The McKettrick Way

McKettricks #9

by Linda Lael Miller

She wanted his baby and he wanted her.Meg McKettrick longs for a baby husband optional. Perfect father material is gorgeous Brad O'Ballivan, old flame and new owner of his family's ranch in Stone Creek.

But Meg as strong, proud and stubborn as her ancestors on Indian Rock's Triple M ranch wants to do things her way the McKettrick way. And Brad feels just as strongly about the O'Ballivan way. Love, marriage, babies and a lifetime to share that's what Brad wants.

Not a single night of pasion, an unexpected pregnancy and a woman who won't budge. For a rugged rodeo cowboy who never gives up, it's a battle of wills he intends to winand nothing matters more than claiming Meg's wild McKettrick heart.

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

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2007

About the author

The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a spacious property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.

Reviews

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
===============
He offered her a ring and asked her to marry him, and then he left and never contacted her again.
Our heroine is a poor thing who was kicked into the curb by the hero ... he went on with his life, married twice and had countless women, all while she was left behind as yesterday's garbage.
No sympathy for him and pity for her. She should have moved on and built the family she wanted so badly.
If the hero had had children with any of his women, I doubt he would even remember her existence.
Where's McKettrick's backbone and pride? It must have been lost over the generations.

"You're back," Olivia said, sounding nonplussed. The eldest of Brad's three younger sisters, at twenty-nine, she'd never quite forgiven him for leaving home—

God, she was proud. She'd let him pay for her education, but returned every other check he or his accountant sent with the words NO THANKS scrawled across the front in thick black capitals.

"You used to date Brad O'Ballivan, didn't you, Meg?" "That—that was a long time ago," Meg said as graciously as she could, given that she was right in the middle of a panic attack.

"How about the two ex-wives and that scandal with the actress?" His grin, insouciant in the first place, merely widened. "Unfortunately, I can't deny the two ex-wives," he said. "As for the actress—well, it all depends on whether you believe her version or mine. Have you been following my career, Meg McKettrick?"

Brad had hurt her so badly, she'd thought she'd never recover. For years after he'd dumped her to go to Nashville, she'd barely been able to come back to Indian Rock, and when she had, she'd driven straight to the Dixie Dog, against her will, sat in some rental car, and cried like an idiot.

She'd stopped believing in a lot of things when Brad O'Ballivan ditched her.

"I know how he's been—rich and famous, married twice, busy building a reputation that makes Jesse's look tame," she said.

"No," Meg replied, fighting back furious tears. "You were ambitious. And of course the bride's father owned a recording company—"

"We were supposed to elope. And then you got on a bus and went to Nashville and married what's-her-name!"

"I couldn't have married you, Meg." "Pardon my confusion. You gave me an engagement ring and proposed!"

Valerie's dad had heard my demo and he was willing to give me an audition.

"So you just hooked up with Valerie?"

"I'm assuming she was a rich kid, just like me? I guess you didn't mind if she saved the old homestead with a chunk of her trust fund."

"She miscarried. We divorced amicably, after trying to make it work for a couple of years.

"Do you want to hear about the second marriage?" "I don't think I'm up to that,"

"I plan on staying," he confirmed. "I told you that, didn't I?" You also told me we 'd get married and you 'd love me forever.

She'd wanted a baby, all right. And she'd conceived one, with Brad, and miscarried soon after he left for Nashville.

"Carly," said Ted Ledger, "say hello." "Hello," Carly complied grudgingly. Looking at the child, Meg couldn't help thinking that the baby she'd lost would have been about this same age, if it hadn't been for the miscarriage.

"She's about the same age as your baby would have been," Eve said.

"You even started a production company once." "Cynthia got it in the divorce," Phil confided, as thougt Brad wasn't standing there. "The production company, I mean. I think that soured him."

At four-thirty that afternoon, the movie contract sputtered out of the fax machine in Brad's study. He read it, signed it and faxed it back.

Ted's looking for the same thing I am. A second chance with you." She looked taken aback. "Maybe," she agreed. "But he sure took his sweet time putting in an appearance, and so did you,"

"I'd be perfect for the female lead in this movie," Cynthia Donnigan said, tottering toward him on spiked heels that sank into the dirt.

Cynthia simmered. "Hello," she responded, in a dangerous purr. "You must be the girl Brad left behind."

Meg gave him a light poke with her elbow. "I know you must have loved her once. After all, you married her."

