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!

Heart of A Cowboy by Kristin Vayden was a fabulous read!

I know that one thing is for sure when I pick up a book by Kristin. I know that I will have a swoon worthy leading male, plenty of emotional moments that will give you all the feels, and finally, you will read about a heroine so loveable, that you can't help but smile. All of those elements were present in Heart of A Cowboy.

Cyler and Laken have each been through so much in their lives, and when they come together, their chemistry is explosive. They are able to work together to move past the hardships from earlier in their lives, and find a way to make the most of what they have been given together.

I definitely recommend this novel to everyone. I am eagerly anticipating picking it up again in the New Year for a reread.

4/5 Stars!

Heart of a Cowboy (Elk Heights Ranch) by Kristin Vayden is a short story that is about family, forgiveness and 2nd chances. This isn’t the type of 2nd chance story which is between a man and woman who find love with each other again but this is the 2nd chance at love between a dying man and his son he wronged so bad. Its also about letting love back into your life after you have been hurt before—learning to trust again and to find happiness. This was a beautiful story because the hospice nurse was the woman who was the key for both the dying elderly father and his son. Laken was a great hospice nurse and she had this innate goodness about her. She was passionate and giving. She stood her ground and fought and yet also knew when to back down and fight another day. Jack, the patient’s son was somewhat of a hard case at first yet their love story was sweet and heartwarming. They had a battle on their hands due to his ex. Also I loved Laken and Cyler’s relationship. She took good care of him and even though she was his nurse, they had a relationship that seemed to be more family type, that patient /nurse type. There are some heartbreaking moments so keep the tissues handy. I think the only thing that bothered me was what ever happened to the ex Breelee. She caused so much trouble and then BAM, she up and was gone… I was sure she was just going to pop out and do more damage but alas nope. I wish there was more wrap up regarding her but nothing. I kind of wish there had been more clarity about whatever happened with her. Otherwise, this was a beautiful, heartwarming, sweet story that has the FEELS. This is my 2nd book I have read by Ms. Vayden but not my last. She is definitely on my auto list now.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

This was my first book written by the author. I’m not one for “cowboy” books but this book was so much more than a book about a cowboy and a ranch.

This book was about family, forgiveness, life, death and finding love when you least expect it. Laken and Cyler’s relationship was perfectly developed.

I look forward to reading more from the author.

The Heart of a Cowboy by Kristin Vayden

“A book that packs a punch to the feels, 5 stars”



I want to start off by saying this was my first read by Vayden. I am a fan of her sisters so I figured I would give her a try, and I’m glad I did. The Heart of a Cowboy is something else. Its not the typical love story with lots of heat. It’s a story that holds hope, redemption, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. I read a lot of romance and I can honestly say I haven’t read a story like this before. I loved the characters names because they were different. I loved the man who brought the couple together because he reminds me of someone I know. Coming from a rural area I totally got what Vayden was telling and could see it play out in my mind. Over all for me The Heart of a Cowboy is a homerun.

Laken has a huge heart and is dedicated to her job. When she was a teenager and watched her grandmothers, health go downhill she discovered the path she was supposed to be on with the help of a hospice nurse. She will do whatever she needs to insure her client is content. Laken is always professional, until Cyler.

Cyler and his father are the text book definition of oil and water. The family feud between them is long and deep. When Jack calls him to tell him he’s dying Cyler feels nothing. When he goes to see if he can shock his father into a early grave he’s the one who gets the shock of his life thanks to a sassy hospice nurse. Will he make peace with his father or will he always resent the man?

Take a chance on The Heart of a Cowboy. Even though its not my typical read I am glad I did and I think you will be too.

Plot- 5/5

Characters-5/5

Heat-5/5

Writing style-5/5

Overall-5/5

**SBR Reviews**

This was a light and quick read. It held my attention, but I felt the attraction and the sex happened too quickly and didn’t have that intensity I usually love. Also, I was expecting a more developed tortured hero.
I thought the depiction of Jack’s condition and Laken’s job was realistic, but sometimes it felt a bit odd the context (related to the hero's father condition) where the romantic relationship was occurring.

This was a truly fantastic story of hope, forgiveness, and new love. It's beautifully written with some amazing characters.

Larkin is a hospice nurse assigned to help Jack through his final weeks. Her kindness and compassion are instrumental in helping Jack make amends with his son Cyler. They are both proud men with a lot of ugly between them but Larkin helps smooth the way with her big heart and having Cyler around does wonderful things for her heart too.

Definitely a book I recommend to everyone.

Heart of a Cowboy by Kristin Vayden
Elk Heights Ranch #1

This book hit close to home. With two parents having died of cancer and both having home health workers having the heroine such a lovely caring wonderful nurse made me happy to think there such wonderful people who help those moving from life to death do so with grace and dignity.

So, if you had not picked up on this already…this is the story of Jackson Myer “Jake” and his hope to redeem himself with his son, Cyler. Jake was a sh*t to his son over a decade ago but is hopeful the estrangement can be breached and common ground found before he dies. Jake’s nurse is young, attractive and dedicated to the profession she has chosen. Laken Garlington is usually able to keep her thoughts to herself and not be judgmental. She overhears Jake calling Cyler, meets Cyler and there is definitely attraction BUT she must keep things professional, right?

