A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart

Wyoming Rebels #7

by Stephanie Rowe

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Rowe triumphs with her latest Wyoming Rebels novel, in which a rugged cowboy offers his spare bedroom as "friends only" to the woman he has secretly loved for a decade, and things get complicated in a hurry.

"A must-read series!" ~Theresa L. (Amazon Review)

Ten years ago, the shadows that haunt Ryder Stockton made him walk away from his best friend, the only woman he ever loved. When he sees her in a local café, all his romantic feelings come surging back…twice as strong. She needs a friend. He wants her heart. Can he give her both?

When Zoey Wilson returns to her hometown of Rogue Valley to recover from a shattering divorce, the last thing she wants is romance, especially with the man who broke her heart so long ago. But when her apartment burns down and she moves in with Ryder for a few days as "friends only," things get complicated in a hurry.

As determined as Zoey is to get out of town as fast she can, the dangerous, handsome cowboy she's always loved is equally determined to do it right this time…and win her heart forever.

"I love this series. All the brothers are fantastic characters…capable of such love and loyalty." ~Lynn S. (Amazon Review)

Books in the Wyoming Rebels series (all books are standalone and can be read in any order):

A Real Cowboy Never Says No
A Real Cowboy Knows How to Kiss
A Real Cowboy Rides a Motorcycle
A Real Cowboy Never Walks Away
A Real Cowboy Loves Forever
A Real Cowboy for Christmas
A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Rowe is "contemporary romance at its best" (Bex 'N' Books). She's author of more than forty-five novels, and she's a 2018 winner and a five-time nominee of the RITA® award, the highest award in romance fiction. As an award-winning author, Stephanie has been touching readers' hearts and keeping them spellbound for more than a decade with her contemporary romances, romantic suspense, and paranormal romances.

Genres: Romance, Family, Westerns, Contemporary Romance

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2019

About the author

Hailed as a "paranormal star!" by J.R. Ward, Stephanie Rowe is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty-five novels. She is the 2018 RITA® winner for Best Paranormal Romance, as well as a five-time nominee for this prestigious award. For more on Stephanie and her books, visit her at www.stephaneierowe.com, or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StephanieRow....

A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.

Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.

Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.

Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart by Stephanie Rowe

Oh so any sentimental tears! I love a story that can move me so much. Heartstrings galore. Mostly on the sweet and happy side.

Contemporary former bad boy turned family man romance. Dripping with emotion. 7th book in the Wyoming Rebel series. Can be read as a standalone.

They wanted only to protect her so pushed her away and out of town to college. Instead of feeling protected, she felt abandoned and alone.
This cowboy is smart. Ryder. He opens up to her. Explains his feelings and reasoning. And pleads with her to rethink her experience from a different viewpoint. Stupid brother needed shaking to wake up even though he already found love and acceptance. Backslide there.

Love, love, love this family of wounded protector men turned into amazing beautiful people.
I’m grateful the author didn’t push this storyline just to get it completed. It was worth the wait.

Excerpt:
“Ryder inhaled at the sound of her voice, and something deep inside him vibrated, almost violently. He'd missed her. Hell, he'd missed her so much that his chest actually hurt.
Travis pushed Chase aside to embrace her. Then Maddox. His brothers encircled her, welcoming her, asking her about her trip, when she'd arrived, where she was staying.
He didn't move.
His feet were stuck to the floor, his legs frozen as he listened to her talk, letting the sound of her voice wash over him. He'd forgotten what her voice felt like, how deeply it touched him, how much he'd yearned to hear it.”
Excerpt From
A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart by Stephanie Rowe

[Eva Millien · Rating 5 out of 5]

He walked away from his best friend, the only woman he ever loved because of the shadows that haunt him. When Ryder Stockton sees her again, ten years later, all his romantic feelings come surging back. Zoey Wilson has returned to home town to recover from a shattering divorce and the last thing she wants is romance, especially with the man who broke her heart so long ago. Zoey is determined to get of town as fast as she can but Ryder is just as determined to convince her stay.

This ‘Wyoming Rebel’ cowboy romance is an emotionally gripping read that captures the heart and refuses to let go. The characters are strong and the author portrays them with such depth that readers can’t help but become completely caught up in their story. The chemistry is electrical and the attraction undeniable but this one troubled romance as both parties have some issues that they have to overcome with keeps lots of emotional turmoil flowing the pages.

