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The Skyes of Heart Falls #2
A Cowboy's Trust
The past might be history—but it takes courage to trust and face tomorrow
Jake Skye has one focus: building High Water Ranch with his brothers, a tribute to his late stepfather’s legacy. After betrayal by his former partner on the force and the wreckage of a failed marriage, trust doesn’t come easily.
Jake thrives on control and order, but when Tansy Fields—vibrant, impulsive, and irresistibly free-spirited—enters his world, everything he thought he needed starts to unravel. Opposites attract, and Tansy is everything he shouldn’t want but can’t resist.
Adopted at twelve, Tansy has mastered the art of living in the moment, refusing to let her painful childhood define her. Now, she’s starting fresh as the cook at High Water, and Jake Skye is a sexy challenge she’s ready to take on. But trusting her own worth? That’s the hard part. And Jake? He’s not the kind of man to let loose easily—until she shows him how.
When the past resurfaces, bringing an innocent five-year-old into the mix, they’ll have to trust each other—and themselves—to save what really matters.
Jake Skye has one focus: building High Water Ranch with his brothers, a tribute to his late stepfather’s legacy. After betrayal by his former partner on the force and the wreckage of a failed marriage, trust doesn’t come easily.
Jake thrives on control and order, but when Tansy Fields—vibrant, impulsive, and irresistibly free-spirited—enters his world, everything he thought he needed starts to unravel. Opposites attract, and Tansy is everything he shouldn’t want but can’t resist.
Adopted at twelve, Tansy has mastered the art of living in the moment, refusing to let her painful childhood define her. Now, she’s starting fresh as the cook at High Water, and Jake Skye is a sexy challenge she’s ready to take on. But trusting her own worth? That’s the hard part. And Jake? He’s not the kind of man to let loose easily—until she shows him how.
When the past resurfaces, bringing an innocent five-year-old into the mix, they’ll have to trust each other—and themselves—to save what really matters.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2025
49 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Arend
154 books2,630 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend loves to share the products of her over-active imagination with her readers. She writes contemporary, western, and light-hearted paranormal romances. The stories are humorous yet emotional, usually with a large cast of family or friends, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Vivian lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of many years—her inspiration for every hero and a willing companion for all sorts of adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 20, 2025
It took me a bit to settle into the story, but once I did, I was completely immersed into it! Tansy and Jake approach life differently, and both learn from the other while they develop their friendship. They also work on the growing attraction between them, and things are going great, until life throws them a curveball. Things are not simple, but they work through it, and even when the odds are against them, they make it to other side, in the style and flare they have come to expect from each other <3
September 24, 2025
I enjoyed this one a lot! I loved finally getting Tansy's story though this can be read as a standalone for the most part. The story was entertaining and I loved getting to dive deeper into getting to know Jake. This is the 2nd book in the Skyes of Heart Falls series and it picks up not too long after the first ends with Tansy starting her job as the cook for the Ranch. She is in the know for the hidden reason and sanctuary that High Water is meant to be and wants to do her part to help. She was adopted at 12 and has a past that the Fields made a huge difference in her life when they came in. I loved seeing Tansy and Jake help to balance each other out and once they started spending more time together, actually getting along. The Ranch is taking in their first clientele on both sides and things starting moving towards romantic with Jake and Tansy. I loved seeing their relationship grow and how they let it flow without putting a bunch of pressure on it but knowing that they both wanted more than just casual dating though they weren't in a rush. They really balanced each other out well and had a good foundation for when Jake's past came barreling in which then brought up some things from Tansy's past. I love how they handled both incidents. The story flowed smoothly and had me engaged with them from beginning to end. It dealt with emotions as they characters worked on moving forward and into better things while helping others. This story stays on the lighter side and doesn't have a lot of angst though there are issues that they have to deal with and overcome. This one was an easy one to read.
The narrator did a great job with the story and bringing it and the characters to life. It was easy to listen to and lose myself in the story.
The narrator did a great job with the story and bringing it and the characters to life. It was easy to listen to and lose myself in the story.
