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The Brides of Bliss County #1
The Marriage Pact
The women of Bliss County are ready to meet the men of their dreams! See how it all begins in this enthralling new series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller...
Ten years ago, Hadleigh Stevens was eighteen and this close to saying "I do," when Tripp Galloway interrupted her walk down the aisle. Now that she's recovered from her youthful mistake and Tripp's interference, Hadleigh and her single friends form a marriage pact. She doesn't expect Tripp to meddle with her new plan to find Mr. Right—or to discover that she's more attracted to him than ever!
Divorced and eager to reconnect with his cowboy roots, Tripp returns to Bliss County to save his ailing father's ranch. He's not looking for another wife—certainly not his best friend's little sister. But he's never been able to forget Hadleigh. And this time, if she ends up in his arms, he won't be walking away!
Ten years ago, Hadleigh Stevens was eighteen and this close to saying "I do," when Tripp Galloway interrupted her walk down the aisle. Now that she's recovered from her youthful mistake and Tripp's interference, Hadleigh and her single friends form a marriage pact. She doesn't expect Tripp to meddle with her new plan to find Mr. Right—or to discover that she's more attracted to him than ever!
Divorced and eager to reconnect with his cowboy roots, Tripp returns to Bliss County to save his ailing father's ranch. He's not looking for another wife—certainly not his best friend's little sister. But he's never been able to forget Hadleigh. And this time, if she ends up in his arms, he won't be walking away!
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
557 people are currently reading
2806 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lael Miller
553 books3,219 followersThe 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, Linda 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 spacious property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when 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 Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. 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.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when 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 Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. 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.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
dnf
August 3, 2014DNF @62% WITH NO RATING
Tripp Galloway returns to Bliss County to help his ailing fathers ranch. 10 years ago he stopped his deceased best friend's sister, Hadleigh Stevens from marrying the wrong man. Hauling her out of the church, fireman style, he saved her from certain misery. But he also broke her heart and left her to mend her stunted future all on her own. But now he's back and intends to rectify everything, including a certain girl he never could stop thinking about.
It seems the last couple books I've read, maybe more, have been mediocre at best. This was a best friend's little sister/big brother's best friend romance. Love those. It also featured a small town. Love those too. But it lacked more than the sum of those parts combined. The writing was great, the plot very promising, the characters well fleshed out, but when a book is too descriptive that it takes away from it's original purpose, I have a problem. There was too much narrative. I'd be reading a paragraph where one of the characters says something but because the narrative was so long in between responses, I'd forget the original question. That's not good, at all. When the flow of the book is compromised this way I can't help but get frustrated.
The other thing that ruined this for me was the extensive attention to detail. That's okay sometimes with HR or even pnr, but not necessarily CR. A scene that should take one paragraph to set up often took at least a page. I'd flip to see when the actual dialogue started and I would find myself 2 pages ahead of where I should be. That is very distracting to say the least. Pages and pages were dedicated to discussing other characters as well. For example, a chapter would be Tripp recalling memories of his mom cooking. I think a secondary cast adds substance to a book and sets up a series, but it felt like filler here, and could have been shortened significantly. In the end, both the overly detailed descriptions mixed with too much narrative dragged this book for me to the point where I was no longer invested or interested in Hadleigh's or Tripp's story. This had so much potential, because the prose was great and the plot was one I loved, but sadly it didn't turn out that way.
Tripp Galloway returns to Bliss County to help his ailing fathers ranch. 10 years ago he stopped his deceased best friend's sister, Hadleigh Stevens from marrying the wrong man. Hauling her out of the church, fireman style, he saved her from certain misery. But he also broke her heart and left her to mend her stunted future all on her own. But now he's back and intends to rectify everything, including a certain girl he never could stop thinking about.
It seems the last couple books I've read, maybe more, have been mediocre at best. This was a best friend's little sister/big brother's best friend romance. Love those. It also featured a small town. Love those too. But it lacked more than the sum of those parts combined. The writing was great, the plot very promising, the characters well fleshed out, but when a book is too descriptive that it takes away from it's original purpose, I have a problem. There was too much narrative. I'd be reading a paragraph where one of the characters says something but because the narrative was so long in between responses, I'd forget the original question. That's not good, at all. When the flow of the book is compromised this way I can't help but get frustrated.
The other thing that ruined this for me was the extensive attention to detail. That's okay sometimes with HR or even pnr, but not necessarily CR. A scene that should take one paragraph to set up often took at least a page. I'd flip to see when the actual dialogue started and I would find myself 2 pages ahead of where I should be. That is very distracting to say the least. Pages and pages were dedicated to discussing other characters as well. For example, a chapter would be Tripp recalling memories of his mom cooking. I think a secondary cast adds substance to a book and sets up a series, but it felt like filler here, and could have been shortened significantly. In the end, both the overly detailed descriptions mixed with too much narrative dragged this book for me to the point where I was no longer invested or interested in Hadleigh's or Tripp's story. This had so much potential, because the prose was great and the plot was one I loved, but sadly it didn't turn out that way.
August 26, 2016
The premise of this book is what pulled me in. But I just couldn't get into the story line or the characters. There seemed to be very little interaction between Tripp and Hadleigh in the first half of the book. A good chunk of the book was one of the other thinking about or talking about the other, but not them together. Not much dialogue between each other.
I did find myself losing interest in this one, and had to put it down numerous times throughout reading it. I'm not sure if I was just getting bored with these characters or if the plot just seemed to recycled from previous Miller novels. It felt like a far cry from her McKettrick and Creed series, which I absolutely adore.
The ending felt wrapped up too quickly and neatly, that I felt like I had missed something along the way. This was not one of my favorites by this author, and I'm unsure if I'll continue on with this new series. If I do, I won't be in a hurry to do so.
I did find myself losing interest in this one, and had to put it down numerous times throughout reading it. I'm not sure if I was just getting bored with these characters or if the plot just seemed to recycled from previous Miller novels. It felt like a far cry from her McKettrick and Creed series, which I absolutely adore.
The ending felt wrapped up too quickly and neatly, that I felt like I had missed something along the way. This was not one of my favorites by this author, and I'm unsure if I'll continue on with this new series. If I do, I won't be in a hurry to do so.
