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Heroes of the Flint Hills #3
A Hero's Heart
The town superstar has just met his match
When retired Army Captain and Prairie’s favorite son, Sterling Walker, returns home to join Restoration Ranch, he finds himself face to face with his biggest rival - Emma Sinclaire, the sole daughter of Prairie’s oldest family - all grown up, gorgeous, and glaring daggers at him.
Will it be winner take all in this battle of hearts?
A rising star at Kansas City’s internationally acclaimed Royal Fountain Media, Emma agrees to personally oversee the marketing and fundraising campaign for Resolution Ranch. But she never expected to come face to face with her high school nemesis, Sterling Walker, let alone have to work closely with him. As they face off across the boardroom, she can’t deny her attraction to the smart, sexy, soldier who engages her in battle at every turn.
When a moment of carelessness threatens to shut down the fundraiser before it starts, Sterling will put everything on the line to protect Emma’s reputation. Will it be enough to win Emma’s heart for good? Or will the fallout be the ruin of Resolution Ranch?
The second book in this captivating new series from USA Today Bestselling Author, Tessa Layne. Featuring five stand-alone books with HEA’s and your favorite characters from the Cowboys of the Flint Hills series.
When retired Army Captain and Prairie’s favorite son, Sterling Walker, returns home to join Restoration Ranch, he finds himself face to face with his biggest rival - Emma Sinclaire, the sole daughter of Prairie’s oldest family - all grown up, gorgeous, and glaring daggers at him.
Will it be winner take all in this battle of hearts?
A rising star at Kansas City’s internationally acclaimed Royal Fountain Media, Emma agrees to personally oversee the marketing and fundraising campaign for Resolution Ranch. But she never expected to come face to face with her high school nemesis, Sterling Walker, let alone have to work closely with him. As they face off across the boardroom, she can’t deny her attraction to the smart, sexy, soldier who engages her in battle at every turn.
When a moment of carelessness threatens to shut down the fundraiser before it starts, Sterling will put everything on the line to protect Emma’s reputation. Will it be enough to win Emma’s heart for good? Or will the fallout be the ruin of Resolution Ranch?
The second book in this captivating new series from USA Today Bestselling Author, Tessa Layne. Featuring five stand-alone books with HEA’s and your favorite characters from the Cowboys of the Flint Hills series.
200 pages, ebook
First published January 9, 2018
869 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Layne
43 books394 followersTessa Layne is a five-time USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance across many genres. Known for her high heat "emotionally searing and uplifting" story lines, Tessa’s books take you on an adventure of the heart from the rugged and remote Kansas Flint Hills to the big-city boardroom. Additional pen names include TS Layne (billionaires) and coming in 2024, Tessa Snow (dark fantasy romance). Tessa lives in the heart of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, daughters, and two unruly cats. When she’s not writing, you can find her outside chatting up the bees in her garden, hunting for berries in the woods, or playing in the snow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 15, 2022
Review to come
February 15, 2018
A competition between children, a rivalry between teenagers, a feisty partnership between adults. Their relationship grows and evolves into something full of sparks and spice. Whether it will last beyond the fundraising events that brought them together this time around will depend on if Emma can let herself fall for a charmer. But none of that will matter if Sterling can't let go of the end of his buddy's story.
Emma is on her way up. With immense success in her career and a drive to see her hometown healed from the tornado's devastation she gets to work with promoting Prairie's businesses using her professional talents and connections. One of those projects is helping Resolution Ranch get the funding it needs to really get off the ground. Emma is a bright breath of fresh air. She's fiery, quick-witted, fiercely intelligent, and incredibly motivated. Sterling always provided the bait needed to push that much harder to achieve success. He's also kind of an ass. A hot one. She can't seem to keep her libido in check around him anymore and he's doing nothing to stop that fire.
Sterling is coming home from the Army Rangers a bit broken. An injury has left him only fit for desk duty and a buddy's suicide has left him reeling. Determined to never fall in love and get married, he heads back home to help with Travis' Resolution Ranch as the ranch foreman where he hopes to find solace. What he finds not long after starting is a stunning blond, Emma, all grown up.
When Sterling and Emma come together in a somewhat reluctant partnership things heat up between them quickly. It isn't long before they give into temptation and add sexy times to their heated bickering. Feelings nip at their heels but Emma reins it in because Sterling is clear with his intentions. He's determined for their relationship to remain a fling and to end by returning to just friendly rivalry. But matters of the heart can't be dictated.
The relationship angst is predictable but really well-written here. It's believable and we feel for both of the characters. It's clear who's "at fault" but we understand the motivations behind the actions and we're left hurting for both of them. But what was unexpected was the purse theft and the fall-out from that. One video was bound to be leaked but the way it was done was surprising and has implications for the next story, A Hero's Haven.
