Oh this book I love it and devoured in one sitting. Laken is a hospice nurse in central Washington. Jack is a stubborn old cowboy determined to make amends with his son before he passes. Cyler is mad and should be mad for all the hateful things his father has done to him.

What captured my heart and why I am still thinking about this book months later is the relationship Laken has as a nurse. She was so kind even in the worst times with Jack. Cyler saw this and knew he had to see past his fathers wrongs and work on the right.

I can't wait to read more from Kristin!
Here is my VLOG review- enjoy
https://youtu.be/afyccAjhpZI (less)

This new series from Kristin Vayden will tug at your heartstrings. The characters are wonderfully written, with lots of teasing and a real-life feel. Kristin’s books draw me in a make me feel like I am living in the story. I look forward to her books and the escape of her stories. Highly recommend Kristin’s books (all of them) to anyone looking for a great read.

Laken is a palliative nurse who loves her job. She couldn’t wait to meet her next patient. When she sees Jack, she knew she would like him right away.
Jack wanted everything to go smoothly before he kicks his bucket. But he had one regret in his life regarding his son. He really wanted to reconnect with his son or at least talk to him. He hasn’t talk to his son in close to a decade.
Laken wanted to help Jack get in touch with his long lost son Cyler. They both had history they seems not to agree on and Laken is trying her best to give peace to Jack before his condition deteriorates. When Cyler picks up her phone and shows up at Jack’s house. Everything changes for all three.
Cyler wanted revenge but he was knocked out cold by Jack. Ever since he came to Jack’s house, he noticed Laken. She was beautiful, smart and kind hearted. He planned to stay for a couple hour turns into more than couple days.
Cyler knew Jack was suffering and his revenge plot is crumbling slowly thanks to Laken.
Now he is falling for Laken fast and he is losing his father at the same time. He is traveling back and forth to make sure Jack feels comfortable...

It is a different kind of love story. This book is about love, forgiveness, second chances.
Banter between three are funny and they really love Starbucks. I can’t wait to read her best friend Kessed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing Lyrical Press for My ARC in exchange for honest review.

Today is a banner day for me. I have read two cowboy stories in the past few days (a feat for me considering I never liked or read many cowboy stories until Harper Sloan's Lost Rider), and today I 5 starred them! The first was Harper Sloan's last Davis clan story, Cowboy Up, which I FLOVED, and now I get to review Kristin Vayden's Heart of a Cowboy, which I loved just as much.

Laken is a hospice nurse, (which honestly I think makes her a candidate for sainthood), whose latest patient is a hard-lived cowboy named Jack whose doctor has diagnosed him with cancer and has given him 3 months to live. There's an instant connection between Laken and her patient, but when his estranged son, Cyler, comes home, Laken's connection with him is just as strong.

Cyler is a bitter man bent on watching his father suffer for his father's treatment of him in their haunting past. Cyler isn't home to wish his father well and cry as his father succumbs to cancer. No, he's there to gloat as Jack suffers and finally passes. But, Jack's nurse, there's something about her gentle, compassionate soul that doesn't pass judgment on either of them. Somehow she manages the unthinkable and softens Cyler a little toward his father. Some of his bitterness subsides and he and Jack just may have forgiven each other by the time Jack inevitably passes. Jack just might achieve all that he wants before he passes - to redeem himself in his son's eyes. And he just might witness the woman he's come to love, fall in love with his only son, and watch his son find some well-deserved happiness.

Whew, Heart of a Cowboy was a tearjerker. Death is always sad, but it's particularly poignant when the one passing is trying to atone for their sins and finally gets their chance. I won't sugarcoat it and say that Jack's behavior was OK, because it wasn't by any stretch of the imagination. I'll just say that they were both in a lot of pain and that Cyler's forgiveness was hard-fought and Jack's redemption was hard-won. Thank God for Laken, though, because without her as a gentle, but sassy, guide, that forgiveness and redemption definitely would not have happened.

I loved Heart of a Cowboy. It's beautifully told, emotional and healing. Jack and Cyler's relationship, Jack and Laken's relationship, Laken and Cyler's relationship, and the three of them together, especially at the end, wow, just wow. So beautiful and touching. Can't wait to read more of this series!