This book is about family. It is about anger, hurt and forgiveness. It is about the impact humans and animals have on our lives. It is also a romance. This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it. I will look for her work in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books-Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

A story of hope and desperation, love and forgiveness. A story about death while learning about living and not wasting present moments. You know it is going to be sad, but so beautifully written you appreciate the emotional rollercoaster.

A dying man. A contemptuous relationship with his son. The young nurse charged with providing care. When these three come together, things will never be the same.

A sweet, wonderful story of old hurts, new attractions and the power of forgiveness, what if and love. I really enjoyed this story from Kristen Vayden. Laken and Cyler has a magical chemistry as well as a playful camaraderie that was a cornerstone. Throw in an intense love of coffee, a cranky patient in Jack and the conflict between he and Cyler; and this story checked lots of boxes for me. Definitely a solid performer for me.

Laken is a palliative care nurse, looking after those in their final days. She accepts a job looking after an elderly rancher only to meet the man's son, who wants nothing to do with his father but everything to do with Laken. Cyler and his father have a bitter past but he finds he can't stay away from the ranch after meeting the beautiful nurse. A sad topic that explores family dynamics with hope, healing and love.

Such a surprise for me. Laken has a true calling to work as a plaintive care nurse, helping patients in their final days. Her next assignment is Jack, an ornery, stubborn rancher, with a heart of gold when you get past all his bluster. As she helps him prepare for the inevitable, Jack reaches out to his estranged son Cyler, never expecting Cyler to visit. Oh Cyler. His father truly decimated their relationship but when he gets the call that Jack is dying, well, and his guilt drives him home. What he doesn’t expect is the sexy nurse, Laken, to be taking care of his dad. This is an emotional roller-coaster as we experience the final stages of Jack’s life, him wanting to atone for his mistakes, while at the same time, Cyler has to find a way to forgive. All the while, Laken is there as a calm and driving force to help both men with this most difficult time. Will love bloom during this family’s heartbreak? A beautiful story of love, forgiveness and compassion. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

Cute, predictable love story about two people who meet during one of the darkest times of one person's life.

I wanted Larken to have a little more of a backstory, but it is what it is. The story itself was predictable but I still enjoyed it.

An emotionally packed love story. Que the waterworks, and bring lots of Kleenex to.

This was my first book by Kristin Vayden, and needles to say I will be reading more from the truly gifted author.

This book had me running through the whole gamut of emotions. You'll cry, laugh, and get angry all in one chapter, and I promise once you start reading you won't put it down.

Heart of a Cowboy is the first book I have read by Kristin Vayden and what an introduction. This is a truly promising start to the Elk Heights Ranch series. The story was well paced, and I enjoyed the character dynamics and interaction. I look forward to reading more by this author and will recommend this book.

A poignant story of forgiveness, love, and second chances. The story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The author did a remarkable job of bringing all the pieces together of a broken family for a ending that was gratifying.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Oh my stars! My heart in this one. First, this is a beautiful story of finding love when you least expect it. Vayden gives you such great banter and leaves you giggling but also swooning. My heart was broken and mended in this one between Laken and Cyden. The reason behind these two coming together is heart shattering. But because of Laken, Cyden is mended in more ways than one.
This story packs a punch and leaves you wanting more. I really enjoy Vayden’s words and this book did not disappoint. I want my own Cyden! If you want a fun read that is also emotional, this is the one for you!

A super sweet soft romance that blooms into something more than just revenge.

Clyer Meyer has revenge on his mind when it comes to his dad. The sweet hospice nurse whose in charge of his care makes Cyler realize that you can not go through life with revenge or hate in your heart or mind. Laken has a special gift when it comes with dealing with the sick and making their time peaceful as well as making family members understand.

I really enjoyed this read and thought Clyer and Laken were the cutest.

Beautiful story! This story had all of the feels. I cried, laughed, and got angry throughout this story. It was a beautiful story of a family going through a tragedy, but regaining their family in the process.

Jack is a rough rancher who made some bad choices when he was younger and hurt his son and his wife, and lost their love in the process. He is terminally ill and wants to make amends with his son before he dies. Cyler, Jack's grown son, hates his father with his entire soul. When Cyler gets a phone call from his father telling him that he is terminally ill, he only wants to go home to give him grief and make him suffer before he dies.

Laken is Jack's palliative care nurse, she is young, but very experienced in palliative care. She is a strong woman who can handle a strong willed and grumpy man. Jack has met his match in Laken.

The story is very well written, the characters are all very strong, loving people, and the plot is not predictable. I loved this story, and give it a 5 star review.

If you enjoy a story with strong heros and heroines, and all the feels, in it, then this is a great story to pick up and read. I hated to put it down, and I didn't want it to end. The pages turned very easily, and too quickly.

Heart of a Cowboy might be a short story, but it definitely packs a punch and tells a fabulous story that you won’t put down till the end. The story is well written, with an easy ebb and flow and the characters are engaging and loveable.

A truly emotional book, I found myself with tears in my eyes more than once, and wondering why my heart hurt so much. So if you like to read stories with depth, emotion, laughs and tears, then this is absolutely the book for you! I can’t wait to see what is coming next.