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Shades of Blue #0.5
Big Sky Blue (Shades of Blue Trilogy)
Left to raise his infant son alone, a hardened Hank Cole is determined to make the best of it while prospering his ranch, but when a beautiful woman literally lands on his doorstep, he is helpless against the attraction between them.Elizabeth Dawson is too outspoken for gentle society, but she may be the perfect match for a tough Montana cowboy.A story of two very different people who belong together, proof that sometimes fate can have a sense of humor when it comes to love.
Paperback
Published October 1, 2013
313 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Hildie McQueen
178 books829 followersBestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.
Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.
Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 112 reviews
October 1, 2019
Nice & sweet
July 15, 2013
Oh I loved this!!!!! I want more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After Hank Cole's cheating woman leaves him high and dry with their infant son, Hank is left in a quandary with taking care of his beloved son and running his ranch. He simply can't do it all, as hard as he tries. With help from a few friends, Hank finds a lovely older lady to come out and stay at the ranch to take care of little Ashley while he does his business. With his son, the ranch and his head in ten different directions, Hank has sworn off women after his ill-fated relationship with Ashley's mother.
Elizabeth Dawson has been through the death of her parents in a house fire. Nightmares about the fire awaken her nightly. When Elizabeth's aunt invites her to stay with her in Montana. So Elizabeth leaves Virginia and travels to visit with her aunt, who during the week still cares for Hank Cole's son. When Aunt Betty introduces her niece to Hank and Ashley, she finds herself attracted to the father and taken with his son.
While Hank becomes increasingly enamored of the Eastern beauty, he fights his attraction to her tooth and nail, inwardly comparing her to Ashley's mother. He fights a battle within himself to trust and open his heart again. Elizabeth knows what she feels for Hank, but she won't stoop to begging a man for anything. Will she wait for Hank to open his eyes and see the prize he has in front of him? Or will he allow Elizabeth to go back to her uncertain existence? Read Hildie McQueen's BIG SKY BLUE to find out!
Hildie McQueen is a brilliant writer. She sucks you in with her easy to love characters and her intense story- line. Big Sky Blue is one of those stories you don't want to end. For those readers who adore Western Romance, this is a great taste of what Ms. McQueen is really all about. For those who readers who haven't allowed themselves to be taken away to the West, BIG SKY BLUE is enough to whet your whistle with as fabulous hero and heroine and a beautiful story. I enjoyed Hildie McQueen's BIG SKY BLUE and I think you will as well...* Note to Hildie McQueen.... MORE PLEASE!
~KIMBERLY~
5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)
After Hank Cole's cheating woman leaves him high and dry with their infant son, Hank is left in a quandary with taking care of his beloved son and running his ranch. He simply can't do it all, as hard as he tries. With help from a few friends, Hank finds a lovely older lady to come out and stay at the ranch to take care of little Ashley while he does his business. With his son, the ranch and his head in ten different directions, Hank has sworn off women after his ill-fated relationship with Ashley's mother.
Elizabeth Dawson has been through the death of her parents in a house fire. Nightmares about the fire awaken her nightly. When Elizabeth's aunt invites her to stay with her in Montana. So Elizabeth leaves Virginia and travels to visit with her aunt, who during the week still cares for Hank Cole's son. When Aunt Betty introduces her niece to Hank and Ashley, she finds herself attracted to the father and taken with his son.
While Hank becomes increasingly enamored of the Eastern beauty, he fights his attraction to her tooth and nail, inwardly comparing her to Ashley's mother. He fights a battle within himself to trust and open his heart again. Elizabeth knows what she feels for Hank, but she won't stoop to begging a man for anything. Will she wait for Hank to open his eyes and see the prize he has in front of him? Or will he allow Elizabeth to go back to her uncertain existence? Read Hildie McQueen's BIG SKY BLUE to find out!
Hildie McQueen is a brilliant writer. She sucks you in with her easy to love characters and her intense story- line. Big Sky Blue is one of those stories you don't want to end. For those readers who adore Western Romance, this is a great taste of what Ms. McQueen is really all about. For those who readers who haven't allowed themselves to be taken away to the West, BIG SKY BLUE is enough to whet your whistle with as fabulous hero and heroine and a beautiful story. I enjoyed Hildie McQueen's BIG SKY BLUE and I think you will as well...* Note to Hildie McQueen.... MORE PLEASE!
