The Cowgirl's Chosen Love

Colemans of Heart Falls #3

by Vivian Arend

Return to Heart Falls—a place to find new friends and a true family.

When his best friend’s sister-in-law approaches him with an urgent plea for help, Zach Donovan goes with his gut. Kiss the woman? Of course. Pretend to be her short-term boyfriend? No problem.

Accidentally end up married? Problem.

Particularly when the marriage triggers a legal complication. If Zach doesn’t stay hitched for one year, he loses everything.

Julia Blushing is still reeling after discovering the family she never knew existed. Trusting anyone right now isn’t easy. Plus, considering her last real relationship went terribly wrong, allowing tall, dark and tempting Zach into her life for more than a few weeks?

Huge problem.

The reasons to stick together are too important to cut and run, but their impossible situation needs some clear guidelines. No unnecessary public displays of affection. Absolutely no sex.

For 365 days. While they live together…

Good luck on that one.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Audiobook, Ebooks

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2020

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend loves to share the products of her over-active imagination with her readers. She writes contemporary, western, and light-hearted paranormal romances. The stories are humorous yet emotional, usually with a large cast of family or friends, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Vivian lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of many years—her inspiration for every hero and a willing companion for all sorts of adventures.

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 50%

While I love a lot about this author's writing, I think I've read too many back to back.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Colemans of Heart Falls series. Which honestly is all kinds of wrong. First of all the Coleman sisters or the Whiskeyteers (as they called themselves) aren’t originally from Heart Falls. They’re from Rocky House a town about four hours from Heart Falls. There’s about a dozen books in the Six Pack Ranch series featuring their extended family in which they are introduced but not featured. Secondly the first Coleman sister to come to Heart Falls, Tamara was introduced in the first book in the series, A Ranchers Heart in the first Heart Falls miniseries, The Stones of Heart Falls. Her two sisters Karen and Lisa and her half-sister Julia who star in the Colemans of Heart Falls followed. Lastly, technically Julia the sister/heroine of this story isn’t a Coleman. Her surname was Blushing because her mother never married George Coleman her’s and her half-sisters father. In fact, she never even told him she was pregnant or gave birth to Julia or told Julia who her father was. It was only a happy coincidence that Julia ended up in Heart Falls and discovered she had three sisters. If you want all the details on that one you’ll have to read the first book in the Colemans of Heart Falls series, A Cowgirl’s Forever Love, Lisa’s book. Now that that is cleared up I’ll review The Cowgirl’s Chosen Love.
The title is very clever even though technically speaking Julia Blushing isn’t a cowgirl. She’s a paramedic. But she did grow up on a dude ranch and loves to ride horses so I guess that counts. The reason the title is clever is because for much of this story it appears Julia and Zach don’t have a choice in their relationship. Ultimately of course they do. What I liked most about this book was the way Zach before we get too far into the story recognizes that Julia, (his best friend Finn’s fiancée Karen’s sister) is the woman he’s been waiting his whole life for. When fate presents him with a chance to get close to her he takes it without hesitation. Even though I found Zach to be perfectly annoying in his perfectness, raising the bar impossibly high for the rest of us men, he was a great male lead. No doubt female readers are swooning for him. I also enjoyed the close bond that Julia shared with her sisters. Because she had only known them for about six months she still felt a bit awkward at times but Karen, Lisa and Tamara made sure she felt like one of them. What I didn’t like (even though without it we wouldn’t have had much of a story) was Julia’s continued obliviousness to the fact that she and Zach were more than friends, more than friends with benefits with a built-in expiration date to their relationship. After months of living together as man and wife in every sense, she still thinks he’s just a nice guy making the best of a complicated situation. In fact I had to return and downgrade my original rating from 4 stars to 3 stars because despite acknowledging this is a romantic fantasy genre I felt Arend took too much advantage of that fact. Prior to their drunken nuptials Julia gives readers no indication of thinking of Zach as anything more than a friend yet when she gets drunk she marries him?Then there's the divorce which was just too simple. Julia contacts the lawyer and within an hour they're divorced. Zach doesn't even need to sign off on it? And what happened to the stipulation that if they were't married for a year Zach and Finn would lose the corporation? How did the lawyer suddenly make that go away?
I get that because I’m a man my perspective on this book intended primarily for the female audience will be very different from most other readers who will be women, but if I were to sum up my real issue with this story it was that Zach was so perfect and did everything to make Julia happy while Julia (who was a good person) I can’t accuse her of being a user or a taker, really didn’t do a whole lot to reciprocate. Well other than agree to stay married and live with him for a year so he and Finn wouldn’t lose their fortune. I guess that’s something. But considering the guy did anything and everything to make her happy it really wasn’t much of a sacrifice on her part. I just would have liked her character a little more if she once and awhile did a few things just to make Zach happy. I also would have liked it better if she hadn't been so oblivious for so long regarding her feelings for Zach. Maybe she doesn't share. Maybe she worries he doesn't feel the same way. But it took her far too long to clue into her own feelings. Good book but I know Vivian is capable of better.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! loved it!