The plot is steady to fast paced, full of suspense in regards to how this relationship will work out, but it is also full of family and friends that have overcome traumatic adversity to have successful lives even if they all feel a bit broken and full of darkness. So the story portrays hope and love that really warms the heart and keeps readers glued to the pages of this heart tugging romance.


Merged review:

5 Trusts His Heart Stars  
He walked away from his best friend, the only woman he ever loved because of the shadows that haunt him. When Ryder Stockton sees her again, ten years later, all his romantic feelings come surging back. Zoey Wilson has returned to home town to recover from a shattering divorce and the last thing she wants is romance, especially with the man who broke her heart so long ago. Zoey is determined to get of town as fast as she can but Ryder is just as determined to convince her stay.
 
This ‘Wyoming Rebel’ cowboy romance is an emotionally gripping read that captures the heart and refuses to let go. The characters are strong and the author portrays them with such depth that readers can’t help but become completely caught up in their story. The chemistry is electrical and the attraction undeniable but this one troubled romance as both parties have some issues that they have to overcome with keeps lots of emotional turmoil flowing the pages.
 
The plot is steady to fast paced, full of suspense in regards to how this relationship will work out, but it is also full of family and friends that have overcome traumatic adversity to have successful lives even if they all feel a bit broken and full of darkness. So the story portrays hope and love that really warms the heart and keeps readers glued to the pages of this heart tugging romance.
 

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness...my heart is all a flutter! Rowe is a marvelous storyteller and I fall in love with each one of her romances but this one is my clear favorite. Ten years ago Ryder let his best friend go so she could live her dreams. Now Zoey is back home to heal and regroup after life knocks her down. They sort through what went wrong ten years ago but finding their way back to each other won't be easy. They both need to learn to trust not just each other but more importantly, themselves. A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart is a sweet and emotional second chance romance that you will fall in love with. I loved the secondary characters and I can't wait to read their stories. I read this book before most of the others in this series but the storytelling was so solid it didn't impact my experience other than to build my curiosity about the other characters.

[Alys Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This was such a great book. I didn’t want it to end. Ryder is the perfect leading man. Zoey was a great leading lady. The love in the book was so wonderful. I did have tears I shed for the love of these two. This book left me wanting more. I would have been very happy with a few hundred more pages. Perfection. This book has moved up to my favorite of the series.

I received an ARC for my honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder and Zoey are simply perfect! Age old friendship turned to love. Setting her free was his worst mistake and now he's gotten a chance to make it right. Will she still love him after she learned to stand on her own? Hot romance between them but is it enough?

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved every Stephanie Rowe contemporary novel I have read and the newest book in the Wyoming Rebels series, A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart, is no exception. The strengths and weakness of Stephanie Rowe's characters draw me to them. For long time fans, Zoey is Dane's sister. Life, in the form of her ex-husband, has really kicked her in the teeth leaving her no choice but to return to the town she didn't really want to leave 10 years earlier. Only one thing really draws her back, Ryder Stockton, the man who hurt her more than her ex. I love the trust that Zoey has in Ryder even after he pushed her away years ago. His reason for pushing her away made perfect sense at the time but she wasn't told until her return. Some things may seem too perfect, but I love when karma works that way for those who have faced tough times. Life may seldom work out just right, but we can always hope. The desire to see happily ever after is one of the reasons some of us read. The sex isn't detailed, but the relationship is STEAMY. In a side note: It was great to see a couple of the Harts supporting the Stocktons; Brody and Keegan are adorable, but you can’t forget what they have been through and why they relate so well to the Stockton brothers.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real Cowboy Always Trusts his Heart by Stephanie Rowe is the newest in the Wyoming Rebels series. I got the first of this series last week from Amazon and read all of them. I had to wait a couple of days for this one. Ryder Stockton is one of nine sons of one man by seven women, most of whom he abused. All of the sons were abused until the oldest one killed his father, trying to protect his youngest brother. To say there is darkness in the past is an understatement. Zoey Wilson is the sister of the Stockton's friend, Dane, who is the local sheriff. She has just returned to her hometown after ten years away and happens to walk into a cafe owned by the fiancée of one of the Stockton brothers, four of whom enter shortly after she has. Including Ryder. She had loved him most of her life, but after taking her virginity in the night of her prom, he walked away. She never know why but she had thought about him for years; sometimes with love; sometimes hatred. She had not seen her brother yet, she was still moving in. Ryder offered to help. She knew better, but she let him. After spending the day with her, he knew he was hooked, just like he had always been. He went to see his friend Dane, to tell him. Dane was not happy. On his way home he drove by Zoey's apartment. It was on fire. He insisted she come home with him.

