A stubborn cowboy has sworn never to forgive or forget—but one special woman may find a way to change his mind . . . Hospice nurse Laken Garlington helps people face the end with peace and dignity, surrounded by their loved ones. But the son of her new patient didn’t come home to reunite with his dad. So why is Cyler Myer back in horse country? It’s clear the sexy, six-three hunk with the … the sexy, six-three hunk with the steely eyes has a score to settle, and Laken doesn’t plan on being collateral damage . . . no matter how irresistible she finds the prodigal cowboy.
Dying is too good for the father Cyler will never forgive—not in this lifetime.
Showing up at his family’s Washington State ranch is the first step in his plan. But revenge takes a back seat to desire when Cyler meets a bossy beauty who arouses feelings he isn’t ready to face. As they work together to save an ailing mare, Cyler realizes he must decide where his true destiny lies. With
darkness . . . or with the woman who offers the promise of redemption with every kiss.
“Obsessed. That’s how I felt while reading this book, like every page was better than the previous. Just try to put this down, I dare you.”
–#1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken
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Wonderful story! Can’t wait to read more about the family!
I really enjoyed this book! It was sweet and sassy. It really hit home for me, but it was so beautifully written it gave me a sense of peace. I’ve been a fan of Kristin’s for a long time. She a has an amazing gift of transforming words into real people and real situations. This is a must read!!
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!
This is the first book I have read from this author and it won’t be the last. This story was a sweet, healing story of not only two people falling in love but of a son and father finding common ground again.
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!
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