The Marriage Season by Linda Lael Miller

Author: Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Harlequin
Date of publication: May 2015

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?

The Marriage Season wraps up the trilogy involving three best friends who make a marriage pact to never settle for anything but the best and forever.  So far, Hadleigh and Melody have found their forever happiness and are eager to have Bex find the same.  They aren't opposed to a little match making to make that happen. The problem is neither Tate nor Bex are looking for forever having both been burned by love in the past. How can a couple fight the attraction when they keep getting thrown together?

I think this one was my favorite of the three.  I loved Tate and Bex together.  It's always fun to watch a couple who have sworn off love unable to resist trying it just one more time. This one was less angsty than the last two.  While Bex and Tate both have reservations, their relationship and friendship developed pretty easily. The twist on their HEA was perfect for them.  I also loved the ready made family aspect.  The way Bex embraced Tate's boys as her own and the way Tate treated her nephew as his own was priceless. 

There is another book about Mustang Creek coming out in September, Christmas in Mustang Creek.  I look forward to reading it and catching up with everyone in this great little town.

The Marriage Charm by Linda Lael Miller

Author: Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Harlequin
Date of publication: January 2015

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 Marriage Charm is the second book in this series about three friends who make a marriage pact.  To only find husbands in men they truly love. I really enjoyed the first book, The Marriage Pact.  In this one, It's Hadleigh's turn to  find love.  The thing is, Spence is convinced that it should be him.  That would be great for Hadeligh if he hadn't left her hanging 10 years before.

So far, I think this is my least favorite out of the two I have read.  While I liked it, I just didn't love it.   Wasn't really feeling the love between the two.  I kept saying to myself, why now?  They have lived in the town together for years. Why after 10 years does Spence all of a sudden want to get involved with Hadleigh again.  There was not real catalyst that put him back on her path, other than we are told that he wants her.  I did ultimately like the HEA, but I think this one could have been more of a shorter story.  

There is also the mystery of the break-ins and thefts in the town.   I was surprised at who the thief was only because I felt like the solution came out of nowhere.  There were NO hints at all until almost the end.  For me, it was kind of a "huh?" moment.  Despite this one not being y favorite, I still recommend reading it and the first book.  You can't go too wrong with this author.  I look forward to Bex'x story next in The Marriage Season.

Throwback Thursday: The Man From Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller

Author: Linda Lael Miller
First published in 2006 by  Harlequin

When trouble strikes in Haven, Arizona, Ranger Sam O'Ballivan is determined to sort it out. Badge and gun hidden, he arrives posing as the new schoolteacher, and discovers his first task: bringing the ranchers' children under control. So he starts with a call on Maddie Chancelor, the local postmistress and older sister of a boy in need of discipline.

But far from the spinster Sam expects, Maddie turns out to be a graceful woman whose prim and proper demeanor is belied by the fire in her eyes. Working undercover to capture rustlers and train robbers has always kept Sam isolated and his heart firmly in check until now. But something about the spirited postmistress tempts him to start down a path he swore he'd never travel….

The Man From Stone Creek was a bit underwhelming.  I liked the overall storyline.  Sam is undercover as a school teacher while he tracks down a group of bandits.  Maddie runs the local mercantile and takes care of her brother.  The attraction is there, but Sam is promised to another woman  

The problem i had with the story was the lack of heat between Maddie and Sam. They don't even kiss until almost the very end of the book.  When they do finally kiss, they jump right into bed together.  I just wasn't feeling the love between the two of them.  I also felt like it was a bit too long.  I definitely could have been shorter.    I wouldn't say skip it, but just don't expect too much.

Blog Tour: The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller

I'm really exited today to have a mini Q&A with one of my favorite authors, Linda Lael Miller.  Enjoy it after my thoughts on her newest book, The Marriage Pact.

Author: Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Harlequin (Mira)
Date of publication: May 2014

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!

My thoughts:

As I said before, I am a huge fan of this author.  I love her books because the characters are so likable.  The women are strong and independent and the men are swoon-worthy and lovable.  The Marriage Pact is the beginning of a new series about three best friends who make a pact to help and support each other in their quest to find love and family.  

Hadleigh and Tripp have known each other their whole lives.  I think that made this story that much more satisfying.  They know each other inside and out and their love came through as genuine and forever.  I found myself routing for them to finally admit they belonged together.   But beyond this relationship, we are treated to the wonderful bond between Tripp and his stepfather, Jim.  And in Tripp's finally realizing that blood isn't always the thing that makes a family.

I definitely recommend this one!  It's a great start to the series.  I can't wait to rad Melody's and Bex's stories!

Q: It’s exciting to read your new Bliss County series! What inspired you to write this new series and how long have you had the idea for THE MARRIAGE PACT?

 A:. I was actually inspired by my own penchant for arts and crafts, since I love to make things, and by the beautiful state of Wyoming.  In the books, three women friends, all successful in their own right, decide to help each other find husbands.  One of the women is a jewelry designer, and she makes a special bracelet charm to represent each of their romances.  If I hadn’t already been inspired, my visit to Jackson, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park last September would have done the trick.
 

 Q: In THE MARRIAGE PACT, Hadleigh is determined to find Mr. Right but it turns out Mr. Right isn’t who she thought he would be. Do you think most relationships are like that?

 A: Maybe not most relationships, but definitely a lot of them.  I think we human beings have a tendency to look for love (and everything else) in strange and faraway places, instead of in our own backyard.

 Q: The pressure to get married can be huge for women. Do you think you can really find love when you are “looking” for it? Or is it easier to fall in love if you aren’t on the hunt?

 A: Complex question!  I do think it’s possible to find true love by actively looking for it—several of my friends have done exactly that.  On the other hand, there is something to be said for letting the chips fall where they may.

About the author:
As the daughter of a town marshal, Linda has come home to the western lifestyle that gave birth to one of today’s most successful authors. She left Washington years ago and pursued her wanderlust, living in Arizona and London and traveling the world. Now the author of more than 100 novels, the “First Lady of the West” is glad to be back home, writing contemporary and historical stories that have earned her awards and placements on all the national bestsellers lists.

Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold FLETCHER’S WOMAN in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/

Throwback Thursday: The Last Chance Cafe by Linda Lael Miller

Author: Linda Lael Miller
First published in 2002 by Atria books

When a blinding Nevada snowstorm and a broken-down truck force Hallie O'Rourke and her two young daughters into the warmth of the Last Chance Cafe, Hallie could not know she would find a new beginning at the roadside diner. Or that the handsome stranger she meets there would change everything she believes about home and family. Chance Qualtrough is a rancher with deep roots in Primrose Creek, and he's never met a woman as alluring -- or downright stubborn -- as Hallie. An undeniable passion is pulling them together, but Hallie is fleeing a danger so threatening she dares not let Chance into her heart. Will all that Hallie fears come back with full force, destroying her last chance for the life she's always dreamed of?

As I was listening to the audio-book for The Last Chance Cafe, I kept feeling like I was missing something.  Story threads seemed to die off and go nowhere.  Once the last disc was done, I realized that I had picked up the abridged version of the book.  For the record, nowhere on the case did it say "abridged".  Usually I am a lot more careful when it comes to audio-books. I detest abridged versions because I don't think they ever do a good job of breaking down the story.  I suggest that if you want to listen to the audio-book, make sure you get the full version. I'm sure it will make more sense.

Keeping that in mind, I did enjoy the romance part of the story.  I think I got enough of the gist of the book to like it.  I liked Chance and Hallie.  Their love scenes were pretty steamy.  I also loved their HEA.    I can't say much about the suspense part of the book.  It fell flat for me, but then I don't think I got enough of it to really like it. Maybe one day I'll try it again, only I'll read the entire book!

Review: Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller

Author: Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Harlequin
Date of publication: May 2013

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! 
Big Sky Summer is the fourth book in this series.  I have so far really enjoyed spending time in Parable, Montana.  This is Walker and Casey's story.  Casey is a big country music star who has a history with Walker.  She also has two children with him.  The problem is that no one knows the truth.  She is in Parable to set down some roots and give her kids some stability. 

I really liked Walker and Casey's story.  Because Casey and Walker have a long history, their romance was that much sweeter.  I liked it even more because it wasn't perfect.  The kids add another level of reality to their relationship.  While I didn't agree with Casey's decision to keep Walker's true identity from her kids, I could see why she did it at the time.  I was happy when Walker finally stood his ground and demanded that his kids know the truth.  

This is a great addition to the series.  I look forward to reading number five, Big Sky Wedding, next.

Review: Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller

Author: Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Harlequin
Date of Publication: December 2012

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.

I have enjoyed this series so far and I was eager to read the third installment.  Big Sky River is Boone and Tara's story.  I wish I could say that I liked this one as much as the first two, but it was a bit disappointing.  The bulk of the book deals with Boone's children coming back to live with him and getting to know him again as their father.  It also involves Tara's step-daughters coming to sty with her for the summer.  I did enjoy those parts. Watching Boone realize it was time to let go and move one was bitter sweet.   

The problem that I had was that Boone and Tara don't get together until the last 1/4 of the book. Once they do they are talking marriage.  It felt forced and a bit rushed.  I wanted more of them together and maybe an epilogue would have helped.  The characters from the previous books show up in this one, so maybe we will see more of Boone and Tara in the next one.    Big Sky Summer comes out in May.  I'm looking forward to reading it.

Review: Big Sky Country & Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller

Linda Lael Miller is a wonderful romance writer.  Every time I read one of her book, I have the deep urge to go live on a ranch, if only I could convince my family to go along with my fantasy!  This year, she has released the first two books of her "Swoon-Worthy Cowboys" series.  Big Sky Mountain and Big Sky Country. Ms. Miller has created a wonderful town full of interesting characters with loose tongues and long memories. 

Big Sky Country (Harlequin May, 2012) is Slade and Josyln's story.  Sheriff Slade Barlow is the unacknowledged illegitimate son of a wealthy rancher in town.  Now that his father has died, Slade finds out that he has been left half of his father's inheritance.  The other half belongs to his half brother Hutch.  The two men don't get along.  While navigating this new relationship with his brother, Slade finds out that Joslyn Kirk is back in town.  Joslyn's step father swindled a lot of the town's people of out millions in a ponzi scheme and Joslyn is back to try to make things right.

While the story was enjoyable, I felt the romance was really secondary to the story. The first half of the book is set up and character building.  At times it dragged a little.  Then when it did pick up, it was over and Slade and Josyln had found their HEA.  While they had known each other for years, I still had a hard time figuring out when they fell in love.  Toward the end of the book, two whole months are skipped over.  I felt a bit cheated.  I would have liked to see more of the romance between Slade and Joslyn.  They barely spend time together that the reader sees.


For the first in the series, it didn't wow me.However, it is worth recommending for the character interactions alone.  I loved the relationship between Slade and his step daughter Shea.  That alone just melted my heart.  I also loved Opal.  She seems like such a warm personality and the kind of woman who would always be ready with a big bear hug if you needed one.   Slade's brother Hutch seems like such a troubled soul and I looked forward to reading his story next in Big Sky Mountain.

Big Sky Mountain (Harlequin, July 2012) is Hutch and Kendra's story. I liked this one more than the first one.  I felt more of a connection with Hutch and Kendra and their relationship.  They have a history and previous relationship, so that may be why I believed their love story more.  I'm not sure either of them ever really fell out of of love with the other.  I was really rooting for their HEA.

Kendra has been out of town for a while and has returned the adoptive mother of a 4 year old daughter.  I admired Kendra for how she fought for Madison and made gave her a home.  I don't think a lot of people would have done what she did.  Madison was a very sweet little girl and I loved how she melted Hutch's heart.

All of the characters that you grew to love in Big Sky Country return in this one.  Opal is as wonderful as ever.  Hutch and Slade's relationship is growing stronger.  The next book in the series, Big Sky River, comes out next year.  I look forward to visiting the town of Parable again!

Series Week:The Creed Cowboys Trilogy by Linda Lael Miller

This trilogy came out last year by Linda Lael Miller.  It is a continuation of a series that has been around for a while, but I  never felt out of the loop.

First up: A Creed in Stone Creek

Publisher:  Harlequin
Date of Publication: February 2011

When single attorney Steven Creed becomes 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.

I have never read any of the preceding books in either the Montana Creed series or the Stone Creek series, but after reading this first one, I know I will be seeking them out.  I enjoyed this first in the Creed Cowboys trilogy.  Steven Creed is definitely a beta hero, but that just makes him more lovable.  I liked him and Melissa together.  While they did seem to rush into things a bit, in the end, I believed their HEA.  In each other, they found the home they were seeking.  My only criticism is that some parts of the book were a bit repetitive.  The author used a lot of the same phrasing throughout the book as well as restating things that had already been established. In all a good first intro to the Creed family for me!

Next: Creed's Honor

Publisher:  Harlequin

Date of Publication: February 2011


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....




I'm not sure I liked this one as much as the first.  I probably wouldn't classify it as a straight romance because there is very little romance in it.  In fact, I'm not sure when Connor and Tricia fell in love.  They have so little interaction in the book.  It didn't seem real to me.  IT was more like there had to be a happy ending, so she stuck them together and called it love.  While I liked both characters on their own, I just didn't see them together.  On the upside,  I did enjoy the interaction between Connor and his brother.  Reconciliation and healing is on the horizon for them.  Characters from the first book make an appearance in this one and it is always nice to catch up with them.  So, in all, not the best in the trilogy, but worth reading.


Last, but not least: The Creed Legacy

Publisher:  Harlequin
Date of Publication: February 2011

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—a rootless bad boy among family with deep ties to the land and each other. He’s half-ready to bolt when he meets a copper-haired beauty more restless than he is. 

Carolyn Simmons is living a temporary life in Lonesome Bend, waiting to light out for the glamour of a metropolis. Then she falls for gorgeous Brody Creed, the opposite of everything she wants. But taming his wild heart might just become everything they both need…

The Creed Legacy was by far my favorite of the trilogy.  It is also the most heart wrenching.  You finally get to know what caused Brody Creed to leave Caroline six years before and what kept him away.  This book isn't all happy go lucky as you watch Brody work his way back to his family.  But, as family is meant to do, they welcome him back with open arms.  The scenes between Brody and Davis are very touching.  Both Brody and Caroline grow so much in this book and you find yourself just rooting for their HEA.  Brody is such a great guy.  I loved the date that he plans for Caroline.  It was so sweet.  Caroline finally  has a chance to find the home she has been searching for her whole life.  This was a great end to the trilogy!