December 3, 2021
how did nothing happen the entire time
May 25, 2014
Ten years ago Tripp Galoway rode into town and stole Hadleigh from the altar where she was about to say her “I dos.” Then he took to her to local burger joint where he broker her heart. He was warned “ She’s going to be mighty hurt and mad as a wildcat with all four paws caught in a vat of molasses.” Ten years have passed and he’s back in town to stay with his stepfather and help run the ranch. He sold everything, picked up his dog and is going back to a life he missed more than he thought.
His Stepfather had been fighting an illness that left the farm in shambles. Tripp quickly gets on the repair and rebuild schedule. This keeps him busy while he tries not to focus on a certain girl who is not a girl anymore and doesn't much like him anyway. He is a nice guy who took a wrong path but finally can see the way to go again.
Hadleigh has been running her own business and has been very successful. She has two great friends who have done the same. They all council each other while they make a pact to help each other find husbands. They will make a charm for each one as she ties the knot. She is a good person, kind and loving to her community, somebody you can’t help but admire.
There are horses, dogs, girlfriends, country rides, happy moments galore. this is a total feel good read, light breezy and yes a bit predictable but so worth the journey with these two. The side characters are fabulous and I look forward to seeing their charms added to the bracelets.
His Stepfather had been fighting an illness that left the farm in shambles. Tripp quickly gets on the repair and rebuild schedule. This keeps him busy while he tries not to focus on a certain girl who is not a girl anymore and doesn't much like him anyway. He is a nice guy who took a wrong path but finally can see the way to go again.
Hadleigh has been running her own business and has been very successful. She has two great friends who have done the same. They all council each other while they make a pact to help each other find husbands. They will make a charm for each one as she ties the knot. She is a good person, kind and loving to her community, somebody you can’t help but admire.
There are horses, dogs, girlfriends, country rides, happy moments galore. this is a total feel good read, light breezy and yes a bit predictable but so worth the journey with these two. The side characters are fabulous and I look forward to seeing their charms added to the bracelets.
July 2, 2018
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
For me Miller is a comfort read. I always know that I will be able to get into her books. I do read more of her contemporaries then I do historical's but I like both. What I love about her books are the characters. She writes good ones.
Often when I read her books I can relate to them. Her characters go through what so many of us do. The only difference is that so many of her characters are very wealthy. That might bother me a little if it wasn't for the fact that her characters work very hard for what they have.
It's just that so many of them are lucky! Ha!
If you put away the money, they are just like you and me. It makes for good reading. Not only do I like her characters but I like the way she tells a story. I always find myself lost in it while reading. I don't often keep putting the book down and walking away because it's just alright.
Nope, I dive in and enjoy! Or at lease I usually do. Now don't get me wrong I enjoyed The Marriage Pact, I just didn't love it. It had everything I like in my books, good story and characters. What it didn't have that her books usually do have is the two main characters spending any time together. I think in total they were only together five times and once was their wedding. Twice they were out to eat so it was for a longer period of time but the others...
I was kind of shocked. Usually her characters have more interacting together, but not this time. I felt cheated a little. I still liked the story and it set up the series nicely but didn't leave you with enough of them.
Yes they worked, but why?
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For me Miller is a comfort read. I always know that I will be able to get into her books. I do read more of her contemporaries then I do historical's but I like both. What I love about her books are the characters. She writes good ones.
Often when I read her books I can relate to them. Her characters go through what so many of us do. The only difference is that so many of her characters are very wealthy. That might bother me a little if it wasn't for the fact that her characters work very hard for what they have.
It's just that so many of them are lucky! Ha!
If you put away the money, they are just like you and me. It makes for good reading. Not only do I like her characters but I like the way she tells a story. I always find myself lost in it while reading. I don't often keep putting the book down and walking away because it's just alright.
Nope, I dive in and enjoy! Or at lease I usually do. Now don't get me wrong I enjoyed The Marriage Pact, I just didn't love it. It had everything I like in my books, good story and characters. What it didn't have that her books usually do have is the two main characters spending any time together. I think in total they were only together five times and once was their wedding. Twice they were out to eat so it was for a longer period of time but the others...
I was kind of shocked. Usually her characters have more interacting together, but not this time. I felt cheated a little. I still liked the story and it set up the series nicely but didn't leave you with enough of them.
Yes they worked, but why?
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
August 4, 2021
Scott Peterson
Before purchasing this book I checked to make sure that it wasn’t previously published in 1980 where date-rape was seen as being forward. This book is less of a romance and more of a full-blown horror novel akin to the Saw movies or The Purge. Tripp abducts Hadleigh in front of the entire town, but because he’s such an ‘aw shucks, good fella’, not one person lifts a finger to make sure that Hadleigh is okay. She literally screams for help and no one moves. What a way to start a book.
I was curious how Linda Lael Miller was going to redeem Tripp and/or the town of Mustang Creek. The answer is that she does not. In her telling of this arcane story, because Tripp is a “good guy” whatever he wants to do to Hadleigh is A-okay. No doesn’t mean no, here. Consent is a non-starter. The only thing that matters is what Tripp wants.
I was struck by the scene of Hadleigh having dinner with Tripp at the diner 10 years after he ruined her wedding. He never apologizes and, in fact, doubles and triples down on how much he enjoyed humiliating her publicly. He barges into her house. He barges into her work. Then he forces her to have dinner with him. Then he refuses to take her to her home and instead kidnaps her again, forcibly making her go to his house.
What does one want to bet that if Hadleigh had been sitting in the diner with Tripp after he’d given her a black eye and a split lip that the sheriff would have behaved exactly the same way? If he’d raped Hadleigh? If he killed her and buried her body at his ranch, that the entire town would still say that Tripp was a “good guy”? From the first chapter to the last, the only value Hadleigh has as a human being is servicing Tripp.
I am reminded of two things.
One is when Amy Sedaris did a photo shoot as an up and coming comedian, she had the make up artist make her look like she’d been beaten up. For the remainder of the day when people would look at her in shock and horror, she would say that this time it was love. The other is that my sister was in a long term relationship with a cop. Shortly after her ex found a new girl, my sister was accosted in the park across the street from her apartment. When she called the police, the new girl refused to put the call through and instead sent the ex. I came over and helped her move the next day because it wasn’t safe for her to live there anymore.
For what is supposed to be a charming small-town romance, I could not understand why none of the small-town residents cared about Hadleigh.
