What do you think?
Rate this book
Big Sky Mavericks #4
Montana Maverick
Be careful what you wish for-
Meg Zabrinski wants a child. She's a successful scientist, a well-known environmental advocate, and a tenured professor. She doesn't need a man in her life to make this happen. But having a baby alone is a weighty decision, so she retreats to her isolated mountain cabin to write and think. When Henry Firestone--an old foe from her distant past--drops out of the sky on Christmas Eve with three young children and a baby, Meg tells herself she'd be crazy not to consider all her options--especially when she's always nursed a secret crush on the handsome rancher. Although the sparks between them ignite a mutual passion, Henry makes it clear he's done having children. Falling in love with Henry Firestone and his beautiful family would require Meg to give up her dream. Can the Lone Wolf assimilate into a new pack, or was this Big Sky Maverick meant to be alone?
They say timing is everything-
Henry Firestone doesn't recognize the "angel in snowshoes" who comes to his rescue in the middle of a blizzard, immediately, but Meg Z. knows him. Twenty years earlier, the media paired them as rivals to the death. Meg championed the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone, while Henry argued just as passionately that wolves would put ranchers on the Endangered Species List. She's still beautiful, independent and headstrong, and Henry's now free to admit that he always had a thing for her. Unfortunately, he's fighting for sole custody of his late daughter's four children. They are his biggest priority. He'd do anything to keep his family together--even sleep with the enemy in hopes that she might join his cause.
Meg Zabrinski wants a child. She's a successful scientist, a well-known environmental advocate, and a tenured professor. She doesn't need a man in her life to make this happen. But having a baby alone is a weighty decision, so she retreats to her isolated mountain cabin to write and think. When Henry Firestone--an old foe from her distant past--drops out of the sky on Christmas Eve with three young children and a baby, Meg tells herself she'd be crazy not to consider all her options--especially when she's always nursed a secret crush on the handsome rancher. Although the sparks between them ignite a mutual passion, Henry makes it clear he's done having children. Falling in love with Henry Firestone and his beautiful family would require Meg to give up her dream. Can the Lone Wolf assimilate into a new pack, or was this Big Sky Maverick meant to be alone?
They say timing is everything-
Henry Firestone doesn't recognize the "angel in snowshoes" who comes to his rescue in the middle of a blizzard, immediately, but Meg Z. knows him. Twenty years earlier, the media paired them as rivals to the death. Meg championed the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone, while Henry argued just as passionately that wolves would put ranchers on the Endangered Species List. She's still beautiful, independent and headstrong, and Henry's now free to admit that he always had a thing for her. Unfortunately, he's fighting for sole custody of his late daughter's four children. They are his biggest priority. He'd do anything to keep his family together--even sleep with the enemy in hopes that she might join his cause.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2015
556 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Debra Salonen
128 books210 followers- Born and raised in Brookings, South Dakota. Youngest of five (much youngest). A Baby Boomer who married her high school sweetheart (our lockers were side-by-side). Mother of two, grandmother of three darling princesses, dog mother of 2.5 mutts.
- Graduate of South Dakota State University with a Master’s degree in Geography and History.
- Job history: taxi driver, flax seed counter, cartographer, rural mail carrier, substitute teacher, secretary/community liaison for Merced College’s Child Development Center, bookkeeper, journalist, author.
- First sale story: June, 1999, to Harlequin Superromance. Total number of books sold to Harlequin =27.
- Honors and awards: Romantic Times BOOKreviews, 2006 Series Storyteller of the Year. Winner: Best Superromance of 2010: Until He Met Rachel. Nominated for Desert Quill in 2008.
- First book published by Tule Press, summer 2014: Cowgirl Come Home. The Big Sky Mavericks series opens Aug. 2014 with: Nobody's Cowboy.
- Graduate of South Dakota State University with a Master’s degree in Geography and History.
- Job history: taxi driver, flax seed counter, cartographer, rural mail carrier, substitute teacher, secretary/community liaison for Merced College’s Child Development Center, bookkeeper, journalist, author.
