4.5 Tender Cowboy Stars

Back on the Ranch..............

I am loving this series!! I mean not much to dislike, strapping hunky cowboys who love and cherish with everything they have. Throw in a little drama and some LOL moments and we have a winner folks.

Kessed is in love with or at least thinks she's in love with her best friend Laken's brother. Little does she know a green eyed sweet talking cowboy is about to change everything she thought she wanted.

I liked Kessed, she had spunk, sass and was not going to be won over easily.

Jasper, well he is totally swoon worthy. As I read the book I found myself trying to find a fault in Jasper but alas I couldn't. He was loyal, hard working, caring, sweet and of course hot!!!

I loved Kessed and Jasper's story, I did find it lacked a little of the suspense that the first book in the series had but still an awesome read. I can't wait until the next Elk Heights Ranch book comes out with another hot cowboy to devour.

ARC received for review

I haven't read the first book, but you don't need to to enjoy this book.

Kessed has been in love with Sterling forever, but he never looks at her as anything other than another kid sister. Jasper wants her from the moment he first sees her. He is willing and brave enough to let her figure it out which man is the right one for her. Jasper courts her, and in the end, of course wins her heart.

It was nice to return to Elk Heights Ranch with book two in the series, The Courage of a Cowboy. This is Jasper and Kessed’s story and what a story it is. The book picks up where the first book in the series, Heart of a Cowboy, left off. Laken and Cyler get their special day and Kessed and Jasper meet at their wedding. There’s an instant attraction but Kessed’s heart belongs to another or does it? Jasper is a gentleman through and through as we see how he gives Kessed the space she needs and also cares for his sister who had it rough the past year. He’s also a vet and has a way about him with the animals. Kessed is a barista at Starbuck’s but is hoping to advance her career.

I loved the interactions between the characters. There was a realism to it but also many layers to get through to really know them. There was a depth to the characters along with kindness and caring. Kessed and Jasper got each other and seemed to know what the other was thinking before anything was said. Sterling , Laken’s soldier brother, makes a return visit home and suddenly noticed Kessed who has loved him from afar for years. The author does a nice job of showing their feelings for each other and others. Animals also play a part since Jasper is a vet and his sister had been a barrel racer. Laken and Cyler’s ranch is center stage again as well. The author also brought in some of the past that we learned of in the first book which was a nice continuation to the story.

This is a sweet small town romance that had me laughing out loud more than once. Kessed’s appetite was nothing short of impressive! I loved that she could give and take with everyone and that her sarcasm was a part of her. There were family and friends, neighbors, lots of ranching, sadness, heartache, fear, laughter, tears, romance, loving and love. The epilogue tied up loose ends but also set the stage for what’s to come. There is nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing.

Vayden is a new to me author only having read the first two books in this series.. I look forward to reading the third book, The Cowgirl Meets Her Match, along with some of the historical books she’s written.

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.

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 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.
I got through about ⅓ of this story before I really couldn’t read anymore. I really didn’t like the interactions between Jasper and Kessed from the beginning. They seemed kind of juvenile and just rubbed me the wrong way. When Jasper is already comparing his feelings for Kessed pretty early on, that’s when I decided I couldn’t read any further.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Kessed, sarcastic, Starbucks barista was always in love with Laken’s older brother Sterling ever since she was a teenager. And she was determine to impress him during her best friend Laken’s wedding with her gorgeous dress. When she met him before the wedding, he never even looked at her and during the wedding. But someone else was looking at her, Jesper, a friend of Laken’s soon to be husband. But her heart couldn’t take any one.
When she was house sitting Laken’s ranch and her beloved horse, she was gotten another task on her hands when her blessedly married friend’s husband mention about cows arriving earlier than what he expected and he mentioned Jasper will be helping out.
Kessed didn’t want to deal with anyone but Jasper was just coming to help so she decided to help out as well. Jasper knew he has to warm up to her knowing her history of crush. He was doing everything right. He never judge her when she asked to go to McDonalds and orders as much food as he does.
Both were so cute to each other. They were working side by side and when he presents her with red cowboy boots she was intrigued.
While working together, they were keeping each other company and they get along well. When they were out fixing some gates, flash rain soaked them and put Kessed in danger while flash flood was coming over. Attraction was clear but Jasper had to second guess if she was really into him or just passing the time until her real crush comes.
Kessed slowly opens up to Jasper and they are enjoying the time together until Kessed gets a call from Laken about her brother. He is injured and he is coming back to the ranch.
Kessed has to decide if she is going to pursue her new love for Jasper or her old crush.

I enjoyed this book more than the first one.. First one was good as this one but this one had more spunk from the characters. Jasper and Kessed are really cute and their conversations are hilarious. I liked how Kessed never backed down from her obsession with food. It was interesting until the end..
I can't wait to read the next one about Jasper's sister and Sterling.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing Lyrical press for my ARC in exchange for honest review.

