Love takes a special kind of courage . . . Captain Sterling Garlington has faced down enemy fire without losing his nerve. But after a life-altering injury derails his military career, the former US marine is suddenly taking his marching orders from a sexy, edgy beauty at the Elk Heights Ranch. Even more amazing, equine therapist Harper Matthews makes him want to not only embrace life again—but … not only embrace life again—but give in to the attraction simmering between them.
Her love of horses is Harper’s magic bullet—her way of healing the painful past. And in the wounded soldier she recognizes a kindred spirit. Part of her wants to bolt, yet at the same time Sterling is drawing her closer. Maybe it’s his courage. Or his mega-watt smile. Or both. Either way, she’ll make a cowboy out of the wary war hero yet. It’s like getting back on a horse. They’ll just have to learn to trust each other—and be willing to open their hearts . . .
“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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4.5 Stars
Harper Matthews has been asked to help out Captain Sterling Garlington was injured during his active duty, and he is staying at his sister and brother in law’s ranch to recover. While there the beautiful and sassy Harper Matthews starts helping Sterling with his physical therapy on a horse. I loved this whole book, the storyline and the characters. Both Sterling and Harper had been hurt in one way or another and they both had to learn to over come that. It was interesting to see how they would heal from those hurts, and move forward as individuals and together. The chemistry they had was electric, they were a perfect match for each other. This book made me feel so many things, happiness, worry, and hope. It also gave me encouragement to never give up no matter what’s going on. It made me laugh and gave me a few butterflies as well. Overall this was a very good book that I would highly recommend!!
This may be Kristin Vayden’s best book yet!
A sweet and tender love story, the third installment in a series that has won my heart over with the charming, complex characters and their lives and destinies that are relatable while intricate, tangled, and even messy at times.
Captain Sterling Garlington, the wounded Marine, had to deliver some serious goods to the table on The Cowgirl Meets Her Match, because of his actions in the previous books of the series. Was I nervous that he could not live up to the challenge? Not really, but the thought was there, regardless. Sterling turns out to be a good, solid man, with a strong need to protect and to be in control. He demonstrates a surprising amount of sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and emotional insights. He knows how to listen to understand, not just to respond. He is not perfect, he has his flaws, weaknesses, and challenges, yet he is honest, straightforward, and I claim trustworthy as well, even though that is challenged in the story. I liked him, I cared for him, and I rooted for him, even when he messed up, even when he hit the rock bottom, and especially as he stood by the equine therapist Harper Matthews and helped her wounds to heal.
Harper and Sterling have a lot in common, even though they seem to be the opposite at the first glance. Harper carries her wounds inside, her spirit was broken, her will to survive damaged for a moment. But she has champion through the horrors of her past, and she is stronger because of them, even if more careful now with whom she trusts, and whom she lets into her heart.
The attraction between Harper and Sterling is tangible, there is no doubt in my mind that they desire each other and long to be in the other’s presence. The conclusion came faster and went further than I expected, I wish there would have been shown more of the hard work Harper and Sterling had to put into the relationship.
The conflict in the story came from an unexpected source. I didn’t expect the story to take that route while it seemed that some things from Harper’s past were left hanging. I don’t say that was a bad turn, it is very topical right now in the States, and it does show the intensity of the dangers of opioid addiction, and how easy it is to get hooked on the medication, and how severe the detox can be.
A delightfully pleasing, luscious, and precious love story, truthful and lifelike, yet ardent and adorable. A story that brought me to tears, to smile, to laugh, and sigh with the happy ending. A great addition to the compelling series.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
In my review of The Courage of a Cowboy I said I wasn’t a fan of Sterling. I also said I was I was sure I would learn to love him. Thank goodness I was right! Sterling is adequately chagrined for the way he acted in that book. The author even gives us a peek at Sterling, Kessed, and Jasper finding their way past any awkwardness in this story.
Harper has been through hell and back and has the internal scars to prove it. Although her brother Jasper knows most of her story, she really doesn’t open up or have anyone to talk to about her past. Until Sterling comes around. As much as she loves Jasper and feels safe with him, since he’s her brother she still keeps little pieces to herself which is actually preventing her from healing. Once Harper and Sterling recognize their kindred spirits in each other, they are both able to finally continue their healing.
The way Sterling helps Harper learn to not only trust him, but also trust herself, is really touching and quite sexy. But Sterling needs to learn to trust himself, too. He doesn’t quite see that at first. He trusts his sister and he trusts Harper, but he really seems to sell himself short. This story is a really a story of courage and discovery for both the main characters.
Sterling does something in this story to mess things up big. What I really liked was the forgiveness he got from his sister as well as, eventually, Harper. In real life, we have to give second (and sometimes third) chances to those we love. Especially when they are making the effort. Otherwise, what’s the point?
I’m continuing to really enjoy this series and cannot wait to see what Kristin Vayden has in store for us next.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/13/the-cowgirl-meets-her-match-book-review/
The Cowgirl Meets Her Match by Kristin Vayden
Elk Heights Ranch #3
Harper Matthews: equine therapist, divorce, abused by her ex, trust issues, needs safety and security, lives with her brother Jasper and his fiancée Kessed
Captain Sterling Garlington: injured veteran, discharged marine, protector, considering his future, dealing with pain, in rehab with Harper, living with his sister Laken and her husband Cyler.
Harper pushes hard to get Sterling to get in the work he needs to improve his balance, strength and mobility. Sterling is eager to be useful and strong again and hopes to find a purpose for his future since the Marines was his focus and life for years. The two are attracted to one another but both carry baggage that stands in their way. Just as they begin to feel safe enough to open up a secret or two are unearthed that almost derail them.
This book deals superficially but does not go into depth on issues like spousal abuse, opioid addiction, barrel racing, equine therapy, family support, communication, honesty, ranching and a few other things. I enjoyed reading it but kept feeling it was so-so in that I never really felt the spark or real draw the two should have had for one another. It was more that they had similar issues to deal with so might support one another that way rather than having common ground that drew them together that was based on interests and beliefs and such. I have a feeling this could be the end of the series as all of the siblings have met their mates and have a HEA planned but suppose there could be another book if Harper takes on or introduces new veterans or patients that need to have their health improved and their love story told.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Was it a book I would reread? Probably not
Did it add to the series? Yes
Will I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington – Lyrical – Caress for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars