Montana Maverick

Enjoyed this story since I've read the others set in Montana. Each character is unique and the story stays alive. This town and it's people are wonderful.

Montana Maverick provides a warm, gentle, loving completion to Debra Salonen's Big Sky Mavericks series. This is Meg's story and yet it also provides a nice closure for the rest of Meg's family. The novel stands alone beautifully as the love story of two former fierce adversaries yet it is both enhanced by and enhances the other books in the series. The book is written with Debra Salonen's signature style bringing warmth, empathy and care for others to the fore as Meg and Hank, who will always be Henry to Meg, discover what they mean to each other. I loved the care and love Hank showed for his grandchildren and the easy way Meg had of making them feel loved, cared for and nurtured in her home.i also loved the way the children opened Meg up to her maternal instincts. If you like feel good love stories about nice, normal people trying to make the best of their lives then you will like Montana Maverick,

Montana Maverick provides a warm ending to Debra Salonen's Big Sky Mavericks series. This is Meg's story and yet it also provides a nice closure for the rest of Meg's family. The novel stands alone as the story of two former fierce adversaries.

A nice wrap up to the Big Sky Mavericks series. Meg Zabrinski has given up on finding "the one" and has decided to fulfill her lifelong dream of having a baby. She has sequestered herself away in her cabin to write her novel while her body gets ready for the IVF treatments. During a blizzard a helicopter crashes not far from her cabin and she sets out to see if she can help any survivors. She never expected to find her long time adversary Henry "Hank" Firestone and 4 small children. Once everyone is safely tucked away in her cabin it's difficult to resist the sparks that are flying between Meg and Henry. A relationship develops quickly but they seem to be at very different points in their lives. Will they be able to make this work?? You will want to grab this one and see. I recommend it.

Was a nice quick read for me loved the story line and characters, kept my attention threw the book. Some parts were better then others but osver all was a good read on a winter day.

Montana Maverick by Debra Salonen

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Was a nice quick read for me loved the story line and characters, kept my attention threw the book. Some parts were better then others but osver all was a good read on a winter day.

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I really was surprised by this story but in a really good way.

First I want to warn everyone this is an older couple than most books. Meg is 40 and Henry is prob early 50's. We are told he had his first child at 18, his daughter died and a few months before the book started and left him 4 children, the oldest around 13, so if you do the math he has to be around 50.

Meg is definitely a character, she is tough and strong and courageous and very giving. When Henry's helicopter crashes she single handedly saves him, in a blizzard and she falls in love with him and his family.

While I really enjoyed the story, all the characters were extremely loveable, the sex scenes in the story seemed off. For instance Henry and Meg kiss, hours later she pops into his room and he says join me under the covers and thats the first sex scene. No romance, no build up, just come and join me.

Aside from this it was a great story and never had a dull momemnt.

Meg Zabrinski is taking a year out from her highly successful role as a science professor because she is seriously considering having a baby. She knows this will be a now or never sort of time as her biological clock is ticking and she’s forty but she has no man in her life. She’s gone up to her mountain retreat to think things through and start writing a novel, living up to her nickname of “Lone Wolf”.

Christmas Eve and she’s written the first sentence - not much but it is a start! That’s when she hears the helicopter crash near by. Outside conditions are near whiteout, she knows the accident victims will need help but the SAR team won’t be out before morning so she decides to go to help. Now this may be something stupid for you or I to do, but she is a fully trained mountain rescuer, has all the right kit, training, knowledge and experience - including medical training - to make her a real asset in these circumstances. She finds the helicopter with Henry (Hank) Firestone and his four grandchildren (aged from four months to thirteen years old) in. None are seriously injured but they were flying because the baby was ill with a fever. Years ago they were on opposite sides in the debate about reintroducing wolves to the area. Then they ignored their mutual attraction, can they do so now they are forced to take shelter in her cabin? Has she found her own pack and love at last? As he can no longer father children, will this be a romance breaker for them?

