Overall, I'm giving this 4.5 stars.
Nathan's Big Sky by M.L. Buchman starts out well. Nathan is a New York City chef who ends up in Montana to visit his brother after a crisis in his restaurant kitchen. The descriptions of the ranch give a real feel for a working spread that is trying new ventures outside of cattle ranching and the people involved. Nathan's acclimatization is aided by Julie, a cowgirl and building contractor, working on the ranch. I just thought the story ran out of oomph during the last part of the book. Not to give anything away. I was disappointed with Nathan's decision to leave and even coming back in the way he did. It seemed weak and if I were Julie, I don't think I would have acceded so easily.
Tartan Two-Step by Grace Burrowes is a delight. I love Ms. Burrowes Regency books and most of her contemporaries, but this book about a whisky/whiskey distillery in Montana is pure gold. Magnus is visiting from Scotland, hoping to lure the distiller away to fix a bad batch in his own distillery in Scotland. Bridget has her own troubles and soon Magnus is not only head-over-heels but working to make Bridget's life easier. It's a lovely romance with lots of Scotland and whiskey as well as scenic Montana. ( )