In keeping with my current trend of starting to read a series anywhere but the first novel, although this appears to be the second novel in the Elk Heights Ranch series, it's the first one I've read and also the first novel I've read by this author, and I was somewhat less than thrilled, which is why I'm giving it a 2-star rating.

From the outset, unless I was reading a science fiction novel set on an alien world, I have seldom encountered main characters with stranger names, i.e., Laken, Kessed, and Cyler top the list, and although the origin of Kessed's name is eventually explained, your guess is as good as mine as to why the author appeared to pull letters out of her Scrabble set and turn them into names. There was also Sterling and Jasper, both of which are actual names, although quite outdated.

The novel opens at Laken's wedding to Cyler. Kessed is her maid of honor and she's been in love with Laken's brother, Sterling, a Marine, for years. Sterling, however, seems to show zero interest in Laken outside of her being his little sister's best friend. Add into the mix, Jasper, the town veterinarian, who's more than a little interested in Kessed, though, aside from her apparent attractiveness, was, in my opinion, the most unlikable heroine I've come across in some time, and the reason is that every word out of her mouth is sarcastic. I like sarcasm, I'm originally from Brooklyn, and sarcasm is our specialty, but I know when to use it and when not to, but Kessed doesn't, and her sarcastic comments grew old really fast. She just seemed so incredibly juvenile that I considered not finishing the book, but there was one saving grace, and that was Jasper.

Jasper was charming, sweet, honest, open and kind. He knew what he wanted, Kessed, and he went for it, although I failed to see in Kessed what he saw in her. They are thrown together for the week of Laken and Cyler's honeymoon because Cyler is rehabilitating the family ranch and cattle will be delivered while he's away. It's up to Kessed and Jasper to make sure the fencing for said cattle is secure, that hay and feed are delivered, and so on. It's during that week that these two are thrown together that their relationship develops, but shortly after the cattle are delivered they get word that Sterling, Laken's brother, was injured two weeks earlier, when an IED exploded under his Jeep in Afghanistan, and he's being flown to a Marine base hospital, not too far a drive from the ranch. With Sterling's sister out of the country, Kessed is the one who is tasked with greeting him and seeing how he's doing. What she's not expecting is what happens--suddenly Sterling notices her as more than his sister's best friend, and what is she to do about the two men in her life who now both want her? Why they wanted her is still a puzzle to this reader.

If you're looking for some light romance reading with some not terribly hot sex scenes or much of a plot, or drama, and, if you don't mind endless juvenile sarcastic quips, or often mentioned obsessions with fast food, you might enjoy this novel. For this reader that didn't happen, and I truly only liked one main character (Jasper), and one secondary character, Jasper's little sister, Harper, and I didn't like the heroine at all. If this is an example of this author's work, I'm willing to read one more novel by her to see if this book was an anomaly, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

This second book in the Elk Heights Ranch series entitled The Courage of a Cowboy was an okay enough read, falling in line with the series starter, Heart of the Cowboy. I really liked Jasper Matthews and felt that he was the heart of the story. When it came to the heroine, however, there was a disconnect, and when that happens, it makes it far more difficult for me to feel like I'm truly invested in the overall story. Vayden's writing was admirably good, but her female main character falters for me, so this title receives 3.5 stars. ♥

I enjoyed this book and the witty banter back and forth made it a worthwhile read. I love books that have kind of a sarcastic wit to them and this had it in spades. This book is about Kessed who's been in love with Sterling all this time and yet...he doesn't give her the time of day!! She finally realizes that he isn't the one for her, but still has issues with the guy who is the one for her. Jasper is clearly in love with her and he goes out of his way to show her, but she kind of gives him a hard time which is fine with him because he'll just work harder!!

This was a really cute and innocent book to me. It had some heat to it but wasn't over the top like some books today. I'd recommend it to those that love books with ranches, cowboys, and humor.

An ARC copy was provided for free or at a discount by the publisher without expectation or any attempt to influence or manipulate this review. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.

This book was beyond adorable. I can’t wait for the next installment to the series. The back and forth with the mains is hilarious and made me smile all bashful at times. Many times throughout I wanted to yell “oh just do it already!! Pleaaaseee, maybe after coffee “

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?

4.25 Stars for this wonderful story about taking a chance on love. I laughed and sighed throughout Kessed and Jasper’s meeting and their journey to connecting. Kessed is full of sass, but also wary. When you’ve been in love with someone who has never seen you as more than a friend, it’s hard to open yourself to new possibilities. I liked their banter so much! Jasper was self assured and gave as good he got. He knew his feelings for Kessed, and was patient in letting her lead. These two had to listen to their hearts, let go of the past and embrace the possibility of forever.

This book so very good! Funny and, honestly, what got me hooked was when the male character was a veterinarian but I so enjoyed this book. Our heroine is sassy and even though she starts out wanting someone else, she soon changes her mind. Great book!

