| Title | : | Big Sky Country (Parable, Montana, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0373776438 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780373776436 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 384 |
| Publication | : | First published May 10, 2012 |
The illegitimate son of a wealthy rancher, Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a trailer hitched to the Curly-Burly hair salon his mother runs. He was never acknowledged by his father-until now. Suddenly, Slade has inherited half of Whisper Creek Ranch, one of the most prosperous in Parable, Montana. That doesn't sit well with his half brother, Hutch, who grew up with all the rights of a Carmody. Including the affections of Joslyn Kirk, homecoming queen, rodeo queen, beauty queen-whom Slade has never forgotten but Joslyn is barely holding her head up these days as she works to pay back everyone her crooked stepfather cheated. With a town to protect-plus a rebellious teenage stepdaughter-Slade has his hands full. But someone has to convince Joslyn that she's responsible only for her own actions.
Such as her effect on this lawman's guarded heart.
Big Sky Country (Parable, Montana, #1) Reviews
-
Made it to 58%. This is obviously a good writer who takes her time with setting and characterizations. There were some poignant moments, as when the hero realizes his deadbeat dad who never even acknowledged him during his lifetime had an over the top attachment for his dog, for whom he celebrated every birthday and Christmas. So the guy was obviously capable of emotional attachment, kindness and compassion, just not for his illegitimate son. The heroine carried her portion of grief and guilt with a crook step dad who ruined the life of so many in the small town where she grew up and where she tries to reintegrate.
There were even some nice added touches with the inclusion of pets with big personality for each of the main characters. I am personally a sucker for animals,both real and fictional :)
But maaaaaan! Twelve chapters and zero chemistry between the two protagonists. It's not even a slow burn. There's just no heat, nada. Worse, nothing happens. There are a lot of monotonous, mundane minutiae. Hero drives his truck. Heroine takes a shower. Hero gets a coffee to go at the local diner. Heroine bakes foccacia bread. Neighbor pops in. Best friend shares a glass of wine. Heroine makes a quick trip to the local discount store. Dog likes canned meat, not his dry kibbles, because he is a picky eater. Cat is pregnant with kittens, making heroine wonder if she is to turn into a crazy cat lady (at least, that would spice up the nonexistent plot!). Etc. Etc. Etc. Sorry, but had to give up. I am sure these two will eventually get together but by this point, I have unfortunately run out of any interest whatsoever in their story. -
Big Sky Country is the first book in Linda Lael Miller's new series, Swoon-Worthy Cowboys. I am a huge fan of Linda Lael Miller and have found another great series to love. This book is about so many things. The love of a step father, the hurts that a father can cause, forgiveness, acceptance, overcoming the past, healing.
Slade Barlow is the sheriff of Parable, Montana. He was raised modestly by a single mother in this very town, all the while being completely ignored and unclaimed by his wealthy and affluent father. The book starts with the reading of this same father's will. Of course, all believe that his assets and many millions will be left to his "legitimate" son Hutch Carmody. Surprise, surprise old John Carmody splits everything between his two sons. Hutch would like nothing more than to buy Slade out and keep Whisper Creek Ranch "in the family". To add to the mix, Slade's 16 year old step-daughter from his previous marriage is back in the picture and needs her "dad" to make life better.
Joslyn Kirk, prom queen, beauty queen, homecoming queen - has returned home after the death of her step father. She, her mother and housekeeper Opal fled Parable, Montana after her step-father swindled many of the towns people out of their hard earned savings in a get rich quick scheme. She's back to face the townspeople and take responsiblity for his actions. In the process she finds herself.
Slade not only has to make a decision about Whisper Creek Ranch, but the rest of his life, as well. Does he really want half the ranch or is he just holding out to aggravate his half brother? Can he adjust and be what his 16 year old step daughter needs? Can he convince Joslyn that she doesn't have to make amends and do penance for the sins of her step father?
Pros:
This is a great book. It's a bit slow in parts, but that's normal for a first book in a series. Linda did a great job in creating the characters and relationships between them. She lays great groundwork for the upcoming books. I can not wait to read the next books in this series.
Cons:
Weirdly enough I only have one. Joslyn and Kendra have been lifelong best friends. Yet, there are so many secrets between them. This is very unbelievable to me. Kendra is described throughout the book as one of the only 2 people of Parable, Montana to standby Joslyn when her step-father shamed the family. Yet, Kendra hides past relationships and her feelings about them. She doesn't lean on or call in the middle of the night for support when her ex-husband is dieing and requests Kendra at his bedside. I get the secrets are important for the next book. But, it's very hard to swallow that any friends, least of all best friends would be this closed off emotionally from one another. -
My first LLMiller book and I appreciate that Goodreads opens reviews to all viewers--I needed to keep seeing that Miller has a huge fan base and is worth trying again.
