Mace Carson was driving his truck, when he notices a car sliding on the road, heading for the bottom of the creek. He doesn't hesitate for a moment and hurries to rescue the driver. The woman seems somewhat familiar, but he can't place her. While she doesn't seem hurt, he still takes her to the hospital, and when he comes back the following morning to enquire how she's doing, he has remembered who she is: Kelly Wright, who he had rescued before from a near-rape when they were both attending college in California, ten years ago. Kelly's attacker, Lance Vreeman, was sent to jail on Mace's testimony. Kelly is not in Mustang Creek for a friendly visit: the company she works for, Great Grapes International, wants to partner with Mountain Winery -- Mace's company. Mace wants no part of the business offer; he likes things just the way they are, he doesn't need the money, and he wants to make the wines he wants. However, Mace wants Kelly, but will the past resurface and destroy it all?

FOREVER A HERO was my introduction to Linda Lael Miller, and it was about time! FOREVER A HERO is the third part of The Carsons of Mustang Creek trilogy, and had I not known, I would never have guessed. I'm also very pleased to add that, given the blurb, the book did not go as I had imagined, not at all! Business-wise, Mace and Kelly are on opposite sides of the fence, which to my relief was handled in a civilised manner: there is no endless bickering, no demeaning of the other's point of view, and no instalust either. Although Mace and Kelly are attracted to each other; they don't let their attraction interfere with their business dealings, not even when they start flirting, and it's obvious that the romance is blossoming. Ms. Miller knows her cowboy country, and it shows: I was basking in the wonderful descriptions of the Wyoming vistas, the ranch, the winery, the sights and sounds of Mustang Creek, as well as getting acquainted with its engaging residents and critters: Mace's family and friends, a few fussy chefs and cooks, the unflappable server Thelma, the intriguing Red, and a bull who keeps running away!

I loved both Mace and Kelly, they're nice, normal people, and their romance felt real because it evolved organically. In spite of their conflicting views on the business venture, their relationship was warm and playful, and filled with witty banter. It seemed that Fate had a thing for Mace and Kelly, because he always happens to be at the right place and at the right time for her. There is quite a lot happening in FOREVER A HERO, but it never felt overwhelming because of the impeccable pacing and flawless structure of the story. I loved how the business side of things was handled by the author: it was totally unexpected, and very clever. One thing struck me as I had almost finished the book, and this detail matters a lot to me: I realised that I hadn't encountered one sorry cliché about the physical appearance of the characters that irk me to no end: chiselled jaw, full lips and such. And I will only say this about the Vreeman storyline: it was realistically chilling, and dealt with in the most spectacularly brilliant manner! That is one ending that I will never forget!

Book Summary

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

Mace Carson doesn't consider himself a 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.

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.