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!

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

The Courage of a Cowboy by Kristin Vayden

“Change of heart, 5 stars”



Kessed has been in love with the same man for as long as she can remember. Only problem is he’s as dense as a box of rocks and doesn’t realize she’s in love with him. When Kess meets Jasper, she’s attracted to him but has no plans of making a move. I mean her hearts always pointed to Sterling so what’s the point of even trying with someone else?

Jasper instantly likes Kessed and wants her but knows she’s not available. But when forced to spend some time working side by side with her he realizes there’s more to her than what even he realized and that he may be able to make a play for her after all. When he finally gets the girl will he be able to keep her?

I was cheering for these two from the start. Jasper takes Kess the way she is and wouldn’t change a thing about her. He lifts her up and makes her heart happy. Kess soon discovers there’s more to love than struggle and finds herself wanting to be with Jasper as much as she can. Has her heart changed course?

Vayden’s writing was flawless. I loved all the characters from the main to the secondary. The farming life style was pretty spot on and I loved the little touches Vayden added throughout the story. I cannot wait to see what she does with the next book in the series.

Plot-5/5

Characters-5/5

Heat-5/5

Writing style-5/5

Overall-5/5

**SBR Reviews**

There is often I fear I have when I thoroughly enjoy a book by a new-to-me author that the next book I read by them will disappoint. I loved the first book in this series, Heart of a Cowboy, and it was the first book I had read by this author. Well, she exceeded my expectations with this one. I had no need to worry.

Kessed is such a sassy-pants, but Jasper can give as good as he gets. Their word sparring is fun and seems light, but it really lets us see the true nature of both of their characters. They’re both very loyal friends and, although they’ve been handed circumstances that go above and beyond friendship, they don’t complain. They do what needs to be done. Sure, Kessed has some mixed feelings when it comes to Jasper and Sterling. The thing is, she is torn because she’s a good person. From the very beginning she tries to really take a look at herself and make sure she’s doing the right thing and not being reactionary.

I’m sure in the long run I will learn to love Sterling. In this story though, I’m not a fan. I don’t outright hate the guy, but I think he was being selfish there for a while. I guess being a war hero gives him some leeway in that department. Yet I feel he not only put Kessed in a weird position but could have potentially made things awkward for his sister.

I particularly appreciated the author delving a bit into Kessed’s job and why she does what she does. I’m a huge believer in trying to find a job (or career) where you’ll be happy. Be it the location, the work, the coworkers, whatever. That’s not always possible, but while you’re young and single why not stay away from a job or a place that will bring you down instead of lift you up?

There is not a lot of cat and mouse in this story and I like that. Jasper made it known that he wasn’t going to pressure Kessed and the ball was in her court. Instead of playing coy as her thoughts on the matter changed, Kessed took the bull by the horn and did what needed to be done. I loved it!

This story was adorable. I loved the witty banter, and love of food.

Found this a sweet and fun read. There were some great swoon worthy moments on top of some witty banter! The passion was off the charts and I found it fun watching these characters develop along the way! Would highly recommend it if you are a lover of cowboys!

Kessed has no room in her life for any man until she meets the new veterinarian, Jasper. She is taking care of her friends' ranch as they are on their honeymoon and Jasper is proving to be a big help. Soon Kessed figures out that Jasper is interested in more than just being a helper!
Loved this sweet story! Have to give it points for a truly realistic plot that was so much fun and had me loving Kessed and Jasper like they were my best friends.

The Courage of a Cowboy by Kristin Vayden will be published April 17, 2018 by Lyrical Caress, an imprint of Kensington Books. An egalley of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

The Courage of a Cowboy is the second book in Kristin Vayden’s Elk Heights Ranch series, and was a thoroughly enjoyable read. A sweet, fun and engaging romance, it always kept my attention and the character interaction was wonderful. I’m excited to see what Ms Vayden has in store for us next!

4.5 stars
Jasper and Kessed are the sweetest, lovable couple I have ever read. Jasper is the sexy, you get what you see Vet who loves with his whole heart. Kessed is the sassy, smart-mouthed sweet friend who would give anything to anyone. Its like these two were made for each other. No wonder they are meant to be.

Book two in the Elk Heights Ranch series, The Courage of a Cowboy is a sweet, cheeky romance. I loved the character interaction and found the storyline inviting. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Jasper is just so sweet, the man risks his health so he doesn't offend his woman, “I didn’t want to sound ungrateful! You were kind in bringing me anything. It’s not your fault I’m allergic to something so random as caraway seeds!” Jasper loves to rile up his woman, “So, you admit it. I have the killer abs and smile. It’s okay. I saw you looking yesterday.” He winked." Kessed gives her man so much h***, "...she set the phone down, typed quickly into the laptop on the new kitchen table, and then gave him a glare. “Seriously. You should know by now that I can’t concentrate when you’re standing there naked.” I adored this book, I am loving the characters in this series and I can't wait for book three.

Kessed's best friend is getting married and all she can think about is her older brother, the man that Kessed has been in love with forever but can never get him to see her as more than a little sister type.
When Kessed is introduced to the other groomsman, Jasper, she notices that he is pretty damn good looking but he isn't what she wants. Jasper is blown away by Kessed and he is determined to make her do on a date with him...to really see him. When Kessed and Jasper have to work together sparks fly and pretty soon Kessed is thinking that Jasper might be what she needed all along.
This story was funny, steamy and I can't wait to see what happens to in the next book in this series!

The Courage of a Cowboy is the second book in this series and is like coming home to spend time with your BFFs.

I love Jasper and his pure, non-gameplaying nature. He brings a serious amount of comfort to my blackish heart. He makes me want to move to WA in a small ranching town to meet him.

Kessed is strong and determined - in all things. Her sass and sarcasm and love of food keeps her real and the most awesome BFF ever. She pulls herself up my her literal and proverbial bootstraps when she needs too.

I read this book in one sitting as the characters sucked me into a beautiful small town filled with hope and mountains of love. Now, I’m ready for more!!

The cover drew my attention and the blurb said that I needed to read this one. I am so glad I did. You never know exactly what you will be getting when reading a new to you author so this was a great surprise. The Courage of a Cowboy is a standalone within a series.

This novel was overall a fun and easy read. The story had a bit of seriousness and just a touch of angst mixed in with a happy theme. And the banter! I knew I was going to love Kessed, the h, right from the start based on her dialogue. Both Jasper, the H, and Kessed were characters readily related to and intrigued by. The story flowed well and kept me wanting more. I will definitely want to read the rest of this series.