Category Archives: Linda Lael Miller

May 26, 2014 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller

pactTitle: The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller
The Brides of Bliss County Series Book One
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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 Review:

Linda Lael Miller’s newest series, The Brides of Bliss County, is off to a strong beginning with The Marriage Pact. This endearing romance has a great cast of characters, strong friendships and a love story that will melt your heart.

Hadleigh Stevens and Tripp Galloway have a long history together which provides a solid foundation for their burgeoning romance. In the ten years since Tripp stopped her from making a disastrous mistake, Hadleigh has done a lot of growing up but she is still furious with him for stopping her wedding. When Tripp moves back to the family ranch, the two reconnect and Hadleigh is forced to examine exactly why she is still so angry with him. As for Tripp, he is shocked by his attraction to the woman he watched grow up.

Hadleigh and Tripp have known one another all their lives and although Tripp has only made a few quick trips to town over the intervening years, their shared past is an unbreakable bond that ties them together. Tripp decides to come home after he learns some unsettling news about his father’s health and he easily settles back into ranching life. Hadleigh has faced a lot of losses in her life, but her close-knit and steadfast friendships with Melody Nolan and Bex Stuart have sustained her through all of life’s ups and downs.

The romance between Hadleigh and Tripp is gradual but after they sort through their individual issues, their relationship really takes off. Tripp is a bit old-fashioned and he is sweetly romantic as he courts Hadleigh. Their lovemaking is incredibly passionate and their sex scenes are pretty steamy.

The Marriage Pact is a light-hearted and angst-free novel with a compelling storyline and a charming cast of characters. Linda Lael Miller has an amazing ability to create delightfully homespun romances that are realistic and quite heartwarming. The marriage pact is a unique premise that adds to the story’s overall appeal and leaves readers eager for the upcoming installments of the Brides of Bliss County series.

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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 Pact

December 29, 2013 · 11:56 pm

Review: Big Sky Secrets by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Secrets by Linda Lael Miller
Parable Series Book Six
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller delivers the stunning finale of her acclaimed series set in Parable, Montana—where love awaits

Self-made tycoon Landry Sutton heads to Hangman Bend’s Ranch to sell his land to his brother Zane. Though he’s got cowboy in his blood, Landry plans to return to city life before the dust even settles on his boots. Of course, he didn’t count on falling for Big Sky Country…or Ria Manning.

Ria’s starting to settle into country life herself…until she has a close encounter of the terrifying kind with a buffalo. Turns out the peeping monster belongs to the cowboy next door—and he has her running even more scared than his bison. She wants a home where the buffalo don’t roam, and the men don’t either. Could Landry’s homecoming be her heart’s undoing?

The Review:

Big Sky Secrets is the bittersweet finale in Linda Lael Miller’s heartwarming Parable, Montana series. I have greatly enjoyed each of the installments and I am little sad that I have to say good-bye to the town and its inhabitants.

Beginning about a year after they were introduced in the previous novel (Big Sky Wedding), Big Sky Secrets is Landry Sutton and Ria Manning’s story. They both moved to Three Trees around the same time and their properties border one another. Although a little zing of attraction accompanied their introduction, neither has been interested in a relationship. As a matter of fact, each of their encounters have been a bit fractious since Landry’s escape artist buffalos are wreaking havoc on Ria’s flower farm. Of course underscoring the tension between them is their (mostly ignored) desire for one another. But on his latest trip to rescue his wandering buffalo, Landry changes the status quo when he pretty much dares Ria to go on a date with him. Ria accepts because she cannot resist his challenge, but are either of them ready for a relationship?

The romance between Ria and Landry is secondary to their personal growth. There is never any doubt there is love between them but they have to work through their personal baggage to uncover it. Widowed Ria has to make peace with issues that stem from her previous marriage while Landry is plagued with conflicts arising from his childhood. Both characters are quite contemplative as they reflect on their respective problems. Landry is a bit quicker to resolve his problems while Ria’s resolution takes almost the entire novel.

As with other novels in the series, secondary story arcs revolve around extended family. Ria’s relationship with her older sister Meredith is troubled, but she shares a tight bond with Meredith’s daughter Quinn. When her relationship with her mother hits a rocky patch, Quinn unexpectedly shows up on Ria’s doorstep. Landry’s father abandoned him and his brother Zane when they were young but that doesn’t stop him from turning up when he is in trouble (which happens with alarming frequency). Landry and his brother Zane have made significant progress in mending the rift in their relationship but it is still a work in progress.

Big Sky Secrets is another heartfelt romance in the delightful Parable, Montana series. This last stop in Three Trees wraps up most of the previous storylines and provides readers one last glimpse of favorite characters. It is always difficult saying goodbye to a beloved series, but I am eagerly awaiting The Marriage Pact, the first novel in Linda Lael Miller’s upcoming Western Wyoming trilogy.

You can find my reviews of the other books in the Parable series HERE.

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Filed under Big Sky Secrets, Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B, Review, Romance

August 27, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller
Parable Series Book Five
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, cordially invites you to Parable, Montana—where love awaits

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.

The Review:

Big Sky Wedding, is another sweetly romantic installment in Linda Lael Miller’s charming Parable, Montana series. More than just a romance, this engaging story is a wonderful story of new beginnings for Zane Sutton and his younger half-brother Nash. It is also the long-awaited romance for Brylee Parrish, who was unceremoniously dumped at the altar by Hutch Carmody in Big Sky Mountain.

Zane Sutton leaves behind the bright lights of Hollywood for a simpler life when he moves to the ranch he co-owns with his brother Landry. Before the dust has time to settle, Zane’s half-brother Nash and spunky yet loving housekeeper Cleo arrive. Adding to the chaos is his attraction to neighbor Brylee Parrish. He and Brylee have an instant attraction to one another but neither is looking for a romance. As their paths keep crossing, the simmering desire between them becomes too hot to resist.

Big Sky Wedding is a bit of a slow starter where the romance between Brylee and Zane is concerned. Instead the novel mainly focuses on Zane (which is no hardship since I LOVE his character) as he begins his new life in Three Trees. Despite his acting career, Zane is surprisingly down to earth and a little embarrassed over his formerly lavish lifestyle. Growing up, he and Landry were close but they have been estranged for several years. While Zane regrets the distance between them, the two men have little in common so when Landry calls him out of the blue, Zane knows something is up.

That something would be their twelve year old half-brother Nash. Their irresponsible father dropped Nash off at Landry’s just as Landry was about to leave on a business trip. Zane gladly takes Nash under his wing and while their relationship is a little strained at first, they quickly bond as Zane begins to get the ranch in order. There are a few tense moments between them due to their differing opinions of their father, but Zane is quite patient and understanding with Nash. I really enjoyed this part of the storyline as it really showcases Zane’s loving and easygoing personality.

I had difficulty warming up to Brylee. I liked her but I thought she was a little immersed in self-pity for most of the story. Her interactions with her niece and nephew were wonderful and I really enjoyed how involved she was in their lives. However, when it comes to Zane, Brylee is pretty prickly and her defenses are firmly in place. She is a little judgmental about Zane and she quickly jumps to unwarranted conclusions about him because he is an actor. Of course this is a defense mechanism designed to keep Zane at a distance and protect her heart. While Brylee may have made peace with Hutch, she is afraid of getting hurt again and her attitude towards Zane reflects this.

The romance between Brylee and Zane was non-existent for much of Big Sky Wedding. There are definitely sparks between them but the novel centers mainly on Brylee and Zane as individuals. This makes their relationship feel rushed and their declarations of love a little hard to believe. Their transition to lovers occurs very late in the book and most of their dating takes place off screen but a lovely epilogue perfectly wraps up their romance.

With Big Sky Wedding Linda Lael Miller brings readers another beautiful novel about family, friendship and love. The characters and setting are warmly inviting and the storyline is refreshingly drama free. Intriguing glimpses of Landry and newcomer Ria Manning set the stage for the next installment of the Parable, Montana series and I am eagerly awaiting their story.

Please click HERE to read my reviews of the other novels in the series.

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Filed under Big Sky Wedding, Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B, Review, Romance

May 23, 2013 · 3:56 am

Review: Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller
Paraable Series Book Four
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, welcomes you home to Parable, Montana—where love awaits.

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?

The Review:

Big Sky Summer is another delightfully sweet installment in Linda Lael Miller’s Parable series. I have been eagerly awaiting Casey’s story and it was well worth the wait!

Casey Elder’s long ago decision to keep the identity of her children’s father a secret comes back to haunt her when Walker Parrish wants to take more of an active role in his kids’ lives. Both Casey and Walker have come to regret their agreement to relegate him to the role of “family friend”. While son Shane is thrilled to learn Walker is his father, daughter Clare is angry and resentful at being lied to over the years. In an effort to minimize publicity and make the transition easier on Shane and Clare, Casey and Walker agree to a marriage of convenience.

Youth and immaturity played a role in Casey and Walker’s original decision to lie about Shane and Clare’s paternity. Was Casey selfish to put her career first? Absolutely. But she did a great job keeping Clare and Shane’s lives as normal as possible and when she realized it was time to give them a more stable life, she stopped touring and moved to Parable to be near Walker. With a little introspection, Walker comes to the realization that he could have been more proactive about the situation with Casey and the kids. While he may have taken the easy way out not fighting for custody or visitation, Walker is actively involved in their lives.

Casey’s marriage to Walker becomes a turning point for her. She finally works through her unresolved issues from childhood. Casey also goes through a bit of an identity crisis as she tries to decide what direction her career is going to take next.

The plot of Big Sky Summer is a little far-fetched, but I could easily put aside my skepticism and enjoy the overall story. Linda Lael Miller has an uncanny ability to create sympathetic, likable characters that I become emotionally invested in and genuinely care how they are going to overcome their problems.

Big Sky Summer is another wonderful addition to the Parable series and old and new fans will enjoy this heartwarming romance.

Read my reviews of the other novels in the Parable series HERE.

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Filed under Big Sky Summer, Contemporary, HarlequinHQN, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance

December 13, 2012 · 3:57 am

Review: Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller
Parable Series Book Three
Publisher: Harlequin/HarlequinHQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 318 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sheriff Boone Taylor has his job, friends, a run-down but decent ranch, two faithful dogs and a good horse. He doesn’t want romance—the widowed Montanan has loved and lost enough for a lifetime. But when a city woman buys the spread next door, Boone’s peace and quiet are in serious jeopardy.

With a marriage and a career painfully behind her, Tara Kendall is determined to start over in Parable. Reinventing herself and living a girlhood dream is worth the hard work. Sure, she might need help from her handsome, wary neighbor. But life along Big Sky River is full of surprises…like falling for a cowboy-lawman who just might start to believe in second chances.

The Review:

More than a love story, Big Sky River is an incredibly heartwarming story of healing from a devastating loss and finding love where it is least expected. This third installment in Linda Lael Miller’s delightfully charming Parable series brings the long awaited romance of Sheriff Boone Taylor and his city slicker neighbor Tara Kendall.

Boone Taylor stole my heart as soon as we were introduced to the heartbroken lawman in Big Sky Country. Boone has been stuck in an endless cycle of grief since his wife’s death a few years earlier. While he goes through the motions, he cannot quite seem to move on despite the encouragement of his longtime friends Hutch Carmody and Slade Barlow. His sister is raising his young sons, Griffin and Fletcher and while they come for the occasional visit with him, Boone is not ready to be a full time dad. But when Boone’s brother-in-law suffers an accident and his sister has her hands full with her own family, it is time for Griffin and Fletcher to move home with their dad.

In the wake of her painful divorce, Tara Kendall leaves New York and purchases the ranch next door to Boone. Tara and Boone have butted heads a time or two over his dilapidated and run down property, but for the most part, they live a peaceful co-existence. Tara has settled into her life as chicken farmer and she has formed a tight friendship with Kendra Carmody, Joslyn Barlow and newcomer Casey Elder. While she is definitely over her ex, Tara still feels the loss of her stepdaughters Elle and Erin. When her ex-husband proposes she take the girls for the summer, she jumps at the chance to renew her relationship with the daughters of her heart and welcomes them with open arms.

Despite their age differences, the four kids enjoy spending time with one another and Tara and Boone’s paths begin to cross on a fairly frequent basis with the arrival the children. Boone’s job as sheriff brings after hours crises and Tara lends a neighborly hand when Boone needs it. Boone and Tara quickly begin to see one another in a whole new light, and as their perspectives evolve, so does their relationship. Their romance is slow growing, understated and mostly free of conflict. There are a few issues that do arise between them but they are resolved fairly quickly.

Linda Lael Miller’s characters are always refreshingly down to earth, compassionate, and easy to like. They are not larger than life, but instead they are everyday average people living ordinary lives. They are dealing with realistic problems and they make mistakes.

With Big Sky River, Linda Lael Miller delivers an emotionally satisfying and incredibly poignant novel. What I found most enjoyable about Boone and Tara’s story is their slow but steady progress as they triumph over their respective pasts. Love sneaks up on them when neither of them is looking and that just makes their romance that much sweeter. An absolutely wonderful addition to the Parable series that fans are sure to love.

Read my reviews of the other books in the Parable series HERE.

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Filed under Big Sky River, Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance

September 18, 2012 · 3:57 am

Review: An Outlaw’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Title: An Outlaw’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinHQN
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With his wild heart, Sawyer McKettrick isn’t ready to settle down on the Triple M family ranch in Arizona. So he heads to Blue River, Texas, to seek a job as marshal. But in a blinding snowstorm he’s injured—and collapses into the arms of a prim and proper lady in calico.

The shirtless, bandaged stranger recuperating in teacher Piper St. James’s room behind the schoolhouse says he’s a McKettrick, but he looks like an outlaw. As they wait out the storm, the handsome loner has Piper remembering long-ago dreams of marriage and motherhood. But for how long is Sawyer willing to call Blue River home?

As the gray skies clear, Piper’s one holiday wish just might bring two lonely hearts together forever.

The Review:

An Outlaw’s Christmas is a heartwarming historical romance that will delight fans of Linda Lael Miller’s McKettrick series. Sawyer McKettrick journeys to Blue River, TX to take over his cousin Clay’s position as marshal. Arriving in the middle of a blizzard, he is greeted by a bullet from an unknown assailant. He collapses in the schoolhouse yard, where he is discovered by school teacher Piper St. James. A prim and proper lady through and through, Piper rescues Sawyer despite the very real risk of ruining her reputation. But Piper soon discovers the greatest danger is to her heart…

Piper and Sawyer are fabulous characters and I absolutely adore both of them. Piper is no shy and retiring miss. She is a bit of rebel and she has strong convictions that she stands up for no matter the consequences. Piper is also quite compassionate and caring. She might be prim and proper, but Piper is pretty feisty. She has a temper and she does not hesitate to speak her mind.

Sawyer is a McKettrick through and through. Stubborn and strong-willed, there is no changing his mind once he decides on a course of action. He has a mysterious reputation and he is reluctant to give up any personal information. Sawyer has certainly met his match in Piper, and with a lot of determination and perseverance she manages to learn his secrets.

Although love comes quickly to Piper and Sawyer, it never feels forced or rushed. Their romance is sweet and touching. Despite their mutual desire for each other, Sawyer is always a perfect gentleman. And when Piper’s reputation is threatened, he gallantly comes to her rescue.

An Outlaw’s Christmas is a feel good romance that is fast-paced and engrossing. Linda Lael Miller delivers yet another moving story about love and family that perfectly expresses the spirit of Christmas. A perfectly charming love story that fans of historical westerns do not want to miss.

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Filed under An Outlaw's Christmas, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Historical, Linda Lael Miller, Rated B+, Review, Romance