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Parable, Montana #3
Big Sky River: An Anthology
The "First Lady of the West," #1
New York Times
bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, cordially invites you to Parable, Montana--where love awaits
Sheriff Boone Taylor has two kids he adores, his job, a run-down but decent ranch, two faithful dogs and a good horse. He doesn't want romance--the widowed Montanan has loved and lost enough for a lifetime. But when a city woman buys the spread next door, Boone's peace and quiet are in serious jeopardy.
With a marriage and a career painfully behind her, Tara Kendall is determined to start over in Parable. Reinventing herself and living a girlhood dream are worth the hard work. Sure, she might need help from her handsome, wary neighbor. But life along Big Sky River is full of surprises...like falling for a cowboy-lawman who just might start to believe in second chances.
Bonus Novella
A Christmas Affair by Jodi Thomas
Maria Davis longs for adventure but doubts she'll ever find it in her small Texas town. That is, until she meets quiet shop owner Wes Whitman. Wes is drawn to fierce, beautiful Maria, but how could a firecracker like her care for a shy man like him? Maybe all they need is a grand affair--just in time for Christmas.
Sheriff Boone Taylor has two kids he adores, his job, a run-down but decent ranch, two faithful dogs and a good horse. He doesn't want romance--the widowed Montanan has loved and lost enough for a lifetime. But when a city woman buys the spread next door, Boone's peace and quiet are in serious jeopardy.
With a marriage and a career painfully behind her, Tara Kendall is determined to start over in Parable. Reinventing herself and living a girlhood dream are worth the hard work. Sure, she might need help from her handsome, wary neighbor. But life along Big Sky River is full of surprises...like falling for a cowboy-lawman who just might start to believe in second chances.
Bonus Novella
A Christmas Affair by Jodi Thomas
Maria Davis longs for adventure but doubts she'll ever find it in her small Texas town. That is, until she meets quiet shop owner Wes Whitman. Wes is drawn to fierce, beautiful Maria, but how could a firecracker like her care for a shy man like him? Maybe all they need is a grand affair--just in time for Christmas.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 18, 2012
370 people are currently reading
1667 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lael Miller
552 books3,218 followersThe daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a spacious property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
January 2, 2013
ARC kindly provided by Harlequin HQN via Net Galley.
This is my second Linda Lael Miller book. Both times I've picked up her book thinking that I was getting a cowboy romance...you know, horses, cows, dirty sweaty men with hearts of gold that call the ladies “ma’am.” Well, sigh! It was not to be, either time. The only animals involved were dogs and chickens, and our hero Boone wears a cowboy hat but that’s the only nod to the Midwestern lifestyle of the good ole USA. I was really disappointed, especially because this author is supposed to be some sort of queen of cowboys.
Boone is a widower with two young sons that he sent to live with his sister after their mother died. I was pretty horrified with this, as I think it was a pretty selfish act for a father to do, especially because the boys were so young. Their mom dies, and instead of having their dad to be the rock solid person that he should be in their life, they are uprooted from the only home they’ve ever known to go live with someone who can, I suppose, give them a better life. Monetarily, anyways.
This story was just as much a novel of Boone’s loss as a love story. The man imposed a form of emotional exile upon himself and has never really dealt with the death of his wife. He basically stuck his head in the sand and just moved forward, day by day. Now he’s finally coming back to reality because his sister can no longer keep his sons for him. Not because he wanted to be with his babies but because he had no other choice. Though he does love his kids, this part of the story just baffled me. I can’t comprehend sending my kids off to live somewhere else, especially at such a vulnerable time. This aspect of the story kept me from really connecting with Boone. I just didn’t really like him all that much, even though he seemed okay otherwise. He’s a soft spoken, easygoing person who finally learns what it means to be a Dad…when he allows the boys back into his home and his heart.
Tara is the city slicker girl who moved next door to Boone…incidentally, she moved into his childhood home while he lives in a run down trailer in a yard full of overgrown weeds. Not only did Tara move from New York City after divorcing her rich surgeon husband, but she decided to take up…chicken farming? Well, THAT came out of left field. I mean, who decided to just be a chicken farmer one day?
When Tara’s ex husband calls and needs Tara to keep his preteen daughters for awhile, she jumps at the chance. She loves her stepdaughters and her maternal instincts are strong despite the lack of children in her life. Between Tara’s girls and Boone’s boys, she ends up getting a lot of mothering time in. Since the two live next door to each other, they tend to run into each other a lot. For me, most of this story was about each parent dealing with the sudden need to raise kids that they haven’t been around in awhile. Tara and Boone don’t even show a glimmer of interest for nearly seventy five percent of the book. Seriously, not even a glimmer!! !! So this wasn’t so much a romance as it was a story about life in a small town, dealing with death, children, and the myriad stresses that come with both.
I know that this author writes a decent story, but it’s just never been what I expected, so far. Not in a good way either. I like having some idea of what I’m reading about and what’s coming up, but I felt pretty lost during this read. The story was enjoyable, the kids were cute, the dogs even cuter. But the romance was seriously lacking, seemingly thrown in during the last forty pages just so the book would fit into the genre. I never felt connected to these two as a couple, and the chemistry and sensuality was almost nonexistent…and in a romance, where’s the plot if there IS no romance?
This is my second Linda Lael Miller book. Both times I've picked up her book thinking that I was getting a cowboy romance...you know, horses, cows, dirty sweaty men with hearts of gold that call the ladies “ma’am.” Well, sigh! It was not to be, either time. The only animals involved were dogs and chickens, and our hero Boone wears a cowboy hat but that’s the only nod to the Midwestern lifestyle of the good ole USA. I was really disappointed, especially because this author is supposed to be some sort of queen of cowboys.
Boone is a widower with two young sons that he sent to live with his sister after their mother died. I was pretty horrified with this, as I think it was a pretty selfish act for a father to do, especially because the boys were so young. Their mom dies, and instead of having their dad to be the rock solid person that he should be in their life, they are uprooted from the only home they’ve ever known to go live with someone who can, I suppose, give them a better life. Monetarily, anyways.
This story was just as much a novel of Boone’s loss as a love story. The man imposed a form of emotional exile upon himself and has never really dealt with the death of his wife. He basically stuck his head in the sand and just moved forward, day by day. Now he’s finally coming back to reality because his sister can no longer keep his sons for him. Not because he wanted to be with his babies but because he had no other choice. Though he does love his kids, this part of the story just baffled me. I can’t comprehend sending my kids off to live somewhere else, especially at such a vulnerable time. This aspect of the story kept me from really connecting with Boone. I just didn’t really like him all that much, even though he seemed okay otherwise. He’s a soft spoken, easygoing person who finally learns what it means to be a Dad…when he allows the boys back into his home and his heart.
Tara is the city slicker girl who moved next door to Boone…incidentally, she moved into his childhood home while he lives in a run down trailer in a yard full of overgrown weeds. Not only did Tara move from New York City after divorcing her rich surgeon husband, but she decided to take up…chicken farming? Well, THAT came out of left field. I mean, who decided to just be a chicken farmer one day?
When Tara’s ex husband calls and needs Tara to keep his preteen daughters for awhile, she jumps at the chance. She loves her stepdaughters and her maternal instincts are strong despite the lack of children in her life. Between Tara’s girls and Boone’s boys, she ends up getting a lot of mothering time in. Since the two live next door to each other, they tend to run into each other a lot. For me, most of this story was about each parent dealing with the sudden need to raise kids that they haven’t been around in awhile. Tara and Boone don’t even show a glimmer of interest for nearly seventy five percent of the book. Seriously, not even a glimmer!! !! So this wasn’t so much a romance as it was a story about life in a small town, dealing with death, children, and the myriad stresses that come with both.
I know that this author writes a decent story, but it’s just never been what I expected, so far. Not in a good way either. I like having some idea of what I’m reading about and what’s coming up, but I felt pretty lost during this read. The story was enjoyable, the kids were cute, the dogs even cuter. But the romance was seriously lacking, seemingly thrown in during the last forty pages just so the book would fit into the genre. I never felt connected to these two as a couple, and the chemistry and sensuality was almost nonexistent…and in a romance, where’s the plot if there IS no romance?
July 30, 2023
Oy oy oy… vay anam!
Wat ze fack did I read here? -Kitsch Alarm, Leute!
I mean, sure… my friend gave this Book to me and she loved³ it, and I bet the next one will be happy to get this in their Hands, too. But me? 🥴 Nah!
Boone and Tara, hmhmm. I wasn't happy how the whole thing between them developed, the End of their Story felt kind of rushed. Also, the Author should have paved a smoother path for the 'Love Journey' these 2 had and us Readers who flipped through it.
The positives?
• Some of the jokes, yeah I liked the humour and it made me laught a bit here and there.
