Once a Rancher (The Carsons of Mustang Creek) Mass Market Paperback – March 29, 2016

I loved this story!Slater Carson is a documentary film maker and is home after wrapping up his latest one. It's 10:00 at night, he's watching the uncut footage on this computer when his PA knocks on his door and tells him there's someone here to see him..specifically a lady. Slater wasn't happy being disturbed at home but he asked Nate to send her back. Imagine his surprise when the most beautiul red-headed woman he's every seen walks in, taking his breath away. But she's not alone. Apparently the gangly teenager who's by her side has taken something from Slate and is here to return it and apologize. He's more than disappointed when the woman introduces him as her step-son, figuring the woman must already be taken.Grace Emery is a former cop, hotel manager and is raising her ex-husband's 14 year old son. When she moved to Mustang, Wy she didn't know that she'd be bringing along her step-son. He's having quite a bad time trying to adjust, but Grace will do what-ever it takes to get him through, she just hopes she's up to the job. She's not about to get married again after already going through a divorce, besides....she doesn't have time for romance right now, her life is already complicated enough with the new demanding job, and trying to raise her step-son. But when Slater Carson steps in to help with said stepson, life just seems to get a bit easier. I found the whole Carson gang very interesting, and extremely entertaining. They were like you average big boisterous family who will fight tooth and nail to protect their own, yet are contantly taking jabs at each other every chance they get. Their mother might be the glue that holds the familty together, but it's Harry and Red that really rule the roost, for sure. I also like the fact that Slater and Raine are still close friends, when a situation like their could have gone off the rails. But they are more than just friends, they also share custody of their daughter, who I thought was really sweet, and so put together for her age. Good parenting will do that. The writing made me laugh, the characters made me smile and the story was so great I didn't want it to end.

Originally Reviewed For: Tea and BookWelcome to the next fun, filled family of Bliss County! Once again Linda Lael Miller brings her unique blend of Western and Romance to life.In Once a Rancher we are introduced to the Carson Family, a widowed mother, three grown sons and their interesting assortment of friends, family and employees. First off we have Slater Carson.Slater Carson, single father, big brother, movie producer(more like documentary but big time). He's devoted to his family and the life they have. Loves the town he grew up in and enjoy a career most people would die for. He's pretty much the catch of Bliss County not that he's looking. Of course that's supposedly when we find the loves of our lives.. But he is easy going and friendly when he meets sexy Grace Emery life gets interesting.Grace Emery is a divorced woman, former cop, now running the local premier resort. She's also raising her stepson. She doesn't have time for romance but when Slater Carson steps in to help with said stepson, life just seems to get a bit easier.This is in many ways a typical LLM story. Friends, family, extended family.. She doesn't write anything new but that's ok, we touch base with a few characters from previous books. We get to see how family matters (even when it's extended or created) and we get to enjoy some warm feelings. And that's the magic of LLM.As usual, I enjoyed this book BUT.. there was one sticking point that just won't go away. And it doesn't really have much to do with the story just have to talk about it. At one point Slater, Grace, Slater's daughter, ex-girlfriend and Grace's stepson fly down to Laramie. The men go to the UW Football game and the women go shopping at the mall. Ummm Laramie doesn't have a mall.. I live in Laramie and that one just got me. Had to laugh.. but that's only a problem when it's real life. Yep this is fiction and if LLM wants to put the world's biggest mall in Laramie then there it is..But even that is part of the joy of LLM. She's comfort food all wrapped up in a sexy cowboy.Always a pleasure to indulge in one of her books.ShauniThis review is based on the ARC of Once A Rancher, provided by netgalley

Stand-alone, enjoyable and humorous romance. Easy to follow storyline. Strong characters with distinct personalities. Thought-provoking and snarky dialogue.Examples:'Slater had never been married, but he understood children; he had a daughter, and he’d grown up with two kid brothers, born a year apart and still a riot looking for a place to happen, even in their thirties. He’d broken up more fights than a bouncer at Bad Billie’s Biker Bar and Burger Palace on a Saturday night.''The exact instructions she’d received: Just make sure everybody’s doing what they’re supposed to do. I trust you to take care of whatever comes up.''We’ll be there. My feet hurt, but not as much as my bank account. My credit card might need an aspirin, too.'I may re-read this story and always look forward to works by this author.

I haven't had this many laughs in a book for quite some time. The writing made me laugh, the characters made me smile and the story was so great I didn't want it to end. I couldn't realistically describe the mood of this book because it was so variable and fun. There needs to be a box we can check for just "FUN"... and I did love this book. Having been a fan of this author, I let time slip away and hadn't read one of her books recently. Well, I'm back on board with her stories and enjoyed every moment of it. Slater Carson has so much class and heart in this book that I couldn't help loving him. Meeting up with Grace started the story and adding in a teenager named Ryder, and it was life itself in a book. There are moments when something is said that I just cracked up; then again, there are serious moments when you see the strength of the characters in the story. I highly recommend this book and congratulate Ms. Miller for yet another successful book.

This was a departure from Linda Lael Miller's usual stories, as Slater was a filmmaker, not so much a rancher. However, as always, the characters come alive as their story develops. Grace is a dedicated stepmother who is left to bring up a rebellious stepson, and the trials and tribulations of their journey, and how Slater is a much needed help in the success of the routes chosen. I enjoyed it!!

I always know I'm in for a good read when the author is Linda Lael Miller and this one is no exception. Apart from our hero and heroine I always enjoy the characters who surround them and feel like they are friends I don't want to leave when the book ends. Read it and see what I mean.

Another great book from my favorite author, she feeds my love of cowboy romances.

very good read. Up to her usual standard.

Not the best book long drawn out