Hearing Sterling's heart while he bumbles his way through his confession and intentions is endearing, sweet, and makes me believe in his commitment to his own healing and their future together. I loved the graveside moment because it was from the heart, honest, sad, and yet so very full of hope. This is probably the best story from Tessa Layne that I've read yet. I'm really looking forward to Cash and Kaycee's story and seeing more of Emma and Sterling in their periphery.
ARC from the author was willingly read and reviewed.
Emma is on her way up. With immense success in her career and a drive to see her hometown healed from the tornado's devastation she gets to work with promoting Prairie's businesses using her professional talents and connections. One of those projects is helping Resolution Ranch get the funding it needs to really get off the ground. Emma is a bright breath of fresh air. She's fiery, quick-witted, fiercely intelligent, and incredibly motivated. Sterling always provided the bait needed to push that much harder to achieve success. He's also kind of an ass. A hot one. She can't seem to keep her libido in check around him anymore and he's doing nothing to stop that fire.
Sterling is coming home from the Army Rangers a bit broken. An injury has left him only fit for desk duty and a buddy's suicide has left him reeling. Determined to never fall in love and get married, he heads back home to help with Travis' Resolution Ranch as the ranch foreman where he hopes to find solace. What he finds not long after starting is a stunning blond, Emma, all grown up.
When Sterling and Emma come together in a somewhat reluctant partnership things heat up between them quickly. It isn't long before they give into temptation and add sexy times to their heated bickering. Feelings nip at their heels but Emma reins it in because Sterling is clear with his intentions. He's determined for their relationship to remain a fling and to end by returning to just friendly rivalry. But matters of the heart can't be dictated.
The relationship angst is predictable but really well-written here. It's believable and we feel for both of the characters. It's clear who's "at fault" but we understand the motivations behind the actions and we're left hurting for both of them. But what was unexpected was the purse theft and the fall-out from that. One video was bound to be leaked but the way it was done was surprising and has implications for the next story, A Hero's Haven.
Hearing Sterling's heart while he bumbles his way through his confession and intentions is endearing, sweet, and makes me believe in his commitment to his own healing and their future together. I loved the graveside moment because it was from the heart, honest, sad, and yet so very full of hope. This is probably the best story from Tessa Layne that I've read yet. I'm really looking forward to Cash and Kaycee's story and seeing more of Emma and Sterling in their periphery.
ARC from the author was willingly read and reviewed.
October 9, 2020
DNF at 19%. I am not taken with either character, but the guy's uncritical self-contradictory thoughts feel forced, and by the fourth time he had them but did no pondering, I stopped reading for awhile.
When I returned to it just now, it was annoying to remember where the story was.
And that was my sign.
When I returned to it just now, it was annoying to remember where the story was.
And that was my sign.
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August 14, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (9/11/2020)! 🎁
October 18, 2020
This is my first Tessa Layne book so I’m not sure if this is how all her books go.
Review contains spoilers
The romance was fine probably worth 3.25 stars but my problem with this book was specifically how it ended. It left open gaps in the plots story....What happened with the last day of fundraisers that was so important we never heard anything about? What was the “something” the H gave the h as a gift that you knew he bought covertly? The H proposed at the gravesite...really...and the friends widow wouldn’t have wanted her own daughter to have the diamond from her wedding/engagement ring with her dead husband? The last two-ish chapters were just a rushed effort to finish a book but left you unsatisfied.
Review contains spoilers
The romance was fine probably worth 3.25 stars but my problem with this book was specifically how it ended. It left open gaps in the plots story....What happened with the last day of fundraisers that was so important we never heard anything about? What was the “something” the H gave the h as a gift that you knew he bought covertly? The H proposed at the gravesite...really...and the friends widow wouldn’t have wanted her own daughter to have the diamond from her wedding/engagement ring with her dead husband? The last two-ish chapters were just a rushed effort to finish a book but left you unsatisfied.
January 9, 2018
Hero’s Heart by Tessa Layne
Our hero is Sterling Walker, an retired Army Ranger who is at loose ends. He was forced to leave behind his career as a ranger due to an injury or forever sit behind a desk. His best friend has escaped his PTSD by committing suicide leaving Sterling blaming himself for not seeing where Johnny was headed. Sterling has convinced himself that it is better to play the field than commit to a relationship and chance leaving a family behind like Johnny did.
A life line comes in the form of Travis Kincade and Resolution Ranch. Travis offers Sterling a job as Foreman. Travis is looking for help setting up a working ranch to help Veterans phase back into civilian life.
Our heroine is Emma Sinclair, sister to 3 Bossy Brothers, she is an account ExecutIve for a large Marketing firm in Kansas City. She’s upwardly mobile independent woman who full of sass and vinegar. Emma is working on fundraising for Resolution Ranch, bringing the spotlight to raising money to aide The Ranch and Veterans become fiscally sound. One problem is that Emma and Sterling is like mixing oil and water.
The Fireworks start New Years Eve when Sterling and Emma meet at the Trading Post in Prairie. Old hurts and memories, Insecurities surface as they talk about high school. The two windup working on the fundraising for the Ranch, they become friends and lovers through the planing of baseball games, concerts, poker games.
Sterling can’t handle the intimacy of a relationship, the insecurities of loosing Johnny to suicide has him shutting out Emma, ending the relationship.
Just when Emma needs him, Circumstances force Emma home.. Jason his friend forces Sterling to see life with open eyes.
This books was full of emotional up and downs, forcing the reader to run the gamut. Keep tissues handy. Loved it!
Our hero is Sterling Walker, an retired Army Ranger who is at loose ends. He was forced to leave behind his career as a ranger due to an injury or forever sit behind a desk. His best friend has escaped his PTSD by committing suicide leaving Sterling blaming himself for not seeing where Johnny was headed. Sterling has convinced himself that it is better to play the field than commit to a relationship and chance leaving a family behind like Johnny did.
A life line comes in the form of Travis Kincade and Resolution Ranch. Travis offers Sterling a job as Foreman. Travis is looking for help setting up a working ranch to help Veterans phase back into civilian life.
Our heroine is Emma Sinclair, sister to 3 Bossy Brothers, she is an account ExecutIve for a large Marketing firm in Kansas City. She’s upwardly mobile independent woman who full of sass and vinegar. Emma is working on fundraising for Resolution Ranch, bringing the spotlight to raising money to aide The Ranch and Veterans become fiscally sound. One problem is that Emma and Sterling is like mixing oil and water.
The Fireworks start New Years Eve when Sterling and Emma meet at the Trading Post in Prairie. Old hurts and memories, Insecurities surface as they talk about high school. The two windup working on the fundraising for the Ranch, they become friends and lovers through the planing of baseball games, concerts, poker games.
Sterling can’t handle the intimacy of a relationship, the insecurities of loosing Johnny to suicide has him shutting out Emma, ending the relationship.
Just when Emma needs him, Circumstances force Emma home.. Jason his friend forces Sterling to see life with open eyes.
This books was full of emotional up and downs, forcing the reader to run the gamut. Keep tissues handy. Loved it!
August 30, 2018
After burying one of his best friends, Sterling is in a bad place. A phone call from Travis offers him a new beginning, a new life.
Emma and Sterling have been competitors since high school. But while Sterling looks at that time as making him better at everything, Emma sees it being humiliated time after time.
Nothing comes from their New Year's encounter, not even a kiss. Not for lack of trying on Sterling's part.
The trail drive for the ranch was hard and satisfying. Now preparations begin to get the ranch up and running. A major fundraiser to finance the buildings to house the veterans coming for help. The dream of this ranch beginning to come to fruition.
In spite of her resolve Emma finds herself not resisting the charm and persistence of Sterling's pursuit. Unfortunately he has to come to terms with himself before their relationship can be a relationship.
Stolen electronics cause major problems and Sterling steps up to prevent these things from not only destroying the fundraisers for the ranch, but Emma as well. Although he does it without contact, that was handled by Jamey, Lydia, Luci and Hope.
I fell in love with Cade and Kate, Jason, Macey and Sophie even though they are secondary characters here. I hope we see all of them again.
A page turning read with plenty of suspense, drama, laughter and a few tears as well.
Emma and Sterling have been competitors since high school. But while Sterling looks at that time as making him better at everything, Emma sees it being humiliated time after time.
Nothing comes from their New Year's encounter, not even a kiss. Not for lack of trying on Sterling's part.
The trail drive for the ranch was hard and satisfying. Now preparations begin to get the ranch up and running. A major fundraiser to finance the buildings to house the veterans coming for help. The dream of this ranch beginning to come to fruition.
In spite of her resolve Emma finds herself not resisting the charm and persistence of Sterling's pursuit. Unfortunately he has to come to terms with himself before their relationship can be a relationship.
Stolen electronics cause major problems and Sterling steps up to prevent these things from not only destroying the fundraisers for the ranch, but Emma as well. Although he does it without contact, that was handled by Jamey, Lydia, Luci and Hope.
I fell in love with Cade and Kate, Jason, Macey and Sophie even though they are secondary characters here. I hope we see all of them again.
A page turning read with plenty of suspense, drama, laughter and a few tears as well.
September 30, 2020
An eye awakening story!
Usually when you hear of soldiers returning home, especially those that have endured action in war- you're thankful for their service and endurance, you feel badly for what they had to face, especially if they're injured, and hope they're okay now that they're home. But few of us think or even have an idea about what they face being home- any loud noises, the fear, the memories, the normal routines that weren't part of their lives for many years, love ones that expect the person they were before they left, and how all that affects them. This book is about that and how it affects all warriors differently.
This book about Sterling Walker, and how he tries to cope with a fellow brother in arms' suicide. And also how it translates to his relationship with Emma Sinclaire. Thankfully she has a good self esteem so that she can get past Sterling's less than 'sterling' behaviors, once he realizes his many mistakes. I liked this story about how love conquers all in the end, and I especially love the ending. (Hint- you'll need a tissue but in a good way.) I also didn't miss the fact that his name is Sterling and he sometimes calls Em 'Goldilocks'- get it 'gold and sterling'? ;D I definitely recommend both this book and series, and kudos to the author on how she handled this topic. I thank all military men and women for their service.
Usually when you hear of soldiers returning home, especially those that have endured action in war- you're thankful for their service and endurance, you feel badly for what they had to face, especially if they're injured, and hope they're okay now that they're home. But few of us think or even have an idea about what they face being home- any loud noises, the fear, the memories, the normal routines that weren't part of their lives for many years, love ones that expect the person they were before they left, and how all that affects them. This book is about that and how it affects all warriors differently.
This book about Sterling Walker, and how he tries to cope with a fellow brother in arms' suicide. And also how it translates to his relationship with Emma Sinclaire. Thankfully she has a good self esteem so that she can get past Sterling's less than 'sterling' behaviors, once he realizes his many mistakes. I liked this story about how love conquers all in the end, and I especially love the ending. (Hint- you'll need a tissue but in a good way.) I also didn't miss the fact that his name is Sterling and he sometimes calls Em 'Goldilocks'- get it 'gold and sterling'? ;D I definitely recommend both this book and series, and kudos to the author on how she handled this topic. I thank all military men and women for their service.
January 9, 2018
Tessa Layne has an amazing when of pulling you into her books. The way the story flows and the characters are developed, you feel a part of them. Like your family. You laugh, you cry, you get angry, and you love. I have no idea how Tessa does it. Sometimes I feel like I'm really there.
Sterling used to make Emma cry when they were young. That means he likes her right? Isn't that what your parents used to say? Now that they are older and have to work together, they really start to bond. Or do they?
Tessa's books speak to your heart, body, and soul. I'm not sure how she does it. She is a truly amazing writer. Each one of her books tells a story. They are all stand-alone books. BUT, I suggest reading them all. The men and woman are strong as individuals, but together they are unstoppable.
I received this as an advanced copy for my honest & voluntary review......BUT, once I finished I one clicked and purchased the new release. I had to add this to my growing collection. Thank you Tessa for another amazing military, love story.
The Rangers Creed is: I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers...... Surrender is not a Ranger Word.
January 10, 2018
A Hero's Heart: Resolution Ranch (Flint Hills Military Heroes Book 2) by Tessa Layne
This is Sterling Walker and Emma Sinclaire’s story.
This is a great and beautifully written story. Sterling has issues that he hasn’t dealt with and promises to never marry after losing a good friend. He doesn’t want to put a woman through what his good friend’s wife and child is having to endure. Sterling returns home to Resolution Ranch and ends up working with Emma. Emma and Sterling go way back and he used to love teasing and aggravating her. He worries that he went too far and wants Emma to know that he has changed. Sterling’s friends used to tease him that Emma was the one that got away. Will Sterling stick to his vow to never marry or will he take a chance on finding true love?
I loved Sterling and Emma’s story. Their journey wasn’t an easy one but was an amazing ride. I enjoyed the supporting characters and their story too. The author did a wonderful job of incorporating awareness of grief after losing someone important and the issues that military personnel and their families deal with when getting back to life outside of the service.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is Sterling Walker and Emma Sinclaire’s story.
This is a great and beautifully written story. Sterling has issues that he hasn’t dealt with and promises to never marry after losing a good friend. He doesn’t want to put a woman through what his good friend’s wife and child is having to endure. Sterling returns home to Resolution Ranch and ends up working with Emma. Emma and Sterling go way back and he used to love teasing and aggravating her. He worries that he went too far and wants Emma to know that he has changed. Sterling’s friends used to tease him that Emma was the one that got away. Will Sterling stick to his vow to never marry or will he take a chance on finding true love?
I loved Sterling and Emma’s story. Their journey wasn’t an easy one but was an amazing ride. I enjoyed the supporting characters and their story too. The author did a wonderful job of incorporating awareness of grief after losing someone important and the issues that military personnel and their families deal with when getting back to life outside of the service.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 10, 2018
ARC for honest review with no compensation
A Hero’s Heart: Restoration Ranch is book 2 in the Flint Hills Military Heroes series by Tessa Layne and what a way to continue this series bringing back one of Prairie’s favorite sons.
Sterling Walker is a retired Army Captain and one of Prairie’s own boys decides to return home after getting a call from Travis to join Restoration Ranch, a ranch designed to help veterans to ease back into life after leaving the military and all they have seen and done during war times. But when his childhood friend and biggest rival shows up at the ranch to help with marketing and fundraising for the ranch little does he realize that she is what helped him along the way to become the man he is today…
Emma Sinclaire, a rising media star and hometown Prairie daughter has agreed to help do the marketing and fundraising for Restoration Ranch. Little does she know that she must work closely with her childhood friend and rival Sterling, who she has always had a crush on until they meet in the boardroom and she can’t deny the attraction is still their…
Can these two find a way to work together without one upping and bring the much needs funds to the ranch or will the battle of wills be the downfall of them and the ranch??