• Boone & Tara, I liked them. Life is sh*tty and these 2 had a bad time.
• The cute cats, dogs, and horses. Animals? That's almost always a plus for me.
• The description of places and characters were good.
The negatives!
• I don't mind sex scenes in books per se, but these two in the Book? I believe they were a bit misplaced.
• God, Opal, Church & Co. - For example I didn't need the little boys praying. She should have cut out that part and a few others, AND instead given us more banter between the 2 Main Characters. (which I really liked)
All in all, the descriptions and scenes of Lucy and Scamp for example are the reasons I give this Book a 3.3 Star Rating.
Wat ze fack did I read here? -Kitsch Alarm, Leute!
I mean, sure… my friend gave this Book to me and she loved³ it, and I bet the next one will be happy to get this in their Hands, too. But me? 🥴 Nah!
Boone and Tara, hmhmm. I wasn't happy how the whole thing between them developed, the End of their Story felt kind of rushed. Also, the Author should have paved a smoother path for the 'Love Journey' these 2 had and us Readers who flipped through it.
The positives?
• Some of the jokes, yeah I liked the humour and it made me laught a bit here and there.
• Boone & Tara, I liked them. Life is sh*tty and these 2 had a bad time.
• The cute cats, dogs, and horses. Animals? That's almost always a plus for me.
• The description of places and characters were good.
The negatives!
• I don't mind sex scenes in books per se, but these two in the Book? I believe they were a bit misplaced.
• God, Opal, Church & Co. - For example I didn't need the little boys praying. She should have cut out that part and a few others, AND instead given us more banter between the 2 Main Characters. (which I really liked)
All in all, the descriptions and scenes of Lucy and Scamp for example are the reasons I give this Book a 3.3 Star Rating.
January 19, 2013
Very sweet and enjoyable story. Boone and Tara have a bad first meeting. And every time they meet afterwards, they always pick on each other and call each other out on what they feel is the other’s least likeable traits. I especially thought I would be annoyed with Tara in the beginning because she seemed like a high maintenance woman. However, we realize early on that this is not true. Most of what she says comes from her undiscovered crush on Boone. She is also a great mother to her twin stepdaughters who come to stay with her for a few weeks during the summer. Boone also seems like someone you might not like at first as well since he has sent away his two sons to his sister’s house ever since she passed away. But he was heartbroken at the death of his wife and then later just didn’t have the confidence that he could be a good father. So he keeps putting it off. But when his brother-in-law is injured, he brings the boys back.
I loved how the book took place at the countryside away from the rules and ways of the city. Boone and Tara are neighbors, living about a half a mile away and can see each other’s house from their own home. Lael Miller gives a wonderful description of living more modestly and you feel like being able to see firsthand how the country looks.
Boone’s youngest, Fletcher, had some very funny moments. It was the toughest for him to have to come live in the country away from Aunt Molly, and the stuff he does so he could get away from the double-wide that is their home now are pretty entertaining moments. Tara and Boone have their own fun dialogue and it was pretty sweet what she does with her chickens. There were also a few parts that made me teary eyed.
I did have one thing I would have liked answered. We weren’t really given the exact time that has passed since Boone’s wife passed away. Definitely not a big deal but I really dislike it when authors don’t give everything in detail, especially the amount of time that has passed in stories between important events.
I loved how the book took place at the countryside away from the rules and ways of the city. Boone and Tara are neighbors, living about a half a mile away and can see each other’s house from their own home. Lael Miller gives a wonderful description of living more modestly and you feel like being able to see firsthand how the country looks.
Boone’s youngest, Fletcher, had some very funny moments. It was the toughest for him to have to come live in the country away from Aunt Molly, and the stuff he does so he could get away from the double-wide that is their home now are pretty entertaining moments. Tara and Boone have their own fun dialogue and it was pretty sweet what she does with her chickens. There were also a few parts that made me teary eyed.
I did have one thing I would have liked answered. We weren’t really given the exact time that has passed since Boone’s wife passed away. Definitely not a big deal but I really dislike it when authors don’t give everything in detail, especially the amount of time that has passed in stories between important events.
April 16, 2013
This is a sweet, uncomplicated little romance about a widower named Boone who is done with grieving and a divorcee named Tara who is ready to give love another chance after a failed marriage.
Due to an accident that requires surgery on her husband's knee, Boone's sister asks him to take back his sons who she has been raising since the death of Corrie, Boone's wife. He does so reluctantly, feeling out of his depth and inadequate. His youngest son doesn't help matters by threatening to run away. To make matters worse, Boone has a tense relationship with his neighbor Tara, a New Yorker who fled to the country to lick her wounds and build a new life after her marriage fell apart. She doesn't like his trailer trash lifestyle and frequently makes snarky comments to that effect. Boone is defiant, but knows he has let his double wide and lot run down since Corrie's death. Still, he doesn't like her uppity attitude.
All that changes when Tara's ex asks her to keep her former stepdaughters for the summer while he woos a new love. She has missed the twins and is delighted. The stars align and Boone and Tara are thrown together through circumstances centered on the children. They discover that each is a better person than the other believed. Predictably, hot attraction begins to build between the hunky cowboy sheriff and his pretty city slicker neighbor.
I have read other Linda Lael Miller books. Her characters are uniformly warm, approachable, and sympathetic. Big Sky River is not complex and it is fairly predictable, but it is also a pleasing, emotionally satisfying story about two damaged people who have given up on love only to find it in each other's arms. Miller uses humor to good effect and she has a way of describing small town life that feels very authentic.
Due to an accident that requires surgery on her husband's knee, Boone's sister asks him to take back his sons who she has been raising since the death of Corrie, Boone's wife. He does so reluctantly, feeling out of his depth and inadequate. His youngest son doesn't help matters by threatening to run away. To make matters worse, Boone has a tense relationship with his neighbor Tara, a New Yorker who fled to the country to lick her wounds and build a new life after her marriage fell apart. She doesn't like his trailer trash lifestyle and frequently makes snarky comments to that effect. Boone is defiant, but knows he has let his double wide and lot run down since Corrie's death. Still, he doesn't like her uppity attitude.
All that changes when Tara's ex asks her to keep her former stepdaughters for the summer while he woos a new love. She has missed the twins and is delighted. The stars align and Boone and Tara are thrown together through circumstances centered on the children. They discover that each is a better person than the other believed. Predictably, hot attraction begins to build between the hunky cowboy sheriff and his pretty city slicker neighbor.
I have read other Linda Lael Miller books. Her characters are uniformly warm, approachable, and sympathetic. Big Sky River is not complex and it is fairly predictable, but it is also a pleasing, emotionally satisfying story about two damaged people who have given up on love only to find it in each other's arms. Miller uses humor to good effect and she has a way of describing small town life that feels very authentic.
April 13, 2017
Decided to dip my toes back into the LLM world because she is coming out with a Civil War romance...or so I heard, so I am so up for that. I have had a mad on for awhile because she left us hanging with the Mojo Sheepshanks series, but if anyone can do a good Civil War romance it will be LLM. So this book was good, nothing surprising and I don't think I am going to continue with the rest of the series. I will just wait for the CW romance and move on.
May 22, 2024
Little Free Library read.
Tara is starting over in the small town of Parable, MT. She lives next door to Bone who is also the local Sheriff and a widowed father to 2 boys.
Tara and Boone start out as enemies and gradually become more. Complicating their relationship are Boone's 2 sons who are still healing from their mother's death and Tara's 2 step-daughters. Tara had to walk a fine line with her ex to stay in her daughter's lives while keeping the ex happy.
This was a more serious romance in that grief (and coping with that), divorce, parenting are front and center in the book with the romance secondary. I picked this up expecting more of a romance.
Tara is starting over in the small town of Parable, MT. She lives next door to Bone who is also the local Sheriff and a widowed father to 2 boys.
Tara and Boone start out as enemies and gradually become more. Complicating their relationship are Boone's 2 sons who are still healing from their mother's death and Tara's 2 step-daughters. Tara had to walk a fine line with her ex to stay in her daughter's lives while keeping the ex happy.
This was a more serious romance in that grief (and coping with that), divorce, parenting are front and center in the book with the romance secondary. I picked this up expecting more of a romance.
October 21, 2019
I enjoyed the small town vibe and the characters, but the romance bit was lacking. Boone and Tara spent very little time together, much less any appreciable time learning about the other. Most of the story was about how they were handling their personal issues respectively.