Before purchasing this book I checked to make sure that it wasn’t previously published in 1980 where date-rape was seen as being forward. This book is less of a romance and more of a full-blown horror novel akin to the Saw movies or The Purge. Tripp abducts Hadleigh in front of the entire town, but because he’s such an ‘aw shucks, good fella’, not one person lifts a finger to make sure that Hadleigh is okay. She literally screams for help and no one moves. What a way to start a book.
I was curious how Linda Lael Miller was going to redeem Tripp and/or the town of Mustang Creek. The answer is that she does not. In her telling of this arcane story, because Tripp is a “good guy” whatever he wants to do to Hadleigh is A-okay. No doesn’t mean no, here. Consent is a non-starter. The only thing that matters is what Tripp wants.
I was struck by the scene of Hadleigh having dinner with Tripp at the diner 10 years after he ruined her wedding. He never apologizes and, in fact, doubles and triples down on how much he enjoyed humiliating her publicly. He barges into her house. He barges into her work. Then he forces her to have dinner with him. Then he refuses to take her to her home and instead kidnaps her again, forcibly making her go to his house.
What does one want to bet that if Hadleigh had been sitting in the diner with Tripp after he’d given her a black eye and a split lip that the sheriff would have behaved exactly the same way? If he’d raped Hadleigh? If he killed her and buried her body at his ranch, that the entire town would still say that Tripp was a “good guy”? From the first chapter to the last, the only value Hadleigh has as a human being is servicing Tripp.
I am reminded of two things.
One is when Amy Sedaris did a photo shoot as an up and coming comedian, she had the make up artist make her look like she’d been beaten up. For the remainder of the day when people would look at her in shock and horror, she would say that this time it was love. The other is that my sister was in a long term relationship with a cop. Shortly after her ex found a new girl, my sister was accosted in the park across the street from her apartment. When she called the police, the new girl refused to put the call through and instead sent the ex. I came over and helped her move the next day because it wasn’t safe for her to live there anymore.
For what is supposed to be a charming small-town romance, I could not understand why none of the small-town residents cared about Hadleigh.
May 16, 2014
First in a new series, THE MARRIAGE PACT follows three BFFs who each wear a bracelet identical to the other two. The jewelry designer among them vows to make identical charms to commemorate the marriages of each, when they happen. Hadleigh Stevens is the first with a better-than-even chance to bite the dust of singlehood, but first she has to get over being carried away from the altar 10 years earlier by her late brother's best friend, Tripp Galloway, who accurately assesses that her first fiance is NOT the man for her. The question is: is he the right one to haul her off to wedded bliss?
Tripp has his own issues, not least of which is his ailing father, who has let the family ranch slid downhill fast, and who then surprises Tripp by saying he wants to go on a cruise and meet women! After too many years grieving the loss of Tripp's mother, his dad is now wanting to step out and enjoy life again. So he's left to bring the ranch back with new stock, new barn, renovated house and the like, and all before the Wyoming winter arrives.
Tripp now realizes Hadleigh is more than his best friend's kid sister, gangly knees, braces on the teeth, and teen crush, too. But will she allow him to show how he now feels about her? Or will she resume the kind of spitfire action she indulged in when he threw her over his shoulder and hauled her out of the church?
Tripp has his own issues, not least of which is his ailing father, who has let the family ranch slid downhill fast, and who then surprises Tripp by saying he wants to go on a cruise and meet women! After too many years grieving the loss of Tripp's mother, his dad is now wanting to step out and enjoy life again. So he's left to bring the ranch back with new stock, new barn, renovated house and the like, and all before the Wyoming winter arrives.
Tripp now realizes Hadleigh is more than his best friend's kid sister, gangly knees, braces on the teeth, and teen crush, too. But will she allow him to show how he now feels about her? Or will she resume the kind of spitfire action she indulged in when he threw her over his shoulder and hauled her out of the church?
July 29, 2018
I enjoyed this book but I agree with most of the reviews I’ve read . There was hardly any interaction between the two main characters until the very end of the book. I get they have a history and that sets the tone of their relationship. The whole thing just moved way to fast in my opinion!
February 27, 2015
Linda Lael Miller mankes you like her characters and the p l aces they live. This book was no different. I wanted to b e on the drinking coffee with them. I like to feel that way when reading.
September 5, 2019
I enjoyed this first installment to the Brides of Bliss County series. It was just one of those relaxing reads that made you smile. Kind of like a fluffy blanket and a warm cup of tea on a cold day.
Tripp was a fun character that I really enjoyed. After his divorce and just being over the hustle and bustle of his life he sold his thriving business and headed home to the only father he ever knew. Back in Bliss County Tripp is hit with all kinds of emotions he wasn't expecting. First, his step-father had been ill and didn't tell him. Then, there was his best friend's kid sister. The one that Tripp hauled over his shoulder from her I do's 10 years before.
Hadleigh was such a fun woman. She was strong and sassy but not overly so. She knew when she needed her girlfriends and she knew when she needed to take a step back and think rather than act. I loved that she didn't play games and admitted right away to Tripp that she was actually happy that he saved her from marrying the loser that had been lying to her all the way up to their wedding day.
As a couple Tripp and Hadleigh just fell into it so comfortably. It's not always what I'm looking for in a read but there are times that I just love that slow, comfort and that's what Ms. Miller gave us. I am really looking forward to reading more into this series.
Tripp was a fun character that I really enjoyed. After his divorce and just being over the hustle and bustle of his life he sold his thriving business and headed home to the only father he ever knew. Back in Bliss County Tripp is hit with all kinds of emotions he wasn't expecting. First, his step-father had been ill and didn't tell him. Then, there was his best friend's kid sister. The one that Tripp hauled over his shoulder from her I do's 10 years before.
Hadleigh was such a fun woman. She was strong and sassy but not overly so. She knew when she needed her girlfriends and she knew when she needed to take a step back and think rather than act. I loved that she didn't play games and admitted right away to Tripp that she was actually happy that he saved her from marrying the loser that had been lying to her all the way up to their wedding day.
As a couple Tripp and Hadleigh just fell into it so comfortably. It's not always what I'm looking for in a read but there are times that I just love that slow, comfort and that's what Ms. Miller gave us. I am really looking forward to reading more into this series.
August 31, 2015
Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Despite the fact that Hadleigh had secretly hoped Tripp Galloway would haul her out of the church the day she was to marry, the shocking announcement that he was married blew her big plans out of the water. Living in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, having a social event of the year wedding come to such a dramatic end was fodder for gossips for years to come. So, Hadleigh has lived with her humiliation all these years and has blamed Tripp every single day for messing up her life.
