McKettrick's Pride (McKettrick Men, 2)

If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. No one writes characters like Linda Lael Miller. I really feel like I know these people and didn't want the book to end. Rance and Echo are incredibly believable, warm, and passionate! And did I mention the dog and the kids??? I know of no other romance writer who includes dogs and children as major characters in their stories. I absolutely loved the entire storyline involving the stray dog. She reminded me of my own dog. The romance here is top-notch and very hot! Are there really men like that out there?? One can only hope. This is a great second installment to a wonderful trilogy. Another must read from Linda Lael Miller.

This book was simply fascinating! I have read it three times and can't get enough. You will not be disappointed. It's such a lovely modern day romance that is very realistic. Bravo Linda Lael Miller for yet another outstanding book.

McKettrick's Pride is the second in Linda Lael Miller's newest contemporary trilogy. And what a terrific story it is! Rance McKettrick is a widower, father and businessman. He lost his wife six years ago, and is struggling to balance being a single father with his work for McKettrickCo, the company he runs with his cousin, Keegan. Since his wife, Julie, died suddenly in a horseback accident, he's immersed himself in work, to the detriment of his relationship with his two daughters. His mother-in-law helps out as much as she can, but he struggles to relate to his girls, and carries around with him a bruise on his heart from working too hard and not spending enough time with the girls. All of this begins to change as he meets Echo Wells. Echo herself has had many difficult things happen in her life, but she believes in signs, and works very hard to make good things happen for her. When she and Rance meet, he is immediately attracted and realizes that he needs Echo in his life. Once again, Miller has created a wonderful dynamic between two very different characters. Rance is a goal-oriented guy, and once he sets his sights on Echo, he is determined to do what he must to build a relationship with her. You spend most of the book in Echo's head, hearing her thoughts, and experiencing both her exhilaration and confusion over Rance's attention. Being a practical woman, she realizes that she's confused by her attraction to him, and soon finds that she can't fight it. The tension between the two of them is delicious, and the sparks they set off of each other are entertaining to say the least. Armchair Interviews says: If you are looking for a strong western love story, this book is for you!

After reading all the McKettrick's books, starting with the westerns, I believe Linda Lael Miller has done an excellent job connecting the past with the present. The people are real. A little more connection to the past would have been nice, or more explanation to the past generations would have been nice but, this book also stands alone. Excellent read!