July 23, 2018
Blah. Blerg. Meh. A whole lot of skimming and very little interest in what was going on. The urge to DNF this one a few times was very real. The author's tendency to summarize and focus on mundane daily details just did nothing for the story or me. If I wanted to know how someone goes about their day I wouldn't be reading this book. Just saying. This didn't really read like a cowboy romance story at all. Because a. The hero isn't really a cowboy, doesn't even own a cow or horse like the blurb says (WTH?) and b. This came off more like a chic lit where the heroine is obsessively hung up on wanting to be a mom to her stepdaughters and hovering over them like a magpie and doing nothing except feeding chickens and running errands and hanging out with her girlfriends. *yawn* Where was the romance? Relationship development? All everybody seemed to do was chores and get "choked up with tears". The only part that held a glimmer of interest and had some depth to it were the hero's two little boys who were struggling with abandonment issues and wanting a mother figure. I did like that and the author really captured the emotions and human struggle of a grieving single father trying to get used to raising his kids and the guilt of failing them. Just wish there was more of it and not tapered off so quickly. Everything else? Eh. Super flat and half-hearted. And someone explain to me why everyone in this town has stepdaughter/step kids of some variety?
I also did not understand or relate to the characters, Tara especially who seemed to be more focused on her stepdaughters and for some inane reason didn't like the hero when they first met all because he's a redneck who lives in a trailer. Seriously?? She is quite aware that he lost his wife but was so hung up over him not keeping up w/ his lawn and at one point even cringing over his "redneck" name.
Yeah...ok lady. rme. The romance is a totally flat unbelievably ridiculously rushed afterthought where the MCs go from barely talking to hanging out 1-2 times with the kids then randomly having sex and boom! she's in love. Wat? It's hilariously bad how clunky it came off. Nobody would buy this. Like I said, the author spends little time showing us any of this, we are just told when they start liking/lusting for each other out of nowhere. Literally.
I also did not understand or relate to the characters, Tara especially who seemed to be more focused on her stepdaughters and for some inane reason didn't like the hero when they first met all because he's a redneck who lives in a trailer. Seriously?? She is quite aware that he lost his wife but was so hung up over him not keeping up w/ his lawn and at one point even cringing over his "redneck" name.
Yeah...ok lady. rme. The romance is a totally flat unbelievably ridiculously rushed afterthought where the MCs go from barely talking to hanging out 1-2 times with the kids then randomly having sex and boom! she's in love. Wat? It's hilariously bad how clunky it came off. Nobody would buy this. Like I said, the author spends little time showing us any of this, we are just told when they start liking/lusting for each other out of nowhere. Literally.
February 7, 2016
Boone isn’t husband or father material. His wife died shortly after their second son was born and ever since then his sister has raised the kids and Boone has been on his own. Getting by.
Tara adores children, but she has no right to see her daughters. Legally she’s just their stepmom. And her ex is a jerk. Kind of like her neighbor, who lives in his run-down, eyesore of a trailer and never does a thing to fix it up.
It’s possible, though, that Tara may have Boone all wrong. In fact, it’s possible Boone may have himself wrong.
One thing is certain. When life conspires to send his two sons back into his life and Tara’s stepdaughters back into hers, everyone’s world view is likely to change.
One of those reads that gets you back on track after a hiatus. I thought the family and parenting relationships within this story were even stronger than the romance. Boone’s slow reemergence after a serious period of grief was dealt with very well. And the dynamic between him and his sons—as well as a “scamp” of a dog—were both touching and hilarious. Thumbs up.
Tara adores children, but she has no right to see her daughters. Legally she’s just their stepmom. And her ex is a jerk. Kind of like her neighbor, who lives in his run-down, eyesore of a trailer and never does a thing to fix it up.
It’s possible, though, that Tara may have Boone all wrong. In fact, it’s possible Boone may have himself wrong.
One thing is certain. When life conspires to send his two sons back into his life and Tara’s stepdaughters back into hers, everyone’s world view is likely to change.
One of those reads that gets you back on track after a hiatus. I thought the family and parenting relationships within this story were even stronger than the romance. Boone’s slow reemergence after a serious period of grief was dealt with very well. And the dynamic between him and his sons—as well as a “scamp” of a dog—were both touching and hilarious. Thumbs up.
January 3, 2013
What has happened to Linda Lael Miller? She has always been one of my favorite authors, but this Parable series is nowhere near the high marks she has previously set. Big Sky River was moderately better than the previous two books of the series, but just barely. The pace was slow, the characters were underdeveloped, and it took nearly 260 pages before Boone and Tara even kissed. Since this was billed as a romance novel that's way too long. This book basically followed the same formula as the previous two, 1. couple spends a long time not liking each other, 2. couple falls into bed, 3. couple professes undying love after one night, 4. The end. I want the old LLM back, she's a great author and I miss her so much. Don't think I will waste the time reading the next Parable book.
February 6, 2017
I love reading Linda Lael Miller. She writes wonderful stories that make me laugh and cry. She's one of those authors that yes I get behind on her but I never stop buying her. She's a comfort read for me. That's how much I like her.
Big Sky River is book three in the Parable, Montana series. You meet both Boone and Tara in prior books. I love Boone, but Tara was a different story.
You know about Boone's heartbreak and learn how hard he's had to cope with losing his wife. He's also in a way lost his two boys but doesn't even realize it yet. You need to read the book to understand more of what I'm saying. I liked how hard he worked to show his boys how much he cares. He did the right thing for them before and now.
As much as I love Boone, Tara is a different story.
She's a very judgmental person that goes on what she thinks she knows, not the facts. Her thoughts about Boone for almost half the books really set me on edge. I know that she also had issues to work though and that love and hate are two sides of the same coin but....
I did eventually start to like Tara, as the book progresses you learn more about her and see her internal struggle with her thoughts. These two turn out to be perfect for each other. I'm so glad that I finally found the time to read their story. I'm hoping it doesn't take me as long to read the next story in the series. I'm really trying to catch up on certain authors and she's one of them.
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Big Sky River is book three in the Parable, Montana series. You meet both Boone and Tara in prior books. I love Boone, but Tara was a different story.
You know about Boone's heartbreak and learn how hard he's had to cope with losing his wife. He's also in a way lost his two boys but doesn't even realize it yet. You need to read the book to understand more of what I'm saying. I liked how hard he worked to show his boys how much he cares. He did the right thing for them before and now.
As much as I love Boone, Tara is a different story.
She's a very judgmental person that goes on what she thinks she knows, not the facts. Her thoughts about Boone for almost half the books really set me on edge. I know that she also had issues to work though and that love and hate are two sides of the same coin but....
I did eventually start to like Tara, as the book progresses you learn more about her and see her internal struggle with her thoughts. These two turn out to be perfect for each other. I'm so glad that I finally found the time to read their story. I'm hoping it doesn't take me as long to read the next story in the series. I'm really trying to catch up on certain authors and she's one of them.
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
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December 5, 2012
In Linda Lael Miller's third book of her Big Sky Series we see again just why it is that she is considered one of the absolute best at the western romances. Sending us back to Parable Montana and the lives and loves of it's citizens.
Sheriff Boone Miller, all around smexy man with a wounded soul. Boone has spent the past few years grieving for his deceased wife. Letting his sister care for his small sons and doing everything he can to just get by. While he has friends who support him and a community that believes in him, he remains in an eternal funk. Until the sexy chicken rancher (yes it really is a chicken ranch) next door starts to change his life.
After a painful divorce that left her devastated Tara Kendall, leaves New York and purchases a ranch in Parable MT.. A chic chicken rancher to be sure. Bruised and Battered from the endless idiocies of her ex and grieving herself because she had no choice but to give up her step-daughters that she had all but raised from toddlership.. she has found her place, some wonderful friends and a great life.. well except for that redneck Sheriff Boone who lives just across the river in the eyesore of a trailer..
When Boone's brother in law suffers and accident and his sister can no longer care for the boys.. and Tara's megomaniac ex husband decides to ship his daughters off to Tara for the summer, life gets really interesting. Boone and Tara find that they have more in common than they think. And one day magic happens..
This was not a earthshattering, heartpounding, bodice ripping romance.. not thunderstorms.. rather a gentle rain that soaks into the reader leaving them smiling and wanting more. Boone and Tara are endearing, they are human and they make human mistakes.. as well as enjoy human triumphs. The demons they must face are those so many of us do, a rat bastard ex husband, the loss of true love.. they persevere in the face of life's adversities.. until one day they discover that they have come through triumphant!
What was rather interesting to me was that in this book Ms Miller, didn't spend a lot of time in Parable.. Oh sure we see a few of our favorite characters as they pertain to the story but the community as a whole takes a huge step backward in this book. Which was wonderful because it makes Tara and Boone's story that much more poignant..
I enjoyed this book immensely and I most definitely recommend it.. of course it made me dream just a bit.. I mean who doesn't want a brooding, sexy cowboy to come into their lives?
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Big Sky River provided by netgalley and is scheduled for release on December 18, 2012
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Sheriff Boone Miller, all around smexy man with a wounded soul. Boone has spent the past few years grieving for his deceased wife. Letting his sister care for his small sons and doing everything he can to just get by. While he has friends who support him and a community that believes in him, he remains in an eternal funk. Until the sexy chicken rancher (yes it really is a chicken ranch) next door starts to change his life.
