I liked this book better than the other one in this series I read, but only because there are no gaping plot holes etc. in it. However, I couldn't get into the characters or the story and must conclude Linda Lael Miller's writing just isn't my cup of tea. ( )

Echo Wells has just moved to Indian Rock, Arizona, leaving her old life and emotional scars behind to open a bookshop. She rents the space next to the Curl & Twirl, run by the former mother-in-law of Rance McKettrick, Cora. Cora begins playing matchmaker almost immediately.
These books are just adorable. Light on infuriating misunderstandings and contrived scenarios to keep the couple apart, heavy on characterization and heartwarming moments. The McKettricks are rich and their brides are generally rather poor, increasing the wish-fulfillment factor for readers. These are brain candy that you don't have to categorize as a guilty pleasure.

I loved this book! Very sweet, and a fun read too. ( )

After her engagement falls apart, Echo leaves Chicago and sets out to start a new life as a bookstore owner. When she pulls up to her new business, she runs into Rance McKettrick. He's rich and handsome, and something about him unnerves Echo. Unfortunately, Echo can't avoid him, as his ex-mother-in-law owns the beauty shop next door. Echo becomes attached to Rance's young daughters and is soon in over her head with the McKettrick family. Meanwhile, Rance can't get the pretty shop owner out of his mind, not that he doesn't have plenty of other things to think about. Between the family business, raising his daughters, moving past his wife's death, and falling in love, Rance doesn't stand a chance. Will his pride get in the way of his happily-ever-after? Can Echo accept a chance at true happiness?

This is the first book I've read by Linda Lael Miller. Having missed the previous McKettrick series as well as the previous book to McKettrick's Pride, I was concerned about missing an important backstory. That's not the case. I'd imagine this book is more enjoyable if you've read the others, but it certainly isn't necessary. The other McKettrick brothers are explained enough so you understand what's going on with no difficulty whatsoever.

I didn't like Echo very much at first. She seemed too strange at the beginning. She's described as this really thin, blonde woman who's obsessed with pink. She drives a pink VW and frequently wears pink clothes (and shoes), has a crystal hanging from the rearview mirror, sells love spells, and talks about energy and the universe. I think most real-life cowboys (or men of means such as Rance McKettrick) would have dismissed her as a flake, regardless of how attractive she is. Once I got past the beginning, though, it really became an interesting story. I particularly like the story about Avalon, her dog. Even if you're not an animal lover, it's a touching addition to the plot. There were moments of danger which added a much-needed break from the heavy romance that drives the story. In the end, there's a sense of completeness that makes it a satisfying read. ( )

http://jacescribbles.blogspot.com/2008/02/mckettricks-pride-by-linda-lael-miller... ( )