The Trouble with Love: Special Edition Cover

The Trouble with Cowboys #1

by Kali Hart

My love of animals started at a young age, when I’d sneak away to the Stone Ranch and play animal doctor under the guidance of Dr. Paul (Paps) Stone. He inspired me to become a veterinarian. Which is why, after being gone for years, I make the trip home for his surprise eightieth birthday party.

When my brother hands over a mischievous goat and asks me to deliver it to Paps my first day back, I do it happily. Paps is overjoyed to see me. His grumpy military veteran turned cowboy grandson? Not so much. In fact, he’s downright annoyed that I’m bringing Paps yet another misfit for his collection.

I should want nothing to do with my brother’s best friend, Ryder Stone. But the too-sexy-for-his-own-good cowboy has an unfairly fiery touch and an ability to melt my bones with a single heated breath.

The harder I try to stay away, the more we’re drawn together. So why fight the pull between us? Maybe a no-strings-attached fling will loosen him up and convince him to see the ranch the way I do.

It’s a great plan… Until feelings get involved.

This is a sweet & steamy romance with a grumpy cowboy and feisty, confident woman. NO cliffhangers. NO cheating. Guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Westerns, Romance

190 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2024

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble with Love is Book 1 of The Trouble with Cowboys series. And if this one is any indication, the series will be one hot🔥and steamy ride🥵! This story is an OTT, instalove, grumpy-sunshine, age-gap, curvy girl gets her cowboy romance. Macy is a 29 year old, sassy, independent, and curvy veterinarian coming home for her mentor's surprise birthday party. Ryder is the hunky, grumpy, cowboy, and grandson of said mentor. He is about 10 years older than Macy and her older brother, Wyatt's, best friend. Macy is an animal lover. Paps, her mentor, is Ryder's 80 year old grandfather, who runs a bit of an animal sanctuary for misfit animals after retiring from his vet practice. Ryder, now retired from the military, is home to help run the farm that's clearly in the red. When Macy shows up with an orphan goat (Gertie) for Paps, Ryder is not happy. But the attraction between these two is intense. As they spend time together, it gets physical, and of course, real feelings get involved. But Macy is only home for a short time as she has a 10-year career plan. Not to mention, some serious walls around her heart. Can Ryder break them down and convince her to stay? Their chemistry was pure fire, and the banter was hysterical. We do get a happy ending after a little bit of angst. Ryder is completely swoon-worthy, and I also loved the supporting characters, Wyatt, Nadia, Flynn, and Everleigh, not to mention the adorable animals (Gertie and Gumby, I'm looking at you). This was such a fun, fast-paced, spicy read. I absolutely loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veterinarian Macy (h29) returns to her hometown for her beloved Paps's surprise 80th birthday party. Her first task: delivering a mischievous screaming goat, Gertie, to Paps, a mission that brings her face-to-face with Ryder (H41), her brother's grumpy military veteran best friend and Paps’s grandson. Despite Ryder's initial annoyance at yet another animal addition to the failing ranch, sparks fly between he and Macy, and things quickly heat up, though Macy isn’t looking for anything other than a short-term relationship. As Macy and Ryder navigate their connection, they find themselves entangled in a web of funny and heartwarming moments, accompanied by a supporting cast of quirky animals. Macy's original plan for a no-strings-attached fling takes an unexpected turn as emotions come into play, and Ryder will have his work cut out for him convincing her to give them a chance for something more. Loved the ‘chase’ scene with everybody ending up on the side of the road and Gertie stowing away. It was also nice that the brothers could come up with the means to give the ranch a new lease on life. Sweet and steamy cowboy romance with humor, drama, mischievous animals, family bonds, and more.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start to The Trouble With Cowboys series waiting for the next book you will be hooked from page one to the last page fate stepped in throwing these two together. Macy a sweetheart with a love for animals works as a Vet. Returning home to celebrate her papa’s surprise birthday but upon arriving a cutie goat named Gertie was to be delivered to paps an older man who collects the animals and upon delivery she runs into her brother’s retired veteran best friend. Ryder sexy as all get out grandson of paps at the moment annoyed with his grandfather for his misfit of animals, but he isn’t too sad about meeting the cute Vet. and they hit it off instantly. The magnetic pull can’t be denied it is too strong to be ignored and the more they are around each other the stronger the pull but she is look for short-term her heart on the other hand along with fate is pulling for something more they find themselves laughing at the antics of the unwanted animals his grandfather has collected. She finds so much more than just a fling especially when their emotions get the involved, but will he be able to convince her to give them a chance, will she find something more to stick around for, will they continue the collection of animals, and is there something more there than the misfit of animals?

[KY Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble With Love is book 1 in the Trouble With Cowboys Series by Kali Hart. 