After a painful divorce that left her devastated Tara Kendall, leaves New York and purchases a ranch in Parable MT.. A chic chicken rancher to be sure. Bruised and Battered from the endless idiocies of her ex and grieving herself because she had no choice but to give up her step-daughters that she had all but raised from toddlership.. she has found her place, some wonderful friends and a great life.. well except for that redneck Sheriff Boone who lives just across the river in the eyesore of a trailer..
When Boone's brother in law suffers and accident and his sister can no longer care for the boys.. and Tara's megomaniac ex husband decides to ship his daughters off to Tara for the summer, life gets really interesting. Boone and Tara find that they have more in common than they think. And one day magic happens..
This was not a earthshattering, heartpounding, bodice ripping romance.. not thunderstorms.. rather a gentle rain that soaks into the reader leaving them smiling and wanting more. Boone and Tara are endearing, they are human and they make human mistakes.. as well as enjoy human triumphs. The demons they must face are those so many of us do, a rat bastard ex husband, the loss of true love.. they persevere in the face of life's adversities.. until one day they discover that they have come through triumphant!
What was rather interesting to me was that in this book Ms Miller, didn't spend a lot of time in Parable.. Oh sure we see a few of our favorite characters as they pertain to the story but the community as a whole takes a huge step backward in this book. Which was wonderful because it makes Tara and Boone's story that much more poignant..
I enjoyed this book immensely and I most definitely recommend it.. of course it made me dream just a bit.. I mean who doesn't want a brooding, sexy cowboy to come into their lives?
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Big Sky River provided by netgalley and is scheduled for release on December 18, 2012
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
January 15, 2013
Linda Lael Miller is amazing at writing cowboy series to perfection. She never fails at making my heart skip a beat with her perfect mix of chemistry and drama. Not too mention drool worthy cowboys that make you want to visit a ranch somewhere in the south. Reading as many authors as I do it feels like coming home when I pick up one of her books. There isn't one I haven't read or own. However, this story felt kind of rushed, not something I am used to when it comes to her books and the ending left little to be desired. I miss Miller's usual style of story telling and hope to see it come back in her next books.
That being said Big Sky River was alright for me. Not one of my fave reads by her. I usually have very high expectations when I pick up a Linda Lael Miller book. I don't honestly remember a time I have been disappointed with any of her stories. So I was a little sad to see that these books weren't written in the same style her other series are. I felt like her normal dose of romance was missing. It should not take 3/4 of a book for the hero/heroine to become romantic (we need kissing way before close to the ending) with each other. This is romance. Kissing to me is more intimate then sex and goes a long way in helping me believe in the chemistry between the characters. The drama was there, but the lack of chemistry between Boone and Tara was very present. I miss the character development that usually comes along with this author's work. It is hard to connect to a character when there is no build up to the love these two people should share and your led to believe they have. I am not a fan of instant love in the least bit. I like the slow build up; I love watching the characters realize it while they tumble along experiencing life with each other.
Another issue for me was the fact that a good chunk of this book focused on the kids instead of Boone and Tara, causing them to spend a lot of time apart. Don't get me wrong it was sweet. I don't mind stories with families or children. But if I am to be honest I have three boys of my own and I read to escape the every day life. I want that fantasy world I can slip into for a few hours. While I love my stories real, I also love them to be part fantasy. Linda usually nails this mixture and gives us all swoon worthy cowboys with a mixture of drama and life! So if you have never read her before or this was your first read and you are unsure of trying another, I urge too give another one of her books a try.
That being said Big Sky River was alright for me. Not one of my fave reads by her. I usually have very high expectations when I pick up a Linda Lael Miller book. I don't honestly remember a time I have been disappointed with any of her stories. So I was a little sad to see that these books weren't written in the same style her other series are. I felt like her normal dose of romance was missing. It should not take 3/4 of a book for the hero/heroine to become romantic (we need kissing way before close to the ending) with each other. This is romance. Kissing to me is more intimate then sex and goes a long way in helping me believe in the chemistry between the characters. The drama was there, but the lack of chemistry between Boone and Tara was very present. I miss the character development that usually comes along with this author's work. It is hard to connect to a character when there is no build up to the love these two people should share and your led to believe they have. I am not a fan of instant love in the least bit. I like the slow build up; I love watching the characters realize it while they tumble along experiencing life with each other.
Another issue for me was the fact that a good chunk of this book focused on the kids instead of Boone and Tara, causing them to spend a lot of time apart. Don't get me wrong it was sweet. I don't mind stories with families or children. But if I am to be honest I have three boys of my own and I read to escape the every day life. I want that fantasy world I can slip into for a few hours. While I love my stories real, I also love them to be part fantasy. Linda usually nails this mixture and gives us all swoon worthy cowboys with a mixture of drama and life! So if you have never read her before or this was your first read and you are unsure of trying another, I urge too give another one of her books a try.
February 2, 2013
Reviewer: Jen
Source: Netgalley
Jen's review was first posted at Romancing the Book's blog.
I've been a longtime fan of Linda Lael Miller and this story didn't disappoint. It's the third in her series based in Parable, Montana, but it stands well on it's own. Like most series, it would be helpful to have read the prior books for a little back ground of the supporting characters. But there is no overarcing theme to where the reader would be lost if they were making their first visit to Parable with this book.
Big Sky River was a pretty fast read. The story is all about the romance between Tara and Boone. There's no mystery, suspense or even a third party trying to tear them apart. It's a straight forward tale of two people having to overcome their own hangups to find love. But that said, I was drawn into the story pretty quickly and read it in one sitting because I just had to get to the happily ever after.
Boone's a widower and still hasn't gotten over his wife's death. In his grief, he sent his two young sons to live with their aunt and uncle. But now a family emergency has those boys coming home. He's not sure how to deal with the kids, especially since he's the town sheriff. And then there is Tara, his new neighbor. She's a big city girl who has moved to Parable after leaving her marriage and career. She's settling into town, making friends and trying not to notice her neighbor, but things get all turned upside down when her step daughters come to visit.
I wasn't sure how Ms Miller was going to bring together Boone and Tara. Both characters had issues to overcome as the dealt with their attraction. And neither really wanted to fall in love after past heartbreak. They were both very relateable, which made their story so sweet and in the end satisfying.
I am always happy to recommend a Linda Lael Miller book. Although at times her stories can be cookie-cutter (how many times can you base a series on a couple brothers and their friend who all live in a small town?), I still find them to be good, solid reads and each unique in their own way. Ms Miller always seems to touch my heart-strings, which is why I look forward to whatever is coming next.
Source: Netgalley
Jen's review was first posted at Romancing the Book's blog.
I've been a longtime fan of Linda Lael Miller and this story didn't disappoint. It's the third in her series based in Parable, Montana, but it stands well on it's own. Like most series, it would be helpful to have read the prior books for a little back ground of the supporting characters. But there is no overarcing theme to where the reader would be lost if they were making their first visit to Parable with this book.
Big Sky River was a pretty fast read. The story is all about the romance between Tara and Boone. There's no mystery, suspense or even a third party trying to tear them apart. It's a straight forward tale of two people having to overcome their own hangups to find love. But that said, I was drawn into the story pretty quickly and read it in one sitting because I just had to get to the happily ever after.
Boone's a widower and still hasn't gotten over his wife's death. In his grief, he sent his two young sons to live with their aunt and uncle. But now a family emergency has those boys coming home. He's not sure how to deal with the kids, especially since he's the town sheriff. And then there is Tara, his new neighbor. She's a big city girl who has moved to Parable after leaving her marriage and career. She's settling into town, making friends and trying not to notice her neighbor, but things get all turned upside down when her step daughters come to visit.
I wasn't sure how Ms Miller was going to bring together Boone and Tara. Both characters had issues to overcome as the dealt with their attraction. And neither really wanted to fall in love after past heartbreak. They were both very relateable, which made their story so sweet and in the end satisfying.
I am always happy to recommend a Linda Lael Miller book. Although at times her stories can be cookie-cutter (how many times can you base a series on a couple brothers and their friend who all live in a small town?), I still find them to be good, solid reads and each unique in their own way. Ms Miller always seems to touch my heart-strings, which is why I look forward to whatever is coming next.
December 8, 2012
Boone Taylor, the sheriff of Parable County, is still mourning his wife who died a few years ago and still hasn't brought his two young boys home. Even though he's moved on with his life, he's still stuck in time with his property in decay and his sons still living with his sisters in another town. Meanwhile, his prickly neighbor, Tara Kendall who has been very critical of how he's not maintained his property, is reinventing herself after moving to Parable from New York. Her painful marriage behind her, she's making the best of her new life in spite of her stubborn but handsome neighbor.