April 9, 2025
A Cowboys Trust is the second book in the Skyes of Heart Falls series. It’s brother Jake Skye and Tansy Fields time to fall in love in this opposites attract trope. But as you may have guessed from the title its more than the fact that Jake an introvert needs to plan everything in advance and Tansy an extrovert tends to not plan beyond what she’s going to do that day, there is a hurdle Tansy will need to overcome to get her H.E.A. Tansy has a big secret about her past and she’ll have to be sure she can trust Jake with that secret before they can truly become a couple. Hence the book’s title, A Cowboys Trust. Not that Jake is actually a cowboy. High Water Ranch doesn’t even have any cows. And to be totally honest as much as I enjoyed this book, I feel like the author way over played Tansy’s secret and her anxiety over revealing it as a big part of this story. Tansy had a rough life after her parents died when she was 2 years old, and before the Fields adopted her at age twelve. And while Tansy doesn’t like to remember those years, the idea that about to turn 33 years old Tansy could think anyone would judge her unkindly for things she did, things she had no control over, before her tenth birthday just seemed unlikely? Anyway, if you’ve read the more recent Heart Falls books where she and her sisters have been frequent secondary characters, you’ve probably already been introduce to Tansy Fields as the part owner of Buns and Roses the town’s combination coffee shop (which Tansy runs) and flower shop, (which her sister Rose runs). If you’ve read the the first book in this series, A Cowboys Bride, you’ve gotten to know Tansy even better because as the female protagonist of this the second book in this series she was given a very prominent secondary role in the first book. Tansy is a genius in the kitchen. But more importantly she has vivacious, outgoing personality who loves to enjoy life, loves her family and friends with her whole heart.
This story opens on New Years Eve at Rough Cut the town’s local saloon and night club. Tansy who loves to dance is cycling her way through perspective dance partners until the clock is ready to strike midnight. While she scans the crowd for a prospective partner to kiss when the clock strikes midnight, the normally quiet and reserved Jake Skye grabs her and lays a kiss on her that takes her breath away. Little does Jake know that his older brother Declan and sister-in-law Petra have hired Tansy to be the full time cook at High Water where she’s already been a frequent visitor.
Unlike the Field sisters, we first met Jake Skye and his brothers in A Cowboys Bride. Jake is a former RCMP who quit after becoming disillusioned with the LEO. Jake is also divorced from Melanie, and while he’s not still in love with her he carries a certain amount of undeserved guilt for their divorce. Jake is a little (or a lot) rigid in his thinking. He is a planner and doesn’t react well when thinks don’t go to plan. Everyone including Tansy whom he’s secretly been crushing on since they met tells him he needs to learn to be more spontaneous. After his New Years Eve kiss of Tansy he decides to take that message to heart and stop making lists for his lists.
Shortly after Tansy starts at High Water Jake lets Tansy know he’s interested in her and he wants more than to be a quick fuck or fling. Tansy who hasn’t exactly been known for being in long term relationships finds she is surprisingly attracted to Jake. She also sees her sisters and friends all settling down and thinks maybe its time she do the same if the right man comes along. And she’s willing to see if Jake Skye is that right man. Thus their courtship begins in earnest. But it doesn’t occur in a vacuum. They both have busy lives and responsibilities which cut into their time to explore each other. And then Jake’s ex-wife shows up at High Water with a surprise which further complicates everyone on the ranch’s lives. The story moves along fairly slowly until the final chapters where there’s some suspense and danger added to the mix. Typical well written romantic, sexy and sometime suspenseful book by this Canadian author.
This story opens on New Years Eve at Rough Cut the town’s local saloon and night club. Tansy who loves to dance is cycling her way through perspective dance partners until the clock is ready to strike midnight. While she scans the crowd for a prospective partner to kiss when the clock strikes midnight, the normally quiet and reserved Jake Skye grabs her and lays a kiss on her that takes her breath away. Little does Jake know that his older brother Declan and sister-in-law Petra have hired Tansy to be the full time cook at High Water where she’s already been a frequent visitor.
