Category Archives: Carsons of Mustang Creek Series

September 20, 2017 · 11:58 pm

Review: A Snow Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Title: A Snow Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
Carsons of Mustang Creek Series Book Four
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 256 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

It’s a Christmas affair to remember as a Hollywood mogul discovers his inner cowboy—and the woman of his dreams—amid the rugged beauty of Wyoming. 

Raine McCall would take snow-covered mountains over a star-studded premiere any day. But when hotshot movie executive Mick Branson arranges dinner on Christmas Eve to discuss a work opportunity, she’s intrigued—by the offer and the man. She’s a no-makeup, no-frills single mom, who’s happy with her quiet life. Sharing chili cheeseburgers and sizzling kisses with Mick is sure heating up her holiday, but country girl and power player don’t mix…

It’s not just work that’s brought Mick back to Mustang Creek. Since he first visited to oversee a documentary, free-spirited graphic designer Raine has been in his head. Her approach to life is as unconventional as her quirky holiday ornaments. Their attraction is undeniable—and so are their differences. Putting down roots in the Wild West wasn’t in the script. But there are some Christmas gifts you can’t walk away from, even when they turn your whole world upside down…

Review:

A Snow Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller is a light-hearted, conflict-free holiday romance. Starring secondary characters from previous novels in the Carsons of Mustang Creek series, this fourth installment can easily be read as a standalone.

Raine McCall is a little surprised by the out of the blue dinner invitation from Mick Branson. The two have crossed paths before while he was in town working on a film project with her ex-boyfriend and daughter Daisy’s father, Slater Carson. Since it is Christmas Eve and Daisy is spending the night with Slater and his extended family, Raine asks Mick to join her for a simple meal.  Their enjoyment in each other’s company leads to a whirlwind romance but Raine is a little concerned about fully committing to Mick since they lead very different lives.

Raine is a bit of a free spirit so working from home as a graphic designer is a perfect fit for her. She is a straight shooter who speaks her mind and lives a quiet life with Daisy. While she has dated off and on since her split from Slater, she is quite cautious when it comes to relationships.  However, with Mick, Raine is a little more open to romance but she is concerned they might not be a good fit for a permanent relationship due to their different lifestyles.

With a high powered career and a privileged background, Mick is used to the finer things in life but he is ready to settle down and simply his life.  While he has a few handy excuses to explain why he is in Mustang Creek, the real reason is quite simple. Mick is interested in pursuing a romance with Raine but is she interested in dating him?

With a beautiful snow-covered setting, Snow Country Christmas is a whimsical, low-key love story.  Raine and Mick are well-developed, likable protagonists. Their relationship is easygoing and free from any angst or drama.  Linda Lael Miller’s latest addition to the Carsons of Mustang Creek series is lovely holiday romance that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under A Snow Country Christmas, Carsons of Mustang Creek Series, Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, Linda Lael Miller, Rated B, Review, Romance

August 28, 2016 · 11:58 pm

Review: Always a Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Always a Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller
The Carsons of Mustang Creek Series Book Two
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

He’s the middle of the three Carson brothers and is as stubborn as they come—and he won’t thank a beautiful stranger for getting in his way! 

Drake Carson is the quintessential cowboy. In charge of the family ranch, he knows the realities of this life, its pleasures and heartbreaks. Lately, managing the wild stallions on his property is wearing him down. When an interfering so-called expert arrives and starts offering her opinion, Drake is wary, but he can’t deny the longing—and the challenge—she stirs in him.

Luce Hale is researching how wild horses interact with ranch animals—and with ranchers. The Carson matriarch invites her to stay with the family, which guarantees frequent encounters with Drake, her ruggedly handsome and decidedly unwelcoming son. Luce and Drake are at odds from the very beginning, especially when it comes to the rogue stallion who’s stealing the ranch mares. But when Drake believes Luce is in danger, that changes everything—for both of them.

Review:

Always a Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller is a low-key, super sweet romance with just a hint of sass and steam.  Although this latest release is the second installment in The Carsons of Mustang Creek series, it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the first book in the series as well.

The sparks are definitely flying when Drake Carson stumbles across Lucinda “Luce” Hale observing a wild horse herd on his family’s ranch.  Initially, those sparks are fueled by animosity as Drake tries to avoid her while she works on her thesis.  Luce is not any happier with Drake since he continually underestimates her ability to take care of herself as she continues gathering information for her paper.  Slowly but surely, those sparks turn to passion but will this Wyoming cowboy and California woman figure out a way to make their relationship work?

Drake is a quintessential, hardworking cowboy who has a strong work ethic and old-fashioned swoon worthy manners.  He is the epitome of the strong silent type and he tries hard to avoid any type of discussion involving feelings or emotions.  Drake has no interest in being a subject for Luce’s thesis but he grudgingly agrees to help as long as she stays out of his way.  As their paths continue to cross and he makes sure she is safe while monitoring the herd, he realizes his feelings for Luce are beginning to shift into romantic territory.  With an aversion to casual relationships, will Drake give in to his desire?