This series just gets better with each book. I knew Boone's book would be more complicated given his personal circumstances and my instincts were on target. His friends had gently urged him in the past to bring his sons back home but he was reluctant to disrupt their lives. It took a crisis in his sister's life to get him to take action. Boone's initial struggles were so realistic, facing those issues most single parents encounter with the added complication of them not really knowing him that well and the shock of a different standard of living.
When Tara's twin stepdaughters, who she raised from toddlers and adores, come to visit, it gives her and Boone opportunities to see each other differently. Their romance was heartwarming as it developed around their families and friends. I'm a sucker for kids in these stories as they tend to bring out the best in the adults as it did here. Friends from the previous books in the series also play a role and we get nice updates on their lives. The only criticism I have is that the ending felt a little rushed, satisfying, but culminating a bit faster than I thought it should have.
Boone and Tara's story took its time to develop with the layers of their lives, past and present, unfolding richly. I loved their story and it's my favorite of the series to date. I'm looking forward to the next book as it will be about Casey Elder and she's got some secrets yet to be revealed.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
This series just gets better with each book. I knew Boone's book would be more complicated given his personal circumstances and my instincts were on target. His friends had gently urged him in the past to bring his sons back home but he was reluctant to disrupt their lives. It took a crisis in his sister's life to get him to take action. Boone's initial struggles were so realistic, facing those issues most single parents encounter with the added complication of them not really knowing him that well and the shock of a different standard of living.
When Tara's twin stepdaughters, who she raised from toddlers and adores, come to visit, it gives her and Boone opportunities to see each other differently. Their romance was heartwarming as it developed around their families and friends. I'm a sucker for kids in these stories as they tend to bring out the best in the adults as it did here. Friends from the previous books in the series also play a role and we get nice updates on their lives. The only criticism I have is that the ending felt a little rushed, satisfying, but culminating a bit faster than I thought it should have.
Boone and Tara's story took its time to develop with the layers of their lives, past and present, unfolding richly. I loved their story and it's my favorite of the series to date. I'm looking forward to the next book as it will be about Casey Elder and she's got some secrets yet to be revealed.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
December 18, 2012
KcLu's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.75 Stars
Big Sky River is book three in the Big Sky series by Linda Leal Miller, and I have to say it is my favorite so far! I have been waiting for Boone’s story since pretty much the first book, and he lived up to all my hopes and more.
Sherriff Boone Taylor has been just really trying to make it through the day. His two boys have been living with his sister since the death of his wife Corrie, and he has been struggling with the advice of his good friends that they need to be at home with him. Due to a health issue with her husband his sister takes that choice away from him, he now has them living with him fulltime and it is probably the best thing to happen to him.
Tara Kendall loves her new life in Parable living at her chicken farm, but the only dark spot in her world is the eyesore that is Boone’s trailer and yard. To her shock, her ex-husband calls her and pretty much demands that she takes her twin stepdaughters for the summer.
With the arrival of all the kids in the picture it opens up a new side to the relationship between Boone and Tara. I think it isn’t a big shock to the peeps around them that they are falling for each other, but it is to them. Having his boys and Tara in is life finally allows Boone to let go of his grief for Corrie. Is this a temporary thing, or can they build one big happy family?
I absolutely loved their journey to HEA. This is a story that was reminiscent of the older books by Linda. I am a huge fan of her work, and have read just about everything she has released. I love that her stories are about so much more than the steamy sex between them. Don’t get me wrong I love my steamy books, but every now and then I like a book with just a great story. I hope y’all love this book and series as much as I have.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.75 Stars
Big Sky River is book three in the Big Sky series by Linda Leal Miller, and I have to say it is my favorite so far! I have been waiting for Boone’s story since pretty much the first book, and he lived up to all my hopes and more.
Sherriff Boone Taylor has been just really trying to make it through the day. His two boys have been living with his sister since the death of his wife Corrie, and he has been struggling with the advice of his good friends that they need to be at home with him. Due to a health issue with her husband his sister takes that choice away from him, he now has them living with him fulltime and it is probably the best thing to happen to him.
Tara Kendall loves her new life in Parable living at her chicken farm, but the only dark spot in her world is the eyesore that is Boone’s trailer and yard. To her shock, her ex-husband calls her and pretty much demands that she takes her twin stepdaughters for the summer.
With the arrival of all the kids in the picture it opens up a new side to the relationship between Boone and Tara. I think it isn’t a big shock to the peeps around them that they are falling for each other, but it is to them. Having his boys and Tara in is life finally allows Boone to let go of his grief for Corrie. Is this a temporary thing, or can they build one big happy family?
I absolutely loved their journey to HEA. This is a story that was reminiscent of the older books by Linda. I am a huge fan of her work, and have read just about everything she has released. I love that her stories are about so much more than the steamy sex between them. Don’t get me wrong I love my steamy books, but every now and then I like a book with just a great story. I hope y’all love this book and series as much as I have.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
November 10, 2013
Stoic widower (cowboy sheriff) and divorced stepmom (urban girl turned chicken farmer) discover true love, instant family (two boys! twin girls!), and allegedly mind-blowing sex, with the help of masculine joshing from his friends, and laughs & tears wisdom from hers.
Surely none of that is a spoiler, which is kind of the point of the genre. I don't read romance often, but when I do, (a) I find myself feeling and acting with a little more compassion than usual, fueled by a renewed hope for happy endings for all beings; and (b) I wonder about the difference between Romance and Literary Fiction as genres.
In this novel, at least, the core question is whether the characters will find their appropriate social identity; finding it is the key to true, lasting happiness. That's been true for most of the romance I've read. I don't read a lot of literary fiction, but my perception is that one of its common concerns (at least for the last century) is the nature of human identity, and while that can include studies of an individual in their context, the heroic characters stand alone. Perhaps that's because writers of literary fiction experience their own lives as more socially isolated than writers of romance? That can't be universally true.
The other thing that strikes me about the gap between literary fiction and romance is that, when I read really good fiction, I don't often emerge as a better person in the near term. I may understand certain ways of being in the world better than I did before; I'm likely to be sadder, maybe wiser - but not so hopeful that everything can work out, that love (in any of its many forms, not just those that lead to hot sex) will find a way, as I am after finishing a romance. After reading great fiction, I'm rarely willing to risk more to make the world a better place. There's no question that romance novels are fantasies, usually cliche, often unimaginatively written, and often loaded with bad habits of heart and mind - and yet, as manipulative, encouraging fables, sometimes they're great.
Surely none of that is a spoiler, which is kind of the point of the genre. I don't read romance often, but when I do, (a) I find myself feeling and acting with a little more compassion than usual, fueled by a renewed hope for happy endings for all beings; and (b) I wonder about the difference between Romance and Literary Fiction as genres.
In this novel, at least, the core question is whether the characters will find their appropriate social identity; finding it is the key to true, lasting happiness. That's been true for most of the romance I've read. I don't read a lot of literary fiction, but my perception is that one of its common concerns (at least for the last century) is the nature of human identity, and while that can include studies of an individual in their context, the heroic characters stand alone. Perhaps that's because writers of literary fiction experience their own lives as more socially isolated than writers of romance? That can't be universally true.
The other thing that strikes me about the gap between literary fiction and romance is that, when I read really good fiction, I don't often emerge as a better person in the near term. I may understand certain ways of being in the world better than I did before; I'm likely to be sadder, maybe wiser - but not so hopeful that everything can work out, that love (in any of its many forms, not just those that lead to hot sex) will find a way, as I am after finishing a romance. After reading great fiction, I'm rarely willing to risk more to make the world a better place. There's no question that romance novels are fantasies, usually cliche, often unimaginatively written, and often loaded with bad habits of heart and mind - and yet, as manipulative, encouraging fables, sometimes they're great.
June 13, 2013
It all started with a widower, a busted knee and a chicken rancher.
Sheriff Boone is a good man with some serious heartache. His wife died young and left him with two child that his sister is raising for him. He has not been able to step out of is depression and care for them himself since see died. He can barely take basic care of himself. He has lived a lonely life not looking for anything more than just getting by. Things change fast when his sister's husband get's hurt and he has to take his kids and face life as a single father.
Tara, a divorced woman from New York is living just down the road and trying to start a new life as a chicken rancher. She had an ugly divorce and had to leave two step daughters behind that are the children of her heart. Her ex calls one day to ask her to watch the girls for a brief period so he can run wild with his new girlfriend. She is so giddy with excitement to have them back in her life. Now if she could get that ornery sheriff to clean up his property...
These two argue, bicker, snap, and sneer at each other and just don't like each other much. Well, that is until Opel, the local unofficial matchmaker sings in and brings her magic with her.