Unlike the Field sisters, we first met Jake Skye and his brothers in A Cowboys Bride. Jake is a former RCMP who quit after becoming disillusioned with the LEO. Jake is also divorced from Melanie, and while he’s not still in love with her he carries a certain amount of undeserved guilt for their divorce. Jake is a little (or a lot) rigid in his thinking. He is a planner and doesn’t react well when thinks don’t go to plan. Everyone including Tansy whom he’s secretly been crushing on since they met tells him he needs to learn to be more spontaneous. After his New Years Eve kiss of Tansy he decides to take that message to heart and stop making lists for his lists.
Shortly after Tansy starts at High Water Jake lets Tansy know he’s interested in her and he wants more than to be a quick fuck or fling. Tansy who hasn’t exactly been known for being in long term relationships finds she is surprisingly attracted to Jake. She also sees her sisters and friends all settling down and thinks maybe its time she do the same if the right man comes along. And she’s willing to see if Jake Skye is that right man. Thus their courtship begins in earnest. But it doesn’t occur in a vacuum. They both have busy lives and responsibilities which cut into their time to explore each other. And then Jake’s ex-wife shows up at High Water with a surprise which further complicates everyone on the ranch’s lives. The story moves along fairly slowly until the final chapters where there’s some suspense and danger added to the mix. Typical well written romantic, sexy and sometime suspenseful book by this Canadian author.
March 31, 2025
This one was really cute, despite some heavy things going on. The cute part was Tansy and Jake's romance. You wouldn't think they would work, but they did. I liked how honest both were and how once they started something up, they continued to be honest and open with each other.
The heavy things were the people that came to the ranch that needed a place to catch their breath as they planned what was going to happen next in their lives. I loved that they have this and that so far they have helped so many. Hated the person from Jake's past that showed up and all the problems that came with them. Was so glad that things were resolved in about the the best way it could have been and look forward to seeing all the happenings to come from the ranch.
The heavy things were the people that came to the ranch that needed a place to catch their breath as they planned what was going to happen next in their lives. I loved that they have this and that so far they have helped so many. Hated the person from Jake's past that showed up and all the problems that came with them. Was so glad that things were resolved in about the the best way it could have been and look forward to seeing all the happenings to come from the ranch.
April 9, 2025
wow! Great story!!
Ms Aren has done it again! The storyline is superb and keeps you engaged. Her subtle way of keeping pertinent characters involved whether they are from this family group or from previous books keeps the community an active part of the story.
Great read!!!
Ms Aren has done it again! The storyline is superb and keeps you engaged. Her subtle way of keeping pertinent characters involved whether they are from this family group or from previous books keeps the community an active part of the story.
Great read!!!
July 12, 2025
Lists can be useful sometimes.
I loved the story. It was fun and also intriguing. Couldn't wait to see what was going to happen. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a little mystery with romance.
I loved the story. It was fun and also intriguing. Couldn't wait to see what was going to happen. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a little mystery with romance.
November 25, 2025
A Cowboys Trust is book 2 in The Skyes of Heart Falls series and follows youngest brother, Jake, as he learns to be more spontaneous while falling for Tansy.
Jake is the youngest of the Skye brothers. He is the planner of the three of them. He is the one always taking notes and putting together work lists and budgets. This has served him well over the years, especially as he and his brothers were starting out with High Water Ranch.
Tansy is one of four adopted girls. The Fields's gave her and her sister, Rose, a new lease on life many years ago. She is a spur of the moment, go with the flow type of girl. No planning necessary. Just see where life takes you.
Jake knew High Water had hired a new cook and they were starting after the first of the year. What he did not realize is that the new cook is Tansy Fields until he runs in to her moving in.
Jake never expected he would give up his lists to be more spontaneous. But Tansy challenges him to leave the lists behind and have fun. Challenge Accepted!!!
But when a blast from his past shows up on his doorstep, Jake is thrown for a loop. Especially when he sees what, or who, is with her. He never thought he would revisit that time in his life, but here she is in real time.
