4.5 Stars

Having loved the first two books of this series, I was really looking forward to reading more of it and Ms. Vayden's writing and I've got to say that this book was such an enjoyable read with likeable characters that have been through so much in their pasts and need to find it within themselves to trust again.

Sterling and Harper have amazing chemistry that makes this story a quick read, as you can't help but hope they overcome the moments that could keep them apart. Furthermore, they're good for each other and easily recognize a kindred spirit in the other. Sterling - the wounded soldier calls to Harper in a way she never expected. Awakens something in her she never expected. While Harper's love of horses makes Sterling realize that they could help heal him too and giving Harper a chance may be a very good thing.

Overall, Ms. Vayden has delivered a really good read in this book where trusting someone seems like a mammoth task but is the ultimate reward. The chance at a love of a lifetime. It's also a book filled with plenty of emotion; one where you can't help feel for both the main characters. Yet, it's their growing relationship that had me happiest most of all, as these two are so right for each other. Stronger together.

This is the second book in the series, and like the first I devoured this one in a single sitting. After finishing it, I was desperate for more of the group I had fallen for. I often find authors make us wait for the favorite characters to get their stories, but such was not the case with this series. Although I am desperate to see how all the stories play out, I was most interested in seeing on how this couple plays out.

The Cowgirl Meets Her Match is the third novel is Kristin Vayden's Elk Heights Ranch series, and it's the second title in the series that I've read. Combine a wounded warrior, U.S. Marine Captain Sterling Garlington, and a cowgirl, Harper Matthews, who is a rodeo barrel racer and equine therapist, who was once in an abusive marriage, and I was hooked from the start. I really wanted and expected to absolutely love this book, but found that I liked it more than I loved it, and I'm giving it 3 stars.

Both main characters were well-drawn and likable, and both had serious physical and mental issues, and I loved the idea of two walking wounded coming together to help heal each other, but I think the author missed some major opportunities with the plot. Harper's abusive husband (now ex-husband) pushed his pregnant wife down a flight a stairs and she lost their baby. He was imprisoned for his crime, but when Harper is notified that he's up for parole, she seems to take that piece of news rather lightly. Since I don't believe that abusers really ever change their abusive ways, I kept expecting that the angry ex-con would turn up somewhere in the novel, attempt to harm Harper, and that Sterling might come to her rescue--but that just didn't happen, and the opportunity for some real action and drama was completely overlooked.

What wasn't overlooked was the sassy repartee between the two main characters as well as the secondary characters, siblings of both Harper and Sterling, some of whom appeared in the other novel in this series that I read. I liked the interaction and protectiveness between all of them, and the helpful, even if somewhat unwanted relationship advice they shared with one another.

There's another important issue brought up in this novel, and that issue is opioid addiction, something I wasn't expecting but was glad to see, as it's become a major stumbling block for many of our returning wounded warriors, as well as the general population, and it's something both main characters have and are still dealing with, and it was handled quite well by the author.

While both Harper and Sterling are attracted to one another from the start, both are cautious about crossing the line between therapist and patient, and I wish the author had spent a little more time on the build-up of their relationship. They have barely known each other for a month, which is a very short time to really get to know someone, especially the walking wounded, let alone fall in love with them. While Harper discloses her troubled past, the how and why of Sterling's injury is never disclosed or discussed, nor is the fact that as his wounds meant the end of his much loved military career. In fact, he just might have PTSD and flashbacks as to how he was injured--yet another missed opportunity, in this reader's opinion.

This was an easy and rather fast-paced novel, and I did enjoy reading it, but the missed opportunities for both action, suspense, drama and relationship building, kept me from truly loving it.

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

The Cowgirl Meets Her Match by Kristin Vayden is part of the Elk Heights Ranch by Kristin Vayden
The author seems to create a realistic character in Sterling. He is trying to deal with finding his identity after his medical discharge from the military and his leg injury. I have not read the other book in the series so I did not have an opinion about him going into the book. You will find out that he had previously dated one of the other characters.
Both of the characters have their weaknesses and are dealing with issues from the past that still impact them. Kristin wrote a book to show them working to overcome them as the struggle that it is.
They are both very spunky characters. I have not read the other books so i was not familiar with the other characters. It seems like they may have had their own books, but this one also stands on its own.

Language - 2 ass, shit, bitch, flipping of the finger many times.
Sexual content-3
Drugs/alcohol - opiod addiction,

I received an arc from Netgalley. I was expecting this book to take a different kind of a turn due to Harpers past relationship but Sterlings past and decision making was brought to the forefront.

Overall good read.

I do not know why nearly all the characters have such bizarre names or why the author made some of the story choices she did but this book was a real turn-off for me. I could not even finish reading it, maybe getting about two chapters in, which is rare for me. The biggest thing was the names because it was just one name after another that I had no idea how to pronouns and that did not feel comfortable as names. Only two people had names I recognized as names (in the part I was able to read) and even those were unusual names. It just did not feel real to me.

Injured soldier Captain Sterling Garlington and Harper Matthews are both skittish when it comes to people but their love of horses may be the thing that helps them both heal.

