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Parable, Montana #6
Big Sky Secrets
The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, delivers the stunning finale of her acclaimed series set in Parable, Montana—where love awaits
Self-made millionaire Landry Sutton heads to Hangman Bend’s Ranch to sell his land to his brother, Zane. Though he’s got cowboy in his blood, Landry plans to return to city life before the dust even settles on his boots. Of course, he didn’t count on falling for Big Sky Country…or Ria Manning.
Ria is starting to settle into country life herself…until she has a close encounter of the terrifying kind with a buffalo. Turns out the peeping monster belongs to the cowboy next door—and he has her running even more scared than his bison. She wants a home where the buffalo don’t roam, and the men don’t either. Could Landry’s homecoming be her heart’s undoing?
Also includes A Magnolia Reunion , a brand-new bonus story from Michelle Major!
Self-made millionaire Landry Sutton heads to Hangman Bend’s Ranch to sell his land to his brother, Zane. Though he’s got cowboy in his blood, Landry plans to return to city life before the dust even settles on his boots. Of course, he didn’t count on falling for Big Sky Country…or Ria Manning.
Ria is starting to settle into country life herself…until she has a close encounter of the terrifying kind with a buffalo. Turns out the peeping monster belongs to the cowboy next door—and he has her running even more scared than his bison. She wants a home where the buffalo don’t roam, and the men don’t either. Could Landry’s homecoming be her heart’s undoing?
Also includes A Magnolia Reunion , a brand-new bonus story from Michelle Major!
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 15, 2013
361 people are currently reading
1774 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lael Miller
552 books3,217 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 227 reviews
January 20, 2014
No secrets in this book, unless you count boring and ridiculous. But you kind of know that right away so, no, no secrets! Oh for a book on the level of the McKettricks.
The characters make no sense. Ria, an accountant, decided to run away to Montana and start a flower farm after her husband dies. Can you really make a living selling flowers at a farmers market once a week in no where Montana? It's not like she has a store front of anything.
Landry, the high powered financial wiz, has given up the city life to be a rancher. Apparently once you put on boots and cowboy hat you can't help throwing out "shucks" every other word. He was a freak'n executive!!
The story is rife with inconsistencies. Some are very small, like Landry borrowing a stock trailer from Zane and then worrying about returning it to Walker three paragraphs later. Different men, different farms. But then there is Ria thinking to herself how she is really inexperienced because she has only ever been with her dead husband. But when they finally get around to consummating the relationship, at almost the end of the book...she has a whole internal dialog about the guys she slept with in college and her husband and that no one ever rocked her world like Landry. I guess maybe I'm not supposed to remember the 200 pages I just read?
Then there is the simplistic writing. Everything is "fabled" "proverbial" "pure" blah, blah, blah. Oh, and if you have never seen a Montana license plate, or know anything about the state, it has a sky and it's blue. Apparently it is bigger and bluer than any other part of the sky in the known universe. You know this is important to the story because barely a chapter goes by where someone is not pondering the "heart breakingly blue" "achingly blue" "benediction of blue" that is the sky in Montana.
I picked up A Creed In Stone Creek one day three years ago in the grocery store. Loved it so much, that I read everything LLM wrote. But this last series of three books I think were just thrown together to meet a publishing deadline, or maybe she just doesn't care anymore.
Stick a proverbial fork in me...I'm done!
The characters make no sense. Ria, an accountant, decided to run away to Montana and start a flower farm after her husband dies. Can you really make a living selling flowers at a farmers market once a week in no where Montana? It's not like she has a store front of anything.
Landry, the high powered financial wiz, has given up the city life to be a rancher. Apparently once you put on boots and cowboy hat you can't help throwing out "shucks" every other word. He was a freak'n executive!!
The story is rife with inconsistencies. Some are very small, like Landry borrowing a stock trailer from Zane and then worrying about returning it to Walker three paragraphs later. Different men, different farms. But then there is Ria thinking to herself how she is really inexperienced because she has only ever been with her dead husband. But when they finally get around to consummating the relationship, at almost the end of the book...she has a whole internal dialog about the guys she slept with in college and her husband and that no one ever rocked her world like Landry. I guess maybe I'm not supposed to remember the 200 pages I just read?
Then there is the simplistic writing. Everything is "fabled" "proverbial" "pure" blah, blah, blah. Oh, and if you have never seen a Montana license plate, or know anything about the state, it has a sky and it's blue. Apparently it is bigger and bluer than any other part of the sky in the known universe. You know this is important to the story because barely a chapter goes by where someone is not pondering the "heart breakingly blue" "achingly blue" "benediction of blue" that is the sky in Montana.
I picked up A Creed In Stone Creek one day three years ago in the grocery store. Loved it so much, that I read everything LLM wrote. But this last series of three books I think were just thrown together to meet a publishing deadline, or maybe she just doesn't care anymore.
Stick a proverbial fork in me...I'm done!
September 26, 2020
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...
Not sure how I got so behind on Linda Lael Miller but I have. I'm trying my best to get caught up and should be soon. One of the things I like about her books is the fact that for me they are comfort reads. I know no matter what I will be able to get into it quickly and like it.
In fact, that's just what happened with Big Sky Secret. Right away I fell into the story and got lost in it. I just love it when that happens. You don't even realize how far into the book you've gotten because you enjoy it so much.
I loved both Landry and Ria. They just work together. I also really liked the bison. These two might take a bit to make it work but you can see it happening.
I felt for Ria and her back story. She doesn't have the greatest family and I can tell you I really didn't like her sister and mother. She a widow and at the point in her life where she has to make some changes. She's well-liked by those around her and has found her place.
At the beginning of the book, I wasn't the biggest fan of Landry but he did grow on me. I liked his brother Zane much better. But as the book goes on he learns to be a better person and not take his brother for granted.
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Not sure how I got so behind on Linda Lael Miller but I have. I'm trying my best to get caught up and should be soon. One of the things I like about her books is the fact that for me they are comfort reads. I know no matter what I will be able to get into it quickly and like it.
In fact, that's just what happened with Big Sky Secret. Right away I fell into the story and got lost in it. I just love it when that happens. You don't even realize how far into the book you've gotten because you enjoy it so much.
I loved both Landry and Ria. They just work together. I also really liked the bison. These two might take a bit to make it work but you can see it happening.
I felt for Ria and her back story. She doesn't have the greatest family and I can tell you I really didn't like her sister and mother. She a widow and at the point in her life where she has to make some changes. She's well-liked by those around her and has found her place.
At the beginning of the book, I wasn't the biggest fan of Landry but he did grow on me. I liked his brother Zane much better. But as the book goes on he learns to be a better person and not take his brother for granted.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/home
September 16, 2018
The "First Lady of the West," #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller delivers the stunning finale of her acclaimed series set in Parable, Montana—where love awaits
Self-made tycoon Landry Sutton heads to Hangman Bend’s Ranch to sell his land to his brother Zane. Though he’s got cowboy in his blood, Landry plans to return to city life before the dust even settles on his boots. Of course, he didn’t count on falling for Big Sky Country…or Ria Manning.
Ria’s starting to settle into country life herself…until she has a close encounter of the terrifying kind with a buffalo. Turns out the peeping monster belongs to the cowboy next door—and he has her running even more scared than his bison. She wants a home where the buffalo don’t roam, and the men don’t either. Overall an okay book. but one that has romance and close feelings. Okay Read. A light recommend.
Self-made tycoon Landry Sutton heads to Hangman Bend’s Ranch to sell his land to his brother Zane. Though he’s got cowboy in his blood, Landry plans to return to city life before the dust even settles on his boots. Of course, he didn’t count on falling for Big Sky Country…or Ria Manning.
Ria’s starting to settle into country life herself…until she has a close encounter of the terrifying kind with a buffalo. Turns out the peeping monster belongs to the cowboy next door—and he has her running even more scared than his bison. She wants a home where the buffalo don’t roam, and the men don’t either. Overall an okay book. but one that has romance and close feelings. Okay Read. A light recommend.
February 4, 2014
I believe i am a few books behind on this series but i love Linda Lael Miller's cowboys and i had no trouble picking up this book and reading it on it's own. Landry Sutton in s a self made man who came from a terrible childhood with a wonderful mom who struggled to support him and his brother. Now that's he's been there done that and proven himself in the boardroom he's bought a ranch next to his brothers and is trying to figure out if he can fit in there or if he should go back to the boardroom. Into his life comes Ria Manning who buys a flower farm next to his and came there making her own escape from stuff in her own life. Even though they butt heads there is a sizzling attraction there but is is the lasting kind? Can they learn how to move on from past loses and disappointments. I loved Landry and Ria. They were both down but never out. Landry is there for Ria when she needs him and he returns to favor. It's a slow build and then a explosion when they finally let go and let themselves find love again. There are some funny bits between them and then Ria's niece also show's up and her crazy mean half sister to liven things up. Overall a great read that i really enjoyed. Linda Lael Miller knows her cowboys!
