#Review #Interview ~ Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Ryan ~ @JenRyan_author @avonbooks

Interview with Jennifer Ryan:

Crystal: Today I have the pleasure of hosting Jennifer Ryan! Welcome, Jennifer! I am so excited to have you here today. Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?

Jennifer: I’ve been writing suspenseful contemporary romances for more than a decade. I started writing when I was a stay-at-home mom – and even when I went back to work. I love writing more than anything, which is why when I started publishing, I eventually quit my job to write full time. In the last 5 years, I’ve published over 20 books and have five series out – The Hunted, McBrides, Montana Men, Montana Heat, and my newest series Wild Rose Ranch.

Crystal: Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us?

Jennifer: I love a first kiss. Here’s a snippet of Roxy and Noah’s first kiss.

Excerpt:

“Noah...”
God, the way she said his name.
“It’s late and I’m exhausted. Can this wait?”
“Uh, thank you. For my room. I, uh, really appreciate it.” He ran a hand through his hair, uncomfortable under her penetrating gaze.
“How’d that taste coming out of your mouth. You thanking me for anything after John left me half of your ranch and home.”
“Like horse shit.” Not really because the thing was, she got it.
Despite the fact she had to be jealous as hell that he’d grown up here with John, she understood his anger and resentment. She had a side. He had a side. And she was willing to concede that his feelings mattered just as much as hers.
She laughed and the sound went right to his belly and tied it in knots.
Unable to fight it any longer, he closed the distance between them and with one hand sliding to the back of her neck, his fingers buried in the thick mass of silky hair, he pulled her lips to his. She smelled of paint with a hint of flowers, like the ones she’d left by his bed. Their smell teased him all night and made him think of her.
His instinct was to devour, but he felt her tense and her eyes went wide. Watching her, he brushed his lips against hers. Once. Twice. With barely a touch, he tasted a hint of the sweet grapes she’d eaten.
She stood perfectly still, her breath washed over his mouth from her slightly parted lips. “I thought we agreed this wasn’t a good idea.”
“We both lied about that.”
Crystal: Where did you come up with the idea for your latest release?

Jennifer: The idea for Wild Rose Ranch came from a day channel surfing on the couch when I landed on an HBO documentary. Not about climate change or Mr. Rogers. Nope. I stopped on the one about legal prostitution in Nevada called CATHOUSE.

One of the women being interviewed about her job at the notorious Moonlight Bunny Ranch talked about what it was like to work there. She mentioned that she was a single mother and worked at the ranch to support her children, who stayed with grandma while she worked at the ranch for a short period of time each month and spent the rest of the time with her kids.
No one in her hometown knew she worked there. Her children didn’t know. All she wanted to do was make enough money to take care of them and give them a good life. She made more at the ranch in the short time she worked there each month than she would at a minimum wage job, so for her it made sense.

It made me wonder what it would be like to be the child of a prostitute who worked at a legal brothel. She wasn’t doing anything illegal, but still the stigma of that vocation still exists even in this get-famous-for-your-sex-tape world.

And so from that little snippet from the documentary, I created the Wild Rose Ranch where Roxy and her “sisters” Sonya, Adria, and Juliana grew up and their mother’s worked. The girls raised each other, fighting against those who mistakenly thought they grow up to be just like their mothers. But they were strong girls, who turned into amazingly resilient women, who found their own path and the love and family they always wanted.
Crystal: What are you currently working on?

Jennifer: I’ve actually finished all 3 books in the Wild Rose Series – DIRTY LITTLE SECRET, RESTLESS RANCHER, and TOUGH TALKING COWBOY. I am super excited about a brand new project – a women’s fiction book! THE ME I USED TO BE is a big family drama just like I love in my romance books with a little suspense mixed in. But in this book I’ve been able to expand the point of view to include everyone in the family, because let’s face it, everyone has an opinion. But what I really wanted to show was that while a group of people may experience an event, they don’t always see it the same way. Their feelings about it vary based on their experience and emotions.

It’s a rich story about a woman holding on to a secret to spare her family. When the secret comes out – because they always do – her family is shocked to discover what they thought they knew, how they felt, and how they treated Evangeline is all wrong. And where do they go from there?

