McKettricks of Texas: Austin (McKettricks of Texas, 4)

Originally posted at: [...] If you've ever done something bad to do something good and found chaos in its wake, then reading about a romance that survived those choices is sweet indeed. Paige is the third sister under the McKettrick influence. She's not happy about it either. Paige is a woman torn by watching her sisters' happiness and her own feelings about it. Ultimately it makes her take a closer look at who she is, and what she really wants out of life. Intermixed is the relationship with her sisters and nieces and nephews. This is a book that encompasses family life and how they all interact in times of emotional need, in times of laughter and happiness and in times of stress and danger. Paige is quite skilled as a nurse and her training holds her in good stead when she's faced with violence and the injuries stemming from it. I liked her sense of humor and her loyalty. Even her nightmares about the `dress' were comical. I enjoyed how she danced around Austin - that give and take and that mix of the past with the present. She blames him but is it a crutch from long ago or something in the present that bothers her? Paige has to pose some serious questions to herself before it's too late. It's her journey and growth through the story which kept me interested in her character. Austin is a man who lived his dream. He has a lot to deal with when his dream is shattered long before he ever wanted to quit. He loved and lived bull-riding. He made his path and chose some actions in the past that have totally messed up his possible future. Austin is stubborn, loyal, and gruff - and all cowboy. He's also a hurting puppy for quite a bit of the story and that doesn't sit well with a man like him. What I liked about his character is that he never let it truly get him down. He kept his sense of humor and his love for his brothers and sisters-in-law-to-be shined through loud and clear. What is also clear is that he never stopped loving Paige. Unfortunately, what Austin did to her years ago was not only stupid but more effective than he would ever know - until Paige moved in. It forced him to realize many things about himself and he too grows as a character. The conflict isn't all internal. There's been a thread throughout the McKettricks of Texas series which culminates in this final book of the trilogy. Austin's story can stand on its own. The resurgence of a romance between Austin and Paige is like a Phoenix rising. And the criminal element is a serpent in an uncertain cowboy paradise. It affects them all and it's from a source no one would have believed. The reveal is tragic, gripping and it quickly brings all the drama, suspense and nail-biting intrigue to a head. This book has more teeth to the plot because the bad guys are desperate and that made for some very fast flipping of pages. The other two books, about Tate and Garrett, were wonderful romances but this one has the additional WOW factor. I enjoyed the writing of when Austin and Paige get to

This is the third book in the McKettricks of Texas series and it finishes that series. It's worth reading, especially if you've already read the other two. Ms. Miller completely answers all the remaining questions and leaves the reader with a happy ending.

The pace of the book was a bit slow. That was because Austin had a lot of groveling to do. He broke Paige Remington's heart as a young woman. I have to admit I enjoyed his suffering. I loved the family elements in this book. These characters were bought to life with all their various foibles. And yes we finally get to have the mysterious occurrences solved that were happening on the ranch. Overall, it was a satisfying conclusion to this part of the Mckettricks saga.

A great book to sit down, relax and have a lot of fun. Rodeo star Austin McKettrick is only 28 but years of bull-riding took its toll on his body. A hurt back makes him stay with his two brothers at their ranch. It's the best place to get back on his feet but at the ranch he also has to deal with Paige Remington again. Ten years ago Paige and Austin were a couple and deeply in love. But he was afraid of settling down and broke her heart to get his freedom back. In the present her sisters are marrying Austin's brothers and he needs her help to get back on his feet. Both can't deny that there is still a lot between them but Paige is wary of trusting in Austin again. When dangerous and mysterious incidents happen at the McKettrick ranch and Austin is badly hurt, the relationship between them changes. Paige can't hold back anymore even though she doesn't know whether she can get over the past and her broken heart. "McKettricks of Texas: Austin" (book 13 in the McKettricks series, but works great as a stand-alone) is the first book by Linda Lael Miller that I read but it definitely won't be the last one. The book is funny, sexy, lovely and just great to read. The story never gets boring and all of the main characters are likeable and interesting. Paige is a great heroine. She's a strong and very caring person. She loved Austin with all her heart and when he betrayed her she was devastated. That's why it's easy to understand that she has a hard time to trust him again. Austin is also an awesome character and I liked him a lot. He is sexy, stubborn and very charming. He has grown up a lot in the years since he broke up with Paige. He knows that what he did was wrong and that's why I hoped that he and Paige would get a second chance (of course they did). The mystery part of the book was interesting, not absurd or overly dramatic and not too dark. I also want to mention that I love the cover, a sexy cowboy is always a good choice!

This is the 3rd in the Texas McKettricks series. Austin is the youngest brother and his past with the youngest Remington, Paige, is finally catching up with him. Now that his brothers are marrying her sisters, they have to find a way to get along. The only problem is they both seem to be way too attracted to the other, but they know acting on it will be a problem since they will have to be around each other for holidays and other family get-together for the next fifty years. The other two books have been building up to this one. Paige and Austin have been mentioned repeatedly and it is obvious that they have some kind of history together. I liked the previous two books, but I've really been looking forward to this one. I was concerned that I might be disappointed, but gratefully, I was not. Of the three brothers, I loved Austin the most. Plus, Paige was the smartest of the three. Maybe it is because I am a youngest child like both of them, but both of their characters were more easily liked than any of the others. The story moved along at a good pace and I hated to put the book down when it was time for bed. The romance was a good build up and the story seemed plausible. I liked that the rustling storyline continued in this book, but it wasn't left hanging in the other books, so even had I not read this book, I would not have felt like I missed something. This was a good ending for the three brothers, but I would love to read more about Blue River. There is so much more to the town and it would be nice to get to know more of the residents--especially Chief Brent Brogan (aka Denzel). I recommend reading the first two books about Tate and Garrett before reading this one because it will enhance the story. I think the reader would still get into the story, but too many things are carried over from the previous two books. *I received this book from the publisher via netgalley to review*