Category Archives: Linda Lael Miller

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

September 27, 2015 · 11:57 pm

Review: Christmas in Mustang Creek by Linda Lael Miller

christmas mustangTitle: Christmas in Mustang Creek by Linda Lael Miller
The Brides of Bliss County Series Book Four
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 272 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

No one does the holidays like Linda Lael Miller, whose Christmas novels have warmed the hearts of millions of readers the world over! 

Charlotte Morgan grew up in Mustang Creek, Wyoming, and couldn’t wait to escape to the big city. But life in New York isn’t as fabulous as she’d like to admit—she’s lonely, doing a job she doesn’t love and dating too many frogs she meets online.

There was one potential prince, though—Jaxon Locke, a veterinarian with definite possibilities—but his move to Idaho to fill in at his dad’s vet practice ended things just as they were getting interesting. What Charlotte doesn’t know is that he misses her, more than he expected…

Meanwhile, Charlotte’s great-aunt Geneva—the woman who raised her—needs to enter an assisted-living facility. So, just before Christmas, Charlotte moves back home. When Jax catches wind of her move back West, he’s determined to get to Wyoming and do whatever it takes to win her back.

Christmas in Mustang Creek is a magical time in a magical place, not least because of a mysterious visitor named Mrs. Klozz. She knows that love is the greatest gift of all, and she’s ready to help out Santa by giving these two a push in the right direction!

Review:

Christmas in Mustang Creek by Linda Lael Miller is a marvelous addition to The Brides of Bliss County series. This sweet romance takes place a few days before Christmas and it is a light-hearted and easy to read novel that old and new fans of the series are going to love.

Charlotte Morgan grew up in Mustang Creek but after college, her career in advertising led her to a dream job in New York. She loves the fast pace and vibrant atmosphere of big city living but when her aunt’s health begins failing and she loses her job right before Christmas, she knows it is time to return to her small hometown. As soon she arrives in town, Charlotte immediately crosses paths with Jaxon Locke, the veterinarian she dated while living in New York. She and Jaxon split up a year earlier when he returned to Idaho to take care of his father after he had a heart attack.  Is it just a coincidence that Jaxon is moving to Mustang Creek just as Charlotte returns to town? Or is a little holiday magic responsible for their unexpected reunion?

Charlotte and Jaxon cared deeply for one another, but while Charlotte loved living in the big city, Jaxon longed to return to the wide open spaces back West. He never stopped caring for Charlotte so after his father returned to work, Jaxon eagerly accepted a job offer to join a vet practice in Mustang Creek. He was even more thrilled to discover that Charlotte was returning home and he is cautiously optimistic they can resume their relationship.

Charlotte returns to Mustang Creek with no clear plan for her future. She loves her career but she is torn between staying close to her beloved Aunt Geneva and moving to another large city where she can put her skills to use. She is stunned to discover that Jaxon is planning to settle in her hometown, but she still sees no way around their conflicting dreams. With a little help from the mysterious Mrs. Klozz, Aunt Geneva and a surprising business idea, Jaxon eagerly begins trying to convince Charlotte to give their relationship a second chance.

Christmas in Mustang Creek is another low key, blissfully angst-free romance from fan favorite Linda Lael Miller. As always, the characters are quite appealing, delightfully engaging and beautifully developed. The holiday season is the perfect backdrop for the renewed relationship between Jaxon and Charlotte and their romance is quite heartwarming. Mustang Creek is still the same warm and inviting town and the addition of Mrs. Klozz to the cast of well-meaning and caring townspeople adds a bit of whimsy to the storyline. Although it is the fourth installment in The Brides of Bliss County series, it can be read as a standalone.

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Filed under Christmas in Mustang Creek, Contemporary, HQN Books, Linda Lael Miller, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Brides of Bliss County Series

May 25, 2015 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Marriage Season by Linda Lael Miller

marriage seasonTitle: The Marriage Season by Linda Lael Miller
Brides of Bliss County Series Book Three
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Will the marriage pact be fulfilled? Return to Mustang Creek, Wyoming, with #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller for more Brides of Bliss County!

Since Hadleigh, Melody and Bex—the best of best friends—entered into a marriage pact, two of them have found (and married) the men of their hearts. But Bex doesn’t think she’ll be as fortunate as the others. Her own first love died years ago in a faraway war, and Bex has lost hope for a happy marriage of her own. She concentrates on her business, a successful chain of fitness clubs, instead.

Then, when single father Tate Calder comes to Mustang Creek with his two sons in tow, who befriend Bex’s eight-year-old nephew, she and the handsome, aloof newcomer are constantly thrown together. But is the marriage season over? Or can a man with doubts about love be the right husband for a woman who wants it all?

Review:

The Marriage Season is the final charming installment in Linda Lael Miller’s The Brides of Bliss County series. In this outing, it is Bex Stuart’s turn to find love, but will she be able to let go of her fears and fulfill the marriage pact she made with her best friends Hadleigh and Melody?