Crystal: Do you have any special routine that you follow when you are writing?

Jennifer: Yes. I’m a creature of habit. Routine makes my life easier. So I turn on the country music, drink my coffee or tea, munch on my oatmeal, cinnamon, almond cookies, and write every morning after I take my daughter to school. Writing is a solitary job. It’s just you and your imagination. Some days it’s on. Other days, you really have to work for it.

Crystal: Did you have to do a lot of research for this book or any other? If so do you have a fascinating fact that you have learned you would like to share with us?

Jennifer: I did a lot of research for the Wild Rose series about legal brothels in Nevada. I needed to know how they are run and regulated. You might be surprised to know that prostitution is only legal in counties where the population is less than 700,000. In Clark County – where Las Vegas is located – and Washoe County – where Reno is located - prostitution is illegal. Prostitutes and brothels pay taxes and adhere to strict regulations for advertising and health check-ups for the workers. The prostitutes who work there do so of their own free will. For them, it’s a job – one they chose.

It’s a fascinating world to write.

Crystal: Who are some of your favorite authors that you like to read?

Jennifer: For a thrilling suspense, I love Sandra Brown, Karen Robards, and Karin Slaughter.

Historical romance is one of my fav genres to read. Hannah Howell, Stephanie Laurens, Judith McNaught, Cathy Maxwell, Sophie Jordan, Laura Lee Guhrke are a few of the authors I love.

My fav contemporary and western romance authors are Lori Wilde, Lia Riley, AJ Pine, Sara Richardson, Linda Lael Miller, Diana Palmer, Maisey Yates, Jill Shalvis, HelenKay Dimon, and of course Nora Roberts.


Crystal: Is there a genre you haven't written that you would like to try?

Jennifer: I love writing suspense into my romances, but the romance always take center stage. I’d love to write a suspense novel and really go all the way with the danger and action. I have a few ideas I can’t wait to write.

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My Review of Dirty Little Secret:

I love a good cowboy book and Dirty Little Secret is a REALLY good cowboy book. Jennifer Ryan has quickly made herself to the to top of my must read list. I was really excited to see that she had a new series coming out and I could not wait to read Dirty Little Secret. This is one of those books that grabbed my attention on the first page and held it all the way through. 

Roxy Cordero did not have an easy life. She basically raised herself and her "sisters" at the Wild Rose Ranch.  She is a smart, independent, strong-willed, lady with just the right amount of sass to get her point across. I quickly bonded with Roxy and cheered this lady on. She's been thrown into a situation that she certainly never planned and she's ready and willing to step up to plate for a young girl she has never met before. 

Noah Cordero is a hard-working, loyal man that will do anything to keep his ranch and most of all his sister safe. Noah is one of those guys you can't help but love. He's kind and caring and loves his little sister, Annabelle. They may not be blood but that girl is his sister and he will do whatever it takes to make sure she is safe and not in the hands of her wicked mother. 

I loved watching Noah and Roxy get to know each other. They didn't start off on the best of terms but it doesn't take long for them to realize they have the same goals in mind and that is to raise Annabelle and keep her safe on the family ranch. The attraction between these two is intense. I enjoyed watching Roxy form relationships with both Noah and Annabelle. I love how they really do come together to form a family. 

Roxy didn't know that her Father had found a way to watch out for her as she was growing up. He was the owner of the ranch where Roxy's mother worked and where they lived. Not only did John Cordero leave Roxy part of the Family Ranch he also left her the Wild Rose Ranch and brothel.  Roxy hasn't ever wanted anything to do with her mother's way of life but now she is the owner and she's not entirely sure what she is going to do about that. 

Dirty Little Secret is the first book in Ms. Ryan's newWild Rose Ranch series. She has mixed the perfect amount of family, friendships, romance, drama, a few hot scenes, and suspense together to make a fabulous story and set the base for a very promising new series. I can't wait to see what she has in store for the ladies at the Wild Rose Ranch next. I know I will certainly be on the lookout for the next book. 

If you are already a fan of Ms. Ryan's work then you need to grab your copy of Dirty Little Secret right now, I know you are going to love it as much as I did. If you haven't had a chance to read a Jennifer Ryan book yet but love a good cowboy romance story with some suspense, grab this one. I know you will not be disappointed. 