I really enjoyed this story! I loved watching Zach and Julia come together and the mess that they end of finding themselves in. They are both attracted to one another but things have been holding them back on making a move for anything for various reasons. Julia ends up asking for Zach to kiss her in order to stop rumors of her sleeping/cheating with her boss. They come up with a plan to fake date for the rest of Julia's time in heart falls to stop the rumors and only tell a select few about it being fake. Zach is hoping that he can use that time to potentially make it real and not just pretend. Then they go to Vegas and end up married and that complicates things further but they come up with another agreement to get through. I loved the way that they communicated and it allowed them to build their friendship up while also developing feelings for each other. This story was cute and adorable and I loved the way that Zach went about making things real with Julia. He was never too pushy and also respected boundaries but used the time to make real connections with her. This was a great read and I truly adored it and can't wait for more in Heart Falls.

[Christina Montminy · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this

Really enjoyed this fun romance between Zach & Julia. What starts out as a way to save a reputation & new marriage turns into an accidental marriage while in Vegas. As we’ve previously seen Zach’s mentor has thought of a challenge to just about anything that could happen. After finding out they got married, now they’re told it has to last a year or all is lost. I enjoyed the very slow way that Zach worked his way into Julia’s heart & how Julia constantly surprised him. I also enjoyed the To-Do Lists that we’re created for them with each picking activities. So many fun & sexy times in this story but this accidental marriage also helped Julia come to terms with her late mother’s actions & also how she fit in with her new family. Definitely loved the scenes with Zach’s mom & dad & family while they were away for Christmas. I will miss the Coleman sister’s stories but look forward to more in The Heart Falls series. Recommend to read.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5

Sweet and sexy!

This series has been so good and I’m sorry to see it end. I love how the sisters get along with each other. Julia and Zach are wonderful together (the sexy time is HOT!) and Zach is so patient with her. The family relationships in this story are so good and strong. Tatiana Sokolov did another great job performing this story.

A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia and Zach were such a refreshing couple! Circumstances have been dictating Julia’s life for a while and watching her realize and come to grips with taking control, I loved that. She was aware but still confused while she figured things out. She did a bit of ‘deal with it tomorrow’ but not a more than anyone else would. She took steps and embraced her life, and I cheered for her along the way. Zach was the one who appeared to be floating and flitting, but getting to know the man made you realize he was so much more. His openness wasn’t an act and his heart was as tender as it was strong. Julia was what made it beat faster and harder, and he while he got lost sometimes, she finally helped him find his way with her own heart. Family abound and love everywhere, it surrounded them and embraced them as they figured things out and made their way forward, together!

[Shirley Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect ending to an amazing series. These sisters were something else!!

Zach & Julia were definitely worth waiting for. I've adored her since her first appearance but never realized all that she'd been thru. She is one tough lady and the perfect one for Zach. And poor Zach ~ he knew exactly what he wanted and was so patient (not really sure many men could actually do what he did) but slow and steady proved to be the right way to go with their journey to HEA.

Loved the family dynamics between the sisters and it was really fun to add Zach's sisters to the mix. Not to mention his Mom and Dad. Nothing like family to tell you like it is.

This can definitely be read as a stand alone but please do yourself a favor and read the entire series. They are all entertaining reading adventures.

[Audiobookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****4.7 Stars*****

I waited till it's time to listen to their story and it's all worth it.♥
Love Julia and Zach, love the story, love how they ended up marrying each other without any memories of it. LOL Love how the story ended. It's just a bummer that its not a dual POV but the story redeemed itself.

I can say that I am a satisfied listener.=)

I also love Zach's family, given that I love the Coleman's too. I just thought that at the end, they will give us Liza and Josiah's wedding or something - though they said "something" about Lisa at the end but it's not enough for me. I've been waiting for a continuation of their story on book 2 and 3.

I highly recommending the whole series.!
Thank you author for your wonderful creations.♥

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia and Zach were fun in this one. I liked that they had a good friendship, it made their impulsive act in Las Vegas easier to take. I also liked how they reacted and kinda took advantage of things. They were pretty honest with each other, other than Zach more feelings and wanted things to be real. That made me not upset that Zach took advantage of things and used the time to woo Julia. I liked their list of activities to do together and how they altered as needed, even the letters were fun. But what I most liked is that Zach gave Julia something she needed, a place to belong and a big loving family and a way for her to really accept her new sisters.

[Nichole Lupardus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vegas + Tequila = Trouble

Zach really likes Julia and wants to date her and see where things go, but Julia has a traumatic past and is hesitant. When they go to Vegas for Finn and Karen’s wedding and have a little too much tequila they end up married! Now they have to stay married for a year and Zach sees this as his time to convince Julia to fall in love even if it means doing yoga. Mix in her family and his, shake things up really good and you have a fun, heartwarming story that you won’t want to put down.

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, Married



I love how Zach Sorenson recognizes that he's changed, what he wants has changed, and who he wants has become clear as day - Julia Blushing. The fact that he recognizes how skittish she is early on is a good indicator that he's paying attention. 😍

There was a fine line between being out of control and scared to death, and out of control and thrilled. Being kissed senseless by Zach Sorenson fell into the second category.
-- Julia Blushing

From the first rescue kiss to the end, I was rooting for them to sort everything out and realize their potential as a couple. They burn bright and are a fun pair, even when they're being ridiculous, fighting their chemistry and soul connection.

As expected, there are plenty of cameos from various books in the Coleman and Stone family universe (prior reading isn't required). I always love seeing existing relationships grow. This is particularly true with the Whiskey Creek sisters and how they bring Julia into the fold, warts and all. 💜

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrator is Tatiana Sokolov who is always great to listen to.

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Blushing
Zach Sorensen

Zach is approached by Julia to be her pretend boyfriend to stop some gossip, but after a trip to Vegas and an accidental marriage, they have a problem. They think this small problem can be solved quickly but find out their marriage has triggered a legal complication with Zach’s and Finn’s corporation. Now they have to stay married for 365 days, with guidelines set they proceed but soon find out rules are made to be broken. This is a very good finale to the series. Zach is a great pretend boyfriend and husband. He does everything he can to make Julia happy so when the 365 days are up she’ll want to still be married. Julia has a hard time trusting and is still reeling from finding a family she never knew about, but as time goes by she finds herself trusting Zach. This book as with all the books in the series can be read as a standalone. I would definitely read more books by this author.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read/listened to by Vivian Arend, and my first book in The Colemans of Heart Falls series. It's technically a stand alone story, but I did feel like there was a lot of the history and the relationships between characters that would have been nice to have a better understanding of. It was possible to listen as a stand alone, but I think it would be better as part of the larger series. I'm not actually sure how many related books there are, but it seemed like a lot. I did really like the setting. The third person point of view seemed to put extra distance between the characters and the listener.

The narration by Tatiana Sokolov was good. I would listen to her again.

I received a copy of the book at my request, and the opinions here are my own.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great fake boyfriend/accidental marriage

Julia asks Zach to be her fake boyfriend to help get rumors to die down about a friend and her. But before long they are in Las Vegas for Finn and Karen's wedding and after lots of tequila shots, they end up getting married also but neither remembers. They find they have to stay married for one year or Zach and Finn will lose everything including their inheritance. Will they be able to pull of the lie to everyone for a year? Will they truly fall in love or will Julia continue to hide her feelings and maintain that they are just friends and walk away at the end?

[Terri Tutor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! So far, I don’t think that there is anything that Ms Arend has written that I haven’t liked. I like the flow of how she writes and interconnects her characters. I think that Zach and Julia were two of my most favorite couples, especially Zach. He had more patience and with more understanding than most people, not just men, have. Julia had issues with family and lies, which was understandable given her circumstances. It was an interesting journey to see how Zach breaks her defenses. A great summer read!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall in love in Heart Falls with the last Whiskey sister Julia Blushing, who finds her HEA with the gorgeous Zach Sorenson!! I really loved this book and the way that Vivian writes that drawn you right in to the story and makes you feel like you are standing right there watching everything that happens!! When an attraction is there, it can only get stronger as time goes by and these two are a perfect example of that!! Don't hesitate to grab this book and enjoy reading about love and the strength of family!!

[tster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in The Colemans of Heart Falls series. Zack and Julia are quite a couple. A little too much tequila and boom...married! What develops into a beautiful “courtship” after they get married is a truly romantic, funny, and bittersweet ending to a fantastic series. Loved the legal pitfalls that keep them together long enough to realize they found their forever love. This book came out just in time to keep a smile on my face all week long! Thanks Vivian for another winner.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the entire Heart Falls series! Glad that the Whiskey Creek girls got their happy ever afters!! This one was great with Julia being the latest find to the huge Coleman Clan. I loved it now that Finn and Zach are now truly brothers as well. This series and the whole Coleman and Stone series are MUST reads. You really can't go wrong with a Vivian Arend book! All her series grab you and hold on. They invite you into her book family and you never want to leave!! Can't wait to see what's next for the Coleman and Stone families!

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowgirl's Chosen Love

WOW! I am happy that Julia got her story and with Zach no less. The only serious problem was Julia's issue of her past kidnapping. The guy was being released but Brad warned him off. The funniest episode was their "wedding." It took Julia a while to finally fall in love as Zach was totally in love with her from the beginning. Their fling finally turned into the real deal. I am happy that these two found their happily ever after! FANTASTIC job Vivian! I would recommend this book.

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Blushing has been feeling her way since finding out she is one of the Coleman sisters. She and Zack have been dancing around each other for a while so it’s not really a surprise when they wake up married in Vegas after attending Karen and Finn’s wedding. There are a few stipulations (aka hoops) they have to run through when attempting to get the marriage annulled.
Vivian Arend knows how to weave a great love story with the Coleman clan and like the previous books in this series, narrator Tatiana Sokolov delivers! Waiting to see what Vivian has next!

[Linda Ketter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book of this series as it has so much going on. Let's just say "What happens in Vegas ..." does not stay in Vegas. Especially when there are strings attached that you know nothing about. Will Julia and Zach be able to cope with their drunken mistake once they return to real life?

This book is full of laughs, tears, family, hard truths, frank discussions and fun. Some "research" that is entertaining. And of course a happily ever after.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Julia has been a lovely addition to the Whiskey Creek Colemans, and I loved her story with Zach.

I loved learning more about Julia, and getting to know Zach, and Zach's family, as well as get a little bit of the whole Coleman Clan thrown in. There are lots of laughs when the Whiskey Creek girls and the extended Sorenson family are involved.

I cannot wait to real what Vivian writes next!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness, they are just made for one another and the good thing about that is he doesn't need to be cajoled or convinced. They made me laugh out loud, emotional and...I won't mention all the testing. 😅 Happiness, they both that for one another so they are more than willing to work on themselves. I will say I disagree with her on the toilet paper though. Such a great community of very supportive family and friends and I always enjoy every visit.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it started out as a favor he knew what he wanted even b4 that and he's determined 2 get what he deserves their mentor is a asshole!! But Ina way it made her think about what she wanted in her life and future especially being around his family. I'm happy that it didn't turn bad like I thought it might cause of her past but it turned much better than I expected and it was awesome. I just wish her mom was alive 2 answer alot of questions that she needs answers 2.

[Dawn Bekenyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to wrap up the Whiskey Creek girls series. The youngest one that no one knew existed gets her HEA along with her new family. Julia Blushing marries Zach Sorenson during drunk celebration of her oldest sisters wedding in Las Vegas. There are some growing pains as the two become closer after moving in together due to some complications due to their impromptu wedding. Do they stay married? Is it really love?

Another great read from Vivian Arend.

[dianna fifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read

I so enjoyed this story when you start a relationship with secrets you find out that maybe some truths and learning that the person you chose might be able to help realize what the truth Cain do to help you through getting past the fears and setting things straight you just might find the love of your life that helps you find the happiness you are really se

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this one

short-term dating (Julia planning to leave after internship), he falls first, wealthy hero, fake dating to fake married (wakes up married in Vegas), forced proximity

The story of the newly found sister. Zach was just an amazing book boyfriend - love him.

Probably best if you start at the beginning of this sister trilogy to get the most enjoyment.

Fabulous narration by Tatiana Sokolov

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and sweet

A cute couple with some unexpected events over a long weekend and it’s a surprise marriage. The best part is how they communicate, make plans to know one another better and fall in love.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great falling into love story. I love you good strong woman who is also a lady; Vivian Arend writes these girls so well. Zach the male lead is such an awesome man; so fun, hard working, and committed..

[Selina Durio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mini series

This was a great mini series! These sisters, and the family of others they have created by choice, are a wonder group of strong women. The men who love them and support them makes these stories all the better.