My main comment on this book is that it was very sloppy. We all have our pet peeves, and careful writing is one of mine. The most jarring, continually throughout, was Miller's time sequences. Slade and Joslyn walk into a restaurant (first date), get seated and almost get served before they ordered (not really, of course, but food arrived in the next sentence). Another time Slade never even takes a bite before he's lashing out at Hutch and he "pushes away the rest of his uneaten cheeseburger." The rest? Oh, you mean all of it since he CLEARLY never took a bite. Then, the night of Kendra's party, the dance floor is laid (at no small effort), Joslyn has one dance, and next sentence/paragraph the band is finished, packing up. Things like this happened all over the book.
This almost reminds me of a mad lib--I think those are still around. The pieces just don't quite fit together--you need an [emotion] and you get an [action]. Hero and heroine have date, hero gets upset by snotty half brother, date ends. It's done in about as many sentences and with about as much finesse.
Maybe Miller has ADD. She goes into SUCH detail on things and then skims right over the next. It's rather disconcerting.
**PARTIAL SPOILER**
In 2 pages of one chapter a portion of a day is revealed, in the next sentence 3 months pass and we are suddenly at the big race day. Say what? Not only is the timing of this handled very oddly (what author writes off months in a single sentence in the middle of a chapter --with no pause, no leading the reader from and to the before and after?), but, as well, there is NO explanation as to why Slade and Joslyn never have sex for all those months after having just had it for the first time. This makes totally NO sense. My judgement of Miller was that she was too lazy to fill in the gap b/c she just wanted to get the book done.
And then, SUCH a minor detail, but it's like listening to a senile person rant about the trivial--cat Lucy-Mae (was it? I forget) is repetitively mentioned as pregnant, almost ad nauseam (were this a thriller you'd think there was HUGE significance to this fact) and then in that 1-sentence leap of 3 months to race time the cat is never mentioned again. Ever. She had to have had the kittens during the 3 months (obviously), but she and her offspring are deleted from the story. The texting use of WTF seems to fit here. Why bother to introduce the fact the cat is pregnant? She could have just been a cat.
Another testament to sloppy is that in the beginning of the book Joslyn rarely eats and is never hungry. She is CONTINUALLY starting to eat then gets upset and pushes her food away. It's like a skip on the cd where the same segment keeps repeating. Not only is this boring, lazy writing, it also upsets me because it glamorizes not eating, it stereotypes "upset woman who doesn't eat," but most of all it is unrealistic--she goes on like this for days, maybe weeks (the time segments--as I've been saying here--are often sketchy). Unless Miller wants to turn Joslyn anorexic, the girl would be hungry!
Not much else to say than this. Daughter Shae and mother Callie are wonderful additions to the story and there are many passages with all characters throughout the book that are enjoyable. It's just too disjointed to be considered a good read. It's just like having a nicely designed house built by shoddy builders. The overall concept is good, but the execution is sloppy and poorly put together.
It's interesting, I went ahead and read the reviews for the next book in the series and no surprise--those who gave it low stars are saying Miller get caught in minutia and doesn't present a realistic/cohesive story. Not sure why disjointedness is such a problem with this series.
I'm going to try another LLMiller and see if I can find why so many love her. -
Big Sky Country
2.5 Stars
***Beware, minor spoilers ahead***
Unfortunately, this first book in Miller's series does not live up to its potential.
Although Slade and Joslyn's attraction is well written and their connection is sweet and satisfying, there is no real substance to their relationship. Their reasons for falling in love are narrowed down to each wanting a family and a place to belong rather than any real emotion.
Additional plotlines are established, but none are fully materialized. To begin with, Slade never fully comes to terms with the most prominent issue in his life, namely his father's refusal to accept him while he was alive. Instead, this is transferred on to the ongoing rivalry with his half-brother, Hutch, which is also only partially resolved.
Another underdeveloped thread focuses on the reasons for Joslyn's return to Parable. Much is made of her stepfather's swindling many of the townsfolk, but nothing comes of it. Very little anger or mistrust or even threats of revenge materialize.
The inclusion of Slade's stepdaughter Shea also has the potential for interesting conflict, especially once it becomes clear the Slade and Joslyn are together. Nevertheless, Shea ends up being a completely atypical teenager and the whole issue fizzles.
The writing is alright overall. However, the pacing is slow and plodding with too much focus on unnecessary secondary characters, who are perhaps intended to add quirkiness to the small town, but fail to do so.
Overall, this is a disappointing and anti-climactic rea. I already have the next book on my shelf, so I might get to it sometime. -
Really a 3.5 bumped up.