I was given the opportunity to read this fantabulous story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you. 

You may find more of my reviews on Jennifer Ryan's work here, https://goo.gl/kLDtv9

Amazon Buy Link:https://amzn.to/2R7Jwbz

~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Blurb for Dirty Little Secret:

Meet the women from Wild Rose Ranch—and the men who want them—in New York TimesBestselling Author Jennifer Ryan’s breathtaking series of romance and scandal . . .

Noah Cordero is a modern-day cowboy who loves three things: ranching, his younger sister, and his step-father. John Cordero groomed Noah to take over the Montana spread where he learned to ride and work the land. But when John unexpectedly dies, he leaves half the ranch to a woman Noah doesn’t even know.

Roxy shares Noah’s last name, but not his blood. Estranged from her father, haunted by regrets, and eager to escape her notorious mother’s past, she is forced to fulfill her father’s last wishes. Inheriting means sharing a home with infuriating, challenging, and oh-so-tempting Noah. But John didn’t just make her owner of his ranch and guardian to her sister, his hidden sideline is her worst nightmare—she’s the new owner of the notorious Nevada brothel called Wild Rose Ranch where she grew up.

As their strictly business relationship starts to turn to true love, Roxy begins to wonder, what will happen when Noah discovers her dirty little secret?

Amazon Buy Link:https://amzn.to/2R7Jwbz

#Review Forever a Hero by Linda Lael Miller

Forever a Hero 

The Carsons of Mustang Creek

by Linda Lael Miller

I could not wait to get my hot little hands on the third book in The Carson's Mustang Creek Series. Forever a Hero is Mace Carson's story. Mace is not only a cowboy. He has a talent for making tasty wines. He loves to create new wines with flavors that he enjoys. So when Kelly Wright comes to town to talk him into selling his winery it's not going to be an easy sell for Kelly.

Kelly Wright has been through a lot. She was attacked in college by a madman. Thankfully Mace just seen what was going on and was able to save Kelly before anything happened. That was their first meeting and then several years pass before they meet again.

I don't want to tell you too much but oh my goodness the first part of this story had me holding my breath and maybe even leaning back a little bit to give Mace a little more leverage if he needed it. That will make sense when you read the story. 

Kelly came to Mustang Creek on business but business can sometimes mix with pleasure a little bit. The attraction between Kelly and Mace is certainly there. They don't agree on all business terms but they sure do agree on other matters. I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other. This is one of those second chance romances that I found myself cheering for. These two so deserve a chance at happily ever after together. 

The Carson family is just awesome. That is certainly a one for all and all for one family. If one member has problem they all step up to the plate to help out. Whether it is a mess that needs cleaned up or someone that needs to be taken care of. 

There is some major suspense and dramatic moments. I don't want to tell you too much about them but I love how the Carson family and the town of Mustang Creek sticks together to get things done. 

This is part of the Carsons of Mustang Creek series but it will stand on it's own just fine. If you have had a chance to read the other two books you will enjoy catching up with the other Carson brothers and their wives. 

Overall I really liked this book. There are some interesting elements that adds into the story line that makes it just a little different yet so enjoyable. I love cowboy stories. Those cowboys just have that laid back attitude, but they can take care of any problem, and they have those good ol' boys manners. 

I always enjoy Linda Lael Miller's books. She has such a smooth and easy to read writing style that pulls you right in. I'll be anxious to see what she has in store for us lucky readers next. 

I was given the opportunity to read this wonderful story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you. 

You may read more of my reviews on Linda Lael Miller's work here.