- First sale story: June, 1999, to Harlequin Superromance. Total number of books sold to Harlequin =27.
- Honors and awards: Romantic Times BOOKreviews, 2006 Series Storyteller of the Year. Winner: Best Superromance of 2010: Until He Met Rachel. Nominated for Desert Quill in 2008.
- First book published by Tule Press, summer 2014: Cowgirl Come Home. The Big Sky Mavericks series opens Aug. 2014 with: Nobody's Cowboy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 25, 2015
3.5 Being Open for all Opportunities Stars * * * 1/2
This was another book revolving around the Big Sky Maverick Series. All of these stories take place in and around Marietta, Montana. The draw of these books is the heart and care each one brings. All of the characters have history with each other and their families... so there is a comfort in the reading.
This installment was special as it was Meg, the "Lone Wolf" of the family and her pursuit in deciding if single parenting was the way for her to fulfill her dream of motherhood.
She is a strong, independent woman and she meets the man she has fought with politically for years during her time of decision-making. It looks like there are other elements making sure they connect and see each other as people not issues for the first time.
This read was sweet; we were updated on all our past friends in the series... and I know there will be more on the horizon.
A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
This was another book revolving around the Big Sky Maverick Series. All of these stories take place in and around Marietta, Montana. The draw of these books is the heart and care each one brings. All of the characters have history with each other and their families... so there is a comfort in the reading.
This installment was special as it was Meg, the "Lone Wolf" of the family and her pursuit in deciding if single parenting was the way for her to fulfill her dream of motherhood.
She is a strong, independent woman and she meets the man she has fought with politically for years during her time of decision-making. It looks like there are other elements making sure they connect and see each other as people not issues for the first time.
This read was sweet; we were updated on all our past friends in the series... and I know there will be more on the horizon.
A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
June 9, 2017
Montana Maverick is book four in the Big Sky Mavericks series by Debra Salonen. One night during Montana snow storm Dr Meg Zabrinski trying to write her first novel hear a crash near her place. Realising it was a helicopter crash and authority could not reach them until the next decided to go and help herself. The pilot of the Helicopter was Henry Firestone who was a campaign against Dr Meg Zabrinski protection of the wolfs of Yellowstone National Park. Readers of Montana Maverick will follow how this accident changes both Henry Firestone and Meg Zabrinski life.
I enjoy reading this sweet romance about two people who need someone to love. I like the way Debra Salonen made one of her characters a grandfather of four children. While reading Montana Maverick at times, I laugh at the way Debra Salonen portrayed the Zabrinski family. The way Debra Salonen describe the conditions of living in Montana during snow storm allow the readers to feel that they are part of the story. Readers of Montana Maverick will enjoy the ending of this book, and some will shed a tear.
Readers of Montana Maverick will learn about the problems of flying in a snow storm and the problems this can cause for rescuers. Also, about the wonderful gift that someone can do for a family is to be a surrogate.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy reading this sweet romance about two people who need someone to love. I like the way Debra Salonen made one of her characters a grandfather of four children. While reading Montana Maverick at times, I laugh at the way Debra Salonen portrayed the Zabrinski family. The way Debra Salonen describe the conditions of living in Montana during snow storm allow the readers to feel that they are part of the story. Readers of Montana Maverick will enjoy the ending of this book, and some will shed a tear.
Readers of Montana Maverick will learn about the problems of flying in a snow storm and the problems this can cause for rescuers. Also, about the wonderful gift that someone can do for a family is to be a surrogate.
I recommend this book.
sample-says-no
May 28, 2017DNF after 1 page. It is a new record.
Professors do not take sabbaticals to write YA novels. The fact the heroin does tells me that she does not take her scientific career seriously and that she thinks she can just pick up writing out of the blue. I already dislike her. The book could be excellent, but the introduction of the female main character already has me fuming.
Professors do not take sabbaticals to write YA novels. The fact the heroin does tells me that she does not take her scientific career seriously and that she thinks she can just pick up writing out of the blue. I already dislike her. The book could be excellent, but the introduction of the female main character already has me fuming.
March 2, 2015
I received this book as an e-ARC free from Netgalley. Below is my review.
There is a ton, and I mean a ton, to like about this book. Meg Zabrinski is 40: that's #1. She's an expert in her field: that's two. She recognizes and accepts her changing priorities in her life: that's three. She loves wolves: that's four. Henry/Hank is an amazing grandfather at a relatively early age: that's five. He really loves his grandkids and will fight with everything he has for them: that's seven. He is passionate about his ranch and work: that's eight. They both have pilots licenses: that's nine. They have conflicting priorities and yet the make it work: that's ten.
I've struggled with a couple of Salonen's books but this one, this one really hit the spot. The fact that the couple is older really added to it for me. The kids who were all different and clearly not "plot moppets" were great. The wolves versus ranchers thing was really cool since it brought a bit of real life into the story. The mutual dislike of another character acted as a bonding moment.
The book never felt rushed and I never felt like Meg or Henry were glossed over in any way. In fact, it just felt "right" the whole way through, like everything before had brought them to this place on purpose. But mostly, Meg and Henry are two incredibly likable and real characters. I'd be happy meeting both of them in real life.
Note: There is a little bit of ghostliness in this book, a little bit of "intervention from the other side" so to speak. I liked it; others might not.
There is a ton, and I mean a ton, to like about this book. Meg Zabrinski is 40: that's #1. She's an expert in her field: that's two. She recognizes and accepts her changing priorities in her life: that's three. She loves wolves: that's four. Henry/Hank is an amazing grandfather at a relatively early age: that's five. He really loves his grandkids and will fight with everything he has for them: that's seven. He is passionate about his ranch and work: that's eight. They both have pilots licenses: that's nine. They have conflicting priorities and yet the make it work: that's ten.
I've struggled with a couple of Salonen's books but this one, this one really hit the spot. The fact that the couple is older really added to it for me. The kids who were all different and clearly not "plot moppets" were great. The wolves versus ranchers thing was really cool since it brought a bit of real life into the story. The mutual dislike of another character acted as a bonding moment.
The book never felt rushed and I never felt like Meg or Henry were glossed over in any way. In fact, it just felt "right" the whole way through, like everything before had brought them to this place on purpose. But mostly, Meg and Henry are two incredibly likable and real characters. I'd be happy meeting both of them in real life.
Note: There is a little bit of ghostliness in this book, a little bit of "intervention from the other side" so to speak. I liked it; others might not.
January 7, 2018
Family
Meg is at her cabin, she decided to take time off and write a book. It's Christmas Eve and she hears something. She calls 911 to see about help and is told no one can get there. She goes and finds Henry in his downed helicopter with his 4 grandchildren and the dog. What happens after makes a wonderful family.
Meg is at her cabin, she decided to take time off and write a book. It's Christmas Eve and she hears something. She calls 911 to see about help and is told no one can get there. She goes and finds Henry in his downed helicopter with his 4 grandchildren and the dog. What happens after makes a wonderful family.
May 30, 2017
A very good story! My first time to read a book by Debra Salonen but it won't be my last.
September 2, 2020
This is a refreshing romance, featuring characters that are “mature” (39 and 49) and an interesting path to an HEA. I loved that Meg, a strong, self-reliant woman, gets to be the hero right away in the first scene, when she goes out in a blizzard to assist a downed helicopter pilot (Henry and his family). Henry and Meg have known each other a long time and have been on opposite sides of the contentious topic of wolf re-introduction, but have always held the other in high esteem/respect.
Being together in a cabin, in a blizzard (and, on Henry’s part, having nearly died), brings what was previously a low-level sexual curiosity to the fore. I found it delightful that Meg was the initiator in this regard. Some reviews mentioned “insta-love” but I think it’s more that when you get to that age - along with the life experiences of these two characters - you just know. You recognize and value emotions/feelings more.
