved anything.

Hutch was amazing with Madison and that only made him more appealing. As for the secondary characters, Walker and Boone, one I liked and one I didn't. I'm looking forward to getting to know Walker's story. The whole dynamic of him and Casey seems promising. Boone on the other hand, has lost all points with mewhen I found out he has children that he gave away. At first I was sympathic, but then when his son doesn't even consider him as his father and Boone doesn't take steps to remedy that, that is when I washed my hands of him.

It will be interesting to see how Miller is able to redeem him. I'm sure she will because if there is anyone who can, it's Miller. She's one writer that knows how to write one fine cowboy.

Guest Post & Giveaway: Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller

As part of the blog tour for Big Sky Mountain, please help me in welcoming Linda Lael Miller with today's excerpt and guest post as part of the scavenger hunt! I'm also hosting a giveaway for a copy of the book!

Joslyn, meanwhile, tuned in on Kendra’s face and read her expression, however guarded it was, with perfect accuracy. They’d been friends since they were barely older than Madison was now, and for the past year, they’d been business partners, too—Joslyn taking over the reins at Shepard Real Estate, in nearby Parable, while Kendra scoured the countryside for Jeffrey’s daughter.

“Thank heaven he came to his senses,” Joslyn said, with her usual certainty. “Brylee is a wonderful person, but she’s all wrong for Hutch and he’s all wrong for her. They wouldn’t have lasted a year.”

The crowd in the kitchen began to thin out a little then—Shea, the dog and Madison headed into the family room with their cookies, and Callie followed, Shea regaling her “Grands” with an account of who did what and who wore what and who said what.

Slade ascended the back stairway, chuckling, no doubt on his way to the master bedroom to change clothes.

Can you tell us about your Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women?

Full information is available on my website—www.lindalaelmiller.com—but here’s an overview: each year I give away $10,000 in special scholarships, based on essays explaining the applicant’s goals, what the money will be used for, etc. A number of people read the entries very carefully—in fact, each one is read several times, to assure that the awards are fairly given. I began the program several years ago, as a way to give something back—and I still fund it personally. At this point, I’ve given away something like $75,000. Having been a single mother myself, I have a special place in my heart for women raising children alone—I was very poor in the early years and I know the struggles and the heartache involved well—though we also consider women who are older, and want to change their lives for the better. Over the years, I’ve received a number of graduation photos and lovely thank you notes from winners, and they always warm my heart. I believe very deeply that the scholarships benefit the children of these women if only by proving that somebody out there cares.

http://booktrib.com/booktrib-blog-tour-nyt-bestselling-author-linda-lael-millers-big-sky-mountain/

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

{August 20 - September 3, 2012}

• Only residents of the U.S. and Canada are eligible to win
• No P.O. Boxes please
• Giveaway copy will be sent directly to winner from the publisher
• 1 Winners will be randomly selected using random.org and contacted via email
• Please check my Contest Policy before entering

To enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post & #Giveaway: Linda Lael Miller, author of Big Sky Country

“I have my reasons,” Joslyn said. “I’m counting on you to trust me, Kendra—at least for the next few months. When I can explain, I will.”

“People have been getting mysterious checks in the mail lately,” Kendra said speculatively, “from some big law firm in Denver. And I know you sold your software company…”

Joslyn bolted to her feet, hurried over to the square foot of counter space where the coffee machine stood, turned on the water in the sink and hurriedly rinsed the two plain mugs she’d purchased the day before. “I sold the company,” she admitted, feeling a wrench of loss as she said the words, even though it had been a done deal for weeks now. “But I don’t see what that has to do with people getting unexpected checks.”

“The recipients of the checks have one thing in common,” Kendra persisted. She hadn’t gotten where she was by being slow on the uptake. “They’d all invested in your stepfather’s—business.”

How do you continue to find inspiration after writing so many novels?

That’s a very good question. The answer, I suppose, is that I’m always and forever reading and shamelessly eavesdropping on other people’s conversations. Everything is grist for my mill, so to speak. I might read about a situation and think, “what if--?” and then I’m off and running. My Clare and Tony mysteries, commonly called the Look Books, are a good example—I used to see this guy on TV all the time, when I lived down in Arizona, a lawyer advertising for business. His hair was slicked back and his suit was fancy and I remember thinking he was the ultimate ambulance-chaser, with a clear message: no matter what awful thing you’ve done, we can get you off. I knew that attitude was bound to really tick off, say, a homicide detective, who would have a vested interested in seeing the culprit sent to prison. Voila! Clare Westbrook was my defense attorney heroine, and she was involved with Tony Sonterra, a homicide detective, of course. I’ve been writing for a long time, and I use many techniques to prime the pump—mixed media art is my hobby, and I find that I get some of my best ideas when I’m snipping, gluing, painting, etc. I keep an art journal and make artist trading cards. Trips are always good, too—a change of scene and environment is very stimulating. I need a lot of visual stimulation, I find. I spent a lot of time just looking at things, and imagining things that could happen. I spent a lot of time in Europe, years ago, and oddly enough that was what clued me in that I needed to focus on westerns, since that’s basically my life. You know the old saw, write about what you know.