Forever a Hero Amazon Buy Link

Always a Cowboy Amazon Buy Link


Once a Rancher Amazon Buy Link 

#SpotLight - FOREVER A HERO LINDA LAEL MILLER

Forever a Hero

The Carsons of Mustang Creek

By Linda Lael Miller

About the Book:


IT’S A CASE OF COUNTRY BOY MEETS CITY GIRL IN THE LATEST CARSONS OF MUSTANG CREEK ROMANCE

High-powered Los Angeles businesswoman Kelly Wright has traveled all the way to Mustang Creek, Wyoming, to woo the rugged Mace Carson…into selling her a share of his independent winery, that is. But before she has a chance to make her pitch, Kelly’s car nearly slides off a cliff during a rainstorm, and it’s Mace who comes to her rescue. Suddenly, Kelly realizes that this cowboy turned vintner may be much more than just a potential business partner. The final installment in First Lady of the West Linda Lael Miller’s wildly popular The Carsons of Mustang Creek trilogy, FOREVER A HERO (HQN Books; onsale March 2017) is a classic case of country boy meets city girl, but this time there’s a twist—because as it turns out, Kelly and Mace have already met once before, when they were both students at the same California college. It’s been ten years since Kelly and Mace spent a memorable, if not romantic, evening together on campus, but neither has forgotten it. A decade later, and that first impression is as powerful as ever. But Kelly and Mace are both stubborn and fiercely independent professionals and are committed to following protocol, even as it becomes increasingly difficult to resist each other’s charms and keep things strictly business. As they spar over dinner and glasses of mountain wine, Kelly and Mace realize that they just might be a perfect match—in more ways than one. Set against a backdrop of stunning Western mountains, FOREVER A HERO returns readers to the beloved town of Mustang Creek and the Carson family ranch as Kelly and Mace bicker, barter, and discover that a life together may just be an investment that’s worth the risk. 

ON SALE: MARCH 21, 2017
Amazon Buy Link

About the Author: 

The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, the self-confessed barn goddess pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a horse property outside Spokane. Linda traces the beginning of her writing career to the day 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 her first title to a publisher in 1983. Linda then successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, to concentrate 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, and in 2016 Linda received a Lifetime Achievement award from RT Book Reviews. The Hallmark Movie Channel is currently developing a series based on Linda’s Big Sky Country novels. 

#GiveAway - Luke by R.C. Ryan

  LUKE

The Malloys of Montana, #2

By R. C. Ryan

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the New York Times bestselling tradition of Linda Lael Miller and Diana Palmer, comes the second book in R.C. Ryan's new series about the Malloy brothers, Montana ranchers who find love while uncovering the dark secrets of their past.

Wild. Reckless. Stubborn. That's Luke Malloy in a nutshell. The solitary life of a rancher and the untamed Montana wilderness make him feel alive-and nothing will ever change that. Not even being thrown from his horse and forced to accept a stranger's help. The fact that this stranger is a beautiful blonde with a passion for ranching that rivals his own doesn't hurt. But there's a secret she's hiding, and Luke won't rest until he uncovers it...

Ingrid Larsen doesn't need anyone's help. Not with managing her family's ranch. Not with raising her little sister. And certainly not with the mysterious incidents occurring on her property. When this too-sexy-for-his-own-good cowboy needs a place to recover, she hopes he'll be in and out in no time flat. But just as she's beginning to trust Luke's promise of protection, Ingrid's secret threatens to tear them apart.

On Sale: November 29, 2016

Publisher: Forever

Mass Market: $7.99 USD

eBook: $7.99 USD

Add to Goodreads

Read my Review here

BUY THE BOOK HERE:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Google Play | iBooks | Indiebound | Kobo

Luke lifted a hand to the corn silk strands dancing around her cheeks.

At once her smile fled and she jerked back. “Don’t. I told you before. I’m not Nadine.”

His eyes narrowed on her. “For the record, there’s no way I’d ever confuse you with your mother.”

“Then don’t try playing those games with me.”

“What games are we talking about?”

“You know exactly what I mean. All those sexy moves.”

“Really? Sexy?” He was grinning as he reached a hand to her hair. “Like this?”

Her chin came up. “If you want lots of hair, reach for Nadine’s.”

“Is that why you chopped yours off?” He allowed a silken strand to sift through his fingers. “To prove a point?”

“Well, aren’t you the brilliant observer. For the record, there are a lot of things Nadine does that I refuse to do. I don’t bother with makeup. And—”

“—and you try to hide your gorgeous body under this bulky shirt.” He fingered the rough collar. His smile was quick and charming. “I’ll let you in on a secret. It’s not working.”