A Hero’s Heart: Restoration Ranch is book 2 in the Flint Hills Military Heroes series by Tessa Layne and what a way to continue this series bringing back one of Prairie’s favorite sons.
Sterling Walker is a retired Army Captain and one of Prairie’s own boys decides to return home after getting a call from Travis to join Restoration Ranch, a ranch designed to help veterans to ease back into life after leaving the military and all they have seen and done during war times. But when his childhood friend and biggest rival shows up at the ranch to help with marketing and fundraising for the ranch little does he realize that she is what helped him along the way to become the man he is today…
Emma Sinclaire, a rising media star and hometown Prairie daughter has agreed to help do the marketing and fundraising for Restoration Ranch. Little does she know that she must work closely with her childhood friend and rival Sterling, who she has always had a crush on until they meet in the boardroom and she can’t deny the attraction is still their…
Can these two find a way to work together without one upping and bring the much needs funds to the ranch or will the battle of wills be the downfall of them and the ranch??
January 4, 2018
I cannot get enough of Tessa Layne's cowboys and the sassy women they fall in love with.
Sterling is now a civilian after leaving the Rangers. No longer on active duty, he now has to decide what to do with his life. He's now dealing with the loss of his bet friend who left behind a wife and daughter.
While dealing with the grief, he receives a call from Travis in his home town to come help open the ranch for veterans and learn to cope in civilian life.
Emma is weary when she finds out that Sterling is back in town. She put up with a lot growing up around Sterling being teased and his competitive streak. But she has always felt the spark between the too.
However, she now has to work with Sterling on setting up fund raisers to get Resolution Ranch up and running. Their heads butt against each other about their ideas but also bring them closer together.
But Sterling has vowed that he's not going to be in any relationships because he refuses to leave behind anyone the way his best friend did. And he's sticking to those principles.
But whose story are they going to live. Must read to find out.
Sterling is now a civilian after leaving the Rangers. No longer on active duty, he now has to decide what to do with his life. He's now dealing with the loss of his bet friend who left behind a wife and daughter.
While dealing with the grief, he receives a call from Travis in his home town to come help open the ranch for veterans and learn to cope in civilian life.
Emma is weary when she finds out that Sterling is back in town. She put up with a lot growing up around Sterling being teased and his competitive streak. But she has always felt the spark between the too.
However, she now has to work with Sterling on setting up fund raisers to get Resolution Ranch up and running. Their heads butt against each other about their ideas but also bring them closer together.
But Sterling has vowed that he's not going to be in any relationships because he refuses to leave behind anyone the way his best friend did. And he's sticking to those principles.
But whose story are they going to live. Must read to find out.
February 13, 2023
This book had more story going on than I expected going in, which is definitely a good thing! While I wish that Sterling and Emma had some sort of bond-building beyond "I had a crush in high school" to make me believe they had an emotional connection beyond just the physical, both characters grew on me enough that I was definitely rooting for them both in the end.
I was happy to see the highlight on the mental jarring that veterans have to deal with after transitioning to civilian life, but I really wished that more facets of it could have been explored Granted, this is the first of this author I have read, so there may be further exploration throughout her other books, but I guess I really wanted more for the characters I met in this one (i.e. you always hear about people being TOLD to go to therapy, but rarely do you SEE characters going to therapy in fiction, especially beyond the first session).
I admit I'm a little confused on the series itself; it seems to be called both Resolution Ranch and Cowboys of the Flint Hills and this book is different numbers in each. I'm not really sure where go to from here because of it.
I was happy to see the highlight on the mental jarring that veterans have to deal with after transitioning to civilian life, but I really wished that more facets of it could have been explored Granted, this is the first of this author I have read, so there may be further exploration throughout her other books, but I guess I really wanted more for the characters I met in this one (i.e. you always hear about people being TOLD to go to therapy, but rarely do you SEE characters going to therapy in fiction, especially beyond the first session).
I admit I'm a little confused on the series itself; it seems to be called both Resolution Ranch and Cowboys of the Flint Hills and this book is different numbers in each. I'm not really sure where go to from here because of it.
January 9, 2018
This was such an amazing story, I hated for the book to end. It was so beautifully written, I felt an instant connection to the characters, shared their emotions, and laughed, cried, and smiled along with them. When I read one of Ms. Layne's books, I feel like I'm catching up with old friends and get totally involved in all that's happening. I love that the Resolution Ranch series focuses on veterans dealing with the aftermath of war, cowboys, ranching and small-town life.
I was totally captivated by smart and sexy Sterling Walker, West Point graduate and former Army Ranger, who returns home to become the foreman of Resolution Ranch and his chemistry, repartee and romance with gorgeous Emma Sinclaire, daughter of Prairie's oldest family who agrees to oversee the marketing and fundraising campaign for the ranch.
If you like well-written novels, you will love A Hero's Heart. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and also purchased a copy for my personal library.
I was totally captivated by smart and sexy Sterling Walker, West Point graduate and former Army Ranger, who returns home to become the foreman of Resolution Ranch and his chemistry, repartee and romance with gorgeous Emma Sinclaire, daughter of Prairie's oldest family who agrees to oversee the marketing and fundraising campaign for the ranch.
If you like well-written novels, you will love A Hero's Heart. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and also purchased a copy for my personal library.
January 2, 2018
Two rivals from high school are forced to work together on a project that means a lot to them.
Emma and Sterling have been trying to one up each other since they were kids. Sterling has always been the fun one who liked to tease Emma to no end not realizing that she had a huge crush on him. She would never had admitted it to him anyways.
They both are tasked to work together on an upcoming fundraiser for Resolution Ranch. Emma is a big wig PR person in Kansas City and her ideas don't necessarily mesh well with Sterling's ideas.
It was really fun to watch these two circle each other. I loved the conversations that Sterling would have with his guy friends. Everyone seemed to know they were interested in each other except for them.
When something bad happens to Emma, I loved that even though they were in a rough patch, Sterling stepped up and helped Emma anyway he could.
The was a great book in an amazing series.
Emma and Sterling have been trying to one up each other since they were kids. Sterling has always been the fun one who liked to tease Emma to no end not realizing that she had a huge crush on him. She would never had admitted it to him anyways.
They both are tasked to work together on an upcoming fundraiser for Resolution Ranch. Emma is a big wig PR person in Kansas City and her ideas don't necessarily mesh well with Sterling's ideas.
It was really fun to watch these two circle each other. I loved the conversations that Sterling would have with his guy friends. Everyone seemed to know they were interested in each other except for them.
When something bad happens to Emma, I loved that even though they were in a rough patch, Sterling stepped up and helped Emma anyway he could.
The was a great book in an amazing series.
January 9, 2018
Sterling Walker, a retired Army Ranger, is invited by Travis to be the foreman of Resolution Ranch. He is trying to come to terms with his buddy's suicide and has decided to never fall in love and have a relationship with a woman because he never wants to leave her behind if something happens. Emma Sinclaire has made a great name for herself in a promoting and is back to help raise money for Resolution Ranch. She and Sterling were always competing in junior high and high school, and didn't really get along, but was there more to it than just competing with each other? Sterling and Emma have off the charts chemistry, but with their past of competing and with Sterling's hang ups about relationships, can they ever have anything lasting together? This was a wonderfully well written and emotional addition to the Flint Hills series. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the story and can not wait for more.
January 10, 2018
A Hero's Heart is the second book that I've read in this series, and I enjoyed it as much as the first. I like how it incorporates many of the characters I grew to love in the Cowboys of the Flint Hills series (which I have read and enjoyed). This story is about Sterling - military man dealing with demons (particularly the suicide of an army buddy and Emma - someone from his HS days who was always the source of competition as far back as junior high. Their paths are crossed as Travis works to make Resolution Ranch a reality. Sterling and Emma have amazing chemistry and sparks fly - but not always in a good way. I really enjoyed how Tessa Layne wove their stories together with insight into their history as well as the challenges they face going forward. There is heart and soul to this story and I appreciate that Ms. Layne is focusing on the hardships faced by the men and women in the military and the people who love them. I definitely look forward to reading more in this series.
January 9, 2018
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review thereof.
Tessa has done it again! Once again her novel set in Prairie dots all the i's and crosses all the t's, evoking deep emotions in the reader.
Sterling's best friend, Johnny, committed suicide after finishing with the army, leaving his wife and young daughter behind. Sterling vows never to do that to anyone and swears off relationships. Sterling has resigned from the Army Rangers following an injury to his leg that would see him desk-bound for the rest of his career. He gets offered a job on Resolution Ranch as foreman. His job puts him in close contact with Emma Sinclaire, his high school rival, as they work on ideas for a fundraiser for Resolution Ranch.
History, lack of communication, career crises and misunderstandings all lead to gripping climax.
Tessa has done it again! Once again her novel set in Prairie dots all the i's and crosses all the t's, evoking deep emotions in the reader.
Sterling's best friend, Johnny, committed suicide after finishing with the army, leaving his wife and young daughter behind. Sterling vows never to do that to anyone and swears off relationships. Sterling has resigned from the Army Rangers following an injury to his leg that would see him desk-bound for the rest of his career. He gets offered a job on Resolution Ranch as foreman. His job puts him in close contact with Emma Sinclaire, his high school rival, as they work on ideas for a fundraiser for Resolution Ranch.
History, lack of communication, career crises and misunderstandings all lead to gripping climax.
January 6, 2018
OMG, I could not put this book down. Tessa Layne brings so much into this book about our men and women putting themselves in harms way to protect our country. Sterling is dealing with so much pain and does not know how to deal with it, especially after the death of his best friend. We have Emma that Sterling has liked and teased since high school. She is a PR person who gets the word out on businesses and more. She is going to help get Travis get Resolution Ranch off the ground to help all the vets. Can she raise the money for him? Can her and Sterling's feelings go anywhere, or do they still harbor bad feelings from high school? Will Sterling ever get over his best friends death so he can move on or will he forever be by himself? I received an arc copy for my honest review.
March 26, 2018
Review of A Hero's Heart:Resolution Ranch(Flint Hills Military Heroes Book 2
This book will make you cry tears of sadness and joy. This book continues the story of Resolution Ranch but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It has sexy cowboys, veterans and athletes. It also has strong female characters.. It has lots of steamy romance. It also highlights the problems facing our veterans returning to civilian life.Many of them have emotional wounds as well as learning to cope with physical wounds. Will Sterling come to terms with his grief and find love and happiness? Will Emma be able to cope with his mixed signals and forgive him. This was very well written and kept me fascinated until the end.
This book will make you cry tears of sadness and joy. This book continues the story of Resolution Ranch but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It has sexy cowboys, veterans and athletes. It also has strong female characters.. It has lots of steamy romance. It also highlights the problems facing our veterans returning to civilian life.Many of them have emotional wounds as well as learning to cope with physical wounds. Will Sterling come to terms with his grief and find love and happiness? Will Emma be able to cope with his mixed signals and forgive him. This was very well written and kept me fascinated until the end.
June 5, 2020
Sterling and Emma
Oh my! This story was engaging, intriguing, heart wrenching, and hard to put down right from the beginning. A soldier taking his own life due to depression has a lasting effect on his friends closes to him. Sterling vows he will not do to another woman what his friend did to his wife. Because of that mindset, he almost misses his second opportunity with his high school crush Emma. She doesn’t want to be involved with a player, doesn’t want her heart broken, but can’t resist Sterling back in her life again. Together they find a way to make it work and honor Sterlings fallen friend. A beautifully written story that is sad, and inspiring but with a happy ending. I can’t recommend this book enough. Loved it!!!
Oh my! This story was engaging, intriguing, heart wrenching, and hard to put down right from the beginning. A soldier taking his own life due to depression has a lasting effect on his friends closes to him. Sterling vows he will not do to another woman what his friend did to his wife. Because of that mindset, he almost misses his second opportunity with his high school crush Emma. She doesn’t want to be involved with a player, doesn’t want her heart broken, but can’t resist Sterling back in her life again. Together they find a way to make it work and honor Sterlings fallen friend. A beautifully written story that is sad, and inspiring but with a happy ending. I can’t recommend this book enough. Loved it!!!
September 29, 2020
The beginning of HEA
Courage, knowing when to ask for help, and loyal friendship. Men and women who served and serve, Thank You! Many loose life, limb, and suffer mentally. Then they return to survillian life and sadly forgotten. Ms. Layne not only created a wonderful well rounded story, but also a marvelous tribute. More of these ranches, homes, medical care should be freely available to these men and women and each of us should do our part in what ever capacity to help! Truly a pleasure reading this story complete with steamy intimacy scenes, no cheating or cliffhanger, all the feels (have tissues handy) and the happiest of the beginning of happy ever afters! Enjoy 🤓. I will definitely look for more from this author.
Courage, knowing when to ask for help, and loyal friendship. Men and women who served and serve, Thank You! Many loose life, limb, and suffer mentally. Then they return to survillian life and sadly forgotten. Ms. Layne not only created a wonderful well rounded story, but also a marvelous tribute. More of these ranches, homes, medical care should be freely available to these men and women and each of us should do our part in what ever capacity to help! Truly a pleasure reading this story complete with steamy intimacy scenes, no cheating or cliffhanger, all the feels (have tissues handy) and the happiest of the beginning of happy ever afters! Enjoy 🤓. I will definitely look for more from this author.
December 24, 2020
This was ok, but I could not stand Emma. She was irritating at best, and downright unlikable when she confronted Kate in the barn.
Sterling was irritating with his back and forth attitude. Even his friend's wife decided that she had to move forward because of her daughter. I would have thought Sterling would talk to his other best friend about being so tied up in knots.
Emma's arrogance may have been a result of her insecurities, but it came across as arrogance none the less. She ran almost as hot and cold as Sterling did.
Sterling and Emma eventually reached their HEA. I did like the whole idea of Resolution Ranch, and the sense of support, friendship, family, and camaraderie.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a really good job.
Sterling was irritating with his back and forth attitude. Even his friend's wife decided that she had to move forward because of her daughter. I would have thought Sterling would talk to his other best friend about being so tied up in knots.
Emma's arrogance may have been a result of her insecurities, but it came across as arrogance none the less. She ran almost as hot and cold as Sterling did.
Sterling and Emma eventually reached their HEA. I did like the whole idea of Resolution Ranch, and the sense of support, friendship, family, and camaraderie.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a really good job.
November 25, 2024
Oh, wow! This one brought out the feels! The topic of PTSD and suicide are brought up in this book. I feel like this one can be a personal story of many men and women who serve or who have served. The pain of being discharged due to injury, trying to figure out where you belong when your career is cut short. Some people join a branch of the military believing it will be their career until they retire at an old age, not all of them get to do that. In this story, it shows some of the support that is becoming available to those who have left due to injury, whether it be mental or physical, or both. Very good book, well written, and I hope it brings comfort to some who may be going through some of what the characters in the book have.
January 9, 2018
Having just finished reading this book, I have to say, be prepared to smile a lot, cry some and close the end of the book with a Kleenex box by your side. It’s amazing. Resolution Ranch is where this storyline takes us, where problems are talked about and hopefully, solutions are found. Sterling was a “wounded” man emotionally and yet, he had the strength to help his family and friends. Emma had long been a workaholic and so talented that she pushed Sterling in school and in life, to be a better man. The final chapter of this book has more meaning to it than I want to admit but when you read this book, know that Chapter 32 is special.
January 9, 2018
Heroes, Horses and Homecomings!!!
Sterling retires from the service and returns home to join Resolution Ranch. He is godfather to Sophie and supporter of Macey her mother; both who were left behind when Johnny could not face civilian life. Sterling vows never to marry and create such sadness in others.
Emma Sinclaire, sole daughter of Prairie’s oldest family does not expect to run into her nemesis at Resolution Ranch, nor imagine working closely with him in a critical fund-raiser.
Past history, current issues and career versus personal life all play a role in this engaging story!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Sterling retires from the service and returns home to join Resolution Ranch. He is godfather to Sophie and supporter of Macey her mother; both who were left behind when Johnny could not face civilian life. Sterling vows never to marry and create such sadness in others.
Emma Sinclaire, sole daughter of Prairie’s oldest family does not expect to run into her nemesis at Resolution Ranch, nor imagine working closely with him in a critical fund-raiser.
Past history, current issues and career versus personal life all play a role in this engaging story!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
January 10, 2018
What an emotional rollercoaster again. The guilt and pain eating at Sterling often left my heart hurting and tears in my eyes. Emma's trust issues were just as painful and understandable. The journey with these two trying to find faith and trust in their selves so that they could believe in the faith and trust of another was profoundly emotional for me. I feel like I lived and felt this journey personally. I was emotionally drained at the end and yet euphoric that Emma and Sterling and learned to trust in love. I have loved both books in this series and all of the books in the Cowboys of Flint Hills series. I highly recommend them all!
January 31, 2018
What a great story. A wonderful storyline full of emotions, mystery, intrigue, romance, and strong heroes and heroines that get the job done. It captured my attention from the beginning and held my rapt interest until the end. I love the small town and the feeling of friendship and family you get while reading. It is well written and makes you feel that you are there with friends. The characters are captivating and well developed. I can't wait for the next story from this author. As with all her books she writes of real issues that exist in todays world in a very positive way. I received this book as a gift and voluntarily give this review.
March 19, 2019
Love the Idea of Resolution Ranch
This book brought up a lot of feelings for me as I have witnessed the devastation of people left behind by a loved one who has committed suicide and as a friend left behind by a suicide victim. They are victims because we didn’t see they needed help or they we so introverted they did ask for help. I like that this story was the back drop for the healing that came for one survivor. The characters of Prairie Kansas make me laugh, cry and root for them as they meet each of these real life crisis in the fiction town.
Definitely a book and series to read but I highly recommend you start with the Cowboys of the Flint Hills first.
This book brought up a lot of feelings for me as I have witnessed the devastation of people left behind by a loved one who has committed suicide and as a friend left behind by a suicide victim. They are victims because we didn’t see they needed help or they we so introverted they did ask for help. I like that this story was the back drop for the healing that came for one survivor. The characters of Prairie Kansas make me laugh, cry and root for them as they meet each of these real life crisis in the fiction town.
Definitely a book and series to read but I highly recommend you start with the Cowboys of the Flint Hills first.
January 13, 2018
This book jumps out of the gates with emotion and suspense. I didn't make it through the first chapter without my tissues. I was left aching for Sterling and wanting to kick his butt. Who gives up on love? Really?!?!
Well, true to Tessa's everyday level of excellence, we ride along as Sterling forges ahead with his plans and the aftermath of his decisions. Can Emma hang on? Will she be able to weather the storm to help him figure out his true mission?
Another wonderful book by Tessa Layne. Resolution Ranch is on its way and I can't wait to see who it helps heal next!
Well, true to Tessa's everyday level of excellence, we ride along as Sterling forges ahead with his plans and the aftermath of his decisions. Can Emma hang on? Will she be able to weather the storm to help him figure out his true mission?
Another wonderful book by Tessa Layne. Resolution Ranch is on its way and I can't wait to see who it helps heal next!
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