ARC Review: The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy by Robin Bielman

About the Book:

Title: The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy

Author: Robin Bielman

Page Length: 368

Publication Date: Oct. 26, 2021

Publisher: Entangled: Amara

Synopsis: Kennedy Martin is shocked when her ex calls days before his wedding, expressing serious second thoughts. Doesn’t he see his fiancée’s actually the glaze to his doughnut? Now she’s got no choice but to crash his wedding and convince the man he’s with the right woman.

Instead, she crashes into the absolute last man she ever wanted to see: Maverick Owens, her old college nemesis. Maverick is still as awful, infuriating, and just The Worst as ever—even if he looks way too sexy in his cowboy hat. And of course he’s convinced she’s actually at the seaside ranch to ruin the wedding.

Now the only way to get some face time with the groom and save this marriage is to participate in all sorts of pre-wedding events…with Maverick. Stuck on a canoe, making small-talk at cocktail hour, and even a hoedown with her worst enemy? This just might be the longest week of her life…

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon |

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My Review:

Emotional, heart-warming, and lovely, The Wedding Crasher and The Cowboy is a wonderful contemporary romance. The story follows Kennedy, who crashes her ex’s week-long wedding celebration after he calls and expresses doubt over his upcoming nuptials. While there, she runs into Maverick, her college rival, who is certain Kennedy has arrived to ruin the wedding. Kennedy is not pleased to see the infuriating yet handsome Maverick, and she’s having a hard time getting her ex alone to convince him to marry his wonderful fiancée. But, as Maverick and Kennedy spend more time together, they begin to see each other in a different light. Will these enemies give into their ever-growing feelings?

Kennedy and Maverick are both amazingly developed characters, and I became easily invested in their stories, both as an emerging couple and as individuals. They haven’t seen each other in years, and their lives have changed exponentially. Their journeys are difficult and emotional, and there are some really touching, heartfelt scenes as the pair confronts their pain and the obstacles in their life.

Of course, as much as I love their individual journeys, the budding romance between Maverick and Kennedy is my favorite part of the story! Maverick and Kennedy have wonderful chemistry. College rivals, the pair has a history, but as they slowly get to know each other again, they realize that they may have been too hasty in defining their relationship as a rivalry. They have so much fun together while horseback riding, canoeing, dancing, and they learn a lot about each other. I like that they both start to see that their relationship is more than just competitive enemies, and though their journey isn’t always easy, it is totally worth it. They challenge each other and push each other to be the best version of themselves. I also like that they both face their personal obstacles. They face their problems, even though they might be complicated and messy, and work toward finding happiness. They are a well-suited pair that complement each other well.

Minor characters, including Kennedy’s best friend and Maverick’s loving family, add so much to the story and show just how loved Kennedy and Maverick are. This is especially poignant considering Maverick’s tragic past and Kennedy’s unhealthy relationships with her family. Both find comfort and support in the people who surround them, and the characters are fantastic. Kennedy’s best friend is so funny and vibrant, and Maverick’s family are kind, funny, and loving – the exact opposite of Kennedy’s family. I think being on the family ranch, Kennedy sees the type of family she wishes she had, and I love how they welcome her into their fold.

I also liked the ranch and small-town setting. The peacefulness and friendliness of Maverick’s family and the townspeople is endearing and a perfect place for Kennedy and Maverick to get to know each other again. It is here where Kennedy experiences things that she never knew were missing from her life, and that feeling of belonging is something both she and Maverick benefit from. Maverick can be a bit closed off, but this is tough to do when surrounded by people who love you and care for you. From the quaint shops to the beautiful and majestic scenery, the setting is idyllic and charming and the perfect place to find the love of a lifetime.

I loved this story! It’s a wonderful and heartwarming contemporary romance about love, life, and second chances, and it’s the type of story that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon all in one sitting. It’s a well-paced, well-developed story with great dialogue and witty banter, and I highly recommend it to readers who like dynamic characters, charming settings, and a swoon-worthy love story. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Entangles Publishing, and Robin Bielman for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.