A fantastic love story, filled with good people and good deeds. You can't beat this author if you're looking for a HEA read.
Sheriff Boone is a good man with some serious heartache. His wife died young and left him with two child that his sister is raising for him. He has not been able to step out of is depression and care for them himself since see died. He can barely take basic care of himself. He has lived a lonely life not looking for anything more than just getting by. Things change fast when his sister's husband get's hurt and he has to take his kids and face life as a single father.
Tara, a divorced woman from New York is living just down the road and trying to start a new life as a chicken rancher. She had an ugly divorce and had to leave two step daughters behind that are the children of her heart. Her ex calls one day to ask her to watch the girls for a brief period so he can run wild with his new girlfriend. She is so giddy with excitement to have them back in her life. Now if she could get that ornery sheriff to clean up his property...
These two argue, bicker, snap, and sneer at each other and just don't like each other much. Well, that is until Opel, the local unofficial matchmaker sings in and brings her magic with her.
A fantastic love story, filled with good people and good deeds. You can't beat this author if you're looking for a HEA read.
January 1, 2013
Linda Lael Miller is my go to author for stories that sound like they could happen in my town. There is just something about the way she writes her books that just captivates me and holds me until the very last page.
Now the only flaw in this book is that Boone is a widower. I do find that to be an issue and lately I seem to see this theme in the books I have been reading. I am not saying that I don’t feel for the person that loses a spouse because I do. What I don’t like is when the widow/widower is not over the loss of their deceased spouse and yet they go ahead and start a relationship with someone else. I just do not find that romantic at all. It wasn’t a huge issue in this story thank goodness.
Otherwise I totally and completely enjoyed this book. As always I look forward to whatever book this talented author has coming out next!
Now the only flaw in this book is that Boone is a widower. I do find that to be an issue and lately I seem to see this theme in the books I have been reading. I am not saying that I don’t feel for the person that loses a spouse because I do. What I don’t like is when the widow/widower is not over the loss of their deceased spouse and yet they go ahead and start a relationship with someone else. I just do not find that romantic at all. It wasn’t a huge issue in this story thank goodness.
Otherwise I totally and completely enjoyed this book. As always I look forward to whatever book this talented author has coming out next!
July 11, 2015
Too bad Parable, Montana doesn't exist as I would surely move there if it did. I've been close to the big city all my life and long to move to a much smaller town and Parable sounds like a wonderful place to live.
Tara Kendall has her two step daughters for the summer and Boone Taylor finally has his two sons back living wit him. It's kinda like the Brady Bunch but more romantic. I enjoyed seeing these adversaries put down their barbed tongues and see each other in a more favorable light. It was fun seeing them fall in love instead of bicker and argue.
Another thoroughly enjoyable trip to Parable Montana. I can't wait to return and see Walker Parrish get his second chance with Casey Elder and their two children. Hurry up August and get here so I can jump back into Montana living.
Tara Kendall has her two step daughters for the summer and Boone Taylor finally has his two sons back living wit him. It's kinda like the Brady Bunch but more romantic. I enjoyed seeing these adversaries put down their barbed tongues and see each other in a more favorable light. It was fun seeing them fall in love instead of bicker and argue.
Another thoroughly enjoyable trip to Parable Montana. I can't wait to return and see Walker Parrish get his second chance with Casey Elder and their two children. Hurry up August and get here so I can jump back into Montana living.
January 12, 2013
Enjoyed the book and the story, but left wanting more. The ending was rather abrupt and kind of a letdown. There was little to no interaction between the hero and heroine and almost too much time spent on the four kids (two for him and two for her). It was all kind of convoluted and rushed. Most of the book was spent on them individually and then all of a sudden, the last 2-3 chapters were them together. It wasn't her best and not a great entry into this series. I was really looking forward to these two getting together, and let down with the way it happened.
December 19, 2012
3.5 Stars!
I've been waiting on Boone's story awhile but I feel Big Sky River just flew by. I really wish the romance was more fleshed out and the story was longer. They loved each other when they only spoke a couple of times. How? Don't ask me. The epilogue should have at least been set further in the future to offset their instant love.
I've been waiting on Boone's story awhile but I feel Big Sky River just flew by. I really wish the romance was more fleshed out and the story was longer. They loved each other when they only spoke a couple of times. How? Don't ask me. The epilogue should have at least been set further in the future to offset their instant love.
June 21, 2022
Good writer.
First half quite good .. but the second half had insta-luv and insta-sex .. so disappointing.
Opal is do-gooder and matchmaker character.
Author’s strong point: characterization.
This is last book of trilogy.
First half quite good .. but the second half had insta-luv and insta-sex .. so disappointing.
Opal is do-gooder and matchmaker character.
Author’s strong point: characterization.
This is last book of trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
3.5 out of 5 stars
January 18, 2013
Big Sky River is the third Swoon-Worthy Cowboy novel set in Parable, Montana by Linda Lael Miller. The first book in the series, Big Sky Country, I really enjoyed but the follow up novel Big Sky Mountain was very disappointing and unfortunately this novel was too. It's left me thinking maybe the first book was a fluke as I'm realising Miller's writing just isn't for me.
As inferred in book two, the hero and heroine in book three is Sheriff Boone Taylor and his attractive city turned country gal neighbour, Tara Kendall. I was looking forward to learning more of Boone's story, but even though his background was explained I didn't really get to know who he was as a person in the present time. Unfortunately, I had the same problem with Tara. The characterisation in Big Sky River is really poor.
Not only is the character development weak but so is the romantic arc and the tension in the story. Boone and Tara are neighbours who basically despise each other and then after one brief interaction instigated by the loveable matchmaker Opal, their feelings toward each other do a 180. There were limited scenes for Boone and Tara to get to know each other (and for the reader to believe their attraction) and when they were together the scene was hijacked way too many times by the children. I felt like the whole story was about the children and in fact the children probably grew more as characters in the story than their parents.
In this story, Boone's two sons who lived with his sister when his wife died return to live with him. And Tara agrees to look after her ex-husbands twin daughters (her step-daughters) so he can have some alone time with his new fiancé. I'm not really sure what it is about this series but the characters seem to adopt random children. In BS Country, Slade looks after his ex-step daughter, in BS Mountain- Kendra adopts her late husband's daughter (who was conceived during an affair when they were married!) and now Tara is looking after her ex-step daughters. It just all seems a little too far-fetched and for me was an attempt to show how great the characters are with children without the baggage of actually having their own child. Tara and Boone basically fell in love with each other because Tara wanted babies of her own and thought he was hot and Boone fell in love with Tara because he wanted a mother for his children and she was hot. I'm sure that's not the reason the author intended but with the absence of believable romantic development that's the conclusion I came to. I have absolutely no reason to believe they were a good match for each other, they hardly even talked to each other so other than the fact they had children I couldn't see what they even had in common.
The ending was rushed with all of a sudden Boone and Tara having some alone time which I felt should have been introduced much earlier and then all of a sudden they are confessing their undying love for each other and planning marriage.
Big Sky River (as you can probably tell) was a big letdown for me. With poor characterisation and lack of romantic development it left me completely unsatisfied once I did eventually finish it. A book that would normally take me two days to read took me well over a week- quite telling as to how difficult it was for me to preserve. My faith that it would magically get better did not eventuate.
If you didn't mind Big Sky Mountain then you may enjoy this one, but if you didn't I fear those reading the series (and hoping it will improve) will be sorely disappointed. Even though BS River hints at another hero/heroine to take the lead in the next Parable story, it's not tempting enough for me to continue with this series.
As inferred in book two, the hero and heroine in book three is Sheriff Boone Taylor and his attractive city turned country gal neighbour, Tara Kendall. I was looking forward to learning more of Boone's story, but even though his background was explained I didn't really get to know who he was as a person in the present time. Unfortunately, I had the same problem with Tara. The characterisation in Big Sky River is really poor.
Not only is the character development weak but so is the romantic arc and the tension in the story. Boone and Tara are neighbours who basically despise each other and then after one brief interaction instigated by the loveable matchmaker Opal, their feelings toward each other do a 180. There were limited scenes for Boone and Tara to get to know each other (and for the reader to believe their attraction) and when they were together the scene was hijacked way too many times by the children. I felt like the whole story was about the children and in fact the children probably grew more as characters in the story than their parents.
In this story, Boone's two sons who lived with his sister when his wife died return to live with him. And Tara agrees to look after her ex-husbands twin daughters (her step-daughters) so he can have some alone time with his new fiancé. I'm not really sure what it is about this series but the characters seem to adopt random children. In BS Country, Slade looks after his ex-step daughter, in BS Mountain- Kendra adopts her late husband's daughter (who was conceived during an affair when they were married!) and now Tara is looking after her ex-step daughters. It just all seems a little too far-fetched and for me was an attempt to show how great the characters are with children without the baggage of actually having their own child. Tara and Boone basically fell in love with each other because Tara wanted babies of her own and thought he was hot and Boone fell in love with Tara because he wanted a mother for his children and she was hot. I'm sure that's not the reason the author intended but with the absence of believable romantic development that's the conclusion I came to. I have absolutely no reason to believe they were a good match for each other, they hardly even talked to each other so other than the fact they had children I couldn't see what they even had in common.
The ending was rushed with all of a sudden Boone and Tara having some alone time which I felt should have been introduced much earlier and then all of a sudden they are confessing their undying love for each other and planning marriage.
Big Sky River (as you can probably tell) was a big letdown for me. With poor characterisation and lack of romantic development it left me completely unsatisfied once I did eventually finish it. A book that would normally take me two days to read took me well over a week- quite telling as to how difficult it was for me to preserve. My faith that it would magically get better did not eventuate.
If you didn't mind Big Sky Mountain then you may enjoy this one, but if you didn't I fear those reading the series (and hoping it will improve) will be sorely disappointed. Even though BS River hints at another hero/heroine to take the lead in the next Parable story, it's not tempting enough for me to continue with this series.
June 1, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
Who said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression?
The first impression that Tara Kendall and Boone Taylor made on each other seemed to be mutually terrible; she thought he was a redneck hick (if that wasn’t redundant) living in a rundown double-wide trailer spoiling her view of the Montana scenery.
He thought she was too much of a city-slicker to have half a chance of surviving as a chicken rancher on the outskirts of tiny Parable, Montana.
They drove each other way too crazy to be neutral about each other, especially considering that Tara bought Boone’s sister’s half of their parents’ land--the half that contained the house he grew up in.
It took a couple of years for them to come to an uneasy peace, and for either of them to acknowledge that those sparks hid something a lot hotter than mutual loathing. Loathing doesn’t burn nearly that bright.
Their children finally brought them together. Boone is forced to bring his sons home from his sister’s, four years after losing his young wife to cancer. Four years to realize that he not only had to live, but that he wanted to live.
Tara’s step-daughters were sent to visit for the summer. She came to Parable after a messy divorce. She might never have loved their father. He certainly never loved anyone more than he loved himself. But she loved his daughters as if they were her own.
Can these two wounded souls find their way together?
Escape Rating B+: Big Sky River, like the rest of the Parable, Montana series (Big Sky Country and Big Sky Mountain) is a romance that simmers slowly before it comes to a boil. If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, you have plenty of opportunity to fall in love with the “big sky” country along the way.
The good thing about Tara and Boone’s romance is that if you have read the whole series, you’ve seen the entire thing develop from their first meeting. We know how just badly it went. There’s always been a sense that where there’s this much smoke, there might eventually be fire, but this book is the first time that Boone has healed enough from the devastating loss of his wife to even think of getting involved with someone else.
There isn’t as much involvement with the town of Parable and the people there, but there is just enough to let readers catch up with old friends. Boone and Tara do live pretty far out of town.
This story is about the two of them finally finding some common ground, and about them becoming a family. The major theme besides the romance is Boone healing the rift between himself and his sons. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, has been trying to get him to see the light on that score since the beginning of the series.
This is a heartwarming western/small-town romance that I finished with a smile on my face. I want to start Big Sky Summer immediately to smile that smile again.
Who said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression?
The first impression that Tara Kendall and Boone Taylor made on each other seemed to be mutually terrible; she thought he was a redneck hick (if that wasn’t redundant) living in a rundown double-wide trailer spoiling her view of the Montana scenery.
He thought she was too much of a city-slicker to have half a chance of surviving as a chicken rancher on the outskirts of tiny Parable, Montana.
They drove each other way too crazy to be neutral about each other, especially considering that Tara bought Boone’s sister’s half of their parents’ land--the half that contained the house he grew up in.
It took a couple of years for them to come to an uneasy peace, and for either of them to acknowledge that those sparks hid something a lot hotter than mutual loathing. Loathing doesn’t burn nearly that bright.
Their children finally brought them together. Boone is forced to bring his sons home from his sister’s, four years after losing his young wife to cancer. Four years to realize that he not only had to live, but that he wanted to live.
Tara’s step-daughters were sent to visit for the summer. She came to Parable after a messy divorce. She might never have loved their father. He certainly never loved anyone more than he loved himself. But she loved his daughters as if they were her own.
Can these two wounded souls find their way together?
Escape Rating B+: Big Sky River, like the rest of the Parable, Montana series (Big Sky Country and Big Sky Mountain) is a romance that simmers slowly before it comes to a boil. If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, you have plenty of opportunity to fall in love with the “big sky” country along the way.
The good thing about Tara and Boone’s romance is that if you have read the whole series, you’ve seen the entire thing develop from their first meeting. We know how just badly it went. There’s always been a sense that where there’s this much smoke, there might eventually be fire, but this book is the first time that Boone has healed enough from the devastating loss of his wife to even think of getting involved with someone else.
There isn’t as much involvement with the town of Parable and the people there, but there is just enough to let readers catch up with old friends. Boone and Tara do live pretty far out of town.
This story is about the two of them finally finding some common ground, and about them becoming a family. The major theme besides the romance is Boone healing the rift between himself and his sons. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, has been trying to get him to see the light on that score since the beginning of the series.
This is a heartwarming western/small-town romance that I finished with a smile on my face. I want to start Big Sky Summer immediately to smile that smile again.
December 20, 2012
I am in love with the townsfolk of Parable Montana. Big Sky River is book three in Linda Lael Miller’s Swoon-Worthy Cowboy series and yea-ha it was good to return. Each can be read as a standalone, but if you are like me and want to know all of the side characters and their stories go for book one first. This book focuses on Sheriff Boone Taylor and his city-born neighbor Tara Kendall. Since the first novel Big Sky Country these two have butted heads and it was lovely reading their story. As always once I started reading, I could not put it down and consumed this in a few hours.
Boon Taylor has loved and lost. Right now he needs to focus on his two fragile young sons and his career as the local Sheriff. He has friends, a double wide and is not looking for romance. His next door neighbor Tara Kendall, a city slicker determined to reinvent herself after a divorce that left her mourning the loss of her step-daughters but not the man who fathered them. She and her neighbor Boone have butted heads more than once and his run-down property is an eye-sore to her view of the river. If you told her she’d be thinking about kissing the man, she’d call you crazy; but fate has different ideas. The tale had suspense, tragedy, a little romance and a few hot moments.
I have come to love the characters in this small town and their sense of community. I have always been interested in quite reserved, Boone Taylor and was delighted to get his story. He is noble, loves hard and is completely swoon-worth. We get to see the softer, damaged and fragile side of him. His hurt felt so real. Tara is delightful and has made good friends in town. Despite her initial fear of her chickens she has made a success if not unique living off them. Her snarky interactions with Boone were hilarious and when she realized she was attracted to him, her inner thoughts had me giggling. Opal the town matchmaker is up to her usually tricks and of course other lovable characters from the first two books are threaded into this tale and I loved reading about the developments in their lives. Boone’s kids were adorable as were the twins. Several events happen in town and as always I enjoyed these side stories.
The romance in Big Sky River was sweet, but I wanted more scenes with this couple. I loved the tension and awkwardness these two felt around each other. It was precious and sometimes downright hilarious.Their relationship felt genuine and I enjoyed watching it unfold. Other threads in their storyline were suspenseful and kept me turning the pages. While I felt assured I would get my happily ever after, the ride there was fun and full of twists. Miller has created a town in Montana that reminds me of Robin Carr’s Virgin River series with flesh out characters you want to visit time and time again.
I want to thank Harlequin for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Boon Taylor has loved and lost. Right now he needs to focus on his two fragile young sons and his career as the local Sheriff. He has friends, a double wide and is not looking for romance. His next door neighbor Tara Kendall, a city slicker determined to reinvent herself after a divorce that left her mourning the loss of her step-daughters but not the man who fathered them. She and her neighbor Boone have butted heads more than once and his run-down property is an eye-sore to her view of the river. If you told her she’d be thinking about kissing the man, she’d call you crazy; but fate has different ideas. The tale had suspense, tragedy, a little romance and a few hot moments.
I have come to love the characters in this small town and their sense of community. I have always been interested in quite reserved, Boone Taylor and was delighted to get his story. He is noble, loves hard and is completely swoon-worth. We get to see the softer, damaged and fragile side of him. His hurt felt so real. Tara is delightful and has made good friends in town. Despite her initial fear of her chickens she has made a success if not unique living off them. Her snarky interactions with Boone were hilarious and when she realized she was attracted to him, her inner thoughts had me giggling. Opal the town matchmaker is up to her usually tricks and of course other lovable characters from the first two books are threaded into this tale and I loved reading about the developments in their lives. Boone’s kids were adorable as were the twins. Several events happen in town and as always I enjoyed these side stories.