January 11, 2014
Well, I think it comes time when a reader has moved on from a once favored author and that time has come for me with Linda Lael Miller. I have been disappointed with the Parable Montana series and while book six was better than book five, it did nothing to pull me back into loving the Linda Lael Miller of past series.
Landry Sutton, a self-made business mogul heads to Hangman Bend’s Ranch to sell his share of the ranch over to his brother Zane, our hero from book five. He plans to sell ASAP and get back to his city life. Once he takes a look at the ranch and Ria Manning he decides he isn’t going anywhere. Ria, a widow, is starting a new life in Montana. However, a buffalo keeps tramping on her land and she is afraid to lose her heart to a man as potent as Landry.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2014/0...
Landry Sutton, a self-made business mogul heads to Hangman Bend’s Ranch to sell his share of the ranch over to his brother Zane, our hero from book five. He plans to sell ASAP and get back to his city life. Once he takes a look at the ranch and Ria Manning he decides he isn’t going anywhere. Ria, a widow, is starting a new life in Montana. However, a buffalo keeps tramping on her land and she is afraid to lose her heart to a man as potent as Landry.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2014/0...
September 8, 2024
I love this book! One of my favorites that I will pull off my bookshelf and reread probably once a year.
April 3, 2017
I seriously cannot believe how many positive reviews this book has gotten. This was one of the worst books I've ever read! There's zero foundation for the romance, the heroine was a blithering idiot and no one behaved in a believable manner. What the heck do all these other reviewers see in it?
So to summarize, there was absolutely no basis for the relationship, the heroine was totally nuts and I guess the hero was too since his was so enamored with the crazy woman, the side plots went absolutely nowhere and none of the characters behaved in a reasonable manner. I don't understand what everyone else sees in this book.
So to summarize, there was absolutely no basis for the relationship, the heroine was totally nuts and I guess the hero was too since his was so enamored with the crazy woman, the side plots went absolutely nowhere and none of the characters behaved in a reasonable manner. I don't understand what everyone else sees in this book.
November 15, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
December 18, 2013
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book
Miller is leaving Parable.. *pouts* I love this place and have been looking all over the Montana map to find it.. Kidding (sort of). While I regret saying goodbye to yet another favorite series, it's always nice when an author knows it's time.
Big Sky Secrets tells the story of Landry Sutton, brother of Zane Sutton from Big Sky Wedding, and Ria Manning, newcomer. These two connect with all the LLM glory. Funny and witty, charming and whimsical.. two people with their own issues, their own lives and their own struggles. LLM doesn't disappoint with the secondary characters either. This time we have.. The Butler.. yep Landry has a butler, a character somewhere between a traditional English butler and Cleo and Opal.. totally fun. And yes there is a young relative in need of guidance, friendship and family, this time it's Kate's niece. Who surprisingly enough finds and adopts a stray dog. I know that might sound predictable but this is Parable and life is supposed to be about family.. The connections are fun.
While Ria is an outsider she makes great connections and has a respectable reputation. Something that doesn't exactly matter to her.. except that she wants to fit in, in her new home. She is a widow and while her marriage was good, it wasn't perfect. And she still suffers from some of the consequences that came from it. Added to that, her sister, is a royal, self righteous, stuck up, pain in the rear who wants Kate to drop everything and help her but hardly speaks a civil word to Kate. Seems Kate's mom was the trophy wife and big sis, well her mom was the woman dad really loved.. and she never lets Kate forget it! A thoroughly unlikeable character and yet Kate manages to accept and forgive her, she is family.
Landry on the other hand is well her sister in the male form. He is not really a snob, ok yes he is, but he is more than that. He and Zane were raised poor by a mother who adored them and ever since his mother's death they have drifted apart. This time in Montana is Zane and Landry's chance to reconnect. It's hard but he is trying. But life is getting a little crazy for Landry and it all evolves around the sexy widow next door. Seems his pet buffalo and her calf have a crush on her. Yes you read that right.. his per buffalo has a crush on Ria.. which means she is ever wandering over there and destroying Ria's livelihood. Landry has some pretty fast talking to do before Ria is going to forgive him.
Ria allows her niece to visit for the summer and together they support each other through life's tragedies but big and small. It is a stereotypical relationship for one of the residents of Parable (said in the best possible manner). The people of Parable care for each other, family comes first! And Ms Miller does a consistently wonderful job sharing that with us.
Like I said, this is a fun book in a sweet and silly series.. but there are some moments in this book that just don't belong. Seems Landry and Ria go to the local honky tonk and she gets a wee bit toasted.. some catty woman posts it on the Internet and tries to slam Ria's rep. It leads to nothing and is quickly shut down by the townspeople. While it shows how decent and good most of the townspeople are it was a wasted scene. I keep wondering who hated Ria so much that she did something like this and why? Also, Landry's father shows up.. while there is a bit more meat to that sub plot it was still superfluous information and didn't need to be there. There is enough going on with these two individuals without added scenes.
There are also a couple of ongoing things that haven't been all tied up in a pretty bow.. Subplots that run throughout the series.. I have to wonder if the new town police chief is ever going to get his comeuppance.. will Parable finally say enough's enough? Slap him upside the head? A minor inconvenience but it will nag at me..
But these issues are little, the overall tone of the book and series overrides any negatives and we have a wonderfully charming series..
Like I said, I will miss Parable, but I am looking forward to Ms Miller's next adventure.. I only hope it's as fun and heartwarming as the people of Parable have been.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Big Sky Secrets, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 31, 2013
Miller is leaving Parable.. *pouts* I love this place and have been looking all over the Montana map to find it.. Kidding (sort of). While I regret saying goodbye to yet another favorite series, it's always nice when an author knows it's time.
Big Sky Secrets tells the story of Landry Sutton, brother of Zane Sutton from Big Sky Wedding, and Ria Manning, newcomer. These two connect with all the LLM glory. Funny and witty, charming and whimsical.. two people with their own issues, their own lives and their own struggles. LLM doesn't disappoint with the secondary characters either. This time we have.. The Butler.. yep Landry has a butler, a character somewhere between a traditional English butler and Cleo and Opal.. totally fun. And yes there is a young relative in need of guidance, friendship and family, this time it's Kate's niece. Who surprisingly enough finds and adopts a stray dog. I know that might sound predictable but this is Parable and life is supposed to be about family.. The connections are fun.
While Ria is an outsider she makes great connections and has a respectable reputation. Something that doesn't exactly matter to her.. except that she wants to fit in, in her new home. She is a widow and while her marriage was good, it wasn't perfect. And she still suffers from some of the consequences that came from it. Added to that, her sister, is a royal, self righteous, stuck up, pain in the rear who wants Kate to drop everything and help her but hardly speaks a civil word to Kate. Seems Kate's mom was the trophy wife and big sis, well her mom was the woman dad really loved.. and she never lets Kate forget it! A thoroughly unlikeable character and yet Kate manages to accept and forgive her, she is family.
Landry on the other hand is well her sister in the male form. He is not really a snob, ok yes he is, but he is more than that. He and Zane were raised poor by a mother who adored them and ever since his mother's death they have drifted apart. This time in Montana is Zane and Landry's chance to reconnect. It's hard but he is trying. But life is getting a little crazy for Landry and it all evolves around the sexy widow next door. Seems his pet buffalo and her calf have a crush on her. Yes you read that right.. his per buffalo has a crush on Ria.. which means she is ever wandering over there and destroying Ria's livelihood. Landry has some pretty fast talking to do before Ria is going to forgive him.
Ria allows her niece to visit for the summer and together they support each other through life's tragedies but big and small. It is a stereotypical relationship for one of the residents of Parable (said in the best possible manner). The people of Parable care for each other, family comes first! And Ms Miller does a consistently wonderful job sharing that with us.
Like I said, this is a fun book in a sweet and silly series.. but there are some moments in this book that just don't belong. Seems Landry and Ria go to the local honky tonk and she gets a wee bit toasted.. some catty woman posts it on the Internet and tries to slam Ria's rep. It leads to nothing and is quickly shut down by the townspeople. While it shows how decent and good most of the townspeople are it was a wasted scene. I keep wondering who hated Ria so much that she did something like this and why? Also, Landry's father shows up.. while there is a bit more meat to that sub plot it was still superfluous information and didn't need to be there. There is enough going on with these two individuals without added scenes.