Kessed Ling has been in love with her best friend's brother for years, but he's never seen her as anything more than an annoying little sister. So, maybe it's time to give up the fantasy that Sterling will ever come around and see her as more. When she's forced to work alongside Jasper Matthews to care for a friend's ranch while they're away, she realizes there's more to him than what she thought when she first met him. Will Jasper and Kessed give each other a chance or will they walk away from their chance of happy ever after?

Having absolutely loved the first book of this series, I couldn't wait to read more of Ms. Vayden's books and I've got to say that this story was every bit as enthralling as Heart of a Cowboy. Everything about it -- the sexy hero, the sarcastic heroine, the dialogue that was a wonderful combination of intense moments and playful banter, and the fast-paced plot -- drew me in from the beginning and kept me entertained to the end. Really, I could not put it down, especially with the way this story started. Will the heroine find what she's looking for or will her best friend turn into a bridezilla? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really gets interesting, as Jasper and Kessed have some serious chemistry, and yet, the heroine can't seem to get past her unrequited feelings for her best friend's brother.

With the main characters, I loved their back stories and their journey to happy ever after that included whether the heroine can finally move on with a new guy and whether the hero can trust the heroine when something big happens that could put a bump in their relationship. Moreover, the heroine is sassy, sarcastic at times, fun, resilient, has a great friendship with her best friend and I liked that she gave the hero a chance because she deserves a chance at happiness. However, I couldn't help but sympathize with her when it came to her job because things weren't going the way she hoped. While the hero, he's confident, a good brother and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over. Certainly, he didn't push her. He just got to know her and be a friend until she was ready to give him a chance. I also liked the tight bond the hero shared with his sister and that he would do anything to help her. She's been through a tough time lately and goes through something in this story that had me ready to cry for the heroine's loss.

Overall, Ms. Vayden has delivered another fantastic read for this series where the romance was delightful and the ending had me loving how determined the heroine was to fight for her future with the hero, especially after what happens that could cause their relationship to go awry. Will the hero be understanding? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as Jasper and Kessed are so good together. I would recommend The Courage of a Cowboy by Kristin Vayden, if you enjoy stories that encompass a sarcastic heroine or enjoy books by authors Rachel Van Dyken, Vicki Tharp, Soraya Lane and Nicole Helm.

This is Book #1 in the Elk Heights Ranch series. Kessed is full of spunk and sass. I love how Kessed and Jasper argue back and forth. They definitely had chemistry.

I love the title. Jasper had to have the courage to tell Kessed how he feels. He is worried about the what ifs. What if she does not feel the same as I do? What if there is someone else? What if she does not want the same as he does? I love when I am reading a book reminds me why I fell in love with my own husband.

I can not wait to read book #2. This was my first book by this author.




☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

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.

“Love like that only comes around once.”
“Once. But once is enough.”

Not gonna lie, my friends. I was a little bummed at first when I saw the blurb for The Courage of a Cowboy. Why? Because after The Heart of a Cowboy (which you don’t have to read to enjoy this one, but left me looking like the heart eyes emoji . . .), I was convinced Kessed was destined for someone else.

Now? I’m basically convinced that this book couldn’t have been better. Good grief, Jasper—speaking of heart eyes, this guy gives them to me tenfold. He’s possessive but stupidly romantic, kind to friends and animals alike, a great brother, and just *sigh* so incredibly swoony.

And Kessed won me over, too. She’s sassy and a little brittle at first, but underneath just the kind of woman who I’d absolutely be friends with. And not just for be coffee hook-up. Although . . . that sure is a selling point.

Another selling point? The romance here. It’s swift but sweet and sexy, and so gently written that it washes over you. The back-and-forth banter, the shared love (of food, LOL), the surety of a cowboy who had patience and a barista who just needed to find a new future certainly made me smile—and cast back any doubts I might have had at first.

Now all that’s left to do is wait for the next one—whose blurb, I can happily say, makes me very happy . . . and not at all bummed.

Sometimes a girl found herself in the last place she’d expect.
And strangely enough, that very place is the one that feels like home.

~ 4.5 Sunshine STARS ~

Kristin Vayden’s second book in the Elk Heights Ranch series, The Courage of a Cowboy, is a delightful uncomplicated read. It has so many sentiments within the pages that you’re heart will be full.

Kessed has been in love with her BFF brother for most of her life. He, however, does return the feelings. At her BFF’s wedding, he doesn’t even look her way. There was someone that was looking and it surprised her.

Jasper is friends with the groom and knew that Kessed was ready to hand her heart over to another. That didn’t stop him from letting her know that he was interested and waiting.

As we watch the relationship between Kessed and Jasper grow through their interactions watching over their friend’s ranch, it was heartwarming. The humor of their shared love of food, the sassiness of Kessed and the warmth of Jasper just brought this story together and made it a page turner for me.

Ms. Vayden knows how to write so that you are drawn into the story and can’t wait to find out what happens next. Her characters are down to earth and authentic. The story line was wonderful and just the right amount of angst. A definite must read!