She slapped his hand away. “Stop trying to be clever. I know what I am. I’m a rancher who’s struggling to stay on the land I love. A big sister working overtime to raise Lily to be the best she can.”

“You forgot the most important thing. You’re a woman.” His voice lowered to a near growl. “Maybe you’d like to forget that, but it’s impossible for me to overlook the fact that you’re not just a woman, but a gorgeous, amazing, very independent woman.”

She actually gasped as he leaned close.

“Just so you know, I’m going to kiss you, Ingrid.” His arms came around her and he gathered her close.

He’d known her lips would be soft and inviting. Had known it from the first time he’d looked at them. But he wasn’t prepared for the taste of her. Sweet, yet tart. So strong, and yet he could feel the way her breath hitched, alerting him to her unease.

All woman, and yet fighting it. She kept her hands at her sides, refusing to give him any encouragement.

“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do. So don’t be afraid.” He spoke the words inside her mouth.

“I’m not—”

“Just for a moment, Ingrid, let yourself enjoy something.”

She responded with a soft purr in the back of her throat. For the space of a heartbeat he could feel her relax in his arms as she gave herself up to the moment.

A burst of heat shot through Luke’s veins. His heartbeat was thundering, keeping time with hers. He changed the angle of the kiss and took it deeper, until he could actually feel the fire.

The ground tilted beneath his feet, and he knew he was losing control. He hadn’t meant to take it this far. None of this had been planned. He’d merely wanted to kiss her and tease her a little. But now, too late, he realized that one taste of these lips would never be enough.

THE SERIES:

Matt, #1

Luke, #2

A Cowboy’s Christmas Eve, #2.5

Series Page on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan has written more than ninety novels, both contemporary and historical.  Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer. 

In a career spanning more than twenty years, Ms. Ryan has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan.  She has also appeared on CNN News, and Good Morning America. 

R.C. Ryan is a pseudonym of New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ryan Langan.

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#Review - Always a Cowboy By Linda Lael Miller

Always a Cowboy is the second book in The Carsons of Mustang Creek. Linda Lael Miller has created yet another awesome series. Never fear if you have not picked up Once a Rancher yet. Always a Cowboy will stand alone just fine. 

Drake Carson is the classic cowboy. He puts his all into the family ranch, he loves his family, and is truly one of the good guys. He is protective of his family and those he cares about. He also has the moral of one of the good ole boys that you just can't help but fall in love with. Drake is too busy taking care of the ranch to deal with the beautiful woman that seems to have invaded his ranch, his house, and his thoughts. 

Luce Hale is smart, independent, loves horses, and has just the perfect amount of sass to keep Drake on his toes. I found an instant bond to Luce and her love of animals was an added bonus. 

Drake and Luce don't exactly hit it off right away. They have a way of pushing just the right buttons to irritate each other. Along with the ability to annoy each other there is also a deep attraction. I have a few favorite scenes in this book but I think their first kiss is my favorite. I won't tell you the details but it is well described and sounds like such a beautiful spot for a first kiss. That first kiss leads into quite a situation. 

Drake's family plays a big part in Drake and Luce's story. I always enjoy when family members are involved in the story. The bonus is that I also had a chance to catch up with Slater and Grace as well as the rest of the Carson family. 

I really enjoyed the story line and adored the characters. I laughed out loud a few times and found a tear or two in my eyes. I love a good cowboy story and this is a good cowboy story. I can't wait to see what the very talented Linda Lael Miller has in store for Mace Carson in the next book. 

I was given the opportunity to read this wonderful book and it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you.

You may read more of my reviews on Linda Lael Miller's books here. 


Always a Cowboy Amazon Buy Link


Once a Rancher Amazon Buy Link 

#SpotLight - ALWAYS A COWBOY By Linda Lael Miller

ALWAYS A COWBOY

The Carsons of Mustang Creek trilogy

By  Linda Lael Miller

#1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Linda Lael Miller— the First Lady of the West—regales readers with ALWAYS A COWBOY (HQN Books, September 2016, $7.99 U.S./$9.99 CAN.), the second book in The Carsons of Mustang Creek trilogy. Set just outside the rugged Wyoming town of Mustang Creek, the contemporary romance series features the three sons of a prominent ranching family and the feisty women who show these headstrong cowboys what true grit really is.  