I really enjoyed reading this story. It is a chicklit romance with lovely elements of paranormal running through it as the (dead) parents of the children help support and guide those caring for them. It is another well written, heart-warming tale that has believable characters in a beautiful setting and, although it is the fourth in the series, still works well as a standalone. However, if you have read other books in the series, you’ll also like how past romances are intertwined and continue to develop in this story, too.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

In all this is a lovely, warm story about love and family and friendship, and bonds that don’t have to always be formed by blood to be long-lasting. Things might have turned out a little too perfectly, but as a series ender it certainly ties up all the loose ends and left me with a warm-fuzzy feeling, so I can’t complain too much.

Meg Zabrinski doesn't need a man in her life but she does want to have a baby. She goes to her cabin to decide about her future when Henry Firestone shows up with three young children and a baby.

Sparks fly between them. But Henry makes it clear that he[s done having children. Meg has to decide if she can accept falling in love with Henry and his ready made family and giving up her dream.

Meg is set to be on her own for the holidays to get some much needed time relaxing and thinking done, all while trying to write her book so has been itching to write. Henry is set to take on trying to be the best dad and the best grandpa anyone could ask for what he doesn’t expect it panic to set in when everything around him seems to be falling apart. I love being back in Marietta, Montana and catching up with these lovely folks, I just love this town. I loved the trueness of this book, the trueness of these people. I love being able to get loss in this book. I felt like with this story I was reading a letter from a friend and catching up instead of just reading a book. I feel like there is nothing I can say negative about this book. The chemistry between the characters and the well written storyline keeps you going from the being to the end. It will draw you in and you will have a hard time putting this book down. If you are looking for a good read with a lot of love this and not just another sappy story this is the book for you.

Meg Zabrinski, who we have met in previous Big Sky Mavericks, finally get her story. How I loved her story. The story starts out in a remote cabin on Christmas Eve. Meg is trying to write a novel and pondering the idea of, "Am I cut out to raise a child alone". When she hears a crash, it turns out that it is a helicopter, that has her nemesis, Henry Firestone and his four grandchildren (that he is raising on his own). Can oil and water mix between these two. Sparks begin to fly between the two, but will it only be a one night gift.

I loved how the series was wrapped up, very sad to see the end of the series. What I loved is what a sister will do for another sister in true love.

ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

We're back in Marietta, Montana and I LooooooVE it! This is the story of Meg and Henry. Meg has been focusing on her career so intently, that time just flew by and now she's 40 and no kids. That's a problem for Meg. She desperately wants a child. SO she decides to go to Marietta and take some much needed R & R to decide about her future and the how/what/when/where of it all. Henry is a 50 year old grandfather of four, but has had to take on the role of father as well. SO as you can probably tell, Henry and Meg don't exactly share the same desire when it comes to having a baby AND they are past frenemies LOL You see, back in the day, Henry and Meg were on opposite sides of a huge environmental debate that Meg is very passionate about. Back then, they ignored their attraction to each other, but can they do the same now?
This was a really heart-warming story. There was of course a lot of drama and a little angst, and some really good pent up chemistry! It was written very well and the characters and circumstances were believable. It also had my favorite element, past couples intertwined in the story but not just as fluff. You get to see the growth in THEIR relationships. SO it's like a mini epilogue to their stories :) And since I love all things Marietta, I was giddy!

Montana Maverick was a strong solid 5 stars for three fourth of the book. I had met Meg in her sister, Mia’s story, Montana Darling. I loved the no nonsense scientist animal advocate sister. The story has a whole did not disappoint. For a novella, the characters have a depth that comes with age and experiences that seemed so right on the mark. Included are some twists that I never saw coming with the two sisters.

The opening with the crash and “Lone Wolf” Meg going out into the blizzard was just riveting. Everything about Henry/Hank and the children I found so enjoyable. It wasn’t until the dreams and the talk of ghosts started that I found the story veering off the plausible and probable. Thinking about it, these events stand out showing the logical scientist experiencing something mystical that defies reason. Perhaps that was it purpose since it is in direct contrast to Meg’s usual mode of operations. However, for me, the story simply lost some of its momentum.

I love these Big Sky Montana Mavericks…a lot!!!!! They are amazing, strong, courageous, tenacious and steeped in love and family.

Debra Salonen’s next installment of her Big Sky Mavericks Series, “Montana Maverick” is a story of unconditional love and support, the ever presence of a family steeped in family values and roots.

Meg Zabrinski is a famous scientist, environmental advocate, especially wolves and a professor, and very independent. Level headed and with utmost love for her large family, she is a nurturer with a big heart and would love to help anyone. As her biological clock ticks, her one desire in life is to carry a child. Holed in cabin all alone on a sabbatical gives her a chance to put things in perspective and prioritize her life.

Henry Firestone literally crashes into Meg’s life along with his four grandchildren. Young grandfather and with a secret crush on Meg, he wants nothing more than to have Meg in his life and take on his readymade family. Losing his only daughter and done having children of his own, his main goal is to get the custody of his grandchildren.

Former rivals and with secret crush on each other, Meg and Henry succumb to the sparks that turn into fire in the icy winter of Montana. Of all the mavericks of Debra Salonen, my favorites are Meg and Henry. It may be hard to believe that such people exist, but I know from personal experience, that the world has good people with big hearts as the size of Montana, always giving and never asking anything in return.

Montana Maverick is a beautiful love story of two middle age people, filled with so many of life’s questions, decisions to be made, a couple trying to find answers and finally getting their love and making a future. Henry and Meg along with the Zabrinski family make you feel humble with their abundance of love and support.

This is one must read story steeped with emotions, uncertainties and the importance of family and their solidarity.

www.alimalivzletlivz.com

3.5 Being Open for all Opportunities Stars * * * 1/2

This was another book revolving around the Big Sky Maverick Series. All of these stories take place in and around Marietta, Montana. The draw of these books is the heart and care each one brings. All of the characters have history with each other and their families... so there is a comfort in the reading.

This installment was special as it was Meg, the "Lone Wolf" of the family and her pursuit in deciding if single parenting was the way for her to fulfill her dream of motherhood.

She is a strong, independent woman and she meets the man she has fought with politically for years during her time of decision-making. It looks like there are other elements making sure they connect and see each other as people not issues for the first time.

This read was sweet; we were updated on all our past friends in the series... and I know there will be more on the horizon.

A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

Meg Zabrinski and Henry Firestone used to sit on the opposite end of the political spectrum. Meg was all for the reintroduction of the wolf in Montana while Henry was against it, claiming like the other ranchers that the wolves are a danger to their cattle.

So, when Henry’s helicopter crashed on Meg’s land during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, there was wariness between them. But, is it because they were old rivals or is it because there was attraction between them even though their beliefs are different?

Add the fact that Henry comes with a ready-made family, three children plus a baby! Meg’s biological clock was ticking and wants to have a baby so much before it was too late. Are the children part of the attraction or are they a turn off? After all, they are not hers?

“Montana Maverick” will resonate will older readers. With young heroes and heroines in most romance novels, the fact that Meg and Henry are older makes it an interesting read.

“Montana Maverick” is Rated T for Teens. There are no sex scenes but it is implied.

4.5 stars

***This ebook was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Montana Maverick is book #4 in the The Big Sky Mavericks series and it's a great ending to the series.

Meg Zabrinski plans for Christmas are so stay in her isolated mountain cabin to write and ponder her future but her plans change when a helicopter crash near her cabin on Christmas Eve and she end up rescuing the pilot Henry Firestone and his 4 grandkids.

Henry is an old rival of Meg, she is a well-known environmental advocate especially when it comes to saving and protecting wolves and Henry is a rancher that believe that Meg loves 4 leg creatures more than 2 leg ones and by protecting wolves she's jeopardizing ranchers.

Meg's dream is to have a baby but when Henry and his 4 grandkids land on her doorstep during Christmas she needs to decide if her dream of her own baby is more impotent than being part of Henry's family.

I really enjoyed reading about Meg, Henry and the kids. It was a very emotional story and there were very sad moments but I did feel like in the end it was a great love story about real life people that had to deal with tragedies but are trying to move forward and make the best of the situation.

I also really enjoyed reading about characters from previous books in the series and catching up on their life.

Debra Salonen has a great writing style and I can't wait to read more books from her.

There is a ton, and I mean a ton, to like about this book. Meg Zabrinski is 40: that's #1. She's an expert in her field: that's two. She recognizes and accepts her changing priorities in her life: that's three. She loves wolves: that's four. Henry/Hank is an amazing grandfather at a relatively early age: that's five. He really loves his grandkids and will fight with everything he has for them: that's seven. He is passionate about his ranch and work: that's eight. They both have pilots licenses: that's nine. They have conflicting priorities and yet the make it work: that's ten.