4.5 "But first, coffee" Stars

Laken is a palliative care nurse who cares for people in their most darkest times. She goes to a ranch for an interview where she meets Jack a grouchy straight talking Cowboy who I fell for straight away with his sharp wit and sarcasm, it could also be his love for coffee.

"Good. I was worried for a minute. You can't trust a person who doesn't drink coffee. Unnatural."

Jack is in his early 70's and has been given 3 months to live after refusing medical treatment for cancer, which is why he hires Laken to help him in his final months.

Jack has a son Cyler, they have been estranged for some time but Jack makes an effort to reach out to him and to Jack's surprise Cyler comes back to the ranch.

Cyler has every right to hate Jack in my opinion, what he did to his son was just wrong. So at first Cyler's reason for returning were more to see Jack suffer than to make amends. When Cyler meets Lanken there is an instant connection, not insta-love just chemistry. Laken and Cyler start to get to know each other while poor Jack starts to get sicker.

So we have a lovely love story blooming but on the other hand we have to watch as Jack the strong hard talking Cowboy fades away as his cancer takes over.

I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster, constantly switching from happy to sad. I found Jacks battle very confrontational and it really got to me, not necessarily in a bad way it just had me thinking about things deeply.

This was a story of forgiveness, acceptance and self acceptance. For me the love story of Lanken and Cyler took a back seat to Jack's story and although this was nothing like I thought it would be I am very glad I read it. It has been a long time since I shed tears while reading a book, I suggest having tissues handy if you are going to start this one.

"Death is the least fair. But I've never seen anything less powerful draw a family together, mend broken fences, and heal wounds that were impossible to repair. The beautiful part about death is that most times, it leaves life in its wake."

This is the first full-length novel of Vayden's that I've gotten a chance to read. I'd read a novella of hers that was in an anthology previously. So I was pretty excited to see what she had to offer. I got even more excited when I dived in and found that it was set in my neck of the woods (well kind of...). I always find it exciting when an author writes about another part of Washington that's not Seattle. I will tell you I had a few starts and stops trying to read this. I think it's because it has a slow start. But once it started flowing, I was completely engaged and pleasantly surprised. There was plenty of humor, heart, and a little bit of angst to make the heart hurt.

Laken is a hospice nurse with a big heart. She knew what she wanted to do and she went for it. Spending your days at the bedside of a terminal patient can't be easy and it takes a special kind of person. Laken does it with a smile, a firm hand, and a beautiful soul. Cyler hasn't been home in a decade, he's cynical and guarded. The last thing he expects when he shows up at his father's beside is Laken. The connection between the two was sweet and tender. The chemistry was more of a slow burn then a forest fire. And I appreciated that considering the plot.

I'm definitely going to be checking out more of Vayden's work in the future. This was the perfect read for a lazy winter day--not too angsty but definitely gives you the warm fuzzies. I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a sweet romance that'll make you feel good.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book.

Love this story, it will have you laughing and crying. The characters connection is perfect and easy to follow and makes you feel like your apart of the story.

I will be reading the rest of the series. This is a must read! +++++

Review: Heart of a Cowboy definitely has a lot of heart in it. My emotions were engaged from the first page since the premise for the story is about Jack and his cancer, his need for a hospice nurse and Jack being reunited with his estranged son, Cyler. There are many layers to the story with both lightness and darkness and I felt laughter and tears as I read. There is a realism to the story and how it and the characters were portrayed. I liked that so much of the past was brought in so that we could understand the characters. The story takes a few twists and turns but all the story lines are interwoven nicely. Watching Jack and Cyler come to terms with each other was both heartbreaking and heartwarming especially as Cyler lets go of his hate a little at a time.

The book has a nice cover and characters that were well developed with a lot of depth to them. We learned about them a little at a time. Three of the characters had very unique names – the hospice nurse, Laken, Jack’s son, Cyler and Laken’s best friend, Kessed. Laken and Cyler were good for each other but didn’t expect to fall so hard. She brought out the best in him and they were so good together. Their chemistry is off the charts.

There are family and friends, opportunists, Margaret the horse, the ranch and its surroundings, lots of coffee, hate, bitterness, anger, sorrow, sadness, illness, romance, loving and love. The descriptions of the land, the river and the ranch were vivid and made me feel that I was there. There is wonderful closure especially with the epilogue. I loved the passage from Ecclesiastes that was given. As this is the first book in the Elk Heights Ranch series, I can’t wait to return for more!