Macy is a veterinarian who has returned to Montana for a visit and to await news if she made it into a veterinary oncology program.  She also wants to visit with her beloved Paps (neighbor) to help him around his farm and celebrate his birthday. When she arrives to deliver a surprise goat, she finds that his grandson Ryder, who is also her brother's best friend and the guy she has had a crush on for years has retired from the military and is living there. As these two get reacquainted sparks fly and her plans become less certain. 

This is a well written angst-y yet sweet novella. There is lots of chemistry between the main characters, and the animals are hilarious. As with most books by this author, I enjoyed this story a lot. I am looking forward to the next book in the series  

ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review. 

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure joy. That's what this book was. I smiled throughout it. I'm in Kali's group and it was so much fun to vote on different things for this story. And it was even more fun to see how Kali got out answers and rode away and did such an amazing job creating a story with that little bit of information voted on. I loved the world she created in Emerald Creek. I loved so many of the side characters too. Ryder? He was my favorite! He was a grumpy cowboy, but once you get to know him, read his thoughts and see the development of feelings between him and Macy.... Swoon. He was perfect. He was so good to and for Macy. She was good for him too. She brought happiness, light and laughter to his life. I can't wait to see more from the Stone family, the ranch and the other characters. Kali hit it out of the park.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab your copy of The Trouble with Love now!

Kali Hart kicks off her brand new series, The Trouble With Cowboys, with the absolute must-read romance, The Trouble with Love. Veterinarian Macy is back in her small home town in Montana for her mentor's surprise eightieth birthday party when she becomes reacquainted with Paps' grandson Ryder, newly returned from the military. Amongst a menagerie of misfit animals, the attraction burns bright between Ryder and Macy. But her stay is meant to be temporary. Will a screaming goat, a bunch of barnyard rescues and a swoon-worthy yet grumpy cowboy be enough to make Macy question her ten-year plan? Entertaining from the very first page to the last (I want my own Gertie!), The Trouble with Love is a steamy small town romance you won't want to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Macy. She's my best friend little sister.. well, not so little. Vurvy with whiskey eyes that makes me stop in my tracks. Here on this farm am a grandson to Pap and Grams but a retired Army man. Macy is my weakness. She is a vet and helping Pap with the strays and rescue animals that are here at the farm. From fainting goats to miniature cows and loves this farm but she is not staying. But if I don't find a way to save it... realistic situations. Trying to wrangle my lady and stay afloat on the farm has me spinning. I don't want her to go. I don't know how long she'll keep running from the reality I want to give her. HEA but a fight for love is all Ryder has. Good read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Macy comes home for her favorite neighbor's 80th birthday party. She finds their grandson Ryder is helping him out and the sparks fly. A shrieking goat and a loyal bunch of dogs surrounds them as they try to save the rescue ranch. Loved the characters, the animals, all the personalities and quirks, and the feeling of home. The storyline has wonderful twists and surprises and ends with everyone wanting her to stay. Can the two finally break from their harsh relationship pasts and accept a strong loving future? Totally entertaining with a terrific ending amid ice cream tornados.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story in the author new "Trouble with Cowboys" series. It can be read as a stand alone read. The story is about Macy and Ryder. It is a brother's best friend trope that is sweet, steamy and fun. Macy, a vet, has returned home for a party for Paps. She arrives at Paps ranch with a screaming goat, Gertie, in tow. She then discovers her brother's best friend and Paps' grandson, Ryder, has returned after his military service has ended. Ryder, trying to save the ranch, is annoyed with another adopted pet. This sets off sparks flying and a bit of fun and entertainment. I enjoyed their story! I really love the characters and witty banter!

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Macy’s got a ten year plan and falling in love and staying in her home town of Emerald Creek is not part of it.
Ryder has retired from the military and now helps his grandparents run the ranch, but it’s in trouble.
Macy’s on a quick trip home, helping out with the animals, she doesn’t need the distraction of her old crush, Ryder Stone, but that doesn’t stop their banter or attraction.
A quick, steamy and emotional read. Ryder is all in, but Macy is easily spooked, so he needs to give her as man6 reasons to stay as possible.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Macy is back in her hometown for her mentor's surprise 80th birthday party and ends up getting a surprise of her own. Ryder is back home after the military and falls for Macy even though he fought his feelings at first. This is a sweet, small town romance between two characters with steamy chemistry. I loved the characters and was cheering them on to get their happily ever after. The Trouble with Love is book one in The Trouble with Cowboys series and I can't wait to read the rest of this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun fast read with a grumpy cowboy and a big-hearted vet with fun side characters that make you laugh.

Maci is back in town to see an old friend, help out and celebrate his birthday. When she arrives on farm, she has a goat that is a misfit and a perfect fit, but Ryder does not see it that what. Ryder is trying to figure out a way to keep the farm afloat but is not see a way. When Maci arrives, his heart is torn between family and love.

