Nice Start

Country Strong by Linda Lael Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Welcome to Painted Pony Creek where some very interesting characters live. Start with the one who shows up looking to find her three dads. Then there are the dads. Add another blast from the past and you have quite a mix. There was a lot of action in this first book of the series. At times the book seemed a little slow and I would thing everything was solved but then another problem would find its solution. All in all good start to a new series with 2 of the dads left to find an HEA.

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Short and Sweet Book # 324 - A Stone Creek Christmas by Linda Lael Miller, Patience fo Christmas by Grace Burrowes

A Stone Creek Christmas A Cowboy's Wish Upon a Star: An Anthology by Linda Lael Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A nice story with a twist. Olivia can talk to the animals and her dog often steals the show. This is about family and what is important. Tanner Quinn has faced loss and is trying to keep everything safe. When he arrives in Stone Creek everything changes and he faces what is important and what is not. The romance is at the heart of the story and brings everything into focus.


Patience for Christmas by Grace Burrowes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Patience is a friend of the Windham sisters so there is a tie in to the Windham series. It is set before any of the sisters marry. Patience was ruined and makes her living writing for a local paper. She has an advice column and now there is a compensation between her column and on in another paper. There are two secrets in play and a building romance between the owners of the to columns. I loved how Patience grew and became more independent and how her boss reacted to her growth. A really nice Christmas romance with just a little tension to go with the romance.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews #143 - Dukes Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase, Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thane, A Snow Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Dukes Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I missed this book when it came out. I read the first three in the Dressmakers series and was surprised to see that Lady Clara Fairfax was getting her own story after being a side character in the first books in the series. Lady is Clara is anything but a proper lady. It turns out what she needs is someone like Oliver Redford. What starts out as a simple hunt for a missing boy turns out to be very dangerous. Lady Clara has to keep reminding Oliver about the restriction put on women and how she does have a brain and knows how to use it. They are a match made somewhere besides heaven but a very fun match indeed. A nice addition to the series.  


Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another Caine bites the dust but not without some drama and uncertainty. Librarian Julia Winston is ready for change in her life. It comes with Jamie Caine renting her upstairs apartment at the same time she takes two young boys who need a temporary home. It was fun to see Jamie who never lets a woman get to close being drawn into Julia's life and wanting to stay there. I liked the way the book once again brought two series and the character in the two together in a very nice story. Pick this up for a nice Christmas story and a nice addition to the Haven Point series. It can stand alone but is more fun if you have read the previous books.


A Snow Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raine McCall and Mick Branson seem to be opposites and should not have any thing in common. Turns out that is wrong. Miller tells their story in two parts. One is a unfinished novel written by McCall's great grandfather. It is about a greenhorn and a independent western woman. Seems Raine is the independent woman and Mick is the greenhorn. It made for a fascinating story as Mick finishes the novel and he and Raine find that they have much more in common than anyone thought. I loved both Raine and Mick and it was great to see independent Raine finally get her HEA.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews #87 - Forever a Hero by Linda Lael Miller, Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart, The Cowboy's Orphan Bride by Lauri Robinson

Forever a Hero by Linda Lael Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The last Carson of Mustang Creek meets his match in the third book of the Carson series. Kelly Wright and Mace Carson have a history that goes back 10 years. It seems that Mace just can't quite saving Kelly as it happens again when she comes to Mustang Creek. I loved how Mace knew right away that Kelly was the one for him and how he tried very hard to take it slow. Kelly has some hang-up about marriage and long term relationships as her first marriage went very wrong. Add the danger from someone that attacked Kelly getting out of prison (Mace saved her 10 years ago) and you have added tension. A great way to end each of the Carson boys getting their HEA.

I received a free copy of Forever a Hero in return for an honest review.


Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did it again. I started a series in the middle. Lady Cop is the second book in the Knopp Sisters series but works well as a stand-alone. Based on the true story of Constance Kopp and her charming and steadfast sisters as they go on a ground breaking mission. Constance is the first female deputy in New Jersey. In this issue she has had her badge taken away and is the women's jail matron. That does not stop her from inserting herself in the action. One of the things that struck me first is how very far women's rights have come in 100 years and how fragile those rights are today. I loved how Constance stood up for herself. I also liked the sheriff but wondered how he could miss so many clues about the people around him. Constance proves that women sometimes see things much better than men and as a result she helps the sheriff keep his job. I have the first book checked out and am looking forward to finding out if some things that are hinted at are spelled out in book one.


The Cowboy's Orphan Bride by Lauri Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been a Lauri Robinson fan for many years and always enjoy her books. With Bridgette Banks and Garth McCain she has once again hit one out of the ball park. Bridgette is such a great character. She is strong and knows how to stand her ground. Garth on the other hand is in the middle of a muddle. He has put the past behind him and as it in the person of Bridgette hits him in the face he stays very confused. Watching the two interact is really fun. Placing the action in Dodge City at the height of the cattle drives is a great setting for the action between the two characters. The threat by the packing houses and the railroads gives the story some interesting historical background. Pick this one up for a interesting look at the old west during the period when cattle drives were common.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews #59 - Martians Abroad by Carrie Vaughn, The Import of Intrigue by Marshall Ryan Maresca, The 24 Days of Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

The 24 Days of Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a reprint from a pervious book of Christmas Novellas so check before buying and reading to make sure you do not have the story already. It is short (50 pages) and sweet. There are two scene stealing children and two adults with a past. It uses a familiar trope. One of the main characters has come home after a personal disaster and years away. Of course the romance is rekindled and there is a nice HEA. A good short story to read between getting ready for the holidays.



Martians Abroad by Carrie Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The setting a background of Martians Abroad is one that has been used often. The two main characters are sent back to Earth to go to school over their objections. One is very vocal and one trying to go with the flow. While they adjust they are placed in several dangerous situation. They big question is why target them and who is doing the targeting. A nice story that could be the start of a series or could be stand-alone. A nicely written story but nothing exciting or different from others with the same theme.


An Import of Intrigue by Marshall Ryan Maresca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book two in a series that I love but found unusual. The two main characters are a bit of a misfit so they have been partnered together. That is not the unusual part. Many times this heralds a budding romance that will build during the series. Not here. Satrine Rainey is married and trying to support her family after an accident left her husband impaired. Uncircled mage Minox Welling just want to do his job without interference. They do make a good pair as they each have different talents. Minox features in this story as his magic becomes out of control and so does he. Satrine carries the brunt of solving the murder at the heart of the story. What makes this really interesting though are the flash-backs about Sarine's past. There is much more to her background than meets the eye. The story starts off a little slow but picks up steam as the book progresses. I loved book one and was not disappointed with book two. I will be looking for the next book in the series. There are so many different ways this series could go. I will keep guessing until book three comes out.  This is one part of two parallel series with a different view point and different characters.  Go to the author's page to learn more.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 38 - Wild Embrace by Nalini Singh, Honor Bound by B.J. Daniels, Always a Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller

Wild Embrace by Nalini Singh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of Wild Embrace and loved every story in the book. There are four novellas featuring some new characters and some old favorites. Each is a complete story. You learn more about Dorian and meet new characters in the other three novellas. This is a must read for fans of the series and a great introduction for those just starting to read the Psy-Changling series. It is also on I know I will purchase in hard copy and put on my favorites shelf to re-reaad.


Honor Bound by B.J. Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finally we find out what Sarah did and what she is doing now. We also get to see the HEA for Ainsley Hamilton, the last of the Hamilton daughter to find romance and an HEA. I wondered how Daniels was going to have any kind of an upbeat ending to this series. It really looked like Sarah and Buckmaster Hamilton would not get a very good ending. Daniels managed to tie up all the loose ends and give everyone a really nice ending to a very complex story line.