Vayden is a new to me author and I enjoyed her writing style. I will be adding a few of her other books to my always growing TBR pile.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and LOVED it so much that I purchased a copy!

This story will have you laughing and crying all over the place. The interaction between the characters is just fantastic. I love the one-liners and the teasing. The book didn’t like a story but real life with me, the reader, right there in the middle of it. I adored all of the characters. I felt for Jack and Cyler and the rift that was between them. Laken was a wonderful character for the calming peace that she brought.

I so look forward to the rest of the series. I really don’t see how Ms. Vayden can top this one. My emotions where all over the place. This is what a great story does, makes you feel. I HIGHLY recommend this emotional story to anyone. This is a definite keeper!

Laken Garlington will do anything to make a patient's last moments as peaceful as possible, but certainly that's not going to happen for her patient whose son has returned home with nothing but revenge on his mind. However, she's not about to let Cyler get away with upsetting her patient not if she can help it. Yet, the more time she spends in Cyler's company, the more she finds herself falling for the son of her patient; something that is totally unethical. Will Laken be able to do the impossible by brokering peace between her patient and his son and get the happy ever after she deserves, or will Lake walk away from her chance at happy ever after because she loves her job?

What a brilliant start to this series Ms. Vayden has delivered in this book where the hero is set on revenge; the heroine is determined to get her patient through the worst of his pain, so he can die in peace and hopefully set things right with his son; and the growing relationship between this couple is wonderful, as Laken knows it's a bad idea to get involved with Cyler, but finds it impossible to resist. The way this story started had me liking the heroine immediately, as she and her best friend are really close. Yet, it was the line about Starbucks that had me smiling, as her friend is right that she definitely needs to be cut off from caffeine if that's the way she's headed in terms of lovers.

As for the dialogue, it was intense and highly emotional because of what's happening with her patient and how both the main characters deal with the fact that it's only a matter of time until Cyler's dad dies. Will Cyler be able to forgive his father for what the man did, even though things worked out for the best? Really, Cyler dodged a bullet when it came to his ex. Furthermore, both the main characters are compelling and have very interesting back stories that just made me want to read more about them. Such as the reason why Laken does what she does as a nurse helping patients deal with their final days and Cyler finally coming home and dealing with his anger towards his father and whether his need for revenge will help him to heal from the hurts of his past; hurts that his father caused.

With the heroine, she's resilient and courageous in being able to do what she does and I liked how she helped her patient and his son find a way to work out their differences and hopefully get some closure from what happened between them in the past. I also liked how she handled the hero's ex, as the woman is a nuisance and needs to be put in her place. How dare she come around after what she did? Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is that she took a chance on the hero, even though it could cost her job for getting involved with anyone associated with her patient. While the hero, revenge was on his mind in the beginning and I could understand why after everything that went down between him and his dad. Yet, in saying that, I liked how he handles things when it comes to finally being able to move past what happened between them. Really, the heroine definitely helps with her need to interfere and need to make sure old issues are resolved before it's too late.

Overall, Ms. Vayden has delivered a worthwhile read in this book where emotions run high because of what both the main characters go through when it comes to Cyler's father and the fact that he's dying; the intense chemistry between this couple had me hoping that Laken would give into their chemistry sooner rather than later; the romance was nicely-detailed and had me liking this couple together, as Cyler needs Laken after all that he's been through in his past; and the ending had me crying both sad and happy tears, as the hero and heroine help each other through the hard times while celebrating their future together. I would recommend Heart of a Cowboy by Kristin Vayden, if you enjoy the revenge trope, the opposites attract trope, or books by authors Rachel Van Dyken, Layla Hagen, Nicole Helms and Kate Pearce.