Great: first 70 pp.
Boring: next 140 pp.
At p223 to end = Good.
Liked: parenting example of Slade and his character. Jasper the dog who “picked” him after his former owner (John Carmody) died was neat.
Jo & Kendra explained more but not well enough for this reader .. they were a bit “mushy” to me.
Slade, Callie, Opal, Shea and her Mom were best.
Hutch a bit mushy too.
Frankly I don’t care so far (book 2) for the way this author handles romance, I suggest she keep it brief as it’s NOT her strong point. -
I really liked this book. It starts out with Slade and Hutch at the reading of the will. Slade is a fairly laid back guy who is pretty slow to anger. He also tends to think well before he speaks or acts. He has always resented the fact that his father never acknowledged him or gave his mother any kind of support, but has made a good life for himself in spite of it. Hutch is ticked that Slade has been given half of everything that he always expected to be his, and is determined to buy Slade out so he can have it back. Every time the two of them are together the tension is up. Joslyn has come back to Parable, which she still considers her home. She is deeply ashamed of what her stepfather did, and sold her software company and used the money to confidentially repay the people he cheated. There are some people who have welcomed her back, and others who haven't, but she still feels at home here. She has also felt an immediate attraction to Slade, but doesn't expect anything to come of it. Slade also feels the attraction and is very interested in seeing where it goes. Slade also ends up with his teenage stepdaughter staying with him. I loved seeing her and her interactions with people. Slade is trying to curb her rebelliousness with work and rules, while Shea tries to get away with what she can. She also seems to have no filter between brain and mouth and says some pretty interesting things to both Joslyn and Slade. There are also some good scenes with the dog who adopts Slade and the cat that adopts Joslyn. The dialogue in the book is great, with sarcasm and humor and tenderness all there. While there wasn't any really intense conflict in the book, there was enough emotion to really suck me in. I'm looking forward to book two, which is Hutch and Kendra's story, and book three I expect will be that of Boone and probably Tara.
-
This book was such a disappointment compared to most of Miller's other books.
It is the first book in a new series and I don't understand why she has to throw so much into every book. Her books are so formulaic now that you know exactly what is going to happen, but this one was even worse.
SPOILERS!!!! (maybe)
The book takes place in Montana -- a girl coming home. Her stepfather had swindled the towns people out of money in the past. The beginning of the book was about how she had made money at a software company then sold it and sent checks to the families her stepfather had stolen money from. The people in the town weren't very happy to see her because of the hurt her stepfather had caused --- then BAM! That story line totally disappeared from the book.
She meets Slade, the sheriff, they think each other are hot, but they barely spend anytime together, it takes until the end of the book before they even kiss, then all of a sudden they are in love.
Slade has a step daughter that shows up for no reason to carry the story along. I don't understand why LLMiller feels the need to already have kids in most of her stories. This was not a plausible situation. Kids keep adults from having time to get to know each other and spend time together and I just don't understand why there is always a kid in her story. And a lot of the times, the child doesn't even belong to the main character.
Anyway, I think this book was just not up to par, but it introduced characters for the next in the series, so maybe that one holds more potential.
She had lots of better books to read than this one. -
Well, I should start by saying I'm a huge LLM fan. I've read all her stuff and loved most of it, however, this book falls short. It was extremely dull at points and the h spends most of her time talking to a cat. The book is 370 odd pages and the H and h don't even kiss until around page 265. The romance is flat, they spend forever talking to their pets, then they kiss, fall into bed, and the end. I realize the first book of the series needs to set up for the following books, and it sometimes takes a while to get things rolling but. . . I was beginning to wonder if this book would ever end. If this had been written by anyone other than the wonderful Ms. Miller, I would have stopped reading around page 200. Hopefully the next installment in the parable series will be better.
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Often with laugh-out-loud sarcasm just perfect for a modern day western romance, you can't help but love these cowboys and the women who can't resist them. Discover Parable, Montana in book one of a new series by Linda Lael Miller.
At thirty-five years old, Slade Barlow, the sheriff of Parable, Montana is about to experience one life-changing-event after another. The reading of his father's will starts it all. As the unrecognized illegitimate son of the man who owned the largest ranch for miles around, Slade is used to fading into the background and keeping his temper under control. Not so true of his half-brother, who isn't very pleased when the family lawyer states that Hutch Carmody now shares half of his father's entire estate, including the ranch he loves, with the son his father never acknowledged. Oh, Hutch had heard the rumors and if looks were any proof, Slade Barlow was the spitting image of his father, so there isn't any doubt that Slade is definitely John Carmody's son. Proof or not, Hutch isn't about to give up his rights to what he's always considered his alone, without a fight.
