The Marriage Pact

by Linda Lael Miller

Overview

The women of Bliss County are ready to meet the men of their dreams! See how it all begins in this enthralling new series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller

Ten years ago, Hadleigh Stevens was eighteen and this close to saying "I do," when Tripp Galloway interrupted her walk down the aisle. Now that she's recovered from her youthful mistake and Tripp's interference, Hadleigh and her single friends form a marriage pact. She doesn't expect Tripp to meddle with her new plan to find Mr. Right—or to discover that she's more attracted to him than ever!

Divorced and eager to reconnect with his cowboy roots, Tripp returns to Bliss County to save his ailing father's ranch. He's not looking for another wife—certainly not his best friend's little sister. But he's never been able to forget Hadleigh. And this time, if she ends up in his arms, he won't be walking away!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780373778706
Publisher:	Harlequin
Publication date:	05/27/2014
Series:	The Brides of Bliss County , #1
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	4.20(w) x 6.60(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is the author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels. Now living in Spokane, Washington, the “First Lady of the West” hit a career high when all three of her 2011 Creed Cowboy books debuted at #1 on the New York Times list. In 2007, the Romance Writers of America presented her their Lifetime Achievement Award. She personally funds her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women. Visit her at www.lindalaelmiller.com.

Editorial Reviews

04/28/2014
In Miller’s lackluster contemporary series opener, 18-year-old Hadleigh Stevens’s wedding is rudely interrupted by Tripp Galloway, who sweeps into the church of their small Wyoming town’s and literally carries Hadleigh out so she won’t marry the wrong man. Hadleigh’s vulnerable heart is broken twice that day when she discovers that Tripp isn’t the right man, either; he’s only keeping a promise to her dead older brother by keeping an eye on her. Ten years later, Hadleigh remains single but has formed a marriage pact with her two best friends, swearing they will each settle for “true love or nothing.” She crosses paths again with Tripp, who is divorced and back home to take care of his ailing father, but this time, their relationship grows. Miller (Ragged Rainbows) treads familiar ground with her detailing of close-knit small town life, developed characters, sweet romance, and a hint of cowboy excitement. However, a strong reliance on internal angst rather than external action slows the story’s forward motion. (June)

Publishers Weekly

"Linda Lael Miller creates vibrant characters and stories I defy you to forget."-#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

"Miller has created unforgettable characters and woven a many-faceted yet coherent and lovingly told tale." –Booklist on McKettrick's Choice

"Miller's name is synonymous with the finest in western romance."

-RT Book Reviews

"Full of equal parts heart and heartache, Miller's newest western is sure to tug at the heartstrings from the first charming scene to the last."

-RT Book Reviews on Big Sky Summer

"Miller's down-home, easy-to-read style keeps the plot moving, and she includes...likable characters, picturesque descriptions and some very sweet pets."

-Publishers Weekly on Big Sky Country

"A delightful addition to Miller's Big Sky series. This author has a way with a phrase that is nigh-on poetic...this story [is] especially entertaining."

-RT Book Reviews on Big Sky Mountain

"A passionate love too long denied drives the action in this multifaceted, emotionally rich reunion story that overflows with breathtaking sexual chemistry."

-Library Journal on McKettricks of Texas: Tate

"Miller's prose is smart, and her tough Eastwoodian cowboy cuts a sharp, unexpectedly funny figure in a classroom full of rambunctious frontier kids."

-Publishers Weekly on The Man from Stone Creek

"Miller's return to Parable is a charming story of love in its many forms. The hero's struggles are handled in an informed and heartwarming way, and it's easy to empathize with the heroine's desire to start an independent, new life in this sweetly entertaining and alluring tale."
-RT Book Reviews on Big Sky River

"Miller's third Stone Creek novel gets as hot as the noontime desert. Miller's portrayal of Sarah as a strong, independent woman sets this novel apart from customary tales of the damsel in distress and the rescuing hero...Well-developed, personable characters and a handful of loose ends will leave readers anticipating future installments." —Publishers Weekly on The Rustler

From the Publisher

06/15/2014
Ten years ago, Tripp Galloway stormed into the church, tossed teenager Hadleigh Stevens over his shoulder, and walked out, doing just what her late brother and his friend would have done—stopping her from a potentially disastrous marriage. Now after ages away, Tripp is back in Mustang Creek to help his stepfather with his ranch and hoping to mend his fences with Hadleigh. But the resentment remains, and Tripp knows getting back in Hadleigh's good graces won't be easy. VERDICT Two appealing protagonists who need to come to terms with their feelings, a cast of engaging secondary characters—a footloose dad is memorable—and an agreement between Hadleigh and her two BFFs not to marry for anything but true love drive the leisurely plot of this touching, down-to-earth story that provides fans with a realistic community in a glorious landscape and deftly launches Miller's latest contemporary Western series. Miller (Big Sky Secrets) lives in Spokane.

Library Journal