McKettrick's Heart

McKettricks #8

by Linda Lael Miller

She's the last woman this cynical rancher thinks he needs in his life... a beloved classic from #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller! Keegan McKettrick has learned the hard way that trust results in betrayal. The only light in his life these days is the young daughter he sees all too rarely, and his sole passion is for his job overseeing his family's corporation. Until beautiful but mysterious Molly Shields comes to Indian Rock on a mission--and keeping a suspicious eye on her becomes Keegan's full-time hobby.... Molly doesn't know why she's attracted to a man who's determined to dig up dirt on her, even if he is gorgeous. But cynical Keegan might be the one person who can truly understand her shadowy past--and if the two can risk opening their hearts, they just might forge a brighter future. Originally published in 2007

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Contemporary, Historical Romance, Fiction

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2007

About the author

The 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.

Reviews

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

"McKettrick's heart" is Keegan story and even though it's been a couple of years since I started this series I was able to recalled the old characters and get back to the beautiful mountains of little rock.
Keegan and Molly were a good wonderful couple that started out rocky do to misunderstandings. But once Keegan saw how wrong he was about Molly they were able to start a relationship. Molly was a great h kind, caring and strong the equal of Keegan's strong character. It was great to see how much Keegan changed throughout the story, how from being an workaholic who hardly spent time with his daughter. To a man that learned that loyalty, family and love are the most important things in life and finally embrace his heritage! This was a great addition to the mcKettrick's series.

[L Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely sad at points, but it was worth the tears.

The story was different than the others in the series, which was a pleasant change, even though I am loving the entire series. Since I usually turn away from sad books, I am glad I went into this one without looking at reviews or even the story details.

I enjoyed the book so much! 4.5 tearful Stars!⭐️

[Katherine 黄爱芬 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Membaca buku ini sejak awal bab sudah bikin saya memutar bola mata. Banyak kelemahan alibi yg dibenar-benarkan malah makin membuat aneh jalan ceritanya. Yg pertama, Molly adalah mantan simpanan Thayer Ryan yg sudah meninggal, dan sekarang istri Thayer yg sedang sekarat mengundang Molly utk tinggal bersamanya dan menjanjikan Molly sbg ibu dari Lucas, anak kandung haram Molly dan Thayer. Ini juga ANEH mengingat Molly dikatakan seorang wanita yg percaya diri koq bisa tidak tahu bhw Thayer sudah beristri dan author membuat seolah-olah Molly tidak bersalah dgn ketidaktahuannya. PRET!!!!

Kekonyolan kedua adalah Psyche berusaha memanipulasi Keegan dan Molly agar menikah. Saya sudah sebal dari awal bab dgn pernyataan Psyche bhw seharusnya dia menikahi Keegan BERULANG KALI!!!!

Ketiga, ketika Keegan dan Molly akan berhubungan sex pertama kali, Molly melakukan kesalahan fatal dgn pernyataan bhw dia bersedia hamil (LAGI???? setelah Lucas, masih mau melakukan kesalahan yg sama lagi????). Saya tidak tahu jalan pikiran wanita yg gak bisa cari duit scr layak (saya tidak bisa bilang Molly sama sekali tidak bisa cari duit krn dia toh penulis tapi DIPECAT!!! dan jelas Molly bukan seorang penulis yg sukses krn dirinya jg rela "dibiayai" Thayer). Saya jadi curiga motifnya jika hamil lagi, lumayan bisa sbg alat pemerasan kpd Keegan.

Keempat, kalau saya punya suami, jelas sekali saya tidak mau punya suami spt Keegan yg menganggap duit 10 juta dollar seimpas utk memperoleh anak yg bukan anak kandung. Bukan saya meremehkan kasih sayang seorang ayah, tapi cobalah realistis. Lagipula dgn pemberian uang tsb kpd mantan istri yg hobi memeras, sama saja buang2 uang ke laut. Jelas sekali Keegan adalah pria yg tidak punya otak, yg hanya mengandalkan kekuatan fisik belaka.

Kesimpulan saya, Molly dan Keegan memang cocok satu sama lain. Sama2 bodoh dan konyol. Gaya tulis author sebenarnya cukup baik, hanya sayang saja TOO MUCH DRAMA di novel ini membuat saya muak. Saya serasa nonton sinetron hidayah selagi membaca novel ini. Saya TIDAK SUKA CERITA dgn sosok-sosok yg dibuat-buat kelewatan dramatis.

[Dawn ♥ romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story in the McKettricks series. It had multiple complex events happening all at once. I enjoyed watching the hero develop from the mean man he first appeared into a man who had to deal with lots of difficult situations. The woman who adopted Molly natural child asks her to come visit and at the same time the woman asks Keegan to be her sons executor.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly Shields has come to Indian Rock at the request of Psyche Ryan. Molly is hoping for a glimpse of the son she gave up for adoption to Psyche and her husband - who was formerly Molly's lover now deceased. She arrives to find that Psyche is dying of cancer and wants to have Molly adopt and raise her son Lucas which was much more than Molly could have hoped for.

But Psyche's childhood love - Keegan McKettrick - isn't willing to have Molly anywhere near Psyche's son since he knows about her affair with Psyche's husband. His attitude isn't much changed when her learns that Molly is Lucas's biological mother. Psyche has asked Keegan to manage her estate for Lucas after her death.

But then Psyche has another idea: she wants Molly and Keegan to marry and form a family to raise Lucas. Keegan has already been part of one loveless marriage and has a ten-year-old daughter that his ex-wife uses as a hostage against him in order to get money from him. She is threatening to take their daughter with her to Paris where she will cavort with her lover while the daughter attends a boarding school.

And while all this is going on: his ex-wife's threats, his childhood love dying, Keegan also has to deal with the company he has devoted his life to going public. He is going through some major life changes. Molly life isn't exactly stable either. She desperately wants to raise her son, but it means closing her successful career as a literary agent in Los Angeles, selling her house, and moving away from her alcoholic father.

But somehow their pretend marriage becomes real, but not without trauma. I really enjoyed this story about two strong people who found a way to make a life together.

[Erica Chaillot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the McKettricks series.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book about 40/60 - the least of all the McKettrick books I've read/listened to. The last book I listened to was McKettrick's Luck, with Jesse & Cheyenne. My complaint about that book was that their falling in love was too abrupt; there was no development of any sort of commonality or friendship, leading to no basis for a love relationship (imo). This book, the third in the series about the contemporary McKettrick cousins, was even more abrupt. Keegan and Molly argued constantly, he didn't trust her, and said some pretty ugly things about her and her character in general, then all of a sudden they were in love.

The problem with the story was that the characters were believable and relate-able, but some of their thoughts and actions - based on their characters - weren't. The 60% of the book I liked was the characters - the author has done a great job developing this family of characters - I've enjoyed following their stories throughout multiple books. But the 40% "vote" comes from the illogical storyline/plot devices. Several times in this book I thought, "That's dumb." Which doesn't make for an enjoyable read (or listen, in my case).

I don't regret reading the book - it wasn't awful - I just thought the build-up to "love" should have been included. It seems illogical for believable characters to fall in love in a couple of weeks after such a harsh meeting.

I think at this point I'm probably done reading the contemporary McKettricks (I think there's only one left for me - Meg's story), but I may give the historicals another chance.

[Elley Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unwittingly party to an adulterous affair, Molly Shields is a cute leading lady with a nice amount of spit fire. Keegan McKettrick is a hunka burnin' cowboy who is in love with the wife to the man Molly played mistress too. Think this is a tangled web woven yet? Toss in Molly's baby by the cheating husband that she adopted out to the Wife (who has terminal cancer and is dying, to boot) and hoo boy, this pot sure is a bubblin' now!