About Always A Cowboy:

There’s nothing that loner Drake Carson enjoys more than the quiet solitude of his family’s sprawling Wyoming ranch— especially when he finds himself closing in on a herd of wild horses, brazenly led by the rogue stallion that’s been wreaking havoc all over the ranch for years.   

Drake is determined to settle things with his untamed adversary once and for all. But when a young woman suddenly appears, yelling at Drake, the spooked herd thunders away, leaving a stunned Drake wondering who this reckless intruder is and how soon he can get rid of her.   
Grad student Luce Hale has come all the way to Mustang Creek from California, researching interactions between wild horses, domesticated animals and ranchers—and she intends Drake to be her case study. Drake is ready to send her packing until he learns that his mother has granted Luce unlimited access to their entire ranch and as much time shadowing Drake as she wants.   

The last thing he needs is an enthusiastic greenhorn getting in his way—haphazardly chasing a herd of wild horses all over his property and unaware of the inherent danger. Unfortunately, he knows it’s up to him to stay close and keep Luce safe, no matter how much trouble she ends up causing him.  

But Drake soon sees that Luce is a lot tougher and more capable than he thought. When he realizes that he actually prefers being with her over solitude, this lone wolf thinks he’s finally met the woman of his dreams.      

Luce discovers that she has a weakness for hard-to-resist cowboys like Drake. But she also knows that Drake is an all-or-nothing kind of guy. Being with him means moving to Wyoming and leaving her life in California behind—including the dream job waiting for her there.  

Luce and Drake both know the smart thing is for them to stay as detached as possible until she’s finished her research. But when danger threatens in the wild Wyoming country, Drake and Luce soon realize they’re prepared to sacrifice more for each other than they ever thought possible.  

This edition of ALWAYS A COWBOY also features a personal essay by Linda Lael Miller—“Growing Up Western”—and an excerpt from FOREVER A HERO, the following book in The Carsons of Mustang Creek trilogy.   

 $7.99 U.S./$9.99 CAN. 
ISBN-13: 978-0-373-78969-6   

Amazon Buy Link

About LINDA LAEL MILLER :

The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, the self-confessed barn goddess pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a horse property outside Spokane.  

Linda traces the beginning of her writing career to the day 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 her first title to a publisher in 1983. Linda then successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, to concentrate 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. In 2016 Linda will receive a Lifetime Achievement award from RT Book Reviews. Currently the Hallmark Movie Channel is developing a series based on Linda’s Big Sky Country novels.   


For more information about Linda and her novels, please visit lindalaelmiller.com. 

#Review - ONCE A RANCHER By Linda Lael Miller

SADDLE UP FOR A NEW WESTERN SERIES BY #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR LINDA LAEL MILLER

ONCE A RANCHER  

The Carsons of Mustang Creek

By Linda Lael Miller

From Linda Lael Miller, the First Lady of the West, comes ONCE A RANCHER, the first book in her brand-new series, The Carsons of Mustang Creek. Set just outside the rugged Wyoming town of Mustang Creek, this gripping new trilogy features the sons of a prominent ranching family and the strong-willed women who are determined to show them what true grit really is. 

When divorced and burned-out Seattle cop Grace Emery is given the chance to become the new manager of Bliss Creek Resort in the peaceful small town of Mustang Creek, Wyoming, she jumps at the opportunity to start fresh. She just doesn’t expect her teenage former stepson, Ryder, to be making the jump with her. 

But when her ex-husband’s parents tell Grace that they’re finally out of their depth with their rebellious grandson, Grace finds herself accepting guardianship of the angry teen. Ryder may be a confused and lonely kid—neglected by his career-obsessed father and permanently disinterested mother—but now that Grace is responsible for him, she’s going to try everything in her power to set him on the straight and narrow. So when she learns that Ryder defaced a local film crew’s property, she insists he apologize to the studio’s owner in person… 

As the oldest son of one of the most esteemed ranching families in Wyoming, Slater Carson is proud of everything he and his two brothers have achieved (even if they have been blessed with their family’s fortune). With their family ranch and winery prospering under his younger brothers’ stewardship, Slater has been afforded the chance to pursue his own passion—as a film producer of Western documentaries. Slater is still looking for inspiration for his next project when the captivating Grace Emery steps into his office. 