~KIMBERLY~
5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)
May 26, 2017
A beautiful novella
Big Sky Blue was a beautiful light read. Hank and Elizabeth begin their romance in an insta-love kind of way and spend most of their time together trying to fight it. Of course, being in the same house looking after his son Ashley with her conniving Aunt Betty males it difficult to avoid each other. As much as I enjoyed this sweet story, I would have loved to see their relationship develop more instead of skipping time, sometimes weeks at a time.
Big Sky Blue was a beautiful light read. Hank and Elizabeth begin their romance in an insta-love kind of way and spend most of their time together trying to fight it. Of course, being in the same house looking after his son Ashley with her conniving Aunt Betty males it difficult to avoid each other. As much as I enjoyed this sweet story, I would have loved to see their relationship develop more instead of skipping time, sometimes weeks at a time.
February 9, 2017
Sometimes you are right where you need to be!
After being betrayed by his wife Hank Cole was left to raise his infant son alone that was until Mrs. Dawson stepped in and offered to help care for his son allowing Hank to still maintain his farm.
Elisabeth Dawson is not your typical socialite daughter, she is far too opinionated and bossy. After Elisabeth is struck by a devastating tragedy she moves to Montana and start fresh with her aunt.
Mrs Dawson takes Elisabeth to Hank's with her while she take care of his son Ashley and it doesn't take Elisabeth long to settle in. Hank's determined not to let anyone get close to him again but he is stuck by the beautiful woman before him. He is also wary though never sure anymore if he is enough. Can Elisabeth really give up the life she was raised to live and settle in the farmlands of Montana and can Hank move forward allowing himself to be a part of that life?
I enjoyed Big Blue Sky and look forward to reading the next instalment
Reviewing with Book Monster Reviews
After being betrayed by his wife Hank Cole was left to raise his infant son alone that was until Mrs. Dawson stepped in and offered to help care for his son allowing Hank to still maintain his farm.
Elisabeth Dawson is not your typical socialite daughter, she is far too opinionated and bossy. After Elisabeth is struck by a devastating tragedy she moves to Montana and start fresh with her aunt.
Mrs Dawson takes Elisabeth to Hank's with her while she take care of his son Ashley and it doesn't take Elisabeth long to settle in. Hank's determined not to let anyone get close to him again but he is stuck by the beautiful woman before him. He is also wary though never sure anymore if he is enough. Can Elisabeth really give up the life she was raised to live and settle in the farmlands of Montana and can Hank move forward allowing himself to be a part of that life?
I enjoyed Big Blue Sky and look forward to reading the next instalment
Reviewing with Book Monster Reviews
January 13, 2025
Big Sky Blue is the first book by Hildie McQueen that I have read and it left me wanting to read more.
Hank Cole is a hard working rancher left with an infant son to raise after the baby's selfish irresponsible mother runs off. He's a good man trying to do the right thing for his son but he can't do it all alone. Fortunately Mrs. Betty Dawson, an older woman who loves children, is more than willing to come help him with baby Ashley.
Elizabeth Dawson travels to Montana to live with her aunt Betty and to start a new life after losing her parents in a house fire in Virginia.
Fate may have put Hank and Elizabeth through some hard times, but joy may be just around the corner if they can give in to the urgings of their hearts.
A quick read, this is a sweet western romance novella.
Hank Cole is a hard working rancher left with an infant son to raise after the baby's selfish irresponsible mother runs off. He's a good man trying to do the right thing for his son but he can't do it all alone. Fortunately Mrs. Betty Dawson, an older woman who loves children, is more than willing to come help him with baby Ashley.
Elizabeth Dawson travels to Montana to live with her aunt Betty and to start a new life after losing her parents in a house fire in Virginia.
Fate may have put Hank and Elizabeth through some hard times, but joy may be just around the corner if they can give in to the urgings of their hearts.
A quick read, this is a sweet western romance novella.
December 22, 2019
This was the first novel(la) that I read by Hildie McQueen.