Luce is quite feisty and she will not let Drake’s objections deter her from taking a few necessary risks in order to complete her thesis.  They go toe to toe on a couple of occasions but they manage to figure out a compromise that works for both of them.  She is quickly enamored by the laconic cowboy but Luce has her future all planned out so she is reluctant to take their relationship any further than friendship.  Finding it virtually impossible to resist the simmering passion between them, Luce and Drake finally share an incredibly romantic night together, but with some very real obstacles to overcome, will their relationship end when Luce completes her research?

Set against the wild and untamed beauty of Wyoming, Always a Cowboy is a light-hearted, angst-free addition to The Carsons of Mustang Creek series.  With an endearing cast of characters and a vibrant setting, this heartwarming novel will leave readers smiling from ear to ear from the witty banter between Drake, Luce and the Carson family.  I cherished every second of delightfully charming and sighworthy love story and I highly recommend it to old and new fans of Linda Lael Miller.

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Filed under Always a Cowboy, Carsons of Mustang Creek Series, Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, Linda Lael Miller, Rated B, Review, Romance

March 28, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: Once a Rancher by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Once a Rancher by Linda Lael Miller
Carsons of Mustang Creek Series Book One
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The Carsons of Mustang Creek: three men who embody the West and define what it means to be a rancher, a cowboy and a hero in this brand-new series from the queen of Western romance

SLATER CARSON might be a filmmaker by trade, but he’s still a cowboy at heart—and he knows the value of a hard day’s work under the hot Wyoming sun. So when he sees troubled teen Ryder heading down a dangerous path, he offers the boy a job on the ranch he shares with his two younger brothers. And since Ryder’s guardian is the gorgeous new Mustang Creek resort manager, Grace Emery, Slater figures it can’t hurt to keep a closer eye on her, as well…

GRACE EMERY doesn’t have time for romance. Between settling into her new job and caring for her ex-husband’s rebellious son, her attraction to larger-than-life Slater is a distraction she can’t afford. But when an unexpected threat emerges, she’ll discover just how far Slater will go to protect what matters most—and that love is always worth fighting for.

Review:

Linda Lael Miller’s newest series, The Carsons of Mustang Creek, is off to a very strong beginning with the first installment,  Once a Rancher.  Starring the three Carson brothers, this first release features oldest brother Slater’s unexpected romance with newcomer Grace Emery.

A documentary filmmaker, Slater uses the family’s ranch as his home base in between projects.  Having just returned from a grueling filming schedule, the last thing he wants to deal with is an unexpected visitor but his dismay quickly turns to interest once he meets Grace and her stepson, Ryder.  Fuming over Ryder’s latest shenanigans, Grace is pleasantly surprised by how quickly Slater defuses the somewhat tense situation.  Ryder easily picks up Slater’s interest in Grace, but she has no interest in pursuing a relationship with the charming cowboy.  As their paths continue to cross, they eventually give in to their passion, but will Slater be able to convince Grace to consider making their relationship permanent?

Although he has a reputation as a player, Slater’s interest in Grace is anything but casual.  He is definitely attracted to the feisty redhead and he is quick to devise a plan to see her again.  He is never overbearing or pushy, but he does gently nudge her into seeing him on a more personal basis.  Slater also realizes that Ryder needs something to occupy his time so he stays out of trouble and with Grace’s permission, he hires the teen to work at their ranch after school.

Despite her attraction to Slater, Grace sees a few too many similarities between the sexy cowboy and her ex-husband Hank.  She rushed into marriage only to realize that Hank’s career was more important than family so she is not in any hurry to begin another relationship.  She has her hands full trying to keep Ryder out of trouble but the more time she spends with Slater, the more irresistible he becomes.  Grace is independent and more than capable of taking care of herself, but when a series of troubling incidents endangers both her and Ryder, she gratefully accepts Slater’s help.

The relationship between Grace and Slater is slow growing but their attraction soon gives way to love.  While Slater is eager to take their romance  to the next level, Grace is hesitant since she is afraid of getting hurt again.   Slater is eager to move forward, but he is surprisingly patient as she tries to work through her reservations.  Grace is sometimes a bundle of contradictions as she tries to maintain her independence while at the same time she is frustrated when Slater gives her the space she needs.  Even though Grace and Slater are at a stalemate about their future, their relationship is remarkably free from conflict.

Once a Rancher is a heartwarming and touching romance that has just a hint of suspense.  The characters are beautifully developed, sympathetic and quite appealing.  The story is fast-paced with an engaging and well-developed plot.  Slater and Grace’s relationship has a bit of an insta-love feel to it, but their emotions for one another ring true.

Although The Carsons of Mustang Creek is a new series, longtime readers of Linda Lael Miller will enjoy returning to Mustang Creek. However, newcomers to the series need not worry; this first installment easily stands on its own.

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Filed under Carsons of Mustang Creek Series, Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, Linda Lael Miller, Once a Rancher, Rated B, Review, Romance