Kristin Vayden is quickly winning my heart with this Elk Heights series! This latest addition brings together Sterling and Harper. Sterling is just out of the Marines and recovering from injury. Harper is more comfortable with her horses than most people, but her sass level is high, especially around Sterling. Both of them have hurts, so watching them connect and admit their feelings was really special to me. Lots of feels with this one. A solid story I completely recommend.

Kindred spirits Captain Sterling Garlington (what a name!) and Harper Matthews are working closely together. Sterling is now an honorably discharged US marine forced to now take orders from equine therapist Harper. Sterling is a broken man, as his military career was his whole world, and now a permanent injury has changed his life forever. Harper was seriously hurt in a previous relationship and is rebuilding her life.

Sterling is terrified for his future, and Harper is terrified of her past. Will the two of them be able to move forward when an undeniable attraction blossoms between them? Harper is a strong woman who had endured a horribly abusive relationship. Although she just might realize that giving Sterling a chance is a risk that may very well be worth it, there very well be a certain measure of angst.

The relationship that develops between Sterling and Harper is absolutely wonderful, and grew at a nice, relaxed pace. Meanwhile, the story is enhanced by the description of equine training and how it helps not only the body, but the mind. Sterling needs to heal and Harper needs to trust. One thing that stood out in this book is that Sterling wasn't injured one day and healed the next. It was a real battle, and went a long way into making this a very sensitive read. The sweet romance in this engaging in this story is quite enjoyable. For a quick read, pick up this third book in the Elk Heights Ranch series.

Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

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.

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

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

Loved this well written romance. Great plot, characters and the setting. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc. All options expressed are my own. I highly recommend this book.

Harper and Sterling are two broken souls that find there way to each other through the power of healing and horses. These two have traumatic pasts that they are trying to overcome. Sparks fly even though they weren't looking for anything and in the end it heals them.

Awesome book! This book talks about starting over and the challenges that occur along the way. Both main characters have had situations occur that they need to heal from. They learn to trust and love again then the pain med addiction to opioids occurs and just about shatters their newfound relationship. But the book ends on a positive, happy note!

This was a quick and easy summer read.

Harper is an equine therapist and is working with Sterling. Sterling is an ex marine who was injured in battle and will no longer be returning to the battlefield.
These two both have scars and past they must face. While Sterling's scars are on the outside Harper carries hers on the inside.

Can these two help patch each other back together and see that there are still things and people out there worth fighting.

This was a very sweet romance!!

**Received ARC through Netgalley for honest review**

There's tough love, and then there's actually being mean. Is he paying her?

His sister is a rancher, and he's scared of horses. Nice.

Poor woman.

It must be a delicate balance between pain relief and comatose.

Kessed and Jasper are cute together.

Caraway seeds on pizza? What the heck?

Lucky she was driving by.

You could be a little more compassionate, Ms. Paralegal.

Mayo on grilled cheese? Ew.

What happened with the parole hearing?

I knew this would happen.

3.5 Stars for The Cowgirl Meets Her Match

This is the third book in this series and I've read them all. This means I'm familiar with all of the characters even the secondary ones and that was fun to see them come back and play small parts. However, I didn't find that I was able to connect with Harper and Sterling as much as I wanted.

Sterling is a Marine who was injured in the line of duty. Harper is the horse whisperer who is using horses to help Sterling recover. Together they work together to overcome the ghosts haunting them.

IMO, I didn't feel the connection between Harper and Sterling. It felt more like instalove than a real true connection. I wanted to see them work together more, spend more time together and really become one. This doesn't mean it was bad, just that it wasn't what I was hoping for.

The Cowgirl Meets Her Match is the next in the Elk Heights Ranch series by Kristin Vayden who continues to impress this reader with her easy flowing style and damaged, but strong and loveable characters.

Some fun and sassy banter between the primary characters only enhanced the story and provided readers with some truly believable personas. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look forward to the next instalment in the series.

“The Cowgirl Meets Her Match” is a refreshingly sweet story, with two broken, yet strong, main characters. Sterling, a wounded veteran recovering from injuries, and Harper, a strong heroine with hurts of her own, are well-developed characters, each of them dealing with difficult circumstances with strength and some humor.
I loved the characters and their honesty and authenticity. Sterling was a great wounded hero to read, alpha and stoic, yet vulnerable and with a soft side that is so attractive! Having Harper boss him around and watching him accepting and recognizing her expertise and superiority in certain areas was wonderful to read. Going from being the protector to the receiving end of the protecting can’t be easy for a former Marine. Another trait in his personality that I loved was his willingness to get the tasks done, without questioning. And, of course, his handsomeness balanced with his wounded persona is awesome to read!
I loved the characterization and how the author, Kristin Vayden, intermeshed Sterling’s rehabilitation through equine therapy with Harper’s know-how about horses and riding and the hero’s physical therapy. Sterling’s pain is real and not something only mentioned once or twice in the narrative. The depiction of this process is fantastic, really well written (although I felt that another serious issue affecting both main characters, but especially Sterling, could have been developed earlier in the story). And in the end how he accepts that perhaps showing vulnerability and weakness (the limp) is better than the alternative… Kudos for the author for showing the process!
The chemistry and teasing between the main characters was very enjoyable too.
All these things combined with the author’s attention to detail and her knowledge about horses and riding make this a great story.