A great escape that brightens your day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely little read! This one was super cute with lots of feel good moments. You’ll need tissues in a couple of places, but the smiles make up for it. The storyline is good: the characters—both two and four legged are terrific; the plot is solid; and the HEA is totally I kick a$$. If you like small town cowboy stories…this one is for you. Grab your copy today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and really enjoyed it.) ❤️❤️

[Evy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun, reading the story where we had a little say in it. I really loved Gertie, she didn’t disappoint at all. The love story between Macy and Ryder was fast paced but so sweet. I wouldn’t mind if it was a little longer. Can’t wait to read the other stories!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kyareth14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Cowboys, this story is very good, Ryder is doing everything he can to keep his grandparents' ranch, and when Macy his childhood friend’s little sister arrives, things get more complicated. Between the two there are feelings but each one has its walls to demolish. A great story with a very good happy ending.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Macy and Ryder. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, fears and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, what a great read. The animals and their antics, the sweet older couple who you can’t fool, a wonderful supporting cast and then Macy and Ryder - swoon worthy. The heat is so hot, the dialogue is so cute and the ending so sweet!

[Emily Reinhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute, super quick read. I read this in one day. I love the human characters just as much as I love the animal ones. The fact that I was legitimately laughing out loud within the first few pages is always a great start! I was hooked from there! I can't wait to read the next one!

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Love

Coming home for a visit she connects with friends and family. Her love of animals has her visiting her second family’s farm and finding her crush on her brothers best friend is still there. Fun, endearing and very romantic story that I loved!

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

spoiler

I really did not like that she gives up her dream that she worked so hard for in the end.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ryder and Macy’s book. It was a quick, fun read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Holly Wyatt Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 1 day. I loved this story😍

[Heather Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and sweet easy read. Loved the crazy animals and all the different personalities they had. The love story went fast with falling in love in less than a week but it was sweet.

[Haley Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Ashlie Millard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down

I loved this. I couldn't put it down. I found it on TikTok. It's such a fast pace read. You will fall in love with the characters as well the animals

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute brother’s best friend romance. It was a short story with a good flow. The storyline was sweet and entertaining. I liked the chemistry between Macy and Ryder and they got a nice HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SUCH a fantastic read...for many reasons. You can't help but love the ranch, and all the crazy animals. You can't get away from Ryder, who is the grandson trying to run the ranch, and keep it out of the hands on greedy real estate. Then you meet his best friends younger sister, Macy.

I enjoyed how her love of that ranch, animals, and her career have led her to spend her time off at the ranch. She isn't missing the heat she sees in Ryder as he grumps around. I totally got into the vibe they had. He had his reasons, she just wants an animal sanctuary.

it felt really organic the way these two evolved into this melting exploding bomb of chemistry everyone around they can't even ignore. They let that guide them into a scary, but very much love they find as a HEA.

If you wanna dig in for some sweet animals, smokey sexy vibes, and a good rooting for the underdog....read here!!.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stubborn Cowboy . . .

Veterinarian Macy has come back to her hometown to celebrate the 80th birthday of Dr. Paul Stone (“Paps”). He had always encouraged her love of animals and let her watch him work, inspiring her to become a veterinarian herself. Her brother asks her to deliver an ornery goat to Paps and she meets up with his grouchy son, Ryder Stone, who is her brother’s best friend. Ryder and Macy are actually attracted to each other and Macy decides she can tolerate a quick fling, but nothing further! Unfortunately, their chemistry is much stronger than that. As she tries to resist her draw to him, he realizes that he would like something more lasting, if he can convince her that he is worth the effort. Will he show her that they can find that HEA if she just gives him a chance?

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Trouble with Love: A Small Town Grumpy Cowboy Romance Book 1 of The Trouble with Cowboys. I can tell I’m going to love this series. Macy is only home for a few weeks, she’s not looking for love but maybe some fun, enter Ryder. Her brothers best friend, she used to love staring at his picture. He’s trying to save the family farm, she’s hopefully going to oncology school but fate might have different plans. She’s scared, she’s going to run but Ryder will always run after her. I loved the story and the characters. I’m so exited for Everleigh and Wyatt’s story. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic medium length read as Macy returns home for her mentor's 80th surprise birthday party. She had a surprise in store for her when she discovered his grandson, Ryder had retired from the military, and he was now living on the Stone Ranch. She had always had a thing for him. She soon learned nothing had changed even after years of college and veterinary school. Once Ryder saw Macy, his bestfriend's little sister, he found it hard to look away, as she took his breath away. She saw him as a problem to her ten year plan, since she wanted to continue her education to specialize ìn animal cancers. What would they do?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.