ARC: McKettricks of Texas: Garrett by Linda Lael Miller

Fast track up the political ladder, fast cars, fast women—that’s Garrett McKettrick. Make that was. A scandal has brought him home to Blue River, a place where a man can slow down, take stock and plan his next move. Which doesn’t include staying at the family ranch with his brothers. A city boy for a long time now, Garrett doesn’t think he has the land in his blood anymore. But Blue River has other attractions, like his former high school nemesis, Julie Remington.

Now a striking woman and much-respected teacher, Julie comes complete with a precocious four-year-old cowboy, a three-legged beagle and deep ties to the community. Good thing they have nothing in common—except their undeniable attraction and a future brighter than the Texas sun.
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Another winner from LLM. This is the 2nd  in the McKettricks of Texas series, being released on May 25. Garrett could have come off as too slick, but he was just a sweet, sensitive guy. I love the way he interacted with Calvin. Julie took a little longer to warm up to, simply because of her overprotectiveness as a parent. But she loosened up a little as the book went on, and her sense of humor and goodness began to shine through. I liked that even though she thought there likely wasn't a chance in the long term for her and Garrett, she always remained open to possibilities.

I liked the sibling relationship between the sisters and the brothers as well. While Libby, Julie, and Paige all seemed to have their roles within their family down, Tate, Garrett and Austin are still struggling for that same balance. It kept everything from becoming too pat.

Even after working in politics for years, Garrett hadn't lost his sense of idealism and hope. And although I found Calvin to be a bit too precocious for a 5 year old, I enjoyed him, and liked the fact that LLM let the relationship build slowly between Garrett and Calvin. I also liked that she didn't make Julie's ex into a villain - he was just a guy who acknowledged he made mistakes and wanted to right this time around.

While I wouldn't say that the book was perfect, there was a whole lot to enjoy, and to look forward to in Austin & Paige's book.