McKettrick's Luck » (Reprint)

Linda Lael Miller is the author of seventy historical and contemporary romance novels, many of which are set in the American West. She was awarded the Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

Like his celebrated ancestors who tamed the wilds of Arizona, Jesse McKettrick's Indian Rock ties run deep. The Triple M Ranch is in his blood, along with the thrill of risk. But with his land at stake, Jesse won't get involved in Cheyenne Bridges's scheme— despite the temptation she brings.

Cheyenne grew up in Indian Rock and left its painful memories behind to become a self-made woman. Now her job is to convince Jesse to sell his property. Jesse's not the kind of man Cheyenne could ever forget, but he's too wild and dangerous for a woman committed to playing it safe. Yet sparks of attraction fly, tempting Cheyenne to lay it all on the line for the passion she sees in Jesse's eyes.

Publishers Weekly

The first installment in Miller's new trilogy features the present-day descendants of the heroes from her earlier McKettrick novels; fortunately, the new generation fills in admirably. Cheyenne Bridges makes a reluctant return to her hometown of Indian Rock, Ariz., her job hinging on whether she can persuade her high school flame Jesse McKettrick to sell some of his land for her employer's condo development deal. Jesse, a confirmed bachelor and committed poker player, refuses outright to sell his land-at the same time he refuses to acknowledge the feelings that Cheyenne stirs up in him. Miller's ability to bring a cast of characters to life is on full display here, as Cheyenne must decide whether to use whatever means necessary to get Jesse to sell the land or surrender to the hunky rancher and join his team. Though her plot twists are somewhat predictable, the veteran romance author doesn't disappoint in her sizzling love scenes and fine sense of place. (Feb.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.