But Meg’s biological clock is ticking and she dreams of having a baby. She doesn’t want to give up that dream, and Henry won’t ask her to. There is a supernatural element to the story, in the form of Henry’s dead daughter, Laurel, who “intervenes” to show Meg the kind of future she could have. Although there’s a twist to the HEA that is a bit unusual (and maybe a tiny bit too tidy), this is a sigh-worthy read!
All the characters are well done, even the kids (which I think are difficult to do well in romantic fiction). My personal minor nit-pick: I trained in an R22 years ago, and it’s a 2-passenger helicopter. There’s no way you could fit all those people (plus dog crate) into an R22; weight alone would ground it. Also, 49 seems young for Henry to have all those grandchildren; both he and his daughter would have had to be teen parents…
Being together in a cabin, in a blizzard (and, on Henry’s part, having nearly died), brings what was previously a low-level sexual curiosity to the fore. I found it delightful that Meg was the initiator in this regard. Some reviews mentioned “insta-love” but I think it’s more that when you get to that age - along with the life experiences of these two characters - you just know. You recognize and value emotions/feelings more.
But Meg’s biological clock is ticking and she dreams of having a baby. She doesn’t want to give up that dream, and Henry won’t ask her to. There is a supernatural element to the story, in the form of Henry’s dead daughter, Laurel, who “intervenes” to show Meg the kind of future she could have. Although there’s a twist to the HEA that is a bit unusual (and maybe a tiny bit too tidy), this is a sigh-worthy read!
All the characters are well done, even the kids (which I think are difficult to do well in romantic fiction). My personal minor nit-pick: I trained in an R22 years ago, and it’s a 2-passenger helicopter. There’s no way you could fit all those people (plus dog crate) into an R22; weight alone would ground it. Also, 49 seems young for Henry to have all those grandchildren; both he and his daughter would have had to be teen parents…
August 6, 2017
Montana Maverick by Debra Salonen is a heartwarming read. Meg Zabrinski researcher and wolf activist is determined to finish her book, so she spends this Christmas holiday in a remote Montana cabin.
Henry Frestone, Montana rancher, grandfather, and new guardian of 3 grandchildren after the loss of his daughter, sets off with the 3 grandchildren in his chopper despite a nasty snowstorm in an effort to get his sick granddaughter medical help when her fever spikes.
When the helicopter crashes, Meg hears it happen and hikes a good distance to rescue any survivors. Luckily, everyone aboard is physically okay but due to the weather, she ends up with a house full on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
There are a couple of underlying plots worth mentioning. Meg is at a point in her life where she desires to become a mother and has been looking into various methods of artificial insemination when Hank drops out of the sky with a ready-made family who are grieving and desperately need a mother.
Although she and Henry Firestone were on opposite sides of the wolf protection project, they are both open minded and mature enough to see both sides of a situation and do not harbor any resentment for one another. Their short friendship fizzles into passion. The children are each lovable with distinctive personalities and add a lot to this uplifting story.
Henry Frestone, Montana rancher, grandfather, and new guardian of 3 grandchildren after the loss of his daughter, sets off with the 3 grandchildren in his chopper despite a nasty snowstorm in an effort to get his sick granddaughter medical help when her fever spikes.
When the helicopter crashes, Meg hears it happen and hikes a good distance to rescue any survivors. Luckily, everyone aboard is physically okay but due to the weather, she ends up with a house full on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
There are a couple of underlying plots worth mentioning. Meg is at a point in her life where she desires to become a mother and has been looking into various methods of artificial insemination when Hank drops out of the sky with a ready-made family who are grieving and desperately need a mother.
Although she and Henry Firestone were on opposite sides of the wolf protection project, they are both open minded and mature enough to see both sides of a situation and do not harbor any resentment for one another. Their short friendship fizzles into passion. The children are each lovable with distinctive personalities and add a lot to this uplifting story.