When Jake's ex-wife shows up with her son and claims she needs a place to stay for a few days, the Skye brothers agree to give her the apartment. But a few days come and go and these two have made no effort to move on. But when strange happenings occur at the ranch, Tansy has a tickle of recollection, but is not able to put her finger on it.
At Rose and Tansy's birthday party, her sister mentions something to her that sticks in her mind. She finally starts putting pieces together and has no choice but to tell Jake what her suspicions are. And by doing so, she is sharing a part of her that she thought was behind her.
When Jake's ex-wife disappears with her son and makes demands of him, he has no choice but to do as she bids in order to get the boy back. But when that plan goes awry, it will take the village they have created in order to rescue not just the little boy, but Tansy as well.
This book has high points and low points. I really despise Jake's ex for using her son against Jake. The crew at High Water Ranch have all fallen in love with the little boy. And using him as a pawn in her game to win Jake back is despicable. I was not heartbroken at the fallout bestowed upon her. She brought it upon herself.
Between Tansy's challenge and having a little boy in the house, Jake had to learn how to be spontaneous. It was good for him and I hope it made him more willing to put the lists aside at times to just go and have fun.
And Tansy. She is a firecracker. She loves with all of her heart. Both Jake and the little boy. I know she was frustrated when it took her so long to put all of the puzzle pieces together, but when she did it paid off in spades.
Again we see Tatiana Sokolov narrate this story. She has done so many of Vivian Arend's books and I enjoy listening to her take on the personalities of all of these characters. But I think her little boy voice is the best.
Jake is the youngest of the Skye brothers. He is the planner of the three of them. He is the one always taking notes and putting together work lists and budgets. This has served him well over the years, especially as he and his brothers were starting out with High Water Ranch.
Tansy is one of four adopted girls. The Fields's gave her and her sister, Rose, a new lease on life many years ago. She is a spur of the moment, go with the flow type of girl. No planning necessary. Just see where life takes you.
Jake knew High Water had hired a new cook and they were starting after the first of the year. What he did not realize is that the new cook is Tansy Fields until he runs in to her moving in.
Jake never expected he would give up his lists to be more spontaneous. But Tansy challenges him to leave the lists behind and have fun. Challenge Accepted!!!
But when a blast from his past shows up on his doorstep, Jake is thrown for a loop. Especially when he sees what, or who, is with her. He never thought he would revisit that time in his life, but here she is in real time.
When Jake's ex-wife shows up with her son and claims she needs a place to stay for a few days, the Skye brothers agree to give her the apartment. But a few days come and go and these two have made no effort to move on. But when strange happenings occur at the ranch, Tansy has a tickle of recollection, but is not able to put her finger on it.
At Rose and Tansy's birthday party, her sister mentions something to her that sticks in her mind. She finally starts putting pieces together and has no choice but to tell Jake what her suspicions are. And by doing so, she is sharing a part of her that she thought was behind her.
When Jake's ex-wife disappears with her son and makes demands of him, he has no choice but to do as she bids in order to get the boy back. But when that plan goes awry, it will take the village they have created in order to rescue not just the little boy, but Tansy as well.
This book has high points and low points. I really despise Jake's ex for using her son against Jake. The crew at High Water Ranch have all fallen in love with the little boy. And using him as a pawn in her game to win Jake back is despicable. I was not heartbroken at the fallout bestowed upon her. She brought it upon herself.
Between Tansy's challenge and having a little boy in the house, Jake had to learn how to be spontaneous. It was good for him and I hope it made him more willing to put the lists aside at times to just go and have fun.
And Tansy. She is a firecracker. She loves with all of her heart. Both Jake and the little boy. I know she was frustrated when it took her so long to put all of the puzzle pieces together, but when she did it paid off in spades.
Again we see Tatiana Sokolov narrate this story. She has done so many of Vivian Arend's books and I enjoy listening to her take on the personalities of all of these characters. But I think her little boy voice is the best.
November 24, 2025
Wonderful to finally get Tansy’s story, and the fact her HEA is with one of the Skye brothers was a great bonus.
Both Tansy and Jake were so easy to like and love.
Jake with his detail orientated list making was very easily swayed to the spontaneous way of life with Tansy.
With Tansy comes all the family and friends we have grown to love throughout these interlinked series. And it was wonderful to watch Tansy lose her childhood doubts and really come to accept her place in their hearts.
Good story with some serious issues in regards to running a safe house/ranch coming to be realised. This truth comes home to roost when they get some questionable ranch hands come to stay. All works well though with just some guidelines being laid out.
I loved having Petra and Aiden doing their surprise thing. And also family additions come along, or are on their way.
I will say the blackmail aspect, and their sort of caving into it annoyed me.
Tansy going off to meet with Melissa WITHOUT TELLING ANYONE was plain stupid.
I know Tansy is extremely smart and capable due to her background but it nearly ended up badly for her due to giving in to Melissa’s instructions.
I understand it needed to play out as it did to have the best outcome for Jeffrey’s future but still!!!!
Though it all ends well after a lot of tension and unexpected strife, one should never trust a blackmailer to keep their word.
And we also get Logan added in now PLUS a great teasing epilogue about Dr Sydney and Declan. Dark horses those two.
Both Tansy and Jake were so easy to like and love.
Jake with his detail orientated list making was very easily swayed to the spontaneous way of life with Tansy.
With Tansy comes all the family and friends we have grown to love throughout these interlinked series. And it was wonderful to watch Tansy lose her childhood doubts and really come to accept her place in their hearts.
Good story with some serious issues in regards to running a safe house/ranch coming to be realised. This truth comes home to roost when they get some questionable ranch hands come to stay. All works well though with just some guidelines being laid out.
I loved having Petra and Aiden doing their surprise thing. And also family additions come along, or are on their way.
I will say the blackmail aspect, and their sort of caving into it annoyed me.
Tansy going off to meet with Melissa WITHOUT TELLING ANYONE was plain stupid.
I know Tansy is extremely smart and capable due to her background but it nearly ended up badly for her due to giving in to Melissa’s instructions.
I understand it needed to play out as it did to have the best outcome for Jeffrey’s future but still!!!!
Though it all ends well after a lot of tension and unexpected strife, one should never trust a blackmailer to keep their word.
And we also get Logan added in now PLUS a great teasing epilogue about Dr Sydney and Declan. Dark horses those two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
Oil & Vinegar
I love how Tansy Fields and Jake Skye are surprised by their attraction after months of antagonistic behavior. The combination of humor, heat, suspense, fun, tenderness, and intrigue is perfectly blended to make this unputdownable!
When they finally broke apart, gasping for breath, Tansy clung on and grinned right into his face. “See? Sometimes spontaneity is fun.”
-- Tansy Fields
As much as I love their chemistry, one of the things that make any Vivian Arend book great includes the friends and family and the inner workings of those relationships. They turn up in spades, especially when things are off kilter, like what happens with Jeffrey.
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrator, Tatiana Sokolov, is great. She has wonderful delivery, especially bringing all of Tansy's sass to the forefront. 😁 🎧🩵🎧
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
September 24, 2025
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Hot with a touch of danger.
This was such a good story and Tatiana Sokolov’s performance was great. Things got a bit dangerous when Jake’s ex, Melissa, pulled some nasty shenanigans. I love how High Water Ranch is helping people who need refuge. Tansy is such a vibrant person and I love how she and Jake fit together. As usual for a Vivian Arend story, this one is HOT and doesn’t shy away from subject matter that most romance stories wouldn’t mention (menses).
The epilogue was a great teaser for the next book in the series and I’m looking forward to reading it.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Hot with a touch of danger.
This was such a good story and Tatiana Sokolov’s performance was great. Things got a bit dangerous when Jake’s ex, Melissa, pulled some nasty shenanigans. I love how High Water Ranch is helping people who need refuge. Tansy is such a vibrant person and I love how she and Jake fit together. As usual for a Vivian Arend story, this one is HOT and doesn’t shy away from subject matter that most romance stories wouldn’t mention (menses).