Always a Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very sweet western romance. Drake is a cowboy, through and through. Luce is a city girl who loves the outdoors. They do clash at first but it does not take long for them to see that they belong together. There is a nice cast of character and two very conniving Mothers in the mix. It seems that this time mother does know best. There is not a lot of tension in the story, just a very interesting romance between two great characters.

Miller has included part of her story at the end of the book. That was one of the best parts of the book. She tells how she grew up as a part of the west and always hearing stories about the west. It was a interesting hearing how she first starting writing (thank her 5th grade teacher) and how long it took her to get anything published.

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Stacking The Shelves - August 1, 2015

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I added to my shelves this week. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their shelves. 

I went a little crazy on Netgalley this week.  I had my shelf down to 12 books but now it is up to 19 again.

For Review:

The Temptation of Dr. Colton by Karen Whiddon

Christmas in Mustang Creek by Linda Lael Miller

Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne

Marry Me at Christmas by Susan Mallery

The Last Chance Christmas Ball by multiple authors

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

Heirs of Empire by Evan Currie

The Marriage Season by Linda Lael Miller

Contemporary Western Romance

What Goodreads says:

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?

The Marriage Season is book three of The Brides of Bliss County.  Don’t despair though.  There is a sample of the next book in this setting at the end of The Marriage Season.  

This time it is Hadleigh who finds true love.  Tate Calder appeared in a previous book.  He is a widower with two young sons.  I think most of us knew he was going to be the one for Hadleigh. 

I loved how Miller mixed up the two families.  When Hadleigh ends up caring for her young nephew the mix begins.  The three young boys are good friends and what else do friends do but go fishing and who takes them.  Why Tate and Hadleigh of course.  The attraction really heats up during the trip to the fishing cabin even when mice and an outhouse are part of the mix.

Both Hadleigh and Tate have hang-ups that they have to overcome but in the end there is a very nice HEA and a honeymoon at the same fishing cabin.  This time there are no mice but the outhouse is still there.

HQN Books published The MarriageSeason by Linda Lael Miller in 2015.

I received an ARC of The Marriage Season from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The Marriage Charm (The Brides of Bliss County #2) by Linda Lael Miller

Contemporary Western Romance

From Goodreads:

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.

Book two of The Brides of Bliss County finds Melody Nolan the focus of Spence Hogan, the local chief of police.  The problem – Melody does not trust Spence.  It seems they were an item years ago and Spence ended up breaking Melody’s heart.  Now Spence wants her back and he must work very hard to win her trust.

I like the fact that it was Spence that had to do the hard work in getting back with Melody.  He has know for some time that he wants her back but she is having none of it.  That gives the story a different twist.  Spence has to show a lot of patience and it is fun to watch him suffer as he does.   

Miller is good at putting together a fun romance and The Marriage Charm is no exception.  Melody and Spence have a great story for this second book in the series.  It can stand-alone but I recommend reading The Marriage Pack first.  Some of the action and dialog would be better understood if you had.

Harlequin published The Marriage Charm by Linda Lael Miller in 2015.

I received an ARC of The Marriage Charm in return for an honest review.

Book Beginning and The Friday 46, May 16, 2014

I'm linking up with Rose City Reader for Book Beginnings and Freda's Voice for Page 56.

 Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Pick the closest book on your book stack and

Come Join us!

The Beginning:

"Well dog," Tripp Galloway said, addressing his sidekick, a cross-eyed black Lab he'd bought as a pup out of the back of a beat-up pickup alongside a Seattle highway the year before, "We're almost home."

Page 56 or 20% on my Kindle:

"What's the story, Dad?" he demanded quietly. "And don't give me any of that John Wayne man-of-few-words bullshit either. Tell me what's wrong."

From The Marriage Pact (The Brides of Bliss County #1) by Linda Lael Miller. This is book one of a new series by Miller and it is a winner. I received an ARC from Goodreads. The book will be released May 27, 2014.

From Goodreads:

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!

Stacking the Shelves, April 5, 2014

Books Stacked on My Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I added to my shelves this week. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their shelves.

Here are the books I got this week:

Purchased:

Betting the Rainbow by Jodi Thomas

Bluebonnets For Elly by Sandra Nachlinger

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Won:

Retribution by Anderson Harp

For Review:

Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne

The Promise by Robyn Carr

Until We Touch by Susan Mallery

The Marriage Pact  by Linda Lael Miller

Big Sky Secrets (Parable, Montana #6) by Linda Lael Miller

Romance

What Goodreads says:

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?

Big Sky Secrets, the last book in the Parable, Montana series, is a winner.  Ria is a great character.  She comes with some baggage and is trying to get the life she wants.  Add a sister with problems, a run-away niece, and her neighbor’s buffalo and you have the start to a great story.

The casts of characters from the first books all make at least a cameo appearance but the book is almost all Landry and Ria.  The two have the usual problems getting together but the story is told in such a way that everything seems fresh and new.  I did think I saw at least one hook for a new story featuring a character introduced in Big Sky Secrets.   Since this is listed as the final book in the Parable, Montana series that character will be featured in a new series.

Harlelquin published Big Sky Secrets by Linda Lael Miller in 2013.

Teaser Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Hunter and the turtle.  Who is teasing who?

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:"

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser today is from The Man from Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller.  This is a book I got from Amazon Vine Last Choice.  It came yesterday so the teaser is for me as well as all of you.

"Sam assessed his crop of pupils as they filed obediently into the school room the next morning and took their places without a word or a glance in his direction."

"Terran Chancelor's presence surprised him a little; he'd half expected Maddie to undertake the remainder of her brother's education personally, if only to keep him safe from the fiendish new schoolteacher."  

What Goodreads says:


There was trouble in Haven, Arizona, and Ranger Sam O’Ballivan was determined to sort it all out. Badge and gun hidden, he arrived posing as the new schoolteacher, and his first order of business was to bring the rough ranchers’ children under control. To that end, he called on Maddie Chancelor, the local postmistress, whose younger brother was in firm need of discipline. 

Sam wasn’t sure what to expect - but it was definitely not this graceful woman whose prim, proper stance was so at odds with the fire in her eyes. Working undercover to capture a dangerous band of rustlers and train robbers was a job that had always kept him apart from other people. He was a man with his heart firmly in check - until Maddie. Now she was unwittingly tempting him down a path he swore he’d never travel.
 

Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller

Contemporary Western Romance

What Goodreads Says:

"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."

Big Sky Wedding is book five in the Parable, Montana series.  I won the first three books in the series and book five when I entered Linda Lael Miller’s August contest on Writerspace .   It just happened that I had checked out the audio book of Big Sky Summer book four and was listening to it on my way to Texas and World Con.  I have not read the first three yet but wanted to hear Brylee’s story since I had met her and liked her in Big Sky Summer.

It seems that Brylee was ready to let go of the past and just the right person showed up to help her.  I loved the characters.  Zane is just great as the new man in Brylee’s life.  He is down to earth in spite of his fame.  He deals with Nash, his young half brother and Brylee with just the right touch.  Cleo, Zane’s housekeeper, is one of those unforgettable characters.  She provides some of the best humorous dialog in the book.

Most of the tension in the book comes from Brylee’s fear about committing and getting hurt again.  She and Zane moved very fast and I loved the way Zane slowed everything down so that their relationship had a chance to grow and mature.

While some of the main characters from the first 3 books do appear they only have walk on parts.  It looks like the series is moving on to focus on new people.  I saw some hooks for the next book, Big Sky Secrets.  I will just have to wait and see if I am right about who the two main characters will be.

Big Sky Wedding is a good addition to the Parable Series.  Pick it up for an enjoyable read.

Harlequin published Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller in 2013.