Books & Spoons Review for FOREVER A HERO by Linda Lael Miller

For the youngest Carson brother, finding—and fixing—trouble seems to be all in a day's work 

Mace Carson is no hero. Back in college, he came upon a woman in trouble and intervened—but he was just one irate Wyoming cowboy with his boots planted firmly on the side of right. Now a successful vintner, Mace is shocked to be reunited with the woman he saved. But it turns out she's in Wyoming on business…a corporate executive representing the company that wants to buy his winery. Only, he's not selling. 
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Kelly Wright has never forgotten that horrible night ten years ago when Mace came to her rescue, has never forgotten him. The surprising success of a winery in the middle of ranch country has brought her to Mustang Creek, and she's secretly thrilled to discover Mace at the helm. Reluctant to mix business with pleasure, Kelly vows to keep things professional, until her attacker is released from prison and comes for vengeance…against both of them.

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Sometimes the characters in a book series can become your friends, and they feel so familiar and comfortable like your own family. And when a new installments come out in a series like that, it feels like you are going, if not home, then visit with dear friends. So let me tell you about the visit I had in the Mustang Creek and about the friends who lives there... 
The Carson family is a delight to be around. The brothers with their quick wit and constant banter are fun and entertaining. They might rip each other as often as possible, but they also look out for each other and would do absolutely anything to help the others if needed. They love and respect their mom fiercely, and Harry, the cook is like a beloved aunt, Red the foreman of the ranch, like a father figure to all of them since their lost their own father years ago. There is love in the air that is palpable, and their unconventional family opens their hearts, minds, and arms to any of its members to embrace them and share their lives with them. Yes, there's such warm and fuzzy feelings around the ranch, mixed with family values, honesty, dignity, and respect. Who doesn't enjoy to hang around folks like that?! 
Mace Carson, the youngest son, the wine expert who seems to take nothing seriously, who has a big caring, protective heart, is sexy as all get out, and a kind and sweet man. There's absolutely nothing to dislike him about. He can take charge, yet is considerate to others. He jokes around to keep things light but has big shoulders to cry on if needed and willing to talk seriously when called for. He doesn't like to be seen as a hero, but would rather meet you as an equal, face to face, on the same level. A man to swoon after! 
Kelly Wright is a workaholic, who has passion and drive, loves to make deals, and goes after what she wants. The drama from a decade ago shadows her mind, the role Mace had in it, saving her, still makes her look at him with awe. Her marriage left her skeptical about lasting love and kept promises, doubting herself as a partner in a relationship. The feelings between her and Mace are so easy to come by, so comfortable, so intimate she wonders if they are to be trusted. 
The attraction between Kelly and Mace is palpable. They have the chemistry, they have the connection, it is beautiful and filled with fire from the passion they have for each other. The doubts and fears in Kelly's mind giving their relationship the waves, the pull and push go on maybe a bit too long. 
I loved the slow pace of the story, it really gave me the time and an opportunity to enjoy each moment with the characters, and get a good look of their lives. The family connection, the friends in town, the romance, even the bit of a danger that arises from the tale, it all wrapped itself around my mind and played the scenes like on a movie screen. There's so much adoration, admiration, and all the good things still left in this world present and counted for in the tale, it left me smiling and sighing with a hopeful mind. A lovely, delightful tale with smooth, flowing writing set in a gorgeous scenery that might make you want to cork a bottle of wine and take a moment to enjoy the life. Cheers to the Carson family, I have enjoyed getting to know y'all! 
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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KOBO

B&N

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The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, the self-confessed barn goddess pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a horse property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the beginning of her writing career to the day a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good—that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold her first title to a publisher in 1983. Linda then successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, to concentrate on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, and in 2016 Linda received a Lifetime Achievement award from RT Book Reviews. The Hallmark Movie Channel is currently developing a series based on Linda’s Big Sky Country novels. 



PRAISE FOR LINDA LAEL MILLER

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

“An engrossing, contemporary western romance.... Miller's masterful ability to create living, breathing characters never flags.” -- Publishers Weekly Starred Review on McKettrick's Pride

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

“Fans of Linda Lael Miller will fall in love with The Marriage Pact.... Her ranch-based
Westerns have always entertained and stayed with me long after reading them.” -- Idaho Statesman on The Marriage Pact

“Miller's attention to small details makes her stories a delight to read. With engaging
characters and loveable animals, this second story in the Creed Cowboys trilogy is a sure hit
for legions of cowboy fans out there.” -- RT Book Reviews on Creed's Honor 

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