Ever since moving to Mustang Creek, the Grace has gotten used to giving the town’s many eager cowboy suitors the brushoff. After all, a busy career woman with a demanding teen on her hands has enough to do without adding a rodeo Romeo to the mix. And after her experience with her alphamale ex-husband, she’s not interested in another conquering hotshot—even one as attractive as Slater Carson. But when a business venture draws them closer and closer together, she begins to see Slater in a new light.

 Despite her initial wariness of Slater’s similarities to her ex, Grace soon discovers impressive differences that exist between them, as well—the importance of family and community to Slater, along with his respect for local history and love of the land. For the first time in her life, Grace starts to believe that love might actually be possible the second time around. 

The go-to author for fans of Western Romance, Linda Lael Miller once more enchants readers with her engaging characters, authentic settings and gripping emotional romance. Her ability to combine high drama and humor makes for a memorable read!

Amazon Buy Link

My Review:

Once a Rancher is the first book in yet another terrific series by the very talented Linda Lael Miller. I can not wait to get my hands on the next book in The Carsons of Mustang Creek series. 

SLATER CARSON is one of those guys you just can't help but fall for from the beginning of the book. He's has a successful career in the film industry, he comes home to spend time with his family, his a great brother, a terrific son, a loving father, and he gets along well with the mother of his daughter. What is there not to love?

GRACE EMERY is one of the charters that I bonded with right away. She is an ex-police officer that is in need of a change of pace so she moves to Mustang Creek. She didn't count on moving her step-son, Ryder with her but is more than willing to take on the challenge. Things have been tough for Grace and her ex-husband is everything BUT a hands on father or husband. I admired Grace for not only loving her step son but for being the one parent in his life that is willing to stand by him, show him when he's doing wrong, and love him unconditionally. 

Slater and Grace meet under interesting circumstances but the attraction is certainly there for both of them right away. Watching these two get to know each other and fan those flames in the process was quite enjoyable. I loved the interaction with Slater's family and that Slater is happy to step up to the plate and be a positive influence for Ryder.

Then there is the mystery and drama of things that keep going wrong for Grace. The danger and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat wondering how they were going to get to the bottom of the problems and what might happen next. I love how the people of Mustang Creek and the Carson family step up to help with the problem. I don't want to tell you too much because I sure would not want to spoil the story for you. 

Overall I really enjoyed Once A Rancher. The characters are well written the story line is intriguing and entertaining, and there are hot cowboys. What more could a girl ask for in a story? I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series, Always a Cowboy. 

I was given the opportunity to read this wonderful book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Once a Rancher. 

You may find more of my reviews on Linda Lael Miller's work here. 

Amazon Buy Link



LINDA LAEL MILLER The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, the self-confessed barn goddess pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a horse property outside Spokane. 

Linda traces the beginning of her writing career to the day 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 her first title to a publisher in 1983. Since then Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries 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. Currently the Hallmark Movie Channel is developing a series based on Linda’s Big Sky Country novels.

 For more information about Linda and her novels, please visit lindalaelmiller.com.

Evergreen Springs By RaeAnne Thayne & CHRISTMAS IN MUSTANG CREEK by LINDA LAEL MILLER

Evergreen Springs
 Haven Point miniseries 

By RaeAnne Thayne

&

CHRISTMAS IN MUSTANG CREEK

A Brides of Bliss County Book

by  LINDA LAEL MILLER

Celebrate the season with the expert of contemporary holiday romance, New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne and EVERGREEN SPRINGS (HQN Books, October 2015, $7.99 U.S./$9.99 CAN.), the third and final book in her Haven Point miniseries set near a rugged Idaho mountainside in a magical lakeside town that has a history of healing the most heartbroken of souls.