I've struggled with a couple of Salonen's books but this one, this one really hit the spot. The fact that the couple is older really added to it for me. The kids who were all different and clearly not "plot moppets" were great. The wolves versus ranchers thing was really cool since it brought a bit of real life into the story. The mutual dislike of another character acted as a bonding moment.

The book never felt rushed and I never felt like Meg or Henry were glossed over in any way. In fact, it just felt "right" the whole way through, like everything before had brought them to this place on purpose. But mostly, Meg and Henry are two incredibly likable and real characters. I'd be happy meeting both of them in real life.

Note: There is a little bit of ghostliness in this book, a little bit of "intervention from the other side" so to speak. I liked it; others might not.

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion**

A heartbreaking and beautiful story! Meg wants a family, and she's going to do it on her own. But one airplane accident and rescue changed the course of her life. Henry is fighting to keep his grandchildren, being the parent his daughter asked him to be when she died. Trying to save the baby's life, keep all the kids together, and hoping to beat a storm--Henry takes the only risk he can and sets off to fly to a hospital for help. Unfortunately, they crash. Rescued by a Meg, woman from his past, his hard heart starts to melt while snowbound at her cabin. And, the impossible seems possible. Throughout all the years, they had mutual respect on differing views, but even more, a quiet attraction. For Meg to accept this ready-made family, she would have to give up giving birth to a child and all the dreams she thought she wanted.

Fate has a way of making everything turn out as it should--no spoilers here--but love does conquer all the obstacles and answers prayers for a new family--a huge extended family. Buy this book!

A lovely novel about being perfect for each other even when you are on the opposing team. Meg and Hank have never seen eye to eye on the subject that is close to their hearts but what they do agree upon is that family is everything and one must do what they can to keep them safe.

When a snow storm forces a helicopter to crash-land a mile away from her home, Meg doesn't think twice about rushing out into the blizzard to search for survivors. As luck would have it the helo belongs to her arch rival who was transporting his 4 young grandkids to a hospital. Fate steps in a makes her their savior but is she actually doing they saving or are they saving her.

A must read for those who believe in love and help from a higher power.

I read and loved every book in the Big Sky Series and this book is no different! The Heroine is a strong woman, I love that and the Hero well, he's that strong man, the protector. Brought together, these two feel the sparks quickly but will decisions already made by both of these characters keep them apart. I was happy the way this book was written! Guessing till the end ;)

I like Debra Salonen's books but I have never read this series. This particular book happens to be the fourth in this series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I did not feel I missed anything by reading this book first.

I really liked this book. First of all, Meg and Henry are older than the usual hero and heroine, and it is always nice to read books in different age groups. Also, Meg Zabrinski is a well-known scientist and very intelligent and successful. Henry Firestone has three children and one baby. He is fighting for sole custody of his late daughter's four children.

Meg is at the time in her life when she wants a baby. She doesn't need a man, but she knows it will be difficult to raise one alone. So she goes to her isolated cabin to think it all over. Meanwhile, Henry falls out of the sky. She has met him before when they were on opposites sides of many political issues. However, they both have always felt a little chemistry between them and they are stuck in this isolated cabin all alone.

The problem is that Henry doesn't want anymore children. He wants to concentrate on winning his grandchildren in a custody battle and that is his primary thought.

I enjoyed this story very much especially that the author seems to use characters and issues that go against the norms in most romances.

3.5 stars.
I have never read other stories in this book #4 of the Montana series, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story. I admired the heroine Meg who had a great heart and was a strong and brave woman. She used to butt heads with Henry over wildlife management, but they come to terms with life as she rescues him and his family during a snowstorm. I also liked the change of a slightly older h/h couple for a change.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful and warm Christmas story set in the back country of Montana. Overall, I really liked this book, and the kids were super wonderful. The only thing that held back a star rating was the rapid movement from two people who were enemies over a cause, now in a couple of days discovering they love each other. I didn't see much build up, before the strong emotions hit. Just saying, a bit more would help. I would still recommend this book, and did enjoy it a lot. Fun read.

I love all the Montana books! Another great read! (Sorry I am behind in updating Net Galley)