The epilogue was a great teaser for the next book in the series and I’m looking forward to reading it.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
April 8, 2025
I love Jake and Tansy. Might be my new favorite.
Jake is divorced but his ex keeps sending him letters and keeps thinking by about her. He and Tansy have mixed like oil and water since they first met but now Jake is thinking about her differently and they start seeing each other while Tansy tries to teach him how to be spontaneous. Trouble starts when his ex shows up with her son saying she needs help. What kind of her trouble is she causing for Tansy and Jake? What will happen when Tansy recognizes her past in Jeffrey? Will they be able to help Jeffrey to have a better life?
Jake is divorced but his ex keeps sending him letters and keeps thinking by about her. He and Tansy have mixed like oil and water since they first met but now Jake is thinking about her differently and they start seeing each other while Tansy tries to teach him how to be spontaneous. Trouble starts when his ex shows up with her son saying she needs help. What kind of her trouble is she causing for Tansy and Jake? What will happen when Tansy recognizes her past in Jeffrey? Will they be able to help Jeffrey to have a better life?
April 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down!! Family is everything and when Tansy moves in to the ranch with the Skye brothers to be their cook, Jake loses his strict planning ways!! Tansy teaches him the joy of spontaneity and a love blooms!! A person from Jake's past emerges and makes trouble for the couple and the ranch!! Grab this book and follow the suspense this couple go through in order to get their HEA!! Fabulous book as always!!
October 2, 2025
A Cowboy’s Trust tells a tale of sweet romance between Jake and Tansy along with the family dynamics of close friends and family. Toss in a little drama, okay maybe a lot… with Jakes ex-wife, their ranch that helps those in need find a place to rest and the little ones that need that a special touch of love.
January 27, 2026
Took me a bit to get into this story, but once I did I enjoyed seeing the connection between the characters. I’ve read the entire series so I feel like I already know them when it comes to their story!
April 5, 2025
Compelling, feel-good, emotionally satisfying, hot. Serious issues.
April 8, 2025
That was crazy good!! I can't believe how it turned out but it was really good!! I loved it!!
April 15, 2025
Jake Skye and Tansy Fields find love. Jake is being threatened by a former girlfriend.
April 27, 2025
I’ve always loved all Of the cowboy series, but have been waiting for Tansy’s story and I wasn’t disappointed
July 13, 2025
Une petite romance contemporaine qui se lit vite et détente garantie.
August 3, 2025
sweet and spicy country romance
some heavy topics about running from danger and getting a new start, a bit of suspense drama but mostly a sweet romance with some hot and heavy spice thrown in
some heavy topics about running from danger and getting a new start, a bit of suspense drama but mostly a sweet romance with some hot and heavy spice thrown in
October 18, 2025
Jake and Tansy
I enjoyed listening. The narration was great. This is the second book in the series can be a standalone but their is a mention of how they didn't get along which has me wondering if they appear in the first I'll need to read. Great story, wonderful characters, especially an adorable little boy.
I enjoyed listening. The narration was great. This is the second book in the series can be a standalone but their is a mention of how they didn't get along which has me wondering if they appear in the first I'll need to read. Great story, wonderful characters, especially an adorable little boy.
April 12, 2025
Fabulous book. I loved it. I realized after I finished reading this book and putting it on my shelf that I had not read book 1. I don’t know how I made such a mistake.
This book has all the feels.
This book has all the feels.
November 29, 2025
Loved the heroine - Tansy
Opposites attract romance with Jake and Tansy. Small town, great world-building.
The second book in the series, and it should probably be read in order.
I love strong, know what you want, heroines. Add in a very cute little boy, and you have a great romance.
Great narration.
Opposites attract romance with Jake and Tansy. Small town, great world-building.
The second book in the series, and it should probably be read in order.
I love strong, know what you want, heroines. Add in a very cute little boy, and you have a great romance.
Great narration.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews