Big Sky Country [Large Print] [Hardcover]

4.5 stars.

Big Sky Country is the outstanding first installment of Linda Lael Miller's newest series set in Parable, Montana. A beautifully written, complex novel that will capture your heart as love slowly grows between Sheriff Slade Barlow and Joslyn Kirk.

Slade Barlow is the classic strong silent type. Despite being from "the wrong side of the tracks", he is comfortable in his own skin and oozes self-confidence. Slade is calm and in control, rarely acting on impulse. Slade shares a strong bond with his mother, Callie and he is on friendly terms with his ex-wife and stepdaughter Shea. His unexpected inheritance complicates his already contentious and competitive relationship with his half-brother Hutch.

Growing up in Parable, Joslyn Kirk was a rich kid who had it all. Wealthy stepfather, big mansion, and fancy car until she, her mother and housekeeper/friend fled Parable following her stepfather's arrest. Feeling disconnected and on the fringes of life, Joslyn returns to the place she considers home. Her homecoming proves to be a learning experience as she discovers a few truths about herself as she renews old friendships and begins a new life. She fights her unwanted attraction to Slade with a bristly attitude that is sometimes quite frustrating. She is relatively inexperienced with men and her shyness is an unexpected delight.

The secondary cast of characters is well-developed and quite likable. Joslyn's friend Kendra Shepherd is an enigmatic character with a bit of a secret past. She and Hutch share an explosive past and the sparks continue to fly between them. Slade's stepdaughter Shea is a typical teenager and her relationship with Slade reveals just how kindhearted he is.

Slade and Joslyn's relationship slowly unfolds throughout Big Sky Country. Both characters undergo a great deal of growth as they cope with the changes occurring in their lives. Watching Slade and Hutch make inroads in their fractious relationship is quite fascinating. I am looking forward to seeing how their relationship grows in the next book of the series, Big Sky Mountain.

Big Sky Country is a captivating story that is delightfully heartwarming. Linda Lael Miller once again charms her readers with multi-faceted and engaging characters, a compelling storyline and a sweet romance. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who enjoys contemporary western romances.

Review copy obtained from publisher through NetGalley.

Linda Lael Miller's writing is usually great for an enjoyable afternoon read; however, this plot drowns in minutiae. The story is cluttered with facts that do not seem to contribute to the plot at all and with random actions that have no conclusion. For instance, the heroine's bff is called to London to attend her ex's deathbed then dashes back to view a horse race. What happened in London? Just too jumbled for me. This is book one of a continuing saga, but does not inpire me to purchase the next installment.

One star is as generous as I can be. The characters spend most of the book running into each other accidentally where two things happen: She gets flustered. He gets aroused. That's it. That's your story. Ms. Miller spends most of the book setting up the plot of the next one. Not that I'll bother with it if #1 is any indication of what I can expect.