Hadleigh is a successful businesswoman and has two very dear friends who have supported her through the years. The three women all admit they are ready to find some stability, ready to find Mr. Right, and start families. So, they make a marriage pact and vow to focus on finding the right guy and start living their happy every after. Sounds simple, and looks good on paper, but finding the right guy is not an easy task, especially if you are secretly harboring feelings for a man you have convinced yourself you no longer care for under any circumstance, not as a friend, and certainly not as a lover, and Tripp is the very last man on earth Hadleigh would ever consider marrying.
Tripp is divorced and tired of the fast lane. Returning home to help his step-father, who is recovering from cancer, run his ranch, Tripp thinks it’s high time things between him and Hadleigh got settled once and for all. After all, Tripp was Hadleigh’s brother’s best friend and Tripp had promised to look after her. That’s why he pulled her out of that wedding years ago and he still has no regrets for doing so.
Tripp finds out right quick that Hadleigh hasn’t forgiven him after all this time, despite the fact he saved her from making a HUGE mistake.
So, the two get off to a rather bumpy start when they come face to face again.
I love small town romance and second change at love stories. It’s too bad these two never spoke after that wedding fiasco. I don’t know that Tripp ever spent much time feeling regrets over what he did until he sees Hadleigh, all grown up and finds she is bitter towards him. He may have done the right thing for Hadleigh back then, but he handled things the wrong way and now Hadleigh doesn’t trust him with her heart. Hind sight is 20/20 as they say and now Tripp realizes how deeply he hurt Hadleigh.
As for Hadleigh, she knew in her heart Tripp wasn’t responsible for the way her life turned out and hating him all those years only hurt herself. Her fear of opening up to him again though is nearly paralyzing. But, she will have to forgive Tripp and find the courage to open herself up to him again.
Life is full of mistakes and regrets. It’s what we do about those mistakes and how we learn from them that matters. Hadleigh and Tripp both made their fair share of mistakes and have their regrets too. Living in fear of being hurt will rob you of the joy of living, loving, and reaping the rewards relationships give us. I think that is the main message the author would wish to convey. Life is a risk, a gamble, you win some, you lose some, but it if you don’t get in there and take a chance you are only robbing yourself .
This is a solid foundation for this new series by one of my favorite authors. The secondary characters rounded out the story with humor and gives the reader an introduction to characters we are sure to meet again in the future.
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Despite the fact that Hadleigh had secretly hoped Tripp Galloway would haul her out of the church the day she was to marry, the shocking announcement that he was married blew her big plans out of the water. Living in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, having a social event of the year wedding come to such a dramatic end was fodder for gossips for years to come. So, Hadleigh has lived with her humiliation all these years and has blamed Tripp every single day for messing up her life.
Hadleigh is a successful businesswoman and has two very dear friends who have supported her through the years. The three women all admit they are ready to find some stability, ready to find Mr. Right, and start families. So, they make a marriage pact and vow to focus on finding the right guy and start living their happy every after. Sounds simple, and looks good on paper, but finding the right guy is not an easy task, especially if you are secretly harboring feelings for a man you have convinced yourself you no longer care for under any circumstance, not as a friend, and certainly not as a lover, and Tripp is the very last man on earth Hadleigh would ever consider marrying.
Tripp is divorced and tired of the fast lane. Returning home to help his step-father, who is recovering from cancer, run his ranch, Tripp thinks it’s high time things between him and Hadleigh got settled once and for all. After all, Tripp was Hadleigh’s brother’s best friend and Tripp had promised to look after her. That’s why he pulled her out of that wedding years ago and he still has no regrets for doing so.
Tripp finds out right quick that Hadleigh hasn’t forgiven him after all this time, despite the fact he saved her from making a HUGE mistake.
So, the two get off to a rather bumpy start when they come face to face again.
I love small town romance and second change at love stories. It’s too bad these two never spoke after that wedding fiasco. I don’t know that Tripp ever spent much time feeling regrets over what he did until he sees Hadleigh, all grown up and finds she is bitter towards him. He may have done the right thing for Hadleigh back then, but he handled things the wrong way and now Hadleigh doesn’t trust him with her heart. Hind sight is 20/20 as they say and now Tripp realizes how deeply he hurt Hadleigh.
As for Hadleigh, she knew in her heart Tripp wasn’t responsible for the way her life turned out and hating him all those years only hurt herself. Her fear of opening up to him again though is nearly paralyzing. But, she will have to forgive Tripp and find the courage to open herself up to him again.
Life is full of mistakes and regrets. It’s what we do about those mistakes and how we learn from them that matters. Hadleigh and Tripp both made their fair share of mistakes and have their regrets too. Living in fear of being hurt will rob you of the joy of living, loving, and reaping the rewards relationships give us. I think that is the main message the author would wish to convey. Life is a risk, a gamble, you win some, you lose some, but it if you don’t get in there and take a chance you are only robbing yourself .
This is a solid foundation for this new series by one of my favorite authors. The secondary characters rounded out the story with humor and gives the reader an introduction to characters we are sure to meet again in the future.
March 4, 2015
Good book. Hadleigh still holds a bit of a grudge against Tripp for the way he interfered in her wedding ten years earlier. She realizes that he had saved her from making a mistake, but his methods were quite embarrassing. Now she and her two best friends are still single, so they form a pact to help and support each other in finding their mates. Hadleigh is ready to move on when Tripp returns and throws her plans into disarray.
Tripp has come back home to stay. He left home to go to college, then joined the military, later starting his own flight service. He had a very brief mistake of a marriage that ended almost as soon as it began. After finding out that his father is ill and needs help on the ranch, Tripp sells his business and comes home. One of the things he wants to do is repair his relationship with Hadleigh, his best friend's little sister. He feels badly about the way he handled things all those years ago.
Though their reunion was a little rocky, I liked the fact that they were adult enough to talk to each other and clear the air. It was interesting to see that, after some truthful looking at herself, Hadleigh realized she'd been a bit in love with Tripp for most of her life. It had started when she tagged along after him and her brother as a kid, became a teenage crush later on, but matured a little after her brother's death. Her realization of why she had agreed to marry another man stuns her, and has her rethinking her grudge against Tripp. Discovering that she's more attracted to him than ever puts a crimp in her plans to find Mr. Right.