I can understand why the author wanted to do things her way and not use the last name Van Dyken - She DOES NOT NEED TO!!❤❤ She stands all on her own when it comes to writing the story in this book. She weaves a tale that is both emotional and classic. She writes with purity, passion (I know those two words going together doesn't sound right, but go with it) purpose and poise. She has writing chops that many people wouldn't believe she had if they just assumed that her writing would be the same as her sisters. Everyone always says "Rachel is such an awesome writer!!" and she is, but this book has that special something that I can't put my finger on that surpasses all other books and maybe it's the fact that it was so real to life. This isn't my first book by this author. I read her retelling of Mary, Jesus' mother and that book was the bomb. Read that book for Christmas if you want to get in the Christmas spirit.  This book I loved because I could gift it to my mother to read and not worry about profanity, sexual situations or violence galore (Y'all know how I am about my mama being able to read books!) 


Laken was a character that I enjoyed - she wasn't whiney, she wasn't selfish or self-absorbed...she was a hospice nurse and took care of others. Always putting them before she put herself and the moral to the story was fixing relationships before it's too late. At least, that's what I got out of it. Every book is an interpretation of the person that reads it. Cyler, wow - why can't we have cowboys like him? I'd like one for $200, Alex😂 No, seriously I would. This made my list for one of the sweetest and well-written books of the year. Girls got it going on in this book and y'all need to pick it up for your Christmas break. 


I was given an ARC copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.

I thought that this was a sweet romance! It is a really quick read so if you are looking for something feel good that you won't have to think too hard about the plot then this is the book for you!

The book didn't breaking any new ground. The story was predictable but I was still able to enjoy it. There wasn't any unnecessary drama and the characters in the story seemed to be down to earth. I think that the relationship between the two main characters happened a bit too quickly for my taste. There was a bit of insta-love thrown into the mix which was bothersome. There wasn't really a lot of time to establish a relationship though considering that the book was only about 188 pages. It felt like more of a short story than a book. I think that many of my favorite parts of the book involved Jack, Cyler's father. He didn't mince words and was hilarious!

A touching story of forgiveness and love, life at its lowest lows and its highest highs, a heartwarming story about family, redemption, and soul mates finding their way to each other.
The realistic picture of dying and death and the mental work, pain, and sorrow everyone involved has to go through, it not only demonstrates the development of the characters in the story, but it spoke to me personally of the beauty of letting go peacefully, moving on gracefully, and death as a natural part of the circle of life.
The blurb focuses on the romantic relationship developing between Cyler Myer and Laken Garlington yet there is so much more to the story with Cyler's father preparing himself for losing the battle against cancer, and the past mistakes that he wants to correct before it is too late. The relationship that develops between Laken, her patients Jack, and Cyler is beautiful in its raw roughness at the last moments of Jack's life. Everything that happens in the story develops from those poignant last attempts to make things right, giving all the emotions a deeper, profound foundation.
Past sins, misunderstandings, and faults in life had alienated Jack and Cyler long time ago. What seems like unforgivable actions on Jack's part had driven them apart. Now facing each other again Jack and Cyler have to decide how they want to cross that one point in life where there is no return from, with angry revenge in mind, or with forgiveness and fond memories.
Laken is one of those people who can connect with nearly anyone, yet the connection she feels for Cyler is different. The sparks are flying, the passion is tangible, the possibilities reflect in their eyes, but Cyler being Laken's patient's son could cause some problems down the road if they act upon their budding feelings and took the step to a more personal relationship either of them were prepared to take.
The story does have a rather heartrending undertone that is lightened up with a delightful banter and jokes, romantic interludes between Cyler and Laken, and Jack's always ready to argue attitude. And while Laken and Cyler's love story is a beautiful and passion-filled tale of finding your soulmate at an unexpected time in your life, the way Jack prepares himself to leave the life, to die, had something very delegate and graceful in its breathtaking beauty and respect towards life.
This new author to me left me in awe of the depth of the emotions she draws out through the story, going from morose to wonder and delight, with her words, painting the beauty of life at each of its states.
A compassionate and tender story that truly touched my heart with its uplifting message of hope and love
~ Five Spoons

‘Life was slowly sifting away, leaving a chill in its wake. Cyler closed his eyes, breathing deep, waiting.
Because that’s all they had left.’

If there’s one thing that nearly guarantees I’ll take a chance on a new-to-me author, it’s the promise of cowboy. Which explains, in part, how I came to read Heart of a Cowboy by Kristin Vayden.