Joslyn Kirk returns to her hometown of Parable after selling her software company. She knows she won't be accepted by most in the town, but Joslyn hopes common sense and forgiveness prevails in some. Years ago, her stepfather cheated most of the town in a shoddy investment scheme, which was the cause of Joslyn and her mother leaving town in shame after her stepfather's conviction. Having died in prison, her stepfather never made amends, but Joslyn can't let it go without some restitution to those who lost their savings to a man who seemed like a good neighbor.
Within the first twelve pages of this novel I laughed out-loud at two ornery cowboys butting heads over the fate that was handed them. Immediately, I felt their animosity toward one another and a lifetime of bad feelings that went along with it. Still, there was a humorous sarcasm and realistic dialogue that popped off the page and instantly engaged me in their story. Make me laugh and I'm in for the long haul, but lucky for me, the bold-as-brass quick quips scattered throughout the unfolding serious story kept on coming. This perfect combination that instantly connects you with the characters is a writing quality to be cherished. It's real. It's honest. And it's inevitably endearing, sucking you right in, hungry for more.
Next, Joslyn finds a starving homeless dog that just happens to be the adored pet of the recently deceased John Carmody. No one has been able to catch the dog since his master died, so the fact that he has attached himself to Joslyn tells us there's more to this mutt than eyes can see. He's certainly full of personality and makes sure that Joslyn runs into Slade Barlow. Slade tries to return the dog to Hutch, but the wily dog promptly refuses to belong to anyone but Slade. By that time I was sunk. Hunky cowboys at odds with one another, down on their luck critters and a heroine with a passion to mend her family's past. And that's just the beginning. How can a reader resist?
BIG SKY COUNTRY is exactly what you expect from a western romance, layered with plenty of engaging moments, scattered with animals who are just as quirky as their masters, thrown in with an audacious teenager who keeps her stepdad on his toes, combined with a few very deserving lonely hearts hoping for love. This novel ambles along very nicely, relaxing and enjoyable, just like sipping lemonade under a shade tree on a sunny afternoon. It doesn't need angst or suspense when the characters are so likeable that you're sure they'll find their way to love somehow. I enjoyed being wrapped within Linda Lael Miller's very capable story-telling prose for a few hours. And I'm sure you will too. Great beginning to a new series!
Review Courtesy of
Romance Junkies. -
rating 3.5 new series..Big Sky Country is the first in a new contemporary romance series called Swoon-Worthy Cowboys by popular author Linda Lael Miller. If you follow my blog, you know I am not a huge fan of contemporary romance. There are two exceptions; small towns and heroes in cowboy boots. I have read several of Miller's series and loved them. In particular The McKettrick’s and the Creed’s. Big Sky Country offers a new town and cast of characters to fall in love with. Each of Miller’s books are designed to be read as standalone. I enjoy reading them in order and building relationships with the characters.
This new series takes place in the small town of Parable, Montana. The tale offers us Joslyn Kirk’s and Slade Barlow’s story. Joslyn has just returned to the town of Parable after her family left years ago in the middle of the night. She and her mother where shamed into leaving when her step-father was sent to jail for swindling half of the town folk out of their money. Joslyn has recently sold her successful company and has secretly begun paying them back. Parable has always been home to her and so she returns. Her best friend, Kendra Shepherd, gives her a job as a receptionist in her successful real estate business. Joslyn finds herself living in the guest house of the home she and her family once owned. Swoon worthy Sheriff Slade Barlow is living in limbo after a painful divorce that left him more upset about the lost of his step-daughter then his wife. He is due for re-election, but secretly dreams of owning his own ranch. Things are about to get a little crazy for him. He learns the father who never claimed him as a son has left him half of Whisper Creek Ranch. As if that wasn’t enough he bumps into Joslyn the former beauty and rodeo queen who stirred something in him as a teenager. The chemistry between them is all fireworks. Both are hung up on their own personal demons and neither knows how to react. They choose avoidance…however this doesn’t work at all, and the tale that unfolds is delightful.
I love the town of Parable and we meet some memorable characters. There is Hutch the legitimate son of John Carmody and the half-brother of Slade. Kendra Shepherd looks like a million bucks and personifies success, but inside she is lonely and fearful of love. Other characters make the tale and the town come alive and I look forward to hearing more of their stories. I likes both Slade and Joslyn, they are good people and their pasts present them with a lot of emotional luggage. Seeing them dance around the fireworks that occur whenever they are near each other is hilarious. When the two of them finely connect..the results are smoking! I want to thank netGalley and Harlequin for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
you can see this and other reviews on my blog:
Caffeinated Book Reviewer -
Slade Barlow, the divorced Sheriff of Parable Montana, grew up as the illegitimate son of wealthy rancher, John Carmody, who never acknowledged him as his son. Now that he is dead, Carmody decides he's going to come clean with the town's worst-kept secret by including Slade in his will. Slade now shares half of his estate with his half brother, Hutch, who was raised by Carmody with all of the rights and perks of that legacy. Joslyn Kirk returns to Parable following the shame of her stepfather's crooked actions that cheated many of the town's residents in an investment scheme. While she had nothing to do with his activities, Joslyn makes it her mission to atone for his actions in a town hostile to her return.