It was a quick, light read - perfect for the holiday season. It is also book #1 of 8 or something like that, so it looks like I am in trouble, LOL.
The hero and heroine both had sad/tragic pasts. The hero especially, was nervous about opening his heart again.
It was a quick, light read - perfect for the holiday season. It is also book #1 of 8 or something like that, so it looks like I am in trouble, LOL.
The hero and heroine both had sad/tragic pasts. The hero especially, was nervous about opening his heart again.
February 10, 2017
The river of crazy flows all the way through this book and back. I am willing to tolerate a little inaccuracy or the occasional moment of creative timekeeping in my historical romance, but there were occasions where I just had to look up from my Kindle and shake my head.
What was it that drove me bonkers, you ask?
When the book is only 70 pages, it would help if we got to meet the heroine fairly early on.
The heroine wasn't introduced or even hinted at until my Kindle showed it was 26% of the way through the book. Over a quarter of the way through before we have any idea who she is. Way too late IMO.
For me, when I am reading a romance, I love the sense of anticipation, the building of romantic tension between the hero and heroine. Seeing two people fall in love throughout the course of a story is one of the great joys of reading romance. When they meet for the first time 40% of the way through, I couldn't help but wonder how a believable love story could develop.
I'm not sure if this was the reason why I didn't enjoy these two as a couple, but I just couldn't get it in my head that these two were meant to be together. There were a few furtive glances and one fairly tame roll in the grass, and then after a short to and fro, they're kissing in a house and engaged. I nearly would have preferred flaming balls of instalove to rain down upon the book than this.
The author should probably know whether their setting existed at the time their book is set.
Our hero is in his twenties or thirties, and he has lived in Montana his whole life. That in itself was fine. However this book is set in Montana in 1838. What is wrong with that?
Well.....Montana as a state didn't exist in 1838. It wasn't even a separate territory. Montana's first permanent white settlement was in 1841. Alder Gulch, the town in which the story takes place, was discovered as a gold source in 1863, 25 years after the story is set. The town has a mercantile in the story - where is it being stocked out of? Considering no one's settled the territory, we can only assume aliens.
For our old mate to have grown up in Montana, he must be doing a Benjamin Button and aging in reverse, because it's the only way (other than being a Native American - he isn't) that he could have grown up there.
A year here and there I could probably handle, but decades? Uh-uh!
♦♦♦
After reading this, I was sitting trying to make heads or tails of it. Not only did the historical inaccuracies and lack of chemistry get to me, but the glossing over of the heroine's past gave me a dose.
I will tell you right now, if I had witnessed what the heroine did and had been experiencing highly traumatic nightmares as a result, no single night sharing a bed with my aunt in a strange man's house (no matter how well he wore his Captain Sexypants) would cure my ills. I wasn't expecting psychoanalysis or art therapy, but I would have expected more than this. And also how did she get to Montana on her own? It's as if she has teleported there, Star-Trek style.
I'm going to have to stop now, as thinking about it makes me feel a little stabby. I am fully aware that there are people who loved the crap out of this book, and all power to you. However, it often felt as if it was once a longer book, and at some point, someone decided "I shall include page 3, 6, 10, 32 etc. and only these pages".
You can read the full review and others at My Written Romance.
What was it that drove me bonkers, you ask?
When the book is only 70 pages, it would help if we got to meet the heroine fairly early on.
The heroine wasn't introduced or even hinted at until my Kindle showed it was 26% of the way through the book. Over a quarter of the way through before we have any idea who she is. Way too late IMO.
For me, when I am reading a romance, I love the sense of anticipation, the building of romantic tension between the hero and heroine. Seeing two people fall in love throughout the course of a story is one of the great joys of reading romance. When they meet for the first time 40% of the way through, I couldn't help but wonder how a believable love story could develop.
I'm not sure if this was the reason why I didn't enjoy these two as a couple, but I just couldn't get it in my head that these two were meant to be together. There were a few furtive glances and one fairly tame roll in the grass, and then after a short to and fro, they're kissing in a house and engaged. I nearly would have preferred flaming balls of instalove to rain down upon the book than this.
The author should probably know whether their setting existed at the time their book is set.