May 28, 2017
Beautiful love story
Meg is in the cabin during Christmas time to write her book. Hank is flying his helicopter to get his granddaughter to be checked out because she is sick. He has his other grandkids and dog in it when something happens and it goes down. Meg hears it and against others wishes she sets out to find the crash site. What she finds is someone she hasn't seen in awhile. They have clashed in the past. They get over the issues to save the kids. She has never had kids and he only had his daughter but she is no longer alive. The kids are different ages but help out throughout this time. They are so wonderful together. Her family is funny and loving. Love this story and all the people involved. Love all the topics that are brought up throughout this book. Awesome story.
Meg is in the cabin during Christmas time to write her book. Hank is flying his helicopter to get his granddaughter to be checked out because she is sick. He has his other grandkids and dog in it when something happens and it goes down. Meg hears it and against others wishes she sets out to find the crash site. What she finds is someone she hasn't seen in awhile. They have clashed in the past. They get over the issues to save the kids. She has never had kids and he only had his daughter but she is no longer alive. The kids are different ages but help out throughout this time. They are so wonderful together. Her family is funny and loving. Love this story and all the people involved. Love all the topics that are brought up throughout this book. Awesome story.
June 1, 2017
Montana Maverick by Debra Salonen is a fantastic read. This is a fairly quick read, a great choice for those with limited time for reading. Ms Salonen has delivered a well-written book and filled it with lovable, amazing characters. The characters in this book transformed this story from nice to awesome. Meg and Henry's story is loaded with action, drama, sizzle and humor. I was hooked from the first page. I totally enjoyed Montana Maverick and look forward to reading more from Debra Salonen in the future. Montana Maverick is book 4 of the Big Sky Mavericks Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
May 23, 2017
I received this free e-book from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing an honest review. I love this wonderful heart warming story of two people on the opposite ends of wolf conservation issues for years are thrown together after he crashes his helicopter in the worst blizzard in years with his four grandchildren on board. She rescues them and takes them back to her cabin until the storm is over and they can return to his ranch.
July 24, 2017
What a beautiful story!
It was so nice to read a book about a strong woman who actually goes and rescues a family after a helicopter crash. Meg is a woman who is trying to decide if she wants to pursue having a baby on her own via IVF. Hank is a man trying to raise his grandchildren after his only daughter died of cancer. They have been rivals for years but each been secretly attracted to one another.
I love the element of family all throughout the book.
It was so nice to read a book about a strong woman who actually goes and rescues a family after a helicopter crash. Meg is a woman who is trying to decide if she wants to pursue having a baby on her own via IVF. Hank is a man trying to raise his grandchildren after his only daughter died of cancer. They have been rivals for years but each been secretly attracted to one another.
I love the element of family all throughout the book.
February 21, 2019
Meg
Anything and everything you could ask for in a novel was right here in Montana's Maverick. Meg was one who didn't back away from problems which led to to try to find the downed helicopter near her wooded cabin. What she found there would lead to something so profound d that she would have never been Ble to dream of such. Read Montana's Maverick and be prepared to laugh and cry through the pages.
Anything and everything you could ask for in a novel was right here in Montana's Maverick. Meg was one who didn't back away from problems which led to to try to find the downed helicopter near her wooded cabin. What she found there would lead to something so profound d that she would have never been Ble to dream of such. Read Montana's Maverick and be prepared to laugh and cry through the pages.
June 26, 2017
Sweet contemporary western romance
Thirty nine year old college professor and wolf protector Meg Zabrinski hears a helicopter in trouble during a fierce ice storm on her Montana mountain.
With rescue training she sets out to rescue the passengers and ends up finding the love of her life......and the children she desired
Thirty nine year old college professor and wolf protector Meg Zabrinski hears a helicopter in trouble during a fierce ice storm on her Montana mountain.
With rescue training she sets out to rescue the passengers and ends up finding the love of her life......and the children she desired
July 5, 2017
This book is great! You definitely need to put it on your to read list. It's a wonderful story filled with vibrant characters that pop to life right off the page. The story is wonderful, and so much fun. But there's this great drama there too. It's heart tugging as well. Plus, it has a simply wonderful ending to beat all happy endings. This book has it all. Definitely a must read for romance fans.
