Nothing like a wedding to get a girl dreaming of happily-ever-after . . . Kessed Ling’s best friend’s big day is finally here. It’s especially exciting because it’s Kessed’s chance to show her childhood crush she’s not just a young bridesmaid, she’s a full-grown woman—with red hot desires. But when her long-awaited prey barely blinks an eye at her, Kessed retreats right back into her deeply … back into her deeply guarded heart. Doesn’t matter that chivalrous Jasper Matthews steps in and offers a shoulder to lean on. Kessed is no longer in the market for a man, despite how unsettled the strong, silent groomsman makes her feel . . .
As a veterinarian, Jasper better understands a skittish filly than he does willful Kessed Ling. But when fate finds him playing ranch hand alongside the raven-haired beauty, Jasper realizes she’s a woman running scared—and he’s just the man to tame her. So with soothing words and bold kisses, Jasper sets out to show Kessed how good it can be between a man and a woman. Especially when the man is falling hard and fast in love . . .
“Obsessed. That’s how I felt while reading this book, like every page was better than the previous. Just try to put this down, I dare you.”
–#1 New York Times Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken on Heart of a Cowboy
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An engaging, humorous, and touching romance story with fantastic hero and heroine who won my heart over.
Kessed Ling and Jasper Matthews have a connection and chemistry that is natural, authentic, realistic, and so adorably romantic and sweet while sizzling hot and passionate at the same time.
I absolutely loved Kessed and Jasper with his obvious attraction to her and her battle to try and fight the feelings. There was some raw honesty between them, it was real, it was relatable, and it was hilarious. Because Kristin Vayden writes banter like no one else. Seriously, she takes it two steps further than most, it is deliciously sarcastic, it has some thorns, but it is not purposely mean or hateful. It does not stop with just a line or two but it can go on for whole conversations until you are hauling with laughter and wiping tears of joy. Delightful!
While Jasper has accomplished on his career what he wanted and has started his own practice, he is in a place in his life to ‘take the next step’, to have a serious relationship, and he is willing and able to fall head over heels for Kessed. He is kind, fun, honest to the bone type of a cowboy, who loves animals, is generous with his affections and time, a family is everything to him, and taking care of his sister is a priority. It was so easy to fall for this guy, with the imperfections he was just perfect for Kessed.
Kessed has been attracted to Sterling most of her adult life. It is the kind of attraction that you want the one you most likely never will get. It is safe that way and does not involve getting vulnerable and building a relationship. And Kessed is not really in a place in her life to settle down yet. She knows what she wants to do with her life, yet the place where she wants to build that life is not compatible with her career goals. She is trying to advance at her job, she is trying to find her place in life while pining after Sterling, who only considers her as a little sister. Until he sees her in a serious relationship with Jasper.
Kessed is feisty, stubborn, food loving coffee addict. She has a kind heart, she loves fiercely, she is a loyal and generous friend.
I loved the story, I was so into it, I loved the connection between Jasper and Kessed, the fire between them just lighting up the pages of the book. And then… Third person drama is one of my biggest turnoffs in romance novels and Sterling, well, he got an ’emotional reaction’ out of me with his actions, that I didn’t believe were sincere for a minute. Thankfully, the angst was not built upon, and the drama was minimal, and after a temper tantrum I did finish reading the book and was happy that I did because Jasper is just ALL THAT and then some!
In the eARC that I was reading, Kessed keeps saying that her friends are out of the country, while in fact, they were said to be at Hawaii. First I thought it was just a mistake but it keeps repeated several times. Hawaii is still in the country, not just in the continental US. Not a big deal that would affect the rating of the book, but a detail that caught my eye.
A fun while deeply emotional, sweet while ardent and spirited, entertaining yet touching and heartfelt, the story captured my heart, got my attention and my emotions involved. The book is continuing the poignant series, yet is easy to be read as a standalone novel, if you so choose to.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
This book had me cracking up! The banter between Kassed and Jasper is hilarious and amazing! It feels like the banter or teasing that I grew up with and how I treat my husband now.
So it starts with Kessed getting ready for her best friends wedding and wanting to look amazing for her lifelong crush, Sterling, (her best friend’s brother) except, he doesn’t look at her in that light. He looks at her as the annoying little sister. At the wedding, she meets a gorgeous hunk, Jasper, but SHE doesn’t see him in that light, having only eyes for Sterling. So what happens when Jasper and Kessed get pushed into working close together at her best friend’s ranch while they’re on their honeymoon? Well, lots of banter and an attraction that she cannot fight so easily but which feelings will win out between the ones she feels for Sterling or for Jasper?
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
What a fantastic book. I really didn’t think this second book in the series could top the first one but it equals it perfectly. I just love the characters. Jasper and Kessed were wonderful together. They make the perfect couple. I am glad that Jasper was a strong character and went after Kessed. She needed someone like him and not Sterling. (I can’t wait for Sterling’s and Harper’s story.) Having this story start with the wedding of Laken and Cyler was perfect. I was completely enchanted with this story from the beginning.
The way the book was written, it felt like a watching a movie. The scenes were so vivid in my mind. Having the return of prior characters felt like seeing old friends again. I highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone.
Unrequited love is never easy and when Kessed’s hopes are crushed good and proper, she isn’t sure what that means for her heart going forward. If it were up to Jasper, he’d show her what it meant, but with him by her side instead of the oblivious Sterling. The timing is off, though, until Cyler’s steer delivery comes early and it’ll take cooperation between Kessed and Jasper to get the ranch ready for them. Along the way they find something deeper and better than they envisioned before. But when an IED sends Sterling home with open eyes, Kessed will have to decide if it’s the past or the unexpected that holds her heart’s attention from here on out.