It is a lovely read—heartfelt and feel good; a book to make you smile despite the sometimes-heavy subject matter. Ms. Vayden writes with feeling, and with deep respect for the fragility of life, and the end result was a surprisingly low-angst but wholly enjoyable romance.

I loved both Cyler and Laken. Together, they were sweet and sexy—a winning combination. Despite their differences, despite their circumstances, there was something oh, so charming about their banter and their mutual love of coffee. It was such a normal, simple connection and yet, was woven through this book in a such a way as to make a reader sit up and take notice. I certainly did.

Honestly, I don’t really have too many qualms about this book. The conflict was minimal and wrapped up tighter and faster than I might have otherwise expected, but for someone—like me—that doesn’t need endless drama to enjoy a book, it worked.

And now, I’m eager to read more of Ms. Vayden’s work. In fact, I’m already looking forward to the next in this series—I’m hoping for Kessed and Sterling, but will take pretty much anything—and ready to take another chance on this no-longer-new-to-me author.

‘We started life at zero, each heartbeat adding to another.
And we ended life with a countdown.’

~ 4.5 Pike Place STARS ~

Heart of a Cowboy is an absolute perfect read. I'm new to Kristin Vayden's work, but man, is she a powerful storyteller. This book has it all--a tender love story, forgiveness, and a little humor.

I really enjoyed Laken. She was a smart woman, happy with her career choice as a hospice nurse, and dedicated to being the best she can be. Cyler was unique too in that he was carrying a grudge for something that happened early on in his life. And Jack, what's not to love about him. Though sick and dying from cancer, he was a real trooper and added so much humor to this story.

I knew early on that this story was going to have some sad moments, and the author handled them all so gracefully. She showed just how important forgiveness is and how it chips away at your soul if you let something eat at you for a period of time. There's a valuable lesson within the story and I promise it'll have you thinking about something that maybe you wanted to get off your chest.

I thoroughly enjoyed this western romance and definitely recommend it!

This is a new-to-me author and I have to say I was impressed. The story pulled me in from the very beginning. And as much as I wanted to take sides between Cyler and his father, Jack, the writing was as such that I had sympathy for both.

Laken is a perfect mix of soft heart and tough cookie, as a good nurse should be. She was in the unenviable position of keeping the waters calm between Cyler and Jack and somehow not taking sides. The way she pulled it off was wonderful and, more importantly, it worked for the story.

Watching Cyler and Jack slowly find their way to forgiveness was the sweetest thing in this story…even sweeter than the love that develops between Cyler and Laken. All of the relationships in this story were charming and engrossing. Although the evil foil of the story was a terrible person, things didn’t happen the I would have predicted and it made me happy that the author didn’t fall into a stale trap with her storyline.

When I checked out this author’s website I see she has some very interesting books out there that I will be adding to my TBR list. I also loved Laken’s BFF Kessed and would love to see a story with her and Laken’s military brother so I will cross my fingers and hope that comes to fruition.

*This book is listed on Goodreads as Heart of a Cowboy (Elk Heights Ranch) as if it’s part of a series. I couldn’t find any further information from this author’s website showing if it will be the first of a series or not.

This book has an underlying sadness to it because of Cyler's dad, but there is also possibility of hope. At first Cyler comes off a little jerky with good reason, but soon we glimpse at the true man deep inside. Laken is a strong character. Her life's work can be challenging but it's also rewarding to her. Her newest assignment is going to change her life forever. One of my favorite things about this book is the flirting and bantering between Cyler and Laken. Though this book will have the tears flowing it will also fill up your heart. This great book has me anticipating the next book in the series.

Heart of a Cowboy by Kristin Vayden is a beautiful story about love, family and second chances.
Laken Garlington’s patient Jack is dying and she has been hired to help him find his end peacefully. Jack knows he only has a few months left to live and he wants to right the wrongs from the past with his son Cyler.
When Cyler arrives at the farm to see his father he knows he will not be able to forgive him for the past, what he didn’t plan on was falling for his father’s nurse. Laken knows that falling for Cyler is a huge conflict of interest but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Such a beautiful and heartwarming story; with witty banter between father and son and the perfect mix of family drama that will have you devouring this story. Love friendship and Coffee! An emotional tale that pulls on your heartstrings, Kristin Vayden creates wonderful and lovable characters that will stay with you for a very long time. A must read for everyone!