There are also a couple of ongoing things that haven't been all tied up in a pretty bow.. Subplots that run throughout the series.. I have to wonder if the new town police chief is ever going to get his comeuppance.. will Parable finally say enough's enough? Slap him upside the head? A minor inconvenience but it will nag at me..
But these issues are little, the overall tone of the book and series overrides any negatives and we have a wonderfully charming series..
Like I said, I will miss Parable, but I am looking forward to Ms Miller's next adventure.. I only hope it's as fun and heartwarming as the people of Parable have been.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Big Sky Secrets, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 31, 2013
August 3, 2016
I won my copy of Big Sky Secrets in a Goodreads giveaway. I requested it because I really enjoyed several previous romance novels by the same author.
Normally, once I pick up a romance, I hardly put it down. With this one I found myself looking for excuses to stop reading, but I had a hard time figuring out why. The writing is good. The main characters are relatable. The setting is interesting. There's a kid and a dog. These are all elements that I look for in a romance, and yet I wasn't engaged.
Eventually, I realized it all came down to structure. Other than Landry courting Ria, there isn't really a main plotline. There are several subplots involving family members and social media, but none of them seem to go anywhere or provide obstacles to Landry and Ria's relationship.
Despite this, the love story is stalled for most of the book, with nothing but a few kisses and a handful of conversations to tide us over until the end, when Landry and Ria suddenly decide they're in love and cram all their sex scenes together in a rush to the finish line. Since they hadn't spent enough time together or shared enough of themselves for me to believe they were really in love, it felt forced. At one point Ria even asks "How did we fall in love so quickly?" as if she doesn't believe it either.
As I delved deeper into their characters, I also realized that I wasn't clear on what each of their emotional obstacles were. Ria's focus is split between missing her dead husband and worrying that Landry will be unfaithful like her husband was, while Landry doesn't really have an issue with romance. This puts them an awkward situation where Ria is continually pushing Landry away, forcing him to alternately claim she doesn't know what she wants but he does (insulting) or accede to her wishes and go away (halting story progress).
But, like I said before, it took me a long time to figure all that out, buried as it was beneath the easy-to-read writing style and so many likeable characters (chubby horses, escaped buffalo, scruffy dogs, runaway kids, etc.) so it may not be a problem for you. And given that this is the one merely okay book I've come across by this author, I doubt it will affect my decision to pick up her future books.
Normally, once I pick up a romance, I hardly put it down. With this one I found myself looking for excuses to stop reading, but I had a hard time figuring out why. The writing is good. The main characters are relatable. The setting is interesting. There's a kid and a dog. These are all elements that I look for in a romance, and yet I wasn't engaged.
Eventually, I realized it all came down to structure. Other than Landry courting Ria, there isn't really a main plotline. There are several subplots involving family members and social media, but none of them seem to go anywhere or provide obstacles to Landry and Ria's relationship.
Despite this, the love story is stalled for most of the book, with nothing but a few kisses and a handful of conversations to tide us over until the end, when Landry and Ria suddenly decide they're in love and cram all their sex scenes together in a rush to the finish line. Since they hadn't spent enough time together or shared enough of themselves for me to believe they were really in love, it felt forced. At one point Ria even asks "How did we fall in love so quickly?" as if she doesn't believe it either.
As I delved deeper into their characters, I also realized that I wasn't clear on what each of their emotional obstacles were. Ria's focus is split between missing her dead husband and worrying that Landry will be unfaithful like her husband was, while Landry doesn't really have an issue with romance. This puts them an awkward situation where Ria is continually pushing Landry away, forcing him to alternately claim she doesn't know what she wants but he does (insulting) or accede to her wishes and go away (halting story progress).
But, like I said before, it took me a long time to figure all that out, buried as it was beneath the easy-to-read writing style and so many likeable characters (chubby horses, escaped buffalo, scruffy dogs, runaway kids, etc.) so it may not be a problem for you. And given that this is the one merely okay book I've come across by this author, I doubt it will affect my decision to pick up her future books.
December 30, 2013
I'm sad to say I was disappointed in this one.
More than 75% of the way through I still could not figure out just WHY Landry and Ria liked each other. They didn't like each other, soon they are kissing and daring each other to a date. I love love love bantering couples but the author could have set this up to raise the tension, give their relationship some foundation, and make it seem more real. Instead, much of the story is spent on each character's family drama -- a detail I normally like in Miller's romances -- but with 50 pages to go, Ria and Landry have barely spent adequate time together and it felt a little rushed and insta-love-ish.
I love the Big Sky series for the setting, the cowboys, and the great supporting characters (Ria's 17-year old niece, Quinn was a fantastic addition to this story) but so much of the relationship is very antiquated and black and white. Men have their roles, and women have their own too and this story in particular needed to rid itself of so many stereotypes. There were also a few not okay things happening in the sex scenes (i.e. they stopped using condoms and Ria never noticed until Landry mentioned it later?). Details like this are so unnecessary and plain wrong.
This easily could have been a winner but the plotting was messy, the character development was superficial (why did Ria always feel SO old to me), and there were quite a few details that made me feel uncomfortable and question the believability of this love story.
More than 75% of the way through I still could not figure out just WHY Landry and Ria liked each other. They didn't like each other, soon they are kissing and daring each other to a date. I love love love bantering couples but the author could have set this up to raise the tension, give their relationship some foundation, and make it seem more real. Instead, much of the story is spent on each character's family drama -- a detail I normally like in Miller's romances -- but with 50 pages to go, Ria and Landry have barely spent adequate time together and it felt a little rushed and insta-love-ish.
I love the Big Sky series for the setting, the cowboys, and the great supporting characters (Ria's 17-year old niece, Quinn was a fantastic addition to this story) but so much of the relationship is very antiquated and black and white. Men have their roles, and women have their own too and this story in particular needed to rid itself of so many stereotypes. There were also a few not okay things happening in the sex scenes (i.e. they stopped using condoms and Ria never noticed until Landry mentioned it later?). Details like this are so unnecessary and plain wrong.
This easily could have been a winner but the plotting was messy, the character development was superficial (why did Ria always feel SO old to me), and there were quite a few details that made me feel uncomfortable and question the believability of this love story.
July 17, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
In Three Trees, Montana, Ria and Landry not only dislike each other, but are forced to run into each other regularly being neighbors. When Landry's buffalo escape again, Ria is done being nice. With a runaway niece, estranged father, and difficult aiblings, this book brings a lot of situations and emotions to the table.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, with really well-done characters and a great small-town setting. Plus it was really just a fun, relatable read! The characters, especially Landry and Ria were so much fun. Their banter was funny and made me laugh out loud quite a bit, but the situations and conflicts they faced also helped them grow and change and become really well-rounded, dynamic characters. They were definitely really great leads and made the book all the better. The main story and plot were in and of themselves really well-written and I have to say I am still impressed. I really wasn't expecting much from this book, and I am shocked at how good it was. All the characters were really well-written, and the setting was too, as were the animals. The end was really good, and predictable, of course. But it was a good kind of cheesy, predictable ending. Overall this was a really amazing, enjoyable read, and I am so glad that I got to read it and that I gave it a chance. Definitely a pleasant surprise!
In Three Trees, Montana, Ria and Landry not only dislike each other, but are forced to run into each other regularly being neighbors. When Landry's buffalo escape again, Ria is done being nice. With a runaway niece, estranged father, and difficult aiblings, this book brings a lot of situations and emotions to the table.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, with really well-done characters and a great small-town setting. Plus it was really just a fun, relatable read! The characters, especially Landry and Ria were so much fun. Their banter was funny and made me laugh out loud quite a bit, but the situations and conflicts they faced also helped them grow and change and become really well-rounded, dynamic characters. They were definitely really great leads and made the book all the better. The main story and plot were in and of themselves really well-written and I have to say I am still impressed. I really wasn't expecting much from this book, and I am shocked at how good it was. All the characters were really well-written, and the setting was too, as were the animals. The end was really good, and predictable, of course. But it was a good kind of cheesy, predictable ending. Overall this was a really amazing, enjoyable read, and I am so glad that I got to read it and that I gave it a chance. Definitely a pleasant surprise!
December 8, 2014
3 STARS
"Self-made tycoon Landry Sutton heads to Hangman Bend's Ranch to sell his land to his brother Zane. Though he's got cowboy in his blood, Landry plans to return to city life before the dust even settles on his boots. Of course, he didn't count on falling for Big Sky country...or Ria Manning.Ria's starting to settle into country life herself...until she has a close encounter of the terrifying kind with a buffalo. Turns out the peeping monster belongs to the cowboy next door - and he has her running even more scared than his bison. She wants a home where the buffalo don't roam, and the men don't either. Could Landry's homecoming be her heart's undoing?"(From Amazon)
I did not care for this novel as much and it sucks that this was the last novel in the series. We did get a thumbnail sketch of the other heroes and heroines of past novels but it did not feel like a last novel. The series was still worth the read.
"Self-made tycoon Landry Sutton heads to Hangman Bend's Ranch to sell his land to his brother Zane. Though he's got cowboy in his blood, Landry plans to return to city life before the dust even settles on his boots. Of course, he didn't count on falling for Big Sky country...or Ria Manning.Ria's starting to settle into country life herself...until she has a close encounter of the terrifying kind with a buffalo. Turns out the peeping monster belongs to the cowboy next door - and he has her running even more scared than his bison. She wants a home where the buffalo don't roam, and the men don't either. Could Landry's homecoming be her heart's undoing?"(From Amazon)
I did not care for this novel as much and it sucks that this was the last novel in the series. We did get a thumbnail sketch of the other heroes and heroines of past novels but it did not feel like a last novel. The series was still worth the read.
December 14, 2013
3.5 Cocktails
Big Sky Secrets is the finale of the Parable, Montana series and it’s a great book. The characters are great, and I loved Ria and Landry.
I especially loved the way that the supporting characters were a buffalo, a runaway niece and Ria’s sister and her problems. I also enjoyed getting a glimpse of past characters. I could see someone who hasn’t read the series still being able to sit down and enjoy Ria and Landry’s love story.
I enjoyed that Landry wasn’t even sure if he wanted to stay in Montana, and wasn’t your typical cowboy at times. This is definitely a feel good book that I enjoyed. It’s a good example of why Ms. Miller is considered the top of the western romance genre. She knows how to write a sweet and believable love story with the right amount of Western flair. I recommend this story, it was fun and entertaining.
Reviewed by Sheri for Cocktails and Books
Big Sky Secrets is the finale of the Parable, Montana series and it’s a great book. The characters are great, and I loved Ria and Landry.
I especially loved the way that the supporting characters were a buffalo, a runaway niece and Ria’s sister and her problems. I also enjoyed getting a glimpse of past characters. I could see someone who hasn’t read the series still being able to sit down and enjoy Ria and Landry’s love story.
I enjoyed that Landry wasn’t even sure if he wanted to stay in Montana, and wasn’t your typical cowboy at times. This is definitely a feel good book that I enjoyed. It’s a good example of why Ms. Miller is considered the top of the western romance genre. She knows how to write a sweet and believable love story with the right amount of Western flair. I recommend this story, it was fun and entertaining.
Reviewed by Sheri for Cocktails and Books
October 6, 2014
Honestly, this book and the book before this one could have been combined into one book. I felt like it was really stretched out with overly written descriptions and too much introspection in order to make it a longer novel. As in Big Sky Wedding, I'm not sure how these two fell in love over a couple of weeks. I wasn't too fond of Ria. I thought she was a bit wimpy. I kept expecting her to tell her sister off, but she kept taking her verbal abuse. That was disappointing. I was also a bit put off that Landry never defended himself or Ria when it came to those internet pictures.
So, while I didn't hate it, I didn't exactly love the book. I'm sad that the last two books of this series were a bit disappointing.
So, while I didn't hate it, I didn't exactly love the book. I'm sad that the last two books of this series were a bit disappointing.
February 14, 2014
Self-made tycoon Landry Sutton heads to Hangman Bend's Ranch to sell his land to his brother Zane. Though he's got cowboy in his blood, Landry plans to return to city life before the dust even settles on his boots. Of course, he didn't count on falling for Big Sky Country...or Ria Manning.
Ria's starting to settle into country life herself...until she has a close encounter of the terrifying kind with a buffalo. Turns out the peeping monster belongs to the cowboy next door...and he has her running even more scared than his bison. She wants a home where the buffalo don't roam, and the men don't either. Could Landry's homecoming be her heart's undoing?
Ria's starting to settle into country life herself...until she has a close encounter of the terrifying kind with a buffalo. Turns out the peeping monster belongs to the cowboy next door...and he has her running even more scared than his bison. She wants a home where the buffalo don't roam, and the men don't either. Could Landry's homecoming be her heart's undoing?
June 17, 2019
I didn't like how the synopsis didn't mention that either character had been married before. I like the hero and heroine never to have been married before. But I was glad it was both of them and not just one.
'The sex had been good, he thought, but then, in his experience, which was relatively broad, bad sex was a rarity.' I really hate comments like that.
I didn't like Landry noticing his brother and sister-in-law about to hook up and saying she was 'breathtakingly beautiful.' Don't use the hero of our book to show the desirability of a side character.
Thinking about his sister in law and brother having sex after he left was a little creepy.
'She'd loved Frank passionately--she had--but the best climax she'd ever reached making love with her husband hadn't rattled her as much as the one and only kiss she'd shared with Landry Sutton.' I've read two books this year with this same trope. It needs to stop. Are you telling me a kiss with Landry was better than sex with her husband? Give me a break.
I found this to be a bit old-fashioned, and the black maid and the English butler were very stereotypical. It almost felt like a historical novel, because you don't find many people with butlers and maids, especially out in the country.
I didn't like the father drama, the half sister drama, the little niece showing up. I wasn't interested in those side plots at all.
The book covers mundane details, like washing dishes, putting them in dishwasher, getting out utensils to eat, putting a beer can in the recycling bin. Things I don't care reading about and things you don't have to mention.
We have to hear how they give the dog water from a faucet above one of the horse troughs, how they dump the remaining water in the flower buckets that have been sold out in the dirt by the exhibition hall. All things I don't care about. Just say you gave the dog water, and I doubt anyone would wonder where the water came from.
I found the info on Frank's career as a firefighter to be interesting. As a firefighter/EMT he worked four days on, three days off. They made good money as a firefighter.
'He'd been with plenty of women, before and after Susan, even if the pickings had been a little on the slim side since he lit in Montana and decided to stay awhile, see if he liked the place. There had been a few sexual skirmishes--he was no monk, after all--but he'd been careful to confine most of his adventures to Missoula or great falls, where he could expect some anonymity.'
I just don't need this info.
The character's past was a bit hazy. They didn't seem to know each other very long, yet after a couple kisses he's saying he never desired anyone like her and never would again. When he says he fell in love with her there on the way to the bar I just couldn't believe it. Way too soon in the book for that.
Cowboys wore square-toed boots; only dudes and wannabes wore pointy ones. That was interesting to learn, but ironic considering neither of these characters are country. They're both posers, really.
It really annoyed me how she said she didn't drink alcohol, hadn't since she had red wine in college, then on her first date with Landry, she guzzles a few beers& gets rip roaring drunk and sings 99 bottle of beer on the wall. They don't even have a conversation at the table, she never even speaks, and he doesn't stop her from drinking. Then she throws up, very predictably. He holds her hair, and I just don't know why people find this sweet. I don't want to throw up in front of the guy I like, and I don't want him close enough to hold my hair.
She asks if she ever cheated: '"Not even once. Which is not to say I was never tempted."'
Great to know he was tempted to cheat on his wife. Good stuff.
'"And who said anything about buckle bunnies with rhinestones on their butts?"
Wisely, Landry withheld the observation that those butts were usually fine to look at, and to hell with the rhinestones.'
You're talking about young women here, so that's gross. And also, again, I don't need these comments.
After a shower she miraculously sobers up. Quite something to go from totally drunk to stone-cold sober like that.
'Ria was glad Landry had gone home, that he wasn't there to see her like this--until she wasn't glad. The bastard. She wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for him.'
She's the one who kept guzzling beer like it was going out of fashion. She's an adult responsible for her own actions. You're mostly to blame here, so to put the blame on Landry was ridiculous and unfair.
Ria had realistic views of cheating, unlike the doormats and idiots that are usually in books. Even though she didn't divorce him, she realized that her trust had been broken and without it, there wasn't a real relationship. Also the pain of being betrayed by the person she trusted most, the person who made sacred vows in front of an altar had never gone away. That for one night her husband forgot he loved her. I feel the same way, so I'm glad she didn't forgive him.
They never had a real conversation. They went off horse riding and she told us afterward that they talked of his childhood, funny stories of him and Zane, but we didn't get to hear it ourselves.
Then his butler Highbridge gets mad at Landry, saying he got Ria drunk. Apparently people were taking pictures and videos as if this was a celebrity couple in New York, not some tiny town in Montana. Of course Ria looked bewildered and harried while Landry looked sober, so the evidence is damning even though that's now how it happened at all. Go figure.
'When Zane got home, Brylee would be waiting, warm and willing, in their bed.' Why is he having these thoughts about his sister-in-law. How inappropriate and weird?