This was an entertaining story of small town western life in the big sky state of Montana. Slade's conflict over his father's bequest, having his teenage stepdaughter live with him for the summer and his struggles with his obvious attraction to Joslyn were the central issues. I never quite understood why he and Joslyn tried to deny their attraction and it became irritating. The secondary characters have potential in making the series very interesting but their roles seem to drift and they ended up pretty one-dimensional, never really taking life. For example, Kendra Shepard, Joslyn's best friend who took her in and has her helping out in her business,inexplicably left town for a few months, leaving her real estate company unattended and then suddenly returns months later when Slade and Hutch decide to do something risky.
While I enjoyed the story, I never really engaged with any of the characters (except Jasper the dog!!) and the plot seemed to meander. I'm hoping the next book in the series is more interesting. -
I have a like/hate relationship with this book. I liked it. It was SLOW moving, but an overall decent read-- a solid 3.5 stars. The characters were likable. The premise got old, but it could have been so much worse. It had the requisite happy ending. Eventually. There wasn't a lot of drama. It wasn't cheesy or over the top.
This book simply had my pet peeve. The "I know we've only exchanged 3 sentences, and it's been MAYBE 2 days since I met you, but you're super hot and I've actually mapped out an entire relationship in my mind and I just KNOW our souls have connected (she actually used that line in the book). So, hey, I'm in such LOVE with you and I just KNOW we are going to live happily ever after because the author set it up to where we fit together just perfectly without is having to actually get to know one another.". That's called lust people. In order to get beyond infatuation and actually fall on love you have to know more about a person than the town gossip. You should maybe have a full conversation with them?!?!? Just a thought.....
That scenario is probably what made this book so slow for me-- it took me 3 days to finish. Granted, I've been super busy, but still. It NEVER takes me 3 days to read a good book-- There was so little dialogue in the story. The majority of everything happened in the characters heads. It just drove me nuts as I made myself finish the book. -
Here I am, giving this author another try and, eventually finding myself somewhat disappointed because Big Sky Country seems to me like rather generic effort by Linda Lael Miller. In all honesty, this story just leaves me indifferent – simply because there’s nothing special about it and I’ve read it all before – for me, it’s one in a dozen.
This was an audiobook and in my opinion the narrator wasn't really suited for this story.
I personally feel that this author’s past work is so much better (referring to her earlier Stone Creek series and McKettrick series) – and her two “Mojo” books were simply superb and original. Her earlier work and storylines were definitely of higher quality.
1,5 stars out of 5. -
3.5 stars. A lovely story about love, forgiveness, trust, reconnecting, and of course horses, cowboys, truck, a dog and even a cat. You take a young woman scarred from a crime her step-father committed which hurt almost her whole town. Give her the strength to come back and try to make good on it. Then you take an outcast illegitimate cowboy sherif who never knew the love of a father. He had to watch his father's legitimate son raised wealthily and respected while he and his mother struggled. You put these two childhood friends together among old boyfriends, ex wives, angry towns people and insecurities and you have one wild ride mixed with country charm.
A great beginning to a series I plan on following. I can't wait for the next book. Good old fashioned romantic comfort reading. -
ooooh, ignore my rating.
This just isn't my kind of story, not my kind of book. I read it for a challenge so I just managed to get through it.
I did think the added storyline of the will and Shea was interesting but I didn't find them terribly original. most of the other adult silly drama (and...uh...adult stuff) was just...boring.
meh. just not my kind of book. oh well. -
:)
bem... apesar de ser a minha muito querida LLM, esta historia estava meio sem sal.
pouco apelativa e já com o dito modelo (!) já explorado qb.
apesar de tudo, não deixou de ser "cute" e que dá para uma leitura agradável sem grandes expectativas. -
where's the chemistry? thrown in the last four chapters, that's where.