I cannot tell you how much I love this series. These men are all damaged but seem to come around when they find someone to love. Ryder is one of the darkest; the darker, the more to redeem. Zoey is damaged as well, from a variety of things including a marriage gone bad. Rowe makes the reader feel the pain without overwhelming them. A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart is sexy, loving, and well-plotted. It will touch your heart. I cannot recommend it highly enough for readers of romance, for readers of Western romance, especially, and for those who like a series, which goes on and on.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7 in the Wyoming Rebels series and I would absolutely read the books before this one or you may be lost as to the relationships between all the characters. In this one, we finally get Ryder's story!! Ryder Stockton walked away from his best friend, Zoey Wilson, because he thought it was the best thing for her. But when she comes back to town, he realizes that he has never stopped loving her. But she isn't the same woman that she was when she left. And after the hell of her divorce, the last thing she wants is romance from anyone. Let alone the one person she thought she could trust, but who broke her heart. But when circumstances force her to accept his help and them into the same home, they will both have to deal with the things that happened so long ago. And decide whether the feelings they have always had for each other are worth fighting for now.

I absolutely loved this one!! I really wanted Ryder's story for a while (along with the rest of the brothers) but this book definitely drew me in right from the start. Zoey went through what no woman should ever have to go through. And she did it completely alone. Which just goes to show how truly strong she is. Ryder has so many scars from his childhood that he never truly dealt with, and watching him finally do so because he wants to be the man that Zoey deserves? I loved that! And the fact that they both consider each other to be their "light"? Truly beautiful!! I even loved that Dane finally had to realize what he was doing to his sister in his efforts to get her out of town. Now I need the rest of the brothers-of course I also need stories for those beautiful Hart men because they need a HEA for them as well!!!

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this heartbreaking story moments after I started reading it. Zoey came back home to Wyoming ten years after she left. Creeping back into her small town with her heart in shatters from a horrific divorce. He took her heart, soul and business that she fought so hard for and trashed them ALL without a second thought. Now she's back where childhood ghosts roam, and the biggest one of all left to face. The ghost of childhood heartbreak....Ryder. Growing up orphans, her older brother Dane and she were left with their ain't and uncle in a potentially abusive home. All of Ryder's brothers and Dane took turns sleeping on her floor nightly the second they noticed her uncle began looking at her a certain way. She quickly became Ryders shadow, which as her brothers BFF wasn't too hard 😊. Yet even Then she knew he held her heart. The question now is does she even have a heart to give? She fled this town years ago for the big city.... It's it time to return to the small town for good, or just to heal? I LOVED this town and all the characters. The bonds these families have truly touched my soul. I can't wait to see which sibling falls next!

[Jeanne Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved everything I've read by Stephanie Rowe and this book makes my top two favorite of hers. Maybe in part because, like Zoe, I'm moving back to my hometown in Wyoming, this book really spoke to me but more so because I just love Ryder and Zoe.

Even after ten years apart, their attraction sizzles from the first time they meet again. Zoe's hurt. She's come back to lick her wounds after her life in Boston falls apart in spectacular fashion.

Ryder know's he can't ever risk getting close to anyone. Like his brothers, he's suffered horrible abuse by his father and he knows that darkness lives in him. He can't let himself get too close to Zoe, but he can't quite keep his distance either.

Watching these two work through their issues, sometimes together, sometimes apart, made for an engrossing story. I loved watching Zoe with all the others who come into her life some she knew before, some who are new to her. She's just a sweet person and her horrible sadness doesn't stop her from caring for others.

I highly recommend this wonderful story!

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, could not put it down. There are so many wonderful characters in this story and how they all interleave. The Stockton's and the Harts are quite the family and now Frank and Liam, they are all family. I loved the midnight kayaking, and the food tester, the barn plans and the bakery!