Our hero is in his twenties or thirties, and he has lived in Montana his whole life. That in itself was fine. However this book is set in Montana in 1838. What is wrong with that?
Well.....Montana as a state didn't exist in 1838. It wasn't even a separate territory. Montana's first permanent white settlement was in 1841. Alder Gulch, the town in which the story takes place, was discovered as a gold source in 1863, 25 years after the story is set. The town has a mercantile in the story - where is it being stocked out of? Considering no one's settled the territory, we can only assume aliens.
For our old mate to have grown up in Montana, he must be doing a Benjamin Button and aging in reverse, because it's the only way (other than being a Native American - he isn't) that he could have grown up there.
A year here and there I could probably handle, but decades? Uh-uh!
♦♦♦
After reading this, I was sitting trying to make heads or tails of it. Not only did the historical inaccuracies and lack of chemistry get to me, but the glossing over of the heroine's past gave me a dose.
I will tell you right now, if I had witnessed what the heroine did and had been experiencing highly traumatic nightmares as a result, no single night sharing a bed with my aunt in a strange man's house (no matter how well he wore his Captain Sexypants) would cure my ills. I wasn't expecting psychoanalysis or art therapy, but I would have expected more than this. And also how did she get to Montana on her own? It's as if she has teleported there, Star-Trek style.
I'm going to have to stop now, as thinking about it makes me feel a little stabby. I am fully aware that there are people who loved the crap out of this book, and all power to you. However, it often felt as if it was once a longer book, and at some point, someone decided "I shall include page 3, 6, 10, 32 etc. and only these pages".
You can read the full review and others at My Written Romance.
February 5, 2017
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤
My Synopsis:
Hank Cole is a rancher who is left as the sole parent of his young son, Ashley, following the departure of his irresponsible and cheating mother. At a loss of what to do to manage his farm and take care of his child, Hank solicits the care of an older care giver to eliminate having any possible entanglements with a younger woman. Fortunately, Hank finds just what he is looking for in the form of Betty Dawson. Betty and Hank settle into a companionable life with her providing him help with his household and son while he takes care of his farm. On the other side of the country in Virginia, Betty's niece Elizabeth Dawson is entertaining a possible suitor. Elizabeth isn't exactly wowed by her suitor, Melvin Tuttle, but she supposes that he is would okay to marry since her prospects were nill. Following a disastrous first kiss, Elizabeth knows that Melvin isn't what she wants but to appease her society-oriented parents, she agrees to allow their courting to continue. But sadly, Elizabeth is ripped from the world she knows when a fire ravages the life she once knew. Fleeing her life in Virginia, Elizabeth goes to Montana to live with her aunt, Betty Dawson. Once there, Elizabeth discovers an irrevocable attraction for the handsome rancher and his adorable little son. But Hank's hangups and his past bid him to keep Elizabeth at a distance. But proximity and mutual desire force them together forcing Hank to make a life altering decision -- hang onto his dismal past or embrace a bright future with his son and Elizabeth at his side.
My Thoughts:
I am not typically a fan of historical romances but I was pleasantly surprised to discover an engaging story from the very first page of this sweet romantic novella. All the elements of this story just worked for me -- the characters, the story line, the plot. Ms. McQueen did a wonderful job creating a story that was light and sweet with elements that drew the reader into the story and kept them there. The only thing I would have liked to know more about was how Elizabeth "recognized" Hank. The trail was started but it seems to have been left open. I'm not sure if that trail will be picked up in the other books in the series or now but I would have liked a bit more explanation about it. But, even without it, the book was a solid and very enjoyable story.
This short novella was a very good introduction to a historical western romance series that promises to be a very good one.
VERY GOOD: The characteristics of a heart book include: a great story; I loved the characters; and there was an interesting plot and unique story elements; there may have been a few odd things kept the story from being amazing. I would read it again and I would recommend it to a friend.This book was provided by the author for an honest review.