"We hooked up after a party. Six weeks later, she called and told me she was pregnant, and the baby was mine. I married her, because she said she was going to get an abortion if I didn't. I went on tour—she wanted to go along and I refused. Frankly, I wasn't ready to present Cynthia to the world as my adored bride. She called the press in, gave them pictures of the 'wedding.' And then, just to make sure I knew what it meant to cross her, she had the abortion anyway."

"I care for you, Meg McKettrick," he said. "I tried hard—with Valerie, even with Cynthia—but it never worked. I was always thinking about you—

"That young man," Ted said, "is in love with you." "He left me, too," Meg said without meaning to expose the , rawest nerve in her psyche. "It's a pattern. First you, then Brad."

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok, so i'm reading these in order because I was told that I HAD to read them in order and i'm running out of things to say.
the series is wonderful, and every book has a very unique way of making me go ....WHOA!
I dont particularly like that this book had SO much going on and SO much was introduced, but I concentrated and got thru it and hopefully remember everything ....
And for the record .... i see dead people ... DID NOT SEE THAT ONE COMING!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fast read, and I enjoy reading about the McKettricks.

[Arines · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just another notsupposedtobetogetherjustcutyourloseandmoveon


The H so not worth it

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I didn't give this one five stars I did like the book a lot. There is a thread that run through all of the McKettrick books that is interesting. In this one in particular Meg can see the ghost of her many great grandfather, and has regular conversations. It is a fun little twist. Meg is a woman that is lonesome and hasn't been able to find love after the love of her life went off to Nashville to become a star. Now that lost love is back in town. Brad O'Ballivan is sick of the fast lane and ready to get back to basic life in his home town. He has never forgotten Meg and what whe ment to him. He just let a lot of things get in the way of being with her. Now he is ready to follow up with his love for Meg and see where all of this leads. I found their story fun and fanciful while Meg talks to her many great grandfather and Brad is dealing with a little sister that can talk to animals. Their path to finding their love again is touching and very worth your time. Since this is a Silhouette Romance it is an easy and fast read.

[Yodamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook- I picked this up having never read this author before and hardly anything from this gene. I was looking for something positive, a feel good read. I hit a winner here. I felt like I slipped into a John Wayne western where everything was good honest and wholesome. Even the 'bad' guys had a respectable quality. The characters in the book are people you want to know, people you can repeat and relate too. I enjoyed it, I smiled, I remembered my grandparents farm and felt good when it was done. I plan on reading much more from this author. Who doesn't like to feel warm and happy after finishing a book ?

[Stacie]

This was a quick read with the typical romance story. This is the fouth in the series about the McKettrick family. The main characters have a history with each other. The male character left the woman behind in their home town. Then comes home after two failed marriages and comes back claiming that he just could never get over her. I thought the reasons given were weak and not good enough to redeem this character.

[Lady · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually didn't like it, the reasons that the hero had for leaving the heroine and for marrying another woman were stupid to my way of thinking, then he couldn't find it in his heart to forgive her for not telling him about a baby of theirs she was carrying before he left and then misscarriaged a little while after he left and married another woman. She didn't tell him cause he was GONE! Off to marry another!!!!!!!!!!! Why is he so high and mighty? So I didn't like it at all.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: McKettrick Women

[Andrea Guy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Sierra's story ages ago, and thought I'd enjoy this one. Linda Lael Miller is a name that is a go to for contemporary western's when it comes to Harlequin romances.

It took me several days to finish this 248 page book. That's absolutely nuts. A day or two yes? More than that? UGH!

It was a passable read but for me there was more wrong with it than right.

1. Meg and Brad have a past and they both seemed to have not gotten past their young love for each other. (Does this ever really happen in real life) This second chance trope is probably the most annoying of all romance tropes.

2. He left to become a big time star (Country music, of course) and now he's back home to run the ranch and he's only in his 30s? Huh?

3. Meg is the ghost of one of her ancestors. (This is actually one of the only cool parts of the story) But it really is a way out there plotline

4. Brad gets offered a chance to do a movie on the ranch. Oh and one of his ex wives is going to star in it.

5. Meg's estranged father shows up with a sister for her and you guessed it, he's dying.

OK, so I may be offering a spoiler or two here, but I think the main thing you can take away is there is an awful lot going on in such a short book and I'm not really even touching on all of it.