I enjoyed Kessed’s feisty attitude. Her loyalty to her friend, her wit, her honesty. She’s a fun character to get to know and while her vacillation becomes a bit tedious, it’s her honest introspection and careful thought that I respect. By taking the time to truly think about each person and the way each made her feel she could get to the heart of the matter and make the best choice. And aside from the unfortunate moment that was witnessed, the way Kessed handled it was sweet, hot, funny, and extremely appropriate for each person she interacted with. She truly knew each of them and knew what to say and how to get her point across while maintaining the essential parts of their relationships and being true to herself as a person, not just true to her feelings.
Jasper was sweet, patient, and adorably funny. He was a great partner for someone like Kessed and it’s his balance for her personality that made me cheer him on the most. The fact that he also had a great relationship with his sister was another point in his favor. Their sibling banter was cute but it also introduced us to a sound voice of wisdom concerning his course forward with Kessed. Harper’s brand of honesty and sass was perfect to get Jasper to see that he couldn’t assume and make decisions for Kessed without getting her side or allowing her to work through her feelings in her own time. His presence, his goodness and humor, those things were what made Kessed see what she really needed and not just what she’d been hoping for as a doe-eyed adolescent.
With two great MC’s and an equally stellar side cast this story was allowed to focus on the relationship and the individuals so we could really get to know them. I was impressed with the outcome of the story despite my reservations about Kessed before I started reading. I’m so very glad to have been put in my place by watching her be awkward, sweet, honest, and unique. With the encouragement, understanding, and passion she got from Jasper she could grow into a confident woman who believed she could gain everything she hoped and more. I’m looking forward to reading Harper’s story where Sterling will meet the woman who will put him in his place and bring him out from his wary military shell. His steadiness is sure to provide the ideal environment for Harper’s heart as well…so here’s to hoping Elk Heights will bring back a solid cast and do them justice.
Can a childhood crush truly affect adult relationships?
In Kessed’s case that’s a big fat yes. She’s been in love Sterling, her best friends brother, for as long as she can remember. He’s always seen her as a sister, nothing more.
He goes off to join the marines and she spends her time never getting close to anyone because their not him.
Her best friends wedding day, she’ll come face to face with her crush. Dressed to impress she hopes to catch his eye only to once again be let down.
This is where Jasper comes in.
New town vet, friend of the groom and attracted to Kessed.
She fights it, gives him so much hell. This woman is truly a pain in the ass, but I do have to agree with her adoration of red boots! She’s been in love with one man for so long she just can’t understand why her body would betray her and make her want someone else.
Jasper has to be a saint. To put up with so much lip from that woman and still never give up.
The heart wants what the heart wants.
Loved Jasper and Kessed, Sterling sort if ticked me off with his timing but thankfully things worked out.
A super sweet heartwarming romance, The Courage Of A Cowboy will sweep you off your feet! Between the perfect banter and so many swoon worthy moments this book is the ultimate read to kick back and relax with. As soon as I started reading I was quickly swept up in the sweet, fun, love blooming between Jasper and Kessed. These two were adorable together!
Jasper is hands down one of the sweetest heroes I’ve ever read. Patient, funny, sweet, and kind. The man was nearly flawless. Long before Kessed fully realized it, you could see just how much these two loved each other. She may have been a bit confused, but her heart knew where it belonged the whole time. I’m loving every book in this series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next!
The Courage of a Cowboy by Kristin Vayden
Elk Heights Ranch #2
Crushes can crush your ability to find true love if you are not careful.
Kessed and Jasper meet at the wedding of Cyler and Laken when both are in the wedding party. Jasper, a veterinarian, is rather taken with Kessed but she puts the kibosh on that idea right away as her interest lies elsewhere. Well, the two are put in close proximity working together to get ready for delivery of cattle to their friends’ ranch and as they spend time together the sparks begin to fly. Kessed begins to wonder if perhaps Jasper is a better bet than the man she has been crushing on for years and Jasper, such a smart and savvy guy, lets her make the moves as he woos her in his own way.
I loved the rapport between the two main characters. I enjoyed watching them work together and begin to care about one another. The kink in their romance is entirely believable and the way they find their HEA was a joy to read. I loved that Kessed smiled so much when with or thinking about Jasper. I also enjoyed the friendships of the group and how supportive they were of one another.
Great story AND I am looking forward to reading book three, The Cowgirl Meets her Match, in which Harper and Sterling will no doubt find their HEA in one another. Oh, Harper is sister to Jasper and Sterling is brother to Laken and the man Kessed thought was her one true love. Should be a treat to read 🙂
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 – 5 Stars
Kessed has been in love with Sterling her best friend Laken’s brother and Laken’s wedding is her chance to show him what he is missing. Sterling doesn’t notice her but Jasper does and he thinks she is refreshing. When they both get roped into helping the newlyweds with the ranch Jasper and Kessed begin to form a closeness neither one so coming. As close as they become they have never really classified what they are to each other leaving to door open for some conflict. This book made you feel good about people and relationships in general and I loved the relationships that each of the characters had with friends and family, looking forward to the next book in the series.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
The Courage of a Cowboy is sweet, sassy and a must read! Kessed is such a fun character with so much spunk. Jasper is cool, calm and a man of few words. They are the perfect balance for each other and their story is lovely!