There would be no plot without the family drama. It takes away from the main characters. I wanted something to happen, hang out with her friend Brylee, her other friends. Do something else.
Her niece and the dog just ruined the whole romance before it ever started. They didn't even have sex when she was at home alone, even though it looked like the author was setting it up for them to have sex.
There was an overuse of italicized words. Everything her half-sister said was in italics, which was very irritating to read.
For someone who's in love, they only kissed twice and hadn't had sex. That's so unrealistic.
More needed to be written on their background. When Landry commented that Highbridge had moved with him from Chicago, I was thinking what? I thought he'd always been there. It wasn't even clear how long he'd been there or that his butler came with him.
I know Landry moved there because his brother was there and part of the land was his. But I have no idea why Ria moved to Montana from wherever she lived before. Why she left a good job to raise flowers at a farmers market. Had she always loved flowers? Why did she choose Montana?
How many times had Landry and Ria been around each other? What had happened exactly to make them not like each other?
And how does a hotshot businessman from Chicago start bronc riding? Or riding horses for that matter?
Or how Highbridge became friends with Ria. That was an unlikely and slightly bizarre friendship.
For Highbridge being so proper and old-fashioned, he was all up in Landry's business, which was ridiculous.
He referenced a last divorce and a first marriage, as if he'd gotten married and divorced twice to Susan. Really weird.
He talked badly of his wife for wanting to dismiss Highbridge when they left Chicago, yet for the entire book he talked badly to Highbridge and treated him badly, just like the help, as if he's there to serve you. For someone who's embarrassed of having a butler he sure didn't act like it. He was really unlikable the way he treated Highbridge.
'He spotted Brylee first, a vision in shorts, a cotton too and a floppy hat.' I think he's more interested in his sister in law than Ria. You don't use the hero of this book to show how pretty and desirable Brylee is. He should find the heroine more attractive.
"You showed up for a date with Zane in a sexy red dress, a pair of I-mean-business high heels and an attitude, if I recall the scene correctly."
Here again, he's talking to his sister-in-law. What is going on here?
I like enemies to authors but this didn't seem thought out. Idk why they're enemies, for how long, what their past was like, how/when they first met.
Landry does "chores" around the farm but we're never told what. Very lazy writing.
She forgoes the opening night of the rodeo, the biggest thing happening in this book, for balance her books and pay bills. We could have read about fireworks, bands, etc. which is way more exciting.
Without ever saying she was falling in love with him, she goes to the rodeo to get him to stop from
bronc riding and declares herself 'madly in love' with him.
Near the end is when she tells us how she met Landry, only a year earlier at Zane's house. And then her childhood, college years. That's something you should do at the beginning. She said she had sex with a few of the guys she dated in college, but it hadn't been memorable. When before I swore she said her husband was the only man she'd slept with. Because I remember being irritated with the trope of only having been with one man or you're a virgin, or sex wasn't good before the hero.
Idk if there was a reason, pacing or something, that she waited to give us Ria's backstory. By that point, it just felt rushed and late to the game. All of this as she's waiting for Landry to shower so they can have sex after. Very weird place to put that.
The flowers were really repetitive, hearing about daisies and zinnias.
They kissed and a few times and a few days later they were having sex. Just no.
This was cringe-worthy: 'Nubbin of flesh.'
'"How can you be so sure of that, Landry Sutton? That you won't forget, I mean."
"I'm sure. It might have taken me longer to decide if the sex hadn't been so damn good."
That didn't hit me right.
The morning after they have sex for the first time, well multiple times that first night, he says they should apply for a marriage license. Because she might be pregnant. Because he ran out of condoms, yet continued to have sex, and she didn't even realize.
You don't kiss someone a few times, have sex over one night,& then have a shotgun wedding when you don't even know if she's pregnant. There is no romance in that.
It sounded very old fashioned, like he only wanted to marry her cause she might be pregnant. And why don't you wait to see if she's pregnant, instead of assuming? I sure as heck don't wanna get married to someone out of obligation, on the off-chance I might be pregnant, and who only seems to want to marry me because I might be pregnant. This was another old-fashioned element to the book.
They were married three days later and it was just ridiculous. This isn't the 18th century. They didn't even wait to see if she was pregnant. If annoyed me Landry dictated what they'd do and she just went along with it. It wasn't romantic in the slightest. It's psychotic to marry someone barley knowing them, not even dating, only kissing a few times.
Meredith took over the cottage and would live there with Quinn until after high school. Very perfect ending, how real life isn't.
A lot of names were thrown out at the wedding, but I didn't remember who they were. Supposed friends and neighbors who didn't even make a real appearance in here. The only time she talked to Brylee was when she showed up at the cottage and idk if there was even dialogue. They didn't talk about her with Landry. They didn't talk about anything. Brylee didn't even know she liked Landry.
A couple days before the wedding he gave her a necklace and asked her to "go steady" with him. How backwards and ridiculous.
Landry's house was said to be half finished, but I never knew how. Yeah there wasn't much furniture but how was it half built?
'Both rings symbolizing a love as sweeping and eternal as the big Montana sky.' Idts, not these two. There's isn't even romantic, much less sweeping and eternal.
Quinn, a major part of the plot for a while, was ushered offscreen and stayed there the remainder of the book.
The ending with Landry's dad and Ria's half sister ended too unrealistically and perfect.
It took too long to get to the romantic scenes and then it was rapid fire.
Not worth the $2 I paid for it.
The ending was too corny for my tastes. This was lacking in many ways, not enough backstory on the MCs, or interactions with other characters. I didn't believe in their chemistry or HEA. Didn't have much of a plot, just a bunch of filler. Didn't like any of the characters.
I didn't really like Landry. He wasn't actively dislikable, but I didn't find him likable either. He didn't have much of a personality. The humor was the only thing going for this, really. I wouldn't really be interested to read another in this series or really by this author. Sounds like this was wash and repeat of Zane and Brylee's romance. He's arrogant, she doesn't like him. Although they don't really have a good reason why they don't like the guy.
The romance scenes aren't as prominent as I would like. I waited way too long for them.
The dialogue wasn't so good either. People would say things and get no response or the people would wait a while before they would talk. It was weird. The MCs never really had deep, meaningful convos either or gotten to know each other.
It seemed like the buffalo were going to be the focus of the story, but it wasn't. After the opening scene they weren't even an issue again.
I didn't know how he was a cowboy. Talk about posers, he seemed to be one. At least Zane used to rodeo. You don't just up and decide to get on a bronco at 34. That's something you start when you're young.
Why grow flowers and not vegetables? How can you possibly make enough money to sustain yourself only selling flowers on the weekend? How many flowers could people possibly need?
This book helped distract me from some health issues, so I'll always be grateful for that. I didn't think this would be that good, from what I remember of me and my sister reading this author, and that's the case here. I want romance to be more prominent in the story, not to have to wait that long for it. I also didn't like this style of writing. It was too wordy for me, not enough dialogue. The plot was too slow-moving, and there barely was a plot.
I believe I'll be donating this back to the book store I got it from.
'The sex had been good, he thought, but then, in his experience, which was relatively broad, bad sex was a rarity.' I really hate comments like that.
I didn't like Landry noticing his brother and sister-in-law about to hook up and saying she was 'breathtakingly beautiful.' Don't use the hero of our book to show the desirability of a side character.
Thinking about his sister in law and brother having sex after he left was a little creepy.
'She'd loved Frank passionately--she had--but the best climax she'd ever reached making love with her husband hadn't rattled her as much as the one and only kiss she'd shared with Landry Sutton.' I've read two books this year with this same trope. It needs to stop. Are you telling me a kiss with Landry was better than sex with her husband? Give me a break.
I found this to be a bit old-fashioned, and the black maid and the English butler were very stereotypical. It almost felt like a historical novel, because you don't find many people with butlers and maids, especially out in the country.
I didn't like the father drama, the half sister drama, the little niece showing up. I wasn't interested in those side plots at all.
The book covers mundane details, like washing dishes, putting them in dishwasher, getting out utensils to eat, putting a beer can in the recycling bin. Things I don't care reading about and things you don't have to mention.
We have to hear how they give the dog water from a faucet above one of the horse troughs, how they dump the remaining water in the flower buckets that have been sold out in the dirt by the exhibition hall. All things I don't care about. Just say you gave the dog water, and I doubt anyone would wonder where the water came from.
I found the info on Frank's career as a firefighter to be interesting. As a firefighter/EMT he worked four days on, three days off. They made good money as a firefighter.