Tripp accepted long ago that he hadn't handled stopping Hadleigh's wedding very well at all. He hasn't been able to forget her, even though she was his best friend's little sister. Seeing her again makes him realize that Hadleigh is who he wants to spend the rest of his life with. The trouble is trying to convince her. Since he is back home to stay, he is determined to be patient and find ways to show her that they belong together.
I liked watching them get to know each other again. Tripp is trying to be patient, but the chemistry between them is pretty hot. Hadleigh started out just wanting to get over her old crush on Tripp, but comes to accept that her feelings for him are real. She just doesn't want to risk another rejection by him, so she keeps her feelings to herself, even after their attraction takes off. I loved seeing her finally accept that their feelings were real and would last.
I also enjoyed the secondary stories and characters throughout the book. I loved seeing Tripp come home and how he was reconnecting with his stepfather. Though Tripp had been away for a long time, the need for his home had never stopped. It was great to see the two men together, and I loved their reminisces about when Tripp was a kid. Jim's love for Tripp's mother was also evident, and it had been a great example of what he wants for himself. I loved the bits with his dog and how it exposed another side of Tripp. The friendship between Hadleigh and her friends was great. I loved their pact and the way they supported each other. Their friendship also made them able to be brutally honest with each other, even when it caused problems. I also liked that they were able to deal with their problems in a realistic way. I'm really looking forward to the other two stories.
Tripp has come back home to stay. He left home to go to college, then joined the military, later starting his own flight service. He had a very brief mistake of a marriage that ended almost as soon as it began. After finding out that his father is ill and needs help on the ranch, Tripp sells his business and comes home. One of the things he wants to do is repair his relationship with Hadleigh, his best friend's little sister. He feels badly about the way he handled things all those years ago.
Though their reunion was a little rocky, I liked the fact that they were adult enough to talk to each other and clear the air. It was interesting to see that, after some truthful looking at herself, Hadleigh realized she'd been a bit in love with Tripp for most of her life. It had started when she tagged along after him and her brother as a kid, became a teenage crush later on, but matured a little after her brother's death. Her realization of why she had agreed to marry another man stuns her, and has her rethinking her grudge against Tripp. Discovering that she's more attracted to him than ever puts a crimp in her plans to find Mr. Right.
Tripp accepted long ago that he hadn't handled stopping Hadleigh's wedding very well at all. He hasn't been able to forget her, even though she was his best friend's little sister. Seeing her again makes him realize that Hadleigh is who he wants to spend the rest of his life with. The trouble is trying to convince her. Since he is back home to stay, he is determined to be patient and find ways to show her that they belong together.
I liked watching them get to know each other again. Tripp is trying to be patient, but the chemistry between them is pretty hot. Hadleigh started out just wanting to get over her old crush on Tripp, but comes to accept that her feelings for him are real. She just doesn't want to risk another rejection by him, so she keeps her feelings to herself, even after their attraction takes off. I loved seeing her finally accept that their feelings were real and would last.
I also enjoyed the secondary stories and characters throughout the book. I loved seeing Tripp come home and how he was reconnecting with his stepfather. Though Tripp had been away for a long time, the need for his home had never stopped. It was great to see the two men together, and I loved their reminisces about when Tripp was a kid. Jim's love for Tripp's mother was also evident, and it had been a great example of what he wants for himself. I loved the bits with his dog and how it exposed another side of Tripp. The friendship between Hadleigh and her friends was great. I loved their pact and the way they supported each other. Their friendship also made them able to be brutally honest with each other, even when it caused problems. I also liked that they were able to deal with their problems in a realistic way. I'm really looking forward to the other two stories.
May 27, 2014
Linda Lael Miller's newest series, The Brides of Bliss County, is off to a strong beginning with The Marriage Pact. This endearing romance has a great cast of characters, strong friendships and a love story that will melt your heart.
Hadleigh Stevens and Tripp Galloway have a long history together which provides a solid foundation for their burgeoning romance. In the ten years since Tripp stopped her from making a disastrous mistake, Hadleigh has done a lot of growing up but she is still furious with him for stopping her wedding. When Tripp moves back to the family ranch, the two reconnect and Hadleigh is forced to examine exactly why she is still so angry with him. As for Tripp, he is shocked by his attraction to the woman he watched grow up.
Hadleigh and Tripp have known one another all their lives and although Tripp has only made a few quick trips to town over the intervening years, their shared past is an unbreakable bond that ties them together. Tripp decides to come home after he learns some unsettling news about his father's health and he easily settles back into ranching life. Hadleigh has faced a lot of losses in her life, but her close-knit and steadfast friendships with Melody Nolan and Bex Stuart have sustained her through all of life's ups and downs.
The romance between Hadleigh and Tripp is gradual but after they sort through their individual issues, their relationship really takes off. Tripp is a bit old-fashioned and he is sweetly romantic as he courts Hadleigh. Their lovemaking is incredibly passionate and their sex scenes are pretty steamy.
The Marriage Pact is a light-hearted and angst-free novel with a compelling storyline and a charming cast of characters. Linda Lael Miller has an amazing ability to create delightfully homespun romances that are realistic and quite heartwarming. The marriage pact is a unique premise that adds to the story's overall appeal and leaves readers eager for the upcoming installments of the Brides of Bliss County series.
Hadleigh Stevens and Tripp Galloway have a long history together which provides a solid foundation for their burgeoning romance. In the ten years since Tripp stopped her from making a disastrous mistake, Hadleigh has done a lot of growing up but she is still furious with him for stopping her wedding. When Tripp moves back to the family ranch, the two reconnect and Hadleigh is forced to examine exactly why she is still so angry with him. As for Tripp, he is shocked by his attraction to the woman he watched grow up.
Hadleigh and Tripp have known one another all their lives and although Tripp has only made a few quick trips to town over the intervening years, their shared past is an unbreakable bond that ties them together. Tripp decides to come home after he learns some unsettling news about his father's health and he easily settles back into ranching life. Hadleigh has faced a lot of losses in her life, but her close-knit and steadfast friendships with Melody Nolan and Bex Stuart have sustained her through all of life's ups and downs.
The romance between Hadleigh and Tripp is gradual but after they sort through their individual issues, their relationship really takes off. Tripp is a bit old-fashioned and he is sweetly romantic as he courts Hadleigh. Their lovemaking is incredibly passionate and their sex scenes are pretty steamy.