My Synopsis:
Hank Cole is a rancher who is left as the sole parent of his young son, Ashley, following the departure of his irresponsible and cheating mother. At a loss of what to do to manage his farm and take care of his child, Hank solicits the care of an older care giver to eliminate having any possible entanglements with a younger woman. Fortunately, Hank finds just what he is looking for in the form of Betty Dawson. Betty and Hank settle into a companionable life with her providing him help with his household and son while he takes care of his farm. On the other side of the country in Virginia, Betty's niece Elizabeth Dawson is entertaining a possible suitor. Elizabeth isn't exactly wowed by her suitor, Melvin Tuttle, but she supposes that he is would okay to marry since her prospects were nill. Following a disastrous first kiss, Elizabeth knows that Melvin isn't what she wants but to appease her society-oriented parents, she agrees to allow their courting to continue. But sadly, Elizabeth is ripped from the world she knows when a fire ravages the life she once knew. Fleeing her life in Virginia, Elizabeth goes to Montana to live with her aunt, Betty Dawson. Once there, Elizabeth discovers an irrevocable attraction for the handsome rancher and his adorable little son. But Hank's hangups and his past bid him to keep Elizabeth at a distance. But proximity and mutual desire force them together forcing Hank to make a life altering decision -- hang onto his dismal past or embrace a bright future with his son and Elizabeth at his side.
My Thoughts:
I am not typically a fan of historical romances but I was pleasantly surprised to discover an engaging story from the very first page of this sweet romantic novella. All the elements of this story just worked for me -- the characters, the story line, the plot. Ms. McQueen did a wonderful job creating a story that was light and sweet with elements that drew the reader into the story and kept them there. The only thing I would have liked to know more about was how Elizabeth "recognized" Hank. The trail was started but it seems to have been left open. I'm not sure if that trail will be picked up in the other books in the series or now but I would have liked a bit more explanation about it. But, even without it, the book was a solid and very enjoyable story.
This short novella was a very good introduction to a historical western romance series that promises to be a very good one.
February 2, 2017
It certainly didn't take long to read.
Still, it was a bit too saccharin sweet for me. If you like that kind of thing, and are in the mood for a quick cowboy romance fix, by all means, have at it.
Still, it was a bit too saccharin sweet for me. If you like that kind of thing, and are in the mood for a quick cowboy romance fix, by all means, have at it.
November 26, 2020
Super sweet story of how Hank and Elizabeth met up. Hank, not married to Ashley's mom, needs someone to take care of Ashley after horrible mom leaves. Mrs Dawson from town helps out and here comes her niece Elizabeth from out East. A few sparks, a whole lot of love for baby Ashley, and of course some miscommunication. It was adorable.
November 12, 2020
My first book by this author.
Big Sky Blue was my first book by Hildie McQueen and it probably wasn't the best choice I could have made. It was written back in 2013 which I believe was near the beginning of her publishing career. I had some issues with the historical accuracy of the timeline but what bothered me the most was the poor editing/proofreading. I know that no book is ever published without errors but this one just had too many for me to ignore in such a short story.
Having said all of that I did finish it and I liked it OK. It was a nice sweet story with likeable characters. I'm going to read another book by this author soon, one that's been published a bit more recently.
Big Sky Blue was my first book by Hildie McQueen and it probably wasn't the best choice I could have made. It was written back in 2013 which I believe was near the beginning of her publishing career. I had some issues with the historical accuracy of the timeline but what bothered me the most was the poor editing/proofreading. I know that no book is ever published without errors but this one just had too many for me to ignore in such a short story.
Having said all of that I did finish it and I liked it OK. It was a nice sweet story with likeable characters. I'm going to read another book by this author soon, one that's been published a bit more recently.
July 22, 2021
A nice, sweet read. No sex scenes, just a heated kiss or two. Author needs to work on her research: a 6 month old baby is certainly much further along than portrayed.
January 30, 2017
I had forgotten how much I enjoy a good historical, western romance! I missed my sexy cowboys! "Big Sky Blue" is a lovely novella that grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go! Hank Cole is a responsible, handsome and wonderful father who must now raise his son on his own. Elisabeth is an independent and smart woman who doesn't fit in well in her native Virginia high society, because, well, like I said, she's smart and independent.
This novella is beautifully written! A sweet romance between two individuals who are perfect for each other. Hildie (Author) does a fantastic job of setting up the story and gets you invested with the Hero and Heroine as well as all the other characters. You want to know what happens to them and go along with them on the journey. Good thing too, as this is a novella that kicks off the "Shades of Blue Trilogy" (see info below)!
