Review: The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When he agreed to guard her, he never bargained on having to guard his heart.

Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be valued for her contributions and not seen as a helpless liability. But at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn't need more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn—unbeknownst to Linnea—to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all—falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

My Review

I love the setting of traveling to Colorado in the 19th century. Linnea is highly intelligent with her botany research, but has a tendency to find herself in dangerous mishaps while in the wilderness- some were humorous but others were more harrowing. Flynn's role of unofficial bodyguard allows for frequent proximity, while driving cattle and exploring the terrain. Of course, his secret arrangement with her father foreshadows the misunderstanding that will inevitably come... I enjoyed this journey and adventure with the McQuaids and getting to know the members in the family more, as well as the complex dynamics between them. I really felt for Flynn with the pressures that are on him, and the expectations that he struggles with. Linnea is also trying to prove herself, but while some accidents can be explained, others cannot, bringing an element of mystery and suspense. The romance was a little too up and down for me, but I did enjoy the spiritual thread of faith woven in.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Colorado Cowboys series . . .