http://booktrib.com/blog-tour-big-sky-country-by-nyt-bestselling-author-linda-lael-miller/

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

{June 25 - July 9, 2012}

• Only residents of the U.S. and Canada are eligible to win
• No P.O. Boxes please
• Giveaway copy will be sent directly to winner from the publisher
• 1 Winner will be randomly selected using random.org and contacted via email
• Please check my Contest Policy before entering

To enter:

1. Please fill out the form below
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Big Sky Country by Linda Lael Miller

Big Sky Country
Linda Lael Miller
Series: Big Sky #1
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: May 29, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.384}
Source: Publisher
Genre: Contemporary, Western
Joslyn Kirk, Slade Barlow
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

The illegitimate son of a wealthy rancher, Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a trailer hitched to the Curly-Burly hair salon his mother runs. He was never acknowledged by his father…until now. Suddenly, Slade has inherited half of Whisper Creek Ranch, one of the most prosperous in Parable, Montana. That doesn't sit well with his half brother, Hutch, who grew up with all the rights of a Carmody—including the affections of Joslyn Kirk, homecoming queen, rodeo queen, beauty queen, whom Slade has never forgotten.

But Joslyn is barely holding her head up these days as she works to pay back everyone her crooked stepfather cheated. With a town to protect, plus a rebellious teenage stepdaughter, Slade has his hands full. But someone has to convince Joslyn that she's responsible only for her own actions—such as her effect on this lawman's guarded heart.

Joslyn returns to Parable after many years to try to make amends for something her stepfather did. Slade has just come into an inheritance that he was never expecting. The two of them grew up together in Parable but in to separate worlds there.

As always Miller writes a very hot cowboy. Slade and Joslyn have a lot of cute and funny encounters before they got together. The romance was a bit slower to start than with other Miller novels. You can clearly see the chemistry between the two of them, but they never acted on it until the very end. Even with that being the case, the overall story definitely kept me engaged.

Shea, Slade’s stepdaughter, was always talking up a storm. This girl never stopped talking. Opal, Slade’s housekeeper, was another delightful surprise. She was like a mother to everyone she encountered.

This is the start to another great cowboy series to rival the McKettrick’s and the Creed’s. Slade and his half-brother Hutch make for some very interesting reading.

Follow the tour: http://bit.ly/JbfoPh

Chat Live With Linda Lael Miller from the Paris Las Vegas!

Catch the LIVE Chat with Linda Lael Miller!
Straight from the Paris Las Vegas

WHAT: Author chat with Linda Lael Miller–streaming from the Paris Las Vegas
WHEN: Today, December 6th at 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. EST
WHERE: Harlequin’s Facebook Page and BookTrib.com
RSVP: Let us know you’re coming at LindaLaelMillerChat@booktrib.com

Blog Tour & Review: First Lady of the West, A Lawman's Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

The sudden death of the town marshal leaves Blue River, Texas, without a lawman...and twenty-five-year-old Dara Rose Nolan without a husband. As winter approaches and her meager seamstress income dwindles, she has three options. Yet she won't give up her two young daughters, refuses to join the fallen women of the Bitter Gulch Saloon and can't fathom condemning herself to another loveless marriage. Unfortunately she must decide—soon—because there's a new marshal in town, and she's living under his roof.

With the heart of a cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn't interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship—and passion. And when they say "I do" to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman's Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife...

Blog | Twitter | Website

About the Author
Linda Lael Miller is the author of seventy historical and contemporary romance novels, many of which are set in the American West. She was awarded the Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

My Review:
Clay moves to Texas to make something of his own, independent of his grandfather, father, and uncles. No sooner than he sets foot in Texas, he lays eyes on Dara Rose and other women no longer exist.

I fell in love with Dara and her daughters. Edrina and Harriett were two little girls who always spoke their minds. For such young girls, they did not let their financial situation take their joy. Even in their situation, Edrina and Harriett were thinking of those less fortunate than themselves.

As always, Miller writes a beautiful story that draws you in. The leading men are always strong, caring role model types that any woman would be happy to have. And Clay was no different.

Teaser Tuesday: A Lawman's Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading. To participate, all you have to do is the following:

• Grab your current/upcoming read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2-3 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

• Be careful not to include spoilers! (You do not want to ruin the book for others.)

Share the title & author so that others who enjoy your "teaser" may add the book to their TBL pile.

"You're going to tell Mama I haven't been at school, aren't you?" she asked, sounding sadly resigned to whatever fate awaited her.
"I reckon it's your place to tell her that, not mine."
"She'll be sorely vexed when she finds out," the girl said. "Mama places great store in learning."
"Most sensible people do," Clay observed, biting the inside of his lower lip so he wouldn't laugh out loud.

page 19; A Lawman's Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Review: The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller

The Creed Legacy
Linda Lael Miller
Series: Montana Creeds #7
Publisher: HQN
Publication Date: June 28, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.377}
Genre: Contemporary, Western
Characters: Carolyn Simmons, Brody Creed
Challenge: 100+

Rough-and-tumble rodeo cowboy Brody Creed likes life on the move. Until a chance encounter with his long-estranged twin brother brings him "home" for the first time in years. Suddenly Brody is in Creed territory—at thirty-three, he's a restless bad boy among family with deep ties to the land and each other. And a secret past haunts him as he tries to make plans for his future.

Carolyn Simmons is looking for Mr. Right in Lonesome Bend, as the ticktock of her biological clock gets ever louder. Then she falls for gorgeous Brody Creed, the opposite of everything she wants. Until lassoing his wild heart becomes everything both of them need.

Brody and Carolyn were two characters that had once had something special, but circumstances prevented them from being together. Now the opportunity has presented itself for them to once again be together, but Carolyn isn't too sure about trusting Brody again.

Brody and Carolyn are both realistic, likable characters both together and apart. For me though, the romance between them was a bit lukewarm. They had more of a comfortable relationship and not a burning love for each other.

The overall story, dialogue, and characters were great, but the chemistry seemed a bit off. I'll always continue to come back to the Creeds and McKettricks, and I look forward to the next installment.

Review: Creed's Honor by Linda Lael Miller

Creed's Honor
Linda Lael Miller
Series: Montana Creeds #6
Publisher: HQN
Publication Date: May 31, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p.377}
Source: Publicist
Genre: Contemporary, Western
Characters: Tricia McCall, Conner Creed
Challenge: 100+

Conner Creed knows exactly who he is: a hardworking rancher carrying on his uncle's legacy in Lonesome Bend, Colorado. Maybe a small-town cowboy's life isn't his dream, but he owes the man who took him in as a kid. Until the identical twin brother he's been estranged from for years reenters his life.

Conner struggles with identity issues as he gets to know his wilder brother. And then he meets Tricia McCall, a beautiful woman who knows a thing or two about living someone else's dreams. Together, they just might find their own dreams right here in Lonesome Bend...

Conner and Tricia had a mutual attraction to one another, but I think it started with Tricia first and then Conner noticed her. Tricia is just in Lonesome Bend temporarily while Conner is looking for some one for the long haul. Problem is, not only is Tricia planning to leave Lonesome Bend for the bright lights of Seattle, but she also has a guy waiting back there for her return.

I enjoyed the interaction between these two. Both of them were interested, but meither would act upon it. Conner is a strong, solid man that any women would love to have, and when he loves, he loves deeply. Both characters are likeable in their own right apart from each as well as together.

Conner's relationship with his brother has always intrigued me. Withe Creed's Honor, we get to see a lot more as to what went wrong with these two. I've always liked both Brody and Conner, and I so look forward to his story. There were a lot of little teasers into Brody's character that I look forward to exploring.

As always, another great smokin' hot cowboy by Linda Lael Miller!

Teaser Tuesday: Creed's Honor by Linda Lael Miller

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading. To participate, all you have to do is the following:

• Grab your current/upcoming read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2-3 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers! (You do not want to ruin the book for others.)

Share the title & author so that others who enjoy your "teaser" may add the book to their TBL pile.

"How are people supposed to tell you apart?" Sasha demanded, as though confronting an imposter.
Brody chuckled. "I'm the good-looking one," he said.
Sasha wasn't amused.
"Most kids like me," Brody said, with a twinkle in his eyes, as his gaze connected with Tricia again. "But I seem to be zero-for-zero with this one."
Sasha, Tricia noticed, was watching Joleen. "Is she your girlfriend?"
"Sasha!" Tricia said.

page 150; Creed's Honor by Linda Lael Miller

Review: A Creed in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller

A Creed in Stone Creek
Linda Lael Miller {Facebook | Twitter}
Publisher: HQN Books
Publication Date: February 22, 2011
Kindle {p.384}
Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Genre: Contemporary, Western
Characters: Melissa O'Ballivan, Steven Creed
Challenge: 50 States, 100+, Contemporary Romance, Ebook
My Rating:

When single attorney Steven Creed becomes the guardian of an orphaned five-year-old boy, he trades his big-city law firm for a ranch near his McKettrick kin in the close-knit community of Stone Creek, Arizona. Taking care of little Matt and fixing up his run-down ranch house with its old barn loosens something tightly wound inside him. But when Steven takes on the pro bono defense of a local teen, he meets his match in the opposing counsel—beautiful, by-the-book county prosecutor Melissa O’Ballivan. It’ll take one grieving little boy, a sweet adopted dog and a woman who never expected to win any man’s heart to make this Creed in Stone Creek know he’s truly found home.

