The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys Book #2)

The Heart of a Cowboy takes up right where A Cowboy for Keeps left off. As with the first book, I was swept up into the thrilling world of the American west, ripe with dangers and unexpected perils around every trail bend. This adventurous tale was fun, exciting and hard to put down once I’d begun! Author Jody Hedlund has certainly proven herself to be an excellent author of historical pioneer westerns. And that last chapter! I’m left excitedly looking forward to the next installment in her Colorado Cowboys series!

The Heart of a Cowboy Colorado Cowboys #2 By Jody Hedlund What can I say - but if you loved My Forever Cowboy you will love The Heart of a Cowboy, which follows Wyatt's younger brother Flynn McQuaid as he journeys to Colorado. First off Flynn has some major resentment issues concerning what he regards as Wyatt's abandonment of the family, leaving them at the mercy of their abusive, controlling step-father. But joining Wyatt is now the family's only hope of a first and staying together as a Civil War draws more into its conflict every day. Flynn is moving cattle "beeves" along the trail to Colorado. He is determined to get Wyatt's stock to him as healthy, and with as few losses, as possible. But when he rescues a young woman from drowning in the Neosho River his trip got a whole lot more complicated. Like really, really complicated. Linnea Newberry is a botanist on a expedition with her grandfather, Dr. Howell and a team of scientists studying the plant life along the Santa Fe Trail. Linnea had an unconventional upbringing resulting in a young woman who is brilliant, a bit absent-minded, bold, sweet, friendly, and beautiful. And when Dr. Howell talks Flynn into guarding Linnea from herself and the dangers of the trail, he knows he's made a big mistake. Having sworn off the idea of marriage after seeing all the suffering his mother went through with his step-father, Flynn knows he's in trouble because he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Linnea. Linnea is not at all what he's have expected from someone coming from money. And she's willing to help take his little sister Ivy in hand offering her a helping hand as she navigates life without a mother and only older brothers to look out for her. But each time Linnea finds herself in a new incident she fears that this will be the one that means she'll be sent home. And each time Flynn is there to rescue her. I really liked this newest addition to Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series. It is interesting to meet Wyatt's siblings and experience the trail to Colorado with them and through their eyes (mainly Flynn's). I have to say, though unconventional, Linnea was a needed addition to the story she was definitely a tempering influence of both Flynn and Ivy. Though she was also an agitant to Flynn as well. Fans of Jody Hedlund's historical romance fiction will have no complaints with this book. And if you haven't yet read the first book no problem as it is easy to read this book without the backstory the first provides. And when you've finished The Heart of a Cowboy you can always go back and read My Forever Cowboy. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

The Heart of a Cowboy is a fantastic story of daring rescues and sweeping romance that should not be missed by anyone who loves a good western! In this second installment of the Colorado Cowboys series, intelligent and independent Linnea meets strong and protective Flynn McQuaid when he saves her life on the trail out West. Linnea, a botanist, keeps running into trouble on her scientific expedition, so Flynn is secretly hired by Linnea’s grandfather to protect her as they travel together towards Colorado. Through the weeks of the trip, we see plenty of dashing rescues and romantic moments that made me want to swoon! However, I really appreciated the deeper spiritual element that Jody Hedlund brought to this story. Flynn battles some deep-seated fears of starting a family because of his mother’s death in childbirth, and he uses that fear to place barriers between him and Linnea. It is not very common to see a hero work through such crippling fear as a vital part of a plot, and I thought Jody Hedlund did a wonderful job of depicting Flynn’s battle to trust God and pursue a happy ending despite his own fear. I also loved how Jody Hedlund balanced chivalry and feminism in this story. She paired the intelligent and independent heroine with a strong hero who respects her intelligence but also strives to protect her. They work together to support each other, and it is a wonderful depiction of a relationship built on mutual respect and love. The character development in this book was excellent, and when you mix in some adventure and romance, it is the perfect recipe for another wonderful read by Jody Hedlund. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author for review purposes, but my thoughts are my own. I really did love it!