The romance in Big Sky River was sweet, but I wanted more scenes with this couple. I loved the tension and awkwardness these two felt around each other. It was precious and sometimes downright hilarious.Their relationship felt genuine and I enjoyed watching it unfold. Other threads in their storyline were suspenseful and kept me turning the pages. While I felt assured I would get my happily ever after, the ride there was fun and full of twists. Miller has created a town in Montana that reminds me of Robin Carr’s Virgin River series with flesh out characters you want to visit time and time again.
I want to thank Harlequin for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
December 30, 2012
Tara Kendall left her big city life in New York to come to Parable, Montana and start over after her divorce. The hardest part of the divorce wasn’t losing her selfish ex-husband, but his twin daughters that she practically raised. Now living as a chicken farmer in the country, her ex-husband sends the twins to stay with her for a bit.
Sherriff Boone Taylor was raised in Parable. He met and married his high school sweetheart, had two boys and then lost her to Cancer way too soon. He never really recovered after that loss and his boys have been living with his sister in Missoula ever since. But when his brother-in-law has an accident that is going to require surgery and extra care from his sister he finally brings his boys home where they belong.
First I have to say I absolutely LOVE Linda Lael Miller’s books. I wait in breathless anticipation for every new release. But this series, so far, has been mediocre at best. The first book, Big Sky Country, was OK, but it started out a little slow. The second book, Big Sky Mountain, I actually really liked and now this one, again, was just OK.
Here you have two people reunited with children who desperately need real parental love. One who is bound by blood but has been separated by choice the other is a step parent who was separated by forces unstoppable. I guess my main problem with this book was Boone. I never got over the fact that when his boys needed him most because their MOTHER died, he shipped them to a different city to live with an aunt because he couldn’t cope with his WIFE dying. That is just the most incredibly selfish and mean thing I could think of a parent to do. Essentially those boys lost both their parents that day. He took way too long getting his crap together. Then the reasoning for the forced reunion was flimsy at best. They made a knee replacement into more than it needed to be. They acted like the injury was life threatening and altering.
Tara was an amazing heroine and I really admired her spirit and loyalty. The relationship between her and Boone moved a little too quickly from enemies, to friends to getting married without ever having a real date. The progression to friends seemed natural and easy enough with the kids as a buffer, but I would have preferred a little more alone time before talks of housing, marriage and babies were brought up.
The kids, the dogs and the side characters were as charming as ever and I am really looking forward to reading Casey’s story, Big Sky Summer, I think she will prove to be an interesting heroine as she is already shrouded in secrets. I just hope the book lives up to its potential and like the second one proves more likable and more up to Linda Lael Miller’s usual talent.
Cherise Everhard, December 2012
Reviewed for the Amazon Vine Program
Sherriff Boone Taylor was raised in Parable. He met and married his high school sweetheart, had two boys and then lost her to Cancer way too soon. He never really recovered after that loss and his boys have been living with his sister in Missoula ever since. But when his brother-in-law has an accident that is going to require surgery and extra care from his sister he finally brings his boys home where they belong.
First I have to say I absolutely LOVE Linda Lael Miller’s books. I wait in breathless anticipation for every new release. But this series, so far, has been mediocre at best. The first book, Big Sky Country, was OK, but it started out a little slow. The second book, Big Sky Mountain, I actually really liked and now this one, again, was just OK.
Here you have two people reunited with children who desperately need real parental love. One who is bound by blood but has been separated by choice the other is a step parent who was separated by forces unstoppable. I guess my main problem with this book was Boone. I never got over the fact that when his boys needed him most because their MOTHER died, he shipped them to a different city to live with an aunt because he couldn’t cope with his WIFE dying. That is just the most incredibly selfish and mean thing I could think of a parent to do. Essentially those boys lost both their parents that day. He took way too long getting his crap together. Then the reasoning for the forced reunion was flimsy at best. They made a knee replacement into more than it needed to be. They acted like the injury was life threatening and altering.
Tara was an amazing heroine and I really admired her spirit and loyalty. The relationship between her and Boone moved a little too quickly from enemies, to friends to getting married without ever having a real date. The progression to friends seemed natural and easy enough with the kids as a buffer, but I would have preferred a little more alone time before talks of housing, marriage and babies were brought up.
The kids, the dogs and the side characters were as charming as ever and I am really looking forward to reading Casey’s story, Big Sky Summer, I think she will prove to be an interesting heroine as she is already shrouded in secrets. I just hope the book lives up to its potential and like the second one proves more likable and more up to Linda Lael Miller’s usual talent.
Cherise Everhard, December 2012
Reviewed for the Amazon Vine Program
January 17, 2013
Very good book. The back cover copy got some things a bit wrong. At the beginning of the book, Boone had no dogs and acquired one during the story. I loved the way he did get the dog and how much he came to mean to the whole family. Tara does everything she can to avoid even talking to Boone much less ask him for help. That being said, I really enjoyed the book. Tara is living her dream raising her chickens in Parable. She has friends and a community she loves. She's not real fond of her neighbor Boone. They hit it off wrong when she moved in and he said something about a citified wannabe farmer and she considered him a redneck sheriff too lazy to fix up his double wide. At the beginning of this story Tara has had a call from her ex-husband asking her to care for his twelve year old daughters because they keep running off the nannies. She says yes because she has missed them so much. I liked Boone from the beginning but he did need a bit of an attitude adjustment. When his wife died he had been so devastated that he sent his sons to live with his sister until he could get himself together. That short period has stretched to several years and circumstances have led to them having to come back home to him. Now he has to learn to be a father all over again. The longer the boys had stayed away the less confidence he had in his abilities. With both Boone and Tara pulling parent duty they find themselves together more often and realize that those sparks weren't dislike, but passion. I really enjoyed seeing both of them open their hearts to the possibilities of a future together. I also enjoyed seeing more of the people of Parable. Opal still seems to be the glue that holds the town together. Hutch and Slade are great at keeping Boone straight and I loved the way that Kendra and Joslyn kept pushing Tara toward Boone. I also liked seeing the way that the town pulled together when people needed help, especially for the family of the boy who fell from the water tower. I'm also looking forward to seeing whatever happens with that obnoxious deputy.
May 12, 2013
Big Sky River is the third installment of the Swoon-Worthy Cowboys series by Linda Lael Miller. Although, this is not my favorite book of the series it was very good and well worth the read.
There is no secret that Sheriff Boone Taylor and Tara Kendall butt heads every time they are within arms reach of each other. They just rub each other the wrong way. She sees him as the annoying neighbor who lives in a run down trailer ruining her beautiful view. He sees her as the prissy city girl playing cowgirl in his childhood home. When fate intervenes and the pair find themselves spending more time together than usual the fierce passion that has kept them at odds with one another has turned into an attraction they can't continue to fight.
Boone broke my heart so many times in this book. His sons are back in his home and he's finally adjusting to the idea that he needs to stop running from his life and step up to be the daddy that his kids deserve. He is being forced to finally deal with the death of his wife and to let go of the anger and demons that have been holding him back.
He got through his days the way most everybody else did, he reckoned - by showing up and doing his best with what he had.
Because Tara still loves her twin step daughters and would like to be a part of their lives she is at the mercy of her arrogant, selfish ex-husband. This was so frustrating at times. The truly annoying part is there are definitely parents like him out there. Tara did so well at walking the line to keep him happy.
Be prepared for a lot of tears in this book. It's a great read and has the pre-requisite happily ever after, but it's a long, bumpy, emotional ride.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
There is no secret that Sheriff Boone Taylor and Tara Kendall butt heads every time they are within arms reach of each other. They just rub each other the wrong way. She sees him as the annoying neighbor who lives in a run down trailer ruining her beautiful view. He sees her as the prissy city girl playing cowgirl in his childhood home. When fate intervenes and the pair find themselves spending more time together than usual the fierce passion that has kept them at odds with one another has turned into an attraction they can't continue to fight.
Boone broke my heart so many times in this book. His sons are back in his home and he's finally adjusting to the idea that he needs to stop running from his life and step up to be the daddy that his kids deserve. He is being forced to finally deal with the death of his wife and to let go of the anger and demons that have been holding him back.
He got through his days the way most everybody else did, he reckoned - by showing up and doing his best with what he had.
Because Tara still loves her twin step daughters and would like to be a part of their lives she is at the mercy of her arrogant, selfish ex-husband. This was so frustrating at times. The truly annoying part is there are definitely parents like him out there. Tara did so well at walking the line to keep him happy.
Be prepared for a lot of tears in this book. It's a great read and has the pre-requisite happily ever after, but it's a long, bumpy, emotional ride.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
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