This is about Zoey and Ryder, they are both broken, and they both give each other light, it takes them a while to figure that out, but it's more on Ryder's side than Zoey. She doesn't know which way to turn, but Ryder has figured it out. He will risk losing his whole family to make it right.

It was a wonderful and powerful story. I've read some of the series previously, but now I must go back and re-read them all. I highly recommend this book and series.

I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT ADDITION TO THE SERIES!!!
Title: A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart
Series: Wyoming Rebels
Author: Stephanie Rowe
Designation: Book 7 of Wyoming Rebels Series, Full-Length (Approx 230 pages), Standalone, No Cliffhanger #contemporarywesternromance #cowboys #secondchance #bestfriendssister
My Rating: Five Good-to-the-last-page Stars*****

I adore Stephanie Rowe and have been a fan of her work for years. Without a doubt, Rowe is one of the most talented as well as versatile writers in romance fiction today. Her releases are always an automatic buy for me, which is proven by the fact that I have purchased, read, and enjoyed forty of her books. That’s quite a recommendation in itself, but why am I such a fan and what makes her so special? Well, quite a few reasons, actually. The first is her style - it’s easy, natural, relaxed, and flows effortlessly. Her pacing is never too fast nor too slow. Her dialogue is well executed and never stilted or unnatural. It’s always so easy to lose myself in her narrative, almost as if I become a part of the story, which brings me to my second reason - her characters. Rowe’s characters are intriguing yet relatable, flawed but redeemable, and always endearing. Her characters’ personal growth and journey to redemption and happiness are major elements of every story she writes. They’re so well developed that I feel as if I know them personally and become vested in their lives, community, struggles, and happiness. The third reason is Rowe’s world building. It’s exceptional, vivid and detailed with rich descriptions of locations, scenery, landmarks, climate, community, and people. The fourth is her storyline/plot realism. Yes, I know it’s fiction but it’s realistic fiction with relatable characters experiencing believable real-life problems. The fifth is her diversity. Rowe has the ability to cross genres and do it exceptionally well. I’ve read her paranormal and fantasy romance, her romantic suspense, her contemporary romance, and her romantic comedy/chick lit, and I’ve loved it all. And A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart is no exception. The series is centered primarily around the Stocktons, a large dysfunctional family raised by an abusive, alcoholic father in Rogue Valley, Wyoming. Each book features a different family member finding their happy-ever-after and can be read as a stand-alone. However, for a much richer reading experience, I highly recommend reading the books sequentially.

In A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart, we finally get Ryder Stockton’s story. And yes, I said finally because I feel like I’ve been waiting forever. But it was well worth the wait! Be still my ancient heart! I fell head over heels for Ryder Stockton and Zoey Wilson! OMG, Ryder and Zoey were so perfect for each other. Zoey was Ryder’s best friend’s little sister. Ryder was six years older and had been Zoey’s protector growing up. They actually shared one night as lovers on Zoey’s prom night, but Ryder walked away with no explanation, leaving Zoey heartbroken and devastated. She left for Harvard, graduated, became a lawyer, settled in Boston, and never returned home...until now - ten years later. Zoey finds herself returning to Rogue Valley, now divorced and feeling even more lost than when she left. And this is where the magic begins. Ryder thinks he’s too dark, damaged, and unredeemable. Zoey believes she’s broken and unlovable. She’s angry and hurt. He’s given up on happiness. But there’s always hope, if you’re willing to take a chance. But is it too late for Ryder and Zoey? Sigh... I sniffled, snuffled, sobbed, fumed, and shook my fists in anger through the entire story. But there were giggles and laughs, too! And we got to catch up with all the other couples and family! It was perfect!
Did I like this book? No, I loved it! Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but only for adult readers. There are some beautifully written love scenes and profanity, so be forewarned. If you enjoy well written romance with all the feels and lots of heat, then Stephanie Rowe is the author for you. And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder is my favorite Stockton

A Real Cowboy Always Trusts His Heart by Stephanie Rowe is the 7th book about the Stockton family. Ryder, who spent much of his Younger days protecting Zoey, his best friend's younger sister feels he's just not good enough for her. He has a darkness inside of him, that he thinks will snuff out the light in Zoey if they stay together.

Zoey is back in town for a very short period of time. Just enough to get her self together and move on to be whatever it is she should be. Seeing Ryder, her protector, is very difficult since he basically abandoned her 10 years ago.