Steven has just adopted his late best friend's five year-old son and moved to Stone Creek to raise him. He notices an attractive woman while out to breakfast with his new son, who just so happens to be the Stone Creek prosecutor Melissa O'Ballivan. After a really bad breakup with a lawyer in the past, he's a little apprehensive about getting involved with another one.

Melissa too has experienced a bad breakup with a man who had children, that has left her afraid to put her heart back out there. Before long Melissa is unable to resist Steven or five year-old Matt.

The dynamic between Steven and Matt is something to behold. You can't help but to feel both Matt and Steven's pain at their shared loss. And the instant affection and attachment Matt had to Melissa was also an added bonus.

I did love Steven's cousin Brody, and I hope to find out what is the cause of the rift between him and his twin brother Connor. All the additional background characters added something to the overall story. Melissa's sisters, Tessa and Tom, Andrea and Bryon, all had pivotal parts to play.

Review: McKettricks of Texas: Austin by Linda Lael Miller

Title: McKettricks of Texas: Austin

Author: Linda Lael Miller

Published: June 29, 2010

Publisher: HQN

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 378

Source: Personal Library

Characters: Paige Remington, Austin McKettrick

My Rating:

Synopsis:

World-champion rodeo star Austin McKettrick finally got bested by an angry bull. His career over, his love life a mess, the lone maverick has nowhere to go when the hospital releases him. Except back home to Blue River and the Silver Spur ranch. But his overachieving brothers won't allow this cowboy to brood in peace. They've even hired a nurse to speed along his recovery. Paige Remington's bossy brand of TLC is driving him crazy. As is her beautiful face, sexy figure and silky black hair.

Paige lost count of how many times Austin has tried to fire her. She's not going anywhere till he's healed body and heart.

And by then, her place in his life just might become permanent...

I've liked Austin and Paige from the very first book of this trilogy, and this one just made me love them even more. Austin and Paige were an item back in high school before her broke her heart. Reminisce of Tate and Libby. I'm usually totally against stories were the hero cheats on the heroine then wants a second chance, but Austin was likable enough to get past that. Fast forward ten years and now they are thrown together due to the fact that her sisters and his brothers are getting married.

The story moved along quickly and smoothly. As with Linda's other books, this one had a action side story that added to the dynamic of the overall book.

Friday 56: McKettricks of Texas: Austin by Linda Lael Miller

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Tonya @ Storytime With Tonya and Friends. Check out the rules and join in the fun.

Rules:

• Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
• Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
• Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Here, there were definitely signs of construction. The old cupboards, newly pulled away from the kitchen walls, stood near the porch, seeming to crouch under blue plastic tarps.

page 56; McKettricks of Texas: Austin by Linda Lael Miller

Review: McKettricks of Texas: Garrett by Linda Lael Miller

Title: McKettricks of Texas: Garrett
Author: Linda Lael Miller
Published: May 25, 2010
Publisher: HQN Books
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 384
Source: Personal Library
Characters: Julie Remington, Garrett McKettrick
My Rating:

Synopsis

Fast track up the political ladder, fast cars, fast women—that's Garrett McKettrick. Make that was. A scandal has brought him home to Blue River, Texas, a place where a man can slow down, take stock and plan his next move. Which doesn't include staying at the family ranch with his brothers. A city boy, Garrett doesn't think he has the land in his blood.

But Blue River has other attractions, like his former high school nemesis, Julie Remington. Now a striking woman, Julie comes complete with a four-year-old cowboy, a three-legged beagle and deep ties to the community. Good thing they have nothing in common…except their undeniable attraction and a future brighter than the Texas sun.

I've been a fan of LLM since the first time I read her, and this one did not disappoint. I LOVE Garrett! Let me rephrase, I LOVE all three McKettrick brothers. More than I loved the interaction between Garrett and Julie, I loved his interaction with Julie's son, Calvin. Although, I do feel like I got to know more of Garrett in Tate's book than in his own book. But just like with Tate's book, I'm a sucker when it comes to watching these men interact with the children in their lives.

I was not only watching Julie fall in love with Garrett but Calvin falling for him as well. Calvin's father does make an appearance in this one, but it's clear that Garrett is the man that Calvin looks to. Julie comes off as apprehensive at times, but she claims it's because of Calvin and his medical problems. Even with that, Garrett still is able to get into Julie's heart. I am really looking forward to Austin's story now.