It is just way too busy, with stuff from Meg's life to stuff from Brad's life and his sister and her strange ability in regards to animals, especially the wild horse "Ransom."

There was just WAY WAY too much going on. And though Meg and Brad have a past and have some chemistry, its hard to figure out why they are in love, or ever were in love.

Now I'm not saying this is a bad book. Linda Lael Miller does keep your attention, especially with all the plot twists. It just isn't a great book, but if you are a fan of western romances, you probably will enjoy this one at least a little bit.

[Brett Bickham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Miller wrote this novel for the pleasure reader. I felt like I was graduating High School again with a world of opportunities! Students don't have the time to read for pleasure. A lot of young professionals and parents don't have the extra time either. Reading for the pure pleasure of reading, affords us the ability to escape the realities of life's difficulties and responsibilities. In "The McKettrick Way" Meg McKettrick and Brad O'Ballivan both inherited large ranches. Both Meg and Brad had retired before the age of 30. Meg's family had sold their family business and Brad walked away from his famous life of a country singer. Both of their ranches were large and grand with plenty of ranch hands to do all the work. Money was not a problem. Their families did not have any problems either. Brad paid for his sister's undergraduate and veterinary school education. We buy Lotto tickets because of the dream of winning. As young adults we work hard hoping to achieve our dreams. Reading books like this helps us hold on to our dreams. This book is well written and the addition of the 150-year-old Angus McKettrick, that only Meg was able to see and speak to, was brilliant!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Meg McKetterick has had a secret friend all her life. Because of Eve McKetterick's problems with drugs and alcohol after the kidnapping of Meg's sister, Sierra, Angus McKetterick has been with her through her troubled life. She was in love with Brad O'Ballivan in High School. They were supposed to marry after graduation but he found a new girl whose father could help his music career and left Meg waiting. She's still waiting. Brad has returned. Their troubled romance and so much more makes this a wonderful read.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I didn't think much of Brad O'Ballivan, particularly after the two ex-wives came up, and thought Meg could do better, I finally came to enjoy Brad's kindness and love of the land and animals, especially since he was a big-deal country singer who could have easily just brushed people off. The movie turned out to be a non-event with little coverage in the book, and I would have liked to have an charitable event where he actually sings, but on the whole, the story is a good one and ends well. I particularly am interested in Olivia. What a character she made!

[What to read next ....... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome Read 😀

A nice quick , entertaining read that put a smile on my face .

Meg McKettrick is home , after leaving her corporate career, back in Triple M ranch , Indian Rock Arizonia .

Brad O’ Ballivan an ex boyfriend that broke Meg’s heart is back home also .

Meg never stopped loving Brad , and of course they meet again.

Brad is ready to settle down, recently retired from the music industry, now wants a family, and that is only with his one true love Meg .

[Jeanne (love2cook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this on going series of the McKettrick family. This is about Meg McKettrick and her one time boyfriend Brad O'Ballivan. Brad left Meg and went to Nashville to become a singing star. Now that he has made the money he needed and lives the so called good life, he's back home and trying to make it back into Meg's life. A good little western romance story.

[Regina Mastrogiacomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, but a little unbelievable. It was hard to believe that Meg forgave Brad who left her, but when she tells him she's had a miscarriage he gets mad at her, even though he left and didn't call or write and had two marriage.

[TinaMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brad returns to the ranch and retires from his music career. Meg and Brad were together before he left to pursue his music career. But when he left he never came back for her. He hopes to win her back. Meg's ancestor Angus haunts her until he feels she's sorted.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. An easy read, but very predictable and similar to others in the series.

[Angela]

5

[Joyce Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love,love ,love these books

I love all the books about the McKettrick ,there has been nothing that I disliked. I would recommend all of Linda Lael Books.

[Jean Katchmar]

Meg McKettrick and Brad O'Ballivan share a history and maybe this time they can get it right!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all her books

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book combined 2 of my favorite subjects, cowboys & musicians. Loved the way she introduced the love interests.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meg necesita un poco de amor propio y no dejar que Brad se saliera con la suya tan rápido.

[Erica Chaillot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun addition to the series.

[Happy Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I was happy to find The McKettrick Way on Kindle unlimited. I highly recommend the author Linda Lael Miller and all of this author's books.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The McKettricks Way was confusing to me when bringing the characters from other stories together. But I liked it. Mountain Sherrif was def not a favorite of mine. The relationship between the two main characters was odd and they didn’t seem like a match at all.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. This was a fairly calm, sweet reunion romance. Brad had come back to Stone Creek tired of his life on the road as a country music star. Now he plans to get back to his ranching roots and spend time with his sisters. He also hopes to see Meg McKettrick again and make amends for the way he left so many years ago. I liked Brad a lot. He is a nice guy, not one of those stuck up type of stars. I liked his initial meeting with Meg and the sense of humor that he showed at all of her comments. He knew he had messed up when he left, but he had never forgotten her and now realized that the feelings were still there too. There were some things in their past that he hadn't known about that he had to come to terms with and his time with Meg's family helped with that. I enjoyed seeing his resistance to the efforts of his manager to get him reinvolved in the business and how his sister nagged him too. I also liked the way that he and Meg didn't rush things at the end.

Meg was back on the ranch and sort of enjoying the time after being so busy with the family business. She is surprised to hear that Brad is back, supposedly to stay. There is still a connection between them that she can't deny. I really enjoyed their conversations and the way she constantly gives him a hard time. One thing that she has realized lately is that she really wants is a baby and Brad would be exactly the father she wants, but she is also afraid to trust him with her heart again. She found that she couldn't stay away from him and also that her love for him had never gone away. Just when things were starting to look out he finds out about her secret and she has to deal with his feelings over that. I thought she dealt pretty well with the appearance of her father and an unknown 12 year old sister. She was wonderful with Carly and handled her attitude in a realistic way. I really enjoyed her interactions with Angus's ghost, she gave him a real taste of what modern women are like. I would have liked to see a bit more of Brad and Meg together and how they were overcoming their issues, but overall a good story.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The McKettrick Way is a special edition of the McKettrick Women series by Linda Lael Miller. It is a good story but after so many of the McKettrick novels, much of it is repetitious with explanations as to who everyone is. You almost think you have read this before when you haven’t. However, once it gets past that, it becomes a good story. Linda did a fantastic job with her characters and plot. You feel as if you are there with those wonderful people as you read.
Meg McKettrick is content to live the life of leisure since the McKettrick organization was bought out by another company. After working there for years without a vacation, Meg has a pretty substantial bank account and with her shares will continue to make money. She can do what she wishes. To her that is living in the house on the ranch and having horses and cows to feed, then having time to just enjoy life. She would love to have a husband and babies; but that doesn’t seem to be in her future. Her love went to Brad O’Ballivan long ago. Now she lives with the ghost of Angus McKettrick who urges her to find someone and have babies.
Brad O’Ballivan has left Nashville and his country music career to come home to his family’s ranch in Stone Creek. He wants a home, wife, and children and he wants that with Meg McKettrick. He knows he has to brave her wrath as well as that of her three cousins to get through to her. He had been a scared broke young boy when he left but now he has the family ranch secure and is at least on the same playing field as the well-to-do McKettricks. Now he just has to figure out how to bust down the walls Meg has put up.
Can they have the life they both want or will fate intervene once more? What havoc can Angus stir up?

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Meg's story. Having had glimpses of her in previous books you know she's a strong independant woman, she's a McKettrick and she does things her way. After the family business goes public she's a self proclaimed rancher who has daily conversations with her deceased great-great-great grandfather, Angus. Old Angus sticks around to remind her she needs to plant her feet. She longs for a baby but there's no potential fathers in sight until she hears old flame Brad O'Ballivan is back in town. He's decided to retire as a Country singer and leaves the bright lights of Nashville behind. My favorite part was when he drives to their old hangout just to feel close to her. Within minutes she shows up as if some magnetic force has pulled her there. In the blink of an eye, she not only has a man but also a half-sister is dropped on her doorstep - instant family. Appearances from other McKettricks reminds her that she is a part of this big crazy family and they will go to great lengths to protect her, whether she likes it or not.

Funny excerpts: (Meg has a meltdown when her sister goes into labor)

"Oh my god" Meg ranted. "Her water just broke!"
"Margaret" Eve said, "get a grip - and a towel. I'll be there in five minutes."

(After her sister is off to the hospital and Meg comes close to hyperventalating)

"Shouldn't we have called an ambulance or something?" Meg fretted.
"Oh for heavens sakes," Eve replied. "You don't need an ambulance!"
"Not for me, Mother for Sierra."