June 22, 2018
Older guys never get the story, especially ones with grandchildren in tow. I was pleasantly surprised about this story. Meg living on her own comes to help Hank and his grandkids. The time to bond was very special and their romance took a predictable turn but still fun to follow along. The kids have great personalities and Hank isn't just the old grandpa.
January 14, 2024
Montana Maverick is Meg Zabrinski’s story. I didn’t read it when I read the first 3 books back in 2018. I’m so glad I finally read it. It was trperrific like the rest of the series. Meg is the oldest sibling and very much a lone wolf. She rescues Henry Firestone and his family and realizes what she is missing. It is a wonderful story.
October 20, 2017
Mature characters
Meg and Henry are very attracted to each other but, their lives are very different. Her goal is to have a baby and he has 4 already! Very ingenious solution arrives.
Meg and Henry are very attracted to each other but, their lives are very different. Her goal is to have a baby and he has 4 already! Very ingenious solution arrives.
January 16, 2018
Enjoyable
Fast moving feelings of love. The characters are interesting and at odds with their opinions about wolves in the wild. A look at one woman's yearning to experience childbirth and have a family in not the usual fashion.
Fast moving feelings of love. The characters are interesting and at odds with their opinions about wolves in the wild. A look at one woman's yearning to experience childbirth and have a family in not the usual fashion.
May 21, 2020
Very enjoyable story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Except for the epilogue it takes place in a week though I was so caught up in the story it seemed longer. The characters were interesting, the kids great and I loved the dog!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Except for the epilogue it takes place in a week though I was so caught up in the story it seemed longer. The characters were interesting, the kids great and I loved the dog!
June 14, 2024
Heartwarming
Henry and Meg were on opposite sides for years. Their stands on wildlife rehabilitation being the biggest issue they had dealt with. Now they had much bigger concerns.
This story is a wonderful mix of heart and healing. Definitely worth every minute of reading time!
Henry and Meg were on opposite sides for years. Their stands on wildlife rehabilitation being the biggest issue they had dealt with. Now they had much bigger concerns.
This story is a wonderful mix of heart and healing. Definitely worth every minute of reading time!
May 24, 2017
Good read...
Meg and Henry's life gets turned upside down in a blink of an eye. Mia and Ryker get their wish and the family is closer than ever.
Meg and Henry's life gets turned upside down in a blink of an eye. Mia and Ryker get their wish and the family is closer than ever.
May 25, 2017
Montana Maverick
Loved the story. Engaging characters and the storyline flowed seamlessly. Older characters just made me enjoy the story even more.
Loved the story. Engaging characters and the storyline flowed seamlessly. Older characters just made me enjoy the story even more.
May 28, 2017
Mkntana Maverick
A delightful book. Well written, and well edited,. The characters and situation are enjoyable. I would highly recommend this book. Phyllis
A delightful book. Well written, and well edited,. The characters and situation are enjoyable. I would highly recommend this book. Phyllis
May 29, 2017
Montana Maverick
Excellent book. Highly recommend this book to everyone. Excellent story line kept your interest and attention making it hard to put down.
Excellent book. Highly recommend this book to everyone. Excellent story line kept your interest and attention making it hard to put down.
June 1, 2017
Loved it!
This is definitely a feel good romance. The characters are all so likeable that I cannot help wanting to know what happens next in their lives.
This is definitely a feel good romance. The characters are all so likeable that I cannot help wanting to know what happens next in their lives.
June 15, 2017
Riveting Tale
Meet Meg Zabrinski and Hank Firestone as they navigate a helicopter crash at Christmas and four kids. An entertaining story set in Montana.
Meet Meg Zabrinski and Hank Firestone as they navigate a helicopter crash at Christmas and four kids. An entertaining story set in Montana.
June 19, 2017
Very predictable
June 19, 2017
Debra Solonen is amazing!
I loved this story about happiness for an older couple and it's never too late to love and have a family!
I loved this story about happiness for an older couple and it's never too late to love and have a family!
July 25, 2017
This was definitely a refreshingly unique plot for a romance. I loved the setting, characters, and the fact that the main character is a scientist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews