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Big Sky Country
Big Sky Country
Big Sky Country
Audiobook11 hours

Big Sky Country

Written by Linda Lael Miller

Narrated by Jack Garrett

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

New York Times best-selling author Linda Lael Miller has earned a large and growing following for her wildly popular novels starring the Creeds and McKettricks. As her many fans will attest, no one brings cowboys-and their affairs of the heart-to life in quite the way she does. With the author's signature style, Big Sky Country delivers a scintillating tale that Miller's many fans will not want to miss.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMay 29, 2012
ISBN9781464038495
Big Sky Country
Author

Linda Lael Miller

Linda LaelMiller is a #1 New YorkTimes and USA TODAY bestselling author of morethan one hundred novels. Long passionate about the Civil War buff, she has studied theera avidly and has made many visits to Gettysburg, where she has witnessedreenactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda exploresthat turbulent time in The Yankee Widow.

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Reviews for Big Sky Country

Rating: 3.86263739010989 out of 5 stars
4/5

91 ratings15 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Slade Burrow, the Sheriff of Parable, is shocked when he learns he has inherited half of his fathers ranch. Slade is his bastard son, and was barely involved in his life growing up. His mother struggling to make do with her hair salon. Now he has more money than he ever imagined, and a half brother that wants him to sell his portion, and his step daughter will be staying with him for the summer. His life has turned upside down, but what really shocks him to the core is the arrival of Joslyn Kirk. Joslyn has come back to Parable to make amends for her fathers errors. Her father, cheated many in Parable of quite a large amount of money. So she sells her business to pay everyone the money that is owed them. She has very few friends in Parable now. Most seem to blame her for her fathers sins. Then she ends up running into Slade Burrow and sparks fly. Even though she wants to deny her attraction to Slade, she can't deny the desire she feels for him, or the way she feels her heart weakening toward him.Big Sky Country is the first in the parable series by Linda Lael Miller. Its been a while since I have read this author. In the past she was a favorite, especially with her historical's, and I do hope one day she does return to that. However I knew how much I loved her style, so I thought I would pick this one out, and see if I liked it. I had read some mixed reviews previous about this series, but I really had a feeling about Big Sky Country, and from the first moment I picked it up, I was hooked. I could barely put this down to sleep, I enjoyed it that much. It took me longer to actually pick it up to read than to actually read it (LOL). I really enjoyed the set up of the story. We are also introduced to some side characters that are in future books, which I am looking forward to after seeing their involvement in this story. The story begins with Slade learning of his inheritance, then it turns to Joslyn arriving to Parable and staying with the only friend she has in Parable. Then a dog gets involved, and Joslyn and Slade see each other, and thus begins a flirty romance that turns into one helluva country romance.The characters weren't too spectacular or original, however they were very likable. There is a conflict between Slade and Joslyn in the beginning, but as the story progresses, the rough edges start to slowly smooth out. Slade is your typical hero of a contemporary. Handsome, capable, confident and sexy as sin. I liked him but didn't love him. He was very endearing at times, and I did enjoy seeing his unique character blend into the story pretty well. He seemed to be very charismatic at times, and at others seemed to display some vulnerabilities but I didn't feel like his character really drew me completely, but Slade was enjoyable quite often. Joslyn, was very likable and surprisingly I liked her more than Slade. There was something about her character that I felt had much more substance to me. We see her in the beginning full of issues and problems, just like normal people. Not over the top gorgeous, but a normal looking woman (which made me feel like she was easier to relate with).I enjoyed this fun and carefree western contemporary and I liked the way this story turned out in the end. It had a nice ending that fills the reader with satisfaction. A enjoyable romance to relax into on a calm winters day. Definitely going to read more books in the series!! :)
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I wanted to like this book but the story never went anywhere. It was well-written in the sense that the author paints a descriptive picture with words, but unfortunately amid those descriptive words, nothing really happened. The plot was bland and flat, the characters with potential for development never did develop, many passages were repetitive. The “romantic” descriptions were unfortunately brash and bordered on crude, not tastefully done. IMO, not worth the time.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    his was another wonderful western romance by Linda Lael Miller. I feel that I can depend on her for heart-warming romances. Joslyn is back in town after leaving in the night with her mother and housekeeper when the scandal broke that her stepfather conned a large number of people out of their life savings in a scam. She had been a pampered princess until this time. Since then she has grown up, gone to college, and started a software company but there was always something missing. She sold her company and used the money to anonymously pay back the people her stepfather defrauded.Slade Barlow is the county sheriff now but he grew up the unacknowledged illegitimate son of the wealthiest rancher in the area. Now his father has died and has left Slade half of his estate. However, he has to get along with his half-brother Hutch when they have been rivals all of his life. He is also a man who has gone through a divorce and is a little hesitant to start a new relationship especially with a woman he thinks might leave.Nonetheless, Joslyn and Slade do start a relationship which is complicated by the fact the Hutch is her former boyfriend and now is her friend and Slade's stepdaughter, now a teenager, wants to come and live with him. He adores her and probably, in fact, married her mother so that he could be her father but a 16-year-old girl who is giving her mother fits is pretty disruptive to his lifestyle. Lots happens in this story as Joslyn and Slade work on their romance and Slade and Hutch also try to work out what their relationship will be. I look forward to the sequel Big Sky Mountain in August in the hopes that Hutch will find a romance too.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: The illegitimate son of a wealthy rancher, Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a trailer hitched to the Curly-Burly hair salon his mother runs. He was never acknowledged by his father…until now. Suddenly, Slade has inherited half of Whisper Creek Ranch, one of the most prosperous in Parable County. That doesn't sit well with his half brother, Hutch, who grew up with all the rights of a Carmody, including the affections of Joslyn Kirk, homecoming queen, rodeo queen, beauty queen—and the girl Slade's never forgotten. But Joslyn has come home to Parable under difficult circumstances. Resented by many of the townspeople cheated by her crooked stepfather, she's trying to rebuild her life and repay everyone who lost money because of his schemes. With a town to protect, plus a rebellious teenage stepdaughter, Slade already has his hands full. But someone has to convince Joslyn that she's responsible only for her own actions—and that someone is Sheriff Barlow!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    3.5 stars. A lovely story about love, forgiveness, trust, reconnecting, and of course horses, cowboys, truck, a dog and even a cat. You take a young woman scarred from a crime her step-father committed which hurt almost her whole town. Give her the strength to come back and try to make good on it. Then you take an outcast illegitimate cowboy sherif who never knew the love of a father. He had to watch his father's legitimate son raised wealthily and respected while he and his mother struggled. You put these two childhood friends together among old boyfriends, ex wives, angry towns people and insecurities and you have one wild ride mixed with country charm.
    A great beginning to a series I plan on following. I can't wait for the next book. Good old fashioned romantic comfort reading.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Big Sky Country by Linda Lael Miller has all the makings for a wonderful first in series western romance. There is conflict between to tough guys who are trying to find some common ground, there is romance between two characters who I liked very well, the tight knit community makes for some nice side characters, the setting is perfectly chosen and not overly described, and there is NO love triangle. The only issue that I had with the book is pacing. Things moved slowly throughout and then suddenly things come together quickly and it was over. If it weren't for my love of both Slade and Hutch and their relationship, this would be closer to a three star book for me. Since the characters were so appealing, I did find that I wanted to keep going and know more, therefore; I will be reading further into the series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Big sky Country
    Linda Lael Miller
    ★☆★ 1/2

    Ok. I put off the review for a few hours because I dont know exactly how I feel about this book. It wasnt bad hence the 3 1/2 stars. But lets see I was kinda left unsatisfied at the end.

    Pros: I love The characters and the introduction to this sweet Montana Town. All characters are likeable and the ones that are meant not to be likeable are well disliked :)

    Now for my issues with the book. Joslyn had a reason to moving back to Parable. we never saw that reason fullfilled. I never got to see if the town actually accepted her. Slade wanted to know her reason for coming back yet he never found out. Their relationship development was SO slow. We never got to really so who Slade Barlow really was. The ending was all so rushed to me. Kendra left us with tons of questions which I hope are answered in the next book.

    Now once I started the book I didnt want to put it down. My biggest complaint is things didnt start heating up till page 245 and after that they kinda didnt steam up much more till the end. I liked how they both seemed nervous around eachother and that they knew there was an attraction. it was fun to watch those nervous scenes.

    I do recommend this book, inless you want a book full of good romance and less dialogue.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    When I first started this book, all I could think of was how rich it seemed. The descriptions -- both physical and character -- felt like a luxurious blanket that I could cuddle under and get lost in for a while. And that feeling never quite went away, which is why I gave this a 4 overall. The biggest drawback was that it took sooooooo long for Slade and Joslyn to get together that there wasn't really time to enjoy it. But even with that said, I am absolutely looking forward to reading more from this author.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Good book, really enjoyed the whole thing.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Fantastic new series. Easy to read, even out of order. A couple of disfunctional half-brothers who learn to get along after their father dies. Both young men seem to be much more productive members of society than their father. I'll definitely be getting the third book. Love the wives, too, of course.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Joslyn Kirk is back in Parable, Montana. Coming back to mend a few broken fences from before her and her family left Parable from a scheme her stepfather cheated most of the town of their life savings. Joslyn new it wasn't going to be easy when she came back after all this time and she knew that selling her software and most of her materialistic possessions and giving back to what was lost to all those families way back when, wasn't going to change anything. But, she sure did hope it helped. Running into Slade Barlow, sheriff of Parable and half brother to her high school sweetheart Hutch Carmody, she didn't think he would stir up any emotions in her that would cause her to rethink how long she planned on staying in Parable.This book was a bit slow for me and took a while for me to get into. But, I do think it is a good read and I do want to find out what happens in the next book of the series. I will say that I do love me some swoon worthy cowboys, though. Slade Barlow is that right mixture of the perfect man. Handsome, smart, well mannered, and has his priorities straight. And... he loves a child who isn't really his, but treats her like she's his all the same. It doesn't hurt one bit that he's just down right sexy. Mr. Barlow, please keep your cowboy hat on, thank you! Joslyn Kirk is an interesting character. She's carrying around the guilt of the scheme her stepfather cooked up and is trying hard to please everyone. She knows it's not her fault but she can't help but right the wrong that was caused by her stepfather and it doesn't help that some of the people from the town are lashing out at her.Dislikes for this book would have to be the slow read. I really couldn't get into it in the beginning. Even when I did get into it, it was still a bit slow, but it held my attention and I kept reading. Maybe this is just the warmup before the big race? The first book of the series warming you up for the books to come? I don't know. Now, I can say I liked a lot about the book. The characters were very down to earth and when you're introduced to Opal you can't help but feel all that love she brings to the table. The connection between Slade and Joslyn was always there and kept on building every time they had an encounter. Which is probably why I kept reading, being a total lover of anything romance. I was waiting and waiting for Slade to just take her right then and there or for Joslyn to just jump his bones... but, Miller sure did keep teasin' me with those two.I would recommend this series. Even though it was a slow read for me, I can't help but recommend this and tell you to push through it because I really do think that Miller has something in store for us in book two of the series. So, if you're looking for something light to read, I'd definitely recommend this book for you :)
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I’ve read this author before and so when I saw it on Netgalley I snagged it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was slightly hesitant in that I was afraid the author would deliver a similar plot line as her other books I’ve read. Not so. Other than being the similar in country, the family dramatics involved were much more different than the other series I read. This book is a quick read. It grabbed me and I quickly needed to know what was going to happen. I enjoyed all the characters. The author has created some memorable relationships between the various characters. First beginning with what they used to be when they were all growing up in the small town and then taking those relationships to a new level now that they have all returned.It does have a western feel to the story, but anyone who likes a good story to include a romance would enjoy this book. I was also able to get Big Sky Mountain off Netgalley and can't wait to read the next book of the series!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Review: I am usually not a fan of Harlequin romances or westerns, but somehow the love-struck crime-fighting cowboy in Big Sky Country kept me entertained. Of all the characters involved, I loved Slade (the aforementioned cowboy) the most! He's a down-to-earth, passionate man, full of rancher's dreams, and a lot of history to go with them - not to mention a lot of muscles... I found Slade to be the most well-developed character, however, I did enjoy reading about most of the characters milling about in Parable, Montana - especially Joslyn, Hutch, Opal, Shea, Boone, Jasper, and Lucy-Maude (furry friends included). Speaking of Parable's pets, I must comment on Linda Lael Miller's writing abilities, it is rare to find a book where the reader is groomed to care as much about the four-legged characters as they do for their human counterparts. I am an animal lover, so I liked the contrast between the person-to-person and person-to-pet relationships - dogs, cats, horses... they tend to bring out the "softer" (and more vulnerable) side of the people they interact with. The story is filled with rich imagery, making me yearn for the openness of the Montana skyline; if the cover-art did not thrill me, the landscape descriptions sure did! I found the dialogue simple, yet effective, although I wish that the conversations between Slade and Joslyn had not been so predictable. I enjoy a well-cultivated romance - slow to bloom, but full of promise, potential, and hidden passions - however, I thought that once Slade and Joslyn got over their history of "sideways glances" and "hidden feelings" that they moved too abruptly into a full-blown relationship. I understand that they had known each other since childhood, but there was no real "build-up" or excitement. It is unfortunate that the romance never seemed to hit a peak, because it made the ending feel rushed and unrealistic (no spoilers). I hope that Linda Lael Miller rounds up some of the loose-ends in book two of the Parable series, Big Sky Mountain, due out this August; I would love to know more about Hutch and Kendra! Overall, Big Sky Country is a nice summer romance that will warm the heart and leave readers homesick for Montana's big sky.Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)*** I received this book from the author (Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc.) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    *ARC supplied by publisher* This is a slow moving book and we have a lot of opportunity to meet many of the characters that will make up the main and secondary characters in the next two books. Have patience with this novel, since the second third is well worth the wait.In this opening novel in the Parable Trilogy we meet Sheriff Slade Turner who is the illegitimate son of a deceased wealthy and respected rancher. Joslyn Kirk is the step-daughter of a man who was also rich, but who had run a pyramid scam in which much of the town of Parable lost everything.Joslyn has done her best to atone and to make reparations.There really isn’t any sort of plot sconce this is a relationship driven story. Everyone you meet is in some sort of pain and Ms Miller isn’t afraid to let us know this—repeatedly. This book not only reveals past misadventures it at time will flog it like a dead horse. Fortunately, the book really does pick up in the second half. We get our typical happily-ever-after and I was left anticipating reading the next in this trilogy. The secondary characters in this book such as Slade’s stepdaughter, and Opal, the Kirk’s former housekeeper, make this book a much easier to read and less slow moving in the second half of this novel.Ms Miller writes with her usual in depth descriptions of her characters and giving her all to bring us to vividly see in our minds eye, the land which she so loves. Even I am now feeling the need to go to Montana and find me a cowboy and a ranch!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    4 STARSIts a nice romance story that deals with some real issues. Fast easy read. thier is a couple of love scenes.Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a with a single mother and a father who never claimed him or showed him he cared. So Slade was surprised when he was included with his half brother Hutch in the reading of the will. He finally was claimed and left half of the estate.Hutch did not care about the money but he did care about the ranch. Everyone knew they were half brothers but no one mentioned it. Hutch and Slade have been in a few fights with each other and where never friends.Hutch is divorced and misses his step daughter who now lives in another state. She wants to come live with him because her mom and new stepfather were going to send her to boarding school for her last two years of school.Joslyn Kirk has come back to Parable, Montana after years of being gone. They had snuck out of town at night after her stepfather was arrested for conning money from a lot of the town. It was not her fault but she is trying to make amends. Hutch was one of her oldest friends and they dated in high school. He never turned away from her as others did. She is drawn to Slade though.Kendra is living in Joslyn old home and running a business. She is another old friend and is renting the guest house to her and a job.It was a good book to relax with. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.05/29/2012