'He'd been with plenty of women, before and after Susan, even if the pickings had been a little on the slim side since he lit in Montana and decided to stay awhile, see if he liked the place. There had been a few sexual skirmishes--he was no monk, after all--but he'd been careful to confine most of his adventures to Missoula or great falls, where he could expect some anonymity.'
I just don't need this info.
The character's past was a bit hazy. They didn't seem to know each other very long, yet after a couple kisses he's saying he never desired anyone like her and never would again. When he says he fell in love with her there on the way to the bar I just couldn't believe it. Way too soon in the book for that.
Cowboys wore square-toed boots; only dudes and wannabes wore pointy ones. That was interesting to learn, but ironic considering neither of these characters are country. They're both posers, really.
It really annoyed me how she said she didn't drink alcohol, hadn't since she had red wine in college, then on her first date with Landry, she guzzles a few beers& gets rip roaring drunk and sings 99 bottle of beer on the wall. They don't even have a conversation at the table, she never even speaks, and he doesn't stop her from drinking. Then she throws up, very predictably. He holds her hair, and I just don't know why people find this sweet. I don't want to throw up in front of the guy I like, and I don't want him close enough to hold my hair.
She asks if she ever cheated: '"Not even once. Which is not to say I was never tempted."'
Great to know he was tempted to cheat on his wife. Good stuff.
'"And who said anything about buckle bunnies with rhinestones on their butts?"
Wisely, Landry withheld the observation that those butts were usually fine to look at, and to hell with the rhinestones.'
You're talking about young women here, so that's gross. And also, again, I don't need these comments.
After a shower she miraculously sobers up. Quite something to go from totally drunk to stone-cold sober like that.
'Ria was glad Landry had gone home, that he wasn't there to see her like this--until she wasn't glad. The bastard. She wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for him.'
She's the one who kept guzzling beer like it was going out of fashion. She's an adult responsible for her own actions. You're mostly to blame here, so to put the blame on Landry was ridiculous and unfair.
Ria had realistic views of cheating, unlike the doormats and idiots that are usually in books. Even though she didn't divorce him, she realized that her trust had been broken and without it, there wasn't a real relationship. Also the pain of being betrayed by the person she trusted most, the person who made sacred vows in front of an altar had never gone away. That for one night her husband forgot he loved her. I feel the same way, so I'm glad she didn't forgive him.
They never had a real conversation. They went off horse riding and she told us afterward that they talked of his childhood, funny stories of him and Zane, but we didn't get to hear it ourselves.
Then his butler Highbridge gets mad at Landry, saying he got Ria drunk. Apparently people were taking pictures and videos as if this was a celebrity couple in New York, not some tiny town in Montana. Of course Ria looked bewildered and harried while Landry looked sober, so the evidence is damning even though that's now how it happened at all. Go figure.
'When Zane got home, Brylee would be waiting, warm and willing, in their bed.' Why is he having these thoughts about his sister-in-law. How inappropriate and weird?
There would be no plot without the family drama. It takes away from the main characters. I wanted something to happen, hang out with her friend Brylee, her other friends. Do something else.
Her niece and the dog just ruined the whole romance before it ever started. They didn't even have sex when she was at home alone, even though it looked like the author was setting it up for them to have sex.
There was an overuse of italicized words. Everything her half-sister said was in italics, which was very irritating to read.
For someone who's in love, they only kissed twice and hadn't had sex. That's so unrealistic.
More needed to be written on their background. When Landry commented that Highbridge had moved with him from Chicago, I was thinking what? I thought he'd always been there. It wasn't even clear how long he'd been there or that his butler came with him.
I know Landry moved there because his brother was there and part of the land was his. But I have no idea why Ria moved to Montana from wherever she lived before. Why she left a good job to raise flowers at a farmers market. Had she always loved flowers? Why did she choose Montana?
How many times had Landry and Ria been around each other? What had happened exactly to make them not like each other?
And how does a hotshot businessman from Chicago start bronc riding? Or riding horses for that matter?
Or how Highbridge became friends with Ria. That was an unlikely and slightly bizarre friendship.
For Highbridge being so proper and old-fashioned, he was all up in Landry's business, which was ridiculous.
He referenced a last divorce and a first marriage, as if he'd gotten married and divorced twice to Susan. Really weird.
He talked badly of his wife for wanting to dismiss Highbridge when they left Chicago, yet for the entire book he talked badly to Highbridge and treated him badly, just like the help, as if he's there to serve you. For someone who's embarrassed of having a butler he sure didn't act like it. He was really unlikable the way he treated Highbridge.
'He spotted Brylee first, a vision in shorts, a cotton too and a floppy hat.' I think he's more interested in his sister in law than Ria. You don't use the hero of this book to show how pretty and desirable Brylee is. He should find the heroine more attractive.
"You showed up for a date with Zane in a sexy red dress, a pair of I-mean-business high heels and an attitude, if I recall the scene correctly."
Here again, he's talking to his sister-in-law. What is going on here?
I like enemies to authors but this didn't seem thought out. Idk why they're enemies, for how long, what their past was like, how/when they first met.
Landry does "chores" around the farm but we're never told what. Very lazy writing.
She forgoes the opening night of the rodeo, the biggest thing happening in this book, for balance her books and pay bills. We could have read about fireworks, bands, etc. which is way more exciting.
Without ever saying she was falling in love with him, she goes to the rodeo to get him to stop from
bronc riding and declares herself 'madly in love' with him.
Near the end is when she tells us how she met Landry, only a year earlier at Zane's house. And then her childhood, college years. That's something you should do at the beginning. She said she had sex with a few of the guys she dated in college, but it hadn't been memorable. When before I swore she said her husband was the only man she'd slept with. Because I remember being irritated with the trope of only having been with one man or you're a virgin, or sex wasn't good before the hero.
Idk if there was a reason, pacing or something, that she waited to give us Ria's backstory. By that point, it just felt rushed and late to the game. All of this as she's waiting for Landry to shower so they can have sex after. Very weird place to put that.
The flowers were really repetitive, hearing about daisies and zinnias.
They kissed and a few times and a few days later they were having sex. Just no.
This was cringe-worthy: 'Nubbin of flesh.'
'"How can you be so sure of that, Landry Sutton? That you won't forget, I mean."
"I'm sure. It might have taken me longer to decide if the sex hadn't been so damn good."
That didn't hit me right.
The morning after they have sex for the first time, well multiple times that first night, he says they should apply for a marriage license. Because she might be pregnant. Because he ran out of condoms, yet continued to have sex, and she didn't even realize.
You don't kiss someone a few times, have sex over one night,& then have a shotgun wedding when you don't even know if she's pregnant. There is no romance in that.
It sounded very old fashioned, like he only wanted to marry her cause she might be pregnant. And why don't you wait to see if she's pregnant, instead of assuming? I sure as heck don't wanna get married to someone out of obligation, on the off-chance I might be pregnant, and who only seems to want to marry me because I might be pregnant. This was another old-fashioned element to the book.
They were married three days later and it was just ridiculous. This isn't the 18th century. They didn't even wait to see if she was pregnant. If annoyed me Landry dictated what they'd do and she just went along with it. It wasn't romantic in the slightest. It's psychotic to marry someone barley knowing them, not even dating, only kissing a few times.
Meredith took over the cottage and would live there with Quinn until after high school. Very perfect ending, how real life isn't.
A lot of names were thrown out at the wedding, but I didn't remember who they were. Supposed friends and neighbors who didn't even make a real appearance in here. The only time she talked to Brylee was when she showed up at the cottage and idk if there was even dialogue. They didn't talk about her with Landry. They didn't talk about anything. Brylee didn't even know she liked Landry.
A couple days before the wedding he gave her a necklace and asked her to "go steady" with him. How backwards and ridiculous.
Landry's house was said to be half finished, but I never knew how. Yeah there wasn't much furniture but how was it half built?
'Both rings symbolizing a love as sweeping and eternal as the big Montana sky.' Idts, not these two. There's isn't even romantic, much less sweeping and eternal.
Quinn, a major part of the plot for a while, was ushered offscreen and stayed there the remainder of the book.
The ending with Landry's dad and Ria's half sister ended too unrealistically and perfect.
It took too long to get to the romantic scenes and then it was rapid fire.
Not worth the $2 I paid for it.
The ending was too corny for my tastes. This was lacking in many ways, not enough backstory on the MCs, or interactions with other characters. I didn't believe in their chemistry or HEA. Didn't have much of a plot, just a bunch of filler. Didn't like any of the characters.
I didn't really like Landry. He wasn't actively dislikable, but I didn't find him likable either. He didn't have much of a personality. The humor was the only thing going for this, really. I wouldn't really be interested to read another in this series or really by this author. Sounds like this was wash and repeat of Zane and Brylee's romance. He's arrogant, she doesn't like him. Although they don't really have a good reason why they don't like the guy.