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3.5 Stars
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I'm on a western kick right now, which is what lead to my downloading this title from Audible.com. I suspect it might be slightly better read as an actual text than it was as an audiobook, but it's still problematic. The author is strong on descriptions. She has some lovely passages about scenery. The big problems in this story come with the plot and the characterization. The names are ridiculous, but it's a romance novel so that's sort of a genre expectation. The story centers on the romance between Slade and Jocelyn. A great deal of build-up goes into Jocelyn's back story, how she ends up the pariah of the small Montana town, yet that status is not satisfactorily dealt with by the end of the novel. In fact, it's just dropped. Perhaps it'll come up again in the obviously forthcoming next two books of this trilogy. That was another bothersome part of this book, the overt hinting at a trilogy about three attractive and unattached heroines. The author actually includes a scene where these three women clink wine glasses and feel a 'thrum of anticipation' about their lives intertwining. Uh, yeah, thanks for the sledgehammer of a hint. But I digress. We're talking about characters.
Jocelyn is a successful computer programmer who, quite understandably decides to remedy her family's sins, but unexplainably decides to move back to the hometown that rejected her. It's really not clear why she does this. Even the character herself questions why she did this and doesn't come to a satisfactory decision. It's just a forced bit of plotting that feels uncomfortable and weird. In addition, even though she is a video game designer and code monkey, she never once comments on any of the computer games Slade's daughter plays nor does she offer any computer assistance to anyone she cares about. For anyone who has ever known a programmer, it's also strange that she doesn't complain about people asking her to fix their computers. This is shallow characterization. These traits are stated but lack verisimilitude because of the failure to weave any resultant behavior choices into the story.
The most unintentionally comical character in the book is Sheriff Slade Barlow. In the story, he considers running for re-election, and if he had, I know exactly what his campaign slogan would have been: Slade Barlow- hard, fast, deep. Everything Slade does is hard, fast, and deep. He drives hard, fast, and deep. He rides horses hard, fast, and deep. He kisses Jocelyn hard, fast, and deep. He and Jocelyn have the predictable sexual tension- we readers know because every time they're in close proximity, we're told that they're feeling sexual tension. He buys her a horse, and she takes off her shirt. (That's a tip, boys; buy a girl a horse and you'll get lucky.) They have sex for hours, and then, in spite of Slade Barlow being the kind of cowboy who knows what he wants, all they do for the next ten weeks is go feed the horses together every morning. Not only is that uncharacteristic for a guy, that's weird for a woman. I mean, if the sex was that mind blowing, wouldn't Jocelyn have found a way to strip in front of this boy a second time? The problem is that the author set up a major plot event for ten weeks down the road and, instead of shifting the event to earlier in the timeline, she fast-forwards the story without any additional development in the relationship. Oddly the reverse problem happens less than 24 hours after the two characters sleep together; Jocelyn wonders why they haven't progressed further in the relationship. Yet it's only the morning after their marathon naked olympics.
Overall, this one reads like a first draft, complete with the author's own musings about her writing ("I can't just keep calling you 'the cat.' You need a name."). I wish she'd spent more revision time on her plot and characterization than she had on polishing her imagery. -
KcLu's review posted on
Guilty Pleasures
Big Sky Country is the first in a new series by Linda Lael Miller, and as a big fan of her McKettrick series I have to say I found a new one to love!! I fell in love with these characters. The first pairing are Sheriff Slade Barlow and Joslyn Kirk. Slade grew up dirt poor the illegitimate child of rich rancher John Carmody and his mom, hair dresser Callie Barlow. Joslyn is the former spoiled little rich girl and the ex-stepdaughter of Elliot Rossiter (who’d died in prison due to the fact that he had swindled half the town out of gobs of money).
The book opens with Slade and his half-brother Hutch Carmody sitting in their dad’s lawyer’s office for the reading of the will. John Carmody may not have claimed Slade in life, but he gave him half of everything he owns in death. That adds up to 5 million dollars plus half of the Willow Creek Ranch. Slade is in shock, and Hutch is PISSED. Slade now struggles with what to do with the rest of his life. He no longer wants to be sheriff, but doesn’t want to leave the town with a bad sheriff. His life dream is to run a ranch, but is he going to do it on Willow Creek? OR is he going to sale his half of the ranch to Hutch? Not only is he struggling with all of that he has his stepdaughter from his failed marriage coming to spend the summer, and this attraction to Joslyn he fights for all of five minutes.
Joslyn and her mom left Parable, Montana after the scandal of Elliot’s crimes came out, and now she is back. She has a misplaced since of guilt about the whole situation. She feels like she profited off of these crimes, and wants to make it better. Parable has always been the place she has considered home. So now that she has sold her software company, she has come back and is going to see where this road takes her. She is going to work as a secretary for her best friend since childhood Kendra Shepherd. Who lives in and runs a real estate office in the home Joslyn grew up in. Joss is now staying in the guest house, and working in the place that holds all the ghost of her childhood. Will she be able to overcome the guilt of someone else’s crimes, and will the peeps of the town hold her responsible as well??