Bex has not had a serious relationship since her fiancé died in Afghanistan ten years earlier. So when single dad Tate Calder moves to town, Hadleigh and Melody decide to do a little matchmaking for their friends. The only problem? Tate is interested in a relationship but he does not plan to re-marry while Bex thinks she is too busy for a relationship. Bex’s life becomes even more complicated when her sister Tara and six year old nephew Josh move in with her but neither she nor Tate can resist their attraction to each other. When Tate offers to include Josh in a weekend fishing trip with him and his two sons, he extends an invitation to Bex to join them. Their feelings for one another quickly deepen, but will Bex and Tate’s respective baggage prevent them from taking their relationship to the next level?

Bex is a successful business woman with a big heart. She is very loyal to her friends and family and she will do anything to help her loved ones. Bex has never recovered from losing her fiancé and although she knows her fears are unrealistic, she is terrified of making a permanent commitment.

Tate is devoted to his sons and he is willing to make any sacrifice for them. He left a lucrative career so he could spend as much time with them as possible and despite losing their mother, his kids are happy and well-adjusted. He moved to Mustang Creek to begin a horse breeding program and the construction on his home and ranch is nearing completion. Tate is taken off guard by his attraction to Bex but it does not take long for him to becomes serious about her.

Despite their baggage and reservations, neither Tate nor Bex fight their attraction. They quickly settle into their new relationship and for the most part, there is very little conflict between them.  Bex is a bit skittish about their romance and she does need a little space to think things through. But once she works through her hesitation, she is fully committed to Tate. They are both honest about not wanting to marry, but as their relationship changes so do their expectations. Will the wounds from the past stand in the way of their future?

The Marriage Season is an absolutely enchanting addition to The Brides of Bliss County series. The plot is realistic and delightfully free of unnecessary drama or angst. The characters are beautifully developed with true to life problems to overcome. Linda Lael Miller concludes this terrific series with another heartwarming romance that old and new fans are going to love.

Read my reviews of the other novels in The Brides of Bliss County series HERE.

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Filed under Contemporary, HQN Books, Linda Lael Miller, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Brides of Bliss County Series, The Marriage Season

January 26, 2015 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Marriage Charm by Linda Lael Miller

marriage charmTitle: The Marriage Charm by Linda Lael Miller
The Brides of Bliss County Series Book Two
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The women of Bliss County have a pact—to find husbands. The right husbands.

One already has: Hadleigh Stevens, who married rancher Tripp Galloway a few months ago. Now Melody Nolan thinks it’s her turn. Melody has recently found success as a jewelry designer, and her work is the focus of her life. She’s not exactly unhappy, but she wants more. She’s always been attracted to Spence Hogan, the local chief of police, but she’s convinced that Spence, a notorious charmer, isn’t what you’d call husband material.

Spence is a good cop who isn’t scared of anything—except love. And he’s done everything he can to preserve his reputation as a womanizer—a reputation that keeps marriage-minded women, including Melody, at bay. And yet…there’s something about Melody he can’t forget. Something his heart can’t ignore.

The Review:

The Marriage Charm is another delightfully heartwarming romance by Linda Lael Miller. This newest installment in The Brides of Bliss County is a beautifully written second chance at love story that old and new fans are sure to love.

Melody Nolan and Spence Hogan have known one another since childhood but their romance years earlier ended with broken hearts for both of them. Thrown together when their good friends Tripp and Hadleigh fall in love, it is obvious to both of them that they still harbor strong feelings for one another. Melody and Spence share one steamy night together, but Melody continues to feel the sting of Spence’s long ago rejection and finds it nearly impossible to trust the kind-hearted sheriff.

Melody is content with her life in Mustang Creek until her close friend Hadleigh marries the man of her dreams. She is truly happy for Hadleigh but at the same time, she cannot help but feel a little jealous. When the opportunity arises for Melody to reconnect with Spence, she does not give much thought to what, if any, future the two might have. Melody is still in love with him, but she is not sure trusting him is the smartest move for her.

Small town gossip has painted Spence as quite the player and as far as Melody is concerned, that is another black mark against him. Her jealousy gives him hope that all is not lost for them, but his undeserved reputation comes between them more than once. Luckily for Melody, Spence not only knows what he wants, but he is also willing to do the work necessary to reassure her that he is serious about her. He patiently waits for her to sort through her complicated feelings for him and Spence refuses to become discouraged when Melody keeps him at arm’s length.

Despite of Melody’s doubts, she and Spence do make progress on their relationship. Both turn to their closest friends for advice and while they may not always like what they hear, they do appreciate the different perspectives. Spence gently pursues her but he does respect her wishes when she asks him to back off. Part of their issues stem from lack of communication while others are a direct result of misinformation. While some of their problems are easier to solve than others, it is the unavoidable overlapping of their lives that really helps them clear up some of Melody’s misconceptions about Spence.

The Marriage Charm is a very sweet, fun and sexy addition to The Brides of Bliss County. As always, the characters are easy to like, well-developed and very charming. Linda Lael Miller adds a bit of a suspense element to the plot that helps keep both the story and the series fresh and unique. All in all, a captivating love story that is heartfelt and engaging.

Read my reviews of the other novels in The Brides of Bliss County series HERE.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, Linda Lael Miller, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Brides of Bliss County Series, The Marriage Charm