Publishers Weekly
10/17/2016
Readers are drawn back to Mustang Creek, Wyo., land of cowboy boots and wild stallions, in Miller’s second, less satisfying novel about the Carson family ranch (after Once a Rancher). Luce is a Californian who follows her heart out to the ranch, which is owned by one of her mother’s oldest friends. She plans to study the effects of wildlife on ranching and vice versa. Little does she suspect that Drake, the ranch’s caretaker, will scare off the herd of wild horses she’s trying to study. Drake has little time for anything other than his ranch, his family, and his dogs. So when Luce intrudes on his slice of heaven, he’s none too happy about it—until he realizes that, under her sass and outsider ways, they’re a good bit alike. The book’s climax is decidedly underwhelming. The details of life on a working ranch lend an air of authenticity, but those details overwhelm the plot to the point where there’s nothing left but boy-meets-girl and a stunning view of the ins and outs of a highly prosperous western homestead. Agent: Irene Goodman, Irene Goodman Literary. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"[A] marvelous contemporary western trilogy launch...fraught with amazing chemistry." -Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Once a Rancher
-Library Journal on the Montana Creeds series
"A fine conclusion to Miller's latest trilogy. It is peopled with likeable characters. Animal lovers will enjoy the creatures that make up a delightfully integral part of the story." -RT Book Reviews on The Creed Legacy
"Miller's prose is smart and her tough Eastwoodian cowboy cuts a sharp, unexpectedly funny figure in a classroom full of rambunctious frontier kids." -Publishers Weekly on The Man from Stone Creek
"Miller's attention to small details makes her stories a delight to read. With engaging characters and loveable animals, this second story in the Creed Cowboys trilogy is a sure hit for legions of cowboy fans out there." -RT Book Reviews on Creed's Honor
"Fans of Linda Lael Miller will fall in love with The Marriage Pact... Her ranch-based Westerns have always entertained and stayed with me long after reading them." -Idaho Statesman on The Marriage Pact
Library Journal
08/01/2016
Down-to-earth Drake Carson has no use for a tenderfoot city girl wandering around his sprawling Wyoming ranch studying a herd of wild horses for her PhD dissertation, especially not one as attractive or self-possessed as Luce Hale. However, Luce is there at Drake's mom's invitation, and she's not about to leave until she wraps up her research—which, to Drake's surprise and annoyance, also includes his ambivalent relationship with the wild horses, especially the majestic stallion who's been kicking down fences and making off with some of the ranch's best mares. But neither Drake nor Luce can ignore the chemistry that burns between them and eventually grows into something altogether different. Spirited dialog, realistic brotherly banter, and foreman Red's quirky cowboy observations contribute to the enjoyment. The story includes scenic descriptions so visually arresting that they will have readers heading for the Equality State. VERDICT Once again, Miller's deep knowledge and love of the West shine through in a refreshing, tender romance that sees another Carson brother blissfully bite the dust and seamlessly brings fans up-to-date with characters they've come to love. Miller (Once a Rancher) lives in the Spokane area.
