Readers are drawn back to Mustang Creek, Wyo., land of cowboy boots and wild stallions, in Miller's second, less satisfying novel about the Carson family ranch (after Once a Rancher). Luce is a Californian who follows her heart out to the ranch, which is owned by one of her mother's oldest friends. She plans to study the effects of wildlife on ranching and vice versa. Little does she suspect that Drake, the ranch's caretaker, will scare off the herd of wild horses she's trying to study. Drake has little time for anything other than his ranch, his family, and his dogs. So when Luce intrudes on his slice of heaven, he's none too happy about it-until he realizes that, under her sass and outsider ways, they're a good bit alike. The book's climax is decidedly underwhelming. The details of life on a working ranch lend an air of authenticity, but those details overwhelm the plot to the point where there's nothing left but boy-meets-girl and a stunning view of the ins and outs of a highly prosperous western homestead. Agent: Irene Goodman, Irene Goodman Literary. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Down-to-earth Drake Carson has no use for a tenderfoot city girl wandering around his sprawling Wyoming ranch studying a herd of wild horses for her PhD dissertation, especially not one as attractive or self-possessed as Luce Hale. However, Luce is there at Drake's mom's invitation, and she's not about to leave until she wraps up her research-which, to Drake's surprise and annoyance, also includes his ambivalent relationship with the wild horses, especially the majestic stallion who's been kicking down fences and making off with some of the ranch's best mares. But neither Drake nor Luce can ignore the chemistry that burns between them and eventually grows into something altogether different. Spirited dialog, realistic brotherly banter, and foreman Red's quirky cowboy observations contribute to the enjoyment. The story includes scenic descriptions so visually arresting that they will have readers heading for the Equality State. VERDICT Once again, Miller's deep knowledge and love of the West shine through in a refreshing, tender romance that sees another Carson brother blissfully bite the dust and seamlessly brings fans up-to-date with characters they've come to love. Miller (Once a Rancher) lives in the Spokane area. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.