When Cole Barrett, a former wild boy rodeo star with a dangerous past, learns of his ex-wife’s sudden death, he knows life will never be the same again. After years of only getting the occasional visit with his son and daughter, aged six and eight, Cole suddenly finds himself with sole custody of these two troubled, hurting kids who have come to Evergreen Springs, his beautiful but isolated ranch, to live with him. After just a few weeks of life as a full-time single dad, however, Cole knows he’s already in way over his head. With his kids running through housekeepers faster than he can hire them, and unable to take any more time away from his new horse-training business, Cole’s last hope is help from his sister, Tricia, who’s come home bearing her own marital problems. But when the very pregnant Tricia ends up being hospitalized with an ankle injury just before the holidays, a Cole who’s barely hanging on knows only an angel bestowing miracles could keep him from being overwhelmed.

Local family physician and former cancer survivor Dr. Devin Shaw has seen firsthand the miraculous curative powers that the mineral waters of Lake Haven possess…waters that extend to the private hot springs on Cole’s property. The springs would be ideal for treating her elderly patients but the privacy-obsessed Cole is unwilling to share them. So after learning about his situation from her old high school friend Tricia, Devin makes an offer to Cole—in exchange for use of his hot springs for her patients, she’ll help watch his kids and try to provide them with some actual seasonal fun.

But their arrangement becomes far more personal than either of them anticipated. Devin is irresistibly drawn to this troubled but wonderful little family, yearning for a life she fears she’ll never have due to her own scarred background. Meanwhile, Cole can’t keep his mind off the attractive doctor and her magical way with his kids, but he knows the last thing Devin needs is to get mixed up with a bad guy like him. 

Cole and Devin both know they’re keeping secrets from each other—secrets that may keep them from finding real happiness for the first time in their lives. But if they’re looking for a holiday miracle to heal the wounds of their pasts, Evergreen Springs is the right place to start…

 EVERGREEN SPRINGS is available wherever books are sold and at www.HQNBooks.com. 
Amazon Buy Link

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Read My Review Here

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RAEANNE THAYNE:  

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne loves words. Her love affair started as soon as she learned to read, when she used to devour anything she could get her hands on: cereal boxes, encyclopedias, the phone book, you name it! She loves the way words sound, the way they look on the page and the amazing way they can be jumbled together in so many combinations to tell a story. Her love of reading and writing those words led her to a fifteen-year career in journalism as a newspaper reporter and editor. Through it all, she dreamed of writing the kind of stories she loved best. She sold her first book in 1995 and since then she’s published more than 40 titles. Her books have won many honors, including three RITA® Award nominations from the Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews magazine. RaeAnne finds inspiration in the rugged northern Utah mountains where she lives with her hero of a husband and their children. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.raeannethayne.com.


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Linda Lael Miller’s New York Times bestselling Brides of Bliss County series returns to Mustang Creek, Wyoming, just in time for the holidays with CHRISTMAS IN MUSTANG CREEK (Harlequin HQN, Hardcover, October 2015, $17.99 U.S).

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! CHRISTMAS IN MUSTANG CREEK is available wherever books are sold, and at Harlequin.com.

AMAZON Buy Link


MORE PRAISE for LINDA LAEL MILLER:
"Linda Lael Miller creates vibrant characters and stories I defy you to forget."
—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

"Miller has found a perfect niche with charming western romances and cowboys who
will set readers hearts aflutter. Funny and heartwarming, The Marriage Pact will
intrigue readers by the first few pages. Unforgettable characters with endless spunk
and desire make this a must-read." —RT Book Reviews

“Miller’s masterful ability to create living, breathing characters never flags....[The]
romance won’t disappoint.” —Publishers Weekly


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Read My Review Here

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LINDA LAEL MILLER:

The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY
bestselling author of more than one hundred historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, the self-confessed barn goddess now lives in Spokane, Washington. Linda hit a career high in 2011 when all three of her Creed Cowboys books—A Creed in Stone Creek, Creed’s Honor and The Creed Legacy—debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Linda has come a long way since leaving Washington to experience the world. “But growing up in that time and place has served me well,” she allows. “And I’m happy to be back
home.” Dedicated to helping others, Linda personally finances her “Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women,” which she awards to those seeking to improve their lot in life through education.

More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com. She also
loves to hear from readers by mail at P.O. Box 19461, Spokane, WA 99219