This book was clearly setting the scene for the future books, and did it without drowning out the story of the main characters. I came to care for not only Joslyn and Slade but everyone. Throw in a couple good sexy scenes, a horse race, and a HEA, and you have another great book by Linda!! I recommend y’all reading this one. -
Slade Barlow is sherriff in Parable, Montana. This is a big deal. Slade was born out of wedlock. This is why, when his father dies, he does not expect to be mentioned in his will, let alone inherit half of Whisper Creek Ranch. This does not make Hutch, Slade's half bother too pleased. Hutch offers to purchase Slade's half of the ranch.
Joslyn Kirk used to be the town's beauty queen. She and Hutch used to date. Although Joslyn had eyes for Slade. Only Slade would not have known it as he thought she was a spoiled rich girl. Joslyn is only in town to make mends to all the people her step father burned and than she is leaving again. Joslyn's friend, Kendra tells Joslyn that she is not responsible for her step father's actions.
The longer that Joslyn stays in town the harder it is to resist Slade.
It has been a while since I have read a book by this author. Seeing that Linda Lael Miller had a new series coming out, starting with Big Sky Country, I thought I would check Mrs. Miller out again. I have to say that Mrs. Miller does know her cowboys and how to write a good book. I liked Slade. He was a gentleman but he also had a sense of humor about him. When I think of men in uniform, I don't think of sherriffs near the top five of my list but if the guy looked anything like Slade, than I woold have to make an exception. It was easy to see why Joslyn feel for Slade. Although, it felt like it took a really long time for either Joslyn or Slade to admit their feelings toward each other and hook up. For a while, I thought Slade's half brother, Hutch, was going to end up on top. Speakling of which. Hutch was a jerk in tbe beginning but as the story progressed I changed my mind about Hutch and did like him. Good thing as I can not wait to read his and Kendra's story in Big Sky Mountain.
Reading this book, it did feel like there were two stories going on...one involving Slade and Joslyn and the other involving Hutch and Kendra. I would say that this book was more on the serious side and not so much on the lovey, dovey, romance side. Still a good book. I think that fans of this authors will enjoy this new series. Big Sky Country is filled with open skies, romance, good characters, and is a nice start to a new series by Linda Lael Miller! -
Sheriff Slade Barlow has always known who his father was even though the man never claimed him. It didn’t matter that his father was the richest rancher in Parable Montana, Slade raised himself up with determination and a mother’s love. But now the man is dead and he did in death what he never did in life, claim him as his son. This however isn’t sitting well with his half brother and the legitimate heir to the family fortune. Now Slade has a lot to think about especially when a fallen angel comes back to town and to make matters more difficult his stepdaughter too.
Joslyn Kirk was a spoiled rich girl living in a mansion in town until the day her stepfather broke the law and scammed many of Parable’s citizens out of their life savings. This has never set well with her and now, after he’s died in prison and with the means available she’s back to set right the wrongs done by him, but not everyone is glad to see her home and the jury’s still out about what Slade thinks. But what they both know is that fate has crossed their paths for a reason and it’s up to them to give into the fierce attraction they feel for each other and if their sheltered and damaged hearts and souls can just open up they may find the happiness each one has been unknowingly searching for.
Linda Lael Miller brings us a new series with her debut novel set in the big sky country of Montana. Her characters are what she’s famous for hard working salt of the earth people who remind this romance lover of a time long ago when respect and a man’s word were all that were needed. She brings this in her customary aw shucks dialogue that makes her one of the worlds leading ladies of Western Romance and in this reader’s opinion Queen of the crop. The romance is sweet and yet sensual and the conquest is not the end-all it’s the chase, but not to worry if you’re looking for some smokin love scenes because she delivers those as well. So sit back and let her take you to a simpler life yet with enough complications to make the read that more interesting.
Please check out my Q&A with author Linda Lael Miller here -
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t... -
At First Sight: After leaving Parable in disgrace - after her stepfather stole a bunch of money from practically everyone in town - Joslyn Kirk is back in town, secretly trying to make amends. She isn't really sure why or how, but she'll give it a try, even if that means moving into her friend Kendra's guest cottage and working for her.
Slade Barlow has a few problems of his own: he doesn't love his job as Sheriff anymore, he isn't sure he should take up ranching instead, and the father that never bothered acknowledging him in life has just passed away and left him half of his estate, which isn't pleasing his half-brother Hutch, at all.
Whatever their other concerns are, when Slade and Joslyn run into each other after years of not seeing each other - and never really being friends - they are overwhelmingly attracted to each other, even if neither of them wants to pursue a relationship.
Second Glance: I usually enjoy Linda Lael Miller's Christmas stories, but I had yet to try one of her other series, so when I heard Big Sky Country was the start of a new series I decided to give it a go.
