Publishers Weekly
★ 03/07/2016
Readers are transported to Mustang Creek, Wyo., in this marvelous contemporary western trilogy launch, loosely connected to several of Miller’s previous books. Filmmaker Slater Carson is one of the three Carson boys, regarded as something like royalty in the small town. He’s barely finished shooting his latest documentary when Grace Emery comes storming into town with her teen stepson, Ryder, in tow. Grace made the move from Seattle to Mustang Creek in an attempt to build a new life for herself after a divorce. Even though she’s no longer with Ryder’s father, she still loves Ryder like he’s her own. Grace and Slater’s paths don’t so much cross as spectacularly collide, and the typical getting-to-know you dance is fraught with amazing chemistry. Current hot-topic issues such as blended families and nontraditional parenting are integrated seamlessly with a well-told romance. Faces familiar from Miller’s Bliss County series provide a warm counterpoint to the sizzling attraction and hint of mystery that draw the protagonists together. A dash of storytelling magic keeps the pages turning even as the way is paved for the next two books. Agent: Irene Goodman, Irene Goodman Literary. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
"Linda Lael Miller creates vibrant characters and stories I defy you to forget." -#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
"[A] marvelous contemporary western trilogy launch...fraught with amazing chemistry." -Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Once a Rancher
"Miller delights readers... The coming together of the two families was very well written and the characters are fraught with humor and sexual tension, which leads to a lovely HEA [happily ever after]." -RT Book Reviews on The Marriage Season
"The Marriage Season is a wonderfully candid example of a contemporary western with the requisite ranch, horses, kids and dogs-wouldn't be a Linda Lael Miller story without pets... The Brides of Bliss County novels do not have to be read in order but it would be a shame to miss some of the most endearing love stories that feature rugged, handsome cowboys." -Fresh Fiction
"Fans of Linda Lael Miller will fall in love with The Marriage Pact and without a doubt be waiting for the next installments... Her ranch-based westerns have always entertained and stayed with me long after reading them."
-Idaho Statesman
"All three titles should appeal to readers who like their contemporary romances Western, slightly dangerous and graced with enlightened (more or less) bad-boy heroes."
-Library Journal on the Montana Creeds series
"An engrossing, contemporary western romance... Miller's masterful ability to create living, breathing characters never flags, even in the case of Echo's dog, Avalon; combined with a taut story line and vivid prose, Miller's romance won't disappoint."
-Publishers Weekly on McKettrick's Pride (starred review)
"Miller's name is synonymous with the finest in western romance. From the hard realities of life in an untamed land to the passionate people who bring the colorful history to life, she brings the best of the West to readers, never failing to deliver a great read!"
-RT Book Reviews on McKettrick's Choice
Library Journal
04/15/2016
From the moment titian-haired Grace Emery walks into his office on his family's sprawling ranch with her rebellious teenage stepson in tow, documentary filmmaker Slater Carson knows he wants to know her better. However, to wary Grace, divorced ex-cop and manager of a local resort and spa, wealthy, good-looking Slater has all the signs of a man to avoid. But Mustang Creek is a small town, and that will be hard, especially when events keep throwing them together—and when the attraction between them begins to sizzle. Difficult characters and tense situations add a touch of danger to the mix. VERDICT Two people with vastly different backgrounds discover a true partnership in a story that burgeons with Western flavor and rural, ranch-life charm. A solid start to a promising series set in Miller's beloved Mustang Creek. Miller (Christmas in Mustang Creek) lives in the country near Spokane.