These two have a long and rough road to get back to each other. But with the family's help they have a chance for a life together.

Stephanie has a wonderful way of sucking you into a story right at the beginning and keeping you there until the last page, and wanting more. We get to know two of the Heart brothers we first saw in Hannah and Maddox's story. I hope there will be more about them in the future. I have enjoyed all of the Wyoming Rebels and can't wait for Logan's book next.

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

just brilliant but…

I loved this story, so much strong genuine emotion. Wonderful characters that reach right into your heart. The but… comes from how Dane behaves, which is fine because he’s got his own messed up reasons, but I find it hard to accept how poor Zoey is sent off to be on her own by him, left out on her own to go through her divorce, miscarriage, losing her license etc. and he is back home getting happily married and never once goes to visit her or allow her access to all the support he has all around him. Then when she does come back, he expects her to visit him and doesn’t even go help her unpack. Instead he complains because Ryder does go help her and later she apologizes for not coming back and she feels bad because didn’t reach out for help!!!! But when his best friend wants to love her that’s not good enough!!! I hate how it ends with them all lovey dovey because Dane really doesn’t deserve her instant forgiveness and Jaimi is very wrong when she attributes Zoey’s happiness to what Dane did for her. I might have some brother sister hang ups.🫣

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, way to make me dislike Dane! When guys make unilateral decisions because they think they know what’s best for someone else, and act on that without consulting them, it’s infuriating. Zoey could have avoided ten years of isolation and misery if Dane hadn’t interfered. I’m glad it ended well but he was a complete ass for 99% of this book!

I liked Ryder and Zoey and enjoyed the parts without Dane in them.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love these strong characters who are willing to learn about themselves and each other. Throughout these stories, you can see the internal growth as the stories progress and these characters are willing to compromise without compromising their personal boundaries. I'm really hoping the author starts to write some novels about the Harts, too!

[Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people with issues who help each other. There is also a lost/first love theme. Definitely a book to read in order as the other characters are minimally explained and I think it would be confusing without the other books as background.
I like this series with men who overcome a really crappy childhood and are good people.

[Rhonda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Awesome story. I have to say I was very disappointed in Dane in this book. Zoey really touched me. And Ryder is such a great guy. This family has tore open my heart and made me fall in love with all of them. But I have to confess that even though I didn't want it to end, this story had the most perfect ending I've seen in a long time....

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder Stockton is back home helping family expand the ranch when he pops into the local cafe owned by a sister in law and finds Zoey Wilson back in town. Ryder was best friends growing up with Zoey's brother Dane and kept Zoey safe in life, making them close. One night back in high school on prom night changed their relationship. This is a well written sweet romance with incredible characters!

[Pat Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebook

She’s come home but spherical lost herself. He’s been waiting for her to come back for 10 years. Her brother has warned him of but this time he’s going to tell her he loves her. With his love and new friends she finds the joy in life again.

[June Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect story in this series.

This series just gets better and better. The characters and storylines are believable and easy to follow.I would recommend these books to everyone who enjoys romance, friends and family.

[Isabelle Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

If we could all find us a Ryder!

Wonderful book full of second chances, families, hope, and love beyond measure. Everything you want in a romance is all right here in this book. I am in love with the Stockton men and you will be, too.

[Heidi Aldrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

Something about these bbooksyou can't put down! Wonderful main characters, and a cast of other characters that draw you in. Not only am I hooked on this series - but now I know my next read will be about the Harts

[Belinda Hupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story.

This story like the rest of the series is short and hot, which I love. But, I hate how much back matter is in each book! I don't need the first chapter of the next book. I'm already hooked.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Nice, complete,amazing. A very believable story interesting and moving. It keeps you up and on your toes. Fast read .

[Moey17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok overall, but had potential to be better, the characters and plot were just underdeveloped.

[Sandra Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series. Can't wait for the rest of the brothers stories. Hopefully there will be a Hart's series coming someday.

[Sharon Faurot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder story protecting his best friend little sister as kids then falling in love with her later in life . Loved it .

[jeanetta murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read I liked the whole series they definitely are a must read

[Phyllis Huston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust

I recommend this book to read. The entire series is a connection of family from the sad beginning to a great furure