And it had some mixed results. First, about 3/4 of the book is all set up - for the series, I guess, and for the romance between Joslyn and Slade, but I don't mean it in a good way. I liked Slade and Joslyn but I'm not sure I buy them together because they barely spent anytime together. By page 260 they had barely been in the same room five times, they don't kiss for ages, and then they are just in love.
Also, Joslyn motives are flimsy at best and the way she keeps trying to shoulder the blame for something that was completely out of her control (a.k.a. what her stepfather did)? It was just so annoying.
Bottom Line: Big Sky Country is the start of a new series and it feels that way. Characters are nice and likable, but as a whole, I didn't enjoy this book much. I think I'll stick to the author's Christmas stories. -
Big Sky Country 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 look forward to reading his story next in Big Sky Mountain. -
*ARC Supplied by Publisher*
This is a slow moving book and we have a lot of opportunity to meet many of the characters that will make up the main and secondary characters in the next two books. Have patience with this novel, since the second third is well worth the wait.
In this opening novel in the Parable Trilogy we meet Sheriff Slade Turner who is the illegitimate son of a deceased wealthy and respected rancher. Joslyn Kirk is the step-daughter of a man who was also rich, but who had run a pyramid scam in which much of the town of Parable lost everything.
Joslyn has done her best to atone and to make reparations.
There really isn’t any sort of plot since this is a relationship driven story. Everyone you meet is in some sort of pain and Ms Miller isn’t afraid to let us know this—repeatedly. This book not only reveals past misadventures it at time will flog it like a dead horse. Fortunately, the book really does pick up in the second half. We get our typical happily-ever-after and I was left anticipating reading the next in this trilogy. The secondary characters in this book such as Slade’s stepdaughter, and Opal, the Kirk’s former housekeeper, make this book a much easier to read and less slow moving in the second half of this novel.
Ms Miller writes with her usual in depth descriptions of her characters and giving her all to bring us to vividly see in our minds eye, the land which she so loves. Even I am now feeling the need to go to Montana and find me a cowboy and a ranch! -
Cover - 3.5/5
Favorite character - Joss
The book was a mindless easy afternoon read. It had a hot horseman (who was also a swoon worthy sheriff) & woman who was trying to right past wrongs as the leads. The story was not particularly interesting, it did not seem to go anywhere. Considering I just read it & it was almost 400 pages long you would think i would be able to remember something memorable from it but i cant - I don't really think anything did happen in it. It reminds me of a made for television daytime film, one that my mum would probably enjoy because it has a happy ending (she's 52). I didn't really get into the relationship so the ending seemed a bit of a joke *shrug* I know i am a cynic. It had two(i think) mild sex scenes which i didn't actually find that steamy.
I would say that if you got a chance to read this book for free (via library or kindle freebie or borrowing from a friend) & you have a few hours spare with nothing to do then i am sure you could read this & find it enjoyable. I personally wouldn't recommend spending any money on it as i think there are far better romance books out there (
Kristen Ashley is an author who i would recommend).
check out more recommendations & reviews here -
http://bookprotagonist.blogspot.co.uk/ -
I easily fell right into Big Sky Country. This kind of story is exactly what I look for when reading a nice contemporary romance. Author Linda Lael Miller works her magic and writes a well developed set of characters, a cozy small town setting and plenty of romantic tension to keep fans of this genre good and hooked.
I also liked that these characters were good to animals. Slade's dog Jasper and Joslyn's cat Lucy-Maude added a heartwarming touch to the storyline since both animals were kind of rescued by these people.
I have to say, I liked Slade's mom Callie and the relationship between the two seemed realistic.
This is is my third time reading this author, and she does not disappoint. A Lawman's Christmas made my top reads last year.
I'm a sucker for stories that feature the good, down to earth kind of hero versus the hot, fly by night type of hero.
With its small town drama, a cast of likable characters and a nice dash of romance and sexual tension, Big Sky Country easily swept me away for a little while. This is a great start to a new series as the author weaves in some supporting characters and gives us just enough of their stories to leave the reader wanting to know what comes next. -
Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a trailer hitched to the Curly-Burly hair salon his mother runs. Being illegitimate, he was never acknowledged by his father...until now. Suddenly, Slade found himself as half owner of Whisper Creek Ranch, right along side his half brother Hutch. Neither one get along, and never have. Even Joslyn Kirk, homecoming queen, rodeo queen, beauty queen, was always Hutch's girl. But Slade has never forgotten her.
But Joslyn is back in town. She sold her software company to pay back everyone her crooked stepfather cheated. But as soon as she comes face to face with Slade, the sparks fly. Neither one of them are able to control their reaction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next book in the series. 4.5 stars.