The romance scenes aren't as prominent as I would like. I waited way too long for them.
The dialogue wasn't so good either. People would say things and get no response or the people would wait a while before they would talk. It was weird. The MCs never really had deep, meaningful convos either or gotten to know each other.
It seemed like the buffalo were going to be the focus of the story, but it wasn't. After the opening scene they weren't even an issue again.
I didn't know how he was a cowboy. Talk about posers, he seemed to be one. At least Zane used to rodeo. You don't just up and decide to get on a bronco at 34. That's something you start when you're young.
Why grow flowers and not vegetables? How can you possibly make enough money to sustain yourself only selling flowers on the weekend? How many flowers could people possibly need?
This book helped distract me from some health issues, so I'll always be grateful for that. I didn't think this would be that good, from what I remember of me and my sister reading this author, and that's the case here. I want romance to be more prominent in the story, not to have to wait that long for it. I also didn't like this style of writing. It was too wordy for me, not enough dialogue. The plot was too slow-moving, and there barely was a plot.
I believe I'll be donating this back to the book store I got it from.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2016
In the previous book, Landry was a "tycoon, city slicker". Now all of a sudden he's a bronc buster? Please.
It was also all angst until the last two chapters, and the whole book only spanned one week in Landry & Ria's story. While reading, this was not apparent, so it made the rush to the ending all that more abrupt.
I'm glad this series is over.
It was also all angst until the last two chapters, and the whole book only spanned one week in Landry & Ria's story. While reading, this was not apparent, so it made the rush to the ending all that more abrupt.
I'm glad this series is over.
June 10, 2014
Not her best. There were too many twists that seemed to be put there for the convenience of the plot. The buffalo got out only once, the dog adapted easily, and the half-sister was completely illogical. Nothing made sense, so I, too, will not be over-anxious to read the next one.
November 29, 2024
Before I review this book, I have one question. Why in the world is this book called Big Sky Secrets? What was the secret? Did I miss it?
I mean ok there were two teeny secrets, I guess, but not enough to call it that. In my mind, at least, obviously, the author saw it differently.
My mother has a handful of favorite authors, and I had read them all except Linda Lael Miller. This will not be the last book I read by this author.
So Landry and Ria are neighbors, and both are new to living in the great wide open lands of Montana. I suppose both were running away from who they thought they were and finding who they actually are.
Landry has decided to have buffalo, and they continually get loose and stomp all over her flower fields, usually taking a snack break.
Also, Ria has decided to hate Landry, and he finds that pretty comical. I guess he can see how attracted she is? I don't know, but he kisses her while she still thinks she hates him.
Then Ria's neice Quinn runs away from home. He runs from a mother who wants her daughter to call her by her first name. I don't care about Meredith's issues. She didn't deserve Quinn. I think this part of the story got wrapped up too easily.
Landry gets Ria to agree to a date, and at the bar or whatever Boot Scoot would be called , Ria sees all the perfect girls, and out of uncomfortableness, she gets really drunk. I'm a little confused about the attention from that. Why would anyone care? Do I need to live in Montana to get this part?
Landry has a butler, which is pretty comical on a trying to be ranch. Highbridge is part mother hen/ part concious to Landry. Landry doesn't always love that, though. He is not happy when he thinks Landry is mistreating Ria, who he considers a personal friend.
Honestly, this book went by so fast that I was truly confused when I saw it was almost done. Where was the big problem? I guess there was a quiet space. I was waiting for a big blow-up.
I have to read more Linda Lael Miller books to see if this is how she writes. It's a nice change.
The two things that I suppose are the "secrets" didn't even make my review because they really felt like barely an issue. I guess the one is why Ria is so gun shy, but I'd hardly call it a secret.
I mean ok there were two teeny secrets, I guess, but not enough to call it that. In my mind, at least, obviously, the author saw it differently.
My mother has a handful of favorite authors, and I had read them all except Linda Lael Miller. This will not be the last book I read by this author.
So Landry and Ria are neighbors, and both are new to living in the great wide open lands of Montana. I suppose both were running away from who they thought they were and finding who they actually are.
Landry has decided to have buffalo, and they continually get loose and stomp all over her flower fields, usually taking a snack break.
Also, Ria has decided to hate Landry, and he finds that pretty comical. I guess he can see how attracted she is? I don't know, but he kisses her while she still thinks she hates him.
Then Ria's neice Quinn runs away from home. He runs from a mother who wants her daughter to call her by her first name. I don't care about Meredith's issues. She didn't deserve Quinn. I think this part of the story got wrapped up too easily.
Landry gets Ria to agree to a date, and at the bar or whatever Boot Scoot would be called , Ria sees all the perfect girls, and out of uncomfortableness, she gets really drunk. I'm a little confused about the attention from that. Why would anyone care? Do I need to live in Montana to get this part?
Landry has a butler, which is pretty comical on a trying to be ranch. Highbridge is part mother hen/ part concious to Landry. Landry doesn't always love that, though. He is not happy when he thinks Landry is mistreating Ria, who he considers a personal friend.
Honestly, this book went by so fast that I was truly confused when I saw it was almost done. Where was the big problem? I guess there was a quiet space. I was waiting for a big blow-up.
I have to read more Linda Lael Miller books to see if this is how she writes. It's a nice change.
The two things that I suppose are the "secrets" didn't even make my review because they really felt like barely an issue. I guess the one is why Ria is so gun shy, but I'd hardly call it a secret.
June 23, 2025
This is the 6th entry in this enjoyable series.
Landry and Zane Sutton were raised almost entirely by their mother, with a father who showed up broke, looking for a place to stay and or a handout, before he hit the road again.
Zane had hit the rodeo circuit, before being "discovered" by Hollywood. Now retired, he lives with his bride on his half of Hangman Bend Ranch.
Landry went to Chicago, earned a degree, worked his way up the ladder at Ingersoll Industries, marrying the boss's daughter. He had made his fortune by putting in long grueling hours, hours that destroyed his marriage. He'd left Chicago behind a year ago, started building a house on his half of the ranch and exists there with the butler he had inherited from his ex-wife. Now he's at a crossroads, does he stay, or does he go? But, after sharing a kiss with one Ria Manning, he might just have to see if that will go anywhere.
Ria Manning, the byproduct of a marriage between a Las Vegas showgirl and a business owner. With his death the majority of his assets went to his oldest daughter and next to nothing to his second wide and youngest daughter. Ria has married her childhood sweetheart, a fireman named Frank, and had lost him in a fire. After his death she's seen an advertisement for a farm in Parable, MT, bought it and had picked up stakes, moved to Parable and became a professional flower grower.
Meanwhile, Ria's niece, Quinn, after an argument with her mother, hitchhikes to Parable, adopting a dog, Bones, along the way. Ria's sister, Meredith finds out that her financial advisors have stolen all her money and she's broke. And she shows up to mend fences with her daughter and perhaps her sister as well.
And after a disaster first date, can Landry and Ria try again to make a go of it?
Also, included in this book is the novella, A Magnolia Reunion - Jennie Copley has returned home between assignments to celebrate her grandmother's 90th birthday. Upon arrival, she immediately meets her one-time boyfriend, Lucas Michaels, the boy who broke her heart. In the years since she left, Lucas has turned his life around, can he prove to Jennie that he's worthy of her love and worthy of a second chance?
Landry and Zane Sutton were raised almost entirely by their mother, with a father who showed up broke, looking for a place to stay and or a handout, before he hit the road again.
Zane had hit the rodeo circuit, before being "discovered" by Hollywood. Now retired, he lives with his bride on his half of Hangman Bend Ranch.
Landry went to Chicago, earned a degree, worked his way up the ladder at Ingersoll Industries, marrying the boss's daughter. He had made his fortune by putting in long grueling hours, hours that destroyed his marriage. He'd left Chicago behind a year ago, started building a house on his half of the ranch and exists there with the butler he had inherited from his ex-wife. Now he's at a crossroads, does he stay, or does he go? But, after sharing a kiss with one Ria Manning, he might just have to see if that will go anywhere.
Ria Manning, the byproduct of a marriage between a Las Vegas showgirl and a business owner. With his death the majority of his assets went to his oldest daughter and next to nothing to his second wide and youngest daughter. Ria has married her childhood sweetheart, a fireman named Frank, and had lost him in a fire. After his death she's seen an advertisement for a farm in Parable, MT, bought it and had picked up stakes, moved to Parable and became a professional flower grower.
