Books & Spoons Review: HOLD ME, COWBOY by Alissa Callen

Marietta home town girl Kendall Dixon knows who she is and what she wants, even if the stubborn and slow-smiling cowboy who owns her heart is long gone from Montana.

Rancher Brent Ashton returns to Marietta to care for his sick mother. Haunted by the death of his father, he must save his derelict home and resist rekindling the romance with the only girl he's ever loved. He can’t let her sacrifice her dreams for him.

But the shy and sweet Kendall he left behind has become a strong and determined woman. A woman who won’t let her cowboy walk away for a second time.

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Lots of big emotions under the Montana sky, as Brent and Kendall try to figure out their future.
The feelings for each other has always been there, they have known each other since their childhood, but life has gotten in the way, to get them together for good. The fears of their parents, feeling stuck and resenting it, in Montana, was cast upon them by Kendall's mother, and Brent's dad. They wished for them for something more, something they felt was stolen from them, and nearly steal the happiness from their children with those wishes.
Brent is very self sacrificing, giving up Kendall, not once, but twice, because of the dreams Kendall's mom had for her. He doesn't believe Kendall would and could be happy in Marietta, without seeing the world first.
I liked the story, the emotions and feelings are clear, palpable, and strong. The chemistry between Brent and Kendall is amazing, and they obviously belong together. But I am unsure about the attractiveness of such self sacrifice Brent is showing. Yes, it is humbling, and very much put others need ahead of his, but - yes, there's a but - why not believe Kendall, that she knows what she wants?
Yes, I enjoyed the story, it is heartfelt, affectionate, and sweet. The pain and heartache Kendall and Brent had to go through, to have the future they always dreamt of, was touching. The growth they had to go, to get to their HEA, was clear, and the happiness, passion and joy in each other apparent.
~ Four Spoons