The Marriage Pact is a light-hearted and angst-free novel with a compelling storyline and a charming cast of characters. Linda Lael Miller has an amazing ability to create delightfully homespun romances that are realistic and quite heartwarming. The marriage pact is a unique premise that adds to the story's overall appeal and leaves readers eager for the upcoming installments of the Brides of Bliss County series.
January 2, 2017
Ada yg baca ini ? Duh bener2 sesuatu banget namatin nya...
Padahal sinop bagus, kesan nya si ce ini kuat dan gak lemah.
Cerita nya begini...si ce udah kenal si co dr kecil, si co temen deket abang nya si ce.
Waktu usia 18 thn si ce mau nikah sama org lain dgn maksud dalam hati nya nunggu si co dtg nyelamatin dan akhirnya bakal ajak dia pergi dan happy ever after. Si co emang datang nyelamatin, tapi abis gitu si co blg dia udah punya istri dan akhir nya ninggalin si ce sama nenek nya.
Sekitar 10 thn kemudian si co kembali ke kota itu dgn status duda nya. Si ce yg kata nya benci, sakit hati, gak maafin si co tapu begitu ketemu si co kok gemeteran, mengharap dll
Gampang bgt gitu..gampang nerima dan maafin si co. Ilanglah kesan ce kuat nya. Padahal si ce juga udah blg ke 2 temen akrabnya kalo dia udah BERHENTI mencintai si co. Tapi gw bingung pas si co dtg bawa bunga kok kembali gemeteran berhasrat sih. Ujung2 nya malah bobo bareng. Bah.
Ini buku tebelnya 455 halaman. Tapi banyakan ngobrolin yg gak penting antara si ce ama temen2 nya atau anjing nya. Atau antara si co ama bapaknya, ama anjing nya dan ama kuda nya. Itu 350 halaman ngapain aja ? Sungguh lelah baca nya. Sekitar 100 halaman terakhir baru deh komunikasi si ce dan co yg di selingin bobo bareng dan akhirnya memutuskan menikah. Itu juga masih diselilingi yg gak penting kayak bpk si co yg udah uzur akhir nya kawin lagi. Sungguh gampang banget si ce meleleh.
Linda lael miller ini CR nya emang bkn selera gw deh walo HR nya gw suka bgt.
Rating nya 2.5 stars aja.
Padahal sinop bagus, kesan nya si ce ini kuat dan gak lemah.
Cerita nya begini...si ce udah kenal si co dr kecil, si co temen deket abang nya si ce.
Waktu usia 18 thn si ce mau nikah sama org lain dgn maksud dalam hati nya nunggu si co dtg nyelamatin dan akhirnya bakal ajak dia pergi dan happy ever after. Si co emang datang nyelamatin, tapi abis gitu si co blg dia udah punya istri dan akhir nya ninggalin si ce sama nenek nya.
Sekitar 10 thn kemudian si co kembali ke kota itu dgn status duda nya. Si ce yg kata nya benci, sakit hati, gak maafin si co tapu begitu ketemu si co kok gemeteran, mengharap dll
Gampang bgt gitu..gampang nerima dan maafin si co. Ilanglah kesan ce kuat nya. Padahal si ce juga udah blg ke 2 temen akrabnya kalo dia udah BERHENTI mencintai si co. Tapi gw bingung pas si co dtg bawa bunga kok kembali gemeteran berhasrat sih. Ujung2 nya malah bobo bareng. Bah.
Ini buku tebelnya 455 halaman. Tapi banyakan ngobrolin yg gak penting antara si ce ama temen2 nya atau anjing nya. Atau antara si co ama bapaknya, ama anjing nya dan ama kuda nya. Itu 350 halaman ngapain aja ? Sungguh lelah baca nya. Sekitar 100 halaman terakhir baru deh komunikasi si ce dan co yg di selingin bobo bareng dan akhirnya memutuskan menikah. Itu juga masih diselilingi yg gak penting kayak bpk si co yg udah uzur akhir nya kawin lagi. Sungguh gampang banget si ce meleleh.
Linda lael miller ini CR nya emang bkn selera gw deh walo HR nya gw suka bgt.
Rating nya 2.5 stars aja.
June 17, 2014
Linda Lael Miller is one of my favorite writers. Her historical westerns are my favorite. I was exciting to read this new book, but was pretty disappointed. My main complaint being the lack of conflict in the plot. It is a nice story about two people falling in love, but there is no conflict or turmoil to really bring them together. Some stories I read have too much conflict, so I'm surprised to hear myself be critical of the opposite, but I am left disappointed.
In Summary, Tripp Galloway and Hadleigh Stevens grew up together. Tripp was Hadleigh's brother's best friend. Hadleigh's brother died 10 years prior, but Tripp and Hadleigh always had a bond. When Hadleigh was about to get married to the wrong guy, he jumped in and prevented the wedding like an older brother could, but then he left. Tripp has returned 10 years later to take over the ranch that his aging father can no longer take care of. Tripp is surprised by his reaction to Hadleigh and the attraction that is there. Hadleigh quickly realizes that Tripp is what she has been missing the whole time.
The title of the book, The Marriage Pact, comes from a pact that three friends have. Hadleigh, Melody, and Bex have agreed that they will only marry for true love and they will each look out for each other in ensuring that none of them marry for the wrong reasons. AS this is the beginning of a new series, I suspect that Melody and Bex will get their own books. I can't say for sure I will read them.
In Summary, Tripp Galloway and Hadleigh Stevens grew up together. Tripp was Hadleigh's brother's best friend. Hadleigh's brother died 10 years prior, but Tripp and Hadleigh always had a bond. When Hadleigh was about to get married to the wrong guy, he jumped in and prevented the wedding like an older brother could, but then he left. Tripp has returned 10 years later to take over the ranch that his aging father can no longer take care of. Tripp is surprised by his reaction to Hadleigh and the attraction that is there. Hadleigh quickly realizes that Tripp is what she has been missing the whole time.
The title of the book, The Marriage Pact, comes from a pact that three friends have. Hadleigh, Melody, and Bex have agreed that they will only marry for true love and they will each look out for each other in ensuring that none of them marry for the wrong reasons. AS this is the beginning of a new series, I suspect that Melody and Bex will get their own books. I can't say for sure I will read them.
June 13, 2015
Miller does an excellent job of introducing her readers to Bliss County. You really get a sense & feel for the town and surrounding area. Miller’s calm, quiet, yet captivating writing style melds with the community that she develops. You can easily picture this small town community and the surrounding ranch-land. Personally, one thing that would have added something to this novel would have been an explanation of what this marriage pact was. Miller tells you who is involved & alludes to it, but never once tells the reader exactly what the pact encompasses.
This is a very character driven novel. The main characters, their pasts, and their preconceptions shape the storyline like no other. The entire cast of this novel is very well put together. Readers get a sense of who’s who in Bliss County while really getting to know the main characters. A sense of family and community shines through the entire novel, making you feel right at home.
As a whole, this was a great novel and a brilliant introduction to Miller’s new series. I can’t wait to read more.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very character driven novel. The main characters, their pasts, and their preconceptions shape the storyline like no other. The entire cast of this novel is very well put together. Readers get a sense of who’s who in Bliss County while really getting to know the main characters. A sense of family and community shines through the entire novel, making you feel right at home.
As a whole, this was a great novel and a brilliant introduction to Miller’s new series. I can’t wait to read more.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2015
At first I wasn't sure I was going to like this book due to the fact that Tripp and Hadleigh don't really seem to be in the same place at the same time other then when Tripp is taking her out of the church from making the biggest mistake of her life.
Then Tripp waits about 10 years to come back into her life to say he's sorry and wants to be friends because will (her brother) would have wanted that. But yet even though he is back they never really spend time together so I didn't see how they would end up together in the end. I think them getting together took to long and when they did it was rushed.
I did like the aspect of the marriage pack with her friends. I thought it was cute and special with the charm bracelets and how much it meant to them. I loved how close the 3 girls were and how comfortable they were with each other. You can tell that friendship will last forever.
I liked the characters and I can't wait to read more about them and see who is next to get the charm and what it will be. It was a cute story.
Then Tripp waits about 10 years to come back into her life to say he's sorry and wants to be friends because will (her brother) would have wanted that. But yet even though he is back they never really spend time together so I didn't see how they would end up together in the end. I think them getting together took to long and when they did it was rushed.
I did like the aspect of the marriage pack with her friends. I thought it was cute and special with the charm bracelets and how much it meant to them. I loved how close the 3 girls were and how comfortable they were with each other. You can tell that friendship will last forever.
I liked the characters and I can't wait to read more about them and see who is next to get the charm and what it will be. It was a cute story.
Read
January 12, 2016"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)". 4 stars
The Brides of Bliss County series starter
Excellent read! I enjoyed the characters and the close friendships and relationships the H and h had with friends and family. They shared a rocky past with the whole carried her out of her first wedding before she could marry the wrong guy and it was a joy to watch them work through that and discover their true feelings for each other. I loved the pacing and am looking forward to the next book. Definitely a book I would recommend to my friends and one I'll be sharing with my mom.~ Kim S.
The Brides of Bliss County series starter
Excellent read! I enjoyed the characters and the close friendships and relationships the H and h had with friends and family. They shared a rocky past with the whole carried her out of her first wedding before she could marry the wrong guy and it was a joy to watch them work through that and discover their true feelings for each other. I loved the pacing and am looking forward to the next book. Definitely a book I would recommend to my friends and one I'll be sharing with my mom.~ Kim S.
December 13, 2018
This was a sweet romance. I liked the different relationships in this story. I liked the way the romance happened, and that Hadleigh got what she had wanted from the beginning of the story. There wasn't much drama, but there was some humor.
October 26, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters and story development. This was a quick, interesting read.
June 30, 2018
Picked this up for a light summer read because I used to enjoy Miller's western/romances. This one was just ok - seemed like a lot of repetition and wordy filler.
May 13, 2019
Yikes. Just not good.
February 1, 2020
I liked it, but there were issues. The writing was good, but the story was odd.
Not a lot actually happened in the book. It seemed like half the story took place in the minds of the characters. I'm all for introspection, but at about 3/4 of the way through I realized that we were just spending way too much time inside Hadleigh's head (and sometimes Tripp's) and not nearly enough time with them actually interacting with each other. Yes, they spent time together but half the time it was in silence while Hadleigh thought about things.
Hadleigh was a sweet enough character, but the realization scenes got a bit much. First her big realization that she actually was in love with Tripp all those years ago. Then her realization that she had fallen out of love with Tripp. Then her realization that the last realization was not actually real, and she really was still in love with him. And with each realization (yes, that word sounds weird now, doesn't it?) the author spends pages on it, as Hadleigh goes back and forth in her mind thinking about the minutia of what this means for her life.
It got to be a bit much. Especially since nothing much happened in the real world.
Tripp's story with his father Jim was sweet, but also way too much inside Tripp's head. Both of them being Manly Men Who Do Not Show Feelings, all the love was shown in a few words or within the mind of Tripp, who occasionally starts to tear up, but then holds it back (see : Manly Men) while thinking about how great his Dad is.
And Jim's whirlwind romance just felt . . . weird. It felt like the author just put that in there to get rid of Jim so Tripp could have the ranch.
I was also more than half way through the book before I finally realized that the author meant for the friends to be main characters. Their involvement was so minor, I thought they were just side characters with no real purpose, but it turns out (since this is book one of a trilogy) that the friendship is supposed to be important. That really didn't come through in this one.
The sex scenes also felt a little fantasy porn if you ask me. I mean, yes, it's a romance novel, but it felt a bit over the top. Really, how many orgasms can one woman have during one session? (asking for science . . . ).
But in the end, the characters were sweet, nothing annoyed the crap out of me and the writing was good, so three stars.
Not a lot actually happened in the book. It seemed like half the story took place in the minds of the characters. I'm all for introspection, but at about 3/4 of the way through I realized that we were just spending way too much time inside Hadleigh's head (and sometimes Tripp's) and not nearly enough time with them actually interacting with each other. Yes, they spent time together but half the time it was in silence while Hadleigh thought about things.
Hadleigh was a sweet enough character, but the realization scenes got a bit much. First her big realization that she actually was in love with Tripp all those years ago. Then her realization that she had fallen out of love with Tripp. Then her realization that the last realization was not actually real, and she really was still in love with him. And with each realization (yes, that word sounds weird now, doesn't it?) the author spends pages on it, as Hadleigh goes back and forth in her mind thinking about the minutia of what this means for her life.
It got to be a bit much. Especially since nothing much happened in the real world.
Tripp's story with his father Jim was sweet, but also way too much inside Tripp's head. Both of them being Manly Men Who Do Not Show Feelings, all the love was shown in a few words or within the mind of Tripp, who occasionally starts to tear up, but then holds it back (see : Manly Men) while thinking about how great his Dad is.
And Jim's whirlwind romance just felt . . . weird. It felt like the author just put that in there to get rid of Jim so Tripp could have the ranch.
I was also more than half way through the book before I finally realized that the author meant for the friends to be main characters. Their involvement was so minor, I thought they were just side characters with no real purpose, but it turns out (since this is book one of a trilogy) that the friendship is supposed to be important. That really didn't come through in this one.
The sex scenes also felt a little fantasy porn if you ask me. I mean, yes, it's a romance novel, but it felt a bit over the top. Really, how many orgasms can one woman have during one session? (asking for science . . . ).
But in the end, the characters were sweet, nothing annoyed the crap out of me and the writing was good, so three stars.
January 1, 2023
This is my introduction to Linda Lael Miller's The Brides of Bliss County series. I picked this up when my Kindle wouldn't work when I was on vacation, I'm glad I did!
Tripp and Will grew up together and went to war together, Tripp sitting at his best friend's bedside when he died. Ten years ago, Tripp returned home long enough to stop Will's sister's wedding to an inappropriate man.
During the time since Will died, Tripp became a pilot in the military, became a pilot for a major airline, started his own private airline and sold same, married and divorced. Now with his stepfather not doing well, he's decided to return home and once again face Hadleigh.
In those same ten years Hadleigh has started her own business and best friends Hadleigh, Bex & Melody made a marriage pact to help each other to get married. Can Bex and Melody help Hadleigh see that Tripp is the man for her?
Tripp's not ready for another wife, but he was unable to forget Hadleigh or how hurt she was 10 years ago.
Tripp and Will grew up together and went to war together, Tripp sitting at his best friend's bedside when he died. Ten years ago, Tripp returned home long enough to stop Will's sister's wedding to an inappropriate man.
During the time since Will died, Tripp became a pilot in the military, became a pilot for a major airline, started his own private airline and sold same, married and divorced. Now with his stepfather not doing well, he's decided to return home and once again face Hadleigh.
In those same ten years Hadleigh has started her own business and best friends Hadleigh, Bex & Melody made a marriage pact to help each other to get married. Can Bex and Melody help Hadleigh see that Tripp is the man for her?
Tripp's not ready for another wife, but he was unable to forget Hadleigh or how hurt she was 10 years ago.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2020
I had a hard time making it thru this book. It could have been a lot shorter. She spends like 3 pages on the owner of an eatery that really has nothing to do with progressing the story. Some things made no sense. Like how everyone knew he was back in town yet didn't know he stopped to see his love interest. I guess he honked his truck all thru town so everyone knew he was back. There are things like this that I didn't like. She also likes to rehash things. I guess the whole pact and a lot of the conversation between the girl friends were lost on me. I saw no point in her visitor at the end either.
December 31, 2021
Can a girl who has always wanted just one man her whole find her happily ever after? Hadleigh Stevens isn't so sure. And since Tripp Galloway had broken her heart once before, she's not sure she wants to give him a chance to do it again. Even if her two best friends think she's stupid not too.
But Tripp sees the woman he always knew Hadleigh would be; and knows she's the woman he had always been waiting for. Now he just has to convince Hadleigh.
Fun and sweetly romantic you can't help but fall a little in love with the folks, and critters, from Bliss County. Ms. Miller definitely knows how to spin a tale you can't help enjoy!
But Tripp sees the woman he always knew Hadleigh would be; and knows she's the woman he had always been waiting for. Now he just has to convince Hadleigh.
Fun and sweetly romantic you can't help but fall a little in love with the folks, and critters, from Bliss County. Ms. Miller definitely knows how to spin a tale you can't help enjoy!
March 3, 2022
Using this book for states read challenge. This story takes place in Bliss County, Wyoming. The main characters are Hadleigh Stevens and Tripp Galloway. Its starts with Tripp interrupting Hadleigh's wedding and him carting her out of the church and into his truck. They stop at the local burger joint, where he tells her that the man, she was about to marry was not the Mr. Right that she thought him to be. She thought Tripp would marry her, but he informed her that he was already married. Now, she's mad at him and he just walks away and isn't seen again for years. Now, he's back and does she realize that she still loves him? He finds himself in love with her. Will she marry him?
June 28, 2017
2.5
I started this series because it's a prequel to a series I really liked - The Carsons of Mustang Creek. That series was unusual for me, since I rarely read straight romance novels. Romantic suspense and sometimes other genre romance, yes; plain romance, no.
There were good sections in this book, particularly the ones between Tripp and his dad. I just didn't feel the romance between Tripp and Hadleigh, which is the main story line. I'll start the next one, hoping for better. If I don't feel it, I won't finish it.
I started this series because it's a prequel to a series I really liked - The Carsons of Mustang Creek. That series was unusual for me, since I rarely read straight romance novels. Romantic suspense and sometimes other genre romance, yes; plain romance, no.
There were good sections in this book, particularly the ones between Tripp and his dad. I just didn't feel the romance between Tripp and Hadleigh, which is the main story line. I'll start the next one, hoping for better. If I don't feel it, I won't finish it.
March 26, 2019
It is hard not to like a Linda Lael Miller Book. This first book is 80 pages longer than the second book. I figured the beginning of a trilogy there was set up for the series. Truthfully it had a lot of dialogue. And I admit I skimmed through some of it. But what I liked was what I felt was an even amount of Hadleigh (cool spelling) and Tripp’s background. Especially Tripp and his dad - rarely his step-dad Jim. Plus Tripp’s adult attitude to what Jim does in the book.
Like I said, it’s hard not to like a Linda Lael Miller book.
Like I said, it’s hard not to like a Linda Lael Miller book.
January 3, 2021
Three friends, independent, successful women, who appear to be left behind in the marriage category have developed a marriage pact, a fun, come together meeting that keeps them occupied while waiting for their turn at the altar. Though neither woman is bored or depressed while waiting for their knight in shining armor, probably because they've already met them and it's just a matter of coming back together in a different time, there is suspense and purpose in each life (prospective bride and groom included).
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