Meanwhile, Ria's niece, Quinn, after an argument with her mother, hitchhikes to Parable, adopting a dog, Bones, along the way. Ria's sister, Meredith finds out that her financial advisors have stolen all her money and she's broke. And she shows up to mend fences with her daughter and perhaps her sister as well.
And after a disaster first date, can Landry and Ria try again to make a go of it?
Also, included in this book is the novella, A Magnolia Reunion - Jennie Copley has returned home between assignments to celebrate her grandmother's 90th birthday. Upon arrival, she immediately meets her one-time boyfriend, Lucas Michaels, the boy who broke her heart. In the years since she left, Lucas has turned his life around, can he prove to Jennie that he's worthy of her love and worthy of a second chance?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2020
No one does western romance better than Linda Lael Miller. She’s one of my very favorite authors – as in, I own and have read well over 100 of her books. Her McKettricks series includes both historical and contemporary stories; they reside at the top of my “Love to Re-Read” list, and they introduced me to some of my all-time most loved characters.
For all those reasons, I am a bit sad to give Big Sky Secrets only 2 stars **
I fully comprehend that there is a specific formula for writing successful romance, and after 37 years of writing them, Miller is far more of an expert than I. Add to that the fact that this book has been published 21 times and in 4 different languages…obviously, it has been a big hit.
Unfortunately, though, I never engaged in the characters nor their journey. The hurdles they had to overcome were stated over and over until they felt boring and tedious; the backstory was disjointed segments scattered throughout as afterthoughts.
On top of that, I sensed that the reoccurring characters (from other books in the Parable, Montana “Big Sky” series) were thrown in randomly; if I was not already familiar with them from reading those her previous books, I’d wonder why they were mentioned at all in this one.
But I’m not a quitter…I will definitely be reading more of Miller’s work, more love stories, and more about irresistible country boys.
https://meandcoach.com/the-library-2/...
For all those reasons, I am a bit sad to give Big Sky Secrets only 2 stars **
I fully comprehend that there is a specific formula for writing successful romance, and after 37 years of writing them, Miller is far more of an expert than I. Add to that the fact that this book has been published 21 times and in 4 different languages…obviously, it has been a big hit.
Unfortunately, though, I never engaged in the characters nor their journey. The hurdles they had to overcome were stated over and over until they felt boring and tedious; the backstory was disjointed segments scattered throughout as afterthoughts.
On top of that, I sensed that the reoccurring characters (from other books in the Parable, Montana “Big Sky” series) were thrown in randomly; if I was not already familiar with them from reading those her previous books, I’d wonder why they were mentioned at all in this one.
But I’m not a quitter…I will definitely be reading more of Miller’s work, more love stories, and more about irresistible country boys.
https://meandcoach.com/the-library-2/...
December 23, 2021
At the end of book 5 in the series Zane marries then beds Brylee, sister of Walker Parish and a tycoon in her own right. Zane has adopted guardianship of his half-brother Nash and their home is presided over by the formidable Cleo, organizer extraodinaire.
As this, book 6, begins his brother Landry has moved to Montana from Chicago to his half of the ranch they co-own and acquired a pregnant Buffalo. In the opening chapter he has just been thrown off a cayuse three times. His cowboy bona fides are in question.
The idea of an English Butler on a working Montana Ranch is as ridiculous as a Bison in a petunia bed. The bison would seem to be determined to bring their owner and the flower grower together.
The storyline brings to mind two thoughts:
That no matter how much you trust the people who manage your affairs you have a duty to be sufficiently conversant to be assured that your trust is properly placed, after all, you sign all those documents.
I witnessed a couple divorce, sell their home, and file separate changes of address all while their two children were at summer camp.
We learn about Ria’s firefighter husband Frank and the building collapse that made her a widow and his one alcohol fueled night of infidelity. She still wears his ring as they never had a chance to fully reconcile.
When the couple do get together the sex scenes are described in agonizing detail.
As this, book 6, begins his brother Landry has moved to Montana from Chicago to his half of the ranch they co-own and acquired a pregnant Buffalo. In the opening chapter he has just been thrown off a cayuse three times. His cowboy bona fides are in question.
The idea of an English Butler on a working Montana Ranch is as ridiculous as a Bison in a petunia bed. The bison would seem to be determined to bring their owner and the flower grower together.
The storyline brings to mind two thoughts:
That no matter how much you trust the people who manage your affairs you have a duty to be sufficiently conversant to be assured that your trust is properly placed, after all, you sign all those documents.
I witnessed a couple divorce, sell their home, and file separate changes of address all while their two children were at summer camp.
We learn about Ria’s firefighter husband Frank and the building collapse that made her a widow and his one alcohol fueled night of infidelity. She still wears his ring as they never had a chance to fully reconcile.
When the couple do get together the sex scenes are described in agonizing detail.
June 13, 2020
A feel-good romance that leaves you with the warm fuzzies! Ria and Landry are both hurt and wandering, trying to figure out exactly where they belong in life. Though there are still fences to mend at the end of the book, they have at least figured out that they belong with each other, regardless of whatever else life throws at them. I liked that they both had support (and antagonism) from their families but ultimately, they both had to figure their feelings and their course out for themselves. It's fun to see two such strong (but lost) souls find each other. I also appreciated that they recognized the clashes their strong personalities were likely to bring out in one another (for the rest of their lives) but that they could admit they loved each other in spite of (or because of) those fireworks and sparks.
February 9, 2018
Big Sky Secrets by Linda Lael Miller. Landry Sutton is self made tycoon. He goes to his family ranch wanting to sell his portion to his brother. Landry is not sure what he wants to do. He has a big house on his ranch that is not finished. Landry is at loose ends. Then he meets Ria Manning. There is something about her that he likes. He ends up teasing her a lot. Landry had buffalo. One of the mama buffalo and her baby keep getting out and going to Ria's house and eating her flowers. Landry has to go get them. They are big babies he says. Landry and Ria end up together and living in his big ranch house. Lots of funny things go on between the time they meet until the time they get married. A good read.
August 27, 2017
not sure why the title Big Sky Secret as I'm not sure what the secret was but I could have missed it.
I think out of the 6 Big Sky Secrets the lead male and female were my favorite. It was a very predictable love story but if your in the mood for that a nice read.
I'm wondering if the author could have not made so many of these books with so many different characters and just gone deeper with the ones she had. With a couple of these six books I would have loved to read more about the characters and hear more about their lives with all the details.
I think out of the 6 Big Sky Secrets the lead male and female were my favorite. It was a very predictable love story but if your in the mood for that a nice read.
I'm wondering if the author could have not made so many of these books with so many different characters and just gone deeper with the ones she had. With a couple of these six books I would have loved to read more about the characters and hear more about their lives with all the details.
December 29, 2021
I've read other books by Linda Lael Miller and really enjoyed them, which is what spurred me to buy this series of books. This series was a big disappointment. Some of the books were better than others, but in general they all had a stray pet and/or a stray child taken in by the hero or heroine. I feel that there were plot holes left hanging. I never saw the build-up of attraction between Ria and Landry. They can't stand each other and then all of a sudden he kisses her and they love each other. I am happy to have completed this series because it was more of a chore than a pleasure.
May 7, 2024
Found the characters of Landry and Ria a bit strange.
Landry left his life in a boardroom to see if he could become a succesful rancher like his half brother.
Ria gives up her Corporate accounting job and buys a farm to grow and sell fresh flowers.
I love the way that Ria accepts her niece without question when she runs aways from hom.
Loved the character of Highbridge the butler - but couldn't figure out why he followed Landry to an out of the way ranch.
There was zero chemistry between Ria and Landry and suddenly they are falling over each other
Landry left his life in a boardroom to see if he could become a succesful rancher like his half brother.
Ria gives up her Corporate accounting job and buys a farm to grow and sell fresh flowers.
I love the way that Ria accepts her niece without question when she runs aways from hom.
Loved the character of Highbridge the butler - but couldn't figure out why he followed Landry to an out of the way ranch.
There was zero chemistry between Ria and Landry and suddenly they are falling over each other
June 16, 2025
I just could not get behind the way Landry changed from an obnoxious city slicker (from the previous book) into a bona fide cowboy in a year. I found the dynamic between Ria and Landry to be awkward. I understand people can change and not every romance is the same however this story just wasn't for me. I really wanted to finish out the series so I continued on with the book. I thought the best relationship in this book was the one between Ria and Quinn. Overall I enjoyed the series immensely.
October 8, 2020
Ria grows flowers at her little cottage for a living. When Landry’s buffalo come and start to eat her flowers. Begins their love story. Ria starting over after the death of her husband. Ria niece Quinn comes to stay with her and helps out with the flowers her mother Meridth is Ria half sister. She loses everything. They take Ria house when Ria and Landry get married.
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