A great read with lots of emotional roller-coastering and fairly believable, realistic characters (by romance novel standards, of course). Made me smile and tear up a little, and I immediately went to the library to scrounge up the other books in the McKettrick Men series.

Read this in one day, partially because it's an easy read and partially because I read it all in one big delicious gulp. Sometimes it was a little confusing because Ms. Miller seemed to feel the need to include every character from her McKennit series (of which this is number 8, and number 3 of the McKennit Men series) and their stories. If I wanted to know their deal, I'd go read their books. (Which I will, actually, for Jesse and Rance's stories, even though now I know how they end!!) Lots of emotional romance and drama with some descriptiveness of the sexual act, but not pages and pages of really explicit stuff. If you are in it for the smut, this book is not for you. If smut free is the way to be (like me!) then this one should be good for you. :D

[Kathrynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a modern-romantic-western.

The entire series is:

9. The McKettrick Way 2007
8. McKettrick's Heart 2007
7. McKettrick's Pride 2007
6. McKettrick's Luck 2007
5. Sierra's Homecoming 2006
4. McKettrick's Choice 2006
3. Secondhand Bride 2004
2. Shotgun Bride 2003
1. High Country Bride 2002

But, Books 6, 7 and 8 (maybe 9, but I have not read it) can be read as a "trilogy/set" all to themselves. I read Luck, Pride, and Heart, then went back to read the earlier books, that involved the relatives in 1800's time period. Neat!

I thought this story was very depressing. It consists of adultery, kids coping with divorced parents who constantly fight over them, cancer and death, so...fyi and happy reading.

I would like for Keegan to have had a better story and was dissappointed in how his character came across as dimm witted and easily manipulated by his ex wife when the preceeding books in this series implied he was the "business end" of the business. (so to speak)

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed a break form more serious reads—although this addressed some serious issues, nice romance, caring for animals and cute kids were featured!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two-haiku reivew:

She gave up baby
Adoptive mother dying
Can she get him back?

Gripping emotions
Characters have deep issues
Really quick ending

[Tracy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This book was filled with emotional upheaval. I cried for loss and for suffering. I cried for heartbreak. But, mostly I cried for the love that founds it’s way.

[nurmawati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lumayan aja deh...

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The issue of allowing McKettrick Co to go public has been simmering in the background of the last few books, but here it finally comes to a vote. Keegan is one of the few, that is against it. Betrayed by his wife, and sharing custody of their daughter, his job is his life. But then his best friend from childhood, Psyche, returns home, dying. And she wants Keegan to help raise her adopted son, with his birth mother, Molly Shields. Psyche wasn't the only one deceived by her husband, Thayer. Molly didn't know he was married. But after their son was born Thayer talked her into letting Psyche and him adopt the boy. Convinced that her son would have a better life with two parents (and maybe postpartum depression), she agrees. But Psyche has called her and has plans of doing a little match making while she is still alive.

I have most of the McKettrick stories, often out of order, and then have reread them in order. Always a good read.

[Deloneva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oy, give me a break. Yet another macho man who treats a woman like s*** it and expects her to want him. And another doormat who is so wrapped up in her (mostly unearned) guilt that she does. Keegan is a judgmental bastard and does not deserve one iota of the adoration he gets, not from his daughter, not from poor dying Psyche, and certainly not from Molly. But, then again, Molly is the queen of terrible choices and lets everyone run over her. I’m glad she’s fictional, because I would feel horrid for real children to watch her accept the way everyone in that cruddy little Arizona town treats her. She should have hightailed it back to LA with her son at the first possible moment and left Keegan and his angry ego in the dust.

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the McKettricks series, in which rancher Keegan McKettrick can't believe that the woman who cheated with his best friend's husband has been invited by the dying woman to take back the son she gave birth to two years earlier.

Molly Shields can't believe it either, but she's not about to ignore the invitation, particularly when it turns out she's been summoned in order to be given the chance to raise the baby she gave up. But there's a condition: to do so, Molly has to agree to marry Keegan, who had vowed to help raise little Lucas and to be the executor of the baby's estate.

Will she do it? Can she do it? And will Keegan go along with what he considers a crazy notion, especially to the woman he has hated for years?

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh my heart! Why has this trilogy been so much more emotional than I remember the other ones I’ve read being. I’m actually not sure I liked this romance as much as the other two in the trilogy. There wasn’t that much development. They hate each other and they’re sort of thrown together and they don’t decide they love each other until the end of the book. It just felt a little weird. But I loved Molly’s relationship with Lucas and Psyche and loved getting to see all the other characters we met in the previous books. So does this book really deserve 4 stars? Probably not but I can’t help myself. Smutty romance will always have a special place in my heart.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific story with raw emotion.

Way before my Kindle days, I bought books at a used bookstore. I feverishly read the old west McKettricks and Creeds time and time again. Loved those stories. When I got this book, I started reading and never put it down. I cried, I laughed and kept reading. It is such a good thing to read how the generations have grown and true values are still in the McKettrick way of life. Molly brought a whole new dynamics to the family. Hearts were opened, lives were changed and a lid rattled on the old stove. This book is for adults and I loved it.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keegan McKetterick's childhood sweetheart, Psyche, is dying of cancer. Keegan runs into Molly Shields at the gas station and he vents his anger at her because she had an affair with Psyche's husband, Thayer. He calls her some pretty nasty names and tells her to get out of town. Then she tells him Psyche sent for her. This book had a lot of twist and turns and tear filled moments. It was an awesome read. Loved it.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know to suspend my disbelieve when I read some novels, but this book kept asking me repeatedly. Each ask was an increasingly bigger one, so by the end of the book, none of this seemed even remotely possible. It's pretty hokey is some parts too. i.e., the sheriff's name is Wyatt Terp. Really? Also in the last chapter, Devon is sleeping at a friend's house, but just a few pages later, her father goes to check on her?

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this love story between Keegan and Molly. Keegan and Molly have past and belief of what they know each other cause them not to like each other. Keegan needs to deal with the fact his family company is going public, deal with ex-wife in regards to his daughter, and opening and thinking with his heart instead of his head. Molly needs to accept that she may have hurt a woman - Pysche - who she unknowingly had affair with her husband - Thayer - and raising her son.

Enjoyed

[Kasey Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done!

Interesting characters and story but a bit "over the top" in drama for my tastes. A few too many twists and perfectly rich people. I enjoyed the tale, but I think someone in the story could have been either average looking or one of the average income characters. Overall, excellent editing and story flow. Good job.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really beautiful story that made my heart ache for Molly and realize how awful and possible it is to make a truly bad decision while suffering from "baby blues". On the other hand, my heart also ached for Psyche. Keegan, on the other hand, left me cold for the first half of the book. The McKettrick men aren't really likeable until they fall in love, when it comes right down to it.

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I've been a huge fan of Linda Lael Miller's books for years. It seems like it has been forever since I've read one to. McKettrick's Heart, Keegan and Molly's story is a great read and will definitely keep you turning pages.

[Sari · Rating 5 out of 5]

ini pertama kali saya membaca novel linda lael, dan pilihan saya tepat, karakter keegan sebagai lelaki yg penuh perhatian pd keluarga,teman ,benar2 membuat dia mudah untuk dicintai.. dan rasanya akan ada buku linda lael yg lain yg akan saya baca 😀

[Sandy Frediani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick enjoyable read that I really liked a lot. A bit of an interesting twist to start things off. Then push/pull tension between Keegan and Molly helps to pull the reader into the story.
Very well done.

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much better than the previous book in the series. Lots of emotion, some drama, a death and funeral, and two weddings. Great book. Sex parts are so look predictable!!! Ish.....

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. I really enjoyed this book, although there were a few times I felt the ending was rushed, or wrapped up a little too neatly. Overall, it was a good read!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was far into the series, I thoroughly enjoyed it - which isn't usual for me.

[Jeanne Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book but any book written by this author is great.