Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller

Big Sky Mountain
by Linda Lael Miller
Series: Swoon-Worthy Cowboys #2
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication date: July 31, 2012
Purchase:Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he's done some growing up-making peace with his illegitimate half brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his. These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can't buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcé e Kendra Shepherd. 
Kendra's quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most-a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet. She can't get Hutch Carmody out of her mind. But a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.(synopsis from Goodreads)

Big Sky Mountain is the second novel, in Linda Leal Miller’s, Swoon-Worthy Cowboys series. We find ourselves back in Parable, Montana. This time she shares Hutch and Kendra' tale. This was a funny, sweet, small town romance.  I enjoyed visiting Parable again and the characters who reside there. Each of these novels can be read as a standalone, but I like getting to know all of the characters and recommend reading them in order.

This tale picks up almost nine months from where the last book ended, and Hutch is about to make a serious mistake, luckily he sees the light, but it has put him in the spotlight. To make matters worse Kendra Shepherd, the woman who broke his heart is back in town with a child in tow. Every time he sees her he is reminded of what could have been. Kendra has returned to give her daughter the chance to grow up secure in a small town. She is selling her mansion size home and looking for the perfect little house to set up their new life. The last thing she needs is Hutch Carmody messing things up. How does he manage to unnerve her just by being in the same room with her. The tale that unfolds is at times comical as these two wrestle with their fears and the obvious attraction they both feel.

I love the characters in Parable and it was nice seeing them again. Hutch is finally making peace with his bastard brother and hopes the drama dies down soon. Hutch is sweet, stubborn and loveable. With his devilish good lucks he has Kendra’s heart all a flutter. Kendra has had a rough life, raised in a trailer park by a grandmother who didn’t want her, and she has made quite a few mistakes.  She is a mom now and determined to be a good one. Her real estate business is successful and she has a plan. If only she had someone to share it with. Madison, Kendra’s four year old daughter stole the show in this novel. She is a little spit-fire and added humor and drama to the mix. I absolutely adored this little ginger haired girl. We learn more about Tara and her neighbor, who I believe will be the next story. Opal is back with all her spunky and meddling ways. I love this woman and her over the top obvious advice was humorous. Everyone looking for love should have an Opal in their corner. We get to see Slade and Joslyn and the other townsfolk. I enjoyed visiting them and getting updates on their lives.

This tale moved at a slower pace than the first novel, but I loved all the little mundane details. The drama surrounding Hutch’s recent escapades was both hilarious and sad. The romance was slow to develop as these two danced the nervous tango. It’s so obvious to the reader and other characters that these two are meant to be. When they finally come together it is bittersweet and I loved how Hutch calmed a nervous Kendra. I love the town of Parable and Miller has done a great job of weaving new characters and story-lines into the tale. I am looking forward to the next installment.

I recommend Big Sky Mountain and the Swoon Worthy Cowboy series to fans of small town romances.  You can see my review of book one, Big Sky Country here. The next book in the series, Big Sky River is due out in January of 2013 and I hope to bring you an early review. Miller is on my favorite author list and I hope you enjoy her books as much as I do.

I want to thank Harlequin and netGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novel 3 coffee cups out of 5.