The Shades of Blue Trilogy:
A Different Shade of Blue (Book 1)
The Darkest Blue (Book 2)
Every Blue Moon (Book 3)
You can find out more about the trilogy on Hildie's website .
I'm really looking forward to getting to know the Cole brothers in this new series!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for an honest review.
You might also like:
This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
This novella is beautifully written! A sweet romance between two individuals who are perfect for each other. Hildie (Author) does a fantastic job of setting up the story and gets you invested with the Hero and Heroine as well as all the other characters. You want to know what happens to them and go along with them on the journey. Good thing too, as this is a novella that kicks off the "Shades of Blue Trilogy" (see info below)!
The Shades of Blue Trilogy:
A Different Shade of Blue (Book 1)
The Darkest Blue (Book 2)
Every Blue Moon (Book 3)
You can find out more about the trilogy on Hildie's website .
I'm really looking forward to getting to know the Cole brothers in this new series!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for an honest review.
You might also like:
This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
July 25, 2015
Hank Cole is left to care for his infant son, Ashley, when his mother runs off. Hank wants to raise his son
properly but knows he is spread too thin with his workload of being a rancher, so he finds an older woman to care for Ashley. Betty Dawson loves children but never had any of her own so she is thrilled to be helping with the baby.
Elizabeth Dawson is a Virginia socialite who never fit into the society because she was too independent. When she looses her parents in a house fire her Aunt Betty invites her to stay with her in Montana. Once she is settled in, Elizabeth goes with Betty when she looks after Hank's son and she quickly comes to love the child as she helps with his care. She is immediately attracted to Hank as well. Hank has sworn off women because of the desertion of Ashley's mother so he fights his attraction to Elizabeth.
This was a well written and thought out novella that I enjoyed reading. It's a very emotional story that expresses the attraction between Elizabeth and Hank without the need for lots of sex scenes. The only problem I had with Big Sky Blue was that the ending was too abrupt.
If you like western romance, I highly recommend this story.
properly but knows he is spread too thin with his workload of being a rancher, so he finds an older woman to care for Ashley. Betty Dawson loves children but never had any of her own so she is thrilled to be helping with the baby.
Elizabeth Dawson is a Virginia socialite who never fit into the society because she was too independent. When she looses her parents in a house fire her Aunt Betty invites her to stay with her in Montana. Once she is settled in, Elizabeth goes with Betty when she looks after Hank's son and she quickly comes to love the child as she helps with his care. She is immediately attracted to Hank as well. Hank has sworn off women because of the desertion of Ashley's mother so he fights his attraction to Elizabeth.
This was a well written and thought out novella that I enjoyed reading. It's a very emotional story that expresses the attraction between Elizabeth and Hank without the need for lots of sex scenes. The only problem I had with Big Sky Blue was that the ending was too abrupt.
If you like western romance, I highly recommend this story.
February 10, 2017
Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2013/...
Rating: 3.5 stars
This was my first read of Hildie McQueen's, and this is the prequel to her Shades of Blue trilogy. Big Sky Blue is a historical romance set on a ranch. We get the comfort of Hank as a hard-working man whom owns his own ranch and takes pride in getting his hands dirty. After an unfortunate and then tragic event takes place we're introduced to Elizabeth. It took some time for me to get into this book, which I understand as we needed to build a history and connection with the characters. But I found that once the angst and sexual tension was getting to an exploding level the book was nearly over. I enjoyed Hildie's writing as it intrigued me and kept me wanting more. I was also looking for more intense dialogue between Hank and Elizabeth as I could feel the intensity behind their actions, I was hoping they'd verbalize those thoughts with one another. If you're in the mood for some eye-candy cowboy action, and need a quick fix...Give this a try!!
Rating: 3.5 stars
This was my first read of Hildie McQueen's, and this is the prequel to her Shades of Blue trilogy. Big Sky Blue is a historical romance set on a ranch. We get the comfort of Hank as a hard-working man whom owns his own ranch and takes pride in getting his hands dirty. After an unfortunate and then tragic event takes place we're introduced to Elizabeth. It took some time for me to get into this book, which I understand as we needed to build a history and connection with the characters. But I found that once the angst and sexual tension was getting to an exploding level the book was nearly over. I enjoyed Hildie's writing as it intrigued me and kept me wanting more. I was also looking for more intense dialogue between Hank and Elizabeth as I could feel the intensity behind their actions, I was hoping they'd verbalize those thoughts with one another. If you're in the mood for some eye-candy cowboy action, and need a quick fix...Give this a try!!
February 5, 2017
Hildie McQueen never disappoints when it comes to these historical romance stories. I am a fan for life. Big Sky Blue was short and sweet. But it was also filled with the gorgeous background scenery of Alder's Gulch, Montana in 1838. I enjoyed reading the tale of cattle rancher, Hank Cole, and how he came to meet Virginia socialite, Elizabeth Dawson. Both are total opposites, yet are looking for the same things in life. But timing is everything right? Hank is once bitten twice shy but how can he resist the intelligent and beautiful Elizabeth? I recommend Big Sky Blue to any woman who loves western historical romances, you won't be disappointed. Big Sky Blue made me smile and left me with a warm fuzzy feeling, which is a GOOD thing!
July 26, 2016
This is a story about a rancher who's wife left him and his six month old son. Hank hires a woman to watch his son when he is working on the ranch. Her niece who lost her family comes to stay with her and stays at the ranch and is taken with Hank and his son.
This story is the first in the series and is a short story which is well written and you want to read more. Having the pleasure to meet Hildie McQueen, she is a delight to talk with and loves talking to her readers. You won't be disappointed with this book.
This story is the first in the series and is a short story which is well written and you want to read more. Having the pleasure to meet Hildie McQueen, she is a delight to talk with and loves talking to her readers. You won't be disappointed with this book.
February 2, 2016
Fluffy-fluffy-fluff. Yep, I know there are sticklers out there for historical accuracy, but they should know to avoid a book that's only 70 pages- and has tons of flufftastic reviews. I ask how many of you have read amazing short stories of under 75 pages, with no anachronisms? It's kind of an either or situation in my opinion. Anyways, suspend your anal tendencies and you'll get a nice fluffy start to a series.
October 12, 2013
4.5/5.0
Ms. McQueen pens a tender story of two young people trying to recover from life’s tragedies while exploring their growing passion for each other.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Ms. McQueen pens a tender story of two young people trying to recover from life’s tragedies while exploring their growing passion for each other.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 24, 2024
Make sure you don't start reading, Big Sky Blue, unless you have plenty of time. Once you start, it doesn't take long to lose yourself in the wonderful story. I didn't even take a break once I started. I literally could not stop reading! Such a great, refreshing, romantic story. I promise you will love it.
October 27, 2015
Ni fu ni fa.
Un western un poco simplón.
Empalagosillo y con personajes planos, perfectos y aburridos.
Nada memorable salvo que te gusten las historias sin mucha substancia y un poco cursis.
So, so.
A simple western.
A bit cheesy and with flat, perfect and boring characters.
Nothing memorable unless you like plain and corny stories
Un western un poco simplón.
Empalagosillo y con personajes planos, perfectos y aburridos.
Nada memorable salvo que te gusten las historias sin mucha substancia y un poco cursis.
So, so.
A simple western.
A bit cheesy and with flat, perfect and boring characters.
Nothing memorable unless you like plain and corny stories
August 23, 2018
Sweet romance between a high society city girl and a single father cowboy! Loved this clean book. While not Christian it keeps the romance innocent and up to the reader's imagination! Just like I like it!
Hildie is a new author to me! Discovered her and many other wonderful Historical Western writers on Pioneer Hearts Facebook page!
Hildie is a new author to me! Discovered her and many other wonderful Historical Western writers on Pioneer Hearts Facebook page!
February 5, 2017
I loved this book and I can't wait to read the next one in this new series. It was such a sweet romance I did not want it to end. That is my only complaint is it wasn't long enough. I wanted more of Hank and Elizabeth.
Hildie McQueen is one of my new favorite authors.
Sweet romance/no sex
Hildie McQueen is one of my new favorite authors.
Sweet romance/no sex
February 10, 2017
Nice
A little on the risqué side but clean. She is orphaned and haunted by the fire that took her parents and the realization that theirs was a loveless marriage. He is bitter and determined to avoid ever being hurt again. ...and then they meet.
A little on the risqué side but clean. She is orphaned and haunted by the fire that took her parents and the realization that theirs was a loveless marriage. He is bitter and determined to avoid ever being hurt again. ...and then they meet.
February 10, 2017
Ehh... Maybe a longer book would be better. It's like the author cut out all the character and plot development to keep it short. Defeats the purpose of a book.
January 14, 2014
Don't waste your time with this one.
January 25, 2020
This was a wonderful novella. Short, sweet and hits the spot.
Hank has a baby that needs care and his mothers has run off and left the boy. Hank is a little gun-shy towards women now. He’s already been show that they just leave. He gets help from a lovely older woman, the aunt of a friend. She brings her niece to stay with her after a tragic accident and he’s smitten with Elizabeth. He’s never met a more beautiful woman and the way she cares for his son amazes him. He’s afraid of what might happen if he tries for more. He’s afraid of being left behind once again.
Elizabeth has endured a tragedy. She lost both her parents in a fire and has come to stay with her aunt when she meets Hank. It’s almost as if her imagination came to life. When she pictured the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, it was him. She adores his son and loves the ranch. She’s falling for him every day. He doesn’t want to ever get married and that forces her to leave. She can’t take being around him every day and not claiming him as her own.
This is a great read that takes you through both of their troubles as they being their walk towards one another.
Hank has a baby that needs care and his mothers has run off and left the boy. Hank is a little gun-shy towards women now. He’s already been show that they just leave. He gets help from a lovely older woman, the aunt of a friend. She brings her niece to stay with her after a tragic accident and he’s smitten with Elizabeth. He’s never met a more beautiful woman and the way she cares for his son amazes him. He’s afraid of what might happen if he tries for more. He’s afraid of being left behind once again.
Elizabeth has endured a tragedy. She lost both her parents in a fire and has come to stay with her aunt when she meets Hank. It’s almost as if her imagination came to life. When she pictured the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, it was him. She adores his son and loves the ranch. She’s falling for him every day. He doesn’t want to ever get married and that forces her to leave. She can’t take being around him every day and not claiming him as her own.
This is a great read that takes you through both of their troubles as they being their walk towards one another.
August 9, 2017
A strong, muscular, sexy, shirtless cowboy with piercing eyes? And he's a good father to his baby boy? Um... yeah, this book got my attention.
This was a quick read of only about 70 pages or so, but it was a sweet novella and perfect for a quick afternoon read. The mother of Hank's baby boy walked out on him, leaving Hank to raise his son by himself and with him vowing to never allow another woman into his heart for fear of her leaving him and his son again. Along comes Elizabeth who recently lost her parents in a tragic fire and has traveled west to live with her aunt. The aunt has been helping Hank with his son and Elizabeth comes along to help as well. Chemestry between Hank and Elizabeth has them both breathing heavily. Although they try to resist, the attraction is just too strong.
Big Sky Blue is a sweet romance with lots of tingles but no heavy sex. Like I said, it was great for an afternoon read.
This was a quick read of only about 70 pages or so, but it was a sweet novella and perfect for a quick afternoon read. The mother of Hank's baby boy walked out on him, leaving Hank to raise his son by himself and with him vowing to never allow another woman into his heart for fear of her leaving him and his son again. Along comes Elizabeth who recently lost her parents in a tragic fire and has traveled west to live with her aunt. The aunt has been helping Hank with his son and Elizabeth comes along to help as well. Chemestry between Hank and Elizabeth has them both breathing heavily. Although they try to resist, the attraction is just too strong.
Big Sky Blue is a sweet romance with lots of tingles but no heavy sex. Like I said, it was great for an afternoon read.
November 24, 2018
It was 4/5 for me. I loved the book. I cut 1 star for how short it was. Plot was average but the main characters were decent, I would have loved to know them more and connect more with them, if the book would have been a little longer.
All in all a one time good read for me.
All in all a one time good read for me.
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